JP7359485B1 - game machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a game machine typified by a reel game machine (slot machine) or a pinball game machine, and provides a game machine that can cope with the influence of whether or not processing is performed regarding transition to a game state advantageous to a player. [Solution] A second case in which the second process related to transition to the second gaming state (AT state) is advantageous to the player is executed, and a second case in which the second process is not executed and may be disadvantageous to the player. In the second case, the performance means 157 executes the first performance (continuous performance) that was scheduled to be executed before transitioning to the second gaming state as planned (Fig. 26(a)), in the first case, the first effect is executed as scheduled (FIG. 26(b)), and in the first case, the second effect (the effect that displays the AT start screen) is executed. Before this, a third performance (a standby performance with the character display PRE "in preparation") is executed for the number of games corresponding to the number of games in the first case. [Selection diagram] Figure 26

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine typified by a reel gaming machine (slot machine) and a pinball gaming machine (pachinko machine).

A slot machine uses a predetermined number of gaming media and operates a start lever to perform a lottery to determine an internal winning combination from among multiple winning combinations, and also rotates multiple reels to determine the winning combination. The system is configured to stop the reels based on the internally won winning combination and the operation result of the stop button, and to award a profit according to the winning combination based on the manner of the stopped reels.

There are internal winning combinations such as push-order combinations in which winning combinations differ depending on the operation details of the stop button. Some slot machines are equipped with gaming conditions that are advantageous to the player, such as notifying the player of operation details that are advantageous to the player (for example, Patent Document 1). In such slot machines, processing related to transition to a gaming state advantageous to the player may or may not be performed.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-125640

On the other hand, players generally desire that processing related to transition to a gaming state advantageous to the player be performed. Furthermore, the timing of transition to a gaming state advantageous to the player changes depending on whether the process is performed or not. From these facts, it can be said that the influence of whether or not there is processing related to transition to a gaming state advantageous to the player is significant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above circumstances, it is an object of the present invention to provide a gaming machine that is responsive to the effects of the presence or absence of processing related to transition to a gaming state that is advantageous to the player.

The gaming machine of the present invention that solves the above object is:
Direction means and
control means;
A game machine comprising:
The control means is means capable of controlling transition to a second gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the first gaming state,
The control means is means capable of executing normal control regarding the transition from the first gaming state to the second gaming state,
The control means is a means capable of executing irregular control that is more disadvantageous to the player than the normal control regarding the transition from the first gaming state to the second gaming state,
The performance means is a means for executing a second performance that notifies the transition to the second gaming state,
The performance means is a means that may execute a fourth performance in which it is possible to specify that a transition to the second gaming state will be performed before the second performance,
The performance means is a means for executing the first performance that was scheduled to be executed before transitioning to the second gaming state as scheduled when the normal control is performed ,
The production means may execute the fourth production between the first production and the second production,
The presentation means is a means for executing the first presentation as scheduled even when the irregular control is performed ,
The performance means executes a third performance for a number of games corresponding to the number of games for which the irregular control has been performed , after execution of the fourth performance is started and before execution of the second performance is started. is a means of carrying out
The third performance is a performance in which a specific display that is not displayed in the first performance is displayed.
It is characterized by

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that is responsive to the influence of whether processing related to transition to a gaming state advantageous to the player is performed or not.

1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a front view of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention with the front door opened; FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a winning line of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a diagram showing an operation of a liquid crystal display device. FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of a control unit of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an arrangement of symbols on each reel of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a table showing the display mode and the number of coins to be paid out for each operation content of a part of the winning combinations (mainly the pushing combinations) of the slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a transition diagram of the gaming state of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. (a) is a diagram showing the transition winning probability of the pullback zone transition lottery, and (b) is a diagram showing the AT winning probability of the AT lottery in the pullback zone executed in the pullback zone. It is a graph showing an example of an increase/decrease in the number of difference sheets when passing through a pullback zone. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing of a main control unit of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of main control unit timer interrupt processing of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of a first sub-control unit main process, a first sub-control unit command reception interrupt process, and a first sub-control unit timer interrupt process of the slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. A second sub-control unit main process, a second sub-control unit command reception interrupt process, a second sub-control unit timer interrupt process, and a second sub-control unit image control process of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart showing a flow. FIG. 2 is a diagram for pointing out a problem in an example of a conventional slot machine in which a continuous performance is started and then the slot machine shifts to an AT state. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a detailed timing chart of the N+2-th game and the N+3-th game explained using FIG. 14(a), and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at each timing. 14B is a diagram showing a detailed timing chart of the N+2 game and the N+3 game described using FIG. 14(b), and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at each timing. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing detailed timing charts for the N+2nd game and the N+3rd game in which an irregular press was performed but no penalty occurred, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at each timing. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where an irregular press is performed during a continuous performance and an example of a case where an irregular press is performed during a non-continuous performance. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the relationship between the ceiling counter and the game number display GMV when a setting change is made or when the power is restored after a power outage. (a) is a schematic diagram of the case where a penalty occurs during continuous performance, as explained so far, and (b) shows an example of display of the game number display GMV when a penalty occurs, as explained so far. (c1) is a conceptual diagram of an example in which a standby game is performed when a penalty occurs during continuous performance, unlike the previous examples, and (c2) is a conceptual diagram of an example in which a penalty occurs during continuous performance. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example in which a standby game different from that shown in FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a plurality of examples of the display mode of the operation recommendation display REC displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where an error display ERR is displayed while a recommended operation display REC is displayed, or a case where power is restored after power interruption occurs. (a) is a diagram showing winning combination data stored in the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300, and (b) is a flowchart of advantageous section transition processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an instruction monitor controlled by a CPU 304 of a main control unit 300. FIG. It is a figure which shows another example of the winning combination data shown to Fig.23 (a). It is a figure which shows the example which after the continuous performance is performed, the final announcement performance is performed and it shifts to an AT state. It is a figure explaining the flow of this precursor performance in the case of transitioning from a normal state (non-AT state) to an AT state. It is a figure explaining the flow of the gaze warning effect performed in a normal state (non-AT state). FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a timing chart when a sense of expectation effect is performed and a display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at each timing. FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing a case where a penalty occurs in the 100th game in which a sense of anticipation effect is performed, and a diagram showing the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at each timing. It is a figure for explaining expectation production and small role icon announcement production. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of an operation response effect when a recommended press and an irregular press are respectively performed during execution of the operation promotion effect.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In the slot machine of this embodiment, a predetermined number of game media are inserted, and a plurality of reels each having a plurality of types of symbols start rotating when a predetermined rotation start instruction operation is received. Based on the reception of the rotation start instruction operation, the propriety of internal winning of the plurality of types of winning combinations is determined by lottery, and each of the plurality of reels individually stops rotation by receiving a predetermined rotation stop instruction operation, If the conditions determined by the winning combination based on the result of the lottery and the combination of symbols when the plurality of reels stop match the predetermined payout conditions, the game media will be paid out and the game will end; if not, the game media will be paid out. This is a game machine that plays a series of games that end without paying out.

<Overall configuration>
First, the overall configuration of the slot machine 100 will be explained using FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 viewed from the front side (player side). FIG. 2 is a front view of the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open. FIG. 3(a) is a diagram showing the winning line.

A slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to an example of a gaming machine of the present invention, and includes a main body 101 and a front door 102 that is attached to the front of the main body 101 and can be opened and closed with respect to the main body 101. . Three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, and right reel 112) each having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer circumferential surface are stored in the center of the main body 101 (not shown), and are rotated inside the slot machine 100. It is configured so that it can be done. These reels 110 to 112 are rotationally driven by a driving device such as a stepping motor.

In this embodiment, a suitable number of each pattern is printed on a band-like member at equal intervals, and this band-like member is attached to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame member to constitute each reel 110 to 112. From the player's perspective, the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are displayed in approximately three vertical directions through a reel window 113 provided in front of each reel 110 to 112, making a total of nine symbols visible. . To explain specifically using FIG. 3(a), the symbol displayed in the upper row of the left reel 110 (position 1 shown in the figure; also referred to as symbol position 1) is the symbol displayed in the upper row of the left reel 110, and the symbol displayed in the middle row of the left reel 110 ( The symbol displayed at position 2 shown in the diagram; also referred to as symbol position 2 is the middle symbol on the left reel, and the symbol displayed at the bottom row of the left reel 110 (position 3 shown in the diagram; also referred to as symbol position 3) is the left reel symbol. The symbols displayed on the lower reel 111, the upper row of the middle reel 111 (position 4 shown in the diagram; also referred to as symbol position 4) are the upper symbols of the middle reel, and the symbols displayed on the middle row of the middle reel 111 (position 5 shown in the diagram; symbol position 5). The symbols displayed on the lower row of the middle reel 111 (position 6 shown in the figure; also referred to as symbol position 6) are the symbols displayed on the lower row of the middle reel, and the symbols displayed on the upper row of the right reel 112 ( The symbol displayed at position 7 shown in the diagram; also referred to as symbol position 7) is the upper symbol on the right reel, and the symbol displayed at the middle row of the right reel 112 (position 8 shown in the diagram; also referred to as symbol position 8) is the symbol displayed on the right reel. The symbols displayed in the middle reel symbol and the lower symbol of the right reel 112 (position 9 in the figure; also referred to as symbol position 9) are called the right reel lower symbol, and each symbol on each reel 110 to 112 is displayed in the reel window 113. Throughout, three reels are displayed vertically on each reel 110 to 112, nine in total. By rotating each of the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols visible to the player changes. In other words, each reel 110 to 112 functions as a display device that variably displays combinations of a plurality of types of symbols. In addition to the reel, an electronic image display device such as a liquid crystal display device can also be used as such a display device. Further, in this embodiment, three reels are provided inside the center of the slot machine 100, but the number of reels and the installation positions of the reels are not limited to this.

A reel backlight (not shown) for illuminating individual symbols displayed on the reel window 113 is arranged on the back side of each reel 110 to 112. It is desirable that the reel backlight be shielded for each symbol so that each symbol can be illuminated evenly. Note that inside the slot machine 100, an optical sensor (not shown) consisting of a light emitting part and a light receiving part is provided near each of the reels 110 to 112. A light shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel is configured to pass between the two. The position of the symbol on the reel in the rotational direction is determined based on the detection result of this sensor, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that the desired symbol is displayed on the winning line.

In this embodiment, one winning line 114 is provided, which is a middle winning line L1 consisting of a left reel middle symbol (symbol position 2), a middle reel middle symbol (symbol position 5), and a right reel middle symbol (symbol position 8). ing. The winning line 114 is a line that is set at the stop position of symbols that are visible through the reel window 113, and is the line on which it is determined whether or not a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination has been displayed. . This winning line L1 is shown in FIG. 3(a). A valid winning line (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "valid line") 114 is predetermined by the number of medals bet as gaming media. The slot machine 100 of this embodiment is a three-copy bet machine, and when the number of inserted medals is less than three, the winning line 114 is not activated, and when the number of inserted medals is three, the winning line 114 is not activated. 114 becomes valid. When the winning line 114 becomes valid, the game can be started by operating the start lever 135.

Note that the active line (winning line) is not limited to the above-mentioned middle winning line L1, but includes, for example, the left reel upper symbol (symbol position 1), the middle reel upper symbol (symbol position 4), and the right reel upper symbol (symbol position 4). 7) There may be one upper active line consisting of the left reel lower symbol (symbol position 3), the middle reel lower symbol (symbol position 6), and the right reel lower symbol (symbol position 9). One is fine. In addition, there may be one effective line descending to the right, consisting of the left reel upper row symbol (symbol position 1), the middle reel middle row symbol (symbol position 5), and the right reel lower row symbol (symbol position 9), and the left reel lower row symbol (symbol position 9). There may be one active line rising to the right, consisting of position 3), middle reel middle row symbol (symbol position 5), and right reel upper row symbol (symbol position 7). Alternatively, there may be one irregular active line consisting of a left reel middle symbol (symbol position 2), a middle reel middle symbol (symbol position 5), and a right reel upper row symbol (symbol position 7). Further, the number of winning lines 114 is not limited to one line. For example, in addition to the middle winning line L1, there is also a winning line that drops to the right, which is made up of left reel upper symbols, middle reel middle symbols, and right reel lower symbols, and left reel lower symbols, middle reel middle symbols, and right reel upper symbols. A total of three winning lines, including the winning lines rising to the right, may be set as valid winning lines, or a number of winning lines corresponding to the number of bets may be set as valid winning lines.

The notification lamp 123 is, for example, a lamp that informs the player that a specific winning combination (specifically, a bonus combination) has been internally won in an internal lottery for winning combinations, which will be described later, or that a bonus game is in progress. be. The game medal insertion possible lamp 124 is a lamp for informing the player that game medals can be inserted. The replay lamp 122 indicates that the current game can be replayed (no need to insert medals) when a replay combination (details will be described later) is one of the winning combinations in the previous game. This is a lamp that informs the player of the

The medal insertion buttons (also referred to as bet buttons) 130 to 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (referred to as credits) electronically stored in the slot machine 100. In this embodiment, one coin is inserted each time the bet button 130 is pressed, two coins are inserted when the bet button 131 is pressed, and three coins are inserted when the bet button 132 is pressed. ing. Hereinafter, the operations on the bet buttons 130 to 132 will be referred to as bet operations, and the bet button 132 will also be referred to as the MAX bet button. In this embodiment, a light emitting body (referred to as a bet button lamp) is provided inside the bet buttons 130 to 132, and when the bet buttons 130 to 132 can be operated, the light emitting body is turned on to notify the player. I can let you know. In addition, the game medal insertion lamp 129 lights up a number of lamps according to the number of inserted medals, and when a specified number of medals are inserted, a game start signal indicating that the game start operation is possible. Lamp 121 lights up.

The medal slot 141 is an slot for the player to insert medals at the time of starting a game. That is, medals can be inserted electronically using the bet buttons 130 to 132, or actual medals can be inserted (insertion operation) from the medal slot 141, and "insertion" includes both. be.

The stored medal number display 125 is a display device for displaying the number of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for numerically displaying various internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during a bonus game). The payout number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals paid out to the player as a result of winning some winning combination. In this embodiment, the stored token number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout token number display 127 are composed of seven segment (SEG) displays.

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

The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137 to 139, each of which includes a left stop button 137, a middle stop button 138, and a right stop button 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-shaped switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating by operating the start lever 135, and are provided in association with each reel 110 to 112, respectively. More specifically, by operating the left stop button 137, the left reel 110 can be stopped, by operating the middle stop button 138, the middle reel 111 can be stopped, and by operating the right stop button 139, the middle reel 111 can be stopped. By operating the right reel 112, it is possible to stop the right reel 112.

Hereinafter, the operations on the stop buttons 137 to 139 will be referred to as a stop operation, the first stop operation will be referred to as a first stop operation, the next stop operation will be referred to as a second stop operation, and the last stop operation will be referred to as a third stop operation. Further, the reel that is the target of the first stop operation is called the first stop reel, the reel that is the target of the second stop operation is called the second stop reel, and the reel that is the target of the third stop operation is called the third stop reel. Furthermore, the order in which the stop buttons 137 to 139 are stopped in order to stop all of the rotating reels 110 to 112 is called an operation order or a pressing order. The operation order of the stop operation in which the first stop reel is the left reel 110 and the second stop reel is the middle reel 111 is called a "sequential push operation order" or simply "sequential push", and the first stop reel is the left reel 110. , the operation order of the stop operation in which the second stop reel is the right reel 112 is called "sequential nipping", and the operation order of the stop operation in which the first stop reel is the middle reel 111 is called the "middle press operation order" or simply "middle press". The operation order of the stop operation in which the first stop reel is the right reel 112 and the second stop reel is the middle reel 111 is called "reverse push operation order" or simply "reverse push", and the first stop reel is the right reel 112. The order of stop operations in which the reel 112 is used as the second stop reel and the left reel 110 is used as the second stop reel is called "reverse pinching." In this embodiment, a light emitting body (referred to as a stop button lamp) is provided inside each of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and when the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be operated, the light emitting body is turned on and the player can be informed.

The medal return button 133 is a button that is pressed to remove the inserted medals when the medals are jammed. The settlement button 134 is a button for settling medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and bet medals, and discharging them from the medal payout port 155. The door key hole 140 is a hole into which a key for unlocking the front door 102 of the slot machine 100 is inserted. The medal payout port 155 is a payout port for paying out medals.

A title panel 162 is provided at the bottom of the stop button unit 136 for displaying the model name and pasting various certificate stamps. A medal payout opening 155 and a medal receiving tray 161 are provided at the bottom of the title panel 162. The sound hole 145 is a hole for outputting sound from a speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. Side lamps 144 provided on the left and right sides of the front door 102 are decorative lamps to enliven the game. A title panel 160 and a sound hole 143 are provided at the top of the front door 102.

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

The PUSH button 192 is a button that can be operated when executing a predetermined effect. In this embodiment, based on the operation of the PUSH button 192, the history of the number of acquired coins in the AT state can be displayed. In this embodiment, a light emitting body (referred to as a PUSH button lamp) is provided inside the PUSH button 192, and when the PUSH button 192 can be operated (can be accepted as a valid operation), the light emitting body is turned on. The player can be notified by letting the player know.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open. The main body 101 is a box that is surrounded by a top plate 261, a left side plate 260, a right side plate 260, a bottom plate 264, and a back plate 242, and has an opening at the front. Inside the main body 101, a main control board storage case 210 that stores a main control board inside is arranged at a position that does not overlap with the ventilation hole 249 provided at the top of the back plate 242. Three reels 110 to 112 are arranged below. On the side of the main control board storage case 210 and the reels 110 to 112, that is, on the left side plate 260, there is a first sub-control board that stores therein a first sub-control board constituting the first sub-control unit 400. A board storage case 220 is provided. Furthermore, an external centralized terminal board 248 is attached to the side plate 260 on the right side as viewed from the outside, which is connected to the main control board and outputs information about the slot machine 100 to an external device.

A medal payout device 180 (a device for paying out medals accumulated in a bucket) is disposed on the bottom plate 264, and a power supply board is provided above the medal payout device 180, that is, below the reels 110 to 112. A power supply device 252 is provided, and a power switch 244 is provided in front of the power supply device 252. The power switch 244 can be operated by opening the front door 102, and is difficult or impossible to operate when the front door 102 is closed.

The power supply device 252 converts AC power supplied from the outside to the slot machine 100, converts it to a predetermined voltage, and powers each of the main control section 300, first sub-control section 400, second sub-control section 500, etc., which will be described later. Supplies to the control unit and each device. Furthermore, it is equipped with a power storage circuit (e.g., a capacitor) for supplying power to predetermined components (e.g., RAM 308 of the main control unit 300, etc.) for a predetermined period (e.g., 10 days) even after external power is cut off. There is.

A medal auxiliary storage 240 is provided on the right side of the medal payout device 180, and an overflow terminal is provided behind this storage (not shown). The power supply device 252 is provided with a power cord connection part to which a power cord 265 is connected, and the power cord 265 connected here extends to the outside through a power cord hole 262 formed in the back plate 242 of the main body 101. There is.

The front door 102 is hinged to the left side plate 260 of the main body 101 via a hinge device 276, and a second sub-control board constituting the second sub-control unit 500 is housed above the liquid crystal display device 157. A second sub-board case 230 and an upper speaker 272 are provided. At the bottom of the liquid crystal display device 157, there are provided a medal selector 170 for sorting the inserted medals, and a passage 266 through which the medals pass when the medal selector 170 drops fraudulent medals, etc. into the medal receiving tray 161. There is. Furthermore, a bass speaker 277 is provided at a position corresponding to the sound hole 145.

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

The backlight 157B includes a light guide plate, a light source such as an LED that irradiates the light guide plate, an optical member such as a diffusion sheet, and the like. The light source is arranged, for example, along the edge of the light guide plate, and the light propagating inside the light guide plate is reflected to the liquid crystal panel 157A. In the case of this embodiment, the backlight 157 has an opening 157b formed in the inner region of the reel window 113 and penetrating in the thickness direction, so that the player can view each reel 110 to 111 without using a light guide plate or the like. is visible. In this embodiment, backlights provided in each of the reels 110 to 112 are used to illuminate the portion where the liquid crystal panel 157A and the opening 157b overlap from behind. Since the reel band has a white color (or a milky white color), each reel 110 to 112 can realize illumination that is not much different from the backlight 157, and the backlight of each reel 110 to 112 is one part of the backlight 157. or the entirety thereof can also be referred to as a backlight unit.

In the case of this embodiment, the opening 157b is a single rectangle whose outline matches the reel window 113, but three openings corresponding to the reels 110 to 112 are arranged so as to fill the gaps between the reels 110 to 112. It may also be a rectangle. The clarity of images displayed in the gaps between reels can be improved.

By blocking the transmission of light in the liquid crystal panel 157A, it appears to the player that a black image is being displayed. Furthermore, by transmitting backlight light equally in R, G, and B, it appears to the player that a white image is being displayed. Displaying a white image can also be said to be a state in which the transparency of the liquid crystal panel 157A is increased, and when R, G, and B are each controlled to the maximum brightness, the light transmittance is the highest. It can be said that it is a state. The display of black, white, or other colors can be controlled on a pixel-by-pixel basis.

The operation of this liquid crystal display device 157 will be explained using FIGS. 3(b) to 3(d). This figure is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the liquid crystal display device 157.

FIG. 3(b) shows the state of the liquid crystal display device 157 when power is not supplied to the slot machine 100. As described above, in the case of this embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 157 is a normally black type liquid crystal display, and when the power is off, it appears to the player that a black image is displayed, and the reels 110 to 112 is in a state where it is difficult to see.

FIG. 3C shows an example of the operation of the liquid crystal display device 157. This figure shows that the entire liquid crystal display device 157 is used to display images. At this time, in the area inside the reel window 113, light etc. from the reels 110 to 112 serve as a backlight, and the image on the liquid crystal display device 157 becomes visible in this area. However, due to the image display on the liquid crystal display device 157, the visibility of the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 is reduced (they become difficult to see).

FIG. 3(d) shows an example of the operation of the liquid crystal display device 157 that is different from that shown in FIG. 3(c). In this figure, the area inside the reel window 113 is different from the example in (c) above. Specifically, by displaying a white image in the area inside the reel window 113, visibility of the reels 110 to 112 is ensured. In this embodiment, this state occurs after medals are inserted within one game. That is, in order to ensure the visibility of the reels 110 to 112, the state shown in FIG. 3(d) is maintained at least from the start to the stop of rotation of the reels 110 to 112.

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

Note that a stored number display section 125L is provided on the left side of the reel window 113, and a payout number display section 127L is provided on the opposite right side. The stored number display section 125L displays the same value as the stored number displayed on the stored number display 125, and the payout number display section 127L displays the same value as the payout number displayed on the payout number display 127. be done.

As described above, in this embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 157 is provided with an area that covers the reel window 113, displays a white image to make the reels 110 to 112 visible, and displays an image other than white. In this case, the visibility of the reels 110 to 112 is reduced. In order to improve the visibility of the reels 110 to 112, it is possible to set the transmittance of each pixel that makes up the image of the area covering the reel window 113, and the transmittance is set to 100% (transparent state). It's okay.

Note that the device for displaying images is not limited to a liquid crystal display device, but may be any display device that can display various effect images and various game information, such as a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, etc. It may be a display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a reel (drum), or a display device consisting of a projector and a screen. Further, the display screen has a rectangular shape and is configured so that the entirety can be viewed by the player. In the case of this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but may be square. Furthermore, a decoration (not shown) may be provided around the periphery of the display screen so that a part of the periphery of the display screen is hidden by the decoration, making the display screen appear oddly shaped. Although the display screen is a flat surface in this embodiment, it may be a curved surface.

<Circuit configuration of control section>
Next, the circuit configuration of the control section of the slot machine 100 will be described using FIG. 4. Note that this figure is a circuit block diagram of the control section.

The control unit of the slot machine 100 can be roughly divided into a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game, and a main control unit 300 that controls the main performance according to command signals (hereinafter simply referred to as “commands”) transmitted by the main control unit 300. The second sub-control unit 500 controls various devices based on commands sent from the first sub-control unit 400.

<Main control section>
First, the main control section 300 of the slot machine 100 will be explained. The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300, and this basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, control program data, lottery data used in internal lottery for winning combinations, and reel symbols. A ROM 306 for storing arrays, etc., a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, an I/O 310 for controlling input/output of various devices, a counter timer 312 for measuring time, number of times, etc., and a WDT. (watchdog timer) 314 is installed. Note that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 306 and RAM 308, and the same applies to the first sub-control unit 400 and second sub-control unit 500, which will be described later. However, in this embodiment, data is stored in a non-volatile manner. A ROM, which is a storage device that has a storage area for temporarily storing data, and a RAM, which is a storage device that has a storage area that temporarily stores data, are used together.

The CPU 304 of this basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 315b as a system clock. Furthermore, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits the frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312, and the counter timer 312 sets the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data. An interrupt request is sent to the CPU 304 at each interrupt time. The CPU 304 uses this interrupt request as a trigger to monitor each sensor and transmit drive pulses. For example, if the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1/256, and the frequency division data of the ROM 306 is set to 47, the reference time of the interrupt is 256 x 47 ÷ 8 MHz. =1.504ms.

The main control unit 300 includes a random number generation circuit 316 used as a hardware random number counter that fluctuates a numerical value in the range of 0 to 65535 based on a clock signal input from a crystal oscillator 315a, and a startup signal The CPU 304 starts the game control (starts the main control section main processing described later) when the start signal is input from the start signal output circuit 338. Start).

In addition, the main control unit 300 includes a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 detects various sensors 318 (bet button 130 sensor, bet button 131 sensor, bet button 132 sensor, medal input from the medal slot 141) at each interrupt time. A medal reception sensor for medals, a start lever 135 sensor, a left stop button 137 sensor, a middle stop button 138 sensor, a right stop button 139 sensor, a payment button 134 sensor, a medal payout sensor for medals paid out from the medal payout device 180, and a left reel 110. , the index sensor of the middle reel 111, the index sensor of the right reel 112, the PUSH button 192 sensor, etc.) are monitored.

Note that when the sensor circuit 320 detects the H level of the start lever sensor, it outputs a signal indicating this detection to the random number generation circuit 316. Upon receiving this signal, the random number generation circuit 316 latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores the random number value used for the lottery.

Two medal reception sensors are installed in the internal passage of the medal slot 141, and detect whether or not a medal has passed. Two start lever 135 sensors are installed inside the start lever 135 and detect a start operation by a player. A left stop button 137 sensor, a middle stop button 138 sensor, and a right stop button 139 sensor are installed on the corresponding stop buttons 137 to 139, respectively, and detect operations of the stop buttons by the player.

