JP7417314B1 - gaming machine - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to appropriately execute a presentation and to prevent poor identification and misidentification of symbols. In the game machine of the present invention, the operation mode notification includes an operation order notification (operation order image 414) indicating the operation order and an operation timing notification (stop pattern image 416) indicating the operation timing. The execution notification is a visibility reduction notification (interrupt image 418) indicating a reduction in visibility of at least one of the operation order notification and the operation timing notification, and the notification means indicates that the operation order notification and the operation timing notification are being performed. When the visibility reduction notification is being performed, at least one of the operation order notification and the operation timing notification is ended. [Selection diagram] Figure 40

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a gaming machine that uses a lottery to determine whether or not to award a gaming benefit to a player.

In a slot machine as a gaming machine, a winning combination is drawn in response to a player's bet on medals (gaming media) and operation of a start switch, and the rotation of multiple reels with various symbols is controlled. . Then, the reels are sequentially stopped according to the lottery results and the player's operation of the stop switch, and when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed on the active line, which is the payout target line, a predetermined number of symbols are displayed. Gaming profits (hereinafter simply referred to as gaming profits) are given to the player, such as the payout of medals.

Further, in the slot machine, a plurality of game states are provided in which the degree of advantage (gaming profit) for the player differs when the game progresses. For example, when winning a winning type in which a winning combination with a large gaming profit (hereinafter referred to as a correct winning combination) and another winning combination overlap (hereinafter referred to as a selected winning type), a stop switch becomes the winning condition for the correct winning combination. By notifying the operation mode (hereinafter referred to as the correct operation mode) (hereinafter referred to as "correct operation mode"), the operation mode that is the winning condition for such a predetermined winning combination is announced (hereinafter referred to as the correct operation mode). Some slot machines are equipped with an AT performance state in which so-called AT (assist time) is executed, in which the player can easily display the symbol combination corresponding to the correct winning combination on the activated line. be. Furthermore, an RT (replay time) gaming state in which the probability of winning a replay combination is set to be high may be used, or a so-called ART gaming state may be used in which the above-mentioned AT performance state and RT gaming state are proceeded at the same time.

As an auxiliary performance in such an AT performance state, the order of operation of the stop switch, for example, "1", "2", "3", is displayed at the display position of the liquid crystal display corresponding to each stop switch. A technique is known (for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, the slot machine has a reel tape that is wrapped around the outer periphery of the reel frame to form the reel, and this reel tape has multiple types (each color or transparent) as a pattern forming layer on a transparent base material. By printing in such a way that the paints are overlapped, a plurality of types of patterns are printed in an array (for example, Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-198347 JP 2021-137428 Publication

In the AT performance state, an auxiliary performance is executed, and by operating the stop switch according to the auxiliary performance, the player not only wins the correct hand, but also earns various gaming benefits such as an additional number of consecutive games in the AT performance state. Can be obtained. However, if performances such as auxiliary performances are not executed appropriately, there is a risk that the player may feel uncomfortable with the performance results. Furthermore, as described above, the reel tape is printed with paints of a plurality of colors superimposed on a transparent base material as a pattern forming layer. However, if the printing of each of the paints of a plurality of colors is misaligned, there is a risk of poor identification of the symbols or misunderstanding by the player.

In view of these problems, the present invention aims to provide a gaming machine that can appropriately perform effects and prevent poor identification and misidentification of symbols.

In order to solve the above problems, a gaming machine of the present invention has a plurality of reels having reel tapes on which a plurality of symbols including specific symbols are arranged, and a reel back having a light emitting source and illuminating the reels from inside. a light, a start switch, a plurality of stop switches, a lottery means for performing a lottery, and an operation mode notification indicating an operation mode of the stop switch when the lottery result by the lottery means is a predetermined result; an operation execution notification indicating that the stop switch has been operated, and the operation mode notification includes an operation order notification indicating the operation order and an operation timing notification indicating the operation timing. , the operation order notification includes an operation order image indicating the operation order, and the operation timing notification includes a stop symbol image indicating the operation timing, and a first layer in which the stop symbol image is arranged, and the operation order image. The first layer has a higher priority than the second layer, and the operation execution notification is made by visual confirmation of at least one of the operation order notification or the operation timing notification. The notification means starts the visibility reduction notification when the operation order notification and the operation timing notification are being performed, and the notification means starts the visibility reduction notification when the visibility reduction notification is performed. A gaming machine that terminates at least one of the operation order notification or the operation timing notification when the reel tape is printed with a blue paint or a red paint. The specific design has a red part, a yellow part on which yellow paint is printed, and a white part on which white paint is printed, and the specific design is visually recognizable as green because the blue part and the yellow part overlap. an orange area where the red part and the yellow part overlap to make the orange visible, a yellow area where the yellow part is visible, and a white area where the white part is visible. a region, the yellow region is in contact with the green region or the orange region, the yellow region is in contact with the white region, and the yellow region is in contact with the green region or the orange region. It is sandwiched between the white area and the white area.

According to the present invention, it becomes possible to appropriately execute the performance. Further, according to the present invention, even if the printing of paints of a plurality of colors is misaligned, it is possible to prevent or reduce poor identification and misidentification of patterns.

FIG. 2 is an external view for explaining a schematic mechanical configuration of a slot machine. FIG. 2 is an external view of the slot machine with the front door opened for explaining the general mechanical configuration of the slot machine. It is a figure explaining the pattern arrangement of a reel, and an active line. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of a slot machine. FIG. It is a block diagram for explaining the control mode of a liquid crystal display part, a speaker, a production accessories device, a production lamp, and a production switch in a sub-control board. It is an explanatory diagram for explaining a winning combination. It is a figure showing a winning type lottery table. It is an explanatory diagram for explaining transition of a game state. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the transition of performance states. 3 is a flowchart illustrating CPU initialization processing in the main control board. It is a flowchart explaining cold start processing in a main control board. 3 is a flowchart illustrating error stop processing in the main control board. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a setting value switching process in the main control board. 3 is a flowchart illustrating initialization start processing in the main control board. 3 is a flowchart illustrating state recovery processing in the main control board. It is a flowchart explaining game start processing in the main control board. It is a flowchart explaining the game medal insertion process in the main control board. It is a flowchart explaining internal lottery processing in a main control board. It is a flowchart explaining the pattern code setting process in the main control board. 3 is a flowchart illustrating execution flag setting processing in the main control board 200. FIG. It is a flowchart explaining non-advantageous performance state processing executed in module execution processing by state. It is a flowchart explaining distribution effect state processing performed in module execution processing by state. It is a flowchart explaining normal performance state processing executed in module execution processing by state. It is a flowchart explaining the precursor effect state processing executed in the module execution processing by state. It is a flowchart explaining AT production state processing performed in module execution processing by state. It is a flowchart explaining the special omen effect state processing executed in the state-specific module execution processing. It is a flowchart explaining special effect state processing performed in module execution processing by state. It is a flowchart explaining processing during rotation of a drum in a main control board. It is a flow chart explaining rotation drum stop processing in a main control board. 3 is a flowchart illustrating display determination processing in the main control board. It is a flow chart explaining payout processing in a main control board. It is a flowchart explaining game transfer processing in the main control board. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a power-off save process in the main control board. 3 is a flowchart illustrating timer interrupt processing in the main control board. It is an explanatory diagram for explaining a game of guessing. It is an explanatory diagram for explaining extension of the number of games in the continuation period determination performance state. It is an explanatory diagram for explaining a change mode of a guessing game. It is an explanatory diagram for explaining a change mode of a guessing game. It is an explanatory view for explaining an example of a performance of a continuation period determination performance state. It is an explanatory view for explaining an example of a performance of a continuation period determination performance state. It is a time chart for explaining an example of a performance in a duration determination performance state. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating layers provided in the audio IC. It is a timing chart for explaining switching of sounds according to the progress of a game. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the internal configuration of the casing of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing the reel in the gaming machine of this embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing the reel tape in the game machine of this embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of the reel tape taken along the line AA in FIG. 46; It is a figure explaining the color of each part of the cherry pattern in the gaming machine of this embodiment of the present invention. 48A is a cross-sectional view of the reel tape, and FIG. 48A is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 48, and FIG. 48B is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 48. It is a figure explaining the positional relationship of the cherry pattern and LED of a backlight in the gaming machine of this embodiment of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values shown in these embodiments are merely illustrative to facilitate understanding of the invention, and do not limit the invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and the drawings, elements with substantially the same functions and configurations are given the same reference numerals to omit redundant explanation, and elements not directly related to the present invention are omitted from illustration. do.

(Mechanical configuration of slot machine 100)
As shown in the external views of FIGS. 1 and 2, the slot machine 100 as a gaming machine includes a casing 102 with an open front, and a front surface that is rotatably arranged vertically in one end of the casing 102. An upper door 104 and a lower front door 106 are provided. A colorless and transparent symbol display window 108 made of a glass plate, a transparent resin plate, etc. is provided at the lower center of the upper front door 104, and a symbol display window 108 is provided in the housing 102 at a position corresponding to the symbol display window 108. , three reels 110 (left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, right reel 110c) are provided so as to be rotatable independently. On the outer peripheral surfaces of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c, as shown in the pattern arrangement in FIG. Through the symbol display window 108, the player can visually recognize a total of nine consecutive symbols, three consecutive symbols on each of the left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c located in the upper, middle, and lower rows.

An operation unit installation base 112 is formed on the upper part of the lower front door 106, and the operation unit installation base 112 is provided with a medal insertion unit 114, a bet switch 116, a start switch 118, a stop switch 120, a performance switch 122, etc. There is. The medal insertion unit 114 accepts the insertion of medals as gaming value through the medal insertion slot 114a. The bet switch 116 is a switch used to insert (bet) a predetermined number of medals among the medals electrically stored (hereinafter simply referred to as credits) inside the slot machine 100. The bet switch 116 includes a max bet switch for inserting (bet) a specified number of medals required for one game, and a 1 bet switch for inserting an additional medal within the specified number. included.

The start switch 118 is constituted by a lever capable of detecting a tilting operation, for example, and detects a game start operation by a player. The stop switches 120 (stop switch 120a, stop switch 120b, stop switch 120c) are provided corresponding to the left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c, respectively, and detect the player's stop operation. Note that when the stop switch 120 can be stopped, the first stop operation by the player on any of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c is referred to as a first stop. After that, operating one of the two stop switches 120 that has not been stopped is called a second stop, and after the second stop, operating the last remaining stop switch 120 is called a third stop. . The effect switch 122 is composed of, for example, a press switch and a jog dial switch rotatably arranged around the press switch, and detects the player's press operation or rotation operation.

A liquid crystal display section 124 is provided at the upper center of the front upper door 104 to display various images associated with the performance. Further, on the upper part and on the left and right sides of the upper front door 104, there are provided a performance lamp 126 made up of, for example, a high-intensity light emitting diode (LED), and a performance accessory device 127 that drives a performance accessory using a motor. Furthermore, speakers 128 are provided at the left and right positions of the liquid crystal display section 124 on the back surface of the upper front door 104 and at the left and right positions on the back surface of the lower front door 106, for providing auditory effects such as sound effects and musical sounds.

The operation unit installation base 112 is provided with a main credit display unit 130 and a main payout display unit 132. Further, a sub-credit display section 134 and a sub-payout display section 136 are provided between the symbol display window 108 and the operation section installation stand 112. The main credit display section 130 and sub-credit display section 134 display the number of credited medals (credit number), and the main payout display section 132 and sub-payout display section 136 display the number of medals to be paid out. .

A medal dispensing device (medal hopper) 142 is provided below the reel 110 in the housing 102 for dispensing medals from the medal discharging port 140a. Furthermore, a receiving tray section 140 for storing medals dispensed from the medal ejection port 140a is provided at the lower front surface of the lower front door 106. Further, a power switch 144 is provided inside the housing 102. The power switch 144 is operated by an administrator who manages the slot machine 100 and is used to switch between two states: a power-off state and a power-on state.

Further, inside the housing 102, a setting key and a setting change switch (not shown) are provided on a main control board 200, which will be described later. In the slot machine 100, when the power is turned on via the power switch 144 with a predetermined key (operation key) inserted into the setting key and rotated from the off position to the on position, the slot machine 100 shifts to the setting change mode. , the setting value can be changed (also simply referred to as setting change). The set value is a stepwise representation of the player's advantage (mechanical split), and is expressed in 6 levels from 1 to 6, for example. Generally, the larger the set value, the more advantageous the game is as a whole. It is set to be high (expected number of acquisitions is high). Then, each time the setting change switch is pressed in a state where settings can be changed, the setting value is incremented by 1, and the setting value is changed to one of the six setting values, for example, and the start switch 118 is operated. Then, the setting value is determined, and by returning the setting key to its original position (OFF position), the setting change mode ends and the game becomes possible. Note that the settings can only be changed for a certain period of time after the power switch 144 is operated and the power is turned on.

In the slot machine 100, when a game can be started and a prescribed number of medals are bet, the active line is activated and the operation on the start switch 118 is activated. Here, bets can be placed in two cases: by inserting medals that have been credited through the operation of the bet switch 116, by inserting medals through the medal inserter 114, and by placing a bet when a replay combination, which will be described in detail later, is displayed on the active line. This includes cases where medals are automatically inserted based on the following. Here, these means for placing a bet may be referred to as placing means. Further, the active line is a line for determining whether a winning combination has been won, and in this embodiment, there is only one active line. As shown in FIG. 3(b), among the nine symbols (3 reels x 3 rows of upper, middle, and lower) facing the symbol display window 108, the active line A is the upper row of the left reel 110a, the middle row of the middle reel 110b, It is set as a line connecting the positions corresponding to the symbols that stop at the lower stage of the right reel 110c. The invalid line is used to determine the winning combination when it is difficult to understand the winning combination only by the symbol combination displayed on the active line A, and displays other symbol combinations that make it easier to understand the winning combination. In this embodiment, four invalid lines B1, B2, B3, and C shown in FIG. 3(b) are assumed.

Then, when the start switch 118 is operated by the player, the game is started, the rotation of the left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c is controlled, and a winning type lottery is executed. Thereafter, the corresponding left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c are respectively stopped in accordance with the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c. Then, if a winning combination that can receive a medal payout is won based on the lottery result of the winning type lottery and the combination of symbols displayed on the active line A, a medal payout will be executed, and the winning type that can receive a medal payout will be executed. If the player does not win or wins but does not win, the game ends when the left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c all stop.

In the present embodiment, the above-mentioned one game includes the insertion of medals through the medal insertion unit 114, the insertion of credited medals through the operation of the bet switch 116, or the replay combination displayed on the active line A. After one of the automatic insertions of medals is performed based on this, the rotation of the left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c is controlled in response to the player's operation of the start switch 118, and a winning type lottery is executed. The left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel corresponding to the operated stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are selected according to the lottery results of the winning type lottery and the operation of the plurality of stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c by the player. 110c is controlled to stop, and when a winning combination that can receive a payout of medals is won, it refers to the game until the payout of the medals is executed. In addition, if the winning type for which medals can be paid out is not won, or if the player wins but does not win, one game ends when the left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c all stop. However, the start of one game may be read as the operation of the start switch 118 by the player instead of the above-mentioned insertion of medals or winning of the replay combination. Further, the number of times such one game is repeated is defined as the number of games. Further, such a game in which a winning type lottery is executed and a payout can be received once is sometimes referred to as a basic game to distinguish it from a pseudo game (pseudo game) to be described later. Here, whether the basic game is played alone or the basic game is played in combination with a pseudo game, the completion of the basic game is considered to be the completion of one game. Therefore, the completion of pseudo games does not affect the counting of the number of games played in the slot machine 100. However, regarding the number of games managed by the hall computer (not shown), pseudo games may or may not be counted as the number of games depending on the specifications.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the slot machine 100. As shown in FIG. 4, the slot machine 100 includes a main control board 200 (main control unit) that controls the progress of the game, and a sub-control board 202 (sub-control unit) that controls effects according to the progress of the game. A control board is provided that includes a control board. Further, transmission of electrical signals between the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202 is limited to only one direction from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 202 from the viewpoint of fraud prevention and the like.

(Main control board 200)
The main control board 200 has a semiconductor integrated circuit including a main CPU 200a as a central processing unit, a main ROM 200b storing programs etc., a main RAM 200c functioning as a work area, etc., and controls the entire slot machine 100 in an integrated manner. . Note that even if the power is turned off, the data in the main RAM 200c is retained without being erased unless the settings are changed and the RAM is cleared.

The main control board 200 also includes an initialization means 300, a bet means 302, a winning type lottery means 304, and a reel control means, which function when the main CPU 200a cooperates with the main RAM 200c based on a program stored in the main ROM 200b. 306, determination means 308, payout control means 310, game state control means 312, presentation state control means 314, command transmission means 316, and other functional units.

The main control board 200 receives various detection signals from the inserted medal detection section 414b that detects the insertion of medals into the medal insertion slot 114a, the bet switch 116, the start switch 118, and the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c. The main CPU 200a executes various processes based on the received detection signal.

The initialization means 300 executes initialization processing in the main control board 200. The betting means 302 bets medals for use in games. Based on the operation of the start switch 118, the winning type lottery means 304 performs a winning type lottery to determine the validity of the winning combination, more specifically, the validity of the winning type including the winning combination, as will be described in detail later.

The reel control means 306 controls the rotation of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c in response to the operation of the start switch 118, and controls the rotation of the left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c, respectively. In response to the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, the corresponding left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c are controlled to stop. In addition, the reel control means 306 activates the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c in the previous game in response to the operation of the start switch 118, and then displays the lottery results of the winning type lottery by the player. The time until the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is enabled (invalidated by the completion of the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c in the previous game) is extended from the specified time, and during that time, the reel 110a , 110b, and 110c may be rotated in a variety of ways to perform a reel performance (freeze performance). Reel effects include not enabling a switch that should have been enabled for a predetermined period of time, suspending a process that should have been executed for a predetermined period of time, or causing signals from a switch that should have been sent or received to be sent or received for a predetermined period of time. This can be achieved by not having it. In addition, in this embodiment, as a reel performance, the basic game is interrupted in response to the operation of the start switch 118 in the basic game, and the progress of the basic game is delayed, and during this time, the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are controlled to rotate. However, a pseudo game resembling the basic game may be performed in which the reels 110a, 110b, 110c are temporarily stopped in response to the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c. The pseudo game ends on condition that the start switch 118 is operated again or a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the temporary stop control, and the rotation control of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c in the basic game is restarted. In addition, as an example of a pseudo game, predetermined symbols (for example, symbols forming a bonus combination) on each reel 110a, 110b, 110c are automatically temporarily stopped in response to the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c. You can also. In such a pseudo game, it is possible to perform an effect with a rotation control and stop mode similar to that of the basic game or a different rotation control and stop mode, so that the interest of the game can be increased. Note that temporary stop may appear to have stopped at first glance, but by continuing to change the phase signals of the stepping motors 152 of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c within 500 msec, it indicates that the reels have not completely stopped. The control indicates control for temporarily stopping the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c. However, unless there is a particular distinction, a stop or a temporary stop is treated as simply a stop in the sense that the position is maintained without rotating in one direction. 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c, and in response to the operation of stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c corresponding to the rotating left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c, respectively, the corresponding left reel is rotated. 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c, both stop control and temporary stop control are simply treated as stop control.

Further, a reel drive control section 150 is connected to the main control board 200. The reel drive control unit 150 drives the stepping motor 152 based on rotation start signals of the left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c transmitted from the reel control means 306 in response to the operation signal of the start switch 118. do. In addition, the reel drive control unit 150 detects stop signals for each of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c and the rotational position detection circuit 154, which are transmitted from the reel control means 306 in response to the operation signal of the stop switch 120. Based on the signal, driving of the stepping motor 152 is stopped.

The determining means 308 determines whether the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination has been displayed on the active line A. Here, the display of a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination on the active line A may simply be called winning. The payout control means 310 pays out medals in the number (value amount) corresponding to the winning combination based on the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination being displayed on the active line A (winning). Further, a medal payout device 142 is connected to the main control board 200, and the payout control means 310 dispenses medals while counting the number of medals to be paid out.

The game state control means 312 refers to the result of the winning type lottery and the determination result of the determination means 308, and shifts the game state to one of a plurality of types of game states. Further, the performance state control means 314 refers to the result of the winning type lottery, the determination result of the determination means 308, and the transition information of the game state, and shifts the performance state to one of a plurality of types of performance states.

The command transmitting means 316 sends commands related to the game along with the operations of the betting means 302, the winning type lottery means 304, the reel control means 306, the determination means 308, the payout control means 310, the game state control means 312, the performance state control means 314, etc. are sequentially determined, and the determined commands are sequentially transmitted to the sub-control board 202.

Further, the main control board 200 is provided with a random number generator (random number generation means) 200d. The random number generator 200d sequentially increments the count value and resets the count value after counting a predetermined number of times (changes the number sequence to determine the initial value), thereby looping the count value within a predetermined numerical range. The main control board 200 obtains a random value by extracting a count value from the random number generator 200d at a predetermined time. The random number value generated by the random number generator 200d of the main control board 200 (hereinafter referred to as the winning type lottery random number) is used by the winning type lottery means 304 to determine the gaming profit to be given to the player, for example, the winning type. It will be done.

(Sub control board 202)
Further, like the main control board 200, the sub control board 202 has various semiconductor integrated circuits including a sub CPU 202a which is a central processing unit, a sub ROM 202b in which programs etc. are stored, a sub RAM 202c which functions as a work area, etc. , particularly controls the presentation based on commands from the main control board 200. Further, like the main RAM 200c, the sub-RAM 202c is also connected to a backup power source (not shown), so that even if the power is cut off, data is retained without being erased. Note that the sub control board 202 is also provided with a random number generator (random number generation means) 202d, like the main control board 200, and the random number value (hereinafter referred to as the effect lottery random number) generated by the random number generator 202d is It is mainly used to determine the mode of presentation.

In addition, in the sub control board 202, the sub CPU 202a operates an initialization determining means 330, a command receiving means 332, an effect controlling means 334, etc., which function by cooperating with the sub RAM 202c based on the program stored in the sub ROM 202b. It has a functional part.

The initialization determining means 330 executes initialization processing in the sub control board 202. The command receiving means 332 receives commands from other control boards, such as the main control board 200, and processes the commands. The effect control means 334 receives the detection signal from the effect switch 122, and controls the game to be performed on each device of the liquid crystal display section 124, speaker 128, effect lamp 126, and effect accessory device 127 based on the received command. Decide on the performance.

Specifically, the effect control means 334 performs image display control to display an image on the liquid crystal display section 124. Furthermore, the effect control means 334 controls the audio output through the speaker 128, controls the drive of the effect accessory device 127, and controls the lighting of the effect lamp 126.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the control mode of the liquid crystal display section 124, the speaker 128, the performance accessory device 127, the performance lamp 126, and the performance switch 122 on the sub-control board 202. The production control means 334 decodes the command sent from the main control board 200 and determines a production pattern (content indicating a series of production flows) corresponding to the command. Further, the effect control means 334 transmits commands to each device such as the image IC 340a, the audio IC 342a, and the effect control IC 344 based on the determined effect pattern to execute the effect.

Such effects are always executed as interrupt processing while the power is turned on. For example, the effect control means 334 determines image data based on the effect pattern (data corresponding to the image to be displayed on the liquid crystal display section 124 among the effects indicated by the effect pattern). Then, the effect control means 334 transmits an image command that can specify image data to the image IC 340a. The image IC 340a is also called a VDP (Video Display Processor), reads image data specified by an image command from the image ROM 340b to an image RAM (VRAM) 340c, and sequentially outputs the image data to the liquid crystal display section 124. Note that the image RAM 340c has a plurality of different layers, and each layer can hold different image data. The image IC 340a then superimposes the image data held in the plurality of layers and outputs the superimposed image data to the liquid crystal display section 124. Each layer has a priority order, and if an image of a layer with a higher priority and an image of a layer with a lower priority overlap, the image of the layer with a higher priority will be played more easily than the image of a layer with a lower priority. This will be superimposed on the player's side and be visible to the player.

Furthermore, following the control over the image IC 340a, the effect control means 334 determines audio data based on the effect pattern (data corresponding to the sound including the sound to be output to the speaker 128 among the effects indicated by the effect pattern). Then, the effect control means 334 transmits a voice command that can specify the voice data to the voice IC 342a. The audio IC 342a reads audio data specified by the audio command from the audio ROM 342b to the audio IC 342a, and sequentially outputs sounds based on the audio data to the speaker 128. Note that the audio IC 342a has a plurality of different layers (sometimes referred to as tracks or channels), and each layer can hold different audio data. The audio IC 342a then superimposes the audio data held in multiple layers and outputs sound based on the superimposed audio data to the speaker 128. Here, the means for controlling the output of sound to the outside, including the production control means 334, the audio IC 342a, and the speaker 128, may be referred to as sound control means.

Further, after controlling the image IC 340a and the audio IC 342a, the effect control means 334 also controls the lighting pattern based on the effect pattern (contents indicating a series of lighting modes of the effect lamp 126 among the effects indicated by the effect pattern) and the drive pattern. (Of the performances indicated by the performance pattern, the content indicating a series of driving modes of the performance accessory device 127) is determined. Then, the effect control means 334 transmits a command indicating the lighting pattern and the drive pattern to the effect control IC 344. The performance control IC 344 generates information regarding light emission (light emission information) and information regarding the drive of the motor (drive information) in accordance with the command, and transmits the generated light emission information and drive information to the performance lamp 126 and the performance accessory device 127. through serial communication. The reason why serial communication is used here is to reduce the number of harnesses and simplify the handling. In this way, each of the plurality of performance lamps 126 is independently controlled to light up, and each of the plurality of performance accessory devices 127 is independently controlled to drive.

In addition, the effect control IC 344 transmits light emission information and drive information through serial communication, and also acquires input information (operation presence/absence, operation timing, number of operations, operation time length, etc.) of the effect switch 122 and the like through serial communication. The effect control means 334 determines various effects, such as displaying a predetermined image on the liquid crystal display section 124, depending on the input information.

Here, a series of functional units such as a sub CPU 202a, a sub RAM 202c, an image IC 340a, an image ROM 340b, an image RAM 340c, an audio IC 342a, an audio ROM 342b, and a performance control IC 344 are integrated into one integrated circuit as an SoC (System-on-a-Chip). are accumulated in. However, which functional units are integrated in such an SoC can be arbitrarily set.

