JP2024089748A - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a gaming machine, such as a reel gaming machine (slot machine) or a pinball gaming machine, that can deal with the influence of the presence or absence of processing related to transitioning to a gaming state advantageous to a player.
[Solution] There is a second case in which a second process for transitioning to a second gaming state (AT state) that is advantageous to the player is executed, and a first case in which the second process is not executed and which may be disadvantageous to the player. The presentation means 157 may execute a fourth presentation (a confirmation notification presentation in which the text display "AT confirmed" is displayed) that can identify that a transition to the second gaming state (AT state) will be made before a second presentation (a presentation in which an AT start screen is displayed) that notifies of a transition to the second gaming state (AT state), and in the first case, a third presentation (a standby presentation to which the text display "Preparing" PRE is added) is executed for a number of plays corresponding to the number of plays that resulted in the first case after the execution of the fourth presentation is started and before the execution of the second presentation is started.
[Selection] Figure 26

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines, such as slot machines and pachinko machines.

The slot machine is configured to use a predetermined number of gaming media and, by operating the start lever, hold a lottery to determine an internal winning combination from among multiple combinations, spin multiple reels, stop the reels based on the determined internal winning combination and the result of operating the stop button, and award a benefit according to the combination determined to be a winning combination based on the state of the stopped reels.

There are internal winning roles, such as push order roles, in which the winning role differs depending on the operation of the stop button. Some slot machines are provided with a game state that is advantageous to the player, such as by informing the player of operation details that are advantageous to the player (for example, Patent Document 1). In such slot machines, processing related to the transition to the game state that is advantageous to the player may or may not be performed.

JP 2011-125640 A

On the other hand, players generally want processing to be performed to transition to a game state that is advantageous to the player. Furthermore, the timing of transition to a game state that is advantageous to the player will differ depending on whether or not such processing is performed. For these reasons, it can be said that the presence or absence of processing to transition to a game state that is advantageous to the player has a large impact.

In consideration of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a gaming machine that responds to the influence of the presence or absence of processing related to transitioning to a gaming state that is advantageous to the player.

The gaming machine of the present invention that solves the above object is:
The means of production,
A control means;
A gaming machine equipped with
the control means is means capable of controlling a transition to a second gaming state which is more advantageous to a player than the first gaming state;
the control means is a means capable of executing a second process,
The second processing is processing related to a transition from the first gaming state to the second gaming state,
The presentation means is a means for executing a second presentation to notify a player of a transition to the second gaming state,
the control means is a means for executing the second process in a second case,
The control means is a means for controlling a first case that is more disadvantageous to a player than the second case, not the second case;
The presentation means may execute a fourth presentation that can be specified to indicate that a transition to the second gaming state is to be performed before the second presentation,
The effect means is a means for executing a third effect for a number of games corresponding to the number of games that has become the first case after the execution of the fourth effect is started and before the execution of the second effect is started.
It is characterized by:

The present invention makes it possible to provide a gaming machine that can handle the effects of whether or not processing related to transitioning to a gaming state that is advantageous to the player is performed.

1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a front view of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention with its front door open. 1A to 1C are diagrams showing the pay lines of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention and diagrams showing the operation of a liquid crystal display device. 2 is a circuit block diagram of a control unit of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a planar layout of the symbols on each reel of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. This is a table showing the display mode and payout number for each operation content of some of the winning roles (mainly push order roles) of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a transition diagram of a gaming state of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1A is a diagram showing the probability of winning the transition lottery to the pull-back zone, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the probability of winning the AT lottery during the pull-back zone, which is executed in the pull-back zone. 13 is a graph showing an example of an increase or decrease in the difference in number of coins when passing through a pullback zone. 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of main processing by a main control unit of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. 11 is a flowchart showing a flow of a main control unit timer interrupt process of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. A flowchart showing the flow of the first sub-control unit main processing, first sub-control unit command reception interrupt processing, and first sub-control unit timer interrupt processing of a slot machine of one embodiment of the present invention. A flowchart showing the flow of the second sub-control unit main processing, second sub-control unit command reception interrupt processing, second sub-control unit timer interrupt processing, and second sub-control unit image control processing of a slot machine of one embodiment of the present invention. This is a diagram intended to point out a problem in an example in which a continuous performance is started and then the transition to an AT state occurs in a conventional slot machine. 14A and 14B are diagrams showing detailed timing charts of the N+2th game and the N+3th game described with reference to FIG. 14A, and showing display screens of the liquid crystal display device 157 at each timing. 14B, showing a detailed timing chart of the N+2th game and the N+3th game, and a display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at each timing. This figure shows detailed timing charts for games N+2 and N+3, in which irregular button presses were performed but no penalty occurred, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at each timing. This figure shows an example of an irregular button press during a continuous performance, and an example of an irregular button press during a non-continuous performance. This is a diagram showing the relationship between the ceiling counter and the game number display GMV when a setting change is made or when power is lost and restored. (a) is a schematic diagram of the case where a penalty occurs during a continuous performance as explained above, (b) is a diagram showing an example of the display of the game count display GMV when a penalty occurs as explained above, (c1) is a conceptual diagram of an example of a waiting game being played differently from the previous examples when a penalty occurs during a continuous performance, and (c2) is a diagram for explaining an example of a waiting game being played differently from that shown in (c1) when a penalty occurs during a continuous performance. 11A to 11C are diagrams showing a number of examples of the display form of the operation recommendation display REC displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing examples of a case where an error display ERR is displayed while an operation recommendation display REC is displayed, or where a power outage occurs and is restored. 13A is a diagram showing winning combination data stored in the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300, and FIG. 13B is a flowchart of the advantageous zone transition process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an instruction monitor controlled by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300. FIG. FIG. 24 is a diagram showing another example of the winning combination data shown in FIG. 23( a ). This figure shows an example in which a continuous performance is performed, a confirmation notification performance is performed, and then the transition to the AT state is made. This is a diagram explaining the flow of this premonition performance when transitioning from a normal state (non-AT state) to an AT state. This is a diagram explaining the flow of the Gaze premonition performance executed in the normal state (non-AT state). 13 is a diagram showing a timing chart when a sense of anticipation is produced, and a display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at each timing. FIG. 13A and 13B are diagrams showing a timing chart in which a penalty occurs in the 100th game in which an anticipation effect is performed, and a display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at each timing. A diagram to explain the anticipation effect and the small win icon announcement effect. This figure shows examples of operation response effects when recommended presses and irregular presses are performed while an operation promotion effect is being executed.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

The slot machine of this embodiment is a gaming machine in which a predetermined number of gaming media are inserted, and multiple reels each decorated with multiple types of symbols begin to spin when a predetermined operation to start spin is received, and a lottery is held to determine whether multiple types of internal winning combinations have been won based on the reception of the operation to start spin, and each of the multiple reels stops spinning individually when a predetermined operation to stop spin is received. If the conditions determined by the combination of symbols when the multiple reels stop based on the results of the lottery and the combination of symbols based on the results of the lottery meet the predetermined payout conditions, gaming media are paid out and the game ends, but if they do not meet the conditions, the game ends without paying out any gaming media.

<Overall composition>
First, the overall configuration of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 as seen from the front side (player side). Figure 2 is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open. Figure 3(a) is a diagram showing the winning lines.

The slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to an example of a gaming machine of the present invention, and comprises a main body 101 and a front door 102 that is attached to the front of the main body 101 and can be opened and closed relative to the main body 101. Three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) with multiple types of patterns arranged on the outer periphery are housed inside the center of the main body 101 (not shown), and are configured to rotate inside the slot machine 100. These reels 110 to 112 are rotated by a driving device such as a stepping motor.

In this embodiment, an appropriate number of each symbol are printed at equal intervals on a strip-shaped member, and this strip-shaped member is attached to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame material to form each reel 110-112. When viewed by a player, the symbols on the reels 110-112 are displayed vertically in roughly threes through reel windows 113 provided in front of each reel 110-112, making a total of nine symbols visible. To explain this in detail using FIG. 3(a), the symbol displayed on the top of the left reel 110 (position 1 in the figure; also called symbol position 1) is the left reel top symbol, the symbol displayed on the middle of the left reel 110 (position 2 in the figure; also called symbol position 2) is the left reel middle symbol, the symbol displayed on the bottom of the left reel 110 (position 3 in the figure; also called symbol position 3) is the left reel bottom symbol, the symbol displayed on the top of the center reel 111 (position 4 in the figure; also called symbol position 4) is the center reel top symbol, the symbol displayed on the middle of the center reel 111 (position 5 in the figure; also called symbol position 5) is the center reel middle symbol, The symbols displayed on the lower row of the right reel 111 (position 6 in the figure; also called symbol position 6) are called the middle reel lower row symbols, the symbols displayed on the upper row of the right reel 112 (position 7 in the figure; also called symbol position 7) are called the right reel upper row symbols, the symbols displayed on the middle row of the right reel 112 (position 8 in the figure; also called symbol position 8) are called the right reel middle row symbols, and the symbols displayed on the lower row of the right reel 112 (position 9 in the figure; also called symbol position 9) are called the right reel lower row symbols, and three symbols on each of the reels 110 to 112 are displayed vertically through the reel window 113, for a total of nine symbols. Then, by rotating each of the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols seen by the player changes. In other words, each of the reels 110 to 112 functions as a display device that variably displays a combination of symbols of multiple types. In addition, in addition to reels, electronic image display devices such as liquid crystal display devices can also be used as such display devices. In addition, in this embodiment, three reels are provided inside the center of the slot machine 100, but the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.

A reel backlight (not shown) is disposed on the back of each of the reels 110-112 to illuminate the individual symbols displayed in the reel window 113. It is desirable that the reel backlight is shielded for each symbol so that each symbol can be evenly illuminated. Inside the slot machine 100, an optical sensor (not shown) consisting of a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section is provided near each of the reels 110-112, and a light-shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between the light-emitting section and the light-receiving section of this optical sensor. Based on the detection result of this sensor, the position of the symbol on the reel in the rotational direction is determined, and the reels 110-112 are stopped so that the desired symbol is displayed on the winning line.

In this embodiment, one winning line 114 is provided, which is a middle winning line L1 consisting of the left reel middle pattern (pattern position 2), the middle reel middle pattern (pattern position 5), and the right reel middle pattern (pattern position 8). The winning line 114 is a line set at the stop position of the pattern visible through the reel window 113, and is a line that determines whether or not a pattern combination corresponding to a winning role is displayed. This winning line L1 is shown in FIG. 3(a). The winning line 114 that is effective (hereinafter, may be simply referred to as an "effective line") is predetermined according to the number of medals bet as a gaming medium. The slot machine 100 of this embodiment is a three-coin betting dedicated machine, and if the number of medals inserted is less than three, the winning line 114 is not effective, and if the number of medals inserted is three, the winning line 114 is effective. When the winning line 114 is activated, the player can start playing by operating the start lever 135.

The pay lines (winning lines) are not limited to the one middle winning line L1 described above, but may be, for example, one upper pay line consisting of the upper left reel pattern (pattern position 1), the upper middle reel pattern (pattern position 4) and the upper right reel pattern (pattern position 7), or one lower pay line consisting of the lower left reel pattern (pattern position 3), the lower middle reel pattern (pattern position 6) and the lower right reel pattern (pattern position 9). Also, it may be one right-downward pay line consisting of the upper left reel pattern (pattern position 1), the middle middle reel pattern (pattern position 5) and the lower right reel pattern (pattern position 9), or one right-upward pay line consisting of the lower left reel pattern (pattern position 3), the middle middle reel pattern (pattern position 5) and the upper right reel pattern (pattern position 7). Alternatively, there may be one irregular effective line consisting of the middle symbol on the left reel (symbol position 2), the middle symbol on the middle reel (symbol position 5), and the top symbol on the right reel (symbol position 7). The number of winning lines 114 is not limited to one. For example, in addition to the middle winning line L1, a right-downward winning line consisting of the top symbol on the left reel, the middle symbol on the middle reel, and the bottom symbol on the right reel, and a right-upward winning line consisting of the bottom symbol on the left reel, the middle symbol on the middle reel, and the top symbol on the right reel, totaling three lines, may be set as effective winning lines, and a number of winning lines according to the number of bets may be set as effective winning lines.

The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that notifies the player that, for example, a specific winning role (specifically, a bonus role) has been internally won in an internal winning role lottery described below, or that a bonus game is in progress. The game medal insertion possible lamp 124 is a lamp that notifies the player that a game medal can be inserted. The replay lamp 122 is a lamp that notifies the player that the current game can be replayed (no medal insertion is required) if the player won a replay role (details of which will be described later), which is one of the winning roles, in the previous game.

The medal insertion buttons (also called bet buttons) 130 to 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (called credits) electronically stored in the slot machine 100. In this embodiment, one medal is inserted each time the bet button 130 is pressed, two medals are inserted when the bet button 131 is pressed, and three medals are inserted when the bet button 132 is pressed. Hereinafter, the operation of the bet buttons 130 to 132 is also called a bet operation, and the bet button 132 is also called a MAX bet button. In this embodiment, a light-emitting body (called a bet button lamp) is provided inside the bet buttons 130 to 132, and when the bet buttons 130 to 132 can be operated, the light-emitting body can be turned on to notify the player. The game medal insertion lamp 129 turns on the lamps in the number corresponding to the number of medals inserted, and when the specified number of medals have been inserted, the game start lamp 121 is turned on to notify that the game start operation is possible.

The medal insertion slot 141 is an insertion slot through which the player inserts medals when starting a game. That is, medals can be inserted electronically using the bet buttons 130 to 132, or actual medals can be inserted (insertion operation) through the medal insertion slot 141; the term "insertion" includes both.

The stored number display 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for displaying various internal information (e.g., the number of medals paid out during a bonus game) in numerical form. The payout number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals paid out to a player as a result of winning some kind of winning combination. In this embodiment, the stored number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127 are configured as seven-segment (SEG) displays.

The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. In other words, when the desired number of medals is inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 or the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated and the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate. The operation of the start lever 135 is called the start operation of the game.

The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137-139 consisting of a left stop button 137, a middle stop button 138, and a right stop button 139. The stop buttons 137-139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110-112 that have started to rotate by operating the start lever 135, and are provided in correspondence with each of the reels 110-112. More specifically, the left reel 110 can be stopped by operating the left stop button 137, the middle reel 111 can be stopped by operating the middle stop button 138, and the right reel 112 can be stopped by operating the right stop button 139.

Hereinafter, the operations on the stop buttons 137-139 will be referred to as stop operations, with the first stop operation being referred to as the first stop operation, the next stop operation being referred to as the second stop operation, and the final stop operation being referred to as the third stop operation. Additionally, the reel that is the target of the first stop operation will be referred to as the first stop reel, the reel that is the target of the second stop operation will be referred to as the second stop reel, and the reel that is the target of the third stop operation will be referred to as the third stop reel. Furthermore, the order in which the stop buttons 137-139 are operated to stop all of the reels 110-112 that are spinning will be referred to as the operation sequence or push order. The operation sequence of the stop operation where the first stop reel is the left reel 110 and the second stop reel is the center reel 111 is called the "forward push operation sequence" or simply "forward push", the operation sequence of the stop operation where the first stop reel is the left reel 110 and the second stop reel is the right reel 112 is called the "forward sandwich", the operation sequence of the stop operation where the first stop reel is the center reel 111 is called the "middle push operation sequence" or simply "middle push", the operation sequence of the stop operation where the first stop reel is the right reel 112 and the second stop reel is the center reel 111 is called the "reverse push operation sequence" or simply "reverse push", and the operation sequence of the stop operation where the first stop reel is the right reel 112 and the second stop reel is the left reel 110 is called the "reverse sandwich". In this embodiment, an illuminator (called a stop button lamp) is provided inside each of the stop buttons 137-139, and when the stop buttons 137-139 can be operated, the illuminator is lit to notify the player.

The medal return button 133 is a button that can be pressed to remove medals if they become clogged. The settlement button 134 is a button for settling medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and bet medals, and discharging them from the medal payout outlet 155. The door key hole 140 is a hole for inserting a key to unlock the front door 102 of the slot machine 100. The medal payout outlet 155 is an outlet for paying out medals.

Below the stop button unit 136 is a title panel 162 on which the model name is displayed and various certificate stamps are attached. Below the title panel 162 are a medal payout outlet 155 and a medal receiving tray 161. The sound hole 145 is a hole for outputting sound from the speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. The side lamps 144 provided on the left and right sides of the front door 102 are decorative lamps to add excitement to the game. A title panel 160 and sound holes 143 are provided at the top of the front door 102.

A liquid crystal display (performance image display) 157 is provided in the area including the reel window 113 and its surroundings. Of these, the area inside the reel window 113 (the area covering the reel window 113) is a so-called transmissive liquid crystal that allows the reels 110 to 112 to be viewed through the reel window 113.

The PUSH button 192 is a button that can be operated when executing a specified effect. In this embodiment, the history of the number of coins won in the AT state so far can be displayed based on the operation of the PUSH button 192. Note that in this embodiment, an illuminator (called a PUSH button lamp) is provided inside the PUSH button 192, and when the PUSH button 192 can be operated (can be accepted as a valid operation), the illuminator can be lit to notify the player.

2 is a front view of the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open. The main body 101 is a box body surrounded by a top panel 261, a left side panel 260, a right side panel 260, a bottom panel 264, and a back panel 242, and opens to the front. Inside the main body 101, a main control board storage case 210 that stores a main control board is disposed in a position that does not overlap with the ventilation hole 249 provided at the top of the back panel 242, and three reels 110 to 112 are disposed below this main control board storage case 210. To the side of the main control board storage case 210 and the reels 110 to 112, i.e., on the left side panel 260 as viewed from the front, a first sub-control board storage case 220 that stores a first sub-control board that constitutes the first sub-control unit 400 is disposed. Additionally, an external centralized terminal board 248 is attached to the side panel 260 on the right side, which is connected to the main control board and outputs information about the slot machine 100 to an external device.

The medal payout device 180 (a device that pays out medals accumulated in a bucket) is disposed on the lower panel 264, and above this medal payout device 180, i.e., below the reels 110-112, a power supply device 252 having a power board is disposed, and a power switch 244 is disposed in front of the power supply device 252. The power switch 244 can be operated by opening the front door 102, and is difficult or impossible to operate when it is closed.

The power supply unit 252 converts AC power supplied from an external source to the slot machine 100 into DC, converts it to a specified voltage, and supplies it to each control unit and device, such as the main control unit 300, first sub-control unit 400, and second sub-control unit 500, which will be described later. It also has a storage circuit (e.g., a capacitor) to supply power to certain components (e.g., the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300) for a specified period (e.g., 10 days) even after the external power supply is cut off.

The medal auxiliary storage 240 is provided to the right of the medal payout device 180, with an overflow terminal behind it (not shown). The power supply 252 is provided with a power cord connector for connecting a power cord 265, which is connected to the power cord 265 and extends to the outside through a power cord hole 262 provided in the back panel 242 of the main body 101.

The front door 102 is hinged to the left side panel 260 of the main body 101 via a hinge device 276, and above the liquid crystal display device 157 are provided a second sub-board case 230 that houses the second sub-control board that constitutes the second sub-control unit 500, and an upper speaker 272. Below the liquid crystal display device 157 are provided a medal selector 170 for selecting inserted medals, and a passage 266 through which medals pass when the medal selector 170 drops illegal medals, etc. into the medal tray 161. Furthermore, a low-frequency speaker 277 is provided at a position corresponding to the sound hole 145.

1 and 2, the liquid crystal display device 157 is a liquid crystal display equipped with a transmissive color liquid crystal panel 157A equipped with a color filter and a backlight 157B that illuminates the color liquid crystal panel 157A from the back side with white light. The liquid crystal panel 157A is a rectangular panel that extends to both the inner and outer areas of the reel window 113, and a well-known liquid crystal panel can be used. The liquid crystal panel 157A is equipped with R, G, and B (red, green, and blue) filters for each pixel, for example, and is configured by sealing liquid crystal between transparent substrates such as glass on which signal lines, switching elements, pixel electrodes, etc. are formed, and this liquid crystal layer is sandwiched between polarizing plates. The liquid crystal panel 157A, which indicates the winning line, may be a normally white type, but in this embodiment it is a normally black type.

The backlight 157B includes a light guide plate, a light source such as an LED that irradiates the light guide plate with light, and optical members such as a diffusion sheet. The light source is arranged, for example, along the edge of the light guide plate, and the light propagating inside the light guide plate is reflected to the liquid crystal panel 157A. In this embodiment, the backlight 157 has an opening 157b that penetrates in the thickness direction in the area inside the reel window 113, and the player can see each of the reels 110 to 112 without going through a light guide plate or the like. In this embodiment, the backlight provided on each of the reels 110 to 112 is used to illuminate the area from behind where the liquid crystal panel 157A and the opening 157b overlap. Since the reel band has a white (or milky white) color, each of the reels 110 to 112 can achieve illumination that is not much different from the backlight 157, and the backlights of each of the reels 110 to 112 can be called a backlight unit, either a part of the backlight 157 or the entire backlight.

In this embodiment, the opening 157b is a single rectangle whose outline matches the reel window 113, but it may be three rectangles corresponding to each of the reels 110 to 112 so as to fill the gaps between the reels. This improves the clarity of the image displayed in the gaps between the reels.

By blocking light transmission through the liquid crystal panel 157A, a black image appears to be displayed to the player. Also, by transmitting the backlight light equally through R, G, and B, a white image appears to be displayed to the player. When a white image is displayed, it can be said that the liquid crystal panel 157A has high transparency, and when R, G, and B are each controlled to their maximum brightness, it can be said that this is the state in which light is most transparent. The display of black, white, or other colors can be controlled on a pixel-by-pixel basis.

The operation of this liquid crystal display device 157 will be explained using Figures 3(b) to (d). These figures show an example of the operation of the liquid crystal display device 157.

Figure 3(b) shows the state of the liquid crystal display device 157 when no power is being supplied to the slot machine 100. As described above, in this embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 157 is a normally black type liquid crystal display, and when the power is off, a black image appears to be displayed to the player, making it difficult to see the reels 110 to 112.

Figure 3(c) shows an example of the operation of the liquid crystal display device 157. This figure shows that the entire liquid crystal display device 157 is used to display an image. At this time, in the area inside the reel window 113, light from the reels 110 to 112 acts as a backlight, and the image on the liquid crystal display device 157 becomes visible in this area. However, the image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157 reduces the visibility of the patterns on the reels 110 to 112 (making them harder to see).

Figure 3(d) shows an example of the operation of the liquid crystal display device 157 that is different from that shown in Figure 3(c). In this figure, the area inside the reel window 113 is different from the example shown in (c) above. Specifically, a white image is displayed in the area inside the reel window 113, ensuring visibility of the reels 110 to 112. In this embodiment, this state is reached after a medal is inserted in one game. In other words, in order to ensure visibility of the reels 110 to 112, the state shown in Figure 3(d) is maintained at least from the start of rotation until the reels 110 to 112 stop.

The example of the effect display on the liquid crystal display device 157, which will be described later, is an example of display on the part of the liquid crystal panel 157A above the reel window 113.

The reel window 113 has a number of stored coins display section 125L on the left side thereof, and a number of paid coins display section 127L on the opposite right side thereof. The number of stored coins display section 125L displays the same value as the number of stored coins displayed on the number of stored coins display 125, and the number of paid coins display section 127L displays the same value as the number of paid coins displayed on the number of paid coins display 127.

As described above, in this embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 157 is provided with an area that covers the reel window 113, and a white image is displayed to make the reels 110 to 112 visible, while the visibility of the reels 110 to 112 is reduced when an image other than white is displayed. Note that, in order to improve the visibility of the reels 110 to 112, it is possible to set the transmittance of each pixel that constitutes the image in the area that covers the reel window 113, and to set the transmittance to 100% (transparent state).

The device that displays the images is not limited to a liquid crystal display device, and may be any display device capable of displaying various performance images and various game information, such as a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a reel (drum), or a display device consisting of a projector and a screen. The display screen is rectangular and configured so that the player can see it in its entirety. In this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but it may also be square. Also, decorations (not shown) may be provided on the periphery of the display screen, so that part of the periphery of the display screen is hidden by the decorations, making the display screen appear irregular. In this embodiment, the display screen is flat, but it may also be curved.

<Circuit configuration of control unit>
Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Note that Fig. 4 is a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

The control unit of the slot machine 100 is broadly composed of a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game, a first sub-control unit 400 that controls the main presentation in response to command signals (hereinafter simply referred to as "commands") sent by the main control unit 300, and a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on the commands sent by the first sub-control unit 400.

<Main control unit>
First, the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. The basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, a ROM 306 that stores control program data, lottery data used during internal lottery of winning combinations, and reel pattern arrangements, a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, an I/O 310 for controlling input and output of various devices, a counter timer 312 for measuring time and number of times, and a WDT (watchdog timer) 314. Note that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 306 and RAM 308, and this is also true for the first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500 described later. In this embodiment, a ROM, which is a storage device having a storage area for non-volatilely storing data, and a RAM, which is a storage device having a storage area for temporarily storing data, are used in combination.

The CPU 304 of this basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal with a predetermined period output by the crystal oscillator 315b as a system clock. Furthermore, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits data for frequency division stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312, and the counter timer 312 determines an interrupt time based on the received data for frequency division and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 304 for each interrupt time. The CPU 304 monitors each sensor and transmits a drive pulse in response to this interrupt request. For example, if the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1/256, and the frequency division data of the ROM 306 is set to 47, the reference time for interrupts is 256 x 47 ÷ 8 MHz = 1.504 ms.

The main control unit 300 is equipped with a random number generating circuit 316, which is used as a hardware random number counter that varies the value within the range of 0 to 65535 based on the clock signal input from the crystal oscillator 315a, and a start-up signal output circuit 338 that outputs a start-up signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When a start-up signal is input from this start-up signal output circuit 338, the CPU 304 starts game control (starts the main control unit main processing described below).

The main control unit 300 also includes a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 monitors the status of various sensors 318 (bet button 130 sensor, bet button 131 sensor, bet button 132 sensor, medal acceptance sensor for medals inserted through the medal insertion slot 141, start lever 135 sensor, left stop button 137 sensor, middle stop button 138 sensor, right stop button 139 sensor, settlement button 134 sensor, medal payout sensor for medals paid out from the medal payout device 180, left reel 110 index sensor, middle reel 111 index sensor, right reel 112 index sensor, PUSH button 192 sensor, etc.) at each interrupt time.

When the sensor circuit 320 detects the H level of the start lever sensor, it outputs a signal indicating this detection to the random number generation circuit 316. The random number generation circuit 316 receives this signal, latches the value at that timing, and stores it in a register that stores random numbers to be used in the lottery.

Two medal acceptance sensors are installed in the internal passage of the medal insertion port 141, and detect whether a medal has passed through. Two start lever 135 sensors are installed inside the start lever 135, and detect the start operation by the player. The left stop button 137 sensor, middle stop button 138 sensor, and right stop button 139 sensor are installed on the corresponding stop buttons 137 to 139, and detect the operation of the stop button by the player.

The bet button 130 sensor, bet button 131 sensor, and bet button 132 sensor are provided on the corresponding medal insertion buttons 130-132, respectively, and detect the insertion operation when medals electronically stored in RAM 308 are inserted as medals to be inserted into a game. The settlement button 134 sensor is provided on the settlement button 134. When the settlement button 134 is pressed once, the medals electronically stored are settled. The medal payout sensor is a sensor for detecting medals paid out by the medal payout device 180. Note that each of the above sensors may be a non-contact sensor or a contact sensor.

The index sensor of the left reel 110, the center reel 111, and the right reel 112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting base of each reel 110-112, and turn to L level every time a light-shielding piece provided on the reel frame passes by. Rotational position information indicating how far the reel has rotated from the reference position from the time it turns to L level until it turns to L level again is calculated based on the count value of the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b. When the CPU 304 detects the L level signal, it determines that the reel has made one rotation, and resets the rotational position information of the reel to zero. This rotational position information is stored in the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300.

The main control unit 300 includes a drive circuit 322 that drives the stepping motors provided on the reels 110-112, a drive circuit 324 that drives a solenoid provided on the medal selector 170 that selects inserted medals, a drive circuit 326 that drives a motor provided on the medal payout device 180, and a drive circuit 328 that drives various lamps 339 (notification lamp 123, medal insertion possible lamp 124, replay lamp 122, medal insertion lamp 129, game start lamp 121, number of stored medals indicator 125, game information indicator 126, payout number indicator 127).

In addition, an information output circuit 334 is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 outputs game information (e.g., information indicating the game status) of the slot machine 100 to an information input circuit 652 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via this information output circuit 334.

