JP6712984B2 - Amusement machine - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a gaming machine, and more particularly to a rotating drum type gaming machine.

2. Description of the Related Art In some gaming machines typified by a spinner type gaming machine, a period (so-called assist time (AT state)) in which an effect that assists acquisition of a game medium such as a game medal occurs is set.
As this type of game machine, the following Patent Document 1 is exemplified.

Patent Document 1 discloses a gaming machine provided with a game section called an advantageous section in which the effect state can be set to the AT state or the AT preparation state.
The gaming machine has a clear counter that is incrementally updated over the advantageous section, and ends the advantageous section based on the clear counter reaching a threshold value, and after that, performs initialization processing to normal Move to section.

JP, 2017-169968, A

The gaming machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a plurality of states (so-called replay time (RT) in which the winning probability of replay is different, in addition to changing the advantageous degree for the player by transitioning the advantageous section and the normal section. It is possible to change the degree of advantage for the player by transitioning the state)) or transitioning to a state (so-called bonus state) in which the accessory or the accessory continuous operation device is operating (so-called bonus state).
In the gaming machine in which various state transitions are performed in this way, when performing an effect that suggests or informs the player of the degree of advantage, an appropriate effect mode is set in consideration of the various states in which the player is currently staying. If it is not selected, not only a sufficient effect cannot be obtained to improve the entertainment of the game, but also the entertainment of the game may be deteriorated in some cases.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a gaming machine that enhances the enjoyment of a game by executing an appropriate production depending on the situation.

According to the present invention, when a game is started, an internal lottery means for deriving a winning combination from a plurality of types of combinations, a plurality of reels that rotate when the game starts, and the rotating reels. A stop operation accepting means for accepting a stop operation that triggers a stop, an informing means for instructing a player of a mode of the stop operation in which the result of the game is advantageous, and a normal mode in which the instruction informing is not performed. , An advantageous mode in which the instruction notification can be performed, a game mode management means for controlling a plurality of types of game modes including at least a special game state in which an accessory or an accessory continuous operation device is operating, and the internal lottery Game state management means for controlling a plurality of types of game states including at least a normal game state in which a special role corresponding to the special game state can be derived by means,
And a production control means for displaying a result display regarding the advantageous mode in a predetermined display area after the end of the advantageous mode, wherein the special game state is a first special game state and the first special game. A second special game state in which the number of game media obtained is smaller than the state is included, and the role derived by the internal lottery means corresponds to the first special game state, and the reel Corresponding to the second special game state and the first special combination that is easy to recognize from the symbol combination that the success or failure of the prize is divided depending on the mode of the stop operation and the player has won the prize. A second special combination which is difficult to recognize from the symbol combination in which the player has won the prize regardless of the mode of the stop operation for the reel and the winning is stopped for the player, and the termination condition of the advantageous mode includes: A first condition that may change depending on the game result obtained after the start of the advantageous mode, and a second condition that does not change regardless of the game result obtained after the start of the advantageous mode are included, The first special game state and the second special game state, if the second condition is satisfied in the game while staying, is to continue even after the second condition is satisfied, the effect control means Executes an effect that allows the player to recognize that the stay period is in the first special game state in at least part of the case where the second condition is satisfied during the stay in the first special game state. Then, the number of game media acquired during the stay in the advantageous mode ended by the satisfaction of the second condition is added with the number of game media acquired by the first special game state after the satisfaction of the second condition. The number is displayed as at least part of the result display after the end of the first special game state, and in at least part of the case where the second condition is satisfied during the stay in the second special game state, The result display displays the number of game media acquired during the stay in the advantageous mode , which is executed by the player that is difficult to recognize that it is the stay period of the second special game state and ended by the establishment of the second condition. Is displayed after at least a part of the second condition is satisfied, and the number of game media acquired by the second special game state after the second condition is satisfied is not reflected in the result display, and In at least a part of the stay period, the total number of game media acquired in the advantageous mode is notified, and when the next advantageous mode is transitioned until the allowable period elapses after the end of one advantageous mode, Earn in advantage mode The number calculated in consideration of the total number of game media played and the total number of game media acquired in the next advantageous mode is notified during at least a part of the stay period of the next advantageous mode, and in the one advantageous mode. Comparing the first case of staying in the first special game state when the second condition is established and the second case of staying in the second special game state when the second condition is established A gaming machine is provided in which the allowable period is longer in the first case than in the second case .
Further, according to the present invention, when a game is started, an internal lottery means for deriving a winning combination from a plurality of types of combinations, a plurality of reels that rotate when the game starts, and the rotating parts. Stop operation accepting means for accepting a stop operation that triggers the reel to stop, notification means for instructing the player of a mode of the stop operation in which the result of the game is advantageous, and instruction information not normally given A mode, an advantageous mode in which the instruction notification can be performed, a game mode management means for controlling a plurality of types of game modes including at least a special game state in which a character product or a character product continuous operation device is operating, A game state management means for controlling a plurality of types of game states including at least a normal game state in which a special role corresponding to the special game state can be derived by an internal lottery means, and the advantageous mode after the advantage mode ends And a production control means for displaying a result display in a predetermined display area, wherein the special game state has a smaller number of game media obtained than the first special game state and the first special game state. The second special game state, including, the role derived by the internal lottery means corresponds to the first special game state, depending on the mode of the stop operation to the reels of winning It corresponds to the first special winning combination that is easy to recognize from the winning and stopping of winning symbols for the player and the second special gaming state, and does not depend on the mode of the stop operation for the reel. And a second special character that is difficult to recognize from the symbol combination that the player has won the prize, and the end condition of the advantageous mode includes the game obtained after the start of the advantageous mode. A first condition that may change depending on the result and a second condition that is invariant regardless of the game result obtained after the start of the advantageous mode are included, and the first special game state and the second special game state. If the second condition is satisfied in the game in which the player is staying, the special control state is continued even after the second condition is satisfied, and the effect control unit is in the first special game state. In at least a part of the case where the second condition is satisfied, an effect that allows the player to recognize that it is the stay period of the first special game state is executed, and the process is ended when the second condition is satisfied. The number obtained by adding the number of game media obtained by the first special game state after the establishment of the second condition to the number of game media obtained during the stay in the advantageous mode is used as at least a part of the result display. First special It is displayed after the end of another game state, and at least part of the case where the second condition is satisfied during the stay of the second special game state, the game period is the stay period of the second special game state. The number of game media acquired during the stay in the advantageous mode, which is completed by the satisfaction of the second condition, is displayed after the satisfaction of the second condition as at least a part of the result display by executing an effect that is difficult for a person to recognize. The number of game media acquired by the second special game state after the second condition is satisfied is not reflected in the result display, and is acquired in the advantageous mode during at least part of the stay period of the advantageous mode. The total number of game media is notified, and when the next advantageous mode is transitioned after the end of one advantageous mode until the predetermined allowable period elapses, the total number of game media acquired in the one advantageous mode and the next The number calculated in consideration of the total number of game media acquired in the advantageous mode is notified during at least a part of the stay period of the next advantageous mode, and when the second condition is satisfied in the one advantageous mode. Comparing the first case of staying in the first special game state and the second case of staying in the second special game state at the time of establishment, the above-mentioned one regarding the one advantageous mode Provided is a gaming machine in which the period from displaying the result display to starting the next advantageous mode is shorter in the first case than in the second case.

According to the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine that improves the enjoyment of a game by executing an appropriate effect depending on the situation.

It is a front view of a game machine. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a hand region II surrounded by a broken line in FIG. 1. It is a figure which shows the back surface of a front door. It is a figure which shows the game machine except the front door. It is a figure which expands two-dimensionally and shows the arrangement of the design given to the reel. It is a figure showing the kind of design given to the reel. It is a figure which shows the electric constitution of a game machine. It is a functional block diagram of a game machine. It is a figure showing the kind of winning combination, the symbol combination corresponding to each winning combination, and the payout of each winning combination. It is a transition diagram of a game state and a replay time in the gaming machine. It is a transition diagram of a game mode in the gaming machine. FIG. 12A is a diagram showing a mode of the advantageous mode display LED 25h for each game mode, and FIG. 12B is an effect that can specify the pressing order of the correct answer in each of the instruction display LED 25d and the effect display device 63. It is a figure which shows the aspect of. It is a flow chart of a main flow in a main substrate. It is a flow chart of a main flow in a main substrate. It is a flow chart of a main flow in a main substrate. It is the figure which shows the concrete example of the production aspect in the usual AT part. It is the figure which shows the concrete example of the production aspect in the chance part. It is the figure which shows the concrete example of the production aspect in the end waiting part. It is the figure which shows the concrete example of the production aspect in the ending part. 20A shows the timing of the result display and the length of the continuous Chan allowable period when MB1 or MB2 operates during the ending effect in the present embodiment, and FIG. 20B shows the ending in the present embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the timing of a result display and the length of the continuous Chan permissible period when MB3 to MB6 operate during the effect. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram in which a section in the vicinity of a timing at which a termination condition for an advantageous mode is satisfied is divided for convenience. It is the schematic diagram which divided the arrival vicinity section of the upper limit game of the advantageous mode for convenience. FIG. 23(a) shows the timing of result display and the length of the continuous Chan allowable period when MB1 or MB2 operates during the ending effect in the modified example, and FIG. 23(b) shows the ending effect in the modified example. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the timing of result display and the length of a continuous channel allowable period when MB3 to MB6 are activated.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In all the drawings, the same constituents will be referred to with the same signs while omitting their description as appropriate. Further, in the following description, “front”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, “upper”, and “lower” mean that the gaming machine 10 is on the front side (player side) as shown in FIG. 1 unless otherwise specified. ) From the viewpoint of.
Note that, in the following description, "advantage (advantage)" means that it is advantageous to the player, and unless otherwise specified, the game medium is excluded, except for special effects such as so-called premier images. (Hereinafter, simply referred to as “medal”) This is advantageous in terms of the amount of acquisition.

<Characteristics of the present invention>
First, the features of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12(b), 18(c), and 20.
FIG. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 10.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration of the gaming machine 10.
FIG. 8 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine 10.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing types of winning combinations, symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, and payout of each winning combination.
FIG. 11 is a transition diagram of a game mode in the gaming machine 10.
FIG. 12B is a diagram showing an aspect of an effect in which the correct pressing order can be specified in each of the instruction display LED 25d and the effect display device 63.
FIG. 18C is a diagram showing a specific example of the result display.
FIG. 20(a) shows the length of a continuous Chang allowable period when MB1 or MB2 operates during the ending effect in the present embodiment, and FIG. 20(b) shows MB3 to MB3 during the ending effect in the present embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the length of the continuous Chang permissible period when MB6 operates.

The gaming machine 10 is a so-called spinning drum type gaming machine, and has an internal lottery means, a plurality of reels, a stop operation accepting means, a notifying means, a game mode managing means, a game state managing means, and an effect which will be described later. And a control means.

The internal lottery means derives a winning combination from a plurality of types of combinations when starting a game. The internal lottery means in the present embodiment is realized by, for example, the internal lottery section 111.
Here, the “win” is any of a small win, a replay win, and a special win, and specifically, the wins listed in FIG. 9 are applicable.
Here, the "winning combination" is a combination derived by the internal lottery means, and one winning combination (independent winning) or two winning combinations (double winning) can be derived by one processing.

The plurality of reels rotate when the game is started. The plurality of reels in the present embodiment are realized by, for example, the reel 65 (reel 65L, reel 65C, reel 65R).

The stop operation receiving means receives a stop operation that triggers stopping the rotating reel. The stop operation receiving means in the present embodiment is realized by the stop button 27 and the stop button sensor 43a.

The informing means issues an instruction informing the player of a mode of the stop operation in which the result of the game is advantageous. The notification means in the present embodiment is realized by the instruction display LED 25d and the effect display device 63.
Here, "the result of the game is advantageous" is not limited to the increase of the medal acquisition amount, and also includes, for example, avoiding the winning of a disadvantageous hand (so-called fall replay or the like).

The game mode management means controls a plurality of types of game modes including at least a normal mode in which instruction notification is not performed (normal section in standard) and an advantageous mode in which instruction notification can be performed (advantageous section in standard). To do.
The game mode management means in the present embodiment is realized by, for example, the game mode management unit 124, the "normal mode" corresponds to the normal mode shown in FIG. 11, and the "advantageous mode" is the high accuracy mode shown in FIG. And AT mode are applicable.
The game mode controllable by the game mode management means may include a standby mode (standard standby section) in addition to the normal mode and the advantageous mode.

The game state management means includes a plurality of types including at least a special game state in which a character product or a character product continuous operation device is operating, and a normal game state in which a special character corresponding to the special game state can be derived by the internal lottery means. Control the game state of. The game state management means in the present embodiment is realized by, for example, the game state management unit 122.
The gaming state controllable by the gaming state control means may include an internal winning gaming state in addition to the normal gaming state and the special gaming state.

The special game state includes a first special game state and a second special game state in which the number of game media acquired is smaller than that in the first special game state.
In this embodiment, for example, the special game state related to MB3 to MB6 corresponds to the first special game state, and the special game state related to MB1 or MB2 corresponds to the second special game state.

The effect control means displays the result display relating to the advantageous mode in a predetermined display area after the advantageous mode ends. The effect control unit in the present embodiment is realized by, for example, the effect control unit 222.
Here, the "result display regarding the advantageous mode" is displayed after the end of the advantageous mode, and includes information regarding the advantageous mode (for example, the number of games played, the number of medals acquired, etc.). In the present embodiment, a specific example of “result display regarding advantageous mode” is shown in FIG.

The termination condition of the advantageous mode includes at least the following first condition and second condition.
(A) The first condition that may change depending on the game result obtained after the start of the advantageous mode. (b) The second condition that does not change regardless of the game result obtained after the start of the advantageous mode. The “result” is not limited to one that can be visually recognized by the player (for example, a combination of symbols stopped on the activated line, a display mode of the instruction display LED 25d, etc.), and one related to the internal state (for example, a game mode, a game state, and It also includes the type of replay time and the internal role).
Here, the “first condition” corresponds to, for example, that the number of games in the AT mode, the number of sets, or the number of times of navigation provided in the advantageous mode is exhausted (becomes zero).
Here, the "second condition" means, for example, that the number of games played after the start of the advantage mode has reached the upper limit game (1500 times or the like), or that the number of medals acquired after the start of the advantage mode is predetermined. For example, reaching the upper limit acquisition number (3000, etc.) and the like.