Note that the performances executed by the performance control means 334 also include auxiliary performances. The auxiliary performance is a performance that notifies the player of an operation mode that is advantageous to the player. For example, in a winning type lottery, when a winning type is won in which a correct winning combination and an incorrect winning combination overlap, the performance control means 334 controls the correct operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, which is the winning condition for the correct winning combination. Notify the situation. With this auxiliary performance, the player can easily display the symbol combination corresponding to the correct winning combination on the active line A. Note that the correct winning combination is a winning winning combination that is more advantageous than the incorrect winning combination, including not only the payout of medals due to the winning winning combination, but also all gaming profits obtained by winning the winning winning combination. A performance state in which such an auxiliary performance is executed is called an AT (assist time) performance state. In addition, a so-called ART gaming state may be used in which an AT performance state and an RT (replay time) gaming state in which the winning probability of a replay role is high are proceeded in parallel.

In the following, notifications managed by boards other than the main control board 200, including the sub-control board 202, such as the liquid crystal display section 124, the production lamp 126, the speaker 128, the sub-credit display section 134, and the sub-payout display section 136, will be described. The means may be referred to as other notification means. On the other hand, notification means managed by the main control board 200, such as the main credit display section 130 and the main payout display section 132, are sometimes referred to as main notification means (instruction monitor). Further, the main notification means and other notification means capable of executing the auxiliary performance may be collectively referred to as auxiliary performance execution means. The performance state control means 314 causes the auxiliary performance execution means to execute the auxiliary performance in the AT performance state. In particular, in this embodiment, a numerical value (instruction number) that can identify the operation mode (batting order) is displayed on the main payout display section 132 as the main notification means (instruction monitor), and a liquid crystal display as other notification means. 124, a presentation lamp 126, and a speaker 128 to notify the order of operations.

(Table used in main control board 200)
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining winning combinations, and FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a winning type lottery table.

In the slot machine 100, as will be described in detail later, a plurality of types of gaming states and performance states are provided, and the gaming state and performance state are changed according to the progress of the game. In the main control board 200, a plurality of winning type lottery tables and the like corresponding to gaming states managed and controlled by the gaming state control means 312 are stored in the main ROM 200b. The winning type lottery means 304 draws a corresponding winning type lottery table into the main ROM 200b according to the current setting value (indicating the ease of obtaining a gaming profit in stages) stored in the main RAM 200c and the current gaming state. Based on the extracted winning type lottery table, it is determined which winning type lottery random number acquired in response to the operation signal of the start switch 118 corresponds to which winning type in the winning type lottery table.

Here, the winning combinations constituting the winning types extracted in the winning type lottery table include a replay winning combination, a minor winning combination, and a bonus winning combination. The replay combination is a combination that allows the player to play the game again without making a new bet for medals when a symbol combination corresponding to the replay combination is displayed on the active line A. A small winning combination is a winning combination in which a symbol combination corresponding to the small winning combination is displayed on the active line A, so that a predetermined number of medals can be paid out according to the symbol combination. In addition, for a bonus role, the symbol combination corresponding to the bonus role is displayed on the active line A, thereby changing the gaming state managed by the gaming state control means 312 to a bonus gaming state (a gaming state during RBB operation, which will be described later). This is a role that can be transitioned to.

As for the winning combination in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, a winning combination "RBB" is provided as a bonus combination. In addition, winning combinations "Replay 1" to "Replay 3" are provided as replay combinations. In addition, as small prizes, winning prizes "small prize 1" to "small prize 48" are provided. In FIG. 6, one or more symbols constituting each winning combination are associated with each of the left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c. In addition, in the following, the winning roles "Small role 2" to "Small role 5" are replaced by the winning role "9-card role", the winning role "Small role 1", "Small role 6" to "Small role 24", and "Small role". 26'' to ``Small Win 48'' may be abbreviated as the winning combination ``1-card'', and the winning combination ``Small Win 2'' to ``Small Win 5'' may be abbreviated as the winning combination ``Bell.''

Here, in this embodiment, when the stop switch 120 is operated by the player, if the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination that can be won are on the active line A, the reel control means At step 306, stop control is performed so that the symbol stops on the active line A. In addition, when the stop switch 120 is operated, the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination that can be won are not on the active line A, but four symbols in the opposite direction to the rotation direction of the reel 110 are displayed. If the number of symbols is within the range corresponding to the winning combination (draw-in range), the reel control means 306 sets the number of symbols that are apart from each other as the number of sliding symbols, and activates the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination. Stop control is performed so that the rotation is maintained for the number of sliding frames so as to be drawn onto line A, and then stopped. In addition, if there are multiple symbols on the reels 110 that correspond to winning combinations that can be won, and all of them are within the pull-in range of the reels 110, any of the symbols will be placed on the active line A according to a predetermined priority order. It is determined whether to draw the symbol upward, and stop control is performed so that the rotation is maintained for the number of sliding pieces so as to draw the prioritized symbol onto the active line A and then stopped. Note that when the stop switch 120 is pressed and a symbol that constitutes a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination other than a winning combination that can be won is on the active line A, the reel control means 306 controls the symbol combination to A so-called kicking process is also executed in parallel to prevent the line from stopping on the effective line A. In addition, as will be described later, if the winning combination included in the winning type has an operation mode (operation order and operation timing) set as a winning condition, the reel control means 306 controls the winning combination according to the player's operation mode. Stop control is performed so that the symbol combination corresponding to the symbol combination can be displayed on the active line A.

For example, winning roles "Replay 1" to "Replay 3", winning roles "Small Role 1" to "Small Role 5", "Small Role 10", "Small Role 11", "Small Role 16" to "Small Role", The symbols constituting the symbol combinations corresponding to "Win 24", "Small win 26" to "Small win 32", "Small win 34" to "Small win 39", and "Small win 48" are as follows on each reel 110. The stop control ensures that the images are arranged so that they can always be displayed on the effective line A. Such a winning combination may be expressed as PB=1. On the other hand, for example, the winning role "RBB", the winning role "Small role 6" to "Small role 9", "Small role 12" to "Small role 15", "Small role 25", "Small role 33", "Small role" The symbols constituting the symbol combinations corresponding to "Win 40" to "Small Win 47" are not necessarily arranged so that they can be displayed on the active line A on each reel 110 due to the above-mentioned stop control, so the so-called Missing items may occur. Such a winning combination may be expressed as PB≠1.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the winning type lottery table, a plurality of winning areas are divided, and depending on each gaming state, the winning type to be drawn for lottery differs, and the presence or absence of non-winning (loss) differs. In FIG. 7, the winning areas (winning types) allocated to each gaming state (non-internal gaming state (non-internal), RBB internal gaming state (RBB internal), RBB operating gaming state (RBB operating)) are represented by "◎" or "○", but in reality, a winning type lottery table corresponding to each of a plurality of gaming states is stored in the main ROM 200b. In addition, "◎" indicates that it is an advantageous section lottery possible winning type where a lottery to move to an advantageous section can be held, and "○" is a non-advantageous section lottery where it is impossible to conduct a lottery to transfer to an advantageous section. Indicates that it is a winning type.

In the winning type lottery table, each divided winning area is associated with a predetermined number (winning range value) that is a numerical value indicating the winning range, and the winning type. The total number of winning type lottery random numbers (65536) is obtained by summing up the numbers placed in the winning areas. Therefore, the probability that each winning type is determined is the value obtained by dividing the number associated with the winning area by the total number of winning type lottery random numbers. The winning type lottery means 304 sequentially obtains numbers from among the plurality of winning areas in the winning type lottery table, starting from the one with the highest number, based on the gaming state at that time, and uses the numbers as a winning type lottery random number. When the value after subtraction becomes less than 0, the winning type associated with the winning area at that time is determined as the lottery result of the winning type lottery. In addition, if the numbers of all the winning areas of winning area 1 and above are subtracted from the winning type lottery random number, and the value after subtraction is 0 or more, the winning type of winning area 0 is "lose". This is the lottery result.

Here, we will provide some additional information about the winning combination "RBB". The predetermined type 1 special bonus (RB) is a bonus that increases the number of combinations of symbols related to winning for each specified number, or increases the probability that a conditional device related to winning for each specified number will operate, A device that operates in predetermined cases and can continue to operate until a result of no more than 12 games is obtained. Here, the condition device is a device whose operation is a necessary condition for displaying a combination of symbols related to winning, replay, accessory, or operation of the accessory continuous operation device, A winning flag is a flag that is activated when a player wins a computer-based lottery held in a gaming machine.

According to the winning type lottery table in FIG. 7, for example, winning area 0 is associated with the winning type "Lose", and if you win in this winning type, the symbol corresponding to any of the winning combinations shown in FIG. The combination is also not displayed on the active line A, and no medals are paid out.

Each winning area in FIG. 7 is associated with a winning type that includes multiple winning combinations. If you win a winning type that includes multiple winning combinations, the winning conditions regarding which symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination will be preferentially displayed on the active line A, such as stop The order in which the switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are operated and the operation timing (operating position of the reel 110) of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are set.

In the following explanation, the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c that stop the reels in the order of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c will be referred to as "batting order 1", and The operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c to stop the reels in order is called "batting order 2", and the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c to stop the reels in order of the middle reel 110b, left reel 110a, right reel 110c is called "batting order 2". 3", and the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c to stop the reels in the order of the middle reel 110b, right reel 110c, and left reel 110a is "batting order 4", and the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c is set as "batting order 4", and the reels are stopped in the order of the right reel 110c, the left reel 110a, and the middle reel 110b. The operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c to stop the reels is defined as "batting order 5", and the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c to stop the reels in the order of right reel 110c, middle reel 110b, and left reel 110a is "batting order 6". ”.

For example, if the winning type "batting order bell A1" in the winning area 15, which is the selected winning type, is won and the operation is performed in the correct operation mode (batting order 3), the winning combination is a correct winning combination with a payout number of 9 pieces. Stop control is performed so that the symbol combination corresponding to "minor combination 2" (winning combination "Bell") is preferentially displayed on the active line A by so-called quantity priority control. In addition, when operations are performed in the batting order 1, 2, 4 to 6, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "1-card combination", which is an incorrect combination with a payout of 1 card, is valid due to the so-called number priority control. Stop control is performed so that it is displayed on line A with a probability of 1/1 or 1/2.

In addition, the winning probability (number) for the selected winning type in winning areas 15 to 18 (winning type "batting order bell A1" to ``batting order bell A4''), the winning probability (number) for the selected winning type in winning areas 19 to 22 (winning type "batting order bell B1") ” to “batting order bell B4”) and the winning probability of the selected winning types in winning areas 23 to 30 (winning types “batting order bell C1” to “batting order bell C8”) are set to be equal. Since the player usually cannot know which winning type he/she has won, by providing the winning area as described above, it is made difficult for the player to win the correct winning combination. Further, as described above, even if the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are operated in an operation mode in which the incorrect combination is displayed preferentially, the symbol combination corresponding to the incorrect combination is not necessarily displayed on the active line A. Therefore, depending on the operation mode, some data may be missed (PB≠1). Note that, hereinafter, the 16 winning types in winning areas 15 to 30 may be simply abbreviated as winning type "batting order bell."

In addition, if the winning type "Replay 1" in the winning area 33 is won and operations are performed in batting order 3 to batting order 6, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "Replay 2" will be prioritized on active line A. The stop control is performed so that the symbol is displayed, and it becomes possible to display any one of the symbols "Red 7", "White 7", and "BAR" in a straight line on the invalid line B1. On the other hand, if the winning type "Replay 2" in the winning area 34 is won and the operation is performed in batting order 4 to batting order 6, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "Replay 3" will be prioritized on active line A. The stop control is performed so that the middle reel 110b and the right reel 110c are displayed, and one of the symbols "Red 7", "White 7", and "BAR" is displayed in a straight line on the invalid line B1. However, regarding the left reel 110a, the symbols "Red 7", "White 7", and "BAR" cannot be displayed on the invalid line B1.

In addition, when winning any of the above-mentioned winning types, the internal winning flag corresponding to each winning type is established (ON), and the stop control of each reel 110 is performed according to the establishment status of this internal winning flag. The Rukoto. At this time, if you win a winning type that includes a minor winning combination, but the symbol combination corresponding to these winning combinations cannot be displayed on the active line A in the game, after the game ends. The internal election flag is turned off. In other words, the right to win a minor prize is limited only to the game in which the winning type that includes the minor prize is won, and the right cannot be carried over to the next game. On the other hand, if a winning type that includes the winning combination "RBB" is won, the RBB internal winning flag is established (ON) and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "RBB" is placed on the active line A. The RBB internal winning flag is carried over across games until it is displayed. Furthermore, if the internal winning flag corresponding to a winning type that includes a replay combination is established, the symbol combination corresponding to one of the replay combinations included in that winning type will always be on the active line A. After the process necessary to play the next game without requiring medals is performed, the internal winning flag is turned off.

(Transition of gaming state)
Here, the transition of the gaming state will be explained using FIG. 8. Here, a plurality of gaming states are prepared, such as a non-internal gaming state, an RBB internal gaming state, and an RBB operating gaming state. As will be described later, each gaming state is changed depending on winning, winning (activation), and termination of a bonus combination. Note that the winning types that can be won in each gaming state are represented by "◎" or "○" in FIG.

The non-internal gaming state is a gaming state that corresponds to an initial state among a plurality of gaming states. In such a non-internal gaming state, the probability of winning a replay combination is set to approximately 1/7.3. Furthermore, in the non-internal gaming state, the winning combination "RBB" is determined with a predetermined probability (for example, about 1/30). The gaming state control means 312 changes the gaming state in response to winning of the winning combination "RBB". For example, in a game in which the winning combination "RBB" is won, when a symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "RBB" is displayed on the active line A, the gaming state control means 312 changes the gaming state to the RBB active gaming state. Transfer (1).

In the RBB active gaming state, the winning probability of the replay combination is set to 0. In this RBB operating gaming state, "1 piece ALL" is set in the winning area 1 and the winning type "Small win ALL" is set in the winning area 2 as possible winning types. If you win the winning type "1 piece ALL", you will receive a symbol combination that corresponds to any of the winning combinations "Small role 1", "Small role 6" to "Small role 24", "Small role 26" to "Small role 48". is displayed on active line A, and if the winning type "Small role ALL" is won, a symbol combination corresponding to any of the winning roles "Small role 1" to "Small role 48" will be displayed on active line A. The stop is controlled as follows. Here, due to the configuration of such small winning combinations, the expected number of coins to be acquired per unit game in the gaming state during RBB operation is lowered.

When the condition for ending the gaming state during RBB operation is satisfied, that is, when the number of acquired coins exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 22 coins), the gaming state control means 312 shifts the gaming state to a non-internal gaming state (2).

On the other hand, in a game in which the winning combination "RBB" is won, if the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "RBB" cannot be displayed on the active line A, the gaming state control means 312 controls the gaming state within the RBB. Shift to medium game state (3).

In the RBB internal medium game state, the winning probability of the replay combination is set to approximately 1/7.3. Further, in the RBB internal medium game state, there is no possibility of winning the winning type "losing". In other words, if the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "RBB" could not be displayed on the active line A in a winning game with the winning combination "RBB", after that, the winning combination "RBB" would be smaller than the winning combination "RBB". Since the replay combination is controlled to stop on the active line A with priority, the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "RBB" cannot be displayed on the active line A. Therefore, once the gaming state shifts to the RBB internal medium gaming state, the RBB internal medium gaming state will be maintained without any subsequent gaming state transition. Here, while maintaining the RBB internal medium gaming state, an AT effect state is realized in the RBB internal medium gaming state.

Here, in the RBB internal medium game state, multiple types of correct combinations are won without overlapping each other, so it is possible to increase the chances of winning the correct combination, and as a result, for example, in the RBB internal medium game By performing the auxiliary performance in the AT performance state, medals can be easily obtained. On the other hand, in the RBB active gaming state, multiple types of correct winning combinations are won over and over again, so there are fewer opportunities to win the correct winning combination, so the correct winning combination is more likely to win than in the AT production state in other gaming states. This makes it difficult for players to increase the number of medals they own. Therefore, while the RBB active gaming state has the function of having a higher probability of winning winning combinations than the RBB internal playing state, in terms of medal acquisition performance, the RBB operating gaming state is the same as the RBB internal mid gaming state. It is possible to realize the specifications (accelerator RBB) that are inferior.

(Transition of production state)
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the transition of the performance state. Hereinafter, the effect state to which the effect state control means 314 changes in the main control board 200 will be described in detail.

Here, in order to comprehensively and uniformly determine whether or not the gaming state with high medal acquisition performance is biased, a game section having performance related to the instruction function, that is, an auxiliary performance (instruction function) is executed. A game section that is advantageous to the player, including a game section, etc., is defined as an advantageous section. In addition, in the advantageous section, if the auxiliary effect is activated as a result of a lottery etc. related to the activation of the auxiliary effect on the main control board 200, the main control board 200 will be able to identify the content of the instruction. This is a game period in which information indicating the contents of the instruction may be transmitted to peripheral boards such as the sub-control board 202 only when displayed on the means. Further, unlike the advantageous section, a game section in which the auxiliary performance (instruction function) cannot be executed is defined as a non-advantageous section. Therefore, the plurality of performance states belong to either the advantageous section or the non-advantageous section which are the game sections. In this embodiment, almost all performance states belong to the advantageous section, and some performance states (here, non-advantageous performance states) realize the non-advantageous section.

In addition, in the advantageous section, among the winning modes in which the correct winning combination would be missed if there is no auxiliary performance, in the selection winning type where the correct winning combination has the maximum payout (in this case, 9 coins), there will be assistance to assist the winning of the correct winning combination. When performing a performance (an auxiliary performance in which the maximum number of coins to be paid out can be obtained), the effect must be notified by, for example, lighting the section display 160.

In addition, in the non-advantageous section, it is possible to vary the winning probability for each winning type depending on the setting value, but the probability that determines the transition to the performance state with auxiliary performance (AT performance state) for the same winning type must not be different for each setting value. On the other hand, in the advantageous section, both the winning probability of the winning type and the probability of determining the transition (or addition) to the performance state with auxiliary performance (AT performance state) for the same winning type differ depending on the setting value. It is possible to do so.

Therefore, the performance state control means 314 not only manages the transition of the performance state, but also manages the transition between the non-advantageous section and the advantageous section. Furthermore, regardless of such management, the advantageous section is forcibly terminated when the following termination conditions are met. For example, in the slot machine 100, the advantageous section is forced based on the value counted in the advantageous section reaching a predetermined value (for example, the number of games played during the stay reaches 4000, or MY exceeds 2400 coins). ends. Note that MY indicates the difference in the number of sheets after the start of the advantageous section. Therefore, if 1000 medals have been inserted (consumed) since the start of the advantageous section, it is possible to acquire 3400 medals during the advantageous section. In addition, in a medalless gaming machine that allows you to proceed with the game without the intervention of real medals while maintaining the gameplay of the slot machine, there is no need to set a limit on the number of games you can play, so MY is 2400 coins in the advantageous section. The advantageous section will be forcibly terminated based on the fact that the above limit has been exceeded. In either case, the production state control means 314 resets all the information updated in the advantageous section (all variables that affect the performance related to the instruction function) by transitioning from the advantageous section to the non-advantageous section. .

(Unfavorable section, advantageous section)
In the non-advantageous section, the auxiliary performance is not performed, so the number of medals that can be acquired is limited. Here, a non-advantageous performance state is provided as a performance state of the non-advantageous section.

In the advantageous section, by causing the auxiliary performance execution means to execute the auxiliary performance when the selected winning type is won, it is possible to obtain a large number of medals while suppressing the consumption of medals. Therefore, by shifting to the advantageous section, the player can advance the game more advantageously than in the non-advantageous section. Here, the performance states of the advantageous section include a normal performance state, a precursor performance state, an AT performance state, a distributed performance state, a special precursor performance state, and a special performance state, each of which has a different game performance. Each production state will be explained individually below.

(Normal performance state)
The normal performance state belongs to the advantageous section and is the performance state in which the player is likely to be staying at the start of the game among a plurality of performance states. The performance state control means 314 performs an AT lottery in the normal performance state. The AT lottery is a lottery that determines transition to the AT performance state, and the performance state control means 314 performs the AT lottery with a probability corresponding to the winning type determined by the winning type lottery. When the AT lottery is won, the performance state control means 314 shifts the performance state to a precursor performance state corresponding to the first stage of the AT performance state (1), increasing the expectation level that the transition to the AT performance state has been determined. A performance control means 334 is made to execute a precursor performance. In addition, even if the player does not win the AT lottery, the performance state control means 314 may cause the performance control means 334 to perform a precursor performance while maintaining the normal performance state, so that the player may not be able to enter the AT performance state. This can give hope that the transition has been decided. In addition, the performance state control means 314 executes a so-called chance zone (CZ) in which the probability of winning the AT lottery is increased over a plurality of games every time a predetermined number of games are played in the normal performance state. Even when the AT lottery is won in such a chance zone, the performance state control means 314 shifts the performance state to the precursor performance state (1).

(Foreshadowing state)
The precursor performance state belongs to the advantageous section and is a performance state in which the precursor performance is executed for a predetermined number of games (here, for example, a predetermined number of games of 32 games or less). It should be noted that the foreshadowing performance (real omen performance) executed in the omen performance state and the omen performance (falsified omen performance) performed in the normal performance state are similar in display mode and number of continuous games. Therefore, the player cannot tell which performance state the player is staying in just by viewing the precursor performance. However, the precursor performance executed in the precursor performance state differs from the precursor performance performed in the normal performance state in that the result that the transition to the AT performance state has been decided is finally notified. Therefore, the player desires a precursor performance state in which a result indicating that the transition to the AT performance state has been decided is notified in the precursor performance. Then, when the precursor performance state ends, the performance state control means 314 always shifts the performance state to the AT performance state (2). In other words, when the precursor performance is being executed in the precursor performance state, the transition to the AT performance state is made without fail. In this respect, the precursor performance state is more advantageous to the player than the normal performance state. Further, the decision to shift to the precursor performance state is synonymous with the determination of the subsequent shift to the AT performance state.

(AT performance state)
The AT performance state belongs to an advantageous section and is a performance state in which auxiliary performance is executed. When the AT performance state is started, the performance state control means 314 first shifts to a duration determination performance state and determines the duration of the AT performance state (here, the number of continuous games). The performance state control means 314 continues the auxiliary performance until a predetermined termination condition is satisfied, for example, until the number of games staying in the AT performance state reaches the determined number of continuous games (for example, 50 games). . In addition, the performance state control means 314 performs an additional lottery for the number of continued games in the AT performance state with a probability corresponding to the winning type determined by the winning type lottery. When the bonus lottery is won, the performance state control means 314 adds the winning number of games to the number of continuous games that is the termination condition. In this way, the conditions for ending the AT performance state change. Then, when a predetermined termination condition is satisfied, the performance state control means 314 shifts the performance state to the normal performance state (3).

As described above, in this embodiment, the player expects to shift to the AT performance state while staying in the normal performance state, and when the precursor performance is started, the precursor performance becomes the main precursor, that is, the precursor performance. We hope that this is a foreshadowing performance in a state of production. Here, if the transition to the AT performance state is not notified in the precursory performance, the normal performance state continues, and if the transition to the AT performance state is notified in the precursory performance, the AT performance state is changed after the precursory performance ends. executed.

Note that when the AT performance state ends, the performance state control means 314 shifts the performance state to the normal performance state (3), but when the performance state is shifted to the non-advantageous performance state (4) and the advantageous section is reset. There is. When the advantageous section is reset, as described above, the information updated in the advantageous section (all variables that affect the performance related to the instruction function) is cleared. However, depending on the performance mode at the time of transition, the player cannot tell whether the performance state has shifted to the normal performance state or the non-advantageous performance state.

(Non-advantageous performance state)
The non-advantageous presentation state belongs to the non-advantageous section and is an initial presentation state. In the non-advantageous performance state, the performance state control means 314 determines the transition to the advantageous section with a probability of about 1/2 in each game, and when the transition to the advantageous section is determined, the performance state is always changed. , to shift to the distribution presentation state (5). Therefore, the number of staying games in the non-advantageous effect state is often short (several games).

(Distribution performance state)
The distribution performance state belongs to the advantageous section, is always passed through when moving from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section, and is a presentation state in which the player only stays for one game, for example. In the distributed performance state, the performance state is distributed to either the normal performance state or the precursor performance state. Specifically, the performance state control means 314 determines, for example, to transition to the precursor performance state with a probability of 1/10 and transfer the performance state to the precursor performance state (6), or determines the transition to the precursor performance state with a probability of 9/10. The transition to the performance state is determined and the performance state is shifted to the normal performance state (7). However, the ratio of such distribution is not limited to the precursor performance state: normal performance state = 1:9, and can be arbitrarily determined.

If the precursor performance state is determined in the distribution performance state, the performance state will definitely be transferred to the AT performance state via the precursor performance state that is continued for a predetermined number of games (through the precursor performance). . Further, if the precursor performance state is not determined in the distribution performance state, the performance state becomes the normal performance state. However, in the normal performance state, the probability of winning the AT lottery is varied depending on the route to the normal performance state. For example, as described above, when the performance state directly shifts from the AT performance state to the normal performance state (3), the performance state control means 314 controls whether the performance state has changed from the AT performance state (transitioned from the non-advantageous performance state). AT lottery is performed with a low probability (for example, 1/4000) in a normal performance state (not shown).

On the other hand, when the performance state shifts from the non-advantageous performance state and the distribution performance state to the normal performance state due to the transition from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section (7), the performance state control means 314 controls the non-advantageous section. In the normal performance state shifted from , an AT lottery is performed with a high probability (for example, 1/8). Therefore, in the normal performance state that has transitioned from the non-advantageous performance state (via the non-advantageous section), the player will eventually win the AT lottery. In addition, here, we have explained two patterns of winning probability of AT lottery, low probability (for example, 1/4000) and high probability (for example, 1/8), but we also provide three or more patterns of winning probability, In the normal performance state shifted from the non-advantageous performance state, an AT lottery may be performed with a relatively high probability of winning. In addition, the probability of winning is not limited to 1/8 or 1/4000, etc., and the probability of winning is not limited to 1/8 or 1/4000, but the normal performance state that has transitioned from the non-advantageous performance state is better than the normal performance state that has not transitioned from the non-advantageous performance state to the AT performance state. It is sufficient that the transition is easy to determine; for example, the probability of winning an AT lottery in a normal performance state that has transitioned from a non-advantageous performance state is set higher than the probability of winning an AT lottery in a normal performance state that has not transitioned from a non-advantageous performance state. If so, the probability of winning can be set arbitrarily.

