JP7409650B2 - gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

2. Description of the Related Art Slot machines have been known as gaming machines in the past, which include a plurality of reels with a plurality of symbols arranged on the outer circumferential surface. In a slot machine, when a game starts, the reels start rotating and an internal lottery is performed using a lottery table. Furthermore, when the reels stop, symbol combinations corresponding to winning combinations won in the internal lottery are displayed on multiple reels, and when this winning combination becomes a prize, processing corresponding to the won winning combination, such as medals, is performed. A medal payout process for paying out (gaming value), a replay process for making it possible to play the game again without consuming new medals, etc. are performed.

In addition, there are slot machines that are equipped with an AT performance state (assist time performance state) that is a performance state in which, when a specific role is won, a batting order navigation performance (instruction performance) can be executed to assist the winning of this specific role. It is being In such a slot machine, since the batting order navigation performance is performed in the AT performance state, it is easy for the player to win the particular combination, and the number of medals can be increased.

On the other hand, slot machines are known in which the number of games played in the AT effect state is limited. In other words, the game section is divided into a non-advantageous section and an advantageous section, and only in the advantageous section, it is possible to shift to the AT presentation state and perform the batting order navigation effect, and the upper limit of the number of games in the advantageous section ( For example, when reaching 1500 times), there is a method of shifting to a non-advantageous section (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP2017-221424A

By the way, in gaming machines, it is required to appropriately set the ball payout performance.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine with appropriately set ball payout performance.

In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention has the following features:
an instruction function control means for controlling execution of an instruction performance that assists in winning a predetermined role;
performance state control means for controlling the transition of a performance state between a plurality of performance states including a specific performance state in which the instructed performance is executed;
a game section control means for controlling the transition of a game section among a plurality of game sections including an advantageous section in which the instruction performance can be executed;
A setting change means capable of changing a setting value selected from a plurality of setting values,
In the specific section before the transition to the specific production state in the advantageous section, the degree of advantage regarding the instruction function is lower than the specific production state,
The higher the set value is, the higher the probability that the number of games played in the specific section will be small;
It is characterized in that the more gaming value is consumed in the specific section, the greater the benefit provided regarding the specific performance state.

In the present invention, the higher the set value, the higher the probability of transitioning to the AT effect state when the number of games in a specific section is relatively small. It is easy to transition to (AT production state) and it is easy to obtain medals. In this case, (1) there is a risk that too many balls will be issued for high settings, but in the present invention, if the number of games in a specific section is relatively small, the number of games in a specific performance state will be relatively small Since it is set as follows, it is possible to prevent the ball output performance (medal acquisition performance) from becoming excessive. In addition, (2) there is a risk that the number of balls put out will be relatively too small for low settings, but in the present invention, if the number of games played in a specific section is relatively large, the number of games played in a specific performance state will be relatively large. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the ball output performance (medal acquisition performance) from becoming too low. That is, the ball dispensing performance can be appropriately set.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine whose ball payout performance is appropriately set.

1 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the same gaming machine. It is a timing chart (part 1) showing processing during and before and after the settlement processing of the gaming machine. It is a timing chart (part 2) showing processing during and before and after the settlement processing of the gaming machine. It is a diagram showing the types of errors, error codes, and release methods of the same gaming machine. This is a timing chart (part 3) showing processing during and before and after the settlement processing of the gaming machine. This is a timing chart (No. 4) showing the processing during and before and after the payment processing of the gaming machine. This is a timing chart (No. 5) showing the processing during and before and after the payment processing of the gaming machine. It is a timing chart (part 6) showing processing during and before and after the settlement processing of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment. It is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the same gaming machine. It is a figure for explaining an internal lottery table in the same way. It is a figure for explaining the winning aspect of the small winning combination. It is a diagram for explaining the payout of the small winning combination. It is a state transition diagram of the game state. It is a state transition diagram of the same game section and performance state. It is a diagram showing the pattern arrangement of the reels in the same game. It is a figure for explaining a specific section in the same way. It is a diagram for explaining the lottery related to the instruction function, and shows the numbers set for each mode for each setting. These are diagrams for explaining the lottery related to the instruction function, in which (a) shows the relationship between the number of games played in a specific section and the AT winning probability for each mode, and (b) the AT winning probability. This explains the high and low levels of It is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the number of games played in a specific section and the profit in the AT performance state. It shows an example of a gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and is a state transition diagram of a gaming section and performance state. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the specific section, in which (a) shows a case where the specific section is relatively short, and (b) shows a case where the specific section is relatively long.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment will be described using an example in which the present invention is applied to a slot machine, which is one type of gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to slot machines, but can be applied to other gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines. may be done. In addition, in the following explanation, "front and rear" basically means, when the player is on the front side of the slot machine, that the player side is the "front" and the slot machine side is the "rear"; means that the top side of the slot machine is "top" and the bottom side is "bottom", and "left and right" means that the player's left hand side when playing the slot machine is "left", and the right hand side is "right". do.

First, a schematic configuration of a slot machine M to which the invention is applied will be explained.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a slot machine M.
This slot machine M is equipped with a housing 1, and the housing 1 is a box that includes a bottom plate, left and right side plates, a top plate, and a back plate, and has a front opening that opens on the front side of the housing 1. formed into a shape. Furthermore, on the top surface of the bottom plate, there is a power supply unit with a built-in power supply device for supplying power to each component, and a hopper device 150 (which stores medals as game media (gaming value) and serves as a payout device for dispensing medals. (see Fig. 2), etc. are provided.

Further, a front door 3 is provided on the front of the casing 1 to open and close the front opening of the casing 1. It includes a door 30 and a lower door 40 that opens and closes the lower part of the opening.
Inside the housing 1, a replacement unit (not shown) is removably provided. This replacement unit includes a frame that is a metal frame assembled into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, a reel unit supported by the frame, and a board unit fixed to the frame.

The reel unit includes three stepping motors provided on a frame, and three rotating reels 100a, 100b, 100c fixed to the output shaft of each stepping motor (see FIG. 2; not shown in FIG. 1). ). Further, the board unit includes a board including electronic components such as a CPU, ROM, RAM, and I/O, housed in a board case. The board unit functions as a game control device for controlling games of the slot machine M.

As shown in FIG. 1, a display window 31 is provided at the bottom of the upper door 30. This display window 31 is provided so as to be inclined with respect to a horizontal plane so that the upper side goes to the rear side, and the three rotary reels are provided in a horizontal row at the back of this display window 31. A plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of each rotating reel, and when the rotating reel stops, three symbols per reel are displayed through the display window 31. In the slot machine M, a total of five winning lines are set, consisting of three horizontal lines and two diagonal lines.
Then, when the three rotating reels stop, it is displayed whether or not a winning combination has been won based on the combination of symbols that have stopped on the winning winning line.

Furthermore, a display window 32 larger than the display window 31 is provided substantially vertically at the top of the upper door 30. This display window 32 is provided for viewing the display surface of an image display device provided on the upper door 30. The image display device has a liquid crystal display panel, and images for presentation in the gaming machine are displayed on the display surface of the image display device. Furthermore, speakers 14 for outputting various performance sounds (music, sound effects, voices, etc.) are provided on both left and right sides of the upper door 30 located above the display window 32.

In addition, a horizontally long top lens 33 is provided as a display section at the upper center of the display window 32 of the upper door 30 so that the logo sheet can be displayed to the player.
Furthermore, horizontally elongated lighting devices 34, 35, and 34 are provided adjacent to each other on the left and right between the display window 32 and the display window 31 for providing notifications, effects, and the like.

Furthermore, presentation panels 61 are provided on both the left and right sides of the display window 31 for performing notifications, presentations, etc., and presentation buttons 62 are provided on the presentation panel 61 on the right side. The effect button 62 is pressed and operated by the player, and when pressed, changes the aspect of the effect image displayed on the image display device that can be seen through the display window 32, and gives the player information about the game. This is designed to increase the sense of participation and increase interest. For example, an effect image to be displayed on the image display device in conjunction with the operation of the effect button 62 can be selected. It should be noted that the arrangement of the performance button 62 is not limited to this, as long as it is provided at a position where the player can press it.
Furthermore, lighting devices 37 are provided on both the left and right sides of the upper door 30 to provide notifications, effects, and the like.

Further, the upper door 30 is rotatably connected to the exchange unit provided in the housing 1 via a hinge, so that the upper door 30 opens and closes the opening of the housing 1 . Further, the lower door 40 is rotatably connected to the housing 1 via a hinge, so that the lower opening of the housing 1 can be opened and closed.

This slot machine M has a separate housing type structure, and when replacing the machine at a game parlor, the replacement unit to which the upper door 30 is rotatably attached is replaced. When replacing the model, the housing 1, the lower door 40, the power supply unit and hopper device 150 (see Fig. 2), etc. inside the housing 1 remain attached to the island equipment of the game arcade and are not replaced. . Furthermore, the slot machine M is not limited to a separate housing type, but may be one in which the entire slot machine is replaced when changing the model. In this case, the front door 3 may have an integral structure without being divided into the upper door 30 and the lower door 40. Moreover, when dividing into the upper door 30 and the lower door 40, the upper door 30 may be rotatably attached to the side plate of the housing 1 via a hinge.

Further, the lower end of the upper door 30 is provided with an engaging portion that protrudes downward from the upper end of the lower door 40 on the rear side of the front surface of the lower door 40, so that when the lower door 40 is closed, the upper door 30 The structure is such that it cannot be opened.

Furthermore, a medal payout port for discharging medals from the inside of the slot machine M, and a medal receiving tray 43 for storing medals discharged from the medal payout port are formed at the bottom of the lower door 40. . Further, an operating section 50 for operating the slot machine M is provided at the upper part of the lower door 40, and a liquid crystal display panel 45 is attached between this operating section 50 and the medal receiving tray 43. Furthermore, lighting devices 33d are provided on both the left and right sides of the liquid crystal display panel 45 for providing notifications, effects, and the like.

The operation section 50 is provided with a settlement button 52 as a settlement operation section for instructing a settlement process for paying out medals. In this case, in the settlement process based on the operation of the settlement button 52, medals set for at least one of bets and credits are paid out. That is, in this embodiment, the objects of settlement based on the operation of the settlement button 52 include not only medals set as credits but also medals set as bets. Here, as a settlement pattern by operating the settlement button 52 when medals are set for both the bet and the credits, for example, the settlement pattern is set for the medals and credits set for the bet by the first operation of the settlement button 52. There is a settlement pattern in which both medals set in the bet are paid out at once, or in which only the medals set in the bet are paid out by the first operation of the settlement button 52, and the second medal is paid out after the medals set in the bet are paid out. Examples include a payment pattern in which medals set as credits are paid out by operating the payment button 52 for the first time.
The operation unit 50 further includes a start lever 53 for starting the game, three stop buttons 54 for stopping the rotation of each of the three rotating reels, and a medal slot 42 for inserting medals. , a reject button 55 that eliminates medal jams that occur in the medal passage below the medal slot 42, and a MAX bet button 56 (bet button: bet operation section) that is operated when betting the maximum number of three medals. In addition to the above, an operation panel 57 and a display unit 58 for selecting game effects and the like are also provided. The operation panel 57 is arranged approximately at the center in the width direction (horizontal direction) of the operation section 50, and the display unit 58 is arranged on the right side with the medal slot 42 and the reject button 55 in between. The operation panel 57 includes a cross key for selecting effects, an enter button, a cancel button, and the like.

The MAX bet button 56 is arranged so as to face upward, and is formed to be pushed downward from above. The force required to operate the MAX bet button 56 (hereinafter referred to as operating force) is approximately 1.0N. Further, the MAX bet button 56 includes a pressing portion and an elastic member. The pressing portion is a member that is pressed and operated by a player's finger or the like, and is made of resin or the like. Further, the pressing portion is urged upward by an elastic member. The elastic member is a member formed to urge the pressing portion and to elastically deform against the urging force when the pressing portion is pressed, and uses a spring or the like.
Further, the stop button 54 is arranged so as to face the front, and is formed so as to be pushed from the front toward the rear. The operating force of the stop button 54 is approximately 0.7N. That is, the operating force for the stop button 54 is smaller than the operating force for the MAX bet button 56.

Moreover, the above-mentioned performance button 62 is arranged so as to face the front, and is formed so as to be pushed from the front toward the rear. The operating force of the production button 62 is greater than or equal to the operating force of the MAX bet button 56. The operating force of the production button 62 is, for example, about 3.0N.
Also, the stop button 54 and the production button 62, like the MAX bet button 56, include a pressing part and an elastic member, and the pressing parts of the stop button 54 and the production button 62 are urged forward by the elastic member. ing.
Further, as described above, the operating force of the MAX bet button 56 is approximately 1.0N. That is, it is necessary to push the pressing part to elastically deform the elastic member and move the pressing part to a position where a switch ON signal (a signal indicating that the button has been pressed) is output from the sensor included in the MAX bet button 56. The load (sensor detected load) is approximately 1.0N. In the game machine of this embodiment, a photosensor is used as the sensor, but any other sensor may be used as long as it can detect the pressing of the pressing part. For example, when the photosensor detects that the light directed from the light-emitting element toward the light-receiving element has changed due to a detection object moved by pressing the pressing part, it outputs a switch ON signal. When a load larger than the sensor-detected load is applied to the pressing part, the pressing part moves further while elastically deforming the elastic member, and comes into contact with the mechanical stopper and stops. The moving distance (full stroke) from the initial position of the pressing part of the MAX bet button 56 until it contacts the mechanical stopper is approximately 2.0 mm, which is approximately twice the ON stroke. In addition, the load (maximum load) required to move the pressing part of the MAX bet button 56 from the initial position until it contacts the mechanical stopper is approximately 2.0N, which is approximately twice the sensor-detected load (operating force). It becomes.
The stop button 54 (operating force of approximately 0.7 N) has a similar configuration. Further, the ON stroke of the stop button 54 is about 1.0 mm, and the full stroke is about twice that, about 2.0 mm. Further, the sensor-detected load (operating force) of the stop button 54 is about 0.7N, and the maximum load is about twice that, about 1.4N.
Note that the term "approximately" used in the above description with respect to operating force, load, and stroke includes a variation of approximately ±10% due to design error and assembly error.

Here, the basic flow of the game in the gaming machine of this embodiment will be explained. When the player presses the MAX bet button 56, the credited medals are inserted (bet) and a game can be started. When the player presses the start lever 53 to start the game, the rotating reels start rotating, and when the rotational speed of the rotating reels increases to a predetermined speed, the pressing operation of the stop button 54 becomes effective. state. Thereafter, when the player presses the stop button 54 at an arbitrary timing, each rotating reel stops. Then, when all the rotating reels stop, depending on the result of the game, processes such as paying out medals and making it possible to start the game again without consuming new medals are performed. The game ends.

In addition, the production button 62 is used, for example, to notify the player of something that is pleasing to the player, such as winning a bonus or that it has been decided to move to a state advantageous to the player, or to inform the player of something that is pleasing to the player. At a predetermined timing such as at a game stage, a press operation for changing the presentation mode becomes effective. When the effect button 62 is pressed while the pressing operation is valid, the form of the effect image displayed on the image display device changes, the movable accessory moves, and the form of the effect changes. do.

As is clear from the above, it is necessary to press a plurality of stop buttons 54 in accordance with the number of rotating reels for each game. At this time, the operating force of the stop button 54 is set smaller than the operating force of the MAX bet button 56 and the production button 62, so that the player obtains a light and comfortable operating feeling when operating the stop button 54. At the same time, it becomes possible to press all the stop buttons 54 at a good tempo. Therefore, the player can play the game comfortably, and the gameplay is improved. Further, by setting the operating force of the stop button 54, which is frequently used, to a small value, the accumulation of fatigue of the player is reduced, and the gameplay is improved.

In addition, the MAX bet button 56 is often operated with strong force because it is used to start a game and can be operated by hitting it from above. By setting the operating force larger than 54, the player can obtain an appropriately responsive operating feeling, and the gameplay is improved.

