JP7427267B2 - game machine - Google Patents

Description

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

2. Description of the Related Art A game machine is known that performs display and audio output as the game progresses (for example, Patent Document 1). Such effects such as display and audio output have the effect of increasing the interest of the game.

Patent No. 3639728

However, there is room for improvement in the conventional performance in relation to the game period.

An object of the present invention is to provide a game machine that can improve the interest of the performance in relation to the game period.

According to the invention,
A game machine equipped with a presentation means,
The production means is a means capable of performing a predetermined production over a first period,
The production means is a means capable of executing the predetermined production over a second period,
The first period is a period of a plurality of games,
The second period is shorter than the first period,
The predetermined performance that is performed over the second period is a performance that includes a performance that is performed in a pseudo game,
The first period is a period that includes a period in which the player's operation on the operation means is accepted in the game,
The second period is a period including a period in which a player's operation on the operating means is accepted in the main game, and a period in which a player's operation on the operating means is accepted in the pseudo game,
The number of operations on the operation means that can be accepted in the first period is a first number,
The number of operations on the operation means that can be accepted in the second period is a second number,
The second number of times is the same number of times as the first number of times,
The predetermined performance is a performance that has a predetermined configuration of a plurality of individual performances,
The second period is a period in which a certain individual performance among the plurality of individual performances performed in the main game in the first period is also performed in the pseudo game in the second period. , a period in which the predetermined effect having the predetermined configuration is executed in a period shorter than the first period;
There is provided a game machine characterized by the following.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a game machine that can improve the interest of the performance in relation to the game period.

1 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 seen from the front side (player side). FIG. It is a diagram showing an example of a winning line. 3 is an external perspective view showing a reel rotating device 185 of the slot machine 100. FIG. (a) is an exploded perspective view of the reel drive unit 25, and (b) is an LED layout diagram of a plurality of reel backlights 94 attached to the lighting board 90. It is a circuit block diagram of a control part. It is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on each reel developed in a two-dimensional manner. It is a diagram showing types of winning combinations (including activation combinations). It is the type of small role bell and its explanatory diagram. (a) is a transition diagram of the gaming state of the slot machine 100, and (b) is a transition diagram of the advantageous section and non-advantageous section of the slot machine 100. 3 is a transition diagram of AT-related states of the slot machine 100. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of main control unit main processing. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of main control unit timer interrupt processing. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of pseudo game related processing (step S109) in FIG. 11. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of reel rotation start processing (step S1003) of the pseudo game in FIG. 13. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reel stop control process (step S1005) of the pseudo game in FIG. 13. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the pseudo next game start process (step S1006) in FIG. 13. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of reel rotation start processing (step S113) in FIG. 11. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of random delayed rotation start processing (step S1411) in FIG. 17. FIG. (a) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400, (b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt process of the first sub-control unit 400, and (c) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400. 5 is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing by the first sub-control unit 400. FIG. (a) is a flowchart of the main process executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500, (b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt process of the second sub-control unit 500, and (c) is a flowchart of the main process executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. 3 is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500, and (d) is a flowchart of image control processing of the second sub-control unit 500. FIG. It is a figure showing an example of operation of a pseudo game of an embodiment. It is a diagram showing a pseudo game lamp 190. It is a figure showing an example of composition of continuous performance CE. (a) and (b) are diagrams showing an example of execution of continuous effect CE. (a) and (b) are diagrams showing an example of execution of continuous effect CE. It is a diagram showing an example of performance in a pseudo game. It is a diagram showing an example of performance in a pseudo game. It is a flowchart showing another example of reel stop control processing of a pseudo game. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of notification processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300. FIG. (a) to (c) are diagrams showing examples of operation navigation in the AT state. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of transition of an AT-related state. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of transition of an AT-related state. (a) is a diagram showing an example of information output from the information output circuit 334 to the information input circuit 652, and (b) is a diagram showing an example of display on a game information display outside the slot machine 100. (a) to (c) are diagrams showing examples of changes in the RB signal and BB signal. 6 is a diagram showing an example of changes in the RB signal and BB signal and changes in the display example of the display 653. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of changes in the RB signal and BB signal and changes in the display example of the display 653. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of changes in the RB signal and BB signal and changes in the display example of the display 653. FIG. It is a flowchart showing an example of game start processing. It is a flowchart showing an example of bet processing. It is an explanatory diagram when the bet buttons 130 to 132 are used as effect selection confirmation buttons. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open. 2 is a block diagram of a control system related to light emitting elements 212 to 214. FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the claimed invention, and not all combinations of features described in the embodiments are essential to the invention. Two or more features among the plurality of features described in the embodiments may be arbitrarily combined. In addition, the same or similar configurations are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations will be omitted.

<First embodiment>
In the slot machine of the present embodiment described below, a predetermined number of game media are inserted as a gaming value, and a plurality of reels each having a plurality of types of symbols rotate when a predetermined rotation start instruction operation is received. At the same time, based on receiving the rotation start instruction operation, the success or failure of internal winning of multiple types of winning combinations is determined by lottery, and each of the plurality of reels starts rotating by receiving a predetermined rotation stop instruction operation. are stopped individually, and if the conditions determined by the winning combination based on the result of the lottery and the symbol combination when the plurality of reels are stopped match the predetermined payout conditions, the game media is paid out and the game ends. This is a game machine that runs a series of games that will end without paying out game media if the machine does not pay out the game media.

First, the basic configuration of the slot machine 100 will be explained using FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 viewed from the front side (player side). FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a winning line.

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

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

A backlight (see FIG. 4 described later) for illuminating individual symbols displayed on the display window 113 is arranged on the back side of each reel 110 to 112. It is desirable that the backlight be shielded for each pattern so that each pattern can be illuminated evenly. Note that inside the slot machine 100, an optical sensor (not shown) consisting of a light emitting part and a light receiving part is provided near each of the reels 110 to 112. A light shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel is configured to pass between the two. The position of the symbol on the reel in the rotational direction is determined based on the detection result of this optical sensor, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that the desired symbol is displayed on the winning line.

The winning line display lamp 120 is a lamp that indicates a valid winning line. The winning line is a line on which it is determined whether or not a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination has been displayed, and in this embodiment, it is composed of a left reel middle symbol, a middle reel middle symbol, and a right reel middle symbol. Middle winning line L1, upper winning line L2 consisting of left reel upper symbols, middle reel upper symbols and right reel upper symbols, and lower winning line L2 consisting of left reel lower symbols, middle reel lower symbols and right reel lower symbols. Three lines, line L3, are provided. FIG. 2 shows these winning lines L1 to L3. The valid winning line (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the "valid line") is predetermined by the number of gaming media (medals) bet as gaming value. The slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 requires three medals, and when the number of medals inserted is less than three, none of the winning lines become valid, and when three medals are bet, the winning lines L1 to L3 becomes effective. When the winning line becomes valid, the game can be started by operating the start lever 135.

Note that the number of winning lines is not limited to three lines. For example, only the middle winning line L1 may be used. Alternatively, add a winning line that goes down to the right, consisting of the upper symbol on the left reel, the middle symbol on the middle reel, and the lower symbol on the right reel, or a prize line that goes up to the right, consisting of the lower symbol on the left reel, the middle symbol on the middle reel, and the upper symbol on the right reel. A total of five winning lines may be set as valid winning lines, or a number of winning lines corresponding to the number of bets may be set as valid winning lines.

The notification lamp 123 indicates, for example, that a specific winning combination (specifically, RB (special prize)) has been internally won in an internal lottery to be described later, or that a special prize has been internally won or a special game state is in a special prize winning state to be described later. This is a lamp that informs the player that the game medals can be inserted.The game medal insertion possible lamp 124 is a lamp that informs the player that the game medal can be inserted.The replay lamp 122 is a lamp that informs the player that the game medals can be inserted. This is a lamp that informs the player that the current game can be played again (no need to insert medals) when winning a replay combination (details will be described later).Reel panel The lamp 128 is a lamp for presentation.

The bet buttons 130 to 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (referred to as credits) stored electronically in the slot machine 100, or in other words, buttons for accepting bet operations. In this embodiment, one coin is inserted each time the bet button 130 is pressed, two coins are inserted when the bet button 131 is pressed, and three coins are inserted when the bet button 132 is pressed. (maximum 3). Hereinafter, the bet button 132 will also be referred to as the MAX bet button. In addition, the game medal insertion lamp 129 lights up a number of lamps according to the number of inserted medals, and when a specified number of medals are inserted, a game start signal indicating that the game start operation is possible. Lamp 121 lights up.

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

The stored medal number display 125 is a display device for displaying the number of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for numerically displaying various internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during the special game state). The payout number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals paid out to the player as a result of winning some winning combination. Note that in the following, it may be expressed as being given to the player in the same sense as being paid out to the player. In the present embodiment, the stored token number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout token number display 127 are composed of seven segment (SEG) displays. This payout number display 127 corresponds to an example of operation navigation execution means. Although omitted in FIG. 1, an advantageous section lamp, which will be described later, may be provided at the lower right of the payout number display 127 to indicate that the game is in an advantageous section.

Note that, as will be described later, in the slot machine 100 of the present embodiment, most games are played in advantageous sections, and it is also possible to know from presentations that AT games are being played, so it is not necessary to provide an advantageous section lamp.

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

The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137 to 139, each of which includes a left stop button 137, a middle stop button 138, and a right stop button 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-shaped switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating by operating the start lever 135, and are associated with each reel 110 to 112.

More specifically, by operating the left stop button 137, the left reel 110 can be stopped, by operating the middle stop button 138, the middle reel 111 can be stopped, and by operating the right stop button 139, the middle reel 111 can be stopped. By operating the right reel 112, it is possible to stop the right reel 112. Hereinafter, the operations on the stop buttons 137 to 139 will be referred to as a stop operation, the first stop operation will be referred to as a first stop operation, the next stop operation will be referred to as a second stop operation, and the last stop operation will be referred to as a third stop operation. Further, the reels that are stopped in response to these stop operations are referred to as a first stop reel, a second stop reel, and a third stop reel in this order.

Furthermore, the order in which the stop buttons 137 to 139 are stopped in order to stop all of the rotating reels 110 to 112 is called an operation order or a pressing order. Furthermore, the order of operations in which the first stop operation is an operation to stop the left reel 110 is called "order of push operations" or simply "push in order", and the order of operations in which the first stop operation is an operation to stop the right reel 112 is called "order of push operations" or simply "push in order". This is called "reverse push operation order" or simply "reverse push."

Note that a light emitting body may be provided inside each of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and when the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be operated, the light emitting body may be turned on to notify the player.

The bet buttons 130 to 132, the start lever 135, and the stop buttons 137 to 139 are examples of operation means that accept operations from the player regarding the progress of the game.

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

A chance button 165 and a selection confirmation button 166 are provided between the bet button 132 and the medal slot 141. The chance button 165 has a built-in effect lamp, and the selection confirmation button 166 has a built-in effect lamp. The chance button 165 is an operation means operated by the player during the performance. Further, a left button 167 is provided on the left side of the selection confirmation button 166, and a right button 168 is provided on the right side. By operating the left button 167 and right button 168, it may be possible to move the cursor displayed on the effect image display device 157, and in such cases, the movement may be confirmed using the selection confirmation button 166. can.

A title panel 162 is provided at the bottom of the stop button unit 136 for displaying the model name and pasting various certificate stamps. At the bottom of the title panel 162, a medal payout opening 155 and a medal receiving tray 161 are provided.

The sound hole 145 is a hole for outputting sound from a speaker 277 (see FIG. 5) provided below inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. Side lamps 144 provided on the left and right sides of the front door 102 are decorative lamps to enliven the game. A presentation device 160 is disposed above the front door 102, and a speaker 272 (see FIG. 5) provided above inside the slot machine 100 outputs sound to the outside. A sound hole 143 is provided for this purpose.

This effect device 160 includes a shutter (shielding device) 163 consisting of two right shutters 163a and a left shutter 163b that can be opened and closed in the horizontal direction, and an effect image display device 157 (liquid crystal display) disposed on the back side of this shutter 163. When the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened horizontally outward in front of the effect image display device 157, the display screen of the effect image display device 157 is displayed in front of the slot machine 100 (player side, front side). ).

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

Although not shown in FIG. 1, a pseudo game lamp 190 is provided at the upper right of the production device 160 to indicate that a pseudo game is in progress (FIG. 22), which will be described later.

<Reel rotating device>
Next, the reel rotating device 185 that rotates the reels 110 to 112 of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail using FIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing the reel rotating device 185 of the slot machine 100. The reel rotation device 185 is generally composed of reel drive units 25, 26, and 27, and a case member 221 that houses them. The reel drive units 25, 26, and 27 are structurally composed of the same parts, except that the arrangement of the symbols printed on the reel band 30 (see FIG. 6, which will be described later) is different. The reel drive units 25, 26, and 27 (hereinafter, the reel drive unit 25 will be described because they have the same configuration) are individually and detachably housed in the case member 221.

FIG. 4A is an exploded perspective view of the reel drive unit 25. The reel drive unit 25 includes a mounting base 13, a sensor bracket 14, a stepping motor 20, a sensor 80, and a reel 110 that includes a strip member 30, a reel frame 40, a detection piece 50, and a reinforcing rim 70. It also includes an illumination board 90 composed of a plurality of reel backlights 94 for illuminating the symbols from behind. Note that an attachment member for attaching the lighting board 90 to the reel drive unit 25 is also provided, but it is omitted in the figure. Further, the lighting board 90 is provided not only in the reel drive unit 25 but also in the reel drive units 26 and 27, and a plurality of reel backlights 94 are provided for each.

The mounting base 13 has a sensor bracket 14 and a stepping motor 20 formed on a flat plate. The sensor bracket 14 is mounted on the mounting base 13, and a sensor 80 for detecting passage of a detection piece 50, which will be described later, is attached to the tip.

The stepping motor 20 is, for example, a four-phase type motor with a resolution of about 252 steps per rotation, and is driven by a 1-2 phase excitation method. Therefore, one rotation can be controlled with 504 pulses, and the rotation angle can be controlled with 0.7 degrees/pulse.

A reel frame 40 is attached to the rotating shaft of the stepping motor 20. The reel frame 40 includes a boss portion 42 attached to the rotating shaft of the stepping motor 20, a rim portion 44 to which the strip member 30 is attached, and four connecting portions 43 for connecting the boss portion 42 and the rim portion 44. It consists of With this configuration, the weight of the reel frame 40 is reduced, and the load on the stepping motor 20 is reduced. The connecting portion 43 further has a screw hole 48 opened for attaching the detection piece 50 with a screw 60.

The strip member 30 is adhered around the rim portion 44 of the reel frame 40. At the same time, a reinforcing rim 70 is bonded to the opposite end of the strip member 30 for the purpose of reinforcing the strip member 30.

The main control unit 300 detects the rotation of each rotating reel based on the detection result of a sensor (index sensor) 80 that detects an index (detection piece 50) provided on each rotating reel, and also detects whether each rotating reel has stopped. In this case, the stop position of each rotating reel (the position of the symbols displayed on the reel) is specified. Furthermore, the main control section 300 transmits information regarding the symbol positions displayed on the reels to the first sub-control section 400.

The plurality of reel backlights 94 are made of LEDs and are attached to the lighting base 90. By lighting all the reel backlights 94 among the plurality of reel backlights 94, all the symbols on the symbol display window 113 can be illuminated from behind. Furthermore, by lighting up some of the reel backlights 94, some of the symbols on the symbol display window 113 can be illuminated from behind. In this way, the plurality of reel backlights 94 illuminate the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 from the back side toward the player.

FIG. 4(b) is an LED arrangement diagram of a plurality of reel backlights 94 attached to the lighting board 90. Specifically, the plurality of reel backlights 94 include LED-01 and LED-02 that illuminate the upper position of the symbol display window 113, LED-03 and LED-04 that illuminate the middle position of the symbol display window 113, and the symbol display. It is equipped with LED-05 and LED-06 that illuminate the lower position of window 113. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to control the lighting of the reels 110 to 112 for each of the upper row, middle row, and lower row. In order to distinguish the backlights 94 of each reel 110-112, LEDs 01-06 that illuminate the left reel 110 are referred to as LED-L01-L06, and LEDs 01-06 that illuminate the middle reel 111 are referred to as LED-C01-C06. The LEDs 01 to 06 that illuminate the right reel 112 are expressed as LED-R01 to R06.

<Circuit configuration of control section>
Next, the circuit configuration of the control section of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail using FIG. 5. Note that this figure shows a circuit block diagram of the control section.

The control unit of the slot machine 100 can be roughly divided into a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game, and a main control unit 300 that controls the main performance according to command signals (hereinafter simply referred to as “commands”) transmitted by the main control unit 300. The second sub-control unit 500 controls various devices based on commands sent from the first sub-control unit 400. Here, regarding the main control unit 300, if the data capacity becomes large, it becomes difficult to check the program, and the security deteriorates, such as becoming a breeding ground for unauthorized modification. There are limits to the data capacity of the RAM 308.

<Main control section>
First, the main control section 300 of the slot machine 100 will be explained. The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300, and this basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, control program data, lottery data used in internal lottery for winning combinations, and reel symbols. A ROM 306 that stores arrays, stop positions, etc., a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, an I/O 310 for controlling input/output of various devices, and a counter timer 312 for measuring time, number of times, etc. It is equipped with a WDT (watch dog timer) 314.

Note that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 306 and RAM 308, and the same applies to the first sub-control unit 400 and second sub-control unit 500, which will be described later.

The CPU 304 of this basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 315b as a system clock. Furthermore, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits the frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312, and the counter timer 312 sets the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data. An interrupt request is sent to the CPU 304 at each interrupt time.

The CPU 304 uses this interrupt request as a trigger to monitor each sensor and transmit drive pulses. For example, if the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1/256, and the frequency division data of the ROM 306 is set to 47, the reference time of the interrupt is 256 x 47 ÷ 8 MHz. =1.504ms.

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

In addition, the main control unit 300 includes a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 detects various sensors 318 (bet button 130 sensor, bet button 131 sensor, bet button 132 sensor, medal input from the medal slot 141) at each interrupt time. A medal reception sensor that detects medals, a start lever 135 sensor, a left stop button 137 sensor, a middle stop button 138 sensor, a right stop button 139 sensor, a payment button 134 sensor, a medal payout sensor for medals paid out from the hopper unit 180, and a reel 110. -112 optical sensors (index sensor 80, etc.) are monitored.

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

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

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

The optical sensor (index sensor 80) of the reels 110 to 112 is installed at a predetermined position on the mounting base of each reel 110 to 112, and each time the light shielding piece (detection piece 50) provided on the reel frame passes, become the level. The rotational position information indicating how far the reel is rotating from the reference position from once reaching the L level until the next time it becomes the L level is calculated based on the counted value of the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b. be done. When the CPU 304 detects the L level signal, it determines that the reel has rotated once, and resets the rotational position information of the reel to zero. This rotational position information is stored in the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300.

The main control unit 300 includes a drive circuit 322 that drives the stepping motors provided on the reels 110 to 112, a drive circuit 324 that drives the solenoids provided on the medal selector 170 that sorts the medals that have been inserted, and a motor provided on the hopper unit 180. The drive circuit 326 that drives the various lamps 336 (winning line display lamp 120, notification lamp 123, game medal insertion possible lamp 124, replay lamp 122, game medal insertion lamp 129, game start lamp 121, storage number display 125 , a game information display 126, a payout number display 127, a pseudo game lamp 190, and an advantageous section lamp 191).

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

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

The main control unit 300 also includes an output interface for transmitting control commands (sometimes referred to as subcommands) to the first sub-control unit 400, and is capable of communicating with the first sub-control unit 400. It is said that Note that information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 is one-way communication, and the main control unit 300 is configured to be able to transmit signals such as control commands to the first sub-control unit 400. However, the configuration is such that signals such as control commands cannot be transmitted from the first sub-control unit 400 to the main control unit 300.

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

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

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

The first sub-control unit 400 is also provided with a drive circuit 422, and various lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 144, title panel lamp, bet button lamp, A reel backlight 94, etc.) is connected.

The first sub-control unit 400 is also provided with a drive circuit 424 that drives the motor of the shutter 163, and the drive circuit 424 is provided with the shutter 163 via an output interface. This drive circuit 424 outputs a drive signal to a stepping motor (not shown) provided in the shutter 163 in response to a command from the CPU 404.

Further, the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a sensor circuit 426, and a shutter sensor 428 is connected to the sensor circuit 426 via an input interface. The CPU 404 monitors the state of the shutter sensor 428 at every interrupt time. Furthermore, the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a switch sensor 427, and this switch sensor 427 detects pressing of the chance button 165. Further, the switch sensor 427 also detects pressing of each of the selection confirmation button 166, left button 167, and right button 168. Detection signals from the shutter sensor 428 and the switch sensor 427 are output to the basic circuit 402 by the sensor circuit 426.