However, even if the AT lottery is won in the normal performance state that has transitioned from the non-advantageous performance state, the performance state control means 314 does not immediately shift to the precursor performance state, but waits for example after the distribution performance state ends. During the block period of 96 games, the normal performance state is maintained and transition to the AT performance state is prohibited. Specifically, the performance state control means 314 turns on the present omen permission flag when the AT lottery is won in the normal performance state shifted from the non-advantageous performance state. The main omen permission flag is a flag indicating whether or not it is possible to shift to the omen production state, and when turned ON, the transition to the omen production state is permitted. Once the present omen permission flag is turned ON, it is maintained in the ON state until the transition to the omen presentation state, so even if the AT lottery is won after that, the present omen permission flag remains on the ON state. In addition, the performance state control means 314 determines the number of games within 96 games by lottery at the time of transition from the distributed performance state to the normal performance state, and sets it as a block period. However, the block period is set so that 96 games are often selected.

The performance state control means 314 counts the number of games played after the distribution performance state ends, and shifts the performance state to the precursor performance state during the block period, regardless of whether or not the present precursor permission flag is turned on. I won't let you. Then, if the block period has elapsed (the predetermined number of games corresponding to the block period has been reached) and the present precursor permission flag is ON, the production state control means 314 shifts the production state to the precursor production state ( 8) Reset this precursor permission flag. Therefore, in the normal performance state shifted from the non-advantageous performance state, even if the AT lottery is won early, the transition to the precursor performance state does not occur unless at least 96 games corresponding to the block period are played.

In this way, by passing through the non-advantageous performance state (non-advantageous section), the player can obtain the following benefits. In other words, there is a probability of 1/10 to immediately transition to the precursor performance state, pass through the precursor performance state, and then transition to the AT performance state, or, with a probability of 9/10, to transition to the normal performance state and the block period has elapsed. Afterwards, a foreshadowing effect is executed, and after passing through the foreshadowing effect state, the state shifts to the AT effect state. Then, after the non-advantageous performance state and the distribution performance state end, for example, after 0 to 96 games have passed, the precursor performance starts, and after the precursor performance ends, that is, the non-advantageous performance state and the distribution performance state end. Therefore, for example, after 32 to 128 games have passed, the state will almost shift to the AT performance state. Winning an AT lottery with a high probability during a predetermined number of games is sometimes referred to as "heaven" or "heaven mode." Therefore, the player desires to shift to a non-advantageous performance state (non-advantageous section), that is, reset the advantageous section.

Here, we adopt a normal performance state in which it is easy to transition to an AT performance state with a high probability when passing through a non-advantageous performance state, that is, when transitioning from a non-advantageous section to an advantageous section, and by providing a block period. , the start timing is biased to 128 games after the end of the non-advantageous performance state and the distribution performance state. In other words, even if the AT performance state ends and is demoted to the normal performance state, there is a high possibility that the AT performance state will be executed again (pulled back) until 128 games have elapsed. Therefore, the player continues playing the game, expecting the AT performance state to be pulled back after the AT performance state ends, so that the operating rate of the slot machine 100 can be improved.

In addition, even in the normal performance state that has transitioned from the non-advantageous performance state, the performance state control means 314 increases the probability of winning the AT lottery every time a predetermined number of games are played, similarly to the normal performance state that has transitioned from the AT performance state. A chance zone is executed over a plurality of games. If the AT lottery is won in such a chance zone, the performance state control means 314 shifts the performance state to the precursor performance state, regardless of whether it is in the above block period or not. Note that in the normal performance state that has been transitioned from the non-advantageous performance state, it should originally be possible to transition to the precursor performance state after the block period has elapsed. In this case, by deciding to shift to the AT performance state on their own, the AT performance state that could have originally been obtained will be lost, and there is a risk that the player's desire to play will decrease. Therefore, if you win the AT lottery on your own in the chance zone in the normal performance state that has transitioned from the non-advantageous performance state, the performance state control means 314 changes the performance state to the non-advantageous performance state again after the end of the subsequent AT performance state. Transfer (4). In this way, the player can receive all the gaming profits from passing through the non-advantageous presentation state. Furthermore, by starting the chance zone before the 96th game, which is likely to be selected as a block period, players expect to win the AT lottery in the chance zone, that is, the AT effect state will be executed at least twice. can do.

In this embodiment, as described above, when the AT performance state ends, the performance state control means 314 directly transfers the performance state to the normal performance state (3) and shifts the performance state to the non-advantageous performance state. There is case (4). Here, the condition for shifting the performance state to the non-advantageous performance state is that the player wins the transition to the AT performance state having a predetermined gaming profit in the AT lottery. For example, the AT performance state includes a plurality of types of AT performance states that differ in the number of continuous games and the probability of adding up the difference number of coins. When a specific AT performance state is won, the performance state control means 314 always shifts the performance state to a non-advantageous performance state after the AT performance state ends (4). Further, even if a specific AT performance state is not won, the performance state control means 314 may shift the performance state to a non-advantageous performance state with a predetermined probability after the AT performance state ends (4).

Here, the advantageous section is temporarily reset. Therefore, the player can shift to the AT production state with high gaming profits with a relatively small number of games from the start of the number of games allowed in the advantageous section, for example, 4000 games, and can also move to the AT performance state with high gaming profits. It becomes possible to obtain gaming profits by effectively utilizing the permitted number of stay games.

Further, in this embodiment, as described above, when the AT lottery is won in the normal performance state after the AT performance state ends, the performance state control means 314 shifts the performance state to the precursor performance state (1). However, if you win the AT lottery in the normal performance state after the number of staying games in the normal performance state reaches a predetermined number of games (for example, 2000 games) without shifting to the AT performance state, the performance state control means 314 , it finally decides to shift to the non-advantageous performance state, and instead of shifting the performance state to the precursor performance state, performs a precursor performance (false precursor performance) to notify that it has not directly transitioned to the AT performance state. After that, first, the state is shifted to a special omen presentation state (9). In addition, here, as a predetermined transition condition for determining the transition to a non-advantageous performance state (non-advantageous section), after the number of staying games in the normal performance state reaches a predetermined number of games (for example, 2000 games), the normal Although the explanation has been made with reference to winning the AT lottery in the performance state, this is not limited to such a case, and as a predetermined transition condition, after the number of staying games in the advantageous section reaches the predetermined number of games, the AT lottery in the normal performance state It is also possible to win the election. Also, as a predetermined transition condition, in place of or in addition to the above, the number of staying games in the normal performance state reaches a predetermined number of games (for example, 3000 games) (so-called ceiling function), and the chance zone. It is also possible to win the AT lottery again based on not winning the AT lottery in (CZ).

(Special omen performance state)
The special precursor performance state is a performance state that belongs to an advantageous section and stays for a predetermined number of games (for example, 10 games), and a special performance state lottery is performed and a precursor indicating the degree of expectation for transition to the special performance state. Execute the performance. Here, the special performance state lottery is a lottery for adding up the number of consecutive games, and when the number of games is added one or more times, the transition to the special performance state is determined. The performance state control means 314 performs a special performance state lottery with a probability corresponding to the winning type determined by the winning type lottery. Here, the special effect state lottery is designed so that the gaming profits stably vary in stages according to the set value. For example, of two arbitrarily extracted set values, the higher the set value, the higher the probability that the number of games will be added due to the special effect state lottery is designed to be higher than the lower set value. Therefore, for example, the number of games to be added is 30 games with setting 1 and 60 games with setting 6, and it is possible to configure a gaming property where it is relatively easier to obtain a gaming profit with a higher setting value. When the special performance state lottery is won, the performance state control means 314 sets the cumulative number of added games (number of continuous games) as the end condition of the special performance state, and shifts the performance state to the special performance state (10 ). Further, if the special performance state lottery has not been won, the performance state control means 314 directly shifts the performance state to a non-advantageous performance state (11). In addition, here, in the special performance state, an example was given in which the number of continuous games is added by the special performance state lottery, but this is not limited to such a case, and a predetermined number of continuous games may be added, The number of continued games may be added by lottery when a so-called rare combination is won, such as winning type "reach" or winning type "cherry". In addition, here, we have explained an example in which the number of consecutive games is added on in the special performance state, but this is not limited to such a case, and the number of medals earned (number of medals paid out), the number of medals inserted (number of medals bet), and the number of paid out medals is not limited to this case. The difference in the number of sheets may be added.

(Special performance state)
The special performance state belongs to the advantageous section, and the auxiliary performance is executed until a predetermined end condition is satisfied. Such termination conditions include, for example, the number of games that stayed in the special performance state has reached the number of continuous games, and the granting of gaming profits determined before the start of the special performance state is It is about completion. For example, at the end of the special precursor performance state (at the start of the special performance state), the number of continued games is determined by the special performance state lottery in the special precursor performance state. Then, in the special performance state, when the end number of coins is given to the player (when the number of games staying in the special performance state reaches the number of continuous games), the special performance state ends as the end condition is satisfied. Here, the ending number of sheets is not changed in the special performance state. Then, when a predetermined termination condition is satisfied, the performance state control means 314 shifts the performance state to a non-advantageous performance state (12).

If the player wins the AT lottery after the number of games he or she stays in the normal performance state exceeds a predetermined number of games (for example, 600 games), the player will always transition to the non-advantageous performance state via the special precursor performance state ( 11), (12) As a result, it is possible to shift to the AT performance state. Here, the performance state control means 314 shifts the performance state to a non-advantageous performance state and once resets the advantageous section, so that the player can start the number of games allowed to stay in the advantageous section, for example, 4000 games. From then on, it is possible to shift to an AT performance state with high gaming profits, and it is also possible to obtain gaming profits by effectively utilizing the number of stay games allowed in the advantageous section.

In addition, in the normal performance state that passes through the special performance state, non-advantageous performance state, and distribution performance state, the probability of winning the AT lottery is higher than the normal performance state that directly transitions from the AT performance state, so the player In order to make it easier to understand, a predetermined display is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 124 to indicate that there is a high possibility of transitioning to the AT performance state.

However, in the normal performance state, the advantageous section will differ depending on whether you win the AT lottery after the number of staying games exceeds the predetermined number of games (for example, 600 games) or if you win the AT lottery before the predetermined number of games. Although it has been reset, the gaming profit does not change much in terms of being able to execute the AT performance state once. Further, in the latter case, the AT effect state is started after the end of the precursor effect state, that is, within 32 games, but in the former case, the AT effect state is often started after further elapse of a block period. In this case, it can be said that the former has a smaller gaming profit in that medals are consumed in the normal gaming state until the transition to the AT performance state. Therefore, if you win the AT lottery after the number of staying games in the normal performance state exceeds the predetermined number of games, you will move to the special precursor performance state and execute the special performance state lottery, and if you win, the special performance Additional gaming profits are given depending on the state. In this way, if you win the AT lottery after the number of staying games in the normal performance state exceeds the predetermined number of games, the gaming profit will be higher than if you win the AT lottery while the number of staying games has not reached the predetermined number of games. This increases the size and gives the player a sense of satisfaction. Therefore, as the number of stay games in the normal performance state increases, the player can expect a larger gaming profit and will continue playing the game. In this way, the operating rate of the slot machine 100 can be improved.

In the special effect state executed here, as described above, the higher the setting value is, the easier it is to obtain stable gaming profits. Further, only the gaming profits determined before the start of the special performance state are awarded in the special performance state, and no gaming profits are added (on top of) during the special performance state. Therefore, in the special performance state, it is possible to suppress the fluctuation range of the expected number of acquired coins according to the set value. By doing so, it becomes possible to increase the design value of the expected number of acquired coins in the AT performance state.

In addition, the special performance state is entered after the number of games stayed in the normal performance state exceeds a predetermined number of games, so the number of times is less likely to fluctuate compared to the AT performance state, and it is executed at a stable frequency. . In this way, even if the fluctuation range of the expected number of acquired coins in the AT performance state becomes large, that fluctuation can be absorbed in the special performance state, and while the fluctuation range of the expected number of acquired coins is further suppressed according to the setting value, AT It becomes possible to increase the design value of the expected number of acquired pieces in the performance state.

Also, after the AT performance state ends, the normal performance state is directly entered (3), and when the number of games staying in the normal performance state reaches a predetermined number of games (for example, 3000 games) without transitioning to the AT performance state (3). (so-called ceiling function), the performance state control means 314 resets the advantageous section and shifts the performance state to a non-advantageous performance state (13). Then, as mentioned above, after the end of the non-advantageous performance state and the distribution performance state, for example, after 0 to 96 games have passed, the precursor performance will start, and after the end of the precursor performance, that is, the non-advantageous performance state and the distribution performance state. After the game ends, for example, after 32 to 128 games have elapsed, it is possible to shift to an almost AT performance state. Therefore, if the game is continued in the normal performance state without transitioning to the AT performance state, the game will transition to the AT performance state within a predetermined number of games (for example, 999 games). With such a ceiling function, the player can feel secure that even if he is unlucky enough to consume a large amount of medals, he can receive relief measures. Furthermore, once the normal performance state has been used up to a certain extent, the expected number of coins to be won if the game continues increases, and the game continues until the ceiling (for example, 999 games), so it is possible to improve the operating rate of the slot machine 100. can.

Note that the predetermined number of games (for example, 96 to 3000 games) in such a ceiling function is determined at the following timing. For example, when directly transitioning from the AT performance state to the normal performance state (3), the performance state control means 314 controls the predetermined number of games of the ceiling function in the normal performance state ( For example, 96 to 3000 games) are determined. In addition, when transitioning to the normal performance state via the non-advantageous performance state and the distribution performance state (7), the performance state control means 314 controls the performance state in the normal performance state at the time of transition from the distribution performance state to the normal performance state. A predetermined number of games (for example, 96 to 3000 games) for the ceiling function is determined. However, unlike when transitioning from the AT performance state to the normal performance state, when transitioning to the normal performance state via the non-advantageous performance state and the distribution performance state, there is a high probability of winning the AT lottery, so the block period The ceiling function is rarely executed, as it often waits for the passage of time before transitioning to a premonitory effect state.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the probability of winning the AT lottery in the normal performance state is high (for example, 1/8) when transitioning from the non-advantageous performance state to the normal performance state, and from the AT performance state to the normal performance state. Although the explanation has been given using an example in which there is a low probability (for example, 1/4000) if there is a direct transition to The probability of winning the AT lottery is low, but it may change to a high probability due to a promotion lottery, and it may also change to a low probability due to a demotion lottery. In addition, when the AT performance state directly shifts to the normal performance state, by satisfying a predetermined condition such as winning a lottery, the probability of winning the AT lottery may become high from the start of the normal performance state.

Hereinafter, specific processing in the main control board 200 and the sub control board 202 will be explained based on a flowchart.

(CPU initialization process of main control board 200)
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating CPU initialization processing in the main control board 200. When power is supplied from the power supply board, a system reset occurs in the main CPU 200a, and the main CPU 200a performs the following CPU initialization process (S100).

(Step S100-1)
When the power is turned on, the main CPU 200a reads a startup program from the main ROM 200b as an initial setting process, and performs setting processes necessary to execute various processes.

(Step S100-3)
The main CPU 200a sets a wait processing time in a timer counter.

(Step S100-5)
The main CPU 200a determines whether a power-off notice signal is detected. Note that the main control board 200 is provided with a power-off detection circuit, and when the power supply voltage falls below a predetermined value, a power-off warning signal is output from the power-off detection circuit. If a power cutoff notice signal is detected, the process moves to step S100-3, and if a power cutoff notice signal is not detected, the process moves to step S100-7.

(Step S100-7)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the wait processing time set in step S100-3 above has elapsed. As a result, if it is determined that the wait processing time has elapsed, the process moves to step S100-9, and if it is determined that the wait time has not elapsed, the process moves to step S100-5.

(Step S100-9)
The main CPU 200a executes necessary processing to permit access to the main RAM 200c.

(Step S100-11)
The main CPU 200a executes checksum confirmation processing. Here, the main CPU 200a calculates a checksum, and determines whether the calculated checksum does not match (is abnormal) the checksum saved when the power was turned off, and whether the backup is abnormal. Then, if the main CPU 200a determines that one or both of the backup and the checksum is abnormal, it turns on the backup abnormality flag, and if it determines that both the backup and the checksum are not abnormal, the main CPU 200a turns on the backup abnormality flag. Turn off.

(Step S100-13)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the backup abnormality flag is on. As a result, if it is determined that the backup abnormality flag is on, the process moves to step S110, and if it is determined that the backup abnormality flag is not on, the process moves to step S120.

(Step S110)
The main CPU 200a executes cold start processing. Note that this cold start processing will be described later.

(Step S120)
The main CPU 200a executes a setting value switching process for switching setting values. Note that this setting value switching process will be described later.

(Step S130)
The main CPU 200a executes a state recovery process to return to the state immediately before power-off. Note that this state recovery process will be described later.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the cold start process (S110) in the main control board 200.

(Step S110-1)
The main CPU 200a clears the used area in the main RAM 200c and executes a used area RAM check process to detect abnormalities in the used area.

(Step S110-3)
The main CPU 200a clears the separate area (unused area) in the main RAM 200c, and executes a separate area RAM check process to detect an abnormality in the separate area. Note that if an abnormality is detected in the separate area in the separate area RAM check process, the main CPU 200a turns on the RAM read/write error flag.

(Step S110-5)
The main CPU 200a sets an error code "EA" indicating an abnormality in the main RAM 200c.

(Step S110-7)
The main CPU 200a determines whether an abnormality is detected in step S110-1. As a result, if it is determined in step S110-1 that an abnormality is detected, the process moves to step S112, and if it is determined that no abnormality is detected in step S110-1, the process proceeds to step S110-9. Transfer processing.

(Step S110-9)
The main CPU 200a acquires a RAM read/write error flag that is turned on when an abnormality is detected in step S110-3.

(Step S110-11)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the RAM read/write error flag is on. As a result, if it is determined that the RAM read/write error flag is on, the process moves to step S112, and if it is determined that the RAM read/write error flag is not on, the process moves to step S120.

(Step S120)
The main CPU 200a executes a setting value switching process for switching setting values. Note that this setting value switching process will be described later.

(Step S110-13)
The main CPU 200a sets an error code "E7" indicating a backup error.

(Step S112)
The main CPU 200a executes error stop processing to stop the progress of the game due to an error. Note that this error stop processing will be described later.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the error stop processing (S112) in the main control board 200.

(Step S112-1)
The main CPU 200a sets the initial stack pointer value as the address of the stack pointer.

(Step S112-3)
The main CPU 200a executes an error setting process for setting an error display and a warning sound.

(Step S112-5)
The main CPU 200a sets external signals 1 to 3 output bits off to turn off the output images of the bits corresponding to external signals 1 to 3.

(Step S112-7)
The main CPU 200a executes output port image set processing to update the output image for the bits set in step S112-5 above.

(Step S112-9)
The main CPU 200a shifts to an eternal loop. As a result, the progress of the game will be stopped.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the setting value switching process (S120) in the main control board 200.

(Step S120-1)
The main CPU 200a acquires a signal from input port 1, and determines whether a set value switching condition is satisfied based on the acquired signal from input port 1. As a result, if it is determined that the set value switching condition is not satisfied, the set value switching process is ended, and if it is determined that the set value switching condition is satisfied, the process is moved to step S120-3. . Here, the signals of the input port 1 include a signal indicating whether the upper front door 104 and the lower front door 106 are open, and a signal indicating whether the setting key is turned on. Here, the setting value switching condition is satisfied when a signal indicating that the upper front door 104 and the lower front door 106 are open and a signal indicating that the setting key is turned on is obtained. It is determined that this is the case.

(Step S120-3)
The main CPU 200a executes a RAM clearing process to clear the used area in the main RAM 200c that should be cleared when changing settings.

(Step S120-5)
The main CPU 200a executes table content setting processing to transfer the table data of the data table at the time of setting value switching to the main RAM 200c.

(Step S120-7)
The main CPU 200a sets a setting change start command in the transmission buffer indicating that setting value change is to be started.

(Step S120-9)
The main CPU 200a executes edge check processing to detect a falling edge (on edge) of a signal at an input port.

(Step S120-11)
The main CPU 200a obtains setting value data indicating current setting values.

(Step S120-13)
The main CPU 200a determines whether an on-edge of the setting change switch is detected in step S120-9. As a result, if it is determined that the on-edge of the setting change switch is not detected, the process moves to step S120-17, and if it is determined that the on-edge of the setting change switch is detected, the process moves to step S120-15. .

(Step S120-15)
The main CPU 200a increments the setting value data by one.

(Step S120-17)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the setting value data is within a range (1 to 6) that can be set as a setting value. As a result, if it is determined that the set value data is within the range, the process moves to step S120-21, and if it is determined that the set value data is not within the range, the process moves to step S120-19.

(Step S120-19)
The main CPU 200a sets the setting value data to 0.

(Step S120-21)
The main CPU 200a updates the setting value data to the value incremented or set in step S120-15 or step S120-19.

(Step S120-23)
The main CPU 200a executes display data conversion processing to display the set value on the main credit display section 130.

(Step S120-25)
The main CPU 200a determines whether an on-edge of the setting change switch is detected. As a result, if it is determined that the on-edge of the setting change switch is not detected, the process moves to step S120-31, and if it is determined that the on-edge of the setting change switch is detected, the process moves to step S120-27. move.

(Step S120-27)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the setting change switch is on. As a result, if it is determined that the setting change switch is on, the process moves to step S120-27, and if it is determined that the setting change switch is not on, the process moves to step S120-29.

(Step S120-29)
The main CPU 200a sets a setting change switch interval timer.

(Step S120-31)
The main CPU 200a executes a timer wait process of waiting until the setting change switch interval timer reaches 0.

(Step S120-33)
The main CPU 200a determines whether an on-edge of the start switch 118 has been detected. As a result, if it is determined that the on-edge of the start switch 118 is not detected, the process moves to step S120-9, and if it is determined that the on-edge of the start switch 118 is detected, the process proceeds to step S120-35. move.

(Step S120-35)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the setting key is off. As a result, if it is determined that the setting key is off, the process moves to step S120-35, and if it is determined that the setting key is not off, the process moves to step S120-37.

(Step S120-37)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the setting key is on. As a result, if it is determined that the setting key is on, the process moves to step S120-37, and if it is determined that the setting key is not on, the process moves to step S122.

(Step S122)
The main CPU 200a executes initialization start processing to start initialization start. Note that this initialization start processing will be described later.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the initialization start process (S122) in the main control board 200.

(Step S122-1)
The main CPU 200a sets a setting change end command in the transmission buffer indicating that the setting value change has been completed.

(Step S122-3)
The main CPU 200a sets a setting change state command in the transmission buffer indicating the state when the setting value change is completed.

(Step S122-5)
The main CPU 200a sets a wait timer at the start of initialization.

(Step S122-7)
The main CPU 200a executes a timer wait process of waiting until the wait timer reaches 0 at the start of initialization.

(Step S122-9)
The main CPU 200a executes a RAM clear process when changing settings to clear another area of the main RAM 200c.

(Step S122-11)
The main CPU 200a executes a RAM clearing process to clear the used area in the main RAM 200c that should be cleared when changing settings.

(Step S122-13)
The main CPU 200a sets a gaming state command indicating the current gaming state in the transmission buffer.

(Step S200)
The main CPU 200a executes a game start process for starting the game. Note that this game start process will be described later.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the state recovery process (S130) in the main control board 200.

(Step S130-1)
The main CPU 200a restores the stack pointer.

(Step S130-3)
The main CPU 200a executes an unused area clearing process to clear an unused area of the main RAM 200c.

(Step S130-5)
The main CPU 200a clears the stack pointer storage buffer.

(Step S130-7)
The main CPU 200a sets (turns on) a flag after power-off recovery.

(Step S130-9)
The main CPU 200a executes port input processing to update the image of the input port.

(Step S130-11)
The main CPU 200a executes a manipulation target bit extraction process for extracting information on the manipulation target bit based on the image of the input port updated in step S130-9.

(Step S130-13)
The main CPU 200a sets the operation target bit extracted in step S130-11 above as the operation target bit in the previous state.

(Step S130-15)
The main CPU 200a acquires the motor phases of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c. Here, a motor phase is set as the state of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c. The motor phase indicates the operating state of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c, that is, during acceleration, steady rotation, stop, and standby. Specifically, a 1-byte (memory unit) variable assigned to a motor phase is set according to the operating state of the stepping motor 152: accelerating = 3, steady rotation = 2, stopping = 1, and waiting = Changes to a value such as 0.

(Step S130-17)
The main CPU 200a determines whether any of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are rotating steadily or accelerating based on the motor phase acquired in step S130-15. As a result, if it is determined that none of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c is rotating normally or accelerating, the process moves to step S130-21, and one of the reels 110a, 110b, 110c is rotating normally or accelerating. If it is determined that it is inside, the process moves to step S130-19.

(Step S130-19)
The main CPU 200a executes rotation error processing to perform settings when an error is detected for the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c.

(Step S130-21)
The main CPU 200a restores the saved register group.

(Step S130-23)
The main CPU 200a allows the interrupt and ends the state recovery process. As a result, the main CPU 200a returns to the state immediately before the power was turned off.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating the game start process (S200) in the main control board 200.

(Step S200-1)
The main CPU 200a executes a re-gaming state identification signal output setting process for outputting a re-gaming state identification signal indicating whether or not it is a re-gaming.

(Step S200-3)
The main CPU 200a sets an input number display output bit off for turning off (turns off) a bit corresponding to the input number display that displays the number of medals inserted (bet number).

(Step S200-5)
The main CPU 200a executes output port image setting processing to update the output image for the bits set in step S200-3 above.

(Step S200-7)
The main CPU 200a sets a game start wait timer.

(Step S200-9)
The main CPU 200a executes a timer wait process of waiting until the game start wait timer reaches 0.

(Step S200-11)
The main CPU 200a executes one game RAM clearing process to clear an area that should be cleared for each game among the used areas in the main RAM 200c.

(Step S200-13)
The main CPU 200a executes a bonus signal setting process for setting a bonus signal.

(Step S200-15)
The main CPU 200a executes edge clear processing to clear edge information of the input port image.

(Step S210)
The main CPU 200a executes a game medal insertion process that accepts the insertion of medals. Note that this game medal insertion process will be described later.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating the game medal insertion process (S210) in the main control board 200.

(Step S210-1)
The main CPU 200a executes error confirmation processing to confirm the detection results of various errors.

(Step S210-3)
The main CPU 200a executes edge check processing to detect a falling edge (on edge) of a signal at an input port.

