JP7246757B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines.

In a game machine such as a pachinko machine or a reel-type game machine, when certain conditions are satisfied during the period from when a certain symbol variation stops to when the next symbol variation starts (hereinafter referred to as the interval period). display a predetermined specific screen.
The following patent document 1 is exemplified as this kind of game machine.

In Patent Document 1, display control of a demo screen that can be displayed when symbol variation (variation display game) is not executed is performed based on the length of time during which symbol variation is not performed and the detection of the launch of a game ball. The gaming machine to be executed is described.
As a result, it is possible to prevent the display from shifting to the demo screen even though the game ball is being shot, so that the player does not feel uncomfortable.

JP 2013-223570 A

Although the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1 has a certain degree of ingenuity in the effect control in the interval period, there is no particular ingenuity in the effect control and error notification in the interval period, and there is still room for improvement.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and provides a gaming machine that performs appropriate effect control in irregular cases involving errors.

According to the present invention, a gaming machine that starts symbol variation when a predetermined start condition is satisfied, stops symbol variation when a predetermined stop condition is satisfied, and suggests granting of a privilege by the stopped symbols. An operation means, a production means including at least a production display means, a production mode control means for controlling a production mode, and a production control means for causing the production means to execute production based on the production mode, In an interval period, which is a period from the satisfaction of the predetermined stop condition related to a certain symbol variation to the satisfaction of the predetermined start condition related to the next symbol variation, the first display related to the setting operation of the production mode is displayed on the effect display means, and when the operation means receives an operation during the interval period during which the first display is displayed on the effect display means, the effect mode corresponding to the operation is displayed. When the second display is displayed on the effect display means, and the second display is displayed on the effect display means, the first display is hidden and the second display is started to be displayed. at least one of a first display being displayed, or the first display being maintained before and after the display of the second display is started, and further specified by satisfaction of a specific error condition as a trigger and when the first display satisfies the specific error condition in the interval period during which the first display is displayed on the effect display means, the first display is displayed, and if the operating means accepts an operation at the first time, the period during which the specific error is notified overlaps. Then, the second display can be displayed on the effect display means, and the first display can be newly displayed after the first display is hidden and the display of the second display is started. is limited, or the first display maintained until the start of display of the second display is limited when the display of the second display is started.

According to the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine that performs appropriate effect control in irregular cases involving errors.

2 is a front view of the gaming machine 10; FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a hand area II shown enclosed by a dashed line in FIG. 1; 4 is a diagram showing the back surface of the front door 20. FIG. It is a figure which shows the gaming machine 10 except the front door 20. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration of the game machine 10; FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine 10; FIG. It is a transition diagram related to the game mode. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure when transitioning to an advantageous section; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table referred to in mode lottery; FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table referred to in the number-of-top-games lottery; 9 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure of CZ determination processing in normal mode; FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table referred to in CZ determination processing in normal mode; FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table referred to in display determination in normal mode; It is a figure which shows the display mode of game UI. FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a processing procedure of CZ determination processing and third stop processing in a specialized zone; FIG. FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table referred to in CZ determination processing in a specialized zone; FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table referred to in display determination in a specialized zone; (a) is a diagram showing the display mode of the effect display device related to the setting operation of the effect mode, (b) is a diagram showing the display mode of the effect display device when the effect mode is set, ( c) is a diagram showing the display mode of the effect display device in the symbol variation performed after the effect mode is set. It is a figure which shows the alerting|reporting aspect of the storage error in the normal time. (a) is a diagram showing a notification mode of a storage error when a mode selection display H1 is displayed, and (b) is a view showing a notification mode of a storage error when a mode setting display H2 is displayed. and (c) is a diagram showing how a storage error is notified when the setting mode display H3 is displayed. FIG. 10 is a time chart when transitioning from normal mode to challenge zone in a case without error notification; FIG. It is a time chart at the time of transition from the normal mode to the challenge zone in a case accompanied by an error notification related to a storage error. It is a time chart at the time of transition from the normal mode to the challenge zone in a case accompanied by an error notification related to a storage error.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, in all the drawings, the same reference numerals are given to the same constituent elements, and the description thereof will be omitted as appropriate. Further, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, the terms "front", "rear", "left", "right", "upper", and "lower" refer to the front side (player side) of the gaming machine 10 as shown in FIG. ) shall be designated as viewed from the

<Characteristics of the present invention>
Before describing the details of the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment, the features of the invention described in the present embodiment (hereinafter referred to as the present invention) will be described. It should be noted that the configuration in parentheses exemplifies the configuration of the present embodiment corresponding to the immediately preceding configuration, and the configuration may be described in parentheses for the same purpose in the description of the gaming machine 10 as well.

The gaming machine 10 according to the present invention starts symbol variation when a predetermined start condition is satisfied, stops symbol variation when a predetermined stop condition is satisfied, and suggests awarding of a privilege by the stopped symbols. It is a game machine, a so-called reel-type game machine (slot machine).
Here, the symbol variation refers to a game in which the symbols drawn on the reel 65 are variably displayed according to the operation of the start lever 26 and stop-displayed according to the operation of the stop button 27 in this embodiment.

The game machine 10 includes at least an operation means, a performance means including at least a performance display means, a performance mode control means for controlling a performance mode, and a performance control means for causing the performance means to execute a performance based on the performance mode. .
The operation means is a means used for the setting operation of the effect mode, and can correspond to the cross key button 24a and the maximum bet button 23a (push button) in the present embodiment.
The production means is a means for executing production, and in this embodiment, the production display device 63, the speaker 49, the decorative LED board 41, etc. correspond to the production display device 63. Among them, the production display device 63 corresponds to the production display means.
The production mode is a state in which the production executed by the production means is affected, and is controlled by the sub-board 200 (sub-integration section 210). In this embodiment, the production mode A, the production mode B, and the production mode C correspond to the production modes, and the production mode control means and the production control means can each correspond to the sub-board 200 (sub-integration unit 210).

The game machine 10 performs the first operation related to the setting operation of the production mode in the interval period, which is the period from when a predetermined stop condition related to a certain symbol variation is satisfied until when a predetermined start condition related to the next symbol variation is satisfied. One display (mode selection display in FIGS. 21(a) and 21(b)) is sometimes displayed on the effect display means.
At this time, when the operation means receives an operation during the interval period in which the first display is displayed on the effect display means, the second display (FIGS. 21(a) and 21(b)) showing the effect mode corresponding to the operation mode setting display) is displayed on the effect display means, and the second display is displayed on the effect display means, the first display is hidden, and after the display of the second display is started, the first display is newly displayed is displayed, or the first display is maintained before and after the display of the second display is started.

Furthermore, the game machine 10 includes an error control means for notifying a specific error (display of storage error shown in FIG. 19) when a specific error condition is satisfied.
Although the error control means in this embodiment is implemented by the sub-board 200, the present invention may be implemented by an embodiment implemented by the main board 100. FIG.

When the first display satisfies the specific error condition in the interval period during which the first display is displayed on the effect display means, the notification regarding the specific error overlaps with the period during which the first display is displayed. When the operation means accepts the operation in the first time, the second display can be displayed on the effect display means overlapping the period during which the specific error is notified (see FIG. 22(b)).
At this time, the first display that can be newly displayed after the first display is hidden and the display of the second display is started is restricted, or the first display that is maintained until the display of the second display is started One display is limited when the display of the second display is started.

As described above, in the gaming machine 10, in the irregular case (first time) in which the first display related to the effect mode setting operation and the notification related to the specific error overlap during the same period, once Receiving a performance mode setting operation and displaying a second display indicating the performance mode corresponding to the setting operation, but restricting subsequent re-display of the first display or maintenance of the first display. .
Due to such characteristics, the gaming machine 10 allows the setting of the production mode once in the irregular case as described above, thereby preventing the player from declining in their desire to play, and further The setting of the production mode can be restricted, and a certain brake can be applied. As a result, it is possible to achieve a balance between the prevention of a decrease in the player's desire to play and the safety of the game.

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

<Structure of game machine 10>
First, the structure of the gaming machine 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 1 is a front view of the game machine 10, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a hand region II surrounded by a dashed line in FIG. 1, and FIG. , FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the gaming machine 10 with the front door 20 removed.

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

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 slot 31, a checkout button 32, a medal return button 33, a door lock 34, a medal ejection slot 35, a decorative LED 36, a lower tray 37, and a speaker port 38 are provided. ing.

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 change device 48, a speaker 49, an inserted medal passage 51, a payout medal passage 52, a return medal passage 53, and a stored medal passage 54 are provided.

In addition to the front door 20, as shown in FIG. I have.

In order to open the front door 20 , it is necessary to insert a door key (not shown) into the door lock 34 to release a lock mechanism (not shown) that locks the front door 20 and the outer frame 90 .
When the front door 20 is opened, as shown in FIG. 4, a power supply device 91 is provided below the gaming machine body 60. As shown in FIG. The power supply device 91 is a device for supplying power to each component of the gaming machine 10 , and is controlled to start or stop by operating the power switch 92 .

When playing a game on the gaming machine 10 , it is necessary for a person involved in the hall or the like to operate the power switch 92 to start the power supply device 91 . The game machine main unit 60 preferably has a function of maintaining the game state that was being executed when the power supply from the power supply device 91 was turned off even when the power supply is turned off. This is to prevent disappointment of the player when the power supply is stopped while the game is progressing in a development advantageous to the player, such as in a special game state.

A setting change device 48 is provided on the back side of the opened front door 20 . The setting change device 48 is a device for setting setting values, and includes a setting key switch 48a, a setting change switch 48b, a setting display LED 48c, and a setting key cover 48d. The setting key switch 48a enables the setting change device 48 to be operated by inserting and operating a setting key (not shown). The setting change switch 48b is a switch that can be operated with the setting key inserted into the setting key switch 48a, and can change the set value by pressing the switch. The setting display LED 48c is an LED for displaying set values, and is a 7-segment display in this embodiment. The setting key cover 48d is a cover that covers the setting key switch 48a. By sliding this cover to open the setting key switch 48a, the setting key can be inserted into the setting key switch 48a. 3 shows a state in which the setting key cover 48d covers the setting key switch 48a.

Here, the set value is the average value of the ball payout rate that indicates the expected value of the number of medals paid out in the game with respect to the number of medals used in one game (hereinafter, simply referred to as the ball payout rate in some cases). ) are different, and in this embodiment, there are six stages 1 to 6. In general, there is a tendency that the larger the set value is, the higher the payout percentage of balls is.

The front door 20 has an upper panel 21 and a lower panel 22 on the front side. Here, since the upper panel 21 is formed of a transparent member, a player positioned in front of the gaming machine 10 can see the gaming machine body 60 arranged on the back side of the upper panel 21 through the upper panel 21. can be visually recognized.

The lower panel 22 has the model name of the gaming machine 10, characters related to the model, and the like written on its surface, and the model name and the like written by lighting of a backlight (not shown) installed at the rear can be visually recognized. easier.

The gaming machine main unit 60 includes main components that control games executed by the gaming machine 10 . In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, the gaming machine main body 60 has an effect display area 62 formed in the upper front portion thereof, and a reel frame 64 formed in the lower front portion thereof.

The effect display area 62 is a display screen of the effect display device 63 built in the gaming machine main body 60, and can display various effects or various information related to the game of the gaming machine 10. FIG. As the effect display device 63, for example, a liquid crystal display type display device or the like can be adopted. 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, and can suitably arouse the interest of the player.

