JP7440888B2 - gaming machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

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

Furthermore, slot machines are known that are equipped with an AT performance state (assist time performance state: instruction performance state), which is a performance state in which when a predetermined role is won, an instruction performance is executed to assist the winning of the predetermined role. There is. In such a slot machine, by performing an instruction performance in the AT performance state, it becomes easy for the player to win the predetermined combination, and it becomes easy for the player to win medals. Furthermore, in some gaming machines of this type, an AT stock lottery is held at a predetermined opportunity, and it is determined whether or not to increase the number of sets in the AT effect state (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2017-35132 Publication

By the way, gaming machines are required to not only increase the interest of the games but also suppress the gambling nature.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a gaming machine that enhances the interest of gaming and suppresses the gambling nature.

In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention has the following features:
an instruction function control means for controlling execution of an instruction performance that assists in winning a predetermined role;
A performance state is shifted between a plurality of types of performance states including a first performance state in which the instructed performance is executed and a second performance state in which an expected value regarding an increase in gaming value is lower than the first performance state. A presentation state control means for controlling;
a benefit granting means for granting a benefit related to the right to transition to the first performance state at a predetermined opportunity;
A setting change means capable of changing a setting value selected from a plurality of setting values,
The performance state control means performs a process of shifting the performance state to the first performance state after a predetermined number of games have been executed in the second performance state when the benefit is granted;
The benefits include regular benefits and special benefits.
The special benefit has a higher probability that the number of games played in the second performance state will be greater than the normal benefit, and has a higher degree of advantage regarding the instruction function in the first performance state than the normal benefit. has become,
The present invention is characterized in that the higher the set value is, the higher the probability that the benefit granting means will grant the special benefit.

In the present invention, the benefits related to the right to shift to the first performance state, which are granted at a predetermined opportunity, include normal benefits and special benefits, and the special benefits are the number of games played in the second performance state, and The probability that the special benefit will be given is higher than the normal benefit, and the degree of advantage regarding the instruction function in the first performance state is higher than the normal benefit, and the higher the set value, the higher the probability that the benefit granting means will grant the special benefit. Is high. The higher the setting value, the more advantageous the special benefit is given with respect to the instruction function in the first performance state, which is higher than the normal benefit. There is a high probability that the number of times the game will be played is high, and while increasing the interest of the game, it is possible to suppress the increase in the rate of increase in the number of medals in a short period of time.

Further, in the configuration of the present invention, when both the normal benefit and the special benefit are provided, the performance state control means may be configured to control the transition of the performance state based on the normal benefit and the transition of the performance state based on the special benefit. It is characterized in that the transition of the performance state is executed alternately.

According to this configuration, the transition of the performance state based on the normal benefit and the transition of the performance state based on the special benefit are performed alternately, so the transition of the performance state based on the special benefit is not performed consecutively. . Thereby, it is possible to suppress an increase in the rate of increase in medals over a short period of time.

According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to increase the interest of the game and suppress the gambling nature.

1 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the same gaming machine. Also, a timing chart of the position of the blocker, the control state of the main control board (main control means), and the control state of the sub-control board (sub-control means) regarding the payment process executed based on the operation of the payment button of the gaming machine. It is. It is a flowchart of the control operation on the main control board side related to the payment processing of the gaming machine. It is a flowchart of the control operation on the sub-control board side related to the payment processing of the gaming machine. It is a timing chart (part 1) showing processing during and before and after the settlement processing of the gaming machine. It is a timing chart (part 2) showing processing during and before and after the settlement processing of the gaming machine. It is a diagram showing the types of errors, error codes, and release methods of the same gaming machine. This is a timing chart (part 3) showing processing during and before and after the settlement processing of the gaming machine. This is a timing chart (No. 4) showing the processing during and before and after the payment processing of the gaming machine. This is a timing chart (No. 5) showing the processing during and before and after the payment processing of the gaming machine. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing the same with the front door opened. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the same. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining edge detection processing in the same embodiment. It is a flowchart showing edge detection processing in the same embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the update process at the time of power failure recovery in the same same. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining processing when a power outage occurs in the same embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining another example of processing when a power outage occurs in the same embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows another example of the update process at the time of power failure recovery in the same same. FIG. 6 is a timing chart (Part 6) showing processing during and before and after the payment processing of the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. It is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the same gaming machine. It is a figure for explaining an internal lottery table in the same way. It is a diagram for explaining the correct batting order of the batting order bell in the same game. It is a state transition diagram of the game state. It is a state transition diagram of the same game section and performance state. It is a figure for explaining normal stock and special stock in the same. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the special stock. Similarly, (a) is a state transition diagram of the game section and performance state, and (b) is a diagram for explaining the special stock.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Further, in the slot machine M of the present embodiment, a blocker 99 capable of removing medals from the medal path selectively guides medals inserted through the medal slot 42 to the medal payout port side or the passage detection sensor 89 side. A medal selector 92 (see FIG. 2) is provided, and if a medal is inserted during a period other than the allowable insertion period during which medals can be inserted or a non-standard medal is activated, the medal selector 92 is placed in a disallowed position that causes a state in which medals are not accepted. The blocker 99 in the state is guided to the medal payout port, and the medals that meet the specifications and are inserted within the allowable insertion period are guided to the pass detection sensor 89 by the blocker 99 in the deactivated state, which is in the permission position that brings about the medal acceptance permission state. The insertion of medals is now detected.
Specifically, the medal selector 92 includes an insertion detection sensor 130 (first sensor: see FIG. 2) located near the medal insertion port 42 and a blocker 99 on the downstream side of the medal path continuing from the medal insertion port 42. It has a passage detection sensor 89 (second sensor: see FIG. 2) located at.
In this case, the insertion detection sensor 130 is a sensor located upstream of the blocker 99, unlike the passage detection sensor 89 located downstream of the blocker 99, and detects the insertion of medals through the medal insertion slot 42. The detection signal is sent to the main control board 70. If the input detection sensor 130 remains ON for a certain period of time (for example, 0.6 seconds), the main control board 70 detects an abnormality caused by, for example, a foreign object being illegally inserted into the medal passage from the medal slot 42. It is determined that there is.
In addition, the passage detection sensor 89 detects the passage of medals that meet the specifications and are inserted within the allowable insertion period without being removed from the medal path by the blocker 99, and sends a detection signal to the main control board 70. . The passage detection sensor 89 is, for example, a photo-interrupter type infrared sensor composed of a light-emitting part and a light-receiving part that face each other with a medal path in between. The passage of medals is detected by being blocked by medals flowing down the passage. When the passage of a medal is detected by the passage detection sensor 89, a game can be played using the medal. In other words, bets or credits for the medals can be added.
Further, the blocker 99 located upstream of the passage detection sensor 89 and forming the medal selector 92 may be operated in conjunction with a solenoid, for example. In that case, for example, when the solenoid is in a non-energized state, the blocker 99 is activated by the biasing force of the coil spring, and the blocker 99 can remove medals from the medal path. On the other hand, when the solenoid is in the energized state, the blocker is moved against the urging force of the coil spring to be in the deactivated state, and the medal is guided to the passage detection sensor 89 side, and the insertion of the medal is detected. The operation of the medal selector 92 is controlled by the selector control means 93 of the main control board 70 as described above.
In addition, even though the position of the blocker 99 is controlled to move to the disallowed position, the blocker 99 is moved to the permissible position due to fraudulent activity or the like, causing the passage detection sensor 89 to detect the medal. In this case, the medal is not accepted and error processing is executed without adding bets or credits. However, it is not always necessary to have such a configuration. That is, a state in which medal acceptance is not permitted in which acceptance of medals that are detected by the passage detection sensor 89 is not permitted can be realized by, for example, setting the blocker 99 to a disallowed position; If a medal passes through the passage detection sensor 89 due to malfunction or fraud, the passage detection sensor 89 may detect the medal and the medal may be bet or credited, and the passage detection sensor 89 may detect the medal. However, a configuration may be adopted in which error processing is executed, or a configuration in which the passage detection sensor 89 does not detect (do not react) a medal may be adopted.

Further, in the slot machine M of the present embodiment, after the settlement process is completed based on the pressing operation of the settlement button 52, a settlement completion effect sound such as a voice indicating that the settlement process has been completed, that is, the completion of the settlement process is notified. In addition to outputting a performance sound, a payment completion state is created in which acceptance of medals with detection by the passage detection sensor 89 is not permitted for a predetermined period of time. This will be explained in detail below.
Note that here, "detection by the passage detection sensor 89" includes both the detection of the passage of a proper medal and the detection of the passage of an abnormal medal. Further, "accepting medals (gaming media) accompanied by detection by the passage detection sensor 89" refers to the passage of medals being appropriately detected by the passage detection sensor 89 and a bet or credit being placed. Furthermore, the "settlement completion state in which acceptance of medals (gaming media) accompanied by detection by the passage detection sensor 89 is not permitted for a predetermined period of time" means that the detection of passage of medals by the passage detection sensor 89 itself is blocked by the blocker 99. This is a concept that includes both a hardware meaning and a software meaning that no bet or credit is placed even if the passage detection sensor 89 detects an abnormal passage of a medal.