(Step S210-5)
The main CPU 200a acquires a door open error detection flag that is set to 1 when the front upper door 104 or the front lower door 106 is opened.

(Step S210-7)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the front upper door 104 and the front lower door 106 are closed based on the door open error detection flag acquired in step S210-5 above. As a result, if it is determined that the front upper door 104 and the front lower door 106 are closed, the process moves to step S210-17, and if at least one of the front upper door 104 or the front lower door 106 is not closed. If determined, the process moves to step S210-9.

(Step S210-9)
The main CPU 200a sets an error code "E8" indicating that at least one of the upper front door 104 and the lower front door 106 is open.

(Step S210-11)
The main CPU 200a displays an error, requests a warning sound, and executes error wait processing for waiting for error recovery.

(Step S210-13)
The main CPU 200a executes a setting value confirmation process to confirm the setting value.

(Step S210-15)
The main CPU 200a executes edge clear processing to clear edge information of the input port image.

(Step S210-17)
The main CPU 200a executes a credit button check process to refund the stored medals when a credit switch (not shown) for refunding the stored (credited) medals is pressed.

(Step S210-19)
The main CPU 200a executes processing related to a game medal insertion button for betting medals. Here, when the bet switch 116 is pressed, the player bets the stored (credited) medals up to a specified number, and subtracts the stored number of medals by the number of betted medals. Further, when medals are inserted through the medal slot 114a, bets are made up to a specified number of medals, and when more medals than the specified number are inserted, the corresponding amount is added to the stored number.

(Step S210-21)
The main CPU 200a executes game medal acquisition processing to check whether the number of inserted medals is a specified number.

(Step S210-23)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the number of inserted sheets is not the specified number based on the confirmation result in step S210-21. As a result, if it is determined that the number of inserted sheets is not the specified number, the process moves to step S210-1, and if it is determined that the number of inserted sheets is the specified number, the process moves to step S210-25.

(Step S210-25)
The main CPU 200a sets a start indicator output bit for turning on (lighting up) a start indicator (not shown) indicating whether or not the operation of the start switch 118 is valid.

(Step S210-27)
The main CPU 200a determines whether a falling edge (press) of the start switch 118 has been detected. As a result, if it is determined that the falling edge of the start switch 118 has not been detected, the process moves to step S210-1, and if it is determined that the falling edge of the start switch 118 has been detected, the process proceeds to step S210-1. Processing moves to -29.

(Step S210-29)
The main CPU 200a clears the main payout display section buffer in order to clear the display on the main payout display section 132.

(Step S210-31)
The main CPU 200a executes a re-gaming state identification signal clearing process to clear the re-gaming state identification signal.

(Step S210-33)
The main CPU 200a executes blocker closing preprocessing to turn off the start indicator.

(Step S210-35)
The main CPU 200a sets a lever press command indicating that the start switch 118 has been pressed in the transmission buffer.

(Step S220)
The main CPU 200a executes an internal lottery process for determining the winning type. Note that this internal lottery process will be described later.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating the internal lottery process (S220) in the main control board 200.

(Step S220-1)
The main CPU 200a acquires setting value data.

(Step S220-3)
The main CPU 200a sets an error code "EC" indicating a setting value abnormality error.

(Step S220-5)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the setting value data acquired in step S220-1 is abnormal. As a result, if it is determined that the set value data is abnormal, the process moves to step S112, and if it is determined that the set value data is not abnormal, the process moves to step S220-7.

(Step S220-7)
The main CPU 200a obtains the winning type lottery random number updated by the random number generator 200d.

(Step S220-9)
The main CPU 200a executes a state offset acquisition process to acquire an offset value related to the gaming state.

(Step S220-11)
The main CPU 200a sets the address of the internal lottery area definition table (winning type lottery table).

(Step S220-13)
The main CPU 200a sets the value indicated by the address obtained by adding the offset value obtained in step S220-9 above to the address set in step S220-11 above as the initial value of the winning area. Here, the first winning area in the winning type lottery table of the current gaming state is set as the initial value.

(Step S220-15)
The main CPU 200a acquires lottery data, which is a numerical value indicating the winning range of the winning area, and executes lottery data acquisition processing to shift the winning area by 1.

(Step S220-17)
The main CPU 200a determines whether or not to perform a winning type lottery. As a result, if it is determined that the winning type lottery will not be performed, the process moves to step S220-21, and if it is determined that the winning type lottery is to be performed, the process moves to step S220-19.

(Step S220-19)
The main CPU 200a subtracts the lottery data from the random number value.

(Step S220-21)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the subtraction result in step S220-19 is negative, that is, whether the winning area has been won by the winning type lottery. As a result, if it is determined that the player has won the winning type lottery, the process moves to step S230, and if it is determined that the player has not won the winning type lottery, the process moves to step S220-23.

(Step S220-23)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the winning type lottery has ended. As a result, if it is determined that the winning type lottery has not ended, the process moves to step S220-15, and if it is determined that the winning type lottery has ended, the process moves to step S220-25.

(Step S220-25)
The main CPU 200a clears the trigger role type.

(Step S230)
The main CPU 200a executes a symbol code setting process for setting a symbol code based on the winning area and the gaming state. Note that this symbol code setting process will be described later.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating the symbol code setting process (S230) in the main control board 200.

(Step S230-1)
The main CPU 200a acquires the winning area won in step S220, and executes a gaming state setting process of setting the gaming state to the internal medium gaming state if the acquired winning area includes a bonus combination.

(Step S230-3)
The main CPU 200a sets the winning area acquired in step S230-1 above as a stop control number.

(Step S230-5)
The main CPU 200a determines (sets) a winning combination group based on the winning area acquired in step S230-1. Note that, depending on the determined winning combination group, the main CPU 200a may turn on the pseudo game execution flag. It should be noted that when the pseudo game execution flag is on, it indicates that a pseudo game will be executed, and when it is off, it indicates that a pseudo game will not be executed.

(Step S230-7)
The main CPU 200a executes a symbol code initial setting process to set a symbol code indicating a displayable symbol and a drawing target symbol based on the stop control number set in step S230-3.

(Step S230-9)
The main CPU 200a executes display symbol bit initial value setting processing for setting display symbol bits.

(Step S231)
The main CPU 200a executes an execution flag setting process that sets an execution flag, performs various processes related to the presentation state, processes related to auxiliary presentation, and the like. Note that this execution flag setting process will be described later.

(Step S230-13)
The main CPU 200a sets a production command, which is a command related to an advantageous section, in the transmission buffer.

(Step S230-15)
The main CPU 200a sets a winning information command indicating the winning type in the transmission buffer.

(Step S230-17)
The main CPU 200a checks the one-game timer.

(Step S230-19)
The main CPU 200a sets a pre-rotation command in the transmission buffer indicating that the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are before rotation.

(Step S230-21)
The main CPU 200a executes an excitation release wait process for waiting for excitation release of the stepping motor 152.

(Step S236)
The main CPU 200a executes a spinning performance process for executing a pseudo game. Specifically, according to the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c, predetermined symbols (for example, symbols forming a bonus combination) on each reel 110a, 110b, 110c are automatically temporarily stopped, and all When the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c temporarily stop, or when they start rotating through random delay processing after the temporary stop ends, the pseudo game execution flag is turned off.

(Step S230-23)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the one-game timer is not 0. As a result, if it is determined that the one-game timer is not 0, the process moves to step S230-23, and if it is determined that the one-game timer is 0, the process moves to step S230-25.

(Step S230-25)
The main CPU 200a executes a reel start process for starting the rotation of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c. Here, the motor phase of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c is set to be accelerated to start the rotation of each reel, and the one-game timer is set to a value corresponding to 4.1 seconds.

(Step S230-27)
The main CPU 200a sets a reel start command in the transmission buffer indicating that the rotation of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c has started.

(Step S240)
The main CPU 200a executes a reel rotation process which is a process while the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are rotating. Note that this process during rotation of the drum will be described later.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating the execution flag setting process (S231) in the main control board 200.

(Step S231-1)
The main CPU 200a executes an AT state update process that updates (transitions) the production state based on the next AT flag. Note that the next AT flag indicates the performance state to be set in the next game, and will be set in the following process.

(Step S232 to Step S238)
The main CPU 200a executes a state-based module execution process for executing a module for each performance state and game section, and ends the execution flag setting process. In addition, in the state-based module execution process, the module (process) corresponding to the transitioned performance state and game section is read from the main ROM 200b and executed. Below, modules related to the features of this embodiment will be explained in detail, and explanations of modules unrelated to the features of this embodiment will be omitted.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating the non-advantageous effect state processing (S232) executed in the state-specific module execution processing. The non-advantageous performance state processing is executed when the performance state is a non-advantageous performance state.

(Step S232-1)
The main CPU 200a performs a lottery to move to an advantageous section based on the winning type determined by the winning type lottery.

(Step S232-3)
The main CPU 200a determines whether or not the advantageous section has been won in step S232-1. As a result, if it is determined that the advantageous section has been won, the process moves to step S232-5, and if it is determined that the advantageous section has not been won, the non-advantageous effect state processing is ended.

(Step S232-5)
The main CPU 200a sets the next AT flag to a value corresponding to the distribution effect state, turns on the advantageous section flag indicating that it is an advantageous section, and ends the non-advantageous effect state processing.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating the distribution effect state processing (S233) executed in the state-specific module execution processing. The distribution performance state process is executed when the performance state is the distribution performance state.

(Step S233-1)
The main CPU 200a, for example, performs a lottery in which the probability of 1/10 is assigned to the foreshadowing effect state, and the probability of 9/10 is to be assigned to the normal effect state.

(Step S233-3)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the normal performance state has been won in step S233-1. As a result, if it is determined that the normal performance state has been won, the process moves to step S233-5, and if it is determined that the normal performance state has not been won (the precursor performance state has been won), the process moves to step S233-13. Processing is moved to .

(Step S233-5)
The main CPU 200a sets the next AT flag to a value corresponding to the normal performance state.

(Step S233-7)
The main CPU 200a determines the number of games in which the ceiling function is executed in the normal performance state with an upper limit of 3000 games, and sets the determined number of games in the ceiling game number counter. The ceiling game number counter is a counter that counts the number of games until the ceiling function is executed.

(Step S233-9)
The main CPU 200a determines the number of games in the block period in which the transition to the AT performance state is prohibited in the normal performance state that has transitioned from the non-advantageous performance state to an upper limit of 96 games, and sets the determined number of games in the block game number counter. . The block game number counter is a counter that counts the number of games in which execution (setting) of the AT effect state is prohibited.

(Step S233-11)
The main CPU 200a sets a high probability (for example, 1/8) as the probability of winning the AT lottery in the normal performance state, and ends the distribution performance state processing.

(Step S233-13)
In step S233-3, if it is determined that the normal performance state has not been won (the precursor performance state has been won), the main CPU 200a sets the next AT flag to a value corresponding to the precursor performance state.

(Step S233-15)
The main CPU 200a determines the number of games for which the precursor effect state is to be continued with an upper limit of 32 games, sets the determined number of games to the precursor game number counter, and ends the distribution effect state processing. The precursor game number counter is a counter that counts the number of games until the end of the precursor performance state.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating the normal performance state processing (S234) executed in the state-based module execution processing. The normal performance state process is executed when the performance state is the normal performance state.

(Step S234-1)
The main CPU 200a performs an AT lottery based on the winning probability (low probability or high probability) of the AT lottery and the winning type determined by the winning type lottery.

(Step S234-3)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the AT lottery has been won or whether the present omen permission flag is ON. As a result, if it is determined that the AT lottery has been won or the present precursor permission flag is ON, the process moves to step S234-5, and it is determined that the AT lottery has not been won and the precursor permission flag is ON. If it is determined that it is OFF, the process moves to step S234-21.

(Step S234-5)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the block game number counter is 0 or not. As a result, if it is determined that the block game number counter is 0, the process moves to step S234-9, and if it is determined that the block game number counter is not 0 (still in the block period), the process moves to step S234-9. -7.

(Step S234-7)
The main CPU 200a turns on the present precursor permission flag regardless of whether the present precursor permission flag is ON or OFF at that time.

(Step S234-9)
In step S234-5, if it is determined that the block game number counter is 0, the main CPU 200a turns off this precursor permission flag.

(Step S234-11)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the ceiling game number counter exceeds 271 or not. As a result, if it is determined that the ceiling game number counter exceeds 271, that is, the number of staying games in the normal performance state is less than 2000 games, the process moves to step S234-13, and the ceiling game number counter exceeds 271. In other words, if it is determined that the number of staying games in the normal production state is 2000 games or more, the process moves to step S234-19.

(Step S234-13)
The main CPU 200a sets the next AT flag to a value corresponding to the precursor effect state.

(Step S234-15)
The main CPU 200a determines the number of games in which the precursor performance state continues, with an upper limit of 32 games, and sets the determined number of games in the precursor game number counter.

(Step S234-17)
The main CPU 200a sets the winning probability of the AT lottery to a low probability (for example, 1/4000) for the next normal performance state, regardless of whether the probability of winning the AT lottery in the normal performance state is low or high. ).

(Step S234-19)
In step S234-11, if it is determined that the ceiling game number counter is 271 or less, that is, the number of staying games in the normal performance state is 2000 games or more, the main CPU 200a sets the next AT flag to the special precursor performance state. Set to the value corresponding to .

(Step S234-21)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the block game number counter is greater than zero. As a result, if it is determined that the block game number counter is larger than 0, the process moves to step S234-23, and if it is determined that the block game number counter is not larger than 0 (it is 0), the process moves to step S234-25. Transfer processing.

(Step S234-23)
The main CPU 200a decrements the block game number counter by one.

(Step S234-25)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the ceiling game number counter is 0 or not. As a result, if it is determined that the ceiling game number counter is 0, the process moves to step S234-27, and if it is determined that the ceiling game number counter is not 0, the process moves to step S234-29.

(Step S234-27)
In order to execute the ceiling function, the main CPU 200a turns off the advantageous section flag, sets the next AT flag to a value corresponding to the non-advantageous effect state, and ends the normal effect state processing.

(Step S234-29)
The main CPU 200a decrements the ceiling game number counter by 1, and ends the normal performance state processing.

Although a detailed explanation will be omitted here, in the normal performance state, every time a predetermined number of games are played, a chance zone (CZ) with a higher probability of winning the AT lottery is executed over a plurality of games. Further, the probability of winning the AT lottery is low at the start of the normal performance state, but may shift to a high probability due to the promotion lottery.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating the precursor effect state processing (S235) executed in the state-based module execution processing. The precursor performance state processing is executed when the performance state is the precursor performance state.

(Step S235-1)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the precursor game number counter is 0 or not. As a result, if it is determined that the precursor game number counter is 0, the process moves to step S235-3, and if it is determined that the precursor game number counter is not 0, the process moves to step S235-5.

(Step S235-3)
The main CPU 200a sets the next AT flag to a value corresponding to the AT effect state, and ends the precursor effect state processing.

(Step S235-5)
The main CPU 200a decrements the precursor game number counter by 1, and ends the precursor effect state processing.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating the AT performance state processing (S236) executed in the state-specific module execution processing. The AT performance state process is executed when the performance state is the AT performance state.

(Step S236-1)
The main CPU 200a performs an additional lottery for the number of continued games, which is a termination condition in the AT performance state, and when winning the additional lottery, adds the won number of games to the number of continued games.

(Step S236-3)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the AT performance state satisfies the termination condition. As a result, if it is determined that the termination condition is satisfied, the process moves to step S236-5, and if it is determined that the termination condition is not satisfied, the AT performance state process is terminated.

(Step S236-5)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the transition to the normal performance state has been determined. As a result, if the transition to the normal performance state has been determined, the process moves to step S236-7, and if the transition to the normal performance state has not been determined, that is, the transition to the non-advantageous performance state has been determined. If so, the process moves to step S236-11.

(Step S236-7)
The main CPU 200a sets the next AT flag to a value corresponding to the normal performance state.

(Step S236-9)
The main CPU 200a determines the number of games in which the ceiling function is executed in the normal performance state with an upper limit of 3000 games, sets the determined number of games in the ceiling game number counter, and ends the AT performance state processing.

(Step S236-11)
If it is determined in step S236-5 that the transition to the normal performance state has not been determined, the main CPU 200a turns off the advantageous section flag, sets the next AT flag to a value corresponding to the non-advantageous performance state, and The AT performance state processing ends.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart illustrating the special omen effect state processing (S237) executed in the state-based module execution processing. The special omen effect state processing is executed when the effect state is a special omen effect state.

(Step S237-1)
The main CPU 200a performs an additional lottery for the number of consecutive games, which is a gaming profit that can be received in the special performance state, and when winning the additional lottery, adds the winning number of games to the number of consecutive games.

(Step S237-3)
The main CPU 200a determines whether or not the special precursor performance state satisfies an end condition (here, playing a predetermined number of games). As a result, if it is determined that the termination condition is satisfied, the process moves to step S237-5, and if it is determined that the termination condition is not satisfied, the special omen performance state process is terminated.

(Step S237-5)
The main CPU 200a determines whether or not the additional lottery has been won in step S237-1. As a result, if it is determined that the player has won the additional lottery, the process moves to step S237-7, and if it is determined that the player has not won the additional lottery, the process moves to step S237-9.

(Step S237-7)
The main CPU 200a sets the next AT flag to a value corresponding to the special effect state, and ends the special precursor effect state processing.

(Step S237-9)
If it is determined in step S237-5 that the bonus lottery has not been won, the main CPU 200a turns off the advantageous section flag, sets the next AT flag to a value corresponding to the non-advantageous effect state, and enters the special precursor effect state. Finish the process.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating the special effect state processing (S238) executed in the state-based module execution processing. The special performance state process is executed when the performance state is a special performance state.

(Step S238-1)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the special performance state satisfies the end conditions. As a result, if it is determined that the termination condition is satisfied, the process moves to step S238-3, and if it is determined that the termination condition is not satisfied, the special performance state process is terminated. Note that the condition for ending the special performance state is that the number of continuous games added in step S237-1 has been reached.

(Step S238-3)
The main CPU 200a turns off the advantageous section flag, sets the next AT flag to a value corresponding to the non-advantageous effect state, and ends the special effect state processing.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating processing during rotation of the drum (S240) in the main control board 200.

(Step S240-1)
The main CPU 200a sets the stop indicator output bit OFF (output image) to turn off (extinguish) the bit corresponding to the indicators (not shown) of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c. Here, the stop indicator output bit is composed of a 3-bit bit string, and each bit is associated with the emission color of the three stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, and is represented by blue = 1 and red = 0. be done.

(Step S240-3)
The main CPU 200a executes output port image setting processing to update the output image for the bits set in step S240-1 above.

(Step S240-5)
The main CPU 200a executes error confirmation processing to confirm the detection results of various errors.

(Step S240-7)
The main CPU 200a refers to the index flag and obtains the indexes of the rotating reels 110a, 110b, and 110c. Note that the index flag is set only after the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c reach a steady rotation speed.In other words, the index flag is set when the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c reach a steady rotation speed. It also shows that we have reached the goal.

(Step S240-9)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the index flags of all the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c have been detected. As a result, if it is determined that all index flags have not been detected, the process moves to step S240-1, and if it is determined that all index flags have been detected, the process moves to step S240-11.

(Step S240-11)
The main CPU 200a obtains stop reel bits indicating the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c that have stopped or started to stop. Here, the stop reel bit is composed of a 3-bit bit string, each bit is associated with one of the three reels 110a, 110b, and 110c, and is in a steady state = 1, an accelerated state, a decelerated state, or The stopped state is represented by 0.

(Step S240-13)
The main CPU 200a stores the stop drum bit acquired in step S240-11 above as a drum rotating flag.

(Step S240-15)
The main CPU 200a sets the stop indicator output bit ON (output image) to turn on (turn off) the bit corresponding to the indicators (not shown) of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c.

(Step S240-17)
The main CPU 200a acquires an image of input port 0, and executes operation target bit extraction processing for extracting operation target bits from the acquired image. Here, the bits to be manipulated are composed of a 3-bit bit string, and each bit is associated with one of the three stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, and the bit being manipulated = 1 and not being manipulated. =0.

(Step S240-19)
The main CPU 200a calculates the logical product of the rotation drum flag acquired in step S240-13 and the operation target bit extracted in step S240-17. Here, if the reel 110 is rotating and the stop switch 120 corresponding to the reel is operated, that is, if the operated stop switch 120 corresponds to the reel 110 that is effectively rotating. , the logical product is 1.

(Step S240-21)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the logical product calculated in step S240-19 is 0, that is, whether the stop switch 120 corresponding to the rotating reel 110 has been operated. As a result, if it is determined that the stop switch 120 corresponding to the rotating reel 110 is not operated, the process moves to step S240-3, and the stop switch 120 corresponding to the rotating reel 110 is not operated. If it is determined that it is, the process moves to step S240-23.

(Step S240-23)
The main CPU 200a obtains an output image including the stop indicator output bit, and calculates a logical product between the obtained output image and the logical product calculated in step S240-19. Here, when the operated stop switch 120 is lit in red, the AND bit becomes 0, and when the operated stop switch 120 is lit in blue, the AND bit becomes 1.

(Step S240-25)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the logical product calculated in step S240-23 is 0, that is, whether the operated stop switch 120 is lit in red. As a result, if it is determined that the operated stop switch 120 is lit red, the process moves to step S240-1, and if it is determined that the operated stop switch 120 is not lit red, then step S240- The process moves to step 27.

(Step S240-27)
The main CPU 200a determines whether or not the operated stop switch 120 is valid. As a result, if it is determined that the operated stop switch 120 is not valid, the process moves to step S240-1, and if it is determined that the operated stop switch 120 is valid, the process moves to step S240-29. Move. Note that here, it is determined whether or not only one stop switch 120 has been operated. If it is determined that the number of operated stop switches 120 is one, the process moves to step S240-29, and if it is determined that the number of operated stop switches 120 is not one, that is, two or more. Then, the process moves to step S240-1.

(Step S240-29)
The main CPU 200a executes a stop control reel setting process to obtain various parameters for stopping the reel 110 corresponding to the operated stop switch 120.

(Step S240-31)
The main CPU 200a prohibits interrupts.

(Step S240-33)
The main CPU 200a executes a press reference position acquisition process that derives the symbol number of the symbol located on the active line A as the press reference position.

(Step S240-35)
The main CPU 200a executes a sliding piece number acquisition process that determines the number of sliding pieces on the reel 110.

(Step S250)
The main CPU 200a executes a reel stop process to stop the reel 110 corresponding to the operated stop switch 120. Note that this rotation drum stop processing will be described later.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating the rotation drum stop process (S250) in the main control board 200.

(Step S250-1)
The main CPU 200a obtains the press reference position derived in step S240-35 above.

(Step S250-3)
The main CPU 200a calculates the stop request number by correcting the number of sliding frames determined in step S240-37 above with respect to the press reference position obtained in step S250-1 above.

(Step S250-5)
The main CPU 200a sets a stop request flag (sets it to 1). The stop request flag is a flag for requesting a program running in parallel to stop the target reel 110. By setting the stop request flag to 1, the symbol corresponding to the stop request number is enabled. It becomes possible to stop on line A. The stop request flag and the above-mentioned stop request number are read by a program running in parallel, and the reel 110 is stopped. Note that when the stop processing is completed, the stop request flag is reset to 0 (OFF) by the program.

(Step S250-7)
The main CPU 200a allows interrupts.

(Step S250-9)
The main CPU 200a sets a stop information command indicating the order in which the reels 110 are stopped in the transmission buffer.

(Step S250-11)
The main CPU 200a sets the stop indicator output bit OFF (output image) to turn off (extinguish) the bit corresponding to the indicator (not shown) of the stop switch 120.

(Step S250-13)
The main CPU 200a executes output port image setting processing to update the output image for the bits set in step S250-11 above.

(Step S250-15)
The main CPU 200a executes display symbol bit setting processing for setting display symbol bits.

(Step S250-17)
The main CPU 200a executes next cylinder setting preprocessing to stop the next reel 110.

(Step S250-19)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the stopping process for all reels 110 has been completed. As a result, if it is determined that the stop processing of all reels 110 has not been completed, the process moves to step S240, and if it is determined that the stop processing of all reels 110 has been completed, the process proceeds to step S250-21. Transfer processing.

(Step S250-21)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the stop request flag is on for any reel 110, that is, whether all reels 110 have been stopped. As a result, if it is determined that all the reels 110 have not been stopped, the process moves to step S250-21, and if it is determined that all the reels 110 have stopped, the process moves to step S250-23.

(Step S250-23)
The main CPU 200a executes error confirmation processing to confirm the detection results of various errors.

(Step S250-25)
The main CPU 200a executes an operation target bit extraction process that extracts information about the operation target bit.

(Step S250-27)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the stop switch 120 is pressed based on the operation target bit acquired in step S250-25 above. As a result, if it is determined that the stop switch 120 is pressed down, the process moves to step S250-23, and if it is determined that the stop switch 120 is not pressed down, the process moves to step S260.

(Step S260)
The main CPU 200a executes a display determination process to determine the winning winning combination. Note that this display determination process will be described later.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating the display determination process (S260) in the main control board 200.

(Step S260-1)
The main CPU 200a clears the buffer of the main payout display section 132.

(Step S260-3)
The main CPU 200a determines whether a display determination abnormality has occurred based on whether or not the symbol combination displayed on the active line A matches the symbol combination that is permitted to be displayed on the active line A. Execute the detection process.

(Step S260-5)
The main CPU 200a sets an error code "EE" indicating a display determination abnormality (error).

(Step S260-7)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the display determination is abnormal based on the determination result in step S260-3. As a result, if it is determined that the display determination is abnormal, the process moves to step S112, and if it is determined that the display determination is not abnormal, the process moves to step S260-9.

(Step S260-9)
The main CPU 200a executes display symbol identification generation processing to determine the winning winning combination based on the symbol combinations stopped (displayed) on the active line A.

(Step S260-11)
The main CPU 200a sets 0 as the initial value of the number of coins to be paid out.

(Step S260-13)
The main CPU 200a determines whether a small winning combination has been won. As a result, if it is determined that a small winning combination has been won, the process moves to step S260-15, and if it is determined that a small winning combination has not been won, the process moves to step S260-35.

(Step S260-15)
The main CPU 200a turns on a winning flag indicating that a small winning combination has been won.

(Step S260-17)
The main CPU 200a executes a payout number setting process for setting a payout number according to the winning small winning combination.

(Step S260-19)
The main CPU 200a determines whether it is an advantageous section. As a result, if it is determined that it is not an advantageous section, the process moves to step S270, and if it is determined that it is an advantageous section, the process moves to step S260-21.