Further, the CPU 404 transmits and receives signals to and from the second sub-control unit 500 via the output interface. The second sub-control unit 500 performs various controls of the effect device 160 including display control of the effect image display device 157. The second sub-control unit 500 includes, for example, a control unit that controls the display of the effect image display device 157, a control unit that controls various drive devices for effect (for example, a control unit that controls motor drive of the shutter 163), and a control unit that controls the display of the effect image display device 157. ) may be configured with a plurality of control units.

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

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

Further, the second sub-control unit 500 is provided with a VDP 516 (video display processor), and a ROM 506 and a VRAM 518 are connected to the VDP 516 via a bus. The VDP 516 reads image data etc. stored in the ROM 506 based on a signal from the CPU 504, generates a display image using the work area of the VRAM 518, and displays the image on the effect image display device 157.

<Design arrangement>
Next, the symbol arrangement on each of the reels 110 to 112 described above will be explained using FIG. 6. Note that this figure is a plan view showing the arrangement of symbols on each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112).

On each reel 110 to 112, a predetermined number of symbols (in this embodiment, 20 symbols with numbers 1 to 20) of a plurality of types (8 types in this embodiment) shown on the right side of the figure are arranged. Further, the numbers 1 to 20 shown at the left end of the figure are numbers indicating the arrangement positions of the symbols on each reel 110 to 112. For example, in this embodiment, the number 20 piece on the left reel 110 has a “watermelon symbol,” the number 5 piece on the middle reel 111 has a “bell symbol,” and the number 9 piece on the right reel 112 has a “replay symbol.” ” are arranged respectively.

In order to improve the interest of the game, the slot machine 100 in this embodiment is configured to stop the corresponding reels 110 to 112 within the maximum pull-in range (for example, less than 5 frames) from the position where the stop operation is performed. There is.

<Type of winning role>
Next, the types of winning combinations of the slot machine 100 will be explained using FIG. 7. This figure is a diagram showing the types of winning combinations (including activation combinations).

The winning roles of the slot machine 100 include RB (special role), replay (replay role), common bell (small role), push order bell_LCR~RCL (small role), cherry (small role), and watermelon (small role). ). Note that the types of winning combinations are not limited to these winning combinations, and can be arbitrarily adopted.

Among the winning combinations in this embodiment, the special combination is a combination (activation combination) that moves to a special gaming state (RT2) in which a predetermined profit is given to the player upon winning. Furthermore, the replay combination is a combination that allows replaying without inserting new medals. These special winnings and replaying winnings are sometimes called "actuation winnings." In addition, "winning" in this embodiment includes cases where a symbol combination of an active role that does not involve a medal payout (does not involve a payout of medals) is displayed on the active line, such as a special role, a repeat Includes winnings in game roles. Note that the special winning combination is a winning combination that is carried over to the next game if it is not determined to be a winning prize, and the other winning combinations are general winning combinations that are not carried over to the next game if it is not determined to be a winning prize.

In the case of this embodiment, medals are not paid out for special winnings due to the winnings themselves. The corresponding symbol combination is "Seven 2-Blank-Blank". Note that in the following explanation, the special winning combination may be referred to as "RB".

When a special winning combination is internally won, an internal winning flag corresponding to the internally winning special winning combination is set to ON (stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300). When the flag corresponding to the special prize is set on, the main control unit 300 shifts the gaming state to a special prize internally winning state (RT1. RB internally winning). This flag remains on until the corresponding activation combination is won. Specifically, even if you do not win a prize in a game in which a special prize has been internally won, the situation will be the same as that in which the special prize has been internally won in subsequent games, and the corresponding symbol combinations will be available to win. There is.

In the case of this embodiment, the replay winning combination and each small winning combination can be won internally at the same time as the RB in one game. In the case of this embodiment, in the special win internal winning state, if a win other than the special win is internally won, the reels are controlled to stop so that the symbols constituting the other win are arranged preferentially. is executed.

A re-gaming combination is a winning combination (activation combination) that allows you to play the next game without inserting medals (gaming media) by winning a prize, and no medals are paid out. In other words, the game can be played again with the same number of bets as the number of coins inserted last time. The corresponding symbol combination is "Replay-Replay-Replay".

The replay combination may be any combination that allows the player to play the next game without inserting medals. Therefore, for example, if you win a prize in a replay, medals may be automatically inserted in the next game (the number of medals inserted is reset in a storage area for the number of inserted medals prepared in the RAM 308), or in a replay. The medals inserted in the winning game may be carried over to the next game and used as they are.

A small winning combination is a winning combination in which a predetermined number of medals are paid out upon winning. The corresponding symbol combinations are "ANY-cherry-ANY" for cherry, "watermelon-watermelon-watermelon" for watermelon, and "bell-bell-bell" for the common bell and each push order bell. However, the push order bell includes a combination of one bell symbol and another symbol (one piece role).

Here, the common bell is a winning combination regardless of the order of stop operations (press order) of the stop buttons 137 to 139, but each press order bell is a winning combination depending on the order of stop operations of the stop buttons 137 to 139. The number of medals paid out and whether or not there are prizes are different. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of the common bell and each bell in order of pressing.

In FIG. 8, "lottery probability" is the internal winning probability of each combination. The "number of medals to be paid out" is the maximum number of medals to be paid out when each winning combination is won. When winning the push order bell, a smaller number of medals than the "number of medals to be paid out" may be paid out.

LCR operation to RCL operation indicate the profits that the player can obtain depending on the order of the stop operations when each winning combination is internally won. The LCR operation means performing a stopping operation in the order of left → middle → right (stopping the reels 110 → 111 → 112 in this order). The LRC operation means performing a stop operation in the order of left → right → center. CLR operation means performing a stop operation in the order of center → left → right. CRL operation means performing a stop operation in the order of center → right → left. The RLC operation means performing a stop operation in the order of right → left → center. The RCL operation means performing a stop operation in the order of right → middle → left.

If the push order bell_LCR is internally won and the player operates the LCR, the game result will be "6 upper bells." This means that the bell symbols are aligned on the upper prize winning line L2 and six medals are paid out. If the push order bell_LCR is internally won and the player operates the LRC, the game result will be a "1-card winning combination." This means that one medal is paid out when one bell symbol and another symbol are aligned.

If the push order bell_LCR is internally won and the player performs a CLR operation, CRL operation, RLC operation, or RCL operation, the game result will be a "1-card" or "spill" depending on the stop operation position of the symbol. . ``Koboshi'' means that the combination of symbols for the winning hand was not aligned.

If the push order bell_CLR is internally won and the player operates the CLR, the game result will be "13 middle bells." This means that the bell symbols are aligned on the middle winning line L1 and 13 medals are paid out.

The same holds true for "6 upper bells", "1 piece", "Kokoshi", and "13 middle bells" which are assigned to other bells in the pressing order.

If the common bell is won internally, the game result will be "13 middle bells" regardless of the order of the stop operations. As mentioned above, this means that the bell symbols are aligned on the middle winning line L1 and 13 medals are paid out.

In this way, each push order bell is a combination in which the game result may vary depending on the manner in which the operating means (stop buttons 137 to 139) are operated.

<Internal lottery>
Next, internal winning of the winning combination can be determined by using a lottery method commonly used in slot machines. For example, internal winning of a winning combination is determined using a lottery table. In the lottery table, a plurality of condition devices and lottery values for each condition device are set for each gaming state (RT0: normal state, RT1: RB internal winning state, RT2: RB gaming state). For each conditional device, a winning combination is defined that will be internally won if the conditional device is determined to be won. The lottery value of each condition device defines the range of lottery data.

It is determined which condition device the random number value obtained as a result of executing the internal lottery corresponds to the lottery data corresponding to, and an internal lottery winning combination (internal winning combination) is determined. In the lottery table associated with the RB internal winning state or the RB gaming state, the winning probability of the conditional device corresponding to RB is 0. In the lottery table associated with the RB gaming state, only the condition devices corresponding to each push order bell and the common bell may win.

Settings 1 to 6 are prepared for this lottery data, and a game parlor staff member or the like can arbitrarily select and set any of the setting values. Settings 1 to 6 may be, for example, different winning probabilities for at least one conditional device, or a lottery that sets each state such as an AT state, although the winning probability of the conditional devices is the same. have different winning probabilities. There is a tendency that the higher the set value, the higher the player's advantage. Changing this setting is called setting change. Settings can be changed by operating a setting change switch (not shown) provided inside the slot machine 100 by a game parlor staff member or the like. When the settings are changed, the internal information of the slot machine 100 is cleared. For example, even if the internal winning result of RB is carried over, it is cleared and the gaming state is set to normal gaming (RT0).

If each conditional device does not win, it is a loss, and basically the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is not displayed. Note that the fact that the winning symbol combination is not stopped on the winning line may be referred to as "losing". In addition, not winning any of the winning combinations of the conditional devices may be expressed as "winning on a losing basis."

<Type of gaming state>
Next, the types of gaming states of the slot machine 100 and their transitions will be explained. FIG. 9(a) is a transition diagram of the gaming state of the slot machine 100.

The slot machine 100 is configured to be able to switch between a total of three gaming states (sometimes referred to as RT gaming states): a normal state (RT0), an RB internal winning state (RT2), and an RB gaming state (RT2). has been done. The player's advantage level may be changed by changing the RT gaming state.

In FIG. 9(a), each gaming state is shown, and these transition conditions are written on the arrows. When the transition condition corresponding to each arrow is established, the gaming state transitions in the direction of the arrow. These transition conditions include, for example, winning a predetermined role, winning a predetermined role internally, a specific symbol combination being stopped and displayed on a specific winning line, and playing the specified number of games. , and a predetermined number of coins may be paid out.

In the normal state (RT0), when RB is internally won, the gaming state is switched to the RB internally won state (RT1). If an RB wins in the RB internal winning state (RT1), the state is switched to the RB gaming state (RT2). In the RB gaming state (RT2), when the RB gaming termination condition is satisfied, the state is switched to the normal state (RT0). The condition for ending the RB gaming state is, for example, that the prescribed number of games has been played (for example, 5 times), or that the number of winning combinations has reached the prescribed number of times (for example, 5 times).

<Unfavorable section and advantageous section>
In the slot machine 100 of this embodiment, a non-advantageous section or an advantageous section is set apart from the gaming state described above. Among these, in the advantageous section, notification (operation navigation) of the recommended stopping operation order for the internally won combination is allowed, and in the non-advantageous section, this operation navigation is not executed. In addition, in the advantageous section, the operation navigation is executed according to the conditions, but even if the push order bell is internally selected, the operation navigation may not be displayed. These states will be explained below using FIG. 9(b). This figure is a diagram showing the transition of the game state regarding the advantageous section and the non-advantageous section of the slot machine 100.

In this embodiment, the initial state (for example, the state at the time of shipment from the factory) is set to the non-advantageous section. Moreover, if there is a setting change, this non-advantageous section is set. It may be possible to prevent an advantage in terms of ball output when a game parlor is open, and it may be possible to prevent a decline in operation (the number of customers at the game machines) at times other than when the store is open. There are cases where it is possible.

In the game in the non-advantageous section, when transition condition A is satisfied, the game shifts to the advantageous section. In the case of this embodiment, transition condition A is that one of the winning combinations is internally won. Therefore, advantageous sections are set for most of the games. In this embodiment, the advantageous section flag is set to off if it is an unfavorable section, and the advantageous section flag is set to on if it is an advantageous section, and the advantageous section flag is used to distinguish between the unfavorable section and the advantageous section. It is differentiated.

In the game in the advantageous section, when transition condition B is satisfied, the game shifts to the non-advantageous section. In the case of this embodiment, transition condition B is
(A) The number of games played in the advantageous section has reached the specified number (for example, 3000 times);
(b) The difference in the number of medals in the advantageous section has reached the specified number (for example, 2400);
(C) When the "AT normal state" described below ends, the remaining number of games in the advantageous section is less than the specified number of times (for example, 500 times or less), or
(d) When the "AT normal state" described below ends, the remaining number of medals (remaining number) in the advantageous section is equal to or less than the specified number (for example, 500 or less);
One of the following must hold true.

Note that this transition condition B is an example. The transition condition B may include, for example, that the number of games played in the "AT state", which will be described later, has reached the upper limit number of times. It may also include that the remaining rights in the "AT state" have become 0 (AT stock = 0, AT remaining number of games = 0, AT remaining difference number of coins = 0, AT remaining navigation count = 0, etc.).

The number of games played and the difference number of coins in the advantageous section are values for determining the end of the advantageous section, and the number of games played is updated by one game, and the difference number of coins is updated by the result of one game. However, in this embodiment, in the RB gaming state (RT2), the number of games played and the difference number of coins in the advantageous section are not updated. Therefore, in a game where the RB gaming state ends, the "AT state" does not end.

Note that the number of games and the number of differential coins are also updated in the RB gaming state (RT2) (note that the number of games and the number of differential coins in the advantageous section may be the number of games and the number of differential coins in the AT state, Alternatively, in the RB gaming state (RT2), the advantageous section does not end even if the end condition of the difference number of sheets is satisfied, and the AT state may not end. It may be possible to prevent the AT state from ending unexpectedly for the player. Furthermore, in the specifications of this embodiment, since the probability that the AT state ends in the RB gaming state (RT2) is low, there is no need to provide exception handling, and the main program capacity may be reduced. When the number of games and the difference in number of coins are not updated in the RB gaming state, it is possible to give the player the impression and sense of security that the AT state will not end during the RB gaming state. On the other hand, when the number of games played and the difference in the number of coins are updated in the RB gaming state, it is possible to prevent players from intentionally switching to the RB gaming state and trying to earn a little difference in the number of coins. It is possible to give the impression that starting the RB gaming state does not bring any benefit.

In the case of this embodiment, the difference in number of medals is the cumulative value of the difference between the number of medals inserted in one game and the number of medals that can be paid out (number of medals that can be paid out - number of medals inserted). The number of coins that can be paid out is the maximum number of coins that can be paid out, which is associated with the internal winning combination, and it does not matter whether or not they are actually paid out. For example, if there is an internal win for "Press order bell_LCR" in Figure 8, even if the number of coins paid out to the player by "Kokoshi" is 0, the number of coins that can be paid out is the number specified in the "Number of coins to be paid out". There are 6 pieces.

However, the difference number may be the cumulative value of the difference between the number of medals inserted in one game and the number actually paid out (number of medals paid out - number of medals inserted). The actual number of coins paid out is the number of coins paid out after winning a winning combination. For example, in the case where the "push order bell_LCR" in FIG. 8 is internally won, and the number of coins paid out to the player by "spill" is 0, the number of coins paid out is 0. On the other hand, if the number of coins paid out to the player in the "one-card combination" is one, the number of coins paid out is one.

The difference number of sheets may be counted so as to be less than 0 (difference number count that also counts negative numbers), or when it becomes less than 0, it may be reset to 0 and counted (MY count). In addition, in the case of this embodiment, the winning combinations to be counted for the difference in number of coins are the six types of pressing order bells and the common bell, and in the case of a loss, the difference number is updated by the number of inserted coins.

The states of the advantageous section are broadly classified into AT states and non-AT states. In the AT state, when the push order bell is internally selected, the operation navigation is executed using the effect image display device 157. The operation navigation usually provides a notification indicating the recommended stop operation order that will give the player the most profit. For example, if the push order bell_CRL in FIG. 8 is internally selected, the CRL operation is notified as the recommended stop operation order. However, if a certain condition is met, a stop operation order other than the stop operation order that provides the most profit to the player may be notified as the recommended stop operation order. In addition, this operation navigation is not limited to the one that shows the push order, but may also show the timing of the stop operation, such as a display such as "Aim for...", or the push order and timing. It may indicate both of the following, as long as it indicates the stopping operation mode.

In this embodiment, the operation navigation is also performed using the payout number display 127, and the 7 segments are lit in a manner corresponding to the stop operation order that provides the most profit to the player (hereinafter sometimes referred to as navigation lighting). The display on the payout number display 127 may also be lit in a manner that corresponds to the timing of the stop operation, or may be lit in a manner that corresponds to both the pressing order and timing. .

Operation navigation is not executed in the non-AT state. In the non-AT state in the advantageous section, a lottery or the like is performed to shift to the AT state. In the non-advantageous section, the AT state is not set, and it is a non-AT state. When shifting from an advantageous section to a non-advantageous section, the number of games played and the difference in the number of coins in the advantageous section are reset.

Note that since the non-advantageous section and the advantageous section are set separately from the RT gaming state shown in FIG. 9(a), for example, the RB internal winning state may shift to the RB gaming state during the advantageous section.

<AT related status>
The transition of each state between the AT state and the non-AT state will be explained with reference to FIG. 10. 3 is a transition diagram of AT-related states of the slot machine 100. FIG. AT-related states include non-AT states, AT states, and pullback chances.

Non-AT states include normal states and chance zone states. The initial state (for example, the state at the time of shipment from the factory) is the normal state. Also, if the settings are changed, the normal state is set. The normal state can be set in both the non-advantageous section and the advantageous section. The chance zone state is a state in which transition to the AT state is easier than the normal state. Opportunity zone status is set only in advantageous sections.

The AT state includes an AT normal state, a pre-ending state, an ending state, a preparation state, and a specialized zone state. Each of these states is set in an advantageous section. The AT state is a state that continues until the difference in the number of sheets in the advantageous section reaches a specified number of differences (referred to as the AT upper limit difference number). The AT upper limit difference number of sheets is set to an initial value (for example, 300 sheets) when the AT normal state is set. The pre-ending state and the ending state are states that are set when it is determined that the AT state ends due to the end of the advantageous section.

In addition, in the case of this embodiment, the difference number of sheets is counted independently in the AT state and the advantageous section, but the winning combinations that are subject to counting are the 6 kinds of pressing order bells and the common bell, and there is no loss. In this case, the difference number of sheets is updated by the number of sheets input. However, as another embodiment, the counter for the number of differential coins related to transition condition B in the advantageous section may update the number of coins inserted and the number of coins paid out regardless of the winning combination.

The specialized zone state is a state in which the AT upper limit differential number of coins can be added, and the preparation state is a state in which effects such as effects are performed to make the player aware that the player is moving to the specialized zone state. In the specialized zone state, the number of additions is determined by the recommended stop operation order notified by the operation navigation. For example, left, middle, and right are replaced with numbers 1, 2, and 3, respectively. When the recommended stop operation order is left → middle → right, 123 sheets are added. Further, when the recommended stop operation order is middle→right→left, 231 sheets are added. In other words, it is a specialized zone state in which the notified stop operation order is an additional number. If the initial value of the AT upper limit difference number of sheets is 300 and the additional number of sheets is 123 sheets, the AT upper limit difference number of sheets will be 423 sheets. Furthermore, if the player obtains 231 pieces as an additional number of pieces, the number becomes 654 pieces. Note that the upper limit value of the AT upper limit difference number of sheets is the specified number of sheets in the advantageous section.

The pullback chance state is a state in which the AT state is likely to be reset after the AT state ends, and there can be both an advantageous section and a non-advantageous section (however, due to the transition condition A mentioned above, the AT state is likely to be reset). Staying in a section is a number game). The pullback chance state is advantageous to the player in that it is easier to shift to the AT state than the normal state. In the pullback chance state, if it is an advantageous section, the operation navigation can be executed. However, various conditions are set so that the ball payout rate in the pullback chance state does not exceed 100%. In other words, the pullback chance state can be said to function in such a way that the player's holdings do not decrease too much during the setting.

The migration conditions will be explained. In the following explanation, a case where you win a lottery under transition conditions means, for example, when a specific condition device is selected, a lottery is held by selecting a specific condition device, and you win the lottery. , a case where the winner is won in a lottery unrelated to the conditional device.

When transition condition 1 is satisfied in the normal state, a chance zone state is set. Transition condition 1 is to win the lottery. When the chance zone state is set, the number of games played in the chance zone state is set. The number of times the game can be played may be a fixed number or may be a number that varies depending on a lottery. When transition condition 2 is satisfied in the chance zone state, the state returns to the normal state. Transition condition 2 is to complete the number of games played in the chance zone state without winning the AT lottery.

When transition condition 3 is satisfied in the chance zone state, the AT normal state is set. Transition condition 3 is to win the AT lottery. When transition condition 4 is satisfied in the normal state, a pre-ending state is set. Transition condition 4 is to win the lottery, but the probability of winning is extremely low (freeze).

In the AT normal state, when transition condition 5 is satisfied, a pre-ending state is set. Transition condition 5 is that the AT upper limit difference number of sheets has reached the prescribed number of sheets in the advantageous section (transition condition (B) (a)). When transition condition 6 is satisfied in the pre-ending state, the ending state is set. Transition condition 6 is when the difference in the number of coins in the advantageous section is close to the prescribed number (for example, 400 coins remaining), or when the number of games played in the advantageous zone is close to the prescribed number (for example, 150 coins remaining).

When transition condition 7 is satisfied in the ending state, a pullback chance state is set. Transition condition 7 is that the end condition of the advantageous section is met (transition condition B (a) or (b)).

In the AT normal state, when transition condition 8 is satisfied, the preparation state is set. Transition condition 8 is to win the specialized zone transition lottery. When transition condition 9 is satisfied in the preparation state, the specialized zone state is set. Transition condition 9 is playing the game a predetermined number of times (for example, five times). When transition condition 10 is satisfied in the specialized zone state, the AT returns to the normal state. Transition condition 10 is playing the game a predetermined number of times (for example, five times).