The main control unit 300 also includes a voltage monitoring circuit 330 that monitors the voltage value of the power supply supplied to the main control unit 300 from a power supply management unit (not shown), and the voltage monitoring circuit 330 outputs a low voltage signal to the basic circuit 302 indicating that the voltage has dropped when the voltage value of the power supply is below a predetermined value (9V in this embodiment).

The main control unit 300 also has an output interface for sending commands to the first sub-control unit 400, enabling communication with the first sub-control unit 400. Note that information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 is one-way communication, and the main control unit 300 is configured to be able to send signals such as commands to the first sub-control unit 400, but is configured so that signals such as commands cannot be sent from the first sub-control unit 400 to the main control unit 300.

<Sub-control section>
Next, the first sub-control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 receives the control command transmitted by the main control unit 300 via the input interface. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on the control command, and the basic circuit 402 includes a CPU 404, a RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, an I/O 410 for controlling input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time, number of times, etc. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock. The first sub-control unit 400 also includes a ROM 406 that stores control programs and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, and data for controlling the backlight lighting pattern and various displays.

The CPU 404 transmits the frequency division data stored in a specified area of the ROM 406 to the counter timer 412 via the data bus at a specified timing. The counter timer 412 determines the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 404 for each interrupt time. The CPU 404 controls each IC and each circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

The first sub-control unit 400 is also provided with a sound source IC 418, which is connected to speakers 272, 277 via an output interface. The sound source IC 418 controls the sound output from the amplifier and speakers 272, 277 in response to commands from the CPU 404. An S-ROM (sound ROM) in which sound data is stored is connected to the sound source IC 418, and sound data acquired from this ROM is amplified by the amplifier and output from the speakers 272, 277.

The first sub-controller 400 is also provided with a drive circuit 422, to which various lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 144, title panel 162 lamp, medal insertion possible lamp 124, bet button lamp, reel backlight, stop button 137-139 lamps, PUSH button lamp, etc.) are connected via an input/output interface.

In addition, the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a sensor circuit 423, and the CPU 404 monitors the detection results of a door sensor 421 that detects the opening of the front door 102.

The CPU 404 also transmits and receives signals to the second sub-control unit 500 via the output interface. The second sub-control unit 500 controls the display of the liquid crystal display device 157.

Next, the second sub-control unit 500 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The second sub-control unit 500 has a basic circuit 502 that receives control commands sent by the first sub-control unit 400 via an input interface and controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on the control commands. This basic circuit 502 is equipped with a CPU 504, a RAM 508 for temporarily storing data, an I/O 510 for controlling input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 512 for measuring time, number of times, etc. The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 514 as a system clock. In addition, the second sub-control unit 500 has a ROM 506 in which control programs and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, data for image display, etc. are stored.

The CPU 504 transmits the frequency division data stored in a specified area of the ROM 506 to the counter timer 512 via the data bus at a specified timing. The counter timer 512 determines the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 404 for each interrupt time. The CPU 504 controls each IC and each circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

The second sub-control unit 500 is also provided with a VDP 534 (video display processor), to which a ROM 506 and a VRAM 536 are connected via a bus. The VDP 534 reads out image data and the like stored in the ROM 506 based on a signal from the CPU 504, generates a display image using the work area of the VRAM 536, and displays the image on the liquid crystal display device 157.

<Pattern arrangement>
The arrangement of symbols on each of the reels 110 to 112 will be described with reference to Figure 5. This figure shows the arrangement of symbols on each of the reels (left reel 110, center reel 111, right reel 112) in a two-dimensional layout.

Each of the reels 110-112 has a predetermined number of frames (20 frames numbered 0-19) of symbols of multiple types (10 types in this embodiment) as shown on the right side of the figure. The numbers 0-19 shown on the left side of the figure indicate the arrangement position of the symbols on each of the reels 110-112. For example, in this embodiment, the "bell symbol" is arranged on the number 0 frame of the left reel 110, the "replay symbol" is arranged on the number 1 frame of the middle reel 111, and the "watermelon 1 symbol" is arranged on the number 1 frame of the right reel 112.

Note that the "Blue Seven 2 design" and the "Watermelon 2 design" are marked with star marks, which means that the "Blue Seven 2 design" and the "Watermelon 2 design" have the same design as the "Blue Seven 1 design" and the "Watermelon 1 design", but are different designs (also called designs of the same type). "Similar designs" include designs where the characters are the same but have different expressions, or the object (watermelon) is the same but has a different pattern. In this embodiment, star marks are added to make it easier to distinguish between designs of the same type.

<Types of winning roles>
Next, the types of winning combinations of the slot machine 100 will be described.

Winning roles on the slot machine 100 include replay roles and small roles. Note that the types of winning roles are not limited to these roles and can be any type. Among the winning roles in this embodiment, the replay role is sometimes called an "operating role" as it allows replay without inserting new medals and is distinguished from winning roles. In this embodiment, "winning" also includes the case where a symbol combination of an operating role that does not involve a medal payout (does not involve the payment of medals) is displayed on an active line, and includes, for example, a winning replay role.

A replay is a winning role (operating role) that allows you to play the next game without inserting medals (gaming media) upon winning, and you can play the next game with the amount of bet set for that game, and no medals are paid out. A minor role is a winning role that pays out a set number of medals upon winning.

The winning combination in a game is one of the combinations that correspond to the internal winning combinations. These internal winning combinations are determined by a lottery (internal winning combination lottery) at the start of the game.

Figure 6 (a) is a diagram showing all the internal winning roles of the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 1.

The probability of winning an internal winning role is calculated by dividing the numerical data corresponding to the range of the lottery data associated with each internal winning role by the numerical data (65536 in this embodiment) in the range of random numbers obtained during the internal lottery described below. The lottery data is divided into several numerical ranges in advance, and each numerical range is associated with each internal winning role and loss. In the winning role internal lottery process described below, it is determined whether the random number obtained as a result of executing the internal lottery is a value corresponding to the lottery data corresponding to any of the internal winning roles, and the internal winning role is determined. In practice, this lottery data is prepared in settings 1 to 6, each of which has a different probability of winning at least one internal winning role, and the staff of the game arcade can arbitrarily select and set any of the settings.

Regarding the setting values, the probability of winning the internal winning role may be common to each setting value, while the probability of winning the AT (ease of transitioning to the AT), which will be described later, may be different for settings 1 to 6. For example, in setting 1, the probability of drawing the AT when a certain internal winning role is determined may be probability A, while in setting 6, the probability of drawing the AT when a certain internal winning role is determined may be probability B, which is higher than probability A.

In Figure 6 (a), the range of lottery data (lottery value) is indicated by the alphabet. Replay 4 to Replay 7 all show (g), which indicates that the lottery value is the same. For example, (g) = 3000/65535. 1-piece role 1 to 1-piece role 8 all show (m), which also indicates that the lottery value is the same. Bell CLR1 to Bell RCL3 all show (n), which also indicates that the lottery value is the same.

The relationship of the lottery values indicated by the letters is (a) + (b) + (c) + (d) < (e) + (f) + (g) + (h) + (i) + (j) + (k) + (l) + (m) + (n).

In addition, the watermelon and cherry roles are rare roles with small lottery values.

<Types of internal winning roles>
Next, the internal winning combination (condition device) of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

Figure 6 (b) is a table showing the display mode and payout number for each operation content of the common bell and push order role among the internal winning roles. The push order role refers to an internal winning role in which the winning role (the display mode of reels 110 to 112) differs depending on the content of the stop operation (in this embodiment, the operation sequence from the first stop operation to the third stop operation).

In this embodiment, (1) the stop operation of left, center, and right (stop operation with the first stop reel set to the left reel 110, the second stop reel set to the center reel 111, and the third stop reel set to the right reel 112) is an LCR operation, (2) the stop operation of left, right, and center (stop operation with the first stop reel set to the left reel 110, the second stop reel set to the right reel 112, and the third stop reel set to the center reel 111) is an LRC operation, (3) the stop operation of center, left, and right (stop operation with the first stop reel set to the center reel 111, the second stop reel set to the left reel 110, and the third stop reel set to the right reel 112) is a CLR operation, (4) A stop operation of center, right, and left (a stop operation in which the first stop reel is the center reel 111, the second stop reel is the right reel 112, and the third stop reel is the left reel 110) is sometimes referred to as a CRL operation, (5) a stop operation of right, left, and center (a stop operation in which the first stop reel is the right reel 112, the second stop reel is the left reel 110, and the third stop reel is the center reel 111) is sometimes referred to as an RLC operation, and (6) a stop operation of right, center, and left (a stop operation in which the first stop reel is the right reel 112, the second stop reel is the center reel 111, and the third stop reel is the left reel 110) is sometimes referred to as an RCL operation.

For example, when the push order bells CLR1 to CLR3 are internally selected in the internal lottery for winning roles, (1) if an LCR or LRC operation is performed, a miss or 1-coin role is won, and 0 or 1 medal is paid out; (2) if a CLR operation is performed, a bell is won, and 9 medals are paid out; (3) if a CRL operation is performed, a 1-coin role is won, and 1 medal is paid out; and (4) if an RLC or RCL operation is performed, a miss or 1-coin role is won, and 0 or 1 medal is paid out. In other words, when the push order bells CLR1 to CLR3 are CLR operated, a bell is won, and the maximum number of medals is paid out. Hereinafter, the operation content when the maximum number of medals is paid out in the case of an internal win for the push order role may be referred to as the "correct operation". In this embodiment, the correct operation means that the operation sequence from the first stop operation to the third stop operation is correct.

Similarly, for Push Order Bell_CRL1-3, the correct operation is the CRL operation, and if the CRL operation is performed, a bell will be won and 9 medals will be paid out. Also, for Push Order Bell_RLC1-3, the correct operation is the RLC operation, and if the RLC operation is performed, a bell will be won and 9 medals will be paid out, and for Push Order Bell_RCL1-3, the correct operation is the RCL operation, and if the RCL operation is performed, a bell will be won and 9 medals will be paid out.

On the other hand, for example, if the common bell wins internally in the winning role internal lottery, the bell wins and nine medals are paid out regardless of the operation content. Hereinafter, the above-mentioned push order bells_CLR1-3, push order bells_CRL1-3, push order bells_RLC1-3, and push order bells_RCL1-3 are collectively referred to as "push order bells". Of these "push order bells", push order bells_CLR1-3 and push order bells_CRL1-3 may be referred to as the "middle first bell" for convenience of explanation, and push order bells_RLC1-3 and push order bells_RCL1-3 may be referred to as the "right first bell". In addition, the number of common bells paid out is nine, the same as the push order bells, but this is not limited to this, and the number may be fewer than the push order bells, and by reducing the number of common bells, the medal payout in the normal state can be suppressed.

In this embodiment, there is no push order bell for which the correct answer is an LCR or LRC operation (forward push or forward sandwich), but there is a push order bell for which the correct answer is a CLR or CRL operation (middle push) and an RLC or RCL operation (reverse push or reverse sandwich). In other words, this is a specification called a biased bell. By using a biased bell, the number of balls put out in the normal state (non-AT state) can be reduced and the number of balls put out in the AT state can be increased. Note that a biased bell is a specification in which a push order other than the first left stop is more advantageous for play (for example, the number of coins paid out is greater or the probability of winning is higher) than the first left stop.

The display mode and payout amount for each operation when the internal winning role (condition device) is 1-coin role 1-8 and replay 1-7 are as shown in FIG. 6(b). "S Blue 7/BAR" in FIG. 6(b) means that the "Blue Seven 1" will line up on a single (1-line) winning line, or the "BAR" will line up. "Fake" means that even if the target symbol is announced and you press the button, the announced symbol will not line up. "Replay (Pink 7/W Blue 7 Fake)" means that you are informed to aim for the Pink Seven symbol or the Blue Seven symbol on a double (2-line) winning line, but the replay symbol will line up even if you press the button.

<Types of game states>
Next, a description will be given of the types and transitions of game states of the slot machine 100. Fig. 7 is a transition diagram of game states (specifically, AT game states) of the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100. The AT game states are game states related to presentation.

The game state of the slot machine 100 is roughly divided into a normal state and an AT state. The normal state is a state in which the operation navigation is not executed, and the AT state is a state in which the operation navigation may be executed. Here, the operation navigation is a notification effect that notifies the stop operation mode (information on the contents of the stop operation), and if the stop operation is performed according to the notification contents of the operation navigation, a favorable result is brought to the player. The operation navigation is roughly divided into (1) a push order navigation that notifies information including the operation order (push order) of the stop operation, and (2) a pattern navigation that notifies information including operation timing (for example, the pattern of the stop target). In other words, the push order navigation is an operation navigation that does not include the timing of the push, and the pattern navigation is an operation navigation that includes the timing of the push. In the case of this embodiment, for example, in the AT state, if the push order bell is internally won, the correct operation content (operation order) may be notified.

The normal state includes a normal stage, a challenge zone (hereafter abbreviated as CZ), and a pullback zone. The AT state includes a bonus state, a normal AT state, an added zone, and an ending state.

In addition to the seven game states described above, the concept of an advantageous zone and a non-advantageous zone is provided. The non-advantageous zone is composed of a part of the normal stage period and a part of the pullback zone period, and the advantageous zone is the other period. Therefore, the AT state is the advantageous zone mode. The advantageous zone in this embodiment is a period in which an upper limit difference number is set. Specifically, the upper limit difference number is 2400. Here, the difference number is the cumulative value of the difference between the number of medals inserted and the number of medals paid out in one game (number of medals paid out - number of medals inserted). The upper limit difference number of the advantageous zone is a value that determines the end of the advantageous zone, and the difference number is updated by the result of one game. Note that the advantageous zone may be a period in which an upper limit difference number and an upper limit game number are set, but there is no upper limit on the number of games in the advantageous zone in the slot machine 100 of this embodiment. In addition, the advantageous zone must be ended when the upper limit difference number is reached, but it can be ended even if the upper limit difference number is not reached. Furthermore, although an upper limit on the difference in number of coins is set as the advantageous zone, the technical concept of this embodiment can also be applied to medal-less gaming machines that do not use gaming media such as medals.

In non-advantageous zones, a lottery is not held to determine whether or not to transition from the normal state to the AT state. This is therefore a zone in which operation navigation is not executed. On the other hand, in advantageous zones, a lottery is held to determine whether or not to transition from the normal state to the AT state. This is why, if the lottery is won and the state transitions to the AT state, operation navigation may be executed. An advantageous zone is a zone in which it is possible to transition to the AT state, and a non-advantageous zone is a zone in which it is not possible to transition to the AT state.

When the settings are changed, it will be set to a non-advantageous zone and will enter the normal stage. If you win a role other than a loss in the normal stage of the non-advantageous zone, you will move to a favorable zone. If you reach either the upper limit number of games or the upper limit difference in number of coins in the favorable zone, you will move to a non-advantageous zone. Even in a non-advantageous zone (pull-back zone) that you have moved from an advantageous zone, if you win a role other than a loss, you will move to the advantageous zone.

In general, in order to realize a gameplay that increases the medal payout in a state advantageous to the player, such as an AT state, it is necessary to suppress the medal payout in the normal state. Furthermore, with regard to the stopping operation of the gaming machine, it is often recommended that the player perform the stopping operation (forward push or forward sandwich) with the first stopping operation being to the left. Therefore, in this embodiment, when a push order role is provided, a push order bell with a biased bell specification as shown in FIG. 6 is adopted as a method of realizing a gameplay that suppresses the medal payout in the normal state (there is no push order bell with the first stopping operation being to the left, but there are push order bells with the first stopping operation being to the right or during the first stopping operation being the correct answer), as shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, there is no push order bell for which the first stop operation to the left is the correct answer, but this may be provided separately. In this case, the internal winning probability of the push order bell for which the first stop operation to the left is the correct answer can be set lower than the sum of the internal winning probability of the push order bell for which the first stop operation is the correct answer and the internal winning probability of the push order bell for which the first stop operation to the right is the correct answer.

In addition, this embodiment employs a gameplay feature in which the game transitions to the AT state when the number of games in the normal state after the AT state ends reaches a predetermined threshold (hereinafter referred to as the ceiling number of games).

Furthermore, in this embodiment, a stop operation (push in order or sandwiched in order) with the first stop operation to the left in the normal state is recommended, and in a game in which the push order bell is internally won in the normal state (non-AT state) of the advantageous zone, if a stop operation other than the first stop operation to the left (specifically, the first stop operation to the right during the first stop operation) is performed, a penalty is imposed. Here, the penalty is specifically a penalty related to the transition from the normal state to the AT state, and in this embodiment, (1) a lottery is not held to determine whether or not to transition from the normal state to the AT state in the game. Note that even if a lottery is held, the penalty may be a penalty that does not win the transition to the AT state. Also, (2) the value of the counter that counts the number of games in the normal state up to the ceiling game number (hereinafter referred to as the ceiling counter) is not updated (does not add). In this embodiment, the contents of these penalties (1) and (2) are adopted, but are not limited to these, and other contents may be used as long as they are penalties related to the transition from the normal state to the AT state. For example, when a stock lottery is held according to an internal winning role during a premonition when the AT has already been determined (so-called during the main premonition), the stock lottery may not be held, or when an AT upgrade lottery is held to transition to a better AT during the main premonition according to an internal winning role, the upgrade lottery may not be held. Also, although a penalty is given regarding transition to the AT state, a penalty regarding transition to a CZ may also be provided. In this way, when an irregular press is performed, some unfortunate processing is performed that would not be performed if the recommended press was used, or processing that would be performed if the recommended press was used is not performed (processing that does not go through the route of the processing that should be performed) is configured as a penalty.

Figure 7 shows the seven game states described above, with the transition conditions indicated on the arrows. When the transition condition corresponding to each arrow is met, the game state transitions in the direction of the arrow.

The normal stage is the initial state after the setting is changed. If condition A is met in the normal stage (more specifically, after winning a role other than a miss in the normal stage of the non-advantageous zone, which is the initial state, and transitioning to the advantageous zone, a specific effect lottery based on a rare role (for example, a strong cherry) is won in the normal stage of the advantageous zone, and the specific effect begins and ends, transitioning to the AT normal state occurs. In this embodiment, the specific effect is a continuous effect that spans multiple games. The continuous effect may be, for example, a duel effect or a freeze effect. In addition, the continuous effect may be an effect that spans multiple games, and may be called a precursor effect because it occurs before the transition to the AT state. The specific effect lottery may be a 100% win, or it may be a mode in which the transition to the AT normal state is confirmed when a rare role is won.

If condition B is met in the normal stage (more specifically, if you win a role other than a losing role in the normal stage of the non-advantageous zone, which is the initial state, and move to the advantageous zone, and then win the CZ transition lottery based on the winning role in the normal stage of the advantageous zone), you will transition to the CZ. The CZ is a finite-period gaming state with a fixed number of games (e.g., 10 games). If condition D is met in the CZ (more specifically, if you win the bonus transition lottery based on a winning role in the CZ), you will transition to the bonus state, and if condition C is met in the CZ (more specifically, if you do not win the bonus transition lottery in the CZ), you will transition to the normal stage.

The bonus state is a finite-period game state with a fixed number of games (e.g., 30 games). Note that the bonus referred to here is a pseudo-bonus. If condition F is met in the bonus state (more specifically, if the AT lottery based on a winning combination is won in the bonus state), the AT transitions to the normal AT state. If the AT lottery is won, the number of games that can be played in the normal AT state (hereinafter referred to as the AT-granted game number) is awarded. On the other hand, if condition E is met in the bonus state (more specifically, if the AT lottery is not won in the bonus state), the transition to the normal stage occurs.

The slot machine 100 of this embodiment is designed to increase the number of balls in the normal AT state. When condition G is established in the normal AT state (specifically, when the player wins the lottery for transition to the additional zone based on the winning role), the game moves to the additional zone. The additional zone is a state in which an additional lottery is executed to add the number of games to which the AT is granted. That is, in the normal AT state, the player can play the number of games that is the initial number of games to which the AT is granted immediately after winning the AT lottery plus the number of games granted in the additional zone. The additional zone is a game state for a finite period in which the number of games is fixed (for example, 10 games). When condition H is established in the additional zone (specifically, when the additional zone ends due to the number of games being consumed), the game moves to the normal AT state. Note that the number of games to which the AT is granted may not be granted immediately after winning the AT lottery, and the initial number of games in the normal AT state may be determined in the additional zone.

In addition, when condition J is met in the normal AT state (more specifically, when the ending transition condition is met), the state transitions to the ending state. Here, the ending transition condition is met when the difference in number of sheets in the advantageous zone becomes equal to or exceeds the specified difference in number of sheets (here, 2200 sheets). In other words, condition J is met when the remaining number of sheets until the upper limit difference in number of sheets (here, 2400 sheets) at which the advantageous zone ends becomes equal to or less than a specified number (here, 200 sheets).

The ending state is the final state of the AT state (advantageous zone). When condition L is met in the ending state (more specifically, when the advantageous zone end condition is met and the pull-back zone transition lottery is won), the player transitions to the pull-back zone. The advantageous zone end condition is met when the difference in number of sheets in the advantageous zone reaches the upper limit of difference in number, 2400 sheets. Note that since the upper limit of difference in number is 2400 sheets, it is possible for the advantageous zone to end with more than 2400 sheets, taking into account the negative amount up to the AT state.

Figure 8(a) shows the probability of winning the return zone transition lottery.

The RAM 308 of the main control unit 300 is provided with a difference number counter that counts the upper limit difference number in the advantageous zone, the above-mentioned ceiling counter, a counter that counts the number of AT-granting games, and the like, as well as an AT acquisition number counter that counts the number of acquisitions in the AT normal state. When the AT acquisition number counter reaches a predetermined second value (here, 500), the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 executes a pull-back zone transition lottery. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8(a), the transition winning probability in the pull-back zone transition lottery is about 10%, and there is a possibility of transitioning to the pull-back zone. Strictly speaking, the transition winning probability (probability of transition) is 25/256, and the probability of not transitioning is 231/256. If the pull-back zone transition lottery is won at this stage, in the AT normal state, condition K is established when the number of AT-granting games is consumed before the upper limit difference number at which the advantageous zone ends is reached, and the zone transitions to the pull-back zone. If the zone transitions to the pull-back zone in this way, the zone remains advantageous. On the other hand, if the number of coins won in the normal AT state does not reach the specified second value (500 coins), the lottery for transition to the pull-back zone will not be executed. Therefore, in this case, the probability of winning the lottery for transition to the pull-back zone is 0%. If the number of coins won in the normal AT state reaches the specified second value (500 coins), and the number of AT-granting games is all consumed, condition I is met and the game returns to the normal stage. If the game returns to the normal stage in this way, the game will remain in the advantageous zone.

Also, when the AT acquisition number counter reaches a predetermined second value (here, 500), the lottery for moving to the pullback zone is lost, and when the AT acquisition number counter reaches a predetermined first value (a value less than the upper limit difference number at which the advantageous zone ends, here, 1000), the lottery for moving to the pullback zone is executed again. As shown in FIG. 8(a), the probability of winning when reaching 1000 is 100%. After the number of acquisitions in the AT normal state reaches the predetermined first value (1000) (winning the lottery for moving to the pullback zone), in the AT normal state, when the number of AT-granted games is all consumed before the upper limit difference number at which the advantageous zone ends is reached, condition K is established, and the zone moves to the pullback zone. Even when moving to the pullback zone in this way, the zone remains in the advantageous zone. Also, when the zone moves to the ending state and the upper limit difference number (2400) at which the advantageous zone ends is reached, condition L is established, and the zone moves to the pullback zone. When moving from the ending state to the pullback zone, the zone moves to the non-advantageous zone. If the difference in number of coins in the advantageous zone reaches the upper limit of the difference in number of coins, which is 2,400 coins, this means that the number of coins won in the normal AT state has reached 1,000 coins, and the game will definitely move from the ending state to the pullback zone.

In addition, when the number of coins won in the normal AT state reaches the second value (500 coins), there is about a 90% chance of losing the lottery to move to the return zone. If the lottery is lost when the number of coins won in the normal AT state reaches the second value, and all the AT-granting games are used up before the first value is reached, condition I is met and the game returns to the normal stage. Even when returning to the normal stage in this way, the advantageous zone remains.

As explained above, the pull-back zone transition lottery is not executed unless the number of winnings in the AT normal state reaches 500, is executed if the number of winnings reaches 500, and always transitions to the pull-back zone if the number of winnings reaches 1000. This allows the player to have a game goal during the AT normal state, and also gives the player a sense of expectation that "if a lot of winnings come out, maybe even more will come out." Here, the AT winning number counter counts the number of winnings in the AT normal state, but it may also count the number of winnings in the AT normal state and the bonus state combined, or it may count the number of winnings in the entire AT state. In addition, the winning probability of the pull-back zone transition lottery may be different depending on the setting value, and the winning probability of the pull-back zone transition lottery may be higher for a high setting (e.g., setting 6) than for a low setting (e.g., setting 1). In this way, it is possible to acquire even more game value with a high setting. On the other hand, the winning probability of the pull-back zone transition lottery may be higher for a low setting (e.g., setting 1) than for a high setting (e.g., setting 6). By doing this, it is possible to obtain a lot of gaming value even at low settings.

In addition, in the normal AT state, a display such as "When you reach 1000 coins, you may be confirmed to be in the pull-back zone" may be displayed, allowing the player to visually confirm the game goal during the AT. Alternatively, in the normal AT state after winning the pull-back zone transition lottery and gaining the right to transition to the pull-back zone, a display that allows the player to identify that they will transition to the pull-back zone in the future can be displayed, increasing the player's motivation to continue playing.

The pull-back zone transition lottery may be executed when the upper limit difference in number of coins is reached, which is the end of the advantageous zone, or when all the AT-granting games have been played. In this case, the probability of winning the transition will differ depending on whether the number of coins won at the time of execution in the normal AT state has reached a predetermined second value (500 coins) or a predetermined first value (1000 coins), as shown in FIG. 8(a). Alternatively, the pull-back zone transition lottery may be executed when the number of coins won in the normal AT state has reached the predetermined second value and the predetermined first value, and when all the AT-granting games have been played.

In addition, when the number of games that give the AT is consumed after reaching a predetermined second value (500 coins) or a predetermined first value (1000 coins), and then the player moves to the pull-back zone, the advantageous zone continues without moving to the non-advantageous zone, but at the point when the number of games that give the AT is consumed, it may be determined whether or not to end the advantageous zone and move to the non-advantageous zone depending on whether a sufficient number of coins can be acquired in the remaining period of the advantageous zone in which the player is currently staying. The sufficient number of coins may be, for example, 2400 coins, or 1500 coins, which is less than 2400 coins. In other words, if a sufficient number of coins cannot be acquired, the current advantageous zone may be ended and moved to the non-advantageous zone so that a new advantageous zone can be started. This is to prevent the occurrence of an incident in which the player wins the AT in the pull-back zone and returns to the AT, but immediately moves to the ending state even though the number of coins acquired in the returned AT is small, causing dissatisfaction among the player.

The pullback zone is a finite play state with a fixed number of games (e.g., 15 games). The number of games in the pullback zone is less than the number of games in the bonus state, but more than the number of games in the add-on zone.

Figure 8 (b) is a diagram showing the probability of winning the AT in the AT lottery held in the pull-back zone.

If the AT is won by the AT lottery performed for all roles during the 15 games (condition M shown in FIG. 7 is satisfied), the AT will transition back to the normal state after the pull-back zone ends, and if the AT is not won (condition N shown in FIG. 7 is satisfied), the AT will transition to the normal stage. If the player has just transitioned to the pull-back zone, the player has returned to the non-favorable zone, so if the player wins a miss, the AT lottery will not be held. Alternatively, even if the player wins the AT after the AT lottery is held and the player wins the AT, the lottery will be treated as invalid. If the player has won a role other than a miss and transitioned to the favorable zone, the player may win the AT even if the player wins a miss. The diagram shown in FIG. 8(b) is an example, and other allocations may be made, such as watermelon and weak cherry being weak rare roles, strong cherry and chance eye being strong rare roles, and the AT winning probability being 45% for weak rare roles and 100% for strong rare roles. In addition, the AT lottery during the pull-back zone may be different depending on the setting value, and the AT winning probability may be higher for high settings (e.g. setting 6) than for low settings (e.g. setting 1). By doing this, it is possible to make it possible to obtain even more game value at a high setting. On the other hand, it is also possible to make it possible to obtain a higher probability of winning the AT at a low setting (e.g., setting 1) than at a high setting (e.g., setting 6). By doing this, it is possible to obtain a lot of game value even at a low setting.