(Step S260-21)
The main CPU 200a obtains the value of an advantageous section MY counter that counts MY during the advantageous section.

(Step S260-23)
The main CPU 200a adds the number of coins to be paid out to the value of the advantageous section MY counter acquired in step S260-23.

(Step S260-25)
The main CPU 200a obtains the number of coins inserted in the game.

(Step S260-27)
The main CPU 200a subtracts the number of inserted sheets from the value added in step S260-23.

(Step S260-29)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the subtraction result in step S260-27 is not negative. As a result, if it is determined that the subtraction result is not negative, the process moves to step S260-33, and if it is determined that the subtraction result is negative, the process moves to step S260-31.

(Step S260-31)
The main CPU 200a clears the value of the advantageous section MY counter (sets it to 0).

(Step S260-33)
The main CPU 200a updates the value of the advantageous section MY counter to the value subtracted in step S260-27 or the value cleared in step S260-31.

(Step S260-35)
The main CPU 200a determines whether or not the replay combination has won. As a result, if it is determined that the replay combination has not won, the process moves to step S270, and if it is determined that the replay combination has won, the process moves to step S260-37.

(Step S260-37)
The main CPU 200a sets the number of coins to be put in to the number of coins to be paid out.

(Step S260-39)
The main CPU 200a turns on the replay flag.

(Step S260-41)
The main CPU 200a sets the number of automatically inserted sheets.

(Step S270)
The main CPU 200a executes a payout process for paying out medals. Note that this payout process will be described later.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating the payout process (S270) in the main control board 200.

(Step S270-1)
The main CPU 200a acquires the re-gaming operation flag.

(Step S270-3)
The main CPU 200a sets a payout start command in the transmission buffer indicating that the payout of medals has started.

(Step S270-5)
The main CPU 200a determines whether or not the replay combination has won based on the replay active flag acquired in step S270-1. As a result, if it is determined that the replay combination has won, the process moves to step S270-41, and if it is determined that the replay combination has not won, the process moves to step S270-7.

(Step S270-7)
The main CPU 200a executes a main display display process to display 0 on the main payout display section 132.

(Step S270-9)
The main CPU 200a determines that there is no payout (the number of coins to be paid out is 0). As a result, if it is determined that there is no payout, the process moves to step S270-35, and if it is determined that there is a payout, the process moves to step S270-11.

(Step S270-11)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the number of stored sheets is 50 or more. As a result, if it is determined that the stored number is 50 or more, the process moves to step S270-13, and if it is determined that the stored number is not 50 or more, the process moves to step S270-15.

(Step S270-13)
The main CPU 200a executes a medal payout device control process to pay out one medal from the medal payout device 142, and moves the process to step S270-23.

(Step S270-15)
The main CPU 200a sets a payout start interval timer.

(Step S270-17)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the payout start timer is not 0, that is, whether it is the first payout. As a result, if it is determined that it is the first payout time, the process moves to step S270-21, and if it is determined that it is not the first payout time, the process moves to step S270-19.

(Step S270-19)
The main CPU 200a executes a timer wait process of waiting until the payout start interval timer reaches 0.

(Step S270-21)
The main CPU 200a increments the number of stored sheets by one.

(Step S270-23)
The main CPU 200a sets a payout execution command indicating that one medal has been paid out in the transmission buffer.

(Step S270-25)
The main CPU 200a executes main display pre-display processing for displaying the number of coins that have already been paid out on the main payout display section 132.

(Step S270-27)
The main CPU 200a determines whether or not the bonus game state is present. As a result, if it is determined that the bonus game state is not present, the process advances to step S270-31, and if it is determined that the bonus game state is present, the process advances to step S270-29.

(Step S270-29)
The main CPU 200a increments the number of medals obtained during bonus operation, which is the number of medals paid out in the bonus game state, by one.

(Step S270-31)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the payout of the number of medals to be paid out has not been completed. As a result, if it is determined that the payout has not been completed, the process moves to step S270-11, and if it is determined that the payout has finished, the process moves to step S270-33.

(Step S270-33)
The main CPU 200a executes a payout end process to end the payout of medals.

(Step S270-35)
The main CPU 200a determines whether an over error has been detected. As a result, if it is determined that no over error has been detected, the process moves to step S270-41, and if it is determined that an over error has been detected, the process moves to step S270-37.

(Step S270-37)
The main CPU 200a sets an error code "E5" indicating an over error.

(Step S270-39)
The main CPU 200a displays an error, requests a warning sound, and executes error wait processing for waiting for error recovery.

(Step S270-41)
The main CPU 200a sets a payout end command indicating that the payout of medals has ended in the transmission buffer.

(Step S280)
The main CPU 200a executes a game transition process that performs a game state transition, a process for managing advantageous sections, and the like. Note that this game transfer process will be described later.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating the game transfer process (S280) in the main control board 200.

(Step S280-1)
The main CPU 200a acquires the replay active flag, and turns on or off a bit corresponding to a replay indicator (not shown) indicating that the next game is a replay based on the acquired replay active flag. For this purpose, the stop indicator output bit off (output image) is set, and replay indicator control processing is executed to update the output bit of the set output image.

(Step S280-3)
When a bonus combination is won, the main CPU 200a executes an accessory activation symbol display process that sets various parameters for controlling the bonus game state.

(Step S281)
The main CPU 200a executes a state-specific module execution process that executes a module for each production state and section state. In the state-specific module execution process, the module (process) corresponding to the performance state being transitioned to is read from the main ROM 200b and executed.

(Step S280-5)
The main CPU 200a executes a bonus operation termination process to shift the gaming state to a non-internal gaming state when the number of coins acquired during bonus operation reaches a predetermined number in the bonus gaming state.

(Step S280-7)
The main CPU 200a executes advantageous section update processing for managing advantageous sections.

(Step S280-9)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the next game is in an AT performance state. As a result, if it is determined that the next game is not in the AT effect state, the process moves to step S280-15, and if it is determined that the next game is in the AT effect state, the process moves to step S280-11.

(Step S280-11)
The main CPU 200a determines whether or not the bonus game state is present. As a result, if it is determined that the bonus game state is not present, the process moves to step S280-15, and if it is determined that the bonus game state is present, the process moves to step S280-13.

(Step S280-13)
The main CPU 200a sets an advantageous lamp flag to turn on the section indicator 160.

(Step S280-15)
The main CPU 200a executes a production command setting process that sets a production command, which is a command related to an advantageous section, in a transmission buffer.

(Step S280-17)
The main CPU 200a sets a game end command indicating that one game has ended in the transmission buffer.

(Step S280-19)
The main CPU 200a executes terminal board signal output processing for outputting external signals.

(Step S280-21)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the performance wait timer set when ending the advantageous section in step S280-7 is not 0. As a result, if it is determined that the presentation wait timer is not 0, the process moves to step S280-21, and if it is determined that the presentation wait timer is 0, the process moves to step S280-23.

(Step S280-23)
The main CPU 200a sets a gaming status command indicating the gaming status in the transmission buffer.

(Step S280-25)
The main CPU 200a sets a game start command indicating the start of the next game in the transmission buffer, and moves the process to step S200.

One game is executed through a series of processes from step S200 to step S280. Thereafter, steps S200 to S280 will be repeated.

Next, the power-off saving process and timer interrupt process in the main control board 200 will be described.

(Evacuation process when the main control board 200 is powered off)
FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating a power-off save process in the main control board 200. The main CPU 200a monitors the power-off detection circuit, and when the power supply voltage falls below a predetermined value, interrupts and executes a power-off save process.

(Step S300-1)
When the power-off notice signal is input, the main CPU 200a saves the register.

(Step S300-3)
The main CPU 200a checks the power-off notice signal.

(Step S300-5)
The main CPU 200a determines whether a power-off notice signal is detected. As a result, if it is determined that a power-off notice signal has been detected, the process moves to step S300-11, and if it is determined that a power-off notice signal has not been detected, the process moves to step S300-7. .

(Step S300-7)
The main CPU 200a restores the register.

(Step S300-9)
The main CPU 200a performs processing to permit interrupts, and ends the power-off save processing.

(Step S300-11)
The main CPU 200a executes output port clear processing to stop output from the output port.

(Step S300-13)
The main CPU 200a executes a save process for another area when the power is turned off.

(Step S300-15)
The main CPU 200a executes RAM protect setting processing necessary to prohibit access to the main RAM 200c.

(Step S300-17)
The main CPU 200a sets a predetermined number of times the power outage detection signal has been detected in the counter value of the loop counter in order to set the power outage occurrence monitoring time.

(Step S300-19)
The main CPU 200a subtracts 1 from the value of the loop counter set in step S300-17.

(Step S300-21)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the counter value of the loop counter is not zero. As a result, if it is determined that the counter value is not 0, the process moves to step S300-19, and if it is determined that the counter value is 0, the process moves to the above-described CPU initialization process (step S1000).

Note that if the power is actually cut off, the operation of the slot machine 100 is stopped while the steps S300-19 to S300-21 are looped.

(Timer interrupt processing of main control board 200)
FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating timer interrupt processing in the main control board 200. The main control board 200 is provided with a reset clock pulse generation circuit that generates a clock pulse at every predetermined period (1.49 milliseconds in the simultaneous running reference example, hereinafter referred to as "1.49ms"). Then, when a clock pulse is generated by the reset clock pulse generation circuit, an interrupt is generated and the following timer interrupt processing is executed.

(Step S400-1)
The main CPU 200a saves the register.

(Step S400-3)
The main CPU 200a clears the interrupt flag.

(Step S400-5)
The main CPU 200a reads various input port images and executes port input processing to accurately obtain the latest switch status.

(Step S400-7)
The main CPU 200a outputs the set output image to the output port, and displays the main credit display section 130, main payout display section 132, input number display, start display, stop switch 120a, 120b, and 120c display, and replay display. Dynamic port output processing is executed to control the lighting of the section indicator 160.

(Step S400-9)
The main CPU 200a updates the timer interrupt processing phase. Note that the timer interrupt processing phase is one of 0 to 3, and here, if the timer interrupt processing phase is 0, 1, or 2, 1 is added, and if the timer interrupt processing phase is 3, 1 is added. is changed to 0.

(Step S400-11)
The main CPU 200a performs sub-command transmission processing to transmit the command stored in the transmission buffer to the sub-control board 202.

(Step S400-13)
The main CPU 200a executes stepping motor control processing to control the stepping motor 152.

(Step S400-15)
The main CPU 200a executes an output port image output process to output an output image to the medal payout device 142.

(Step S400-17)
The main CPU 200a executes random number update processing to update various random numbers.

(Step S400-19)
The main CPU 200a executes fraud monitoring processing to detect errors in order to output external signals (external signals 4 and 5) corresponding to the errors to the outside.

(Step S400-21)
The main CPU 200a executes a module (subroutine) corresponding to the timer interrupt processing phase updated in step S400-9. Here, the timer interrupt processing phase is set to one of 0 to 3, and one module is provided corresponding to each of the timer interrupt processing phases 0 to 3 (total of 4). The two modules will be executed once every four times (every 5.96 ms) of timer interrupt processing. For example, a module that executes time monitoring processing for subtracting various timers is associated with one timer interrupt processing phase.

(Step S400-23)
The main CPU 200a executes test signal output processing to output a test signal to the outside.

(Step S400-25)
The main CPU 200a reads various input port images and executes port input processing to accurately obtain the latest switch status.

(Step S400-27)
The main CPU 200a restores the register.

(Step S400-29)
The main CPU 200a allows the interrupt and ends the timer interrupt processing.

<Start of AT production state>
As explained using FIG. 9, when the AT performance state is started, the performance state control means 314 first shifts to the duration determination performance state (selectable additional specialization zone) and continues the AT performance state. The period (in this case, the number of consecutive games) is determined. Specifically, at the start of the AT performance state, the performance state control means 314 allows the player to select one continuation period determination performance state from a plurality of types of continuation period determination performance states with different patterns for determining the number of continued games, and selects one continuation period determination performance state. The number of continuation games is determined based on the regulations of the continuation period determination performance state. Then, the performance state control means 314 continues the auxiliary performance until the number of games staying in the AT performance state reaches the determined number of continuous games after the end of the continuation period determined performance state.

Here, we encourage the player to guess the correct option included in multiple options among multiple types of duration determination performance states, so-called selection guessing, and when the player guesses the correct option, the number of continued games is increased. The duration determination performance state (predetermined performance state) to be added will be listed and explained. This continuation period determination performance state is continued for at least a plurality of games (here, four games). During the continuation period determination performance state, when the selected winning type is determined and a predetermined winning combination is won by performing an operation in the correct operation mode, the performance state control means 314 adds the number of continuation games and continues the game. The number of games in the period-determined production state itself is also extended (added). That is, the player can expect a further increase in the number of consecutive games while extending the duration determination performance state.

For example, in the duration determination performance state, when the winning type "batting order bell" in the winning areas 15 to 30 in FIG. The player is prompted to selectively operate one of four batting orders (four options) from batting orders 3 to 6. The player selectively operates any one of the batting orders 3 to 6, and if the operation is in the correct operation mode, the player can win the winning combination "Bell" which is the correct combination and has a payout number of nine coins. Then, the player wins the winning combination "Bell" with a probability of 1/4 and receives a payout of 9 coins (predetermined benefit), and also receives an additional number of consecutive games (predetermined benefit) and determines the continuation period. It is possible to obtain an extension of the number of games in the performance state (a predetermined benefit).

FIG. 35 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the selection game. For example, it is assumed that the winning types "batting order bell A1", "batting order bell B1", "batting order bell C1", and "batting order bell C5" are determined by the winning type lottery in the duration determination performance state. The correct operation mode for the winning types "batting order bell A1", "batting order bell B1", "batting order bell C1", and "batting order bell C5" is batting order 3. Therefore, if the player performs the operation in batting order 3 out of the batting order options 3 to 6, it is possible to win the winning combination "minor combination 2" (winning combination "Bell") with a payout of 9 pieces. can.

For example, when the winning type "batting order bell A1" is determined by the winning type lottery, the performance control means 334 generates an image indicating that the game is a four-choice guessing game, as shown in FIG. 35(a), That is, an image "x??" that prompts the first stop of either the stop switch 120b or the stop switch 120c is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 124. Assume that the player first stops the stop switch 120b. Since the operation is in accordance with batting order 3, which is the correct operation mode, the production control means 334 determines that the first stop is the correct answer and that the remaining two choices are required, as shown in FIG. 35(b). , that is, an image "?・?" that prompts a second stop of either the stop switch 120a or the stop switch 120c is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 124. Here, when the player operates the stop switch 120a and the stop switch 120c in order (in the batting order 3) (operates in the correct operation mode), the winning combination "Small win 2" is won, and the number of consecutive games is You can get bonuses and an extension of the number of games in the duration-determined performance state. On the other hand, when the player operates the stop switch 120c and the stop switch 120a in order (in the batting order 4), the winning combination "Small Win 10" is won, and the number of games in the continuation period determination performance state is not extended.

In addition, in the duration determination performance state, when the winning type "batting order bell" is determined, it is not necessarily a 4-choice guessing game, but a 2-choice guessing game or a 1-choice guessing game may be performed. . For example, when the winning type "batting order bell B1" is determined by the winning type lottery, the effect control means 334 determines that the game is a two-choice guessing game, as shown in FIG. 35(c), and An image indicating the first stop, that is, an image "?1?" prompting the first stop of the stop switch 120b is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 124. It is assumed that the player first stops the stop switch 120b in accordance with the image. Since the operation is in accordance with batting order 3, which is the correct operation mode, the performance control means 334 determines that the first stop is the correct answer, as shown in FIG. An image indicating that it is necessary to select the remaining two options, that is, an image "?・?" prompting the second stop of either the stop switch 120a or the stop switch 120c is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 124. Here, when the player operates the stop switch 120a and the stop switch 120c in order (in the batting order 3) (operates in the correct operation mode), the winning combination "Small win 2" is won, and the number of consecutive games is You can get bonuses and an extension of the number of games in the duration-determined performance state. On the other hand, when the stop switch 120c and the stop switch 120a are operated in this order (in the batting order 4), the winning combination "minor combination 10" is won, and the number of games in the continuation period determination performance state is not extended.

Further, when the winning type "batting order bell C1" is determined by the winning type lottery, the performance control means 334 determines that the game is a one-choice guessing game, as shown in FIG. 35(d), and An image "213" indicating the correct operation mode is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 124. It is assumed that the player first stops the stop switch 120b in accordance with the image. Since the operation is in accordance with batting order 3, which is the correct operation mode, the production control means 334 displays an image indicating that the first stop is the correct answer and the second stop, as shown in FIG. 35(e). Images "2 and 3" prompting the user to operate the stop switch 120a are displayed on the liquid crystal display section 124. Here, when the player operates the stop switch 120a and the stop switch 120c in order (in the batting order 3) (operates in the correct operation mode), the winning combination "Small win 2" is won, and the number of consecutive games is You can get bonuses and an extension of the number of games in the duration-determined performance state.

Here, when the winning type "batting order bell" is determined, a 4-choice, 2-choice, or 1-choice guessing game is played. Then, by winning the winning combination "Bell" in the selection game, the player can obtain an additional number of consecutive games and an extension of the number of games in the continuation period determination performance state. Note that the production showing 4-choice, 2-choice, and 1-choice guesses is an auxiliary production in that the number of batting orders is limited so that it is easier to identify operations in the correct operation mode compared to all batting orders 1 to 6. Equivalent to. Further, since the two-choice auxiliary performance has fewer choices than the four-choice auxiliary performance, it is easier to identify the correct operation mode, so the expected number of medals to be acquired is higher. Further, the one-choice auxiliary performance has fewer choices than the two-choice auxiliary performance, and since the correct operation mode itself is notified, the expected number of medals to be acquired is higher. Here, when the auxiliary performance with a predetermined number of choices is the first auxiliary performance, the auxiliary performance that is easier to identify the correct operation mode than the first auxiliary performance, that is, the auxiliary performance with a smaller number of choices is called the second auxiliary performance. There are cases.

Here, the production state control means 314 may decide which of the four-choice, two-choice, and one-choice guessing game to execute, depending on the winning type. For example, when the winning types "batting order bell A1" to "batting order bell A4" of the winning areas 15 to 18 are determined by the winning type lottery, the performance state control means 314 executes a four-choice guessing game. When the winning types "batting order bell B1" to "batting order bell B4" of the winning areas 19 to 22 are determined by the winning type lottery, the performance state control means 314 executes a two-choice guessing game. When the winning types "batting order bell C1" to "batting order bell C8" of the winning areas 23 to 30 are determined by the winning type lottery, the performance state control means 314 may execute a one-choice guessing game. Furthermore, the performance state control means 314 can also determine by lottery which one of the 4-choice, 2-choice, and 1-choice guessing games to perform, regardless of the winning area. For example, when the winning type "batting order bell" is determined by the winning type lottery, the performance state control means 314 controls the selection ratio of 4 choices: 2 choices: 1 choice, regardless of the type of the winning type "batting order bell". The number of choices will be determined by lottery so that the ratio is 5:4:1.

In addition, in the continuation period determination performance state, the number of consecutive games will be increased and the number of games in the continuation period determination performance state will be extended. This may be done not only when winning a prize, but also when winning in other winning types or winning in other winning combinations. For example, in the duration determining performance state, the performance state control means 314 controls the so-called rare combinations (winning type "Watermelon", winning type "Weak Cherry", winning type "Strong Cherry 1", winning Even if you win the winning type "Strong Cherry 2", the winning type "Strong Bell", the winning type "Chance A", the winning type "Chance B"), or the winning type "Common Bell 1" or "Common Bell 2". Regardless of whether or not the corresponding winning combination wins or not, the number of consecutive games is increased and the number of games in the continuous period determined performance state is extended.

Furthermore, even if the winning type "Replay 1" in the winning area 33 is won in the continuation period determination performance state, the performance state control means 314 adds the number of consecutive games and extends the number of games in the continuation period determination performance state. Grant. However, here, the performance control means 334 urges the player to stop playing a predetermined symbol, and based on the fact that the symbol is displayed linearly, the number of continued games is increased and the duration of the performance is determined. The gameplay is designed to make it appear as if the number of games played has been extended. For example, in the duration determination performance state, when the winning type "Replay 1" is determined by the winning type lottery, the performance control means 334 selects the symbol "BAR" in the batting order 6 (reverse push) as shown in FIG. 35(f). ” (“Reverse push” and “Aim for the BAR”) is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 124. When the player performs an operation in batting order 6 according to the image so that the symbol "BAR" is displayed on the invalid line B1, the winning combination "Replay 2" is won and the symbol "BAR" is displayed on the invalid line B1. It can be displayed in a straight line at the top. The performance state control means 314 increases the number of continuous games and extends the number of games in the continuous period determined performance state in response to the winning of the winning type "Replay 1". Note that it is not always necessary to display the symbol "BAR" on the invalid line B1, and as long as the winning combination "Replay 2" is won, the production state control means 314 will change the symbol to "Red 7" or "Red 7". Even if it is "White 7", the number of consecutive games is added and the number of games in the continuation period determination performance state is extended.

Note that here, the performance control means 334 displays on the liquid crystal display unit 124 an image that prompts the player to stop the symbol "BAR" in batting order 6 (reverse push), and the player performs the operation in batting order 6. Although the example in which the symbol "BAR" is displayed linearly has been described, the symbol "BAR" is not necessarily displayed linearly. For example, even if the winning type "Replay 2" in the winning area 34 is determined by the winning type lottery, the performance control means 334 may prompt the player to select batting order 6 (reverse push) as shown in FIG. 35(f). An image urging the user to stop the symbol "BAR" is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 124. However, if the player performs an operation in batting order 6 according to the image so that the symbol "BAR" is displayed on the invalid line B1, the winning combination "Replay 3" is won and the symbol "BAR" is invalidated. It cannot be displayed linearly on line B1. Therefore, in such a game, the performance state control means 314 does not increase the number of continued games and does not extend the number of games in the continuous period determined performance state.

Note that when the number of consecutive games is added, the range of the number of consecutive games to be added may be set independently for each winning type. For example, the production state control means 314 determines the number of additional consecutive games by lottery in the range of 5 to 50 games in response to winning of the winning combination "Bell". In addition, the performance state control means 314 determines the number of additional consecutive games by lottery in the range of 10 to 100 games in response to the winning of the so-called rare combination. In addition, the performance state control means 314 determines the number of additional continuous games by lottery in the range of 20 to 100 games in response to the winning of the winning type "Replay 1".

Furthermore, the performance state control means 314 may grant a predetermined gaming profit in addition to the number of consecutive games. For example, in response to a winning of the winning type "Replay 1", the performance state control means 314 adds the number of continuation games, extends the number of games in the continuation period determination performance state, and prompts the player to make a selection. The right to re-execute the period determination performance state itself may be granted.

Next, the extension of the number of games in the continuation period determination performance state will be explained in detail. As described above, the duration determination performance state continues for at least a plurality of games (here, four games). Here, the so-called ST (Special Time) method is used to extend the number of games according to the game results, as described below.

FIG. 36 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the extension of the number of games in the continuation period determination performance state. In FIG. 36, one game is represented by "□". If the number of games in the continuation period determination performance state is not extended in the duration determination performance state of 4 games, which is the guaranteed number of games, the performance state control means 314 controls the performance state after 4 games as shown in FIG. 36(a). The continuation period determination performance state is ended, a minimum guaranteed number of continuous games (for example, 30 games) is set as the number of continuous games in the AT performance state, and counting of the number of games in the AT performance state is started.

On the other hand, during these four games, for example, if the winning type "batting order bell" is won in the third game and the winning combination "bell" is won, the performance state control means 314 will control the performance as shown in FIG. 36(b). , the guaranteed number of games will be reset. That is, from the next game, the player can once again execute the duration determination performance state for the guaranteed number of games (4 games). In this way, if the number of games in the continuation period determined performance state is extended during the guaranteed number of games (four games), the continuation period determined performance state is repeatedly extended by the number of guaranteed games, and the player During the extended period, it is possible to obtain an opportunity to repeat, increase the number of consecutive games, and extend the number of games in the continuation period determined performance state. A gaming system in which games equal to the guaranteed number of games are added at such a predetermined opportunity may be referred to as an ST system.

In such an ST system, for example, if the probability of gaining an additional number of consecutive games in one game and an extension of the number of games in the continuation period determination effect state is 1/3 on average, then in 4 games The probability of obtaining an additional number of consecutive games and an extension of the number of consecutive games in the continuation period determined performance state is about 80%. Therefore, the player can extend the number of games in the duration determination performance state with a probability of about 80%.

Further, the number of guaranteed games may not be fixed at four games, and the number of guaranteed games may increase from four games depending on the progress of the game. For example, the performance state control means 314 determines by lottery 20 to 100 games as the number of additional continuation games in response to the winning of the winning type "Replay 1", extends the number of games in the continuation period determined performance state, and Grants the right to re-execute the duration determination performance state. In addition to this, the performance state control means 314 may add one game to the guaranteed number of games up to 11 games each time the winning type "Replay 1" is won. Therefore, the guaranteed number of games from the next game after the continuation period determination production state is reset is 4 games → 5 games → 6 games → 7 games → 8 games → 9 games → depending on the winning type "Replay 1" The number increases as follows: 10 games → 11 games → 12 games → 13 games → 14 games → 15 games. Along with this, the probability of being able to obtain an additional number of continuous games and an extension of the number of games in the continuous period determined performance state to the above guaranteed number of games in the continuous period determined performance state is approximately 80% → approximately 87%. → approx. 91% → approx. 94% → approx. 96% → approx. 97% → approx. 98% → approx. 99% → approx. 99% → approx. 99% → approx. 99% → approx. 99%. For example, in the example of FIG. 36(c), when the winning type "Replay 1" is won during the duration determination performance state where the guaranteed number of games is 4 games, the performance state control means 314 controls the duration determination performance state. The state is reset and a continuation period determination performance state in which the guaranteed number of games is 5 games is started from the next game.

In addition, here, we have explained an example in which the guaranteed number of games is added one game at a time in response to the winning of the winning type "Replay 1", but this is not limited to this case, and the winning of other winning types or any winning combination The guaranteed number of games may be added according to the winnings. In addition, although the explanation has been given here with an example in which the guaranteed number of games is fixedly added one game at a time, the number of games (for example, 0 to 2) that is added by lottery according to a predetermined opportunity is not limited to this case. may be determined, or the guaranteed number of games may be subtracted (for example, -1).