The reel frame 64 is a window frame formed on the front side of a plurality of reels 65 (65L, 65C, 65R) built into the gaming machine main body 60, and is divided into an inner area and an outer area. The inner area of the reel frame 64 is formed of a hollow or transparent member, and a part of each reel 65 is visible through the inner area. In addition, the external region of the reel frame 64 is formed of an opaque member (including a translucent member and a colored transparent member), making it difficult to visually recognize the reel 65 through the external region.

The reel 65 is composed of a reel 65L, a reel 65C, and a reel 65R, and starts rotating when the player operates the start lever 26 (detection that the start lever 26 is on). At this time, it is required that the time from the start of rotation of the reels 65 in the previous game (symbol variation game) to the start of rotation of the reels 65 in the current game exceeds a predetermined delay time, so-called wait time. That is, when the start lever 26 receives the player's operation before the wait time elapses, the reels 65 start rotating after waiting until the wait time elapses. Note that the wait time in this embodiment is set to 4.1 seconds. Further, when each reel 65 in this embodiment is rotating, in principle, the reel 65 rotates from top to bottom. In this specification, rotation of the reel from top to bottom may be referred to as "forward direction", and rotation from bottom to top may be referred to as "reverse direction".

In the game of this embodiment, by rotating a plurality of reels 65 on which a plurality of types of symbols are applied, the symbols displayed on the reels 65 are variably displayed, and the rotating reels 65 are stopped. , the combination of symbols is stopped and displayed. That is, symbols (not shown) are displayed on the plurality of reels 65 (reels 65L, 65C, and 65R) in this embodiment, and the game progresses by repeating the variable display and stop display.

Rotation control of the reel 65 is executed using a reel sensor 66 . The reel sensor 66 is a sensor that detects the reference position of the reel 65 . One reel sensor 66 is provided for each reel 65 . Specifically, a reel sensor 66L is provided for the reel 65L, a reel sensor 66C for the reel 65C, and a reel sensor 66R for the reel 65R to detect that each reel 65 has reached the reference position. configured as possible.

Reel lighting boards 67 (67L, 67C, 67R) are provided inside the reels 65, and each pattern displayed on the reels 65 can be easily recognized by lighting the LEDs mounted on the reel lighting boards 67. ing. That is, the LEDs mounted on the reel illumination board 67 function as backlights for symbol display by the reels 65 .

The start lever 26 can receive a player's operation (start operation) as a trigger for starting the variation of the symbols in the game. Specifically, the player's operation of the start lever 26 is to tilt the start lever 26, which is provided substantially perpendicularly to the front door 20 in the initial state, in any direction.

The start lever sensor 44 can detect whether the start lever 26 is on or off. More specifically, the start lever sensor 44 detects the start lever 26 that is substantially perpendicular to the front door 20 as an OFF state, and detects the start lever 26 that is tilted in any direction as an ON state. .

In this embodiment, if the number of inserted medals has not reached the predetermined number, even if the start lever 26 accepts the player's operation, the game is not started. In order to reach the predetermined number of inserted medals, (i) the number of inserted medals is increased by inserting medals from the medal insertion slot 31, or (ii) credits representing the medals stored in the gaming machine 10 are pushed by the bet button 23. It is necessary to increase the number of inserted sheets by depressing the number. It should be noted that, in the case of winning the replay in the previous game and the combination of the corresponding symbols is stopped and displayed, the replay is activated in the game and the number of inserted sheets increases, and the player can perform (i) or (ii). , the number of inserted coins in the game automatically becomes the number of inserted coins in the previous game.

Here, the accumulation of medals refers to a function of storing a numerical value (credits) corresponding to the number of medals owned by the player in place of some or all of the medals owned by the player inside the gaming machine 10 . When medals are accumulated (credits increase), for example, (i) when more than a predetermined number of medals are inserted from the medal insertion slot 31, (ii) a prize is won in the game, and as a benefit of the prize For example, when a medal is won.

A medal selector 47 including a medal selector main body 47a, a medal blocker 47b, and a medal passage sensor 47c is provided on the back side of the medal slot 31. The medals are sorted into acceptable medals and unacceptable medals.

For example, in a standby state (a state in which the power is turned on but no game is being played), medals can be accepted, so the medal selector main body 47a operates a medal blocker 47b having a solenoid. When the medal blocker 47b is actuated, a protrusion (not shown) provided in the middle of the inserted medal passage 51 is buried, so that the inserted medal passage 51 is in a state allowing passage of medals. At this time, when a medal is inserted from the medal slot 31, the medal flows down into the inserted medal passage 51, is detected by the medal passing sensor 47c provided in the middle of the inserted medal passage 51, and passes through the stored medal passage 54. It passes through and is stored in the medal storage box 93. - 特許庁

Further, when the game is in progress or when the credit reaches the upper limit, the medal selector main body 47a stops the operation of the medal blocker 47b because medals cannot be accepted. When the operation of the medal blocker 47b is stopped, a protrusion (not shown) protrudes in the middle of the inserted medal passage 51 and obstructs passage of medals. Moreover, it stays at a position where it is not detected by the medal passage sensor 47c. The medals staying in the inserted medal passage 51 fall into the return medal passage 53 by their own weight or by the operation of the medal return button 33 and are discharged to the lower tray 37 via the medal discharge port 35 .

Also, when medals are awarded in excess of the upper limit of credits, medals corresponding to the number of awarded medals are ejected from the medal storage 93 to the lower tray 37 via the medal ejection port 35 .

As the bet buttons 23 described above, the gaming machine 10 has a maximum bet button 23 a and a single bet button 23 b mounted on the bet button board 45 . The maximum bet button 23a can be pressed once to increase the number of inserted credits by subtracting three credits at maximum, and the single bet button 23b can be pressed once to increase the number of inserted credits by subtracting one credit. can be done. Also, even if the bet button 23 is pressed, if the credit subtraction value in the game has reached a predetermined number of inserted cards, the credit cannot be subtracted beyond that.

Further, the bet button board 45 is provided with a maximum bet button sensor 45a and a single bet button sensor 45b for detecting that the maximum bet button 23a and the single bet button 23b are pressed, respectively. The above processing is performed according to the detection of the sensor.

In addition, the maximum bet button 23a is used as a bet button to increase the number of inserted credits by subtracting credits according to the operation as described above. It may also be used as a purpose (push button).
When the maximum bet button 23a is used as a bet button, it is limited to the state where the insertion possible display LED 25g is lit. On the other hand, when the maximum bet button 23a is used as a push button, it is not necessarily limited to the execution of the button suggestion effect. For example, the maximum bet button 23a may be used as a push button for operations on a menu screen, which will be described later.

The bet button board 45 is provided with a push button sensor 45c that detects pressing of the maximum bet button 23a when the maximum bet button 23a is used as a push button, and is distinguished from detection by the maximum bet button sensor 45a. .
The maximum bet button sensor 45 a is managed by the CPU 101 mounted on the main board 100 , whereas the push button sensor 45 c is managed by the CPU 201 mounted on the sub board 200 .

The gaming machine 10 also has a menu selection button 24 on the left side of the bet button 23 . The menu selection button 24 is composed of a cross key button 24a mounted on the menu selection button board 46 and an enter button 24b positioned in 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 that is displayed in the effect display area 62 and that shows the operating method of the gaming machine 10, game commentary information, and the like.
The player can browse the menu screen by operating the menu selection button 24 . For example, when the enter button 24b is pressed in the standby state, a list of menus and a cursor are displayed in the effect display area 62. FIG. The player operates the cross key button 24a to move the cursor to a position indicating an arbitrary menu, and when the player presses the decision button 24b when the cursor indicates any menu, the menu is displayed as an effect. displayed in area 62 .

The menu selection button board 46 is provided with a cross key button sensor 46a and an enter button sensor 46b.
The cross-key button sensor 46a can detect in which direction the cross-key button 24a is pressed (up, down, left, or right with respect to the center of the enter button 24b).
The enter button sensor 46b can detect that the enter button 24b has been pressed.
The cross key button sensor 46a and the enter button sensor 46b are managed by the CPU 201 mounted on the sub board 200, like the push button sensor 45c described above.

In addition, the gaming machine 10 includes a state display LED 25 for displaying the number of inserted medals, the number of stored medals, and the like, on the right side of the bet button 23 . 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.

Among the status display LEDs 25, the number-of-throwing-in display LED 25a is composed of three LEDs.
Of the status display LEDs 25, the reserved number display LED 25b is composed of a 7-segment display, and indicates the number of accumulated medals (credits) numerically.
The winning number display LED 25c of the status display LED 25 is composed of a 7-segment display, and numerically indicates the number of medals obtained by winning.
The instruction display LED 25d of the status display LED 25 is configured by a 7-segment display, and displays the pressing order of correct answers to be described later in a manner that can be specified.
Of the status display LEDs 25, the replay display LED 25e is composed of one LED, and lights up when the replay is stopped and displayed in the game.
The game start display LED 25f of the state display LEDs 25 is composed of one LED, and lighting of the LED indicates that the game start condition is satisfied.
Of the status display LEDs 25, the insertable display LED 25g is composed of one LED, and lighting of the LED indicates that medals can be inserted.
Of the status display LEDs 25, the advantageous section display LED 25h is composed of one LED. When the LED is lit, it indicates that it is an advantageous section, which will be described later. represents

The stop button 27 receives a player's operation that causes the spinning reels 65 to stop. It should be noted that the stop button 27 can accept a stop operation triggered by a stop possible condition that is satisfied after the reel 65 starts rotating.
The player's operation on the stop button 27 is to press the stop button 27 . In addition, here, the stop possible condition is a precondition for executing the stop display in the game. When the reference position at 65 is detected, the stop possible condition is established.

A plurality of stop buttons 27 ( 27 L, 27 C, 27 R) are mounted on the stop button board 43 and provided one for each reel 65 . Specifically, the stop button 27L accepts a stop operation for stopping the reel 65L. The stop button 27C accepts a stop operation for stopping the reel 65C. The stop button 27R accepts a stop operation for stopping the reel 65R.

The stop button substrate 43 is provided with stop button sensors 43a for detecting that the stop button 27L, the stop button 27C, and the stop button 27R are pressed. Accordingly, stop control of each reel 65 is performed.

Therefore, the gaming machine 10 includes a plurality of reels (reels 65) that rotate during execution of a game, and stop operation receiving means (stop button board 43) that receives a stop operation that serves as a trigger for stopping the rotating reels. And, in other words, it has.

The stop button 27 in the present embodiment includes a stop possible display LED 27a and has a configuration in which the periphery thereof is covered with a light-transmitting member. The stop button 27 is designed to inform the player whether or not the condition for allowing the stop is satisfied by the lighting color of the LED 27a indicating that the game can be stopped.
In this way, it is possible to determine whether or not the conditions for enabling a stop are satisfied depending on the color of the stop button 27, so that the player can smoothly perform the stop operation in sequence.

Due to the stop operation received by the stop button 27, the reel 65 corresponding to the stop button 27 that received the stop operation stops. The stop position of the reel 65 can move up to four frames (sometimes referred to as the maximum number of frames to be drawn) based on the position of the reel 65 when the stop button 27 is pressed. The control from when the stop button 27 is pressed until the reel 65 stops is generally called slip control.

The internal area corresponding to each reel 65 of the reel frame 64 has a dimension of three frames in the vertical direction. In addition, each reel 65 is stopped and controlled so that three symbols can be accommodated in the vertical direction of 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's becoming That is, since three reels 65 are arranged in the horizontal direction, when each reel 65 is stopped, the player can visually recognize 3 symbols×3 reels=9 symbols.