Further, the production button 62 is operated less frequently than the stop button 54 and the MAX bet button 56. In addition, the performance button 62 is in a state where it is effective to press the button 62 to change the mode of performance when informing the player of something that is pleasing to the player as described above, or when it is a game for the player. Therefore, players who are in a high mood tend to use strong force when operating the machine. Since the operating force of the production button 62 is set to be greater than the operating force of the stop button 54 and greater than the operating force of the MAX bet button 56, the player feels a heavy and heavy operating feeling. can be obtained, and the gameplay is improved.

As shown in FIG. 2, inside the slot machine M, there is a main control board 70 as a main control means that determines commands related to games and transmits the commands, and a main control board 70 that receives the commands from the main control board 70 and transmits the commands. A sub-control board 72 is provided as sub-control means for executing processing corresponding to received commands. The main control board 70 has input means such as a bet button 56 including a MAX bet button, a start lever 53, a stop button 54, a passage detection sensor 89 that detects the passage of medals inserted from the medal slot 42, and a settlement button 52. In response to the input signals, various calculations are performed to execute the game, and output means such as reel units (reels 100a, 100b, 100c), hopper device 150, etc. are controlled based on the calculation results. Further, the sub control board 72 receives signals (commands) sent from the main control board 70, performs various calculations to execute the effects, and controls the display window 32 based on the calculation results. It controls the liquid crystal display D of the image display device including the above-mentioned liquid crystal display panel provided on the upper door 30 and other liquid crystal display panels 45, and devices for presentation such as the speaker 14.

In addition, the main control board 70 and the sub-control board 72 are electrically connected, and various information (command signals) such as information indicating the gaming status can be transmitted from the main control board 70 to the sub-control board 72. However, information cannot be transmitted from the sub control board 72 to the main control board 70.
In addition, the functions of each board such as the main control board 70 and the sub-control board 72 are preset in hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ICs, or information storage media such as ROM and RAM, ROM, etc. This is realized by software consisting of a predetermined stored program.

The main control board 70 includes a selector control means 93 that controls the operation of a medal selector 92 (see FIG. 2) to be described later, an input reception means 80, and a random number generation means 81, and performs a winning combination lottery to determine the validity of the combination. a winning combination lottery means 82, a reel control means 83 for controlling the rotation of the reels, a prize determination means 84 for determining whether a winning combination has been won when all the reels have stopped, and a gaming state control means 85. , an information transmitting means 86 for transmitting various information (command signals), a storage means 90, a payout control means 91, and a settlement control means 95.
The sub-control board 72 also includes a performance control means 73 that controls various performances, a winning combination determination means 74 that performs winning combination determination processing, and a winning combination determination means 74 that determines that the winning combination is incorrect (error). It is provided with an initialization means 75 that resets and initializes the sub control board 72 when the sub control board 72 is activated, and a sub side storage means 76 that stores data regarding the performance.

The input receiving means 80 of the main control board 70 accepts the input of medals for each game, and performs a process of validating the game start operation on the start lever 53 based on the input of a specified number of medals. Specifically, when a medal is inserted into the medal slot 42, the passage detection sensor 89 detects passage of the medal, and the insertion reception means 80 accepts the inserted medals up to three medals. Set it to the input state (bet state). Further, when the bet button 56 is pressed in a state where medals have been credited, the input accepting means 80 sets the credited medals to the input state, with a limit of three medals. In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the first pressing operation on the start lever 53, which is activated based on the insertion of three medals, is accepted as a game start operation, and the reels 100a to 100c are activated based on this operation. As soon as the rotation starts, a lottery such as a winning combination lottery is performed.

In addition, the input receiving means 80 of the main control board 70 controls the medals owned by the player not to be newly set in the input state in the next game after the game in which the replay has won. Specifically, if the replay won in the previous game, even if medals are inserted into the medal slot 42 while medal insertion is being accepted, the inserted medals are not set to the inserted state. The inserted medals are credited up to the maximum number of credits (for example, 50 medals). Further, the operation on the bet button 56 is not accepted in the state where the insertion of medals is accepted, so that even if the bet button 56 is pressed, the credited medals are not set in the inserted state.

The random number generating means 81 of the main control board 70 generates random numbers for lottery. The random number value can be generated, for example, based on the count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numbers so as to cycle through a predetermined count range). Note that "random numbers" include not only values that are randomly generated in a mathematical sense, but also values that actually function as random numbers even if the generation itself is regular, because the timing of its acquisition is irregular. Also includes possible values.

The winning combination lottery means 82 of the main control board 70 performs a winning combination lottery using a winning combination lottery table based on the activation of the activated start lever 53 (ie, game start). In the winning combination lottery table, various winning combinations and losses including small prizes, replays, and bonuses are associated with each of a plurality of random numbers (for example, 65536 random numbers from 0 to 65535). A plurality of winning combination lottery table storage areas provided in the ROM of the storage means 90 are stored. In the winning combination lottery, a random number value for the lottery is obtained from the random number generation means 81, and this random number value is checked against the winning combination lottery table to determine whether or not the winning combination has been won. The winning role will be elected.

The reel control means 83 of the main control board 70 controls the rotation of each reel 100a, 100b, 100c when the start lever 53 activated under the control of the main control board 70 is operated (i.e., the game starts). When the activated stop button 54 is operated, the reel corresponding to the operated stop button 54 is controlled to stop.

That is, each time each button of the stop button 54 is operated, the reel control means 83 determines the stop position of the reel corresponding to the operated button among the first reel 100a to third reel 100c, and determines the stop position of the reel corresponding to the operated button. Control is performed to stop the reel at the stopped position. Therefore, the stopping order of the first reel 100a to the third reel 100c changes depending on the operating order (stroke order) of the three stop buttons 54.

The winning determination means 84 of the main control board 70 is activated when the rotation of the reels 100a to 100c is stopped, and determines whether or not a winning combination has been won based on the manner in which the reels 100a to 100c are stopped. Specifically, the symbol combinations displayed (stopped) on the active line by stopping the reels 100a to 100c are checked against a winning determination table (not shown) stored in the ROM of the storage means 90. . The winning determination table stores the winning form of each winning combination (symbol combination that results in a winning when stopped and displayed), and through the above-mentioned verification, it is possible to determine whether or not there has been a winning combination and the type of winning combination that has won. do. When a winning combination is won, the main control board 70 executes a winning process corresponding to the won winning combination.

The game state control means 85 of the main control board 70 controls the state between a plurality of states, for example, a normal state, a CBB established state (first bonus established state), a CBB established state (first bonus established state), and an RBB established state (second bonus established state). A gaming state transition control process is performed to shift the gaming state between the state), the RBB state (second bonus state), the RB1 established state (specific bonus established state), and the RB1 state (specific bonus state).

The information transmitting means 86 of the main control board 70 sends a signal notifying the winning combination, a signal notifying the gaming state at the time of the winning winning combination lottery, a signal notifying the current gaming state, etc., which will be described later. Command signals related to medal settlement are also transmitted to the sub-control board 72.

Further, the payout control means 91 of the main control board 70 performs payout control processing regarding the payout of medals according to game results. Specifically, for example, when a small role is won, the number of medals to be paid out in the game is determined based on the payout determined in advance for each role, and medals corresponding to the determined number of payouts are sent to the hopper device 150. Performs payout control.
Furthermore, as described above, the selector control means 93 of the main control board 70 controls the operation of the medal selector 92, which will be described later. Specifically, the selector control means 93 receives signals from various sensors including the passage detection sensor 89 described above that constitutes the medal selector 92, and controls the operation of the blocker 99 that constitutes the medal selector 92. Note that the selector control means 93 may also be used by the input receiving means 80 or the like without providing the selector control means 93 separately.

Further, the settlement control means 95 of the main control board 70 performs a settlement process to pay out stored medals, that is, medals set in credits and/or bets, through the hopper device 150 based on the operation of the settlement button 52. control the execution of Note that the settlement control means 95 not only controls the execution of the settlement process based on the operation of the settlement button 52, but also controls the acceptance of medals for a predetermined period after completion of the settlement process, which is accompanied by detection by the passage detection sensor 89. The operation of the blocker 99 may be controlled so as not to allow this. In the case of such a control form, the aforementioned selector control means 93 that controls the operation of the medal selector 92 provided with the blocker 99 may also be served by the settlement control means 95.

On the other hand, the effect control means 73 of the sub-control board 72 cooperates with the RAM of the sub-side storage means 76 based on the effect data stored in the effect data storage area provided in the ROM of the sub-side storage means 76. Then, the liquid crystal display D, the speaker 14, the lighting devices 33d, 34, 35, 37, and other performance devices are controlled to perform the performance. Specifically, the content displayed on the liquid crystal display D is changed according to the insertion of medals, operations on the bet button 56, settlement button 52, start lever 53, stop button 54, changes in the gaming state, etc. By outputting sounds, the execution of effects for enlivening the game and assisting the game is controlled according to the progress of the game. In particular, in this embodiment, the performance control means 73 notifies the states based on the operation of the payment button 52, specifically in the payment execution state and payment completion state, which will be described later. In order to output the effect sound, effect light, and effect image, the display devices such as the liquid crystal display D (45), the speaker 14, and the lighting devices 33d, 34, 35, and 37 are controlled. There is.

As shown in FIG. 1, the performance panel 61 of the slot machine M is provided with a performance button 62 as a performance operation unit used for performance (a first performance operation unit used for performance-related operations). . This effect button 62 may be provided, for example, on the operation unit 50 or the like. Further, the pressing portion of the production button 62 is not limited to a circular shape, but may be a rectangular shape or the like. In addition, in this embodiment, the production operation section is the production button 62, but the production operation section may be, for example, a lever that can be tilted, a touch panel that can detect touch (contact with a finger, etc.), or a light shielding by an object. A photoelectric sensor or the like capable of detecting the above may be used.

Hereinafter, 3 stops refers to the operation of pressing any valid button among the stop buttons 54 in a state where any two of the stop buttons 54 have been pressed in the game. In the present embodiment, for example, when the player is at a competitive timing, after the third stop, the sub-control board 72 sets the performance button 62 to a state where it can accept a press operation (that is, the press operation is enabled). state). At this time, the sub-control board 72 displays a screen indicating this on the liquid crystal display D, and lights up the effect button 62.

Further, hereinafter, the operation panel 57 shown in FIG. 1 will be referred to as a cross button 57 serving as a production setting operation section (a second production operation section used for operations related to production). The cross button 57 is used for operations including setting of effects. The settings for the performance include, for example, adjusting the volume and selecting a character.
The cross button 57 includes at least a main button arranged in the center and selection buttons (direction operation buttons) arranged around the main button. The selection buttons include an upper button, a left button, a lower button, and a right button. Note that the selection buttons may be a plurality of buttons (separate upper, lower, left, and right sides) or may be integrated. In addition, the production setting operation section is not limited to the cross button (cross key), but may also be equipped with at least two buttons, a main button and a jog dial, or detect touch (contact with a finger, etc.). It may also be a touch panel or the like. When the cross button 57 (for example, the main button) is pressed during non-gaming, the sub control board 72 displays a menu screen on the liquid crystal display D. In other words, the cross button 57 functions as a menu screen entry button. Further, when the cross button 57 (for example, left and right buttons) is pressed during non-gaming, the sub control board 72 displays a volume change screen on the liquid crystal display D. In other words, the cross button 57 functions as a volume change screen entry button.
In addition, from the menu screen, you can set the performance mode (for example, set the character that mainly appears in the production, set the notification mode for winning roles or bonuses, etc.), view the gaming history, and access the user terminal (player's smartphone). etc.) and check how the winning combinations are displayed. Further, it may be possible to set the volume, the light emission intensity of the lighting device, etc. from the menu screen. That is, the menu screen may also serve as the volume change screen.

When the main control board 70 detects that the payment button 52 has been pressed, it transmits a payment start command to the sub control board 72 and starts (executes) payment processing (payout processing).
When the sub control board (control means) 72 receives the payment start command from the main control board 70, it notifies the execution of payment processing (payout of game media based on the operation of the payment button 52). The sub-control board 72 displays, on the liquid crystal display D, a screen notifying that the payment is in progress (hereinafter referred to as the payment in progress notification screen) as a notification of the execution of the payment processing, and also displays an effect to notify that the payment is in progress. A sound (hereinafter referred to as payment notification sound; for example, a sound effect or a buzzer sound) is output through the speaker 14. In addition, the sub-control board 72 outputs (lights up) an effect light (hereinafter referred to as a payment in progress lamp; for example, red) to notify that payment is in progress through at least one of the lighting devices 33d, 34, 35, and 37. )do.

When the payment processing is completed, the main control board 70 transmits a payment completion command to the sub control board 72. Based on receiving the settlement completion command from the main control board 70, the sub control board 72 stops notifying the execution of the settlement process, and completes the settlement process (completion of payout of gaming media based on the operation of the settlement button 52). We will make announcements. The sub-control board 72 outputs, through the speaker 14, a performance sound (hereinafter referred to as payment completion sound) that notifies the completion of the payment process. The payment completion voice includes, for example, "Payment has been completed." In the present embodiment, the sub-control board 72 displays a payment-in-progress notification screen and turns on a payment-in-progress lamp as notification of completion of payment processing. The screen while notifying completion of the payment process (screen indicating completion of payment) may be the same as or different from the screen during payment (screen indicating that payment is in progress).

Hereinafter, the period (period) during which the execution of the payment processing is notified will be referred to as "payment notification in progress." During payment notification, it refers to the period from when the sub-control board 72 receives the payment start command to when it receives the payment completion command. During this settlement notification, it can also be said that game media are being paid out based on the operation of the settlement button 52.
Further, the period during which the completion of the payout of game media based on the operation of the payment button 52 is being reported, that is, the period during which the completion of the payment processing is being reported (period) is referred to as "notifying completion of payment". The notification of completion of payment refers to the period from receiving the payment completion command to the end of outputting the payment completion voice. Note that during the payment completion notification, after the payment process is completed (after the sub-control board 72 receives the payment completion command), until the first sound of the payment completion voice (for example, "se") is output. included.

Next, using the timing chart shown in FIG. 3, a configuration example of processing during and before and after the payment processing is performed will be described. Hereinafter, the "press operation" of the production button 62, the cross button 57, the payment button 52, etc. may be simply referred to as "press" or "operation."
(A5, A6) After the third stop, the sub-control board 72 puts the production button 62 in a state where it can accept presses (that is, a state where the operation is valid), and displays a screen (operation) indicating that the production button 62 can be pressed. instruction screen) is displayed on the liquid crystal display D. Pressing the performance button 62 at this time is an opportunity to proceed with the performance, and when the performance button 62 is pressed, the result of the game is notified to the player. Specifically, for example, during a performance that makes the player expect to win a bonus (including winning a so-called pseudo-bonus (transition to an AT performance state)), that is, during a performance that makes the player expect to transition to a state advantageous to the player. , when the effect button 62 is pressed, an operation instruction screen is displayed, and when the effect button 62 is pressed, it is notified whether or not to shift to an advantageous state.
(A4) Since the game is in progress at the start of this timing chart, the cross button 57 is disabled.

(A1, A2) When the payment button 52 is pressed, the main control board 70 transmits a payment start command to the sub control board 72 and starts payment processing (payout processing).
(A2, A3) Upon completion of the payment process, the main control board 70 sends a payment completion command to the sub control board 72, and the sub control board 72 receives the payment completion command from the main control board 70. , starts outputting the payment completion voice.

(A4) The sub-control board 72 disables the operation of the cross button 57 during payment notification and payment completion notification. That is, the sub-control board 72 controls so that even if the cross button 57 is pressed, it will not be accepted during the payment notification and payment completion notification. In other words, even if the cross button 57 is pressed during the payment notification and payment completion notification, the menu screen and the volume change screen are not displayed on the liquid crystal display D (the screen does not shift to the menu screen or the volume change screen). The sub-control board 72 enables the operation of the cross button 57 upon completion of outputting the payment completion voice (notifying payment completion).