The production control means, in at least part of the case where the second condition is satisfied during the stay in the first special game state, determines the number of game media acquired during the stay in the advantageous mode ended by the satisfaction of the second condition. , The number obtained by adding the number of game media acquired by the first special game state after the establishment of the second condition is displayed as at least a part of the result display after the end of the first special game state (FIG. 20). (See (b)). In addition, in at least part of the case where the second condition is satisfied during the stay in the second special game state, the number of game media acquired during the stay in the advantageous mode ended by the satisfaction of the second condition is displayed as a result display. At least a part is displayed after the second condition is satisfied, and the number of game media obtained by the second special game state after the second condition is satisfied is not reflected in the result display (see FIG. 20(a)). ) Is characterized.
In other words, when the special game state is entered in a situation where the second condition is satisfied within the period, the display timing of the result display regarding the advantageous mode changes depending on the type, and the content reflected in the result display is different. Is characterized by. As a result, since it is possible to diversify the effect control in the vicinity of the establishment of the second condition, it is possible to obtain an effect that is not available in the past.
In the present embodiment, "when the second condition is satisfied during the stay in the first special game state" is specifically performed within the operation period of any of MB3 to MB6 after the start of the advantageous mode. This is a case where the number of games played has reached a predetermined upper limit game. In addition, in the present embodiment, "when the second condition is satisfied during the stay in the second special game state" is specifically after the start of the advantageous mode within the operation period of either MB1 or MB2. This is a case where the number of games played has reached a predetermined upper limit game.

The gaming machine 10 having the above characteristics will be specifically described based on the following embodiments.

<Structure of gaming machine 10>
First, the structure of the gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. 1 is a front view of the gaming machine 10, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a hand area II surrounded by a broken line in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a view showing a back surface of the front door 20. 4, FIG. 4 is a view showing the front of the gaming machine 10 excluding the front door 20, and FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an array of the symbols applied to the reels 65, FIG. [Fig. 6] is a diagram showing types of symbols applied to the reel 65.

The gaming machine 10 is provided with a rectangular parallelepiped outer frame 90 having an open front surface, a front door 20 pivotally supported on the left edge side of the outer frame 90 so as to be openable and closable, and a gaming machine main body 60. .. More specifically, three hinge parts 96 (96a, 96b, 96c) are provided on the left edge side of the outer frame 90, and the front door 20 is pivotally supported by the upper hinge part 96a and the lower hinge part 96c. The gaming machine main body 60 is pivotally supported by the upper hinge portion 96a and the middle hinge portion 96b.

As shown in FIG. 1 or 2, on the front side of the front door 20, an upper panel 21, a lower panel 22, a bet button 23, a menu selection button 24, a status display LED 25, a start lever 26, A stop button 27, a medal insertion opening 31, a settlement button 32, a medal return button 33, a door lock 34, a medal ejection opening 35, a decoration LED 36, a lower plate 37, and a speaker opening 38 are provided. ing.

Further, on the back side of the front door 20, as shown in FIG. 3, a decoration LED board 41, a status display LED board 42, a stop button board 43, a start lever sensor 44, a bet button board 45, and a menu. A selection button board 46, a medal selector 47, a setting changing device 48, a speaker 49, an insertion medal passage 51, a payout medal passage 52, a return medal passage 53, and a storage medal passage 54 are provided.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the gaming machine 10 includes a gaming machine main body 60, a power supply device 91, a hopper 93, and a medal auxiliary storage case 95.

Further, in order to open the front door 20, it is necessary to insert a door key (not shown) into the door lock 34 and release a lock mechanism (not shown) for locking the front door 20 and the outer frame 90. When the front door 20 is opened, as shown in FIG. 4, the power supply device 91 provided below the gaming machine main body 60 can be confirmed. In the present embodiment, a door opening sensor (not shown) for determining whether or not the front door 20 is opened is provided on the right edge side of the outer frame 90.

The power supply device 91 is a device for supplying electric power to each component of the gaming machine 10, and its start or stop is controlled by operating a power switch 92 provided in the device. Therefore, when playing a game, it is necessary to operate the power switch 92 to start the power supply device 91 with the front door 20 opened. In the present embodiment, each of the main board 100 described later and the sub-board 200 described later is held before the power supply is turned off even if the power supply from the power supply device 91 is turned off. It has the function of maintaining the information that it had.

The setting change device 48 provided on the back side of the front door 20 is for performing setting change processing for changing the game setting value and setting confirmation processing for confirming the already set game setting value. The device is a device including a setting key switch 48a, a setting changing switch 48b, a setting display LED 48c, and a setting key cover 48d. The details of the setting change processing and the setting confirmation processing will be described later.
The setting display LED 48c is an LED that displays the game setting value that is being changed in the setting changing process and the game setting value that has already been set in the setting confirmation process. There is.
The setting key cover 48d is a cover that covers the setting key switch 48a, and by sliding the setting key switch 48a, the setting key can be inserted into the setting key switch 48a for operation. Note that FIG. 3 illustrates a state in which the setting key cover 48d covers the setting key switch 48a.
Here, the game set value is a payout rate that indicates an expected value of the number of medals to be paid out with respect to the number of medals used in the game, and in the present embodiment, 6 stages of 1 to 6 are set. Exists. In addition, generally, the larger the game set value to be set, the higher the payout rate tends to be, and similarly in the present embodiment, the payout rate becomes higher as the game set value becomes 1 to 6.

The front door 20 has an upper panel 21 and a lower panel 22 on the front side.
Since the upper panel 21 is formed of a transparent member, a player located in front of the gaming machine 10 can visually recognize the gaming machine main body 60 arranged on the back side of the upper panel 21 through the upper panel 21. You can
On the surface of the lower panel 22, the model name of the gaming machine 10 and characters related to the model are written, and the model name etc. written by the lighting of a backlight (not shown) installed in the rear is easy to see. ..

Further, the gaming machine main body 60 includes main constituent elements for controlling a game played by the gaming machine 10. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, an effect display area 62 is formed on the upper front surface thereof. The reel frame 64 is formed on the lower part of the front surface of the reel frame 64.

The effect display area 62 is a display screen of an effect display device 63 built in the gaming machine main body 60, and can display effects and information related to the game of the gaming machine 10. As the effect display device 63, for example, a liquid crystal display type display device or the like can be adopted, and the effect displayed in the effect display area 62 is interlocked with the sound output from the speaker 49 and the light emission of the decoration LED 36. Therefore, the player's interest can be appropriately aroused.

The reel frame 64 is a window frame formed on the front side of the reel 65 (65L, 65C, 65R) built in the gaming machine main body 60, and is divided into an inner region and an outer region. The inner region of the reel frame 64 is formed by a hollow or transparent member, and each part of the reel 65 is visible through the inner region. Further, the outer region of the reel frame 64 is formed of an opaque member (including a translucent member and a member obtained by coloring a transparent member), which makes it difficult to visually recognize the reel 65 through the outer region.

Here, the reel 65 includes a reel 65L, a reel 65C, and a reel 65R, and these reels are configured to be rotatable by a stepping motor. When the reel 65 in the present embodiment rotates, in principle, the reel 65 rotates from top to bottom, the direction in which the reel 65 rotates from top to bottom is the "forward direction", and the direction from bottom to top is " It may be referred to as "reverse direction".
Further, each of the reels 65 is provided with a plurality of types of symbols, and the symbols applied to the reels 65 are variably displayed by rotating the reels 65, and the symbols are stopped by stopping the rotating reels 65. indicate.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5, each outer periphery of the reel 65 is equally divided into 21 frames, and each frame is provided with a pattern one by one. In the following description, each frame arranged on the reel 65L is called LZ00 to LZ20, each frame arranged on the reel 65C is called CZ00 to CZ20, and each frame arranged on the reel 65R is called RZ00 to RZ20. There is.

Next, the types of symbols drawn on the outer circumferences of the reels 65 will be described with reference to FIG.
The design shown in FIG. 6A is a blue design imitating the number "7", and will be referred to as "blue 7 design" in the following description. The blue 7 symbol is arranged on LZ05, CZ05, and RZ05, and is arranged on each of the reels 65 so as to exceed the maximum number of pull-in frames to be described later (depending on the operation timing of the stop button 27, stop on the effective line). It can be said that it is impossible to do).
The design shown in FIG. 6(b) is a red design imitating the number "7", and will be referred to as "red 7 design" in the following description. The red 7 symbols are arranged on the LZ12, CZ15, and RZ18, and like the “blue 7 symbols”, it can be said that each of the reels 65 is a symbol arranged in excess of the maximum number of pull-in frames to be described later.
The symbol shown in FIG. 6(c) is a symbol described as "BAR", and will be referred to as "BAR symbol" in the following description. The BAR symbols are arranged on the LZ17, CZ09, and RZ09, and like the "blue 7 symbol", it can be said that the symbols are arranged on each of the reels 65 in excess of the maximum number of drawn frames to be described later.
The symbol shown in FIG. 6(d) is a symbol written as "REPLY" meaning a replay, and will be referred to as a "replay symbol" in the following description. The replay symbols are arranged on LZ00, CZ02, RZ00, etc., and are not arranged on each of the reels 65 in excess of the maximum number of pull-in frames to be described later (on the effective line regardless of the operation timing of the stop button 27). It can be said that it can be stopped.
The design shown in FIG. 6(e) is a design imitating a bell, and will be referred to as a "bell design" in the following description. The bell symbols are arranged on the LZ02, CZ00, RZ03, etc., and like the “replay symbol”, it can be said that the reels 65 are not arranged in excess of the maximum number of pull-in frames to be described later.
The symbol shown in FIG. 6(f) is a pattern simulating cherry, and will be referred to as a "cherry symbol" in the following description. The cherry symbols are arranged on the LZ10, CZ04, RZ01, etc., and can be said to be the symbols arranged on each of the reels 65 in excess of the maximum number of drawn frames, which will be described later, similarly to the above "blue 7 symbol".
The design shown in FIG. 6(g) is a design simulating a watermelon, and will be referred to as a “watermelon design” in the following description. The watermelon symbols are arranged on LZ03, CZ06, RZ02, etc., and can be said to be the symbols arranged on each of the reels 65 in excess of the maximum number of pull-in frames to be described later, as in the case of the "blue 7 symbol".
The design shown in FIG. 6(h) is a design written as "BLANK", and will be referred to as "blank design" in the following description. It is to be noted that the blank symbols, LZ01, CZ01, RZ17, etc. are arranged, and it can be said that, in the same manner as the above-mentioned “blue 7 symbol”, the symbols are arranged on each of the reels 65 in excess of the maximum draw-in number to be described later.

Further, on each of the reels 65, a detection piece (not shown) that moves with the rotation of the reel corresponds to a reference position (LZ00, CZ00, RZ00 in this embodiment) (movement in a brake control state described later). A reel sensor 66 that is provided at a position upstream of the forward direction) and that does not move with the rotation of the reel and that detects the detection piece is provided. Specifically, a reel sensor 66L is provided for the reel 65L, a reel sensor 66C is provided for the reel 65C, and a reel sensor 66R is provided for the reel 65R. With these sensors, each of the reels 65 serves as a reference position. It is configured so that it can be detected.

In addition, a reel illumination board 67 (67L, 67C, 67R) is provided inside the reel 65, and each of the symbols shown on the reel 65 is visually recognized by lighting an LED mounted on the reel illumination board 67. Making it easy. That is, the LED mounted on the reel illumination board 67 functions as a backlight for the symbol display by the reel 65.

The start lever 26 can receive the operation of the player as an opportunity to start the game. Here, the operation of the start lever 26 by the player is to tilt the start lever 26, which is provided substantially perpendicular to the front door 20 in the initial state, in either direction.

The start lever sensor 44 can detect whether the start lever 26 is in an on state or an off state. More specifically, the start lever sensor 44 detects the start lever 26, which is substantially vertical to the front door 20, as an off state, and detects the start lever 26 tilted in either direction as an on state. ..

In the present embodiment, if the number of medals used in the game (hereinafter, the number of bets) has not reached the maximum number (3 in the present embodiment), the game is started even if the start lever 26 is operated. Not started. Therefore, in order to reach the maximum number of bets, the number of bets is increased by inserting medals from the medal insertion slot 31, and the medals (hereinafter, credits) stored in the gaming machine 10 are subtracted by pressing the bet button 23. It is necessary to increase the number of bets.
When the player wins the replay role in the previous game, the re-game is activated in the game and the bet number in the previous game is set as the bet number in the current game. By pressing the bet button 23, the game can be started without setting a new bet number for the bet.
Further, in the present embodiment, the game is started only when the start lever 26 is operated in the state where the bet number is the maximum number, but the start lever 26 is operated when the bet number is smaller than the maximum number and is 1 or more. The game may be started when the game is played. In this case, the internal lottery section 111 described later may use an internal lottery table corresponding to the bet amount.

Here, the storage of medals refers to a function of storing a numerical value (credits) corresponding to the number of medals in the gaming machine 10, instead of a part or all of the medals owned by the player. When the medals are accumulated (credits are added), for example, a case where medals have been inserted from the medal insertion slot 31 in excess of a predetermined number, a case where a winning combination having a payout has been won, or the like can be cited.

A medal selector 47 including a medal selector body 47a, a medal blocker 47b, and a medal passing sensor 47c is provided on the back side of the medal insertion slot 31. The medal inserted through the medal insertion slot 31 is a medal selector 47. The medals that can be accepted and those that cannot be accepted are sorted by.
For example, in the standby state (the state where the power is turned on but the game is not performed) and the like, medals can be accepted, so the medal selector body 47a operates the medal blocker 47b having a solenoid. When the medal blocker 47b is activated, a protrusion (not shown) provided in the middle of the insertion medal passage 51 is buried, so that the insertion medal passage 51 is allowed to pass medals. At this time, when a medal is inserted from the medal insertion slot 31, the medal flows down into the insertion medal passage 51, is detected by the medal passage sensor 47c provided in the middle of the insertion medal passage 51, and is stored in the storage medal passage 54. It passes and is stored in the hopper 93.

Further, when the game is being executed or when the credit reaches the upper limit value, the medal selector main body 47a stops the operation of the medal blocker 47b because the medal cannot be accepted. When the operation of the medal blocker 47b is stopped, a protrusion (not shown) protrudes in the middle of the insertion medal passage 51 to prevent passage of medals, so that the inserted medal is in the middle of the insertion medal passage 51. Moreover, it stays in a position where it is not detected by the medal passage sensor 47c. The medals accumulated in the inserted medal passage 51 are dropped into the return medal passage 53 by their own weight or by the operation of the medal return button 33, and are ejected to the lower plate 37 via the medal ejection port 35.

In addition, when medals are awarded exceeding the upper limit of credits, the number of medals corresponding to the number exceeding the upper limit of the number of medals provided is lowered from the hopper 93 through the medal outlet 35 to the lower plate. It is discharged to 37.

Further, the gaming machine 10 has a maximum bet button 23a and a single bet button 23b as the bet buttons 23 described above, and an operation on each button is detected by a sensor provided on the bet button board 45. More specifically, a maximum bet button sensor 45a is provided for the maximum bet button 23a, and a single bet button sensor 45b is provided for the single bet button 23b, and these sensors individually detect the operation of each button. To be done.
The maximum bet button 23a subtracts the maximum number of bets from the maximum number of bets (3 in this embodiment) by one operation, and adds the subtracted amount to the number of bets, thereby maximizing the number of bets. The single bet button 23b is a button for subtracting 1 credit and adding 1 bet by one operation. If the bet amount has reached the maximum, it is not possible to subtract the credit and add the bet amount by operating any of the bet buttons 23.