FIG. 3 shows a timing chart of the position of the blocker 99, the control state of the main control board 70, and the control state of the sub-control board 72 regarding the payment process executed based on the operation of the payment button 52. Further, FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of the control operation on the main control board 70 side related to the payment process, and FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of the control operation on the sub control board 72 side related to the payment process. There is.
As shown in FIG. 3, at the end of a predetermined game, the slot machine M is normally in a medal acceptance permission state A in which the blocker 99 is set to the permission position. At this time, it is assumed that the main control board 70 is in a non-settlement state C1 that does not involve a settlement process based on the pressing operation of the settlement button 52 (step S1 in FIG. 4), and the following discussion will proceed.
This non-payment state C1 is brought about by the control of the main control board 70. In this non-settlement state C1, as described above, the blocker 99 of the medal selector 92 is in the permission position, so the medals inserted through the medal slot 42 are guided to the passage detection sensor 89 and detected, and the bet or be credited. In addition, in this medal acceptance permission state A, the sub-control board 72 performs control to bring about the non-payment performance state C1' (step S10 in FIG. 5), thereby controlling the normal performance and the normal performance through the liquid crystal display D and the speaker A demonstration performance that transitions from the performance is executed.

Further, when the settlement button 52 is pressed in such a medal acceptance permission state A, the slot machine M enters a medal acceptance non-permission state B (see FIG. 3). Specifically, based on the pressing operation of the payment button 52 for more than a specific period (for example, 1 second), the payment control means, which may also serve as the selector control means 93 in this embodiment, is activated under the control of the main control board 70. 95 moves the blocker 99 of the medal selector 92 to the disallowed position. Therefore, even if a medal is inserted through the medal input port 42, the medal is guided to the medal payout port by the activated blocker 99 in the disallowed position and discharged into the medal receiving tray 43. In addition, when the payment processing is started in response to the pressing operation of the payment button 52 for a period exceeding a specific period (for example, 1 second), the timing at which the blocker 99 moves to the disallowed position is determined by the pressing operation of the payment button 52. It may be done at the same time. In this way, by moving the blocker 99 to the disallowed position before the start of the settlement process, the processing burden of having the settlement process and the bet or credit addition process executed at the same time can be avoided. You can do it like this.
Further, when the payment button 52 is pressed in this way (in the case of YES in step S2 in FIG. 4), the main control board 70 (payment control means 95) sends a payment start command via the information transmission means 86. At the same time as transmitting the data to the control board 72 (step S3 in FIG. 4), the hopper device 150 is activated so that the stored medals, that is, the medals set for credits and/or bets, are transferred from the medal payout port to the medal receiving tray 43. Control is performed to bring about a state C2 in which payment is being executed (step S4 in FIG. 4).

Regarding the pressing operation of the settlement button 52 that exceeds the specified period to start this settlement, the main control board 70 does not allow the bet button 56 to be pressed during the specified period when the settlement button 52 is pressed. , the process (bet process) of setting the credited medals to the inserted state may not be performed. That is, during the specific period, medal bets based on the pressing operation of the bet button 56 may not be made. According to such a configuration, it is possible to prevent conflicting processes such as bet and settlement from being compatible. In addition, when configured in this way, even if the bet button 56 that was pressed during the specific period continues to be pressed until the pressing operation of the settlement button 52 is released or until the settlement process is completed, the medals will not be awarded. Bets may not be placed. Furthermore, even if the settlement button 52 is pressed while the bet button 56 is pressed and the operation of pressing the settlement button 52 exceeds a specific period, the settlement process may not be performed.
In addition, regarding the pressing operation of the settlement button 52 exceeding the specific period to start this settlement, the main control board 70 controls the case where the bet button 56 is pressed during the specific period when the settlement button 52 is being pressed. Additionally, a process (bet process) may be performed to set the credited medals in an inserted state. According to such a configuration, contradictory processing can be performed simultaneously.

On the other hand, when the sub-control board 72 receives the payment start command from the main control board 70 (in the case of YES in step S11 in FIG. 5), the sub-control board 72 displays an effect image to notify that payment is being executed through the liquid crystal display D (45). and outputs a first effect sound (accounting execution effect effect) that notifies that payment is being executed by emitting a buzzer sound through the speaker 14, and also outputs a first effect sound (accounting execution effect effect). Control is performed to bring about a performance state C2' in which payment is being executed, in which production light is output to notify that payment is being performed through at least one of the following (step S12 in FIG. 5). In addition, in FIG. 3, both the period of the payment execution state C2 and the period of the payment performance performance state C2' are indicated by P1.

Then, when the payment processing for discharging the medals to the medal receiving tray 43 in accordance with the operation of the hopper device 150 is completely completed (in the case of YES in step S5 of FIG. 4), the main control board 70 (payment control means 95) A settlement completion command is transmitted to the sub-control board 72 via the information transmitting means 86 (step S6 in FIG. 4), and a settlement completion state C3 is created in which acceptance of medals with detection by the passage detection sensor 89 is not permitted for a predetermined period of time. control is performed to bring about this (step S7 in FIG. 4). That is, the settlement control means 95 of the main control board 70 still maintains the blocker 99 of the medal selector 92 in the disallowed position, and therefore the slot machine M is maintained in the medal acceptance disallowed state B. Therefore, even if a medal is inserted through the medal input port 42, the medal is guided to the medal dispensing port by the blocker 99 located at the disallowed position and is discharged into the medal receiving tray 43. Of course, this also applies to the above-mentioned payment execution state C2. That is, even in the payment execution state C2, acceptance of medals accompanied by detection by the passage detection sensor 89 is not permitted.

On the other hand, when the sub-control board 72 receives the payment completion command from the main control board 70 (in the case of YES in step S13 in FIG. 5), the sub-control board 72 displays the above-mentioned effect image to notify that the payment is being executed through the liquid crystal display D. While maintaining the display and the output of the above-mentioned effect light that informs that payment is being executed through at least one of the lighting devices 33d, 34, 35, and 37, the first A second performance sound (payment completion performance sound) different from the production sound that announces the completion of the payment process, specifically, in this embodiment, a sound that announces the completion of the payment process (for example, "Payment completed") Control is performed to bring about a state of effect during payment completion C3' in which a voice (sound saying) is outputted through the speaker 14 (step S14 in FIG. 5).
Note that the second performance sound has a constant notification time (sound output period) regardless of the time for payment processing (time taken to pay out medals). On the other hand, the first performance sound has a notification time (sound output period) that differs depending on the time for payment processing (time required for paying out medals).

Here, in this embodiment, the output of the second effect sound ends within the period P2 (see FIG. 3) of the payment completion state C3. In other words, while the payment completion state C3' extends over the same period P2 as the payment completion state C3, there is a period P3 in which the second production sound is output, and a period P3 in which the second production sound is not output. There is no silent period P4. In other words, the period P2 of the payment completion state C3 is set longer than the period P3 of the payment completion state C3' in which the second performance sound is output. In the present embodiment, the time period from the end of the output of the second effect sound (the end of the period P3 of the effect state C3' during payment completion) to the end of period P2 of the state C3 during payment completion ( Period) P4, that is, the silent period P4 in which the second performance sound is not outputted, is the time from when the medal is inserted from the medal slot 42 until it is detected by the passage detection sensor 89, that is, the period when the second performance sound is not output. The period is set longer than the period in which medals inserted from the medal slot 42 may remain in the medal path from the medal slot 42 to the passage detection sensor 89 while the sound is being output. In the case of this embodiment, the time from when a medal is inserted through the medal slot 42 until it is detected by the passing detection sensor 89 is set to about 0.1 seconds to 0.65 seconds, for example about 0.3 seconds, Alternatively, in a modified example, the time from when the medal is detected by the insertion detection sensor 130 to when it is detected by the passage detection sensor 89 is set to about 0.1 seconds to 0.65 seconds, for example about 0.3 seconds. Therefore, the period P4 is set to about 0.7 seconds, for example.

Specifically, as the flow of the control operation, the payment control means 95 of the main control board 70 determines whether a predetermined time has elapsed after entering the payment completion state C3, as shown in FIG. (Step S8 in FIG. 4). Of course, the "predetermined time" in this case (period P2 of the payment completion state C3) is a longer period than the period P3 of the payment completion state C3', and in this embodiment, the period P2 of the payment completion state C3 is longer than the period P3 of the payment completion state C3'. The period extends further than the period P3 of the ending performance state C3' and exceeds the time from when a medal is inserted from the medal slot 42 until it is detected by the passage detection sensor 89, for example, about 2.7 seconds. Then, when a predetermined period of time has elapsed after entering the settlement completion state C3 (in the case of YES in step S8 in FIG. 4), the settlement control means 95 of the main control board 70 terminates the settlement via the information transmission means 86. An intermediate state end command is sent to the sub-control board 72 (step S9 in FIG. 4), and control is performed to return to the non-payment state C1 described above (step S1 in FIG. 4). Therefore, the slot machine M enters the medal acceptance permission state A.