In this way, by disabling the operation of the cross button 57 during the payment notification, the notification of the execution of the payment process is blocked (obstructed) by the operation of the cross button 57, making it impossible to know that the payment is being made. For example, the menu screen and the screen indicating that payment is in progress are displayed at the same time, and since the menu screen has a large amount of information (number of characters), it is possible to avoid the problem that it becomes difficult to understand that payment is in progress. Thereby, the player can reliably grasp the notification of the execution of the payment process, and can prevent the player from misperceiving (including, for example, perceiving that the payment process has been interrupted). In addition, if the menu screen opens while the payment is being notified, it will be difficult for people around you to know that the payment is being notified, and there is a risk that fraud may be carried out using this.However, there are ways to avoid such problems. can.
Furthermore, by disabling the operation of the cross button 57 during the notification of completion of payment, the notification of the completion of payment processing may be blocked (obstructed) by the operation of the cross button 57, and the notification of completion of payment may not be recognized. For example, the menu screen and the screen indicating the completion of payment are displayed at the same time, and since the menu screen has a large amount of information (number of characters), the problem that the screen indicating the completion of payment is difficult to understand can be avoided. Thereby, the player can reliably grasp the notification of the completion of the payment process, and can prevent the player from misperceiving (including, for example, perceiving that the payment process has been interrupted). Additionally, if the menu screen opens while notifying the completion of payment, it will be difficult for those around you to understand that the completion of payment is being notified, and there is a risk of fraud taking advantage of this, but such problems can be avoided. be able to.

(A5, A6) Even if the payment button 52 is pressed and the payment notification is in progress or payment completion notification is in progress, the sub-control board 72 displays a screen on the liquid crystal display D indicating that the production button 62 can be pressed. At the same time, the performance button 62 remains valid. In other words, the sub-control board 72 accepts the depression of the production button 62 during the payment notification or payment completion notification. Further, the performance button 62 remains valid even after the payment completion notification ends. That is, when the performance button 62 is activated with the 3rd stop as a trigger, the activation of the performance button 62 is not canceled even if the payment process is started and the payment is completed.
If the performance button 62 is pressed during payment notification or payment completion notification, the performance will proceed, but during this time, a display notifying that payment is being executed or payment completion will be displayed on the liquid crystal display D. . At this time, priority is given to the display related to payment, and a part of the performance related to the game is hidden by the display related to payment.

In this way, by enabling the operation of the performance button 62 instead of invalidating it during the settlement notification, the player can press the performance button 62 to proceed with the performance. Therefore, the player will not be dissatisfied with not being able to press the performance button 62 during payment notification. For example, when a screen instructing the player to press the performance button 62 is displayed, the player may want to press the performance button 62 and leave his/her seat after seeing the result of the game. By enabling the performance button 62, it is possible to smoothly proceed with the performance during payment notification and leave the seat after viewing the result. Note that the press instruction screen does not have a large amount of information (number of characters) like the menu screen, so the player will not be mistaken even if it is displayed at the same time as the screen indicating that payment is in progress.
Further, by enabling the operation of the performance button 62 instead of disabling it during the payment completion notification, the player can press the performance button 62 to proceed with the performance. Therefore, the player will not be dissatisfied with not being able to press the performance button 62 during payment completion notification. For example, when a screen instructing the player to press the performance button 62 is displayed, the player may want to press the performance button 62 and leave his/her seat after seeing the result of the game, but the player may want to press the performance button 62 and leave his/her seat after seeing the result of the game. By enabling the performance button 62 even when the payment is completed, it is possible to smoothly proceed with the performance while notifying the completion of payment and leave the seat after viewing the result. Note that the press instruction screen does not have a large amount of information (number of characters) like the menu screen, so even if it is displayed at the same time as the screen indicating completion of payment, the player will not misunderstand the screen.

In addition, the sub-control board 72 turns off the performance button 62 while validating the operation of the performance button 62 during payment notification or payment completion notification. In other words, the effect button 62 is turned on and the validity of the operation is not actively notified, but if it is pressed, the press is accepted. By doing this, it is basically not recommended to proceed with the performance during payment notification or payment completion notification, but if the performance button 62 is pressed, the player's intention will be prioritized, It becomes possible to proceed with the performance. In addition, the sub-control board 72 may turn on the performance button 62 while validating the operation of the performance button 62 during payment notification or payment completion notification.

FIG. 3 shows a case where the payment button 52 is pressed while the production button 62 is not pressed. In FIG. 4, a configuration example will be described in which the effect button 62 that became effective is pressed after the third stop and the payment button 52 is pressed while the effect based on the press of the effect button 62 is being executed. .

(B4, B5) The sub control board 72 displays on the liquid crystal display D a screen indicating that the effect button 62 can be pressed, and also enables the effect button 62.
(B6, B7, B8) When the activated effect button 62 is pressed, the sub-control board 72 starts outputting the liquid crystal effect and audio effect based on (corresponding to) the depression of the effect button 62. Specifically, the sub-control board 72 displays an effect image on the liquid crystal display D based on the press of the effect button 62, and also displays audio effects (BGM, lines, sound effects, etc.) based on the press of the effect button 62 on the speaker. 14. Note that the sub-control board 72 may output the effect light based on the press of the effect button 62 through at least one of the lighting devices 33d, 34, 35, and 37.

(B1, B2) When the payment button 52 is pressed, the main control board 70 transmits a payment start command to the sub control board 72 and starts payment processing.
(B1, B7, B8) When the payment button 52 is pressed while the liquid crystal presentation and audio presentation are being output based on the pressing of the presentation button 62, the sub control board 72 receives a payment start command from the main control board 70. Based on this, the output of the audio production will be stopped. However, even if the sub-control board 72 receives the payment start command, the output of the liquid crystal display does not stop (continues).

(B2, B3) Upon completion of the payment process, the main control board 70 sends a payment completion command to the sub control board 72, and the sub control board 72 receives the payment completion command from the main control board 70. , starts outputting the payment completion voice.

(B8) Upon completion of the output of the payment completion voice (after waiting for the completion of output of the payment completion voice), the sub control board 72 starts outputting the audio performance (the audio performance based on the pressing of the production button 62). Note that while the output of the audio performance is stopped, the sub control board 72 executes the audio performance behind the output of the payment completion audio (in a layer behind the payment completion audio) without outputting the sound to the outside. ing. That is, when the sub-control board 72 receives the checkout start command while outputting the audio performance based on the pressing of the performance button 62, the sub-control board 72 executes the audio performance but does not output any sound, and ends the output of the payment completion sound. Then, the control is performed to output the sound of the audio performance again. This can also be said to be due to the improved audio performance.

In this way, if the payment process is executed while the audio performance based on the press of the performance button 62 is being output, the output of the audio performance is stopped and the notification regarding the payment (the notification sound during payment and the payment completion sound) is By giving priority to the output, the player can understand through the sound that the payment process is being executed. However, even while the payment in progress notification sound and the payment completion sound are being output, the liquid crystal display based on the press of the production button 62 continues, so the player can visually see that the production is progressing. can be understood.

In FIG. 4, a case is shown in which the effect button 62 that has become effective is pressed and the payment button 52 is pressed while the effect based on the depression of the effect button 62 is being executed. FIG. 9 shows a case where the payment button 52 is pressed first and the production button 62 is pressed while the payment process is being executed.

(G4, G5) The sub-control board 72 displays on the liquid crystal display D a screen indicating that the effect button 62 can be pressed, and also enables the effect button 62.
(G1, G2) When the payment button 52 is pressed, the main control board 70 sends a payment start command to the sub control board 72 and starts payment processing.

(G6, G7, G8) When the production button 62 in the valid state is pressed while the payment process is being executed, the sub-control board 72 controls the production button 62 based on the reception of information (signal) to that effect. Starts outputting the LCD display based on the press of . At this time, the sub control board 72 does not output the audio performance based on the pressing of the performance button 62. This "do not output audio performance" is included in "stop output of audio performance". In other words, even if the sub-control board 72 receives information (signal) indicating that the production button 62 has been pressed while executing notification regarding payment (during notification of payment and notification of completion of payment), the sub-control board 72 does not output audio. Does not output performance. That is, the notification regarding the payment is given priority over the audio performance based on the pressing of the performance button 62.

(G2, G3) Upon completion of the payment processing, the main control board 70 transmits a payment completion command to the sub control board 72, and the sub control board 72 receives the payment completion command from the main control board 70. , starts outputting the payment completion voice.
(G8) The sub-control board 72 starts outputting the audio effect upon completion of the output of the payment completion sound (after waiting for the completion of output of the payment completion sound). Note that while the output of the audio performance is stopped, the sub control board 72 executes the audio performance behind the output of the payment completion audio (in a layer behind the payment completion audio) without outputting the sound to the outside. ing. That is, even if the sub-control board 72 receives a signal indicating that the production button 62 has been pressed while executing the notification regarding the payment, the sub-control board 72 executes the audio production until the output of the payment completion voice is finished. No sound is output, and when the output of the payment completion sound is finished, the sound of the audio performance is controlled to be output.

In addition, in the examples of FIGS. 4 and 9, to "prioritize" the payment completion voice over the voice production sound, you must not only make the voice production sound silent, but also compare the voice production sound with the payment completion voice. This includes reducing the size and outputting (flowing) it.

Next, a case where an error occurs during "payment" will be explained.
First, each error detected (detected) by the main control board 70 will be explained. Although not shown, the main control board 70 includes error detection means and error management means. The error detection means detects backflow error, empty error, dispensing jam error, dispensing abnormal error, over error, retention error, backup error, door open error, loading abnormal error, display judgment abnormal error based on the signal status of various sensors, etc. , RAM abnormal error, and setting value abnormal error are detected.

(1) A backflow error is an error caused by medals flowing backward in a flow path.
(2) Empty error is an error caused by no more medals being stored in the hopper device 150. Specifically, it is detected when the signal state of the payout sensor continues for a certain period of time (approximately 2100ms) in an OFF state (a state in which medals to be paid out are not detected) in a situation where medals are being paid out. This is an error.
(3) The payout jam error is an error caused by the medals to be paid out being jammed in the hopper device 150 and not being discharged. Specifically, in a situation where medals are being paid out, the signal state of the payout sensor (dispensing medal switch) continues for a certain period of time (approximately 172 ms) in an on state (a state in which medals to be paid out are detected). This is an error detected when

(4) Abnormal payout error is an error caused by medals being paid out in a situation where medals should not be paid out. Specifically, this is an error that is detected when the signal state of the payout sensor (payout medal switch) continues to be on for a certain period of time (approximately 6 ms) in a situation where no medals are being paid out.
(5) Over error is an error caused by excess medals stored in the cash box exceeding a predetermined amount. Specifically, this is an error that is detected when the signal state of the overflow sensor continues for a certain period of time (approximately 100 ms) in an on state (signal state indicating that surplus medals exceed a predetermined amount).
(6) A retention error is an error caused by medals being jammed in the medal selector 92. Specifically, the signal state of the first medal passing sensor or the second medal passing sensor, which is downstream of the insertion detection sensor 130 and upstream of the blocker 99, is in an on state (indicating that the presence of a medal is detected). This is an error that is detected when the signal condition continues for a certain period (approximately 113 ms) or more.

(7) A backup error is an error caused by a problem occurring in RWM backup. Specifically, this error is detected when an RWM backup abnormality is detected when the power is turned on. Alternatively, it is an error that is detected when the stored value of the stack pointer is not within a specific range when the power is turned on.
(8) Door open error is an error caused by the lower door 40 (front door 3) being open. Specifically, it is detected when the signal state of the door opening/closing switch that is activated when the lower door 40 opens remains on (signal state indicating that the lower door 40 is open) for a certain period of time (approximately 48 ms) or more. This is an error.

(9) An abnormal insertion error occurs when the medals are sent to the normal flow path (in this case, the medal payment This is an error caused by passing through a different flow path than the flow path returned to the outlet. Specifically, this error is detected when the second medal passage sensor detects medals passing through the medal selector 92 and flowing toward the medal chute after the blocker 99 is activated. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, an error is detected when the second medal passage sensor is turned on after a certain period of time (approximately 250 ms) has passed since the blocker 99 was closed.
In addition, the abnormal feeding error includes a chute error. The shoot error is an error caused by a difference of more than a certain level between the number of medals that have passed through the medal selector 92 and the number of medals that have passed through the medal chute. Specifically, the first medal passing sensor and the second medal passing sensor wait for a certain period of time to pass after the inserted medal passes the first medal passing sensor and the second medal passing sensor in the correct order. The difference between the number of medals detected to have passed in the correct order and the number of times the signal state of the shoot sensor is on (signal state detecting the presence of medals) is not within the specified range. or when a certain period of time has passed after the inserted medal passes the first medal passing sensor and the second medal passing sensor in the correct order, the first medal passing sensor and the second medal passing sensor are checked in the correct order. It is detected when the difference between the number of medals detected to have passed and the number of times the signal state of the chute sensor is in the ON state (signal state detecting the presence of medals) is a predetermined number or more. This is an error.
In addition, the abnormal loading error includes a loading detection error. The insertion detection error is an error caused by medals being jammed near the medal insertion slot 42. Specifically, this is an error that is detected when the insertion detection sensor 130 in the medal selector 92 remains on (signal state detecting the presence of medals) for a certain period of time (approximately 602 ms) or more.

(10) A display determination abnormality error is an error detected when a symbol that is not a winning combination is displayed.
(11) A RAM abnormality error is an error detected when reading and writing from RAM is not performed normally.
(12) A set value abnormality error is an error that is detected when a set value is outside the allowable range during internal lottery.

As shown in FIG. 5, each error is assigned an error code from E1 to EC depending on the type of error. When an error is detected by the error detection means, the error management means executes a process of notifying the detected error via the liquid crystal display D or the main display (display unit 58 in FIG. 1). Specifically, the error management means sets an error code corresponding to the type of error detected, and displays the set error code on the liquid crystal display D or the main display (display unit 58 in FIG. 1). let

Further, the error management means performs a cancellation process of clearing the error detection flag and the like based on the fact that a predetermined cancellation operation (error cancellation operation) has been performed. The predetermined release operation (error release operation) includes, for example, an operation of inserting a door key into a door key cylinder and rotating (twisting) the door key counterclockwise, and an operation of pressing a setting change button. As shown in FIG. 5, error cancellation operations are set for each error type (error codes E1 to EC). When a signal is input from the setting change button or door sensor due to the error cancellation operation, the error management means determines that the error cancellation operation has been performed, and clears error-related information such as the error detection flag and timer timing information ( Perform the cancellation process to delete (delete).

When the main control board 70 detects an error, it transmits a command (error command) indicating that an error has occurred to the sub control board 72. When the sub-control board 72 receives an error command from the main controller 70, the sub-control board 72 controls displaying an image (hereinafter referred to as an error screen) corresponding to the content of the error occurrence on the liquid crystal display D, and outputs a warning sound ( Control is performed to output an error sound (hereinafter referred to as an error sound) through the speaker 14.

A configuration example of a process when an error occurs during payment notification will be described using the timing chart shown in FIG. 6. In addition, although the case where a backflow error occurs as an error will be described below, other errors may be used.
(C1, C2) When the payment button 52 is pressed, the main control board 70 sends a payment start command to the sub control board 72 and starts payment processing.
(C4) When the main control board 70 detects a backflow error (if the conditions for a backflow error are met), it transmits a command (backflow error command) indicating that a backflow error has occurred to the sub control board 72.

(C2, C5) Even if the sub control board 72 receives the payment start command and also receives the error command (backflow error command), the sub control board 72 does not receive the payment completion command until it receives the payment completion command from the main control board 70. Do not perform any processing based on the reception of .
Based on receiving the payment completion command from the main control board 70, the sub control board 72 executes processing based on reception of the backflow error command. The sub-control board 72 notifies the backflow error as a process based on the reception of the backflow error command. The sub-control board 72 displays a screen corresponding to the backflow error (backflow error screen) on the liquid crystal display D as a notification of the backflow error, and outputs a warning sound (error sound) corresponding to the backflow error via the speaker 14. Then, a production light (hereinafter referred to as an error lamp; for example, red) is outputted (lit) through at least one of the lighting devices 33d, 34, 35, and 37 to notify that an error is occurring.

In this way, even if the sub control board 72 receives the payment completion command from the main control board 70, if it has received an error command first, it gives priority to processing based on the error command (error notification). conduct. Then, as shown below, after the error is cleared, the sub-control board 72 performs processing based on the payment completion command (output of payment completion voice).