When each reel 65 is controlled to be stopped as described above, approximately straight lines formed by the upper, middle, and lower inner regions of each reel 65 (indicated by the dashed-dotted lines in FIG. 1) are represented by lines L1, L2, and L3, respectively. called.
A substantially straight line (indicated by a dashed 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 called a line L4. A substantially straight line (indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 1) formed by the lower inner region of the reel 65L, the middle inner region of the reel 65C, and the upper inner region of the reel 65R is called a line L5.

In this embodiment, only substantially straight lines are used as the lines in the internal region, but curved lines may be used instead of straight lines. Also, a line formed including non-adjacent regions (for example, the upper stage of the reel 65L and the lower stage of the reel 65C) may be employed. That is, any line may be employed as long as it is formed by arbitrarily selecting an internal area for one pattern from each of the reels 65 .

The effective line in this embodiment is only line L2. Here, the effective line is a line on which winning determination is performed for the stopped symbol combination of the lines defined in the internal area, which will be described later. Note that the valid line may be a single line as in this embodiment, or may be a plurality of lines.

When a combination of symbols corresponding to a prize is stopped and displayed on the activated line, the number of medals specified for the prize is awarded. When the symbol combination corresponding to the replay is stopped and displayed on the activated line, the replay is activated in the next game. When the symbol combination corresponding to the accessory or the accessory continuous operating device is stop-displayed on the activated line, the accessory or the accessory continuous operating device is activated in the next game.

During the rotation of each reel 65 (during execution of the game), images displayed in the effect display area 62, sounds output from the speaker 49, or decoration LEDs 36 are displayed in order to attract the player's interest and arouse interest in the game. Various productions configured by lighting and extinguishing of are executed.

A speaker port 38 is provided in front of each speaker 49 . More specifically, a speaker port 38a is provided in front of the speaker 49a positioned on the upper right (upper left in FIG. 3) when viewed from the front of the gaming machine. A speaker port 38b is provided in front of the speaker 49b positioned on the upper left (upper right in FIG. 3) when viewed from the front of the gaming machine. A speaker port 38c is provided in front of the speaker 49c located at the lower left (lower right in FIG. 3) when viewed from the front of the gaming machine. A speaker port 38d is provided in front of the speaker 49d positioned at the lower right (lower left in FIG. 3) when viewed from the front of the gaming machine. Note 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, the decoration LED 36a mounted on the decoration LED board 41a and the decoration LED 36b mounted on the decoration LED board 41b are arranged on the upper right side of the effect display area 62. FIG. A decoration LED 36c mounted on the decoration LED board 41c is arranged on the lower right side of the effect display area 62. As shown in FIG. Also, on the lower right side of the reel frame 64, a decoration LED 36d mounted on the decoration LED board 41d is arranged. Also, on the lower left side of the reel frame 64, a decoration LED 36e mounted on the decoration LED board 41e is arranged. Also, on the lower left side of the effect display area 62, a decoration LED 36f mounted on the decoration LED board 41f is arranged. Also, on the upper left side of the effect display area 62, a decoration LED 36g mounted on the decoration LED board 41g and a decoration LED 36h mounted on the decoration LED board 41h are arranged. Each decorative LED 36 may be lit in a single color, or may be lit in multiple colors.

In the game machine 10, when the credit reaches the upper limit value during execution of the payout process of the medals given as a result of the combination of symbols corresponding to winning being stopped and displayed on the activated line, the credit corresponds to the amount exceeding the upper limit value. The required number of medals is paid out from the medal storage box 93. Further, when the settlement button 32 is pressed, the gaming machine 10 pays out the number of medals corresponding to the credit at the time of pressing from the medal storage 93 .
The process of paying out the medals stored in the medal storage 93 is executed by a payout mechanism (not shown) built in the medal storage 93 . More specifically, the payout mechanism acquires as many medals as the payout number from the medals stored in the medal storage 93 and discharges them from the medal payout port 94 toward the payout medal passage 52 . The medals discharged to the paid-out medal passage 52 are discharged to the lower tray 37 via the medal discharge port 35. - 特許庁

In addition, in order to prevent the medals from overflowing from the medal storage box 93, an auxiliary medal storage box 95 is provided beside the medal storage box 93, through which some of the medals stored in the medal storage box 93 flow down. there is

In addition, a storage error sensor (not shown) is provided for detecting that the number of medals stored in the auxiliary medal storage 95 reaches a predetermined number or more. An error prompting collection of the medals stored in the auxiliary medal storage box 95 is reported. In addition, the notification mode of the storage error will be described later.

<Electrical Configuration and Functional Configuration of Gaming Machine 10>
Next, the electrical configuration and functional configuration of the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. However, since the constituent elements shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 described above are also referred to, please refer to them as appropriate. 5 is a diagram showing the electrical configuration of the gaming machine 10, and FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine 10. As shown in FIG.

The gaming machine 10 incorporates a main board 100 and a sub-board 200 as main components. Although the main board 100 or sub-board 200 is illustrated as if it were a single electronic board in FIG. 5, it does not necessarily have to be a single electronic board. That is, the main board 100 or the sub-board 200 may be realized by combining a plurality of electronic boards.

The main board 100 controls the display of each LED included in the status display LED board 42 based on the control information input from the various sensors 40a, causes the medal storage 93 to pay out medals, and controls the sub-board 200. Generate commands to output. Electronic components such as a CPU 101, a RAM 102, or a ROM 103 are mounted on the main substrate 100. By executing processing of data and control signals exchanged between these electronic components and the various sensors 40a, various game-related implements the function. Here, the various sensors 40a include the above-described start lever sensor 44, stop button sensor 43a, maximum bet button sensor 45a, single bet button sensor 45b, medal passing sensor 47c, and the like.

The sub-board 200 is connected to the main board 100 by one-way communication, and controls the decoration LED board 41, the speaker 49, the effect display device 63, etc. based on commands input from the main board 100. FIG. The sub board 200 also has electronic components such as a CPU 201, a RAM 202, or a ROM 203 mounted thereon. This process is implemented. Here, the various sensors 40b include a push button sensor 45c, a cross key button sensor 46a, an enter button sensor 46b, and the like.

Note that the main board 100 has limits on the ROM capacity and the RAM capacity in order to increase security against fraudulent acts such as unauthorized modification. On the other hand, the sub-board 200 is not provided with similar restrictions.

As shown in FIG. 6, the functional configuration realized by the main board 100 includes a game state control section 110, an internal lottery section 120, a win flag setting section 130, a rotation control section 140, a display symbol determination section 150, a command generation A unit 160 and an external output unit 170 are included.
Furthermore, the functional configuration realized by the game state control unit 110 includes a game mode control unit 111 and a CZ determination unit 112 (CZ is an abbreviation for challenge zone).
The functional configuration realized by the sub-board 200 includes a sub-integration section 210, effect display section 220, audio output section 230, and LED light emission section 240, as shown in FIG.
Note that the components illustrated in FIG. 6 are not limited to all of the functional configurations included in the main board 100 or the sub-board 200, and there may be functional configurations not illustrated here.

The gaming state control unit 110 manages games executed by the gaming machine 10, and executes at least the following processes.

The game state control unit 110 monitors whether or not the game can be played, and stops (interrupts) the game when the game cannot be played.

The gaming state control unit 110 stores credits and manages their increase/decrease. More specifically, when the maximum bet button 23a or single bet button 23b is detected to be pressed, the gaming state control unit 110 subtracts a predetermined value from the stored credits.

The game state control unit 110 stores a value corresponding to the number of medals allocated as a prize for the winning when the combination of symbols stopped and displayed is determined to be a prize by the display symbol determination unit 150. - 特許庁Add to credit. In the addition process, when the stored credits reach the upper limit, the gaming state control section 110 causes the medal storage 93 to pay out medals corresponding to the exceeded number of medals. Further, the gaming state control unit 110 causes the medal storage 93 to pay out medals corresponding to the stored credits when the depression of the settlement button 32 is detected.

The game state control unit 110 manages the conditions displayed on the state display LED board 42 and the acceptability conditions for the stop operation on the stop button 27 (the above-described stop possible conditions). Here, the contents displayed on the status display LED board 42 include the number of inserted medals, the number of accumulated medals (credits), the number of medals obtained by winning, the presence or absence of replay, and conditions for starting the game. success or failure, whether or not medals can be inserted, and whether or not you stay in advantageous mode.

The game state control unit 110 manages setting values set by the setting change device 48 . The set value affects the winning probability of the combination drawn by the internal drawing section 120 .

The game state control unit 110 shifts the game state and replay time (RT) according to predetermined conditions. The gaming state and the replay time affect the winning probability of a combination drawn by the internal drawing section 120 in the same way as the set value.

The game mode control section 111 included in the game state control section 110 manages the state transition of the game mode. Details of the state transition of the game mode will be described later.

A CZ determination unit 112 included in the game state control unit 110 executes CZ determination processing executed in each game mode described later and various processing accompanying these processings. Details of these processes will be described later.

The internal lottery section 120 determines by lottery a winning combination (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a “winning combination”) from a plurality of types of winning combinations when a start operation is received by the start lever 26 .
More specifically, the internal lottery unit 120 acquires a random number (a 2-byte random number is used in this embodiment, the range of which is 0 to 65535) updated by the gaming state control unit 110, and stores it in the ROM 103 in advance. The lottery value of the internal lottery table (details will be described later) is sequentially added to the obtained random number, and the combination corresponding to the lottery value in which the carry occurs is determined as the winning combination.
Note that "determined by lottery" in the internal lottery unit 120 may be simply expressed as "derived".

The winning combinations derived by the internal lottery unit 120 include replay, push-order bell, common bell, watermelon, cherry, and chance.
It should be noted that the winning combinations listed here are only examples of those necessary for explaining the present invention, and can be changed within the scope of achieving the object of the present invention.
Further, even if the winning combination mentioned here is called only one, it is allowed to be distinguished as a plurality of winning combinations in the internal lottery section 120 .
Further, in the present embodiment, the explanation is given assuming that there is no so-called bonus combination, but the present invention is allowed to be applied to a gaming machine that wins the bonus combination.

Replay is a replay combination that allows the next game to be played without inserting new medals by winning a prize. In the replay, "replay pattern-replay pattern-replay pattern" is arranged on any of the lines L1 to L5.

Also, Bell, Watermelon, Cherry, and Chance are small wins in which medals are paid out by winning.
As for the bells, "bell pattern - bell pattern - bell pattern" are arranged on any of the lines L1 to L5, and the payout number for winning is nine.
As for the watermelon, "watermelon pattern-watermelon pattern-watermelon pattern" is arranged on any of the lines L1 to L5, and the payout number for winning is three.
Cherries are distinguished into single cherries, double cherries and triple cherries. As for the single cherry, "cherry pattern-ANY-ANY" (ANY is any pattern other than the cherry pattern) is arranged on any of the lines L1 to L5. As for the double cherry, "cherry pattern-cherry pattern-ANY" is aligned on any of the lines L1 to L5. In the case of triple cherries, "cherry pattern-cherry pattern-cherry pattern" is aligned on any of lines L1 to L5. A single cherry, double cherry, and triple cherry are all paid out for winning a prize of one.
As for the chance eye, "bell pattern-replay pattern-bell pattern" are arranged on any of the lines L1 to L5, and the payout number for winning is one.

Bells are classified into push order bells and common bells.
The pressing order bell is a small combination in which the bell and another small combination (a small combination in which the number of payouts due to winning is one) are won in duplicate, and the bell is won by operating the stop button 27 in the correct pressing order, One small win is won by operating the stop button 27 in the order of pressing the incorrect answer.
The common bell is a small combination in which the bell alone wins, and the bell wins regardless of the order in which the stop button 27 is pressed.