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

The index sensor of the left reel 110, the index sensor of the middle reel 111, and the index sensor of the right reel 112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting base of each reel 110 to 112, and a light shielding piece provided on the reel frame passes through them. Every time you do it, it becomes L level. The rotational position information indicating how far the reel is rotating from the reference position from once reaching the L level until the next time it becomes the L level is calculated based on the counted value of the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b. be done. When the CPU 304 detects the L level signal, it determines that the reel has rotated once, and resets the rotational position information of the reel to zero. This rotational position information is stored in the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300.

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

Further, an information output circuit 334 is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 connects a slot to an information input circuit 652 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via this information output circuit 334. Outputs gaming information (for example, information indicating gaming status) of the machine 100.

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

Further, the main control section 300 is provided with an output interface for transmitting commands to the first sub-control section 400, and enables communication with the first sub-control section 400. Note that information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 is one-way communication, and the main control unit 300 is configured to be able to send signals such as commands to the first sub-control unit 400. However, the configuration is such that signals such as commands cannot be transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400 to the main control unit 300.

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

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

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

In addition, the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a drive circuit 422, and various lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 144, title panel 162 lamp, game medal input possible lamp 124, bet button lamp, reel backlight, stop button 137 to 139 lamps, PUSH button lamp, etc.) are connected.

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

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

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

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

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

<Design arrangement>
The symbol arrangement on each of the reels 110 to 112 described above will be explained using FIG. 5. Note that this figure is a plan view showing the arrangement of symbols on each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112).

On each reel 110 to 112, a predetermined number of symbols (in this embodiment, 20 symbols with numbers 0 to 19) of a plurality of types (10 types in this embodiment) shown on the right side of the figure are arranged. Further, the numbers 0 to 19 shown at the left end of the figure are numbers indicating the arrangement positions of the symbols on each reel 110 to 112. For example, in this embodiment, the number 0 piece on the left reel 110 has a “bell symbol,” the number 1 piece on the middle reel 111 has a “replay symbol,” and the number 1 piece on the right reel 112 has a “watermelon 1 symbol.” "Designs" are arranged respectively.

In addition, the "Blue Seven 2 pattern" and "Watermelon 2 pattern" are marked with a star mark, but this means that the "Blue Seven 2 pattern" and "Watermelon 2 pattern" are the same as the "Blue Seven 1 pattern" and the "Watermelon 2 pattern". It has a similar design to "Watermelon 1 Design", but it means that it is a different design (also referred to as the same type of design). ``Similar designs'' include cases where the drawn characters are the same but have different facial expressions, or the drawn objects (watermelons) are the same but have different patterns. In this embodiment, a star mark is attached to make it easier to distinguish between similar patterns.

<Type of winning role>
Next, types of winning combinations of the slot machine 100 will be explained.

The winning combinations of the slot machine 100 include a replay combination (replay) and a small combination. Note that the types of winning combinations are not limited to these winning combinations, and can be arbitrarily adopted. Among the winning combinations in this embodiment, the replay combination (replay) is a replay combination that allows replaying without inserting new medals, and is distinguished from the winning combination and may be called an "activation combination". . In this embodiment, "winning" includes a case where a symbol combination of an active combination that does not involve a payout of medals (does not involve a payout of medals) is displayed on the active line. included.

A replay role (replay) is a winning role (activation role) that allows you to play a game in the next game without inserting medals (gaming media) by winning a prize. Games can be played, and medals are not paid out. A small winning combination is a winning combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out upon winning.

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

FIG. 6(a) is a diagram collectively showing the internal winning combinations of the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1.

The probability of winning an internal winning combination is determined by converting numerical data corresponding to the range of lottery data associated with each internal winning combination to numerical data within the range of random numbers obtained during the internal lottery (in this embodiment, 65536 ) is calculated by dividing the value by The lottery data is divided in advance into several numerical ranges, and each numerical range is associated with each internal winning combination and loss. In the winning combination internal lottery process to be described later, it is determined whether the random number value obtained as a result of executing the internal lottery is a value corresponding to the lottery data corresponding to any internal winning combination, and the internal winning combination is determined. In reality, this lottery data has settings 1 to 6 with different winning probabilities for at least one internal winning combination, and game parlor staff can arbitrarily select and set any of the settings. I can do it.

Regarding the setting values, while the winning probability of the internal winning combination is the same for each setting value, the winning probability of AT (ease of transition to AT), which will be described later, is different for settings 1 to 6. For example, in setting 1, the AT lottery probability when a certain internal winning combination is determined is set to probability A, while in setting 6, the AT lottery probability when a certain internal winning combination is determined is set to probability A. It is also possible to set the probability B to be higher than that.

In FIG. 6(a), the range of lottery data (lottery value) is indicated by alphabets. Replay 4 to Replay 7 are all marked with (g), which means that the lottery values are the same. For example, (g)=3000/65535. (m) is shown in 1-card combinations 1 to 1-card combinations 8, which also indicates that the lottery values are the same. Bell CLR1 to Bell RCL3 are all marked with (n), which also indicates that the lottery values are the same.

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

Note that the watermelon and cherry roles are rare roles with small lottery values.

<Types of internally elected roles>
Next, the internal winning combination (condition device) of the slot machine 100 will be explained using FIG. 6(b).

FIG. 6(b) is a table showing the display mode and the number of coins to be paid out for each operation content of the common bell and the push order combination among the internal winning combinations. The push order combination refers to an internal winning combination in which the winning combination (display format of the reels 110 to 112) differs depending on the content of the stop operation (in this embodiment, the order of operations from the first stop operation to the third stop operation). say.

In this embodiment, (1) the stopping operation of the left middle right (the stopping operation in which the first stopping reel is the left reel 110, the second stopping reel is the middle reel 111, and the third stopping reel is the right reel 112) is performed by LCR. operation, (2) LRC operation for the left/right middle (stop operation in which the first stop reel is the left reel 110, the second stop reel is the right reel 112, and the third stop reel is the middle reel 111), (3) middle CLR operation for the left and right (stop operation in which the first stop reel is the middle reel 111, the second stop reel is the left reel 110, and the third stop reel is the right reel 112), (4) the middle right and left (the first stop reel is the (5) CRL operation for the stop operation of the middle reel 111, the second stop reel as the right reel 112, and the third stop reel as the left reel 110. RLC operation for stopping operation (2 stop reel is left reel 110, 3rd stop reel is middle reel 111), (6) right center left (1st stop reel is right reel 112, 2nd stop reel is middle reel) The stopping operation of the reel 111 and the stopping operation in which the third stopping reel is the left reel 110 is sometimes referred to as an RCL operation.

For example, if push order bells _CLR1 to 3 are internally won in the winning combination internal lottery, and (1) LCR operation or LRC operation is performed, it will be a loss or a 1-card winning combination, and a 0-card or 1-card winning combination. 1 medal is paid out, (2) If the CLR operation is performed, the bell is won and 9 medals are paid out, (3) If the CRL operation is performed, 1 medal is paid out. If you win a winning combination and 1 medal is paid out, and (4) RLC operation or RCL operation is performed, it will be a loss or a winning winning combination of 1 medal, and 0 or 1 medal will be paid out. . That is, in the push order Bells_CLR1 to _CLR3, when the CLR operation is performed, the bell is won and the maximum number of medals is paid out. Hereinafter, when the push order combination is internally elected, the operation content when the maximum number of medals is paid out may be referred to as "correct operation". In this embodiment, the correct operation means that the order of operations from the first stop operation to the third stop operation is correct.

Similarly, for push order Bell_CRL1 to 3, CRL operation is the correct operation, and in the case of CRL operation, the bell is won and nine medals are paid out. In addition, for push order bell_RLC1-3, RLC operation is the correct answer, and in the case of RLC operation, the bell is won and 9 medals are paid out, and for push order bell_RCL1-3, RCL operation is correct. In the case of RCL operation, the bell is won and nine medals are paid out.

On the other hand, for example, if the common bell is internally won in the winning combination internal lottery, the bell will be won and nine medals will be paid out regardless of the operation details. Hereinafter, the above-mentioned push order bells_CLR1 to 3, push order bells_CRL1 to 3, push order bells_RLC1 to 3, and push order bells_RCL1 to 3 will be collectively referred to as "push order bells." Of these "push order bells", push order bells_CLR1-3 and push order bells_CRL1-3 are called "middle first bell" for convenience of explanation, and push order bells_RLC1-3 and push order bells_RCL1-3 is sometimes called the "first bell on the right." In addition, the number of common bells to be paid out is 9 pieces, which is the same number as the pressed order bells, but it is not limited to this, and the number may be smaller than the pressed order bells, and by reducing the number of common bells, the normal state medal payout can be suppressed.

In this embodiment, there is no press order bell for which the correct answer is LCR operation or LRC operation (forward press or forward pinch), but CLR operation or CRL operation (middle press) and RLC operation or RCL operation (reverse push or reverse pinch) The specification is such that there is a pressing order bell that is the correct answer. In other words, this is a specification called a biased bell. By using a biased bell, it is possible to lower the ball output in the normal state (non-AT state) and increase the ball output in the AT state. Note that the biased bell is a specification in which the pressing order other than the first left stop is more advantageous for the game than the first left stop (for example, the number of coins paid out is larger or the probability of winning is higher). .

Note that when the internal winning combination (condition device) is one-card combinations 1 to 8 and replays 1 to 7, the display mode and the number of coins to be paid out for each operation content are as shown in FIG. 6(b). "S Blue 7/BAR" in FIG. 6(b) means whether the "Blue Seven 1 symbols" are aligned on a single (one line) winning line or the "BAR symbols" are aligned. "Fake" means that even if the symbols you should aim for are announced and you press your eyes, the notified symbols do not line up. "Replay (Peach 7/W Blue 7 Fake)" will notify you to aim for the peach 7 symbol or to aim for the blue 7 symbol on the double (2 line) winning line, but even if you press your eyes, the replay symbols will line up. It means that.

<Type of gaming state>
Next, types and transitions of gaming states of the slot machine 100 will be explained. FIG. 7 is a transition diagram of the gaming state (specifically, the AT-based gaming state) of the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100. The AT system game state is a game state related to the performance.

The gaming state of the slot machine 100 is roughly divided into a normal state and an AT state. The normal state is a state in which the operation navigation is not executed, and the AT state is a state in which the operation navigation may be executed. Here, the operation navigation is a notification effect that notifies the stop operation mode (information regarding the content of the stop operation), and it is said that performing the stop operation according to the notification contents of the operation navigation will bring an advantageous result to the player. It has become. The operation navigation can be roughly divided into (1) a push order navigation that notifies information including the operation order (press order) of stop operations, and (2) information that includes operation timing (for example, stop target symbols, etc.). There is a pattern navigation to inform you. In other words, the push order navigation is an operation navigation that does not include the press timing, and the symbol navigation is an operation navigation that includes the press timing. In the case of this embodiment, for example, in the AT state, if the push order bell is internally selected, the correct operation details (operation order) may be notified.

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

In addition to the seven gaming states mentioned above, there are also concepts of advantageous sections and non-advantageous sections. The non-advantageous section consists of a part of the period of the normal stage and a part of the period of the pullback zone, and the advantageous section is a period other than these. Therefore, the AT state is an advantageous section mode. The advantageous period in this embodiment is a period in which an upper limit difference in the number of sheets is set. Specifically, the upper limit difference in number of sheets is 2400 sheets. Here, the difference in number of medals is the cumulative value of the difference between the number of medals inserted and the number of medals paid out in one game (number of medals paid out - number of medals put in). The upper limit differential number of coins in the advantageous section is a value for determining the end of the advantageous section, and the differential number is updated according to the result of one game. Note that the advantageous section may be a period in which an upper limit number of games is set together with an upper limit differential number of coins, but the advantageous section in the slot machine 100 of the present embodiment does not have an upper limit on the number of games. Further, the advantageous section must be ended when the upper limit difference in number of sheets is reached, but it can be ended even if the upper limit difference in number of sheets is not reached. Further, although the upper limit differential number of coins is provided as an advantageous section, the technical idea of this embodiment can also be applied to a medalless gaming machine that does not use game media such as medals.

In the non-advantageous section, a lottery is not performed to determine whether or not to transition from the normal state to the AT state. Therefore, this is a section in which the operation navigation is not executed. On the other hand, in the advantageous section, a lottery is held to determine whether or not to transition from the normal state to the AT state. Therefore, if the user wins the lottery and shifts to the AT state, the operation navigation may be executed. The advantageous section is a section in which it is possible to shift to the AT state, and the non-advantageous section is a section in which it is impossible to shift to the AT state.

When the setting is changed, it is set to a non-advantageous section and becomes a normal stage. If you win a winning combination other than a loss in the normal stage of the non-advantageous section, you will move to the advantageous section. When either the above-mentioned upper limit number of games or the above-mentioned upper limit difference number of coins is reached in the advantageous section, the period shifts to the non-advantageous section. Even in a non-advantageous zone (pullback zone) that has transitioned from an advantageous zone, if you win a winning combination other than a loss, you will transition to an advantageous zone.

Generally, in order to realize a gameplay that increases the payout of medals in a state advantageous to the player such as an AT state, it is necessary to suppress the payout of medals in the normal state. Furthermore, regarding the stopping operation of the game machine, it is often recommended for the player to perform a stopping operation (pushing forward or pinching forward) in which the first stopping operation is on the left. Therefore, when providing a push order combination, in this embodiment, as a method of realizing the gameplay that suppresses the medal payout in the normal state, a push order bell with a biased bell specification as shown in FIG. There is no push order bell for which the correct answer is , but there is a push order bell for which the correct answer is during the first stop operation or to the right).

Note that in this embodiment, there is no push order bell in which the correct answer is the first stop operation left, but it may be provided separately. In this case, the internal winning probability of the push order bell whose correct answer is the first stop operation left is the internal winning probability of the push order bell whose correct answer is during the first stop operation, and the internal winning probability of the press order bell whose correct answer is the first stop operation left. It is sufficient to set it lower than the sum of the internal winning probabilities of the first bell.

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

Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is recommended to perform a stop operation (push in order or pinch in order) with the first stop operation on the left in the normal state, and internally win the push order bell in the normal state (non-AT state) in the advantageous section. In this game, if a stop operation other than the first stop operation left (specifically, during the first stop operation, the first stop operation right) is performed, a penalty is given. Here, the penalty is specifically a penalty related to the transition from the normal state to the AT state, and in this embodiment, (1) it is determined whether or not to transition from the normal state to the AT state in the game. No lottery will be held. Note that even if a lottery is held, there may be a penalty for not winning the transition to the AT state. Also, (2) the value of a counter that counts the number of games in the normal state up to the ceiling number of games (hereinafter referred to as ceiling counter) is not updated (does not add). In this embodiment, the contents of the penalties in (1) and (2) are adopted, but the contents are not limited to these, and other contents may be used as long as the penalties are related to the transition from the normal state to the AT state. Good too. For example, when the AT performs a stock lottery according to an internal winning combination during a predetermined omen (so-called main omen), the stock lottery may not be conducted, or when AT draws an internal winning combination during the main omen. It may be a penalty that suppresses preferential treatment or does not execute preferential treatment, such as not performing a lottery for upgrading an AT when a lottery is held to upgrade the AT to move to a better AT depending on the situation. Moreover, although the penalty is related to the transition to the AT state, a penalty related to the transition to the CZ state may be included. In this way, when you press an irregular press, some unfortunate process that would not be performed if you press the recommended button is performed, or a process that would be performed if you press the recommended button is not performed (the process that should be executed) Processing that does not go through the route) is configured as a penalty.

FIG. 7 shows the seven gaming states described above, and the transition conditions for these are indicated on the arrows. When the transition condition corresponding to each arrow is established, the gaming state transitions in the direction of the arrow.

The normal stage is the initial state after the settings have been changed. If condition A is satisfied in the normal stage (more specifically, after winning a role other than losing in the normal stage of the non-advantageous section which is the initial state and moving to the advantageous section, in the normal stage of the advantageous section, a rare combination (e.g. , strong cherry) When a specific performance lottery based on winning is won, a specific performance is started, and the specific performance ends, the AT normal state is entered.In this embodiment, the specific performance is a continuous performance over multiple games. Yes.The continuous performance may be, for example, a duel performance or a freeze performance.In addition, the continuous performance may be a performance that spans multiple games, and since it is before the transition to the AT state, it may be a sign. It may also be referred to as a production.It may be a mode in which 100% of the winnings are won in the above-mentioned specific production lottery, or a mode in which it is confirmed that the AT normal state is entered at the stage of winning a rare role. .

When condition B is satisfied in the normal stage (more specifically, after winning a winning combination other than losing in the normal stage of the non-advantageous section which is the initial state and moving to the advantageous section, in the normal stage of the advantageous section, the winning combination is based on the winning combination) If you win the CZ transition lottery), you will transition to CZ. CZ is a gaming state for a finite period in which the number of games is fixed (for example, 10 games). If condition D is met in CZ (more specifically, if you win the bonus transfer lottery based on the winning combination in CZ), you will enter the bonus state, and if condition C is met in CZ (more specifically, if you win the bonus transfer lottery based on the winning combination in CZ), you will be transferred to the bonus state. If you do not win the lottery), you will move to the regular stage.

The bonus state is a gaming state for a limited period in which the number of games is fixed (for example, 30 games). Note that the bonus mentioned here is a pseudo bonus. When condition F is satisfied in the bonus state (more specifically, when the AT lottery based on the winning combination is won in the bonus state), the AT normal state is entered. If you win the AT lottery, you will be given the number of games you can stay in the AT normal state (hereinafter referred to as the number of AT awarded games). On the other hand, if condition E is satisfied in the bonus state (more specifically, if the AT lottery is not won in the bonus state), the stage shifts to the normal stage.

The slot machine 100 of this embodiment is designed to increase the number of balls in the AT normal state. If condition G is satisfied in the AT normal state (more specifically, if the winning combination is won in the bonus zone transfer lottery based on the winning combination), the game moves to the bonus zone. The add-on zone is a state in which an add-on lottery is executed to add on the number of AT awarded games. That is, in the AT normal state, it is possible to play games equal to the number of games in which the number of games awarded in this add-on zone is added to the initial number of AT awarded games awarded immediately after winning the AT lottery. The add-on zone is a gaming state for a limited period in which the number of games is fixed (for example, 10 games). When condition H is satisfied in the add-on zone (more specifically, when the add-on zone ends after playing the number of games), the AT normal state is entered. Note that the AT lottery number may not be awarded immediately after winning the AT lottery, and the initial number of games in the AT normal state may be determined in the additional zone.

Further, when condition J is satisfied in the AT normal state (more specifically, when the ending transition condition is satisfied), the AT normal state is transitioned to the ending state. Here, the case where the ending transition condition is satisfied is the case where the difference in the number of sheets in the advantageous section is equal to or greater than the specified difference in number of sheets (here, 2200 sheets). That is, when the remaining number of sheets until reaching the upper limit difference number of sheets (2400 sheets here) at which the advantageous section ends becomes less than or equal to the predetermined number (200 sheets here), condition J is satisfied.

The ending state is the final state of the AT state (advantageous section). When the condition L is satisfied in the ending state (more specifically, when the advantageous section end condition is satisfied and the pull-back zone transition lottery is won), the game moves to the pull-back zone. The case where the advantageous section end condition is satisfied is the case where the difference in the number of sheets in the advantageous section reaches 2400 sheets, which is the upper limit difference in the number of sheets. Note that, since the upper limit of the difference in number of sheets is 2400 sheets, it is also possible for the advantageous section to end after exceeding 2400 sheets, taking into consideration the negative amount until reaching the AT state.

FIG. 8(a) is a diagram showing the transition winning probability of the pullback zone transition lottery.

The RAM 308 of the main control unit 300 includes a difference number counter that counts the upper limit difference number in the advantageous section, the above-mentioned ceiling counter, a counter that counts the number of AT granted games, etc., as well as a counter that counts the number of acquired AT normal states. A counter for the number of AT acquired coins is provided. When the AT acquisition number counter reaches a predetermined second value (500 coins in this case), the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 executes a pull-back zone transition lottery. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8(a), the transition winning probability in the pull-back zone transition lottery is about 10%, and the transition to the pull-back zone may occur. Strictly speaking, the transition winning probability (probability of transition) is 25/256, and the probability of no transition is 231/256. If you win the lottery to move to the pullback zone at this stage, condition K will be met when you have used all the AT granted games before reaching the upper limit differential number of coins at which the advantageous section ends in the AT normal state, and the withdrawal will be returned. Move to zone. If the vehicle moves to the pullback zone in this way, it remains in the advantageous zone. On the other hand, if the number of acquired coins in the AT normal state does not reach the predetermined second value (500 coins), the pullback zone transition lottery is not executed. Therefore, in this case, the probability of winning the pullback zone transition lottery is 0%. Before the number of coins acquired in the AT normal state reaches a predetermined second value (500 coins), the condition I is satisfied when the number of AT granted games is completely exhausted, and the game returns to the normal stage. If you return to the normal stage in this way, you will remain in the advantageous section.

In addition, when the AT acquisition number counter reaches a predetermined second value (500 coins in this case), the lottery to move to the pullback zone is a loss, and the AT acquisition number counter reaches a predetermined first value (the advantageous section ends. When the value (less than the upper limit difference number of coins, here 1000 coins) is reached, the pullback zone transition lottery is executed again. As shown in FIG. 8(a), the probability of winning when 1000 tickets are reached is 100%. After the number of acquired coins in the AT normal state reaches the predetermined first value (1000 coins) (winning the withdrawal zone transition lottery), but before reaching the upper limit difference number of coins at which the advantageous section ends in the AT normal state. Condition K is satisfied when all the number of AT granted games are used up, and the game moves to the pullback zone. Even when moving to the pullback zone in this way, the zone remains advantageous. Further, when the transition to the ending state occurs and the upper limit differential number of sheets (2400 sheets) at which the advantageous section ends is reached, condition L is satisfied and the flow shifts to the pullback zone. When transitioning from the ending state to the pullback zone, the transition is to a non-advantageous zone. The fact that the difference in the number of sheets in the advantageous section has reached the upper limit of 2400 sheets means that the number of sheets acquired in the AT normal state has reached 1000 sheets, and from the ending state it will definitely move to the pullback zone. It turns out.

Further, when the number of acquired coins in the AT normal state reaches the second value (500 coins), there is a probability of losing the pullback zone transition lottery about 90%. If the number of acquired coins in the AT normal state reaches the second value, there will be a loss, and even if the number of AT bonus games is used up before reaching the first value, Condition I will also be applied. Established and returns to normal stage. Even if you return to the normal stage in this way, it will remain in the advantageous section.

As explained above, the pullback zone transfer lottery will not be executed unless the number of acquired coins in the AT normal state reaches 500, if it has reached 500, it will be executed, and if it has reached 1000, it will not be executed. If it does, it will definitely move to the pullback zone. As a result, the player can have a gaming goal during the AT normal state, and can also have a sense of expectation such as ``If I get a lot, I might get more.'' Note that here, the AT acquisition number counter counts the number of coins acquired in the AT normal state, but it may also count the number of acquired coins in the AT normal state and bonus state combined, or it may count the number of coins acquired in the entire AT state. You may. In addition, the winning probability of the pullback zone transfer lottery may be set to vary depending on the setting value, and the winning probability of the pullback zone transfer lottery is higher with a high setting (for example, setting 6) than with a low setting (for example, setting 1). It may be made higher. By doing this, it is possible to obtain even more gaming value if the setting is high. On the other hand, the probability of winning the pullback zone transfer lottery may be higher with a low setting (for example, setting 1) than with a high setting (for example, setting 6). By doing so, it is possible to obtain a large amount of gaming value even with a low setting.

Further, in the AT normal state, a message such as "Return zone may be confirmed when 1000 coins are reached" may be displayed so that the game target during AT can be visually confirmed. Alternatively, in the AT normal state after winning the pull-back zone transfer lottery and obtaining the right to transfer to the pull-back zone, a display that allows the player to identify that the player will subsequently transfer to the pull-back zone may be displayed. It is possible to increase the desire to continue playing the game.

Note that the pullback zone transition lottery may be executed at the timing when the upper limit differential number of coins is reached at which the advantageous section ends, or at the timing when the number of AT granting games is all exhausted. In this case, whether the number of coins acquired at the execution timing in the AT normal state has reached a predetermined second value (500 coins) or a predetermined first value (1000 coins). Then, as shown in FIG. 8(a), the transition winning probability differs. Alternatively, the pullback zone transition lottery is executed at each timing when the number of acquired coins in the AT normal state reaches a predetermined second value and a predetermined first value, and at the timing when the number of AT granted games is all exhausted. Good too.

In addition, if you move to the pullback zone after exhausting all the number of AT granted games after reaching the predetermined second value (500 coins) or the predetermined first value (1000 coins), you will be transferred to the non-advantageous zone. did not transfer and remained in the advantageous section, but once the number of AT granted games has been exhausted, will it be possible to obtain a sufficient number of coins for the remaining period of the advantageous section in which the player is currently staying? Depending on this, it may be determined whether to end the advantageous section and move to the non-advantageous section. A sufficient number of sheets may be, for example, 2,400 sheets, or 1,500 sheets, which is less than 2,400 sheets. That is, if it is not possible to obtain a sufficient number of tickets, the current advantageous section may be ended and moved to a non-advantageous section, and a new advantageous section may be started. This is a phenomenon in which players are dissatisfied because even though they win an AT in the pull-back zone and return to AT, the number of coins earned in the returned AT is small but the player immediately enters the ending state. This is to prevent the occurrence of

The pullback zone is a gaming state for a limited period in which the number of games is fixed (for example, 15 games). The number of games in the pullback zone is less than the number of games in the bonus state, but greater than the number of games in the top-up zone.

FIG. 8(b) is a diagram showing the AT winning probability of the AT lottery in the pullback zone executed in the pullback zone.

If AT is won in the AT lottery held for all roles within the 15 games (condition M shown in Figure 7 is met), the AT normal state will re-enter after the end of the pullback zone, and if AT is not won (as shown in Figure 7). If the condition N shown in FIG. If you have just moved to the pullback zone, you have returned to the non-advantageous zone, so if you lose and win, the AT lottery will not be held. Alternatively, even if an AT lottery is held and an AT is won, it will be treated as invalid. If you win a role other than a loser and move to an advantageous section, there is a possibility that you will win AT even if you win a loser. The diagram shown in FIG. 8(b) is an example. In addition, watermelon and weak cherry are used as weak rare roles, strong cherry and chance are used as strong rare roles, and the AT winning probability is 45% for weak rare roles and strong For rare roles, distribution may be made such as 100%. Further, the AT lottery during the pullback zone may be set differently depending on the setting value, so that the AT winning probability is higher with a high setting (for example, setting 6) than with a low setting (for example, setting 1). Good too. By doing this, it is possible to obtain even more gaming value if the setting is high. On the other hand, the AT winning probability may be higher with a low setting (eg, setting 1) than with a high setting (eg, setting 6). By doing so, it is possible to obtain a large amount of gaming value even with a low setting.