On the other hand, the sub-control board 72 determines whether or not a predetermined period of time has elapsed, as shown in FIG. (Step S15 in FIG. 5). Of course, the "predetermined time" in this case (the period P3 of the performance state C3' during payment completion) is a shorter period than the period P2 of the payment completion state C3, as described above. Then, the sub control board 72 stops outputting the second effect sound when a predetermined period of time has elapsed (in the case of YES in step S15 in FIG. 5) after entering the period P3 of the effect state C3' during payment completion. (Step S16 in FIG. 5), and control is performed to return to the above-mentioned non-payment performance state C1' (Step S10 in FIG. 5).

Here, the settlement completion state end command sent from the main control board 70 to the sub control board 72 at the end of the payment completion state C3 acts as some kind of trigger signal for operation on the sub control board 72 side. Good too. For example, the sub-control board 72 uses the liquid crystal display D, the lighting device, etc. after the output of the second performance sound ends until it receives the command to end the payment completion state from the main control board 70, that is, during the period P4. It is also possible to perform some kind of performance that notifies the medal acceptance disallowed state B, and then, at the time when the payment completion state end command is received, to perform a performance (for example, a demonstration performance) corresponding to the non-payment performance state. Of course, it is not necessary for the main control board 70 to send the completion of payment state command to the sub-control board 72 at the end of the payment completion state C3. Further, in this embodiment, the elapse of the predetermined time in step S15 is managed by the sub control board 72 itself, but the elapse of the predetermined time in step S15 may be managed by the main control board 70, for example. The output of the second effect sound in step S16 may be terminated by a command signal from the control board 70.

In addition, if a power outage (power cutoff)/power outage recovery occurs during the above-mentioned control operation, especially during the output of the second performance sound, the main control board 70 side, When the movement returns from the middle of the settlement completion state C3, that is, when the measurement of the remaining time is restarted from the elapsed time of the settlement completion state at the time of power outage, the time elapsed before the power cut is returned to the settlement completion state C3. The period of state C3 becomes shorter. Therefore, if the sub-control board 72 side outputs the second effect sound again in that state, the period P3 of the effect state C3' during payment completion becomes longer than the period of the state C3 during payment completion after returning. There is a risk of it getting lost. Therefore, in the present embodiment, after the power is restored, it is preferable that the sub-control board 72 not output the second effect sound, while returning the effect light and effect image to their initial state. This is because if the second performance sound is restarted from the middle, appropriate information cannot be provided to the player.
Alternatively, as another example of such a power outage countermeasure, if the power is interrupted/recovered from the power outage (including power outages and instantaneous interruptions) in the middle of the settlement execution state C2, the medal settlement process has already been completed before the power outage. The process is restarted from the payment of the remaining medals excluding the paid-up medals, and the performance in the payment execution performance state C2' is resumed from the output of the first performance sound (sound effect or buzzer sound). The lighting of the effect light (for example, red lighting) to inform the user of the event is restarted, but the effect image may be returned to the initial state of the demonstration effect.

As explained above, in the present embodiment, after the payment is in progress state C2, that is, after the payment processing based on the operation of the payment button 52 is completed, the second effect sound notifying the completion of the payment processing is output. In such a situation, the settlement completion state C3 is reached, in which acceptance of medals with detection by the passage detection sensor 89 is not permitted, and therefore, the second effect sound is output, which is generally easy for the player to recognize as a state in which medal acceptance is not permitted. During this process, it becomes possible to set the slot machine M to a state B in which medal acceptance is not permitted, and therefore, there is no discrepancy between the player's perception and the actual state of the slot machine M regarding whether or not medals can be accepted. You can do it like this. In other words, it is possible to prevent the slot machine M from accepting medals in a situation where the player recognizes that medal acceptance is not permitted, thereby preventing unexpected disadvantages due to the above-mentioned misunderstanding. There is no need to give this information to the player.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the output of the second effect sound is terminated by the control of the sub-control board 72 within the period P2 of the payment completion state C3 (that is, at the end of the period P3), so that the second effect sound is terminated by the control of the sub-control board 72. It is possible to reliably prevent the medal reception permission state from occurring during the output of sound, and the above-described effects can be ensured.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the time P4 from the end of the output of the second effect sound (the end of the period P3 of the effect state C3' during payment completion) to the end of the period P2 of the state C3 during payment completion is as follows: It is set longer than the time from when a medal is inserted through the medal slot 42 until it is detected by the passage detection sensor 89. The time from the end of the output of the second effect sound by the sub control board 72 (the end of the period P3 of the effect state C3' during payment completion) to the end of the period P2 of the effect state C3 during payment completion is determined by the medal slot 42. If the time is shorter than the time it takes for the passage detection sensor 89 to detect the medals inserted from Since there is a possibility that the medal is detected by the passing detection sensor 89 after the period C3 ends, as a result, it becomes possible to accept the insertion of the medal while the second effect sound is being output. As shown in the figure, the passage detection sensor detects the time P4 from the end of the output of the second production sound by the sub-control board 72 to the end of the period P2 of the settlement completion state C3 when the medal is inserted from the medal slot 42. If the time is set longer than the time required for the detection by 89, it is possible to completely invalidate the medals inserted while the second effect sound is being output without accepting them, and the player can be informed as to whether or not the medals can be accepted. A possible discrepancy between the recognition of the slot machine M and the actual state of the slot machine M can be reliably avoided. Furthermore, as a modified example, as described above, the medal insertion detection sensor 130 detects the time P4 from the end of the output of the second performance sound to the end of the period P2 of the payment completion state C3. It is conceivable to set the time longer than the time from when the passage is detected by the passage detection sensor 89. Even with such a modification, it is possible to avoid a discrepancy that may occur between the player's perception and the actual state of the slot machine M regarding whether or not to accept the insertion of medals. Further, according to such a modification, the length of time P4 can be defined based on the passage time of the medal from the insertion detection sensor 130 to the passage detection sensor 89, so that the length of the time P4 can be determined based on the passage time of the medal from the insertion detection sensor 130 to the passage detection sensor 89. First, the length of time P4 can be uniformly determined based on the interval between input detection sensor 130 and passage detection sensor 89, which facilitates design.

It should be noted that even after the output of the second effect sound is finished in the payment completion state C3 (that is, even in the period P4), the sub control board 72 does not display or display the effect image through the liquid crystal display D. It is also possible to notify that the payment is being completed in the state C3 by outputting direction light through at least one of the lighting devices 33d, 34, 35, and 37. That is, for example, in the payment completion state C3 (payment completion presentation state C3'), the lighting devices 33d, 34, 35, and 37 are illuminated in red while the second production sound is being output (period P3), and the payment is made. The lighting device 33d notifies the user that the state is in the completion state C3, and also in the payment completion state C3 (payment completion production state C3') and after the output of the second production sound is finished (period P4). , 34, 35, and 37 may be made to glow red to notify that the payment is being completed in state C3. As a result, the payment has been completed, and the output of the second performance sound to notify that effect has also finished, but the state is still in the payment completion state C3, and the medal acceptance is not permitted (the passage detection sensor 89 does not detect any medals). The player can recognize that the player is in a state of In other words, the sub-control board 72 performs the same effect light during the notification of the effect sound in the payment completion state C3 and between the end of the notification of the effect sound and the end of the payment completion state. Control may be performed to cause the message to be emitted. Further, the notification that the payment is being completed through the liquid crystal display D or the lighting devices 33d, 34, 35, and 37 indicates the end of the payment completion state C3 (the payment completion state C3') (i.e., It may be made to end almost simultaneously with the end of period P4).

Note that the effect light or effect image that notifies you that you are in the payment completion state C3 is different from the effect light or effect image that informs you that you are in the payment execution state C2 (the effect when medals are actually being paid out). (light or effect image) or may be different. For example, when the former effect light is made to light up the lighting devices 33d, 34, 35, and 37 in red, the latter effect light may be made to turn on the illumination devices 33d, 34, 35, and 37 in red (lighting in the same color). It may also be lit in white (lighting in a different color). In other words, the effect light or effect image that informs the player that the payment is in the completion state C3 may be one that allows the player to recognize that the post-processing related to the payment is being executed and the medal acceptance is not yet permitted. Bye.