The combination flag setting section 130 sets the winning combination derived by the internal lottery section 120 . Here, setting a winning combination means that a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination derived by the internal lottery section 120 can be stopped and displayed on the activated line as a result of the game.

The rotation control unit 140 starts the rotation of the reel 65 with the start operation of the start lever 26, stops the corresponding reel 65 for each stop operation of the stop button 27, and is effective when all the reels 65 are stopped. A game is executed in which a result is obtained by combining the symbols stopped and displayed on the line.

The rotation control section 140 controls the rotation of the reel 65 by outputting a pulse signal to the reel motor 68 (stepping motor). Note that setting the rotation speed of the reel 65 to zero is synonymous with stopping the reel 65 .

The display symbol determination unit 150 determines whether or not the combination of symbols stopped and displayed on the active line in the game corresponds to which combination.

The command generator 160 generates commands to be transmitted from the main board 100 to the sub board 200 .

The external output unit 170 externally outputs the control signal. Here, the external output means outputting information (control signal) indicating the internal state of the gaming machine 10 to an external device (for example, a hall computer, a data display, etc.) provided separately from the gaming machine 10. Say.
The specific information indicated by the control signal includes information indicating that one game has started, information indicating that the user is staying in a special game state, which will be described later, and information that an AT mode, which will be described later, has started. Alternatively, information indicating that the user is staying in the AT mode, information indicating that an error has occurred, or the like.

The sub-integrating section 210 controls the effect display section 220, the audio output section 230, or the LED light emitting section 240 based on commands transmitted from the main board 100. FIG.
The effect display unit 220 has a function of controlling the effect display device 63 and causes the effect display device 63 to execute the effect by display output in conjunction with the game executed by the main board 100 .
The audio output unit 230 has a function of controlling the speaker 49, and causes the speaker 49 to perform an effect by audio output in conjunction with the game executed by the main board 100. FIG.
The LED light emitting unit 240 has a function of controlling the LEDs mounted on the decoration LED board 41, and interlocks with the game executed by the main board 100 to cause the LEDs to perform effects based on light emission output.

<Types of game modes and transitions>
Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the game mode types and transitions managed by the game mode control unit 111 will be described. FIG. 7 is a transition diagram relating to the game mode.
Transition conditions (a) to transition conditions (j) shown in FIG. 7 will be described below. An unillustrated transition condition may be added, or an illustrated transition condition may be omitted.

The game mode controlled by the game mode control unit 111 is roughly divided into an advantageous interval and a non-advantageous interval.
The advantageous section is a game mode in which a transition process to the challenge zone and a privilege determination for increasing the advantage of the challenge zone can be executed.
On the other hand, the non-advantageous section is a game mode in which the transition processing and the privilege determination are not executed.

When the setting value is changed by the setting change device 48, the operation is first started from the non-advantageous section, and when the transition condition (a) is satisfied in the non-advantageous section, the operation shifts to the advantageous section. Here, the transition condition (a) is, for example, winning a predetermined lottery (lottery for transition to an advantageous section), but is not limited to this example and can be changed as appropriate.
In this embodiment, the transition destination from which the non-advantageous section is the transition source will be described below in a manner limited to the normal mode, but there may be cases where the transition destination is another transition destination (for example, a specialized zone). good too.

Advantageous sections include normal mode, specialized zone, challenge zone and AT mode.

The normal mode is a game mode designed so that the period of stay is the longest compared to other game modes. The normal mode is divided into a plurality of types of stages (not shown), and the game progresses while transitioning through each stage.
In the normal mode, when the transition condition (a) is satisfied in the non-advantageous section, the transition is made from the non-advantageous section, and when the transition condition (b) is satisfied in the challenge zone (challenge part), the transition is made from the challenge zone.
As described above, the transition condition (a) includes winning a predetermined lottery (lottery for transition to an advantageous section) in a non-advantageous section.
As a condition corresponding to the transition condition (b), winning a transition to a non-advantageous section in a transition destination lottery executed when the challenge effect described later fails can be mentioned.

The specialized zone is configured to be advantageous in CZ determination processing by the CZ determination unit 112, which will be described later, compared to the normal mode.
When the transition condition (c) is satisfied in the normal mode, the normal mode transitions to the specialized zone, and when the transition condition (d) is satisfied in the specialized zone, the specialized zone transitions to the normal mode.
Winning a specialized zone transfer lottery, which will be described later, can be cited as a condition corresponding to the transfer condition (c).
As a condition corresponding to the transition condition (d), winning the termination in the special zone continuation lottery, which will be described later, can be mentioned.

The challenge zone is a game mode in which it is easier to obtain balls than in the normal mode and the specialized zone. This is a game mode in which forward navigation) occurs.
The challenge zone transitions from the normal mode when the transition condition (e) is satisfied in the normal mode.
Examples of conditions corresponding to the transition condition (e) include completing the number of ceiling games, which will be described later, and winning a CZ transition lottery, which will be described later.

The challenge zone includes an introductory part, a challenge part, and an additional part, and the game progresses by transitioning each part according to each transition condition described later.

The introductory part is the first part in the challenge zone, and when the transition condition (f) is satisfied, it shifts to the challenge part. Transition condition (f) of the present embodiment is, for example, execution of a predetermined number of games (eg, 5 times).
In addition, in the introductory part, it is possible to select an effect mode set in the challenge zone including the introductory part. The details of setting the effect mode will be described later.

The challenge part is the next part of the introductory part, and when the transition condition (g) is satisfied, it shifts to the additional part, when the transition condition (h) is satisfied, it transitions to the normal mode, and when the transition condition (b) is satisfied, the non- Move to an advantageous section.
A success in the challenge effect, which will be described later, can be mentioned as one that corresponds to the transition condition (g).
As a condition corresponding to the transition condition (h), winning the transition to the normal mode in a transition destination lottery executed when the challenge effect described later fails can be mentioned.
As described above, the transition condition (b) includes winning a transition to a non-advantageous section in a transition destination lottery executed when the challenge effect described later fails.

The add-on part is the part following the challenge part, and when the transition condition (i) is satisfied, the AT mode is entered. Transition condition (i) of the present embodiment is, for example, execution of a predetermined number of games (eg, once), but is not limited to this example and can be changed as appropriate.
Details of the introductory part, the challenge part, and the additional part will be described later.
In addition, in this embodiment, as the transition condition to the AT mode, only the transition condition (i) for transitioning from the above-mentioned additional part is exemplified, but there may be cases where the AT mode is transitioned from another game mode. .

The AT mode is a game mode in which it is easier to acquire balls than in the normal mode and the special zone, and specifically, it is a game mode in which push order navigation occurs in a game in which the push order bell is won. In addition, the number of AT mode games tends to be larger than the number of games in the challenge zone, making it easier to get more balls than in the challenge zone.
The AT mode shifts to the non-advantageous section when the transition condition (j) is satisfied. The transition condition (j) of the present embodiment is, for example, to execute the number of given AT games (the number of games that is the sum of the number of initial games and the number of additional games), and the number of medals increased during the AT mode (consumption The difference between the number of medals to be played and the number of medals to be paid out) reaches a predetermined number (for example, 2400), but it is not limited to this example and can be changed as appropriate.
In this embodiment, only the non-advantageous section is exemplified as the transition destination of the AT mode, but the AT mode may be transitioned to another game mode.

<Processing when transitioning to advantageous section>
Next, the advantageous section transition processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10. FIG.
FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing the procedure of processing when transitioning to an advantageous section.
FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table referred to in mode lottery.
FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table referred to in the number-of-top-games lottery.

The advantageous section transition process is a process that is executed at the start of a game that transitions from a non-advantageous section to an advantageous section, that is, at the start of the game following the game that satisfies the transition condition (a) in the non-advantageous section. .
Furthermore, when the first game is started after a power failure and power recovery (power-on without setting change), the same process as the advantageous section transition process is executed.

In step S101, the CZ determination unit 112 executes a mode lottery, and proceeds to step S103. FIG. 9 schematically shows a lottery table referred to by the lottery. The range of random numbers used in the lottery is 0-99.
As shown in FIG. 9, the mode lottery is configured such that the lottery probability changes depending on the current set value. Specifically, if the current set value is 1, there is a 70/100 chance of winning normal A mode, a 20/100 chance of winning normal B mode, and a 10/100 chance of winning heaven mode. do. If the current set value is 2, the normal A mode is won with a probability of 70/100, the normal B mode is won with a probability of 19/100, and the heaven mode is won with a probability of 11/100. If the current set value is 3, the normal A mode is won with a probability of 70/100, the normal B mode is won with a probability of 18/100, and the heaven mode is won with a probability of 12/100. If the current set value is 4, the normal A mode is won with a probability of 70/100, the normal B mode is won with a probability of 15/100, and the heaven mode is won with a probability of 15/100. If the current set value is 5, the normal A mode is won with a probability of 70/100, the normal B mode is won with a probability of 13/100, and the heaven mode is won with a probability of 17/100. If the current set value is 6, the normal A mode is won with a probability of 70/100, the normal B mode is won with a probability of 10/100, and the heaven mode is won with a probability of 20/100.
In this way, in the mode lottery, the higher the setting, the higher the chance of winning the heaven mode, and the lower the chance of winning the normal B mode, while the higher the setting, the lower the chance of winning the normal A mode, regardless of the set value. constant.
Here, the normal A mode, normal B mode, and heaven mode are modes of the above-described normal mode, respectively, and affect the ceiling game number lottery executed in step S103.

In step S103, the CZ determination unit 112 executes a lottery for the number of ceiling games, and proceeds to step S105. FIG. 10 schematically shows a lottery table referred to by the number-of-top-games lottery. More specifically, FIG. 10(a) is a lottery table A in which the ceiling game number is determined by a multiple of 50, and FIG. 10(b) is a lottery table B in which the ceiling game number is determined by a multiple of 10. 10(c) is a lottery table C determined by a multiple of 1 of the ceiling game number. The range of random numbers used in the lottery is 0 to 99 in any lottery table.
If the normal A mode is won in step S101, the CZ determination unit 112 refers to the above lottery table A, determines 400 games with a probability of 20/100, determines 500 games with a probability of 50/100, and determines 500 games with a probability of 50/100. The probability is 600 games. In addition, when the normal B mode is won in step S101, the CZ determination unit 112 refers to the lottery table A described above, selects 250 games with a probability of 30/100, selects 300 games with a probability of 40/100, and selects 300 games with a probability of 40/100. 400 games with 100 probability. Further, when the heaven mode is won in step S101, the CZ determination unit 112 refers to the lottery table A described above, and determines 50 games with a probability of 50/100 and 100 games with a probability of 50/100.
Regardless of the lottery result in step S101, the CZ determination unit 112 refers to the lottery table B and determines 0 games with a probability of 96/100, 10 games with a probability of 1/100, and 10 games with a probability of 1/100. 20 games, 30 games with a probability of 1/100, and 40 games with a probability of 1/100.
Regardless of the lottery result in step S101, the CZ determination unit 112 refers to the lottery table C and determines 0 games with a probability of 5/100, 1 game with a probability of 5/100, and 1 game with a probability of 5/100. 2 games, 5/100 chance for 3 games, 5/100 chance for 4 games, 10/100 chance for 5 games, 10/100 chance for 6 games, 30/100 chance for 7 games, 10/100 probability of 8 games, 20/100 probability of 9 games.
The CZ determination unit 112 adds the numbers of games derived by the above three lottery processes to determine the ceiling number of games. For example, when 500 games, 0 games, and 7 games are derived, all are added and 507 games is taken as the top number of games.