Note that even if AT is won, the pullback zone is maintained until the 15 games are played, but the AT normal state may be entered from the next game in which AT is won. Furthermore, before transitioning from the ending to the pullback zone, a pullback zone preparation state for several games may be provided, and this pullback zone preparation state may provide an opportunity to return from a non-advantageous section to an advantageous section. In this case, a preparation effect that can specify or suggest that the pullback zone is in the preparation state may be executed. Then, when the vehicle moves to the advantageous zone in the preparation state, the pullback zone starts.

FIG. 9 is a graph showing an example of an increase/decrease in the number of different sheets when the sheet passes through the pull-back zone.

In FIG. 9, the vertical axis represents the number of game media (the number of medals), and the horizontal axis represents the passage of time. As described above, the difference in the number of medals represented by the graph in FIG. 9 is the cumulative value of the difference between the number of medals inserted and the number of medals paid out in one game (number of medals paid out - number of medals inserted). The settings are changed and the difference number of sheets is reset to 0. Furthermore, since the settings have been changed, the gaming state is now in the normal state. During the normal state, the number of differential sheets decreases, but when the state shifts to the AT state (first time), it starts to increase. At the time when the number of AT granted games is used up in the AT normal state, the number of coins acquired in the AT normal state has reached 500, and a pullback zone transition lottery is executed. However, the winning probability drops to about 10% as shown in FIG. 8(a) (condition I shown in FIG. 7 is satisfied), and the process shifts to the second normal state. During the second normal state, the difference number of sheets decreases, but when the AT state (second time) is entered, it starts to increase and the difference number increases to a positive value. Eventually, the number of AT granted games will be exhausted even in the AT state (second time). The number of acquired coins in the AT normal state exceeds 1000 coins (condition K shown in FIG. 7 is satisfied), and the process moves to the pullback zone. Since the pull-back zone is in a normal state and the operation navigation is not executed, the number of difference sheets decreases. The player wins the AT lottery during the pullback zone, and shifts to the AT state (third time) after completing 15 games of the pullback zone. In the AT state (third time), the difference number reaches 2400, which is the upper limit difference number. As a result, condition L shown in FIG. 7 is satisfied, and a transition is made to the pullback zone. Additionally, the advantageous section is reset and becomes a non-advantageous section. In the pull-back zone, the number of difference sheets decreases, it is impossible to win the AT lottery in the pull-back zone, and after the 15 games of the pull-back zone are completed, the state shifts to the normal state.

As explained above, in the slot machine 100 of the present embodiment, if the number of coins acquired in one AT state is 1000 or more, the slot machine 100 always moves to the pullback zone. In addition, the pullback zone transition lottery is executed when the conditions for ending the advantageous section are met and when the number of AT granted games is used up in the AT normal state, but in addition, when the AT normal state is entered, Even when the number of coins reaches 500, a lottery for moving to the pull-back zone may be held, and if the lottery is won, the right to move to the pull-back zone may be suspended until the number of AT granted games is exhausted. By doing this, even if the number of acquired coins does not reach 1000, you will have more opportunities to acquire the right to move to the pullback zone, and you will be able to increase your chances of gaining the right to move to the pullback zone, and you will be able to increase your chances of gaining the right to move to the pullback zone. It becomes easier to perform. As an inciting performance, for example, a performance that can specify or suggests that you will be transferred to the withdrawal zone if you win the withdrawal zone transition lottery may be executed, or a performance that can specify or suggest that you will be transferred to the withdrawal zone if you win the withdrawal zone transition lottery, or when the number of acquired coins approaches 500 (for example, , 450 pieces), the number of acquired pieces displayed on the screen in the AT state may blink or change color, or may blink or change color when 500 pieces are reached. .

Note that instead of the number of coins acquired in one AT state, the number of coins acquired in one advantageous period may be used. Furthermore, if the number of AT-granting games is exhausted without any additional AT-granting games being added, the winning probability of moving to the pull-back zone may be increased to more than about 10%.

Note that the number of acquired sheets may refer to a virtual difference number of sheets instead of the actual number of acquired sheets. The virtual difference number of coins mentioned here is the expected number of coins assuming that the game value is acquired as expected by the game machine. For example, in the normal state (non-AT state), the number of coins actually acquired by sequential pressing is counted. The number of cards obtained by performing an irregular push in the normal state is treated as 0 (not counted). A fair game machine can be provided because the game value obtained by playing in a way that is not recommended is not counted. To count the number of coins that can be obtained by operating in the correct operation order even if the user does not follow the operation navigation in an AT state. That is, even if the push order navigation is ignored, the number of sheets is counted as if the push order navigation was followed. Even if you make a mistake in the order of pressing during the AT state, in the pull-back zone transition lottery, the transition lottery will be performed assuming that you have performed the correct operation. As a result, even though there were actually more than 1000 pieces, due to the wrong press order, you could only get 990 pieces, and you would miss the lottery to move to the pull-back zone and be unable to move to the pull-back zone. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from being disadvantaged.

The game machine is provided with a counter for counting a virtual difference number (virtual difference number counter) in addition to a difference number counter for counting a pure difference number. The initial value of this virtual difference number counter is greater than zero. Even if the count value falls below the initial value in a gaming situation, there is still room for it to reach the negative range, and the period of counting without considering the negative value becomes longer. Furthermore, the absolute value (second absolute value) on the negative side of the initial value of the virtual difference number counter is greater than the absolute value (first absolute value) on the positive side of the initial value. Even if the number of earned differences exceeds the value obtained by subtracting the first absolute value from the initial value depending on the player's gaming situation, there is still room for the player to recover.

Furthermore, the difference number counter counts the difference in the positive range (ignores the negative part of the number of paid out coins - the number of inserted coins and only counts the positive part), and calculates the actual number of paid out coins in a day including the negative part. - A measurement counter is also provided to count the number of sheets inserted. The difference number counter and the virtual difference number counter are not initialized when the power is restored after a power outage, but the actual measurement counter is initialized when the power is restored. By preventing the difference number counter and virtual difference number counter from being initialized when the power is restored after a power outage, they will not be initialized even when the power is turned on before the store opens, and by inheriting the count value from the previous day, We can expect that the operation will improve.

According to the above description,
“A reel that stops rotating by a stop operation [for example, left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112],
Notification means [for example, liquid crystal display device 157],
A control means [for example, the main control unit 300] that controls the transition of the gaming state,
A game machine comprising:
The control means controls the gaming state in an operation mode that is advantageous for the player in the stop operation [for example, the first stop reel is set as the middle reel 111, the second stop reel is set as the right reel 112, and the third stop reel is set as the left reel 110. means capable of transitioning to a notification gaming state [for example, an AT state (AT normal state, ending state)] in which the notification means can notify a stop operation],
When the first condition [for example, the number of acquired gaming media in the AT state is 1000 pieces or more] is satisfied in the notification gaming state, the control means controls the notification gaming state after the notification gaming state ends. Means for transitioning to a special gaming state [for example, a pull-back zone] that can be transitioned to a notification gaming state,
A game machine characterized by: ”
explained.

According to this gaming machine, the player may aim to satisfy the first condition in the notification gaming state, and can expect that the player's desire to participate will increase. Further, even when the informed gaming state ends, the special gaming state is prepared, thereby motivating the player to continue playing the game and actively increasing the player's desire to play.

Also,
``Even if the first condition is not satisfied in the notification gaming state, the control means may cause the transition to the special gaming state when the notification gaming state ends [e.g. , Even if the number of game media acquired in the AT state is less than 1000 pieces, if it is 500 pieces or more, you may win the transition lottery],
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Also,
``The first condition is a condition that is satisfied when the acquisition status of game value [for example, medals] in the notification gaming state is a predetermined first situation [for example, 1000 coins or more],
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

If the game value acquisition situation is in the predetermined first situation, it is possible to give the player a feeling of expectation that the number of balls to be paid may be further increased.

Also,
``The control means is means for shifting to the special game state when the notification game state ends if the first condition is not satisfied but the second condition is satisfied in the notification game state. can be,
The second condition is a predetermined second situation [for example, 500 or more and less than 1000 coins] in which the game value acquisition status in the notification gaming state does not satisfy the predetermined first situation, and the transition lottery [ For example, the condition is satisfied if you win [for example, the winning probability of about 10% shown in FIG. 8(a)]
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Even if the predetermined first situation is not met, the player is given the opportunity to transition to the special gaming state, so it is possible to prevent a loss of interest in the game.

Also,
``Equipped with advantageous sections that are advantageous for players,
The notification gaming state is one of the gaming states in the advantageous section,
The advantageous section is a section that may end when the acquisition status of gaming value in the advantageous section reaches a predetermined third condition [for example, 2400 coins or more],
The notification gaming state is a state that may end when the gaming value acquisition situation in the advantageous section reaches the predetermined third situation,
The predetermined third situation is a situation that exceeds the predetermined first situation,
When the advantageous section ends and the notification gaming state shifts to the special gaming state [for example, the pullback zone] [for example, when condition L shown in FIG. 7 is satisfied], the special gaming state is changed to a new advantageous It may be a gaming state in the section [for example, an internal win on a winning role other than a losing one],
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

If a new advantageous section is started in the special gaming state, it is possible to secure the maximum amount of gaming value that can be acquired in the advantageous section.

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

<Main control unit main processing>
First, the main control section main processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main control section 300 will be described using FIG. Note that this figure is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing by the main control section.

As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with a startup signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 338 that outputs a startup signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 to which this activation signal has been input is reset-started by the reset interrupt and executes the main control section main processing shown in FIG. 10 according to the control program stored in the ROM 306 in advance.

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

In step S103, a game start process is executed. In this process, it is checked whether or not medals have been inserted (by care or by operating the bet buttons 130 to 132), and if medals have been inserted, preparations are made to send an insert command indicating this. Note that if the player wins a replay in the previous game, the same number of medals as the number of medals inserted in the previous game are inserted, so there is no need for the player to insert medals. Also, a check is made to see if the start lever 135 has been operated while a specified number (2 or 3) of medals have been used, and if the start lever 135 has been operated, the number of inserted medals and the valid winning line are checked. Confirm and start playing.

In step S105, various lottery processes including an internal winning combination lottery process and the like are executed.

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

In step S109, rotation of the reels 110 to 112 is started on the condition that the game interval timer (subtracted in a timer update process described later) is 0, and an initial value is set in the game interval timer. Furthermore, when the reels 110 to 112 start rotating, preparations are made to send a reel rotation start command to the first sub-control unit 400. After that, when the reels 110 to 112 reach a predetermined rotational speed and the optical sensor provided on each reel detects the symbol position of each reel, the stop operation for the stop buttons 137 to 139 is enabled. Note that the game interval counter ensures the minimum time required for one game (4.1 seconds in this embodiment) and suppresses the gambling nature.

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

In step S113, winning determination processing is performed. Here, when a symbol combination corresponding to some winning combination is displayed on the activated winning line, it is determined that the winning combination has been won. Note that after determining the winning combination, preparations are made for transmitting the winning command to the first sub-control unit 400.

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

In step S117, a state update process for updating various states in the slot machine 100 is executed. For example, updating the difference number counter that counts the upper limit difference number of tickets in an advantageous section provided in the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300, updating the ceiling counter described above, updating the counter that counts the number of AT granted games, The AT acquisition number counter is updated, etc.

With the above, one game ends. Thereafter, the game progresses by returning to step S103 and repeating the above-described process.

<Main control unit 300 timer interrupt processing>
Next, the main control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described using FIG. Note that this figure is a flowchart showing the flow of main control section timer interrupt processing.

The main control unit 300 includes a counter timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined period (approximately once every 2 ms in this embodiment). Start processing at a predetermined cycle.

In step S201, timer interrupt start processing is performed. In this timer interrupt start processing, processing for temporarily saving the values of each register of the CPU 304 in the stack area is performed.

In step S203, the WDT 314 is periodically (maintained) so that the count value of the WDT 314 does not exceed the initial setting value (32.8 ms in this embodiment) and a WDT interrupt occurs (so that an abnormality in processing is not detected). In the embodiment, the restart is performed (once every 2 ms, which is the cycle of the main control unit timer interrupt).

In step S205, input port status update processing is performed. In this input port status update process, the detection signals of the sensor circuits 320 of the various sensors 318 are input through the input ports of the I/O 310, the presence or absence of the detection signals is monitored, and the RAM 308 is partitioned for each type of sensor 318. The signal state is stored in the provided signal state storage area. Note that the state of the optical sensor is confirmed through this process.

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

In step S209, timer update processing is performed. For example, a process of updating various timers in respective time units, such as subtracting a game interval timer, is executed.

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

In the first sub-control unit 400, depending on the command type included in the received output schedule information, it becomes possible to determine performance control according to changes in game control in the main control unit 300, and also to determine the performance control according to the change in game control in the main control unit 300. Based on the information of the command data, it becomes possible to determine the content of production control.

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

In step S215, device monitoring processing is performed. In this device monitoring process, first, in step S205, the signal states of the various sensors 318 stored in the signal state storage area are read out, and the presence or absence of errors related to medal insertion abnormalities, medal dispensing abnormalities, etc. is monitored, and if an error is detected, (Illustration omitted) Executes error handling. Furthermore, the medal blocker 171, various lamps 339, and various 7-segment (SEG) indicators are set according to the current gaming state.

In step S217, it is monitored whether the low voltage signal is on. When a low voltage signal is received (when a power cutoff is detected), the process proceeds to step S221, and when a low voltage signal is not received (when a power cutoff is not detected), the process proceeds to step S219. move on.

In step S219, timer interrupt termination processing is performed. In this timer interrupt termination process, processes such as setting the values of each register temporarily saved in step S201 to each original register are performed. Thereafter, the process returns to the main control section main processing shown in FIG.

On the other hand, in step S221, information that needs to be saved such as specific variables and stack pointers for returning to the state at the time of power outage upon power restoration is saved to a predetermined area of the RAM 308, and a predetermined area including at least the used area of the RAM 308 is saved. A checksum value for the area is derived and stored in the RAM 308, and a power flag indicating that power-off processing has been performed is set on.

<Processing of the first sub-control unit>
Next, the processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be explained using FIG. 12. Note that FIG. 12A is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400. FIG. 12(b) is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing by the first sub-control unit 400. FIG. 12C is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing by the first sub-control unit 400.

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

When the power is turned on, initialization processing is first executed in step S301. In this initialization process, initialization of input/output ports, initialization of the storage area in the RAM 408, etc. are performed. Through this process, an area for storing internal winning information, which is information representing the result of internal winning, and an area for storing RT update information, which is information representing the gaming state, are provided in the RAM 408, respectively.

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

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

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

In step S305, production control processing is performed. Here, preparations for the performance are made in accordance with the performance reservation information in the performance reservation area provided in the RAM 408. This preparation includes, for example, performing processing such as reading the effect data from the ROM 406, and performing an update process of the effect data if it is necessary to update the effect data.

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

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

In step S309, information output processing is performed to perform settings for transmitting a command to the second sub-control unit 500 based on the processing result of step S305. For example, if there is a command to be sent to the second sub-control unit 500 in the effect data read out in step S305, settings are made to output this control command, and the process returns to step S302.

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

Next, the first sub-control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described using FIG. 12(c). The first sub-control unit 400 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined period (once every 2 ms in this embodiment), and uses this timer interrupt as a trigger to perform timer interrupt processing in a predetermined manner. Execute at the cycle of

In step S501, 1 is added to the value in the timer variable storage area of the RAM 408 described in step S302 in the first sub-control unit main processing shown in FIG. 12A, and the value is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S302, it is determined that the value of the timer variable is 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms×10).

In step S502, the command is sent to the second sub-control unit 500 set in step S309, and the random value for effect is updated.

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

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

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

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

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

In step S605, production control processing is performed. Specifically, if there is a new command in step S604, processing corresponding to this command is performed. For example, a process of reading out effect data for controlling an image related to a background image from the ROM 506 is executed. It also includes performing processes such as reading out performance data other than this from the ROM 506, and performing update processing of the performance data when it is necessary to update the performance data.

In step S606, image control processing (described in detail later) is performed based on the processing result of step S605. For example, if there is an image control command in the effect data read in step S605, image control corresponding to this command is performed. For example, image control regarding display images (notification images, background images) is performed. When this image control process ends, the process returns to step S602.

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

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

Next, the second sub-control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500 will be described using FIG. 13(c). The second sub-control unit 500 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined period (once every 2 ms in this embodiment), and uses this timer interrupt as a trigger to perform timer interrupt processing in a predetermined manner. Execute at the cycle of

In step S801, 1 is added to the value in the timer variable storage area of the RAM 508 described in step S602 in the second sub-control unit main processing shown in FIG. 13A, and the value is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S602, it is determined that the value of the timer variable is 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms×10).

In step S802, processing for updating the random number value for effect, etc. is performed.

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

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

In step S902, it is determined whether or not a transfer end interrupt signal is input from the VDP 516. If the transfer end interrupt signal is input, the process advances to step S903; otherwise, the transfer end interrupt signal is input. wait until

In step S903, parameters are set based on the performance scenario configuration table, attribute data, and the like. Here, in order to form a display image in the display area A or B of the VRAM 518 based on the image data transferred to the VRAM 518 in step S901, the CPU 504 displays information on image data constituting the display image (coordinate axes of the VRAM 518, image size , VRAM coordinates (location coordinates), transparency, etc.) to the VDP 516. The VDP 516 performs parameter settings according to attributes based on instructions stored in the attribute register.

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

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

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

Next, an example of a performance transitioning from a continuous performance to an AT state will be explained.

The RAM 308 of the main control unit 300 is provided with a precursor G number A counter, and the RAM 408 of the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a precursor G number B counter. In condition A shown in FIG. 7, the transition to the AT state (AT normal state) is made on the condition that the continuous performance ends. Here, the continuous performance becomes a duel performance, which is executed over four games, and when the duel performance ends, the state shifts to the AT state. The game in which the continuous performance is being executed corresponds to a game that is a precursor to transition to the AT state. Both the precursor G number A counter and the precursor G number B counter are counters that count the remaining number of games that serve as precursors before transitioning to the AT state. Note that the precursor G number A counter is a counter for managing transition to the AT state for earning balls, and is managed by the main control unit 300. On the other hand, the precursor G number B counter is a counter for performance management, and is managed by the first sub-control unit 400.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for pointing out a problem in an example in which a conventional slot machine starts continuous performance and then shifts to an AT state. In FIG. 14, the movement progresses from left to right in both the upper part of FIG. 14(a) and the lower part of FIG. 14(b). FIG. 14 shows the number of games played (number of games), the winning combination, the order of pressing, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, the occurrence of a penalty, the progress of the performance, the count value of the portent G number A counter, and the count value of the portent G number B counter. Each is shown. The display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 is controlled based on the value of the precursor G number B counter managed by the first sub-control unit 400.

In FIG. 14(a) shown in the upper row, a rare combination (for example, strong cherry) is won, and continuous performance starts from the Nth game. That is, performance 1 of the continuous performance is executed, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a notification image (a mission image of "defeat the master swordsman") notifying that the duel performance will start. . At the stage when a rare combination (for example, strong cherry) is won, a value of "4" is set in both the precursor G number A counter and the precursor G number B counter. The count value of the precursor G number A counter in this Nth game is updated from "4" to "3", and the count value of the precursor G number B counter is also updated from "4" to "3". .

In the N+1th game, performance 2 of the continuous performance is executed, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a scene in which the enemy swordsman appears. The count value of the precursor G number A counter in this N+1 game is decreased by one due to the update to "2", and the count value of the precursor G number B counter is also "2".

In the N+2nd game, performance 3 of the continuous performance is executed, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a scene in which the main character, the lord, and the enemy, the master swordsman, are facing each other. The count value of the precursor G number A counter in this N+2 game is further decreased by one due to the update to "1", and the count value of the precursor G number B counter is also "1". Note that the winning combination here is a push order bell, whereas the previous winning combination was a loss, but since it is in a normal state (not an AT state), the operation navigation is not executed and the first stop is A sequential pressing stop operation is being performed with the operation to the left.

In the game N+3 (fourth game after the start of the continuous performance), performance 4 (corresponding to the last performance) of the continuous performance is executed, and the main character's lord is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. A scene in which the character has won against the enemy swordsman is displayed, and the transition to AT is announced. In this N+3 game, the count value of the precursor G number A counter is updated to "0", and the count value of the precursor G number B counter is also updated to "0".

In the N+4th game, the normal state is shifted to the AT state (AT normal state). The liquid crystal display device 157 displays a notification screen (an AT start screen displaying "AT start") that notifies that the AT state has been entered based on the fact that the count value of the precursor G number B counter is "0". ) is displayed. Also, based on the fact that the count value of the portent G number A counter is "0", the main control unit 300 is allowed to send information regarding the operation order of the winning combination to the first sub-control unit 400. Become. As a result, on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, a display of "321" (reverse push operation navigation display) is displayed to notify the correct operation of the push order bell which is the winning combination.

FIG. 14(b) shown in the lower part is a diagram showing an example in which a continuous performance is executed like in FIG. 14(a) in the upper part, and a penalty occurs in a game in the middle of the continuous performance. The following will mainly explain the differences from the example shown in FIG. 14(a) in the upper row.

Let me once again summarize the penalties. First, (a) the game must be in a normal state in an advantageous section (not in a non-advantageous section or in an AT state), (b) the game must have been internally won for the push order bell, and (c) the first stop operation. When all of the conditions (a) to (c) are met, that a stop operation (so-called irregular press) is performed other than on the left (specifically, during the first stop operation, on the right of the first stop operation) acts are subject to penalties. In other words, just making an irregular push does not result in a penalty. This prevents you from finding a strategy by repeating irregular presses, and also prevents excessive penalties. However, a penalty may be given regardless of the winning combination, such as the push order bell (penalty given by (a) + (c)). In addition, as will be described later, when an irregular press is performed, a recommended operation display such as "Press left is recommended" is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157, regardless of whether a penalty is given, to make the recommended press known to the players. Plan. Note that the display start timing of the operation recommendation display may be the timing of the first stop operation when the irregular press is performed, or the timing after the irregular press is performed (for example, the timing of the third stop operation). It may be. Further, the operation recommendation display may be hidden after a predetermined time has elapsed since the display was started, or may be hidden after a predetermined time has elapsed from the third stop operation. These "predetermined times" are shorter than the time it takes to move to the demo screen after the final stop operation, and the operation recommendation display is hidden when the demo screen ends and returns to the game screen. . Further, the operation recommendation display may be displayed until the demo screen is entered, and the operation recommendation display may be hidden when the demo screen ends and the game screen returns to the game screen. Alternatively, the operation recommendation display may be hidden after acceptance of the start operation for the next game (operation of the start lever 135) is enabled, or may be hidden after the start operation for the next game is performed. Good too.

Also, no penalty will be incurred in non-advantageous sections. This means that if an irregular push is performed in a non-advantageous section and the transition to an advantageous section is prohibited, it becomes possible to continue making irregular pushes in the non-advantageous section and earn more medals. Therefore, it is meaningful to prevent such things. Further, the first game after the setting change may be considered as the timing for transitioning from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section, but the first game after the setting change is often when the game parlor opens. First thing in the morning, the reel is not warmed up, it takes time for the reel to accelerate, and the timing at which the stop operation can be accepted tends to be slightly delayed. Therefore, even though the player presses the left stop button 137 in the first operation, there is a possibility that the above-mentioned timing is shifted and the timing when the middle stop button 138 is actually pressed becomes the above-mentioned timing. Since it would be cruel to the player to impose a penalty in such a case, no penalty is imposed in the non-advantageous section.

When an act subject to a penalty is performed, (1) the lottery for determining whether or not to transition from the normal state to the AT state in the game is not performed. (2) The value of the ceiling counter that counts the number of games in the normal state up to the ceiling number of games is not updated. Further, in this example, (3) the count value of the precursor G number A counter is also not updated. Penalties will occur. Note that there are cases where it is a penalty for not proactively performing the process because the lottery is not held or the value is not updated.

In the example shown in FIG. 14(b), in the N+2 game (performance 3 of the continuous effects), a stop operation is performed in which the first stop operation is to the right. The stop operation in which the first stop operation is on the right is an irregular push. Here, since the push order bell is internally won in the normal state of the advantageous section, it becomes a penalty target act, and even if the penalty occurs and the next game (N+3) starts, the precursor G number A counter The count value remains "1". On the other hand, the count value of the precursor G number B counter is updated to "0".

In this example as well, the normal state is shifted to the AT state (AT normal state) in the N+4th game. The AT start screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157 based on the fact that the count value of the precursor G number B counter is "0". On the other hand, since the count value of the portent G number A counter was not "0", the information regarding the operation order of the winning combination was not transmitted from the main control unit 300 to the first sub-control unit 400, and the liquid crystal display The display screen 157 does not display an operation navigation display that informs you of the correct operation of the pressing order bell, which is the winning combination. As described above, in conventional slot machines, there is a problem in that the occurrence of a penalty causes a lag between the start of the operation navigation and the presentation.

The slot machine 100 of this embodiment is designed to solve this problem.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a detailed timing chart of the N+2-th game and the N+3-th game described using FIG. 14(a), and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at each timing.

In FIG. 15, time passes from left to right. Further, in FIG. 15, "game progress" includes "start operation", "first stop", "second stop", and "third stop" which are operations of the start lever 135. Below that, the acceptable states of "Left stop Sw" which is the left stop button 137 sensor, "Medium stop Sw" which is the middle stop button 138 sensor, and "Right stop Sw" which is the right stop button 139 sensor are also shown. has been done. Each Sw enters a receptive state after a start operation, and when it receives a stop operation while in an receptive state, the receptive state ends. Below that, the rotating states of the left reel 110, middle reel 111, and right reel 112 are also shown. Further below, the display contents of the "liquid crystal display device" which is the liquid crystal display device 157 are also shown. In this example, in the continuous performance, the character display NTG of "NEXT" indicating that the performance continues to the next game is displayed in the lower right part of the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 (from the third stop to the start of the next game). period). Further, a game number display GMV is displayed at the lower left of the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. The value of the game number display GMV is the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400, and increases by 1 each time a start lever acceptance command is received from the main control unit 300 after power is turned on. It is a value. The matters explained above also apply to FIGS. 16 and 17.

The timing at which the start operation is performed is the timing (A1), the N+2th game is started, and execution of performance 3 of the continuous performance is started. In the N+2 game, the push order bell is internally selected. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the timing (A1), a close-up screen of the main character, the lord, is displayed. Furthermore, upon the start of the game, the game number display GMV is updated from "99G" to "100G". From then on, "100G" will continue to be displayed on the game number display GMV until refused.

In the N+2 game in the normal state, the left stop button 137 is operated first to perform a first stop. Since the left stop button 137 was operated first, it was not an irregular press, and the first stopping act here is not an act subject to a penalty. The timing at which the first stop operation is performed is timing (A2), and the left reel 110 stops. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the timing (A2), a close-up screen of the enemy swordsman is displayed.