(C6) When an operator or the like inputs (executes) an error cancellation operation (error recovery process) corresponding to a backflow error, the main control board 70 sends a command (backflow error cancellation) indicating that the backflow error has been canceled. command) to the sub-control board 72.
(C3, C5) Based on the receipt of the backflow error release command, the sub-control board 72 stops notifying the backflow error and starts outputting the payment completion voice (“Payment completed”). To stop the backflow error notification, the sub control board 72 shifts the display on the liquid crystal display D from the error screen to the normal screen, stops outputting the error sound, and turns off the error lamp. Note that the sub control board 72 may display a screen indicating completion of payment while outputting the payment completion voice (notifying completion of payment), and then display a normal screen. Further, the sub-control board 72 may turn off the error lamp and turn on the payment in progress lamp during payment completion notification. In that case, for example, if the lighting pattern (lighting color) of the error lamp and the payment lamp are the same, there is no change in appearance.

Note that for C3, C5, and C6, the error notification is stopped at the rising edge of error cancellation and the output of the payment completion voice is started, but these may be performed based on the falling edge of error cancellation.

In this way, if an error (for example, a backflow error) occurs during payment notification, the error is notified after waiting for the payment processing to complete, so the player can be sure that the payment has been completed. can. In other words, it is possible to prevent the player from misperceiving (for example, thinking that payment has been interrupted). On the other hand, since the notification of the occurrence of an error is prioritized over the output of the payment completion voice, the time from the occurrence of an error to the notification of the error can be further shortened, allowing early measures to be taken against the error. . Furthermore, if the system is configured to notify of the occurrence of an error during payment notification, the process will be complicated, but with the above configuration, such a process will not become complicated.

Note that the process for notifying the occurrence of an error after the end of the payment process and then outputting the payment completion voice is not limited to the above-mentioned process. For example, in the above example, even if the sub control board 72 receives an error command, it does not execute the process based on the reception of the error command until it receives the payment completion command from the main control board 70. If an error occurs during the payment process, the main control board 70 may send an error command to the sub control board 72 after the payment process is completed. Furthermore, the main control board 70 may send a settlement completion command to the sub control board 72 after the error is cleared (after the error cancellation command is sent).

Next, using the timing chart shown in FIG. 7, a configuration example of a process when an error occurs during payment completion notification will be described.
(D1, D2) When the payment button 52 is pressed, the main control board 70 sends a payment start command to the sub control board 72 and starts payment processing.
(D7) Based on receiving the payment start command from the main control board 70, the sub-control board 72 shifts the display on the liquid crystal display D from the normal screen to the payment-in-progress notification screen.

(D2, D3) Upon completion of the payment process, the main control board 70 sends a payment completion command to the sub control board 72, and the sub control board 72 receives the payment completion command from the main control board 70. , starts outputting the payment completion voice.

(D4) When the main control board 70 detects a backflow error, it sends a backflow error command to the sub control board 72.
(D3, D5) If the sub control board 72 receives a backflow error command from the main control board 70 while outputting the payment completion voice (that is, notifying the completion of payment), the sub control board 72 performs payment processing based on the reception. Stop (cancel) the output of the completion voice (“Payment has been made”) (for example, stop at “Payment has been made”) to notify the backflow error. Specifically, the sub-control board 72 displays a backflow error screen on the liquid crystal display D, outputs an error sound, and turns on an error lamp.

(D6) When an operator or the like inputs (executes) an error cancellation operation corresponding to the backflow error, the main control board 70 transmits a backflow error cancellation command to the sub control board 72.
(D5, D7) Based on the reception of the backflow error release command, the sub control board 72 stops notifying the backflow error (stops outputting the error sound and turns off the error lamp), and displays the display on the liquid crystal display D. Transition from error screen to normal screen.
(D3) In this example, even if the sub-control board 72 recovers from the error (even if it receives the backflow error cancellation command), it resumes the output of the payment completion voice that was stopped in response to the reception of the backflow error command ( output). However, the sub-control board 72 may output a payment completion sound upon recovery from the error (transition to the normal screen). In that case, the sub-control board 72 may output the payment completion voice again from the beginning instead of from where it stopped.

Note that in D5 and D6, the error notification is assumed to stop at the rising edge of error cancellation, but the error notification may be stopped at the falling edge of error cancellation.
Furthermore, in D6 and D7, the transition to the normal screen occurs at the falling edge of error cancellation, but the transition to the normal screen may occur at the rising edge of error cancellation.

In this way, if an error (for example, a backflow error) occurs during the payment completion notification, the error notification can be sent without waiting for the payment completion voice to finish outputting (even while the payment completion voice is being output). Prioritize. That is, an error notification with a higher priority (urgency) is output with priority over the payment completion voice. This allows early countermeasures to be taken against errors. That is, it is possible to prevent delays in error processing.

In addition, in D3 and D4, the case where an error occurred while the payment completion voice was being output was shown, but after the payment processing is completed (after receiving the payment completion command), the first sound of the payment completion voice (for example, An error may occur before "se") is output. Even in such a case, the sub-control board 72 does not output (stops outputting) the payment completion voice and issues an error notification. That is, the sub-control board 72 gives priority to error notification over output of payment completion voice.

Next, using the timing chart shown in FIG. 8, a configuration example of a process when the cross button 57 is pressed during payment completion notification will be described.
(F1, F2) When the payment button 52 is pressed, the main control board 70 transmits a payment start command to the sub control board 72 and starts payment processing.
(F4, F7) Based on receiving the payment start command from the main control board 70, the sub control board 72 stops the lighting of the lamp during gaming (e.g., white color) and turns off the lighting of the lamp during payment (e.g., red color). Start. In addition, in this embodiment, the lighting of the lamp during payment and the lighting of the error lamp have the same pattern.

(F2, F3) Upon completion of the payment process, the main control board 70 sends a payment completion command to the sub control board 72, and the sub control board 72 receives the payment completion command from the main control board 70. , starts outputting the payment completion voice.

(F3, F5) When the cross button 57 is operated (pressed) while outputting the payment completion voice (that is, notifying completion of payment), the sub control board 72 accepts the operation (pressing). In this example, the sub-control board 72 makes the operation of the cross button 57 valid during the payment completion notification (that is, from the reception of the payment completion command until the output of the payment completion voice ends). Then, when the sub control board 72 receives information (signal) (command) indicating that the cross button 57 has been pressed while outputting the payment completion voice, the sub control board 72 outputs the payment completion voice based on the reception. Stop the output (for example, stop at "Settlement Island").

(F5, F6, F7) Furthermore, when the sub-control board 72 receives information (signal) (command) indicating that the cross button 57 has been pressed while outputting the payment completion voice, the sub-control board 72 receives Based on the reception, the checkout lamp is turned off, the game lamp is turned on, and the display on the liquid crystal display D is shifted from the checkout notification screen to the menu screen (or the volume change screen). That is, when the sub-control board 72 receives information indicating that the cross button 57 has been pressed while outputting the payment completion voice, it executes the process based on the press of the cross button 57 based on the reception. conduct.

In addition, in F3 and F5, the case where the cross button 57 was pressed while the payment completion voice was being output was shown, but after the payment processing is finished, the first sound of the payment completion voice (for example, "se") is The cross button 57 may be pressed before the output. Even in such a case, the sub-control board 72 does not output (stops outputting) the payment completion voice and executes the process based on the pressing of the cross button 57. That is, the sub-control board 72 gives priority to the process based on pressing the cross button 57 over the output of the payment completion voice.

Further, regarding F5 and F6, the falling edge of the cross button 57 is assumed to transition to the menu screen, but the rising edge of the cross button 57 may be configured to transition to the menu screen.

In this way, when the cross button 57 is operated during the payment completion notification, the operation of the cross button 57 is accepted without waiting for the output of the payment completion voice to finish (even during the output of the payment completion voice). The operation of the cross button 57 takes priority), and the process based on that operation (such as moving to the menu screen) is executed. Desired settings can be made. That is, it is possible to prevent the player from feeling dissatisfied (stressed) by not being able to operate the cross button 57 until the output of the payment completion voice is finished.

Here, the broken line portion Z at F4 in FIG. 8 will be explained. The broken line part Z indicates the lighting of the checkout lamp, which was originally scheduled to be executed. Here, let us consider a case where the cross button 57 is not pressed while the payment completion voice is being output. In this case, even after the output of the payment completion voice (“Payment completed”) has ended, the payment lamp continues to be lit for a certain period of time. In other words, the sub-control board 72 outputs the payment completion sound and turns on the payment in progress lamp to notify the completion of payment processing, but even after the former (output of the payment completion sound) is completed, the latter (in payment processing) is output. (lighting of a lamp) continues for a certain period of time. Note that the sub-control board 72 causes the screen (liquid crystal display D) to transition to the normal screen upon completion of the payment completion voice output. In this way, by lighting the checkout lamp for a longer time than the output of the checkout completion voice, it is possible to recognize that the checkout process has ended for a certain period of time after the checkout process is finished. That is, after the payment processing is completed, the surroundings are notified for a certain period of time that the payment processing has been completed, so that, for example, hall staff etc. can easily recognize the completion of the payment processing.

(Second embodiment)
The second embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment will be described using an example in which the present invention is applied to a slot machine, which is one type of gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to slot machines, but can be applied to other gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines. may be done.

As shown in FIG. 10, the slot machine (gaming machine) 10 of the present invention includes a box-shaped housing 11 that is open on the front side that faces the player, and the front opening of the housing 11 that can be opened and closed. A front door 12 is provided. The housing 11 houses a reel unit including a rotatable first reel 20a, second reel 20b, and third reel 20c, a hopper device for dispensing medals, and the like. Further, the front door 12 is divided into an upper door 12a and a lower door 12b, and each of the upper door 12a and the lower door 12b can be opened and closed with respect to the housing 11.

The upper door 12a is provided with a display device 13, a display device such as a speaker 14, and a display window 16. The display device 13 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display, and displays images (moving images, still images) for various effects. Further, the speaker 14 outputs various sounds for presentation (music, sound effects, voices, etc.). Note that in addition to the display device 13 and the speaker 14, the display device 13 and the speaker 14 may include a lighting device such as a lamp (LED), a movable accessory that can be operated by an actuator, etc.

At the back of the display window 16, a part of the reel unit is arranged so as to be visible from outside the display window 16. A plurality of types of symbols are arranged in a line on the outer peripheral surface of each reel 20a to 20c (see FIG. 17), and when each reel 20a to 20c stops, three symbols per reel (upper row symbols) are displayed through the display window 16. , middle pattern, and bottom pattern) are displayed. In addition, the display window 16 is provided with upper, middle, and lower display positions for visually recognizing the symbols of each reel 20a to 20c, and an effective line is set by a combination of display positions of each reel 20a to 20c. has been done. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, an active line is formed by the middle stage of the first reel 20a, the middle stage of the second reel 20b, and the middle stage of the third reel 20c. Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the number of medals required for one game (regular number) is set to 3, and when the specified number of medals is inserted, the active line is activated. Ru.

In the slot machine 10, each of the reels 20a to 20c starts rotating with the start of the game, and an internal lottery is executed to determine whether one of the winning combinations wins or loses. Next, when the reels 20a to 20c stop and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination won in the internal lottery is displayed on the active line, this winning combination becomes a prize, and the process corresponding to the winning combination (winning processing) is executed.

Below the display window 16, a game information display section 17 and an advantageous section display 18 are provided. The game information display section 17 is comprised of an LED, a lamp, a 7-segment display, etc., and displays various game information such as the number of medal credits, the number of medals paid out or acquired in one game, and error information. Further, the advantageous section indicator 18 has an LED, and by lighting and extinguishing the LED, it is notified whether or not the vehicle is staying in an advantageous section.

The lower door 12b includes a medal slot 22 for inserting medals, a bet button 23 for betting credited medals, and a rotating start lever (start operating means) 24 that is operated when starting a game. There are provided stop buttons (stop operation means) 26a, 26b, 26c for stopping the reels, a payout port 27 for paying out medals by a hopper device, and a medal receiving tray 28 for receiving medals paid out from the payout port 27. Furthermore, a medal sensor 29 (see FIG. 11) is provided at the back of the medal slot 22 to detect passage of medals inserted from the medal slot 22.

In the slot machine 10, when medals are inserted into the medal slot 22 or when the bet button 23 is operated and a prescribed number of medals are bet, the operation of the start lever 24 is enabled. Furthermore, when the activated start lever 24 is operated, the game is started. When the game starts, each of the reels 20a to 20c starts rotating, and when the rotational speed of each reel 20a to 20c reaches a constant speed and becomes steady rotation, the operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c is enabled. Further, when the enabled stop buttons 26a to 26c are operated, each reel 20a to 20c corresponding to the operated stop button 26a to 26c is stopped.

As shown in FIG. 11, inside the slot machine 10, a main control board (main control device) 31 and a sub-control board (sub-control device) 32 are provided. The main control board 31 receives input signals from input means such as the bet button 23, the start lever 24, the stop buttons 26a to 26c, and the medal sensor 29, performs various calculations to execute the game, and uses the calculation results as input signals. Based on this, output means such as a reel unit and a hopper device are controlled. Further, the sub-control board 32 receives signals sent from the main control board 31, performs various calculations for performing effects, and controls the display device 13, speaker 14, etc. for effects based on the calculation results. Controls the device.

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

The main control board 31 includes an input reception means 40, a random number generation means 41, an internal lottery means 42 that performs an internal lottery to determine the validity of a winning combination, a reel control means 43 that controls the rotation of the reels, and all reels. winning determination means 44 that determines whether a winning combination has been won when the winning combination is stopped; payout control means 45; setting change means 47; initialization means 48; game state control means 49; and instruction function control. It includes a means 51, an effect main control means 52, and a storage means 60. Furthermore, the storage means 60 includes a ROM and a RAM.
Further, the sub-control board 32 includes an effect sub-control means 70 and a sub-side storage means 72. Further, the sub-side storage means 72 includes a ROM and a RAM.

In addition, the effect main control means 52 and the effect sub control means 70 constitute the effect control means 100. The performance main control means 52 determines whether or not to perform the navigation performance based on the gaming state, the performance state, and the like. Further, the performance sub-control means 70 uses the information regarding the game state and performance status transmitted from the performance main control means 52, or the performance information stored in the sub-side storage means 72, based on the determination of whether or not to perform the navigation performance. The data is used to control the production equipment. Note that the control performed by the production main control means 52 described in this embodiment may be performed by the production sub control means 70, and the control performed by the production sub control means 70 may be performed by the production main control means 52.

The input receiving means 40 accepts the input of medals for each game, and performs a process of validating the game start operation on the start lever 24 based on the input of a specified number of medals. Specifically, when a medal is inserted into the medal slot 22, the medal sensor 29 detects the medal, and the input receiving means 40 puts the inserted medals into the inserted state (up to a specified number). Bet status). Furthermore, when the bet button 23 is pressed with medals credited, the input accepting means 40 sets the credited medals to the input state up to a specified number. In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the first pressing operation on the start lever 24, which is activated based on the insertion of a specified number of medals, is accepted as a game start operation, and the reels 20a to 20c are activated based on this operation. As soon as the rotation starts, a lottery such as an internal lottery is held.

In addition, the input accepting means 40 controls the medals owned by the player not to be newly set in the input state in the next game after the game in which the replay has won a prize. Specifically, if the replay won in the previous game, even if a medal is inserted into the medal slot 22 while accepting medal insertion, the inserted medal is not set to the inserted state. The inserted medals are credited up to the upper limit number of credits (for example, 50 medals). Further, the operation on the bet button 23 is not accepted in the state where the insertion of medals is accepted, so that even if the bet button 23 is pressed, the credited medals are not set to the inserted state.

The random number generation means 41 generates random numbers for lottery. The random number value can be generated, for example, based on the count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numbers so as to cycle through a predetermined count range). Note that in this embodiment, "random numbers" include not only values that occur randomly in a mathematical sense, but also numbers that are actually generated regularly because the timing of their acquisition is irregular. Also includes values that can function as random numbers.