Further, the maximum bet button 23a may be used not only as a purpose (bet button) of subtracting credits to increase the bet amount according to the operation as described above but also as an execution execution trigger (effect button). is there.
Note that when the maximum bet button 23a is used as a bet button, it is limited to a state in which the bet number can be added, but when the maximum bet button 23a is used as an effect button, it is not limited to this state, and for example, Any state may be adopted, such as during the re-game operation before the start of the game or during the game.

The bet button board 45 is provided with an effect button sensor 45c that detects pressing of the maximum bet button 23a when the maximum bet button 23a is used as an effect button, and is distinguished from detection by the maximum bet button sensor 45a. ..
The difference is that the maximum bet button sensor 45a is directly connected to the main board 100, whereas the effect button sensor 45c is directly connected to the sub board 200.

Further, the gaming machine 10 includes a menu selection button 24 on the left side of the bet button 23. The menu selection button 24 includes a cross key button 24a mounted on the menu selection button board 46 and an effect button 24b located at the center of the cross key button 24a.

The menu selection button 24 is a component that receives an operation related to the menu screen. Here, the menu screen refers to a screen showing an operation method of the gaming machine 10 displayed in the effect display area 62, commentary information on the game, and the like.
The player can browse the menu screen by operating the menu selection button 24. For example, when the effect button 24b is pressed in the standby state, a menu list and a cursor are displayed in the effect display area 62. When the player operates the cross key button 24a to move the cursor to a position indicating an arbitrary menu, and if the player presses the effect button 24b when the cursor indicates any menu, the menu is displayed for effect. It is displayed in the area 62.

The menu selection button board 46 is provided with a cross key button sensor 46a and an effect button sensor 46b. The cross key button sensor 46a is arranged in any direction of the cross key button 24a (up and down with respect to the center of the effect button 24b. It is possible to detect whether the button is pressed in either the left or right direction. Further, the effect button sensor 46b can detect that the effect button 24b is pressed.
The cross key button sensor 46a and the effect button sensor 46b are directly connected to the sub-board 200, similarly to the effect button sensor 45c described above.

Further, the gaming machine 10 includes a status display LED 25 on the right side of the bet button 23, which displays information about the gaming machine 10 such as the number of medals inserted and the number of stored medals. The status display LED 25 is composed of a plurality of LEDs mounted on the status display LED board 42 or a 7-segment display, and is composed of the following eight types of LEDs.
The first inserted number display LED 25a is composed of three LEDs, and the number of lit LEDs increases by one each time the bet number increases by one.
The second stored number display LED 25b is composed of two 7-segment displays, and represents the number of stored medals (credit) by a number.
The third acquired number display LED 25c is composed of two 7-segment displays and represents the number of medals acquired by winning with a numeral.
The fourth instruction display LED 25d is composed of two 7-segment displays, and displays the correct answer pressing order described later in a form that can be specified. The details of the mode of the instruction display LED 25d will be described later.
The fifth replay display LED 25e is composed of one LED, and lights up when the replay is stopped and displayed in the game.
The sixth game start display LED 25f is composed of one LED, and the lighting of the LED indicates that the game startable condition is satisfied.
The seventh insertable display LED 25g is composed of one LED, and indicates that the medal can be inserted by turning on the LED.
The eighth advantageous mode display LED 25h is composed of one LED and lights up in correspondence with the game mode. The details of the advantageous mode display LED 25h will be described later.

The stop button 27 receives from the player an operation (stop operation) by the player, which is an opportunity to stop the spinning reel 65. Note that the stop button 27 can receive (be enabled) a stop operation when the stoppable condition that is satisfied after the reel 65 starts rotating is triggered.
The operation of the player on the stop button 27 is to press the stop button 27. In addition, the stoppable condition is a precondition for performing stop display in the game, and specifically, all the rotation speeds of the reels 65 (65L, 65C, 65R) have reached a predetermined speed, and the reels 65 It is a condition that is satisfied when the reference position in each is detected.

Each of the stop buttons 27 (27L, 27C, 27R) is mounted on the stop button board 43, and one stop button 27 is provided for each reel 65. Specifically, the stop button 27L receives a stop operation for stopping the reel 65L, the stop button 27C receives a stop operation for stopping the reel 65C, and the stop button 27R stops the reel 65R. Accept the stop operation of.

In addition, the stop button board 43 is provided with a stop button sensor 43a that individually detects that the stop button 27L, the stop button 27C, and the stop button 27R are pressed, and the reels are detected according to the detection of the stop button sensor 43a. The control for stopping the rotation of each of the 65 is performed. That is, the stop button 27 and the stop button sensor 43a detect a stop operation that triggers the reel controller 112 to stop the rotation of the reel 65, which will be described later.

The stop button 27 in the present embodiment is configured to include the stoppable display LED 27a and cover the periphery thereof with a light transmissive member. Then, the stop button 27 is designed to notify the player of whether or not the stoppable condition is satisfied by the lighting color of the stoppable display LED 27a. In this way, the color of the stop button 27 can be used to judge whether or not the stoppable condition is satisfied, so that the player can smoothly perform the stop operation in sequence.

Further, in the present embodiment, the stop position of the reel 65 is up to the maximum number of pull-in frames (sometimes referred to as the maximum pull-in range, 4 in this embodiment) with reference to the position of the reel 65 when the stop button 27 is pressed. Can move. Here, the control from pressing the stop button 27 to stopping the reel 65 is generally called pull-in control.

The internal area of the reel frame 64 corresponding to each of the reels 65 has a size of three frames in the vertical direction. In addition, each of the reels 65 is stopped and controlled so that three symbols are vertically accommodated in the inner area of the reel frame 64, and the player can visually recognize the three symbols through the inner area of the reel frame 64. It has become. That is, in the reel 65, since three reels are arranged in the left-right direction, when the reel 65 is stopped, the player can visually recognize 3 symbols×3 reels=9 symbols. There is.

Here, the substantially straight lines (indicated by the one-dot chain line in FIG. 1) formed by the upper, middle, and lower inner regions of the reels 65 are referred to as line L1, line L2, and line L3, respectively.
Further, a substantially straight line (indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 1) formed by the upper inner region of the reel 65L, the middle inner region of the reel 65C, and the lower inner region of the reel 65R is referred to as a line L4, and A substantially straight line (indicated by a one-dot chain line in FIG. 1) formed by the lower inner region, the middle inner region of the reel 65C, and the upper inner region of the reel 65R is referred to as a line L5.

In addition, in this embodiment, only a substantially straight line is adopted as the line in the internal region, but not limited to a straight line, a bent line may be adopted. Alternatively, a line formed by including regions that are not adjacent to each other (for example, the upper stage of the reel 65L and the lower stage of the reel 65C) may be adopted. That is, any line may be adopted as long as it is a line formed by arbitrarily selecting an internal area for one symbol from each of the reels 65.

The effective line in this embodiment is only the line L2. Here, the effective line is a line on which a winning determination, which will be described later, is performed for the symbol combination stopped on the line.
Specifically, when the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning is stopped and displayed on the activated line, the specified number of medals are awarded for the winning. When the symbol combination corresponding to the re-game is stopped and displayed on the activated line, the re-game is activated in the next game. When a combination of symbols corresponding to a character or a character continuous operating device is stopped and displayed on the activated line, the character or a character continuous operating device is activated in the next game. The details of the symbol combination corresponding to each winning combination will be described later.
Further, the effective line may be a single line as in the present embodiment, or may be a plurality of lines.

While the reel 65 is rotating (during a game), the image displayed in the effect display area 62, the sound output from the speaker 49, or the decoration LED 36 is lit in order to attract the player's interest and arouse the interest of the game. A variety of performances composed of lights, lights, etc. will be performed.

A speaker port 38 is provided in front of each speaker 49.
More specifically, a speaker opening 38a is provided in front of the speaker 49a located in the upper right (upper left in FIG. 3) when viewed from the front of the gaming machine, and the upper left (in FIG. 3) when viewed from the front of the gaming machine. A speaker opening 38b is provided in front of the speaker 49b located in the upper right), and a speaker opening 38c is provided in front of the speaker 49c located in the lower left (lower right in FIG. 3) when viewed from the front of the gaming machine. A speaker opening 38d is provided in front of the speaker 49d located at the lower right (lower left in FIG. 3) when viewed from the front of the gaming machine. It should be noted that each speaker port 38 is provided with a large number of cavities so that the sound output from the speaker 49 can be appropriately output.

The decoration LEDs 36 are arranged so as to surround the effect display area 62 or the reel frame 64.
More specifically, on the upper right side of the effect display area 62, the decorative LED 36a mounted on the decorative LED board 41a and the decorative LED 36b mounted on the decorative LED board 41b are arranged, and the right side of the effect display area 62 is arranged. The decorative LED 36c mounted on the decorative LED substrate 41c is arranged on the lower side. Further, the decoration LED 36d mounted on the decoration LED board 41d is arranged on the lower right side of the reel frame 64, and the decoration LED 36e mounted on the decoration LED board 41e is arranged on the lower left side of the reel frame 64. The decorative LED 36f mounted on the decorative LED board 41f is arranged on the lower left side of the effect display area 62, and the decorative LED 36g and the decorative LED mounted on the decorative LED board 41g are arranged on the upper left side of the effect display area 62. The decorative LED 36h mounted on the substrate 41h is arranged. It should be noted that each decorative LED 36 may be lit in a single color or may be lit in a plurality of colors.

The gaming machine 10 corresponds to the amount exceeding the upper limit value when the credit reaches the upper limit value during the payout process of the medal given as a result of the symbol combination corresponding to the winning being stopped and displayed on the activated line. The number of medals to be used is paid out from the hopper 93. When the settlement button 32 is pressed, the gaming machine 10 pays out from the hopper 93 the number of medals corresponding to the credit at the time of pressing.
Here, the payout of the medals housed in the hopper 93 to the medal discharge port 35 is realized by a payout mechanism (not shown) built in the hopper 93.
More specifically, the payout mechanism ejects a medal by rotating the disc, a disc motor for rotating the disc, an arm that follows the medal paid out from the hopper 93, and a medal is paid out from the disc. The arm sensor is configured to detect the arm at the time, and the arm sensor rotates the disc motor until the number of paid-out coins is reached.
If the arm sensor does not detect the arm until a predetermined time elapses after the arm sensor detects the medal in a state where the payout number has not been reached, the rotation of the disc is stopped and the game is played. Machine 10 is in a hopper error condition.

Further, in order to prevent medals from overflowing from the hopper 93, a medal auxiliary storage box 95 is provided beside the hopper 93, into which a part of the medals stored in the hopper 93 flow down.
Further, the medal auxiliary storage 95 is provided with a storage error sensor (not shown) for detecting that the number of stored medals reaches a predetermined amount or more, and the detection causes the gaming machine 10 to be in a full error state. Becomes

<Electrical configuration and functional configuration of gaming machine 10>
Next, an electrical configuration and a functional configuration of the gaming machine 10 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. However, since the constituent elements illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 described above are also referred to, the reference should be made appropriately. Note that FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the gaming machine 10, and FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the gaming machine 10.

The gaming machine 10 has a main board 100 and a sub board 200 built therein as main components. In FIG. 7, the main substrate 100 or the sub-substrate 200 is illustrated as if it is a single electronic substrate, but it does not necessarily have to be a single electronic substrate. That is, the main board 100 or the sub-board 200 may be realized by combining a plurality of electronic boards.

Electronic components such as a CPU 101, a RAM 102, a ROM 103, and a random number circuit 104 are mounted on the main substrate 100, and a connection state with other electronic components such as a sensor and a substrate is as shown in FIG. 7. The main board 100 mainly realizes control relating to the progress of the game by executing processing based on data and control signals exchanged between these electronic components and various sensors 40a.
Here, the various sensors 40a include the above-mentioned start lever sensor 44, stop button sensor 43a, maximum bet button sensor 45a, single bet button sensor 45b, medal passing sensor 47c, reel sensor 66, and the like.

Further, electronic components such as a CPU 201, a RAM 202, a ROM 203, and a random number circuit 204 are mounted on the sub-board 200, and a connection state with other electronic components such as a sensor and a board is as shown in FIG. .. The sub-board 200 is connected by one-way communication from the main board 100, and controls the decorative LED board 41, the speaker 49, the effect display device 63, and the like based on the control command transmitted from the main board 100, mainly for playing games. The effect control (including the control related to the menu screen) is realized.
Here, the various sensors 40b include an effect button sensor 45c, a cross key button sensor 46a, an effect button sensor 46b, and the like.

The main board 100 is limited in ROM capacity and RAM capacity in order to enhance security against illegal acts such as unauthorized modification. On the other hand, the sub-board 200 is not provided with the same limitation.

Next, the functional configurations of the main board 100 and the sub-board 200 will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the following functional configurations and the functions that each functional configuration has are exemplifications, and may have functional configurations not described below, and in each functional configuration, have functionalities not described below. May be It should be noted that, for the sake of convenience of description, electronic components outside the main substrate 100 and the sub-substrate 200 such as the sensor and the substrate shown in FIG.

First, the functional configuration of the main board 100 is roughly divided into a game progress management unit 110 that manages the progress of the game, a state management unit 120 that manages the state related to the game, and a main communication unit 130.
Further, the game progress management unit 110 includes an internal lottery unit 111, a reel control unit 112, a winning determination unit 113, a medal management unit 114, and a status display LED control unit 115. The status management unit 120 includes a setting change management unit. 121, a game state management unit 122, a replay time management unit 123, a game mode management unit 124, and an error management unit 125, and a main communication unit 130 includes a control command transmission unit 131 and an external signal transmission unit 132. ..

The internal lottery section 111 determines, by lottery, a winning combination (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a “winning combination”) from a plurality of types of winning combinations when the game is started.
More specifically, the internal lottery unit 111 acquires a random number (a 2-byte random number is used in the present embodiment, the range is 0 to 65535) updated by the random number circuit 104 when the game is started. Then, the lottery values of the internal lottery table (not shown) stored in the ROM 103 are sequentially added to the acquired random numbers, and the winning combination is determined as the winning combination corresponding to the lottery value in which the carry occurs. In the internal lottery section 111, "the winning combination is determined by lottery" may be simply expressed as "the winning combination is derived".