Since each lottery value is assigned as shown in FIG. 10, the number of ceiling games is 50 to 59 games, 100 to 109 games, 250 to 259 games, 300 to 309 games, 400 to 409 games, and 500 to 509 games. In most cases, the number of games is determined to be one of the games 600 to 609, and in particular, the number of games with the 1's digit being "7".
Here, the ceiling number of games is one of the conditions for transition to the challenge zone, and is the number of games required from transition to the advantageous section to transition to the challenge zone. In other words, the challenge zone of the present embodiment will be shifted if the number of ceiling games is executed even if the CZ shift lottery described later is not won.
Therefore, the smaller the number of ceiling games is determined, the shorter the period until the transition to the challenge zone is made, which is advantageous for the player. be.

In step S105, the CZ determination unit 112 sets the number of ceiling games, which is the processing result of step S105.
Here, "setting the processing result" specifically means storing the data indicating the processing result in a predetermined storage area of the RAM 102, and placing the stored data in the command generated by the command generation unit 160. It is transmission to the sub-integration unit 210, and the same applies to the following description.

<CZ determination processing in normal mode>
Next, the CZ determination processing in normal mode will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13. FIG.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the procedure of CZ determination processing in normal mode.
FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table referred to in the CZ determination process in normal mode.
FIG. 13 is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table referenced for display determination in the normal mode.
The CZ determination process is a process executed at the start of each game in the normal mode.

In step S201, the CZ determination unit 112 determines whether or not the winning combination of the current game is cherries (single cherry, double cherry, and triple cherry). If the answer is NO, the process proceeds to step S217.

In step S203, the CZ determination unit 112 executes a CZ shift lottery to determine whether or not to shift to the challenge zone, and proceeds to step S205. FIG. 12(a) schematically shows a lottery table referred to by the lottery. The range of random numbers used in the lottery is 0-99.
As shown in FIG. 12(a), when the winning combination is a single cherry, there is a probability of 99/100 that the winning combination is non-winning, and a probability of 1/100 is winning. Also, if the winning combination is two cherries in a row, there is a probability of 95/100 that the player will not win, and the probability of winning is 5/100. In addition, when the winning combination is 3 consecutive cherries, there is a probability of 80/100 that the player will not win, and a probability of 20/100 will result in winning.

In step S207, the CZ determination unit 112 executes a special zone shift lottery for determining whether or not to shift to the above-described specialized zone, and proceeds to step S209. FIG. 12(c) schematically shows the lottery table referred to by the lottery. The range of random numbers used in the lottery is 0-99.
As shown in FIG. 12(b), in the case of losing, in the case of the winning combination being replay, and in the case of the winning combination being a bell (push order bell and common bell), the probability is 100/100. Elected and never elected. Also, if the winning combination is watermelon, it will not be won with a probability of 90/100, and will be won with a probability of 10/100. Also, if the winning combination is the chance number, there is a probability of 60/100 that it will not be won, and a probability of 40/100 will be won.

In step S209, the CZ determination unit 112 determines whether or not the special zone shift lottery in step S207 has been won. If the result is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S205.

In step S211, the CZ determination unit 112 executes a gauge addition lottery, and proceeds to step S213. FIG. 12(c) schematically shows the lottery table referred to by the lottery. The range of random numbers used in the lottery is 0-99.
As shown in FIG. 12(c), both in the case of a loss and in the case of a winning combination of bells (the order of pressing bells and common bells), the scale is 0 with a probability of 100/100, and the gauge counter is incremented. never. In addition, when the winning combination is replay, the probability of 100/100 is 1 scale. If the winning combination is a watermelon, it will be 2 scales of 90/100, 3 scales with a probability of 6/100, 5 scales with a probability of 3/100, and 10 scales with a probability of 1/100. In addition, when the winning combination is a chance number, the number is 90/100 with 3 divisions, 6/100 probability is 5 divisions, and 4/100 probability is 10 divisions.
Here, the gauge counter is a counter that counts the number of graduations of gauge display GH, which will be described later. The relationship between the gauge counter and gauge display GH will be described later.

In step S213, the CZ determination unit 112 executes a process of adding the scale number determined in step S211 to the gauge counter at that time, and proceeds to step S227.

In step S215, the CZ determination unit 112 determines whether or not the gauge counter at that time has reached 10 scales or more as a result of the addition in step S213. to step S205.

In step S217, the CZ determination section 112 executes a confirmed ball determination, and proceeds to step S231. FIG. 12(d) schematically shows the lottery table referred to by the determination. The range of random numbers used in the determination is 0-99.
As shown in Fig. 12(d), no matter what the winning combination is, there is a probability of 99/100 that the winning combination will be 0 and no confirmed balls will be stocked, and 1 winning combination will be stocked with a probability of 1/100. be done.
Here, fixed balls are elements that are consumed to carry out various effects that are performed in the challenge zone to your advantage. and is released in the challenge zone.
When a guaranteed ball is released, depending on the release timing, you can receive benefits such as increasing the number of games in the challenge zone, confirming the transition from the challenge zone to AT mode, and increasing the number of AT mode games. .

In step S219, the CZ determination unit 112 executes a process of subtracting 10 graduations from the gauge counter at that time, and proceeds to step S205.

In step S209, the CZ determination unit 112 sets the processing results of steps S201 to S219.

Subsequently, the display determination executed in the game in which the confirmed ball determination is performed in step S217 will be described. Here, the display determination is a process executed by the sub-integrating section 210 in response to the transmission of a command containing data indicating the processing result of the confirmed ball determination described above from the main board 100 to the sub-board 200. .
FIG. 13(a) schematically shows a lottery table referred to by the sub-integration section 210 when the final ball determination in step S217 determines that there are 0 balls. As shown in FIG. 13(a), regardless of the winning combination, 1pt is won with a probability of 70/100, 2pt is won with a probability of 20/100, and 4pt is won with a probability of 10/100. be elected to
FIG. 13(b) schematically shows a lottery table referred to by the sub-integration section 210 when the final ball determination in step S217 determines that there is one ball. As shown in FIG. 13(b), regardless of the winning combination, 1pt will be won with a probability of 30/100, 2pt will be won with a probability of 40/100, and 4pt will be won with a probability of 30/100. be elected to
As is clear from comparing FIG. 13(a) and FIG. 13(b), the display determination in the normal mode is common in that the winning point display is one of 1 pt, 2 pt, and 4 pt. In addition, the display determination does not result in 0pt (when the point display does not increase), and there is no winning of the confirmed ball display.

Here, the point display is a display suggesting the possibility that a confirmed ball is stocked in the above confirmed ball determination, and is displayed in the point display PH, which will be described later. Further, the confirmed ball display is a display for definitively notifying that the confirmed balls are stocked in the above confirmed ball determination, and is displayed in the confirmed ball display KH to be described later.

<Display mode of game UI>
Next, the display mode of the game UI will be described with reference to FIG.
FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display mode of the game UI. Here, the game UI is a user interface for the player, and includes the following displays.
The gauge display GH is a display that allows the player to visually recognize the value counted by the gauge counter described above. Specifically, when the gauge counter has 1 to 9 scales, the scale number of the gauge display GH is the same as that of the gauge counter, and when the gauge counter has 10 scales or more, the scale of the gauge display GH The number becomes 10 scale.
The roulette display RH is rotated at the timing when the gauge display GH reaches 10 scales, and is a display that allows the player to visually recognize the result of the display determination according to the contents displayed when the roulette display GH is stopped.
The point display PH is a display that allows the player to visually recognize the result of adding the number of winning points when the winning target is a point display (when one of 1pt to 30pt is won) by the above display determination.
The confirmed ball display KH is a display that allows the player to visually recognize the winning confirmed ball display when the winning target is the confirmed ball display according to the above display determination.

The game UI illustrated in FIG. 14 can be displayed in specialized zones and challenge zones in addition to the already-described normal mode. However, the game UI may not be displayed during execution of a specific effect (such as an effect in which the entire effect display area 62 is darkened).
As a result, it is possible to make the player expect the next specialized zone, and to suppress the decline in the player's willingness to play.
On the other hand, the game UI is not displayed during non-advantageous sections or AT mode.
This is because the game information is initialized at the transition to the non-advantageous section, and the gauge addition lottery and acquired ball determination are not executed, and there is no opportunity to update the game UI.
During the AT mode, all the obtained balls are released before the start (challenge zone), and the advantage during the AT mode does not depend on the obtained balls. This is because there is no need to display the game UI.

FIG. 14(a) shows the initial state of the game UI.
As shown in FIG. 14(a), the gauge display GH, the point display PH, and the fixed ball display KH are blank, indicating that the values (amounts) for all of them are zero.
At least the following situations can be cited as situations in which the game UI is in the initial mode.
First, it is the start of the first game in the advantageous interval (the game in which the above-described advantageous interval transition processing is executed). This is because the game UI hidden in the non-advantageous section is redisplayed at this time. Here, the first game in the advantageous section is the game when the setting value is changed and then the advantageous section is entered (more precisely, the game in which the setting value is changed and then the advantageous section is passed through the non-advantageous section. and a part of the game when the challenge zone ends or a game when the AT mode ends and passes through the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section.
Subsequently, when the end of the challenge zone triggers a shift to the first specialized zone (directly from the challenge zone), it is time to start the first game in the first specialized zone. Although the details will be described later, this is because the point display and the confirmed ball display are all released in the challenge zone, and the gauge display is also reset.
Then, it is time to start the first game after the power is restored. This is because, as described above, processing equivalent to the advantageous section transition processing is executed. In addition, as described above, the game is started from the normal mode.

FIG. 14(b) shows the initial state of the game UI when 3 tick marks are accumulated in the gauge display GH.
As shown in FIG. 14(b), the gauge display GH is changed in display mode (shaded portion) by three graduations.

FIG. 14(c) shows the initial state of the game UI when 10 ticks are accumulated in the gauge display GH.
As shown in FIG. 14(c), the gauge display GH is changed in the display mode (hatched portion) by 10 scales. At this time, rotation display is started in the roulette display RH.
Although not shown, when the rotating display of the roulette display RH is stopped, the point display or the confirmed ball display of winning in the game can be displayed on the roulette display RH.

FIG. 14(d) shows the display mode of the point display PH when the winning point display in the game is 1 pt.
As shown in FIG. 14(d), "1" is displayed in the center of the point display PH. The point display PH can be displayed from 1 to 999.
Here, the gauge display GH exemplifies that the scale returns to zero, but when the gauge counter exceeds 10 scales in the game, the scale is displayed by subtracting 10 from the value (for example, When the scale is 13, the gauge display GH is 3 scales).

FIG. 14(e) shows the display mode of the confirmed ball display KH when winning the confirmed ball display in the game.
As shown in FIG. 14(e), "Tak" is displayed in the center of the confirmed ball display KH. The confirmed ball display KH can display 1 to 9 confirmed balls, and when displaying 2 or more confirmed balls, "×N" (N is a number from 2 to 9) will be entered)” is displayed.

<CZ Determination Processing in Specialized Zone and Third Stop Processing>
Next, the CZ determination process and the third stop process in the specialized zone will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17. FIG.
FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the processing procedures of the CZ determination processing and the third stop processing in the specialized zone.
FIG. 16 is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table referred to in the CZ determination process in the specialized zone.
FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically showing a lottery table referred to in display determination in the specialized zone.
The CZ determination process is a process executed at the start of each game in the specialized zone.
The third stop process is a process executed when each game in the specialized zone is stopped (when all the reels 65 are stopped in the game).

In step S301, the CZ determination unit 112 executes a confirmed ball determination, and proceeds to step S303. FIG. 16 schematically shows the lottery table referred to by the determination. The range of random numbers used in the determination is 0-99.