In general, when outputting effects such as voices related to the payment process, especially when outputting a payment completion effect sound indicating that the payment has been completed at the end of the payment process, which makes it easy for players to be conscious of inserting medals, There may be a discrepancy between the player's perception regarding whether or not medal insertion is acceptable and the actual state of the slot machine accepting medal insertion. The slot machine is equipped with a medal selector that selectively guides the medals inserted through the medal slot to the medal payout port side or the passage detection sensor side using a blocker that can remove the medals from the medal passage. Medals or non-standard medals that are inserted during a period other than the permitted input period are guided to the medal payout port by an activated blocker (also referred to as a state in which medals (gaming media) are not accepted) and Medals that meet the specifications and are inserted within the period are guided to the passage detection sensor by the blocker in the deactivated state, and the medal insertion is detected (also referred to as the medal (game media) acceptance permission state). , when the payment completion effect sound is output after the payment processing is completed, the player is generally likely to recognize that medals are not accepted while the payment completion effect sound is being output (until the payment completion effect sound stops), If the slot machine M side is in the medal acceptance permission state while the end effect sound is being output, the player who cannot recognize that the medal acceptance permission state is in effect and the slot machine M which is actually in the medal acceptance permission state. There may be times when there is no agreement regarding whether or not medal insertion can be accepted.
If the gaming machine accepts medals in a situation where the player is aware that medal acceptance is not permitted, there is a risk that the player will be disadvantaged unexpectedly. For example, if a player inserts a medal while the payment completion sound is being output, the gaming machine may accept the inserted medal and place a bet. Players who are aware that they are not allowed to accept medals while the payment completion sound is being output may misunderstand that the inserted medals are being returned from the medal payout port to the lower tray by the blocker. , the player may end the game without paying out the medals inserted by operating the settlement button. Such a situation impairs the interests of the players and is undesirable.

In the slot machine M according to the present embodiment, there is no discrepancy between the player's perception and the actual state of the gaming machine regarding whether or not input of gaming media can be accepted. That is, after the payment processing based on the operation of the payment operation section (payment button 52) is completed, the game media that is detected by the passage detection sensor 89 is allowed to be accepted in a situation where a sound effect notifying the completion of the payment processing is output. This makes it possible for the game machine to enter a state in which it is not permitted to accept game media while the production sound is being output, which generally is easily recognized by the player as a state in which it is not permitted to accept game media. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a discrepancy between the player's perception and the actual state of the gaming machine regarding whether or not input of gaming media can be accepted. In other words, it is possible to prevent the gaming machine from accepting gaming media in a situation where the player recognizes that the acceptance of gaming media is not permitted. There is no need to give profits to the players. In the above configuration, the term "stored game media" refers to game media that is at least electronically stored in the gaming machine in connection with a game.

Further, it is preferable that the output of the effect sound by the sub-control means (sub-control board 72) is finished within the period of the payment completion state. According to this, it is possible to reliably prevent the game medium from being allowed to be accepted while the effect sound is being output. Here, "the output of the effect sound by the sub-control means ends within the period of the state where the payment is being completed" means that the output of the effect sound by the sub-control means may end at the same time as the period of the state where the payment is being completed. include.

Further, the time from the end of output of the production sound to the end of the payment completion state is from when the game medium is detected by the first sensor (insertion detection sensor 130) to when the game medium is detected by the second sensor (passage detection sensor 89). ) is preferably longer than the time required for detection. The time from the end of the output of the effect sound by the sub-control means (sub-control board 72) to the end of the payment completion state is determined by the time from when the game medium is detected by the first sensor (insertion detection sensor 130) to the time when the second If the time until the game medium is detected by the sensor (passage detection sensor 89) is shorter, the game medium inserted during the production sound is detected by the second sensor after passing the first sensor. In the meantime, the period in which the payment is being completed may end and the game medium may be detected by the second sensor, so as a result, it becomes possible to accept the input of the game medium while the production sound is being output. However, the time from when the output of the production sound by the sub-control means (sub-control board 72) ends until the end of the payment completion state is detected by the second sensor after the game medium is detected by the first sensor. If the time is set longer than the time until the game is played, it is possible to invalidate the game media inserted while the production sound is being output without accepting it, and this will reduce the player's awareness and the actual gaming machine as to whether or not the game media can be accepted. Discrepancies that may occur between the two states can be avoided.

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

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

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

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

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

Hereinafter, the period (period) during which the execution of the payment process is notified will be referred to as "payment notification in progress." The period of notification of settlement refers to the period from when the sub-control board 72 receives the settlement start command to when it receives the settlement end command. During this settlement notification, it can also be said that game media are being paid out based on the operation of the settlement button 52.
Further, the period during which the completion of the payout of game media based on the operation of the payment button 52 is being reported, that is, the period during which the completion of the payment process is being reported is referred to as "notifying completion of payment". The notification of completion of payment refers to the period from receiving the payment completion command until the output of the payment completion voice is finished. Note that during the payment completion notification, after the payment process is completed (after the sub-control board 72 receives the payment completion command), until the first sound of the payment completion voice (for example, "se") is output. included. Moreover, the silent period P4 shown in FIG. 3 may be included during the payment completion notification.

Next, an example of the configuration of processing during and before and after the payment processing is performed will be described using the timing chart shown in FIG. 6. Hereinafter, the "press operation" of the production button 62, the cross button 57, the payment button 52, etc. may be simply referred to as "press" or "operation."
(A5, A6) After the third stop, the sub-control board 72 puts the production button 62 in a state where it can accept presses (that is, a state where the operation is valid), and displays a screen (operation) indicating that the production button 62 can be pressed. instruction screen) is displayed on the liquid crystal display D. Pressing the performance button 62 at this time is an opportunity to proceed with the performance, and when the performance button 62 is pressed, the result of the game is notified to the player. Specifically, for example, during a performance that makes the player expect to win a bonus (including winning a so-called pseudo-bonus (transition to an AT performance state)), that is, during a performance that makes the player expect to transition to a state advantageous to the player. , when the effect button 62 is pressed, an operation instruction screen is displayed, and when the effect button 62 is pressed, it is notified whether or not to shift to an advantageous state.
(A4) Since the game is in progress at the start of this timing chart, the cross button 57 is disabled.

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

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

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

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

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

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

FIG. 6 shows a case where the payment button 52 is pressed while the production button 62 is not pressed. In FIG. 7, a configuration example will be described in which the effect button 62 that became effective is pressed after the third stop and the payment button 52 is pressed while the effect based on the press of the effect button 62 is being executed. .

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

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

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

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

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

In FIG. 7, a case is shown in which the effect button 62 that has become effective is pressed and the settlement button 52 is pressed while the effect based on the depression of the effect button 62 is being executed. FIG. 21 shows a case where the payment button 52 is pressed first and the production button 62 is pressed while the payment process is being executed.

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

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

(G2, G3) Upon completion of the payment process, the main control board 70 sends a payment completion command to the sub-control board 72, and the sub-control board 72 receives the payment completion command from the main control board 70. , starts outputting the payment completion voice.
(G8) The sub-control board 72 starts outputting the audio effect upon completion of the output of the payment completion sound (after waiting for the completion of output of the payment completion sound). Note that while the output of the audio performance is stopped, the sub control board 72 does not output the sound to the outside, but executes the audio performance behind the output of the payment completion audio (in a layer behind the payment completion audio). ing. That is, even if the sub-control board 72 receives a signal indicating that the production button 62 has been pressed while the notification regarding the payment is being executed, the sub-control board 72 executes the audio production until the output of the payment completion voice is finished. No sound is output, and when the output of the payment completion sound is finished, the sound of the audio performance is controlled to be output.

In addition, in the examples of FIGS. 7 and 21, to "prioritize" the payment completion voice over the voice production sound, you must not only make the voice production sound silent, but also compare the voice production sound with the payment completion voice. This includes reducing the size and outputting (flowing) it.

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

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

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

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

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

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

As shown in FIG. 8, each error is assigned an error code from E1 to EC depending on the type of error. When an error is detected by the error detection means, the error management means executes a process of notifying the detected error via the liquid crystal display D or the main display (display unit 58 in FIG. 1). Specifically, the error management means sets an error code corresponding to the type of error detected, and displays the set error code on the liquid crystal display D or the main display (display unit 58 in FIG. 1). let

Further, the error management means performs a cancellation process of clearing the error detection flag and the like based on the fact that a predetermined cancellation operation (error cancellation operation) has been performed. The predetermined release operation (error release operation) includes, for example, an operation of inserting a door key into a door key cylinder and rotating (twisting) the door key counterclockwise, and an operation of pressing a setting change button. As shown in FIG. 8, error cancellation operations are set for each error type (error codes E1 to EC). When a signal is input from the setting change button or door sensor due to the error cancellation operation, the error management means determines that the error cancellation operation has been performed, and clears error-related information such as the error detection flag and timer timing information ( Perform the cancellation process to delete (delete).