When the game is started, the reel control unit 112 takes a predetermined delay time from the start of the rotation of the reel 65 in the previous game to the start of the rotation of the reel 65 in the game, a so-called wait time (this embodiment). Then, the respective rotations of the reels 65 are started after a lapse of 4.1 s), and thereafter, each time a stop operation is performed, the reels corresponding to the stop operation of the reels 65 are stopped, and so on. Control rotation individually.
More specifically, the reel control unit 112 sets a reel control state (acceleration control state, constant speed control state, pull-in control state, brake control state, stop control state) to each reel 65 according to the progress of the game. The reel motor 68 (stepping motor), which is set for the reel motor 68 (stepping motor), obtains an excitation pattern corresponding to the currently set reel control state from the excitation pattern stored in the ROM 103, and outputs a pulse signal according to the obtained excitation pattern. The rotation of the reel 65 is individually controlled by performing each of the above.
The reel control state will be specifically described. The acceleration control state is a control state in which a pulse signal is output according to an excitation pattern for accelerating the rotation to a predetermined speed after the rotation is started. The constant speed control state is a control state from the termination of the acceleration control state to the stop operation, and in the control state, a pulse signal is output according to an excitation pattern for maintaining a predetermined speed. The pull-in control state is a control state in which the corresponding reel is rotated from the stop operation to the stop position, and in the control state, like the constant speed control state, a pulse is generated according to an excitation pattern for maintaining a predetermined speed. The signal is output. The brake control state is a control state in which a pulse signal is output according to an excitation pattern for stopping the corresponding reel after reaching the stop position. The stop control state is a control state in which the corresponding reel is maintained at the current position.
The switching of the reel control state is performed in the main flow of the main board 100 described later, and the output of the pulse signal is performed in the main board 100 at a predetermined interval (about 2 ms in this embodiment) by a timer. This is performed in interrupt processing (not shown).
Further, the reel control unit 112 derives (or reads) candidates for the symbol numbers to be stopped from the stop data stored in the ROM 103 when stopping each of the reels 65 (switching from the pull-in control state to the brake control state). ), from the position (symbol number on the reference line) of the reel at the timing when the stop operation is performed, one symbol number from the symbol number candidates in the maximum drawing range (four frames in this embodiment) is set as the stop position. decide.
Here, the symbol number on the reference line of each of the reels 65 is the symbol number of the reference position (RZ00, CZ00, LZ00 in this embodiment) every time the detection piece is detected by the reel sensor 66 in the timer interrupt process. It is corrected and updated according to the number of switching of the pulse signal thereafter.
In the constant speed control state, the reel control unit 112 is a reference until a predetermined time elapses (until a predetermined number of switching of pulse signals is performed) after the symbol number on the reference line is corrected last time. If the symbol number on the line is not corrected, it is determined that the corresponding reel is out of step (hereinafter referred to as step out check), the reel control state is set to the acceleration control state, and the reel is re-accelerated. Let

The winning determination unit 113 performs a winning determination that determines the winning of the winning combination based on the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the activated line in the game.
In addition, in performing the winning determination, in addition to the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the activated line, it is determined whether or not the combination of the symbol and the winning combination derived in the game match, and the winning of the winning combination is performed. It may be determined.

The medal management unit 114 manages the above-mentioned increase/decrease of credits and controls the above-mentioned hopper 93 (payout mechanism).

The status display LED control unit 115 controls the status display LED 25 described above.

The setting change management unit 121 performs setting change processing and setting confirmation processing.
More specifically, the setting change process is started if the setting key switch 48a is operated when the power supply from the power supply device 91 is changed from the OFF state to the ON state, and the setting change switch 48b is activated. Each time it is operated, the game set value is changed according to a certain order (in the present embodiment, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 1, 2,...) At the time when the start lever 26 is operated. It is a process of confirming the game setting value in the current game setting value. In addition, the said process also performs the process which displays the game setting value which is changing on the setting display LED48c. Further, in the setting change process, all the information held before the power supply is turned off may be initialized, or only a part of the information may be maintained.
Further, the setting confirmation process is a process started by operating the setting key switch 48a while the power supply is ON, and is a process of displaying the already set game setting value on the setting display LED 48c. In the following description, the "already set game setting value" will be simply referred to as the "game setting value" unless otherwise specified.
In the present embodiment, the opening of the front door 20 by the door opening sensor may be added to each of the condition for starting the setting change process and the condition for starting the setting confirmation process. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the illegal change of the game setting value and the confirmation of the illegal game setting value.

The gaming state management unit 122 controls to shift the gaming state according to the shift condition among a plurality of types of gaming states. The details of the types of game states and the transition conditions will be described later with reference to FIG.
In the description of the present embodiment, switching from one state (or mode) to another state (or mode) with respect to the game state, game mode, effect mode, etc. is referred to as “transition” and “transition”. ", but these are generally treated as synonymous.

The replay time management unit 123 performs control to shift the game state according to the shift condition among a plurality of types of replay times. The details of the types of replay times and the transition conditions will be described later with reference to FIG.

The game mode management unit 124 performs control to shift the game mode according to the shift condition among a plurality of types of game modes. The details of the types of game modes and the transition conditions will be described later.

The error management unit 125 determines whether or not to make an error state by making a determination as to whether or not to make an error state using the detection results of the various sensors 40a and the like in addition to the determination as to whether or not to make the various error states described above. In that case, the progress of the game is stopped as necessary, and the gaming machine 10 is put into an error state.
In the case of an error state, preparation is made for transmission of a control command indicating the occurrence of the error state, the control command transmitting unit 131 is made to transmit the control command, and the effect device (effect display area 62, decorative LED 36, speaker 49, etc.). ) May be used to notify the occurrence of the error state.

The control command transmitting unit 131 performs a process of transmitting the control command prepared for transmission to the sub-board 200.
In addition to the control commands transmitted when an error occurs, the control commands include control commands transmitted as the game progresses, and each control command specifies the type of the control command. In addition to the possible information, it has information corresponding to the type. It should be noted that a specific example of the control command will be described in the description of the flow described later, if necessary.
Further, in the following description, preparing to transmit a control command and causing the control command transmitting unit 131 to transmit the control command may be simply expressed as transmitting the control command.

The external signal transmission unit 132 transmits a signal (outer end signal) indicating the internal state of the gaming machine 10 to an external device (for example, a hall computer or a data display) outside the gaming machine 10.
Explaining specifically the information transmitted by the outer end signal, the information indicates that one game has started, that the game has entered the special game state described later, or that the player has stayed in the special game state. Information indicating that the advantage mode is started, information indicating that the advantage mode is started or staying in the advantage mode, and information indicating that an error has occurred.

Next, the functional configuration of the sub-board 200 is roughly divided into a sub-communication unit 210 and an effect management unit 220 that manages effects related to games.
Further, the sub communication unit 210 is configured by a control command receiving unit 211, and the effect management unit 220 includes an effect mode management unit 221, an effect control unit 222, an effect display control unit 223, a sound control unit 224, and a decorative LED control unit. 225. Details of these functional configurations are as follows.

The control command receiving unit 211 receives the control command transmitted from the main board 100, analyzes the received control command, and updates the information stored in the RAM 202 using the information included in the control command. ..

The effect mode management unit 221 controls a plurality of kinds of effect modes in which the player can stay over a plurality of consecutive games based on a control command or the like transmitted from the main board 100.
The effect mode in the present embodiment is a transition mainly based on the game mode controlled by the game mode management unit 124, and the game mode during the stay and the effect mode correspond in principle. As a general rule, the transition of the effect modes involves changing the background display displayed in the effect display area 62.

The effect mode controlled by the effect mode management unit 221 may correspond to a plurality of effect modes with respect to one game mode, or may correspond to a effect mode with respect to a plurality of game modes.
However, it is preferable to distinguish between the effect mode associated with the normal mode and the effect mode associated with the advantageous mode (high-accuracy mode and AT mode). In other words, to the plurality of types of effect modes controlled by the effect mode management unit 221, a first effect mode that can be changed in the advantageous mode and cannot be changed in the normal mode, and an effect mode that cannot be changed in the advantageous mode, and It is preferable to include a second effect mode that can be shifted in the normal mode. This is because by clearly indicating to the player the distinction between the normal mode and the advantageous mode, the difference in the degree of advantage becomes clear, and the game becomes clearer.

The effect control unit 222, based on the effect mode controlled by the effect mode management unit 221, in addition to the control command transmitted from the main board 100, the effect device (effect display area 62, the decorative LED 36, the speaker 49, etc.). Processing for determining the content of the effect to be performed is performed.

When the effect display device 63 has an effect to be performed, the effect display control unit 223 reads the device data corresponding to the effect from the ROM 203, and causes the effect display device 63 to perform the effect using the device data.

When there is an effect to be performed by the speaker 49, the voice control unit 224 reads the device data corresponding to the effect from the ROM 203 and causes the speaker 49 to perform the effect using the device data.

When there is an effect to be performed on the decorative LED board 41, the decorative LED control unit 225 reads the device data corresponding to the effect from the ROM 203 and causes the decorative LED board 41 to perform the effect using the device data.

<Type of role>
Next, the types of winning combinations that can be derived as a winning combination by the internal lottery unit 111 will be described with reference to FIG. It should be noted that the figure shows types of winning combinations, symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, and payouts of each winning combination.

As shown in FIG. 9, the winning combinations derived by the internal lottery unit 111 include MB1, MB2, MB3, MB4, MB5, MB6, normal replay, promotion replay, bell, cherry, and watermelon.

Among the winning combinations in the present embodiment, MB1, MB2, MB3, MB4, MB5, and MB6 are the winning combinations that are not paid out even if a prize is won, and the winning combinations cause the special game state. In the present embodiment, these combinations are collectively referred to as “special combination”. Including the following description, the derivation of the special role means that the special role is independently won and the special role is repeatedly won together with the general role (for example, “watermelon”).
In addition, these winning combinations, once drawn out by the internal lottery unit 111, are maintained (carried over) winning combinations until a prize is won. It shifts to this game state.

The special winning combination derived by the internal lottery unit 111 is the first special winning combination corresponding to MB3, MB4, MB5 and MB6 (first special playing state) and MB1 and MB2 (second special playing state). It can be roughly divided into the corresponding second special character.
The symbol combination corresponding to the first special combination is characterized in that it is constituted only by the symbols arranged over the maximum number of drawn frames in all reels 65 (65L, 65C, 65R). Specifically, MB3 is "Blue 7 design-Blue 7 design-Blue 7 design", MB4 is "Red 7 design-Red 7 design-Red 7 design", MB5 is "Blue 7 design-Blue 7 design-Red 7". Design", MB6 corresponds to "red 7 design-red 7 design-blue 7 design". In other words, the first special winning combination is a winning combination depending on the mode of the stop operation on the reel 65.
On the other hand, the symbol combination corresponding to the second special combination is characterized in that the corresponding symbols are arranged within the range of the maximum number of drawn frames in all the reels 65 (65L, 65C, 65R). For example, the symbol combination corresponding to MB1 is a "replay symbol-bell symbol-bell symbol", and one of the symbol combinations corresponding to MB2 is a "BAR symbol-replay symbol-cherry symbol" (the BAR symbol and the cherry symbol) The symbol is a symbol arranged over the maximum number of drawn frames, but by arranging a large number of symbols corresponding to MB2 on the reels 65L and 65R in addition to the BAR symbol and the cherry symbol, a symbol corresponding to MB2 The combination satisfies the above characteristics). In other words, the second special winning combination is a winning combination that does not depend on the mode of the stop operation on the reel 65.

Further, when comparing the symbol combination corresponding to the first special combination and the symbol combination corresponding to the second special combination, the former is easy for the player to recognize from the symbol combination in which winning is stopped (blue 7 symbol or red). 7 symbols are aligned on the activated line), whereas the latter is different in that it is difficult for the player to recognize the winning symbol combination from the stopped symbol combination.
By having such a difference, it becomes easy for the player to recognize the transition (operation) to the first special game state, while the transition (operation) to the second special game state is performed. It is difficult for people to recognize.

The normal replay and the promotion replay are replay roles that allow the player to play the next game without using a new medal by winning. Then, the corresponding symbol combination is a normal replay is "replay symbol-replay symbol-replay symbol", and a promotion replay is "replay symbol-replay symbol-bell symbol".

Bells, cherries, and watermelons are small roles that pay medal for winning prizes. Then, the corresponding symbol combinations are bell "bell symbol-bell symbol-bell symbol", cherry "cherry symbol-ANY-ANY" (ANY is any symbol), watermelon "watermelon symbol-watermelon symbol-" Watermelon design". In addition, the medal payout at the time of winning is 10 bells, 1 cherry, and 3 watermelons.

Unlike the special role, the replay role and the small role are the roles in which the derived state is not maintained even if no prize is won when derived by the internal lottery unit 111. Sometimes called "role". Further, although there is no winning combination in the present embodiment, it is a combination in which only the next winning game is in an advantageous game state, and a combination that is not carried over when the derived game is not won (single bonus ( SB)) may be treated as a general role.

<Game state and type of replay time (RT) and transition>
Next, with reference to FIG. 10, each type and transition of the game state managed by the game state management unit 122 and the replay time (RT) managed by the replay time management unit 123 will be described. It should be noted that the figure shows the relationship between the game state and the replay time, and is a figure in which parenthesized numbers are given for each type of these transition conditions.

There are three types of game states managed by the game state management unit 122: a normal game state, an internal winning game state, and a special game state, and the replay time managed by the replay time management unit 123 is RT0 to RT2. There are three types, and the internal lottery table used in the internal lottery section 111 is determined by the combination of the game state and the replay time, excluding the special game state.

The normal gaming state is a gaming state in which no special combination has been derived (a special combination can be derived), and RT0 to RT2 are associated with each other.

RT0 is a replay time in which the probability of deriving a replay combination is relatively low, and shifts to RT1 based on the fact that a transition symbol combination (not shown) due to the failure of the push order bell described later is stopped and displayed on the activated line. (Transition condition (1)).
It should be noted that RT0 is a replay time provided as a countermeasure for the simulation test, and when the setting is changed, the RAM is cleared, and the special game state ends, the RT0 shifts to RT0.

Similar to RT0, RT1 is a replay time in which the probability that a replay role is derived is relatively low, and that a prize has been awarded for promotion replay (the symbol combination corresponding to promotion replay has been stopped and displayed on the activated line). Based on this, a transition is made to RT2 (transition condition (2)).

RT2 is a replay time in which a replay combination is more likely to be derived than RT0 and RT1, and transitions to RT1 based on the fact that the transitional symbol combination due to the failure of the push order bell is stopped and displayed on the activated line. (Transition condition (1)).

In addition, the inner winning game state is a game state in which a special role has already been derived (it is impossible to derive a new special role), and the special role is not won in the game in which the special role is derived. In the case of, a transition is made from the normal game state (transition condition (3)), and a transition to the special game state is made by the winning of the special combination (transition condition (4)). The replay time corresponding to the in-winning game state is one of the replay times (RT0 to RT2) in the game in which the special combination is derived.

The special game state is a game state that shifts based on winning a special combination. When the medals are paid out in the MB1 in excess of the first specified number (26 in the present embodiment), the normal game state is entered, and the second specified number in the MB2 (44 in the present embodiment). ), the game state shifts to the normal game state (RT0), and in the case of paying out medals exceeding the third specified number (253 in this embodiment) among MB3 to MB6. Transition to the normal gaming state (transition condition (5)).
That is, the number of medals obtained in the special game state (second special game state) relating to MB1 and MB2 is smaller than the number of medals obtained in the special game state (first special game state) relating to MB3 to MB6.

When the special game state (any of the special game states relating to MB1 to MB6) in the present embodiment is changed to the normal game state (when the transition condition (5) is satisfied), the replay time is set to the special game state. It is the replay time in the game that has been transferred. That is, the special game state that triggered the game is a so-called penetration type bonus, and the replay time can be maintained before and after that.