FIG. 16(a) is a lottery table referred to in the determination in the specialized zone. Specifically, when the winning combination is a common bell, 0 confirmed balls are won with a probability of 100/100, and no confirmed balls are stocked. In addition, in both the case of losing and the winning combination being the push-order bell, there is a probability of 97/100 to win 0 confirmed balls, and a probability of 3/100 to win 1 confirmed ball. do. When the winning combination is replay, 0 fixed balls are won with a probability of 94/100, and 1 fixed ball is won with a probability of 6/100. If the winning combination is watermelon and if the winning combination is single cherry, 0 fixed balls are won with a probability of 84/100, and 1 fixed ball is won with a probability of 16/100. . If the winning combination is 2 consecutive cherries, 0 fixed ball is won with a probability of 68/100, and 1 fixed ball is won with a probability of 32/100. Also, if the winning combination is 3 consecutive cherries, 1 fixed ball is won with a probability of 98/100, and 2 fixed balls are won with a probability of 2/100. There is no case of winning one confirmed ball). In addition, if the winning combination is a chance eye, there is a probability of 49/100 to win 0 fixed balls, a probability of 50/100 to win 1 fixed ball, and a probability of 1/100 to win 2 balls. Win a fixed ball.

In step S303, the CZ determination unit 112 sets the processing result of step S301.

Next, the display determination executed in the game in which the confirmed ball determination is performed in step S301 will be described.
FIG. 17(a) schematically shows a lottery table referred to by the sub-integration unit 210 when the final ball determination in step S301 in the specialized zone determines that there are 0 balls. As shown in FIG. 17(a), when the winning combination is a common bell, 0pt is won with a probability of 100/100, and the point display does not increase. Also, in any of the case of losing and the winning combination being the order of bells, there is a probability of 36/100 to win 3pt, a probability of 30/100 to win 4pt, and a probability of 30/100. Win 5pt, win 10pt with a probability of 2/100, win 20pt with a probability of 1/100, and win 30pt with a probability of 1/100. Also, if the winning role is a replay role, 5 points will be won with a probability of 50/100, 10 points will be won with a probability of 45/100, 20 points will be won with a probability of 3/100, and 20 points will be won with a probability of 2/100. Win 30pt. In addition, when the winning combination is watermelon and when the winning combination is single cherry, 10 points are won with a probability of 44/100, 20 points are won with a probability of 50/100, and 20 points are won with a probability of 6/100. Win 30pt with probability. If the winning combination is 2 cherries in a row, if the winning combination is 3 cherries in a row, or if the winning combination is a chance, 30 points will be won with a probability of 100/100.
FIG. 17(b) schematically shows a lottery table referred to by the sub-integration section 210 when it is determined that there are 1 or 2 definite balls in the specialized zone in step S301. As shown in FIG. 17(b), when the winning combination is a common bell, 0pt is won with a probability of 100/100, and the point display does not increase. Also, in any of the case of losing or the winning combination being the order of bells, there is a probability of 12/100 to win 3pt, a probability of 13/100 to win 4pt, and a probability of 17/100. Win 5pt, win 10pt with a probability of 2/100, win 20pt with a probability of 2/100, win 30pt with a probability of 1/100, win a confirmed ball display with a probability of 53/100 . Also, if the winning role is a replay role, 5 points will be won with a probability of 14/100, 10 points will be won with a probability of 26/100, 20 points will be won with a probability of 4/100, and 20 points will be won with a probability of 3/100. 30pt is won, and the confirmed ball display is won with a probability of 54/100. Also, if the winning combination is watermelon, if the winning combination is single cherry, 10pt will be won with a probability of 9/100, 20pt will be won with a probability of 22/100, and 30pt will be won with a probability of 4/100. Then, you win the fixed ball display with a probability of 65/100. If the winning combination is 2 consecutive cherries, 30 points will be won with a probability of 55/100, and a confirmed ball display will be won with a probability of 45/100. Also, if the winning combination is 3 consecutive cherries, the player wins the fixed ball display with a probability of 100/100. In addition, when the winning combination is a chance eye, 30 points are won with a probability of 25/100, and a confirmed ball display is won with a probability of 75/100.

In step S401, the CZ determination unit 112 adds 1 to the number of games counted in the specialized zone (denoted as count G number in FIG. 15B), and proceeds to step S403.

In step S403, the CZ determination unit 112 determines whether or not the number of games counted at that time has reached 5 as a result of the addition in step S401. If so, the process proceeds to step S411.

In step S405, the counted number of games is reset (the number of games is set to 0), and the process proceeds to step S407.

In step S407, a special zone continuation lottery is executed to determine whether or not to continue the special zone, and the process proceeds to step S409. FIG. 16(b) schematically shows the lottery table referred to by the lottery. The range of random numbers used in the lottery is 0-99.
As shown in FIG. 16(b), the lottery ends with a probability of 97/100 and continues with a probability of 3/100 regardless of the number of games transferred to the specialized zone.

In step S409, the CZ determination unit 112 determines whether the lottery in step S407 ended or continued. .

In step S411, it is decided to shift to the normal mode, and the process proceeds to step S413.

In step S413, the CZ determination unit 112 sets the processing results of steps S401 to S411.

Since it is controlled by the processing flow of FIG. 15(b) described above, the number of games (5 games) determined in advance is set as one set in the special zone, and the number of sets increases as long as the special zone continuation lottery is won. It has a lot of configurations.
In addition, although the number of games is counted by addition processing in the processing flow, the number of games may be counted by subtraction processing instead.

<Regarding the setting of the production mode in the challenge zone>
Next, the setting of the production mode in the challenge zone will be explained using FIG.
FIG. 18(a) is a diagram showing a display mode of the effect display device 63 related to the setting operation of the effect mode, and FIG. 18(b) is a display mode of the effect display device 63 when the effect mode A is set. FIG. 18(c) is a diagram showing the display mode of the effect display device 63 in the pattern variation performed after the effect mode A is set.

In the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, when shifting from the normal mode to the introductory part (when the transition condition (e) in FIG. 7 is satisfied), a In the interval period in , an effect is executed to prompt the player to set the effect mode in the challenge zone.
The production mode in this embodiment specifically includes three types of production mode A, production mode B, and production mode C, each of which has a different main character appearing in the production of the challenge zone. However, the difference between the production mode A to production mode C is limited to the difference in production, and no matter which one is set, it does not affect the degree of advantage of the game (expectation for winning medals).

First, during the interval period, the effect display device 63 displays a mode selection display H1 relating to the setting operation of the effect mode in the challenge zone, as shown in FIG. 18(a).
The mode selection display H1 shows the player the operation method required to set the effect mode. Specifically, in FIG. 18(a), when the push button (maximum bet button 23a) is operated, the production mode A is set, and when the right cursor is operated, the production mode B is selected, and the left cursor is operated. , and a situation in which production mode C is selected.

It is assumed that the push button is operated in the situation illustrated in FIG. 18(a).
At this time, as shown in FIG. 18B, the effect display device 63 displays a mode setting display H2 indicating that the effect mode A has been set (corresponding to the operation of setting the effect mode A).
The mode setting display H2 has a display mode different from that of the mode selection display H1. The image showing the effect mode A, which is one of the options of the mode selection display H1, is enlarged and displayed, and the images showing other effect modes and operation instructions are displayed. Text information about is hidden.

18(b), the interval period in which the effect mode A is set is over, and the next game (symbol variation) is started.
At this time, as shown in FIG. 18(c), a setting mode display H3 indicating that the effect mode A is being set is displayed in the lower right corner of the display area of the effect display device 63. FIG.
In this embodiment, during the execution period of the pattern variation in the introductory part and the challenge part, the set production mode can be changed. They are arranged at the left and right ends of the setting mode display H3.

Since the gaming machine 10 performs the display control as described above in the interval period between the symbol variation satisfying the transition condition (e) and the next symbol variation, after satisfying the predetermined stop condition related to a certain symbol variation In the interval period, which is the period until the predetermined start condition for the next pattern variation is satisfied, the first display (mode selection display H1) related to the setting operation of the production mode may be displayed on the production display means. It can be said that it is a thing.
Further, when the operation means (the push button and the left and right cursors) receives an operation during the interval period during which the first display is displayed on the effect display means, the second display (mode setting display H2) indicating the effect mode corresponding to the operation. is displayed on the effect display means.
Furthermore, the production mode can be set during the execution period of at least part of the pattern variation (the pattern variation in the introduction part and the challenge part), and in the pattern variation that can set the production mode, it is set in the pattern variation. A fourth display (in-setting mode display H3) indicating the currently set effect mode is displayed on the effect display means, and the fourth display is displayed on both the first display and the second display that can be displayed on the effect display means during the interval period. It can be said that it is a display with a different aspect.

<Regarding storage error notification mode in the challenge zone>
Next, the manner in which a storage error is notified in the challenge zone will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20. FIG.
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing how a storage error is notified in normal times.
FIG. 20(a) is a diagram showing a notification mode of a storage error when the mode selection display H1 is displayed, and FIG. FIG. 20(c) is a diagram showing an error notification mode, and FIG. 20(c) is a diagram showing a storage error notification mode when the setting mode display H3 is displayed.

As described above, the gaming machine 10 is provided with a storage error sensor (not shown) that detects when the number of medals stored in the auxiliary medal storage 95 reaches a predetermined value or more, and the sensor detects an error. When this happens, a notification regarding a storage error is made.
The notification regarding the storage error is in a notification mode in which at least an error image (notification by the effect display device 63) and an error sound (notification by the speaker 49) are combined.

When a storage error is detected in normal times, as shown in FIG. displayed in the middle.

By the way, the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment causes the effect display device 63 to display the mode selection display H1, the mode setting display H2, and the setting mode display H3 that can be displayed in the challenge zone (standby part and challenge part). When a storage error is detected while the storage is in the storage area, display control and notification control for the storage error are performed in overlapping periods.
This is because storage errors cannot be said to be serious enough to stop the progress of the game immediately. This is because the reception of the setting operation for the A to production modes C can be permitted.
However, allowing the setting operation of the production mode A to production mode C without any limitation may lose the significance of the error notification, and it is necessary to add a certain limitation.

As a harmonious point of balance in consideration of the circumstances as described above, the gaming machine 10 according to the present embodiment imposes the following display restrictions on each display related to the setting operation of the production mode A to production mode C. I decided to set it up.
When a storage error is detected while the mode selection display H1 is being displayed, the error display H4 is moved to the lower side of the display area of the effect display device 63 and displayed as shown in FIG. 20(a). Also, the mode selection display H1 is reduced in size compared to the normal time (the display mode shown in FIG. 18A), and its display position is moved to the upper center of the display area.
When a storage error is detected while the mode setting display H2 is being displayed, the error display H4 is moved to the lower side of the display area of the effect display device 63 and displayed as shown in FIG. 20(b). Also, the mode setting display H2 is reduced compared to the normal time (the display mode shown in FIG. 18B).

On the other hand, when a storage error is detected while the setting mode display H3 is displayed, as shown in FIG. The display position (the former is displayed in the middle of the display area of the effect display device 63, the latter is displayed in the lower right corner of the display area), and is not subject to display restrictions.
This is because even if they are displayed in this way, their visibility can be ensured.