Next, the middle stop button 138 is operated to perform a second stop and the middle reel 111 is stopped, and finally the right stop button 139 is operated to perform a third stop. The timing when the third stop operation is performed is the timing (A3), and the right reel 112 stops. The display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the timing (A3) shows the same scene as the scene shown on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 of the N+2th game in FIG. Displayed. Furthermore, in this example, a character display NTG of "NEXT" is added to the lower right corner in response to the third stop operation.

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

Then, by operating the start lever 135 and performing a start operation, the next game (N+3 game) is started, and this time, execution of performance 4 of the continuous performance is started. The timing at which the N+3 game is started is the timing (A5). In the N+3rd game, the replay is internally won. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at timing (A5), the main character, the lord, is displayed in the upper half, and the villain, the master swordsman, is displayed in the lower half. Further, when the game starts, the character display NTG of "NEXT" disappears, and the game number display GMV is updated from "100G" to "101G".

Also in the N+3rd game, the left stop button 137 is operated first to perform the first stop. The timing at which the first stop operation is performed is timing (A6), and the left reel 110 stops. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the timing (A6), a scene after the protagonist lord and the enemy swordsman clash is displayed. Further, the game number display GMV of "101G" is continuously displayed.

Next, the middle stop button 138 is operated to perform a second stop and the middle reel 111 is stopped, and finally the right stop button 139 is operated to perform a third stop. The timing when the third stop operation is performed is the timing (A7), and the right reel 112 stops. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the timing (A7), a scene in which the enemy swordsman is slashed is displayed. Even if the third stop is performed, this N+3rd game is the last game (fourth game) of the continuous effect, so there is no continuous effect that will continue, and the "NEXT" character display NTG is not additionally displayed. do not have. However, the game number display GMV of "101G" continues to be displayed.

The timing after the third stop until the start of the next game (until the transition to the AT state) is the timing (A8). The display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at this timing (A8) is the same as the scene shown on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 of the N+3th game in FIG. The transition to AT has been announced. Note that the game number display GMV of "101G" is continuously displayed here as well.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a detailed timing chart for the N+2 game and the N+3 game described using FIG. 14B, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at each timing. Hereinafter, differences from FIG. 15 will be mainly explained, and redundant explanations may be omitted.

The N+2th game is started, and execution of performance 3 of the continuous performances is started. In this N+2 game, the push order bell is internally selected. The game number display GMV on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 has been updated to "100G". In this example, in the N+2 game in the normal state, the right stop button 139 is operated first to perform the first stop. The first stop act here is an irregular push, and since the push order bell has been internally won in the normal state of the advantageous section, it is an act subject to a penalty. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the timing (A2) when the first stop operation is performed, a recommended operation display REC such as "Press left is recommended" is displayed so as to overlap the close-up screen of the enemy swordsman. be done. At the timing when the recommended operation display REC is displayed, the number of games display GMV remains displayed as "100G".

Next, the middle stop button 138 is operated to perform a second stop and the middle reel 111 is stopped, and finally the right stop button 139 is operated to perform a third stop. A darkening display is added to the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the timing (A3) when the third stop operation is performed. That is, as in (A3) in FIG. 15, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 shows a scene in which the main character, the lord, and the enemy, the master swordsman, are facing each other, but a blackout display is added, and the scene is is difficult to see. The addition of a darkening display suggests that a penalty has occurred in that game. Further, the character display NTG "NEXT" is not additionally displayed, or even if it is additionally displayed, it is difficult to see because of the dark display. On the other hand, the operation recommendation display REC and the number of games display GMV are not blacked out, and these displays REC and GMV are easily visible. At the timing when the third stop is performed (the timing when the blackout display is added), the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 is returned by one game, and the game number display GMV is switched to display "99G". .

The display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the timing (A4) after the third stop until the next game starts is the same as the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the previous timing (A3). That is, although the blackout display continues, the recommended operation display REC and the game number display GMV of "99G" are visible.

Then, when the start lever 135 is operated and a start operation is performed, the next game (N+3 game) is started. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the timing (A5) when the N+3 game is started, the display of the blackout display has ended, and the display of the recommended operation display REC has also ended. As described above, since the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 has been returned by one game, the number of games display GMV has been updated to "100G". That is, in a game in which a penalty occurs, the value is returned by 1, and at the start of the next game, it is advanced by 1. Therefore, in the continuous performance, performance 3 of the continuous performance is re-executed according to the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400. The same display screen as at the timing (A1) is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157.

In the N+3rd game, the replay is internally won, and the left stop button 137 is operated first to perform the first stop. The first stop act here is not an act subject to a penalty. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at timing (A6) when this first stop operation was performed, the same display screen as at timing (A2) is displayed, but the operation recommendation display REC is not displayed. .

Next, the middle stop button 138 is operated to perform a second stop and the middle reel 111 is stopped, and finally the right stop button 139 is operated to perform a third stop. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the timing (A7) when the third stop operation was performed, the same display screen as at the timing (A3) in FIG. 15 is displayed. That is, a scene in which the main character, the lord, and the enemy, the master swordsman, are facing each other is displayed, and the text "NEXT" NTG is added to the lower right corner. Further, at the lower left, the game number display GMV of "100G" is continuously displayed.

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

In the slot machine 100 of this embodiment, as described above, the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 is returned by 1 in a game in which a penalty occurs, and is advanced by 1 at the start of the next game. As a result, the number of games in the game in which the penalty occurred will be the same as the number of games in the next game. This is the same as the precursor G number A counter managed by the main control unit 300, which was explained using FIG. This solves the problem of a discrepancy between the start and the performance. Moreover, in the game where a penalty occurred, a blackout display is displayed and the game number display GMV is reset by 1, so it is easy to understand the game where a penalty occurred, and it looks like a penalty occurred in the next game as well. To prevent misunderstandings from being given to players and to prevent the interest in the game from diminishing.

Note that the timing at which the blackout display starts displaying may be the same as the timing at which the operation recommendation display REC starts displaying. Alternatively, the timing to start displaying the darkening display may be timing (A2), and the timing to start displaying the recommended operation display REC may be timing (A3). Furthermore, the timing at which the blackout display starts displaying may be the timing at which the second stop occurs, or the timing at which the operation recommendation display REC starts displaying may coincide with the timing at which the second stop occurs. Further, the timing at which the blackout display ends is not limited to the timing (A5), but may be a timing after a while has elapsed from the third stop operation of the game in which the irregular press was performed, and the bet amount setting operation for the next game is completed. It may be the timing at which it was performed. Further, the timing at which the value of the game number display GMV is reset by 1 may be within the game in which the penalty occurred, and may be at the timing of (A2), the timing of (A4), It may be the timing of the second stop. In addition, even if the value of the game number display GMV is returned by 1 in the game where a penalty occurred, the production itself will continue as described below, and the standby game for the number of games that resulted in a penalty will be generated after the series of productions is completed. Alternatively, the AT state may occur before the AT state is started.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing detailed timing charts for the N+2 and N+3 games in which an irregular press was performed but no penalty occurred, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at each timing. Hereinafter, differences from FIG. 16 will be mainly explained, and redundant explanations may be omitted.

The N+2th game is started, and execution of performance 3 of the continuous performances is started. In this N+2 game, the internal winning is not based on the push order bell but on the loss. In this example as well, in the N+2 game in the normal state, the right stop button 139 is first operated to perform the first stop. The first stop action here is an irregular push, which is a normal state in the advantageous section, but since the push order bell has not been internally elected, it is not an action subject to penalty. Due to the irregular press, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the timing (A2) when the first stop operation was performed shows "Left press recommended" so that it overlaps with the close-up screen of the enemy swordsman. REC is displayed.

Next, the middle stop button 138 is operated to perform a second stop and the middle reel 111 is stopped, and finally the right stop button 139 is operated to perform a third stop. The display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the timing (A3) when the third stop operation was performed does not display a blackout display because no penalty has occurred, and the main character is displayed as shown in (A3) in FIG. A scene is shown where the lord and the enemy swordsman are confronting each other. However, the recommended operation displays REC are displayed so as to overlap. Furthermore, the game number display GMV continues to be displayed as "100G" at the bottom left, and the text display NTG "NEXT" triggered by the third stop operation has been added at the bottom right.

On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at timing (A4) after the third stop and until the next game starts, the operation recommendation display REC disappears (becomes hidden), and at timing (A4) in FIG. The same display screen as the timing is displayed. The timing at which the operation recommendation display REC disappears may be a while after the third stop, or may be at the same time as the third stop, or may be at the same time as the second stop. Alternatively, the operation recommendation display REC may disappear after a predetermined period of time has elapsed from the start of display, regardless of the operation. However, if the recommended operation display REC is displayed for only a moment, it is difficult to distinguish it from the effect of a stop operation trigger, so it is preferable that the recommended operation display REC is continuously displayed until at least the third stop. Furthermore, in the case of irregular presses during continuous performance, the display mode of the operation recommendation display REC differs depending on the winning combination. That is, if the push order bell is not won as in the example shown in FIG. 3. The operation recommendation display REC is hidden after a while after stopping. On the other hand, if the push order bell is won as in the example shown in Fig. 16, the operation recommendation display REC is displayed when an irregular push is performed, and the performance triggered by the third stop is not executed (visible by the blackout display). The operation recommendation display REC continues to be displayed until just before the next game starts.

The subsequent steps (timings (A5) to (A8)) are the same as the example in FIG. 15.

As in this example, when an irregular press is performed, the operation recommendation display REC is displayed regardless of whether a penalty occurs or not. If a penalty occurs, the operation recommendation display REC will continue to be displayed until the game in which the irregular press was performed ends (until the next game starts), as shown in the example shown in FIG. 16, but the penalty will occur. If you fail to do so, the penalty will disappear sooner than if it had occurred. Alternatively, the length of the display period of the operation recommendation display REC is fixed, and it disappears even if no operation is performed by the player. In addition, even if an irregular press is performed, if no penalty occurs, the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 does not change (is not returned by 1), and the number of games is displayed. The GMV value also continues to be displayed without changing.

Next, a comparison will be made between a case where an irregular press is performed during a continuous performance and a case where an irregular press is performed during a non-continuous performance.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where an irregular press is performed during a continuous performance and an example of a case where an irregular press is performed during a non-continuous performance.

FIG. 18(a) in the upper row shows an example of a case where an irregular press is performed during a continuous performance, and FIG. 18(b) in the lower row shows an example when an irregular press is performed during a non-continuous performance. It is a figure showing an example. In both the upper part of FIG. 18(a) and the lower part of FIG. 18(b), the movement progresses from left to right. Also, whether it is shown in the upper part of FIG. 18(a) or the lower part of FIG. 18(b),
In FIG. 18, the number of games played (number of games), the winning combination, the pressing order, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, the occurrence of a penalty, the progress of the performance, and the number of games display GMV displayed at the lower left of the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. Each value is shown. Note that the value of the number of games display GMV is the value of the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400.

The example of FIG. 18(a) shown in the upper row is the same as the example described above, and the continuous performance is a duel performance. A rare role (for example, strong cherry) is won, and continuous performance starts from the Nth game. That is, performance 1 of the continuous performance is executed, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a notification image (a mission image of "defeat the master swordsman") notifying that the duel performance will start. . The game number display GMV is "98G".

In the N+1th game, performance 2 of the continuous performance is executed, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a scene in which the enemy swordsman appears. The value of the game number display GMV has been updated and "99G" is displayed.

In the N+2nd game, the push order bell is internally won, and the right stop button 139 is operated first to perform the first stop. The first stop act here is an irregular push, and since the push order bell has been internally won in the normal state of the advantageous section, it is an act subject to a penalty, and a penalty will be incurred. In the N+2nd game, performance 3 of the continuous performance is executed, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a scene in which the main character, the lord, and the enemy, the master swordsman, are facing each other. Further, since an irregular press has been performed, a recommended operation display REC such as "Press left is recommended" is displayed overlapping the display of the above-mentioned scene. Furthermore, since a penalty has occurred, the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 is returned by one game, and the value of the number of games display GMV changes from "100G" to "99G". Note that in this example, the darkening display is not displayed, but it may be displayed after this, or a modified example in which the darkening display is not displayed may be used.

The N+3rd game is the 4th game after the start of the continuous production, but since the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 has been returned by one game in the N+2nd game, The value of the game number display GMV has been updated and "100G" is displayed once again. Further, regarding the continuous performance, performance 3 of the continuous performance is re-executed according to the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, the same scene as in the N+2 game, in which the protagonist lord and the enemy swordsman are facing each other, is displayed. The recommended operation display REC is not displayed.

Note that re-running a production may mean executing the exact same production, but if multiple types of productions are prepared and a production is selected by lottery, the production should be re-drawn. It's okay.

In the N+4th game, production 4 (corresponding to the last production) of the continuous production is executed, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a scene in which the protagonist, the lord, defeats the enemy swordsman, and the AT transition is made. has been announced. The value of the game number display GMV has been updated and "101G" is displayed.

The example of FIG. 18(b) shown in the lower part is a state in which continuous performance is not performed (a state in which non-continuous performance is being performed) in the normal state of the advantageous section. More specifically, this is an example of the normal stage shown in FIG.

In the Nth game, a cherry, which is one of the minor prizes, is internally won, and minor prize presentation 1 is executed. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, a scene in which the lord is surprised at the appearance of a cherry is displayed. The game number display GMV is "99G".

When the N+1th game is started, the game number display GMV is updated to "100G". In this N+1th game, the push order bell is internally won and the normal performance is executed. In this game, an irregular press is performed in which the first stop operation is to the right, and an operation recommendation display REC is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. Here, since the push order bell is internally won in the normal state of the advantageous section, this irregular push is an act subject to a penalty, a penalty occurs, and the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 is returned by one game, and the value of the game number display GMV changes from "100G" to "99G".

When the N+2nd game is started, the game number display GMV is updated to "100G" again. In this N+2 game, watermelon, which is one of the minor prizes, is internally won, and minor prize presentation 2 is executed. Since it is not a continuous performance, the performance itself is not re-executed (it is not returned to the normal performance of the N+1 game), and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a scene in which the lord is surprised at the appearance of a watermelon.

When the N+3rd game is started, the game number display GMV is updated to "101G". In this N+3 game, the cherry is internally won and the small role performance 1 is executed. In this game as well, an irregular press is performed in which the first stop operation is to the right, and an operation recommendation display REC is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. Here, although it is a normal state in the advantageous section, since the cherry is internally won instead of the bell in the push order, this irregular push is not an act subject to a penalty, and no penalty is incurred. Therefore, the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 is not returned, and the value of the number of games display GMV does not change.

When the N+4th game is started, the game number display GMV is updated to "102G". In this N+4th game, an internal prize is won and a normal effect is executed. Incidentally, since no penalty has occurred due to the irregular press in the N+3 game, and it is not a continuous performance, the performance itself will not be re-executed (it will not be returned to the minor role performance 1 in the N+3 game).

When the N+5th game is started, the game number display GMV is updated to "103G". In this N+5th game, the replay is internally won and the normal performance is executed. In this game as well, an irregular press is performed in which the first stop operation is to the right, and an operation recommendation display REC is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. In this game, although it is a normal state in the advantageous section, the replay is internally won instead of the push order bell, so this irregular push is not an act subject to penalty, and no penalty occurs. Therefore, the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 is not returned, and the value of the number of games display GMV does not change.

Operation recommendation display REC for the N+2 game in the example of FIG. 18(a) shown in the upper row, operation recommendation display REC for the N+1 game in the example of FIG. 18(b) shown in the lower row, and operation recommendation display for the N+3 game REC and the operation recommendation display REC for the N+5th game are both displayed in a common manner. The recommended operation display REC is displayed in a common manner regardless of the type of performance being executed. Further, the recommended operation display REC is displayed in a common manner even if the production stages are different. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the operation recommendation display REC from being mistakenly recognized as a type of expectation production.

As compared above, under normal conditions, an irregular press in a game where the push order bell is won is an act subject to a penalty, and during a continuous performance, the performance will be re-executed in the next game, but a non-continuous performance Inside, the performance will not be re-executed in the next game. In the continuous performance immediately before transitioning to the AT state (precursor performance), there is a problem that there is a discrepancy between the start of the operation navigation and the performance, as explained using FIG. 14(b). Since this kind of problem will not occur if the performance is not in progress (premonitory performance), the performance will not be re-executed. However, if a penalty occurs, the value of the ceiling counter managed by the main control unit 300 is not updated, so the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 is also changed to the stage of the next game according to the ceiling counter. It looks like it wasn't updated. The ceiling counter is updated at the third stop. On the other hand, the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 is updated upon receiving a reel rotation start command indicating the start of a game. Therefore, in the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400, the number of games is temporarily returned by one game in the game where the penalty occurred, and in the next game, the number of games is updated at the start of the game as usual. As a result, the value will match the ceiling counter value at the third stop of the next game.

Next, the relationship between the ceiling counter and the game number display GMV when a setting change is made or when the power is restored after a power outage will be explained.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the relationship between the ceiling counter and the game number display GMV when a setting change is made or when the power is restored after a power outage. In FIG. 19, the thick white arrows indicate the flow when the normal press (recommended operation) is performed, and the thick black arrow indicates the flow when the irregular press (non-recommended operation) is performed.

It is determined whether or not to update the count value of the ceiling counter at the third stop. Note that any timing after the first stop within one game is not limited to the third stop. After the first stop is performed, the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 can determine whether or not a penalty has occurred, and can determine whether or not to update the count value. The count value of the ceiling counter is not updated when a penalty occurs (the count value remains unchanged), and the count value is updated (the count value is +1) when a penalty does not occur. On the other hand, upon receiving the reel rotation command from the main control unit 300, the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 updates (+1) the game number display GMV.

FIG. 19(a) is a diagram illustrating an example where it is determined that the settings are changed and the first game is shifted to the advantageous section.

When the settings are changed, the ceiling counter provided in the main control unit 300 becomes 0G, and the game number display GMV on the liquid crystal display device 157 also becomes 0G. Furthermore, the gaming state is a gaming state in a non-advantageous section.

The first game is started, a winning combination other than a losing one is won, and the game shifts to an advantageous section from the second game. Hereinafter, a game that has been decided to move to an advantageous section will be referred to as an advantageous section transition game. Note that the advantageous section transition game is a game in the non-advantageous section. The ceiling counter is not updated in a non-advantageous section, but even if it is a non-advantageous section, if it is an advantageous section transition game, it is updated at the timing of the third stop. The game number display GMV is also not updated in a non-advantageous section, but even if it is a non-advantageous section, if it is a game transitioning to an advantageous section, it is updated at the timing of the game start.

When a forward push is performed in an advantageous section transition game, the ceiling counter is updated to 1G at the third stop, and the game number display GMV remains at 1G, as indicated by the thick white arrow. Even when an irregular press is performed, as indicated by the thick black arrow, the ceiling counter is updated to 1G at the third stop, and the game number display GMV remains at 1G. The winning combination may be a bell in the order of pressing or may not be a bell in the order of pressing. In advantageous zone transition games, there is no penalty even if you make an irregular push. As a result, the ceiling counter is updated normally at the third stop. Furthermore, the game number display GMV updated at the start of the game remains at 1G at the third stop.

When the second game starts, the game shifts to an advantageous section, but is in a normal state. At the timing of starting the second game, the game number display GMV is updated to 2G. When the forward press is performed, as indicated by the thick white arrow, the ceiling counter is updated to 2G at the third stop, and the game number display GMV remains at 2G. If an irregular push is performed while the push order bell has been won, a penalty will occur, and as indicated by the thick black arrow, the ceiling counter will not be updated at the third stop and will remain at 1G. Also, the game number display GMV has been returned by 1G to 1G. Note that if an irregular press is performed with a winning position other than the press order bell, the ceiling counter will be updated to 2G at the third stop, and the game number display GMV will remain at 2G.

FIG. 19(b) is a diagram illustrating an example where the first game is not an advantageous section transition game after the settings are changed.

The first game is started, the losing hand is won, and the second game remains in the non-advantageous section. The ceiling counter is not updated in non-advantageous sections except for advantageous section transfer games. The game number display GMV is also not updated in non-advantageous sections, except for advantageous section transfer games. In addition, no penalty occurs in the non-advantageous section, and even if an irregular push is performed, the ceiling counter is not updated at the third stop and remains at 0G, as shown by the thick black arrow, and the game number display GMV remains at 0G.

The second game is started, and the winning combination other than the losing one is won, and the second game becomes an advantageous section transition game. At the timing of starting the second game, the game number display GMV is updated to 1G. Further, when the forward press is performed, as indicated by the thick white arrow, the ceiling counter is updated to 1G at the third stop, and the game number display GMV remains at 1G. In addition, as mentioned above, in the advantageous section transition game, there is no penalty even if you make an irregular press regardless of the winning combination, so as the thick black arrow indicates, the ceiling counter is updated to 1G at the third stop, and the game The number display GMV remains at 1G.

FIG. 19(c) is a diagram showing an example where the ceiling counter is 1G or more at the time of power restoration after power interruption.

In this example, the ceiling counter is 100G when the power is restored after a power outage. On the other hand, when the power is restored after a power outage, the game number display GMV becomes 0G. Note that the gaming state at the time of power restoration after power interruption is the normal state of the advantageous section.

The first game is started, and the game number display GMV is updated to 1G. When the forward press is performed, as indicated by the thick white arrow, the ceiling counter is updated to 101G at the third stop, and the game number display GMV remains at 1G. If an irregular push is performed while the push order bell is won (penalty occurs), the ceiling counter is not updated at the third stop and remains at 100G, as indicated by the thick black arrow. On the other hand, the game number display GMV updated at the start of the game remains at 1G. Even if a penalty occurs in the first game after power is restored, the number of games displayed GMV will not be returned. Note that if an irregular press is performed with a winning position other than the press order bell, the ceiling counter will be updated to 101G at the third stop, and the game number display GMV will remain at 1G.

When the second game is started, the game number display GMV increases by 1G. When the forward press is performed, as indicated by the thick white arrow, the ceiling counter increases by 1G at the third stop, and the game number display GMV continues to increase by 1G. If an irregular push is performed while the push order bell is won (penalty occurs), the ceiling counter is not updated at the third stop and remains at 100G, as indicated by the thick black arrow. Also, the game number display GMV has been returned by 1G to 1G. Note that if an irregular press is performed with a winning position other than the press order bell, the ceiling counter is updated to 101G at the third stop, and the game number display GMV remains at 2G.

FIG. 19(d) is a diagram showing an example where the ceiling counter is 0G at the time of power restoration after power interruption. Note that the gaming state at the time of power restoration after power interruption is the normal state of the advantageous section.

The first game is started, and the game number display GMV is updated to 1G. When the forward press is performed, as indicated by the thick white arrow, the ceiling counter is updated to 1G at the third stop, and the game number display GMV remains at 1G. If an irregular push is performed while the push order bell is won (penalty occurs), the ceiling counter is not updated at the third stop and remains at 0G, as indicated by the thick black arrow. On the other hand, as described above, even if a penalty occurs in the first game after power is restored, the number of games display GMV is not returned, so the number of games display GMV remains 1G. Note that if an irregular press is performed with a winning position other than the press order bell, the ceiling counter will be updated to 1G at the third stop, and the game number display GMV will remain at 1G.

When the second game is started, the game number display GMV increases by 1G. When the forward press is performed, as indicated by the thick white arrow, the ceiling counter increases by 1G at the third stop, and the game number display GMV continues to increase by 1G. If an irregular push is performed while the push order bell is won (penalty occurs), the ceiling counter is not updated at the third stop and remains at 0G, as indicated by the thick black arrow. Also, the game number display GMV has been returned by 1G to 1G. Note that if an irregular press is performed with a winning position other than the press order bell, the ceiling counter is updated to 1G at the third stop, and the game number display GMV remains at 2G.

If the settings are changed before the store opens, the result will be as shown in FIG. 19(a) or (b). On the other hand, if the settings are not changed before the store opens, only the power is turned on, and the result will be as shown in FIG. 19(c) or (d). If players find out that the settings have not been changed, the operation of the slot machine immediately after opening may decrease, so the game count display GMV should be displayed the same for cases with and without settings changes. is preferred. Therefore, in the game machine where the settings have been changed, if the clerk plays the advantageous section transition game before the store opens, the game number display GMV will not become 0G, so the player will not know whether the settings have been changed or not. On the other hand, if the settings are changed, the difference number counter (including the virtual difference number counter) in the advantageous section will be reset, and the expected number of gaming value that can be acquired in the advantageous section will decrease. It is assumed that some players may view the setting change as a negative impression, and there is a risk that the operation of the gaming machine immediately after opening may not be extended. Even in such cases, by matching the behavior of the game count display GMV when settings are changed and when they are not, it becomes difficult to distinguish whether settings have been changed or not, thereby preventing a drop in operation immediately after the store opens. be able to.

Next, an example different from the examples described so far will be described.

FIG. 20(a) is a schematic diagram of the case where a penalty occurs during continuous performance as described above.

If a penalty occurs during continuous performance, the performance is re-executed in the next game. In this aspect, when the number of games until the transition to the AT state is managed by both the main control unit 300 side and the first sub-control unit 400 side (so-called number of games management type/mode management type), the main The number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 can be matched to the number of games managed by the control unit 300. Furthermore, this mode is compatible with the case where the number of games is managed even in the case of a continuous presentation of Gaze (a continuous presentation that does not shift to the AT state even after the continuous presentation ends).

FIG. 20(b) is a diagram illustrating an example of display of the game number display GMV when a penalty occurs, as described above.

The number of games display GM is updated at the start of the game, and the number of games is increased by one. When a penalty occurs, the game number display GM returns one game at the timing of the third stop of the game where the penalty occurred. Then, when the next game is started, the game number display GM increases by one. Here, even if a penalty occurs, there is no change in the number of games display GM, and when the next game is started, the number of games display GM may be increased by one. However, when a penalty occurs, the ceiling counter controlled by the main control unit 300 is not updated, resulting in a discrepancy with the ceiling counter. Furthermore, it is also possible that the game number display GM does not advance when the next game is started. However, this may lead to a misunderstanding that a penalty has been awarded in the next game. On the other hand, if the game number display GM goes back one game in the game in which the penalty occurred, it can indicate that the penalty has been completed in the game, and also the difference with the ceiling counter. This has the effect that this will not occur.

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

In the example shown in FIG. 20(c1), even if a penalty occurs, the continuous performance is continued until the end, and the confirmation performance (performance that displays the AT confirmation screen) that is executed following the continuous performance is repeatedly executed. That is, this mode eliminates the deviation from the ceiling counter by inserting a standby game in which an extra performance is performed immediately before transitioning to the AT state (at the end of the normal state). While an extra confirmed performance is being performed (during standby gaming), characters such as "waiting" are displayed on the display screen.

FIG. 20(c2) is a diagram for explaining an example in which a standby game different from that in FIG. 20(c1) is performed when a penalty occurs during continuous performance.