Even if the AT is won, the pull-back zone will remain in place until 15 games have been played, but the AT may transition to the normal AT state from the game following the AT win. Also, before transitioning from the ending to the pull-back zone, a pull-back zone preparation state may be set up for several games, and in this pull-back zone preparation state, an opportunity may be given to return from the non-advantageous zone to the advantageous zone. In this case, a preparation in progress effect may be executed that identifies or suggests that the pull-back zone is in preparation. Then, when transitioning to the advantageous zone in the preparation state, the pull-back zone will begin.

Figure 9 is a graph showing an example of the increase or decrease in the difference in number of coins when passing through the pullback zone.

In FIG. 9, the vertical axis represents the number of game media (number of medals), and the horizontal axis represents the passage of time. As described above, the difference in number represented by the graph in FIG. 9 is the cumulative value of the difference between the number of medals inserted and the number of medals paid out in one game (number of medals paid out - number of medals inserted). The setting is changed, and the difference in number is reset to 0. In addition, the setting is changed, and the game state becomes normal. During the normal state, the difference in number decreases, but when the game transitions to the AT state (first time), it starts to increase. When the number of AT-granted games is consumed in the AT normal state, the number of medals won in the AT normal state reaches 500, and a lottery for transition to the pull-back zone is executed. However, the probability of winning is about 10% as shown in FIG. 8(a) (Condition I shown in FIG. 7 is met), and the game transitions to the second normal state. During the second normal state, the difference in number also decreases, but when the game transitions to the AT state (second time), it starts to increase, and the difference in number increases to a positive value. Eventually, the number of games that give the AT is consumed even in the AT state (second time). The number of coins won in the AT normal state exceeds 1000 coins (condition K shown in FIG. 7 is met), and the game moves to the pullback zone. The pullback zone is in the normal state, and the operation navigation is not executed, so the difference in coins decreases. The AT lottery is won during the pullback zone, and after the pullback zone ends after 15 games, the game moves to the AT state (third time). In the AT state (third time), the difference in coins reaches the upper limit of 2400 coins. As a result, condition L shown in FIG. 7 is met, and the game moves to the pullback zone. In addition, the advantageous zone is reset and becomes a non-advantageous zone. In the pullback zone, the difference in coins decreases, the AT lottery cannot be won during the pullback zone, and after the pullback zone ends after 15 games, the game moves to the normal state.

As described above, in the slot machine 100 of this embodiment, if the number of winning coins in one AT state is 1000 or more, the game will always move to the pull-back zone. The pull-back zone transition lottery is executed when the favorable zone end condition is met and when the number of AT-granting games is consumed in the normal AT state. In addition, the pull-back zone transition lottery may be executed when the game moves to the normal AT state or when the number of winning coins reaches 500 coins, and if a winning coin is won, the right to move to the pull-back zone may be reserved until the number of AT-granting games is consumed. In this way, even if the number of winning coins does not reach 1000 coins, the opportunity to win the right to move to the pull-back zone increases, making it easier to perform a provocative performance during the AT state or when the number of AT-granting games is consumed. As a teasing effect, for example, an effect may be executed that identifies or suggests that a player will be transferred to the retraction zone if the retraction zone transfer lottery is won, or the display of the number of coins won on the screen in the AT state may flash or change color when the number of coins won approaches 500 (for example, when it reaches 450 coins), or may flash or change color when it reaches 500 coins.

In addition, instead of the number of coins won in one AT state, the number of coins won in one advantageous zone may be used. Also, if the number of AT-granting games is consumed without any increase, the probability of winning the transition to the pullback zone may be increased to more than around 10%.

The number of coins won may refer to the virtual difference in number of coins instead of the actual number of coins won. The virtual difference in number of coins referred to here is the expected number of coins that would be won if the gaming machine had won the expected gaming value. For example, in the normal state (non-AT state), the number of coins actually won by pressing the buttons in order is counted. The number of coins won by pressing the buttons in an irregular manner in the normal state is treated as 0 (not counted). Since the gaming value obtained by pressing the buttons in an unrecommended manner is not counted, a fair gaming machine can be provided. Even if the operation navigation is not followed in the AT state, the number of coins that can be won by operating in the correct operation sequence is counted. In other words, even if the push order navigation is ignored, the number of coins is counted as if the push order navigation was followed. Even if the push order is incorrect during the AT state, the pull-back zone transition lottery will be performed assuming that the operation was performed correctly. As a result, even if the player actually has more than 1000 coins, they can avoid situations where they only win 990 coins because they pressed the buttons in the wrong order, and lose the lottery to move to the return zone, preventing them from moving to the return zone, which is a disadvantage to the player.

In addition to a difference number counter that counts the pure difference in number of coins, the gaming machine is also provided with a counter that counts the virtual difference in number of coins (virtual difference number counter). The initial value of this virtual difference number counter is greater than 0. Even if the count value falls below the initial value in the gaming situation, there is a margin before the negative range, and the counting period without taking the negative into consideration becomes longer. In addition, the absolute value on the negative side of the initial value of the virtual difference number counter (second absolute value) is greater than the absolute value on the positive side of the initial value (first absolute value). Even if the acquired difference number exceeds the value obtained by subtracting the first absolute value from the initial value due to the player's gaming situation, there is still room for the player to make up for it.

Furthermore, the difference number counter counts the difference in the positive range (counting only the positive amount, ignoring the negative amount of number of coins paid out - number of coins inserted), and there is also an actual counter that counts the actual number of coins paid out - number of coins inserted for the day, including the negative amount. The difference number counter and virtual difference number counter are not initialized when power is restored after a power outage, but the actual counter is initialized when power is restored. By not initializing the difference number counter and virtual difference number counter when power is restored after a power outage, they will not be initialized even when the power is turned on before opening, and by carrying over the count value from the previous day, it is expected that the operation of the gaming machines will improve immediately after opening.

According to the above description,
"Reels that stop spinning by a stop operation [for example, left reel 110, center reel 111, right reel 112],
A notification means (e.g., a liquid crystal display device 157);
A control means (e.g., a main control unit 300) for controlling the transition of a game state;
A gaming machine equipped with
The control means is a means capable of transitioning the game state to an announcing game state [for example, an AT state (AT normal state, ending state)] in which the announcing means can notify an operation mode advantageous to the player in the stopping operation [for example, a stopping operation in which the first stop reel is the center reel 111, the second stop reel is the right reel 112, and the third stop reel is the left reel 110],
The control means is a means for transitioning to a special game state (e.g., a pull-back zone) that can transition to the notification game state after the notification game state ends when a first condition (e.g., the number of game media acquired in the AT state is 1,000 or more) is satisfied in the notification game state.
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He explained:

With this gaming machine, the player may aim to achieve the first condition in the notification game state, which is expected to increase the player's motivation to participate. Furthermore, by providing the special game state even after the notification game state ends, the player is motivated to continue playing, and the player's motivation to play can be actively increased.

Also,
"The control means is a means for causing a transition to the special game state when the notification game state ends, even if the first condition is not satisfied in the notification game state [for example, even if the number of game media acquired in the AT state is less than 1,000, a transition lottery may be won if the number is 500 or more].
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Also,
The first condition is satisfied when the game value [e.g., medals] acquired in the notified game state is a predetermined first condition [e.g., 1,000 or more].
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

If the game value acquisition situation is the above-mentioned first predetermined situation, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation that the number of balls dispensed may be increased.

Also,
"The control means is a means for transitioning to the special game state when the first condition is not satisfied in the notification game state but the second condition is satisfied, and the notification game state is terminated,
The second condition is a condition that is satisfied when the acquisition status of the game value in the notified game state is a predetermined second status [e.g., 500 or more and less than 1000] that does not satisfy the predetermined first status and a transition lottery [e.g., a pullback zone transition lottery] is won [e.g., about 10% winning probability as shown in FIG. 8(a)].
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Even if the first predetermined condition is not met, the player is given the opportunity to transition to the special game state, which helps prevent loss of interest in the game.

Also,
" Equipped with advantageous areas that are advantageous to players,
The notification game state is one of the game states in the advantageous zone,
The advantageous zone may end when the game value acquisition status in the advantageous zone reaches a predetermined third status [for example, 2,400 or more],
The notification game state may end when the acquisition status of the game value in the advantageous zone reaches the predetermined third status,
the predetermined third situation is a situation exceeding the predetermined first situation,
When the advantageous zone ends and the notification game state transitions to the special game state [e.g., a pull-back zone] [e.g., when condition L shown in FIG. 7 is satisfied], the special game state may be a game state in a new advantageous zone [e.g., an internal win for a role other than a miss],
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

If a new advantageous zone is started in the special gaming state, the amount of gaming value that can be obtained in that advantageous zone can be maximized.

<Slot machine operation>
Next, the processing of the main control unit 300, the first sub-control unit 400, and the second sub-control unit 500 will be explained using the drawings.

<Main processing of main control unit>
First, the main control unit main process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Note that Fig. 10 is a flow chart showing the flow of the main control unit main process.

As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with a start-up signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 338 that outputs a start-up signal (reset signal) when power is applied. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 that receives this start-up signal is reset and started by a reset interrupt, and executes the main control unit main processing shown in FIG. 10 according to a control program previously stored in the ROM 306.

When the power is turned on, first, in step S101, the main control unit initial setting process is performed. In this main control unit initial setting process, the stack initial value is set in the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, interrupt prohibition is set, the I/O 310 is initialized, various variables stored in the RAM 308 are initialized, and operation permission and initial values are set for the WDT 314.

In step S103, a game start process is executed. In this process, a check is made to see if medals have been inserted (by hand or by operating the bet buttons 130 to 132), and if medals have been inserted, preparations are made to send an insertion command indicating this. If a replay was won in the previous game, a process is performed to insert the same number of medals as the number inserted in the previous game, eliminating the need for the player to insert medals. In addition, a check is made to see if the start lever 135 has been operated after the specified number of medals (2 or 3) have been used, and if the start lever 135 has been operated, the number of medals inserted and the valid winning lines are confirmed, and the game begins.

In step S105, various lottery processes are executed, including the internal winning lottery process.

In step S107, reel stop data corresponding to the first stop operation is prepared based on the result of the internal winning role lottery. This reel stop data is stored in the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300.

In step S109, on the condition that the play interval timer (which is subtracted in the timer update process described below) is 0, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate, and an initial value is set to the play interval timer. When the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate, preparations are made to send a reel rotation start command to the first sub-control unit 400. After that, when the reels 110 to 112 reach a predetermined rotation speed and the optical sensors provided on each reel detect and grasp the pattern positions of each reel, the stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is enabled. The play interval counter ensures the minimum time required for one play (4.1 seconds in this embodiment), reducing the risk of gambling.

In step S111, a reel stop control process is executed. In this process, when any of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is pressed after the stop operation is enabled, the reel 110 to 112 corresponding to the pressed stop button 137 to 139 is stopped. Specifically, each time a stop operation is performed, the stop table of the reel stop data is referenced, and the reel 110 to 112 corresponding to the stop operation is stopped according to the number of reel-in frames set in the stop table. In addition, for the first stop operation, reel stop data corresponding to the second stop operation is prepared, and for the second stop operation, reel stop data corresponding to the third stop operation is prepared. In addition, for each stop operation, preparations are made to send the corresponding command (first to third press commands) to the first sub-control unit 400, and each time the reels 110 to 112 stop, preparations are made to send the corresponding command (first to third stop commands) to the first sub-control unit 400. When all the reels 110 to 112 have stopped, the process proceeds to step S113.

In step S113, a winning determination process is performed. Here, if a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination is displayed on an activated winning line, it is determined that the winning combination has been won. After determining the winning combination, preparations are made to send a winning command to the first sub-control unit 400.

In step S115, if a winning combination that entails a payout has been achieved, the number of medals corresponding to that winning combination is awarded (paid out), and the number of medals awarded is displayed using the payout number display 127.

In step S117, a state update process is executed to update various states in the slot machine 100. For example, the difference number counter that counts the upper limit difference number in the advantageous zone, which is provided in the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300, is updated, the ceiling counter described above is updated, the counter that counts the number of games in which the AT is awarded, and the AT acquisition number counter described above is updated.

This completes one game. After this, the game will proceed by returning to step S103 and repeating the above-mentioned process.

<Main control unit 300 timer interrupt processing>
Next, a main control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Note that Fig. 11 is a flow chart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt process.

The main control unit 300 is equipped with a counter timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined cycle (approximately once every 2 ms in this embodiment), and this timer interrupt signal is used as a trigger to start main control unit timer interrupt processing at the predetermined cycle.

In step S201, a timer interrupt start process is performed. This timer interrupt start process includes processes such as temporarily saving the values of each register of the CPU 304 to a stack area.

In step S203, WDT314 is periodically restarted (in this embodiment, once every 2 ms, which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt) so that the count value of WDT314 does not exceed the initial setting value (32.8 ms in this embodiment) and a WDT interrupt does not occur (so that a processing abnormality is not detected).

In step S205, an input port status update process is performed. In this input port status update process, the detection signals of the sensor circuits 320 of the various sensors 318 are input via the input ports of the I/O 310 to monitor the presence or absence of the detection signals, and the presence or absence of the detection signals is stored in signal status storage areas partitioned for each of the various sensors 318 in the RAM 308. The status of the optical sensors is confirmed in this process.

In step S207, various game processes are executed, and processing according to the interrupt status is performed.

In step S209, a timer update process is performed. For example, a process is executed to update various timers according to their respective time units, such as subtracting from the game interval timer.

In step S211, a command setting and sending process is performed, and various commands that have been prepared for sending by the main processing of the main control unit 300, timer interrupt processing, etc., are sent to the first sub-control unit 400. The output schedule information sent to the first sub-control unit 400 is composed of strobe information (when on, it indicates that data is set), command type (in this embodiment, basic command, input command, start lever acceptance command, internal winning command, performance command associated with performance lottery processing, reel rotation start command associated with the start of rotation of the reels 110 to 112, first to third press commands associated with the acceptance of the operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139, first to third stop commands associated with the stopping of the reels 110 to 112, winning command, payout number command and payout end command associated with the medal payout processing, status update command, item addition command, acquired point command, setting change command, power recovery command), and command data (predetermined information corresponding to the command type).

The first sub-control unit 400 is able to determine the presentation control in response to changes in game control in the main control unit 300 based on the command type contained in the received output schedule information, and is also able to determine the content of the presentation control based on the command data information contained in the output schedule information.

In step S213, an external signal setting process is performed. In this external signal setting process, the game information stored in the RAM 308 is output to an information input circuit 652, which is separate from the slot machine 100, via the information output circuit 334.

In step S215, device monitoring processing is performed. In this device monitoring processing, the signal states of the various sensors 318 stored in the signal state storage area in step S205 are first read out to monitor for errors related to medal insertion abnormalities, medal payout abnormalities, etc., and if an error is detected (not shown), error processing is executed. Furthermore, the medal blocker 171, various lamps 339, and various seven-segment (SEG) displays are set according to the current game state.

In step S217, it is monitored whether the low voltage signal is on. If a low voltage signal is received (if a power interruption is detected), the process proceeds to step S221, and if a low voltage signal is not received (if a power interruption is not detected), the process proceeds to step S219.

In step S219, timer interrupt end processing is performed. In this timer interrupt end processing, the values of each register temporarily saved in step S201 are set back to the original registers, and other processing is performed. After that, the processing returns to the main processing of the main control unit shown in FIG. 10.

On the other hand, in step S221, information that needs to be saved, such as specific variables and stack pointers for restoring the state at the time of power outage when power is restored, is saved in a specified area of RAM 308, a checksum value for the specified area that includes at least the used area of RAM 308 is derived and stored in RAM 308, and a power flag indicating that power outage processing has been performed is set to ON.

<Processing of first sub-control unit>
Next, the processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described using Figure 12. Figure 12 (a) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400. Figure 12 (b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400. Figure 12 (c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400.

First, the main processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be explained using FIG. 12(a).

When the power is turned on, an initialization process is first executed in step S301. This initialization process involves initial settings of the input/output ports and initialization of the memory area in RAM 408. In this process, an area for storing internal win information, which is information that indicates the result of an internal win, and an area for storing RT update information, which is information that indicates the game status, are provided in RAM 408.

In step S302, it is determined whether the timer variable is 10 or greater, and this process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or greater, the process proceeds to step S303.

In step S303, the timer variable is assigned the value 0.

In step S304, command processing is performed, which is processing corresponding to each command received from the main control unit 300.

In step S305, a performance control process is performed. Here, preparation for the performance is performed according to the performance reservation information in the performance reservation area provided in RAM 408. This preparation includes, for example, performing a process such as reading the performance data from ROM 406, and updating the performance data if it is necessary to update the performance data.

In step S306, sound control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S305. For example, if the performance data read in step S305 contains a command to the sound source IC 418, this command is output to the sound source IC 418.

In step S307, lamp control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S305. For example, if the performance data read in step S305 includes commands for the various lamps 420, these commands are output to the drive circuit 422.

In step S309, an information output process is performed to set up sending a command to the second sub-control unit 500 based on the processing result of step S305. For example, if the performance data read in step S305 contains a command to send to the second sub-control unit 500, settings are made to output this control command, and the process returns to step S302.

Next, the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described using FIG. 12(b). This command reception interrupt processing is processing that is executed when the first sub-control unit 400 detects a strobe signal output by the main control unit 300. In step S401 of the command reception interrupt processing, the command output by the main control unit 300 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command memory area provided in the RAM 408.

Next, using FIG. 12(c), the first sub-control unit timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined period (once every 2 ms in this embodiment), and executes the timer interrupt processing at a predetermined period in response to this timer interrupt.

In step S501, the value in the timer variable storage area of RAM 408 described in step S302 in the first sub-control unit main processing shown in FIG. 12(a) is incremented by 1 and stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S302, the timer variable value is determined to be 10 or greater every 20 ms (2 ms x 10).

In step S502, the command set in step S309 is sent to the second sub-control unit 500, and the random number values for performance are updated.

<Processing of the second sub-control unit>
Next, the processing of the second sub-control unit 500 will be described using Figure 13. Figure 13(a) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. Figure 13(b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500. Figure 13(c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500. Figure 13(d) is a flowchart of the image control processing of the second sub-control unit 500.

First, in step S601 in FIG. 13(a), various initial settings are performed. When the power is turned on, the initialization process is first executed in step S601. In this initialization process, the input/output port initial settings, the memory area in the RAM 508, the memory area in the VRAM 518, etc. are initialized.

In step S602, it is determined whether the timer variable is 10 or greater, and this process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or greater, the process proceeds to step S603.

In step S603, the timer variable is assigned the value 0.

In step S604, command processing is performed. In command processing, the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500 identifies each command received from the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400.

In step S605, performance control processing is performed. Specifically, if a new command is received in step S604, processing corresponding to this command is performed. For example, processing is executed to read performance data for image control related to the background image from ROM 506. In addition, processing is executed to read other performance data from ROM 506, and if the performance data needs to be updated, processing to update the performance data is executed.

In step S606, image control processing (described in detail below) is performed based on the processing result of step S605. For example, if the performance data read in step S605 contains an image control command, image control corresponding to this command is performed. For example, image control related to the display image (notification image, background image) is executed. When this image control processing is completed, the process returns to step S602.

Next, the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500 will be described using FIG. 13(b). This command reception interrupt processing is processing that is executed when the second sub-control unit 500 detects a strobe signal output by the first sub-control unit 400.

In step S701 of the command reception interrupt processing, the command output by the first sub-control unit 400 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command storage area provided in RAM 508.

Next, using FIG. 13(c), we will explain the second sub-control unit timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. The second sub-control unit 500 is equipped with a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined period (once every 2 ms in this embodiment), and executes the timer interrupt processing at a predetermined period in response to this timer interrupt.

In step S801, the value in the timer variable storage area of RAM 508 described in step S602 in the second sub-control unit main processing shown in FIG. 13(a) is incremented by 1 and stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S602, the timer variable value is determined to be 10 or greater every 20 ms (2 ms x 10).

In step S802, the random number values for the effects are updated.

Next, the image control processing of step S606 in the main processing of the second sub-control unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. 13(d). This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the image control processing.

In step S901, an instruction to transfer image data is issued. Here, the CPU 504 first swaps the designation of the drawing area of display area A and display area B of the VRAM 536. As a result, one frame of image stored in the display area not designated as the drawing area is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157. Next, the CPU 504 sets the ROM coordinates (the source address of the ROM 506), the VRAM coordinates (the destination address of the VRAM 518), etc. in the attribute register of the VDP 516 based on the position information table, and then sets a command to start transferring image data from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 518. The VDP 516 transfers the image data from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 518 based on the command set in the attribute register. The VDP 516 then outputs a transfer end interrupt signal to the CPU 504.

In step S902, it is determined whether a transfer end interrupt signal has been input from VDP516. If a transfer end interrupt signal has been input, the process proceeds to step S903; if not, the process waits for the transfer end interrupt signal to be input.

In step S903, parameters are set based on the performance scenario configuration table and attribute data, etc. Here, the CPU 504 instructs the VDP 516 on information about the image data that constitutes the display image (coordinate axes of the VRAM 518, image size, VRAM coordinates (placement coordinates), transparency, etc.) in order to form a display image in display area A or B of the VRAM 518 based on the image data transferred to the VRAM 518 in step S901. The VDP 516 sets parameters according to the attributes based on the command stored in the attribute register.

In step S904, a drawing instruction is issued. In this drawing instruction, the CPU 504 instructs the VDP 516 to start drawing an image. The VDP 516 starts drawing the image in the frame buffer in accordance with the instruction from the CPU 504.

In step S905, it is determined whether a generation end interrupt signal has been input from VDP 516 based on the end of image drawing. If a generation end interrupt signal has been input, the process proceeds to step S906; if not, the process waits for the generation end interrupt signal to be input.

In step S906, the scene display counter, which is set in a specified area of RAM 508 and counts how many scene images have been generated, is incremented (+1), and the process ends.

Next, we will explain an example of a transition from a continuous performance to an AT state.

The RAM 308 of the main control unit 300 is provided with a premonition G number A counter, and the RAM 408 of the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a premonition G number B counter. In condition A shown in FIG. 7, the AT state (AT normal state) is entered when the continuous performance ends. Here, the continuous performance becomes a duel performance, which is executed over four games, and when the duel performance ends, the AT state is entered. The game during which the continuous performance is being executed corresponds to the game that is a premonition of the transition to the AT state. Whether the premonition G number A counter or the premonition G number B counter is a counter that counts the remaining number of games that are premonitions before the transition to the AT state. The premonition G number A counter is a counter for managing the transition to the AT state to earn balls, and is managed by the main control unit 300. On the other hand, the premonition G number B counter is a counter for performance management, and is managed by the first sub-control unit 400.

Figure 14 is a diagram used to point out problems with an example of a conventional slot machine where a continuous performance starts and then transitions to an AT state. In Figure 14, both the upper Figure 14(a) and the lower Figure 14(b) progress from left to right. Figure 14 shows the number of plays (number of games), winning combinations, push order, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, the occurrence of penalties, performance progress, the count value of the premonition G number A counter, and the count value of the premonition G number B counter. The display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 is controlled based on the value of the premonition G number B counter managed by the first sub-control unit 400.

In FIG. 14(a) shown in the upper part, a rare combination (e.g., a strong cherry) is won, and a continuous performance starts from the Nth game. That is, performance 1 of the continuous performances is executed, and a notification image (a mission image of "Defeat the Swordsman") is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 to notify the player that a duel performance will start. When a rare combination (e.g., a strong cherry) is won, both the premonition G number A counter and the premonition G number B counter are set to a value of "4". The count value of the premonition G number A counter in this Nth game is updated from "4" to "3", and the count value of the premonition G number B counter is also updated from "4" to "3".

In the N+1th game, the second of the consecutive effects is executed, and a scene in which a villain swordsman appears is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. The count value of the premonition G number A counter in this N+1th game is updated to decrease by one to "2", and the count value of the premonition G number B counter is also "2".

In the N+2nd game, performance 3 of the consecutive performances is executed, and a scene in which the lord, the protagonist, and the master swordsman, the villain, face off against each other, is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. The count value of the premonition G count A counter in this N+2th game is further decremented by one due to updating to "1", and the count value of the premonition G count B counter is also "1". Note that the winning role here is the push order bell, whereas the previous winning roles had been misses, but since it is in the normal state (not the AT state), the operation navigation is not executed, and the push order stop operation is performed with the first stop operation being to the left.

In the N+3 game (the fourth game after the start of the consecutive effects), effect 4 (corresponding to the final effect) of the consecutive effects is executed, and a scene in which the lord, the protagonist, defeats the villain, the master swordsman, is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, and the transition to the AT is announced. The count value of the premonition G number A counter in this N+3 game has been updated to "0", and the count value of the premonition G number B counter has also been updated to "0".

In the N+4th game, the game has transitioned from the normal state to the AT state (AT normal state). On the liquid crystal display device 157, a notification screen (AT start screen displaying "AT start") is displayed to notify the player of the transition to the AT state, based on the count value of the premonition G number B counter being "0". In addition, based on the count value of the premonition G number A counter being "0", the main control unit 300 is permitted to transmit information regarding the operation order of the winning role to the first sub-control unit 400. As a result, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 displays "321" (reverse push operation navigation display) to notify the player of the correct operation for the push order bell, which is the winning role.

Figure 14(b) shown in the lower part shows an example in which a consecutive performance is executed in the same way as in the upper part of Figure 14(a), but a penalty occurs in a game midway through the consecutive performance. The following will focus on the differences from the example shown in the upper part of Figure 14(a).

Here, let's summarize the penalties once again. First, the following actions are subject to penalties when all of the following conditions are met: (a) the game is in a normal advantageous zone (not in a non-advantageous zone, not in an AT state), (b) the game is an internally-winning push order bell, and (c) a stop operation (so-called irregular push) other than the first stop operation left (specifically, during the first stop operation, the first stop operation right) is performed. In other words, there is no penalty just for irregular pushes. This prevents players from finding a strategy by repeatedly performing irregular pushes, and also prevents excessive penalties. However, penalties may be given regardless of the winning role, such as the push order bell (penalty given for (a) + (c)). Also, as described later, when irregular pushes are performed, regardless of whether a penalty is given or not, a recommended operation display such as "Push left recommended" is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157 to inform the player of the recommended push. The timing at which the operation recommendation display starts to be displayed may be the timing of the first stop operation performed by the irregular pressing, or may be the timing after the irregular pressing is performed (for example, the timing of the third stop operation). The operation recommendation display may be hidden after a predetermined time has elapsed since the display started, or may be hidden after a predetermined time has elapsed since the third stop operation. These "predetermined times" are shorter than the time it takes to transition to the demo screen after the final stop operation, and the operation recommendation display is hidden when the demo screen ends and the game screen is returned to. The operation recommendation display may be displayed until the transition to the demo screen, and may be hidden when the demo screen ends and the game screen is returned to. Alternatively, the operation recommendation display may be hidden after the acceptance of the start operation of the next game (operation of the start lever 135) is enabled, or may be hidden after the start operation of the next game is performed.

In addition, no penalty is incurred in the non-advantageous zone. This is to prevent a player from moving to the advantageous zone when an irregular button press is made in the non-advantageous zone, because if such a move were prohibited, it would be possible to make irregular button presses continuously in the non-advantageous zone and win many medals. In addition, the timing for moving from the non-advantageous zone to the advantageous zone could be the first game after the setting is changed, but the first game after the setting is changed is often when the game parlor opens. The reels are not warmed up first thing in the morning, so it takes time for the reels to accelerate, and the timing at which the stop operation can be accepted tends to be slightly delayed. Therefore, even if the player presses the left stop button 137 in the first operation, the timing may be off and the middle stop button 138 may actually be pressed at the timing mentioned above. Since it would be cruel to the player to impose a penalty in such a case, no penalty is incurred in the non-advantageous zone.

When an action subject to a penalty is performed, (1) a lottery is not held to determine whether or not the game will transition from the normal state to the AT state. (2) The value of the ceiling counter, which counts the number of games in the normal state up to the ceiling game number, is not updated. Furthermore, in this example, (3) the count value of the premonition G number A counter is not updated either. The following penalties are incurred. Note that in some cases, a penalty may be imposed by not actively performing processing, such as by not holding a lottery or not updating values.

In the example shown in FIG. 14(b), in the N+2th game (performance 3 of the consecutive performances), a stop operation is performed with the first stop operation being to the right. A stop operation with the first stop operation being to the right is an irregular push. In this case, since an internal win occurs on the push order bell in the normal state of the advantageous zone, this is an action subject to a penalty, and a penalty occurs. Even when the next game, the N+3rd game, starts, the count value of the premonition G number A counter remains at "1". Meanwhile, the count value of the premonition G number B counter has been updated to "0".