In the AT normal state, when transition condition 11 is satisfied, the normal state is returned, and when transition condition 12 is satisfied, a pullback chance is set. Transition condition 11 and transition condition 12 both have in common that the difference in the number of coins in the advantageous section has reached the AT upper limit difference number, but transition condition 11 requires that the RB is not in an internal winning state, Transition condition 12 requires that the RB be in an internally elected state. In other words, when the AT normal state ends after the difference in number of sheets is used up, whether the player returns to the normal state, which is disadvantageous to the player, or shifts to a pullback chance, which is advantageous to the player, depends on whether or not the RB is hit internally. become.

Note that when transition condition 11 or transition condition 12 is satisfied, if (c) or (d) of transition condition B is satisfied, the advantageous section ends. This is because (c) and (d) of transition condition B are established in order to ensure that the minimum AT upper limit difference number (300 coins) can be obtained when it is decided to switch to normal AT again in the pullback chance. There is. When the advantageous section ends and a non-advantageous section is set, the difference in the number of coins and the number of games played in the advantageous section are reset. Therefore, if transition condition 12 is satisfied and the advantageous period ends, the advantageous period starts again in the pullback chance state, and if the AT normal state is won, the player will be profits may be large.

In the pullback chance state, when transition condition 13 is satisfied, the AT returns to the normal state. This means that the situation advantageous to the player will continue. Transition condition 13 is to win the lottery, but the probability of winning in a non-advantageous section is extremely lower than the probability of winning in an advantageous section. In the pullback chance state, when transition condition 14 is satisfied, the state returns to the normal state. The transition condition 14 is that the game has been played a predetermined number of times (eg, between 30 and 50 times). The predetermined number of times may be a fixed number, or may be a number that varies depending on a lottery.

In the normal state, when transition condition 15 is satisfied, the ending state is set. Transition condition 15 is a case where after the advantageous section is set, the remaining number of games in the advantageous section reaches a specified number (for example, 50 times) without the AT state being set even once. In the case of this embodiment, transition condition 15 is basically never satisfied. However, if the player receives a penalty for a stop operation, which will be described later, there may be a case where the AT state is never set after the advantageous section is set. Therefore, in such a case, the ending state is forcibly set and the AT state is set. By setting the ending state, the player can grasp the end of the advantageous section. Further, even if a beginner makes a mistake in the stop operation and the AT state is not set even once during the advantageous section, the AT state is set when the transition condition 15 is satisfied, so the beginner can enjoy it.

In addition, transition condition 15 is a case where the remaining number of games in the advantageous section reaches a specified number (for example, 50 times), but this is not limited to this, and the difference starting from the number of payouts or the difference number of sheets in the advantageous section is 0. It may also be a case where the MY value of the number of sheets count reaches a predetermined number (for example, when 2400 sheets is the upper limit number of sheets in the advantageous section, the predetermined number is 2200 sheets, etc.).

<Unfavorable section → superiority in advantageous section>
In the case of this embodiment, the transition condition A for shifting from a non-advantageous section to an advantageous section is that any winning combination is internally won, as described above, and the advantageous section is set in most of the games. A typical situation where a non-advantageous section is set and then shifts to an advantageous section is as follows:
(i) If the RB is not internally elected: When the settings are changed, or when transition condition 11 is satisfied and transition condition B (c) or (d) applies (ii) If the RB is internally elected Case: This can be broadly classified as a case where transition condition 12 is satisfied and transition condition B (c) or (d) is met. In case (i), the AT-related state is a normal state. In case (ii), the AT-related state is during a pullback opportunity. Therefore, when the RB (ii) is internally won, the player's advantage becomes higher in the advantageous section transferred from the non-advantageous section.

<Penalty for stopping operation>
Regarding the stop operation order, a penalty may be imposed on the player in a predetermined case. In the configuration of the push order bell illustrated in FIG. 8, regarding the stop operation order, if the first stop operation is on the left reel 110, a maximum of 6 medals can be paid out, and when the first stop operation is on the right reel 112 or the middle reel. In the case of 111, a maximum of 13 medals can be paid out. If the player always performs the first stop operation on the right reel 112 or the middle reel 111 in a non-AT state where the operation navigation is not activated, there is a possibility that a slightly larger number of medals can be obtained.

For example, in a normal state, the expected medal acquisition value may be higher when the first stop operation is on the right reel 112 or the middle reel 111 than when the first stop operation is on the left reel 110. The superiority of these expected acquisition values is determined by, for example, the recommended number of payouts when the first stop operation is on the left reel 110 and the recommended order of stop operations is a small payout, and the recommended order when the first stop operation is on the right reel 112 or the middle reel 111. This can be achieved by making the number of coins paid out in the order of stop operations to be multi-payout, and by making the internal winning probability the same for each of the bells pressed in the order of left, middle, and right for the first stop operation. Alternatively, the number of coins paid out is the same no matter which reel the first stop operation is performed on, but there is a difference in the internal winning probability for the bells in which the first stop operation is pressed (left, middle, right) (the first stop operation (The internal probability of winning for the left bell is lower than that for the middle and right bells.)

However, there may be a sense of unfairness between beginners who do not know these methods and advanced users who do know these methods. In addition, the ability to play games at even a small discount in this way becomes a strategy in itself, which impairs the fairness of the gaming machine.

Therefore, when the first stop operation is performed on the right reel 112 or the middle reel 111 in the non-AT state, the probability of winning in the lottery that changes to the AT state without the lottery that changes to the AT state in that game Penalties can be imposed, such as lowering the number of players, or invalidating even if the AT state is won. A penalty may be imposed when the first stop operation is repeated on the right reel 112 or the middle reel 111 (for example, when a specified number of games are played consecutively, or when the cumulative number of games reaches a specified number of games). . In this case, the first stop operation on the left reel 110 is the recommended stop operation order in terms of penalty avoidance, and the first stop operation on the right reel 112 or the middle reel 111 is the unrecommended stop operation order in terms of penalty risk.

In this way, the expected medal acquisition value when the first stop operation is performed on the right reel 112 or the middle reel 111 and the expected medal acquisition value when the first stop operation is performed on the left reel 110 are the former. However, the latter is more advantageous for transitioning to the AT state.

Note that for the number of games played in the advantageous section, games operated in the order of non-recommended stop operations are also counted as one game. Inappropriate postponement by players can be prevented.

The penalty does not have to be applied to games that are operated in a non-advantageous section in a non-recommended stop operation order. It is possible to prevent the non-advantageous section from continuing forever. Conversely, games operated in a non-recommended stop operation order in a non-advantageous section may also be targeted. It is possible to prevent a player who performs inappropriate operations from acquiring excessive profits.

<Processing overview>
The processing of the main control section 300, first sub-control section 400, and second sub-control section 500 will be described below with reference to the drawings.

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

As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with a startup signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 338 that outputs a startup signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 to which this activation signal has been input is reset-started by a reset interrupt and executes the main control section main processing shown in FIG. 11 according to a control program stored in advance in the ROM 306.

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

In step S103, a game start process (medal insertion/start operation reception process) is executed. In this process, it is checked whether or not medals have been inserted (by care or by operating the bet buttons 130 to 132), and the winning line display lamp 120 is turned on in response to the insertion of medals. Furthermore, when medals are inserted, preparations are made to send an insertion command to the first sub-control unit 400 indicating that medals have been inserted. Note that if the player wins a replay in the previous game, the same number of medals as the number of medals inserted in the previous game are inserted, so there is no need for the player to insert medals. Also, it checks whether the start lever 135 has been operated while the specified number (3) of medals have been used, and if the start lever 135 has been operated, the number of inserted medals and the valid winning line are checked. Confirm and start playing.

In step S105, various lottery processes including an internal winning combination lottery process and the like are executed. In this process, an internal lottery table for winning combinations stored in the ROM 306 is read out according to the current gaming state, and an internal lottery (a lottery for winning combinations) is performed using this and random numbers obtained from the random number generation circuit 316. , determine the internally elected role. As a result of the internal lottery, if any winning combination (including the activated winning combination) is internally won, the flag for that winning combination will be turned on.

Further, in this step S105, preparations are made to transmit to the first sub-control unit 400 an internal lottery command including internal winning information indicating the result of the winning combination internal lottery. For example, when a re-gaming combination (replay) is internally won, preparations are made to send an internal lottery command indicating that the re-gaming combination (replay) has been internally won to the first sub-control unit 400, and the winning combination is If the result of the internal lottery is a loss (non-winning of the winning combination), preparations are made to transmit an internal lottery command indicating the loss to the first sub-control unit 400.

It should be noted that the internal winning command includes information on the internal winning combination as well as information that allows identification of the AT lottery results and the like. In addition, among the above information, in the AT state, the internal winning command that includes the internal winning of the push order bell includes operation instruction information indicating the recommended stop operation order of the operation order (press order) of the stop buttons 137 to 139. Also included.

In step S107, it is determined whether the pseudo game flag is set on. If this condition is met, the process proceeds to step S109; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S111.

In step S109, pseudo game related processing is executed. Details of this processing will be described later using FIG. 13.

In step S111, reel stop data corresponding to the first stop operation is prepared based on the result of the internal winning combination lottery. This reel stop data is stored in the ROM 306 of the main control section 300.

In step S113, a reel rotation start process is executed on the condition that a game interval timer (subtracted in a timer update process described later) is 0, and rotation of the reels 110 to 112 is started. Furthermore, when the reels 110 to 112 start rotating, preparations are made to send a reel rotation start command to the first sub-control unit 400. After that, when the reels 110 to 112 reach a predetermined rotational speed and the optical sensor provided on each reel detects the symbol position of each reel, the stop operation for the stop buttons 137 to 139 is enabled. Note that the game interval counter ensures the minimum time required for one game (4.1 seconds in this embodiment) and suppresses the gambling nature.

In step S115, reel stop control processing is executed. In this process, when any of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is pressed after the stop operation is enabled, the reels 110 to 112 corresponding to the pressed stop button 137 to 139 are stopped. Specifically, each time a stop operation is performed, a stop table of reel stop data is referred to, and the reels 110 to 112 corresponding to the stop operation are stopped according to the number of drawn frames set in the stop table. Further, for the first stop operation, reel stop data corresponding to the second stop operation is prepared, and for the second stop operation, reel stop data corresponding to the third stop operation is prepared. Note that for each stop operation, preparations are made to send the corresponding command (first to third press commands) to the first sub-control unit 400, and each time the reels 110 to 112 stop, the corresponding command (the first to third press commands) is prepared. Preparations are made for transmitting the first to third stop commands) to the first sub-control unit 400. When all the reels 110 to 112 have stopped, the process advances to step S117.

In step S117, winning determination processing is performed. Here, when a symbol combination corresponding to some winning combination is displayed on the activated winning line, it is determined that the winning combination has been won. For example, if "Watermelon-Watermelon-Watermelon" are aligned on the activated winning line, it is determined that a watermelon has been won. Note that after determining the winning combination, preparations are made for transmitting the winning command to the first sub-control unit 400.

In step S119, if a winning combination with a payout has been won, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is awarded (paid out), and the number of medals awarded is displayed using the payout number display 127.

In step S121, update processing is performed. In this process, the RT gaming state is transitioned based on the conditions shown in the state transition diagram shown in FIG. 9(a).

Furthermore, based on the result of the game, the non-advantageous section and advantageous section explained in FIG. 9(a) and the AT-related state explained in FIG. 10 are updated. For example, if an advantageous section is set, the total number of games played in the advantageous section is added by one. By updating the total number of games in the advantageous section at this timing, even if a pseudo game and a real game are played, or if only a real game is played, the total number of games will be counted as one game. You can manage the number of times. By not counting a pseudo game as one game, it is possible to prevent the total number of games in an advantageous section from being counted too much and putting the player at a disadvantage. Further, if an advantageous section is set, the difference number of sheets is updated.

Further, for example, if the transition condition A is satisfied in a non-advantageous section, the advantageous section flag is set to ON, and if the transition condition B is satisfied in the advantageous section, the advantageous section flag is set to OFF. Prepare a subcommand that shows the updated information. Furthermore, in updating the AT-related state, the settings of any one of the AT state, non-AT state, and pullback chance are updated. The AT state settings also include settings to distinguish between a normal AT state, a pre-ending state, an ending state, a specialization preparation zone, and a specialization zone. The settings for the non-AT state also include settings for distinguishing between the normal state and the chance zone state. Prepare a subcommand that shows the updated settings.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In step S207, various game processes are executed, and processes according to the interrupt status (obtaining various interrupt statuses based on signals from various sensors 318) are executed. For example, if the interrupt status is in the process of inserting medals, a medal insertion acceptance process is performed, and if the interrupt status is in the process of dispensing, a process of dispensing medals is performed.

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

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

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

In step S213, external signal setting processing is performed. In this external signal setting process, the gaming information stored in the RAM 308 is outputted to the information input circuit 652, which is separate from the slot machine 100, via the information output circuit 334. An external device such as a hall computer can acquire game information and compile operating information of each slot machine 100 in the hall. Furthermore, it becomes possible to display gaming information on an external device such as a gaming information display provided in each slot machine 100. The external signal to be output may include information on the number of games that can be used to count the total number of games per day after the power of the slot machine 100 is turned on in the external device. The information on the number of games played may be, for example, information indicating the number of inserted medals that is output when the start lever 135 is operated. By counting the number of games based on information indicating the number of medals inserted, even if a pseudo game and a real game are played, or if only a real game is played, it will be considered as one game. You can manage the total number of games played per day. A player of the slot machine 100 can grasp the total number of games played per day and the like from the game information display.

In step S215, device monitoring processing is performed. In this device monitoring process, first, in step S205, the signal states of the various sensors 318 stored in the signal state storage area are read out, and the presence or absence of errors related to medal insertion abnormalities, medal dispensing abnormalities, etc. is monitored, and if an error is detected, (Illustration omitted) Executes error handling. Furthermore, settings are made for the medal selector 170 (a medal blocker operated by a solenoid provided in the medal selector 170), various lamps 339, and various 7-segment (SEG) indicators according to the current gaming state.

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

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

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

<Pseudo game related processing>
Next, using FIG. 13, the pseudo game related process (step S109) in the main control section main process of FIG. 11 will be explained. In addition, a pseudo game is a type of reel performance in which the rotating reels appear to have stopped as a performance (also referred to as pseudo stop), and are caused to rotate by operating the stop buttons 137 to 139. It refers to the fact that the reels can be pseudo-stopped, or the situation where the reels can be pseudo-stopped. Furthermore, in such a pseudo-game, no gaming value is awarded in accordance with the pseudo-stop mode. Furthermore, a pseudo operation for restarting a reel that has been pseudo-stopped is also referred to as a pseudo-start operation. In order to distinguish it from such pseudo-games, a game in which the rotating reels are stopped by operating the stop buttons 137 to 139 and a gaming value can be given according to the stopping mode is called the main game. Also called. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the pseudo game related processing (step S109) in FIG.

In step S1001, reel stop data for the pseudo game is prepared. For example, reel stop data is prepared that pseudo-stops when predetermined symbols line up on the winning line L1. It should be noted that reel stop data that stops any symbol combination can be used as long as the symbol combination is different from the combination that is established in this game. Further, a plurality of types of such reel stop data may be prepared and selected from the plurality of types.

In step S1003, reel rotation start processing for the pseudo game is executed. Details of this process will be described later using FIG. 14.

In step S1005, a reel stop control process for the pseudo game is executed. Details of this processing will be described later using FIG. 15.

In step S1006, a pseudo next game start process is executed. Details of this processing will be described later using FIG. 16.

In step S1007, the random delay flag is set on.

In step S1009, the pseudo game flag is set to OFF.

<Pseudo game reel rotation start process>
Next, using FIG. 14, the reel rotation start process (step S1003) of the pseudo game in the pseudo game related process of FIG. 13 will be explained. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reel rotation start process (step S1003) of the pseudo game in FIG.

In step S1101, acceleration parameters for each reel are set.

In step S1103, preparations for sending a pseudo game start command to the first sub-control unit 400 are executed.

In step S1105, the start of rotation of the pseudo game is set. Specifically, the reels 110 to 112 are started to rotate using the acceleration parameters set in step S1101.

In step S1107, it is determined whether the rotational speeds of the reels 110 to 112 are constant. If the rotational speed of the reels 110 to 112 is constant, the process advances to step S1109, and if not, step S1107 is repeated.

In step S1109, the operations of stop buttons 137 to 139 are enabled. The activation here means the activation of a stop operation in a pseudo game, and means that the player can perform a pseudo stop, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 15.

<Pseudo game reel stop control process>
Next, using FIG. 15, the reel stop control process (step S1005) of the pseudo game in the pseudo game related process of FIG. 13 will be explained. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reel stop control process (step S1005) of the pseudo game in FIG.

In step S1201, a pseudo game regulation timer is set. The pseudo game regulation timer is a timer that measures the time of one pseudo game. In this embodiment, a pseudo game restriction timer is used to limit the execution time of one pseudo game to a predetermined time TA (specifically, about 50 seconds). In step S1201, a timer value corresponding to the predetermined time TA is set as an initial value in the pseudo game regulation timer. This timer value is decremented each time the main control unit 300 executes timer interrupt processing (timer update processing in step S209).

In step S1203, it is determined whether the stop buttons 137 to 139 have been operated. If the stop buttons 137 to 139 have been operated, the process advances to step S1205; otherwise, the process advances to step S1209.

In step S1205, the reels 110 to 112 corresponding to the stop buttons 137 to 139 on which the stop operation was performed are pseudo-stopped. In step S1206, preparations are made to send a subcommand to the first subcontrol unit 400 indicating that an operation on the stop button has been accepted.

In step S1207, it is determined whether all the reels 110 to 112 are pseudo-stopped. If all the reels 110 to 112 are pseudo-stopped, the process advances to step S1208; otherwise, the process returns to step S1203.

In step S1208, preparation for sending a sub-command for pseudo game winning determination to be sent to the first sub-control unit 400 is executed. For example, when a mode corresponding to some combination in a pseudo game is pseudo-stopped, a command corresponding to the pseudo-stopped mode is transmitted. As a result, the first sub-control unit 400 can perform control according to sub-commands for pseudo-game winning determination, and for example, when a symbol corresponding to a replay or a bell is pseudo-stopped, a corresponding performance can be executed.

In addition, such processing is necessary when a stop operation at an appropriate timing is required in a pseudo game, and the first sub-control determines what kind of pattern the pseudo-stopped symbols are in. By notifying the section 400, it is possible to perform an effect according to the pseudo-stopped symbol, and this makes the effect more consistent than a configuration in which the effect is executed as if the pattern had been pseudo-stopped even though the pseudo-stop had not occurred. It is possible to provide a game with the same feeling as the main game.

In step S1209, it is determined whether the pseudo game regulation timer has timed out, that is, whether or not a predetermined time TA corresponding to the set timer value has elapsed. If the pseudo game regulation timer times out, the process advances to step S1211; otherwise, the process returns to step S1203.

In step S1211, all the reels 110 to 112 are pseudo-stopped because a predetermined time TA has elapsed without any stop buttons 137 to 139 being operated. As described above, the pseudo game of this embodiment has a function of automatically pseudo stopping the reels 110 to 112 when there is no stop operation in order to promote the progress of the pseudo game.

In step S1213, a pseudo game end timer is set. The pseudo-game end timer is a timer that measures the time interval between the pseudo-game and the main game, and is a timer that measures the time interval between the pseudo-game and the main game, and executes a predetermined effect (for example, an effect indicating that the pseudo-game has ended, an effect indicating that the main game has started, etc.). It is provided to ensure time for execution. In this embodiment, the time interval between the pseudo game and the main game is set to a predetermined time TC (specifically, about 1 second), so in step S1213, the pseudo game end timer is set to an initial value corresponding to the predetermined time TC. A timer value is set. This timer value is decremented each time the main control unit 300 executes timer interrupt processing. Further, in step S1213, preparations are made to transmit a pseudo game end command indicating that the pseudo game has ended to the first sub-control unit 400.

<Pseudo next game start process>
In this embodiment, after the reel stop control process of the pseudo game in FIG. 15, the process of inserting medals and accepting the start operation in step S103 is performed in a pseudo manner without immediately proceeding to the main game. This allows the player to experience a pseudo game that is closer to the real game. Therefore, in a broad sense, the pseudo game of this embodiment includes the start of this pseudo next game.

In step S1301, preparations are made for transmitting a pseudo start command indicating that a pseudo next game start process has been started to the first sub-control unit 400. In step S1303, an MB timer is set. The MB timer is a timer that measures the time during which a pseudo bet operation can be accepted, and for example, a timer value corresponding to 20 seconds is set as an initial value. This timer value is decremented each time the main control unit 300 executes timer interrupt processing. In this embodiment, the MB timer is used to limit the operation acceptance time for one pseudo bet operation so that the game can proceed smoothly.