In the example shown in FIG. 20(c2), even if a penalty occurs, the continuous performance is continued until the end, and the final performance 4 (victory performance) of the continuous performance is repeatedly performed. That is, it is a mode to eliminate the deviation from the ceiling counter by interposing a standby game in which a performance (winning performance) during a continuous performance is repeated, instead of a confirmed performance. While the extra victory performance is being performed, characters such as "waiting" are displayed on the victory performance display screen on the liquid crystal display device 157.

In addition, in the case of a continuous performance of Gaze, the continuous performance is similarly performed until the end, but no additional performance is performed at any timing.

In addition, the number of games until the transition to the AT state is managed only on the main control unit 300 side among the main control unit 300 side and the first sub-control unit 400 side, and the number of games is managed in the continuous production of Gaze. This mode is suitable for cases where the Furthermore, this mode is compatible with a specification in which the AT lottery is performed based on the winning combination, rather than a specification in which the transition to the AT state is determined depending on the number of games or the mode.

In addition, if an irregular push is performed and a penalty occurs, and if a rare role is internally won in the next game after the penalty occurs, a special process (rare role avoidance navigation) that navigates the pressing order to avoid winning the rare role ) may be executed. If a player recognizes that a penalty has occurred due to a blackout display, etc., and wins a rare prize immediately after the penalty, he or she may feel disappointed because the previous penalty affects the profit obtained from the rare prize and causes a loss. , we intentionally execute a navigation to avoid rare roles so that players will not be disappointed.

Further, in a game in which a penalty occurs, an AT lottery is not performed, but an AT lottery is performed in the next game. However, preferential treatment regarding AT that may be executed when winning an AT lottery (for example, an additional lottery for the number of AT grant games) will not be performed in the game following the game in which the penalty occurred.

Next, the display mode of the recommended operation display REC will be explained.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a plurality of examples of the display mode of the operation recommendation display REC displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157.

FIG. 21(a) shows the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 before the reels 110 to 112 start rotating, and an image is displayed using the entire display screen.

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

In FIG. 21(c1) continuing from FIG. 21(b), the lord's line display SPE such as "I feel like there is a good opportunity" is displayed. All three reels 110-112 continue to rotate.

In FIG. 21 (c2) continuing from FIG. 21 (c1), only the middle reel 111 among the three reels 110 to 112 is stopped. That is, the middle stop button 138 is operated as the first stop operation, and an irregular press is performed. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 shown in FIG. 21(c2), an operation recommendation display REC is displayed at a position above the line display SPE such as "There are signs of a good opportunity." That is, the recommended operation display REC and the dialogue display SPE do not overlap. Further, the recommended operation display REC does not overlap with the storage number display section 125L on the left side, and neither does the recommended operation display REC and the payout number display section 127L on the right side.

Note that the display mode of the recommended operation display REC is a common display mode regardless of the type of performance being executed (for example, normal performance, small role performance, duel performance, freeze performance, etc.).

FIG. 21(c3) is a diagram showing another display mode of the operation recommendation display REC. The recommended operation display REC shown in this figure is a full-screen display excluding the three reels 110 to 112. In other words, text such as "Press left is recommended" is displayed on a gray background.

FIG. 21(c4) is a diagram showing the relationship between the recommended operation display REC and the error display.

The error display ERR, in which the words "Error" are displayed on a gray background, is displayed on the entire screen excluding the three reels 110 to 112. Even if the recommended operation display REC is displayed before this error display ERR, or even if the recommended operation display REC is displayed after the error display ERR, the error will be displayed on the recommended operation display REC. The ERR overlaps, making the operation recommendation display REC difficult to see. In this FIG. 21(c4), the recommended operation display REC overlapped with the error display ERR is represented by a dotted line. In this example, the operation recommendation display REC is entirely overlapped with the full-screen error display ERR, but at least a portion thereof may be overlapped. Specific errors in the error display ERR include a door opening error, a hopper clogging error, a hopper empty error, and an error in the number of medals passed (the same applies to the following description).

As explained above, the recommended operation display REC is displayed in an area that overlaps with the error display ERR but does not overlap with the dialogue display SPE, so that a part of the performance can be grasped. Further, the operation recommendation display REC is displayed approximately at the center of the display screen.

Note that in a medalless gaming machine, counting is possible at any time, so counting is possible even when the recommended operation display REC is displayed, and the recommended operation display REC may be displayed during counting.

Next, an example will be described in which the error display ERR is displayed while the operation recommendation display REC is displayed and the error is recovered.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where an error display ERR is displayed while a recommended operation display REC is displayed, or a case where a power failure/recovery occurs. In FIG. 22, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 is shown in chronological order from left to right.

As described above, the operation recommendation display REC is a display that is displayed when an irregular press is detected, but even if an irregular press is performed, it may or may not result in a penalty. If a penalty occurs, the recommended operation display REC will be displayed even after the third stop, and will disappear when the next game starts (see the example shown in Figure 16), but if a penalty has not occurred, the operation recommendation display REC will be displayed. , the penalty disappears at a faster timing than when it occurs (see the example shown in FIG. 17).

FIG. 22(a1) is a diagram illustrating an example where a penalty occurs due to an irregular press.

On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 shown at the far left, an operation recommendation display REC is displayed overlapping the display of the normal effect. An error is detected while the recommended operation display REC is displayed, and the error display ERR is displayed on the entire display screen, and the recommended operation display REC becomes invisible (hidden). That is, an error is detected in a game in which a penalty occurs. Thereafter, the error in the game in which the penalty occurred is resolved and the error returns, the error display ERR disappears, and the state returns to the state where the operation recommendation display REC is displayed again. When the start lever 135 is operated to start the next game, the recommended operation display REC disappears, and the display screen displays the performance display (small role performance display) for the next game.

FIG. 22(a2) is a diagram showing an example of a case where an irregular push is performed but no penalty occurs.

On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 shown at the far left, an operation recommendation display REC is displayed overlapping the display of the normal effect. An error is detected before the third stop is performed, and the error display ERR is displayed on the entire display screen, and the operation recommendation display REC becomes invisible (hidden). After that, a third stop is performed, and if the error is resolved and the error returns before a predetermined time has elapsed since the third stop, the error display ERR disappears and the operation recommendation display REC returns to the state where it is displayed again. . On the other hand, if the error is resolved and the error returns after a predetermined period of time has passed since the third stop, the operation recommendation display REC is not displayed on the display screen after the error display ERR disappears.

Note that the error detection timing in this example may be within a period after the third stop and before the predetermined time elapses.

As explained above, if an error occurs while displaying the recommended operation display REC, the error display ERR will be displayed on the full screen, and if the error is recovered within the display period of the recommended operation display REC, the recommended operation display REC will remain. However, if the error returns after the display period has elapsed, no operation recommendation display REC remains.

Next, an example will be described in which a power outage is restored while the operation recommendation display REC is displayed.

FIG. 22(b1) is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where a power outage recovery occurs after the third stop and before the next game is started.

The display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 shown at the far left is the display screen after the third stop (while the reels are stopped), and a recommended operation display REC is displayed overlapping the display of the normal performance. Before the start lever 135 is operated (before the next game starts), a power outage is restored, and after the power is restored, the display screen is a startup screen (a screen displaying the words "Starting"). is displayed. In this example, when a power outage is restored while the reels are stopped while the recommended operation display REC is displayed, a demonstration screen is displayed after the startup screen. On the demo screen, the operation recommendation display REC has disappeared, and if the start lever 135 is operated while the demo screen is displayed, the next game will start, and the display screen will display the next game's production display (small role production). ) is displayed. Therefore, after the power is restored, the operation recommendation display REC immediately before the power outage is not displayed. Note that instead of the demo screen, a dedicated screen for when the power is restored (for example, a return screen on which the words "Return" are displayed) may be displayed.

FIG. 22(b2) is a diagram illustrating a first example when a power outage recovery occurs before the third stop when the operation recommendation display REC is displayed.

The display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 shown at the far left is the display screen after the irregular press and before the third stop (while the reels are rotating), and the recommended operation display REC is displayed overlapping the display of the normal effect. has been done. A power failure occurs while the reels are rotating, and the startup screen is displayed on the display screen after the power is restored. In this first example, when a power outage is restored while the reels are rotating while the operation recommendation display REC is displayed, a recovery screen, which is a screen dedicated to power restoration, is displayed after the startup screen. On the return screen, the recommended operation display REC has disappeared, and if the start lever 135 is operated while the return screen is displayed, the next game will start, and the display screen will display the effect display for the next game. There is. Therefore, in this first example as well, the operation recommendation display REC immediately before the power outage is not displayed after the power is restored.

FIG. 22(b3) is a diagram illustrating a second example in the case where a power outage recovery occurs before the third stop when the operation recommendation display REC is displayed.

In this second example, if power is restored during a power outage while the reels are rotating while the recommended operation display REC is being displayed, an effect display immediately before the power outage is displayed after the startup screen. Here, a normal presentation is displayed. In the effect display after the startup screen, the recommended operation display REC has disappeared, and if the start lever 135 is operated in this state, the next game will start, and the effect display for the next game will be displayed on the display screen. There is. Therefore, in this example as well, the operation recommendation display REC immediately before the power outage is not displayed after the power is restored.

FIG. 22(b4) is a diagram illustrating a third example where a power outage recovery occurs before the third stop when the operation recommendation display REC is displayed.

In this third example, if power is restored during a power outage while the reels are rotating while the recommended operation display REC is being displayed, the screen immediately before the power outage is displayed after the startup screen. Here, the recommended operation display REC is displayed overlapping the display of the normal effect. Therefore, in this third example, the operation recommendation display REC immediately before the power outage is displayed after the power is restored. Note that when the next game starts, the recommended operation display REC disappears and the effect display of the next game is displayed.

According to the above description,
``A control means [for example, the main control unit 300] capable of executing a second process that is advantageous to the player [for example, AT transition lottery, ceiling counter update];
A display means [for example, liquid crystal display device 157] capable of displaying a value display [for example, game number display GMV] representing a value based on the progress of the game;
A game machine comprising:
The control means is configured to provide information to the player when a predetermined execution condition [for example, an irregular push is performed in a state where the push order bell is won in the normal state (non-AT state) of the advantageous section] is satisfied. A means for executing the first process that is disadvantageous [for example, penalty process (not performing AT transition lottery, not updating ceiling counter)],
The display means is a means capable of displaying the value display in a first mode [for example, a display mode updated by 1G] at a first timing in a certain game [for example, the timing of the game start],
If the predetermined execution condition is satisfied after displaying in the first mode, the display means displays the display at a second timing [for example, third stop timing] that is later than the first timing. A means that may display the value in a second mode [for example, a display mode that returns 1G],
The display means does not display the value display in the second mode even at the second timing if the predetermined execution condition is not satisfied after displaying the value in the first mode. means [e.g., continue displaying in the first mode],
The second aspect is a different aspect from the first aspect,
A game machine characterized by: ”
explained.

According to this game machine, when the first process is less advantageous than the second process, the second process is performed at the second timing after the first timing in the certain game. By displaying the value displayed in the first mode in the second mode, the player can understand that the first process has been completed in the certain game. , it is possible to prevent the player from worrying that the first process will extend to the next game.

Processing that is disadvantageous to the player is processing that prevents the transition to the above-mentioned advantageous gaming state, or preferential processing that is advantageous to the player (for example, an additional lottery, or when the initial number of G awarded for AT is It may be a process that gives preferential treatment, or a process that does not include a process for acquiring the right to move to a specialized zone in an AT state.

For example, when the predetermined execution conditions are met, (a) it is a normal state in an advantageous section (not in an unfavorable section, it is not in an AT state), (b) a predetermined combination (for example, the pressing order This is a case where all of the conditions (a) to (c) are satisfied: (a) the game is an internal winning game; and (c) an operation different from the recommended operation is performed. Note that the value display may be a case where one or more of the conditions (a) to (c) are satisfied.The value display may be a display that has a one-to-one relationship with the number of games (for example, a display that has a one-to-one relationship with the number of games). The number of games may be displayed), or the number of games may be displayed not in a one-to-one relationship with the number of games.

If the predetermined execution condition is not satisfied after displaying in the first mode, the display means displays the value display even at the second timing, but does not display the value in the second mode. It may not be displayed in the above mode, it may not be displayed in the first mode, or the value display may not be displayed.

Also,
“The first mode is the mode displayed by performing the first update display of the value display [for example, +1G update display],
The second mode is a mode displayed by performing a second update display of the value display [for example, an update display of -1G],
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

If the first process is involved, the second update display is displayed after the first update display is displayed within the certain game, so the first process may be performed within the certain game. The player can understand that the game has been performed.

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

Also,
“The first update display is a display that updates the value represented by the value display [e.g., number of games] displayed on the display means by a predetermined number of times [e.g., one game];
The second update display is a display that returns the value updated in the first update display to the value before being updated.
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

If the number of games updated by a predetermined number at the first timing is accompanied by the first disadvantageous process, the disadvantageous process is completed with the certain game by returning it to the number of games before the update. It can be understood that

Also,
“One of the predetermined execution conditions is a condition that is satisfied when a specific event [for example, an irregular press] occurs.
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Note that the specific event may be a certain operation by the player, or may be an operation other than the operation recommended by this game machine (non-recommended operation).

Also,
``Equipped with reels [for example, reels 110 to 112] that stop rotation by a stop operation,
The stop operation includes a recommended stop operation [for example, a sequential push stop operation],
The specific event is that a stop operation different from the recommended stop operation [for example, an irregular press stop operation] is performed;
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

By determining the stopping operations that may be disadvantageous, it is possible to recommend the player to play the game using the recommended stopping operations.

Also,
``When a predetermined transition condition [for example, an internal winning of a winning combination other than a losing one] is satisfied, the game is moved from a non-advantageous section [for example, a section in which it is impossible to shift to an AT state] to a game from the non-advantageous section. It is a configuration in which the vehicle moves to an advantageous section [for example, a section where it is possible to shift to an AT state] that is advantageous for the user,
The control means is a means for not executing the first process in the non-advantageous section even if the first condition is satisfied.
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

For example, the timing of transition from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section may be the first game after the setting change, but the first game after the setting change is often when the store opens. First thing in the morning, the reel is not warmed up, so it takes time to accelerate, and the timing at which the stop operation can be accepted is slightly delayed. Therefore, even though the player presses the left stop button in the first operation, there is a possibility that the above-mentioned timing is shifted and the timing when the middle stop button is actually pressed becomes the above-mentioned timing. It would be cruel to the player to impose a penalty in such a case, so by not executing the first process in the non-advantageous section even if the first condition is satisfied, It is possible to prevent the player from suffering a disadvantage.

Note that the advantageous section is a section in which it is possible to shift to a notification gaming state (AT state) that notifies the player of an operation mode that is advantageous to the player in the stop operation, and the non-advantageous section refers to It may also be a section in which it is impossible to shift to a gaming state.

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

Further, the control means is means for updating the value of the counter in a game in the non-advantageous section immediately before shifting from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section [for example, an advantageous section transition game], and the display means may be means for updating and displaying the value display according to the start of the game [for example, see the thick white arrow in the advantageous section transition game in FIG. 19(a)].

Also,
``The display means does not display the value display in the second mode in the first game after power restoration even if the predetermined execution condition is satisfied in the first game after power restoration [for example, as shown in FIG. 19(c) and (d) of the same figure],
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

It is possible to prevent the player from knowing whether a setting change has been made or not.

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

FIG. 23(a) is a diagram showing winning combination data stored in the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300.

The winning combination information on the left side shown in FIG. 23(a) is the same as the winning combination information shown in FIG. 6(a). There are four patterns (CLR, CRL, RLC, RCL) with different stop operation modes (press order) for the bell (push order bell) which is the push order combination. Furthermore, three winning combinations (1 to 3) are prepared for each pattern. That is, three combinations are prepared in the same pressing order. For combinations with the same push order, the player's profit is the same, but by preparing three each, the results can be varied. For example, if there is only one winning combination for one pressing order, only a specific result will be displayed for a specific pressing order, which will become monotonous, but we will provide multiple winnings for one pressing order. By doing this, the shapes in which the winning combinations are displayed can be different even when the pressing order is the same, and it is possible to prevent the results from becoming monotonous.

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

In the explanation so far, the transition from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section was achieved by winning a winning combination other than a losing one. That is, if a winning combination of "01" or higher associated with Replay 3 is internally won, the game will move to the advantageous section.

In this example, if a winning combination of "04" or higher associated with Replay 1 is internally won, the game shifts to the advantageous section. A winning combination number of "04" or higher, that is, a winning combination number belonging to the range of "04" to "34" is an advantageous section number. On the other hand, winning combination numbers less than "04", ie, winning combination numbers belonging to the range of "01" to "03", become non-advantageous section numbers. In this way, by determining the winning combination numbers separately for the winning combinations that are allowed to shift to the advantageous section and the winnings that are not allowed, it is possible to implement the advantageous section transition process, which will be described later, with a simple process.

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

The information on the small role group includes a push order group consisting of all push order Bell roles, a 1-card role 7, and a 1-card role 8 among the push order roles. For small winning combinations that are not included in this push order winning group, a consecutive number (natural number) is assigned to each small winning combination. In other words, small winning numbers from "01" to "21" are assigned, which correspond one-to-one with the small winnings. Therefore, the small winnings can be identified by the small winning numbers. On the other hand, in the push order group, a group number ("00") is assigned to the entire group, and no number is assigned to each bell role or one-card role. For this reason, types such as push order winnings can be identified by group numbers, but small roles (push order bell_CLR, push order bell_CRL, push order bell_RLC, push order bell_RCL, 1-card winning combination 7, 1-card winning combination) 8) cannot be distinguished, and the stop operation mode (pressing order) cannot be distinguished. That is, from the group number, it can be determined whether or not the combination is in the order of pressing, but it cannot be determined which is the correct operation (operation mode that may be most advantageous to the player). In addition, even if it is possible to specify that it is a pressing winning combination, it can also be said that the information cannot specify which type of pressing winning combination (Bell_CLR1, Bell_CRL1, etc.) it is. In the AT state, when the main control unit 300 transmits an internal winning command to the first sub-control unit 400, the main control unit 300 transmits it including winning combination information (winning combination number), and the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400: The winning role information (winning role number) is used to conduct a lottery regarding performances such as AT performances. Further, the main control section 300 may transmit information indicating the pressing order to the CPU 404 of the first sub-control section 400 instead of or together with the winning combination information (winning combination number). On the other hand, in the normal state (non-AT state), the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 does not need to perform AT performance, and rather than referring to the 35 winning combination numbers "00" to "34", Referring to the 22 numbers from ``00'' to ``21'' results in faster processing and a smaller program capacity. Therefore, when transmitting an internal winning command to the first sub-control unit 400, the main control unit 300 does not include the winning combination information (winning combination number) in the normal state (non-AT state), and The CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 uses the information of the minor role group to perform processing such as a production lottery (for example, a lottery for whether or not to execute a suggestive production, an announcement production for the level of expectation, etc.). conduct. In addition, the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 acquires new information from the information on the small role groups (the information on the small role groups is further grouped, such as push order, replay, common bell, cherry, watermelon, and chance). The new information may be used to perform the performance lottery and performance processing, and even with such specifications, it can be said that information on the small role group is used.

The rare role group is a further grouping of the minor role group, and the information is divided into a weak rare role group, a strong rare role group, and a non-rare role group (other group). . A unique group number (“01”) is assigned to the entire group of weak rare combinations, and no number is assigned to each rare combination (watermelon, weak cherry). A unique group number ("02") is assigned to the entire group of strong rare winnings, and no number is assigned to each rare winning combination (strong cherry, chance). For the other groups, a unique group number ("03") is assigned to the entire group, and no number is assigned to each role. Therefore, depending on the group number, it is possible to distinguish whether the winning combination is a rare combination or not, and it is also possible to identify the type of rare combination, such as a weak rare combination or a strong rare combination. However, with the group number, it is not possible to identify small winning combinations, and it is not possible to know which symbol to press. The CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 performs "Replay?→Bell?→Weak Cherry?→Strong Cherry→Watermelon?→Chance" when performing an AT lottery or a lottery to transition to a high probability state (described later) according to the lottery result. ?", it is easier to perform a lottery process such as "Others? → Weak rare role? → Strong rare role?", so when performing lottery processing using rare role groups. There is also. The same applies to the lottery process in the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400, and the main control unit 300 includes information on the rare combination group in the internal winning command and transmits the internal winning command to the first sub-control unit 400. In some cases.

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

It should be noted that the winning winning combination number, minor winning winning number, and group number explained above are expressed in binary numbers or hexadecimal numbers on the program (the same applies in the following explanation).

FIG. 23(b) is a flowchart of advantageous section transition processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300.

This advantageous section transition process is executed after the winning combination is determined in the various lottery process steps S105 shown in FIG.

First, the CPU 304 sets a winning combination number (winning combination information) of "00" to "34" shown in FIG. It is determined whether the winning combination number is equal to or greater than "04", which is the winning combination number associated with Replay 1 (step S251). In addition, as a determination method, a comparison instruction such as a "CP instruction" can be used, and depending on the success or failure of the carry flag (if the carry flag = 1, the transition to the advantageous section will not occur), the process of determining the transition to the advantageous section is performed. It can be carried out. In the case of a numerical value without a sign, such as winning combination information, it is only necessary to perform processing according to the success or failure of the carry flag, so by using a comparison instruction, it is possible to reduce the processing load while using a simple instruction.

If the winning combination number associated with the winning combination is "04" or higher, the gaming state is set to an advantageous section (step S252). Here, there is a high probability state where the probability of winning the AT lottery is relatively high and a low probability state where the probability of winning is relatively low. Transition to low probability state. Further, the ceiling number of games may be set to a first number of games (for example, 1000 games) or may be set to a second number of games (for example, 500 games). Multiple types of advantageous sections are prepared by combining the transition timing of the high probability state and the number of ceiling games, and the advantageous section set in step S252 is an advantageous section selected by lottery from among these multiple types of advantageous sections. Become.

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

As explained above, the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 determines whether the winning combination falls within the range of "04" to "34", that is, whether the winning combination number corresponding to the winning combination is 4 or more. All you have to do is make a judgment. In terms of program instructions, when the non-advantageous period continues, the winning combination number is set in a predetermined register (for example, A register), and the contents of the predetermined register and the contents of Replay 1 ("04") are set. A simple program that compares the numbers and ends when the winning combination number is less than 4 is sufficient, and the capacity of the program can be reduced compared to determining whether or not each winning combination is an advantageous section transition combination. Further, it is possible to reliably eliminate winnings that are not advantageous section transition winnings.

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

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

FIG. 24(a) is a diagram showing the game information display 126 in which seven segment displays are arranged horizontally.

At the far left of FIG. 24(a), an instruction display (display of the number 7) is shown when instructing CLR (center right/left) operation, and to its right side is an instruction display when instructing CRL (center right left) operation. An instruction display (displaying the number 8) is shown in the center, and an instruction display (displaying the number 9) for instructing RLC (center right left center) operation is shown in the center. Left) An instruction display (display of the number 10) for instructing operations is shown, and on the far right, the player can press the button in any order corresponding to 1-card winning 7 and 1-card winning 8. A common display (display of the number 11) indicating that the profits are the same is shown depending on the pressing order.

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

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

First, the CPU 304 determines whether the winning combination is a combination that belongs to the pressing order combination of the small combination group shown in FIG. 23(a) (step S261). In terms of program instructions, the number of the small role group to which the winning role corresponds (the small role number from "01" to "21" or the group number of "00") is the group number " 00''. The CPU 304 has to refer to 35 numbers such as "00" to "34" for winning combination numbers, but for small winning combination groups, it only needs to refer to 22 numbers, increasing the processing speed. Furthermore, the capacity of the program becomes smaller.

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

In step S263, processing is performed using the winning combination information (winning combination number) instead of the information on the small winning combination group used in step S261. That is, the winning combination number associated with the winning combination is divided by 3, and the value of the quotient of the division result is determined as the instruction information value. For example, if Bell_CLR2 is won, the winning combination number "22" is divided by 3 and the quotient value is "7", so "7" is determined as the instruction information value. "3" used here corresponds to the number of prepared winning combinations with the same pressing order. In other words, in order to have a variety of outcomes, we have prepared three winning combination numbers in the same pressing order, so there are three winning combination numbers, and in order to perform common processing for these three winning combination numbers, we divide by 3, and the remainder is is not considered, and the value of the quotient is determined as the instruction information value. This makes the process simple.

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

Note that the CPU 304 is also capable of processing information about small role groups and rare roles due to the high processing speed and small program capacity mentioned above, even in AT lottery and lottery in a high probability state where the probability of winning the AT lottery is relatively high. Process using group information.

FIG. 24(c) is a modification of the flowchart of the instruction monitor setting process shown in FIG. 24(b).

In the previous explanation, the number 7 to number 11 was displayed on the game information display 12, which functions as an instruction monitor, as shown in FIG. 24(a), but in this modification, The number 0 to number 4 is displayed.

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

If the winning combination is a pressing combination and the current gaming state is the AT state, in step S273, the CPU 304 selects the winning combination as shown in FIG. 23(a) from the value of the winning combination number (winning combination information) associated with the winning combination. 21, which is the value of the winning winning combination number associated with Bell_CLR1, which is the pushing winning combination located at the head of the pressing winning combination of the small winning combination group shown in , to obtain the winning winning combination information subtraction value. In step S274, the winning combination information subtraction value is divided by 3, and the value of the quotient of the division result is set as the winning combination information subtraction division value. In step S275, a value of "1" is added to the winning combination information subtraction division value, and if the value of the addition result exceeds "4", 0 is determined as the instruction information value; If not, the value of the result of adding is determined as the instruction information value. For example, if Bell_CLR2 has been won, first, "21" is subtracted from the winning combination number "22" to obtain a winning combination information subtraction value of "1" (step S273). Next, "1" is divided by 3, and since the value of the quotient is "0", this "0" is set as the winning combination information subtraction division value (step S274). Finally, "1" is added to "0", and since the added value does not exceed "4", "1" is determined as the instruction information value. On the other hand, if the winning combination 7 has been won, first, "21" is subtracted from the winning combination number "33" to obtain a winning combination information subtraction value of "12" (step S273). Next, "12" is divided by 3, and since the quotient value is "4", this "4" is set as the winning combination information subtraction division value (step S274). Finally, "1" is added to "4", and since the added value exceeds "4", "0" is determined as the instruction information value.

In the following step S276, instruction monitor information is set based on the instruction information value determined in step S275, and this instruction monitor setting process ends. As a result, the game information display 126, which functions as an instruction monitor, displays the number 1 when instructing a CLR operation, and displays the number 2 when instructing a CRL operation. When instructing RLC operation, the number 3 is displayed, and when RCL operation is instructed, the number 4 is displayed. In addition, the number 0 is displayed as a display common to the pressing order corresponding to the one-card winning combination 7 and the one-card winning combination 8, which indicates that the player's profit is the same regardless of which pressing order is performed.