In this example, the N+4th game is played and the game transitions from the normal state to the AT state (AT normal state). The liquid crystal display device 157 displays an AT start screen based on the fact that the premonition G number B counter count value was "0". On the other hand, because the premonition G number A counter count value was not "0", no information regarding the operation sequence of the winning role was sent from the main control unit 300 to the first sub-control unit 400, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 does not display an operation navigation display that notifies the player of the correct operation of the push order bell, which is the winning role. In this way, in conventional slot machines, there is a problem in that a gap occurs between the start of the operation navigation and the performance due to the occurrence of a penalty.

The slot machine 100 of this embodiment has been devised to solve this problem.

Figure 15 shows a detailed timing chart of the N+2th and N+3rd games described with reference to Figure 14(a) and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at each timing.

In FIG. 15, time passes from left to right. In FIG. 15, the "game progress" includes the operation of the start lever 135, which is the "start operation," the "first stop," the "second stop," and the "third stop." Below that, the receptive states of the "left stop Sw" which is the left stop button 137 sensor, the "middle stop Sw" which is the middle stop button 138 sensor, and the "right stop Sw" which is the right stop button 139 sensor are also shown. Each Sw becomes receptive after the start operation, and when a stop operation is accepted in the receptive state, the receptive state ends. Below that, the rotating states of the left reel 110, the middle reel 111, and the right reel 112 are also shown. Below that, the display contents of the "liquid crystal display device" which is the liquid crystal display device 157 are also shown. In this example, in the continuous performance, there is a period (the period from the third stop to the start of the next game) during which the character display NTG of "NEXT," which indicates that the performance continues to the next game, is displayed in the lower right part of the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. Furthermore, the game count display GMV is displayed in the lower left corner of the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. The value of this game count display GMV is the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400, and is a value that increases by one each time a start lever acceptance command is received from the main control unit 300 after the power is turned on, for example. The matters described above are also the same in Figures 16 and 17.

The timing when the start operation is performed is timing (A1), the N+2nd game starts, and the execution of effect 3 of the consecutive effects begins. In the N+2th game, the push order bell is internally won. At timing (A1), a close-up of the main character, the lord, is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. In addition, with the start of play, the game count display GMV is updated from "99G" to "100G". From then on, the game count display GMV will continue to display "100G" until otherwise noted.

In the N+2th game under normal conditions, the left stop button 137 is operated first, causing the first stop. Because the left stop button 137 is operated first, it is not an irregular press, and the first stop action here is not subject to a penalty. The timing at which the first stop operation is performed is timing (A2), and the left reel 110 stops. At timing (A2), a close-up of the enemy swordsman is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157.

Next, the center stop button 138 is operated to perform the second stop, stopping the center reel 111, and finally the right stop button 139 is operated to perform the third stop. The timing at which the third stop operation is performed is timing (A3), and the right reel 112 stops. The display screen of the liquid crystal display 157 at timing (A3) displays a scene in which the main character, a lord, and the antagonist, a master swordsman, face off against each other, the same scene shown on the display screen of the liquid crystal display 157 in the N+2th game in Figure 14. Furthermore, in this example, the third stop operation triggers the addition of the text display "NEXT" NTG in the bottom right.

The timing after the third stop and before the start of the next game is timing (A4). The display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at timing (A4) is the same as the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the previous timing (A3).

Then, the start lever 135 is operated to perform the start operation, which starts the next game (N+3 game), and this time, effect 4 of the consecutive effects is executed. The timing when the N+3 game starts is timing (A5). In the N+3 game, an internal replay is won. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at timing (A5), the main character, a lord, is displayed in the upper half, and the villain, a swordsman, is displayed in the lower half. Also, with the start of the game, the text display "NEXT" NTG disappears, and the game count display GMV is updated from "100G" to "101G".

In the N+3 game, the left stop button 137 is operated first to perform the first stop. The first stop operation is performed at timing (A6), and the left reel 110 stops. At timing (A6), the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 shows a scene after the hero, the lord, and the villain, the master swordsman, have exchanged swords. The game count display GMV of "101G" continues to be displayed.

Next, the middle stop button 138 is operated to perform the second stop, stopping the middle reel 111, and finally the right stop button 139 is operated to perform the third stop. The third stop operation is performed at timing (A7), and the right reel 112 stops. At timing (A7), the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 shows a scene in which the enemy swordsman is slashed. Even though the third stop is performed, since the N+3rd game is the last game (the fourth game) of the continuous performance, there is no next continuous performance, and the text display "NEXT" NTG is not additionally displayed. However, the game count display GMV of "101G" continues to be displayed.

The timing after the third stop until the next game starts (until the transition to the AT state) is timing (A8). At timing (A8), the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a scene in which the main character, a lord, defeats the enemy swordsman, the same scene shown on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 for the N+3rd game in FIG. 14, and the transition to the AT is announced. Note that even here, the game count display GMV of "101G" continues to be displayed.

Figure 16 shows a detailed timing chart of the N+2th game and the N+3th game described using Figure 14(b), and a diagram showing the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at each timing. The following explanation will focus on the differences from Figure 15, and duplicate explanations may be omitted.

The N+2nd game is started, and the execution of the effect 3 of the consecutive effects is started. In this N+2nd game, the push order bell is internally won. The game number display GMV on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 is updated to "100G". In this example, in the N+2th game in the normal state, the right stop button 139 is operated first to perform the first stop. The first stop action here is an irregular push, and since the push order bell is internally won in the normal state of the advantageous zone, it is an action subject to penalty. At the time when the first stop operation is performed (A2), the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 displays the operation recommendation display REC such as "Push left recommended" so as to overlap with the close-up image of the enemy swordsman. At the time when the operation recommendation display REC is displayed, the game number display GMV remains displaying "100G".

Next, the center stop button 138 is operated to perform the second stop, stopping the center reel 111, and finally the right stop button 139 is operated to perform the third stop. At the timing (A3) when the third stop operation is performed, a blackout display is added to the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. That is, just like (A3) in FIG. 15, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a scene in which the lord, the protagonist, and the swordsman, the enemy, confront each other, but the blackout display makes the scene difficult to see. The blackout display suggests that a penalty has occurred in that game. In addition, the character display NTG of "NEXT" is not additionally displayed, or even if it is additionally displayed, it is difficult to see due to the blackout display. On the other hand, the operation recommendation display REC and the number of games display GMV are not blacked out, and these displays REC and GMV are easily visible. At the time the third stop occurs (when the blackout display is added), the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 is returned by one game, and the game number display GMV switches to display "99G."

After the third stop, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the timing (A4) until the start of the next game is the same as the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the previous timing (A3). In other words, the black display continues, but the operation recommendation display REC and the game count display GMV of "99G" are visible.

Then, the start lever 135 is operated to perform the start operation, and the next game (game N+3) begins. At the timing (A5) when game N+3 begins, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 stops displaying the blackout display and also stops displaying the operation recommendation display REC. As described above, the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 is set back by one game, and the game number display GMV is updated to "100G". In other words, one is set back in the game in which the penalty occurred, and one is advanced at the start of the next game. For this reason, the consecutive effects are also re-executed, with effect 3 of the consecutive effects being executed according to the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400. The same display screen as at the timing (A1) is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157.

In the N+3 game, an internal replay win occurs, and the left stop button 137 is operated first to perform the first stop. The first stop action here is not subject to a penalty. At the time (A6) when this first stop operation is performed, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 shows the same display screen as at the time (A2), but the operation recommendation display REC is not displayed.

Next, the center stop button 138 is operated to perform the second stop, stopping the center reel 111, and finally the right stop button 139 is operated to perform the third stop. At the timing (A7) when the third stop operation is performed, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 shows the same display screen as at the timing (A3) in FIG. 15. That is, a scene is displayed in which the lord, the protagonist, and the master swordsman, the villain, face off against each other, and the text display "NEXT" NTG has been added to the bottom right. Also, the game count display GMV of "100G" is continuously displayed at the bottom left.

After the third stop, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the timing (A8) until the next game starts (until the transition to the AT state) is the same as the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the previous timing (A7).

In the slot machine 100 of this embodiment, as described above, the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 is returned by one in the game in which a penalty occurred, and is advanced by one at the start of the next game. As a result, the number of games in the game in which a penalty occurred and the number of games in the next game are the same. This is the same as the premonition G number A counter managed by the main control unit 300, which was explained using FIG. 14, and the problem of a discrepancy occurring between the start of the subsequent operation navigation and the presentation is eliminated by re-executing the presentation of the game in which a penalty occurred. Moreover, during the game in which a penalty occurred, a blackout display is displayed and the game number display GMV is also returned by one, so that it is easy to see which game a penalty occurred in, and the player is not given the misunderstanding that a penalty occurred in the next game as well, and interest in the game is less likely to decrease.

The timing of the start of the display of the darkening display may be the same as the timing of the start of the display of the operation recommendation display REC. Alternatively, the timing of the start of the display of the darkening display may be the timing of (A2), and the timing of the start of the display of the operation recommendation display REC may be the timing of (A3). Furthermore, the timing of the start of the display of the darkening display may be the timing of the second stop, or the timing of the start of the display of the operation recommendation display REC may be the timing of the second stop. In addition, the timing of the end of the darkening display is not limited to the timing of (A5), and may be a timing a while after the third stop operation of the game in which the irregular press was performed, or may be a timing when the bet number setting operation for the next game is performed. In addition, the timing of the value of the game number display GMV being returned by 1 may be within the game in which the penalty occurred, and may be the timing of (A2), the timing of (A4), or the timing of the second stop. Even if the value of the game count display GMV is returned by 1 in a game where a penalty has occurred, the presentation itself will continue as is, as described below, and waiting games for the number of games that resulted in the penalty may occur after the series of presentations has ended, or may occur before the AT state begins.

Figure 17 shows a detailed timing chart of games N+2 and N+3, in which irregular button presses were performed but no penalty occurred, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at each timing. The following explanation focuses on the differences from Figure 16, and duplicate explanations may be omitted.

The N+2nd game begins, and performance 3 of the consecutive performances begins. In this N+2nd game, an internal win occurs not for the push order bell but for a miss. In this example, in the N+2nd game in normal conditions, the right stop button 139 is operated first to perform the first stop. The first stop action here is an irregular push, and although it is in the normal conditions of the advantageous zone, it is not an action subject to penalty because it does not result in an internal win for the push order bell. At the time when the first stop operation is performed (A2), due to the irregular push, a recommended operation display REC such as "Push left recommended" is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, overlapping with a close-up of the enemy swordsman.

Next, the middle stop button 138 is operated to perform the second stop, stopping the middle reel 111, and finally the right stop button 139 is operated to perform the third stop. At the time when the third stop operation is performed (A3), the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 does not go dark because no penalty has occurred, and displays a scene of the lord, the protagonist, facing off against the master swordsman, just like (A3) in FIG. 15. However, the operation recommendation display REC is displayed so that it overlaps. Also, the number of games displayed GMV continues to read "100G" at the bottom left, and the word "NEXT" NTG, triggered by the third stop operation, has been added to the bottom right.

After the third stop, at the timing (A4) until the next game is started, the operation recommendation display REC disappears (becomes hidden) on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, and the same display screen as that at the timing (A4) in FIG. 15 is displayed. The timing at which the operation recommendation display REC disappears may be some time after the third stop, or may be simultaneous with the third stop, or may be simultaneous with the second stop. Alternatively, the operation recommendation display REC may disappear after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of display, regardless of the operation. However, since the operation recommendation display REC is indistinguishable from the performance of the stop operation trigger if it is displayed only for a moment, it is preferable that the operation recommendation display REC continues to be displayed at least until the third stop. In addition, in the case of irregular pressing during the continuous performance, the display mode of the operation recommendation display REC differs depending on the winning role. That is, in the case of a non-winning push order bell as in the example shown in FIG. 17, the operation recommendation display REC is displayed when the irregular pressing is performed, but the performance of the third stop is executed, and the operation recommendation display REC becomes hidden a while after the third stop. On the other hand, in the case of winning the push order bell as in the example shown in Figure 16, when irregular pushes are performed, the operation recommendation display REC is displayed, the performance that triggers the third stop is not executed (it is difficult to see due to the blackout display), and the operation recommendation display REC continues to be displayed until just before the next game starts.

The rest (timings (A5) to (A8)) are the same as the example in Figure 15.

As in this example, when an irregular button press is performed, the operation recommendation display REC is displayed regardless of whether a penalty occurs. If a penalty occurs, the operation recommendation display REC continues to be displayed until the game in which the irregular button press was performed ends (until the next game starts) as in the example shown in FIG. 16, but if no penalty occurs, it disappears earlier than when a penalty occurs. Alternatively, the length of the display period for the operation recommendation display REC is fixed, and it disappears even if the player does not perform an operation. Also, even if an irregular button press is performed, if no penalty occurs, there is no change in the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 (it is not returned by 1), and the value of the game number display GMV also continues to be displayed unchanged.

Next, we compare cases where irregular button presses are performed during consecutive effects with cases where irregular button presses are performed during non-consecutive effects.

Figure 18 shows an example of irregular button presses during a continuous performance, and an example of irregular button presses during a non-continuous performance.

The upper part of FIG. 18(a) shows an example of an irregular press during a continuous performance, and the lower part of FIG. 18(b) shows an example of an irregular press during a non-continuous performance. In both the upper part of FIG. 18(a) and the lower part of FIG. 18(b), the progress is from left to right. In both the upper part of FIG. 18(a) and the lower part of FIG. 18(b),
18 shows the number of plays (number of games), winning combinations, push order, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, the occurrence of penalties, the performance progress, and the value of the number of games displayed GMV displayed at the bottom left of the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. The value of the number of games displayed GMV is the value of the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400.

The example in the top row of FIG. 18(a) is the same as the examples explained so far, and the continuous performance is a duel performance. A rare combination (for example, a strong cherry) is won, and the continuous performance starts from the Nth game played. That is, performance 1 of the continuous performances is executed, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a notification image (a mission image of "Defeat the Swordsman") notifying the start of the duel performance. The game count display GMV shows "98G".

In the N+1th game, the second of the consecutive effects is executed, and a scene in which the enemy swordsman appears is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. The number of games played (GMV) is updated and now shows "99G."

In the N+2 game, the push order bell is internally selected, and the right stop button 139 is operated first to perform the first stop. The first stop action here is an irregular push, and since the push order bell is internally selected in the normal state of the advantageous zone, it is an action subject to a penalty, and a penalty is incurred. In the N+2 game, the performance 3 of the continuous performances is executed, and a scene in which the lord, the protagonist, and the swordsman, the enemy, confront each other is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. In addition, because the irregular push was performed, an operation recommendation display REC such as "left push recommended" is displayed overlapping the display of the above scene. In addition, because a penalty has occurred, the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 is returned by one game, and the value of the game number display GMV becomes "99G" from "100G". In this example, the blackout display is not displayed, but it may be displayed after this, or a modified example in which the blackout display is not displayed may be used.

The N+3rd game is the fourth game played since the start of the continuous performance, but because the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 was set back by one game in the N+2nd game, the value of the game number display GMV is updated and "100G" is displayed once again. In addition, according to the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400, the continuous performance also re-executes performance 3 of the continuous performance. The display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 displays the same scene as in the N+2nd game, in which the lord, the protagonist, and the master swordsman, the villain, face off against each other. The operation recommendation display REC is not displayed.

Note that when an effect is replayed, the exact same effect may be executed, but in cases where multiple types of effects are prepared and the effect is selected by lottery, the effect may be replayed by lottery.

In the N+4th game, the final effect (equivalent to effect 4) of the consecutive effects is executed, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 shows a scene in which the lord, the protagonist, defeats the enemy swordsman, and the transition to the AT is announced. The value of the game count display GMV is updated and "101G" is displayed.

The example in Figure 18 (b) shown in the lower part is a state in which continuous effects are not being executed (non-continuous effects are being executed) in the normal state of the advantageous zone. More specifically, it is an example in the normal stage shown in Figure 7.

In the Nth game, an internal win occurs for a cherry, one of the minor prizes, and minor prize performance 1 is executed. A scene in which the lord is surprised by the appearance of a cherry is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. The number of games displayed (GMV) is "99G."

When the N+1th game begins, the game count display GMV is updated to "100G". In this N+1th game, the push order bell is internally selected and the normal presentation is executed. In this game, an irregular push is performed with the first stop operation being to the right, and the operation recommendation display REC is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. Here, since the push order bell is internally selected in the normal state of the advantageous zone, this irregular push is subject to a penalty, a penalty is incurred, the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 is set back by one game, and the value of the game count display GMV becomes "99G" from "100G".

When the N+2th game begins, the game count display GMV is updated to "100G" again. In this N+2th game, an internal win occurs for a watermelon, one of the small prizes, and small prize performance 2 is executed. Since this is not a consecutive performance, the performance itself is not executed again (it is not returned to the normal performance of the N+1th game), and a scene of the lord being surprised by the appearance of a watermelon is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157.

When the N+3rd game begins, the game count display GMV is updated to "101G". In this N+3rd game, an internal win occurs for a cherry, and minor prize performance 1 is executed. In this game as well, an irregular press is performed with the first stop operation being to the right, and the operation recommendation display REC is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. Here, although it is in the normal state of the advantageous zone, because an internal win occurs for a cherry rather than a push order bell, this irregular press is not subject to penalty, and no penalty occurs. For this reason, the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 is not returned, and the value of the game count display GMV does not change.

When the N+4th game begins, the game count display GMV is updated to "102G." In this N+4th game, an internal win occurs on a miss, and the normal presentation is executed. Note that since no penalty occurs due to the irregular press in the N+3rd game, and it is not a consecutive presentation, the presentation itself is not executed again (it is not returned to the small prize presentation 1 in the N+3rd game).

When the N+5th game begins, the game count display GMV is updated to "103G". In this N+5th game, an internal win occurs on the replay, and the normal presentation is executed. In this game, an irregular press is performed with the first stop operation being to the right, and the recommended operation display REC is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. In this game, although it is in the normal state of the advantageous zone, because an internal win occurs on the replay, not the push order bell, this irregular press is not subject to penalty, and no penalty occurs. For this reason, the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 is not returned, and the value of the game count display GMV does not change.

In the example of FIG. 18(a) shown in the upper row, the operation recommendation display REC for the N+2th game, and in the example of FIG. 18(b) shown in the lower row, the operation recommendation display REC for the N+1st game, the operation recommendation display REC for the N+3rd game, and the operation recommendation display REC for the N+5th game are all displayed in a common manner. The operation recommendation display REC is displayed in a common manner regardless of the type of effect being executed. In addition, the operation recommendation display REC is displayed in a common manner even if the effect stage is different. This makes it possible to prevent the operation recommendation display REC from being mistaken for a type of anticipation effect.

As compared above, in a normal state, irregular pressing in a game in which the push order bell is won is an action subject to a penalty, and during a continuous performance, the performance is re-executed in the next game, but during a non-continuous performance, the performance is not re-executed in the next game. In the continuous performance (premonition performance) immediately before the transition to the AT state, as explained using FIG. 14(b), there is a problem of a discrepancy between the start of the operation navigation and the performance, but if it is not during a continuous performance (premonition performance), such a problem does not occur, so the performance is not re-executed. However, when a penalty occurs, the value of the ceiling counter managed by the main control unit 300 is not updated, so the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 is also not updated at the stage of the next game in accordance with the ceiling counter. The ceiling counter is updated at the third stop. On the other hand, the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 is updated when a reel rotation start command indicating the start of the game is received. For this reason, the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 is reset by one in the game in which the penalty occurred, and in the next game, the number of games is updated at the start of the game as usual, resulting in the number matching the value of the ceiling counter at the third stop of the next game.

Next, we will explain the relationship between the ceiling counter and the game count display GMV when settings are changed or when power is restored after a power outage.

Figure 19 shows the relationship between the ceiling counter and the game count display GMV when settings are changed or when power is restored after a power outage. In this figure, the thick white arrow indicates the flow when buttons are pressed in order (recommended operation), and the thick black arrow indicates the flow when buttons are pressed in an irregular order (non-recommended operation).

The ceiling counter determines whether or not to update the count value at the third stop. Note that this is not limited to the third stop, as long as it is any timing after the first stop within a game. The CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 can determine whether or not a penalty has occurred after the first stop and can determine whether or not to update the count value. If a penalty has occurred, the ceiling counter does not update the count value (the count value remains the same), and if no penalty has occurred, the count value is updated (the count value is incremented by +1). On the other hand, when the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 receives a reel spin command from the main control unit 300, it updates the game count display GMV (incrementing by +1).

Figure 19 (a) shows an example of when a setting change is made and it is decided to move to the favorable zone from the first game.

When the setting is changed, the ceiling counter installed in the main control unit 300 becomes 0G, and the game count display GMV on the liquid crystal display device 157 also becomes 0G. In addition, the game state is a game state in a non-advantageous zone.

The first game begins, a non-losing combination is won, and the player transitions to the advantageous zone from the second game. Hereinafter, a game in which a transition to the advantageous zone has been determined is referred to as an advantageous zone transition game. Note that an advantageous zone transition game is a game in a non-advantageous zone. The ceiling counter is not updated in a non-advantageous zone, but if the game is an advantageous zone transition game even in a non-advantageous zone, it is updated at the timing of the third stop. The game number display GMV is also not updated in a non-advantageous zone, but if the game is an advantageous zone transition game even in a non-advantageous zone, it is updated at the timing of the start of the game.

When regular pushes are performed during advantageous zone transition play, the ceiling counter is updated to 1G at the third stop, and the number of games displayed GMV remains at 1G, as indicated by the thick white arrow. When irregular pushes are performed, the ceiling counter is updated to 1G at the third stop, and the number of games displayed GMV remains at 1G, as indicated by the thick black arrow. The winning role may or may not be the push order bell. In advantageous zone transition play, irregular pushes are not penalized. As a result, the ceiling counter is updated normally at the third stop. Also, the number of games displayed GMV, which was updated at the start of the game, remains at 1G at the third stop.

When the second game starts, it moves to the favorable zone, but it is in the normal state. At the start of the second game, the game count display GMV is updated to 2G. If the normal push is performed, the ceiling counter is updated to 2G at the third stop, as indicated by the thick white arrow, and the game count display GMV remains at 2G. If an irregular push is performed after winning the push order bell, a penalty occurs, and the ceiling counter is not updated at the third stop, and remains at 1G, as indicated by the thick black arrow. Also, the game count display GMV is returned by 1G to 1G. If an irregular push is performed after winning something other than the push order bell, the ceiling counter is updated to 2G at the third stop, and the game count display GMV remains at 2G.

Figure 19 (b) shows an example of a case where a setting change has been made and the first game is not a game that transitions to a favorable zone.

The first game starts, a losing role is won, and the player remains in the non-advantageous zone in the second game. The ceiling counter is not updated in the non-advantageous zone except for games that transition to an advantageous zone. The number of games displayed GMV is also not updated in the non-advantageous zone except for games that transition to an advantageous zone. Furthermore, no penalties are incurred in the non-advantageous zone, and even if irregular presses are performed, the ceiling counter is not updated at the third stop and remains at 0G, as indicated by the thick black arrow, and the number of games displayed GMV also remains at 0G.

The second game begins, a role other than a losing role is won, and the second game becomes a game that transitions to a favorable zone. At the start of the second game, the game count GMV is updated to 1G. Also, if the player presses the buttons in order, the ceiling counter is updated to 1G at the third stop, as indicated by the thick white arrow, and the game count GMV remains at 1G. Also, as mentioned above, in a game that transitions to a favorable zone, there is no penalty for pressing buttons in an irregular manner regardless of the winning role, so the ceiling counter is updated to 1G at the third stop, as indicated by the thick black arrow, and the game count GMV remains at 1G.

Figure 19 (c) shows an example in which the ceiling counter is 1G or more when power is restored.

In this example, the ceiling counter is at 100G when the power is restored. On the other hand, when the power is restored, the game count display GMV becomes 0G. Note that the game status at the time of the power restoration is the normal status in the advantageous zone.

The first game starts, and the game count GMV is updated to 1G. If the buttons are pressed in order, the ceiling counter is updated to 101G at the third stop, as indicated by the thick white arrow, and the game count GMV remains at 1G. If the button is pressed irregularly after winning the push order bell (when a penalty occurs), the ceiling counter is not updated at the third stop and remains at 100G, as indicated by the thick black arrow. On the other hand, the game count GMV updated at the start of the game remains at 1G. Even if a penalty occurs in the first game after power is restored, the game count GMV value is not restored. If the button is pressed irregularly after winning something other than the push order bell, the ceiling counter is updated to 101G at the third stop, and the game count GMV remains at 1G.

When the second game starts, the game count GMV increases by 1G. If the buttons are pressed in order, the ceiling counter increases by 1G at the third stop, as indicated by the thick white arrow, and the game count GMV remains at 1G. If an irregular press is performed after winning the push order bell (when a penalty occurs), the ceiling counter is not updated at the third stop and remains at 100G, as indicated by the thick black arrow. The game count GMV is also set back by 1G to 1G. If an irregular press is performed after winning something other than the push order bell, the ceiling counter is updated to 101G at the third stop, and the game count GMV remains at 2G.

Figure 19 (d) shows an example in which the ceiling counter is at 0G when the power is restored. Note that the game state when the power is restored is the normal state in the advantageous zone.

The first game starts, and the game count display GMV is updated to 1G. If the buttons are pressed in order, the ceiling counter is updated to 1G at the third stop, as indicated by the thick white arrow, and the game count display GMV remains at 1G. If the push order bell is won and an irregular push is performed (when a penalty occurs), the ceiling counter is not updated at the third stop and remains at 0G, as indicated by the thick black arrow. On the other hand, as mentioned above, even if a penalty occurs in the first game after power is restored, the game count display GMV value is not restored, so the game count display GMV remains at 1G. Note that if an irregular push is performed when something other than the push order bell is won, the ceiling counter is updated to 1G at the third stop, and the game count display GMV remains at 1G.

When the second game starts, the game count GMV increases by 1G. If the buttons are pressed in order, the ceiling counter increases by 1G on the third stop, as indicated by the thick white arrow, and the game count GMV remains increased by 1G. If an irregular press is performed after winning the push order bell (when a penalty occurs), the ceiling counter is not updated on the third stop and remains at 0G, as indicated by the thick black arrow. The game count GMV is also set back by 1G to 1G. If an irregular press is performed after winning something other than the push order bell, the ceiling counter is updated to 1G on the third stop, and the game count GMV remains at 2G.

If the setting is changed before the store opens, it will look like FIG. 19(a) or (b). On the other hand, if the setting is not changed before the store opens, the power will only be turned on, and it will look like FIG. 19(c) or (d). If the player knows that the setting has not been changed, the operation of the slot machine immediately after the store opens may decrease, so it is preferable to make the display of the number of games displayed GMV consistent for both the case where the setting has been changed and the case where the setting has not been changed. Therefore, if the store clerk plays a game in the advantageous zone transition game before the store opens on the gaming machine where the setting has been changed, the number of games displayed GMV will not become 0G, so the player will not know whether the setting has been changed or not. On the other hand, if the setting is changed, the difference number counter (including the virtual difference number counter) in the advantageous zone is reset, and the expected number of game values that can be acquired in the advantageous zone decreases, so it is expected that some players will take the setting change as a bad impression, and the operation of the gaming machine immediately after the store opens may not be extended. Even in such cases, by matching the behavior of the game count display GMV when settings are changed and when they are not, it becomes difficult to tell whether settings have been changed or not, and a drop in operation immediately after opening can be prevented.

Next, we'll explain an example that is different from the ones we've explained so far.

Figure 20 (a) is an overview diagram of what happens when a penalty occurs during a continuous performance, as explained above.

When a penalty occurs during a continuous performance, the performance is re-executed in the next game. In this mode, when the number of games until the transition to the AT state is managed by both the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 (so-called game number management type/mode management type), the number of games managed by the main control unit 300 can be adjusted to the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400. This mode is also compatible with Gaze's continuous performance (a continuous performance that does not transition to the AT state even after the continuous performance ends) when game number management is performed.

Figure 20 (b) shows an example of the display of the game count display GMV when a penalty occurs, as explained above.

The game number display GM is updated at the start of the game, and the number of games increases by one. When a penalty occurs, the game number display GM goes back by one game at the timing of the third stop of the game in which the penalty occurred. Then, when the next game starts, the game number display GM increases by one. Here, even if a penalty occurs, the game number display GM does not change, and when the next game starts, the game number display GM increases by one. However, when a penalty occurs, the ceiling counter controlled by the main control unit 300 is not updated, so a discrepancy with the ceiling counter occurs. In addition, a mode in which the game number display GM does not advance at the time the next game starts is also conceivable. However, this may lead to the misunderstanding that a penalty has been given in the next game. In response to these, if the game number display GM is set to go back by one game in the game in which the penalty occurred, it is possible to suggest that the penalty is completed in that game, and there is no discrepancy with the ceiling counter.

Figure 20 (c1) is a conceptual diagram of an example in which, unlike the previous examples, a waiting game is played when a penalty occurs during a continuous performance.