The internal lottery means 42 performs an internal lottery using an internal lottery table based on the activation of the activated start lever 24 (ie, game start).
The internal lottery table is a table in which various winning combinations and losses, including small winning combinations, replays, and bonuses, are associated with each of a plurality of random numbers (for example, 65536 random numbers from 0 to 65535). A plurality of them are stored in the internal lottery table storage area 61 provided in the ROM of the storage means 60. Specifically, the gaming machine of this embodiment has a plurality of internal lottery tables including three types of internal lottery tables, internal lottery table 1 to internal lottery table 3, as shown in FIG. The internal lottery means 42 selects an internal lottery table according to the gaming state and set value and performs an internal lottery.
Note that a small winning combination is a winning combination in which, by winning a prize, a predetermined number of medals can be paid out according to the winning small winning combination. Furthermore, a replay is a winning combination that allows you to play the game again without consuming new medals. When the replay wins, the operation of the start lever 24 is enabled without using the player's medals, and the game becomes ready to be started by operating the start lever 24.

In the internal lottery, a random number value for the lottery is obtained from the random number generation means 41, this random number value is checked against the internal lottery table to determine whether or not a winning combination has been won, and the winning combination corresponding to the random number value is determined. The role will be won. Moreover, each random number value may be associated with one winning combination, or may be associated with a plurality of winning combinations. Therefore, there are cases in which a single winning combination is won and cases in which multiple winning combinations are won through the internal lottery.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the small winnings include normal Bell A, Bell B, Bell C, special small winning A1, special small winning A2, special small winning A3, special small winning A4, special small winning B, weak cherry, Strong cherries and watermelons are prepared, and the winning modes for small roles in which multiple types of small roles are won overlappingly are batting order bell (batting order bell 1 to batting order bell 8: first winning mode) and JAC1 (second winning mode). Winning mode) and JAC2 are set.

To explain batting order bells in detail with reference to FIG. 13, batting order bells 1 to 4 are bell A, bell B, and special small winnings A1 to special small winnings, as shown in FIG. 13(a). This shows that any one of A4 and the special small winning combination B can be won at the same time. In this way, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, Bell A, Bell B, and two types of special small winning combinations are won overlappingly in batting order Bell 1 to Batting Order Bell 4, and Bell A and Bell B are won overlappingly. The combinations of the two types of special small winning combinations are different. Also, batting order bell 5 to batting order bell 8 are, as shown in FIG. This indicates that the candidate will be elected twice. In this way, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, Bell A, Bell C, and two types of special small winning combinations are won over and over again in batting order Bell 5 to Batting Order Bell 8, and Bell A and Bell C are won overlappingly. The combinations of the two types of special small winning combinations are different.

Further, to explain JAC in detail with reference to FIG. 13, JAC1, as shown in FIG. 13(b), has Bell A, Bell B, Bell C, special small role B, watermelon, This shows that weak cherries and strong cherries can be won at the same time. Further, JAC2 indicates that the special small winning combinations A1 to A4, the special small winning combination B, and the bell A are won in duplicate, as shown in FIG. 13(b).

Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the probability of winning a small winning combination is the same in the internal lottery table 1 and the internal lottery table 2. Furthermore, the replay winning probabilities are the same for internal lottery tables 1 to 3. Further, in the internal lottery table 3, small winning combinations are won in a manner different from that in the internal lottery table 1 and the internal lottery table 2. In the internal lottery table 1 and the internal lottery table 2, Bell B and Bell C are won without duplication by batting order bell 1 to batting order bell 8, and in the internal lottery table 3, Bell B and Bell C are won by JAC1. Bell C can be won multiple times.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a big bonus (BB) is prepared as a bonus, and in the internal lottery table 1, the big bonus is set as a lottery target, but the internal lottery table 2 and the internal lottery table 3 In this case, the big bonus is excluded from the lottery.
In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, it is assumed that the bonus is an accessory continuous activation device related to the so-called first-class special accessory, but it is assumed that the bonus is an accessory continuous activation device related to the first-class special accessory or the second-class special accessory. It may also be a continuous operation device or the like. Further, the bonus is not limited to one type, and a plurality of bonuses may be included.

Further, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the replay and bonus are set so that each player can win independently, but it may be set that the replay and bonus can be won in duplicate. For example, a case may be set in which a replay and a bonus are won overlappingly, a case where a small role and a bonus are won overlappingly, a case where a plurality of types of replays are won overlappingly, etc.

The internal lottery means 42 sets the winning flag corresponding to the winning combination as a result of the internal lottery from a non-winning state (off state) to a winning state (on state). Furthermore, when a plurality of winning combinations are won in duplicate, the winning flags corresponding to the winning combinations are set from a non-winning state to a winning state. Further, the winning flag setting information is stored in a winning flag storage area 62 provided in the RAM 60a of the storage means 60.

In addition, there are two types of winning flags: a winning flag (carry-over flag) that allows you to carry over your winning status to subsequent games until you win a prize, and a non-winning flag that does not carry over your winning status to subsequent games regardless of whether you win a prize. There is a winning flag (non-carryover flag) that is reset. There is a big bonus as a winning combination with a carryover flag. Furthermore, the winnings associated with the non-carryover flag include small winnings and replays. For example, when a big bonus is won in an internal lottery, the internal lottery means 42 carries over the winning state of the winning flag of the big bonus until the big bonus is won. At this time, the internal lottery means 42 performs an internal lottery to determine the success or failure of small winning combinations and replays even in games where the winning state of the winning flag of the big bonus is carried over. In other words, in a game where the winning state of the winning flag of the big bonus is carried over, if a small role or replay is won, the winning flag of the already won big bonus and the winning state of the small role or replay won in the internal lottery are The winning flag and the winning flag corresponding to two or more types of combinations are set in a winning state.

Further, in the slot machine 10, the probability of winning a winning combination differs depending on the six setting values from setting 1 to setting 6. Specifically, when the settings are changed, the internal lottery table group consisting of internal lottery tables 1 to 3 is changed to the internal lottery table group associated with each setting, and depending on the settings, the internal lottery table group consisting of internal lottery tables 1 to 3 is changed to the internal lottery table group that is associated with each setting. , the internal lottery tables are changed to groups with different bonus winning probabilities.

The setting change means 47 performs control to change the setting values stored in the setting value storage area 63 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60. Specifically, a setting change key is inserted into a setting change key cylinder provided inside the slot machine 10, and the setting change key (setting change key cylinder) is rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the initial position before the slot machine 10 is opened. When the machine 10 is powered on, the setting change means 47 starts the slot machine 10 in a setting change mode. The setting value can be selected from 6 levels of setting values from setting 1 to setting 6, and an internal lottery is performed so that the expected value of the ball output rate increases in order from setting 1 to setting 6. The probability of winning is now changing. Each time the setting change button provided inside the slot machine 10 is pressed in the setting change mode, the setting change means 47 changes the settings in the order of setting 1 → setting 2 →... setting 6 → setting 1 →... When the set value is changed and the start lever 24 is pressed, the set value is confirmed and the determined set value is stored in the set value storage area 63. Furthermore, by returning the setting change key inserted into the setting change key cylinder to its initial position, it is possible to shift from the setting change mode to the game mode.
In this embodiment, the height of the setting values is expressed in the order of setting 1 < setting 2 < setting 3 < setting 4 < setting 5 < setting 6.

Furthermore, when the power is turned on with the setting change key cylinder in the initial position, the slot machine 10 is started in a gaming mode. In the game machine of this embodiment, in the game mode, you can play games, but you cannot change the setting values, and in the setting change mode, you can change the setting values, but you cannot play games. It is now impossible to do so.

The initialization means 48 performs an initialization process to initialize at least part of the information stored in the RAM of the storage means 60 when the set value is changed. Specifically, when the setting value is changed, the initialization means 48 performs processing to return the gaming state, gaming section, and performance state to the initial state, which will be described later. In other words, when the set value is changed, the gaming state becomes the normal state, the gaming section becomes the non-advantageous section, the performance state becomes the normal performance state, and these states are the same as when the power was first turned on after leaving the factory. state. Further, in the initialization process, the initialization means 48 also initializes information regarding effects stored in the RAM of the storage means 60. Further, the sub control board 32 is also equipped with an initialization means (not shown), and when a signal indicating that the setting value has been changed is transmitted from the main control board 31, the initialization means of the sub control board 32 is The information regarding the performance stored in the RAM of the sub-side storage means 72 is initialized.
Note that even if the set value is changed, the game state, game section, and performance state may not be returned to the initial state.

The reel control means 43 starts the rotation of each reel 20a to 20c in response to the activation of the activated start lever 24 under the control of the main control board 31 (i.e., game start), and activates the reels 20a to 20c. When the stop buttons 26a to 26c are operated, the reel corresponding to the operated stop button is controlled to stop.

That is, each time each of the stop buttons 26a to 26c is operated, the reel control means 43 determines the stop position of the reel corresponding to the operated button among the first reel 20a to third reel 20c. , performs control to stop the reel at the determined stop position. In the slot machine 10, when the stop button 26a is operated, the rotation of the first reel 20a is stopped, and when the stop button 26b is operated, the rotation of the second reel 20b is stopped, and the stop button 26c is operated. Then, the rotation of the third reel 20c is stopped. Therefore, the order in which the first reel 20a to third reel 20c are stopped changes depending on the order in which the stop buttons 26a to 26c are operated.

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

In addition, below, the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stop the rotating reels in the order of the first reel 20a, the second reel 20b, and the third reel 20c will be referred to as "batting order 1", and the operations of the first reel 20a, the third reel 20c, and the The operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c to stop the rotating reels in the order of the second reel 20c, the second reel 20b, and the second reel 20b is defined as "batting order 2", and the rotating reels are stopped in the order of the second reel 20b, the first reel 20a, and the third reel 20c. The operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, 26c is defined as "batting order 3", and the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, 26c, which stops the rotating reels in the order of second reel 20b, third reel 20c, and first reel 20a, is "batting order 4". '', and the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, 26c to stop the rotating reels in the order of the third reel 20c, the first reel 20a, and the second reel 20b is set as ``batting order 5'', and the third reel 20c, the second reel 20b, The operations of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stop the rotating reels in the order of the first reel 20a are referred to as "batting order 6."

In the stop control when the stop buttons 26a to 26c are operated, the reel control means 43 stops each reel 20a to 20c so that the winning combination whose winning flag is set to the winning state is won. Specifically, when the winning flag of one winning combination is set to the winning state, each reel 20a to 20c is controlled to stop so that this winning combination wins a prize. In addition, in a state where the winning flags of multiple winning combinations are set to the winning state, each reel 20a to 20c is stopped so that a predetermined winning combination wins according to the priority order determined for each winning combination. let In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the priority order is determined in the order of "Replay>Small win>Bonus." Then, the reel control means 43 controls the reel 20a so that the symbols constituting the winning form of the combination with a high priority are displayed on the active line in priority to the symbols forming the winning form of the winning combination with a low priority. ~Stop 20c.

In addition, when multiple types of small roles are won in an internal lottery, the priority order for the stop position candidates is determined by determining the priority order according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line, and by determining the priority order in advance for the small role. There are cases in which the priority order is determined according to the number of medals to be paid out based on a predetermined payout. When determining the priority of stop position candidates according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line, priority is given to stop positions that have a larger number of symbol combinations that represent winning forms that can be displayed on the active line. A priority order is determined for each stop position candidate so that the order becomes higher. When determining the priority order for stop position candidates according to the number of medals paid out, select a stop that increases the number of medals paid out based on the payout of the minor role corresponding to the symbol displayed at the display position on the active line. The priority order for each stop position candidate is determined so that the position (stop position where a small winning combination with a large payout can be won) has a higher priority. However, when determining the priority order of stop position candidates according to the number of medals paid out, if multiple small roles with the same payout are won, the stop position where each small role can be won is determined. The priorities of the candidates are treated as the same.

Further, a correct batting order and a specific batting order are set for batting order bell 1 to batting order bell 8, respectively, and an order different from either the correct batting order or the specific batting order is treated as an incorrect batting order. In particular, in this embodiment, the reel to be stopped first is the same in the correct batting order and the specific batting order, and the reel to be stopped second is determined to be in the correct batting order and in the case in which it is determined to be in the specific batting order. It is now branched into . If any batting order bell is won and the type of stop button pressed first corresponds to the correct batting order and specific batting order, the number of medals paid out will be the highest for the reel that stops first. The priority is determined so that the candidate stop position with the highest number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line has the highest priority. The priority order is determined so that the stop position candidate with the largest number of symbol combinations that can be displayed above has the highest priority order. In addition, if any of the batting order bells is won and the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in an incorrect batting order, priority is given to the stop position candidate that can display the symbol combination that constitutes the most winning forms. Priority is determined so that the ranking is the highest.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when any of the batting order bells is won, if the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in a specific batting order, the priority order of the stop position candidates that can win the bell A is changed. The priority order is determined so that the priority is the highest, and when the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the correct batting order, the game is played so that the priority of the stop position candidate that can win Bell B or Bell C is the highest. When the ranking is determined and the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the incorrect batting order, the priority of the stop position candidate that can win special small winnings A1 to A4 and special small winnings B is highest. Priority is required to ensure that

Also, if you win JAC1, you can win Bell B or Bell C no matter which batting order you play, and if you win JAC2, you can win Bell A no matter which batting order you play. It is now possible to win a prize.

The winning determination means 44 is activated when the rotation of the reels 20a to 20c is stopped, and determines whether or not a winning combination has been won based on the manner in which the reels 20a to 20c are stopped. Specifically, the symbol combinations displayed (stopped) on the active line by stopping the reels 20a to 20c are checked against the winning determination table stored in the ROM of the storage means 60. The winning determination table stores the winning form of each winning combination (symbol combination that results in a winning when stopped and displayed), and through the above-mentioned verification, it is possible to determine whether or not there has been a winning combination and the type of winning combination that has won. do. When a winning combination is won, the main control board 31 executes a winning process corresponding to the won winning combination. As for the winning process, specifically, if a small role is won, a payout process is performed, if a replay is won, a replay process (replay process) is performed, and if a bonus is won, the gaming state is changed. Perform the transition process (gaming state transition control process).

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

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 14, if you win Bell A, special small winnings A1 to A4 or special small winning B, one medal will be paid out, and if you win Bell B or Bell C, seven medals will be paid out. If you win a watermelon, three medals will be paid out, and if you win a weak cherry or a strong cherry, two medals will be paid out.

Furthermore, the replay process is a process in which when a replay wins, the next game is set to the same game start standby state as the previous game without requiring the player to insert medals owned by the player, and the replay processing means 46 will do. If the replay wins, the player will receive the same number of medals as the number set to be inserted in the previous game (the game in which the replay won), and the player's existing medals (including credited medals). An automatic insertion process for automatically inserting medals without using them is performed, and the game waits for the next game start operation on the start lever 24 with a valid line corresponding to the number of medals inserted by the automatic insertion process set. Further, when the automatic insertion process is performed, additional medals cannot be inserted.

As shown in FIG. 15, the gaming state control means 49 performs a gaming state transition control process for shifting the gaming state between a normal state, a bonus established state, and a bonus state. As the gaming state transition condition, one condition or a plurality of conditions may be determined. If a plurality of conditions are set, the gaming state may be shifted based on the fulfillment of one of the plurality of predetermined conditions; The gaming state may be shifted based on the fact that all the conditions have been established.

The internal lottery means 42 selects an internal lottery table from among the internal lottery tables shown in FIG. 12 according to the gaming state and performs an internal lottery. Specifically, in the normal state, an internal lottery is performed with reference to the internal lottery table 1 in which the big bonus is set as a lottery target. In addition, in the bonus established state, an internal lottery is performed with reference to the internal lottery table 2 in which the big bonus is excluded from the lottery targets. Further, in the bonus state, an internal lottery is performed with reference to the internal lottery table 3 in which the big bonus is excluded from lottery targets. The slot machine 10 includes a plurality of internal lottery tables with different replay winning probabilities, and the gaming state control means 49 determines the replay winning probability at a predetermined opportunity (for example, based on winning a predetermined combination). The gaming state may be changed between a plurality of different gaming states (RT states).