<About the time chart of each display when moving from normal mode to challenge zone (standby part)>
Next, a time chart of each display when shifting from the normal mode to the challenge zone (standby part) will be described with reference to FIGS. 21 to 23. FIG.
FIG. 21 is a time chart at the time of transition from the normal mode to the challenge zone without error notification.
22 and 23 are time charts when the normal mode is shifted to the challenge zone in the case of an error notification related to a storage error.
21(a) to 23(b), the "fluctuation period" shown in the upper part of each of FIGS. , and the period on the right side represents the execution period of the later symbol variation (the first game in the challenge zone (standby part), which is the transition destination). The "interval period" shown in the upper part of each of FIGS. 21(a) to 23(b) represents the interval period between the previous symbol variation and the subsequent symbol variation. 21(a) to 23(b), the "push button" and "cursor" shown in the upper part of each figure indicate the timing at which the respective operating means are operated.
Also, in each of the time charts of FIGS. 21(a) to 23(b), the period during which each display is displayed on the effect display device 63 is indicated by the period during which the display is displayed on the upper side, The period during which each display is present represents the period during which each display is not displayed on the effect display device 63 .

As shown in FIGS. 21(a) and 21(b), at the time of transition from the normal mode to the challenge zone in the case without error notification, when the fluctuation of the last game of the transition source stops (stop of the third reel) 18(a), the mode selection display H1 is displayed on the effect display device 63 in the display mode shown in FIG. 18(a). Here, when the operation of the push button (maximum bet button 23a) is accepted during the interval period during which the mode selection display H1 is displayed, the mode setting display H2 is produced in the display mode shown in FIG. 18(b) at that time. It is displayed on the display device 63, and the mode selection display H1 is hidden.
If the operation of the left and right cursors is not accepted after that time point, the mode setting display H2 indicating the effect mode set at that time point is continued until the start of the first game change (when the start lever 26 is operated). (See FIG. 21(a)).
Further, when the operation of the left and right cursors is accepted after this time point, the mode selection display H1 is again displayed on the effect display device 63 in the display mode shown in FIG. When the operation is accepted, the mode setting display H2 is displayed on the effect display device 63 in the display mode shown in FIG. 18(b) (see FIG. 21(b)).
In either case, when the first game to be shifted to starts changing, the setting mode display H3 is displayed on the effect display device 63, and the mode setting display H2 is hidden.

Note that FIG. 21 does not show the period indicated as "redisplay restriction" for the mode selection display H1 in FIGS. 22 and 23, which will be described later, but this means that the redisplay of the mode selection display H1 is not restricted at all. , and re-display of the mode selection display H1 may be restricted as long as the object of the present invention is not impaired.

As described above, in this embodiment, when the mode setting display H2 is displayed in response to the operation of the push button, the mode selection display H1 is hidden, and the mode selection display H1 is reactivated in response to subsequent operation of the left and right cursors. Although the embodiment has been described in which the mode setting display H2 is hidden when it is displayed, the display of the mode selection display H1 is continued regardless of each operation, and the display position does not overlap with the display or in a layer above the display. The present invention may be implemented by a modified example in which an image corresponding to the mode setting display H2 is displayed.
Therefore, in the game machine 10, when the second display (mode setting display H2) is displayed on the effect display means, the first display (mode selection display H1) is hidden and the display of the second display is started. It can be said that at least one of the following is possible: the first display is newly displayed later, or the first display is maintained before and after the display of the second display is started.

As shown in FIGS. 22(a) and 22(b), at the time of transition from the normal mode to the challenge zone, when the fluctuation of the last game of the transition source stops (when the third reel stops), a storage error occurs. When the sensor detects it, an error display H4 is displayed on the effect display device 63 at that time. Here, the error display H4 is continuously displayed until the storage error is resolved.
At this time, both the error display H4 and the mode selection display H1 are displayed on the performance display device 63 as shown in FIG. 20(a).
If the operation of the push button is not accepted when both the error display H4 and the mode selection display H1 are displayed (when the medals required for the game are betted without using the maximum bet button 23a, or when the replay is established) 22), the display of the error display H4 and the mode selection display H1 continues until the start of the change of the first game to be shifted to (when the start lever 26 is operated) (see FIG. 22(a)).
Further, when the push button operation is accepted while both the error display H4 and the mode selection display H1 are displayed, the error display H4 and the mode setting display H2 are displayed in the manner shown in FIG. 20(b). It is displayed on the effect display device 63 (see FIG. 22(b)). In this case, as shown in FIGS. 20(a) and 20(b), the mode selection display H1 and the mode setting display H2 are subject to display restrictions (restrictions on display size and display position). The redisplay of the display H1 is restricted for a predetermined period of time (period indicated as "redisplay restriction" in FIG. 22(b)), and the mode selection display H1 is displayed on the effect display device 63 even if the operation of the left and right cursors is accepted. Gone. This is to prevent the player from performing the selection operation of the production mode again. While the redisplay of the mode selection display H1 is restricted, it is preferable to disable the operation related to the selection of the production mode (detection of push button or left/right cursor operation). is also allowed.
In either case, when the first game to be shifted to starts changing, the setting mode display H3 is displayed on the effect display device 63, and the mode selection display H1 and mode setting display H2 are hidden.

As described above, in this embodiment, when a storage error is detected during the interval period during which the mode selection display H1 is displayed, the error display H4 is displayed as a notification of the storage error along with the mode selection display H1. Displayed on device 63 .
Therefore, when the first display (mode selection display H1) satisfies the specific error condition in the interval period during which the first display (mode selection display H1) is displayed on the effect display means, the specified error overlaps with the period during which the first display is displayed. It can be said that the notification related to the error (notification related to the storage error) is performed.
Further, the notification related to the specific error includes at least displaying the third display (error display H4) on the effect display means. It can be said that it is displayed on the effect display means in a possible mode.

As shown in FIG. 22(b), when the push button is operated while both the error display H4 and the mode selection display H1 are displayed on the effect display device 63, the mode setting display H2 is displayed, followed by the mode selection display. H1 is hidden, and re-display of the mode selection display H1 is restricted for a certain period of time. When the present invention is carried out according to a modification in which the display of the mode selection display H1 is continued (not hidden) when the mode setting display H2 is displayed, the display of the mode setting display H2 may be used as a trigger to change the mode. The display of the image corresponding to the selection display H1 is restricted (the mode selection display H1 may be difficult to see because the mode selection display H2 may be displayed in a higher layer than the mode selection display H1, or the mode selection display H2 may not be visible. It is preferable that the display size and display position of the mode selection display H1 are changed so that they do not overlap with each other.
Therefore, when the operation means (push button) receives the operation in the first time, the second display (mode setting display H2) overlaps with the period during which the specific error notification (display of error display H4) is performed. can be displayed on the effect display means, and the first display that can be newly displayed after the first display (mode selection display H1) is hidden and the display of the second display is started is limited Alternatively, it can be said that the first display that was maintained until the start of display of the second display is restricted at the start of display of the second display.
Further, when the operation means (push button) receives the operation at the first time, both the second display (mode setting display H2) and the third display (error display H4) are displayed on the effect display means in a visually recognizable manner. and, after the first display (mode selection display H1) is hidden and the display of the second display is started, the first display that can be newly displayed is restricted, or the display of the second display is started The first indication that had been maintained until then is restricted at the start of the indication of the second indication,
It can be said that it is a thing.
Furthermore, when the second display (mode setting display H2) is displayed on the effect display means, the first display (mode selection display H1) can be maintained before and after the start of display of the second display. The visible area of the first display becomes smaller due to the display overlapping the first display, or the display position of the first display moves to a position that does not overlap with the second display. I can say

As described above, the error display H4 continues to be displayed until the storage error is resolved, and its notification period can continue until after the period during which redisplay of the mode selection display H1 is restricted.
Therefore, it can be said that the period during which the specific error is reported (the period during which the error display H4 is displayed) can continue until after the first display (mode selection display H1) is restricted.

The period of "redisplay restriction" shown in FIG. 22(b) is a period in which the mode selection display H1 is not redisplayed even if the left and right cursors are operated to trigger the redisplay of the mode selection display H1. It is preferable that the length of time be constant regardless of the length of time until the error is resolved (that is, the length of notification time related to the error).
This is because, as described above, the notification regarding the storage error is intended to make the hall personnel aware of the error and resolve it, so it will continue until the error is resolved. be. On the other hand, the restriction on the redisplay of the mode selection display H1 can achieve the object of the present invention by making the player aware that it cannot be redisplayed. because it should not depend on
Therefore, when the operation means (push button) receives the operation at the first time, the first display (mode selection display H1) is hidden and the second display (mode setting display H2) is started to be displayed. The first display is not displayed until a period of time (the “redisplay restriction” period shown in FIG. 22(b)) elapses, and the first display can be newly displayed after a predetermined time elapses. It can be said that the predetermined time is constant regardless of the time length of the notification related to the specific error that is notified at one time.

As shown in FIGS. 22(a) and 22(b), a storage error occurs while the setting mode display H3 is displayed, and the error display H4 is displayed on the effect display device 63. Even so, the setting mode display H3 is not restricted. This is because, as shown in FIG. 20(c), the setting mode display H3 and the error display H4 are originally displayed without overlapping, and it is difficult to recognize both without restriction. because there is no
Therefore, it can be said that the fourth display (in-setting mode display H3) is not restricted when a specific error condition is satisfied in the symbol variation for which the production mode can be set.

As shown in FIGS. 23(a) and 23(b), after the mode setting display H2 is displayed at the time of transition from the normal mode to the challenge zone (after the effect mode is set once) When the sensor detects a storage error in the middle of the interval period, an error display H4 is displayed on the effect display device 63 at the time of the detection. Here, as in FIGS. 22(a) and 22(b), the error display H4 continues to be displayed until the storage error is resolved.
At this time, as shown in FIG. 20(b), the effect display device 63 displays both the error display H4 and the mode setting display H2.
Also, as shown in FIGS. 23(a) and 23(b), even if no operation means is operated, the mode is triggered when the error display H4 is displayed (when a storage error is detected). Re-display of the selection display H1 is restricted for a predetermined period of time, and the mode selection display H1 is not displayed on the effect display device 63 even if the operation of the left and right cursors is accepted. Here, even if the period during which the redisplay of the mode selection display H1 is restricted falls within the interval period (the case shown in FIG. 23A), the redisplay of the mode selection display H1 is restricted. Even if the period extends beyond the start of the next game (as illustrated in FIG. 23(b)), the time length of the limit is constant. However, in the latter case, since the mode selection display H1 will not be displayed during the execution of the next game, the re-display of the mode selection display H1 is limited to the start of the game. can also be considered
In either case, when the first game to be shifted to starts changing, the setting mode display H3 is displayed on the effect display device 63, and the mode setting display H2 is hidden.

As described above, in this embodiment, when a storage error is detected during the interval period during which the mode setting display H2 is displayed, the error display H4 is displayed as a notification of the storage error along with the mode setting display H2. Displayed on device 63 . At this time, re-display of the mode selection display H1 is restricted when the storage error is detected even if the push buttons and the left and right cursors are not operated. When the present invention is carried out according to a modification in which the display of the mode selection display H1 is continued (not hidden) when the mode setting display H2 is displayed, the mode selection is triggered by the detection of the storage error. The display of the image corresponding to the display H1 is restricted (the error display H4 is displayed in a layer above the mode selection display H1 so that the mode selection display H1 is difficult to see, and the error display H4 does not overlap). It is preferable that the display size and display position of the mode selection display H1 are changed as shown in FIG.
Therefore, when the second display (mode setting display H2) satisfies the specific error condition in the interval period during which the second display (mode setting display H2) is displayed on the effect display means, It can be said that a specific error is notified (display of error display H4). Then, even if the operation means is not operated at the second time, the first display (mode selection display H1) that can be newly displayed after the specific error condition is satisfied is limited, or the specific error condition is satisfied. It can be said that the first display maintained until the error condition is satisfied is restricted when the specific error condition is satisfied.