In the instruction monitor setting process shown in FIG. 24(b) described above, the quotient after the division process is displayed as is on the instruction monitor, and the information to be displayed on the instruction monitor is determined by one division process. Processing becomes easier. On the other hand, depending on the number of winning combinations and types of winning combinations, the instruction monitor information displayed on the game information display 126 will be displayed from a value other than "1". In this example, the numbers are displayed starting from "7" as shown in FIG. 24(a). On the other hand, in the instruction monitor setting process shown in FIG. 24(b), the instruction monitor information displayed on the game information display 126 can be displayed from "1", making it easier for players to understand. can.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing another example of the winning combination data shown in FIG. 23(a). Hereinafter, the differences from the winning combination data shown in FIG. 23(a) will be mainly explained, and redundant explanations may be omitted.

FIG. 25(a) shows another example 1 of the winning combination data. In this alternative example 1 as well, the winning combination information is the same as the winning combination information of the winning combination data shown in FIG. 23(a). In other words, the same 35 winning combinations (small winning combinations) as the winning combination information shown in FIG. A consecutive number (winning role number) is attached.

Of the 35 winning combinations (minor combinations) in this alternative example 1, the relationship between the display mode and the number of coins paid out for each operation content of the common bell and the pressing combination is the same as the relationship shown in FIG. 6(b). .

In another example 1, if a winning combination of "05" or higher associated with Replay 2 is internally won, the game shifts to the advantageous section. A winning combination number of "05" or higher, that is, a winning combination number belonging to the range of "05" to "34" is an advantageous section number. On the other hand, winning combination numbers less than "05", ie, winning combination numbers belonging to the range of "01" to "04", become non-advantageous section numbers.

The information on the small role group in another example 1 includes the same push order group as the information on the small role group in the winning combination data shown in FIG. 23(a), as well as a replay group that is a different push order group. There are also groups. Minor roles that are not included in either the push order group or the replay group are numbered "01" to "04" and "06" to "16", which correspond one-to-one with the minor roles. has been done. Therefore, the small winnings can be identified by the small winning numbers. On the other hand, in the replay group, a unique group number ("05") is assigned to the entire group, and no number is assigned to each replay combination. For this reason, although it is possible to identify the type of winning such as a replay winning by the group number, it is not possible to distinguish each replay winning, and the stopping operation mode (pressing order) cannot be identified.

In another example 1, since replay 1, which is not transferred to the advantageous section, is also grouped into the replay group ("05"), in the advantageous section transition processing shown in FIG. 23(b), the winning combination information is It is convenient to refer to it.

Although not shown, the winning combination data of Example 1 also includes the same rare combination group as the rare combination group in the winning combination data shown in FIG. 23(a).

FIG. 25(b) shows another example 2 of the winning combination data. Also in this second example, the winning combination information is the same as the winning combination information of the winning combination data shown in FIG. 23(a). In other words, the same 35 winning combinations (small winning combinations) as the winning combination information shown in FIG. A consecutive number (winning role number) is attached.

Of the 35 winning combinations (minor combinations) in this alternative example 2, the relationship between the display format and the number of coins paid out for each operation content of the common bell and the pressing combination is the same as the relationship shown in FIG. 6(b). .

In another example 2, when a winning combination of "21" or higher associated with the push order bell_CLR1 is internally won, the game shifts to an advantageous section. A winning combination number of "21" or higher, that is, a winning combination number belonging to the range of "21" to "34" is an advantageous section number. On the other hand, winning combination numbers less than "21", ie, winning combination numbers belonging to the range of "01" to "20", become non-advantageous section numbers.

The information on the small role group in another example 2 includes a push order group consisting of all the push order Bell roles, 1-card role 6, 1-card role 7, and 1-card role 8 among the push order roles. There is. For small winning combinations that are not included in this push order winning group, a consecutive number (natural number) is assigned to each small winning combination. In other words, small winning numbers from "01" to "20" are assigned, which correspond one-to-one with the small winnings. Therefore, the small winnings can be identified by the small winning numbers. On the other hand, in the push order group, a group number ("00") is assigned to the entire group, and no number is assigned to each bell role or one-card role. For this reason, types such as push order winnings can be identified by group numbers, but small roles (push order bell_CLR, push order bell_CRL, push order bell_RLC, push order bell_RCL, 1 card 6, 1 card win) 7. One-card combinations (8) cannot be distinguished, and the stopping operation mode (pressing order) cannot be identified. That is, based on the group number, it is not known which is the correct operation (the operation mode that may be most advantageous to the player).

In another example 2, the one-card winning combination 6 that is not transferred to the advantageous section is also grouped in the push order fluop ("00"), so in the advantageous section transition process shown in FIG. It is more convenient to refer to the winning role information.

Although not shown, the winning combination data of Example 2 also includes the same rare combination group as the rare combination group in the winning combination data shown in FIG. 23(a).

According to the above description,
``It is determined whether the transition conditions for transitioning to an advantageous section that is advantageous for the player [e.g., winning a winning role other than loss, replay 3, 1 piece in RB, or bell in RB] are satisfied, and the transition condition is determined. an advantageous section setting means (for example, a CPU 304 that executes the advantageous section transition process shown in FIG. 23(b)) that sets the advantageous section to the advantageous section when the above is satisfied;
Winning result determining means for determining one of the plurality of winning results [for example, the CPU 304 that executes the internal winning combination lottery process in the various lottery processes (step S105) shown in FIG. 10];
A game machine comprising:
Each of the plurality of winning results [for example, the winning combination information shown in FIG. 23(a)] corresponds to first numerical information [for example, the winning combination number of the winning combination information shown in FIG. 23(a)]. It is attached,
The advantageous section setting means sets the first numerical information corresponding to the winning result determined by the winning result determining means to a specific value [for example, "04" or "0100" expressed in binary or hexadecimal. 4] or more [for example, the determination result of Yes in step S251 shown in FIG. 23(b)], the transition condition is satisfied and the advantageous section is set [for example, Step S252 shown in b)],
The advantageous section setting means determines that if the first numerical information corresponding to the winning result determined by the winning result determining means is less than the specific value [for example, No in step S251 shown in FIG. 23(b)]. determination result], the transition condition is not satisfied and the advantageous section is not set [for example, the end of the advantageous section transition process shown in FIG. 23(b)],
A game machine characterized by: ”
explained.

According to this gaming machine, the advantageous section can be set by determining whether the first numerical information corresponding to the winning result determined by the winning result determining means is greater than or equal to a specific value. Therefore, the capacity of the processing program can be reduced compared to determining whether or not it is an advantageous section transition combination for each winning result. Also, the data capacity does not have to be enormous.

Note that the plurality of first numerical information items associated with each of the plurality of winning results may be continuous values, or may be values arranged at intervals. Alternatively, it may be a discrete value. However, a plurality of pieces of first numerical information are provided in each of the plurality of winning results such that a winning result that sets the advantageous section and a winning result that does not set the advantageous section can be distinguished based on the specific value. It must be matched.

moreover,
Advantageous section setting means that determines whether or not transition conditions for transitioning to an advantageous zone that is advantageous for the player are satisfied, and sets the transition condition to the advantageous zone if the transition condition is satisfied;
Winning result determining means for determining the winning result;
A game machine comprising:
The first information is associated with the winning result,
The advantageous section setting means is means for setting the advantageous section if the first information corresponding to the winning result determined by the winning result determining means satisfies a predetermined condition,
The advantageous section setting means does not set the advantageous section if the first information corresponding to the winning result determined by the winning result determining means does not satisfy the predetermined condition;
The first information is information in which information that satisfies the predetermined condition and information that does not satisfy the predetermined condition are classified.
A game machine characterized by:
It may be.

Also,
"A winning result in which the first numerical information is equal to or greater than the specific value [for example, 31 pieces in FIG. 23(a)] is better than a winning result in which the first numerical information is less than the specific value. For example, more than 4 in FIG. 23(a)]
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

By doing so, the advantageous section can be set at an early stage, and the processing speed can be increased.

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

By doing so, the advantageous section can be set at an early stage, and the processing speed can be increased.

Also,
“A reel that stops rotating by a stop operation [for example, reels 110 to 112],
Privilege granting means [for example, main control unit 300],
The plurality of winning results include a plurality of types [for example, Bell CLR, Bell CRL, Bell RLC, Bell RCL] associated with operation modes that are advantageous to the player in the stop operation [for example, so-called correct operation]. , 1-card combination 7, 1-card combination 8] operation mode results [for example, push order combination] are included,
The benefit granting means uses second information different from the first numerical information [for example, information on a minor role group] to carry out processing related to granting a benefit [for example, AT state] [for example, AT state transition lottery]. [For example, in a normal state (non-AT state)]
The second information can specify that the winning result determined by the winning result determining means is the result of the operation mode [for example, the push order combination], but it is possible to specify that the winning result determined by the winning result determining means is the result of the operation mode [for example, the push order combination], but it is possible to specify that the winning result determined by the winning result determining means is the result of the operation mode [for example, the push order combination], but it is possible to specify that the winning result determined by the winning result determining means is the result of the operation mode [for example, the push order combination], but it is possible to specify that the winning result determined by the winning result determining means is the result of the operation mode [for example, the push order combination], but it is possible to specify that the winning result determined by the winning result determining means is the result of the operation mode [for example, the push order combination], but it is possible to specify that the winning result determined by the winning result determining means is the result of the operation mode [for example, the push order combination], but it is possible to specify that the winning result determined by the winning result determining means is the result of the operation mode [e.g. Whether it is [for example, Bell CLR, Bell CRL, Bell RLC, Bell RCL, 1-card role 7, or 1-card role 8] is information that cannot be specified.
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

From the viewpoint of the lottery means, there may be a gaming state in which the advantageous operation mode is not necessary, and conversely, a lottery using the second information may require less processing program capacity. be.

According to the above description,
“A reel that stops rotating by a stop operation [for example, reels 110 to 112],
Winning result determining means for determining one of the plurality of winning results [for example, the CPU 304 that executes the internal winning combination lottery process in the various lottery processes (step S105) shown in FIG. 10];
Notification information determining means [for example, CPU 304 that executes instruction monitor setting processing] that determines notification information [for example, instruction monitor information] corresponding to the operation mode in the stop operation;
Notification means for notifying the notification information [for example, the game information display 126 functioning as an instruction monitor];
A game machine comprising:
The winning result determining means selects one of a plurality of types of specific winning results (e.g., push order combinations) that are associated with operation modes that are advantageous to the player (e.g., so-called correct operation). It is a means that may determine the winning results [for example, Bell CLR 1 to 3, Bell CRL 1 to 3, Bell RLC 1 to 3, Bell RCL 1 to 3, 1-card combination 7, 1-card combination 8],
When one of the plurality of types of specific winning results is determined, the notification information determining means performs a predetermined calculation process [for example, calculation process of dividing the winning combination number by 3]. means for determining the notification information based on the calculation result [for example, instruction information value] obtained by
A game machine characterized by: ”
explained.

According to this gaming machine, no matter which of the specific winning results is determined, the notification information is determined based on the calculation results obtained by predetermined calculation processing, thereby making the processing common. This makes it possible to reduce the capacity of a processing program related to notification of operation contents that are advantageous to the player.

Also,
“The winning result [for example, the winning combination information shown in FIG. 23(a)] is associated with the first information [for example, the winning combination number of the winning combination information shown in FIG. 23(a)]. Ori,
The broadcast information determining means is a means for determining the broadcast information based on a calculation result obtained by the predetermined calculation process using the first information.
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

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

Also,
“A first control means [for example, the main control unit 300] that controls the progress of the game,
A second control means [for example, the first sub-control unit 400] that controls the production,
Equipped with
The broadcast information determining means is a means controlled by the first control means,
The first control means is a means for transmitting second information different from the first information [for example, information on a small role group] to the second control means,
The second information can specify that the winning result determined by the winning result determining means is the specific winning result [for example, the winning combination], but it is possible to specify that the winning result determined by the winning result determining means is the specific winning result [for example, the winning combination] The type [for example, Bell CLR1, Bell CLR2, Bell CLR3, etc.] is information that cannot be specified.
The second control means is a means for controlling the production using the second information,
What makes it special is the game console. ”
Also explained.

In terms of the second control means, there may be gaming states where the advantageous operation mode is not necessary, and conversely, controlling the performance using the second information reduces the capacity of the processing program. Sometimes less is enough.

The first control means may include the winning result determining means, and the first control means may include the broadcast information determining means.

Also,
“The predetermined calculation process is a division process,
The first information is information that includes a corresponding value [for example, the value of the winning combination number] that corresponds one-to-one to the winning result,
Based on the calculation result obtained by dividing the corresponding value by a predetermined value (for example, 3), the notification information determining means may use the calculation result as it is (step S264), Further processing the calculation result (step S275)] is means for determining the notification information [for example, the CPU 304 that executes the instruction monitor setting process shown in FIG. 24(b) or (c)],
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Regardless of which specific winning result is determined, the notification information is determined based on the calculation result obtained by dividing by a predetermined value, thereby making it possible to standardize the process. The capacity of the processing program can be reduced.

Also,
``The broadcast information determining means is a means for determining, as the broadcast information, information representing a quotient value of the result of dividing the corresponding value by the predetermined value [for example, an instruction monitor shown in FIG. 24(b)] CPU 304 that executes the setting process],
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

By using the quotient value of the result of the division process, the notification information can be determined without considering the remainder of the division process, so the capacity of the processing program can be further reduced.

Also,
“The plurality of types of specific winning results are provided with a first number [for example, 3] of winning results [for example, Bell_CLR] in which the advantageous operation mode is the same,
the predetermined value is the first number;
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

The first number has a value of 2 or more, and it is possible to prepare a plurality of specific winning results of the same advantageous operation mode with different outcomes. On the other hand, since the number of specific winning results increases, the value to be handled becomes larger, but since the division processing is performed by the first number, the increase in the number of specific winning results can be canceled. It is possible to suppress the increase in the capacity of the processing program and the time required for processing.

In addition,
"Reels that stop rotating by a stop operation [for example, reels 110 to 112],
A winning result determining unit that determines a winning result from among a plurality of winning results [for example, the CPU 304 that executes an internal winning combination lottery process in the various lottery processes (step S105) shown in FIG. 10];
a notification means that provides notification corresponding to the operation mode in the stop operation [for example, the game information display 126 functioning as an instruction monitor];
A game machine comprising:
The winning result determining means determines a specific winning result from among a plurality of specific winning results [for example, a push order combination] that are associated with an operation mode that is advantageous to the player [for example, a so-called correct operation]. It is a means that may
The plurality of specific winning results include a first specific winning result [for example, Bell_CLR1] and a second specific winning result [for example, Bell_CLR2],
The first specific winning result is associated with a first operation mode [for example, pressing order of middle left and right] as the advantageous operation mode,
The second specific winning result is associated with the first operation mode [for example, pressing order of middle left and right] as the advantageous operation mode,
The notification means is a means that can notify the first information corresponding to the first operation mode when the first specific winning result is determined as the winning result by the winning result determining means,
The notification means is a means that can notify second information corresponding to the first operation mode when the second specific winning result is determined as the winning result by the winning result determining means,
The first information and the second information are the same information [for example, the display of the number "7" shown on the leftmost side of FIG. 24(a)],
A game machine characterized by: ”
It may be.

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

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an example in which after a continuous performance is performed, a final notification performance is performed and the state is shifted to the AT state. FIG. 26(b) shows an example in which a penalty has occurred. In both the upper part of FIG. 26(a) and the lower part of FIG. 26(b), the movement progresses from left to right. In FIG. 26, the number of games played (number of games), winning combination, pressing order, display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, occurrence of penalty, performance progress, count value of the precursor G number A counter, and value of the game number display GMV are shown. It is shown.

In FIG. 26(a) shown in the upper row, a rare role (for example, strong cherry) has been won and a continuous performance has started. In FIG. 26(a), the continuous performance is shown from the middle, and performance 1 (see FIG. 14) is omitted from the illustration.

In the N+1th game, performance 2 of the continuous performance is executed, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a scene in which the enemy swordsman appears. The value of the game number display GMV is 98, and "98G" is displayed at the lower left of the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. Further, the value of a precursor G number A counter (not shown here) managed by the main control unit 300 is "3" in the N+1 game. In the (N+1)th game, the player wins internally, and the left stop button 137 is operated first, and the stop operation of the recommended operation on the left middle right is performed.

In the N+2nd game, performance 3 of the continuous performance is executed, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a scene in which the main character, the lord, and the enemy, the master swordsman, are facing each other. The value of the game number display GMV is 99, and "99G" is displayed at the lower left of the display screen. The value of the precursor G number A counter of the main control unit 300 decreases by one to "2" in the N+2 game. In the N+2 game, the push order bell is internally selected, but since it is in a normal state (not an AT state), the operation navigation is not executed, and the left stop button 137 is operated first, and the recommended operation on the left center right is selected. A stop operation is performed.

In the N+3rd game, performance 4, which is the last performance of the continuous performance, is executed, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a scene in which the main character, the lord, defeats the enemy swordsman, and the AT transition is made. is suggested. The continuous performance ends at this N+3 game. The value of the game number display GMV is 100, and "100G" is displayed at the lower left of the display screen. In the N+3rd game, the value of the precursor G number A counter further decreases by one and becomes "1". In the N+3rd game, the replay is internally won, and the stop operation of the recommended operation on the left center right is performed. Note that when the continuous performance ends, the game number display GMV that has been displayed up to that point is hidden at the lower left of the display screen.

In the N+4th game in which the continuous performance has ended, a confirmation announcement performance is executed, and on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, the words "AT confirmed" are displayed above the character of the main character, the lord, The player can specify the transition to the AT state. The value of the precursor G number A counter becomes "0" in the N+4th game. In the N+4th game, the replay is internally won, and the stop operation of the recommended operation on the left center right is performed.

At the start of the N+5th game, since the value of the precursor G number A counter is "0", the normal state shifts to the AT state (AT normal state). The liquid crystal display device 157 displays a notification screen (an AT start screen on which the words "AT start" are displayed) notifying the transition to the AT state. In the N+5th game, the push order bell was internally won. Since the value of the precursor G number A counter managed by the main control unit 300 is “0” and the gaming state is the AT state, the first sub-control unit 400 receives the winning combination from the main control unit 300. Information regarding the order of operations is sent. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, a display of "312" (operation navigation display) is displayed to inform the user of the correct operation of the push order bell, which is the winning combination.

FIG. 26(b) shown in the lower part is a diagram showing an example in which a continuous performance is executed as in FIG. 26(a) in the upper part, and a penalty occurs in a game in the middle of the continuous performance. Hereinafter, differences from the example shown in FIG. 26(a) in the upper row will be mainly explained.

In the example shown in FIG. 26(b), the value of the game number display GMV is 98 in the N+1 game (performance 2 of the continuous production), and is managed by the main control unit 300 (not shown here). The value of the precursor G number A counter is "3".

In the next N+2 game (performance 3 of continuous performances), the push order bell is internally won. That is, the push order bell is internally elected in the normal state of the advantageous section. Here, an irregular push stop operation is performed in which the first stop operation is to the right, and a penalty occurs. In the N+2th game, as shown in FIG. 26(a), the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a scene in which the main character, the lord, and the enemy, the master swordsman, are facing each other. Further, "99G" is displayed in the game number display GMV at the lower left of the display screen. At the timing when the first stop operation that caused the penalty to occur is performed, an operation recommendation display REC such as "Press left is recommended" is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 so as to overlap with that scene. . Furthermore, in a game where a penalty has occurred, a blackout display is added to the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the timing when the third stop operation is performed, making the above scene difficult to see, but the blackout display is displayed in the recommended operation display REC. The operation recommendation display REC is easily visible. On the other hand, the game number display GMV has been added to a blackout display, making it difficult to see the game number display GMV. In this example, even if a penalty occurs, the value of the game number display GMV is not returned by one game at the timing of the third stop operation, but remains at 99G (no change). Therefore, even if the game number display GMV is made difficult to see by darkening the display, there is no change and there is no effect. However, the value of the precursor G number A counter of the main control unit 300 is not updated at the timing when the third stop operation is performed, and remains at "3". Note that, similarly to the recommended operation display REC, the number of games display GMV may also be prevented from being darkened to make it easier to visually recognize the number of games display GMV. Further, the recommended operation display REC may be displayed without darkening, or the recommended operation display REC may be displayed on the entire screen.

When the N+3rd game of the next game is started, the display of the blackout display ends, and the display of the recommended operation display REC also ends, and performance 4, which is the last performance of the continuous performance, is executed. In other words, even if a penalty occurs during a continuous performance, the performance 3 that was executed in the game where the penalty occurred will not be re-executed, but the performance scheduled to be executed (here, performance 4) will be executed, and the continuous performance will be continued first. Proceed to and complete the continuous performance. As a result, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a scene in which the main character, the lord, defeats the enemy, the master swordsman, suggesting that AT transition will take place. The value of the game number display GMV is 100, and "100G" is displayed at the lower left of the display screen. On the other hand, the value of the precursor G number A counter decreases by one and becomes "2".

In the N+4th game in which the continuous performance has ended, a final announcement performance is executed, and on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, the value of the portent G number A counter is one more on the display of the character of the main character, the lord. It decreases to "1" but does not become "0".

At the start of the N+5th game, since the value of the precursor G number A counter is "1", the game does not shift to the AT state (AT normal state) and remains in the normal state. In addition, the main control unit 300 executes a standby game if the value of the precursor G number A counter is “1” or more even after the final announcement performance is finished. In this standby game, on the liquid crystal display device 157, a standby effect is executed in which the character display PRE "in preparation" is added to the same display as the final notification effect. Note that the character display PRE "Preparing" is displayed with the final announcement performance, but it does not have to be displayed together with the final announcement performance, and a screen specific to the standby performance (standby state) is displayed instead. Good too. In addition, during the standby performance, it is not clearly shown to the player how many games the standby performance will continue, so in the final game of the standby performance, a message such as " The display "Preparing" may become slightly brighter or darker, or the display mode before the final game of the standby effect and the display mode during the final game of the standby effect may change. good. For example, the "Preparing" display is displayed in the first stage mode until the final game of the standby production, and the "Preparing" display is displayed in the second stage mode when the final game of the standby production is started. , the subsequent first stop operation and second stop operation are displayed in the form of the third stage and the form of the fourth stage, and the final stop operation is displayed in the form of the fifth stage (final stage). You can also do this. This makes it possible to indicate that the AT state will start from the next game, allowing the player to mentally prepare, and preventing the AT state from starting unexpectedly. Further, the standby performance is a performance that is executed by the main control unit 300 instructing the first sub-control unit 400 to execute. Note that if the first sub-control unit 400 determines that the value of the precursor G number A counter from the main control unit 300 is not “0” even though the value of the game number display GMV is “0” ( If it is determined that there is a discrepancy between the number of Gs from the main control unit and the number of Gs from the first sub-control unit, the first sub-control unit 400 may perform control to execute a standby effect. . Then, as in the example shown in FIG. 26(a), the AT start screen is not displayed even after the final notification performance has ended, but a standby game is executed, and the progress of the performance is not displayed during the standby game. Perform a stop motion. By performing the standby game, the value of the precursor G number A counter becomes "0". Note that in this example, a penalty occurred in only one game (N+2), but if a penalty occurred in multiple games, standby games equal to the number of games in which a penalty occurred are executed.

At the start of the N+6th game, since the value of the precursor G number A counter is "0", the normal state shifts to the AT state (AT normal state). The AT start screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157, and the push order bell is internally selected. Furthermore, information regarding the order of operations for winning combinations is transmitted from the main control unit 300 to the first sub-control unit 400 . On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, a display of "312" (operation navigation display) is displayed to inform the user of the correct operation of the push order bell, which is the winning combination.

In the example of executing the standby game described above, the discrepancy between the value of the precursor G number A counter and the progress of the performance is not corrected during the continuous performance, and the continuous performance ends and before the AT start screen is displayed. Correct the above discrepancy by playing a standby game. In other words, rather than making corrections in the middle, make corrections at the end.

In addition, the character display PRE "in preparation" displayed in the standby game was preparing for the value of the precursor G number A counter to become "0", but the character display PRE "in preparation" It may be displayed even if no penalty occurs. For example, the character display PRE "under preparation" may be displayed in the final notification effect shown in FIG. 26(a). In this case, the character display PRE "in preparation" becomes a character display representing the AT state in preparation. In this way, by displaying the character display PRE that says "Preparing" even if no penalty has occurred, it is possible to make it difficult to understand that this is a standby game due to a penalty, and to avoid making the player feel disappointed. It can be prevented. Note that the period of standby games is equal to the number of games in which a penalty has occurred, but this is not limited to this, and the number of games to be kept in the standby game may be determined by lottery, and in this case, in a situation where no penalty has occurred. However, if a standby game is involved, the message "Preparing" is displayed whether or not there is a penalty, making it difficult to understand that the balance is due to a penalty. In addition, the number of games to be kept in the standby game may be determined according to the number of gaming value pieces obtained by irregular pressing, for example, the larger the number of gaming value pieces obtained by irregular pressing, the longer the waiting game is, If the number of pieces of game value obtained by irregular pressing is small, the waiting game may be shortened, and as a result, the gaming value obtained by irregular pressing can be used up, so profits can be obtained by irregular pressing. Not only can this be prevented, but the number of waiting games will be reduced in cases where players have made irregular presses but have not received any game value, so it is possible to prevent such players from consuming more game value than necessary. .

Next, the flow of the omen performance will be explained.

There are two types of omen performances: main omen performances and gazette omen performances. This precursor performance is a performance that is executed over one or more games in a state where it has already been determined that the player will shift to a gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the current gaming state. This is a performance that enlivens the transition even before the transition.

The AT state (AT normal state) will be explained below as an example of an advantageous gaming state.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating the flow of this precursor effect when transitioning from a normal state (non-AT state) to an AT state. In both the upper part of FIG. 27(a) and the lower part of FIG. 27(b), the movement progresses from left to right.

FIG. 27(a) in the upper part is a diagram showing the flow when no penalty occurs during the execution of the present precursor effect. In FIG. 27(a), the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 is shown in a simplified manner.

In this example, condition A is established from the normal stage shown in FIG. 7, and the state shifts to the AT normal state. The normal stage is an advantageous section, and the background image of the normal performance is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157. In this state, a rare role (for example, strong cherry) is internally won, a main omen performance lottery based on the internal win is won, and the main omen performance is started. In this example, if the present omen effect lottery is won, the AT normal state is entered. That is, after the main warning performance ends, the AT normal state is entered.

The main control unit 300 manages the start timing of the main omen performance and the number of performance games of the main omen performance. The number of production games of this omen production is 32. Further, the number of performance games of the final announcement performance that is started when the main precursor performance ends is 1. When the start timing of the main omen performance comes, the omen G number A counter is set to ``33'', which is the sum of the number of performance games of the main omen performance and the number of performance games of the final notification performance.

When the main omen effect is started, in the first game, the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a main omen effect start image (a character display image of "Omen ZONE") that informs that the main omen effect has started. . The value of the precursor G number A counter is updated at the timing when the third stop operation is performed, and is decreased by 1 from "33" to "32". In addition, in this entire main omen production, the development production of one game and the continuous production of 4 games are included in the final stage, so the premonition scene production before that is for 27 games (N=27).