In step S1305, it is determined whether the MAX bet button 132 has been operated by the player. If an operation is detected, the process advances to step S1309; if no operation is detected, the process advances to step S1307. In step S1307, it is determined whether the MB timer has timed out. If the time has not expired, the process returns to step S1305, and if the time has expired, the process proceeds to step S1309.

In step S1309, preparations are made for transmitting a pseudo bet acceptance command indicating that a pseudo bet operation has been accepted to the first sub-control unit 400. Even when the MB timer runs out, a pseudo bet acceptance command can be sent to allow the first sub-control unit 400 to proceed with the effect processing.

From step S1311 onwards, processing related to the pseudo start operation of the start lever 135 is executed. In step S1311, preparations are made for transmitting to the first sub-control unit 400 a pseudo lever reception wait start command indicating that the pseudo start operation wait has started.

In step S1313, an SR timer is set. The SR timer is a timer that measures the time during which a pseudo start operation can be accepted, and is set to a timer value corresponding to 20 seconds as an initial value, for example. This timer value is decremented each time the main control unit 300 executes timer interrupt processing. In this embodiment, an SR timer is used to limit the operation reception time for one pseudo start operation, so that the game can proceed smoothly.

In step S1315, it is determined whether the start lever 135 has been operated by the player. If an operation is detected, the process ends and the process proceeds to step S111 in FIG. 11. If no operation is detected, the process advances to step S1317, where it is determined whether the SR timer has timed out (timed out), and if the time has not expired, the process returns to step S1315, and if the time has expired, the process returns to step S111 in FIG. move on.

<Reel rotation processing>
Next, the reel rotation start process (step S113) in the main control unit main process of FIG. 11 will be described using FIG. 17. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reel rotation start process (step S113) in FIG. 11.

In step S1400, a wait timer of 4.1 seconds is set. This timer is a timer for keeping the interval between games at least 4.1 seconds, and regardless of whether or not a pseudo game is executed, the game interval is limited to at least 4.1 seconds. The sense of game progression can be combined with that of the main game only.

In step S1401, acceleration parameters for each reel are set. In step S1403, preparations for transmitting the main game start command to the first sub-control unit 400 are executed. In step S1405, 7-segment setting processing is executed. In this process, display settings regarding the operation navigation are performed.

In step S1407, it is determined whether the random delay flag is set on. If this condition is met, the process advances to step S1411; otherwise, the process advances to step S1409.

In step S1409, rotation of the reels 110 to 112 is started using the acceleration parameters set in step S1401. In step S1411, random delayed rotation start processing is executed. Details of this processing will be described later using FIG. 18.

In step S1413, it is determined whether the rotation speeds of the reels 110 to 112 are constant. If the rotational speed of the reels 110 to 112 is constant, the process advances to step S1315; otherwise, step S1413 is repeated. In step S1415, the operations of stop buttons 137 to 139 are enabled.

<Random delayed rotation start process>
Next, the random delayed rotation start process (step S1311) in the reel rotation start process of FIG. 17 will be explained using FIG. 18. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the flow of the random delayed rotation start process (step S1411) in FIG. 17.

In step S1501, it is determined whether a predetermined time TC has elapsed based on the measurement of the pseudo game end timer. If the predetermined time TC has elapsed as determined by the pseudo game end timer, the process advances to step S1503, and if not, step S1501 is repeated.

In step S1503, the left reel 110 starts rotating. In step S1505, it is determined whether the left reel 110 has finished accelerating. If the left reel 110 has finished accelerating, the process advances to step S1507; otherwise, the process returns to step S1505.

In step S1507, a rotation start timer for the middle reel 111 is set. Specifically, a timer value corresponding to 0 to 756.512 ms is obtained by lottery, and this value is set. The value of the rotation start timer of the middle reel 111 is decremented every time the main control section timer interrupt process is executed.

In step S1509, it is determined whether the rotation start timer of the middle reel 111 has timed out, that is, whether the waiting time corresponding to the initially set timer value has elapsed. If the rotation start timer for the middle reel 111 has timed out, the process advances to step S1511; otherwise, the process returns to step S1509.

In step S1511, the middle reel 111 starts rotating. Although the middle reel 111 starts rotating in step S1511, the middle reel 111 is in a pseudo-stop state until it starts rotating.

In step S1513, it is determined whether the acceleration of the middle reel 111 has ended. If the acceleration of the middle reel 111 has ended, the process advances to step S1515; otherwise, the process returns to step S1513.

In step S1515, a rotation start timer for the right reel 112 is set. Specifically, a timer value corresponding to 0 to 756.512 ms is obtained by lottery, and this value is set. The value of the rotation start timer of the right reel 112 is decremented each time the main control unit timer interrupt process is executed.

In step S1517, it is determined whether the rotation start timer of the right reel 112 has timed out, that is, whether or not the waiting time corresponding to the initially set timer value has elapsed. If the rotation start timer of the right reel 112 times out, the process advances to step S1519; otherwise, the process returns to step S1517.

In step S1519, the right reel 112 starts rotating. Although the right reel 112 starts rotating in step S1511, the right reel 112 remains in a pseudo-stop state until it starts rotating. In step S1521, the random delay flag is set to OFF.

<Processing of first sub-control unit 400>
Next, the processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be explained using FIG. 19. Note that FIG. 19A is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400. FIG. 19(b) is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing by the first sub-control unit 400. FIG. 19C is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing by the first sub-control unit 400.

First, in step S301, various initial settings are performed. This initial setting is executed when the power is turned on. In this process, initial settings of the input/output ports, initialization of the storage area in the RAM 408, etc. are performed. Through this process, various storage areas are stored in the RAM 408, such as an area for storing internal winning information, which is information representing the results of internal winnings, and an area for storing update information, which is information representing the gaming status. provided.

In step S303, it is determined whether the timer variable is 10 or more, and this process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process moves to step S305.

In step S305, 0 is assigned to the timer variable.

In step S307, command processing, which is processing corresponding to each command received from the main control unit 300, is executed.

In step S309, production control processing is performed. Here, the processing includes processing to expand the effect data and setting device data in the effect execution area provided in the RAM 408, processing to set the effect data in the effect reservation area provided in the RAM 408, and furthermore, the received command Based on the information included in the command, processing such as setting performance data and executing control processing is performed. Note that the performance data set in the performance reservation area and the device data set in the performance execution area may be updated (overwritten) with other data. In this case, the presentation content is changed based on the overwritten data.

In step S311, sound control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S309. For example, control data is acquired from device data set in the performance execution area corresponding to the speakers 272 and 277, and the acquired control data is output to the sound source IC 418, thereby causing a sound performance to be executed.

In step S313, lamp control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S309. For example, by acquiring control data from device data set in the performance execution area corresponding to each type of lamp 420 and outputting the acquired control data to the drive circuit 422, the performance using the lamps is executed.

In step S315, shutter control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S309. For example, by acquiring control data from device data set in the performance execution area corresponding to the shutter 163 and outputting the acquired control data to the drive circuit 424, the performance by the shutter 163 is executed.

In step S317, information output processing is performed to perform settings for transmitting a control command to the second sub-control unit 500 based on the processing result of step S309. For example, if there is device data set in the performance execution area corresponding to the performance image display device 157, preparations are made to transmit this device data to the second sub-control unit 500, and the process returns to step S303.

Next, the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be explained using FIG. 19(b). This command reception interrupt process is a process that is executed when the first sub-control unit 400 detects a strobe signal output from the main control unit 300. In step S321 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output by the main control unit 300 is stored as an unprocessed command in the command storage area provided in the RAM 408.

Next, the first sub-control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described using FIG. 19(c). The first sub-control unit 400 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined period (once every 2 ms in this embodiment), and uses this timer interrupt as a trigger to perform timer interrupt processing in a predetermined manner. Execute at the cycle of

In step S331, 1 is added to the value in the timer variable storage area of the RAM 408 described in step S303 in the first sub-control unit main processing shown in FIG. 19(a), and the value is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S303, it is determined that the value of the timer variable is 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms×10).

In step S333, the device data set in step S315 is transmitted to the second sub-control unit 500, and the random value for effect is updated.

<Processing of second sub-control unit 500>
Next, the processing of the second sub-control unit 500 will be explained using FIG. 20. Note that FIG. 20A is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. FIG. 20(b) is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing by the second sub-control unit 500. FIG. 20(c) is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing by the second sub-control unit 500. FIG. 20(d) is a flowchart of image control processing by the second sub-control unit 500.

First, in step S401 of FIG. 20(a), various initial settings are performed. When the power is turned on, initialization processing is first executed in step S401. In this initialization process, initialization of input/output ports, initialization of the storage area in the RAM 508, etc. are performed.

In step S403, it is determined whether the timer variable is 10 or more, and this process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process moves to step S405.

In step S405, 0 is assigned to the timer variable.

In step S407, command processing is performed. In the command processing, the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500 determines whether a command has been received from the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 .

In step S409, production control processing is performed. Specifically, if there is a new command in step S407, processing corresponding to this command is performed. For example, a process of reading out effect data for controlling an image related to a background image from the ROM 506 is executed. It also includes performing processes such as reading out performance data other than this from the ROM 506, and performing update processing of the performance data when it is necessary to update the performance data.

In step S411, image control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S409. For example, if there is an image control command in the effect data read in step S409, image control corresponding to this command is performed. For example, image control regarding display images (notification images, background images) is performed. This image control processing will be described later using FIG. 20(d). When this image control process ends, the process returns to step S403.

Next, the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500 will be explained using FIG. 20(b). This command reception interrupt process is a process that is executed when the second sub-control unit 500 detects a strobe signal output by the first sub-control unit 400. In step S415 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output by the first sub-control unit 400 is stored as an unprocessed command in the command storage area provided in the RAM 508.

Next, the second sub-control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500 will be described using FIG. 20(c). The second sub-control unit 500 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined period (once every 2 ms in this embodiment), and uses this timer interrupt as a trigger to perform timer interrupt processing in a predetermined manner. Execute at the cycle of

In step S417, 1 is added to the value in the timer variable storage area of the RAM 508 described in step S403 in the second sub-control unit main processing shown in FIG. 20(a), and the value is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S403, it is determined that the value of the timer variable is 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms×10). In step S419, processing for updating the random number value for effect, etc. is performed.

Next, the image control process of step S411 in the main process of the second sub-control unit 500 will be described using FIG. 20(d). This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of image control processing.

In step S421, an image data transfer instruction is issued. Here, the CPU 504 first swaps the drawing area designations of the display area A and the display area B of the VRAM 518. As a result, one frame of the image stored in the display area that is not designated as the drawing area is displayed on the effect image display device 157. Next, the CPU 504 sets ROM coordinates (transfer source address of ROM 506), VRAM coordinates (transfer destination address of VRAM 518), etc. in the attribute register of VDP 516 based on the position information table, and then transfers the image from ROM 506 to VRAM 518. Set the command to start data transfer. The VDP 516 transfers image data from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 518 based on instructions set in the attribute register. Thereafter, the VDP 516 outputs a transfer end interrupt signal to the CPU 504.

In step S423, it is determined whether or not the transfer end interrupt signal from the VDP 516 has been input. If the transfer end interrupt signal has been input, the process advances to step S425; otherwise, the transfer end interrupt signal is input. wait until

In step S425, parameters are set based on the performance scenario configuration table, attribute data, and the like. Here, in order to form a display image in the display area A or B of the VRAM 518 based on the image data transferred to the VRAM 518 in step S421, the CPU 504 displays information on image data constituting the display image (coordinate axes of the VRAM 518, image size , VRAM coordinates (placement coordinates), image overlay and transparency, etc.) to the VDP 516. The VDP 516 performs parameter settings according to attributes based on instructions stored in the attribute register.

In step S427, a drawing instruction is given. In this drawing instruction, the CPU 504 instructs the VDP 516 to start drawing an image. The VDP 516 starts drawing an image in the frame buffer according to instructions from the CPU 504.

In step S429, it is determined whether or not a generation end interrupt signal from the VDP 516 based on the end of image drawing has been input. If the generation end interrupt signal has been input, the process advances to step S431; otherwise, the generation end interrupt signal is input. Wait for input.

In step S431, a scene display counter that is set in a predetermined area of the RAM 508 and counts how many scenes of images have been generated is incremented (+1), and the process ends.

<About pseudo games>
In the slot machine 100, the reels 110 to 112 are rotated by inserting medals and operating the start lever 135, and the winning combination is internally determined by an internal lottery, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped by operating the stop buttons 137 to 139. A winning combination is established when a combination of symbols according to the internal determination is displayed on the symbol display window. Then, when a winning combination involving the payout of medals is established, a prescribed number of medals corresponding to the established winning combination are paid out. This series of operations is a normal game, but to distinguish it from the pseudo-game described below, this normal game is referred to as the main game. Note that the pseudo game is executed before the main game. A single game may consist of only the main game, or may include a pseudo game and the main game. The number of games played matches the number of times the main game is played.

Similar to the main game, a pseudo game involves stopping the rotating reels 110 to 112 by operating the stop buttons 137 to 139 (pseudo stop in this embodiment) and displaying some combination of symbols on the symbol display window. It is a type of reel production. In this pseudo game, the reels 110 to 112 can be stopped as in the main game, but unlike the main game, medals are not paid out as a result of stopping the reels 110 to 112.

In addition, in this embodiment, in the pseudo game, the reels 110 to 112 are not completely stopped like in the main game, but the reels 110 to 112 are pseudo stopped (for example, by continuing slight vibration), so that it is a pseudo game. (This is not a regular game.) When the pseudo game ends, the reels 110 to 112 rotate again and the real game starts. In other words, in the pseudo game, after the start lever 135 is operated and until the rotational speed of the reels 110 to 112 in the main game becomes constant, the stop buttons 137 to 137 are pressed against the rotating reels 110 to 112. This is a game in which the reels 110 to 112 are pseudo-stopped in response to the operation of 139, and an arbitrary symbol combination can be displayed.

Note that the pseudo game in this embodiment is a performance game that can be executed until the rotation speed of all the reels 110 to 112 becomes constant in the main game, but for example, if the rotation speed of some reels is It may be an effect game that can be executed until the value becomes constant. For example, when the rotating reels 110 to 112 are stopped by operating the stop buttons 137 to 139, only the reel 110 is caused to stop the pseudo game, and the reels 111 and 112 are caused to stop the real game. Alternatively, the reels 110 and 111 may be made to stop the pseudo game, and only the reel 112 may be made to stop the real game.

Here, an example of the operation of the pseudo game of this embodiment will be specifically explained using FIG. 21. For example, when the AT state is entered from the next game (pseudo game flag on), when the start lever 135 is operated (STA1 in FIG. 21(a)), the reels 110 to 112 start rotating. Next, the corresponding first stop reel (the left reel 110 in FIG. 21A) pseudo-stops based on the first stop operation (STO1-1 in FIG. 21A, here the operation of the left stop button 137). . Next, the corresponding second stop reel (the middle reel 111 in FIG. 21(a)) pseudo-stops based on the second stop operation (STO1-2 in FIG. 21(a), here the operation of the middle stop button 138). . Next, the corresponding second stop reel (the middle reel 111 in FIG. 21(a)) pseudo-stops based on the second stop operation (STO1-2 in FIG. 21(a), here the operation of the middle stop button 138). . Next, the corresponding third stop reel (right reel 112 in FIG. 21(a)) pseudo-stops based on the third stop operation (STO1-3 in FIG. 21(a), here the operation of the right stop button 139). .

When the reels 110 to 112 are in a pseudo-stop, the reels 110 to 112 are not completely stationary, as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. Specifically, the reels 110 to 112 vibrate slightly up and down between a predetermined position A and a position A' slightly away from position A.

Note that the state in which the reels 110 to 112 are not completely stationary is the state in which they are not stationary when viewed in macro terms (in seconds), that is, they are slow enough that the player can see that they are moving. It includes a state of movement (a state of swaying), as well as a state of rest when viewed on a microscopic scale (in units of hundreds of milliseconds).

In other words, the micro-vibration may include a period during which the reels 110 to 112 are in a stationary state, and in this embodiment, the period between movements in the micro-vibration is less than 500 ms in a stationary state. ing. That is, in this embodiment, if there is a stationary state of 500 ms or more between movements in micro vibrations, the reels 110 to 112 are assumed to be stationary, and if there is a stationary state of less than 500 ms. In this case, it is defined that the reels 110 to 112 are not in a stationary state.

The reason why a pseudo stop is performed in a pseudo game is because if the reels 110 to 112 are completely stopped, the player may end the game and leave the machine, mistaking the reels 110 to 112 for stopping the actual game. be. In other words, this is to prevent a situation in which the player is forced to give up the benefits that would have been obtained in the main game that will be played later. In the above example, each of the reels 110 to 112 performs a pseudo stop, but for example, at the stage of the first stop operation and the second stop operation, the corresponding reels 110 to 112 are completely stopped, and when the third stop is performed, the reels 110 to 112 are completely stopped. After the operation is performed, all the reels 110 to 112 may be placed in a pseudo-stop state at the same time. Further, the vibrations of each reel 110 to 112 may be synchronous or asynchronous.

The state of slight vibration is similar to the fluctuation of the decorative pattern image displayed on the display device of a pachinko machine. However, while pachinko is designed to notify the result of the game by shaking the decorative symbol image and then stopping the shaking, in a slot machine, after the reels 110 to 112 vibrate slightly, Stopping the slight vibrations does not notify you of the result of this game. When the reels 110 to 112 completely stop in the main game executed after this pseudo game, the result of the game is announced.

In this embodiment, when all the reels 110 to 112 pseudo stop, the main game is started after a pseudo next game start process, but a configuration is adopted in which a random delay is executed when the reel rotation of this main game starts. are doing. In the pseudo-game, the specific numbers are aligned, so if the reels 110 to 112 start rotating all at once in the subsequent main game, some players may find it easier to stop the reels while aiming at the symbols. .

In other words, there are cases where the reels 110 to 112 start rotating all at once from a state where specific numbers are aligned, and cases where the reels 110 to 112 start rotating all at once from a state where specific numbers are not aligned. There is a possibility that the operation of this game will be advantageous/disadvantageous. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21(c), when starting the reel rotation of the main game after the pseudo game, the reels 110 to 112 are sequentially rotated in the order of the left reel 110, the middle reel 111, and the right reel 112. At the same time, the middle reel 111 and the right reel 112 are configured to rotate the reels 110 to 112 after a random predetermined time determined by lottery has elapsed.

With this configuration, the positions of the left reel 110, the middle reel 111, and the right reel 112 are made to be different, without starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 all at once from a state where specific numbers are aligned.

Note that the configuration for dispersing the positions may be one in which the rotation is started in an order other than the above order, or a timer for the rotation start delay time for each reel 110 to 112 is individually set, and each timer is set separately. The configuration may be such that the numbers are counted down at the same time. After the left reel 110, middle reel 111, and right reel 112 start rotating, the operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 in this game becomes effective after the rotation of all the reels becomes constant.

In addition, the trigger for executing a pseudo game is when the transition to the AT state is confirmed, when the transition to the AT state is confirmed after the specified number of games, and when the special prize is internally won. , etc.

In addition, the pseudo game includes, for example, reel rotation or reel stop that is difficult to realize in the main game (for example, reel control that is different from the reel control in the main game, such as reverse rotation of the reels 110 to 112). Alternatively, for example, the gambling quality may be reduced as a result by increasing the number of games including pseudo games. Further, a configuration may be adopted in which a plurality of pseudo games are executed consecutively.

<Notification of pseudo games other than pseudo suspension>
In the pseudo game explained in FIG. 21, it is possible to understand that it is not a real game but a pseudo game by the pseudo stop. That is, it can be said that the pseudo stop is a mode of notification that it is a pseudo game (hereinafter referred to as pseudo game notification).

Further, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, a pseudo game lamp 190 is provided on the right side of the shutter 163, and by lighting up this pseudo game lamp 190, it is possible to make the player understand that it is a pseudo game. 22(a) shows the shutter 163 in a closed state, FIG. 22(b) shows the shutter 163 in a half-open state, and FIG. 22(c) shows the shutter 163 in a closed state. Although shown in an open state, the state of the pseudo game lamp 190 can be confirmed in either state. The lighting of this pseudo game lamp 190 is also one aspect of pseudo game notification.

Note that in this embodiment, when the player is allowed to view the image of the effect image display device 157, the shutter 163 is in an open state, and the shutter 163 is located between the effect image display device 157 and the pseudo game lamp 190. (Figure 22(c)). At this time, when the player gazes at the image on the effect image display device 157, the pseudo game lamp 190 will be positioned further outside the field of view across the shutter 163, so that the pseudo game lamp 190 can be made less noticeable as a result. Can be done.

Note that the pseudo game lamp 190 may be described in such a way that it can be seen that it is a lamp that is lit during a pseudo game, as shown in FIG. 22(d). This description is not limited to "during a simulated game," but may also be, for example, "free" or "free play." Further, in this embodiment, the pseudo game lamp 190 is controlled by the main control section 300, but the structure is not limited to this, and a structure in which it is controlled by the first sub-control section 400 may be used.