The above-described duration determining performance state is performed at the start of the AT performance state as part of the AT performance state. Therefore, even during the duration determination performance state, the player expects to obtain gaming profits due to the AT performance state. However, in the continuation period determination performance state described here, the winning of the winning type "batting order bell" is used for the selection game as described above. Therefore, while the duration determining performance state is being executed, even if the winning type "batting order bell" is won, the auxiliary performance that notifies the correct operation mode is not necessarily executed. Therefore, compared to the case where it is possible to always win the correct combination by notifying the correct operation mode, there is a risk that the player's gaming profits will be lost. Furthermore, if the duration determination performance state is extended by the ST system, the state where the gaming profit is not high will continue, increasing the possibility that the player's gaming profit will be lost. Therefore, here, the gameplay of the selection game is changed to ensure the player's gaming profit.

FIGS. 37 and 38 are explanatory diagrams for explaining changes in the selection game. Here, an example will be described in which the gameplay of the selection game changes in accordance with the increase in the number of guaranteed games in the duration determination performance state. As shown in FIG. 37, if the guaranteed number of games in the duration determination performance state is 4 games, the performance state control means 314 controls, for example, the winning types of winning areas 15 to 18 "batting order bell A1" to "batting order bell A4". is determined, a 4-choice guessing game is executed, and when the winning types "batting order bell B1" to "batting order bell B4" in winning areas 19 to 22 are determined, a 2-choice guessing game is executed, and the winning type is determined. When the winning types "batting order bell C1" to "batting order bell C8" in areas 23 to 30 are determined, a one-choice guessing game is executed. Then, the performance state control means 314 resets the duration determination performance state and increases the guaranteed number of games by one in response to the winning of the winning type "Replay 1". The performance state control means 314 does not change the correspondence between the winning type and the number of choices while the guaranteed number of games is 4 to 14 games. Therefore, the selection ratio of 4 choices: 2 choices: 1 choice is maintained. Then, when the guaranteed number of games increases from 14 games to 15 games in response to repeated wins of the winning type "Replay 1", the performance state control means 314 controls the winning areas 15 to 30 to be won as shown in FIG. 37. No matter which type of "batting order bell" is determined, a one-choice guessing game is always executed. Therefore, when the guaranteed number of games is 15 games, the player will be able to win the winning combination "Bell" in response to winning the winning type "Bell", and can expect a further extension of the continuation period determination performance state. It becomes possible to do so.

Furthermore, the manner in which the selection game changes is not limited to the above, and the number of selections may be changed in stages. As shown in FIG. 38, if the guaranteed number of games in the duration determination performance state is 4 games (between 4 and 7 games), the performance state control means 314 controls the winning type "batting order" in winning areas 15 to 18, for example. When "Bell A1" to "Batting Order Bell A4" are determined, a 4-choice guessing game is executed, and when winning types "Batting Order Bell B1" to "Batting Order Bell B4" in winning areas 19 to 22 are determined, a 2-choice guessing game is executed. When the winning types "batting order bell C1" to "batting order bell C8" of winning areas 23 to 30 are determined, a one choice guessing game is executed. Then, the performance state control means 314 resets the duration determination performance state and increases the guaranteed number of games by one in response to the winning of the winning type "Replay 1". When the guaranteed number of games reaches 8 games (between 8 and 14 games), the effect control means 334 determines the winning types "batting order bell A1" to "batting order bell A4" for winning areas 15 to 18, as shown in FIG. If the game selects 2 choices instead of 4 choices, a guessing game with 2 choices is executed. When the guaranteed number of games reaches 12 games (between 12 and 15 games), the performance state control means 314 changes the winning types "batting order bell B1" to "batting order bell B4" of winning areas 19 to 22 as shown in FIG. When the decision is made, a guessing game with one choice instead of two choices is executed. When the guaranteed number of games becomes 15 games, the performance state control means 314 selects two options when the winning types "batting order bell A1" to "batting order bell A4" of winning areas 15 to 18 are determined, as shown in FIG. Instead, a one-choice guessing game is executed. In this way, by gradually reducing the number of choices as the number of guaranteed games increases, it is possible to increase the winning rate of the winning combination "Bell" in addition to increasing the number of guaranteed games, and increase the number of players. It is now possible to expect a further extension of the duration determination performance state.

As mentioned above, when the guaranteed number of games is increased or the duration determination performance state is extended, the number of choices is reduced to make it easier to operate in the correct operation mode, so that the player can win the winning combination. You can increase the winning rate of "Bell". For example, a one-choice guessing game corresponds to an auxiliary performance that notifies the correct operation mode, similar to the normal AT performance state after the end of the duration determination performance state, so the player can play a game equivalent to the AT performance state. You can make a profit. Therefore, even if the continuation period determination performance state is extended, the winning rate of the winning combination "Bell" increases after the extension, making it possible to secure the player's gaming profits.

In this way, the slot machine 100 includes the winning type lottery means 304 that determines one of a plurality of winning types including the selected winning type in which operation in the correct operation mode is set as a winning condition for a predetermined winning combination; According to the operation of the switch 118, a plurality of reels 110a, 110b, 110c each having a plurality of types of symbols arranged thereon are controlled to rotate, and stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c correspond to the rotating reels 110a, 110b, 110c. A reel control means 306 controls to stop the reels 110a, 110b, 110c corresponding to the operated stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c, respectively, and performs an auxiliary effect that notifies the player of the operation mode that is advantageous to the player. and a performance state control means 314 for shifting to any one of a plurality of types of performance states including an AT performance state in which the auxiliary performance can be performed. The performance state control means 314 controls a predetermined performance state (for example, a duration determination performance state) when a selected winning type (for example, winning type "batting order bell") is determined and an operation is performed in the correct operation mode. The predetermined performance state may be extended by giving a benefit (for example, an additional number of consecutive games), and the auxiliary performance execution means performs the auxiliary performance when the selected winning type is determined in the predetermined performance state. The performances include a first auxiliary performance (for example, a 2-choice auxiliary performance), and a second auxiliary performance (for example, 1 The execution ratio of the second auxiliary performance to the first auxiliary performance is different before and after extending a predetermined performance state.

Note that the predetermined performance state is not limited to the duration determination performance state, and various performance states that encourage the player to make a guess and provide a gaming profit when the player guesses the correct option can be applied.For example, in the above example, It can be applied to a non-advantageous performance state, a normal performance state, a precursor performance state, a distribution performance state, a special precursor performance state, a special performance state, etc. Furthermore, the predetermined benefit is not limited to the addition of the number of consecutive games, but can apply various gaming profits that can be given to the player by correctly answering the guessing game. In addition, before and after extending a predetermined performance state, it is not limited to increasing the execution ratio of the second auxiliary performance to the first auxiliary performance, but it is also possible to lower the execution ratio of the second auxiliary performance to the first auxiliary performance. Good too. In this case, as the execution ratio becomes lower, the number of medals the player expects to acquire will decrease, but since it will be possible to end the duration-determining performance state early, this will result in a period during which the expected number of medals to acquire is small. The time is not long, the player can benefit from the AT performance state at an early stage, and it is possible to secure the player's gaming profits.

<Display mode of duration determination performance state>
As described above, in the duration determination performance state, various performances are executed to determine the number of consecutive games in the AT performance state. Here, a detailed description will be given of the display mode, in particular, of the effect that prompts the player to stop the predetermined symbols in a predetermined pressing order, which was explained using FIG. 35(f).

FIG. 39 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the effect in the duration determination effect state. Here, FIG. 39(a) shows an enlarged view of the liquid crystal display section 124 portion in FIG. 35(f), and FIG. 39(b) shows each of a plurality of layers constituting the image displayed on the liquid crystal display section 124. The image data is shown below. In addition, in FIG. 39(b), for convenience of explanation, four layers 400, 402, 404, and 406 are mainly shown that constitute the effect in the duration determination effect state, and these layers 400, 402, 404, and 406 are combined. As a result, the composite image shown in FIG. 39(a) is generated.

When the winning type "Replay 1" in the winning area 33 or the winning type "Replay 2" in the winning area 34 is won in the duration determining performance state, the performance state control means 314 prompts the player to perform a predetermined press in a predetermined order. Executes an effect that prompts the pattern to stop. Here, the performance control means 334 displays a background image 412, an operation order image 414, and a stop symbol image 416 on the liquid crystal display section 124, as shown in FIG. 39(a).

The background image 412 is an image located at the backmost position as a background, and indicates the current gaming state or production state. The background image 412 is arranged, for example, in the layer 400 in FIG. 39(b). The operation order image 414 shows the order in which the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c should be operated. The operation order image 414 is arranged, for example, in a layer 402 having a higher priority than the layer 400 in FIG. 39(b). The stop symbol image 416 indicates the timing at which the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c should be operated, that is, the symbols to be displayed on the invalid line B1 on each reel 110a, 110b, and 110c. The stopped symbol image 416 is arranged in a layer 404 having a higher priority than the layer 402 in FIG. 39(b). Note that in FIG. 39(b), an interrupt image, which will be described later, is placed in a layer 406 that has a higher priority than the layer 404. Here, the relationship between the operation order image 414, the stop symbol image 416, and the interrupt image will be mainly explained. Note that the operation order image 414 is an operation order notification in that it shows the operation order of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, and the stop symbol image 416 is an operation timing notification in that it shows the operation timing of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c. This is a notification, and the operation order image 414 and the stop symbol image 416 are operation mode notifications in that they indicate the operation mode of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c. In addition, the sub-control board 202 that displays the operation order image 414 and the stop symbol image 416, the production control means 334, and the liquid crystal display section 124 serve as a notification means in that they perform operation mode notification, operation order notification, and operation timing notification. included.

Specifically, the effect control means 334 arranges in the layer 402, as the operation order image 414, an image that prompts the operation in the order of batting order 6, that is, the stop switch 120c, the stop switch 120b, and the stop switch 120a. In this image, the words "reverse push" are integrally formed on the upper right side of the leftward arrow. By viewing the leftward arrow on the liquid crystal display section 124, the player can easily understand that the stop switch 120 should be operated in order from the right. In addition, the player can visually confirm the words "reverse push" through the liquid crystal display section 124, and thereby determine whether the operation of the stop switch 120 (stroke order 1) in the normal presentation state is "forward push" or vice versa. You can easily understand that what you need to do is to "reverse push". Further, the effect control means 334 periodically scrolls the operation order image 414 sequentially from right to left at the lower part of the liquid crystal display section 124. Therefore, the operation order images 414 sequentially appear from the lower right corner of the liquid crystal display section 124, move to the left side, reach the lower left corner of the liquid crystal display section 124, and are deleted. By visually confirming that the operation order image 414 itself is scrolling from right to left through the liquid crystal display section 124, the player can easily understand that the stop switch 120 should be operated in order from the right. can.

Furthermore, the effect control means 334 arranges an image that urges the player to stop the symbol "BAR" as a stop symbol image 416 on the layer 404. In this image, the words "Aim for" indicating the action are integrally formed below an image imitating the symbol "BAR". By visually recognizing the symbol "BAR" through the liquid crystal display unit 124, the player can easily understand that the target in the game is the symbol "BAR." In addition, by visually recognizing the words "Aim for" through the liquid crystal display section 124, the player can easily understand that the performance prompts the symbol "BAR" to stop.

Here, as can be understood with reference to FIG. 39(a), a stop symbol image 416 is superimposed on a part of the operation order image 414. This is to make it easier to recognize that the symbol indicating the operation timing of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c, which are operated in the operation order indicated by the operation order image 414, is the symbol indicated by the stop symbol image 416. The player can easily grasp the relationship between the operation order and the stopped symbols from the positional relationship between the operation order image 414 and the stopped symbols image 416. Note that the layer 404 on which the stop symbol image 416 is placed has a higher priority than the layer 402 on which the operation order image 414 is placed, so by combining the layers 402 and 404, the layer 402 on which the operation order image 414 is placed. , the stop symbol image 416 is superimposed, and the visibility of the operation order image 414 is temporarily obstructed. Here, since the plurality of operation order images 414 are scrolled, the effect control means 334 can display the entire operation order image 414 at a position other than the position overlapping with the stop symbol image 416. By viewing through the liquid crystal display unit 124 that the operation order image 414 appears from behind the stop symbol image 416 showing the symbols to be stopped, the player can more easily understand the relationship between the operation order and the stop symbols. can be grasped.

Here, the player attempts to make the first stop of the stop switch 120c according to the operation order image 414, and the timing when the symbol "BAR" on the reel 110c is displayed on the invalid line B1 according to the stop symbol image 416. Assume that the stop switch 120c is operated.

In response to the start of the stop operation of the stop switch 120c, the effect control means 334 temporarily arranges the interruption image in a layer 406 that has a higher priority than the layer 404 in FIG. 39(b). The interrupt image is, for example, a white-out image that covers the screen with a white image or a black-out image that covers the screen with a black image. This is an image that makes it impossible to visually recognize the image. However, although the information on the layers 400, 402, and 404 becomes invisible, some information may be shown on the interrupt image itself while the interrupt image appears. For example, as an interrupt image, you can overlay multiple figures, characters, and symbols, zoom in on a character, or close up the character's movements so that the information in the lower layers 400, 402, and 404 is not recognized. can do.

FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of the effect in the duration determination effect state. FIG. 40 shows how the image changes in response to the operation of the stop switch 120 from the state shown in FIG. 35(f) in which the start switch 118 is operated. Here, it is assumed that the winning type "Replay 1" in the winning area 33 is won in response to the player's operation of the start switch 118.

According to the operation order image 414 and the stop symbol image 416, when the player first stops the stop switch 120c so that the symbol "BAR" on the right reel 110c is displayed on the invalid line B1, the production control means 334 stops Operation execution notification indicating that the switch 120c has been operated is performed. Such operation execution notification is sufficient if the player can understand that the operation of the stop switch 120c has been accepted. Specifically, the effect control means 334 arranges the interruption image 418 on the layer 406 for a predetermined period of time (for example, 0.1 seconds) from the start of the stop operation of the stop switch 120c. In this way, as shown in FIG. 40(a), only the interrupt image 418 is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 124, and the background image 412, operation order image 414, and stop symbol image 416 are no longer visible. Note that the interrupt image 418 is an operation execution notification in that it indicates that any one of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c has been operated, and also serves as an operation execution notification in that it indicates that one of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c has been operated. This is also a visibility reduction notification in that it indicates a decline. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 40(b), the reel control means 306 displays the symbol "BAR" on the right reel 110c on the invalid line B1 in response to the player's operation of the stop switch 120c. The effect control means 334 deletes the interruption image 418 from the layer 406 in response to a predetermined period of time having passed since the start of the stop operation. During this time, the images of layers 400, 402, and 404 are maintained. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 40(b), the background image 412, the operation order image 414, and the stop symbol image 416 are displayed again on the liquid crystal display section 124.

Next, according to the operation order image 414 and the stop symbol image 416, when the player stops the stop switch 120b for a second time so that the symbol "BAR" on the middle reel 110b is displayed on the invalid line B1, the production control means 334 places an interrupt image 418 on layer 406 for a predetermined period of time from the start of the stop operation. In this way, as shown in FIG. 40(c), only the interrupt image 418 is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 124, and the background image 412, operation order image 414, and stop symbol image 416 are no longer visible. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 40(d), the reel control means 306 displays the symbol "BAR" on the middle reel 110b on the invalid line B1 in response to the player's operation of the stop switch 120b. The effect control means 334 deletes the interruption image 418 from the layer 406 in response to a predetermined period of time having passed since the start of the stop operation. During this time, the images of layers 400, 402, and 404 are maintained. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 40(d), the background image 412, operation order image 414, and stop symbol image 416 are displayed again on the liquid crystal display section 124.

Next, according to the operation order image 414 and the stop symbol image 416, when the player stops the stop switch 120a for the third time so that the symbol "BAR" on the left reel 110a is displayed on the invalid line B1, the production control means 334 places an interrupt image 418 on layer 406 for a predetermined period of time from the start of the stop operation. In this way, as shown in FIG. 40(e), only the interrupt image 418 is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 124, and the background image 412, operation order image 414, and stop symbol image 416 are no longer visible. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 40(f), the reel control means 306 displays the symbol "BAR" on the left reel 110a on the invalid line B1 in response to the player's operation of the stop switch 120a. In this way, the symbol "BAR" is displayed in a straight line on the invalid line B1. Due to the winning of the winning type "Replay 1", the performance state control means 314 increases the number of continuous games and increases the number of games in the continuous period determination performance state after winning the winning combination "Replay 2". Make an extension.

Further, the effect control means 334 deletes the interrupt image 418 from the layer 406 as shown in FIG. 40(f) in response to the elapse of a predetermined time from the start of the stop operation. However, unlike the first stop and the second stop, during the third stop, the effect control means 334 maintains the images of layers 400 and 402, that is, the background image 412 and the operation order image 414, but the image of layer 400, That is, the stop symbol image 416 is deleted (the operation timing notification is ended). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 40(f), after the interrupt image 418 is deleted, the background image 412 and the operation order image 414 are displayed again on the liquid crystal display unit 124, but the stop symbol image 416 is not displayed. It becomes. Then, the effect control means 334 gradually increases the transmittance of the operation order image 414, and finally deletes the operation order image 414 as well. Therefore, after the player deletes the interrupt image 418 at the third stop, the player does not see the stop symbol image 416 and can see the operation order image 414 for a short time, but ultimately, Both become invisible.

FIG. 41 is a time chart for explaining an example of the performance in the duration determination performance state. Here, the flow of the effect explained with reference to FIG. 40 will be explained in chronological order for each image. Here again, it is assumed that the winning type "Replay 1" in the winning area 33 is won in response to the player's operation of the start switch 118. Further, since the background image 412 is maintained during the duration determination performance state, a detailed explanation thereof will be omitted here.

As shown in FIG. 41(a), when the player operates the start switch 118, the effect control means 334 displays an operation order image 414 and a stop symbol image 416 on the liquid crystal display section 124. At this time, the operation order image 414 is scrolled from right to left with a transmittance of 0%, and the stop symbol image 416 is displayed in front of it. When the player operates the stop switch 120, the performance control means 334 displays the interrupt image 418 for a predetermined period of time each time. While the interrupt image 418 is displayed in this way, the operation order image 414 and the stop symbol image 416 remain displayed, but the layer where the interrupt image 418 is placed has a higher priority. , the player cannot visually recognize the operation order image 414 and the stopped symbol image 416. Then, when the third stop operation is started, the production control means 334 deletes the stop symbol image 416 to hide it, stops scrolling the operation order image 414, and puts it in a stopped state. Therefore, after the interruption image 418 is deleted, the stop symbol image 416 is not displayed on the liquid crystal display section 124, and the operation order image 414 is displayed in a stopped state. When the player finishes operating the third stop, the effect control means 334 gradually increases the transmittance of the operation order image 414 from 0% to 100%, and finally deletes it.

In addition, in FIG. 41(a), an example has been described in which the production control means 334 deletes the stop symbol image 416 at the start of the third stop operation, but the stop symbol image 416 is deleted when the interrupt image 418 is deleted. For example, as shown in FIG. 41(b), the stop symbol image 416 may be deleted at the same time as the interrupt image 418 is deleted.

Furthermore, in FIG. 41A, an example has been described in which the effect control means 334 stops scrolling the operation order image 414 at the start of the third stop operation, but the transparency of the operation order image 414 is 100%. For example, as shown in FIG. 41(c), the scrolling of the operation order image 414 is stopped at the same time as the transmittance of the operation order image 414 starts to gradually increase at the end of the third stop operation. You may do so.

Further, in FIG. 41(a), an example has been described in which the effect control means 334 starts to gradually increase the transmittance of the operation order image 414 at the end of the third stop operation, but if the interrupt image 418 is deleted. It is sufficient that the transmittance of the operation order image 414 is greater than 0% at the same timing. For example, even if the transmittance of the operation order image 414 starts to gradually increase when the stop symbol image 416 is deleted, as shown in FIG. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 41(e), the transmittance of the operation order image 414 may start to gradually increase at the start of the third stop operation. At this time, the transmittance of the operation order image 414 may be forcibly increased to 100% when the third stop operation is completed, and the operation order image 414 may be hidden after the third stop operation is completed.

Further, in FIG. 41(a), an example has been described in which the effect control means 334 gradually increases the transmittance of the operation order image 414, but this is not limited to such a case. It is sufficient that the image 414 can be visually recognized; for example, as shown in FIG. 41(f), the transmittance of the operation order image 414 may be set to 100% at the end of the third stop operation, that is, the operation order image 414 may be deleted. .

In addition, in FIG. 41(a), an example has been described in which the effect control means 334 stops scrolling the operation order image 414 at the start of the third stop operation, but the operation order image 414 has an interruption image 418. It is sufficient to stop the process before it is deleted; for example, as shown in FIG. 41(g), the operation order image 414 may be stopped at the same time as the interrupt image 418 is deleted.

Further, in FIG. 41(a), an example has been described in which the effect control means 334 temporarily stops scrolling of the operation order image 414, but it is sufficient if the operation order image 414 can be visually recognized after the interrupt image 418 is deleted. , as shown in FIG. 41(h), scrolling may be continued without stopping until the operation order image 414 reaches 100% transparency.

As described above, in the duration determination performance state, if the winning type "Replay 1" is won, the performance control means 334 performs a performance that urges the player to stop the predetermined symbols in a predetermined pressing order, and the player: The winning combination "Replay 2" can be won and the symbol "BAR" can be displayed linearly on the invalid line B1. On the other hand, if the winning type "Replay 2" is won, the performance control means 334 performs a performance that prompts the player to stop the predetermined symbols in a predetermined pressing order, but the player only allows the winning combination "Replay 3" to win. Therefore, the symbol "BAR" cannot be displayed linearly on the invalid line B1.

In this way, if the player wins the winning type "Replay 2" and continues to display the stop symbol image 416 on the liquid crystal display section 124 after the third stop, the player can see the difference between the display result of the reel 110 and the performance. There is a possibility that you may feel uncomfortable due to the difference. Therefore, the performance control means 334 deletes the stop symbol image 416 in response to the third stop. However, if the stopped symbol image 416 is suddenly deleted, the stopped symbol image 416 suddenly disappears from the displayed state, and the player may feel uncomfortable. Therefore, the performance control means 334 displays the interrupt image 418 in response to the player's operation of the stop switch 120. Then, by deleting the stop symbol image 416 while displaying the interrupt image 418, the effect control means 334 creates an image before displaying the interrupt image 418 and an image after displaying the interrupt image 418. This makes it difficult to recognize the deletion of the stopped symbol image 416. In this way, it is possible to prevent the player from feeling uncomfortable.

Note that if you win the winning type "Replay 2", the stop symbol image 416 will be deleted after the interrupt image 418 is displayed, but if you win the winning type "Replay 1", the interrupt image 418 will be displayed. If the stopped symbol image 416 is not deleted later, the player can grasp the gaming result without seeing the stopped state of the reels 110 by visually checking whether the stopped symbol image 416 is maintained after the start of the third stop. I can do it. Therefore, regardless of whether the winning type "Replay 2" or the winning type "Replay 1" is won, the performance control means 334 deletes the stop symbol image 416 after the interrupt image 418 is displayed.

Regarding the operation order image 414, when the player operates in the order of operations shown in the operation order image 414, the game result, that is, whether the winning combination "Replay 2" has won or the winning combination "Replay 3" has been won. Regardless of whether the player has won a prize, the operation order image 414 and the player's actual operation order do not conflict. Therefore, even if the display of the operation order image 414 is maintained after the third stop, the player will not feel any discomfort. Therefore, the performance control means 334 maintains the display of the operation order image 414 while deleting the stop symbol image 416 in response to the deletion of the interrupt image 418. With this configuration, it is possible to maintain continuity between the operation order image 414 before the interrupt image 418 is displayed and the image after the display, thereby preventing the player from feeling uncomfortable.

Further, here, when the operation order image 414 and the stop symbol image 416 are displayed on the liquid crystal display section 124, the production control means 334 controls the liquid crystal display according to the start or end of operation of the stop switch 120 by the player. The explanation has been given using an example in which the display of the interrupt image 418 is started on the display unit 124. However, the performance control means 334 is not limited to such a case, and the production control means 334 can control the effect at any time when the operation order image 414 and the stop symbol image 416 are displayed, and after the player operates the stop switch 120. The display of the interrupt image 418 may be started on the liquid crystal display section 124 at the timing of , for example, the display of the interrupt image 418 may be started on the liquid crystal display section 124 a predetermined time after the start or end of operation of the stop switch 120. You may.

Further, here, when the operation order image 414 and the stop symbol image 416 are displayed on the liquid crystal display section 124, the production control means 334 starts displaying the interrupt image 418, and the interrupt image 418 is displayed. The explanation has been given by giving an example in which only the stop symbol image 416 is deleted among the operation order image 414 and the stop symbol image 416 when the operation order image 414 is in operation. However, the production control means 334 starts displaying the interrupt image 418 when the operation order image 414 and the stop symbol image 416 are displayed on the liquid crystal display section 124, and the effect control means 334 starts displaying the interrupt image 418. is displayed, at least one of the operation order image 414 or the stop symbol image 416 may be deleted. Therefore, the effect control means 334 may delete only the operation order image 414 when the interrupt image 418 is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 124, or may delete both the operation order image 414 and the stop symbol image 416. You may also delete the . Furthermore, "while the interrupt image 418 is being displayed" includes while it is being displayed and immediately before the display starts. In this way, when the interrupt image 418 is deleted, the liquid crystal display section 124 enters a state in which at least one of the operation order image 414 or the stop symbol image 416 is deleted.

Further, here, when the operation order image 414 and the stop symbol image 416 are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 124, the performance control means 334 starts displaying the interrupt image 418 regardless of the result of the winning type lottery. However, an example has been described in which at least one of the operation order image 414 or the stop symbol image 416 is deleted when the interrupt image 418 is displayed. However, the notification mode is not limited to this case, and the notification mode may be changed depending on whether a specific condition is satisfied, such as the result of a winning type lottery. For example, if the specific condition is to determine the winning type that can display the symbol "Red 7" in a straight line, the determination of the winning type "Replay 1" in the winning area 33 means that the specific condition is satisfied, and the winning area 33 The determination of a winning type in which the symbol "Red 7" cannot be displayed in a straight line, such as the winning type "Replay 2", means that the specific condition is not satisfied. Then, when the specific condition is satisfied, the production control means 334 starts displaying the interrupt image 418 when the operation order image 414 and the stop symbol image 416 are displayed, When the operation order image 414 or the stop symbol image 416 is displayed, at least one of the operation order image 414 or the stop symbol image 416 is deleted, and if the specific condition is not satisfied, when the operation order image 414 and the stop symbol image 416 are being displayed, The operation order image 414 and the stop symbol image 416 may be deleted in response to the operation of the stop switch 120 without starting the display of the interrupt image 418. Therefore, for example, if a winning type that allows the symbol "Red 7" to be displayed in a straight line is determined, the operation order image 414 and the stop symbol image 416 are deleted via the display of the interrupt image 418. , if a winning type that can display the symbol "Red 7" in a straight line has not been determined, the operation order image 414 and the stop symbol image 416 will be deleted without the interrupt image 418 being displayed.