In the example shown in FIG. 20 (c1), even if a penalty occurs, the consecutive performances are executed to the end, and the confirmation performance (the performance that displays the AT confirmation screen) that follows the consecutive performance is executed repeatedly. In other words, by inserting a standby game in which an extra performance is executed just before the transition to the AT state (at the end of the normal state), this is a mode in which the discrepancy with the ceiling counter is eliminated. While the extra confirmation performance is being executed (during the standby game), the display screen displays the word "Waiting" or the like.

Figure 20 (c2) is a diagram to explain an example in which a waiting game different from that shown in Figure 20 (c1) is played when a penalty occurs during a continuous performance.

In the example shown in FIG. 20(c2), even if a penalty occurs, the consecutive performances are continued until the end, and the final performance 4 of the consecutive performances (victory performance) is repeatedly executed. In other words, this is a mode in which, instead of a confirmation performance, a waiting game in which the performances in the consecutive performances (victory performances) are repeated is inserted, thereby eliminating the discrepancy with the ceiling counter. While an extra victory performance is being performed, the word "Waiting" or the like is displayed on the victory performance display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157.

In the case of Gaze's continuous performance, the continuous performance will be executed to the end in the same way, but there will be no extra performances at any point.

This is a mode that works well when the number of games played before transitioning to the AT state is managed only by the main control unit 300 out of the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400, or when the number of games is not managed during the continuous Gaze performance. This is also a mode that works well with specifications where the AT lottery is performed based on the winning combination, rather than specifications where transitioning to the AT state is determined depending on the number of games or mode.

In addition, if an irregular button press causes a penalty, and a rare role is internally won in the game after the penalty, a special process (rare role avoidance navigation) may be executed to navigate the button press order so that the rare role is not won. If a player becomes aware of the occurrence of a penalty by a blackout display or the like and wins a rare role immediately after the penalty, they may be disappointed that they have lost money because the previous penalty has affected the profit that could have been obtained from the rare role, so the rare role avoidance navigation is executed to prevent the player from becoming disappointed.

In addition, the AT lottery will not be held in the game in which the penalty occurred, but it will be held in the next game. However, preferential processing related to the AT (for example, the lottery for adding to the number of games in which the AT is awarded) that may be executed if the AT lottery is won will not be held in the game following the game in which the penalty occurred.

Next, we will explain how the operation recommendation display REC is displayed.

Figure 21 shows several examples of the display format of the operation recommendation display REC displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157.

Figure 21 (a) shows the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 before the reels 110 to 112 start spinning, with the image displayed using the entire display screen.

Figure 21(b), which follows on from Figure 21(a), shows the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 when the start lever 135 is operated and all three reels 110 to 112 are spinning. This display screen shows a normal performance image (a scene in which an old man is reading a letter to the lord in the castle tower).

Continuing from FIG. 21(b), FIG. 21(c1) displays an SPE in which the lord says, "There are signs of a good opportunity." All three reels 110 to 112 continue to spin.

In FIG. 21(c2), which is a continuation of FIG. 21(c1), only the center reel 111 is stopped among the three reels 110-112. That is, the center stop button 138 is operated as the first stop operation, and an irregular press is performed. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 shown in FIG. 21(c2), the operation recommendation display REC is displayed above the dialogue display SPE, such as "There is a good chance." That is, the operation recommendation display REC and the dialogue display SPE do not overlap. In addition, the operation recommendation display REC does not overlap with the number of stored coins display section 125L on the left side, and the operation recommendation display REC does not overlap with the number of coins to be paid out display section 127L on the right side.

The display mode of the operation recommendation display REC is the same regardless of the type of effect being executed (for example, normal effect, small win effect, duel effect, freeze effect, etc.).

Figure 21 (c3) is a diagram showing another display mode of the operation recommendation display REC. The operation recommendation display REC shown in this figure is displayed on the entire screen except for the three reels 110 to 112. In other words, the text "Push left recommended" is displayed on a gray background.

Figure 21 (c4) shows the relationship between the operation recommendation display REC and the error display.

The error display ERR, which displays the word "error" on a gray background, is displayed on the entire screen except for the three reels 110 to 112. Even if the operation recommendation display REC is displayed before the error display ERR, or even if the operation recommendation display REC is displayed after the error display ERR, the error display ERR overlaps the operation recommendation display REC, making it difficult to see. In FIG. 21 (c4), the operation recommendation display REC overlapped on the error display ERR is shown by a dotted line. Note that in this example, the operation recommendation display REC is completely overlapped on the error display ERR, which is displayed on the entire screen, but it may be at least partially overlapped. Specific errors of the error display ERR include a door open error, a hopper clogged error, a hopper empty error, and a medal passing number error (the same applies in the following explanation).

As explained above, the operation recommendation display REC is displayed in an area that overlaps with the error display ERR but does not overlap with the dialogue display SPE, allowing part of the presentation to be understood. In addition, the operation recommendation display REC is displayed approximately in the center of the display screen.

Note that with medal-less gaming machines, counting can be performed at any time, so counting is possible even when the operation recommendation display REC is displayed, and the operation recommendation display REC may be displayed during counting.

Next, we will explain an example of what happens when the error message ERR appears while the recommended operation message REC is displayed, and the error is resolved.

Figure 22 shows an example of when an error message ERR is displayed or when a power outage occurs while the operation recommendation message REC is displayed. In Figure 22, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 is shown in chronological order from left to right.

As explained above, the operation recommendation display REC is a display that appears when irregular button presses are detected, but irregular button presses may or may not result in a penalty. If a penalty occurs, the operation recommendation display REC will remain displayed after the third stop and will disappear when the next game starts (see the example shown in Figure 16), but if no penalty occurs, it will disappear earlier than if a penalty occurs (see the example shown in Figure 17).

Figure 22 (a1) shows an example of when a penalty occurs when performing irregular button presses.

On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 shown at the far left, the operation recommendation display REC is displayed overlapping with the display of the normal effects. When an error is detected while the operation recommendation display REC is displayed, the error display ERR is displayed over the entire display screen, and the operation recommendation display REC becomes invisible (hidden). In other words, an error is detected in the game in which the penalty occurred. After that, the error is resolved in the game in which the penalty occurred, the error is recovered, the error display ERR disappears, and the state returns to one in which the operation recommendation display REC is displayed again. When the start lever 135 is operated to start the next game, the operation recommendation display REC disappears, and the display screen shows the effects of the next game (display of the small winnings effects).

Figure 22 (a2) shows an example of a case where an irregular button press is performed but no penalty is incurred.

On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 shown at the far left, the operation recommendation display REC is displayed overlapping the display of the normal performance. If an error is detected before the third stop is made, the error display ERR is displayed over the entire display screen, and the operation recommendation display REC becomes invisible (hidden). After that, the third stop is made, and if the error is resolved and the error is recovered before a predetermined time has passed since the third stop, the error display ERR disappears and the state returns to one in which the operation recommendation display REC is displayed again. On the other hand, if the error is resolved and the error is recovered after a predetermined time has passed since the third stop, the operation recommendation display REC is not displayed on the display screen after the error display ERR disappears.

In this example, the error detection may occur during the period after the third stop and before the specified time has elapsed.

As explained above, if an error occurs while the operation recommendation display REC is displayed, the error display ERR is displayed on the entire screen, and if the error is resolved within the display period of the operation recommendation display REC, the operation recommendation display REC remains, but if the error is resolved after the display period has expired, the operation recommendation display REC does not remain.

Next, we will explain an example of what happens when power is restored after a power outage while the operation recommendation display REC is displayed.

Figure 22 (b1) shows an example of a case where power is interrupted and restored after the third stop and before the start of the next game.

The display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 shown at the far left is the display screen after the third stop (while the reels are stopped), and the operation recommendation display REC is displayed overlapping the display of the normal effect. Before the start lever 135 is operated (before the next game is started), a power outage occurs and the display screen after the power is restored displays a start-up screen (a screen with the words "Starting up" displayed). This example is an example in which a demo screen is displayed after a power outage occurs while the reels are stopped and the operation recommendation display REC is displayed. In the demo screen, the operation recommendation display REC is erased, and when the start lever 135 is operated while the demo screen is displayed, the next game starts and the display screen displays the effect of the next game (a display of a small winning effect). Therefore, the operation recommendation display REC that was displayed immediately before the power outage is not displayed after the power is restored. Note that a dedicated screen for when power is restored (for example, a recovery screen with the words "Recovery" displayed) may be displayed instead of the demo screen.

Figure 22 (b2) shows a first example of a case where a power outage occurs before a third stop and the operation recommendation display REC is displayed.

The display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 shown at the far left is the display screen after the irregular press and before the third stop (while the reels are spinning), and the operation recommendation display REC is displayed overlapping the normal effect display. A power outage occurs while the reels are spinning, and the display screen after power is restored shows the start-up screen. This first example is an example in which, when a power outage occurs while the reels are spinning with the operation recommendation display REC displayed, a recovery screen, which is a dedicated screen when power is restored, is displayed after the start screen. On the recovery screen, the operation recommendation display REC has disappeared, and when the start lever 135 is operated while the recovery screen is displayed, the next game is started, and the display screen shows the effect of the next game. Therefore, even in this first example, the operation recommendation display REC that was displayed immediately before the power outage is not displayed after power is restored.

Figure 22 (b3) shows a second example of a case where a power outage occurs before a third stop and the operation recommendation display REC is displayed.

In this second example, if a power outage occurs while the reels are spinning and the operation recommendation display REC is displayed, the display of the effects immediately prior to the power outage is displayed after the start-up screen. Here, the normal display of effects is displayed. When the display of effects is displayed after the start-up screen, the operation recommendation display REC has disappeared, and when the start lever 135 is operated in this state, the next game is started and the display of the effects of the next game is displayed on the display screen. Therefore, even in this example, the operation recommendation display REC immediately prior to the power outage is not displayed after power is restored.

Figure 22 (b4) shows a third example of a case where a power outage occurs before a third stop and the operation recommendation display REC is displayed.

In this third example, if a power outage occurs while the reels are spinning and the operation recommendation display REC is displayed, the screen shown immediately before the power outage is displayed after the start-up screen. Here, the operation recommendation display REC is displayed overlapping the normal presentation display. Therefore, in this third example, the operation recommendation display REC shown immediately before the power outage is displayed after power is restored. Note that when the next game starts, the operation recommendation display REC disappears and the presentation display for the next game is displayed.

According to the above description,
"A control means (e.g., a main control unit 300) capable of executing a second process (e.g., an AT transition lottery, an update of a ceiling counter) that is advantageous to a player;
A display means (e.g., a liquid crystal display device 157) capable of displaying a value display (e.g., a game count display GMV) that represents a value based on the progress of a game;
A gaming machine equipped with
The control means is a means for executing a first process that is disadvantageous to a player [for example, a penalty process (not performing an AT transition lottery, not updating the ceiling counter)] when a predetermined execution condition [for example, an irregular push is performed while the push order bell is selected in a normal state (non-AT state) in an advantageous zone] is established,
the display means is a means capable of displaying the value display in a first manner (e.g., a display manner updated every 1G) at a first timing (e.g., a timing at which a game starts) in a certain game,
the display means is means for, when the predetermined execution condition is satisfied after displaying in the first manner, displaying the value display in a second manner (e.g., a display manner in which the value display is returned by 1 G) at a second timing (e.g., a third stop timing) that is later than the first timing,
the display means is means for not displaying the value display in the second manner even at the second timing if the predetermined execution condition is not satisfied after displaying the value display in the first manner (for example, continuing to display the value display in the first manner);
The second aspect is different from the first aspect.
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He explained:

According to this gaming machine, when the first processing, which is less advantageous than the second processing, is involved, at the second timing after the first timing in the certain game, the value display that was displayed in the first manner is displayed in the second manner, thereby allowing the player to understand that the first processing has been completed in the certain game, and preventing the player from worrying that the first processing will extend to the next game.

The processing that is disadvantageous to the player may be processing that prevents the player from transitioning to the advantageous game state, or processing that does not perform preferential processing that is advantageous to the player (for example, an additional lottery, processing that provides preferential treatment for the initial number of Gs granted in the AT, processing that acquires the right to transition to a specialized zone in the AT state, etc.).

The case where a predetermined execution condition is satisfied means, for example, that all of the following conditions (a) to (c) are satisfied: (a) the game is in a normal advantageous zone (not in a non-advantageous zone, not in an AT state), (b) the game is an internally-winning game with a predetermined role (for example, a push order bell), and (c) an operation different from the recommended operation is performed. Note that it may also be the case where one or more of the conditions (a) to (c) are satisfied. Note that the value display may be a display that has a one-to-one relationship with the number of games (for example, a display of the number of games played), or may be a display that does not have a one-to-one relationship with the number of games.

If the predetermined execution condition is not satisfied after displaying in the first mode, the display means may display the value display even at the second timing but not in the second mode, or may not display the value display even in the first mode, or may not display the value display at all.

Also,
"The first aspect is an aspect displayed by performing a first update display of the value display [for example, an update display of +1G],
The second aspect is an aspect in which the value display is updated by performing a second update display of the value display [for example, an update display of −1G].
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

When the first process is involved, the second update display is displayed after the first update display is displayed during the given game, allowing the player to understand that the first process has been performed during the given game.

The second update display may be an update display that returns the value updated in the first update display to the value before the update.

Also,
"The first update display is a display that updates the value represented by the value display [e.g., the number of games] displayed on the display means by a predetermined number [e.g., one game],
The second update display is a display that returns the value updated in the first update display to the value before the update.
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

When the number of plays updated by a predetermined number at the first timing involves an unfavorable first process, the number of plays is returned to the number before the update, making it possible to understand that the unfavorable process has been completed with that certain play.

Also,
"One of the predetermined execution conditions is a condition that is established when a specific event (e.g., irregular pressing) occurs.
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

The specific event may be a certain operation by the player, or it may be an operation other than the operation recommended by this gaming machine (a non-recommended operation).

Also,
"The reels [e.g., reels 110 to 112] are provided, the rotation of which is stopped by a stop operation,
The stop operation includes a recommended stop operation (e.g., a stop operation of pushing buttons in order),
The specific event is that a stop operation different from the recommended stop operation [for example, an irregular pressing stop operation] has been performed.
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

By defining stopping operations that may be disadvantageous, players can be encouraged to play using the recommended stopping operations.

Also,
"When a predetermined transition condition [for example, an internal win for a role other than a losing combination] is satisfied, the game moves from a non-advantageous zone [for example, a zone in which it is impossible to transition to the AT state] to an advantageous zone that is more advantageous to the player than the non-advantageous zone [for example, a zone in which it is possible to transition to the AT state].
The control means is a means for not executing the first process in the non-advantageous section even if the one condition is satisfied.
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

For example, the timing for transitioning from the non-advantageous zone to the advantageous zone could be the first game after the settings are changed, but the first game after the settings are changed is often when the store opens. First thing in the morning, the reels are not yet warmed up, so it takes time for them to accelerate, and the timing at which the stop operation can be accepted is slightly delayed. Therefore, even if the player presses the left stop button in the first operation, the timing may be off and the middle stop button may actually be pressed at the timing mentioned above. It would be harsh on the player to impose a penalty in such a case, so by not executing the first process in the non-advantageous zone even if the first condition is met, it is possible to prevent the player from suffering any disadvantage.

The advantageous zone refers to a zone in which it is possible to transition to an announcing game state (AT state) that notifies the player of an operation mode that is advantageous to the player in the stopping operation, and the non-advantageous zone may be a zone in which it is impossible to transition to the announcing game state.

The control means may be a means for managing values based on the progress of a game. More specifically, the control means may be a means having a counter (ceiling counter) for counting the number of games played in the advantageous zone until the game state transitions to the notification game state.

The control means may be a means for updating the value of the counter during play in the non-advantageous zone immediately before transitioning from the non-advantageous zone to the advantageous zone [e.g., advantageous zone transition play], and the display means may be a means for updating and displaying the value display in response to the start of the play [e.g., see the thick white arrow during advantageous zone transition play in Figure 19 (a)].

Also,
"The display means does not display the value display in the second manner in the first game even if the predetermined execution condition is satisfied in the first game after the power is restored [for example, FIG. 19(c) and FIG. 19(d)].
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

It is possible to prevent players from knowing whether settings have been changed or not.

Next, we will explain the winning combination data stored in the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300.

Figure 23 (a) shows the winning combination data stored in the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300.

The winning combination information on the left side shown in FIG. 23(a) is the same as the winning combination information shown in FIG. 6(a). The push order combination, Bell (push order bell), is available in four patterns (CLR, CRL, RLC, RCL) with different stop operation modes (push order). Furthermore, three combinations (1 to 3) are available for each pattern. That is, three combinations are available for each of the same push orders. For combinations with the same push order, the player's profit is the same, but by providing three combinations, the results can be made more diverse. For example, if there is only one combination for one push order, only specific combinations are displayed for a specific push order, which results in monotony. However, by providing multiple combinations for one push order, the combinations can be displayed in different ways even for the same push order, which prevents the results from becoming monotonous.

Each winning role is assigned a consecutive natural number (winning role number) such as "00" to "34" that corresponds one-to-one with the winning role.

In the explanation so far, the transition from the non-favorable zone to the favorable zone occurs when a combination other than a losing combination is won. In other words, if the combination of "01" or more, which corresponds to Replay 3, is internally won, the player will transition to the favorable zone.

In this example, if an internal win occurs with a role of "04" or more associated with Replay 1, the player will move to the advantageous zone. Winning role numbers of "04" or more, i.e., winning role numbers in the range of "04" to "34", are advantageous zone numbers. On the other hand, winning role numbers less than "04", i.e., winning role numbers in the range of "01" to "03", are non-advantageous zone numbers. In this way, by determining winning role numbers separately for roles that are allowed to move to the advantageous zone and roles that are not allowed, the advantageous zone move processing described below can be achieved with simple processing.

The winning combination data shown in FIG. 23(a) includes the winning combination information on the left side as well as information on the small combination group and the rare combination group.

The information on the minor role group includes the push order role group consisting of all the push order bell roles, 1-coin roles 7, and 1-coin roles 8 among the push order roles. The minor roles that are not included in this push order role group are assigned consecutive numbers (natural numbers) for each minor role. In other words, the minor role numbers "01" to "21" that correspond one-to-one to the minor roles are assigned. Therefore, the minor roles can be identified by the minor role numbers. On the other hand, in the push order role group, the group number ("00") is assigned to the entire group, and no number is assigned to each bell role or 1-coin role. Therefore, although the type of push order role can be identified by the group number, it is not possible to distinguish between the minor roles (push order bell_CLR, push order bell_CRL, push order bell_RLC, push order bell_RCL, 1-coin role 7, 1-coin role 8), and the stop operation mode (push order) cannot be identified. In other words, the group number can tell whether it is a push order role or not, but it cannot tell which is the correct operation (the operation mode that may be most advantageous to the player). In addition, it can be said that the information can identify the push order role, but cannot identify which type of push order role it is (Bell_CLR1, Bell_CRL1, etc.). In the AT state, when the main control unit 300 transmits an internal winning command to the first sub-control unit 400, it transmits the winning role information (winning role number) together with the winning role information (winning role number) and the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 performs a lottery for the AT performance and other performances. In addition, the main control unit 300 may transmit information that indicates the push order to the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 instead of or together with the winning role information (winning role number). On the other hand, in the normal state (non-AT state), the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 does not need to perform the AT performance, and the processing is faster and the program capacity is smaller when the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 references the 22 winning role numbers "00" to "21" rather than the 35 winning role numbers "00" to "34". For this reason, when the main control unit 300 transmits an internal winning command to the first sub-control unit 400 in the normal state (non-AT state), it does not include winning role information (winning role number), but transmits information on the small role group, and the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 uses the information on the small role group to perform processing such as a performance lottery (for example, a lottery to determine whether or not a suggestive performance can be executed, or a notification performance of the expectation level). In addition, the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 may generate new information from the information on the small role group (information that further groups the information on the small role group, but identifies the push order role, replay, common bell, cherry, watermelon, and chance eye), and perform a performance lottery or performance processing with the new information, and even with such specifications, it can be said that the information on the small role group is used.

The rare role group is a further grouping of the small role group, and the information is divided into a group of weak rare roles, a group of strong rare roles, and a group of non-rare roles (other groups). The group of weak rare roles is assigned a unique group number ("01") for the entire group, and each rare role (watermelon, weak cherry) is not assigned a number. The group of strong rare roles is assigned a unique group number ("02") for the entire group, and each rare role (strong cherry, chance eye) is not assigned a number. The other groups are assigned a unique group number ("03") for the entire group, and each role is not assigned a number. Therefore, the group number can distinguish whether a role is rare or not, and can also identify the type of rare role, such as weak rare roles and strong rare roles. However, the group number cannot identify small roles, and it cannot tell which pattern to press. When the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 performs an AT lottery or a lottery for transition to a high probability state described later in accordance with the result of the lottery, the CPU 304 may perform the lottery process using a rare role group, since the processing is lighter when performing a lottery process of "Other? → Weak rare role? → Strong rare role?" than a lottery process such as "Replay? → Bell? → Weak cherry? → Strong cherry → Watermelon? → Chance eye?". The same is true for the lottery process in the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400, and the main control unit 300 may send an internal win command to the first sub-control unit 400 by including information on the rare role group in the internal win command.

The main control unit 300 may perform the AT lottery to determine whether to transition to the AT state, the lottery to transition to the high probability state, and the CZ lottery to determine whether to transition to the CZ using winning role information, but may also perform the lottery using a small role group or a rare role group, or may use a small role group or a rare role group depending on the lottery target. For example, if the AT lottery is a win (transition to the AT state) only when a strong cherry is won, the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 can perform the lottery processing using a small role group, and if it is a win (transition to the AT state) only when a strong cherry or a chance eye is won, the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 can perform the lottery processing using a rare role group.

The winning combination number, minor combination number, and group number explained above are expressed in binary or hexadecimal in the program (the same applies to the following explanations).

Figure 23 (b) is a flowchart of the favorable zone transition process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300.

This advantageous zone transition process is executed after the winning combination is determined during the various lottery processing steps S105 shown in FIG. 10.

First, the CPU 304 sets in a register a winning role number (winning role information) of one of "00" to "34" shown in FIG. 23(a) that is associated with the winning role in the game, and determines whether the winning role number is equal to or greater than "04", the winning role number associated with Replay 1 (step S251). Note that a comparison command such as a "CP command" can be used as a method of determination, and a transition determination process to an advantageous zone can be performed depending on whether the carry flag is set (if the carry flag = 1, there is no transition to the advantageous zone). In the case of a numerical value without a sign, such as winning role information, it is only necessary to perform processing depending on whether the carry flag is set, so by using a comparison command, the processing load can be reduced while using simple commands.

If the winning role number associated with the winning role is "04" or greater, the game state is set to an advantageous zone (step S252). Here, there is a high probability state in which the probability of winning the AT lottery is relatively high, and a low probability state in which the probability is relatively low, and during the advantageous zone, there is a transition from the low probability state to the high probability state, or from the high probability state to the low probability state. Also, the ceiling game number may be set to a first game number (e.g., 1000 games) or a second game number (e.g., 500 games). There are multiple types of advantageous zones that combine the timing of the transition to the high probability state and the ceiling game number, and the advantageous zone set in step S252 is the advantageous zone selected by lottery from among these multiple types of advantageous zones.

On the other hand, if the winning role number associated with the winning role is less than "04", the advantageous zone transition process ends and the non-advantageous zone continues.

As explained above, the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 only needs to determine whether the winning role is in the range of "04" to "34", i.e., whether the winning role number corresponding to the winning role is 4 or greater. In terms of program instructions, this requires a simple program in which, when a non-advantageous zone continues, the winning role number is set in a specified register (for example, register A), the contents of the specified register are compared with the contents of replay 1 ("04"), and the program ends when the winning role number is less than 4, which reduces the program capacity compared to determining whether each winning role is a role that will transition to an advantageous zone. Also, roles that are not roles that will transition to an advantageous zone can be eliminated with certainty.

Figure 24 is an explanatory diagram regarding the instruction monitor controlled by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300.

In the AT state, the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 may use the game information display 126 shown in FIG. 1 to display the order in which the stop buttons 137 to 139 should be pressed. The game information display 126, which may display the number of medals paid out during a bonus game, etc., functions as an instruction monitor.

Figure 24 (a) shows a game information display 126 with seven-segment displays arranged side-by-side.

The leftmost display in Figure 24(a) shows an instruction display (displaying the number 7) for instructing a CLR (center left right) operation, to the right of that an instruction display (displaying the number 8) for instructing a CRL (center right left) operation, in the center an instruction display (displaying the number 9) for instructing a RLC (right left center) operation, to the right of that an instruction display (displaying the number 10) for instructing an RCL (right center left) operation, and at the far right a common push order display (displaying the number 11) corresponding to both the 1-coin role 7 and the 1-coin role 8, indicating that the player's profit will be the same regardless of which push order is used.

Figure 24 (b) is a flowchart of the instruction monitor setting process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300.

This instruction monitor setting process is executed after the winning combination is determined during the various lottery processing steps S105 shown in FIG. 10.

First, the CPU 304 determines whether the winning combination belongs to the push order combination group of the minor combination group shown in FIG. 23(a) (step S261). In terms of program commands, it determines whether the number of the minor combination group to which the winning combination corresponds (minor combination number "01" to "21" or group number "00") is the group number "00" associated with the push order combination group. For the winning combination number, the CPU 304 must refer to 35 numbers such as "00" to "34", but for the minor combination group, it only needs to refer to 22 numbers, which increases the processing speed. The program capacity is also reduced.

If the winning combination does not belong to the group of push order combinations, this instruction monitor setting process ends. On the other hand, if the winning combination belongs to the group of push order combinations, it is determined whether the current game state is an AT state (step S262). Of the various game states shown in FIG. 7, game state numbers such as "01" for the normal stage, "02" for the CZ, "03" for the pullback zone, "04" for the bonus state, "05" for the AT normal state, "06" for the top-up zone, and "07" for the ending state are assigned. A game state number representing the current game state is set in a register (e.g., A register) of the CPU 304. In step S262, it is determined whether the game state number set in the register is "04" or more, and if it is less than "04", this instruction monitor setting process ends, and if it is "04" or more, an instruction information value is calculated in step S263. In other words, if the current game state is an AT state, proceed to step S263.

In step S263, the process is performed using the winning role information (winning role number) instead of the information of the minor role group used in step S261. That is, the winning role number associated with the winning role is divided by 3, and the quotient value of the division result is determined as the instruction information value. For example, if Bell_CLR2 is won, the winning role number "22" is divided by 3, and the quotient value is "7", so this "7" is determined as the instruction information value. The "3" used here corresponds to the number of roles prepared for the same push order. That is, in order to diversify the results, three roles with the same push order are prepared, so there are three winning role numbers, and in order to perform common processing for these three winning role numbers, they are divided by 3, and the quotient value is determined as the instruction information value without considering the remainder. This simplifies the process.

In the following step S264, the instruction monitor information is set based on the instruction information value calculated in step S263, and the instruction monitor setting process ends. The set instruction monitor information is displayed on the game information display 126, which functions as the instruction monitor.

In addition, due to the fast processing speed and small program capacity described above, the CPU 304 processes AT lotteries and lotteries in high probability states where the probability of winning the AT lottery is relatively high, using information on the small role group and information on the rare role group.

Figure 24 (c) is a modified example of the flowchart for the instruction monitor setting process shown in Figure 24 (b).

In the explanation so far, the game information display 12 functioning as an instruction monitor has displayed the numbers 7 through 11 as shown in FIG. 24(a), but in this modified example, it displays the numbers 0 through 4.

Steps S271 and S272 are the same as steps S261 and S262 described above, so their explanation will be omitted.

If the winning combination is a push order combination and the current game state is the AT state, in step S273, the CPU 304 subtracts "21", which is the value of the winning combination number associated with Bell_CLR1, which is the push order combination located at the top of the push order combination group of the minor combination group shown in FIG. 23(a), from the value of the winning combination number (winning combination information) associated with the winning combination to obtain a winning combination information subtraction value. In step S274, the winning combination information subtraction value is divided by 3, and the quotient value of the division is set as the winning combination information subtraction division value. In step S275, the value of "1" is added to the winning combination information subtraction division value, and if the value of the addition exceeds "4", 0 is determined as the instruction information value, and if it does not exceed "4", the value of the addition result is determined as the instruction information value. For example, if Bell_CLR2 is won, first, "21" is subtracted from the winning combination number "22" to obtain a winning combination information subtraction value of "1" (step S273). Next, "1" is divided by 3, and since the quotient is "0", this "0" is set as the winning role information subtraction division value (step S274). Finally, "1" is added to "0", and since the added value does not exceed "4", "1" is determined as the instruction information value. On the other hand, if the 1-coin role 7 is won, first, "21" is subtracted from the winning role number "33" to obtain a winning role information subtraction value of "12" (step S273). Next, "12" is divided by 3, and since the quotient is "4", this "4" is determined as the winning role information subtraction division value (step S274). Finally, "1" is added to "4", and since the added value exceeds "4", "0" is determined as the instruction information value.