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

A configuration example of processing when an error occurs during settlement notification will be described using the timing chart shown in FIG. 9. In addition, although the case where a backflow error occurs as an error will be described below, other errors may be used.
(C1, C2) When the payment button 52 is pressed, the main control board 70 sends a payment start command to the sub control board 72 and starts payment processing.
(C4) When the main control board 70 detects a backflow error (if the conditions for a backflow error are met), it transmits a command (backflow error command) indicating that a backflow error has occurred to the sub control board 72.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next, a configuration example of a process when an error occurs during payment completion notification will be described using the timing chart shown in FIG. 10.
(D1, D2) When the payment button 52 is pressed, the main control board 70 sends a payment start command to the sub control board 72 and starts payment processing.
(D7) Based on receiving the payment start command from the main control board 70, the sub-control board 72 shifts the display on the liquid crystal display D from the normal screen to the payment-in-progress notification screen.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next, using the timing chart shown in FIG. 11, a configuration example of a process when the cross button 57 is pressed during payment completion notification will be described.
(F1, F2) When the payment button 52 is pressed, the main control board 70 transmits a payment start command to the sub control board 72 and starts payment processing.
(F4, F7) Based on receiving the payment start command from the main control board 70, the sub control board 72 stops the lighting of the lamp during gaming (e.g., white color) and turns off the lighting of the lamp during payment (e.g., red color). Start. In addition, in this embodiment, the lighting of the lamp during payment and the lighting of the error lamp have the same pattern.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here, the broken line portion Z at F4 in FIG. 11 will be explained. The broken line part Z indicates the lighting of the checkout lamp, which was originally scheduled to be executed. Here, let us consider a case where the cross button 57 is not pressed while the payment completion voice is being output. In this case, even after the output of the payment completion voice (“Payment completed”) has ended, the payment lamp continues to be lit for a certain period of time. In other words, the sub-control board 72 outputs the payment completion sound and turns on the payment in progress lamp to notify the completion of payment processing, but even after the former (output of the payment completion sound) is completed, the latter (in payment processing) is output. (lighting of a lamp) continues for a certain period of time. Note that the sub-control board 72 causes the screen (liquid crystal display D) to transition to the normal screen upon completion of the payment completion voice output. In this way, by lighting the checkout lamp for a longer time than the output of the checkout completion voice, it is possible to recognize that the checkout process has ended for a certain period of time after the checkout process is finished. That is, after the payment processing is completed, the surroundings are notified for a certain period of time that the payment processing has been completed, so that, for example, hall staff etc. can easily recognize the completion of the payment processing.

(Second embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, components having the same or equivalent functions as those described in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

FIG. 12 is an external perspective view of a slot machine (gaming machine) 100 according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the slot machine 100 includes a box-shaped housing 111 that is open on the front side that faces the player, and a front door 112 that opens and closes the front opening of the housing 111. ing.
The housing 111 houses a reel unit in which rotatable reels 120a, 120b, and 120c are unitized, a hopper device for dispensing medals, and the like. Further, the front door 112 is divided into an upper door 112a and a lower door 112b, and each of the upper door 112a and the lower door 112b can be opened and closed with respect to the housing 111.
FIG. 13 is an external perspective view showing a state in which the upper door 112a and the lower door 112b are opened.

Hereinafter, "front and rear" means that when a player is on the front side of the slot machine 100, the player side is the "front" and the slot machine side is the "rear", and "up and down" means that the top side of the slot machine 100 is "Top" means the bottom side is "bottom", and "left and right" means the left hand side of the player playing the slot machine 100 means "left", and the right hand side means "right".

The upper door 112a is provided with a liquid crystal display 113, a presentation device such as a speaker 114, and a display window 116. On the liquid crystal display 113, images for various effects (videos, still images) are displayed. Further, the speaker 114 outputs various effects sounds (music, sound effects, voices, etc.). In addition to the liquid crystal display 113 and the speaker 114, the presentation device may include an illumination device such as a lamp (LED), a movable accessory that can be operated by an actuator, etc.

As shown in FIG. 13, the reel unit is arranged at the back of the display window 116 so that a part of the reel unit is visible from outside the display window 116. A plurality of types of symbols are arranged in a row on the outer peripheral surface of each reel 120a to 120c. When each reel 120a to 120c is stopped, three symbols per reel (upper symbol, middle symbol, and lower symbol) are visible through the display window 116. The display window 116 is provided with an upper row, a middle row, and a lower row as display positions for visually recognizing the symbols of each reel 120a to 120c, and an effective line is set by a combination of the display positions of each reel 120a to 120c. There is.

In the slot machine 100, the number of game media (medals) required to start one game (one game) (regular number) is set. In this embodiment, the specified number is three. When a predetermined number of medals are inserted into the slot machine 100, the active line is activated. Note that if a number of medals exceeding the specified number are inserted, the amount of medals exceeding the specified number will be stored within the slot machine 100 (main RAM 203 shown in FIG. ) is stored electrically.

In the slot machine 100, each of the reels 120a to 120c starts rotating with the start of the game, and a winning combination lottery is executed to determine whether one of the winning combinations is won or not. Next, when each of the reels 120a to 120c stops and a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination won in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the active line, this winning combination becomes a prize, and processing corresponding to the won winning combination is performed. (Winning process) is executed.

The lower door 112b includes a medal slot 122 for inserting medals, a bet button 123 for betting stored (credited) medals, a start lever 124 that is operated when starting a game, and a rotating A stop button 126a, 126b, 126c for stopping the reels 120a, 120b, 120c, a payout port 127 for paying out medals by a hopper device, and a medal receiving tray 128 for receiving the medals paid out from the payout port 127 are provided. . Furthermore, a medal sensor 129 (see FIG. 2) is provided at the back of the medal slot 122 to detect passage of medals inserted from the medal slot 122.
When the bet button 123, start lever 124, and stop buttons 126a to 126c detect their operation, they output a signal indicating that they have been operated. Furthermore, when the medal sensor 129 detects the insertion of a medal, it outputs a signal indicating that the medal has been inserted. Note that the bet buttons 123 include a 1 bet button and a MAX bet button. The 1 bet button is a button that is pressed when betting one medal from the stored medals. The MAX bet button is a button that is pressed when betting a specified number of medals from the stored medals. Hereinafter, when the bet button 123 is referred to, it refers to either the 1 bet button or the MAX bet button.

Here, one game will be explained.
In the slot machine 100, when medals are inserted through the medal slot 122 or a bet for a specified number of medals is accepted by operating the bet button 123, the operation of the bet button 123 is disabled and the operation of the start lever 124 is disabled. is enabled.
Next, upon receiving the operation of the activated start lever 124, the slot machine 100 starts the game (that is, starts rotating each of the reels 120a to 120c) and draws a winning combination.
Next, the slot machine 100 enables the operation of the stop buttons 126a to 126c when the rotational speed of each reel 120a to 120c reaches a constant speed and becomes a steady rotation.
Next, upon receiving the operation of the enabled stop buttons 126a-126c, the slot machine 100 stops the rotation of each reel 200a-200c corresponding to the operated stop button 126a-126c.
Next, when the rotation of each reel 120a to 120c stops, the slot machine 100 determines whether the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination won in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the active line.

When the slot machine 100 determines that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination won in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the active line, the slot machine 100 executes winning processing (for example, medal payout processing) and ends one game.
On the other hand, if the result of the winning combination drawing is a non-winning result, or if it is determined that the winning combination that was won in the winning combination drawing was not won, the slot machine 100 will perform 1. End the game. When one game ends, the operation of the bet button 123 is enabled.

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, a power switch 500 for turning on/off the power of the slot machine 100 is provided inside the housing 111. The power switch 500 is operated by an administrator or the like who manages the slot machine 100 and is used to switch between two states: a power-off state (power-off state) and a power-on state. When the power switch 500 receives an operation to turn on the power, it outputs a power ON signal. Furthermore, when the power switch 500 receives an operation to turn off the power, it outputs a power OFF signal.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the slot machine 100.
Inside the housing 111, a main control board (main control device) 200 and a sub control board (sub control device) 300 are provided. The main control board 200 acquires signals output from the bet button 123, start lever 124, stop buttons 126a to 126c, medal sensor 129, power switch 500, etc., and performs various calculations to execute the game. Based on the results, the reel unit, hopper device, etc. are controlled.

The sub-control board 300 performs various calculations for executing effects based on the signals obtained from the main control board 200, and controls the effects devices such as the liquid crystal display 113 and the speaker 114 based on the calculation results.

The main control board 200 and the sub-control board 300 are electrically connected, and various information (signals) such as information indicating the gaming status can be transmitted from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 300. , information cannot be transmitted from the sub control board 300 to the main control board 200. The functions of each board such as the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 300 are stored in advance in hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ICs, or information storage media such as ROM and RAM, ROM, etc. This is realized by software consisting of a predetermined program.

As shown in FIG. 14, in this embodiment, the main control board 200 includes a main CPU 201 that is a central processing unit, a main ROM 202 that stores programs, etc., a main RAM 203 (main memory) that functions as a work area, etc. It has various semiconductor integrated circuits including: A backup power supply (not shown) is connected to the main RAM 203 (built-in RAM), and even if the power is turned off, the settings will not be stored unless the settings are changed and the main RAM 203 is initialized. Data is retained without being deleted. Note that the main RAM 203 may be configured with a built-in RAM and an external RAM, and backup data may be stored in a backup area of the external RAM. In this case, a backup power source (not shown) is connected to the external RAM. After the power is turned off, when the device returns from the power outage, the built-in RAM reads the backup data stored in the backup area of the external RAM and returns to the state before the power outage.