Here, as visibility reduction notification, the production control means 334 displays an interrupt image 418 on the player side from the operation order image 414 and the stop symbol image 416, so that the operation order image 414 and the stop symbol image 416 Although the explanation has been given using an example in which the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are operated, it is sufficient that at least the operation order image 414 and the stop symbol image 416 become temporarily invisible or become less visible, for example. , the operation order image 414 and the stop symbol image 416 themselves are temporarily deleted in response to the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, and after a predetermined period of time, the operation order image 414 and the stop symbol image 416 or the operation The sequential image 414 may also be displayed.

Furthermore, if the player performs an operation in batting order 1 without following the operation order image 414, the performance control means 334 may delete the operation order image 414 at the start of the operation.

As described above, the slot machine 100 includes a plurality of reels 110a, 110b, and 110c, a start switch 118, a plurality of stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, a lottery means for performing a lottery (for example, the winning type lottery means 304), When the result of the lottery by the lottery means is a predetermined result (for example, determination of the selected winning type such as the winning type "Replay 1" in the winning area 33 and the winning type "Replay 2" in the winning area 34), the stop switch is activated. 120a, 120b, 120c operation mode notification (for example, operation order image 414 and stop symbol image 416), and operation execution notification indicating that the stop switch 120a, 120b, 120c was operated (for example, interrupt image 418), and notification means (for example, sub-control board 202, effect control means 334, liquid crystal display unit 124), and the operation mode notification is an operation order notification (for example, operation order image) that indicates the operation order. 414) and an operation timing notification (stop pattern image 416) indicating the operation timing, and the operation execution notification is a visibility reduction notification (discount) indicating a decrease in the visibility of at least one of the operation order notification or the operation timing notification. 418), and the notification means starts visibility reduction notification when operation order notification and operation timing notification is being performed, and starts operation order notification or operation timing notification when visibility reduction notification is being performed. At least one of the operation timing notifications is ended (for example, the image is deleted).

In addition, from another point of view, the slot machine 100 includes a plurality of reels 110a, 110b, 110c, a start switch 118, a plurality of stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c, a lottery means (for example, a winning type lottery means), and a lottery means (for example, a winning type lottery means). 304), and when the result of the lottery by the lottery means is a predetermined result (for example, determination of the selected winning type such as the winning type "Replay 1" or the winning type "Replay 2" in the winning area 34), the stop switch is activated. 120a, 120b, 120c operation mode notification (for example, operation order image 414 and stop symbol image 416), and operation execution notification indicating that the stop switch 120a, 120b, 120c was operated (for example, interrupt image 418), and notification means (for example, sub-control board 202, effect control means 334, liquid crystal display unit 124), and the operation mode notification is an operation order notification (for example, operation order image) that indicates the operation order. 414) and an operation timing notification (stop pattern image 416) indicating the operation timing, and the operation execution notification includes a visibility reduction notification (interruption image 418) indicating a decrease in the visibility of the operation order notification and the operation timing notification. ), and the notification means is when a specific condition is satisfied (for example, when a winning type that can display the symbol "Red 7" in a straight line, such as winning type "Replay 1" in the winning area 33, is determined) ), when operation order notification and operation timing notification are being performed, visibility reduction notification is started, and when visibility reduction notification is being performed, at least one of operation order notification and operation timing notification is started. If the specified conditions are not met (for example, if a winning type is determined in which the symbol "Red 7" cannot be displayed in a straight line, such as the winning type "Replay 2" in the winning area 34), the operation order will be changed. To end operation order notification and operation timing notification without starting visibility reduction notification when notification and operation timing notification are being performed.

<Sound output mode>
The effect control means 334 displays an image through the liquid crystal display section 124 and outputs a sound (voice) through the speaker 128 when performing an effect that urges the stop of a predetermined symbol in a predetermined pressing order as described above. . In addition, the performance control means 334 outputs operation sounds based on the operation of the operation means such as the bet switch 116, the start switch 118, and the stop switch 120 through the speaker 128 in accordance with the progress of the game. Specifically, the production control means 334 generates a setting sound (indicating the setting of the number of bets (number of coins inserted)) when inserting medals into the medal inserting section 114 or when operating the bet switch 116 (by turning on the bet switch 116). When the start switch 118 is operated (by turning on the start switch 118), a standby sound (wait sound) indicating that the reel 110 is waiting for rotation is output, and also a wait sound indicating that the reel 110 has started rotating. A start sound is output, and when each stop switch 120 is operated (by each stop switch 120 being turned on), a stop sound indicating that the rotation of the reel 110 corresponding to each stop switch 120 has stopped is output, and the operation of all stop switches 120 is completed. When medals are put out from the medal payout device 142 in accordance with (by turning off all stop switches 120), a result sound (payout sound) indicating the result of stopping the reels 110 is output. Here, "ON" of the switch refers to a state in which the switch is effectively operated (turned on), and "OFF" of the switch refers to a state in which the operation of the switch is completed (not turned on). The effect control means 334 outputs sounds in the following order: first, a setting sound, second a standby sound, third a start sound, fourth a stop sound, and fifth a result sound. These setting sounds, standby sounds, start sounds, stop sounds, and result sounds related to the basic operations of the game are managed as system sounds associated with the progress of the game, and are distinguished from performance sounds and BGM sounds. In addition, the performance control means 334 generates a system sound different from the result sound (for example, when there is no payout of medals, that is, when the small role is not won, depending on whether the bonus role or replay role is won or not won). (winning sound) can be output.

However, if these set sounds, standby sounds, start sounds, stop sounds, and result sounds are simply managed in one layer of the system system, the output of other sounds will start before the output of the specified sound ends. There is a risk that certain sounds may be blocked. Furthermore, if multiple sounds are simply distributed to multiple layers in the system system, the sounds may overlap unnecessarily, making it difficult to hear. Therefore, in this embodiment, the sound output mode is appropriately managed to improve the player's desire to play.

Here, the output of sound based on audio data will be described in detail. As described above, when the production control means 334 determines the audio data by lottery, the production control means 334 transmits the determined audio data to the audio IC 342a, thereby causing the speaker 128 to output a sound based on the audio data. .

In the audio IC 342a, a plurality of audio data such as FM tone data and ADPCM sound data can be stored in a storage area allocated to each access code (SAC: Simple Access Code). Furthermore, the audio IC 342a receives a command indicating the access code from the sub CPU 202a, and according to the command, can allocate the audio data specified by the access code to a layer and output it through the speaker 128 at an appropriate volume. Furthermore, when a plurality of such access codes are specified, the audio IC 342a can allocate the audio data corresponding to the plurality of access codes to different layers.

FIG. 42 is an explanatory diagram illustrating layers provided in the audio IC 342a. The audio IC 342a reads audio data corresponding to each access code and assigns it to a layer provided in the audio IC 342a itself. At this time, the audio IC 342a is provided with a plurality of layers, and audio data is assigned to one of the layers. Layers can be divided into multiple layer types, such as system, BGM, production (SE (Sound Effect)), production (VO (Voice)), composite, press order navigation (VO), press order navigation (SE), error, etc. Furthermore, one or more layers are associated with each layer type. Here, the system refers to the confirmation sound that accompanies the progress of the game. BGM is background music that is maintained in the background for a relatively long time. The effect (SE) and the effect (VO) are sounds that are mainly emitted in conjunction with the effect. The push order navigation (VO) and the push order navigation (SE) indicate sound effects accompanying auxiliary effects. An error is a sound that is output together with an error image while the game is stopped due to an error.

Here, for convenience of explanation, as shown in FIG. 42, six layers related to the four layer types of system, BGM, effect (SE), and effect (VO) will be listed and explained. For example, layers 1 and 2 are assigned system audio, layers 3 and 4 are assigned BGM audio, layer 5 is assigned effects (SE), and layer 6 is assigned effects (VO).

As shown in FIG. 42, various audio data are assigned to each layer at each opportunity based on the progress of the game. For example, when medals are inserted by the inserting means, that is, credited medals are inserted through the operation of the bet switch 116, medals are inserted through the medal inserter 114, and medals are automatically inserted based on the winning of the replay combination. , the effect control means 334 assigns the set sound to layer 1 of the audio IC 342a. Further, when the start switch 118 is operated by the player, the effect control means 334 assigns a standby sound to layer 2 of the audio IC 342a. Further, when the reels 110 start rotating in response to the operation of the start switch 118, the production control means 334 assigns a start sound to layer 2 of the audio IC 342a. Further, when the stop switch 120 is first stopped by the player, the effect control means 334 assigns a stop sound to layer 1 of the audio IC 342a at the start of the stop operation. Further, when the stop switch 120 is stopped for a second time by the player, the effect control means 334 assigns a stop sound to layer 1 of the audio IC 342a at the start of the stop operation. Further, when the stop switch 120 is third stopped by the player, the effect control means 334 assigns a stop sound to layer 1 of the audio IC 342a at the start of the stop operation. Further, when the third stop of the stop switch 120 is released by the player and the determining means 308 determines that a winning combination accompanied by the payout of medals has been won, the performance control means 334 causes an audio The resulting sound is assigned to layer 2 of the IC 342a. Note that audio data is not necessarily assigned to layer 1 or layer 2 at each opportunity based on the progress of the game. For example, in the normal performance state, when the start switch 118 is operated by the player, the performance control means 334 assigns a standby sound to layer 2 of the audio IC 342a, but in the AT performance state, the standby sound is assigned to layer 2 of the audio IC 342a. No sound assigned. Furthermore, instead of not allocating the standby sound, the production control means 334 may allocate the standby sound but set its volume to 0.

In addition, at each opportunity based on the progress of the game, the production control means 334 assigns background BGM to layer 3 of the audio IC 342a, assigns production BGM to layer 4, in addition to layers 1 and 2 of the system, Effect SE may be assigned to layer 5, and effect VO may be assigned to layer 6. For example, in the above-mentioned duration-determining presentation state in which the player is asked to guess the correct option included in a plurality of options, two reels are 110, when the symbol "BAR" is linearly displayed on the invalid line B1, the effect control means 334 assigns a stop sound to layer 1 of the audio IC 342a at the start of the second stop, and also assigns a stop sound to layer 5 and layer 6. A production sound different from the stop sound (for example, tenpai sound) is assigned to the stop sound to enhance the production effect for the operation of the stop switch 120.

Here, the plurality of layers in the audio IC 342a have the following characteristics. First, all sounds assigned to different layers are output in parallel. Regarding the output of sound, since audio data of multiple layers can be output simultaneously in parallel as described above, there is no priority among the layers. Therefore, even if setting sound is assigned to layer 2 while background BGM is assigned to layer 3, both sounds will be output in parallel. A player can simultaneously listen to sounds based on audio data assigned to each of a plurality of layers.

On the other hand, only one piece of audio data can be assigned to the same layer. Therefore, for example, when background BGM has already been assigned in layer 3, if you try to newly assign another background BGM, the background BGM will be overwritten, and the background BGM before being overwritten will be stopped. .

FIG. 43 is a timing chart for explaining switching of sounds according to the progress of the game. For example, when a medal is inserted by the inserting means, a setting sound is assigned to layer 1. Subsequently, when the player operates the start switch 118, a standby sound is assigned to layer 2. Subsequently, when the reels 110 start rotating in response to the operation of the start switch 118, a start sound is assigned to layer 2. Subsequently, when the stop switch 120 is first stopped, a stop sound is assigned to layer 1. Subsequently, when the stop switch 120 is stopped a second time, a stop sound is assigned to layer 1. Subsequently, when the stop switch 120 is turned to a third stop, a stop sound is assigned to layer 1. Subsequently, when a winning combination involving the payout of medals is won, a resultant sound is assigned to layer 2.

Here, layer 1 to which the setting sound is assigned is different from layer 2 to which the standby sound and start sound are assigned. Therefore, even if output of the standby sound or start sound is started before the output of the set sound is finished, the set sound will not be overwritten by the standby sound or start sound. Therefore, the setting sound and the standby sound can be output at the same time, and the player can hear the fact that both the medal insertion and the start switch 118 operation have been performed. Further, the setting sound and the start sound can be output at the same time, so that the player can hear the fact that the reels 110 have started rotating after inserting a medal.

Further, both the standby sound and the start sound are assigned to layer 2 (the layers are the same). Therefore, when the reels 110 start rotating when a standby sound has already been assigned in layer 2, the start sound is overwritten (the standby sound is converted to the start sound), and the standby sound before being overwritten is stopped. It will be done. Therefore, the standby sound and the start sound can be output exclusively at different timings. By doing so, it is possible to effectively prevent the standby sound and the start sound, which have similar characteristics in terms of the start of a game, from overlapping and sounding bothersome.

Further, the start sound is assigned to layer 2, and the stop sound is assigned to layer 1, which is different from layer 2. Therefore, for example, even if an effect such as delaying the start sound from the start of reel rotation (so-called delay) is performed and the output of the stop sound is started before the output of the start sound is finished, the start sound will be delayed. It will not be overwritten by the stop sound. Therefore, the start sound and the stop sound can be output at the same time, and the player can hear that the reels 110 have started rotating and that the stop switch 120 has been operated.

Furthermore, the stop sound is assigned to layer 1. Therefore, if another stop switch 120 is operated when a stop sound has already been assigned in layer 1, the stop sound based on the operation of that stop switch 120 will be overwritten, and the previous stop sound will be stopped. (the earlier stop sound is converted to the later stop sound). Therefore, the stop sounds can be output exclusively at different timings. By doing so, it is possible to effectively prevent stop sounds that have the same characteristics in terms of the operation of the stop switch 120 from overlapping and sounding bothersome.

Further, the stop sound is assigned to layer 1, and the resultant sound is assigned to layer 2, which is different from layer 1. Therefore, even if the output of the result sound is started before the output of the stop sound is finished, the stop sound will not be overwritten by the result sound. Therefore, the stop sound and the result sound can be output at the same time, and the player can operate the stop switch 120 and understand through his/her hearing that medals have been paid out.

Further, both the setting sound and the stop sound are assigned to layer 1 (layers are the same). However, the period from medal insertion to the first stop includes a wait time, etc., and the output of the set sound is set to end by the time that time elapses. Therefore, the setting sound and the stop sound are not outputted in duplicate, and the player can auditorily understand that both the medal insertion and the stop switch 120 operation have been performed. In this way, by allocating audio data whose output timings are distant from each other to the same layer, it is possible to prevent an increase in the number of layers.

Further, both the start sound and the result sound are assigned to layer 2 (layers are the same). However, the period from the start of the reel rotation to the end of the third stop includes the wait time, the player's operation of the stop switch 120, etc., and the output of the start sound is set to end by the time that time has elapsed. Therefore, the start sound and the result sound are not outputted redundantly, and the player can auditorily understand that the rotation of the reels 110 has started and that all operations of the stop switches 120 have been completed. In this way, by allocating audio data whose output timings are distant from each other to the same layer, it is possible to prevent an increase in the number of layers.

In this way, the slot machine 100 includes a plurality of reels 110a, 110b, 110c, a bet switch 116, a start switch 118, a plurality of stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c, and a sound control means (for example, , an effect control means 334, an audio IC 342a, and a speaker 128), and the sounds output by the sound control means include a setting sound indicating the setting of the number of bets when the bet switch 116 is turned on, and a plurality of sounds when the start switch 118 is turned on. A standby sound indicating that the reels 110 are waiting for rotation, a start sound indicating that the rotation of the plurality of reels 110 is started when the start switch 118 is turned on, and a stop sound indicating that the rotation of the reels 110 is stopped when each of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c is turned on. There are a sound and a result sound indicating the result of stopping a plurality of reels 110 by turning off all the stop switches 120, and the sound control means firstly controls the set sound and secondly the set sound in a predetermined game (one game). The output of the sounds starts in the order of the standby sound, the third start sound, the fourth stop sound, and the fifth result sound, and the output of the standby sound is started before ending the output of the set sound. When starting, the setting sound and standby sound can be output in duplicate.

Furthermore, in the slot machine 100, if the sound control means starts outputting the start sound before the output of the set sound ends, the sound control means may output the set sound and the start sound in duplicate. Furthermore, if the sound control means starts outputting the start sound before the output of the standby sound ends, the sound control means may convert the standby sound into the start sound and output the same. Here, the sound control means prevents the standby sound and the start sound from being outputted in duplicate. Further, if the sound control means starts outputting the stop sound before the output of the start sound ends, the sound control means may output the start sound and the stop sound in duplicate. Furthermore, the sound control means may be configured to output a subsequent stop sound (for example, the first stop sound) before the output of the earlier stop sound (for example, the first stop for the second stop, the second stop for the third stop) is finished. When the output of the second stop relative to the stop and the third stop relative to the second stop starts, the previous stop sound may be converted into a subsequent stop sound and output. Here, the sound control means prevents the stop sounds from being outputted in duplicate. Furthermore, if the output of the resultant sound starts before the output of the subsequent stop sounds (for example, the second stop, the third stop) is finished, the sound control means may overlap the subsequent stop sounds and the result sound. You can also output it.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. It is clear that those skilled in the art can come up with various changes and modifications within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. be done.

For example, in this embodiment, a printing method that can prevent or reduce poor identification and misidentification of patterns may be adopted. The method of this embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 44 to 50. FIG. 44 is a front view showing the internal structure of the casing of the gaming machine according to this embodiment of the invention, and FIG. 45 is a perspective view showing the reels in the gaming machine according to this embodiment of the invention. For convenience of explanation, the explanation of this embodiment may be different from the embodiment described above, for example, the pattern arrangement shown in FIG. 3.

First, a reel unit including the reel 110 of this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIGS. 44 and 45, the reel unit includes a stepping motor M that is provided on each of the first reel R1 to third reel R3 and rotates each reel, and is supported by a drive shaft of each stepping motor M. a reel backlight BL provided for each of the first reel R1 to third reel R3 and illuminating each reel from the inside to the front; and a reel backlight BL. and a reflector RL that reflects light from the vehicle and guides it forward. Note that the first reel R1, second reel R2, and third reel R3 of this embodiment correspond to the above-mentioned left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c, respectively. As shown in FIG. 44, the reel backlight BL includes a plurality of light source LEDs made of LEDs (light emitting diodes) and a backlight board 516 on which the plurality of light source LEDs are installed. A total of six LEDs 515 (515-11 to 515-23) are arranged in three columns and two rows from each opening of the reflector RL (see FIG. 50).

As shown in FIG. 45, the first reel R1 includes a reel frame FR1 and a thin strip-shaped reel tape T1 in which a plurality of symbols are arranged in a line along the longitudinal direction (circumferential direction) Y. . The second reel R2 includes a reel frame FR2 and a thin strip-shaped reel tape T2 in which a plurality of symbols are arranged in a line along the longitudinal direction (circumferential direction) Y. The third reel R3 includes a reel frame FR3 and a thin strip-shaped reel tape T3 in which a plurality of symbols are arranged in a line along the longitudinal direction (circumferential direction) Y.

Reel frames FR1 to FR3 each include a first rim portion 521, a second rim portion 522, and a plurality of connecting portions 523 connecting between the first and second rim portions 521 and 522. , is integrally formed of a highly translucent (transparent in this embodiment) synthetic resin.

The first rim portion 521 and the second rim portion 522 are formed in an annular shape concentric with the rotation axis of the stepping motor M, and are perpendicular to the left-right direction (axial direction), that is, the longitudinal direction Y of the reel tape T1 to reel tape T3. They are spaced apart in the lateral direction (width direction) X. A plurality of connection parts 523 are provided at different positions on the circumference of the first rim part 521 and the second rim part 522, and extend in the transverse direction so as to bridge between the first rim part 521 and the second rim part 522. It extends along X and connects the first rim part 521 and the second rim part 522.

As shown in FIGS. 45, 46, and 47, on the back side of both ends of the reel tape T1 in the transverse direction An adhesive area is formed on the support surface 522a to which adhesive members 565, 565 such as double-sided tapes for adhering the reel tape T1 are attached. When the reel tape T1 is viewed from the front side, this adhesive area includes a right adhesive area which is a distance b inward from the right end T1c in the transverse direction X of the reel tape T1, and a right adhesive area in the transverse direction X of the reel tape T1. It includes a left adhesive area that is a distance b inward from the left end (edge on the X2 direction side) T1d in X. For example, the distance b is set to a distance in the range of 4 mm to 6 mm, and is approximately 1 mm (for example, 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm) larger in the left-right direction (lateral direction It is desirable that it be formed.

The reel tape T1 wound (wound) around the reel frame FR1 has the right adhesive region formed on the inner surface (back surface) and the end support surface 521a bonded by the adhesive member 565, and the end support surface 521a formed on the inner surface The left adhesive area and the end support surface 522a are adhered and held on the reel frame FR1.

Further, as described above, the reel tape T1 is formed so that the length in the longitudinal direction Y is longer than the length in the circumferential direction (circumferential length) of the end support surfaces 521a and 522a. The reel is wound (wound) around the reel frame FR1 so that one end (starting end) T11 on one side in direction Y and the other end (terminating end) T12 on the other side overlap from the outside in the radial direction of the reel. ing. When the reel tape T1 is wound around the reel frame FR1, the transparent portion 563 and the symbol P7, which is the symbol located on the other side in the longitudinal direction Y (the 19th symbol), are aligned in the radial direction of the reel. overlaps with In other words, when the reel tape T1 is wound around the reel frame FR1, the outer surface (surface, outer peripheral surface) of the transparent portion 563 is covered by the other end T12 in the longitudinal direction Y.

FIG. 46 is a view of the reel tape T1 viewed from the front side (the outer peripheral surface side in a state where it is wound around the reel frame FR1 (see FIG. 45)). As shown in FIG. 46, the plurality of patterns arranged on reel tape T1 to reel tape T3 are composed of, for example, numbers, character strings, fruits, characters, etc. designed uniquely to the model, or combinations thereof. These multiple designs include, for example, design P1 (design "Red 7"), design P2 (design "Blue 7"), design P3 (design "BAR"), design P4 (design "Cherry"), and These include P5 (design "Watermelon"), P6 (design "Bell"), P7 (design "Replay"), P8A (design "Blank A"), P8B (design "Blank B"), etc. Note that although the actual pattern P4 (design "cherry") has the shape shown in FIG. 48, the design P4 (design "cherry") in FIG. 46 and the like is simply shown for convenience of explanation.

Design P4 (design "Cherry") and P5 (design "Watermelon") as specific symbols are displayed on the active line or in the symbol display window when the stop button is stopped at a predetermined timing according to the internal lottery result, etc. 108 to form a symbol combination for a chance win (so-called rare win) that triggers a lottery that is advantageous to the player, or a symbol combination that triggers the award of advantageous benefits to the player. It has a design of

Each of the above-mentioned patterns P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, and P7 is printed with paint to form the outer edge (outline) of the pattern, as will be described in detail later. edge P1a, edge P2a, edge P3a, edge P4a, edge P5a, edge P6a, edge P7a, and the edge P1a, edge P2a, edge P3a, edge P4a, edge P5a , a colored part P1b, a colored part P2b, a colored part P3b, a colored part P4b, a colored part P5b, a colored part P6b, and a colored part P7b are colored inside the edge P6a and the edge P7a. The details of the colored portion P4b of the symbol P4 (design "cherry") will be described later.

In addition, in the above-mentioned patterns P1, P2, and P3, when viewed from the radial direction, the edge P1a, the edge P2a, and the edge P3a are the first rim portion 521, the second rim portion 522, and the adhesive members 565, 565. , are arranged so that they partially overlap in the lateral direction X, and so that the colored part P1b, the colored part P2b, and the colored part P3b do not overlap with either the first rim part 521 or the second rim part 522. As a result, the light from the reel backlight BL that passes through the colored part P1b, the colored part P2b, and the colored part P3b is not blocked by the first rim part 521 and the second rim part 522, and the pattern P1, the pattern P2, and the pattern P3 can be made to look larger in the lateral direction X.

On the other hand, each of the above-mentioned patterns P8A and P8B includes an edge P8Aa and an edge P8Ba that form the outer edge of the pattern, a pattern portion P8Ab that forms a pattern inside the edge P8Aa and edge P8Ba, and a pattern. It has a part P8Bb. In addition, in the design P8A and the design P8B, the edge P8Aa, the edge P8Ba, the pattern part P8Ab, and the pattern part P8Bb are drawn by lines, and the other parts are the background forming layer forming the background part H, which will be described in detail later. 561 is printed inside the pattern, that is, it has the same color as the background part H of the pattern P8A and the pattern P8B.

The reel tape T1 is wound around the reel frame FR1 (in other words, the transparent portion 563 overlaps the other end portion T12) and is divided into 20 virtual areas, each of which is virtually equally divided into 20 in the longitudinal direction Y. , one of the symbols P1 to P8B is arranged. The numbers on the left side of the reel tape T1 shown in FIG. 46 indicate the symbol numbers, and the side closest to one end T11 is the symbol No. 0, and from there in the Y2 direction, the symbols No. 2, No. 3, etc. 19 As the number pattern, any one of the above-mentioned patterns P1 to P8B is arranged in the arrangement shown in FIG. 46. Note that the reel tape T2 and the reel tape T3 have a different arrangement from the arrangement of the reel tape T1 shown in FIG. One of them is placed.

FIG. 47 is a sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 46. The reel tapes T1 to T3 are different in the arrangement of the symbols (type of symbols, number of specific symbols, order in which the symbols are lined up, etc.) and the identification display 570 for identifying them, but the other configurations are the same. Therefore, the reel tape T1 will be described below as an example, and the description of the structures similar to the reel tape T1 in the reel tape T2 and reel tape T3 will be omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 46 and 47, the reel tape T1 has a printed layer printed on the back side of a transparent synthetic resin base material 560 using multiple types of paints with different colors and transparency. For example, in order from the side closest to the back side of the base material 560, a pattern forming layer (design part) 567 forming a plurality of patterns, and a region extending around the pattern when viewed from the front side. A background forming layer 561 forming a certain background portion H and a diffusion layer 564 for diffusing light from the reel backlight BL are stacked on top of each other, and each layer is formed by screen printing or the like.