In the following step S276, the instruction monitor information is set based on the instruction information value determined in step S275, and the instruction monitor setting process ends. As a result, the game information display 126 functioning as the instruction monitor shows the number 1 when instructing a CLR operation, the number 2 when instructing a CRL operation, the number 3 when instructing an RLC operation, and the number 4 when instructing an RCL operation. In addition, the number 0 is shown as the common push order display corresponding to the 1-coin role 7 and the 1-coin role 8, indicating that the player's profit is the same regardless of which push order is used.

In the instruction monitor setting process shown in FIG. 24(b) described above, the quotient obtained by the division is displayed directly on the instruction monitor, and the information to be displayed on the instruction monitor is determined in a single division process, making the processing easier. On the other hand, depending on the number of winning roles and types of winning roles, the instruction monitor information displayed on the game information display 126 will be displayed from a number other than "1". In this example, it is displayed from "7" as shown in FIG. 24(a). In contrast, in the instruction monitor setting process shown in FIG. 24(b), the instruction monitor information displayed on the game information display 126 can be displayed from "1", making it easier for the player to understand.

Figure 25 is a diagram showing another example of the winning combination data shown in Figure 23(a). The following explanation will focus on the differences from the winning combination data shown in Figure 23(a), and duplicate explanations may be omitted.

Figure 25(a) shows another example 1 of the winning combination data. In this another example 1, the winning combination information is the same as the winning combination information of the winning combination data shown in Figure 23(a). That is, the same 35 winning combinations (minor combinations) as the winning combination information shown in Figure 23(a) are lined up in the same order, and natural number consecutive numbers (winning combination numbers) such as "00" to "34" that correspond one-to-one to the winning combinations are assigned.

Of the 35 winning combinations (minor combinations) in this alternative example 1, the relationship between the display mode and payout number for each operation content of the common bell and push order combination is the same as the relationship shown in Figure 6 (b).

In Alternative Example 1, if an internal win occurs for a role of "05" or more that is associated with Replay 2, the player moves to the advantageous zone. Winning role numbers of "05" or more, i.e., winning role numbers that fall within the range of "05" to "34", are advantageous zone numbers. On the other hand, winning role numbers less than "05", i.e., winning role numbers that fall within the range of "01" to "04", are non-advantageous zone numbers.

In the information on the small role group in the modified example 1, in addition to the same push order role group as the push order role group in the information on the small role group in the winning role data shown in FIG. 23(a), a group of replay groups, which is a different push order role, is also provided. Small roles that are not included in the push order role group or the replay group group are assigned small role numbers "01" to "04" and "06" to "16" that correspond one-to-one to the small roles. Therefore, it is possible to identify the small roles by the small role number. On the other hand, in the replay group group, a unique group number ("05") is assigned to the entire group, and no number is assigned to each replay role. Therefore, although the type of role such as a replay role can be identified by the group number, it is not possible to distinguish between the replay roles, and the stop operation mode (push order) cannot be identified.

In the alternative example 1, since the replay 1 that is not to be transferred to the advantageous zone is also grouped into the replay group ("05"), it is more convenient to refer to the winning combination information rather than the minor combination group in the advantageous zone transfer process shown in FIG. 23(b).

Note that the winning combination data of Example 1 also includes the same rare combination group as the rare combination group in the winning combination data shown in FIG. 23(a), although this is not shown in the figure.

Figure 25(b) shows another example 2 of the winning combination data. In this another example 2, the winning combination information is the same as the winning combination information of the winning combination data shown in Figure 23(a). That is, the same 35 winning combinations (minor combinations) as the winning combination information shown in Figure 23(a) are lined up in the same order, and natural number consecutive numbers (winning combination numbers) such as "00" to "34" that correspond one-to-one to the winning combinations are assigned.

Of the 35 winning combinations (minor combinations) in this alternative example 2, the relationship between the display mode and payout number for each operation content of the common bell and push order combination is the same as the relationship shown in Figure 6 (b).

In Alternative Example 2, if an internal win occurs with a combination of "21" or more associated with Push Order Bell_CLR1, the player moves to the advantageous zone. Winning combination numbers of "21" or more, i.e. winning combination numbers in the range of "21" to "34", are advantageous zone numbers. On the other hand, winning combination numbers less than "21", i.e. winning combination numbers in the range of "01" to "20", are non-advantageous zone numbers.

The information on the small role group in the second example includes a push order role group consisting of all push order bell roles, 1-coin role 6, 1-coin role 7, and 1-coin role 8 among the push order roles. The small roles that are not included in this push order role group are assigned consecutive numbers (natural numbers) for each small role. In other words, the small role numbers "01" to "20" that correspond one-to-one to the small roles are assigned. Therefore, the small roles can be identified by the small role numbers. On the other hand, in the push order role group, the entire group is assigned a group number ("00"), and each bell role or 1-coin role is not assigned a number. Therefore, although the type of push order role can be identified by the group number, it is not possible to distinguish between the small roles (push order bell_CLR, push order bell_CRL, push order bell_RLC, push order bell_RCL, 1-coin role 6, 1-coin role 7, 1-coin role 8), and the stop operation mode (push order) cannot be identified. In other words, the group number does not tell us which is the correct operation (the operation mode that may be most advantageous to the player).

In the second example, the 1-coin role 6 that does not transition to the favorable zone is also grouped in the push order role loop ("00"). Therefore, in the favorable zone transition process shown in FIG. 23(b), it is more convenient to refer to the winning role information rather than the small role group.

Note that the winning combination data of Example 2 also includes the same rare combination group as the rare combination group in the winning combination data shown in FIG. 23(a), although this is not shown in the figure.

According to the above description,
"A means for determining whether a transition condition for transitioning to an advantageous zone advantageous to a player (e.g., a miss, 3 replays, 1 coin during RB, or a winning combination other than a bell during RB) is satisfied, and for setting the advantageous zone when the transition condition is satisfied (e.g., a CPU 304 for executing the advantageous zone transition process shown in FIG. 23(b)),
A winning result determination means for determining one of a plurality of winning results (for example, the CPU 304 for executing an internal winning combination lottery process in the various lottery processes (step S105) shown in FIG. 10 );
A gaming machine equipped with
Each of the plurality of winning results (e.g., the winning combination of the winning combination information shown in FIG. 23(a)) is associated with first numerical information (e.g., the winning combination number of the winning combination information shown in FIG. 23(a)).
The advantageous zone setting means is a means for setting the advantageous zone when the first numerical information corresponding to the winning result determined by the winning result determination means is a specific value [e.g., "04" or "0100" expressed in binary or 4 expressed in hexadecimal] or more [e.g., a Yes judgment result in step S251 shown in FIG. 23(b)], whereby the transition condition is satisfied and the advantageous zone is set [e.g., step S252 shown in FIG. 23(b)],
The advantageous zone setting means is a means for not setting the advantageous zone because the transition condition is not satisfied if the first numerical information corresponding to the winning result determined by the winning result determination means is less than the specific value [for example, a judgment result of No in step S251 shown in FIG. 23(b)] [for example, the end of the advantageous zone transition process shown in FIG. 23(b)].
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He explained:

According to this gaming machine, the advantageous zone can be set by determining whether the first numerical information corresponding to the winning result determined by the winning result determination means is equal to or greater than a specific value, and the capacity of the processing program is reduced compared to determining whether or not a winning zone transition role occurs for each winning result. In addition, the data capacity does not become huge.

The multiple pieces of first numerical information associated with each of the multiple winning results may be consecutive values, or may be values spaced apart. Alternatively, they may be discrete values. However, the multiple pieces of first numerical information must be associated with each of the multiple winning results so that a winning result that sets the advantageous zone and a winning result that does not set the advantageous zone can be distinguished at the boundary of the specific value.

moreover,
an advantageous zone setting means for determining whether a transition condition for transitioning to an advantageous zone advantageous to a player is satisfied, and setting the advantageous zone when the transition condition is satisfied;
A winning result determination means for determining a winning result;
A gaming machine equipped with
First information is associated with the winning result,
the advantageous zone setting means is a means for setting the advantageous zone if the first information corresponding to the winning result determined by the winning result determination means satisfies a predetermined condition;
the advantageous zone setting means is a means for not setting the advantageous zone if the first information corresponding to the winning result determined by the winning result determination means does not satisfy the predetermined condition,
The first information is information in which information satisfying the predetermined condition is classified into information not satisfying the predetermined condition,
A gaming machine characterized by:
may be also possible.

Also,
"The number of winning results in which the first numerical information is equal to or greater than the specific value [e.g., 31 in FIG. 23(a)] is greater than the number of winning results in which the first numerical information is less than the specific value [e.g., 4 in FIG. 23(a)].
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

This allows the advantageous zone to be set at an early stage, speeding up processing.

Also,
"The total value of the winning probability of the winning result in which the first numerical information is equal to or greater than the specific value [for example, (a) + (b) + (c) + (d) in FIG. 6(a)] is higher than the total value of the winning probability of the winning result in which the first numerical information is less than the specific value [for example, (e) + (f) + (g) + (h) + (i) + (j) + (k) + (l) + (m) + (n) in FIG. 6(a)].
He also explained:

This also allows the advantageous zone to be set at an early stage, speeding up processing.

Also,
"A reel that stops spinning by a stop operation [e.g., reels 110 to 112],
A reward giving means (e.g., the main control unit 300);
The plurality of winning results include operation mode results [e.g., push order roles] of a plurality of types [e.g., bell CLR, bell CRL, bell RLC, bell RCL, 1 coin role 7, 1 coin role 8] associated with operation modes [e.g., so-called correct operations] advantageous to the player in the stopping operation,
The bonus granting means is a means for performing a process for granting a bonus [for example, an AT state] [for example, an AT state transition lottery] using second information [for example, information on a small winning group] different from the first numerical information [for example, in the case of a normal state (non-AT state)],
The second information is information that can identify that the winning result determined by the winning result determination means is the operation mode result [for example, a push order role], but cannot identify whether it is one of the multiple types [for example, whether it is a bell CLR, a bell CRL, a bell RLC, a bell RCL, a 1-coin role 7, or a 1-coin role 8].
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

From the viewpoint of the lottery means, there may be game states in which the advantageous operation mode is not necessary, and conversely, there may be cases in which a lottery using the second information requires less capacity for the processing program.

According to the above description,
"A reel that stops spinning by a stop operation [e.g., reels 110 to 112],
A winning result determination means for determining one of a plurality of winning results (for example, the CPU 304 for executing an internal winning combination lottery process in the various lottery processes (step S105) shown in FIG. 10 );
a notification information determination means (e.g., a CPU 304 that executes an instruction monitor setting process) that determines notification information (e.g., instruction monitor information) corresponding to an operation mode in the stop operation;
A notification means for notifying the notification information (for example, a game information display 126 functioning as an instruction monitor);
A gaming machine equipped with
The winning result determination means may determine a specific winning result of any one of a plurality of specific winning results [for example, push order combinations] associated with an operation mode advantageous to a player [for example, a so-called correct operation] [for example, bell CLR1-3, bell CRL1-3, bell RLC1-3, bell RCL1-3, 1 coin combination 7, 1 coin combination 8],
The notification information determination means is a means for determining the notification information based on a calculation result [e.g., an instruction information value] obtained by a predetermined calculation process [e.g., a calculation process of dividing a winning combination number by 3] when any of the plurality of specific winning results is determined.
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He explained:

With this gaming machine, regardless of which of the specific winning results is determined, the notification information is determined based on the calculation results obtained by a specified calculation process, which allows for standardization of processing and reduces the capacity of the processing program related to notifying the player of operation details that are advantageous to the player.

Also,
"The winning result [for example, the winning combination of the winning combination information shown in FIG. 23(a)] is associated with first information [for example, the winning combination number of the winning combination information shown in FIG. 23(a)],
the notification information determination means is means for determining the notification information based on a calculation result obtained by the predetermined calculation processing using the first information;
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

The notification information can be determined according to the winning result.

Also,
"A first control means (e.g., a main control unit 300) for controlling the progress of a game;
A second control means (e.g., a first sub-control unit 400) for controlling the performance;
Equipped with
the notification information determination means is a means controlled by the first control means,
The first control means is a means for transmitting second information [for example, information of a small winning group] different from the first information to the second control means,
The second information is information that can identify that the winning result determined by the winning result determination means is the specific winning result [for example, a push order role], but cannot identify which of the multiple types [for example, Bell CLR1, Bell CLR2, Bell CLR3, etc.] it is,
The second control means is a means for controlling a performance using the second information.
The feature of this game is that it is a gaming machine.
He also explained:

From the perspective of the second control means, there may be game states in which the advantageous operation mode is not necessary, and conversely, there may be cases in which controlling the presentation using the second information requires less processing program capacity.

In addition, the first control means may be a means including the winning result determination means, and the first control means may be a means including the notification information determination means.

Also,
"The predetermined calculation process is a division process,
The first information is information including a corresponding value (e.g., a value of a winning combination number) that corresponds one-to-one to the winning result,
The notification information determination means is a means for determining the notification information based on a calculation result obtained by dividing the corresponding value by a predetermined value (e.g., 3) (e.g., by using the calculation result as it is (step S264) or by further processing the calculation result (step S275)) (e.g., the CPU 304 executing the indication monitor setting process shown in FIG. 24(b) or (c)).
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Regardless of which of the specific winning results is determined, the notification information is determined based on the calculation result obtained by performing division processing with a predetermined value, thereby standardizing the processing and reducing the capacity of the processing program.

Also,
"The notification information determination means is a means for determining, as the notification information, information representing a quotient value resulting from the division process of the corresponding value by the predetermined value (for example, a CPU 304 that executes the indication monitor setting process shown in FIG. 24(b)).
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

By using the quotient value resulting from the division process, the notification information can be determined without considering the remainder value of the division process, which makes it possible to further reduce the capacity of the processing program.

Also,
"The plurality of types of specific winning results include a first number [e.g., 3] of winning results [e.g., Bell_CLR] each having the same advantageous operation mode,
the predetermined value is the first number,
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

The first number is a value of 2 or more, and multiple specific winning results with different outcomes for the same advantageous operation mode can be prepared. On the other hand, as the number of specific winning results increases, the values to be handled become larger, but since the division process is performed by the first number, the increase in the number of specific winning results can be cancelled out, and an increase in the capacity of the processing program and a time required for processing can be suppressed.

In addition,
"A reel that stops spinning by a stop operation [e.g., reels 110 to 112],
A winning result determination means for determining a winning result from among a plurality of winning results (for example, the CPU 304 for executing an internal winning combination lottery process in the various lottery processes (step S105) shown in FIG. 10 );
A notification means (e.g., a game information display 126 functioning as an instruction monitor) for notifying a user of a mode of operation in the stop operation;
A gaming machine equipped with
The winning result determination means may determine a specific winning result from among a plurality of specific winning results [e.g., push order combinations] associated with an operation mode [e.g., a so-called correct operation] advantageous to a player,
The plurality of specific winning outcomes includes a first specific winning outcome [e.g., BELL_CLR1] and a second specific winning outcome [e.g., BELL_CLR2];
The first specific winning result is associated with a first operation mode [for example, a push order of center, left, right] as the advantageous operation mode,
The second specific winning result is associated with the first operation mode [for example, a push order of center, left, right] as the advantageous operation mode,
the notification means is means for notifying a user of first information corresponding to the first operation mode when the first specific winning result is determined as the winning result by the winning result determination means,
the notification means is means for notifying a user of second information corresponding to the first operation mode when the second specific winning result is determined as the winning result by the winning result determination means,
The first information and the second information are the same information (for example, the number "7" shown on the far left of FIG. 24(a)).
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
may be also possible.

Next, the standby game explained using Figures 20(c1) and 20(c2) will be described in detail. The state in which the standby game is being executed is the standby state.

Figure 26 shows an example in which a continuous performance is followed by a confirmation notification performance and a transition to the AT state, with the top figure 26(a) showing an example in which no penalty occurs, and the bottom figure 26(b) showing an example in which a penalty occurs. In both the top figure 26(a) and the bottom figure 26(b), the progression is from left to right. Figure 26 shows the number of plays (number of games), winning combination, push order, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, the occurrence of a penalty, performance progress, the count value of the premonition G number A counter, and the value of the game number display GMV.

In the upper part of Figure 26(a), a rare combination (e.g., strong cherry) is won, and a continuous performance is started. Figure 26(a) shows the continuous performance from the middle, and performance 1 (see Figure 14) is not shown.

In the N+1th game, performance 2 of the consecutive performances is executed, and a scene in which a villain swordsman appears is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. The value of the game count display GMV is 98, and "98G" is displayed in the lower left corner of the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. The value of the premonition G count A counter managed by the main control unit 300 (not shown) is "3" in the N+1th game. In the N+1th game, an internal win occurs on a miss, and the left stop button 137 is operated first, and the recommended left, center, and right operations are stopped.

In the N+2nd game, performance 3 of the consecutive performances is executed, and a scene in which the lord, the protagonist, and the master swordsman, the villain, face off against each other, is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. The value of the game count display GMV is 99, and "99G" is displayed in the bottom left of the display screen. The value of the premonition G count A counter of the main control unit 300 is decreased by one in the N+2nd game to "2". In the N+2nd game, an internal win occurs on the push order bell, but since it is in the normal state (not in the AT state), the operation navigation is not executed, and the left stop button 137 is operated first, and the recommended operations of the left, center, and right are stopped.

In the N+3rd game, the final consecutive performance, performance 4, is executed, and a scene in which the lord, the protagonist, defeats the villain, the master swordsman, is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, suggesting a transition to the AT. The consecutive performance ends in this N+3rd game. The value of the game count display GMV is 100, and "100G" is displayed in the bottom left of the display screen. The value of the premonition G count A counter is further decreased by one in the N+3rd game to "1". In the N+3rd game, an internal win is made in the replay, and the recommended operations on the left, center, and right are stopped. When the consecutive performance ends, the game count display GMV that was displayed in the bottom left of the display screen disappears.

In the N+4th game when the continuous effects have ended, a confirmation notification effect is executed, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 displays the words "AT Confirmed" above the display of the main character's character, enabling the player to identify that they will be moving to the AT state. The value of the premonition G number A counter becomes "0" in the N+4th game. In the N+4th game, an internal win occurs for a replay, and the recommended left, center, and right operations are stopped.

At the start of the N+5th game, the value of the premonition G number A counter is "0", so the game transitions from the normal state to the AT state (AT normal state). The liquid crystal display device 157 displays a notification screen (AT start screen displaying the text "AT start") notifying the player of the transition to the AT state. In the N+5th game, the push order bell is an internal win. Since the value of the premonition G number A counter managed by the main control device 300 is "0" and the game state is the AT state, information regarding the operation order of the winning role is sent from the main control device 300 to the first sub-control device 400. The display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 displays "312" (operation navigation display) notifying the player of the correct operation of the push order bell, which is the winning role.

Figure 26(b) shown in the lower part shows an example in which a consecutive performance is executed in the same way as in the upper part of Figure 26(a), but a penalty occurs in a game midway through the consecutive performance. The following will focus on the differences from the example shown in the upper part of Figure 26(a).

In the example shown in FIG. 26(b), in the N+1th game played (presentation 2 of the consecutive presentations), the value of the game count display GMV is 98, and the value of the premonition G count A counter managed by the main control unit 300 (not shown) is "3."

In the next N+2 game (performance 3 of the consecutive performances), the push order bell wins internally. That is, the push order bell wins internally in the normal state of the advantageous zone. Here, an irregular push stop operation with the first stop operation being to the right is performed, and a penalty occurs. In the N+2 game, as shown in FIG. 26(a), the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a scene in which the hero, the lord, and the enemy, the swordsman, confront each other. In addition, the game number display GMV in the lower left of the display screen displays "99G". At the timing when the first stop operation that caused the penalty was performed, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 displays an operation recommendation display REC such as "Push left recommended" so as to overlap the scene. Furthermore, in the game in which the penalty occurred, at the timing when the third stop operation was performed, a blackout display is added to the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, making the above scene difficult to see, but the operation recommendation display REC is not blacked out and is easy to see. On the other hand, the game number display GMV is darkened, making the game number display GMV difficult to see. In this example, even if a penalty occurs, the value of the game number display GMV is not returned by one game at the timing of the third stop operation, and remains at 99G (no change). Therefore, even if the game number display GMV is made difficult to see by the darkening display, there is no effect because there is no change. However, the value of the premonition G number A counter of the main control unit 300 is not updated at the timing of the third stop operation, and remains at "3". Note that, like the operation recommendation display REC, the game number display GMV may also be made not darkened to make the game number display GMV easier to see. Also, the operation recommendation display REC may be displayed without the darkening display, or the operation recommendation display REC may be displayed on the full screen.

When the next game (N+3) is started, the blackout display ends, the operation recommendation display REC also ends, and effect 4, the last effect of the consecutive effects, is executed. In other words, even if a penalty occurs during the consecutive effects, effect 3, which was executed in the game in which the penalty occurred, is not executed again, but the effect scheduled to be executed (effect 4 in this case) is executed, and the consecutive effects proceed to completion. As a result, a scene in which the lord, the protagonist, defeats the enemy swordsman is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, suggesting a transition to the AT. The value of the game count display GMV is 100, and "100G" is displayed in the bottom left of the display screen. Meanwhile, the value of the premonition G count A counter is decreased by one to "2".

In the N+4th game where the consecutive effects have ended, a confirmation announcement effect is executed, and on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, the value of the premonition G number A counter is further decreased by one to "1" above the display of the Lord character, but does not return to "0."

At the start of the N+5th game, since the value of the premonition G number A counter is "1", the game does not transition to the AT state (AT normal state) and remains in the normal state. Furthermore, if the value of the premonition G number A counter is still "1" or greater even after the confirmation notification performance has ended, the main control unit 300 executes a standby game. In this standby game, the liquid crystal display device 157 executes a standby performance in which the text display "Preparing" PRE is added to the same display as the confirmation notification performance. Note that although the text display PRE "Preparing" is displayed together with the confirmation notification performance, it does not have to be displayed together with the confirmation notification performance, and a screen specific to the standby performance (standby state) may be displayed. In addition, since the player is not informed of how many more games the waiting performance will continue during the waiting performance, the display "preparing" may be slightly brighter or darker in the final game of the waiting performance to indicate that the waiting performance (waiting state) will end in that game, and the display mode before the final game of the waiting performance may be changed from the display mode before the final game of the waiting performance. For example, the "preparing" display may be displayed in the first stage mode before the final game of the waiting performance, the "preparing" display may be displayed in the second stage mode at the start operation of the final game of the waiting performance, the following first stop operation and second stop operation may be displayed in the third stage mode and fourth stage mode, and the final stop operation may be displayed in the fifth stage (final stage) mode. This makes it possible to indicate that the AT state will start from the next game, so that the player can be mentally prepared and it is possible to prevent the AT state from starting unexpectedly. In addition, the waiting performance is a performance that is executed by the main control unit 300 instructing the first sub-control unit 400 to execute it. In addition, even if the value of the game number display GMV is "0", if the first sub-controller 400 determines that the value of the premonition G number A counter from the main control unit 300 is not "0" (if it is determined that there is a discrepancy between the G number from the main control unit and the G number from the first sub-control), the first sub-controller 400 may control to execute a standby effect. Then, as shown in the example in FIG. 26(a), instead of displaying the AT start screen just because the confirmation notification effect has ended, a standby game is executed, and an effect is performed in which the progress of the effect is stopped during the standby game. By executing the standby game, the value of the premonition G number A counter becomes "0". In this example, a penalty occurred in only one game, the N+2th game, but if a penalty occurs in multiple games, a standby game is executed for the number of games in which the penalty occurred.

At the start of the N+6th game, the value of the premonition G count A counter is "0", so the state transitions from the normal state to the AT state (AT normal state). The liquid crystal display device 157 displays an AT start screen, and the push order bell has been internally won. In addition, information regarding the operation order of the winning role is sent from the main control device 300 to the first sub-control device 400. The display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 displays "312" (operation navigation display) to notify the player of the correct operation for the push order bell, which is the winning role.

In the example of executing the standby game described above, the discrepancy between the value of the premonition G number A counter and the progress of the performance is not corrected during the continuous performance, but the standby game is performed before the continuous performance ends and the AT start screen is displayed to correct the above discrepancy. In other words, the correction is made at the end, rather than midway through.

In addition, the character display PRE "preparing" displayed in the waiting game was in preparation for the value of the premonition G number A counter to become "0", but the character display PRE "preparing" may be displayed even if no penalty occurs. For example, the character display PRE "preparing" may be displayed in the confirmation notification performance in FIG. 26 (a). In this case, the character display PRE "preparing" is a character display that indicates preparation for the AT state. In this way, by displaying the character display PRE "preparing" even if no penalty occurs, it is possible to make it difficult to understand that the waiting game is due to a penalty, and it is possible to prevent the player from feeling disappointed. Note that the period of the waiting game is set to the number of games in which a penalty occurs, but this is not limited to this, and the number of games to stay in the waiting game may be determined by lottery. In this case, if a waiting game is intervened even in a situation where a penalty does not occur, the display of "preparing" is displayed regardless of whether or not there is a penalty, making it difficult to understand that the balance is due to a penalty. Also, the number of times the player remains in the waiting game may be determined according to the number of coins of game value obtained by irregular pressing. For example, the more coins of game value obtained by irregular pressing, the longer the waiting game, and the less coins of game value obtained by irregular pressing, the shorter the waiting game. This allows the game value obtained by irregular pressing to be consumed, so not only can it be prevented from gaining profits by irregular pressing, but it also reduces the waiting game in cases where a player presses irregularly but does not obtain game value, so that such a player can be prevented from consuming more game value than necessary.

Next, we will explain the flow of the premonition performance.

There are two types of premonition effects: real premonition effects and fake premonition effects. Real premonition effects are effects that are executed over one or more games in a state where it has already been determined that the game state will transition to one that is more advantageous to the player than the current game state, and they are effects that build excitement for the transition to the advantageous game state even before the transition.

Below, we will explain the advantageous game state using the AT state (AT normal state) as an example.

Figure 27 is a diagram explaining the flow of this premonition performance when transitioning from the normal state (non-AT state) to the AT state. In both the upper row (Figure 27(a)) and the lower row (Figure 27(b)), the progression is from left to right.

The upper part of Figure 27(a) shows the flow when no penalty occurs during the execution of this premonition effect. In this Figure 27(a), the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 is shown in a simplified form.

In this example, condition A is met from the normal stage shown in Figure 7, and the AT transitions to the normal state. The normal stage is an advantageous zone, and the background image of the normal effect is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157. In this state, a rare role (for example, a strong cherry) is internally won, and the main premonition effect lottery based on that internal win is won, and the main premonition effect begins. In this example, when the main premonition effect lottery is won, the AT transitions to the normal state. In other words, the AT transitions to the normal state after the main premonition effect ends.

The main control unit 300 manages the start timing of this premonition effect and the number of plays of this premonition effect. The number of plays of this premonition effect is 32. In addition, the number of plays of the final announcement effect, which starts when this premonition effect ends, is 1. When the start timing of this premonition effect arrives, the premonition G number A counter is set to "33", which is the sum of the number of plays of this premonition effect and the number of plays of the final announcement effect.

When the main premonition performance starts, in the first game, the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a main premonition performance start image (an image displaying the text "Premonition ZONE") to notify the user that the main premonition performance has started. The value of the premonition G number A counter is updated when the third stop operation is performed, and is decremented by one from "33" to "32". Note that in this main premonition performance as a whole, a one-game development performance and a four-game consecutive performance are scheduled towards the end, so the previous premonition scene performance lasts for 27 games (N=27).

In the 28th game of this premonition performance, a development performance is performed and it is determined whether or not the premonition scene performance will develop into a continuous performance. In other words, it is determined whether this premonition performance will end or continue. Here, it develops into a continuous performance (this premonition performance continues) and the continuous performance described using Figure 26 is executed. When the continuous performance of four games ends, this premonition performance ends. As described above, in performance 4 of the continuous performance, a scene is displayed in which the main lord defeats the enemy swordsman, suggesting a transition to the AT.

When this premonition effect ends, the value of the premonition G number A counter becomes "1", followed by one game of the confirmation notification effect. As described above, in the confirmation notification effect, the text display "AT confirmed" is displayed, allowing the player to identify that they will be transitioning to the AT state. When the confirmation notification effect ends, the value of the premonition G number A counter becomes "0".