The first to third prescribed numbers are not limited to the numbers in this embodiment, and may be any numbers. In addition, the transition condition from the special game state to the normal game state may be the number of times the game is executed or the number of winnings of small wins, instead of the management based on the specified number.

Further, the type of replay time and the replay time transition condition are not limited to those in the present embodiment, and various conditions may be adopted.

<Types of game modes and transitions>
Next, with reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. 12, types and shifts of the game modes managed by the game mode management unit 124 will be described. Note that FIG. 11 is a transition diagram of the game mode in the gaming machine 10. FIG. 12(a) is a diagram showing a mode of the advantageous mode display LED 25h for each game mode, and FIG. 12(b) is an effect in which the order of pressing the correct answer in each of the instruction display LED 25d and the effect display device 63 can be specified. It is a figure which shows the aspect of.

First, FIG. 11 shows that there are three types of game modes managed by the game mode management unit 124: a normal mode, a high-accuracy mode, and an advantageous mode.
The way of dividing the game modes shown in FIG. 11 is a specific example, and can be appropriately changed as necessary.

The normal mode is a game mode in which the notification of the correct answer pushing order is not executed, and shifts to the high-precision mode based on winning the high-precision mode transition lottery based on the fact that a specific general combination has been derived (transition condition (A)).

The high-accuracy mode is a game mode in which the push order of the correct answer corresponding to the push order bell is notified at most once during the stay, and the AT mode is based on the derivation of a specific general role or some special roles. When the player wins the transfer lottery, the mode is switched to the AT mode (transfer condition (c)), and the normal mode is transferred when the number of highly accurate mode games=0 (transfer condition (b)).

The degree of expectation of winning the AT mode transition lottery in the high-accuracy mode is higher than that in the AT mode transition lottery in the normal mode, and the correct push order corresponding to the push-order bell is executable in the high-probability mode. Therefore, it can be said that the high-accuracy mode is more advantageous than the normal mode from the viewpoints of the ease of transition to the AT mode and the ease of winning the bell in the game in which the push order bell is derived.

Here, the "push order bell" is a general term for a combination including a bell and having different push orders (correct order push order) of the stop buttons 27 advantageous to the player. The pushing order bells in the present embodiment include a “left first stop bell”, a “middle first stop bell”, and a “right first stop bell”.
For the "left 1st stop bell", "middle 1st stop bell", and "right 1st stop bell", the bell and other small wins (small wins with one payout due to winning a prize) must win multiple wins ( Different combinations of other small wins to win multiple) are shown). Here, the lottery value corresponding to each is the same regardless of the game set value, and the respective lottery values for each game set value are also the same.
In the "left first stop bell", the reel 65 is stopped in a manner of winning the bell when the stop button 27L is first operated in the derived game, while the stop buttons other than the stop button 27L are stopped in the game. When the first operation is performed, the reel 65 is stopped in such a manner as not to win the bell (win another winning combination that has been repeatedly won or win no winning combination).
Similarly, the "medium first stop bell" stops the reel 65 in a manner of winning the bell when the stop button 27C is first operated in the derived game, while the reels other than the stop button 27C are stopped in the game. When the stop button is first operated, the reel 65 is stopped in such a manner as not to win the bell (win another winning combination that wins multiple wins, or win no winning combination).
Similarly, in the "right first stop bell", while the reel 65 is stopped in a manner of winning the bell when the stop button 27R is first operated in the derived game, the reels other than the stop button 27R in the game are stopped. When the stop button is first operated, the reel 65 is stopped in such a manner as not to win the bell (win another winning combination that wins multiple wins, or win no winning combination).

A bell combination in which the reel 65 is stopped in a manner of winning the bell regardless of the order in which the stop button 27 is pressed is referred to as a “common bell”. The “common bell” indicates that the bell is independently won, and the corresponding lottery value is the same regardless of the game setting value.

The AT mode is a game mode in which the notification of the correct pushing order corresponding to the AT combination is always executed during the stay, and includes a precursor part, a normal AT part, a chance part, an end waiting part, and an ending part.

The precursor part is a game mode that shifts to the AT mode and when the player stays at RT0 or RT1, and the shift condition (1) and the shift condition (2) described above are satisfied, and RT2 is set. Stay until promoted.

When it is promoted to RT2 in the precursor part (that is, when a promotion replay is won in RT1), it shifts to the normal AT part (transition condition (d)).
The normal AT part is a game mode that is most likely to stay during the AT mode stay, and is a set number management type AT. Here, the set number management type AT is an AT mode system in which the stay period is managed in set units. For example, a plurality of game numbers (AT game numbers) are given at the start of a set of normal AT parts, the normal AT parts continue until they are exhausted (become zero), and different at the end of the normal AT parts. When the normal AT part of the set remains (stock), the normal AT part of the next set is started.
In the implementation of the present invention, the AT is not necessarily a set number management type AT, and an AT having another management method (for example, a game number management type, a difference number management type, or a navigation number management type) may be adopted. Good.

When either MB1 or MB2 is won during the normal AT part stay, the process moves to the chance part (transfer condition (h)).
The chance part is a game mode specializing in an extended lottery for the set number of the normal AT part (so-called additional lottery). Here, the extension lottery is a process of deriving the number of sets (including zero) for increasing the number of sets of the remaining normal AT parts, and is also a process of extending the arrival of the game satisfying the first condition. In other words
For example, points are awarded based on winning (or derived) winning roles during the stay of the chance part, and the more points that are awarded, the more advantageous the extended drawing is (it is easier to obtain a larger number of sets). Has become. The extension lottery described here is a specific example, and the practice of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.
When the operation of MB1 or MB2 that triggered the opportunity part transition is completed, the operation proceeds to the normal AT part (transition condition (i)).

It is preferable to carry out extended lottery (addition of the number of sets) even during the stay of the above-mentioned normal AT part. In this case, it is preferable that the extension lottery in the chance part is more advantageous than the extension lottery in the normal AT part (the expected number of sets that can be obtained in one extension lottery is large).

When the number of AT games given to the normal AT part becomes zero, the process shifts to the end waiting part (transition condition (e)). The stay period of the end waiting part may be one game (a game in which the number of AT games is zero), or may be spread over a plurality of games.
The end standby part is a game mode corresponding to the effect mode in which the effect of notifying whether there is a stock of the normal AT part (whether or not the AT mode continues) is performed (the effect will be described later). ..
When there is a stock of a normal AT part, as a general rule, the process moves to the normal AT part of the next set (transition condition (f)). On the other hand, when there is no stock of the normal AT part, the AT mode ends (initializes) and shifts to the normal mode (shift condition (g)).

When there is AT mode stock in the end standby part, and when the upper limit game is reached within the number of AT games given to the normal AT part of the next set (when the second condition is satisfied), the normal of the next set is set. The AT part is treated as an ending part, and the end waiting part is transitioned to the ending part (transition condition (j)).
The ending part is a game mode corresponding to a production mode (hereinafter, referred to as an ending production mode) for performing an ending production for encouraging the AT mode to reach the upper limit game (enhancing the interest of the player). In addition, the staying period of the ending part and the staying period of the ending production mode do not necessarily have to match, it is sufficient to shift to the ending production mode after the shifting of the ending part, and the end timing of each other does not match. Good.

When the AT mode reaches the upper limit game (the second condition is satisfied) during the stay of the ending part, the AT mode ends (initializes) and shifts to the normal mode (shift condition (k)).
The ending condition of the ending part (when the game reaches the special game state in the ending part (when any of MB1 to MB6 is activated) and the upper limit game is reached during the stay in the special game state ( The transition condition (k)) is unchanged. However, the ending effect mode may continue even after the ending part ends. The effect control related to this ending effect mode will be described in detail later.

In the present embodiment, the pressing order of the correct answer is not notified in the normal mode, but if the advantageous mode (high-accuracy mode and AT mode) is more advantageous than the normal mode with respect to the notification of the pressing order of the correct answer, There may be a case where the correct pressing order is notified in the normal mode.
In addition, the advantageous mode does not have to be configured as one mode, and may be configured as a plurality of types of modes having different degrees of advantage (for example, the frequency of notification of the correct pressing order). The transition conditions for each mode may be set appropriately.

Next, in FIG. 12A, the advantageous mode display LED 25h is in the off state during the stay in the normal mode, and is in the on state during the stay in the advantageous mode (high accuracy mode and AT mode). Has been shown to be. By doing so, the player can immediately recognize whether or not the player stays in the advantageous mode.
In addition, the switching of whether or not the advantageous mode display LED 25h is turned on may be performed at any timing as long as it is within a period from the start of a game in which the game mode is switched to the start of the next game. In the present embodiment, whether or not the advantageous mode display LED 25h is turned on is switched at the end of the game in which the game mode is changed.

In FIG. 12B, the lighting mode of the instruction display LED 25d and the display of the effect display device 63 for specifying each of the correct pressing order (first left stop, first middle stop, first right stop). Embodiments are shown.

In this manner, in addition to the effect display device managed by the sub-board 200, the instruction display LED 25d managed by the main board 100 is used to perform an effect in which the correct pressing order can be specified. Therefore, even if the command (internal winning command described later) including the information capable of specifying the correct pressing order is not normally transmitted from the main board 100 to the sub-board 200, the correct pressing order is given to the player. It can be made easy to identify.

In the present embodiment, in the instruction display LED 25d, one lighting mode is associated with each correct answer pressing order, but is not associated with a pressing order other than the associated pressing order. A plurality of lighting modes may be associated with one pressing order as long as the lighting mode can uniquely derive the pressing order of.

Similarly, in the present embodiment, in the effect display device 63, one display mode is associated with each correct answer pressing order, but is not associated with a pressing order other than the associated pressing order. A plurality of display modes may be associated with one pressing order as long as the display mode can uniquely derive one pressing order.

Further, the timing at which each of the effect that can specify the correct pressing order by the instruction display LED 25d and the effect that can specify the correct pressing order by the effect display device 63 is started in the game after the game is started. Any timing may be used as long as it is before the timing when the operation on the stop button 27 becomes effective. Furthermore, if the effects are started within the period, the respective effects may be started at the same timing or at different timings.

Further, the timing at which each of the effect that can specify the correct pressing order by the instruction display LED 25d and the effect that can specify the correct pressing order by the effect display device 63 is finished matches the pressing order that can be specified by the effect. It may be any timing as long as it is before the timing when the game ends after it is determined (the timing when the game start processing shown in step S103 of FIG. 13 is started). Further, if the effects are finished within the period, the respective effects may be finished at the same timing or at different timings.

<Main flow related to game progress>
Next, the main flow relating to the progress of the game in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15. However, since the constituent elements described above are also referred to, please refer to them as appropriate. In particular, in the following description, the function shown in FIG. 8 may be cited as the subject performing the process, but the process is not always realized by the subject.

13 to 15 are flowcharts showing the main flow of the main board 100 according to the progress of the game in the present embodiment.
The main board 100 performs a game once while performing a series of processes from step S102 to step S145 shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, and the game can be repeated by repeating the series of processes.
The processes shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 are only specific examples, and the processes other than the processes described here may be performed by the main substrate 100.

First, steps S101 to S119 will be described with reference to FIG.

In the first step S101, initial setting processing is performed.
The initialization process is a process that is performed when the power supply is started, and once performed, is not performed until the power supply is cut off and the power supply is restarted.
More specifically, in the process, if the setting key switch 48a is operated, the backup information held when the power supply is turned off is discarded, and the above-mentioned setting change process is performed. Then, it progresses to step S103. On the other hand, if the setting key switch 48a is not in the operated state, in the process, there is no abnormality in the backup information held when the power supply is turned off (in the present embodiment, the checksum value is normal). Is satisfied), a process of returning to the state immediately before the power supply is turned off is performed based on the backup information, and then the process proceeds to step S103. If the backup information is abnormal, the game cannot be restored (RAM error state), and the above-mentioned setting change process is awaited.

In the first step S103, game start processing necessary in advance for starting the next game is performed.
In the game start process, a process of saving various information related to the previous game, a process of clearing information indicating respective stop positions of the reels 65 stopped in the previous game and a combination of symbols stopped on the activated line Alternatively, a process of acquiring the game set value is performed.

In step S105, the medal management unit 114 performs a medal acceptance start process, which is a preparatory process for setting the number of bets for the next game.
In the medal acceptance start process, a process of operating the medal blocker 47b, a process of setting the same bet number as the bet number set in the previous game when a replay combination is won in the previous game, and the like are performed.

In step S107, the medal management unit 114 determines whether or not the re-game is operating. If the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S111, and if not, the process proceeds to step S109.

In step S109, the medal management unit 114 performs medal management processing, which is processing relating to medals performed based on the detected operation or the state of the gaming machine 10.
In the medal management process, when it is detected that a medal has been inserted from the medal insertion slot 31, a process of checking that the inserted medal has normally passed through the inserted medal passage 51, and a medal that has passed normally The process of setting the bet number of the next game, the process of adding the medals that have passed normally when the bet number of the next game has already reached the maximum number, and the bet number of the next game already The process of stopping the operation of the medal blocker 47b when the maximum number and the maximum credit number are reached, and the number of medals corresponding to the pressed bet button 23 when the press of the bet button 23 is detected are credited. A process of subtracting from the number to set the bet number, a process of paying out the medal when there is a medal (credit or bet number) which can be settled when the pressing of the settlement button 32 is detected, and the like are performed.
In the present embodiment, when the re-game is operating, the medal blocker 47b is not operated and credits are not added. However, even when the re-game is operating, the medal blocker 47b is operated and passes normally. The medals that have been made may be added to the number of credits.

In step S111, a reel rotation start check, which is a check as to whether or not a game start condition is satisfied, is performed.
In the reel rotation start check, on the assumption that the operation of the start lever is detected, for example, it is checked whether or not the bet number is the maximum number.

In step S113, it is determined whether or not the game start condition is satisfied in the reel rotation start check. If the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S115, and if not, the process returns to step S107.

In step S115, the internal lottery section 111 performs an internal lottery using the internal lottery table.

In step S117, the internal lottery unit 111 sets a winning combination flag for storing the winning combination derived in step S115 or the winning combination “miss” in the case of non-winning in the corresponding area of the RAM 102.

In step S119, the game mode management unit 124 performs game mode management processing at the start of the game.
In the game start mode management process when the player stays in the normal mode, the above-described high-precision mode transition lottery is performed. Further, in the game start mode management processing when the player stays in the high-accuracy mode, the above-mentioned AT mode transition lottery is performed.
In addition, in the game start mode management process when staying in the advantageous mode (high-accuracy mode and AT mode), in addition to the process of subtracting 1 from each of the initialization game number and the advantage mode game number, the instruction display LED 25d A process for controlling the lighting mode in which the correct pressing order can be specified is also performed.
Further, in the game start time game mode management process, regardless of the game mode in which the player is staying, a process of transmitting an internal winning command is also performed. The control command includes the derived winning combination, the gaming state during the stay, In addition to the information that can identify the replay time during the stay and the game mode during the stay, information that can identify the result of the advantage mode transition lottery (when in the normal mode), the variables updated in the advantage mode and the pressing order of the correct answer (At the time of staying in the advantageous mode) is included at least.