In the 28th game of the main omen production, a development production is performed, and it is determined whether or not the omen scene production will develop into a continuous production. That is, it is determined whether the present omen effect ends or continues. Here, it develops into a continuous performance (this precursory performance continues), and the continuous performance described using FIG. 26 is executed. When the continuous performance of 4 games ends, this precursory performance ends. As mentioned above, in production 4 of the continuous production, a scene in which the main character, the lord, wins against the enemy, the master swordsman, is displayed, suggesting a transition to AT.

When the present omen performance ends, the value of the omen G number A counter becomes "1", and then the final announcement performance is performed for one game. As described above, in the confirmation performance, the words "AT confirmed" are displayed, allowing the player to specify that the AT state will be entered. When the final notification performance is completed, the value of the precursor G number A counter becomes "0".

In addition, in a game in which a confirmed announcement performance is performed, an additional lottery may be performed to add on the number of AT awarded games based on the internal winning combination in that game.

The gaming state of the slot machine 100 shifts from a normal state to an AT state (AT normal state), and an AT start screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157. When the push order bell is internally won, the value of the precursor G number A counter managed by the main control unit 300 is “0” and the gaming state is the AT state. Information regarding the correct operation order of the push order bells is transmitted from the control unit 300, and an operation navigation display is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157.

FIG. 27(b) in the lower part is a diagram showing the flow when a penalty occurs during execution of the present precursor effect. Hereinafter, differences from the example shown in FIG. 27(a) will be mainly explained.

First, the penalty in the normal stage of the advantageous section before the start of the main performance is not subject to the standby game. This is because the precursor G number A counter of the main control unit 300 is not activated, and the discrepancy between the value of the precursor G number A counter and the progress of the performance does not pose a problem. However, the penalty in the normal stage of the advantageous section before the start of the main performance may also be a target of the standby game. Although the above-mentioned deviation is not a problem, if a penalty is imposed, the display start timing of the AT start screen is delayed, which is a measure to prevent penalties.

A penalty occurs in the second game after the start of the main omen effect. The value of the precursor G number A counter is not updated at the timing when the third stop operation is performed and remains at "32", but the performance progresses.

In addition, a continuous performance is started and a penalty occurs even while performance 2 is being executed. The value of the precursor G number A counter is not updated at the timing when the third stop operation is performed and remains at "5".

In the end, in this example, the penalty occurs twice, and the value of the precursor G number A counter at the time when the final notification performance ends is "2".

When the final announcement performance is completed, standby games are executed for the number of times equal to the value of the portent G number A counter. Here, standby games for two games are executed. As described above, in the standby game, a standby effect is executed in which the character display PRE "under preparation" is added to the same display as the final notification effect. By performing the standby game twice, the value of the precursor G number A counter becomes "0". Note that a penalty may also occur during standby gaming. Even when a penalty occurs during a standby game, the value of the precursor G number A counter is not updated at the timing when a third stop operation is performed, and the standby game is extended by the number of games in which a penalty occurs.

While a standby game is being executed, an additional lottery for increasing the number of AT granting games may not be performed based on the internal winning combination in that game, or may be performed. Alternatively, while the standby game is being executed, the additional lottery may not be performed for replays or bells, but the additional lottery may be performed only for rare combinations (for example, cherry). Even if it is a standby game, an additional lottery is performed with a rare combination, so that if the specification is such that a standby game is performed even if no penalty has occurred, it is difficult to understand that it is a standby game due to a penalty. This allows the game to be played naturally regardless of the occurrence of penalties.

Also, during standby gaming, information regarding the operating order of winning combinations is not transmitted from the main control unit 300 to the first sub-control unit 400, so the operation navigation display is not displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157, but the operation mode ( (press order) may be performed. For example, only the fact that the first stop is on the left may be notified, and a display showing that the second stop is "?" and the third stop is also "?" or a press order quiz may be performed. When an operation navigation display is included in the performance related to the operation mode (push order), the frequency of execution of the performance related to the operation mode (push order) is lower during the standby game compared to during the game in the AT state. For example, it may be reduced by 1/2 or not performed at all. In addition, instead of the performance related to the operation mode, a performance suggesting the winning combination may be executed. If a rare combination such as Cherry or Watermelon is won, a message saying "Opportunity" or a color corresponding to the winning combination ( For example, if you win a replay or push order bell, you may display a display that includes a "small role" or a color that corresponds to the winning role (for example, light blue, yellow, or some other role). (gray color) indicating that the winner has been selected may be displayed.

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

As explained above, if a penalty occurs during the period of the main omen performance, the AT start screen will be displayed only after the scheduled main omen performance has been completed to the end. Waiting games are performed for the number of games that were penalized in the period before the game. Then, after the standby game ends, a transition to the AT state is notified, and the operation navigation display becomes available. By completing all of the scheduled premonitory performances to the end, the player feels that the occurrence of the penalty has no adverse effect, and the player can be introduced to the AT state without being discouraged. In addition, if a penalty occurs due to a mistake, the player may feel disappointed and lose his or her desire to continue playing, but even if a penalty occurs, if the display is not darkened, the player will be able to continue playing naturally. It is also possible to prevent the player from realizing that a penalty has occurred. In addition, by playing the standby game, it is possible to match the visual performance progress with the internal game situation. Furthermore, since the standby performance is executed after the confirmation announcement performance is executed, the player knows that the AT state will be entered soon and may stop playing the game (leave his/her seat). can also be suppressed. In addition, since the same display as the "AT confirmed" display in the confirmation announcement performance is displayed in the standby performance, it is also possible to more reliably prevent the player from stopping the game.

Note that the example shown in FIG. 27 is an example of the main precursor performance in transition from the normal stage to the AT normal state, but it is also applicable to the main precursor performance in the transition from the normal stage to CZ. In addition, although we have described an example in which the value of the precursor G number A counter is set by winning the main omen lottery using a rare combination as an opportunity, the present invention is not limited to this. The number of Gs at which the next AT state will start is determined at the time of the previous AT state, and the precursor start timing may be determined thereafter, and the precursor begins at the end of the previous AT state (at the start of a new normal stage). The timing may be determined, or the value of the portent G number A counter may be set by performing the main portent lottery at the timing when a specific number of G's has elapsed.

A fake precursor performance is a performance that is executed over one or more games in a state where it has not been decided to shift to a gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the current gaming state, and is a performance that is executed over one or more games. This is a performance that makes you expect something, but it only makes you expect it, and the game does not actually move to an advantageous gaming state, but remains in its current gaming state.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating the flow of the gaze warning effect executed in the normal state (non-AT state). In both the upper part of FIG. 28(a) and the lower part of FIG. 28(b), the movement progresses from left to right.

The upper part of FIG. 28(a) is a diagram showing the flow when no penalty occurs during the execution of the false precursor effect. In FIG. 28(a), the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 is shown in a simplified manner. Hereinafter, a description will be given focusing on the differences from the flow when no penalty occurs during the execution of the present precursor effect shown in FIG. 27(a).

The normal stage is an advantageous section, and the background image of the normal performance is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157. Whether or not to execute the false omen performance, the contents of the performance, the performance period, etc. are determined depending on the result of the false omen performance lottery. The false omen effect lottery is executed on the condition that the number of games has reached a predetermined number of times, or on the condition that a predetermined role (for example, a replay or a bell) has been internally won. Even if the execution of the false omen performance is won through the false omen performance lottery, the omen G number A counter is not activated. The presentation contents and presentation period of the gazette premonition presentation here are the same as the presentation contents and presentation period of the main omen presentation described using FIG. 27(a). That is, precursory scene effects are performed for 27 games, and development effects are performed in the 28th game. In the development performance, even if it is a gaze precursor performance, it develops into a continuous performance, and the same continuous performance as the continuous performance described using FIG. 26 is executed. In production 4 of the continuous production, a scene in which the main character, the lord, defeats the enemy, the master swordsman, is displayed, suggesting the transition to AT. When the continuous performance of four games ends, the fake precursor performance ends.

When the gazette precursor effect ends, the final announcement effect is not executed, and when the next game starts, the background image of the normal effect is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157. At this point, the player notices for the first time that the previous omen performance was a ghastly omen performance. It should be noted that text such as "Unfortunate" may be displayed in the next game after the end of the premonition effect.

FIG. 28(b) in the lower part is a diagram showing the flow when a penalty occurs during execution of the gaze precursor effect. The following will mainly explain the differences from the example shown in FIG. 28(a).

First, even if a penalty occurs in the normal stage of the advantageous section before the start of the false precursor performance, the standby game is not executed. Further, even if a penalty occurs during the execution of the gazette precursor performance, the standby game is not executed. In the first place, it remains in the normal state without transitioning to the AT state, and as mentioned above, the precursor G number A counter of the main control unit 300 is not activated, and the relationship between the value of the precursor G number A counter and the progress of the performance is This is because misalignment is not a problem. Even if a penalty occurs, the priority is to make the production look natural and the production will be completed to the end. Then, when the gaze precursor performance ends, the standby game is not played, and when the next game starts, the background image of the normal performance is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157.

Also, in the case of false signs, we have described an example in which they are triggered by a rare role, similar to this sign, but this is not limited to this, and the false signs start at the end of the previous AT state (at the start of a new normal stage). The timing may be determined.

Furthermore, as an example of a performance when a penalty occurs due to an irregular press, we have explained an example in which a similar performance is re-executed in the next game, and an example in which a standby state occurs at the confirmation announcement after the end of a continuous performance. Not limited to. For example, if a penalty occurs due to an irregular press in a certain game, the final part of the performance in the previous game (the game in which the irregular press was performed) will continue to be executed in the next game (the performance will be extended, and the performance will not progress). It's okay. Of course, if you press the recommended button in the next game, the performance will progress in each game one after another, and if you press the irregular button again, the final part will continue to be executed in each game one after another. For example, the structure of the performance in a certain game is that "the beginning part when the game is started (operating the start lever 135) → the middle part when the first stop → the final part when the final stop button is released" is executed, and when the final stop button is pressed, the final part is executed. If the configuration is such that the performance video of the final part is played in a loop after the button is released, if you press irregularly in a certain game and receive a penalty, the performance of the previous game (a certain game) will be changed in the next game. The final part continues to be played in a loop. In addition, in the next game after the irregular press, the playback will be a loop from the game start operation to the final part, and the performance will not progress with each stop operation. In addition, if the loop playback of the final part is reached in a situation where an irregular press is made in a certain game, even if the start operation of the next game is performed, the loop playback of the final part will be seamlessly played without starting from the beginning of the loop playback. You may go. Also, if there is a final part after the final stage in the production structure, if you press the recommended button in a certain game, the production will be executed until the final part, but if you press the irregular button in a certain game, the process will not progress to the final part. It is configured so that the loop plays in the final part without stopping, and the loop in the final part continues to start in the next game, and if the next game is a recommended push, the performance will progress to the final part after the final stop, and the next game will also be played in a loop. If it is an irregular press, the final part may loop even after the final stop. The final part of the production includes a production in which the opponents are facing each other, a production display that says "NEXT" that indicates the progress of the production to the next game, and a production display that says "Hit the lever" to prompt the start operation for the next game. It's okay. In addition, in a configuration in which the effect is extended when an irregular press results in a penalty, the G number counter managed by the main control unit 300 and the G number counter managed by the sub-control unit 400 are If a penalty occurs, the G number counter may not advance in the next game, or the G number counter may return by 1.

According to the above description,
``Production means [for example, liquid crystal display device 157],
A control means [for example, main control unit 300],
A game machine comprising:
The control means is a means capable of controlling the transition to a second gaming state (e.g., AT state) that is more advantageous to the player than the first gaming state [e.g., normal state (non-AT state)],
The control means is a means capable of executing the second process,
The second process is a process related to transition from the first gaming state to the second gaming state [for example, updating a transition counter, updating a precursor G number A counter, updating a ceiling counter, AT transition lottery] and
The effect means is a means for executing a second effect [for example, an effect based on the AT start screen on which the character display of "AT start" in FIG. 26 is displayed] that notifies the transition to the second gaming state. can be,
The control means is means in a second case that executes the second process,
The control means controls the control means not in the second case but in the first case which may be more disadvantageous to the player than the second case [for example, when penalty processing is executed or when no processing is executed]. It is a certain means,
In the second case, the performance means is a means for executing the first performance [for example, the continuous performance in FIG. 26] that was scheduled to be executed before transitioning to the second gaming state as scheduled. Yes [for example, FIG. 26(a)],
The effecting means is a means for executing the first effect as scheduled also in the first case [for example, FIG. 26(b)],
Before executing the second performance, the performance means performs a third performance [for example, a character display PRE "in preparation" is added] over a number of games corresponding to the number of games in the first case. It is a means to execute the standby performance]
A game machine characterized by: ”
explained.

According to this gaming machine, even in the first case where the second process is not executed and may be disadvantageous to the player, the first performance is executed as scheduled, so that the first performance is During execution, the player is not made to feel that the first case is occurring, and can be made to think that the game is progressing naturally. On the other hand, before executing the second effect, the third effect is executed for a number of games corresponding to the number of games in the first case, so the visual progress of the effect and the internal game situation can be harmonized. As a result, this gaming machine can deal with the influence of whether or not there is a process related to transition to a gaming state advantageous to the player (the second process).

Note that the execution timing of the third performance may be any timing before the execution of the second performance.

In addition, in the second case where the control means executes the second process, the operation means performs the stop operation in an operation mode different from the predetermined operation mode [for example, a right first stop In the first case [e.g. , a case where a penalty process is executed, or a case where no process is performed, that is, a case where a penalty is imposed.

Furthermore, in the first case, the effect means executes a third effect for a number of games corresponding to the number of games in the first case, before executing the second effect. be.

Also, according to the above description,
``Production means [for example, liquid crystal display device 157],
A control means [for example, main control unit 300],
A game machine comprising:
The control means is a means capable of controlling the transition to a second gaming state (e.g., AT state) that is more advantageous to the player than the first gaming state [e.g., normal state (non-AT state)],
The control means is a means capable of executing the second process,
The second process is a process related to transition from the first gaming state to the second gaming state [for example, updating a transition counter, updating a precursor G number A counter, updating a ceiling counter, AT transition lottery] and
The effect means is a means for executing a second effect [for example, an effect based on the AT start screen on which the character display of "AT start" in FIG. 26 is displayed] that notifies the transition to the second gaming state. can be,
The control means is means in a second case that executes the second process,
The control means controls the control means not in the second case but in the first case which may be more disadvantageous to the player than the second case [for example, when penalty processing is executed or when no processing is executed]. It is a certain means,
Before the second performance, the performance means may perform a fourth performance that can specify that a transition to the second gaming state will occur [for example, a confirmation display in which a character display of "AT confirmed" is displayed. It is a means that may carry out "announcement performance",
The effect means performs a third effect for a number of games corresponding to the number of games in the first case after the execution of the fourth effect is started and before the execution of the second effect is started. A means for executing a presentation [for example, a standby presentation with the text display PRE “under preparation” added];
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

According to this gaming machine, after the execution of the fourth performance in which it is possible to specify that the transition to the second gaming state is to be performed is started, and before the execution of the second performance is started, the Since the third effect is executed over the number of games corresponding to the number of games in the first case, it is possible to match the apparent progress of the effect with the internal game situation. Moreover, by executing the fourth effect, the player knows that the second gaming state will be entered in the near future, and the second process may not be executed, which may be disadvantageous to the player. It is possible to prevent the player from stopping the game just because the first case occurs. As a result, this gaming machine can deal with the influence of whether or not there is a process related to transition to a gaming state advantageous to the player (the second process).

In addition, in the second case in which the control means executes the second process, and in the stop operation, the game machine operates in an operation mode different from the predetermined operation mode [for example, the right first stop In the first case [e.g. , a case where a penalty process is executed, or a case where no process is performed, that is, a case where a penalty is imposed.

In addition, in the first case, the performance means determines the number of games played in the first case after the execution of the fourth performance is started and before the execution of the second performance is started. This is a means for executing a third effect (for example, a standby effect to which the character display PRE "in preparation" is added) over the number of games corresponding to the number of games.

Also,
“In the second case, the performance means is a means for executing the first performance [for example, the continuous performance in FIG. 26] that was scheduled to be executed before transitioning to the second gaming state as scheduled. [For example, FIG. 26(a)],
The effect means includes the first effect [for example, the continuous effect shown in FIG. 26] and the second effect [for example, the effect based on the AT start screen on which the characters "AT start" are displayed in FIG. 26]. Means that may execute the fourth effect (for example, a confirmation announcement effect in which a character display of "AT confirmed" is displayed) in between,
The effecting means is a means for executing the first effect as scheduled also in the first case [for example, FIG. 26(b)],
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

According to this gaming machine, even in the first case, the first performance is executed as scheduled, so that the player can be aware that the first case is occurring while the first performance is being executed. It is possible to make it seem like the game is progressing naturally without making the player feel like the game is progressing naturally.

Also,
“The performance means determines the number of games in which the first case occurs after executing the first performance [for example, a game with a portent scene performance (2/N) and a game with a continuous performance (2/4)]” means for executing the third effect over the number of games [for example, two games] according to [for example, 27(b)],
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Even if the first case occurs during execution of the first performance, by doing so, the first performance is not interrupted and the player can enjoy the first performance. be able to.

Also,
“The third performance is a performance in which a specific display that is not displayed in the first performance [for example, the character display “Preparing” PRE] is displayed.
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

By performing the specific display, the player can clearly understand that the first performance has ended.

Also,
“The third performance is a performance in which the specific display is displayed together with a display that allows the transition to the second gaming state to be specified [for example, a text display of “AT confirmed”];
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

By displaying a display that allows the player to specify the transition to the second gaming state, the player knows that the transition to the second gaming state will occur soon, and the second process is executed. It is possible to prevent the player from stopping the game just because the first case, which can be disadvantageous to the player, occurs.

Also,
``The above-mentioned performance means is configured to perform the above-mentioned first case [for example, when a penalty is imposed] during the execution of the third performance [for example, a standby performance in which the character display PRE "in preparation" is added]. In this case, before executing the second effect [for example, the effect using the AT start screen], extend and execute the third effect for a number of games corresponding to the number of games in the first case. It is a means to
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

To a person who intentionally tries to cause the first case to occur during the execution of the third performance by delaying the execution of the second performance (delaying the transition to the second gaming state) It becomes a countermeasure.

In addition, the said control means may carry out the lottery regarding the said 2nd game state even during execution of the said 3rd performance. Since it would be cruel to the players to not be able to conduct a lottery at all, as a remedial measure, it is possible to conduct a lottery regarding the second gaming state.

Further, a notification means (which may be the above-mentioned performance means, or a means different from the performance means (for example, a speaker, etc.) capable of performing operation mode notification that notifies the player of an operation mode advantageous to the player in the stop operation) is provided. ), the second gaming state is a gaming state in which the notifying means can execute the operation mode notification, and the first gaming state is a gaming state in which the notifying means can execute the operation mode notification. The game is in an unexecutable gaming state. The performance means may be a fifth performance related to the operation mode (for example, a performance that notifies the player of an operation mode advantageous to the player in the stop operation, or a performance related to an operation mode regardless of whether it is advantageous or disadvantageous). ), and the probability of executing the fifth effect is lower during execution of the third effect than after the execution of the second effect. Note that the execution probability of the fifth performance while the third performance is being executed may be higher than 0%, or may be 0%.

Furthermore, when the gaming state transitions to the second gaming state, the performance means can execute a sixth performance before the transition, and the sixth performance is configured to perform the sixth performance when the gaming state transitions to the second gaming state. It is a performance regarding whether or not to play (for example, a main precursor performance), and the performance means is configured to perform a performance of the sixth performance when the first case occurs in a game in which the sixth performance is executed. The third performance may be performed after the end of the performance. Note that the first performance may be a part of the sixth performance, or may be the sixth performance. If player A causes the first case to occur before the game in which the sixth effect is executed, and then player B plays a game in which the sixth effect is executed, the game It is possible to prevent player B from being influenced by player A in the first case.

Further, the performance means is a means that can perform the same performance as the first performance even when the gaming state does not shift to the second gaming state (for example, when performing a gazette precursor performance), The performance means is a means capable of executing the third performance when the gaming state shifts to the second gaming state. Furthermore, the performance means may be a means that cannot perform the third performance when the gaming state does not shift to the second gaming state. If the gaming state does not shift to the second gaming state, there is no need to match the apparent performance progress with the internal gaming situation, and there is no need to execute the third performance. In addition, if the third performance is executed before the gaming state has shifted to the second gaming state, it will become unnatural, so the third performance is not executed.

Furthermore, the third effect is an effect in which a specific display that is not displayed in the first effect is displayed, but in the fourth effect, the same display as the specific display may be displayed. It's okay. By displaying the same display as the specific display in the fourth effect, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to understand that the third effect is due to the occurrence of the first case. You can avoid feeling regretful.
According to the above description,
``Production means [for example, liquid crystal display device 157],
A control means [for example, main control unit 300],
A game machine comprising:
The control means is a means capable of controlling the transition to a second gaming state (e.g., AT state) that is more advantageous to the player than the first gaming state [e.g., normal state (non-AT state)],
The control means performs normal control regarding the transition from the first gaming state to the second gaming state [for example, updating a transition counter, updating a precursor G number A counter, updating a ceiling counter, and executing an AT transition lottery. control]
The control means may perform an irregular control that is more disadvantageous to the player than the normal control regarding the transition from the first gaming state to the second gaming state [for example, penalty processing (not performing AT transition lottery, ceiling counter , not updating the count value of the portent G number A counter, not performing a stock lottery, not performing an AT grade upgrade lottery, or a control that does not perform any processing]. ,
The effect means is a means for executing a second effect [for example, an effect based on the AT start screen on which the character display of "AT start" in FIG. 26 is displayed] that notifies the transition to the second gaming state. can be,
Before the second performance, the performance means may perform a fourth performance that can specify that a transition to the second gaming state will occur [for example, a confirmation display in which a character display of "AT confirmed" is displayed. It is a means that may carry out "announcement performance",
When the normal control is performed, the performance means executes the first performance [for example, the continuous performance in FIG. 26] that was scheduled to be executed before transitioning to the second gaming state as scheduled. means [for example, FIG. 26(a)],
The effect means includes the first effect [for example, the continuous effect shown in FIG. 26] and the second effect [for example, the effect based on the AT start screen on which the characters "AT start" are displayed in FIG. 26]. Means that may execute the fourth effect (for example, a confirmation announcement effect in which a character display of "AT confirmed" is displayed) in between,
The presentation means is a means for executing the first presentation as scheduled even when the irregular control is performed [for example, FIG. 26(b)],
The performance means executes a third performance [ for a number of games corresponding to the number of games for which the irregular control has been performed, after execution of the fourth performance is started and before execution of the second performance is started. For example, it is a means for executing a standby effect with the character display PRE "under preparation" added,
The third performance is a performance in which a specific display that is not displayed in the first performance [for example, the character display PRE of "in preparation"] is displayed.
A game machine characterized by: ”
explained.

Next, another example of condition A shown in FIG. 7 will be described. The main control unit 300 may perform an AT transition lottery based on internally winning a certain winning combination or reaching a certain number of games. If the AT transition lottery is won, an anticipation effect is performed a predetermined number of games before transition to the AT state. In the explanation so far, the specific performance in condition A is a continuous performance, and condition A is that the continuous performance ends. There may be.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a timing chart when the anticipation effect is performed and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at each timing.

In FIG. 29, time passes from left to right. Further, in FIG. 29, "game progress" includes "start operation", "first stop", "second stop", and "third stop" which are operations of the start lever 135. Below that, the acceptable states of "Left stop Sw" which is the left stop button 137 sensor, "Medium stop Sw" which is the middle stop button 138 sensor, and "Right stop Sw" which is the right stop button 139 sensor are also shown. has been done. Each Sw enters a receptive state after a start operation, and when it receives a stop operation while in an receptive state, the receptive state ends. Below that, the rotating states of the left reel 110, middle reel 111, and right reel 112 are also shown. Further below, the display contents of "liquid crystal display" on the liquid crystal display device 157 are also shown.

The main control unit 300 is provided with a transition counter that manages transition to the AT state. This transition counter counts up the number of games at the timing of the third stop, and if the value of the transition counter is the value of the predetermined number of games (here, 99) at the start of the game, the main control unit 300 instructs the first sub-control unit 400 to start executing the anticipation effect. In the anticipation performance, an expectation icon notification performance is performed by displaying an icon representing expectation, and a dialogue performance representing expectation is performed by displaying lines, in response to the operation of the stop button. Furthermore, a game number display GMV is displayed at the upper left of the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. The value of the game number display GMV is the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400, and increases by 1 each time a start lever acceptance command is received from the main control unit 300 after power is turned on. It is a value.

In this example, when the value of the transition counter is 99 at the start of the game, execution of the anticipation effect is started. The game started when the value of the transition counter is 99 at the start of the game is the 100th game. This 100th game is a normal state (non-AT state) in an advantageous section. At the timing (A1) when the 100th game start operation is performed, the background image of the normal effect is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. Furthermore, upon the start of the game, the game number display GMV in the upper left is updated from "99G" to "100G".

In the 100th game, the left stop button 137 is operated first to perform a first stop. Since the left stop button 137 was operated first, it was not an irregular press, and the first stopping act here is not an act subject to a penalty. The timing at which the first stop operation is performed is timing (A2), and the left reel 110 stops. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, the expectation icon notification effect is started at timing (A2), and the "confirm" icon EX1 is displayed. The "confirmed" icon EX1 is the icon with the highest degree of expectation for transition to the AT state.

Next, the middle stop button 138 is operated to perform a second stop and the middle reel 111 is stopped, and finally the right stop button 139 is operated to perform a third stop. The timing when the third stop operation is performed is the timing (A3), and the right reel 112 stops. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, the dialogue performance starts at timing (A3), and a dialogue display WD1 such as "Stunning!" is displayed. The dialogue display WD1 such as "It's amazing" is also the dialogue display with the highest degree of expectation for transition to the AT state. Further, the value of the transition counter is counted up to 100 at the timing (A3).

Eventually, the start lever 135 is operated to perform a start operation, and the 101st game is started. The timing when the 101 game is started is the timing (A4), and the value of the transition counter is 100. When the value of the transition counter is 100 at the start of the game, the gaming state shifts from the normal state to the AT state (AT normal state). On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, an AT start screen is displayed at timing (A4) to notify the transition to the AT state. The operation navigation display can be displayed from the 101st game. In the 101 game, the push order bell is internally won, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 also displays "312" (operation navigation display) to notify the correct operation of the push order bell, which is the winning combination. .

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a timing chart when a penalty occurs in the 100th game in which the anticipation effect is performed, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at each timing. In this FIG. 30 as well, time passes from left to right. Hereinafter, differences from the example shown in FIG. 29 will be mainly explained.