In addition, in a game in which a confirmation notification effect is performed, an additional lottery may be held to add to the number of games that will be awarded the AT, based on the internal winning role in that game.

The gaming state of the slot machine 100 transitions from the normal state to the AT state (AT normal state), and the liquid crystal display 157 displays an AT start screen. When an internal win occurs on the push order bell, the value of the premonition G number A counter managed by the main control unit 300 is "0", and the gaming state is the AT state, so information regarding the correct operation order for the push order bell is sent from the main control unit 300 to the first sub-control unit 400, and an operation navigation display is displayed on the liquid crystal display 157.

The lower part of Figure 27(b) shows the flow when a penalty occurs during the execution of this premonition effect. The following explanation focuses on the differences from the example shown in Figure 27(a).

First, penalties in the normal stage of the advantageous zone before the start of this premonition performance are not subject to waiting play. This is because the premonition G number A counter of the main control unit 300 is not activated, and the discrepancy between the value of the premonition G number A counter and the progress of the performance is not an issue. However, penalties in the normal stage of the advantageous zone before the start of this premonition performance may also be subject to waiting play. The above discrepancy is not an issue, but if a penalty is imposed, the timing at which the AT start screen begins to be displayed will be delayed, which serves as a measure to prevent penalties.

A penalty occurs in the second game after this premonition effect starts. The value of the premonition G number A counter is not updated when the third stop operation is performed and remains at "32", but the effect continues.

In addition, a consecutive performance is started, and a penalty occurs during the execution of performance 2. The value of the premonition G number A counter is not updated when the third stop operation is performed, and remains at "5".

In this example, two penalties occur, and the value of the premonition G count A counter is "2" when the final announcement performance ends.

When the confirmation notification effect ends, waiting games are executed for the number of games indicated by the premonition G number A counter. In this case, two games of waiting games are executed. As described above, in the waiting games, a waiting effect is executed in which the display is the same as that of the confirmation notification effect, but with the addition of the text display PRE saying "preparing". After two waiting games are executed, the value of the premonition G number A counter becomes "0". Note that a penalty may also occur during waiting games. Even if a penalty occurs during waiting games, the value of the premonition G number A counter is not updated at the time the third stop operation is performed, and the waiting games are extended by the number of games in which the penalty occurred.

While a standby game is being played, a draw to add to the number of games awarded with an AT may or may not be performed based on the internal winning role in that game. Alternatively, while a standby game is being played, a draw to add to the number of games may not be performed for replays or bells, and a draw to add to the number of games may be performed only for rare roles (e.g., cherries). By performing a draw to add to the number of rare roles even during standby play, in the case of a specification in which standby play is performed even when no penalty has occurred, it is possible to make it difficult to tell that the standby game is due to a penalty, and the game can be played in a natural flow regardless of the occurrence of a penalty.

During standby play, information regarding the operation order of winning roles is not sent from the main control unit 300 to the first sub-control unit 400, so the operation navigation display is not displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157, but a presentation related to the operation mode (push order) may be executed. For example, a presentation may be executed in which only the fact that the first stop is left is notified, and the second stop is a "?" and the third stop is also a "?", or a presentation of a push order quiz may be executed. If the presentation related to the operation mode (push order) also includes the operation navigation display, the frequency of the presentation related to the operation mode (push order) is reduced during standby play compared to play in the AT state. For example, it may be reduced to half, or may not be executed at all. Also, instead of effects related to the operation mode, effects suggesting a winning role may be executed. If a rare role such as a cherry or watermelon is won, a display that says "opportunity" or a display including a color corresponding to the winning role (e.g., red or green) may be displayed. If a replay or push order bell is won, a display that says "minor role" or a display including a color corresponding to the winning role (e.g., light blue, yellow, or gray to suggest that some role has been won) may be displayed.

When the standby game ends, the value of the premonition G number A counter is "0" and the game state is in the AT state, so information regarding the correct operation order of the push order bell is sent from the main control unit 300 to the first sub-control unit 400, and an operation navigation display is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157.

As explained above, if a penalty occurs during the period of the main premonition performance, the scheduled main premonition performance is completed to the end, and a standby game is performed for the number of games for which a penalty was incurred during the period before the AT start screen is displayed after the scheduled premonition performance is completed. Then, after the standby game ends, a transition to the AT state is notified, and the operation navigation display can be displayed. By completing the scheduled main premonition performance to the end, the player feels that the occurrence of the penalty has not had a negative effect on the player, and the player can be introduced into the AT state without being discouraged. In addition, if a penalty occurs due to a mistake, the player may feel disappointed and lose motivation to continue playing, but if the display is not blacked out, the game can be naturally advanced even if a penalty occurs, and the player can be prevented from realizing that a penalty has occurred. In addition, by performing a standby game, the apparent performance progress and the internal game situation can be made consistent. Furthermore, since the standby performance is performed after the execution of the confirmation notification performance, the player knows that the transition to the AT state will occur soon, and it is possible to suppress stopping the game (leaving the seat). In addition, the same "AT confirmed" message that appears in the confirmation notification display is also displayed during the waiting display, which can more reliably prevent players from quitting the game.

The example shown in FIG. 27 is an example of the main premonition effect in the transition from the normal stage to the AT normal state, but it can also be applied to the main premonition effect in the transition from the normal stage to the CZ. Also, an example has been described in which a rare role triggers a main premonition lottery and the value of the premonition G number A counter is set, but this is not limited to this. The number of Gs at which the next AT state will start may be determined at the end of the previous AT state (the start of a new normal stage) and the premonition start timing may be determined after that, the premonition start timing may be determined at the end of the previous AT state (the start of a new normal stage), or the main premonition lottery may be performed when a specific number of Gs have passed and the value of the premonition G number A counter may be set.

A false premonition effect is an effect that is executed over one or more games when it has not been decided that the game state will transition to one that is more advantageous to the player than the current game state, and creates the expectation of a transition to a more advantageous game state. However, this only creates the expectation, and the game state does not actually transition to a more advantageous game state, and the current game state remains.

Figure 28 is a diagram explaining the flow of the Gaze premonition performance that is executed in the normal state (non-AT state). In both the upper row of Figure 28 (a) and the lower row of Figure 28 (b), the performance progresses from left to right.

The upper part of Figure 28(a) shows the flow when no penalty occurs during the execution of the false premonition effect. In this Figure 28(a), the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 is shown in a simplified form. Below, the following explanation will focus on the differences from the flow when no penalty occurs during the execution of the real premonition effect shown in Figure 27(a).

In the normal stage, which is an advantageous zone, the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a background image of the normal effect. The false premonition effect is determined by the result of the false premonition effect lottery as to whether it is executed, the effect content, the effect period, etc. The false premonition effect lottery is executed on the condition that the number of games reaches a predetermined number of times, or on the condition that a predetermined role (for example, a replay or a bell) is internally won. Even if the execution of the false premonition effect is won by the false premonition effect lottery, the premonition G number A counter does not start. The effect content and effect period of the false premonition effect here are the same as the effect content and effect period of the main premonition effect described using FIG. 27(a). That is, the premonition scene effect of the 27th game is executed, and the development effect is executed in the 28th game. In the development effect, even if it is a false premonition effect, it develops into a continuous effect, and the same continuous effect as the continuous effect described using FIG. 26 is executed. In the continuous effect 4, the scene in which the hero, the lord, wins against the enemy, the swordsman, is displayed, suggesting a transition to the AT. Once the four-game sequence is over, the false omen sequence will end.

When the Gaze premonition effect ends, the confirmation notification effect is not executed, and when the next game starts, the background image of the normal effect is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157. At this point, the player realizes for the first time that the premonition effect up until that point was the Gaze premonition effect. Note that a text message such as "Too bad" may be displayed in the next game after the Gaze premonition effect ends.

Figure 28(b) in the lower part shows the flow when a penalty occurs during the execution of the Gaze premonition effect. The following explanation focuses on the differences from the example shown in Figure 28(a).

First, even if a penalty occurs in the normal stage of the advantageous zone before the start of the false premonition effect, the standby game is not executed. Also, even if a penalty occurs while the false premonition effect is being executed, the standby game is not executed. In the first place, the AT state is not entered and the normal state remains, and as mentioned above, the premonition G number A counter of the main control unit 300 is not activated, so the discrepancy between the value of the premonition G number A counter and the progress of the effect is not an issue. Even if a penalty occurs, the false premonition effect is executed to the end, with the priority being given to making the effect look natural. Then, when the false premonition effect ends, the standby game is not executed, and when the next game starts, the background image of the normal effect is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157.

Also, in the above example, the false premonition is triggered by a rare role, just like the real premonition, but this is not limited to the above, and the timing for the false premonition to start may be determined at the end of the previous AT state (the start of a new normal stage).

As examples of effects when a penalty occurs due to irregular pressing, examples have been described in which a similar effect is replayed in the next play, and a standby state occurs in the confirmation announcement after the end of a series of effects, but the presenter is not limited to these. For example, when a penalty occurs due to irregular pressing in a certain play, the final part of the effect in the previous play (the play in which the irregular pressing was performed) may continue to be performed in the next play (the effect is prolonged, and the effect does not progress). Of course, if the recommended press is performed in this next play, the effect will progress in the play after that, and if the irregular pressing is performed again, the final part will continue to be performed in the play after that. For example, if the configuration of the presentation in a certain game is "the beginning part at the time of the game start operation (operation of the start lever 135) → the middle part at the time of the first stop → the end part when the pressing of the final stop button is released", and the presentation image of the end part is looped after the pressing of the final stop button is released, if an irregular press is made in a certain game and a penalty is incurred, the end part of the presentation in the previous game (a certain game) will continue to be looped in the next game. Note that in the next game after the irregular press, the presentation will be looped from the game start operation to the end part, and the presentation will not progress with each stop operation. Also, if the loop playback of the end part has been reached under the circumstances of an irregular press in a certain game, even if the start operation of the next game is performed, the loop playback may not start from the beginning, but the end part may be looped seamlessly. In addition, if the final part is after the end part as a performance configuration, if the recommended button is pressed in a certain game, the performance will be executed up to the final part, but if an irregular button is pressed in a certain game, the final part will not progress to the final part and will be looped, and the next game will also start the loop of the final part. If the next game is a recommended button press, the performance will progress to the final part after the final stop, and if the next game is also an irregular button press, the final part will loop even after the final stop. The performance of the final part may be a performance in which opponents face each other, a performance display of "NEXT" indicating the performance progress to the next game, or a performance display of "hit the lever" to encourage the start operation for the next game. In addition, in such a configuration in which the performance is extended when an irregular button is pressed and a penalty is incurred, the G number counter managed by the main control unit 300 and the G number counter managed by the sub control unit 400 may be configured so that the G number counter does not advance in the next game when an irregular button is pressed and a penalty is incurred, or the G number counter is configured to return by 1.

According to the above description,
"A production means (e.g., a liquid crystal display device 157) and
A control means (e.g., a main control unit 300)
A gaming machine equipped with
The control means is a means capable of controlling a transition to a second gaming state [e.g., an AT state] that is more advantageous to a player than a first gaming state [e.g., a normal state (non-AT state)],
the control means is a means capable of executing a second process,
The second process is a process related to the transition from the first gaming state to the second gaming state [for example, updating the transition counter, updating the premonition G number A counter, updating the ceiling counter, and AT transition lottery],
The presentation means is a means for executing a second presentation (for example, a presentation by an AT start screen on which the character display of "AT start" in FIG. 26 is displayed) to notify that the game state has been shifted to the second game state,
the control means is a means for executing the second process in a second case,
The control means is a means for determining a first case (for example, a case in which a penalty process is executed or no process is executed) that is more disadvantageous to the player than the second case, rather than the second case;
In the second case, the presentation means is a means for executing the first presentation [for example, the continuous presentation in FIG. 26] that was scheduled to be executed before the transition to the second gaming state as scheduled [for example, FIG. 26(a)],
The performance means is a means for executing the first performance as scheduled even in the first case (for example, FIG. 26(b)).
The presentation means is a means for executing a third presentation [for example, a standby presentation to which a character display PRE of "preparing" is added] for a number of games corresponding to the number of games in the first case before executing the second presentation,
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He explained:

With this gaming machine, even in the first case where the second process is not executed and the player is at a disadvantage, the first presentation is executed as scheduled, so the player does not feel that the first case is occurring while the first presentation is being executed, and it is possible to make the player feel as if the game is progressing naturally. Meanwhile, before executing the second presentation, the third presentation is executed for a number of plays corresponding to the number of plays that resulted in the first case, so that the apparent presentation progress can be consistent with the internal game situation. As a result, this gaming machine can handle the effects of the presence or absence of a process (the second process) related to a transition to a game state that is advantageous to the player.

The timing of execution of the third effect may be any time before the execution of the second effect.

The gaming machine may also have a second case in which the control means executes the second process, and a first case in which, if the operating means is operated in an operating mode different from the predetermined operating mode during the stop operation [for example, an operating mode for the first right stop or an operating mode for the first center stop], the control means does not execute the second process, which may be more disadvantageous to the player than the second case [for example, a case in which a penalty process is executed or no process is executed, i.e., a penalty is incurred].

Furthermore, the presentation means is a means for, in the first case, executing a third presentation for a number of plays corresponding to the number of plays that resulted in the first case before executing the second presentation.

Furthermore, according to the above description,
"A production means (e.g., a liquid crystal display device 157) and
A control means (e.g., a main control unit 300)
A gaming machine equipped with
The control means is a means capable of controlling a transition to a second gaming state [e.g., an AT state] that is more advantageous to a player than a first gaming state [e.g., a normal state (non-AT state)],
the control means is a means capable of executing a second process,
The second process is a process related to the transition from the first gaming state to the second gaming state [for example, updating the transition counter, updating the premonition G number A counter, updating the ceiling counter, and AT transition lottery],
The presentation means is a means for executing a second presentation (for example, a presentation by an AT start screen on which the character display of "AT start" in FIG. 26 is displayed) to notify that the game state has been shifted to the second game state,
the control means is a means for executing the second process in a second case,
The control means is a means for determining a first case (for example, a case in which a penalty process is executed or no process is executed) that is more disadvantageous to the player than the second case, rather than the second case;
The presentation means may execute a fourth presentation (for example, a confirmation notification presentation in which the text display of "AT Confirmed" is displayed) that can identify that the transition to the second game state is to be performed before the second presentation,
The presentation means is a means for executing a third presentation [for example, a standby presentation to which a character display PRE of "preparing" is added] for a number of games corresponding to the number of games in which the first case occurs, from the start of execution of the fourth presentation to the start of execution of the second presentation.
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

According to this gaming machine, after the execution of the fourth effect, which can identify that a transition to the second gaming state will occur, is started and before the execution of the second effect is started, the third effect is executed for a number of plays corresponding to the number of plays in which the first case has occurred, so that the apparent progress of the effects can be made consistent with the internal gaming situation. Furthermore, by executing the fourth effect, the player knows that a transition to the second gaming state will soon occur, and can prevent the player from stopping playing just because the second process has not been executed and the first case has occurred, which may be disadvantageous to the player. As a result, this gaming machine can handle the effects of the presence or absence of a process for a transition to a gaming state that is advantageous to the player (the second process).

The gaming machine may have a second case in which the control means executes the second process, and a first case in which, if the operating means is operated in an operating mode different from the predetermined operating mode during the stop operation [for example, the operating mode for the first right stop or the operating mode for the first center stop], the control means does not execute the second process, which may be more disadvantageous to the player than the second case [for example, a penalty process is executed or no process is executed, i.e., a penalty is applied].

The presentation means is means for executing a third presentation [for example, a standby presentation with the text display PRE "preparing" added] for a number of games corresponding to the number of games played that resulted in the first case, from the start of execution of the fourth presentation to the start of execution of the second presentation.

Also,
"In the second case, the presentation means is a means for executing the first presentation [for example, the continuous presentation in FIG. 26] that was scheduled to be executed before the transition to the second gaming state as scheduled [for example, FIG. 26(a)],
The presentation means may execute the fourth presentation [for example, a confirmation notification presentation in which the text display of "AT confirmation" is displayed] between the first presentation [for example, the continuous presentation in FIG. 26] and the second presentation [for example, a presentation by an AT start screen in which the text display of "AT start" in FIG. 26 is displayed],
The performance means is a means for executing the first performance as scheduled even in the first case (for example, FIG. 26(b)).
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

With this gaming machine, even in the first case, the first presentation is executed as scheduled, so while the first presentation is being executed, the player does not feel that the first case is occurring, and it is possible to make the player feel as if the game is progressing naturally.

Also,
"The presentation means is a means for executing the third presentation for a number of games [e.g., 2 games] corresponding to the number of games in which the first case occurred [e.g., a game of a premonition scene presentation (2/N) and a game of a continuous presentation (2/4)] after the first presentation is executed [e.g., 27(b)],
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

By doing this, even if the first case occurs while the first effect is being executed, the first effect can be continued without interruption, allowing the player to enjoy the first effect.

Also,
"The third effect is an effect in which a specific display that is not displayed in the first effect [for example, the text display "Preparing" PRE] is displayed.
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

By displaying the specific display, the player can clearly see that the first performance has ended.

Also,
"The third effect is an effect in which the specific display is displayed together with an indication that indicates a transition to the second gaming state [for example, the text display of "AT Confirmed"].
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

By displaying a display that can identify the transition to the second gaming state, the player can know that the transition to the second gaming state will occur soon, and can prevent the player from stopping playing just because the first case has occurred in which the second process is not executed and this could be disadvantageous to the player.

Also,
"The presentation means is a means for extending and executing the third presentation for a number of games corresponding to the number of games in which the first case occurred, before executing the second presentation [for example, a presentation using an AT start screen], when the first case [for example, a penalty occurred] occurs during the execution of the third presentation [for example, a standby presentation with the text display "preparing" (PRE)].
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

By delaying the execution of the second effect (delaying the transition to the second game state), this serves as a countermeasure against someone who is intentionally trying to cause the first case to occur while the third effect is being executed.

The control means may execute the lottery for the second game state even while the third performance is being executed. Since it would be cruel to the player if the lottery could not be held at all, as a relief measure, the lottery for the second game state can be held.

The game machine is also provided with a notification means (which may be the presentation means or a means different from the presentation means (e.g., a speaker, etc.)) capable of executing an operation mode notification that notifies the player of an operation mode advantageous to the player in the stop operation, and the second game state is a game state in which the notification means is capable of executing the operation mode notification, and the first game state is a game state in which the notification means is unable to execute the operation mode notification. The presentation means is a means capable of executing a fifth presentation related to the operation mode (which may be, for example, a presentation that notifies the player of an operation mode advantageous to the player in the stop operation, or a presentation related to an operation mode that is not advantageous or disadvantageous), and the execution probability of the fifth presentation is lower during the execution of the third presentation than after the execution of the second presentation. The execution probability of the fifth presentation during the execution of the third presentation may be higher than 0% or may be 0%.

The presentation means may be capable of executing a sixth presentation before the transition of the game state to the second game state, the sixth presentation being a presentation regarding whether or not to transition to the second game state (for example, a main precursor presentation), and the presentation means may be means for executing the third presentation after the end of the sixth presentation if the first case occurs in a game in which the sixth presentation is being executed. The first presentation may be a part of the sixth presentation, or may be the sixth presentation. If player A causes the first case to occur before a game in which the sixth presentation is executed, and then player B plays a game in which the sixth presentation is executed, it is possible to prevent player B from being affected by the first case caused by player A.

The presentation means is capable of executing the same presentation as the first presentation even when the game state does not transition to the second game state (for example, when executing a Gaze premonition presentation), and is capable of executing the third presentation when the game state transitions to the second game state. Furthermore, the presentation means may be capable of not executing the third presentation when the game state does not transition to the second game state. If the game state does not transition to the second game state, there is no need to match the apparent presentation progress with the internal game situation, and there is no need to execute the third presentation. In addition, if the third presentation were executed when the game state does not transition to the second game state, it would look unnatural, so the third presentation is not executed.

Furthermore, the third effect is an effect in which a specific display that is not displayed in the first effect is displayed, but the fourth effect may display the same display as the specific display. By displaying the same display as the specific display in the fourth effect, it is possible to make it difficult to understand that the third effect is caused by the occurrence of the first case, and to prevent the player from feeling disappointed.

Next, another example of condition A shown in FIG. 7 will be described. The main control unit 300 may perform an AT transition lottery based on an internal win for a certain winning role or reaching a certain number of games. If the AT transition lottery is won, an anticipation effect is executed a predetermined number of games before transitioning to the AT state. In the explanation so far, the specific effect in condition A is a continuous effect, and the end of the continuous effect is condition A, but the specific effect may also be an anticipation effect that may be executed a predetermined number of games.

Figure 29 shows a timing chart for when a sense of anticipation is created, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at each timing.

In FIG. 29, time passes from left to right. Also shown in FIG. 29 as "game progress" are the "start operation," "first stop," "second stop," and "third stop" which are the operations of the start lever 135. Below that, the respective acceptable states of the "left stop Sw" which is the left stop button 137 sensor, the "middle stop Sw" which is the middle stop button 138 sensor, and the "right stop Sw" which is the right stop button 139 sensor are also shown. Each Sw becomes acceptable after a start operation, and when a stop operation is accepted in the acceptable state, the acceptable state ends. Below that, the respective rotating states of the left reel 110, middle reel 111, and right reel 112 are also shown. Further below that, the display contents of the "liquid crystal display" on the liquid crystal display device 157 are also shown.

The main control unit 300 is provided with a transition counter that manages the transition to the AT state. This transition counter counts up the number of games at the timing of the third stop, and if the value of the transition counter is the value of a predetermined number of games (here, 99) at the start of play, the main control unit 300 instructs the first sub-control unit 400 to start executing an anticipation effect. In the anticipation effect, an anticipation icon notification effect is executed by displaying an icon representing anticipation, or a line effect is executed by displaying a line representing anticipation, in response to the operation of the stop button. In addition, a game number display GMV is displayed in the upper left corner of the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. The value of this game number display GMV is the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400, and is a value that increases by one each time a start lever acceptance command is received from the main control unit 300 after the power is turned on, for example.

In this example, if the value of the transition counter is 99 at the start of play, the execution of the anticipation effect begins. If the value of the transition counter is 99 at the start of play, the game that is started is the 100th game. This 100th game is in the normal state (non-AT state) of the advantageous zone. At the timing when the start operation for the 100th game is performed (A1), the background image of the normal effect is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. In addition, the start of play updates the game count display GMV in the upper left from "99G" to "100G".

In the 100th game, the left stop button 137 is operated first, causing the first stop. Because the left stop button 137 is operated first, it is not an irregular press, and the first stop action here is not subject to a penalty. The timing of the first stop operation is (A2), and the left reel 110 stops. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, the anticipation icon notification performance starts at timing (A2), and the "Confirmed" icon EX1 is displayed. The "Confirmed" icon EX1 is the icon with the highest expectation of transitioning to the AT state.

Next, the middle stop button 138 is operated to perform the second stop, stopping the middle reel 111, and finally the right stop button 139 is operated to perform the third stop. The third stop operation is performed at timing (A3), and the right reel 112 stops. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, the dialogue performance begins at timing (A3), and a dialogue display WD1 such as "Well done" is displayed. A dialogue display WD1 such as "Well done" is also the dialogue display with the highest expectation of transitioning to the AT state. In addition, the transition counter value is counted up to 100 at timing (A3).

Eventually, the start lever 135 is operated to perform a start operation, and the 101st game begins. The timing when the 101st game begins is timing (A4), and the value of the transition counter is 100. If the value of the transition counter is 100 at the start of the game, the game state transitions from the normal state to the AT state (AT normal state). On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, an AT start screen is displayed at timing (A4), and the transition to the AT state is notified. From the 101st game, the operation navigation display can be displayed. In the 101st game, an internal win is made on the push order bell, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 also displays "312" (operation navigation display) to notify the correct operation of the push order bell, which is the winning role.

Figure 30 shows a timing chart when a penalty occurs in the 100th game in which a sense of anticipation is produced, and a diagram showing the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at each timing. In this Figure 30, time also progresses from left to right. The following explanation will focus on the differences from the example shown in Figure 29.

When the start operation for the 100th game is performed (A1), a background image for the normal effect is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. In addition, the start of the game updates the game count display GMV in the upper left corner from "99G" to "100G."

In the 100th game, which is the normal state (non-AT state) of the advantageous zone, the push order bell is internally selected, but since it is the normal state (non-AT state), the operation navigation display is not performed. Here, the right stop button 139 is operated first to perform the first stop. The first stop action here is an irregular push, and since it is an internal win of the push order bell in the normal state of the advantageous zone, it is an action subject to a penalty. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the timing (A2) when the first stop operation is performed, an operation recommendation display REC such as "Left push recommended" is displayed so as to overlap with the background image of the normal effect. Also, at the timing (A2), the icon EX3 of the fallen samurai is displayed at the position where the "Determined" icon EX1 is displayed, and the "Determined" icon EX1 is not displayed. The icon EX3 of the fallen samurai is the icon with the lowest expectation of transitioning to the AT state. In this way, when a penalty occurs, the effect that was scheduled to be executed (the effect with high expectation) is replaced with another effect of the same type as that effect (the effect with low expectation). Also, when a penalty occurs, the dialogue performance that would normally start when the third stop operation is performed starts when the first stop operation of the irregular press is performed. That is, the dialogue display WD3 of "What's wrong?" is displayed at the timing of (A2). The dialogue display WD3 of "What's wrong?" is the dialogue display with the lowest expectation of transitioning to the AT state. Therefore, when a penalty occurs here, the performance that was scheduled to be executed (a performance with high expectation) is replaced with another performance of the same type as that performance (a performance with low expectation). Moreover, the execution timing also changes. This is because, as will be described later, a blackout display is added at the timing when the third stop operation is performed to suggest the occurrence of a penalty, but when the dialogue performance starts at that timing, while one side suggests the occurrence of a penalty, the other side suggests the expectation of transitioning to the AT state (even if the blackout display is added, the dialogue display can be seen if you squint), and the two types of suggestions compete with each other, making it unnatural, so the start of the dialogue performance is accelerated. However, if it takes time to control the start of the dialogue presentation from when it is determined that the first stop operation is an operation subject to a penalty to when it is advanced, the dialogue display WD3 saying "What's wrong?" may be displayed after the timing of the first stop operation.

Next, the center stop button 138 is operated to perform the second stop, stopping the center reel 111, and finally the left stop button 137 is operated to perform the third stop. At the timing (A3) when the third stop operation is performed, a blackout display is added to the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. The addition of the blackout display indicates that a penalty has occurred in that game. Meanwhile, the operation recommendation display REC and the game count display GMV in the upper left corner are not blacked out. Normally, the value of the transition counter would be updated at the timing of the third stop (timing (A3)), but due to the occurrence of the penalty, it is not updated and remains at 99. Therefore, the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 is temporarily returned by one game at timing (A3). As a result, the game count display GMV has switched from "100G" to "99G". The game count display GMV may also be blacked out.

When the third stop is performed, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 goes dark, making it difficult to see the effects on the display screen, but they can be seen if you squint your eyes. At the time when the third stop operation (final stop operation) is performed (A3), the dialogue effect by the dialogue display WD1 such as "Well done" which triggered the final stop operation is not executed, and the effect by the icon EX3 of the fallen samurai, which has been replaced by the penalty, continues. Also, the dialogue effect by the dialogue display WD1 such as "Well done" is not executed, and instead, the dialogue effect by the dialogue display WD3 such as "What's wrong?" which started at the time when the first stop operation was performed (A2), continues. Note that when the third stop is performed, the dialogue effect by the dialogue display WD3 such as "What's wrong" ends, and the dialogue effect itself may no longer be executed.

After the third stop, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the timing (A4) until the start of the next game is the same as the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the previous timing (A3). In other words, the blackout display continues, but the operation recommendation display REC and the game count display GMV of "99G" are not blacked out.

Then, the start lever 135 is operated to perform the start operation, and the 101st game begins. The value of the transition counter is 99, and the game state remains normal. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the timing when the 101st game begins (A5), the blackout display ends, the operation recommendation display REC also ends, and the background image of the normal presentation is displayed. As described above, the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 has been set back by one game, and the game number display GMV has been updated to "100G". In other words, it is set back by one in the game in which the penalty occurred, and is advanced by one at the start of the next game.

In the 101st game, the left stop button 137 is operated first, and the first stop is performed. Because the left stop button 137 is operated first, it is not an irregular press, and the first stop action here is not subject to a penalty. The timing of the first stop operation is (A6), and the left reel 110 stops. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, the "Confirm" icon EX1 is displayed at (A6).