The gaming state is a normal state in the initial state.
Furthermore, it is possible to transition from the normal state to the bonus established state. The gaming state control means 49 shifts the gaming state to a bonus established state when a big bonus is won in the normal state.

The bonus established state is a gaming state that is triggered by winning a big bonus in an internal lottery. In the bonus established state, the lottery flag corresponding to the big bonus is maintained in the winning state until the big bonus is won, and when the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the big bonus is displayed on the active line, the gaming state control means 49 , the gaming state is shifted from the bonus established state to the bonus state.

The bonus state is a gaming state that changes when a symbol combination representing a winning form of the big bonus is displayed on the active line. In addition, in the bonus state, it is determined whether the termination condition is satisfied based on the total number of medals paid out in the bonus state, and if more than a predetermined number of medals (for example, 100 medals) are paid out, the game ends. The state control means 49 ends the bonus state and shifts the gaming state to the normal state.
In this embodiment, the termination condition of the bonus state is determined by the total number of medals paid out, but the termination condition may be determined by the number of games played in the bonus state, the number of winnings of small winning combinations, or the like. Further, the bonus state may be such that the termination condition is set such that the bonus condition can be terminated after one game.

The instruction function control means 51 includes a game section control means 80, a performance state control means 81, and a privilege granting means 82. The instruction function control means 51 performs processing related to the operation of an instruction function that assists in winning a specific winning combination in an advantageous section. Specifically, when a predetermined winning combination is won, the instruction function control means 51 determines whether or not to perform an instruction performance to assist the winning of this winning combination. More specifically, when the batting order bell is won, the instruction function control means 51 determines whether to perform an instruction performance (batting order navigation performance) that notifies the correct batting order and assists Bell B or Bell C in winning a prize. decide. Then, based on this determination, the performance control means 100 causes the display device 13, the speaker 14, and other performance devices to execute the batting order navigation performance.

As shown in FIG. 16, the game section control means 80 performs a game section transition control process to shift the game section between a non-advantageous section and an advantageous section according to the progress of the game. The non-advantageous section is a game section corresponding to the initial state among the plurality of types of game sections. In the non-advantageous section, the benefit giving means 82 performs a lottery for moving to an advantageous section, and when the lottery for moving to an advantageous section is won, the game section control means 80 shifts the game section to the advantageous section. Further, the advantageous section is a game section in which an upper limit value (in this case, 1500 times) is set for the number of times a game can be played. Additionally, batting order navigation effects (navigation effects that instruct the batting order) cannot be performed when the game area is set to a non-advantageous area, and batting order navigation effects cannot be performed only when the game area is set to an advantageous area. It is now possible to do so. When the number of games played in the advantageous section reaches an upper limit of 1500 times, the game section control means 80 ends the advantageous section and shifts the game section to a non-advantageous section.

In the non-advantageous section, the benefit granting means 82 performs a lottery (advantageous section transfer lottery) to determine whether or not to transfer to the advantageous section based on the winning of watermelon, weak cherry, or strong cherry (winning of rare combination). . Then, when winning the advantageous section transition lottery, the game section control means 80 shifts the game section from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section.

Furthermore, each time a game is played in an advantageous section, the game section control means 80 sets the advantageous section game number counter 65 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60 by 1, triggered by a game start operation on the start lever 24. An increment process is performed to add "1" as a value corresponding to the number of games played. Note that the game section control means 80 does not add to the advantageous section game number counter 65 in the non-advantageous section. Further, at the time of transition from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section, the stored value of the advantageous section game number counter 65 is "0". Then, when the stored value of the advantageous section game number counter 65 reaches the threshold (upper limit) "1500", the game section control means 80 determines that the end condition of the advantageous section has been satisfied, and changes the game section from the advantageous section to the non-advantageous section. Move to. That is, the upper limit of the number of games played in the advantageous section is set to 1500, and the number of games played in the advantageous section is not exceeded 1500 times in a row.

In addition, in the advantageous section, the game section control means 80 updates the value of a difference number counter (not shown) provided in the RAM of the storage means 60 by the difference number of medals, and updates the value of the difference number counter (not shown) provided in the RAM of the storage means 60 with the value corresponding to the number of medals paid out ( For example, if 7 medals were paid out, it would be counted as "7", and if none of the winning combinations were won and no payouts were made, it would be counted as "0").The number of medals used in the game Subtract the value equivalent to (for example, if 3 coins were inserted, it will be "3") to find the calculation result of the difference in the number of coins in the game, and add this calculation result to the value of the difference number counter. Perform the update process. Note that the game section control means 80 does not add to the difference number counter in the non-advantageous section. Further, at the time of transition from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section, the stored value of the difference number counter is "0". Then, when the value of the differential number of coins counter exceeds a threshold value (for example, "2400"), the game section control means 80 determines that the end condition of the advantageous section is satisfied, and changes the game section from the advantageous section to the non-advantageous section. Migrate. The value of the difference number counter is controlled so that it does not fall below the initial value "0". For example, if the value of the difference number counter at the start of the game is "2", as a result of playing the game, any winning combination will be won. If no medals are paid out without doing so, the calculation result of the difference number in that game will be "-3", and when the calculation result of the difference number is added to the value of the difference number counter, it will be less than the initial value "0". However, after the update, the value of the difference number counter is stopped from counting with the initial value "0" as the lower limit. In other words, an upper limit is set for the number of medals that can be earned in an advantageous section, and the point when the number of medals in an advantageous section has decreased the most is set as "0", and the increase in the number of medals from that standard exceeds 2,400. The advantageous section ends when the In addition, if there is a winning replay in a game, it is treated as if the game in which the replay won has paid out medals equivalent to the specified number of inputs for the game, and the difference in the number of medals is calculated. For the next game to be offered, even if no medals are actually inserted, it may be treated as if the number of medals equivalent to the prescribed number of medals for the game has been inserted, and the difference in the number of medals may be determined.

Further, the advantageous section indicator 18 is turned off in non-advantageous sections and turned on in advantageous sections. Note that the advantageous section indicator 18 does not need to be turned on at the same time as the transition to the advantageous section, but may be turned on before the first navigation performance (navigation performance that instructs the batting order) is performed. Furthermore, once the light is turned on, it will not be turned off until the advantageous section ends.

As shown in FIG. 16, the performance state control means 81 performs a performance state transition that shifts the performance state between multiple types of performance states including a normal performance state, a non-AT performance state, and an AT performance state (batting order navigation performance state). Performs control processing. As the performance state transition condition, one condition may be determined, or a plurality of conditions may be determined. If multiple conditions are set, the production state may be transitioned when one of the multiple predetermined conditions is satisfied, or when some or all of the multiple predetermined conditions are met. The performance state may be shifted based on the fact that the event has been established.

The normal performance state is a performance state corresponding to an initial state among a plurality of types of game states. In the non-advantageous section, the performance state control means 81 sets the performance state to the normal performance state. In the normal presentation state (non-advantageous section), the benefit granting means 82 performs the advantageous section transfer lottery as described above, and when the transfer to the advantageous section is determined in the advantageous section transfer lottery, the presentation state control means 82 moves the presentation state to a non-AT presentation state.

In the non-AT performance state (including the chance performance state), the benefit granting means 82 performs a lottery (AT lottery) to determine whether or not to shift to the AT performance state. Specifically, the benefit granting means 82 performs an AT lottery when a watermelon, a weak cherry, or a strong cherry is won in the non-AT performance state.
Note that the non-AT performance state has a higher probability of transition to the AT performance state than the normal performance state, and is a performance state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal performance state. Furthermore, in the non-AT performance state, the batting order navigation performance is performed less frequently than in the AT performance state, and the batting order navigation performance is almost never performed or is not performed at all.

When the AT lottery is won, the performance state control means 81 determines to shift the performance state to the AT performance state. When winning the AT lottery and deciding to shift the performance state to the AT performance state, the performance state control means 81 sets a predetermined value to the memory value of the AT game number counter 67 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60. setting and transition the presentation state to the AT presentation state. In this embodiment, the AT game number counter 67 is set to, for example, "50" as a value corresponding to 50 games. In addition, in the AT performance state, the benefit granting means 82 determines whether to increase the number of games in the AT performance state when a watermelon, a weak cherry, or a strong cherry is won (the duration of the AT performance state is A lottery (additional lottery) is performed to determine whether or not to increase the number of games, and a value corresponding to the number of games determined based on the lottery result is added to the AT game number counter 67. Note that the value set in the AT game number counter 67 at the start of the AT production state may be determined by a lottery or the like.

It should be noted that it may be possible to directly transition from the normal performance state to the AT performance state. For example, in an advantageous section transition lottery, rather than simply deciding whether to transition to an advantageous section (non-AT performance state), it is necessary to decide whether to shift the performance state to an AT performance state, a non-AT performance state, or It is also possible to randomly select whether or not to transition to the normal performance state. The probability of a direct transition from the normal performance state to the AT performance state may be different for each setting, such as setting 6 being higher than setting 1, or may be the same probability for all setting values.

The performance state control means 81 performs a decrement process of subtracting a value "1" corresponding to the number of games for one time from the stored value of the AT game number counter 67 every time a game is played in the AT performance state. When the stored value of the AT game number counter 67 reaches the threshold value "0", it is judged that the condition for ending the AT performance state is satisfied, the AT performance state is ended, and the performance state is shifted to the normal performance state.

Further, the AT performance state may be set according to the gaming state to which the player transitions based on winning a bonus or winning a prize. For example, when the gaming state is a bonus established state, the AT performance state may be entered, and the AT performance state may not be entered during the normal state or the bonus state. In other words, in the normal state or the bonus state, for example, even if the AT lottery is won, the transition to the AT performance state may not be made, or the AT lottery may not be performed.

In addition, if you win a bonus when the performance state is AT performance state and the gaming state is a bonus established state, after the bonus state to which you are transitioned by winning this bonus ends, you will go through the normal state and return to the bonus established state. The AT performance state (update of the AT game number counter 67) may be interrupted until the transition. That is, the navigation presentation may be stopped when the bonus is won, and the navigation presentation may be restarted when the bonus is established again.

The instruction function control means 51 performs navigation information initialization processing to initialize information stored in the RAM of the storage means 60 as information related to navigation performance when the advantageous section ends and the game section shifts to the normal section. I do. Specifically, the instruction function control means 51 initializes the stored values of the advantageous section game number counter 65, the specific section game number counter 66, the AT game number counter 67, the stored value of the point counter 69, etc. That is, the information related to the batting order navigation presentation (instruction function) is not carried over across multiple advantageous sections. Further, when the initialization means 48 performs the above-mentioned initialization process performed when the set value is changed, the information related to the batting order navigation effect shown here is also initialized.

When the presentation state is the AT presentation state, if any of batting order bells 1 to 8 is won, the presentation control means 100 provides a batting order navigation presentation that notifies the correct batting order and assists bell B or bell C in winning a prize. Control is performed to cause presentation devices such as the display device 13 and the speaker 14 to execute. When the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in accordance with the correct batting order notified by the batting order navigation presentation, Bell B or Bell C will always win and seven medals will be obtained. In addition, when performing the batting order navigation effect, information indicating the correct batting order is also displayed on the 7-segment display of the game information display section 17.

As shown in FIG. 17, the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 20a to 20c include a red 7 symbol "Red 7", a BAR symbol "BAR", a special symbol "SP", a replay symbol A "RPA", a replay symbol B "RPB", A bell pattern A "BLA", a bell pattern B "BLB", a watermelon pattern A "WMA", a watermelon pattern B "WMB", and a cherry pattern "CH" are arranged.

Here, as shown in FIG. 18, the section after the start of (one) advantageous section and before the transition to the specific performance state (AT performance state) in that advantageous section is defined as the specific section. That is, the section before shifting to the specific performance state (AT performance state) in the advantageous section is defined as the specific section. In addition, if the batting order navigation is not performed in the non-AT presentation state and the batting order navigation is performed only in the AT presentation state, the specific section is the section from the start of the advantageous section until the first batting order navigation presentation is performed. (The period from the start of the advantageous period until the instruction function is activated). If the number of games played in the specific section is relatively small, the specific section will be relatively short, and if the number of games played in the specific section is relatively large, the specific section will be relatively long.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the starting point of the specific section is the starting point of the advantageous section (the point of transition to the advantageous section), but the starting point of the specific section may be the end point of the advantageous section. In that case, the specific section is the section from the end of the advantageous section until the transition to the AT performance state in the next advantageous section. Even in this case, if the number of games played in a specific section is relatively small, the section before the transition to the specific production state (AT production state) in the advantageous section will be relatively short, and the number of games played in the specific section will be relatively large. In this case, the section before shifting to the specific performance state (AT performance state) in the advantageous section is relatively long.
Note that when the specific performance state (AT performance state) ends, the game section control means 80 shifts the game section from an advantageous section to a non-advantageous section.

The specific section has a lower degree of advantage regarding the instruction function than the AT effect state (the section in the AT effect state of the advantageous section). Specifically, in the specific section, the frequency of occurrence of the batting order navigation effect is lower than in the AT effect state. In other words, in the specific section, the expected value for medal acquisition is lower than in the AT performance state.

In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when the gaming machine shifts to the advantageous section, the privilege granting means 82 performs a predetermined lottery related to the instruction function (until the shift to the AT performance state) at a predetermined opportunity (for example, based on winning a rare combination) A lottery regarding the number of games played (mode lottery) will be held. In the mode lottery, one mode is determined from among a plurality of modes (types). Note that details of each mode will be described later. Specifically, the benefit granting means 82 performs a mode lottery using the setting values stored in the setting value storage area 63 and a first table (described later), and selects one mode from among the plurality of modes. Determine. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, five modes (mode A, mode B, mode C, mode D, and mode E) are prepared as the plurality of modes. Note that the fact that the privilege granting means 82 determines mode A is also referred to as winning mode A.

FIG. 19 shows the first table. The first table is stored in the ROM of the storage means 60, for example. In the first table, the numbers assigned to modes A to E are different for each set value (settings 1 to 6). The set number is a numerical value that indicates the range in which a winner can be won for the entire range of random numbers (for example, 256). For setting 1, the number set in mode A is 176, the number set in mode B is 52, the number set in mode C is 26, and the number set in mode D is set. is 1, and the number set for mode E is 1, and the total number of settings for modes A to E is 256. In the case of setting 1, the probability of winning mode A in the mode lottery is approximately 68.8% (=176/256).
Note that although one table (first table) is shown in FIG. 19, the table is not limited to this, and for example, a table corresponding to each setting may be provided. In that case, the benefit granting means 82 selects a predetermined table corresponding to the setting value stored in the setting value storage area 63, and performs a mode lottery using the predetermined table.

Next, modes A to E will be explained. Here, as shown in FIG. 20(a), the number of games played in the specific section is 0 to 99 times as the first number of games, the number of games played in the specific section is 100 to 199 times as the second number of games, and the number of games played in the specific section is set as the second number of games. The number of games played in the section is 200 to 299 times as the third game number, the number of games played in the specific section is 300 to 399 times as the fourth number of games, and the number of games played in the specific section is 400 to 499 times as the fifth game number. The number of games played in the specific section is 500 to 599 times as the 6th number of games played, the number of games played in the specific section is 600 to 699 times as the 7th number of games played, and the number of games played in the specific section is 700 to 799 times. is the eighth number of games, the number of games played in the specific section is 800 to 899 times is the ninth number of games, and the number of games played in the specific section is 900 to 999 times is the tenth number of games.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 20(b), the probability of being granted the right to transition to the AT performance state (AT winning probability) is divided into multiple stages (for example, six stages), and "a" is the most AT winning probability. The AT winning probability is low, and the AT winning probability increases in order from "b" to "e", and "f" has the highest AT winning probability. In other words, the AT winning probability a is "the AT winning probability is extremely low", the AT winning probability b is "the AT winning probability is low", the AT winning probability c is "the AT winning probability is somewhat low", and the AT winning probability d is " AT winning probability is "slightly high", AT winning probability e is "AT winning probability is high", and AT winning probability f is "AT winning probability is extremely high". In addition, in the section (range) where the AT winning probability is f, the AT lottery is always won and the transition to the AT performance state is determined.