Further, the background forming layer 561 includes a first background forming layer (background part) 561A printed on the side near the back surface of the base material 560, and a side opposite to the base material 560 with the first background forming layer 561A in between. a second background forming layer 561B printed on the second background forming layer 561B. Moreover, none of the pattern forming layer 567, the background forming layer 561, and the diffusion layer 564 are formed on one end T11 of the reel tape T1 on one side in the longitudinal direction Y (the Y1 direction side, the lower side shown in FIG. 46). A transparent portion 563 is formed. The transparent portion 563 (one end portion T11) is arranged so as to overlap and hide the other end portion T12 when the reel tape T1 is wound around the reel frame FR1. is formed.

As will be described in detail later, the pattern forming layer 567 is formed by overlapping paints of multiple colors or transparent paints, etc., and forms the shape (design) of each pattern when viewed from the surface of the reel tape T1. has been done. For example, the pattern forming layer 567 is coated with a black paint (K : key plate) layer (edges described below), blue paint (C: cyan) layer (blue part), red paint (M: magenta) layer (red part), yellow paint ( A single color or multiple colors are printed in a layered manner in the order of a Y: yellow layer (yellow part) and a transparent paint layer. In particular, in this embodiment, the layer between the blue paint and the red paint is printed in a layered manner. There is light blue paint (paint with a high cyan content), which is a type of blue paint, and pink paint, which is a type of red paint, between red paint and yellow paint. (a paint with a high magenta content) and at least six colors of paint are sequentially printed in layers. As will be described later, a background forming layer 561, which is a white paint layer (white portion), is printed after the pattern forming layer 567.

In this embodiment, the pattern forming layer 567 has a layer of light blue paint and a layer of pink paint as intermediate colors in order to improve the design of the pattern. Instead, it may be formed of layers of only the four primary colors of the printed matter, or it may be formed of layers of other intermediate colors. In the following description of this embodiment, the light blue paint layer is also treated as a blue part as a type of blue paint, and the pink paint layer is also treated as a red part as a type of red paint.

Further, in detail, the color of each part, which will be described later, refers to the color that has the highest proportion of paint of that color, and refers to the color that can be recognized with common sense. Specifically, for example, the color of the blue portion refers to the color that has the highest proportion of blue paint among the four primary colors of the printed matter, and refers to a color that can be commonly recognized as blue. For example, cyan is a bright blue with a slight greenish tint, a blue-green color close to light blue, etc., and is generally considered to be blue and a cool color.

The pattern forming layer 567 formed by printing each color of paint in layers is the edge that forms the edges of the pattern (P1a, P2a, P3a, P4a, P5a, P6a, P7a, P8Aa, P8Ba). A forming layer 567a, a colored forming layer 567b forming a colored part in at least a part of the internal area of the edge, and depending on the design, at least a part of the internal area of the edge is colored and easily transmits light. The transparent forming layer 567c forming the part is formed in an overlapping manner.

The edges (P1a, P2a, P3a, P4a, P5a, P6a, P7a, P8Aa, P8Ba) form the outer shape (outline) of the pattern. The edge forming layer 567a is formed in black using the above-mentioned black paint, and is formed to have a low brightness that makes it difficult for light (visible light) from the reel backlight BL to pass through. Note that the edge forming layer 567a only needs to form at least the edge of the pattern, and a part of the internal area of the edge may be formed of the same paint as that forming the edge. Further, the edge forming layer 567a is not limited to being formed with the same paint or the like between each pattern, but may be formed with different paint between each pattern. Further, in this embodiment, the edges are formed in black using black paint, but they may be formed in dark gray, dark blue, or the like.

The colored forming layer 567b is, for example, mostly colored with higher chroma and brightness than the edge forming layer 567a (black) and easy to transmit light, such as the above-mentioned blue, light blue, red, pink, or yellow. It is made of paint such as paint. In addition, in FIG. 47, the colored formation layer 567b is a single color, and since the red part of the pattern P1 (design "Red 7") is shown, it is shown as a single layer, but the details are not limited to this. As will be described later, the paint forming the colored forming layer 567b may be of a plurality of colors that are different for each pattern, that is, the colored forming layer 567b may be formed by overlapping the colored forming layers of a plurality of colors. Details of this colored formation layer 567b will be described later.

The transparent forming layer 567c is formed of, for example, a colored paint that has higher chroma and brightness than the colored forming layer 567b and allows light to easily pass therethrough. The paint forming the transparent forming layer 567c is a paint of a plurality of colors that are different for each design, and may be a paint of a color higher in saturation and brightness than the colored forming layer 567b, or a transparent paint mixed therewith. It may be formed by overlapping a colored forming layer and a transparent forming layer or by overlapping a plurality of transparent forming layers using a paint or the like.

The first background forming layer 561A of the background forming layer 561 is made white by a paint, for example, a white paint, through which light from the reel backlight BL having higher saturation and brightness than the edge forming layer 567a and the colored forming layer 567b passes through. is formed. The first background forming layer 561A extends from the end 561Aa of the first background forming layer 561A in the longitudinal direction Y (the other end of the transparent portion 563 (the edge on the Y2 direction side)) to the other end of the reel tape T1 (the edge on the Y2 direction side). Edge) is formed around each pattern so as to overlap with the edge forming layer 567a of each pattern and not overlap with the colored forming layer 567b and the transparent forming layer 567c. It is formed on almost the entire surface except for the design.

Further, the second background forming layer 561B of the background forming layer 561 is formed as a so-called backing layer (backing portion) that is printed on the opposite side of the base material 560 with the first background forming layer 561A interposed therebetween. It is formed in white using the same paint as the first background forming layer 561A. The second background forming layer 561B is an end 561Ba of the second background forming layer 561B in the longitudinal direction Y (the other end (edge on the Y2 direction side) of the transparent portion 563) and an end 561Aa of the first background forming layer 561A. out of the area from the other end (edge in the Y2 direction) of the reel tape T1 to the other end (edge on the Y2 direction side) T1b, it overlaps with the edge forming layer 567a and colored forming layer 567b of each pattern, and does not overlap with the transparent forming layer 567c. It is formed around the transparent part of each pattern, that is, it is formed on almost the entire surface excluding the transparent part. By lining the second background forming layer 561B on the back side of the first background forming layer 561A in this way, when the first background forming layer 561A is silk-printed, air bubbles may be created and the air bubbles may be collapsed. Even if a gap such as a pinhole is formed due to this, it is closed by the second background forming layer 561B, and it is possible to prevent the light of the reel backlight BL from leaking. In addition, the first background forming layer 561A is formed to the extent that it overlaps with the edge forming layer 567a of each pattern, and the second background forming layer 561B is formed so as to overlap with the edge forming layer 567a and the colored forming layer 567b. The end portion of the first background forming layer 561A is formed on the edge forming layer 567a of the pattern, and by covering the end portion with the second background forming layer 561B, the first background forming layer 561A and the second background forming layer 561A are formed. Compared to the case where the printing area is opposite to that of layer 561B, unevenness on the back surface can be reduced.

The diffusion layer 564 is what is called a bulge, and in this embodiment, for example, the area where the pattern forming layer 567 is formed in the pattern P1 (design "Red 7") and the pattern P2 (design "Blue 7") It is formed so as to cover it from the back side, that is, to the area outside the edge of each pattern. The diffusion layer 564 is formed by, for example, applying a thick layer of ultraviolet curable transparent paint and irradiating it with ultraviolet rays to cure and shrink the paint, thereby forming fine irregularities on the back side. As a result, when the light from the reel backlight BL passes through the area in which the diffusion layer 564 is formed, it becomes possible to irregularly refract and reflect the light and diffuse it, and the transparent parts and colored parts of the pattern can be diffused. The light from the LED 515 (see FIG. 44) that passes through the LED 515 is diffused, and, for example, the light from the LED 515, which has a high straightness, is focused to prevent so-called point light from being generated and resulting in poor appearance.

In addition, in this embodiment, the diffusion layer 564 is formed to cover the entire pattern from the back side to the outside of the edge of each pattern, but the diffusion layer 564 is not limited to this. If it is arranged so as to at least cover the light part, the light passing through the light transmitting part can be diffused, and the light of the LED 515 of the reel backlight BL can be prevented from becoming a point light.

Next, the color arrangement of each part in the colored part P4b of the symbol P4, which is a cherry symbol, and the trapping process in the shiny part will be explained using FIGS. 48 and 49. FIG. 48 is a diagram explaining the colors of each part of the cherry pattern according to this embodiment, and FIG. 49 is a diagram showing a cross section of the reel tape, (a) is a sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 48, and (b) is a diagram showing the cross section of the reel tape. 49 is a sectional view taken along the line CC in FIG. 48. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 48, in the pattern P4 which is a cherry pattern, inside the edge P4a formed in black, there are a plurality of colored parts P4b, a branch part CHeda representing a branch in brown and a leaf representing a leaf in green. A part CHha and three fruit parts CHmi representing three fruits are formed in red, and the edge part P4a forms the outer edge of each of these branch part CHeda, leaf part CHha, and fruit part CHmi. These are divided. Further, inside the leaf portion CHha, a leaf vein portion CHhamya representing leaf veins is formed in black, and a shadow portion CHkage representing a shadow is formed in red and black inside the fruit portion CHmi. The branch CHeda has a shiny part CHteka1 that represents so-called shine, the leaf CHha has a shiny part CHteka2 that also represents shine, and each of the two fruit parts CHmi has a shiny part CHteka2 that represents the same shine. A portion CHteka3A and a shiny portion CHteka3B are formed.

In the branch part CHeda, a layer of pink paint (a type of red part) is printed on the base material 560 as a colored forming layer 567b so that the area excluding the shiny part CHteka1 is visible as brown. , After that, a layer of yellow paint (yellow part) is printed so as to overlap on the back side, and furthermore, a layer of white paint (white part) formed together with the background part H is printed in the area of the shiny part CHteka1, for example. ) is printed after the layer of yellow paint. In other words, the shiny portion CHteka1 is formed adjacent to the branch portion CHeda so as to expose the white paint layer so that it can be visually recognized as white. When printing the branch CHeda in this way, the pink paint layer and the yellow paint layer are printed separately, but depending on the number of units shipped, for example, thousands to tens of thousands of sheets may be printed. Therefore, there is a risk that errors may occur in the position of these prints. For example, if pink paint seeps into the interior of the shiny part CHteka1, it will not only spoil the design, but also damage the correctly printed cherry pattern. However, there is a risk that it may be mistaken for a different design.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, at least one layer of yellow paint, which is lighter in color, higher in brightness, and closer to white than pink, is applied to the area of the edge Fuch1 corresponding to the outer edge of the shiny part CHteka1. Set the area where the yellow layer will be printed (yellow area) so that the area will ooze out, that is, the area of the yellow layer will be larger than the area where the pink layer will be printed by an amount corresponding to the area of the edge Fuch1. Set the trapping process so that In other words, the yellow area is formed to be sandwiched between the white area in the shiny part CHteka1 and the brown area in the branch part CHeda. As a result, it is possible to make the shiny part CHteka1 ooze out a yellow color that is less conspicuous than the pink color, and even if the printing of the pink paint layer and the yellow paint layer is misaligned, the shiny part CHteka1 has a pink color. It is possible to prevent color from seeping out, and it is possible to prevent or reduce poor identification and misidentification of patterns.

Similarly, the leaf portion CHha is attached to the base material 560 as a colored forming layer 567b, as shown in FIG. On the other hand, a light blue paint layer (blue part) 567bC is printed, and then a yellow paint layer (yellow part) 567bY is printed on the back side, and further, in the area of the shiny part CHteka2, For example, the white paint layer (white portion) 561 formed together with the background portion H is printed so as to be superimposed after the yellow paint layer. In other words, the shiny part CHteka2 is formed adjacent to the leaf part CHha so as to expose the white paint layer so that it can be visually recognized as white. In the present embodiment, at least one layer 567bY of yellow paint, which is lighter in color than light blue, has higher brightness, and is closer to white, is applied to the area of the edge Fuch2 corresponding to the outer edge of the shiny portion CHteka2. The area where the yellow paint layer (yellow part) 567bY is printed is set so that the yellow paint layer (yellow part) 567bY is printed so that the yellow paint layer (yellow part) 567bY is printed closer to the edge Fuch2 than the area where the light blue paint layer 567bC is printed. Set the trapping process so that it becomes larger by an amount corresponding to the area. In other words, the yellow region is formed to be sandwiched between the white region in the shiny portion CHteka2 and the green region in the leaf portion CHha. As a result, it is possible to cause the shiny part CHteka2 to seep out yellow, which is less conspicuous than light blue, and even if the printing of the light blue paint layer and the yellow paint layer is misaligned, the light blue will seep into the shiny part CHteka2. This makes it possible to prevent or reduce poor identification and misidentification of symbols.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 49(a), the width d of the edge Fuch2, which is set so that the yellow paint layer 567bY extends beyond the light blue paint layer 567bC, that is, the width d of the yellow area, is In terms of design, the thickness is set to 1 mm, for example. The width d of this edge Fuch2 is set to be narrower than the narrowest width (for example, 2 mm) at the edge P4a (see FIG. 48) so as not to be noticeable.

Furthermore, similarly, the real part CHmi is configured such that the area excluding the shiny part CHteka3A and the shiny part CHteka3B is visible as red, and the area of the shadow part CHkage (black-red area) is visible as black-red. As shown in FIG. 49(b), a black paint layer (black part) 567bK is formed on the base material 560 as a colored forming layer 567b, with a non-printing area of 30% and a printing area of 70%. Then, a layer of red paint (red part) 567bM is printed on the back side of the dots, and furthermore, in the areas of the shiny part CHteka3A and the shiny part CHteka3B, for example, a background part H is printed. A white paint layer (white portion) 561 formed together with the red paint layer 567bM is printed so as to be overlaid after the red paint layer 567bM. In other words, the shiny part CHteka3A and the shiny part CHteka3B are formed so as to be adjacent to the shadow part CHkage and to expose the white paint layer so that it can be visually recognized as white. In this embodiment, the areas of the edge Fuch3A and edge Fuch3B corresponding to the outer edges of the shiny part CHteka3A and the shiny part CHteka3B are colored red, which is lighter in color, higher in brightness, and closer to white than black. The area (red area) in which the red paint layer 567bM is printed is set so that at least a part of the paint layer 567bM bleeds out, that is, the area of the red paint layer is covered with black (70%) paint. The trapping process is set to be larger than the area where the layer is printed by an amount corresponding to the areas of edge Fuch3A and edge Fuch3B. In other words, the red region is formed to be sandwiched between the white region in the bright portion CHteka3A and the black-red region in the shadow portion CHkage. This real part CHmi is originally formed of red, but especially in parts where the bright part CHteka3A and the shadow part CHkage are close (the boundary part between the bright part CHteka3A and the shadow part CHkage) 70%) can be prevented from seeping into the shiny part CHteka3A, and it is possible to prevent or reduce poor identification and misidentification of the symbols.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 49(b), the width d of the edge Fuch3A, which is set so that the red paint layer 567bM penetrates beyond the black paint layer 567bK, that is, the width d of the red area, is also adjusted according to this implementation. In terms of design, the thickness is set to 1 mm, for example. Similarly, the width d of this edge Fuch3A is set to be narrower than the narrowest width (for example, 2 mm) at the edge P4a (see FIG. 48) so as not to be noticeable.

In addition, in the above-mentioned cherry pattern P4, the combination of yellow and pink (brown) is yellow, the combination of yellow and light blue (green) is yellow, and the combination of red and black (black-red). In the above, we have explained the case in which the red color is set to seep into the shiny portions, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in a combination of yellow (yellow part) and blue (blue part) (visible as green or dark green), yellow (yellow part) may be used in designs representing vegetables and fruits, etc. ) and red (red area) (visible as orange (orange area)), yellow (yellow area) is used in replay patterns, plum patterns, etc. (visibly recognizable as blue), it is conceivable to perform a trapping process to cause the light blue to seep into the shiny part.

In addition, in the above-mentioned pattern P4, which is a cherry pattern, it has been described that the edge of each shiny part is formed such that a yellow area or a red area is sandwiched between the outer peripheral area and the white area. Depending on the design, the yellow area or red area may not be limited to the edge of the shiny part. In other words, if at least a part of the yellow area is sandwiched between a green area or brown area and a white area, or the red area is At least a part of the area may be sandwiched between a black-red area and a white area, etc.

In addition, it is sufficient that at least a part of the yellow area is in contact with a green area, a brown area, or an orange area and a white area. A mode in which a region or an orange region exists, a mode in which a white region exists only in the vertical direction or horizontal direction (partial direction) of the yellow region, etc. may be used. Similarly, it is sufficient that at least a part of the red region is in contact with the black-red region and the white region, for example, a mode in which the black-red region exists only in the vertical direction or horizontal direction (partial direction) of the red region, The white region may exist only in the vertical direction or horizontal direction (partial direction) of the red region, or the like.

Moreover, although the above-mentioned shiny parts CHteka1 to CHteka3B are printed with white paint as the colored forming layer 567b, they may also be printed in white with the first background forming layer 561A or the second background forming layer 561B. I do not care.

Next, the positional relationship between the shiny part and the LED 515 of the reel backlight BL will be explained using FIGS. 44 and 50. FIG. 50 is a diagram illustrating the positional relationship between the cherry symbol and the backlight LED when viewing the cherry symbol from the line of sight of a typical player, for example. Note that the state shown in FIG. 50 may deviate slightly depending on the height (sitting height) of the player, the error in the reel stop position, etc., but this is an example in which such a state may occur with a certain probability. It is. Further, the hyphens "-11" to "-23" in the codes of each LED 515 are used to distinguish the positions, and when there is no need to distinguish, the LEDs 515 are simply referred to as LEDs 515.

As shown in FIG. 44, on the backlight board 516 of the reel backlight BL, a total of six LEDs 515 in three columns and two rows are arranged so as to be exposed from each opening of the reflector RL. When R1 (the second reel R2 and the third reel R3 are also the same) is stopped, one symbol on the reel tape T1 (the same is true for the reel tape T2 and reel tape T3), that is, these six symbols, is drawn against the opening of the reflector RL. The LEDs 515 are arranged so as to illuminate one pattern with the optical axis of the LEDs 515 as the central axis.

As shown in FIG. 50, when the first reel R1 (reel tape T1) is stopped, six LEDs 515-11, 515-12, 515-13, and 515- are displayed on the back side of symbol P4, which is a cherry symbol. 21, LED 515-22, and LED 515-23 may be located. In this state, the LED 515-12 overlaps a part of the above-described shiny portion CHteka2, so the shiny portion CHteka2 and the edge Fuch2 are illuminated by light passing through the central axis of the LED 515-12. Therefore, the yellow paint seeps into the edge Fuch2 of the shiny part CHteka2 mentioned above, but it is brightly irradiated by the light passing through the central axis of the LED 515-12, and the yellow of the edge Fuch2 is more yellow than the green of the leaf CHha. It becomes brighter and the brightness approaches the white color in the shiny part CHteka2, making it less noticeable, so that poor identification and misidentification of the symbols can be prevented or reduced.

Furthermore, while the first reel R1 (reel tape T1) is rotating, the LEDs 515-11 and 515-21 in the same row with respect to the symbol P4 pass through the virtual line LED-L1 hypothetically shown in FIG. Similarly, LED515-12 and LED515-22 in the same column move relative to each other so as to pass through the virtual line LED-L2, and similarly LED515-13 and LED515-23 in the same column It moves relatively so as to pass through the line LED-L3. Of these, the virtual line LED-L1 overlaps with the light section CHteka3B, and the virtual line LED-L2 overlaps with the light section CHteka2. In other words, the bright part CHteka3B is arranged at a position overlapping with the LED515-11 and the LED515-21 (at least one of the plurality of LEDs) in the transverse direction X (width direction), and the bright part CHteka2 is , LED 515-12, and LED 515-22 (at least one of the plurality of LEDs) are arranged at a position overlapping in the transverse direction X (width direction). Therefore, when the first reel R1 (reel tape T1) is rotating, the shiny part CHteka3B is illuminated by light passing through the center axis of the LED 515-11 and the LED 515-21, and the shiny part CHteka2 is illuminated by the light passing through the center axis of the LED 515-11 and the LED 515-21. -22 is illuminated by light passing through the central axis.

Therefore, while the first reel R1 (reel tape T1) is rotating, the red paint seeps into the edge Fuch3B in the portion of the shiny portion CHteka3B that is close to the shadow portion CHkage, but the LED515-11 It is brightly irradiated by light passing through the center axis of the LED 515-21, and the red of the edge Fuch3B is brighter than the black of the shadow part CHkage, and the brightness approaches the white of the shiny part CHteka3B, making it less noticeable. Similarly, while the first reel R1 (reel tape T1) is rotating, yellow paint seeps into the edge Fuch2 of the shiny part CHteka2, but due to the light from the LEDs 515-12 and 515-22, The yellow of the edge Fuch2 becomes brighter than the green of the leaf CHha, and the brightness approaches the white of the shiny part CHteka2, making it less noticeable.

In the explanation using FIG. 50, it is assumed that the first reel R1 (reel tape T1) is rotating, but the position where the first reel R1 (reel tape T1) stops or the player's line of sight For example, there may be a case where the LED 515-11 overlaps the shiny part CHteka1 or the shiny part CHteka3B, and even in such a case, the effect of making the edge Fuch1 or the edge Fuch3B less noticeable is the same.

In this way, the slot machine 100 has a plurality of reels (for example, reel tapes T1 to T3) on which a plurality of symbols including a specific symbol (for example, symbol P4) are arranged, in addition to the above-described embodiments. , left reel 110a to right reel 110c, first reel R1 to third reel R3), and a reel backlight (for example, reel backlight BL) having a light emitting source and illuminating the reel from the inside, The tape has a blue part on which blue paint is printed, a red part on which red paint is printed, a yellow part on which yellow paint is printed, and a white part on which white paint is printed. , the specific design has a green area where the blue part and the yellow part overlap to make the green color visible, or an orange area where the red part and the yellow part overlap to make the orange color visible, and the yellow part are visible. The yellow area is in contact with the green area or the orange area, the yellow area is in contact with the white area, and the yellow area is in contact with the white area. It is sandwiched between a green area or an orange area and a white area.

In addition to the embodiments described above, the slot machine 100 has a plurality of reel tapes (for example, reel tapes T1 to T3) on which a plurality of symbols including a specific symbol (for example, symbol P4) are arranged. reels (for example, left reel 110a to right reel 110c, first reel R1 to third reel R3), a reel backlight (for example, reel backlight BL) that has a light emitting source and illuminates the reel from the inside, The reel tape has a black part on which black paint is printed, a red part on which red paint is printed, and a white part on which white paint is printed, and the specific design is printed on the black part. The red area has a black-red area where the black-red area is made visible by overlapping with the red area, a red area where the red area is made visible, and a white area where the white area is made visible, and the red area is: The red area is in contact with the black-red area, the red area is in contact with the white area, and the red area is sandwiched between the black-red area and the white area.

Further, for example, in the above-described embodiment, the duration of the AT performance state is explained by citing the number of consecutive games, but this is not limited to this case, and it is the difference between the number of medals inserted (number of bets) and the number of medals paid out. It is also possible to use the number of differential sheets, the number of times of navigation which is the number of auxiliary effects, and the number of times of bell which is the number of times the winning role "Bell" has won.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the number of reels 110 is three (left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, right reel 110c), but the number of reels 110 is not limited to this case. It can also be applied to cases where there are one (first reel, second reel, third reel, fourth reel) or five or more reels.

Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202 are arranged to share the functional parts for playing the game, but the functional parts of the main control board 200 are transferred to the sub-control board 202. The functional parts of the sub-control board 202 may be arranged on the main control board 200, or all the functional parts can be arranged on one control board.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the game is played using medals as the gaming value, but the gaming value may be electrical information (so-called medalless). In this case, when a winning combination is won, the amount of value corresponding to the winning combination may be given to the player in the form of electrical information.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the description has been given of an example applied to the slot machine 100, but there is also a game board in which a game area into which a game ball flows is formed, and a game board provided in the game area into which a game ball can enter. A big winning opening, an opening/closing member that opens and closes the big winning opening, and when a predetermined condition is met, the opening/closing member is controlled to open and close, and a big winning game is executed that includes a plurality of round games in which the big winning opening is opened. The invention can also be applied to a gaming machine, a so-called pachinko machine, which is equipped with a big winning opening control means.

Further, each process performed by the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202 described above does not necessarily need to be performed in chronological order according to the order described in the flowchart, and may include processing in parallel or by a subroutine.

100 Slot machine (gaming machine)
110 reel (reel)
118 Start switch 120 Stop switch 124 Liquid crystal display section 128 Speaker 304 Winning type lottery means 306 Reel control means 314 Production state control means 334 Production control means R1 to R3 1st reel to 3rd reel (reel)

Claims (1)

A plurality of reels having reel tapes on which a plurality of symbols including a specific symbol are arranged;
a reel backlight having a light emitting source and illuminating the reel from inside;
start switch and
multiple stop switches,
A lottery means for performing a lottery;
Notifying means for notifying an operating mode indicating an operating mode of the stop switch and notifying an operation execution indicating that the stop switch has been operated when the lottery result by the lottery device is a predetermined result; ,
Equipped with
The operation mode notification is
There is an operation order notification indicating the operation order and an operation timing notification indicating the operation timing.
The operation order notification includes an operation order image indicating the operation order,
The operation timing notification includes a stop symbol image indicating the operation timing,
Unlike the first layer where the stop symbol image is arranged and the second layer where the operation order image is arranged,
The first layer has a higher priority than the second layer,
The operation execution notification is
visibility reduction notification indicating a reduction in visibility of at least one of the operation order notification or the operation timing notification;
The notification means is
when the operation order notification and the operation timing notification are being performed, starting the visibility reduction notification;
A gaming machine that terminates at least one of the operation order notification or the operation timing notification when the visibility reduction notification is being performed,
The reel tape is
A blue part where blue paint is printed, or a red part where red paint is printed,
A yellow part where yellow paint is printed,
a white part on which white paint is printed;
The specific design is
a green area where the blue part and the yellow part overlap to make green visible; or an orange area where the red part and the yellow part overlap to make orange visible;
a yellow area that makes the yellow part visible;
a white area that makes the white part visible;
The yellow area is in contact with the green area or the orange area,
The yellow area is in contact with the white area,
In the gaming machine, the yellow area is sandwiched between the green area or the orange area and the white area.

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