<Example of production>
An example of a performance by the performance device 160 will be explained. FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an example thereof, and shows an example of a display image of the effect image display device 157. Sound output from the shutter 163 and the speaker 272 can also be used for this effect.

The example in FIG. 23 shows a continuous performance CE that is executed over a predetermined period. In this embodiment, the continuous performance CE is a continuous performance that is executed in a plurality of consecutive games during a predetermined period, and in the illustrated example, one performance is basically executed in four games. . Therefore, the continuous performance CE is composed of four individual performances EN1 to EN4. Each of the individual effects EN1 to EN4 can be composed of a moving image or a still image.

Individual effects EN1 to EN4 are basically executed in each game. The individual effects EN to EN4 are updated upon receiving the start information. The start information includes a main game start command (S1403 in FIG. 17), but in the case of this embodiment, it also includes a pseudo game start command (S1103 in FIG. 14) for reasons described later. The main game start command and the pseudo game start command may be exactly the same command, and in this case, it contributes to reducing the memory capacity of the main control unit 300.

FIG. 24(a) shows an example of execution of continuous performance CE over a predetermined period (Nth game to N+3th game). In the illustrated example, a continuous performance CE is used as a performance to notify the player of the determination of the AT state, and a case is illustrated in which a pseudo game is not performed.

At the N-1 game, a display suggesting the execution of a continuous performance CE (in the illustrated example, notification of a developed performance) is displayed on the performance image display device 157. Continuous performance CE starts from the Nth game. When the start lever 135 is operated by the player, the main game start command (S1403 in FIG. 17) is received by the first sub-control unit 400, and with this as a trigger, the individual effect EN1 is executed in the Nth game. When the Nth game ends and the start lever 135 is operated by the player, the main game start command (S1403 in FIG. 17) is received by the first sub-control unit 400, and this is used as a trigger to start the individual performance in the N+1st game. EN2 is executed.

Similarly, in the N+2 game, the individual effect EN3 is executed, and in the N+3 game, the individual effect EN4 is executed. This means that a series of continuous performances CE are executed during the four game periods. After that, in the N+4th game, an effect is performed to notify that the AT state has been established.

In this continuous performance CE, since the individual performances EN1 to EN4 are executed for each game, it is possible to give the player a sense of anticipation for each game.

On the other hand, it is also possible to execute a pseudo game during execution of the continuous performance CE. However, if the continuous performance CE is interrupted midway and a pseudo game is executed, the continuity of the continuous performance CE may be lost and the performance effect may be reduced. Moreover, by executing a pseudo game, the time for one game becomes longer, and as a result, the game from the start to the end of the continuous performance CE is extended, and the tempo of the game may decrease.

In this embodiment, when a pseudo game is executed, the continuous effects CE are executed without exception while the execution period of the continuous effects CE is shortened. FIG. 24(b) is an explanatory diagram showing an example thereof.

FIG. 24(b) shows an example of execution of continuous performance CE over a specific period (Nth game to N+2th game). In the illustrated example, a continuous performance CE is used as a performance to notify the player of the determination of the AT state, and a case is illustrated in which a pseudo game is played in the N+1 game.

At the N-1 game, a display suggesting the execution of a continuous performance CE (in the illustrated example, notification of a developed performance) is displayed on the performance image display device 157. Continuous performance CE starts from the Nth game. When the start lever 135 is operated by the player, the main game start command (S1403 in FIG. 17) is received by the first sub-control unit 400, and with this as a trigger, the individual effect EN1 is executed in the Nth game.

When the Nth game ends, the start lever 135 is operated by the player to start the N+1 game. In this game, a pseudo game is started before the main game. A pseudo game start command (S1103 in FIG. 14) is received by the first sub-control unit 400, and with this as a trigger, the individual performance EN2 is executed in the N+1 game.

After that, in the pseudo game, the start lever 135 is operated by the player (S1315 in FIG. 16), or the SR timer expires (S1317 in FIG. 16), and then the main game start command (S1403 in FIG. 17) is issued. 17 S1403) is received by the first sub-control unit 400, and with this as a trigger, the individual effect EN3 is executed. That is, in the N+1 game, individual effects EN2 and individual effects EN3 are executed. Since the main game is controlled to be started even when the SR timer expires, it is possible to prevent the performance from being prolonged due to the interval between the individual performance EN2 and the individual performance EN3 becoming longer.

When the N+1st game ends and the start lever 135 is operated by the player, the main game start command (S1403 in FIG. 17) is received by the first sub-control unit 400, and with this as a trigger, the individual performance is started in the N+2nd game. EN4 is executed. Compared to the example of FIG. 24(a), this means that a series of continuous performances CE are executed in a period of three games, which is one less number of games. After that, in the N+3 game, an effect is performed to notify that the AT state has been established.

In this way, in this embodiment, when the pseudo game is executed, the period during which the continuous performance CE is executed is shortened. Since the continuous performance CE is executed without being interrupted midway, the continuity of the continuous performance CE is not impaired. Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the game from being delayed from the start to the end of the continuous performance CE and from lowering the tempo of the game.

The shortening of the execution period of the continuous performance CE is achieved by performing two individual performances in one game, but the form is such that individual performances are performed in each of the pseudo game and the main game. Since the pseudo game is similar to the procedure of the main game, it is possible to give the player the impression that each individual performance is being performed during the main game, thereby reducing the sense of discomfort given to the player. In particular, in the example of FIG. 24(a) and the example of FIG. 24(b), the number of operations of the start lever 135 that can be accepted during the period in which the continuous performance CE is executed is the same, so that the player does not feel strange and , you can play the game at a good tempo.

The execution timing of the pseudo game when the continuous performance CE is executed is not limited to the example shown in FIG. 24(b). In the example of FIG. 25(a), a case is illustrated in which a pseudo game is executed for the Nth game. In this example, the individual effect EN1 is executed during the Nth pseudo game, and the individual effect EN2 is executed during the main game. Compared to the example of FIG. 24(a), a series of continuous performances CE are executed in a period of three games, which is one less number of games. In the example of FIG. 24(a) and the example of FIG. 25(a), the number of operations of the start lever 135 that can be accepted during the period in which the continuous performance CE is executed is the same.

In the example of FIG. 25(b), a case is illustrated in which a pseudo game is executed in the Nth game and the N+1 game. In this example, the individual effect EN1 is executed during the Nth pseudo game, and the individual effect EN2 is executed during the main game. Further, an individual effect EN3 is executed during the N+1-th pseudo game, and an individual effect EN4 is executed during the main game. Compared to the example of FIG. 24(a), a series of continuous effects CE is executed in a period of two games, which is two fewer times than the example of FIG. 24(a). In the example of FIG. 24(a) and the example of FIG. 25(b), the number of operations of the start lever 135 during the period in which the continuous performance CE is executed is the same.

<Display control 1 of specific outcomes in pseudo games>
If the operation navigation is executed in a pseudo game and the player performs the stop operation in accordance with the stop operation order recommended by the operation navigation, even if the reel stop control is performed so that the reels 110 to 112 display a specific number, good. FIG. 26 shows an example.

State ST0 indicates a state in which a pseudo game is started. The reels 110 to 112 rotate, and the recommended stopping operation order is displayed on the effect image display device 157 as left → middle → right. The recommended stopping operation order may be displayed on the payout number display 127.

State ST1 indicates a stage where the player has made a first stop on the left reel 110, and state ST2 indicates a stage where the player has made a second stop on the middle reel 111. State ST3 indicates a stage in which the player has performed a third stop on the right reel 112, and since the stop operation was performed in accordance with the recommended stop operation order displayed on the effect image display device 157, the reels 110 to 112 are stopped. 112 is a pseudo-stop so that a specific number is displayed.

State ST11 indicates a stage in which the player has made a first stop on the right reel 112, and state ST12 indicates a stage in which the player has made a second stop on the middle reel 111. State ST13 indicates a stage where the player has performed a third stop on the left reel 113, and since the stop operation has not been performed in accordance with the recommended stop operation order displayed on the effect image display device 157, the reel 110 -112 are pseudo-stopped so that a different outcome than the specific outcome is displayed.

The specific number may be a number indicating internal information of the slot machine 100 (so-called reach number). Examples of the internal information include internal winning of a predetermined role, confirmation of AT status settings, and the like. The specific outcome has no relation to the internal information of the slot machine 100, but may be an outcome with a low probability of appearance. Further, the specific result may be derived only when playing a pseudo game and the recommended stopping operation order, or may be derived also when playing the main game and the recommended stopping operation order, or when the recommended stopping operation is played. They may be derived without being ordered.

Such display control of specific numbers may be performed in a game in an AT state, or may be performed by executing the operation navigation in a game in a non-AT state. Alternatively, the operation may be performed without executing the operation navigation.

Further, such display control of a specific number of outcomes may be performed when a pseudo game is performed in a series of games in which continuous effects CE are executed. For example, in the example of FIG. 24(b), display control of a specific outcome is performed in the N+1st pseudo game. In this way, by deriving a specific number as a reach number during a continuous performance, it is possible to give surprise to the player and improve the interest in the game. In addition, if a specific roll is made to function as a reach, and a pseudo game can be executed during a continuous performance, the transition to the AT state is determined rather than the continuous performance when the transition to the AT state has not been determined. It may be arranged such that the frequency and probability of pseudo games occurring are higher in continuous performances when the game is played. On the other hand, the occurrence of pseudo games may be restricted in continuous performance when transition to the AT state has not been determined. In addition, as another aspect, even during continuous performance when the transition to the AT state has not been determined, a lottery is held to determine whether or not to generate a pseudo game, and the decision to generate a pseudo game is made. When the game is played, a transition to the AT state may be determined, and a specific number may be derived in a pseudo game. The recommended stop operation order may be displayed along with the individual performance EN2, or may be displayed on the payout number display 127. In this case, the specific result may indicate that the AT state setting is confirmed. It may be possible to increase the player's desire to play the pseudo game.

<Display control 2 of specific numbers in pseudo games>
In a pseudo game, when a player performs a stop operation in accordance with the order of stop operations recommended to avoid penalties for the player, the reels are controlled to stop so that the reels 110 to 112 display a specific number. It's okay. The stop operation order recommended for penalty avoidance may or may not be notified to the player by the operation navigation.

Examples of penalties are given above. That is, in the configuration of the push order bell illustrated in FIG. 8, regarding the stop operation order, if the first stop operation is on the left reel 110, a maximum of six medals can be paid out, and when the first stop operation is on the right reel 112 or In the case of the middle reel 111, a maximum of 13 medals can be paid out. In the non-AT state, if the first stop operation is repeated on the right reel 112 or the middle reel 111 (for example, when the specified number of games are played consecutively, or when the cumulative number of games reaches the specified number of games), the AT state is entered. It is possible to impose a penalty such as not holding a lottery for transition or lowering the probability of winning in a lottery for transitioning to an AT state. In this case, the first stop operation on the left reel 110 is the recommended stop operation order in terms of penalty avoidance, and the first stop operation on the right reel 112 or the middle reel 111 is the unrecommended stop operation order in terms of penalty risk.

The recommended stop operation order and the unrecommended stop operation order related to these penalties work in the main game, but by making some effects work also in the pseudo game, it is possible for the player to avoid the pseudo game in the main game. It can give you the same pleasure of playing the game.

Therefore, when the player performs the stop operation in accordance with the recommended order of stop operations in this game, the reels may be controlled to stop so that the reels 110 to 112 display a specific number. FIG. 27 shows an example.

State ST20 indicates a state in which a pseudo game has started. Here, a pseudo game in a non-AT state is assumed. The recommended stop operation order is the first stop operation on the left reel 110, and the unrecommended stop operation order is the first stop operation on the right reel 112 or the middle reel 111. The reels 110 to 112 rotate, and the recommended stopping operation order is not displayed on the effect image display device 157, but a mere effect image (here, the words "Chance!") is displayed. The recommended stop operation order is not displayed on the payout number display 127 either.

State ST21 indicates a stage where the player has made a first stop on the left reel 110, and state ST22 indicates a stage where the player has made a second stop on the middle reel 111. State ST23 shows the stage where the player has made the third stop on the right reel 112, and since the stop operation has been performed in accordance with the recommended stop operation order, specific numbers are displayed on the reels 110 to 112. It's like a pseudo-stop.

State ST31 indicates a stage in which the player has made a first stop on the right reel 112, and state ST32 indicates a stage in which the player has made a second stop on the middle reel 111. State ST33 indicates a stage in which the player has made a third stop on the left reel 113. Since the first stopping operation is not the recommended stopping operation order, the reels 110 to 112 are pseudo-stopped so that a different number from the specific number is displayed.

The specific number may be a number indicating internal information of the slot machine 100 (so-called reach number). Examples of the internal information include internal winning of a predetermined role, confirmation of AT status settings, and the like. The specific outcome has no relation to the internal information of the slot machine 100, but may be an outcome with a low probability of appearance.

Further, such display control of a specific number of outcomes may be performed when a pseudo game is performed in a series of games in which continuous effects CE are executed. For example, in the example of FIG. 24(b), display control of a specific outcome is performed in the N+1st pseudo game. In this way, by deriving a specific number as a reach number during a continuous performance, it is possible to give surprise to the player and improve the interest in the game. In addition, if a specific roll is made to function as a reach, and a pseudo game can be executed during a continuous performance, the transition to the AT state is determined rather than the continuous performance when the transition to the AT state has not been determined. It may be arranged such that the frequency and probability of pseudo games occurring are higher in continuous performances when the game is played. On the other hand, the occurrence of pseudo games may be restricted in continuous performance when transition to the AT state has not been determined. In addition, as another aspect, even during continuous performance when the transition to the AT state has not been determined, a lottery is held to determine whether or not to generate a pseudo game, and the decision to generate a pseudo game is made. When the game is played, a transition to the AT state may be determined, and a specific number may be derived in a pseudo game.

<Other example 1 of the first embodiment>
In the above embodiment, as the information on the number of games included in the game information output in S213 of FIG. 12, the number of games is counted by an external device based on the main game. An external signal may be output so that the total number of games played is counted by an external device as the total number of games played per day. If the total number of daily games is added to the game information display provided in each slot machine 100 each time a pseudo game is played, the player will be able to recognize that the pseudo game is a game similar to the real game. In some cases, it may be possible to give players the ability to actively enjoy pseudo games.

In order to include the number of simulated games in the total number of games per day, for example, a signal to update the number of games is output to the external device at the end of the process in FIG. You may also do so.

Furthermore, as another example, a signal for updating the number of games may be output to an external device at the end of a pseudo game. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an example thereof, and shows an example of processing executed in place of the reel stop control processing of the pseudo game of FIG. 15. To explain processing that is different from the example in FIG. 15, in the example in FIG. Output to. Information is updated on the side of an external device such as a hall computer.

Next, in the above embodiment, the start lever 135 was exemplified as the operating means that triggers switching between individual performances EN1 to EN4, but other operating means may be used, for example, it may be an operating means related to the progress of the game. . Specifically, it may be the MAX bet button 132 or the stop buttons 137 to 139. In the case of the stop buttons 137 to 139, the third stop operation may be targeted.

<Example of operation navigation>
An example of the operation navigation using the liquid crystal image display device 157 in this game will be explained with reference to FIGS. 29 and 30. FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the flow of the notification process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 when the AT state is set. For example, after the reels 110 to 112 start rotating (S113), they stop Started before the operation is enabled. Note that it is also possible to adopt a mode in which the main control unit 300 does not perform this process, and the sub control unit 400 executes the same process in accordance with subcommands from the main control unit 300.

In step S1701, it is determined whether the current RT gaming state is RT2 (RB gaming state). If the RT gaming state is RT2, the process ends.

In step S1702, it is determined whether or not the push order bell has been internally won in the current game. If the push order bell is internally selected, the process advances to step S1703, and preparations are made to transmit a subcommand to the sub-control unit 400 to notify the recommended stop operation order. If the push order bell has not been internally won, the process advances to step S1704, and it is determined whether or not the common bell has been internally won in the current game. If the common bell has been internally won, the process advances to step S1705, and if it has not been internally won, the process ends.

In step S1705, it is determined whether the number of remaining AT sheets is less than or equal to the number of sheets on standby to end. If the number of remaining AT sheets is less than or equal to the number of sheets on standby to end, the process proceeds to step S1706, and if the number of remaining AT sheets exceeds the number of sheets on standby to end, the process ends. Step S1705 is a process for determining whether or not the AT state will win a common bell in the final game. The AT remaining number of sheets means the remaining difference number of sheets that reaches the end condition of the AT state regarding the difference number of sheets. The number of coins waiting to end means the difference in the number of coins obtained by the player based on the result of the current game.In the case of a common bell, the payout is 13 coins and the number of coins inserted by the player is 3, so the number of coins waiting to finish is 10 coins. . In S1706, the stop operation order is notified. The common bell can be stopped in any order when winning a prize. However, here, preparations are made to send a subcommand to the sub-control unit 400 in order to intentionally notify the stop operation order.

30(a) to 30(c) show an example of notification in step S1703, an example of notification in step S1707, and an example of notification in step S1706, respectively.

FIG. 30(a) is an example of an operation navigation, and the recommended stop operation order when the push order bell_RLC is internally selected is displayed as 3→1→2. It is recommended to operate from right to left to inside. Further, it is displayed that the number of remaining AT cards is 25.

FIG. 30(b) is an example of notification during the RB game. Even if the bell is internally selected, the recommended stop operation order will not be announced. As described above, in this embodiment, even if the AT state is set, operation navigation is not performed during the RB game. If the operation navigation is performed during the RB game, the player may be concerned that the AT state may end depending on the end condition of the difference number of sheets during the RB game. In general, the player is able to complete the AT state or make full use of the AT state by performing the operation navigation in a game where the AT state ends and receiving a payout corresponding to the winning combination. It often gives you a sense of satisfaction. In this embodiment, by not performing operation navigation during the RB game, the player's sense of satisfaction can be improved without making the player worry that the AT state will end during the RB game.

Furthermore, "even if the AT state is set, the operation navigation is not performed during RB gaming" means that the RB gaming state is controlled in a situation where the AT state is controlled as the gaming state, as shown in FIG. 10 etc. Even if the RB game is in the AT state, the operation navigation is not performed during the RB game, indicating that the operation navigation is not performed during the RB game in the AT state.

Here, "even if the AT state is set, the operation navigation is not performed during the RB game" includes, for example, the following configuration.

(i) When the RB gaming state is started during the AT state, information indicating that the RB gaming state is controlled in the AT state (AT state command, AT state flag, AT permission information, hereinafter referred to as AT state information) is Although it is maintained and retained even during the gaming state, information indicating that the RB gaming state is in progress (RB state command and RB state flag; hereinafter referred to as RB state information) is also set and stored. As a control when the AT state information and the RB state information are established at the same time, a stop operation corresponding to the lottery result by the internal winning combination lottery process is not notified. Then, when the RB gaming state ends, the RB state information becomes non-set or non-stored, and in the subsequent AT state, a stop operation corresponding to the lottery result by the internal winning combination lottery process is notified.

(ii) If the RB gaming state is started during the AT state, the AT state information is not set or stored because the AT state is temporarily interrupted, and the RB gaming state is set or stored because the RB state information is set or stored. Inside, the stop operation corresponding to the lottery result by the internal winning combination lottery process is not notified. However, when the RB gaming state ends, information that can identify the return to the AT state (AT return information) is set and stored, so when the RB gaming state ends, the RB state information will not be set or stored. Furthermore, since the AT state information is set and stored again by the AT return information, the AT state is returned and a stop operation corresponding to the lottery result by the internal winning combination lottery process is notified.

(iii) If the RB gaming state is started during the AT state, AT state information is not set or stored, and information indicating that the RB gaming state is in the AT state (such as the RB state command during the AT state or the By setting and storing the RB state flag (hereinafter referred to as RB information during AT), the stop operation corresponding to the lottery result by the internal winning combination lottery process is not notified during the RB gaming state. Then, when the RB gaming state ends, the RB information during AT is not set or stored, and then the AT state information is set or stored again, and in the AT state, a stop operation corresponding to the lottery result by the internal winning combination lottery process is performed. A configuration in which notifications are made.

In this way, "do not perform operation navigation during RB gaming even if the AT state is set" includes (i) a configuration in which AT state information is set and stored even in the RB gaming state, (ii) ) AT state information is not set and stored in the RB gaming state, but AT return information is set and stored; (iii) AT state information is not set and stored in the RB gaming state; A configuration in which RB information is set and stored while in the AT state is considered, and the common feature of these is that it is possible to return to the AT state after the end of the RB gaming state. "Also" refers to having AT rights and information that allow the player to return to the AT state after the RB gaming state ends.