As shown in FIG. 20(a), in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the AT winning probability is determined for each predetermined number of games in a specific section, and the AT winning probability differs between modes A to E. .
(Mode A)
At the first number of games, the AT winning probability a, at the second number of games, the AT winning probability b, at the third number of games, the AT winning probability a, at the fourth number of games, the AT winning probability b, at the fifth number of games, the AT winning probability a, At the 6th number of games, the AT winning probability c, at the 7th number of games, the AT winning probability a, at the 8th number of games, the AT winning probability c, at the 9th number of games, the AT winning probability d, and at the 10th number of games, the AT winning probability f. It has become. Therefore, in the case of mode A, the maximum number of times the game is played in a specific section is 999 times before transitioning to the AT performance state.
(Mode B)
AT winning probability d for the first number of games, AT winning probability b for the second number of games, AT winning probability d for the third number of games, AT winning probability c for the fourth number of games, AT winning probability e for the fifth number of games, At the sixth number of games, the AT winning probability is c, and at the seventh number of games, the AT winning probability is f. Therefore, in the case of mode B, the maximum number of times the game is played in a specific section is 699 times before transitioning to the AT performance state.
(Mode C)
The first number of games is an AT winning probability a, the second number of games is an AT winning probability b, the third number of games is an AT winning probability d, and the fourth number of games is an AT winning probability f. Therefore, in the case of mode C, the maximum number of times the game is played in a specific section is 399 times before transitioning to the AT performance state.
(Mode D)
At the first number of games, the AT winning probability is d, and at the second number of games, the AT winning probability is f. Therefore, in the case of mode D, the maximum number of times the game is played in a specific section is 199 times before transitioning to the AT performance state.
(Mode E)
AT winning probability a in the first number of games, AT winning probability b in the second number of games, AT winning probability a in the third number of games, AT winning probability b in the fourth number of games, AT winning probability a in the fifth number of games, At the 6th number of games, the AT winning probability b, at the 7th number of games, the AT winning probability a, at the 8th number of games, the AT winning probability b, at the 9th number of games, the AT winning probability a, and at the 10th number of games, the AT winning probability f. It has become. Therefore, in the case of mode E, the maximum number of times the game is played in a specific section is 999 times before transitioning to the AT performance state.

Comparing Modes A to Mode C, in Mode A, there is a high probability that the number of games played in the specific section before shifting to the AT performance state will be greater than in Modes B and Mode C. That is, in the case of mode A, there is a high probability that the period required to shift to the AT effect state will be longer than in the cases of mode B and mode C. On the other hand, in the case of mode C, there is a high probability that the number of games played in the specific section before shifting to the AT effect state will be smaller than in the cases of mode A and mode B. That is, in the case of mode C, there is a high probability that the period until transition to the AT performance state will be shorter than in the cases of mode A and mode B.

The gaming machine of this embodiment includes a specific section game number counter 66 (FIG. 11) that stores the number of times games have been executed in a specific section. The specific section game number counter 66 is provided in the RAM of the storage means 60. The stored value of the specific section game number counter 66 is incremented by "1" each time a game is played in the specific section. Note that the stored value of the specific section game number counter 66 is reset to "0" at a predetermined timing (for example, triggered by transition to the AT performance state). The stored value of the specific section game number counter 66 does not increase in the AT production state or the normal production state, and is set to "0" at the start of the specific section.

When the AT lottery is won and a shift to the AT performance state is determined, the instruction function control means 51 determines the profit in the AT performance state. Specifically, the instruction function control means 51 compares the value of the specific section game number counter 66 with a second table (described later) and determines the profit in the AT performance state.

FIG. 21 shows the second table. The second table is stored in the ROM of the storage means 60, for example. In the second table, the number of games played in a specific section and the profit in the AT performance state (the number of medals paid out in the AT performance state) are linked and set. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the instruction function control means 51 determines the number of games played in the AT effect state corresponding to the provision of the number of medals to be paid out as the profit in the AT effect state (gaming profit: gaming profit). (1st AT game count to 4th AT game count). Note that the instruction function control means 51 may determine the number of executions of the batting order navigation performance in the AT performance state, which corresponds to the provision of the number of medals to be paid out, as the profit in the AT performance state.

When the number of games in the specific section is, for example, 1 to 100, the instruction function control means 51 determines that the number of medals to be paid out in the AT performance state is the first number of medals to be paid out (for example, about 150 pieces). . That is, it is determined that the number of games played in the AT performance state is set as the first number of AT games played.

When the number of games played in the specific section is, for example, 101 to 300, the instruction function control means 51 determines that the number of medals to be paid out in the AT performance state is the second number of medals to be paid out (for example, about 300 pieces). . That is, it is determined that the number of games played in the AT effect state is set as the second number of AT games.

When the number of games in the specific section is, for example, 301 to 500, the instruction function control means 51 determines that the number of medals to be paid out in the AT performance state is to be the third number of medals to be paid out (for example, about 500 pieces). . That is, it is determined that the number of games played in the AT effect state is set as the third number of AT games.

When the number of games in the specific section is, for example, 501 or more, the instruction function control means 51 sets the number of medals to be paid out in the AT performance state to a fourth number of payouts (for example, about 800 to about 1000 pieces). Determine. That is, it is determined that the number of games played in the AT effect state is set as the fourth number of AT games.

For the 1st AT game count to 4th AT game count, for example, select a table (number of values) related to a lottery that determines the number of games in the AT performance state according to the number of games in a specific section, and The average value of the number of games in the AT performance state determined at the start (or determined at the start of the AT performance state and the addition) may be set to the first to fourth AT game times. Specifically, for example, if the number of games played in a specific section is 1 to 100 and the game transitions to the AT performance state, as a result of a lottery based on the selected table, a number of games greater than the first number of AT games may be awarded. , a smaller number of games may be awarded than the first AT game number. In other words, the average value of the number of games played in the AT effect state (average value of the number of medals paid out), which is determined according to the number of games played in a specific section, is the number of games played from the first AT game to the fourth number of games (the average number of medals paid out) The number of games played in the AT performance state, which is determined according to the number of games played in a specific section, may vary. In addition, some or all of the 1st AT game count to 4th game count (1st payout count to 4th payout count) are fixed depending on the number of games in a specific section (fixed value rather than average value). ).

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the number of games corresponding to the number of first to fourth AT games determined according to the number of games in a specific section is awarded in one (series of) AT performance states. It has become so. For example, at the start of the AT performance state, a value corresponding to the determined number of games among the first to fourth AT game times is set in the AT game number counter 67.

Furthermore, at the start of the AT production state, the value corresponding to any one of the first to fourth AT game counts is not limited to being set in the AT game number counter 67 at once, but is set in multiple times. It may also be set in the counter 67. In that case, in the AT performance state, it is determined how many times to increase the number of games in the AT performance state, and a value corresponding to the determined number of games is set (added) to the AT game number counter 67 each time. Finally, in one AT effect state, the first to fourth AT game times are played.

In addition, one (series) of AT performance states include a first section (small AT performance state as part of the AT performance state) in which batting order navigation performance is performed, and a second period (small AT performance state as part of the AT performance state) in which batting order navigation performance is not performed. Interval section: Low expected value performance state: An interval in which the batting order navigation performance is performed less frequently than in the first interval and the expected value for winning medals is lower than in the first interval) may be provided. In other words, in a series of AT performance states, the first section and the second section may be looped. In other words, the AT effect state may be managed by the number of sets in the first section. In this case, a lottery to determine whether or not to increase the number of sets in the first section is held at a predetermined opportunity (for example, based on the winning of a rare hand) in the AT performance state (for example, in the second section, etc.). You can. Note that a method may be adopted in which the first section is repeated without intervening the second section (so-called one game series is played).

In the case of mode A, the probability that the number of games played in the specific section before transitioning to the AT performance state is relatively large is highest, but if the number of games played is, for example, 999, the profit in the AT performance state is the highest. Since the number of games played is 4AT (a relatively large number of games played), the fourth number of medals to be paid out is the largest number. On the other hand, in the case of mode C, there is a high probability that the number of games in the specific section before transitioning to the AT performance state will be a relatively small number of games, and if the number of games is 399, the profit in the AT performance state is Since the number of games played is 3AT (a relatively small number of games played), the third number of medals to be paid out is smaller than the fourth number of payouts.

In this manner, the number of medals to be paid out in the AT effect state (the number of games in the AT effect state) is determined according to the number of games played in the specific section. Specifically, the instruction function control means 51 sets a larger number of medals to be paid out in the AT performance state (number of games in the AT performance state) as the number of games played in the specific section increases. In other words, the greater the number of games played in a specific section, the greater the profit that can be given (earned) in the AT performance state. Further, the instruction function control means 51 sets the number of medals to be paid out in the AT performance state (the number of games in the AT performance state) to be smaller as the number of games in the specific section is smaller. That is, the smaller the number of games played in a specific section, the smaller the profit that can be given (earned) in the AT performance state.

In the case where the greater the number of games played in a specific section, the greater the benefit granted regarding the AT performance state (regarding the AT performance state), the following may be done in addition to increasing the number of games played in the AT performance state. . That is, when the AT performance state is managed by the number of batting order navigation performances, the greater the number of games played in a specific section, the more times the batting order navigation performance may be executed in the AT performance state. It should be noted that if the batting order navigation performance is executed many times in the AT performance state, the number of games played in the AT performance state increases.
Furthermore, the number of games played in the AT performance state may be fixed. For example, assume that two types of batting order bells are prepared as batting order bells that can be won in the AT performance state, namely, batting order bell 1A and batting order bell 1B. The batting order bell 1A is a winning area (a winning area with a relatively large payout) where a 10-card winning combination and a 1-card winning combination are won overlappingly. Batting order bell 1B is a winning area (a winning area with relatively small payouts) in which a 3-card winning combination and a 1-card winning combination overlap. When the batting order bell 1A is won, if the operation is performed with the correct batting order, a 10-card winning combination will be won, and if the operation is performed with the incorrect batting order, a 1-card winning combination will be won. Further, if the batting order bell 1B is won, a 3-card winning combination will be won if the correct batting order is operated, and a 1-card winning combination will be won if the incorrect batting order is operated. In this case, the probability of winning batting order bell 1A may be made greater than the probability of winning batting order bell 1B as the number of games in the specific section increases. Note that the expression "making the probability of winning batting order bell 1A greater than the probability of winning batting order bell 1B" includes a case where the probability of winning batting order bell 1B is 0. Furthermore, the smaller the number of games played in the specific section, the higher the probability of winning batting order bell 1B may be made greater than the probability of winning batting order bell 1A.
In addition, if a single (series) AT performance state has a first section (small AT performance state) and a second section (interval section) and is looped, the number of games played in a specific section The greater the number, the higher the probability that the first section will be executed continuously without the second section. For example, if a lottery is held in the second section to determine whether or not to increase the number of sets in the first section, the probability of winning the lottery may be increased as the number of games played in the specific section increases. , Furthermore, the number of sets may be increased by a larger number when the lottery is won. Further, when the first section and the second section are set as one set, the probability that the one set will be executed continuously may be increased as the number of games played in a specific section increases.

Note that the profit in the AT performance state may be determined according to points awarded in a specific section. Even with such a configuration, the larger the number of games played in a specific section, the greater the profit of the AT performance state. Specifically, for example, the benefit awarding means 82 may perform a predetermined lottery related to the instruction function (a lottery for awarding points related to the AT production state) at a predetermined opportunity (for example, based on winning a rare combination) in a specific section. A point award lottery) will be held. When winning the point award lottery, the benefit award means 82 decides to award predetermined points (for example, 10 points). Note that the predetermined point may be selected and determined from a plurality of types of points. When determining to award predetermined points, the benefit awarding means 82 sets (adds) a predetermined value corresponding to the points to be awarded in the point counter 69 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60. This point counter 69 is updated by adding a predetermined value every time points are awarded. Note that the stored value of the point counter 69 is reset to "0" at a predetermined timing (for example, triggered by transition to the AT performance state). The stored value of the point counter 69 does not increase in the AT performance state or the normal performance state, and is "0" at the start of the specific section.

When the profit in the AT effect state is determined according to the points awarded in a specific section, the number of games played in the specific section in the second table shown in FIG. 21 is replaced with the points awarded in the specific section. A third table (not shown) is used. Specifically, the instruction function control means 51 compares the value indicated by the point counter 69 with the third table and determines the profit in the AT performance state. The instruction function control means 51 sets the larger the value indicated by the point counter 69, the greater the number of medals to be paid out in the AT production state (the number of games in the AT production state), and the smaller the value indicated by the point counter 69, the larger the number of medals to be paid out in the AT production state. The number of medals to be paid out in the AT performance state (the number of games in the AT performance state) is set to be small. The frequency at which point-granting lots are held in a specific section is the same for settings 1 to 6, or the higher the setting, the higher the frequency, but the greater the number of games played in a specific section, the more often point-granting lots are held. increases, and the value indicated by the point counter 69 becomes relatively large.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, in the case of high settings (settings 4 to 6), the probability of winning in mode C is higher than the probability of winning in other modes. As shown in FIG. 20(a), in mode C, there is a high probability that the number of games played in the specific section before shifting to the AT effect state will be relatively small. If the number of games played in the specific section before transitioning to the AT performance state is relatively small, as shown in FIG. 21, the number of medals paid out in the AT performance state (the number of games played in the AT performance state) will be The target becomes less. In other words, in mode C where the probability of winning is high when the setting is high, there is a high probability that the number of games played in a specific section will be relatively small, so there is a probability that the number of medals consumed before transitioning to the AT performance state will be relatively small. However, since the number of games played in the AT performance state is relatively small, the number of medals that can be acquired in the AT performance state is small. In other words, the design is such that the increase or decrease in medals is small.

Further, as shown in FIG. 19, in the case of low settings (settings 1 to 3), the probability of winning in mode A is higher than the probability of winning in other modes. As shown in FIG. 20(a), in mode A, there is a high probability that the number of games played in the specific section before transitioning to the AT effect state will be relatively large. If the number of games played in the specific section before transitioning to the AT performance state is relatively large, as shown in FIG. 21, the number of medals paid out in the AT performance state (the number of games played in the AT performance state) will be There will be more targets. In other words, in mode A where the winning probability is high when the setting is low, there is a high probability that the number of games played in a specific section will be relatively large, so there is a probability that a relatively large number of medals will be consumed before transitioning to the AT performance state. However, since the number of games played in the AT performance state is relatively large, the number of medals that can be acquired in the AT performance state is relatively large. In other words, the design is such that the number of medals varies greatly.

The gaming machine according to the present embodiment has an instruction function control means 51 that controls the execution of an instruction performance that assists in winning a predetermined role, and a plurality of performance states including a specific performance state in which the instruction performance is executed. , a performance state control means 81 that performs control to shift the performance state, a game section control means 80 that performs control to shift the game section between a plurality of game sections including an advantageous section in which the instructed performance can be executed; and a setting change means 47 capable of changing a setting value selected from among the setting values, and in a specific section before transitioning to the specific performance state in the advantageous section, the advantageous degree regarding the instruction function is The higher the set value is, the higher the probability that the number of games played in the specific section will be a small number, and the higher the number of games played in the specific section, the higher the probability that the number of games played in the specific section is lower, the higher the set value The number of games played has increased.

In order to improve the ball output performance in the increase section (section where medals can be increased), it is necessary to lower the ball output performance in the normal section (section where medals cannot be increased). Then, the ball output performance must be made appropriate by balancing the increased section and the normal section within a certain section (appropriately managing the ratio of the two).
In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the higher the setting value is, the higher the probability of transitioning to the AT effect state when the number of games played in a specific section is relatively small. ) It is easy to transition to a specific performance state (AT performance state) and it is easy to obtain medals. In this case, (1) there is a risk that the number of balls put out will be too large due to the high setting, but in the gaming machine of this embodiment, if the number of games played in a specific section is relatively small, the number of games played in a specific performance state will be reduced. Since it is set to be relatively small, it is possible to prevent the ball output performance (medal acquisition performance) from becoming excessive. In addition, (2) there is a risk that the number of balls put out will be relatively too low for low settings, but in the gaming machine of this embodiment, if the number of games played in a specific section is relatively large, the number of games played in a specific performance state will be reduced. is relatively large, so it is possible to prevent the ball output performance (medal acquisition performance) from becoming too low. That is, the ball dispensing performance can be appropriately set.