At the timing (A1) when the 100th game start operation is performed, the background image of the normal effect is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. Furthermore, upon the start of the game, the game number display GMV in the upper left is updated from "99G" to "100G".

In the 100th game in the normal state (non-AT state) of the advantageous section, the push order bell is internally won, but the operation navigation display is not displayed because it is in the normal state (non-AT state). Here, the right stop button 139 is operated first to perform a first stop. The first stop act here is an irregular push, and since the push order bell has been internally won in the normal state of the advantageous section, it is an act subject to a penalty. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the timing (A2) when the first stop operation is performed, an operation recommendation display REC such as "Press left is recommended" is displayed so as to overlap with the background image of the normal effect. Ru. Further, at the timing (A2), the fallen samurai icon EX3 is displayed at the position where the "confirm" icon EX1 is displayed, and the "confirm" icon EX1 is not displayed. The fallen samurai icon EX3 is the icon with the lowest expectation of transitioning to the AT state. In this way, when a penalty occurs, the performance that was scheduled to be executed (performance with high expectations) is replaced with another performance of the same type as the performance (performance with low expectations). Furthermore, when a penalty occurs, the dialogue performance that would normally be started after the third stop operation is performed is started at the stage when the irregular press first stop operation is performed. That is, at the timing (A2), the line display WD3 saying "What's the matter?" is displayed. The dialogue display WD3 "What's wrong?" is the dialogue display with the lowest level of expectation for transition to the AT state. Therefore, if a penalty occurs here as well, the performance that was scheduled to be executed (performance with high expectations) is replaced by another performance of the same type as the performance (performance with low expectations). Moreover, the execution timing is also changing. This is because, as will be explained later, at the timing when the third stop operation is performed, a blackout display is added and suggests that a penalty will occur, but if the dialogue production starts at that timing, on the other hand, it also suggests that a penalty will occur. , on the other hand, it suggests the degree of expectation of transitioning to the AT state (even if the blackout display is added, the dialogue display can be seen if you look closely), and the two types of suggestions conflict and become unnatural. Therefore, the start of the dialogue production is brought forward. However, if it takes time to control the process from determining that the first stop operation is an operation that is subject to a penalty to hastening the start of the dialogue production, the "What's wrong" operation may occur later than the timing of the first stop operation. It is also possible to display the line display WD3, ``Noja''.

Next, the middle stop button 138 is operated to perform a second stop and the middle reel 111 is stopped, and finally the left stop button 137 is operated to perform a third stop. At timing (A3) when the third stop operation is performed, a darkening display is added to the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. The addition of a darkening display suggests that a penalty has occurred in that game. On the other hand, the operation recommendation display REC and the number of games display GMV in the upper left corner are not darkened. Normally, the value of the transition counter would be updated at the timing of the third stop (timing (A3)), but since the penalty has occurred, it is not updated and remains at 99. Therefore, the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 is temporarily returned by one game at the timing (A3). As a result, the game number display GMV is switched from "100G" to "99G". Note that the game number display GMV may also be displayed in black.

Further, when the third stop is performed, a blackout display is added to the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, and the effect on the display screen becomes difficult to see, but it can be seen if you look closely. At the timing (A3) when the third stop operation (final stop operation) was performed, the dialogue display WD1 that triggered the final stop operation, such as "Stekija", was replaced by the fallen samurai icon EX3 due to the penalty. The production continues and is not performed. In addition, the dialogue display WD1 such as "It's wonderful" is not executed, and instead, the dialogue display WD3 "What's up" is started at the timing (A2) when the first stop operation is performed. It can be said that the line production by the artist continues. Incidentally, when the third stop is performed, the dialogue performance by the dialogue display WD3 such as "What's the matter?" ends, and the dialogue performance itself may not be executed.

The display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the timing (A4) after the third stop until the next game starts is the same as the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the previous timing (A3). That is, although the blackout display continues, the blackout display is not applied to the operation recommendation display REC and the game number display GMV of "99G".

Then, when the start lever 135 is operated and a start operation is performed, the 101st game is started. The value of the transition counter is 99, and the gaming state remains the normal state. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the timing (A5) when the 101 game is started, the blackout display ends, the operation recommendation display REC also ends, and the background image of the normal effect is displayed. As described above, since the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 has been returned by one game, the number of games display GMV has been updated to "100G". That is, in a game in which a penalty occurs, the value is returned by 1, and at the start of the next game, it is advanced by 1.

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

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

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

Eventually, the start lever 135 is operated to perform a start operation, and the 102nd game is started. The value of the transition counter is 100, and the gaming state shifts from the normal state to the AT state (AT normal state). An AT start screen is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, and the transition to the AT state is notified (see the liquid crystal display device 157 for the next start operation). In addition, the operation navigation display can be displayed, and in the 102 game, the push order bell is internally won, and the operation navigation display of "312" is also displayed.

In the case of a specification that re-executes the performance in the next game when a penalty occurs, if the "confirmed" icon EX1 is displayed in the game where the penalty occurred, the "confirmed" icon EX1 will remain displayed. This results in an unnatural flow in which the display is darkened and the "confirm" icon EX1 is displayed again in the next game. Moreover, since the "confirmed" icon EX1 is the icon with the highest expectation of transitioning to the AT state, even though that icon EX1 is displayed, if the transition to the AT state is not notified in the next game, Players' distrust increases. In addition, if you make an irregular press (a stop operation other than the first left stop), the recommended operation display REC will also be displayed, and the highly anticipated performance and the recommended operation display REC will be executed in an overlapping manner. In the end, it becomes difficult to understand the performance, which leads to a decrease in interest in the game. Therefore, when a penalty occurs, the performance scheduled to be executed is replaced with a safe performance. Here, the transition to the AT state is replaced with a performance with low expectations. By doing so, it is possible to achieve consistency between the presentation and the progress of the game. Note that even if a rare combination is drawn in the 100th game, if a penalty occurs, a performance with a low expectation of shifting to the AT state is executed.

The above explanation using FIGS. 29 and 30 was an example of controlling the transition to the AT state using the transition counter when the AT transition lottery is won. However, when the ceiling number of games is 100, The same applies to control of transition to the AT state using the ceiling counter. That is, if no penalty occurs in a game that starts when the ceiling counter value updated at the third stop is 99, the anticipation effect is executed as planned, and the game shifts to the AT state in the next game. On the other hand, if a penalty occurs, the expected performance is replaced with a performance with lower expectations, and if no penalty occurs in the next game, the expectation performance that was planned for the previous game is executed, and The next game will transition to the AT state.

FIG. 31 is a diagram for explaining the expectation effect and the minor role icon announcement effect.

FIG. 31(a) is a diagram showing icons displayed in the expectation icon notification performance of the expectation performance.

The "confirmed" icon EX1 is an icon with a 100% expectation of transition to the AT state. If you win AT migration in the AT migration lottery, you will be selected with a 59% probability. Note that the AT transfer lottery may be a transfer lottery based on the number of games, or may be a transfer lottery based on internal winning to a rare combination or the like (the same applies in the following description).

The "opportunity" icon EX2 is an icon with an expectation level of 40% for transition to the AT state. If you win AT migration in the AT migration lottery, you will be selected with a 40% probability. On the other hand, if AT migration is not selected in the AT migration lottery, the probability of selection is 60%.

The icon EX3 of the fallen samurai is an icon for which the expectation level of transition to the AT state is less than 1%. If you win the AT transition lottery in the AT transition lottery, you will be selected with a 1% probability, and if you do not win the AT transition, you will be selected with a 40% probability.

In the examples shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the anticipation performance was a performance performed according to the timing of the first stop operation, but it was performed according to the timing of the second stop operation and the third stop (final stop) operation. It may also be a performance that is executed depending on the timing.

FIG. 31(b) is a diagram illustrating lines displayed in the line production of the expectation production.

The line ``Stunning!'' is displayed only when the user wins the AT transition lottery, and is a line that has 100% expectation of transitioning to the AT state.

The line "It's a good chance" is a line that can be selected whether or not you win AT transition in the AT transition lottery, and the expectation level of transition to AT state is 40%. It is a line.

The line "What's wrong?" can be selected even if you win or not in the AT transition lottery, and the expectation level of transition to AT state is 10. The lines are less than %.

The expectation icon notification performance, which is part of the expectation performance, and the dialogue performance, which is also part of the expectation performance, are performances that announce or suggest the degree of expectation to transition to the AT state, so they can be said to be the same type of performance. Strictly speaking, however, the expectation icon announcement performance and the dialogue performance can be said to be different types of performance because the execution timing and manner of the performance are different.

FIG. 31(c) is a diagram showing icons displayed in the small role icon announcement performance.

This small role icon announcement performance is a performance for announcing internally won small roles, and is executed in the example shown in FIG. 18(b).

In the small role icon announcement performance 1, a "cherry" icon is displayed, and it is announced that the cherry has been internally won.

In the small role icon announcement performance 2, a "watermelon" icon is displayed, and it is announced that the watermelon has been internally won.

In the small role icon announcement performance 3, a "replay" icon is displayed, and it is announced that the player has won internally for the replay.

The small role icon announcement performance and the anticipation performance are different types of performances.

When a penalty occurs, the performance that was scheduled to be executed is replaced with a performance of the same type as the performance and with a low level of expectation. The performance to be replaced may be a performance with a lower level of expectation, or may be a performance with the lowest level of expectation.

In addition, we have explained using examples of icons that suggest expectations, display of lines by dialogue production, and icons announcing winning roles, but when an irregular press is performed, other effects from the presentation when a recommended press is performed. Examples of rewriting the performance are not limited to these, but can also be applied to a performance that promotes the operation of a performance operation button, and an operation response performance that is executed when the performance operation button is operated according to the promotion performance. An example of application to operation promotion performance and operation response performance will be described below.

FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating an example of an operation response effect when a recommended press and an irregular press are respectively performed during execution of the operation promotion effect.

In FIG. 32, two types of examples, example A and example B, are shown. Each example is an example of a certain game. A certain game here is a game in a normal state (non-AT state) in an advantageous section, and is, for example, a game in which the value of the transfer counter is 99 at the start of the game (the 100th G game). Further, in this certain game, when the start lever 135 is operated, the push order bell is internally won.

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

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

In example A1, the left stop button 137 is operated first to perform the first stop. Since the left stop button 137 was operated first, it was not an irregular press, and the first stopping act here is not an act subject to a penalty. After the first stop is performed, the PUSH button 192 is operated. In this example, the PUSH button 192 is operated before the second stop is performed. If the PUSH button 192 is operated after the first stop operation of the recommended push is performed, a scheduled operation response effect is executed in response to the operation of the PUSH button 192. As will be described later, the planned operation response performance referred to here is not an operation response performance rewritten by an irregular press, but, for example, the result of a performance lottery in the first sub-control unit 400 in response to the operation of the start lever 135. It refers to the operation response performance of , or the operation response performance corresponding to the internal winning combination. In example A1, operation response effect A with a high expectation of transition to the AT state is executed. The display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 switches from the operation promotion display to the operation response display. On the liquid crystal display device 157 shown second from the left, a first dialogue frame display RD1 displayed in the operation response effect A is displayed. This first dialogue frame display RD1 is a display consisting of a lord's face with a very happy expression and the dialogue ``It's super hot!''. The first serif frame display RD1 is displayed overlapping a part of the background image. The operation response performance continues to be executed during a certain game. Note that when the operation response effect A is executed, the first effect sound (the highly anticipated effect sound output from the speakers 272 and 277) and the first light emission effect (the highly anticipated light emission from the side lamps 144) Color-based light emission) may also be performed.

In addition, the operation response effects include an operation response effect B in which the expectation level of transition to the AT state is medium, and an operation response effect C in which the expectation level is low or 0. The second dialogue frame display RD2 displayed in the operation response effect B is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157 shown second from the right. This second dialogue frame display RD2 is a display consisting of the lord's face with a slightly happy expression and the dialogue ``This is a good opportunity.'' Note that when the operation response effect B is executed, the second effect sound (the effect sound with a medium level of expectation output from the speakers 272 and 277) and the second light emission effect (the effect level with the level of expectation due to the side lamps 144) Light emission with a medium luminous color may be performed. On the rightmost liquid crystal display device 157, a third dialogue frame display RD3 displayed in the operation response effect C is displayed. This third dialogue frame display RD3 is a display consisting of the lord's face with a regrettable expression and the dialogue ``Is it just my imagination?''. Note that when the operation response effect C is executed, the third effect sound (the effect sound with a low expectation level output from the speakers 272 and 277) and the third light emission effect (the emission sound with a low expectation level from the side lamps 144) Alternatively, the operation of the PUSH button 192 does not need to produce a special effect sound or light emission mode.

Note that all dialogue frame displays RD1 to RD3 are displayed overlapping a part of the background image, but the display displayed in the operation response performance is a display that depicts expectations such as "super hot". It may be a full-screen display, or it may be a cut-in display with varying degrees of expectation.

In example A2, the right stop button 139 is operated first to perform the first stop. The first stop act here is an irregular push, and since the push order bell has been internally won in the normal state of the advantageous section, it is an act subject to a penalty. After the irregular push is performed, the PUSH button 192 is operated before the second stop is performed. In this case, instead of the planned operation response performance A, an operation response performance with a low expectation of transition to the AT state is executed. That is, the operation response effect C is executed in response to the operation of the PUSH button 192, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 switches from the button display 192D to the third dialogue frame display RD3. Further, the third effect sound and the third light emission effect are performed without being accompanied by the first effect sound and the first light emission effect. Note that in response to an irregular press, an operation recommendation display REC such as "Left press is recommended" may be displayed. Further, when the third stop is performed, a darkening display may be added to the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157.

In both example A1 and example A2, the PUSH button 192 was operated after the first stop operation, but it is possible to operate the PUSH button 192 before the first stop operation. When the PUSH button 192 is operated before the first stop operation, the operation response effect corresponding to the operation of the PUSH button 192 is always executed as planned. Alternatively, the fourth dialogue frame display consisting of the lord's thoughtful expression and the line "What will happen?" may be uniformly displayed.

Example B is an example in which the operation promotion effect is started in response to the third stop operation.

In example B1, the left stop button 137 is operated first to perform the first stop of recommended pressing. Then, a second stop operation is performed. Furthermore, when the third stop operation (final stop operation) is performed, an operation promotion effect is started, and a button display 192D is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157. Thereafter, the PUSH button 192 is operated. Since the first stop operation is the recommended push, the operation response effect is executed as planned in response to the operation of the PUSH button 192. In example B1 as well, operation response effect A with a high expectation of transition to the AT state is executed. The first serif frame display RD1 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157. In addition, along with this, a first sound effect and a first light emission effect are also performed.

In example B2, the right stop button 139 is operated first, the first stop of irregular pressing is performed, and a penalty occurs. Then, a second stop operation is performed. Furthermore, when the third stop operation (final stop operation) is performed, an operation promotion effect is started, and a button display 192D is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157. Thereafter, the PUSH button 192 is operated. Since the first stop operation was an irregular press, the operation response effect C with the lowest expectation level is executed in response to the operation of the PUSH button 192. A third serif frame display RD3 is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157. Further, the third effect sound and the third light emission effect are performed without being accompanied by the first effect sound and the first light emission effect.

In this example B, the operation promotion effect was started in response to the third stop operation, but was not started after the first stop operation (for example, after the first stop operation but before the second stop operation). You may also do so.

In addition, if you plan to start the operation promotion effect after the first stop operation or after the first stop operation, if the first stop operation is a recommended press, the operation promotion effect will be performed as planned, but if the first stop operation is an irregular press. If so, the operation promotion performance itself may not be performed, nor may the operation response performance be performed. Even if the operation promotion effect is not performed, the operation recommendation display REC may be displayed in response to an irregular press, or a blackout display may be added to the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 when the third stop is performed.

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

Further, although the operation response effects have been explained using the operation response effects A, B, and C displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157 as examples, the operation response effects are not limited to these, and may be performed using the PUSH button 192 itself. It may be a performance movement. For example, when the PUSH button 192 is pressed in accordance with the operation promotion effect, a vibration device built into the PUSH button 192 may vibrate (a so-called "button vibe"), or an operation effect of the PUSH button 192 itself may be performed. , a light emitting lamp built into the PUSH button 192 may be configured to emit light in a specific color (for example, rainbow or red).

In addition, although an example has been described in which an operation response effect is executed in response to an operation promotion effect, if the PUSH button 192 is pressed under a specific situation where the operation promotion effect is not executed, operation response effects A, B, C, etc. Applicable to so-called "hidden button effects" and "back button effects" such as first, second, and third effect sounds, first, second, and third light emission effects, and button vibes. It is possible. For example, if the PUSH button 192 is pressed when the first stop operation is the recommended press under a specific situation where the hidden button effect can be performed, a confirmation sound and button vibration will be output to definitively announce the granting of a benefit. If the PUSH button 192 is pressed irregularly when it is scheduled to be executed, the confirmation sound may not be output and the button vibration may not be executed. In other words, while a hidden button effect may be executed if the button is recommended to be pressed, the hidden button effect may not be executed if the button is pressed irregularly. Note that operation promotion effects, operation response effects, effect sounds, light emission effects, hidden button effects, etc. can be combined as appropriate; for example, in the case of a recommended press, it is "operation promotion effects → operation response effects A". If the PUSH button 192 is pressed irregularly, the operation promotion effect may not be executed, but a hidden button effect may be enabled and a confirmation sound or button vibration may be generated when the PUSH button 192 is pressed. Even if the player presses the button irregularly, it is possible to make the player understand that he or she has the right to receive a benefit internally by activating the hidden button effect.

According to the above description,
``Operating means operated by the player [for example, stop buttons 137 to 139],
a reel [for example, reels 110 to 112] that stops rotating by a stop operation of the operating means;
A control means capable of executing the second process [e.g., main control unit 300],
A presentation means capable of executing the first presentation [for example, a liquid crystal display device 157],
A game machine comprising:
The second process changes from a first gaming state [e.g., normal state (non-AT state) or normal stage] to a second gaming state [e.g., AT state] that is more advantageous for the player than the first gaming state. or CZ] [e.g., updating the migration counter, updating the precursor G number A counter, updating the ceiling counter, AT migration lottery],
The second process is executed when the operating means is operated in a predetermined operation mode in the stop operation [for example, the operation mode for left first stop] [for example, it is not executed in the AT state and is performed in an advantageous section. is a process that is executed in the normal state of
The control means is means in a second case that executes the second process,
In the second case, when the stop operation is performed in an operation mode different from the predetermined operation mode [for example, an operation mode for right first stop or an operation mode for middle first stop], is a means in which there is a first case that may be more disadvantageous to the player than the second case [for example, a case where a penalty process is executed or a case where no process is executed at all],
The first performance is one of the performances related to the transition to the second gaming state [for example, an anticipation icon announcement performance or operation response performance A that displays a “confirm” icon EX1],
The production means may cause the operation means to perform the predetermined operation mode in the stop operation in a certain game [for example, a game in which the value of the transition counter is 99 at the start of the game (100th game)]. It is a means for executing the first effect when operated in the stop operation mode [for example, FIGS. 29 (A2) to (A4) or examples A1 and B1 shown in FIG. 32],
The effect means is configured such that in the certain game, the operation means is operated in an operation mode different from the predetermined operation mode in the stop operation [for example, an operation mode for the first right stop or an operation mode for the middle first stop]. 30 (A2) to (A4) or example A2 and example B2 shown in FIG. 32],
A game machine characterized by: ”
explained.

According to this game machine, even if the operating means in the certain game is operated in an operating mode different from the predetermined operating mode in the stop operation and the first case occurs, the first performance is executed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first case from competing with the first effect. As a result, for example, if the first performance is performed, it will not become unnatural, and it is possible to provide a game machine that is unique in the execution of the first performance. Furthermore, by eliminating the unnaturalness, it may be possible to prevent the player from realizing that the first case has occurred.

Note that the first performance may be one type of performance among a plurality of types of performance related to transition to the second gaming state [for example, an anticipation icon notification performance or an operation response performance].

The invention also includes an operating means operated by a player, and a reel whose rotation is stopped by a stop operation of the operating means, and the control means is a means capable of also executing a first process, and the reel is a means capable of executing the first process. The process is a process that may be executed when the operating means is operated in an operation mode different from the predetermined operation mode in the stop operation, and the first process is a process that returns to the second gaming state. Regarding the transition, a process that is more disadvantageous to the player than the second process [for example, a penalty process (not performing an AT transition lottery, not updating various counters)] may be used.

In addition, in the second case where the control means executes the second process, the operation means performs the stop operation in an operation mode different from the predetermined operation mode [for example, a right first stop In the first case [e.g. , a case where a penalty process is executed, or a case where no process is performed, that is, a case where a penalty is imposed.

Also,
``The production means includes a second production that is a production of the same type as the first production [for example, an expectation icon notification production or an operation response production] that is different from the first production. A production [for example, an anticipation icon announcement production or operation response production C that displays a fallen samurai icon EX3] is also a viable means,
The performance means executes the second performance without executing the first performance when the operation means is operated in an operation mode different from the predetermined operation mode in the stop operation in the certain game. [For example, examples A2 and B2 shown in FIGS. 30 (A2) to (A4) or FIG. 32],
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

According to this game machine, the second performance is executed instead of the first performance, and while the first performance is prevented from competing with the first performance, the second performance is It can attract players' interest.

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

Also,
“The second performance is a performance with a lower expectation level regarding transition to the second gaming state [for example, a performance with an expectation level of less than 1%] than the first performance [e.g., a performance with an expectation level of 100%]. ] is,
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Even though the first case is relatively disadvantageous compared to the second case, it is contradictory that the first performance with a relatively high degree of expectation is executed. By executing the second performance in which the level of expectation is relatively low, unnaturalness can be eliminated.

Also,
``The effect means is a means capable of executing the first effect after the timing when the first stop operation is performed on the operation means [for example, at the timing corresponding to the first stop operation] [for example, the 29 (A2)],
The effect means is a means capable of executing the second effect after the timing when the first stop operation is performed on the operating means [for example, at the timing corresponding to the first stop operation] [for example, in FIG. (A2) or between the first stop operation and the second stop operation in Example A of FIG. 32 or after the final stop operation in Example B],
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

In this way, by setting the timing after the first stop operation of the reels, it is possible to determine the operation mode of the operation means, determine whether or not the operation mode is the predetermined operation mode, and perform the effect. You can also get more time to replace it.

Also,
“The second production is a production with the lowest expectation level among productions of the same type as the first production type [for example, a production with an expectation level of less than 1%],
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

By executing the second performance with the lowest level of expectation, a performance more suitable for the first case will be executed.

Also,
"The performance means executes the second performance when the operation means is operated in an operation mode different from the predetermined operation mode in the stop operation in the certain game, and When executing the first effect in a game [for example, the 100th G game], there is a method [for example, from FIG. 30 (A6)],
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

When the first performance is executed in the game following the certain game, it is possible to match the progress of the game.

The effect means is a means that does not perform the first effect even in the next game if the operation means is operated in an operation mode different from the predetermined operation mode in the stop operation.

Further, in the certain game, the performance means performs a third performance at a third timing [for example, timing (A3) in FIG. 29] when the operation means is operated and the final stop operation of the reels is performed. The third performance is one of the performances related to the transition to the second gaming state [for example, a line display WD1 such as "It's wonderful" is displayed]. When the operation means is operated in the predetermined operation mode in the stop operation in the certain game, the production means performs the first production [e.g., anticipation icon announcement production]. ] After starting the execution of the third effect, the effect means starts the execution of the third effect at the third timing, and the effect means causes the operation means to execute the predetermined operation in the stop operation in the certain game. If the operation is performed in a different operation manner than the operation mode [for example, the right first stop operation mode or the middle first stop operation mode], execution of the second effect starts [for example, in FIG. 30 (A2 )], a means for not starting execution of the third effect [for example, FIG. 30 (A3)] may be used.

Furthermore, the third production may be one of productions of a different type from the first production [for example, a dialogue production that is a sense of anticipation production but strictly speaking a different type] [for example, " It may be a dialogue production in which a dialogue display WD1 such as "It's wonderful" is displayed.

Further, in the certain game, the operation means may perform an operation mode different from the predetermined operation mode in the stop operation [for example, an operation mode for the first right stop or an operation mode for the middle first stop]. When operated, the execution of the second effect starts, but the execution of the third effect [for example, the line effect in which the line display WD1 such as "Stunning" is displayed] does not start, and the execution of the third effect does not start. It may be a means that continues to execute the second effect (for example, an expectation-feeling icon notification effect that displays the icon EX3 of a fallen samurai) at the third timing.

Furthermore, when the operating means is operated in the predetermined operation mode in the stop operation in the certain game, the mode may be such that the mode shifts to the second game state in the next game. That is, the certain game is a game scheduled to be the last game in the first game state. For example, the certain game may be a game in which the last performance of a continuous performance that stimulates the transition to the second game state is executed. The final performance may be a performance that finally announces whether or not to move to the second gaming state.

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

The functions and effects described in the embodiments described above are merely a list of the most preferred functions and effects, and the functions and effects of the present invention are not limited to those described here. Furthermore, even if the constituent elements are included only in the embodiments, modifications, various examples, etc. described above, those constituent elements may be included in other embodiments, modifications, various examples, etc. May be applied. In other words, unless there is a factor that prevents the application, constituent elements included only in each description of the embodiment, modifications, various examples, etc. may not be applied to other embodiments, modifications, various examples, etc. However, it still stands as a cohesive technical idea.

100 Slot machine 101 Main body 102 Front door 110 Left reel 111 Middle reel 112 Right reel 126 Game information display 130-132 Bet button 135 Start lever 137-139 Stop button 157 LCD display GMV Game number display REC Operation recommended display PRE "Preparation"``Medium'' text display EX1 ``Confirm'' icon EX3 Fallen samurai icon WD1 Line display WD3 ``That's great!'' WD3 Line display ``What's wrong?''

Claims (1)

Direction means and
control means;
A game machine comprising:
The control means is means capable of controlling transition to a second gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the first gaming state,
The control means is means capable of executing normal control regarding the transition from the first gaming state to the second gaming state,
The control means is a means capable of executing irregular control that is more disadvantageous to the player than the normal control regarding the transition from the first gaming state to the second gaming state,
The performance means is a means for executing a second performance that notifies the transition to the second gaming state,
The performance means is a means that may execute a fourth performance in which it is possible to specify that a transition to the second gaming state will be performed before the second performance,
The performance means is a means for executing the first performance that was scheduled to be executed before transitioning to the second gaming state as scheduled when the normal control is performed ,
The production means may execute the fourth production between the first production and the second production,
The presentation means is a means for executing the first presentation as scheduled even when the irregular control is performed ,
The performance means executes a third performance for a number of games corresponding to the number of games for which the irregular control has been performed , after execution of the fourth performance is started and before execution of the second performance is started. is a means of carrying out
The third performance is a performance in which a specific display that is not displayed in the first performance is displayed.
A game machine characterized by:

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