FIG. 30(c) is an example of notification when the common bell is won internally in the final game in the AT state. The common bell can be stopped in any order when winning a prize. However, as mentioned above, in general, as a player, the operation navigation is performed in a game where the AT state ends, and by receiving the payout corresponding to the winning combination, the player can complete the AT state or reach the full AT state. In many cases, you will feel satisfied that you were able to utilize the information. Therefore, in this embodiment, the common bell is won internally in the final game in the AT state, and when the AT state ends, the stop operation order is notified. The order of stop operations to be notified is arbitrary. The order of stop operations to be notified may be a predetermined order of stop operations, and in this case, the program capacity can be reduced by eliminating the need for processing to determine the order of stop operations. Conversely, the order of the stop operations to be notified may be determined by lottery. It is possible to eliminate bias in the order of stop operations that are notified, and to reduce the feeling of racing (the feeling that the bell is always on the left, center, right at the end).

In the example of FIG. 30(c), the stop operation order is displayed as 2→1→3. Although it is recommended to operate from center to left to right, even if the player selects another stop operation order, he or she will win the common bell. In the example of FIG. 30(c), it is also displayed that the number of remaining AT cards is 5.

In this way, in this embodiment, there are a predetermined combination (common bell) without a stop operation mode and a predetermined combination (push order bell) with an operation mode, and a game that can be the final game in the AT state (when there is only one remaining bell). ), the recommended operation mode is notified even if the internal winning combination is a bell that can be pressed in any order. By ending the last game in the AT state with the operation navigation, the player can be given a sense of satisfaction that the AT ending condition has been fulfilled.

Through the above notification process, it is possible to provide an AT state that gives the player a high sense of satisfaction. Note that the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 can perform similar processing in the operation navigation on the payout number display 127.

<Example of changes in AT-related games>
An example of the transition of games related to AT will be explained with reference to FIGS. 31 and 32. FIGS. 31 and 32 both show examples of the transition of the game before and after the AT state ends based on the end condition of the difference in number of sheets. First, the example shown in FIG. 31 will be explained.

At the N game stage, each state is RT1 (RB internal winning state), advantageous section, and AT normal state, and the common bell is internally winning. Since the common bell is internally elected, the operation navigation will not be performed. I won the common bell and have 17 AT cards left.

At the N+1 game stage, the push order bell is internally won and operation navigation is performed. As a result of winning the push order bell (13 coins), the number of AT remaining coins is 7 coins (number of coins inserted + 3 coins, number of coins paid out - 13 coins). Since the number of remaining AT coins is 7, the AT state becomes an end standby state in which the AT state can be ended depending on the result of the next game.

At the N+2 game stage, the internal lottery result is a loss. Operation navigation is not performed. The number of remaining AT cards is 10, which is the number of inserted cards + 3 and the number of paid out 0. Since the number of remaining AT coins is 10, the AT state becomes an end standby state in which the AT state can be ended depending on the result of the next game. At the N+3 game stage, the internal lottery result is an internal win for the common bell. Since this is the final game in the AT state, operation navigation is performed. AT state ends. Since the RT game state is RT1, a pullback chance state is set in the next game when transition condition 12 is established (FIG. 10). In the illustrated example, it is assumed that (c) or (d) of transition condition B is satisfied, and after the advantageous period ends, a non-advantageous period is set in the next game.

At the N+4 game stage, the internal lottery result is an internal win for the common bell. Operation navigation is not performed. When the transition condition A is established, the non-advantageous section is shifted to the advantageous section. At the N+5 game stage, the internal lottery result is the push order bell. In the pullback chance state, the operation navigation of the push order bell is executed in the advantageous section. Thereafter, games in the pullback chance state proceed, such as the N+6 game and the N+7 game.

The example shown in FIG. 32 will be explained. At the M game stage, each state is RT1 (RB internal winning state), advantageous section, and AT normal state, and the push order bell is internally won. Operation navigation is not performed because the push order bell is internally selected. I won the push order bell and there are 7 cards left at AT. Since the number of remaining AT coins is 7, the AT state becomes an end standby state in which the AT state can be ended depending on the result of the next game.

At the M+1 game stage, the internal lottery result is a loss. Operation navigation is not performed. The number of remaining AT cards is 10, which is the number of inserted cards + 3 and the number of paid out 0. Since the number of remaining AT coins is 10, the AT state becomes an end standby state in which the AT state can be ended depending on the result of the next game. However, at the M+1 game stage, a symbol combination corresponding to RB is displayed, and RB wins. From the next game, the RT gaming state becomes RT2 (RB gaming state).

At the M+2 game stage, the push order bell is internally won, but since the RT game state is RT2 (RB game state), the operation navigation is not performed. Also, since the RT gaming state is RT2 (RB gaming state), the difference number of coins and the number of games are not updated, and the remaining AT number remains 10 coins.

The M+7 game stage is the final game of RT2 (RB game state). The internal lottery result is an internal win for the common bell. Operation navigation is not performed. The remaining number of AT cards remains 10. RT0 (normal game) is set from the next game.

At the M+8 game stage, the internal lottery result is a simultaneous internal winning of the common bell and RB. Since this is the final game in the AT state, operation navigation is performed for the common bell. AT state ends. Since the RT game state becomes RT1 in this game, a pullback chance state is set in the next game due to the establishment of transition condition 12 (FIG. 10). In the illustrated example, it is assumed that (c) or (d) of transition condition B is satisfied, and after the advantageous period ends, a non-advantageous period is set in the next game. At the M+9 game stage, the internal lottery result is a common bell. Operation navigation is not performed. When the transition condition A is established, the non-advantageous section is shifted to the advantageous section. At the M+10 game stage, the internal lottery result is the push order bell. In the pullback chance state, the operation navigation of the push order bell is executed in the advantageous section.

<Other example 2 of the first embodiment>
In the information output in step S123, an external signal does not need to be output even if the RB game is started (start of RT2). In this embodiment, since the player's profit in the AT state is large, an external signal is output and the data lamp is updated, thereby preventing the player from being mistakenly recognized as having been granted a benefit greater than the AT state. may be possible.

Even when the RB game is started (start of RT2), there is no need to perform an effect indicating that the current game is an RB game as shown in FIG. 30(b). Specifically, a configuration may be considered in which the performance that was being performed before the RB game was started is continued without the performance indicating that it is an RB game. In this embodiment, since the player's profit in the AT state is large, it may be possible to prevent the player from being mistakenly recognized as having been granted a benefit greater than the AT state in the RB game.

Even if RB is internally elected (even if RT1 is set), there is no need to perform an effect to notify that RB has been internally elected. Specifically, a configuration is conceivable in which the performance that was being performed before the RB was won is continued without the performance indicating that the RB has been internally won. In this embodiment, since the player's profit in the AT state is large, it may be possible to prevent the player from being mistakenly recognized as having been granted a benefit greater than the AT state in the RB game.

If RB has been internally won, the symbol combination corresponding to RB may not be notified. Specifically, a configuration may be considered in which the performance that was being performed before the symbol combination corresponding to RB was displayed is continued without performing the performance indicating the symbol combination corresponding to RB. In this embodiment, since the player's profit in the AT state is large, it may be possible to prevent the player from being mistakenly recognized as having been granted a benefit greater than the AT state in the RB game.

The effect may be prevented from changing before and after changing the settings. By continuing the performance that was being performed before the setting change even after the setting change, it may be possible to prevent the player from noticing that the setting change has been made.

It may be possible to prevent the effect from changing between when recovering from a power outage (S221) and when changing settings. By performing the same effect when recovering from a power failure and when changing the settings, it may be possible to prevent the player from noticing that the settings have been changed.

<Display of number of games played after setting AT status>
In the slot machine 100 of this embodiment, the presence or absence of the AT state setting greatly influences the quality of the player's profits. When a player selects a slot machine 100 at a gaming parlor, the number of games played after the AT state is set serves as a guide. For example, if the AT state has ended and the number of games played after the AT state has been set is large, but not small, the player may feel a sense of expectation that the AT state will be set soon. . In this embodiment, the external device outputs information that can be provided to the player, such as the number of games played.

FIG. 33A shows an example of information output from the information output circuit 334 to the information input circuit 652, and shows an example of an external signal output in S213 of FIG. In the illustrated example, eight external signals can be assigned to pins 1 to 8 based on the pin numbers of the connector that connects the information output circuit 334 and the information input circuit 652.

A medal input number signal is assigned to the 1st pin. As the medal input number signal, a signal corresponding to the number of bets is output when the start lever 135 is operated. Since this signal is output for each game, an external device can identify the number of games played from this signal. A medal payout number signal is assigned to the 2nd pin. As for the medal payout number signal, when medals are paid out as a result of the game, a signal corresponding to the number of medals is output.

The 5th pin is unused. A security signal is assigned to pin 7. The security signal is a signal indicating that settings are being changed or confirmed. A door open signal is assigned to pin 8. The door open signal is a signal indicating that the front door 102 is open.

The RB signal is assigned to pin 3. The RB signal is a signal that is output when the AT state is set in the advantageous section (at the time of the first hit). However, if the AT state (ending state) is set due to the establishment of transition condition 15, no output is made. The first win means a case where an AT state is set under a transition condition other than a case where a win is won in a pullback chance state (when an AT normal state is set in transition condition 13).

FIG. 34(a) shows an example of changes in the RB signal. In this embodiment, the RB signal is turned ON after two games after the AT state is set, and turned OFF in the next game. The reason why the signal is turned on after two games after setting the AT state is that if two games have passed since setting the AT state, the AT state is reliably controlled, and the transition from a non-advantageous section to an advantageous section. Since 1 to 2 games are spent on each game, it is important to match the number of games played after moving to the advantageous section. Note that the RB signal may be turned ON in a game where the AT state is set. Further, if the RB signal is ON in a game where the advantageous period ends, it is turned OFF. Whether or not it is the first hit in the AT state is managed by the first hit flag. In this embodiment, the first hit flag is set to OFF when transition condition 14 is satisfied, and is set to ON when transition condition 12 is satisfied.

The BB signal is assigned to the 4th pin. The BB signal is a signal that is output when the AT state is set. FIG. 34(a) shows an example of changes in the BB signal. In this embodiment, since the RB signal is output when there is a first win in the AT state, the BB signal is output (turned ON) after four games from the setting of the AT state. In the case of the second or later setting of the AT state, the BB signal is turned ON after two games have been played since the setting of the AT state. FIG. 34(b) shows an example. Note that the BB signal may be turned ON in a game where the AT state is set. The BB signal is also turned ON in that game due to the establishment of transition condition 15. FIG. 34(c) shows an example. In either case, the BB signal is turned OFF at the end of the AT state or at the end of the advantageous section.

FIG. 33(b) shows an example of the display on the display 653 of the external device. The external device in this example is a game information display (generally called a data counter, data lamp, etc.) provided for each slot machine 100. In the illustrated example, the display 653 displays "BB 1", "RB 1", and "262 times". “BB 1” indicates that the AT state is set once, and is information based on the BB signal. "RB 1" indicates that the first hit in the AT state is one time, and is information based on the RB signal. "262 times" is the number of games played after the AT state is set (or may be after the AT state ends. Also, it may be after the output of the RB signal or BB signal is turned off). 262 times, and the configuration is such that one game is updated by the BB signal and the medal input number signal (3 medal input number signal.In addition, during replay, the 3 medal input number signal is also used) This information is based on

The RB signal and the BB signal are used as signals for resetting the number of games displayed by an external device after the AT state is set (or after the AT state ends). 35 to 37 are diagrams showing examples of changes in the RB signal and BB signal and changes in the display example of the display 653. In this embodiment, the number of games is reset at the rise of the RB signal or the rise of the BB signal.

The example shown in FIG. 35 will be explained. In the example of FIG. 35, the AT state is set in the Nth game, and this is the first AT state setting (so-called first win) since the start of the advantageous section. At this time, the display on the display 653 is "BB 0", "RB 0", and "250 times". The RB signal is turned ON in the N+2 game, which is the second game after setting the AT state. The displays on the display 653 are "BB 0", "RB 1", and "0 times", and in response to the rise of the RB signal, the RB display becomes 1 and the number of games is reset to 0 times. ing. The BB signal is turned ON in the N+4th game, which is the fourth game since the AT state was set. The displays on the display 653 are "BB 1", "RB 1", and "0 times", and in response to the rise of the BB signal, the BB display becomes 1 and the number of games is reset to 0 times. .

The example shown in FIG. 36 will be explained. In the example of FIG. 36, the AT state is set in the Mth game following the AT state explained in the example of FIG. 35 (so-called consecutive games), and this is the setting of the AT state from the second time onwards from the start of the advantageous section. . At this time, the displays on the display 653 are "BB 1", "RB 1", and "150 times". The BB signal is turned ON in the M+2nd game, which is the second game after setting the AT state. The displays on the display 653 are "BB 2", "RB 1", and "0 times", and in response to the rise of the BB signal, the BB display is added by 1 to become 2, and the number of games played is It has been reset to 0 times. Since the AT state is not set for the first time, the RB signal does not change.

The example shown in FIG. 37 will be explained. In the example of FIG. 37, it is assumed that the AT state is never set after the advantageous period starts until the remaining number of games reaches the specified number of times, and transition condition 15 is satisfied. In the illustrated example, it is assumed that the number of games that is the condition for ending the advantageous section is 3000 times, and the prescribed number of times is 50 times remaining.

In the 2948th game, the displays on the display 653 are "BB 0", "RB 0", and "2948th game". In the 2950th game in which transition condition 15 is satisfied, the AT state is set and the BB signal is turned ON. The displays on the display 653 are "BB 1", "RB 0", and "0 times", and in response to the rise of the BB signal, the BB display becomes 1 and the number of games is reset to 0 times. .

In this advantageous section, the AT state is set for the first time in the 2950th game in which transition condition 15 is satisfied, but it is not treated as a first win and the RB signal is not turned ON. In the 3000th game, which is the end game of the advantageous section, the displays on the display 653 are "BB 1", "RB 0", and "50 times", and the number of games has been updated. Since the display of "RB" remains at 0, the player can understand that transition condition 15 is satisfied. For convenience of explanation, an example is shown in which the number of games is updated from the time the BB signal is output until the 3000th game, which is the end game of the advantageous section, but the BB signal is not limited to this. The number of games played may be updated after the game is turned off.

As described above, in the present embodiment, even if the player performs a penalty stop operation and the AT state is not set in the advantageous section, the AT state (ending state) is forced due to the establishment of transition condition 15. can be set, and the display of the number of games played on the display 653 can be reset by outputting the BB signal. If it is not reset, the number of games played on the display 653 will greatly exceed 3,000 times, and another player who sees this may avoid the machine, but according to this embodiment. Since the number of games is always reset once before the end of the advantageous section, it is possible to prevent the machine from being avoided. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the decrease in the operating rate.

In this embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 35 and 36, even when the AT state is set due to the fulfillment of the originally scheduled normal transition conditions, the transition conditions are exceptionally set as illustrated in FIG. 37. Even when the AT state is set due to establishment of condition 15, the same BB signal is outputted, and the output of the BB signal is turned OFF when the advantageous section ends in any case. By standardizing the output of external signals, the number of programs can be reduced.

In addition, in this embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 37, even if transition condition 15 is satisfied in an advantageous section and the AT state is set for the first time, it is not treated as a first hit, and the RB signal is not output to ON. However, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the output is turned ON. In this case, the number of times "RB" on the display 653 is updated, and the number of first hits in the AT state in the advantageous section corresponds to the actual situation. Furthermore, although the AT state (ending state) is forcibly set when transition condition 15 is satisfied and the BB signal is output, the configuration may also be such that the BB signal is output without forcibly setting the AT state. .

<Second embodiment>
In the first embodiment, the slot machine 100 has been described as a machine exclusively for betting on three medals, in which a game can be started by operating the start lever 135 on the condition that three medals have been bet. In this case, three medals may be inserted into the bet buttons 130 and 131 other than the MAX bet button 132 with one bet operation.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing an example of the process (game start process) of step S103 in FIG. 11 in this embodiment. In step S1801, it is determined whether or not the player won a replay prize in the previous game. If the player wins the replay, the process advances to step S1803 and the number of bets is set to three. The number of bets is the number of bets that are validly set. After that, the process advances to step S1826. If no prize was won in the replay in the previous game, the process advances to step S1805 based on the determination in step S1801.

Steps S1805 to S1811 are processes when medals are inserted into the medal slot 141, steps S1813 to S1821 are processes when there is a bet operation on the bet buttons 130 to 132, and the bet process in step S1823 is as follows: This is a common process for inserting medals into the medal slot 141 and bet operations on the bet buttons 130 to 132. The capacity of the program may be reduced by making the processing of inserting medals into the medal slot 141 and bet operations on the bet buttons 130 to 132 into a common module. Further, through the processing of steps S1813 to S1821, bet operations on the bet buttons 130 to 132 can be accepted substantially simultaneously. Although it is possible to adopt a process in which bet operations for each of the bet buttons 130 to 132 can be accepted at different timings, program capacity may be reduced by allowing them to be accepted at the same time as in this embodiment.

In step S1805, the detection result of the medal receiving sensor among the various sensors 318 is acquired, and it is determined whether a medal has been inserted into the medal slot 141. If inserting a medal is detected, the process advances to step S1807; if not detected, the process advances to step S1819.

In step S1807, one credit is added. In step S1809, the number of sheets to be added is set to 1. The number of added coins is a variable used in the process of setting the number of bets, and when the number of added coins is 1, it means that 1 bet has been provisionally accepted. In step S1811, the command type of the subcommand to be sent to the subcontrol unit 400 is set to "080H". This command type is a type that means that a medal has been inserted into the medal slot 141. After that, the process advances to step S1823.

In step S1813, it is determined whether or not there is a bet operation on the MAX bet button 132. Specifically, the detection result of the bet button 132 sensor of the various sensors 318 is acquired, and it is determined whether the detection result of the bet button 132 sensor has changed from OFF to ON. If the detection result of the bet button 132 sensor changes from OFF to ON, the process advances to step S1819, and if it does not change from OFF to ON, the process advances to step S1815.

In step S1815, it is determined whether or not there is a bet operation on the 2-bet bet button 131. Specifically, the detection result of the bet button 131 sensor of the various sensors 318 is acquired, and it is determined whether the detection result of the bet button 131 sensor has changed from OFF to ON. If the detection result of the bet button 131 sensor changes from OFF to ON, the process advances to step S1819, and if it does not change from OFF to ON, the process advances to step S1817.

In step S1817, it is determined whether or not there is a bet operation on the one bet button 130. Specifically, the detection result of the bet button 130 sensor of the various sensors 318 is acquired, and it is determined whether the detection result of the bet button 130 sensor has changed from OFF to ON. If the detection result of the bet button 130 sensor changes from OFF to ON, the process advances to step S1819, and if it does not change from OFF to ON, the process advances to step S1825.

In step S1819, the number of sheets to be added is set to three. This means that the 3 bet has been provisionally accepted. In step S1821, the command type of the subcommand to be sent to the subcontrol unit 400 is set to "040H". This command type is a type that means that a bet operation has been performed on the bet buttons 130 to 132. After that, the process advances to step S1823.

In this manner, in this embodiment, a bet operation is accepted when each bet button sensor changes from OFF to ON. For this reason, for example, the bet button sensor may be turned ON before the bet operation acceptance period (steps S1805 to S1825) due to a malfunction of the bet button, such as the button part of the bet button sinking in and remaining pressed. Even if this state continues, it will not be accepted as a valid bet operation.

Conversely, even if the bet button sensor for a certain bet button has been ON since before the bet operation acceptance period, if another normal bet button is operated within the bet operation acceptance period, that bet will not be accepted. It is possible to effectively accept operations.

Also, within the acceptance period, a 3-bet bet operation will be accepted no matter which of the bet buttons 130 to 132 is operated, and if a bet operation on any of the bet buttons is detected, the step Since the process advances to S1819, no duplicate bet operations will be accepted. Furthermore, since the processing in steps S1819 and S1821 is made into a common module for bet operations on the respective bet buttons 130 to 132, the program capacity can be reduced in some cases.

In step S1823, bet processing is performed. FIG. 39 is a flow chart thereof. In step S1831, it is determined whether the current number of bets is 3 or not. If the number of bets is not 3, the process advances to step S1833, and if the number of bets is 3, the process advances to step S1842.

In step S1833, it is determined whether the current number of credits is 0 (or greater than or equal to 1). If the number of credits is 0, the process proceeds to step S1842 without performing addition processing to the number of bets in order to invalidate the insertion of one medal (bet operation). If the number of credits is not 0, the process advances to step S1835 to validate the insertion of one medal.

In step S1835, the number of credits is subtracted by one, and in the subsequent step S1837, the number of bets is added and set by one. In step S1839, the added number of sheets is subtracted by one. In step S1841, it is determined whether the added number of sheets is 0 or not. If the added number of sheets is 0, the process advances to step S1842, and if the added number of sheets is not 0, the process returns to step S1831 and repeats the same process. For example, if there is a bet operation on the bet buttons 130 to 132, these processes will be repeated three times with the number of credits as the upper limit, and if medals are inserted into the medal slot 141 one by one, the process will be repeated three times. It will be repeated once at a time.

In step S1842, command processing is performed. Here, preparations are made so that a subcommand including the command type set in step S1811 or step S1821 and the number of bets can be transmitted. By receiving this subcommand, the subcontrol unit 400 can specify the current number of bets and distinguish between medal insertion operations (medal insertion slot 141 or bet buttons 130 to 032). Thereafter, the process advances to step S1825 in FIG.