From here, step S121-step S135 are demonstrated using FIG.

In the first step S121, it is determined whether or not the wait time has elapsed. If the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S123, and if not, the process returns to the determination of step S121.

In step S123, the reel control unit 112 sets the reel control state of each of the reels 65 (the reels that are rotating (set to the constant speed control state when the process is performed due to occurrence of step-out)). The acceleration control state is set, and rotation of the reel set in the acceleration control state is started.
In this way, when returning to the determination of step S121, since the rotation of the reel 65 is not started, the reel controller 112 waits for the wait time to elapse, and then the rotation of the reel 65 is started.

In step S125, the reel control unit 112 causes the rotation speeds of all the reels of the reel 65 set to the acceleration control state to reach a predetermined speed (output of pulse signals according to the excitation pattern corresponding to the acceleration control state). Has been completed), and if the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S127, and if not, the process returns to step S125.
In the determination, when the rotation speed of the reel set in the acceleration control state reaches a predetermined speed, the acceleration control state is sequentially switched to the constant speed control state. Further, in the determination, after all the reels are switched to the constant speed control state, the process does not proceed to step S127 and waits until the sensor of the reel sensor 66 corresponding to the reel detects all the detection pieces. After the waiting, all the stop buttons corresponding to the reel are validated, and the process proceeds to step S127.

In step S127, the reel control unit 112 performs the above-mentioned step-out check on the reels of the reels 65 set to the constant speed control state.

In step S129, the reel control unit 112 determines whether or not step-out has occurred in the step-out check. If the condition is satisfied, the process returns to step S123, and if not, the process proceeds to step S129.
In this way, when it is determined that out-of-step has occurred in the spinning reel of the reels 65, the processing in step S123 (reel restart) is performed again on the spinning reel.

In step S131, the reel control unit 112 determines whether or not there is an operation (stop operation) on the activated stop button. If the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S135, and if not, the process proceeds to step S135. It proceeds to step S139.

In step S133, the reel control unit 112 performs reel stop processing.
In the reel stop processing, the stop buttons other than the stop button that has been stopped are invalidated, and as described above, the reel corresponding to the stop button that has been stopped is switched from the constant speed control state to the pull-in control state, Is a process of deriving a symbol number, switching the reel from the pull-in control state to the brake control state and stopping the reel at the timing when the symbol position of the reel advances to the derived stop position. After the output of the pulse signal is completed according to the excitation pattern corresponding to the brake control state, the stop control state is switched to and the reel is held at the stop position.
In the reel stop process, a process of transmitting a stop command to the sub communication unit 210 via the control command transmission unit 131 is also performed, and the control command includes the type of reel stopped (reel 65L, reel 65C, At least information that can specify the reel 65R) and the stopped position (symbol number) of the reel is included.

In step S135, the reel control unit 112 determines whether or not all the reels 65 are stopped. If the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S137, and if not, the process returns to step S127. In this way, when all the reels 65 are not stopped, the processing from step S127 to step S135 is repeated.

From here, step S137-step S145 are demonstrated using FIG.

In the first step S137, the above-described winning determination is performed by the winning determination unit 113, and the winning combination is determined.

In step S139, the game state management unit 122 and the replay time management unit 123 perform state transition processing for shifting the game state and the replay time based on the transition conditions (1) to (6) described with reference to FIG. ..

In step S141, the game mode management section 124 performs a game mode management process at the end of the game.
In the game mode management process at the end of the game in the case of staying in the normal mode, when the player has won the advantageous mode transition lottery in the game mode management process at the start of the game (step S119 of FIG. 13 ), transitions to the advantageous mode. Then, the processing of controlling the advantageous mode display LED 25 to the lighting state is performed.
On the other hand, in the game mode management process at the end of game when the player stays in the advantageous mode, it is determined whether the number of initialization games is 0 and whether the number of advantageous mode games is 0. If any one of the conditions is satisfied, the normal mode is shifted to, and the processing for controlling the advantageous mode display LED 25 to the off state is performed.
Further, in the game mode management process at the end of the game, regardless of the mode in which the player is staying, a process in which a state update command transmits a control command is also performed, and the control command concerned includes a winning combination, a winning combination, and an updated game. At least information for identifying the state, the replay time after the update, and the game mode after the update is included.

In step S143, the winning determination unit 113 gives the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination.
The medals awarded in step S143 are basically stored and stored in the number of credits. However, when the number of credits reaches the upper limit, the medal management unit 114 controls a payout mechanism (not shown) built in the hopper 93 to output medals corresponding to the number exceeding the number of credits from the hopper 93. The medal discharge port 35 is paid out.

In step S145, the error management unit 125 performs an overflow check to check the storage error sensor provided in the medal auxiliary storage 95, and when the storage error sensor detects a medal, the full error state is set. Set, stop the progress of the game, and send an error control command indicating the error state.

<Regarding production control in AT mode>
Next, the effect control in the AT mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 20.

First, the normal AT part will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 16A is displayed in the effect display area 62 as an effect capable of specifying the correct pressing order when the pressing order bell (here, “middle first stop bell”) is derived in the normal AT part. The contents are illustrated.
The pressing order display 71 is a display showing the pressing order of correct answers in the effect display area 62.
The remaining game number display 72 is a display showing the number of AT games remaining at that time. It should be noted that the display of the remaining game number display 72 and the number of AT games actually remaining inside do not necessarily have to match, and only a part of them may be displayed.
The acquired number display 73 is, in principle, a display showing the number of medals acquired since the shift to the AT mode during a stay. That is, it can be said that the effect control unit 222 notifies the total number of game media acquired in the AT mode during at least part of the stay period of the AT mode (advantageous mode) by displaying the acquired number display 73.

If the lottery that triggered the transition to the AT mode during the stay (AT mode transition lottery) is based on the derivation of the special role, the obtained number-of-insults display 73 indicates the winning of the special role. The number of medals acquired in the special gaming state may be added and displayed.
Alternatively, the above-mentioned acquired number display 73 shows the next AT mode until a certain allowable period (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as continuous Chang allowable period) elapses after the previous AT mode (advantageous mode) is finished. Number calculated in consideration of the total number of medals acquired in the previous AT mode and the total number of medals acquired in the next AT mode (AT mode in which the user is currently staying) in the case of shifting to (advantageous mode) May be displayed (notified). Here, the “number calculated by adding in” includes at least the number obtained by adding the total number of the former medals and the total number of the latter medals, and includes other elements (for example, the previous AT mode and the next AT mode). It means that the number of medals increase/decrease between and) can be included in the calculation condition.

FIG. 16B illustrates the contents displayed in the effect display area 62 in a part of the case where the special role (here, “MB4”) is in the inside (inward game state) in the normal AT part. There is. In this case, in the effect display area 62, in addition to the remaining game number display 72 and the acquired number display 73, a symbol combination corresponding to the special combination inside (here, "red 7 symbol-red 7 symbol-red 7"). The bonus notification display 74 indicating the “pattern” is displayed. In other words, the effect control unit 222 executes the bonus notification effect (special notification effect) for notifying that the special winning combination has already been derived by displaying the bonus notification display 74.
As described above, the MB1 or MB2 (second special winning combination) in the present embodiment is a winning combination that does not depend on the mode of the stop operation on the reel 65 (a winning combination that is always won in the derived game). Therefore, when MB1 or MB2 is derived in the normal AT part, the bonus notification display 74 is not displayed in the effect display area 62.
Also, the length of the waiting period from when the special combination is derived to when the special notification effect is executed will be described later.

Next, the chance part will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 17A shows the content displayed in the effect display area 62 when a small winning combination (here, “watermelon”) is derived in the chance part. In this case, in the effect display area 62, in addition to the remaining game number display 72 and the acquired number display 73, the winning combination display 76 for displaying the winning combination derived in the game and the winning combination are given based on the winning combination. A point display 75 for visualizing the number of points that have been added. In the chance part, the subtraction of the AT game number may be temporarily stopped (while staying in the chance part), and in this case, the number displayed in the remaining game number display 72 is decreased. Stops.
As described above, points are awarded based on the winning combination that wins (or is derived) during the stay of the chance part, and the extension lottery of the set number of the normal AT part is more advantageous as the number of the awarded points increases ( It is easy to get more sets).

FIG. 17B illustrates the content displayed in the effect display area 62 when the operation of MB1 or MB2 that has triggered the opportunity part transition is completed. In this case, in the effect display area 62, in addition to the remaining game number display 72 and the acquired number display 73, the number of sets of the normal AT part (3 in this case) given as the result of the chance part (the result of the extended lottery). A set number display 77 for notifying of "set" is displayed. In other words, the effect control unit 222 executes the result notification effect regarding the chance part with the display of the set number display 77.
After this result notification effect, the process shifts to the normal AT part, and the effect display (see FIG. 16) corresponding to the normal AT part is displayed in the effect display area 62.

The execution period of the result notification effect is from the third stop of the game when the operation of MB1 or MB2 ends (when three stop operations are accepted in the game) to the start of the next game. Alternatively, the game may be spread over one game (next game) or multiple games after the third stop.

Next, the end waiting part will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 18A illustrates the contents displayed in the effect display area 62 when the continuation of the AT mode is notified in the end standby part. In this case, in the effect display area 62, in addition to the remaining game number display 72 and the acquired number display 73, a character display 78 showing a certain character, and a dialogue display 79 of the character indicating continuation of the AT mode are displayed. Is displayed. Of course, the remaining game number display 72 in this case indicates that the number of remaining games is zero.
After this notification result (continuous notification of AT mode), the normal display moves to either the AT part or the ending part, and the effect display (see FIG. 16 or 19) corresponding to the game mode of the transfer destination is displayed in the effect display area 62. Is displayed.

FIG. 18B illustrates the contents displayed in the effect display area 62 when the end of the AT mode is notified in the end standby part. In this case, in the effect display area 62, in addition to the remaining game number display 72, the acquired number display 73 and the character display 78, a character dialogue display 80 indicating the end of the AT mode is displayed. Of course, in this case as well, the remaining game number display 72 indicates that the number of remaining games is zero.
After the notification result (AT mode end notification), a result display 81 regarding the AT mode is displayed (see FIG. 18C). In the result display 81, the length of the period of staying in the AT mode (the number of games) and the number displayed in the acquired number display 73 at the time of the end notification of the AT mode (in principle, shift to the AT mode). The number of medals that have been acquired since was played is displayed.
After the result display 81 is displayed, the mode is shifted to the normal mode, and the effect display (not shown) corresponding to the effect mode corresponding to the normal mode (hereinafter, normal effect mode) is displayed in the effect display area 62.

Next, the ending part will be described with reference to FIG.
The ending moving image 82 illustrated in common in FIGS. 19A to 19C is a moving image that is played during the stay in the ending effect mode. The ending moving image 82 is a so-called background display and is displayed in a layer lower than other displays (for example, the remaining game number display 72 and the acquired number display 73).
As described above, the staying period of the ending part does not necessarily match the staying period of the ending effect mode, and the ending effect mode (reproduction of the ending moving image 82) may be continued even after the ending part ends. That is, since the staying period in the ending effect mode changes depending on the situation, the ending moving image 82 can be repeatedly reproduced. For example, the ending video 82 may be repeatedly played by repeatedly playing a single video, or the first half may play a rare effect video (premium video) and then the second half may repeat another video. It may be realized by reproducing.

In FIG. 19A, when a pushing order bell (here, “middle first stop bell”) is derived in the ending part, the pushing order display 71 is superimposed on the ending moving image 82 as an effect capable of specifying the pushing order of the correct answer. The situation displayed in the effect display area 62 is illustrated.

FIG. 19B shows a bonus notification display 74 as a bonus notification effect (special notification effect) in a part of a case where the special part (here, “MB4”) is inside (inside game state) in the ending part. The situation where it is superimposed on the moving image 82 and displayed in the effect display area 62 is illustrated.
As described above, MB1 or MB2 (second special winning combination) in the present embodiment is a winning combination that does not depend on the mode of the stop operation on the reel 65 (a winning combination that is always won in the derived game). Therefore, like the normal AT part, when MB1 or MB2 is derived in the ending part, the bonus notification display 74 is not displayed in the effect display area 62.

FIG. 19C shows a bonus operation display 85 (for example, "during bonus) that allows the player to recognize that the special part is in the special game state in a part of the case where the special part is operating (special game state) in the ending part. Is displayed in the effect display area 62 so as to be superimposed on the ending moving image 82.
More specifically, the effect control unit 222 displays the bonus operation display 85 superimposed on the ending moving image 82 when any of MB3 to MB6 is in operation in the ending part (hereinafter referred to as the first effect). May be called)). In other words, the first effect is executed at least in part when the first special combination is won during the stay in the advantageous mode, and can cause the player to recognize that it is the stay period of the first special game state. It is a production.
On the other hand, since the effect control unit 222 hides the bonus operation display 85 when either MB1 or MB2 is in operation in the ending part, the bonus operation display 85 prevents reproduction of the ending moving image 82. Not possible (hereinafter, the display content of the effect display area 62 in such a situation may be referred to as a second effect). In other words, the second effect is executed at least in part when the second special combination is won during the stay in the advantageous mode, and it is difficult for the player to recognize that it is the second special game state stay period. It is a production.
As described above, the operation of MB3 to MB6 in the ending part and the operation of MB1 and MB2 in the ending part are different in whether they are easy or difficult for the player to recognize.

Whether or not the operation of MB1 and MB2 in the normal AT part (transition to the chance part) and the operation of MB1 and MB2 in the ending part are accompanied by the transition of the game mode and the production mode (preferred extension lottery) Or not) is different.
This is because the ending part is a game mode that is premised on the AT mode reaching the upper limit game, and therefore there is no merit to receive preferential treatment for the extended lottery.

When the ending condition of the ending effect mode is satisfied through the effects as shown in FIGS. 19A to 19C, the reproduction of the ending moving image is ended and the result display regarding the AT mode is displayed. The result display displayed here is sufficient as long as it includes the same information as the result display 81 shown in FIG. 18C, and does not necessarily have to match (for example, when the upper limit game is reached). A blessing display may be added).
After the result display, the mode is shifted to the normal mode, and the effect display (not shown) according to the normal effect mode is displayed in the effect display area 62.

Here, the ending condition of the ending effect mode is as follows.
(A) When the AT mode reaches the upper limit game in a game not staying in the special game state, the game ends.
(B) When the AT mode reaches the upper limit game in the game during the stay in the special game state related to MB1 or MB2, the game ends.
(C) When the AT mode reaches the upper limit game in the game in which the special game state related to MB3 to MB6 is staying, the final game in the special game state (the payout of medals in excess of the above-mentioned third prescribed number is made) End of the game).
A case where the ending effect mode ends with the above (b) or (c) as the ending condition will be described with reference to FIG. Note that FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram, and the length of the horizontal axis and the length of the actual period (the number of games) may not necessarily be proportional.