Next, the center stop button 138 is operated to perform the second stop, stopping the center reel 111, and finally the right stop button 139 is operated to perform the third stop. The third stop operation is performed at timing (A7), and the right reel 112 stops. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, a line display WD1 such as "Well done" is displayed at timing (A7). The value of the transition counter is updated at the timing of the third stop (timing (A3)) and becomes 100.

In the 101st game described above, since no penalty occurred, the anticipation effect with high expectation of transitioning to the AT state, which was scheduled to be executed in the previous 100th game, is executed. Note that if a penalty occurs in the 101st game, the execution of this anticipation effect is postponed until a game in which no penalty occurs.

Eventually, the start lever 135 is operated to perform the start operation, and the 102nd game begins. The value of the transition counter is 100, and the game state transitions from the normal state to the AT state (AT normal state). An AT start screen is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, and the transition to the AT state is announced (see liquid crystal display device 157 for the next start operation). In addition, the operation navigation display becomes displayable, and in the 102nd game, an internal win occurs on the push order bell, and the operation navigation display "312" is also displayed.

In the case of a specification in which the effect is re-executed in the next game when a penalty occurs, if the "Determined" icon EX1 is displayed in the game in which the penalty occurs, the "Determined" icon EX1 will remain displayed and will be darkened, and the "Determined" icon EX1 will be displayed again in the next game, which will be an unnatural flow. Moreover, since the "Determined" icon EX1 is the icon with the highest expectation of transitioning to the AT state, if the icon EX1 is displayed but the transition to the AT state is not notified in the next game, the player's distrust will increase. In addition, if an irregular press (a stop operation other than the first stop on the left) is performed, the operation recommendation display REC will also be displayed, and the highly expected effect and the operation recommendation display REC will be overlapped and executed, making it difficult to grasp the effect, which will lead to a decrease in interest in the game. Therefore, when a penalty occurs, the effect scheduled to be executed is replaced with a safe effect. Here, it is replaced with an effect with a low expectation of transitioning to the AT state. In this way, it is possible to achieve consistency between the effect and the game progress. Furthermore, even if you get a rare role on the 100th game, if a penalty occurs, a performance with a low probability of transitioning to the AT state will be executed.

The above explanation using Figures 29 and 30 has been an example of transition control to the AT state using the transition counter when the AT transition lottery is won, but the same applies to transition control to the AT state using the ceiling counter when the ceiling game number is 100 games. That is, if no penalty occurs in a game starting with a ceiling counter value of 99, which is updated at the third stop, the expected anticipation effect is executed, and the game transitions to the AT state in the next game. On the other hand, if a penalty occurs, the expected anticipation effect is replaced with an effect with a low anticipation effect, and if no penalty occurs in the next game, the expected anticipation effect scheduled in the previous game is executed, and the game transitions to the AT state in the next game.

Figure 31 is a diagram to explain the anticipation effects and the small win icon announcement effects.

Figure 31 (a) shows the icons displayed in the anticipation icon notification effect, which is one of the anticipation effects.

The "Confirmed" icon EX1 is an icon with a 100% probability of transitioning to the AT state. It is selected with a 59% probability if the AT transition lottery is won. The AT transition lottery may be a transition lottery based on the number of games played, or a transition lottery based on an internal win for a rare role or the like (the same applies in the following explanations).

The "Opportunity" icon EX2 is an icon with a 40% chance of transitioning to the AT state. If the AT transition lottery is won, it will be selected with a 40% probability. On the other hand, if the AT transition lottery is not won, it will be selected with a 60% probability.

The fallen samurai icon EX3 has an expected probability of transitioning to the AT state of less than 1%. If you win the AT transition lottery, it will be selected with a 1% probability, and if you do not win the AT transition, it will be selected with a 40% probability.

In the examples shown in Figures 29 and 30, the anticipation effect is an effect that is executed in response to the timing of the first stop operation, but it may also be an effect that is executed in response to the timing of the second stop operation or the third stop (final stop) operation.

Figure 31 (b) shows the lines displayed in the dialogue portion of the anticipation production.

The phrase "That's amazing" is only displayed if you win the AT transition lottery, and it indicates a 100% chance of transitioning to the AT state.

The phrase "This is a good opportunity" can be selected whether or not the player wins the AT transition lottery, and has a 40% chance of transitioning to the AT state.

The line "What's wrong?" can be selected whether the player wins or loses the AT transition lottery, and is a line with an expected probability of transitioning to the AT state of less than 10%.

The anticipation icon notification effect, which is one type of anticipation effect, and the dialogue effect, which is another type of anticipation effect, are effects that notify or suggest the degree of anticipation for transitioning to the AT state, so they can be said to be the same type of effect. However, strictly speaking, the anticipation icon notification effect and the dialogue effect differ in the execution timing and style of the effect, so they can also be said to be different types of effects.

Figure 31 (c) shows the icons displayed in the small win icon announcement performance.

This small win icon announcement effect is an effect that announces the small win that has been internally won, and is executed in the example shown in Figure 18 (b).

In the small win icon announcement effect 1, a "cherry" icon is displayed to notify you that you have internally won a cherry.

In the second small win icon announcement, a watermelon icon is displayed to notify you that you have won an internal prize in the watermelon.

In the small win icon notification effect 3, a "replay" icon is displayed, notifying you that an internal win has been made to the replay.

The small win icon announcement effect and the anticipation effect are different types of effects.

When a penalty occurs, the effect that was scheduled to be executed is replaced with an effect of the same type as the original effect but with a lower expectation level. The effect that is replaced may be an effect with a lower expectation level or may be the effect with the lowest expectation level.

In addition, while the examples have been explained using icons suggesting a sense of expectation, dialogue through dialogue effects, and icons announcing winning roles, examples of changing the effect from the effect when recommended presses are performed to another effect when irregular presses are performed are not limited to these, and can also be applied to operation prompt effects for operation buttons for effects, and operation response effects that are executed when an operation button for effects is operated in accordance with the prompt effects. Below, examples of application to operation prompt effects and operation response effects are explained.

Figure 32 shows examples of operation response effects when recommended and irregular button presses are performed while an operation prompt is being performed.

Figure 32 shows two types of examples, Example A and Example B. Both examples are examples of a certain game. The certain game here refers to a game in the normal state (non-AT state) of the advantageous zone, for example, a game in which the transition counter value is 99 at the start of the game (the 100th game). In this certain game, when the start lever 135 is operated, an internal win occurs in the push order bell.

As "game progress", "start operation", "first stop", "second stop" and "third stop" which are the operations of the start lever 135 are shown. Below that, the spinning states of the left reel 110, center reel 111 and right reel 112 are also shown. Below that, the execution period of the operation prompting effect is shown. The effect operation button corresponds to the PUSH button 192 shown in Figure 1, and a timing chart showing the timing of pressing the PUSH button 192 is shown. Further below that, the execution period of the operation response effect is shown.

Example A is an example in which an operation prompting effect that prompts the user to operate the PUSH button 192 is started in response to the operation of the start lever 135. The liquid crystal display device 157 is shown at the bottom of FIG. 32, and the leftmost liquid crystal display device 157 displays an operation prompting display that is displayed in the operation prompting effect. In this operation prompting display, a button display 192D that imitates the PUSH button 192 shown in FIG. 1 is displayed overlapping part of the background image. The word PUSH is written on the button display 192D.

In Example A1, the left stop button 137 is operated first to perform the first stop. Since the left stop button 137 is operated first, it is not an irregular press, and the first stop action here is not an action subject to a penalty. After the first stop is performed, the PUSH button 192 is operated. In this example, the PUSH button 192 is operated before the second stop is performed. If the PUSH button 192 is operated after the first stop operation of the recommended press is performed, the operation response performance is executed as planned in response to the operation of the PUSH button 192. The operation response performance as planned here does not mean an operation response performance rewritten by an irregular press, as described later, but, for example, an operation response performance as a result of a performance lottery in the first sub-control unit 400 in response to the operation of the start lever 135, or an operation response performance corresponding to an internal winning role. In Example A1, an operation response performance A with a high expectation of transition to the AT state is executed. The display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 switches from an operation prompt display to an operation response display. The liquid crystal display device 157 shown second from the left displays the first line frame display RD1 displayed in operation response performance A. This first line frame display RD1 is a display consisting of the face of a lord with a very happy expression and the line "It's so exciting." The first line frame display RD1 is displayed overlapping a part of the background image. The operation response performance continues to be executed during a certain game. Note that when operation response performance A is executed, a first performance sound (a performance sound with high expectations output from the speakers 272, 277) or a first light emission performance (light emission in a high expectations color by the side lamp 144) may be performed.

In addition, there are two other operation response effects: operation response effect B, which has a medium expectation of transition to the AT state, and operation response effect C, which has a low or zero expectation. The second liquid crystal display device 157 from the right displays the second dialogue frame display RD2 displayed in operation response effect B. This second dialogue frame display RD2 is a display consisting of the face of the lord with a slightly happy expression and the line "This is a good opportunity." When operation response effect B is executed, a second sound effect (a sound effect with a medium expectation output from the speakers 272 and 277) or a second light emission effect (light emission by the side lamp 144 with a light color with a medium expectation) may be performed. The rightmost liquid crystal display device 157 displays the third dialogue frame display RD3 displayed in operation response effect C. This third dialogue frame display RD3 is a display consisting of the face of the lord with a disappointing expression and the line "Maybe it's just your imagination." When operation response effect C is executed, a third sound effect (a sound effect with low expectation output from speakers 272, 277) or a third light emission effect (light emission in a low expectation color from side lamp 144) may be performed, and it is not necessary for a special sound effect or light emission pattern to be produced by operating push button 192.

Note that all of the dialogue frame displays RD1 to RD3 are displayed overlapping a portion of the background image, but the display displayed in the operation response performance may be a full-screen display depicting the degree of expectation, such as "super hot," or a cut-in display showing varying degrees of expectation.

In Example A2, the right stop button 139 is operated first to perform the first stop. The first stop action here is an irregular push, and since it is an internal win for the push order bell in the normal state of the advantageous zone, it is an action subject to a penalty. After the irregular push is performed, the PUSH button 192 is operated before the second stop is performed. In this case, instead of the planned operation response performance A, an operation response performance with a low expectation of transition to the AT state is executed. That is, in response to the operation of the PUSH button 192, an operation response performance C is executed, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 switches from the button display 192D to the third dialogue frame display RD3. In addition, the third sound performance and the third light emission performance are performed without the first sound performance and the first light emission performance. In addition, in response to the irregular push, an operation recommendation display REC such as "Left push recommended" may be displayed. In addition, when the third stop is performed, a blackout display may be added to the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157.

In both Example A1 and Example A2, the PUSH button 192 is operated after the first stop operation, but it is possible to operate the PUSH button 192 before the first stop operation. If the PUSH button 192 is operated before the first stop operation, the operation response performance in response to the operation of the PUSH button 192 is always executed as planned. Alternatively, the fourth dialogue frame display consisting of the face of a lord with a thoughtful expression and the dialogue "What's going to happen?" may be uniformly displayed.

Example B is an example in which the operation prompting effect is initiated in response to the third stop operation.

In example B1, first the left stop button 137 is operated to perform the first stop as a recommended press. Next, the second stop operation is performed. Furthermore, when the third stop operation (final stop operation) is performed, an operation promotion effect is started, and the button display 192D is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157. After that, the push button 192 is operated. Because the first stop operation was the recommended press, the operation response effect is executed as planned in response to the operation of the push button 192. In example B1 as well, an operation response effect A, which has a high expectation of transitioning to the AT state, is executed. The first dialogue frame display RD1 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157. In addition, a first sound effect and a first light emission effect are also executed in conjunction with this.

In example B2, the right stop button 139 is operated first, a first stop of irregular pressing is performed, and a penalty is incurred. Then, a second stop operation is performed. Furthermore, when a third stop operation (final stop operation) is performed, an operation prompting effect is started, and a button display 192D is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157. After that, the push button 192 is operated. Because the first stop operation was an irregular press, an operation response effect C with the lowest expectation is executed in response to the operation of the push button 192. A third dialogue frame display RD3 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157. Furthermore, a third sound effect and a third light emission effect are performed without being accompanied by a first sound effect or a first light emission effect.

In this example B, the operation prompting effect is started in response to the third stop operation, but it may also be started after the first stop operation (e.g., after the first stop operation and before the second stop operation).

If it is planned to start an operation prompting effect after the first stop operation or after the first stop operation, if the first stop operation is a recommended press, the operation prompting effect is performed as planned, but if the first stop operation is an irregular press, the operation prompting effect itself may not be performed, and the operation response effect may not be performed either. Even if the operation prompting effect is not performed, the operation recommendation display REC may be displayed in response to an irregular press, and when the third stop is performed, a blackout display may be added to the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157.

In addition, in both example A and example B, if the first stop operation is a recommended press, operation response performance B may be executed in response to a subsequent operation of the push button 192. That is, operation response performance B may be a planned operation response performance. In this case, if the first stop operation is an irregular press, operation response performance C is executed in response to a subsequent operation of the push button 192. Also, if the execution of operation response performance A is planned, and an irregular press is performed, operation response performance B may be executed in response to a subsequent operation of the push button 192.

Although the operation response effects A, B, and C displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157 have been described as examples of operation response effects, the operation response effects are not limited to these, and may be effects performed by the PUSH button 192 itself. For example, when the PUSH button 192 is pressed in accordance with an operation prompting effect, an action effect of the PUSH button 192 itself may be performed, such as a vibration device built into the PUSH button 192 vibrating (so-called "button vibration"), or a light-emitting lamp built into the PUSH button 192 may be made to emit a specific color (for example, rainbow or red).

Although an example in which an operation response performance is executed in response to an operation prompt performance has been described, the present invention can also be applied to so-called "hidden button performance" or "back button performance" in which operation response performances A, B, and C, first, second, and third sound performances, first, second, and third light emission performances, and button vibration are performed when the PUSH button 192 is pressed under a specific situation in which the operation prompt performance is not executed. For example, when the first stop operation is the recommended press under a specific situation in which the hidden button performance can be executed, if the PUSH button 192 is pressed, a confirmation sound that definitely notifies the granting of a privilege and button vibration are scheduled to be output, but if the PUSH button 192 is pressed in an irregular manner, the confirmation sound may not be output and the button vibration may not be executed. In other words, if the recommended press is used, the hidden button performance may be executed, but if the irregular press is used, the hidden button performance may not be executed. It should be noted that operation prompting effects, operation response effects, sound effects, light emission effects, hidden button effects, etc. can be combined as appropriate. For example, if the recommended button is pressed, the operation prompting effect is followed by "operation response effect A", but if the button is pressed irregularly, the operation prompting effect is not executed, and the hidden button effect is activated, and a confirmation sound or button vibration is played when the PUSH button 192 is pressed. Even if the button is pressed irregularly, the hidden button effect is activated, allowing the player to understand that he or she has the right to receive a special benefit internally.

According to the above description,
"Operation means operated by the player [e.g., stop buttons 137 to 139, etc.],
A reel (e.g., reels 110 to 112) that stops spinning when the operation means is stopped;
A control means (e.g., a main control unit 300) capable of executing a second process;
A presentation means (e.g., a liquid crystal display device 157) capable of executing a first presentation;
A gaming machine equipped with
The second process is a process related to a transition from a first gaming state [e.g., a normal state (non-AT state) or a normal stage] to a second gaming state [e.g., an AT state or a CZ] that is more advantageous to a player than the first gaming state [e.g., updating a transition counter, updating a premonition G number A counter, updating a ceiling counter, and drawing an AT transition lottery],
The second process is a process that may be executed when the operating means is operated in a predetermined operating mode [for example, the left first stop operating mode] in the stop operation [for example, it is not executed in the AT state but is executed in the normal state of the advantageous zone],
the control means is a means for executing the second process in a second case,
the control means is a means for, when the stop operation is performed in an operation mode different from the predetermined operation mode [for example, the operation mode of the right first stop or the operation mode of the center first stop], causing a first case [for example, a case in which a penalty process is executed or no process is executed] which may be more disadvantageous to the player than the second case, rather than the second case,
The first effect is one of the effects related to the transition to the second game state [for example, an expectation icon notification effect or an operation response effect A that displays a “confirmed” icon EX1],
The presentation means is a means for executing the first presentation when the operation means is operated in the predetermined operation mode [for example, the operation mode of the first left stop] in the stop operation in a certain game [for example, a game in which the value of the transition counter is 99 at the start of the game (the 100th game)] [for example, examples A1 and B1 shown in Figs. 29(A2) to (A4) or Fig. 32],
The presentation means is a means for not executing the first presentation when the operation means is operated in the stop operation in the certain game in an operation mode different from the predetermined operation mode [for example, the operation mode of the right first stop or the operation mode of the middle first stop] [for example, examples A2 and B2 shown in Figures 30 (A2) to (A4) or Figure 32],
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He explained:

With this gaming machine, even if the operating means is operated in a manner different from the predetermined operating manner during the stop operation in the certain game, resulting in the first case, the first presentation is not executed, and it is possible to prevent the first case from competing with the first presentation. As a result, for example, if the first presentation is executed, it will not seem unnatural, and it is possible to provide a gaming machine with distinctive execution of the first presentation. Also, by eliminating unnaturalness, it may be possible to prevent the player from realizing that the first case has occurred.

The first effect may be one type of effect among multiple types of effects related to the transition to the second game state [for example, an anticipation icon notification effect or an operation response effect].

The game also includes an operating means operated by a player and a reel that stops spinning when the operating means is operated to stop, and the control means is also capable of executing a first process, which may be executed when the operating means is operated in an operating manner different from the predetermined operating manner in the stop operation, and the first process may be a process that is more disadvantageous to the player than the second process with respect to the transition to the second game state [for example, a penalty process (not conducting an AT transition lottery, not updating various counters)].

The gaming machine may also have a second case in which the control means executes the second process, and a first case in which, if the operating means is operated in an operating mode different from the predetermined operating mode during the stop operation [for example, an operating mode for the first right stop or an operating mode for the first center stop], the control means does not execute the second process, which may be more disadvantageous to the player than the second case [for example, a case in which a penalty process is executed or no process is executed, i.e., a penalty is incurred].

Also,
"The presentation means is a means capable of executing a second presentation (e.g., an anticipation icon announcement presentation or an operation response presentation C displaying an icon EX3 of a fallen samurai) that is different from the first presentation among presentations of the same type as the first presentation (e.g., an anticipation icon announcement presentation or an operation response presentation),
The presentation means is a means for executing the second presentation without executing the first presentation when the operation means is operated in a manner different from the predetermined operation manner in the stop operation in the certain game [for example, examples A2 and B2 shown in Figs. 30(A2) to (A4) or Fig. 32],
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

With this gaming machine, the second effect is executed instead of the first effect, preventing the first effect from competing with the first effect while still attracting the player's interest with the second effect.

The second effect may be of a different type from the first effect (for example, a dialogue effect that is a sense of anticipation but strictly speaking is of a different type).

Also,
"The second effect is an effect with a lower expectation for transition to the second gaming state than the first effect [e.g., an effect with an expectation of 100%] [e.g., an effect with an expectation of less than 1%].
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

Even though the first case is relatively less favorable than the second case, it would be contradictory to execute the first performance, which has a relatively high expectation level, and by executing the second performance, which has a relatively low expectation level, this unnaturalness can be eliminated.

Also,
"The effect means is a means capable of executing the first effect after the timing at which the first stop operation is performed on the operation means [for example, at a timing corresponding to a first stop operation] [for example, FIG. 29 (A2)],
The performance means is a means capable of executing the second performance after the timing when the first stop operation is performed on the operation means [for example, at a timing corresponding to the first stop operation] [for example, between the first stop operation and the second stop operation in example A of FIG. 30 (A2) or FIG. 32 or after the final stop operation in example B],
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

In this way, by waiting until the first reel stop operation is performed, it is possible to ascertain the operation mode of the operating means, determine whether or not the operation mode is the specified mode, and obtain sufficient time to replace the effect to be executed.

Also,
"The second effect is the effect with the lowest expected value among the effects of the same type as the first effect [for example, an effect with an expected value of less than 1%],
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

By executing the second presentation, which has the lowest expected value, a presentation that is more suitable for the first case is executed.

Also,
"The presentation means is a means for executing the second presentation when the operation means is operated in a manner different from the predetermined operation manner in the stop operation in the certain game, and for executing the first presentation in the next game of the certain game [for example, the 100th game] [for example, FIG. 30 (A6) ~].
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

When the first effect is executed in the game following the certain game, it can be made consistent with the progress of the game.

The presentation means is a means for not executing the first presentation in the next game if the operation means is operated in a manner different from the predetermined operation manner during the stop operation.

The presentation means may start executing a third presentation at a third timing [for example, timing (A3) in FIG. 29] when the operation means is operated to perform the final stop operation of the reel in the certain game, and the third presentation is one of the presentations related to the transition to the second game state [for example, a dialogue presentation in which a dialogue display WD1 such as "That's amazing" is displayed], and the presentation means may start executing a third presentation at a third timing [for example, timing (A3) in FIG. 29] when the operation means is operated in the certain game in the stop operation, In this case, the means is a means for starting execution of the third effect at the third timing after starting execution of the first effect [e.g., an anticipation icon notification effect], and the effect means may be a means for starting execution of the second effect [e.g., FIG. 30 (A2)] but not starting execution of the third effect [e.g., FIG. 30 (A3)] when the operation means is operated in the stop operation in the certain game in an operation mode different from the predetermined operation mode [e.g., the operation mode of the right first stop or the operation mode of the center first stop].

Furthermore, the third effect may be one of the effects of a different type from the first effect type [for example, a dialogue effect that is an anticipation effect but strictly speaking is of a different type] [for example, a dialogue effect in which a dialogue display WD1 such as "That's amazing" is displayed].

The presentation means may be a means for starting execution of the second presentation when the operation means is operated in the stop operation in a mode different from the predetermined mode [for example, the right first stop operation mode or the center first stop operation mode] in the certain game, but not starting execution of the third presentation [for example, a dialogue presentation in which a dialogue display WD1 such as "That's impressive" is displayed], and continuing execution of the second presentation [for example, an anticipation icon announcement presentation in which an icon EX3 of a fallen samurai is displayed] at the third timing.

In addition, when the operating means is operated in the predetermined operating mode during the stop operation in the certain game, the next game may transition to the second game state. In other words, the certain game is a game that is scheduled to be the last game in the first game state. For example, the certain game may be a game in which the final effect of a series of effects encouraging a transition to the second game state is executed. The final effect may be an effect that finally notifies the player whether or not there will be a transition to the second game state.

In addition, when the operation means is operated in the predetermined operation mode during the stop operation in the certain game, the second process is executed and the game transitions to the second game state [for example, FIG. 29 (A4)].

The actions and effects described in the above-described embodiments are merely a list of the most preferred actions and effects, and the actions and effects of the present invention are not limited to those described here. Furthermore, even if a component is included only in the description of the above-described embodiments, variations, various examples, etc., that component may be applied to other embodiments, variations, various examples, etc. In other words, as long as there is no factor preventing the application, the component included only in the description of the embodiments, variations, various examples, etc., can be applied to other embodiments, variations, various examples, etc., and still form a cohesive technical idea.

100 Slot machine 101 Main unit 102 Front door 110 Left reel 111 Center reel 112 Right reel 126 Game information display 130-132 Bet button 135 Start lever 137-139 Stop button 157 Liquid crystal display GMV Game number display REC Operation recommendation display PRE Text display "Preparing" EX1 "Confirm" icon EX3 Icon of a fallen samurai WD1 Display of a line such as "That's impressive" WD3 Display of a line such as "What's wrong?"

The gaming machine of the present invention that solves the above object is:
The means of production,
A control means;
A gaming machine equipped with
the control means is means capable of controlling a transition to a second gaming state which is more advantageous to a player than the first gaming state;
The control means is a means capable of executing normal control regarding a transition from the first gaming state to the second gaming state,
the control means is a means capable of executing irregular control that is more disadvantageous to a player than the normal control with respect to the transition from the first gaming state to the second gaming state;
The presentation means is a means for executing a second presentation to notify a player of a transition to the second gaming state ,
The presentation means may execute a fourth presentation that can be specified to indicate that a transition to the second gaming state is to be performed before the second presentation,
the presentation means is means for, when the normal control is performed, executing a first presentation that was scheduled to be executed before the game state is shifted to the second game state as scheduled;
the effecting means is means for executing the fourth effect between the first effect and the second effect,
the performance means is means for executing the first performance as scheduled even when the irregular control is performed,
The presentation means is a means for executing a third presentation for a number of games corresponding to the number of games in which the irregular control is performed , from the start of execution of the fourth presentation to the start of execution of the second presentation.
It is characterized by:

Furthermore, the third effect is an effect in which a specific display that is not displayed in the first effect is displayed, but the fourth effect may display the same display as the specific display. By displaying the same display as the specific display in the fourth effect, it is possible to make it difficult to understand that the third effect is caused by the occurrence of the first case, and it is possible to prevent the player from feeling disappointed.
According to the above description,
"A production means (e.g., a liquid crystal display device 157) and
A control means (e.g., a main control unit 300)
A gaming machine equipped with
The control means is a means capable of controlling a transition to a second gaming state [e.g., an AT state] that is more advantageous to a player than a first gaming state [e.g., a normal state (non-AT state)],
The control means is a means capable of executing normal control (for example, updating a transition counter, updating a premonition G number A counter, updating a ceiling counter, and control for executing an AT transition lottery) regarding the transition from the first gaming state to the second gaming state;
The control means is a means capable of executing irregular control that is more disadvantageous to a player than the normal control with respect to the transition from the first gaming state to the second gaming state [for example, control that executes a penalty process (not conducting an AT transition lottery, not updating the value of the ceiling counter, not updating the count value of the premonition G number A counter, not conducting a stock lottery, not conducting an AT upgrade lottery) or control that does not execute any process];
The presentation means is a means for executing a second presentation (for example, a presentation by an AT start screen on which the character display of "AT start" in FIG. 26 is displayed) to notify that the game state has been shifted to the second game state,
The presentation means may execute a fourth presentation (for example, a confirmation notification presentation in which the text display of "AT Confirmed" is displayed) that can identify that the transition to the second game state is to be performed before the second presentation,
The presentation means is a means for executing the first presentation [for example, the continuous presentation in FIG. 26] that was scheduled to be executed before the transition to the second gaming state when the normal control is performed [for example, FIG. 26(a)],
The presentation means may execute the fourth presentation [for example, a confirmation notification presentation in which the text display of "AT confirmation" is displayed] between the first presentation [for example, the continuous presentation in FIG. 26] and the second presentation [for example, a presentation by an AT start screen in which the text display of "AT start" in FIG. 26 is displayed],
The performance means is a means for executing the first performance as scheduled even when the irregular control is performed (for example, FIG. 26(b)).
The presentation means is a means for executing a third presentation [for example, a standby presentation to which a character display PRE of "preparing" is added] for a number of games corresponding to the number of games in which the irregular control is performed, from the start of execution of the fourth presentation to the start of execution of the second presentation.
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He explained:

Claims (6)

The means of production,
A control means;
A gaming machine equipped with
the control means is means capable of controlling a transition to a second gaming state which is more advantageous to a player than the first gaming state;
the control means is a means capable of executing a second process,
The second processing is processing related to a transition from the first gaming state to the second gaming state,
The presentation means is a means for executing a second presentation to notify a player of a transition to the second gaming state,
the control means is a means for executing the second process in a second case,
The control means is a means for controlling a first case that is more disadvantageous to a player than the second case, not the second case;
The presentation means may execute a fourth presentation that can be specified to indicate that a transition to the second gaming state is to be performed before the second presentation,
The effect means is a means for executing a third effect for a number of games corresponding to the number of games that has become the first case after the execution of the fourth effect is started and before the execution of the second effect is started.
A gaming machine characterized by: 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1,
In the second case, the effect means is a means for executing a first effect that was scheduled to be executed before the transition to the second gaming state as scheduled,
the effecting means is means for executing the fourth effect between the first effect and the second effect,
The performance means is a means for executing the first performance as scheduled even in the first case.
A gaming machine characterized by: 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2,
The effect means is a means for executing the third effect for a number of games corresponding to the number of games that has become the first case after executing the first effect.
A gaming machine characterized by: 4. The gaming machine according to claim 2 or 3,
The third effect is an effect in which a specific display that is not displayed in the first effect is displayed.
A gaming machine characterized by: 5. The gaming machine according to claim 4,
The third effect is an effect of displaying the specific display together with an indication that the game state is to be changed to the second game state.
A gaming machine characterized by: 5. The gaming machine according to claim 4,
The presentation means is a means for extending and executing the third presentation for a number of games corresponding to the number of games in which the first case occurred before executing the second presentation when the first case occurs during the execution of the third presentation.
A gaming machine characterized by:

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