As shown in FIG. 23(b), even if the restricted period of redisplay of the mode selection display H1 and the display period of the setting mode display H3 overlap, during the overlapping period The display of the setting mode display H3 is not restricted. In addition, it is preferable to disable the operation related to the selection of the production mode (detection of the operation of the push button and the left and right cursors) for the overlapping period, but the present invention can be implemented without disabling it.

Since it has the characteristics described above, the gaming machine 10 permits the setting of the effect mode once in the interval period in which the display related to the setting operation of the effect mode and the error notification overlap, thereby allowing the player to It is possible to restrict the further setting of the performance mode while preventing the decrease in motivation to play, and to put a certain restraint on the setting. As a result, the gaming machine 10 can achieve a balance between preventing a decrease in the player's desire to play and safety of the game.

<Modification of the present invention>
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and includes various modifications and improvements as long as the object of the present invention is achieved.
Modifications of the present invention that have not yet been described are mentioned below.

In the above-described embodiment, the implementation of the present invention using a reel-type game machine (slot machine) has been described, but a modification in which the present invention is implemented using a pachinko game machine is permitted.
In this modified example, the interval period is a period from when one symbol variation executed based on the start winning prize is stopped until the next symbol variation is started.
Also, in this modification, the "grant of benefits" suggested by the stopped pattern is, for example, the winning of a big hit or a small hit or a sudden reduction in time (normal pattern high probability state started with a specific stopped pattern ).

In the above-described embodiment, the implementation of the present invention regarding the setting of the production mode that can be set at the time of transition between specific game modes (at the time of transition from the normal mode to the challenge zone) was described. "Effect mode" may be a state controlled by the sub-board 200, and may be set independently of the game mode managed by the main board 100.
For example, various parameters for effects (sound volume, light intensity, auto button ON/OFF, 3D display ON/OFF, etc.) that the player can arbitrarily customize in the game standby state (period in which the pattern is not changed). may be treated as the "production mode" according to the present invention.
Also, the time when the production mode can be set is not limited to the time of transition between game modes, and may be in the middle of staying in one game mode. And the stay period of the game mode is a game state advantageous to the player (execution period of big bonus or AT, stay period of normal figure high probability state or special figure high probability state, execution period of jackpot game, etc.) good too.

In the above-described embodiment, the "specific error" according to the invention is not limited to the repository error. In view of the gist of the present invention, the type of "specific error" is not particularly limited as long as it is an error (non-serious error) that does not require the game progress to be stopped immediately.

The display mode of the effect display device 63 described in the above-described embodiment (in particular, the display mode illustrated in FIGS. 18 to 21) is merely shown for convenience of explanation, and limits the scope of rights of the present invention. not something to do. Therefore, in carrying out the present invention, it is permitted to add displays not described in the embodiments and to omit some of the described displays.

In the above-described embodiment, the time length of the period during which the first display (mode selection display H1) is restricted has been described as being fixed, but it may be changed based on various conditions.
In addition, although the first display has been described as an object to be restricted, even if other displays (second display, third display, fourth display) are restricted in the gaming machine implementing the present invention, good.

<Appendix>
This embodiment includes the following technical ideas.
(1) A gaming machine that starts symbol variation when a predetermined start condition is satisfied, stops symbol variation when a predetermined stop condition is satisfied, and suggests granting of a privilege by the stopped symbols, An operation means, a performance means including at least a performance display means, a performance mode control means for controlling a performance mode, and a performance control means for causing the performance means to perform a performance based on the performance mode, and a certain pattern. In the interval period, which is the period from when the predetermined stop condition related to the variation is satisfied until when the predetermined start condition regarding the next symbol variation is satisfied, the first display related to the setting operation of the effect mode is the effect It is sometimes displayed on the display means, and when the operation means receives an operation during the interval period in which the first display is displayed on the effect display means, a second display indicating the effect mode corresponding to the operation. is displayed on the effect display means, and when the second display is displayed on the effect display means, the first display is newly displayed after the first display is hidden and the display of the second display is started is displayed, or the first display is maintained before and after the display of the second display is started, and furthermore, when a specific error condition is satisfied, a specific error occurs An error control means for performing such notification is provided, and the first display is displayed at a first time when the specific error condition is satisfied in the interval period in which the first display is displayed on the effect display means. When the operating means accepts the operation at the first time, the notification regarding the specific error overlaps with the period during which the notification regarding the specific error is performed. The second display can be displayed on the effect display means, and the first display that can be newly displayed after the first display is hidden and the display of the second display is started is limited. Alternatively, the first display maintained until the start of display of the second display is limited at the start of display of the second display.
(2) The notification relating to the specific error includes at least displaying a third display on the effect display means, and in the first case, both the first display and the third display displayed on the effect display means in a visually recognizable manner, and when the operation means accepts the operation at the first time, both the second display and the third display are displayed on the effect display means in a recognizable manner. and the first display that can be newly displayed after the first display is hidden and the display of the second display is started, or is maintained until the display of the second display is started The gaming machine according to (1), wherein the displayed first display is restricted when the second display starts to be displayed.
(3) When the second display satisfies the specific error condition in the interval period during which the second display is displayed on the effect display means, the second display overlaps the period during which the second display is displayed. A notification regarding a specific error is made, and the first display that can be newly displayed after satisfying the specific error condition is restricted even if the operation on the operation means is not accepted at the second time. Alternatively, the gaming machine according to (1) or (2), wherein the first display maintained until the specific error condition is satisfied is limited when the specific error condition is satisfied.
(4) When the second display is displayed on the effect display means, the first display can be newly displayed after the first display is hidden and the display of the second display is started. When the operation means receives an operation at the first time, the first display is hidden and the first display is displayed until a predetermined time elapses after the display of the second display is started. However, the first display can be newly displayed after the predetermined time has passed, and regardless of the time length of the notification related to the specific error notified at the first time, the predetermined time is constant, the gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (3).
(5) The effect mode can be set during the execution period of at least a part of the symbol variation, and indicates the effect mode set in the symbol variation in the symbol variation in which the effect mode can be set. a fourth display is displayed on the effect display means, the fourth display is a display having a display mode different from both the first display and the second display that can be displayed on the effect display means during the interval period; The gaming machine according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the fourth display is not restricted when the specific error condition is satisfied in the symbol variation for which the production mode can be set.
(a) when the second display is displayed on the effect display means, the first display can be maintained before and after the display of the second display is started, and the second display is the first display; (1) to (3) that the visible area of the first display is reduced by the overlapping display, or the display position of the first display is moved to a position that does not overlap with the second display. The game machine described in any one of.

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
25a Input number display LED
25b Storage number display LED
25c Obtained number display LED
25d Instruction display LED
25e Replay display LED
25f Game start display LED
25g input possible display LED
25h Advantageous section display LED
26 Start lever 27 (27L, 27C, 27R) Stop button 27a Stop possible indicator LED
31 Medal slot 32 Checkout button 33 Medal return button 34 Door lock 35 Medal ejection slot 36 (36a, 36b, 36c, 36d, 36e, 36f, 36g, 36h) Decoration LED
37 Lower plate 38 (38a, 38b, 38c, 38d) Speaker ports 40a, 40b Various sensors 41 (41a, 41b, 41c, 41d, 41e, 41f, 41g, 41h) Decoration 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 push button sensor 46 menu selection button board 46a cross key button sensor 46b enter button sensor 47 medal selector 47a medal selector body 47b medal Blocker 47c Medal passing sensor 48 Setting change device 48a Setting key switch 48b Setting change switch 48c Setting display LED
48d Setting key cover 49 (49a, 49b, 49c, 49d) Speaker 51 Inserted medal passage 52 Payout medal passage 53 Return medal passage 54 Stored medal passage 60 Game machine body 62 Effect display area 63 Effect display device 64 Reel frame 65 (65L) , 65C, 65R) Reel 66 (66L, 66C, 66R) Reel sensor 67 (67L, 67C, 67R) Reel lighting board 68 Reel motor 90 Outer frame 91 Power supply 92 Power switch 93 Medal storage 94 Medal payout port 95 Medal auxiliary Storage compartment 96 Hinge portion 96a Upper hinge portion 96b Middle hinge portion 96c Lower hinge portion 100 Main boards 101, 201 CPU
102, 202 RAM
103, 203 ROMs
110 game state control unit 111 game mode control unit 112 CZ determination unit 120 internal lottery unit 130 role flag setting unit 140 rotation control unit 150 display pattern determination unit 160 command generation unit 170 external output unit 200 sub-board 210 sub-integration unit 220 production Display unit 230 Audio output unit 240 LED light emitting units L1 to L5 Line

Claims (5)

A gaming machine that starts symbol variation when a predetermined start condition is satisfied, stops symbol variation when a predetermined stop condition is satisfied, and suggests granting of a privilege by the stopped symbols,
an operating means;
production means including at least production display means;
Production mode control means for controlling the production mode;
Production control means for causing the production means to execute production based on the production mode;
with
In an interval period, which is a period from the satisfaction of the predetermined stop condition related to a certain symbol variation to the satisfaction of the predetermined start condition related to the next symbol variation, the first display related to the setting operation of the production mode is sometimes displayed on the effect display means,
When the operation means receives an operation during the interval period in which the first display is displayed on the effect display means, a second display indicating the effect mode corresponding to the operation is displayed on the effect display means,
When the second display is displayed on the effect display means, the first display is newly displayed after the first display is hidden and the display of the second display is started, or At least one of maintaining the first display before and after the display of the second display is started,
further comprising error control means for notifying a specific error when a specific error condition is satisfied;
When the first display satisfies the specific error condition in the interval period during which the first display is displayed on the effect display means, the specific error overlaps with the period during which the first display is displayed. was notified,
When the operating means accepts the operation at the first time, the second display can be displayed on the effect display means overlapping the period in which the specific error is notified, and After the first display is hidden and the display of the second display is started, the first display that can be newly displayed is restricted, or the first display that is maintained until the display of the second display is started one display is restricted upon the start of display of the second display;
game machine. the notification of the specific error includes displaying a third display on at least the effect display means;
at the first time, both the first display and the third display are displayed on the effect display means in a visually recognizable manner;
When the operation means receives an operation at the first time, both the second display and the third display are displayed on the effect display means in a visible manner, and the first display is hidden. The first display that can be newly displayed after the start of display of the second display is restricted, or the first display that was maintained until the start of display of the second display is the display of the second display restricted at the start,
The game machine according to claim 1. When the second display satisfies the specific error condition in the interval period during which the second display is displayed on the effect display means, the specific error overlaps with the period during which the second display is displayed. was notified,
Even if the operation means is not operated at the second time, the first display that can be newly displayed after the specific error condition is satisfied is restricted, or the specific error condition is satisfied. said first indication maintained until is restricted upon satisfaction of said particular error condition;
The game machine according to claim 1 or 2. When the second display is displayed on the effect display means, the first display can be newly displayed after the first display is hidden and the display of the second display is started,
When the operation means receives an operation at the first time, the first display is hidden and the first display is not displayed until a predetermined time elapses after the display of the second display is started, The first display can be newly displayed after the predetermined time has passed,
The predetermined time is constant regardless of the time length of the notification related to the specific error notified at the first time.
The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3. The production mode can be set during the execution period of at least part of the pattern variation,
In the pattern variation in which the production mode can be set, a fourth display indicating the production mode set in the pattern variation is displayed on the production display means,
the fourth display is a display different in display mode from both the first display and the second display that can be displayed on the effect display means during the interval period;
The fourth display is not limited when the specific error condition is satisfied in the pattern variation for which the production mode can be set.
The game machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

Images