In step S1825, it is determined whether the number of bets is 3 or not. If the number of bets is 3, the process advances to step S1826 to allow the start of the game, and if the number of bets is 1 or 2, the process returns to step S1805. In step S1826, a start operation on the start lever 135 is accepted, and if there is a start operation, the process ends.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the 1-bet bet button 130 and the 2-bet bet button 131 are used as the same MAX bet button as the bet button 132. Even if some of the bet buttons are out of order, a 3-coin bet operation can be made using other bet buttons, improving the convenience of the player and the continuity of operation of the machine. On the other hand, since 1 bet is possible in the medal slot 141, 3 bets can be made by inserting 3 medals, or 1 bet or 2 bet can be made due to lack of credits even if the bet button 130 to 132 is operated. Even if the player becomes 3-bet, he or she can insert additional medals from the medal slot 141 and make a 3-bet.

When placing a bet using the bet buttons 130 to 132, 3 bets are set in one bet operation, so the time required for the bet is shorter than placing 3 bets by inserting medals one by one into the medal slot 141. Can be done.

In the case of this embodiment, among the bet buttons 130 to 132, the MAX bet button 132 has a larger operation surface than the other bet buttons 130 and 131, as shown in FIG. There are cases where it is possible to make the MAX bet button 132 stand out while allowing 3 bets on any of the bet buttons 130 to 132.

In order to make the MAX bet button 132 stand out, the MAX bet button 132 has a built-in light emitting element such as an LED so that it can emit light, and the bet buttons 130 and 131 do not need to have a built-in light emitting element. When the MAX bet button 132 has a built-in light emitting element, the timing of the light emission may be after the timing at which acceptance of bet operations on the bet buttons 130 and 131 is started. The player may be able to perform a bet operation on the bet buttons 130 and 131 at an early stage.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, among the bet buttons 130 to 132, the MAX bet button 132 is placed closest to the player when viewed from the player. It may be possible to improve the operability of the MAX bet button 132 while allowing 3 bets on any of the bet buttons 130 to 132.

Note that among the bet buttons 130 to 132, the MAX bet button 132 may be pressed down the deepest when turned on. The player's feeling of operating the MAX bet button 132 may be improved in some cases. Conversely, among the bet buttons 130 to 132, the MAX bet button 132 may be depressed the least when turned ON. The player's feeling of operating the MAX bet button 132 may be improved in some cases. The player's operational burden on the MAX bet button 132 may be reduced.

In the case of this embodiment, among the bet buttons 130 to 132, the MAX bet button 132 protrudes to the uppermost side in a natural state without any operation, as shown in FIG. There are cases where it is easy for the player to operate the MAX bet button 132.

Note that the configuration examples of these bet buttons 130 to 132 can be combined as appropriate.

Next, in the process of step S103 (game start process), the processing time (time from step S1801 to the start of step S1826) when a replay is established in the previous game and the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated. The processing time (the time from when YES is determined in any of steps S1813 to S1817 to when step S1826 is started via steps S1819 and S1823) may be the same. In this case, each processing time may be adjusted by adding a weight as appropriate. As a result, it may be possible to play games without changing the progress speed of the game over a plurality of games, depending on whether or not a replay is achieved in the previous game. Conversely, these processing times may be different, and one of the processing times may be shorter than the other. In some cases, it is easy for the player to recognize that a replay was achieved in the previous game.

<Production selection>
The bet buttons 130 to 132 can also be used as effect selection confirmation buttons. At this time, the command type indicating the operation for the bet buttons 130 to 132 is all assigned the above-mentioned "040H", so no matter which bet button 130 to 132 is operated, it will be processed with the same command type. , and the program capacity can be reduced.

FIG. 40 is an explanatory diagram when the bet buttons 130 to 132 are used as effect selection confirmation buttons. In states ST40 to ST42, a character selection image is displayed on the performance image display device 157, and one character can be selected from three characters: a lord, a princess, and a retainer. State ST40 shows an image in which a lord can be selected, and when a predetermined time has elapsed, the image is switched to an image in which a princess can be selected, as shown in state ST41. Further, when a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the image is switched to a selectable image of the elderly as shown in state ST42, and when a predetermined period of time has further elapsed, the process returns to state ST40.

The effect image display device 157 displays a message that when the MAX bet button 132 is operated, the character selection is confirmed. However, in the present embodiment, character selection can be confirmed by operating any of the bet buttons 130 to 132, and the player's operability may be improved.

For example, assume that one of the bet buttons 130 to 132 is operated at the timing of state ST40. The main control unit 300 monitors the detection results of the bet button 130 sensor, the bet button 131 sensor, and the bet button 132 sensor among the various sensors 318, and when an operation is detected in any of the sensors, sets the command type to "040H". The sub-command is sent to the sub-control unit 400. The sub-control unit 400 recognizes that the selection confirmation operation has been performed, and displays an image in which the lord's selection is confirmed on the effect image display device 157, as shown in state ST50.

Similarly, assume that any of the bet buttons 130 to 132 is operated at the timing of state ST41. The main control unit 300 transmits a sub-command with the command type set to “040H” to the sub-control unit 400. The sub-control unit 400 recognizes that the selection confirmation operation has been performed, and displays an image in which the selection of the princess is confirmed on the effect image display device 157, as shown in state ST51.

Similarly, assume that any of the bet buttons 130 to 132 is operated at the timing of state ST42. The main control unit 300 transmits a sub-command with the command type set to “040H” to the sub-control unit 400. The sub-control unit 400 recognizes that the selection confirmation operation has been performed, and displays, on the effect image display device 157, an image in which the selection of the chief retainer is confirmed, as shown in state ST52.

In this way, character selection can be confirmed by operating any of the bet buttons 130 to 132, but in terms of performance, the player is prompted to operate a specific bet button (in this case, the MAX bet button 132). , it may be possible to prevent player confusion.

Note that the selection may be confirmed only when the bet button guided by the effect is operated among the bet buttons 130 to 132. Specifically, in the case of the example shown in FIG. 40, since the operation on the MAX bet button 132 is guided, the selection is confirmed when the MAX bet button 132 is operated, and the operation on the bet buttons 130 and 132 is confirmed. You may also choose not to confirm the operation. It may be possible to prevent player confusion.

In addition, character selection can be confirmed by operating any of the bet buttons 130 to 132, and a bet operation for 3 cards can be made by operating any of the bet buttons 130 to 132, so that common functions are provided. However, in the case of character selection, the character can be selected using the guided MAX bet button 132, and other production modes can be selected by operating the unguided bet buttons 130 and 131. good. For example, the first character selection that is displayed is the so-called "front production mode", which shows the standard production frequency or the expectation of the production, but it also has a so-called "back production mode", in which the production occurs. It may also be possible to select a mode in which the frequency and expectations are allotted to an extreme level, such as ``if it happens, it's a win''. In this way, in a certain state, any of the bet buttons 130 to 132 may be operated with a common function, but in a predetermined state, the functions may be separated.

The production and reception of operations regarding these bet buttons 130 to 132 are not limited to the confirmation of production selection. For example, in the pseudo bet operation (FIG. 16: step S1305), a bet operation on any of the bet buttons 130 to 132 may be accepted. By treating the pseudo game and the real game in the same way, it may be possible to match the feel of the game in these games.

Conversely, in the pseudo bet operation, only the operation on the MAX bet button 132 may be accepted, and the operation on the bet buttons 130 and 132 may not be accepted. At this time, if there is an operation on the MAX bet button 132, a subcommand with the command type set to "040H" is sent to the sub-control unit 400, but even if there is an operation on the bet buttons 130 and 132, the command type is set to "040H". It is not necessary to send the sub-command set to the sub-control unit 400 to the sub-control unit 400.

<Check the state of the bet button>
A light emitting element for checking the status of each bet button 130 to 132 may be provided. Here, an example will be described in which a light emitting element is provided on the main control board on which the main control unit 300 is executed.

FIG. 41 is a front view of the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open. The main body 101 is a box that is surrounded by a top plate 261, a left side plate 260, a right side plate 260, a bottom plate 264, and a back plate 242, and has an opening at the front. Inside the main body 101, a main control board storage case 210 that stores a main control board 211 inside is arranged at a position that does not overlap with the ventilation hole 249 provided at the upper part of the back plate 242. Three reels 110 to 112 are arranged below. On the side of the main control board storage case 210 and the reels 110 to 112, that is, on the left side plate 260, a sub control board storage case 220 that stores a sub control board therein is disposed. Furthermore, an external centralized terminal board 248 is attached to the side plate 260 on the right side as viewed from the outside, which is connected to the main control board and outputs information about the slot machine 100 to an external device.

A medal payout device 180 (a device that pays out medals accumulated in a bucket) is disposed on the bottom plate 264, and above the medal payout device 180, that is, below the reels 110 to 112, is a power supply device having a power supply board. 252 is provided, and a power switch 244 is provided in front of the power supply device 252. The power supply device 252 converts the alternating current power supplied from the outside to the slot machine 100, converts it into a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to each control section such as the main control section 300, sub-control sections 400 and 500, and each device. Furthermore, it is equipped with a power storage circuit (e.g., a capacitor) for supplying power to predetermined components (e.g., RAM 308 of the main control unit 300, etc.) for a predetermined period (e.g., 10 days) even after external power is cut off. There is.

A medal auxiliary storage 240 is provided on the right side of the medal payout device 180, and an overflow terminal is provided behind this storage (not shown). The power supply device 252 is provided with a power cord connection portion to which a power cord 264 is connected, and the power cord 264 connected here extends to the outside through a power cord hole 262 formed in the back plate 242 of the main body 101. There is.

The front door 102 is hinged to the left side plate 260 of the main body 101 via a hinge device 276, and above the symbol display window 113 is provided with a presentation device 160 and a presentation control board for controlling this presentation device 160. (not shown) and an upper speaker 272 are provided. At the bottom of the symbol display window 113, there is provided a medal selector 170 for sorting the inserted medals, a passage 266 through which the medals pass when the medal selector 170 drops illegal medals, etc. into the medal tray 161. There is. Furthermore, a bass speaker 277 is provided at a position corresponding to the lower sound hole 143.

The main control board storage case 210 is made of a translucent member, and the main control board 211 stored therein can be visually observed (see through) from the outside of the main control board storage case 210. A main control section 30 is mounted on the main control board 211, and light emitting elements 212 to 214 are also mounted thereon. Turning on and off of the light emitting elements 212 to 214 can be visually observed (see through) from outside the main control board storage case 210. The light emitting elements 212 to 214 are, for example, LEDs.

The driving of the light emitting elements 212 to 214 is controlled by the basic circuit 302. FIG. 42 is a block diagram of a control system related to light emitting elements 212 to 214. The driving of the light emitting elements 212 to 214 is individually controlled by the basic circuit 302 via a driving circuit 329.

The light emitting element 212 is associated with the 1 bet button 130, the light emitting element 213 is associated with the 2 bet button 131, and the light emitting element 214 is associated with the MAX bet button 132.

For example, the basic circuit 302 turns on the light emitting element 212 when the bet button 130 sensor detects an operation on the one bet button 130, and turns off the light emitting element 212 when no operation is detected. Similarly, the basic circuit 302 lights up the light emitting element 213 when the bet button 131 sensor detects an operation on the two bet button 131, and turns off the light emitting element 213 when no operation is detected. Similarly, the basic circuit 302 lights up the light emitting element 214 when the bet button 132 sensor detects an operation on the MAX bet button 132, and turns off the light emitting element 214 when no operation is detected.

Note that these light emitting elements may be turned on when not operated, and turned off when operated.

Furthermore, although the light emitting elements 212 to 214 corresponding to the bet buttons 130 to 132 are provided, the present invention is not limited thereto, and for example, light emitting elements corresponding to a stop button, a start lever, or various sensors may be provided.

By checking the states of the light emitting elements 212 to 214 when the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated, the clerk at the game parlor can check whether the bet buttons 130 to 132 and the corresponding sensors are normal or abnormal. In the case of this embodiment, as described above, since the bet buttons 130 to 132 are substitute buttons for 3 bets, it may be difficult to notice a malfunction of each button. However, failure confirmation can be easily performed using the light emitting elements 212 to 214.

<Other examples of the second embodiment>
In the second embodiment, both the 1-bet bet button 130 and the 2-bet bet button 131 are operation buttons that can accept 3 bets, but either one of them may be used. That is, it may be possible to accept three bets using a total of two buttons, the MAX bet button 132 and the bet button 130 or 131. In this case, the light emitting elements 212 to 214 may be provided in a total of three, corresponding to each button, or may be provided in a total of three, corresponding to the MAX bet button 132 and a button that allows three bets among the bet buttons 130 or 131. Only two may be provided.

Next, in the processing example of FIG. 38, when the number of credits is 1 or 2, a bet is accepted with the number of credits as the upper limit in response to a bet operation on the bet buttons 130 to 132, but a process is performed in which no bet is accepted at all. You can also use it as For example, when a bet operation is performed on any of the bet buttons 130 to 132 when the number of credits is 1 or 2, the bet operation is invalidated and does not need to be treated as a 1 bet or 2 bets. In this case, when a bet operation on the bet buttons 130 to 132 is detected, the number of credits is checked, and if it is less than 3, the bet operation is invalidated.

<Other embodiments regarding game machines>
In this embodiment, the slot machine 100 using medals (coins) as a game medium is shown as an example of a game machine, but the invention is not limited to this, and game balls (for example, pachinko balls) are used as game media. It can be applied to slot machines, pachinko machines, arranged ball game machines, Jankyu ball game machines, smart balls, etc. as media.

Note that a slot machine is a slot machine that operates on a mobile terminal (smartphone, game console) or computer by a program that simulates the operation based on the above configuration, and that only exchanges electronic data without using medals. In this case, the game medium includes electronic data equivalent to medals, and the game medium is input by inputting the computerized data from a predetermined external device (electronic storage device). Paying out game media includes outputting electronic data to a predetermined external device (electronic storage device).

<Summary of embodiments>
The above embodiments disclose at least the following game machines.

A1. The game machine (for example, 100) of the above embodiment is
A game machine equipped with a production means (for example, 157),
The performance means is a means capable of executing a predetermined performance (for example, CE) over a first period (for example, from N to N+3 games in FIG. 24(a)),
The performance means is a means capable of executing the predetermined performance over a second period (for example, from N to N+2 games in FIG. 24(b)),
The second period is shorter than the first period.
According to this embodiment, since the same performance is executed in two periods having different lengths, it may be possible to improve the interest of the performance in relation to the game period. Since the second period is a short period, it may be possible to prevent the game period from being extended due to execution of the performance.

A2. In the above embodiment,
The first period is a period including a period in which a player's operation on the operation means (for example, 135) is accepted;
The second period is a period including a period in which a player's operation on the operation means is accepted,
The number of operations on the operation means that can be accepted in the first period is a first number,
The number of operations on the operation means that can be accepted in the second period is a second number,
The second number of times is the same number of times as the first number of times (for example, FIG. 24).
According to this embodiment, by matching the number of operations on the operating means in two periods of different lengths, it may be possible to make it difficult for the player to feel uncomfortable between the two periods.

A3. In the above embodiment,
The performance means is a means capable of performing a performance in a pseudo game,
The production means is a means that can perform production in this game,
The predetermined performance executed over the second period is a performance including the first performance (for example, EN2 in FIG. 24(b)) executed in the pseudo game.
According to this embodiment, even when a pseudo game is executed, it may be possible to prevent the game period from being extended regarding the execution of the predetermined performance.

A4. In the above embodiment,
The predetermined performance executed over the first period is a performance including the first performance (for example, EN2 in FIG. 24(a)) executed in the main game.
According to this embodiment, by performing the same performance in the pseudo game and the main game, it is possible to make the difference between the pseudo game and the main game ambiguous, and to make it difficult for players to feel uncomfortable that it is a pseudo game. There are cases where it is possible.

A5. In the above embodiment,
The first period is a period in which the player's operation on the operation means (for example, 135) is accepted;
The second period is a period in which the player's operation on the operation means is accepted,
The predetermined performance that is executed over the first period is performed when the first performance is executed in the main game, and when the operation on the operation means is accepted (for example, the start of FIG. 24(a) operation), the second performance (for example, EN3 in Figure 24(a)) is a performance that can be executed,
The predetermined performance that is executed over the second period is performed when the first performance is executed in the pseudo game and the operation on the operation means is accepted (for example, the start of FIG. 24(b) operation), the second performance (for example, EN3 in FIG. 24(b)) can be executed,
The predetermined performance that is executed over the second period is performed when the first performance is executed in the pseudo game and the reception time for the operation on the operation means expires (for example, as shown in FIG. 24). b) timeout, SR timer in Fig. 16), is a performance that can execute the second performance.
According to this embodiment, the second effect is executed when the operation means is operated or the reception time expires, so a situation where the second effect is not executed due to no operation is avoided, and the game It may be possible to prevent this from prolonging. It may be possible to prevent the pseudo game from being executed for an unnecessarily long time, and since the pseudo game is also a type of spinning performance, the load on the reel motor may also be reduced.

A6. In the above embodiment,
The operation means is means (for example, 135) that accepts operations related to the progress of the game.
According to this embodiment, it may be possible to switch effects as the game progresses, and the player's game tempo may be improved. In some cases, it is possible to make the difference between a pseudo game and a real game vague, making it difficult for players to feel uncomfortable about the pseudo game.

A7. In the above embodiment,
The first period is a period of the first number of games,
The second period is a period of a second number of games,
The second number of games is a number of games less than the first number of games (for example, FIG. 24(b)).
According to this embodiment, two periods are defined by the number of games played, and since the second period has a small number of games played, it may be possible to prevent the game period from being extended due to execution of the performance.

A8. In the above embodiment,
The performance means is a means capable of performing a performance in a pseudo game,
The production means is a means that can perform production in this game,
The first number of games is the number of times the main game is played,
The second number of games is the number of times the main game is played.
According to this embodiment, two periods are defined by the number of games played, and since the second period has a small number of games played, it may be possible to prevent the game period from being extended due to execution of the performance.

A9. In the above embodiment,
The predetermined performance is a performance composed of a plurality of individual performances (for example, EN1-EN4),
The number of the plurality of individual performances is the same as the first number of games,
The plurality of individual performances include a first individual performance (for example, EN2) and a second individual performance (for example, EN3),
The second period is a period including a certain game (for example, the N+1 game in FIG. 24(b)) in which the first individual performance is executed,
The certain game is a game in which the second individual performance is also executed.
According to this embodiment, by executing two individual performances in one game, the second period may be made shorter than the first period.

A10. In the above embodiment,
The predetermined performance is a performance composed of a plurality of individual performances (for example, EN1-EN4),
The number of the plurality of individual performances is the same as the first number of games,
The second period is a period including a certain game (for example, the N+1 game in FIG. 24(b)) in which the pseudo game and the main game are executed in one game,
The plurality of individual performances include an individual performance executed in the pseudo game of the certain game, and an individual performance executed in the main game of the certain game.
According to this embodiment, by using the performance of the pseudo game and the performance of the main game, it is possible to execute two individual performances in one game, and the second period is replaced by the first period. It may be possible to shorten the period.

A11. In the above embodiment,
The first period is a period that does not include the pseudo game,
The first period is a period in which each individual performance of the plurality of individual performances is executed in one of the main games (for example, FIG. 24).
According to this embodiment, by using the performance of the pseudo game and the performance of the main game, and by making the presence or absence of the pseudo game different between the two periods, the second period is made shorter than the first period. It may be possible to make it shorter.