As shown in FIG. 19, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, in a predetermined lottery related to the instruction function, the higher the setting value is, the higher the probability of winning mode C becomes. Modes with relatively high functional advantages have a high probability of winning). In other words, it is not set so that the lower the set value, the higher the probability of winning a mode that is relatively advantageous regarding the instruction function. Furthermore, there is no mode in which winning is possible only when the setting is low or high, and the same modes (modes A to E) are used for settings 1 to 6.

Although FIG. 18 shows the case where the advantageous section ends with the end of the specific performance state (AT performance state), when the AT performance state ends after directly transitioning from the normal performance state to the AT performance state, , the conditions for ending the advantageous section may not have been met at that point, and the advantageous section may continue. In that case, the number of games (remaining number of games in the advantageous section) in the remaining section of the advantageous section (the section from the end of the AT effect state to the end of the advantageous section) is smaller than at the start of the advantageous section. . In this case, even if the settings are low (settings 1 to 3), the probability of winning in mode C may be increased. For example, the probability of winning mode C in the case of a low setting may be equal to or higher than the probability of winning in the case of a high setting. Specifically, in the remaining sections of the advantageous section, the benefit granting means 82 uses a table different from the first table shown in FIG. A mode lottery may be performed using a table larger than .

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment will be described. The gaming machine of this embodiment basically has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the second embodiment, so the description of the same configuration as the gaming machine of the second embodiment will be omitted. Omit or simplify. Furthermore, the configuration according to this embodiment can also be combined with configurations according to forms other than the second embodiment. Note that in the gaming machine according to this embodiment, the mode lottery shown in the second embodiment is not performed.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the performance state control means 81 shifts the performance state between multiple types of performance states including a normal performance state, a non-AT performance state, and an AT performance state, as shown in FIG. Performs production state transition control processing. There are two types of AT performance states: a first AT performance state and a second AT performance state. The first AT performance state has a lower degree of advantage regarding the instruction function than the second AT performance state (specific performance state). Specifically, in the first AT performance state, the batting order navigation performance occurs less frequently than in the second AT performance state.

In the non-AT performance state, the benefit granting means 82 performs an AT lottery at a predetermined opportunity (for example, based on the winning of a rare combination), but in the gaming machine of this embodiment, as a result of the AT lottery, the first AT performance state There are cases where the transition to the second AT performance state (specific performance state) is determined. Note that the transition to the first AT performance state or the second AT performance state is not limited to one lottery (AT lottery) in which the transition to the first AT performance state or the second AT performance state is determined, but the first AT lottery for determining the transition to the first AT performance state and the second AT performance state. The second AT lottery for determining the transition to the production state may be performed at predetermined timings.

Note that there may be a direct transition from the normal performance state to the first AT performance state or the second AT performance state. For example, in an advantageous section transition lottery, rather than simply determining whether to transition to an advantageous section (non-AT performance state), it is determined whether the performance state is to be shifted to the second AT performance state or to the first performance state. A lottery may be used to decide whether to shift to a non-AT performance state or not to shift to a normal performance state.

(1st AT production state)
In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the AT lottery is won, and as a result of the AT lottery, the transition to the first AT performance state is determined, and the 1-stop mode is stopped (appears through the display window 16). When this occurs, an aiming effect suggesting that the first stop mode may be stopped is executed. In the first stopping mode, the red 7 symbol "Red 7" stops on the reel 20a, the red 7 symbol "Red 7" stops on the reel 20b, the BAR symbol "BAR" stops on the reel 20c, and the display window 16 This refers to a stopping mode in which the three symbols are displayed so that they are aligned in a straight line. The performance control means 100, as a target performance, displays an image corresponding to the red 7 symbol "Red 7" on the reel 20a, an image corresponding to the red 7 symbol "Red 7" on the reel 20b, and a BAR symbol "Red 7" on the reel 20c, for example. The image corresponding to "BAR" is displayed on the display device 13.

When the game in which the aiming performance is executed is stopped in the first stop mode, the performance state control means 81 shifts the performance state to the first AT performance state. However, even if the game does not stop in the first stop mode in a game in which a target performance is executed (the target performance is not a so-called fake game), the game may be shifted to the first AT performance state. In addition, in a game in which a target effect is executed, even if the target effect is a so-called fake and the stop button is pressed with the aim of displaying a predetermined symbol (the symbol combination of the first stop mode), the predetermined target effect may be The pattern may not be displayed.

In the first AT performance state, the benefit granting means 82 determines whether or not to grant the right to transition to the first AT performance state (based on the number of sets in the first AT performance state) at a predetermined opportunity (for example, based on winning a rare role). A lottery will be held to determine whether or not to increase Further, in the first AT performance state, the benefit granting means 82 performs a lottery to determine whether or not to grant the right to shift to the second AT performance state at a predetermined opportunity (for example, based on the winning of a rare combination).

When the termination condition of the first AT performance state is satisfied, the performance state control means 81 shifts the performance state to another performance state. The first AT performance state ends, for example, when more than a predetermined number (for example, 60 medals) of medals are paid out. Note that the conditions for ending the first AT performance state are when the number of games played in the first AT performance state reaches a predetermined number of times, or when the number of times the batting order navigation performance is executed in the first AT performance state reaches a predetermined number of times. Good too.

When the right to shift to the first AT performance state is granted at the end of the first AT performance state, the performance state control means 81 changes the performance state to the first AT performance state again. When the right to shift to the second AT performance state is granted at the end of the first AT performance state, the performance state control means 81 shifts the performance state to the second AT performance state. At the end of the first AT performance state, if neither the right to transition to the first AT performance state nor the right to transition to the second AT performance state has been granted, the performance state control means 81 changes the performance state to a non-AT performance state (chance to the production state). In addition, at the end of the first AT performance state, the performance state control means 82 may shift the performance state to the normal performance state, and in that case, the game section control means 80 changes the game section to an advantageous section. to the non-advantageous section.

(2nd AT production state)
In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the player wins the AT lottery, and as a result of the AT lottery, the transition to the second AT production state is determined, and the second stop mode stops (appears through the display window 16) in a predetermined role. When winning, an aiming effect suggesting that the second stop mode can be stopped is executed. The second stopping mode is a mode in which the red 7 symbol "Red 7" stops on the reels 20a to 20c, and the three red 7 symbols "red 7" are displayed in a straight line through the display window 16, Alternatively, it refers to a stopping mode in which the BAR symbols "BAR" are stopped on the reels 20a to 20c, and the three BAR symbols "BAR" are displayed in a straight line through the display window 16. The production control means 100 displays, as a target production, an image corresponding to the red 7 symbol "Red 7" on the reels 20a to 20c, or an image corresponding to the BAR symbol "BAR" on the reels 20a to 20c, for example. It is displayed on the device 13.

When the game in which the aiming performance is executed is stopped in the second stop mode, the performance state control means 81 shifts the performance state to the second AT performance state. However, even if the game does not stop in the second stop mode in a game in which a target performance is executed (the target performance is not a so-called fake game), the game may be shifted to the second AT performance state. In addition, in a game in which the aiming effect is executed, even if the aiming effect is a so-called fake and the stop button is pressed with the aim of displaying a predetermined symbol (the symbol combination of the second stop mode), the predetermined The pattern may not be displayed.

At the start of the second AT performance state, the performance state control means 81 adds the points (given) acquired in a specific section to the stored value of the AT game number counter 67 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60 (point counter 69). A predetermined value (a value corresponding to the number of games in the second AT performance state) is set depending on the number of games played in the second AT performance state. Note that the value set in the AT game number counter 67 at the start of the second AT performance state may be determined by a lottery or the like. In addition, an additional lottery is held in the second AT performance state according to the points earned in the specific section, and the number of games in the second AT performance state (value set in the AT game number counter 67) is determined based on the lottery result. It is also possible to do so.

When the end condition of the second AT performance state is satisfied (when the stored value of the AT game number counter 67 reaches the threshold value "0"), the performance state control means 81 shifts the performance state to the normal performance state. In addition, when shifting the performance state from the second AT performance state to the normal performance state, the game section control means 80 shifts the game section from an advantageous section to a non-advantageous section. Note that the performance state may be shifted from the second AT performance state to the first AT performance state or the non-AT performance state (chance performance state).

As shown in FIG. 23, the specific section is a section after the (one) advantageous section starts and before the transition to the specific performance state (second AT performance state) in that advantageous section. In this embodiment, the starting point of the specific section is the starting point of the advantageous section, but the starting point of the first AT effect state in the advantageous section may be the starting point of the specific section.

In the specific section, the degree of advantage regarding the instruction function is lower than in the second AT performance state. Specifically, in the specific section, the frequency of occurrence of the batting order navigation effect is lower than in the second AT effect state. In other words, in the specific section, the expected value of the medal acquisition rate is lower than in the second AT performance state.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the game machine shifts to the first AT performance state, the benefit granting means 82 determines to grant predetermined points (for example, 10 points) at the end of the first AT performance state. When determining to award predetermined points, the benefit awarding means 82 sets (adds) a predetermined value corresponding to the points to be awarded in the point counter 69 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60. The predetermined value of the point counter 69 is updated by adding a predetermined value each time points are awarded. Note that the stored value of the point counter 69 is reset to "0" at a predetermined timing (for example, triggered by transition to the second AT performance state). The stored value of the point counter 69 does not increase in the second AT performance state or the normal performance state, and is "0" at the start of the specific section.

Note that, at a predetermined opportunity (for example, based on the winning of a rare combination) in the first AT performance state, the benefit awarding means 82 may perform a point awarding lottery similar to the second embodiment. That is, points may be awarded in conjunction with the transition to the first AT performance state, and points may be awarded through a point award lottery.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the higher the setting value (the higher the setting), the higher the second AT performance state in the lottery related to the instruction function (AT lottery, first AT lottery, second AT lottery, advantageous section transition lottery, etc.). The probability of a decision to move to is increasing. In other words, the higher the set value is, the higher the probability that the game will shift to the second AT performance state with a relatively small number of games played in the specific section. FIG. 23(a) shows a case where the game moves to the second AT effect state after a relatively small number of games in a specific section. If the number of games in a specific section is relatively small, the frequency of transition to the first AT performance state in the specific section will be low, and in the case of FIG. Therefore, the number of points awarded is relatively small (10 points).

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the lower the set value (the lower the setting), the higher the second AT performance state in the lottery related to the instruction function (AT lottery, first AT lottery, second AT lottery, advantageous section transition lottery, etc.). The probability that a transition to the first AT performance state will be determined is low (the probability that a transition to the first AT performance state will be determined is high). In other words, the lower the set value is, the higher the probability that the game will shift to the second AT performance state when the number of games played in the specific section is relatively large. FIG. 23(b) shows a case where the game moves to the second AT performance state when the number of games played in a specific section is relatively large. When the number of games played in a specific section is relatively large, the frequency of transition to the first AT performance state in the specific section becomes high, and in the case of FIG. Therefore, the number of points awarded is relatively large (30 points in total).
Note that the probability of determining the transition to the first AT production state in a specific section is the same for settings 1 to 6, or is higher as the setting is higher, but as the number of games in the specific section increases, The number of times the transition to the first AT performance state increases, and the value indicated by the point counter 69 becomes relatively large.

When the transition to the second AT production state is determined, the instruction function control means 51 assigns the value indicated by the point counter 69 in the specific section where the number of games in the specific section in the second table shown in FIG. 21 is determined. The profit in the second AT performance state is determined by comparing the points with a third table (not shown) replaced with the points. The instruction function control means 51 sets a relatively large number of medals to be paid out in the second AT performance state (number of games in the AT performance state) as the value indicated by the point counter 69 is large. Further, the instruction function control means 51 sets the number of medals to be paid out in the second AT performance state (the number of games played in the AT performance state) to be relatively small as the value indicated by the point counter 69 is smaller.

Specifically, when the value indicated by the point counter 69 is within the first range, the instruction function control means 51 sets the number of medals to be paid out in the second AT performance state to the first number of medals to be paid out (for example, about 150 medals). decide to. That is, it is determined that the number of games played in the second AT effect state is set as the number of times played at the first AT game.

Further, when the value indicated by the point counter 69 is within the second range, the instruction function control means 51 sets the number of medals to be paid out in the second AT effect state to the second number of medals to be paid out (for example, approximately 300 pieces). decide. That is, it is determined that the number of games played in the second AT effect state is set as the number of second AT games played.

Further, when the value indicated by the point counter 69 is within the third range, the instruction function control means 51 sets the number of medals to be paid out in the second AT performance state to the third number of medals to be paid out (for example, about 500 pieces). decide. That is, it is determined that the number of games played in the second AT effect state is set as the number of games played at the third AT.

Further, when the value indicated by the point counter 69 is within the fourth range, the instruction function control means 51 sets the number of medals to be paid out in the second AT performance state to a fourth number of medals to be paid out (for example, about 800 to about 1000 pieces). It is decided that In the present embodiment, the number of games played in the second AT performance state (fourth number of AT games) in which the fourth number of medals to be paid out is determined.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the number of games corresponding to the number of first to fourth AT games determined according to the value indicated by the point counter 69 is awarded in one (series of) second AT performance states. It has become so. For details, the second AT performance state may be considered in the same manner as the AT performance state in the second embodiment.

In addition, in this embodiment, the instruction function control means 51 determines the profit in the second AT performance state based on the value indicated by the point counter 69, but similarly to the second embodiment, the specific section game The profit in the second AT performance state may be determined based on the value indicated by the number counter 66.

According to this embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the higher the setting value, the higher the probability of transitioning to the AT performance state when the number of games played in a specific section is relatively small. The higher the value (the higher the setting), the easier it is to shift to a specific performance state (AT performance state) and the easier it is to obtain medals. In this case, (1) there is a risk that the number of balls put out will be too large due to the high setting, but in the gaming machine of this embodiment, if the number of games played in a specific section is relatively small, the number of games played in a specific performance state will be reduced. Since it is set to be relatively small, it is possible to prevent the ball output performance (medal acquisition performance) from becoming excessive. In addition, (2) there is a risk that the number of balls put out will be relatively too low for low settings, but in the gaming machine of this embodiment, if the number of games played in a specific section is relatively large, the number of games played in a specific performance state will be reduced. is relatively large, so it is possible to prevent the ball output performance (medal acquisition performance) from becoming too low. That is, the ball dispensing performance can be appropriately set.

In each of the embodiments described above, the slot machine 100 uses gaming media (medals), but the slot machine 100 is a gaming machine (so-called It may also be a medalless gaming machine). In this medalless gaming machine, gaming media such as medals are managed by computerized information (electronic information), and bets and payouts are made using this electronic information. That is, it is possible to play games without using game media such as medals. In this embodiment, game value is a concept that includes game media such as medals and electronic information obtained by digitizing the game media.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented with various modifications without departing from the gist thereof. For example, the game control mode and configuration of the slot machine are not limited to those of the embodiments described above. Further, the control operation described above is applicable not only to slot machines but also to other gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines and medalless gaming machines. The present invention can be applied to gaming machines, and gaming machines include slot machines, pachinko gaming machines, medalless gaming machines, and the like.

Note that within the scope of the present invention, each embodiment can be freely combined, any component of each embodiment can be modified, or any component can be omitted from each embodiment. .

47 Setting change means 51 Instruction function control means 80 Game section control means 81 Performance state control means

Claims (1)

an instruction function control means for controlling execution of an instruction performance that assists in winning a predetermined role;
performance state control means for controlling the transition of a performance state between a plurality of performance states including a specific performance state in which the instructed performance is executed;
a game section control means for controlling the transition of a game section among a plurality of game sections including an advantageous section in which the instruction performance can be executed;
A setting change means capable of changing a setting value selected from a plurality of setting values,
In the specific section before the transition to the specific production state in the advantageous section, the degree of advantage regarding the instruction function is lower than the specific production state,
The higher the set value is, the higher the probability that the number of games played in the specific section will be small;
A gaming machine characterized in that the more gaming value is consumed in the specific section, the greater the benefit provided regarding the specific performance state.

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