FIG. 20A shows the timing of result display when the ending effect mode ends with (B) as the ending condition. As shown here, in this case, the AT mode that has reached the upper limit game (“one AT mode” in FIG. 20(a)) is the same as the end of the game that has reached the upper limit game. The ending effect mode (“ending effect” in FIG. 20A) is also ended at the timing, and the result display regarding the AT mode is displayed in the effect display area 62.
At this timing, for the game mode, the AT mode (ending part) transitions to the normal mode, so that the effect mode also transitions from the ending effect mode to the normal effect mode. At this time, also in the normal production mode of the transition destination, similarly to the ending production mode of the transition source, the operation of MB1 or MB2 is maintained in a state that is difficult for the player to recognize, and from the ending production mode to the normal mode. The display (especially the background display) of the effect display area 62 changes so that the change can be easily recognized by the player.

If the contents of FIG. 20(a) above are organized, when the upper limit game is reached during the stay in the special game state related to MB1 or MB2, the effect control unit 222 displays the result display before the end of the special game state. You can put it in another way. Then, the effect control unit 222, after the result display, is difficult for the player to recognize that it is the stay period of the special game state, and the effect mode is different from the above-described second effect. In other words, the third effect) is executed.
Due to such effect control, the special game state relating to MB1 or MB2 is effected such that the stay is difficult to recognize before and after the game that has reached the upper limit game, so that the result of the AT mode is displayed by the player. Can get attention.

Further, if the contents of FIG. 20(a) above are organized, when the upper limit game is reached in the special game state related to MB1 or MB2, the effect control unit 222 switches from the ending effect mode to the normal effect mode after the result display. In other words, it is possible to suggest or notify the shift. The "ending effect mode" is a kind of the above-mentioned first effect mode, and the "normal effect mode" is a kind of the above-mentioned second effect mode.
Due to such effect control, the special game state related to MB1 or MB2 is actually continued, and although the payout (the amount of medals acquired) is advantageous, It is possible to give a reminder that the advantageous state has ended.

Further, FIG. 20A shows the length of the continuous chang allowable period when the ending effect mode ends with (B) as the ending condition.
Here, consecutive chan means that the interval between one AT mode and the next AT mode is short (the number of games is small).
In addition, here, the continuous Chang allowable period is a notification content in one AT mode and a notification in the next AT mode on the assumption that the total number of medals acquired in the AT mode is notified (for example, the acquired number display 73 is displayed). It refers to the period for which continuity is allowed in the content.
The continuous Chang permissible period in the present embodiment is a period in which a game is played 50 times on the basis of the result display, and in the case of shifting to the next AT mode (or winning the AT mode shift lottery) within the period, The total number of medals acquired in one AT mode is added to the number indicated by the acquired number display 73 in the next AT mode.
The length of the continuous channel allowable period is not limited to the length described above, and can be changed as appropriate.

FIG. 20B shows the timing of the result display when the ending effect mode ends with (c) as the end condition. As shown here, in this case, the AT mode that has reached the upper limit game (“one AT mode” in FIG. 20B) ends at the end of the game that has reached the upper limit game, and the game mode For, the transition from the AT mode (ending part) to the normal mode is performed.
On the other hand, the ending effect mode (“ending effect” in FIG. 20B) continues until the operation of the special combination (one of MB3 to MB6) ends, and when the operation of the special combination ends (MB3 to MB6). In the final game of the special game state), the result display regarding the AT mode is displayed in the effect display area 62. Regarding the effect mode, after the result is displayed, the ending effect mode is changed to the normal effect mode. At this time, as in the case of (b), the display (especially the background display) of the effect display area 62 changes so that the player can easily recognize the change from the ending effect mode to the normal mode.

In the result display shown in FIG. 20(b), the number of medals acquired during the stay in the AT mode ended by the arrival of the upper limit game (establishment of the second condition), MB3 to MB6 after the upper limit game is reached. It is preferable to display the number obtained by adding the number of game media acquired in the special game state as at least a part of the result display at the timing shown (after the end of the special game state).
On the other hand, in the result display illustrated in FIG. 20A, the number of medals obtained during the stay in the AT mode ended by the arrival of the upper limit game is at least part of the result display, and the illustrated timing (the upper limit game). It is preferable that the number of medals obtained by the special game state relating to MB1 or MB2 after the arrival of the upper limit game is not reflected in the result display.
By providing such a difference, the difference in the number of medals included in both result displays becomes large, so that the result display after the special game state relating to MB3 to MB6 having a large acquired number is executed (FIG. 20). The interest improvement in the result display shown in (b) can be relatively enhanced.

If the contents of the above FIG. 20(b) are arranged, even if the upper limit game is reached (the second condition is satisfied) during the operation of MB3 to MB6 (while staying in the first special game state), the above first In other words, the effect is continued and the result display is displayed at the end of the first effect.
Because of such effect control, even if the upper limit game is reached during the stay for the special game state related to MB3 to MB6, the result is displayed after the first effect in which the stay is recognizable is continuously performed. Is displayed, it is possible to sufficiently attract the player's interest to the special game state related to MB3 to MB6.

Further, if the contents of FIG. 20(b) above are organized, when the upper limit game is reached during the stay in the special game state relating to MB3 to MB6, the effect based on the ending effect mode is straddled before and after the arrival. In other words, (playing ending movie) is performed, a result display is displayed after the end of the special game state related to MB3 to MB6, and after the result display, a suggestion or notification of the transition from the ending effect mode to the normal effect mode can be given. ..
Because of the effect control as described above, it is possible to continue the special reminder given to the player by the effect based on the ending effect mode.

Comparing the contents of FIG. 20(a) and FIG. 20(b) above, if the upper limit game is reached during the stay in the special game state relating to MB3 to MB6, the result is obtained after the end of the special game state. In other words, the display is displayed (the result display timing is extended compared to the case where (a) is set as the end condition). On the other hand, when the upper limit game is reached during the stay in the special game state related to MB1 or MB2, the result display is displayed after the arrival of the upper limit game and before the end of the special game state ((a)). The timing of the result display is the same as when the end condition is set as).
From a different point of view, when the special game state is entered in a situation where the second condition is satisfied within the period, the display timing of the result display regarding the advantageous mode changes depending on the type. As a result, since it is possible to diversify the effect control in the vicinity of the establishment of the second condition, it is possible to obtain an effect that is not available in the past.

Further, since the continuous Chang allowable period in the present embodiment is a period in which 50 games are played on the basis of the result display, MB3 to MB3 when the upper limit game is reached in one AT mode (when the second condition is satisfied). When the player is staying in the special game state relating to MB6 (in the case of FIG. 20(b)), and when staying in the special game state relating to MB1 or MB2 (in the case of FIG. 20(a)). In other words, comparing the two cases, it is possible to say that the continuous channel allowable period is longer in the former case than in the latter case.
As a result, it is possible to prevent the player from being given a heartfelt feeling (disappointment) as if the consecutive Chang allowable period was lost due to the extension of the timing of result display (end timing of ending effect).

20A and 20B, the AT mode in which the upper limit game is reached (the second condition is satisfied) is shown as "one AT mode", but the number of AT games becomes zero. The AT mode that is terminated due to the failure (the first condition is satisfied) may be treated as “one AT mode”. That is, when the AT mode is changed to the next AT mode within the continuous Chang permissible period based on the end time of the AT mode which is ended due to the number of sets of the normal AT part becoming zero (the stock is gone), The total number of medals acquired in one AT mode may be added to the number indicated by the acquired number display 73 in AT mode.

<About the length of the waiting period from the derivation of the special role until the start of the special notification production>
Next, the length of the waiting period from the derivation of the special role to the start of the special notification effect will be described.
Here, the special notification effect is an effect for definitely informing that a special combination has been derived (staying in the internal winning game state), for example, FIG. 16B or FIG. 19B. ) Corresponds to the display of the bonus notification display 74 shown in FIG. However, the display of the bonus notification display 74 is a specific example of the special notification effect, and the effect control unit 222 can execute the special notification effect in another effect mode (for example, displaying a bonus confirmation screen or lighting a bonus lamp). May be

In the present embodiment, when the special notification effect is executed in the ending effect mode (see FIG. 19B), it is immediately performed in the game in which the special role to be the object of the effect is derived (so-called prompt notification). On the other hand, when executing the special notification effect in the above-mentioned normal effect mode, as a general rule, no immediate notification is given, and it is performed after waiting for one or more times of game progress after the special role to be the object of the effect is derived. Be seen.
That is, the length of the waiting period from when the special combination is derived by the internal lottery unit 111 to when the special notification effect is executed by the effect control unit 222 is longer than that before the second condition is satisfied (ending effect mode). In other words, it tends to be long after the two conditions are established (normal production mode).
In this way, the length of the waiting period for the special notification effect is short when the upper limit game is about to reach (the last board of the AT mode), so that the game can be progressed lightly. On the other hand, if the waiting period of the special notification effect exceeds the upper limit game (immediately after ending the AT mode), it is long, so please sit down carefully until the special notification effect. The player can enjoy staying in the in-game mode, etc.).

Further, in the present embodiment, the waiting period of the special notification effect (see FIG. 16B) in the normal AT part is longer than the waiting period of the special notification effect in the ending effect mode, and the special effect in the normal effect mode is longer. It is preferable that it is shorter than the length of the notification production waiting period. That is, it is preferable that the length of the waiting period for the special notification effect tends to be long in the order of before the second condition is satisfied, before the first condition is satisfied, and after the first condition or the second condition is satisfied.
Alternatively, the length of the waiting period for the special notification effect tends to be longer after the first condition is satisfied than before the first condition is satisfied, and the waiting period after the first condition is satisfied. It is also preferable that the difference between the length and the length of the waiting period before the satisfaction of the first condition is smaller than the difference between the length of the waiting period after the satisfaction of the second condition and the length of the waiting period before the satisfaction of the second condition. In other words
In order to prevent the player from getting tired, the normal AT part needs to move lighter than in the normal mode (increase the payout speed experienced by the player), but in the ending effect mode (immediately before reaching the upper limit game) Less than required. This is because the player tends to get tired as the stay period in the AT mode becomes longer.

In the present embodiment, as described above, the establishment of the second condition does not necessarily mean the condition for transitioning from the ending effect mode to the normal effect mode, and generally has the above-described tendency. This is one specific example, and the same effect as described above can be obtained even if the present invention is implemented by a modified example in which the satisfaction of the second condition is a transition condition from the ending effect mode to the normal effect mode.

Further, in the above, the length of the waiting period from the derivation of the special role to the start of the special notification production is described by comparing the production modes in which the stay period may vary (ending production mode and normal production mode). You may compare in the fixed period defined by a standard.
For example, with respect to the length of the waiting period from the derivation of the special role to the start of the special notification effect, the fixed periods shown in FIG. Since FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram, the length of the horizontal axis and the length of the actual period (the number of games) may not necessarily be proportional.

FIG. 21A shows a case where the AT mode ends due to the number of sets of the normal AT part becoming zero (first condition), and FIG. 21B shows that the upper limit game is reached (first). Two conditions) indicate a case where the AT mode ends.
21(a) and 21(b), a certain fixed period before the number of sets of normal AT parts becomes zero (before the first condition is satisfied) is conveniently shown as a "normal AT period", A certain fixed period before the arrival of the upper limit game (fixed period with the game where the second condition is satisfied as the end point) is conveniently shown as the "final AT period", and after the first condition is satisfied or the second condition is satisfied. For the sake of convenience, a certain fixed period (a fixed period starting from the next game of the game where the second condition is satisfied) is illustrated as a "normal period".

The length of the normal AT period, the final AT period, and the normal period (the number of games) is preferably a fixed period (same length) for easy comparison, and this fixed period has the same length as the period for some game. More preferably, it is defined. Below, some examples of the period regarding the game which can be the basis of the fixed period are illustrated.
(B) The maximum extension period that can be drawn by the drawing for extending the number of sets in the normal AT part (= the maximum number of additional sets x the number of games per set)
(B) One end playback period of the ending movie (c) Minimum stay period of special game state relating to MB3 to MB6 (stay period when the bells are aligned in all games (26 games in this embodiment))

Regardless of any of (a), (b), and (c) above, it is preferable that the length of the waiting period of the normal AT period is shorter than the length of the waiting period of the normal period, and the final AT period (first period) It is preferable that the length of the waiting period is shorter than the length of the waiting period of the normal period (second period).
However, it suffices to satisfy the above relationship based on at least one of the above (a), (b), and (c).

<Percentage of execution of advantageous suggestion production based on derivation of specific role>
Next, the execution ratio of the advantageous suggestion effect based on the derivation of the specific combination will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram in which the vicinity of the upper limit game arrival in the advantageous mode is conveniently divided. Note that, since FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram, the length of the horizontal axis thereof and the length of the actual period (the number of games) may not necessarily be proportional.

Here, the specific winning combination is a winning combination that can be duplicated with a special winning combination (in particular, MB3 to MB6), and is, for example, “watermelon”. In addition, the “watermelon” in the present embodiment can win both the special part and the individual part as well as the individual part.
Here, the advantageous suggestion effect is a generic name of the effects suggested by the advantageous development for the player in at least part of the case where the above-mentioned specific combination is derived, and is an effect different from the above special notification effect. Here, the “advantageous development” is not limited to the derivation of the special role (double winning), and may include, for example, winning of the above-described AT mode transition lottery or extension lottery.

As described above, when the special notification effect is executed in the ending effect mode, the target special combination is immediately notified in the derived game. Then, the derivation of the special role includes a double win with “watermelon”. Therefore, when "watermelon" is derived in the ending effect mode, it is not necessary for the effect control unit 222 to execute the advantageous suggestion effect that suggests the derivation of the special role.
On the other hand, as described above, the length of the waiting period of the special notification effect in the normal effect mode is longer than the length of the waiting period of the special notification effect in the ending effect mode, and the special character and the “watermelon” are overlapped. In such a case, the effect control unit 222 preferably performs the advantageous suggestion effect during the waiting period. It is preferable that the effect control unit 222 perform the advantageous suggestion effect even in at least a part of the case where the “watermelon” is independently won.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first ratio at which the advantageous suggestion effect is executed when the “watermelon” is derived in the ending effect mode (before the second condition is satisfied) and the normal effect mode (after the second condition is satisfied). ), the second ratio is higher than the first ratio when comparing the second ratio in which the advantageous suggestion effect is executed when “watermelon” is derived.

Further, according to the division illustrated in FIG. 22, if the execution ratio of the advantageous suggestion production based on the derivation of the specific combination is described, in at least part of the case where the upper limit game is reached (the second condition is satisfied), It can be said that the third period, the fourth period, and the fifth period of the above occur.
(A) Third period: a period before the upper limit game is reached and the advantageous suggestion effect can be executed based on the derivation of "watermelon".
(B) Fourth period: a period after the third period, during which the upper limit game is reached and the advantageous suggestion production is not executed based on the derivation of “watermelon”.
(C) Fifth period: a period that is after the fourth period and in which the ratio of the advantageous suggestion production executed based on the derivation of the “watermelon” is higher than the third period.
That is, the ratio of execution of the advantageous suggestion effect is high when the “watermelon” is derived in the order of the fourth period, the third period, and the fifth period.