A12. In the above embodiment,
A start lever (for example 135) that is operated to start the game,
Multiple reels (for example, 110-112) that are decorated with multiple types of symbols and are driven to rotate,
A stop button (for example, 137-139) that is operated to individually stop the plurality of rotating reels,
The first period is a period based on the number of games played,
The second period is a period based on the number of games played (for example, FIG. 24).
According to this embodiment, in the slot machine, it may be possible to improve the interest of the performance in relation to the playing period.
A21. The game machine (for example, 100) of the above embodiment is
A game machine equipped with a production means (for example, 157),
The performance means is a means capable of executing a predetermined performance (for example, CE) over a first period (for example, from N to N+3 games in FIG. 24(a)),
The performance means is a means capable of executing the predetermined performance over a second period (for example, from N to N+2 games in FIG. 24(b)),
The first period is a period of a plurality of games,
The second period is shorter than the first period,
The predetermined performance that is performed over the second period is a performance that includes a performance that is performed in a pseudo game,
The first period is a period that includes a period in which the player's operation on the operation means is accepted in the game,
The second period is a period including a period in which a player's operation on the operating means is accepted in the main game, and a period in which a player's operation on the operating means is accepted in the pseudo game,
The number of operations on the operation means that can be accepted in the first period is a first number,
The number of operations on the operation means that can be accepted in the second period is a second number,
The second number of times is the same number of times as the first number of times,
The predetermined performance is a performance that has a predetermined configuration of a plurality of individual performances,
The second period is a period in which a certain individual performance among the plurality of individual performances performed in the main game in the first period is also performed in the pseudo game in the second period. , is a period in which the predetermined effect having the predetermined configuration is executed in a period shorter than the first period .
A22. The game machine (for example, 100) of the above embodiment is
A game machine equipped with a production means (for example, 157),
The performance means is a means capable of executing a predetermined performance (for example, CE) over a first period (for example, from N to N+3 games in FIG. 24(a)),
The performance means is a means capable of executing the predetermined performance over a second period (for example, from N to N+2 games in FIG. 24(b)),
The first period is a period of a plurality of games,
The second period is shorter than the first period,
The performance means is a means capable of performing a performance in a pseudo game,
The production means is a means that can perform production in this game,
The predetermined performance that is performed over the second period is a performance that includes a first performance that is performed in the pseudo game,
The first period is a period including a period in which a player's operation on the operation means (for example, 135) is accepted;
The second period is a period including a period in which a player's operation on the operation means is accepted,
The predetermined performance that is executed over the first period is such that when the first performance is executed in the main game, when an operation on the operating means is accepted, a second performance can be executed. It is a performance,
The predetermined performance that is executed over the second period is such that when the first performance is performed in the pseudo game, the second performance can be performed when an operation on the operating means is accepted. It is a performance,
The predetermined performance is a performance that has a predetermined configuration of a plurality of individual performances,
One of the plurality of individual performances is the first performance,
One of the plurality of individual performances is the second performance,
The second period is a period in which the first performance performed in the first period is also performed in the pseudo game in the second period, and is a period shorter than the first period. a period during which the predetermined performance with the predetermined configuration is executed;
The second performance is a performance that follows the first performance among the plurality of individual performances .
A23. The game machine (for example, 100) of the above embodiment is
A game machine equipped with a production means (for example, 157),
The performance means is a means capable of executing a predetermined performance (for example, CE) over a first period (for example, from N to N+3 games in FIG. 24(a)),
The performance means is a means capable of executing the predetermined performance over a second period (for example, from N to N+2 games in FIG. 24(b)),
The predetermined performance that is performed over the second period is a performance that includes a performance that is performed in a pseudo game,
The first period is a period of the first number of games,
The second period is a period of a second number of games,
The first number of games is a plurality of times,
The second number of games is a smaller number of games than the first number of games,
The predetermined performance is a performance that has a predetermined configuration of a plurality of individual performances,
The second period is a period in which a certain individual performance among the plurality of individual performances performed in the main game in the first period is also performed in the pseudo game in the second period, This is a period in which the predetermined effect having the predetermined configuration is executed in a period shorter than the first period .
A24. The game machine (for example, 100) of the above embodiment is
A game machine equipped with a production means (for example, 157),
The performance means is a means capable of executing a predetermined performance (for example, CE) over a first period (for example, from N to N+3 games in FIG. 24(a)),
The performance means is a means capable of executing the predetermined performance over a second period (for example, from N to N+2 games in FIG. 24(b)),
The performance means is a means capable of performing a performance in a pseudo game,
The production means is a means that can perform production in this game,
The first period is a period of the first number of games,
The second period is a period of a second number of games,
The first number of games is the number of times the main game is played,
The second number of games is the number of times the main game is played,
The second number of games is a smaller number of games than the first number of games,
The predetermined performance is a performance composed of a plurality of individual performances (for example, EN1-EN4),
The number of the plurality of individual performances is the same as the first number of games,
The second period is a period including a certain game in which the pseudo game and the main game are executed in one game,
The plurality of individual performances include an individual performance executed in the pseudo game of the certain game, and an individual performance executed in the main game of the certain game.

B1. The game machine (for example, 100) of the above embodiment is
Multiple reels (for example, 1110-112) that are decorated with multiple types of symbols and are driven to rotate,
a plurality of stop operation means (for example, 137-139) that accept a stop operation for individually stopping the plurality of rotating reels;
A lottery means (for example, S105) for determining internal winning of a role;
Notification means (for example, 157) that executes a suggestion notification suggesting the operation mode of the stop operation;
A game machine comprising:
The notification means is a means that can execute the suggestion notification when the notification state is set (for example, S1703),
The lottery means is a means capable of determining the internal winning of the first role (for example, a push order bell),
The notification means is a means that can execute the suggestion notification when the internal winning of the first role is determined (for example, S1373),
The notification means is a means that does not execute the suggestion notification in a certain situation even if the notification state is set (for example, S1707).
According to this embodiment, it may be possible to provide a gaming machine that can improve a player's sense of satisfaction. It may be possible to improve the player's sense of satisfaction without making the player worry that the notification state will end in the certain situation.

B2. The game machine (for example, 100) of the above embodiment is
comprising a game state setting means (for example, S121, RT2) for setting a special game state when a certain symbol combination is displayed on the plurality of reels;
The lottery means is a means capable of determining the internal winning of the special prize,
The certain symbol combination is a symbol combination corresponding to the special winning combination,
The lottery means is a means capable of determining the internal winning of the first combination in the special game state,
The certain situation is a situation in which the special gaming state is set (for example, S1301).
According to this embodiment, the player's sense of satisfaction may be improved without making the player worry that the notification state will end in the special game state.

B3. In the above embodiment,
The notification state is a state that can be set in an advantageous section,
The notification state is a state that is not set in a non-advantageous section,
There is a first case in which the non-advantageous section shifts to the advantageous section in a first state (for example, normal game after setting change),
There is a second case in which the non-advantageous section shifts to the advantageous section in a second state (for example, a pullback chance state),
The advantageous section is a section in which the player has a higher degree of advantage in the second case than in the first case.
According to this embodiment, it may be possible to differentiate the degree of advantage regarding the transition from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section.

B4. In the above embodiment,
The game state setting means is means for setting a special prize internal winning state until the certain symbol combination is displayed on the plurality of reels when the internal winning of the special prize is determined by the lottery means. (e.g. RT1),
The first state is a state in which the special role internal winning state is not set,
The second state is a state in which the special role internal winning state is set.
According to this embodiment, it may be possible to make a difference in the degree of advantage regarding the transition from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section, depending on whether or not the special winning combination is carried over.

B5. In the above embodiment,
The advantageous section is a section that may end when the notification state ends (for example, transition conditions B (c) and (d) are satisfied when transition conditions 11 and 12 are satisfied).
According to this embodiment, by ending the advantageous section after the end of the notification state, the degree of advantage may be increased when moving to a new advantageous section, and after the end of the notification state Even so, it may be possible to give the player a sense of expectation that the game will develop in an advantageous manner.

B6. In the above embodiment,
The notification state is a state that does not end in a game where the special game state ends,
The notification state is a state in which the notification means executes the suggestion notification in a game where the notification state ends (for example, S1703, S1706).
According to this embodiment, since the suggestion notification is executed in the final game in the notification state, it may be possible to improve the player's sense of satisfaction.

B7. In the above embodiment,
The game state setting means is means for setting a special prize internal winning state until the certain symbol combination is displayed on the plurality of reels when the internal winning of the special prize is determined by the lottery means. (e.g. RT1),
The lottery means is means that can determine the internal winning of the first winning combination and the internal winning of the special winning combination in a certain game (for example, FIG. 7).
According to this embodiment, the internal winning of the first winning combination and the internal winning of the special winning combination may be determined at the same time, which may result in an advantageous situation for the player.

B8. In the above embodiment,
The notification state is a state in which the value for determining the end of the notification state is not updated in the special game state.
According to this embodiment, it may be possible to prevent the notification state from ending in the special game state.

B9. The game machine (for example, 100) of the above embodiment is
Multiple reels (for example, 1110-112) that are decorated with multiple types of symbols and are driven to rotate,
a plurality of stop operation means (for example, 137-139) that accept a stop operation for individually stopping the plurality of rotating reels;
A lottery means (for example, S105) for determining internal winning of a role;
Notification means (for example, 157) that executes a suggestion notification that suggests the order of the stop operations;
A gaming state setting means (for example, S121) for setting a gaming state,
A game machine comprising:
The lottery means is means that can determine the internal winning of the first winning combination (for example, push order bell) and the internal winning of the special winning combination (for example, RB) in a certain game (for example, FIG. 7),
The gaming state setting means is means for setting a special gaming state when a certain symbol combination is displayed by the plurality of reels (for example, RT2),
The certain symbol combination is a symbol combination corresponding to the special winning combination,
The game state setting means is a means for setting a special prize internal winning state until the certain symbol combination is displayed when the lottery means determines the internal winning of the special prize (for example, RT1). ,
The notification means is a means that can execute the suggestion notification when the notification state is set (for example, S1703),
The notification means is a means that can execute the suggestion notification when the internal winning of the first role is determined (for example, S1703),
The notification means is a means that does not execute the suggestion notification in the special game state even if the notification state is set (for example, S1707),
The notification state is a state that can be set in an advantageous section,
The notification state is a state that is not set in a non-advantageous section,
The advantageous section is a section that may transition from the non-advantageous section in a first state (for example, normal game after setting change),
The advantageous section is a section that may transition from the non-advantageous section in a second state (for example, a pullback chance state),
The advantageous section is a section in which the player has a higher advantage in the second state than in the first state,
The first state is a state in which the special role internal winning state is not set,
The second state is a state in which the special role internal winning state is set,
The advantageous section is a section that may end when the notification state ends (for example, transition conditions B (c) and (d) are satisfied when transition conditions 11 and 12 are satisfied),
The notification state is a state that does not end in a game where the special game state ends,
The notification state is a state in which the notification means executes the suggestion notification in a game where the notification state ends (for example, S1703, S1706).
According to this embodiment, it may be possible to provide a gaming machine that can improve a player's sense of satisfaction. It may be possible to improve the player's sense of satisfaction without making the player worry that the notification state will end in the certain situation. When the degree of advantage of the advantageous section is varied depending on whether or not the special prize is in a carryover state, after the advantageous gaming state with the end of the advantageous section ends, the player is in a non-carryover state and from the non-advantageous section. The player is prevented from shifting to the advantageous section, and the player is in a carryover state and transfers from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section, so that after the end of the notification state, the players are uniformly placed in a disadvantageous situation. In some cases, this can be prevented.

C1. The game machine (for example, 100) of the above embodiment is
A signal output means (for example, 334) that outputs a signal to the outside,
A gaming state control means (for example, S121) that controls the gaming state,
A game machine comprising:
The game state control means is capable of controlling a predetermined game state (for example, an AT state, especially an ending state),
The predetermined gaming state is a controllable state in an advantageous section,
The predetermined gaming state is a state that is not controlled in a non-advantageous section,
The signal output means is a means capable of outputting a first signal (for example, a BB signal) in a first case (for example, when transition condition 15 is satisfied),
The first signal is a signal that can reset the number of games displayed by an external device (for example, 653),
The first case is a case where a specific situation occurs that ends the advantageous section (for example, transition condition 15, FIG. 37).
According to this embodiment, it may be possible to provide a game machine that can reduce the decrease in operating rate. Since the number of games displayed by the external device is reset at least once in the advantageous section, a situation where the number of games played is too large can be avoided, and when the player selects a machine, he or she can have the impression that it is the machine that he or she is addicted to. It may be possible to reduce the

C2. In the above embodiment,
The signal output means is a means capable of outputting the first signal in the second case (for example, when setting the AT state) (for example, FIGS. 35 and 36),
The second case is a case where the game is controlled to the predetermined gaming state.
According to this embodiment, it may be possible to display the number of times the external device has been controlled to the predetermined gaming state.

C3. In the above embodiment,
The predetermined gaming state is a gaming state that is advantageous for the player,
The specific situation is a situation where the game is not controlled to the predetermined gaming state until a specific timing that is a predetermined timing before the end of the advantageous section.
According to this embodiment, the number of games displayed by the external device is reset at least once in the advantageous section, so that a situation where the number of games played is too large is avoided, and when the player selects a machine, the number of games played is reset at least once in the advantageous section. It may be possible to reduce the impression that there is.

C4. In the above embodiment,
The specific situation is a situation where the game is not controlled to the predetermined gaming state until a specific number of games are played, which is a predetermined number of games before the number of games at which the advantageous period ends.
According to this embodiment, the number of games displayed by the external device is reset at least once in the advantageous section, so that a situation where the number of games played is too large is avoided, and when the player selects a machine, the number of games played is reset at least once in the advantageous section. It may be possible to reduce the impression that there is.

C5. In the above embodiment,
A plurality of stop operation means (for example, 137-139) that accept a stop operation for individually stopping a plurality of rotating reels (for example, 110-112);
further comprising a notification means (for example, 157) that performs a suggestion notification suggesting an operation mode of the stop operation,
The notification means is a means that can execute the suggestion notification when the game is controlled to the predetermined gaming state.
According to this embodiment, the player may have an advantage in the predetermined gaming state.

C6. In the above embodiment,
The notification means is a means capable of executing the suggestion notification when the first case occurs without being controlled to the predetermined gaming state in the advantageous section.
According to this embodiment, the player may have an advantage when the first case occurs.

C7. In the above embodiment,
The first signal is a signal whose output is stopped when the same condition is met (for example, the end of an advantageous section) in both the first and second cases.
According to this embodiment, it may be possible to eliminate exception handling and reduce the load on program control.

C8. In the above embodiment,
The establishment of the same condition means that the advantageous section has ended.
According to this embodiment, it may be possible to communicate the end of the advantageous section to the external device.

C9. In the above embodiment,
The signal output means is a means capable of outputting a second signal (for example, a medal input number signal),
The second signal is a signal that can count the number of games played on the gaming machine.
According to this embodiment, it may be possible to count the number of games played in the advantageous section on the external device.

C10. In the above embodiment,
Equipped with a determining means (for example, S105) capable of determining control that is advantageous to the player,
The determining means is more efficient when the operation mode of the plurality of stop operation means that accepts a stop operation for individually stopping a plurality of rotating reels is a specific operation mode than when the operation mode is a predetermined operation mode. is configured to be disadvantageous (for example, a penalty) with respect to the advantageous control decision.
According to this embodiment, a player who attempts an inappropriate stop operation may be treated at a disadvantage.

D1. The game machine (for example, 100) of the above embodiment is
a detection means (for example, a medal reception sensor) that detects the input of gaming value from the input slot (for example, 141);
A first operation means (for example, 130, 131, 132) that accepts operations,
a second operation means (for example, 130, 131, 132) that accepts operations;
A control means (for example, 300) that can start a game on condition that the number of bets is 3;
A game machine comprising:
The control means can set bets one by one when the detection means detects the input of one gaming value (for example, S1809, S1837);
The first operating means is a means that can set 3 bets by one operation (for example, S1819, S1837),
The second operating means is a means that can set 3 bets by one operation (for example, S1819, S1837).
According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a game machine that allows a game with three bets and has unique bets. Three bets can be made using the first operating means and the second operating means, and even if one of the operating means malfunctions, the game may be able to be continued, which may improve convenience for the player.

D2. In the above embodiment,
The first operation means is a means that can accept operations during the reception period (for example, S1805-S1825),
The second operation means is a means that can accept operations during the reception period,
The first operating means is a means that can accept an operation on the first operating means during the acceptance period even if the second operating means is in an operating state before the acceptance period. Yes (e.g. S1813, S1815, S1817),
The second operating means is a means that can accept an operation on the second operating means during the acceptance period even if the first operating means is in an operating state before the acceptance period. Yes (for example S1813, S1815, S1817).
According to this embodiment, even if one of the first operating means or the second operating means is out of order, it is possible to perform a bet operation using the other, which may improve convenience for the player. .

D3. In the above embodiment,
The first operation means is a means that can accept operations during the reception period (for example, S1805-S1833),
The second operation means is a means that can accept operations during the reception period,
The first operating means is a means that does not accept an operation on the second operating means if an operation on the second operating means has already been accepted during the acceptance period (for example, S1809, S1811). ,S1813,S1815,S1833),
The second operating means is a means that does not accept an operation on the second operating means if an operation on the first operating means has already been accepted during the acceptance period (for example, S1813, S1815). ,S1817,S1819,S1833).
According to this embodiment, duplicate bet operations may be eliminated.

D4. The game machine (for example, 100) of the above embodiment is
a predetermined board (e.g. 211) and
a first light emitting means (e.g. 212,213,214);
A second light emitting means (e.g. 2212, 213, 214),
The first light emitting means is a means mounted on the predetermined substrate,
The second light emitting means is a means mounted on the predetermined substrate,
The first light emitting means is a means that emits light when the first operation means is operated,
The second light emitting means is a means that emits light when the second operation means is operated.
According to this embodiment, it may be possible to check the operations of the first operating means and the second operating means relatively easily.

D5. In the game machine of the above embodiment (for example, 100),
The first operating means is a means that can set a bet from a gaming value whose quantity is stored as a credit (for example, S1835, S1837),
The second operating means is a means that can set a bet from the gaming value whose quantity is stored as the credit (for example, S1835, S1837),
The first operation means is a means that can set a bet for the amount of credits by one operation when the amount of credits is 2 or less (for example, S1833, S1835, S1837),
The second operation means is a means that can set a bet for the amount of credits by one bet operation when the amount of credits is 2 or less (for example, S1833, S1835, S1837).
According to this embodiment, if the number of credits is insufficient for 3 bets, a bet operation corresponding to the number of credits can be accepted.

Although the embodiments of the invention have been described above, the invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications and changes can be made within the scope of the gist of the invention.

100 slot machine

Claims (4)

A game machine equipped with a presentation means,
The production means is a means capable of performing a predetermined production over a first period,
The production means is a means capable of executing the predetermined production over a second period,
The first period is a period of a plurality of games,
The second period is shorter than the first period,
The predetermined performance that is performed over the second period is a performance that includes a performance that is performed in a pseudo game,
The first period is a period that includes a period in which the player's operation on the operation means is accepted in the game,
The second period is a period including a period in which a player's operation on the operating means is accepted in the main game, and a period in which a player's operation on the operating means is accepted in the pseudo game,
The number of operations on the operation means that can be accepted in the first period is a first number,
The number of operations on the operation means that can be accepted in the second period is a second number,
The second number of times is the same number of times as the first number of times,
The predetermined performance is a performance that has a predetermined configuration of a plurality of individual performances,
The second period is a period in which a certain individual performance among the plurality of individual performances performed in the main game in the first period is also performed in the pseudo game in the second period. , a period in which the predetermined effect having the predetermined configuration is executed in a period shorter than the first period;
A game machine characterized by: A game machine equipped with a presentation means,
The production means is a means capable of performing a predetermined production over a first period,
The production means is a means capable of executing the predetermined production over a second period,
The first period is a period of a plurality of games,
The second period is shorter than the first period,
The performance means is a means capable of performing a performance in a pseudo game,
The production means is a means that can perform production in this game,
The predetermined performance executed over the second period is a performance including a first performance executed in the pseudo game,
The first period is a period including a period in which the player's operation on the operation means is accepted,
The second period is a period including a period in which a player's operation on the operation means is accepted,
The predetermined performance that is executed over the first period is such that when the first performance is executed in the main game, when an operation on the operating means is accepted, a second performance can be executed. It is a performance,
The predetermined performance that is executed over the second period is such that when the first performance is performed in the pseudo game, the second performance can be performed when an operation on the operating means is accepted. It is a performance,
The predetermined performance is a performance that has a predetermined configuration of a plurality of individual performances,
One of the plurality of individual performances is the first performance,
One of the plurality of individual performances is the second performance,
The second period is a period in which the first performance performed in the first period is also performed in the pseudo game in the second period, and is a period shorter than the first period. a period during which the predetermined performance with the predetermined configuration is executed;
The second performance is a performance that follows the first performance among the plurality of individual performances,
A game machine characterized by: A game machine equipped with a presentation means,
The production means is a means capable of performing a predetermined production over a first period,
The production means is a means capable of executing the predetermined production over a second period,
The predetermined performance that is performed over the second period is a performance that includes a performance that is performed in a pseudo game,
The first period is a period of the first number of games,
The second period is a period of a second number of games,
The first number of games is a plurality of times,
The second number of games is a smaller number of games than the first number of games,
The predetermined performance is a performance that has a predetermined configuration of a plurality of individual performances,
The second period is a period in which a certain individual performance among the plurality of individual performances performed in the main game in the first period is also performed in the pseudo game in the second period, a period in which the predetermined performance having the predetermined configuration is executed in a period shorter than the first period;
A game machine characterized by: A game machine equipped with a presentation means,
The production means is a means capable of performing a predetermined production over a first period,
The production means is a means capable of executing the predetermined production over a second period,
The performance means is a means capable of performing a performance in a pseudo game,
The production means is a means that can perform production in this game,
The first period is a period of the first number of games,
The second period is a period of a second number of games,
The first number of games is the number of times the main game is played,
The second number of games is the number of times the main game is played,
The second number of games is a smaller number of games than the first number of games,
The predetermined performance is a performance composed of a plurality of individual performances,
The number of the plurality of individual performances is the same as the first number of games,
The second period is a period including a certain game in which the pseudo game and the main game are executed in one game,
The plurality of individual performances include an individual performance executed in the pseudo game of the certain game, and an individual performance executed in the main game of the certain game,
A game machine characterized by:

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