The main control board 200 has a functional unit that functions when the main CPU 201 cooperates with the main RAM 203 based on a program stored in the main ROM 202. The functional units include a bet control unit 210, which will be described later.

Further, as shown in FIG. 14, in this embodiment, the sub control board 300 includes a sub CPU 301 which is a central processing unit, a sub ROM 302 in which programs etc. are stored, and a sub RAM 303 (secondary storage unit) which functions as a work area. It has various semiconductor integrated circuits including Further, like the main RAM 203, the sub-RAM 303 is also connected to a backup power source (not shown), so that even if the power is cut off, data is retained without being erased.

The sub control board 300 functions when the sub CPU 301 cooperates with the sub RAM 303 based on a program stored in the sub ROM 302 .

Next, the bet control section 210 of the main control board 200 will be explained.
For each game, the bet control unit 210 performs a process in which the operation of the bet button 123 is disabled and a process in which the game start operation on the start lever 124 is enabled based on the fact that a specified number of medals have been bet. conduct.

Further, when the bet button 123 is pressed, the bet control unit 210 sets the stored medals to a deposit state (bet state) up to a specified number. Hereinafter, setting medals in a bet state will simply be referred to as betting medals.

When the main control board 200 acquires a signal (bet operation information) indicating that the bet button 123 has been pressed while the power is on, the main control board 200 sets the current input state of the main RAM 203 to the "ON state". The current input state is information indicating the current operating state of the bet button 123, that is, whether or not the bet button 123 is currently being operated. If the bet button 123 is currently in the pressed state, the current input state is the "ON state". On the other hand, when the bet button 123 is currently not pressed, that is, when the main control board 200 has not acquired bet operation information, the current input state is the "OFF state". The current input state is information used in edge detection processing, which will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 14, the bet control section 210 includes an edge detection section 211, a bet setting section 212, an information control section 213, and the like.
The edge detection unit 211 periodically detects a signal at regular intervals (for example, 1.49 ms) from when the operation of the bet button 123 is enabled to when the operation of the bet button 123 is disabled (bet acceptance period). Performs edge detection processing (timer interrupt).

In the edge detection process, an ON edge is detected when information indicating the operating state of the bet button 123 meets a predetermined condition. Specifically, the previous input state, which will be described later, and the current input state are compared, and as shown in the thick line frame in FIG. 15(a), the previous input state is the "OFF state" and the current input state is When in the "ON state" (when the ON edge detection condition is met), an ON edge (rising edge) is detected. Note that the edge detection process includes an update process that will be described later.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 15(a), when the previous input state is "OFF state" and the current input state is "OFF state" (when the ON edge detection condition is not applicable), ON Edges are not detected. Furthermore, when the previous input state is the "ON state" and the current input state is the "OFF state" (when the ON edge detection condition is not met), the ON edge is not detected. Furthermore, when the previous input state is the "ON state" and the current input state is the "ON state" (when the ON edge detection condition is not met), the ON edge is not detected.

The bet setting unit 212 bets medals when an ON edge is detected in the edge detection process performed by the edge detection unit 211. Specifically, the bet setting unit 212 bets one medal when an ON edge based on pressing the 1 bet button is detected, and bets one medal when an ON edge based on pressing the MAX bet button is detected. bet the specified number (3) of medals.

The information control unit 213 performs update processing. The update process includes a process of determining information to be used in the next edge detection process. The information control unit 213 performs an update process and sets the information indicated by the current input state stored in the main RAM 203 as the previous input state to be used in the next edge detection process. The previous input state is stored in the main RAM 203 similarly to the current input state.

FIG. 15(b) is a diagram for explaining edge detection processing. As shown by the arrow in FIG. 15(b), the information control unit 213 sets the information indicated by the n-1st input current state (n is an integer of 2 or more) as the nth previous input state. In other words, the nth input previous state is the (n-1)th input current state. The previous input state is determined based on the operation state of the bet button 123 during the previous edge detection process, and can also be said to be information used in the current edge detection process.

Next, edge detection processing will be explained using the flowchart shown in FIG.
First, the edge detection unit 211 obtains the current input state from the main RAM 203 (step ST1). Next, the edge detection unit 211 obtains the previous input state from the main RAM 203 (step ST2).

Next, the edge detection unit 211 determines whether the previous input state is the "OFF state" and the current input state is the "ON state", that is, whether the ON edge detection condition is met (step ST3). .
In step ST3, if the edge detection unit 211 determines that the ON edge detection condition is met (step ST3: YES), it detects an ON edge (step ST4). When the ON edge is detected in step ST4, the bet setting unit 212 bets medals.

On the other hand, in step ST3, when the edge detection unit 211 determines that the ON edge detection condition is not met (step ST3: NO), the process proceeds to step ST5.

Next, the information control unit 213 performs an update process (step ST5). That is, the information control unit 213 sets the information indicated by the current input state stored in the main RAM 203 as the next previous input state. When the process of step ST5 is completed, the process returns to step ST1 again. Note that in FIG. 5, the process of step ST5 may be performed before the process of step ST3.

Next, a case will be described in which a power outage occurs between the second and third edge detection processing shown in FIG. 15(b). Hereinafter, a case will be described in which the power outage occurs while the bet button 123 is not pressed (OFF state), and then the bet button 123 recovers from the power outage with the bet button 123 pressed down (ON state). Since the pressing operation of the bet button 123 is not intended for the player to bet on medals, it is not preferable that an ON edge is detected in the third edge detection process.

The main control board 200 performs a recovery process when acquiring a power ON signal from the power switch 500 (when recovering from a power outage). The recovery process includes a process of returning the state of the main RAM 203 to the state before the power outage based on the backed up data.

If no measures are taken to prevent unintentional ON edge detection, the previous input state used in the third edge detection process after a power outage will be the same as in the case where no power outage occurs. It is in the "OFF state" which is the current input state. Furthermore, the current input state used in the third edge detection process after the power outage is the "ON state" because the bet button 123 is pressed. Therefore, an unintended ON edge will be detected in the third edge detection process.

The main control board 200 according to the present embodiment performs an update process (referred to as an update process when recovering from a power outage) when recovering from a power outage in order to prevent detection of an unintentional ON edge as described above.

Note that recovery from a power outage does not only occur when the power switch 500 is turned on, but also when the power to the slot machine 10 is temporarily turned off due to a power outage, etc., and then the power is restored when the power is supplied again. be.

The update process upon recovery from power failure will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. 17. It is assumed that at the start of the flowchart in FIG. 17, the main control board 200 has acquired a power ON signal from the power switch 500. Further, it is assumed that the main RAM 203 has returned to the state before the power cut.

The information control unit 213 acquires the current input state from the main RAM 203 (step ST11). Next, the information control unit 213 rewrites the previous input state of the main RAM 203 with information indicated by the current input state acquired in step ST11 (step ST12). In other words, the information control unit 213 rewrites the previous input state with the actual operating state of the bet button 123 at the time of recovery from power outage. This can also be said to set the information indicated by the current input state as the previous input state. Specifically, when the current input state is "ON state", the previous input state is set as "ON state", and when the current input state is "OFF state", the previous input state is set as "OFF state". do. The previous input state rewritten with the information indicated by the current input state is stored in the main RAM 203. When the process of step ST12 is finished, the update process at the time of power failure recovery is finished.

Further, in the above description, the current input state is obtained from the main RAM 203 in step ST11, but the information control unit 213 directly receives information indicating that the bet button 123 has been operated (bet operation information) from the bet button 123. You may also obtain it. In this case, in step ST12, the information control unit 213 rewrites the previous input state of the main RAM 203 based on the bet operation information. Specifically, when the bet operation information indicates "ON state", the previous input state is set as "ON state", and when the bet operation information indicates "OFF state", the previous input information is set as "OFF state". do.

FIG. 18 shows that between the second and third edge detection processes, a power outage occurs when the bet button 123 is not pressed (OFF state), and then the power is turned off when the bet button 23 is pressed (ON state). FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a case where the computer has recovered from a power outage and update processing at the time of recovery from a power outage has been performed. Since the operating state of the bet button 123 is "ON" when recovering from a power outage, the information control unit 213 changes the previous state of the third input in the main RAM 203 to "ON" as shown by arrow F in FIG. "ON state".

After the update process when the power is restored, the edge detection process (third time) is executed. The edge detection process (third time) is executed, for example, 1.49 ms after the power is restored. In the edge detection process (third time), the edge detection unit 211 acquires the input current state "ON state" from the main RAM 203. Next, the edge detection unit 211 obtains the previous input state "ON state" from the main RAM 203. Next, the edge detection unit 211 determines that the ON edge detection condition is not met because the previous input state is the "ON state" and the current input state is the "ON state". Therefore, an unintended ON edge across a power outage will not be detected.