From a different point of view regarding the above content, when the "watermelon" is derived, the advantage suggestion is possible even if the "watermelon" is derived during the period (third period and fifth period) during which the production can be performed. It can be said that there is a period (fourth period) in which the production cannot be executed.
This is because in the special game state in which the upper limit game is reached during the stay, there is no need for the extended lottery that triggers the derivation of the “watermelon”, and there is no possibility of winning the special role multiple times.

As described above, the effect control unit 222 in the present embodiment appropriately performs the effect control in the vicinity where the AT mode reaches the upper limit game (the second condition is satisfied) according to the situation, which is of interest in the game. It is possible to improve.

<Modification>
A modification in the case where the ending effect mode ends with (b) or (c) described in the above embodiment as the ending condition will be described with reference to FIG. 23. Note that FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram, and the length of the horizontal axis and the length of the actual period (the number of games) may not necessarily be proportional.

FIG. 23A shows the timing of the result display when the ending effect mode ends with (B) as the ending condition. As shown here, in that case, the AT mode that has reached the upper limit game (“one AT mode” in FIG. 23(a)) is the same as the end of the game that has reached the upper limit game. The present modification and the above-described embodiment are common in that the ending effect mode (“ending effect” in FIG. 23A) is also ended at a timing and a result display regarding the AT mode is displayed in the effect display area 62. doing.

Further, FIG. 23A shows the length of the continuous chang allowable period when the ending effect mode ends with (B) as the ending condition.
The continuous Chang permissible period in this modified example is a predetermined period (a period in which the number of games does not change) in which 50 games are played on the basis of the game that has reached the upper limit game, and until the predetermined period elapses, In the case of transitioning to the AT mode (or winning the AT mode transition lottery), the total number of medals acquired in one AT mode is added to the number indicated by the acquired number display 73 in the next AT mode.

FIG. 23B shows the timing of result display when the ending effect mode ends with (c) as the ending condition. As shown here, in this case, the AT mode that has reached the upper limit game (“one AT mode” in FIG. 23B) ends at the end of the game that has reached the upper limit game, and the ending effect mode. This modified example and the above-described embodiment in that the result display regarding the AT mode is displayed in the effect display area 62 in the final game of the special game state in which the “ending effect” in FIG. 23B is MB3 to MB6. Have in common.

Further, the continuous Chang permissible period in this modified example is a period in which 50 games are played with the game reaching the upper limit game as a reference, so when the upper limit game is reached in one AT mode (when the second condition is satisfied) ) In the special game state relating to MB3 to MB6 (in the case of FIG. 23(b)) and in the special game state relating to MB1 or MB2 at the time of arrival (FIG. 23(a)) In the case of), it can be said that the period from displaying the result display concerning one AT mode to starting the next AT mode is shorter in the former case than in the latter case.
In other words, when the player stays in a more advantageous special game state, the player is given a testimony as if the consecutive chan permissible period has become shorter (the consecutive chan condition has become stricter). When the player stays, the player can be given a reminder that the consecutive chan allowable period is relatively long (the consecutive chan condition is loose). Therefore, it is possible to balance the player's mind in both cases (balance of profit and loss).

This embodiment includes the following technical ideas.
(1) When starting a game, internal lottery means for deriving a winning combination from a plurality of types of combinations, a plurality of reels that rotate when the game starts, and a trigger for stopping the reels that are rotating Stop operation accepting means for accepting a stop operation, a notification means for instructing the player of a mode of the stop operation in which the game result is advantageous, a normal mode in which the instruction notification is not performed, and the instruction An advantageous mode in which notification can be performed, a game mode management means for controlling a plurality of types of game modes including at least a special game state in which a character or a character continuous operation device is operating, and the internal lottery means A game state management means for controlling a plurality of types of game states including at least a normal game state in which a special combination corresponding to the special game state can be derived, and a result display relating to the advantage mode after the end of the advantage mode is predetermined. The production control means for displaying in the display area is provided, and in the special game state, the first special game state and the second special game in which the number of game media acquired is smaller than in the first special game state A state is included, and the end condition of the advantageous mode is obtained after the start of the advantageous mode and the first condition that may change depending on the game result obtained after the start of the advantageous mode. A second condition that is invariable regardless of the game result is included, and the effect control means, in at least part of the case where the second condition is satisfied during the stay in the first special game state, the second condition The result display is a number obtained by adding the number of game media acquired during the stay in the advantageous mode ended by the satisfaction of the condition to the number of game media acquired by the first special game state after the satisfaction of the second condition. Is displayed after the end of the first special game state as at least a part of, and the second condition is satisfied in at least a part of the case where the second condition is satisfied during the stay in the second special game state. The number of game media acquired during the stay in the advantageous mode ended by is displayed after the second condition is satisfied as at least a part of the result display, and the second special game state is satisfied after the second condition is satisfied. A game machine in which the number of game media acquired by is not reflected in the result display.
(2) The effect control means notifies the total number of game media acquired in the advantageous mode during at least a part of the stay period in the advantageous mode, until the allowable period elapses after the end of one advantageous mode. When shifting to the next advantageous mode, the number calculated in consideration of the total number of game media obtained in the one advantageous mode and the total number of game media obtained in the next advantageous mode is set to the next advantageous mode. Of at least a part of the stay period, the first case of staying in the first special game state when the second condition is satisfied in the one advantageous mode, and the second case when the second special condition is satisfied. Comparing the second case of staying in the special game state, the gaming machine according to (1), in which the permissible period is longer than the second case.
(3) The effect control means notifies the total number of game media acquired in the advantageous mode during at least a part of the stay period in the advantageous mode, and a predetermined allowable period has elapsed since the end of one advantageous mode. In case of shifting to the next advantageous mode by the time, the number calculated in consideration of the total number of game media acquired in the one advantageous mode and the total number of game media acquired in the next advantageous mode is At least a part of the stay period of the advantageous mode, the first case of staying in the first special gaming state when the second condition is satisfied in the one advantageous mode, and the first case when the second special condition is satisfied. Comparing with the second case of staying in the second special game state, the period from the display of the result display concerning the one advantageous mode to the start of the next advantageous mode is the first In the case of (1), the gaming machine is shorter than the second case.

10 gaming machine 20 front door 21 upper panel 22 lower panel 23 bet button 23a maximum bet button 23b single bet button 24 menu selection button 24a cross key button 24b decision button 25 status display LED
25 Advantageous mode display LED
25a LED for the number of inserted sheets
25b Storage number display LED
25c LED for number of acquired images
25d Indicator LED
25e Replay display LED
25f Game start display LED
25g Displayable LED
25h Advantage mode display LED
26 Start lever 27 (27L, 27C, 27R) Stop button 27a Stop enable LED
31 medal slot 32 settlement button 33 medal return button 34 door lock 35 medal outlet 36 (36a to 36h) decorative LED
37 Lower plate 38 (38a to 38d) Speaker openings 40a and 40b Various sensors 41 (41a to 41h) Decorative LED board 42 Status display LED board 43 Stop button board 43a Stop button sensor 44 Start lever sensor 45 Bet button board 45a Maximum bet button Sensor 45b Single bet button sensor 45c Production button sensor 46 Menu selection button board 46a Cross key button sensor 46b Decision button sensor 47 Medal selector 47a Medal selector main body 47b Medal blocker 47c Medal passage sensor 48 Setting change device 48a Setting key switch 48b Setting change Switch 48c Setting display LED
48d setting key cover 49 (49a to 49d) speaker 51 input medal passage 52 payout medal passage 53 return medal passage 54 storage medal passage 60 gaming machine main body 62 game effect display area 63 effect display device 64 reel frame 65 (65L, 65C, 65R) ) Reel 66 (66L, 66C, 66R) Reel sensor 67 Reel illumination board 68 Reel motor 71 Push order display 72 Remaining game number display 73 Acquisition number display 74 Bonus notification display 75 Point display 76 Winning combination display 77 Set number display 78 Character display 79, 80 Dialogue display 81 Result display 82 Ending video 85 Bonus operation display 90 Outer frame 91 Power supply device 92 Power switch 93 Hopper 95 Medal auxiliary storage 96 Hinge part 96a Upper hinge part 96b Middle hinge part 96c Lower hinge part 100 Main board 101 CPU
102 RAM
103 ROM
104 random number circuit 110 game progress management unit 111 internal lottery unit 112 reel control unit 113 winning determination unit 114 medal management unit 115 state display LED control unit 120 state management unit 121 setting change management unit 122 game state management unit 123 replay time management unit 124 Game mode management unit 125 Error management unit 130 Main communication unit 131 Control command transmission unit 132 External signal transmission unit 200 Sub-board 201 CPU
202 RAM
203 ROM
204 random number circuit 210 sub communication unit 211 control command receiving unit 220 effect management unit 221 effect mode management unit 222 effect control unit 223 effect display control unit 224 voice control unit 225 decorative LED control unit L1 to L5 line

Claims (2)

Internal lottery means for deriving a winning combination from multiple types of combinations when starting a game,
Multiple reels that rotate when the game starts,
Stop operation accepting means for accepting a stop operation that triggers stopping the rotating reel,
An informing means for instructing the player of a mode of the stop operation in which the result of the game is advantageous,
A game mode management unit that controls a plurality of types of game modes including at least a normal mode in which the instruction notification is not performed and an advantageous mode in which the instruction notification can be performed,
A plurality of types of gaming states including at least a special gaming state in which a winning thing or a winning thing continuous operation device is operating, and a normal gaming state in which a special winning role corresponding to the special gaming state can be derived by the internal lottery means. A gaming state management means to control,
Production control means for displaying a result display regarding the advantageous mode in a predetermined display area after the end of the advantageous mode,
Equipped with
The special game state includes a first special game state and a second special game state in which the number of game media acquired is smaller than that in the first special game state,
The role derived by the internal lottery means corresponds to the first special game state, the success or failure of the winning is determined depending on the mode of the stop operation on the reel, and the player stops winning the prize. Corresponding to the first special role that is easy to recognize from the symbol combination and the second special game state, winning regardless of the mode of the stop operation for the reel and stopping for the player to win The second special character, which is difficult to recognize from the symbol combination, is included,
The end condition of the advantageous mode is unchanged regardless of the first condition that may change depending on the game result obtained after the start of the advantageous mode and the game result obtained after the start of the advantageous mode. A second condition and,
The first special game state and the second special game state, if the second condition is satisfied in the game while staying, is to continue even after the second condition is satisfied,
The effect control means,
In at least part of the case where the second condition is satisfied during the stay in the first special game state, an effect that allows the player to recognize that it is the stay period in the first special game state is executed, A number obtained by adding the number of game media acquired during the stay in the advantageous mode ended by the satisfaction of the second condition to the number of game media acquired by the first special game state after the satisfaction of the second condition. Displayed after the end of the first special game state as at least a part of the result display,
In at least part of the case where the second condition is satisfied during the stay in the second special game state, the player performs an effect that is difficult for the player to recognize that it is the stay period in the second special game state, The number of game media acquired during the stay in the advantageous mode ended by the satisfaction of the second condition is displayed after the satisfaction of the second condition as at least a part of the result display, and after the satisfaction of the second condition, The number of game media acquired by the second special game state is not reflected in the result display ,
In at least a part of the stay period of the advantageous mode, the total number of game media acquired in the advantageous mode is notified,
When the next advantageous mode is transitioned after the end of one advantageous mode until the allowable period elapses, the total number of game media acquired in the one advantageous mode and the total number of game media acquired in the next advantageous mode. Informing the number calculated in consideration of at least part of the stay period of the next advantageous mode,
The first case of staying in the first special game state when the second condition is satisfied in the one advantageous mode, and the second case of staying in the second special game state when the second condition is satisfied. When the cases are compared, the gaming machine in which the allowable period is longer in the first case than in the second case . Internal lottery means for deriving a winning combination from multiple types of combinations when starting a game,
Multiple reels that rotate when the game starts,
Stop operation accepting means for accepting a stop operation that triggers stopping the rotating reel,
An informing means for instructing the player of a mode of the stop operation in which the result of the game is advantageous,
A game mode management unit that controls a plurality of types of game modes including at least a normal mode in which the instruction notification is not performed and an advantageous mode in which the instruction notification can be performed,
A plurality of types of gaming states including at least a special gaming state in which a winning thing or a winning thing continuous operation device is operating, and a normal gaming state in which a special winning role corresponding to the special gaming state can be derived by the internal lottery means. A gaming state management means to control,
Production control means for displaying a result display regarding the advantageous mode in a predetermined display area after the end of the advantageous mode,
Equipped with
The special game state includes a first special game state and a second special game state in which the number of game media acquired is smaller than that in the first special game state,
The role derived by the internal lottery means corresponds to the first special game state, the success or failure of the winning is determined depending on the mode of the stop operation on the reel, and the player stops winning the prize. Corresponding to the first special role that is easy to recognize from the symbol combination and the second special game state, winning regardless of the mode of the stop operation for the reel and stopping for the player to win The second special character, which is difficult to recognize from the symbol combination, is included,
The end condition of the advantageous mode is unchanged regardless of the first condition that may change depending on the game result obtained after the start of the advantageous mode and the game result obtained after the start of the advantageous mode. A second condition and,
The first special game state and the second special game state, if the second condition is satisfied in the game while staying, is to continue even after the second condition is satisfied,
The effect control means,
In at least part of the case where the second condition is satisfied during the stay in the first special game state, an effect that allows the player to recognize that it is the stay period in the first special game state is executed, A number obtained by adding the number of game media acquired during the stay in the advantageous mode ended by the satisfaction of the second condition to the number of game media acquired by the first special game state after the satisfaction of the second condition. Displayed after the end of the first special game state as at least a part of the result display,
In at least part of the case where the second condition is satisfied during the stay in the second special game state, the player performs an effect that is difficult for the player to recognize that it is the stay period in the second special game state, The number of game media acquired during the stay in the advantageous mode ended by the satisfaction of the second condition is displayed after the satisfaction of the second condition as at least a part of the result display, and after the satisfaction of the second condition, The number of game media acquired by the second special game state is not reflected in the result display ,
In at least a part of the stay period of the advantageous mode, the total number of game media acquired in the advantageous mode is notified,
When the next advantageous mode is transitioned after the end of the one advantageous mode and before a predetermined allowable period elapses, the total number of game media acquired in the one advantageous mode and the game media acquired in the next advantageous mode The number calculated in consideration of the total number of is notified at least in part of the stay period of the next advantageous mode,
The first case of staying in the first special game state when the second condition is satisfied in the one advantageous mode, and the second case of staying in the second special game state when the second condition is satisfied. Comparing with the case, the period from displaying the result display concerning the one advantageous mode to starting the next advantageous mode is shorter in the first case than in the second case. Amusement machine.

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