Further, although not shown, if the operating state of the bet button 123 is "OFF" when recovering from a power outage, the information control unit 213 sets the previous input state of the main RAM 203 to "OFF". . Therefore, in the edge detection process (third time), the edge detection unit 211 acquires the current input state "OFF state" from the main RAM 203. Next, the edge detection unit 211 obtains the previous input state "OFF state" from the main RAM 203. Next, the edge detection unit 211 determines that the ON edge detection condition is not met because the previous input state is the "OFF state" and the current input state is the "OFF state".

Further, in step ST1 of FIG. 16, the main CPU 201 executes the operation at regular intervals (for example, 1.49 ms) from when the operation of the bet button 123 is enabled to when the operation of the bet button 123 is disabled. , a periodic process (timer interrupt) is performed to detect the current input state, that is, to detect whether the operation state of the bet button 123 is OFF or ON. Hereinafter, this detection will be referred to as periodic processing. Further, in steps ST1 to ST4 in FIG. 16, the main CPU 201 detects the "OFF state" of the bet button 23 at the n-1th periodic processing timing (referred to as the first periodic processing timing) in the periodic processing, and When the "ON state" of the bet button 23 is detected at the nth periodic processing timing after the first periodic processing timing (referred to as the second periodic processing timing), the change from this "OFF state" to the "ON state" occurs. It can be said that the ON edge is detected based on the change. For example, if the operating state for the second time (first periodic processing timing) is the "OFF state" and the operating state for the third time (second periodic processing timing) is the "ON state", the main CPU 201 may The ON edge is detected based on the change from "state" to "ON state." The main CPU 201 bets medals when an ON edge is detected.

Further, the content shown in FIG. 18 is that after the main CPU 201 detects the "OFF state" at the first periodic processing timing, a power outage occurs and the bet button 123 is pressed and returns from the power outage. If the "ON state" is detected at the second periodic processing timing after power recovery, the "OFF state" at the first periodic processing timing is updated to "ON state" so that the ON edge is not detected. It can be said that. Therefore, an ON edge caused by an operation not intended by the player across a power outage will not be detected.

In FIG. 17, a case has been described in which, in step ST12, the previous input state of the main RAM 203, which has returned to the state before the power cut, is rewritten with information indicated by the current input state. However, the previous input state does not necessarily need to be backed up, and if the previous input state is not backed up (cannot be restored), the current input state obtained when recovering from a power outage will show Information may be substituted (written) into the previous input state. In this case as well, detection of unintended ON edges can be prevented, as in the case of rewriting.

Next, a case will be described in which a power outage occurs while the bet button 123 is in the "ON state" and then the bet button 23 recovers from the power outage with the bet button 23 in the "OFF state".
In FIG. 19, after the previous input state and current input state were in the "ON state" in the second edge detection process, a power outage occurred, and then the bet button 123 was returned to the "OFF state" from the power outage. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a case where update processing is performed upon recovery from power outage. As shown in FIG. 19, the operating state (current input state) of the bet button 23 when recovering from a power outage is in the "OFF state". Therefore, an update process is performed upon recovery from a power failure, and the "OFF state" is set as the previous state of the third input. As a result, in the third edge detection process, since both the previous input state and the current input state are "OFF states", it is possible to prevent unintentional detection of an OFF edge (falling edge), for example. Note that, in reality, the configuration may be such that the OFF edge is not detected.

In addition, in FIG. 17, in step ST12, the previous input state is rewritten with the current input state regardless of whether the current input state is "ON state" or "OFF state"; As another example of the update process, the rewriting may be performed only when the current input state is "ON state". This other example will be explained using the flowchart shown in FIG.
First, the information control unit 213 obtains the current input state from the main RAM 203 (step ST21). Next, the information control unit 213 determines whether the current input state of the main RAM 203 is the "ON state" (step ST22).

In step ST22, if the information control unit 213 determines that the current input state of the main RAM 203 is the "ON state" (step ST22: YES), the information control unit 213 changes the previous input state of the main RAM 203 to the current input state. The state is rewritten to "ON state" (step ST23). That is, the information indicated by the current input state is set as the previous input state. In step ST23, the previous input state which was "OFF state" is rewritten to "ON state". When the process of step ST23 is finished, the update process upon recovery from power failure is finished.
On the other hand, in step ST22, when the information control unit 213 determines that the current input state of the main RAM 203 is not the "ON state" (step ST22: NO), the information control unit 213 ends the update process upon power recovery.

Furthermore, in the update process upon recovery from power failure, the previous input state may be set to the "ON state" regardless of whether the current input state is the "ON state" or the "OFF state". Even with this configuration, detection of unintended ON edges can be prevented.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the main control board 200 is provided with the main control board 200 for controlling the game, and the bet button 123 for betting game media, and the main control board 200 is provided with the main control board 200 when the bet button 123 is pressed. When the device returns from a power outage while the device is in a state where the device is in a state where the device is pressed, a bet on game media based on the press is not made. For this reason, if the power is turned off while the bet button 123 is not pressed, and then the power is turned on with the bet button 123 pressed, this prevents the player from placing an unintended medal bet. It can be prevented.

Further, the main control board 200 executes a periodic process of detecting whether the operation state of the bet button 123 is in the OFF state or the ON state at regular intervals, and in the periodic process, the operation state of the bet button 123 is changed to the OFF state at the first periodic processing timing. If the ON state is detected at the second periodic processing timing after the first periodic processing timing, it is possible to detect the ON edge based on the change from the OFF state to the ON state, and the ON edge is detected. In this case, after placing a bet on gaming media and detecting the OFF state at the first periodic processing timing, a power outage occurs, and the bet button 23 is pressed and the power is restored from the power outage. If an ON state is detected at the second periodic processing timing, an ON edge is not detected. Therefore, detection of unintended ON edges can be prevented without causing a large increase in processing load. This can prevent bets on medals that are not intended by the player.

The main control board 200 also includes an edge detection unit 211 that performs an edge detection process that detects an ON edge at regular intervals when information indicating the operating state of the bet button 123 meets a predetermined condition; The edge detection unit 211 includes a bet setting unit 212 that places a bet on gaming media when an ON edge is detected, and an information control unit 213 that controls information used in edge detection processing. Compare the previous input state determined based on the operating state of the bet button 123 at the time of processing and used in the current edge detection processing with the current input state determined based on the current operating state of the bet button 123. Then, an ON edge is detected when the previous input state is an OFF state indicating that the bet button 123 is not pressed, and the current input state is an ON state indicating that the bet button is pressed. However, the information control unit 213 is characterized in that, when the bet button 123 is pressed and the bet button 123 is pressed and returns from a power outage, the information control unit 213 sets the previous input state used in the edge detection process after the return to the ON state. . Therefore, detection of unintended ON edges can be prevented without causing a large increase in processing load.

Note that the update process shown in FIG. 17 is also performed at the end of one game (or at the start of one game). Therefore, even if the bet button 123 has been pressed before the operation of the bet button 123 is activated, no medal bet is placed based on the pressed operation. In other words, the pressing operation of the bet button 123 is started during the period when the operation of the bet button 123 is disabled, and the operation of the bet button 123 is activated while the betting button 123 continues to be pressed. Even if the button is pressed, no medal bet will be placed based on the pressing operation. "A state in which the operation of the bet button 123 is enabled" refers to a state in which a period of time has elapsed until the operation of the bet button 123 is enabled.
For example, the user starts pressing the bet button 123 during a medal payout period (during medal payout), which is a period in which the operation of the bet button 123 is disabled, and the operation of the bet button 123 is enabled in that state. Even if the medal payout process ends (even if the medal payout process is completed), medal bets are not placed based on the pressing operation.
Furthermore, the update process shown in FIG. 17 may be executed upon recovery from an error. In this case, if the operation of pressing the bet button 123 is started during the error period (during the error), which is the period during which the operation of the bet button 123 is disabled, and the operation of the bet button 123 is enabled in that state. Even if there is (even if the error ends) (even if the error is canceled), medal bets based on the pressing operation will not be made.

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

In the above, the bet button 123 is pressed during medal payout (when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination won in the winning combination lottery is displayed on the active line), and the medal is paid out while the bet button 123 is pressed. Even if the process is completed, medal bets will not be placed based on the press.
Here, the payment processing will be explained. The front door 112 shown in FIG. 12 is provided with a payment button (payment operation section) 152. This payment button 152 is configured to be pressable and is used to execute payment processing for paying out medals. In the settlement process based on the operation of the settlement button 152, medals set for at least one of bets and credits are paid out. That is, in this embodiment, the objects of settlement based on the operation of settlement button 152 include not only medals set as credits but also medals set as bets. There are, for example, two patterns for settlement by operating the settlement button 152 when medals are set for both bet and credit.
The first pattern is a settlement pattern in which both the medals set for the bet and the medals set for the credit are paid out at once by operating the settlement button 152 once.
In the second pattern, only the medals set in the bet are paid out by the first operation of the settlement button 152, and credits are paid out by the second operation of the settlement button 152 after the medals set in the bet are settled. This is a settlement pattern in which the medals set in are paid out.

In this embodiment, even if you start pressing the bet button 123 during medal settlement (during game value settlement) and finish the medal settlement process in that state, the medals based on the press of the bet button 123 will not be processed. No bets are placed. That is, even if the bet button 123 is pressed during medal settlement, and the medal settlement process is completed while the bet button 123 is being pressed, the main control board 200 does not accept the medals based on the press of the bet button 123. Control so that bets are not placed. As a result, it is possible to prevent the contradictory and complicated process of betting medals during medal settlement from being executed.
"Medal settlement in progress" means the period from when the blocker moves to the disallowed position based on the press of the settlement button 152 until the blocker moves to the permitted position after the settlement process is completed and a predetermined period has elapsed ( (periods P1 and P2 shown in FIG. 3). Note that after the payment button 152 starts to be pressed (or after the blocker moves to the disallowed position), the output of the sound notifying the completion of payment (payment completion sound) (for example, "Payment completed") ends. The period up to this point (periods P1 and P3 shown in FIG. 3) may be during medal settlement. Furthermore, after the payment completion voice is output, a silent period of a certain time may be provided, and the period until the silent period has elapsed may be considered as the medal payment period (periods P1, P2, and P3 shown in FIG. 3).

In addition, the main control board 200 is configured such that even if the bet button 123 is pressed while the settlement button 152 is pressed, and the settlement button 152 is finished being pressed while the bet button 123 is being pressed, the bet button 123 is not pressed. control so as not to place medal bets based on When the pressing of the settlement button 152 ends, it means that the pressing of the settlement button 152 is released.
"While the payment button 152 is being operated" means that the payment button 152 is being pressed, but the payment process is not started because the payment button 152 is released before the predetermined period (1 second) has elapsed. and a case where the settlement button 152 is released after the settlement button 152 is continued to be pressed even after the settlement process is completed. This prevents the contradictory and complicated process of betting medals during an operation to settle the medals.

Here, the errors detected by the main control board 200 are, as in the first embodiment, a backflow error, an empty error, a dispensing jam error, an abnormal dispensing error, an overflow error, a retention error, a backup error, and a door error. There are open errors, abnormal closing errors, abnormal display judgment errors, abnormal RAM errors, and abnormal set value errors. Further, the error cancellation operation includes, for example, inserting the door key into the door key cylinder (numeral 153 in FIG. 12) and rotating (twisting) the door key counterclockwise, and pressing the setting change button. be.

When the main control board 200 detects an error, it transmits a command (error command) indicating that an error has occurred to the sub control board 300. When the sub control board 300 receives an error command from the main control board 200, the sub control board 300 controls displaying an image (error screen) corresponding to the details of the error occurrence on the liquid crystal display D, and generates a warning sound (error sound) corresponding to the occurrence of the error. is controlled to be outputted via the speaker 114.

Note that the errors detected by the main control board 200 may include errors other than those described above. In this embodiment, a door opening error is defined as a first error, and a predetermined error other than the door opening error is defined as a second error. Errors that can be detected by the main control board 200 include a plurality of errors including a first error and a second error.
In the above description, even if you start pressing the bet button 123 during an error and the error ends in that state (even if the error is canceled), the medal bet based on the pressing of the bet button 123 will not be made. However, this may be performed when the error is a predetermined error. That is, even if the bet button 123 is pressed during the second error and the second error ends with the bet button 123 being pressed (even if the second error is canceled), the main control board 200 Control is performed so that bets on medals based on pressing the bet button 123 are not made. This can prevent medals from being bet based on pressing the bet button 123 during the second error. Note that, if the bet button 123 is pressed during the first error and the first error is resolved while the bet button 123 is being pressed, the main control board 200 bets medals based on the pressing of the bet button 123. Control what you do.

Further, the error release operation includes a door key operation (inserting the door key into a door key cylinder and rotating the door key counterclockwise, for example). If the bet button 123 is pressed during an error, and even if the error ends while the bet button 123 is being pressed (even if the error is resolved), the main control board 200 will not be able to operate the system based on the pressing of the bet button 123. If the bet button 123 is pressed while operating the door key to cancel the error after an error occurs, although no medal bet is made, control is made to bet the medal based on the press of the bet button 123. do. The term "door key operation in progress" refers to a period in which the ON state of the door key is detected by rotating (twisting) the door key inserted into the door key cylinder. This allows the player to enter a gaming state in which bets can be made without detecting that the door key is OFF (that is, the state in which the counterclockwise twisting of the door key has been completed), leading to a reduction in capacity.

(Third embodiment)
Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 22, the slot machine (gaming machine) 10 of the present invention includes a box-shaped housing 11 that is open on the front side that faces the player, and the front opening of the housing 11 that can be opened and closed. A front door 12 is provided. The housing 11 houses a reel unit in which a rotatable first reel 20a, second reel 20b, and third reel 20c are unitized, a hopper device for paying out medals (gaming value), and the like. Further, the front door 12 is divided into an upper door 12a and a lower door 12b, and each of the upper door 12a and the lower door 12b can be opened and closed with respect to the housing 11.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The main control board 31 includes an input reception means 40, a random number generation means 41, an internal lottery means 42 that performs an internal lottery to determine the validity of a winning combination, a reel control means 43 that controls the rotation of the reels, and all reels. winning determination means 44 that determines whether or not a winning combination has been won when the winning combination is stopped; payout control means 45; replay control means 46; setting change means 47; initialization means 48; and game state control means. 49, instruction function control means 51, production main control means 52, and storage means 60. Furthermore, the storage means 60 includes a ROM and a RAM.
Further, the sub-control board 32 includes an effect sub-control means 70 and a sub-side storage means 72. Further, the sub-side storage means 72 includes a ROM and a RAM.

In addition, the effect main control means 52 and the effect sub control means 70 constitute the effect control means 100. The performance main control means 52 issues instructions to the performance sub control means 70 based on the gaming state, the performance state, etc. In addition, the production sub-control means 70 uses the production information stored in the sub-side storage means 72 based on the information regarding the gaming state and performance status transmitted from the production main control means 52, or the information as to whether or not to perform an instruction production. The data is used to control the production equipment. Note that the control performed by the production main control means 52 described in this embodiment may be performed by the production sub control means 70, and the control performed by the production sub control means 70 may be performed by the production main control means 52. Further, the control performed by the production control means 100 described in this embodiment may be performed by the instruction function control means 51, and the control performed by the instruction function control means 51 may be performed by the production control means 100.

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

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

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

The internal lottery means 42 performs an internal lottery using an internal lottery table based on the activated start lever 24 being operated (ie, game start).
The internal lottery table is a table in which various winning combinations and losses, including small winning combinations, replays, and bonuses, are associated with each of a plurality of random numbers (for example, 65536 random numbers from 0 to 65535). A plurality of them are stored in the internal lottery table storage area 61 provided in the ROM of the storage means 60. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, as will be described later, the general medium state, RBB internal medium state, and RBB active state can be set as the gaming state, and six settings from setting 1 to setting 6 can be set as the setting values. The value can be set, and the internal lottery means 42 selects an internal lottery table according to the gaming state and the set value and performs the internal lottery.
Incidentally, a small winning combination is a winning combination in which, by winning a prize, a predetermined number of medals can be paid out according to the winning small winning combination. Furthermore, a replay is a winning combination that allows you to play the game again without consuming new medals. When the replay wins, the operation of the start lever 24 is enabled without using the player's medals, and the game becomes ready to be started by operating the start lever 24.

In the internal lottery, a random number value for the lottery is obtained from the random number generation means 41, this random number value is checked against the internal lottery table to determine whether or not a winning combination has been won, and the winning combination corresponding to the random number value is determined. The role will be won. Specifically, the internal lottery table is provided with a plurality of winning areas as shown in FIG. 24, and each random number value obtained from the random number generating means 41 is associated with one of the winning areas. There is. In addition, there are winning areas that include one or more winning roles (associated with winning roles) and winning areas that do not include any winning roles (associated with losing roles). . Furthermore, the combinations of winning combinations included in each winning area are different. Then, all the winning combinations belonging to the winning area associated with the random number value obtained from the random number generation means 41 are made to be won as a result of the internal lottery. In the following, the winning of a combination belonging to a winning area in an internal lottery will also be referred to as "a winning area is winning." In addition, the case where no prize is won in any of the roles is also referred to as "winning area 'non-winning'".

As shown in FIG. 24, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, small winnings 1 to 40 are prepared as small winnings. In addition, the winning areas that include small roles are "Small role ALL", "1 card ALL", "1 choice_1" to "1 choice_4", "batting order bell 1A" to "batting order bell 6A", "batting order ``Bell 1B'' to ``Batting Order Bell 6B'' and ``Watermelon'' are available. In addition, small winnings 1 to 6 are 10 medals in which 10 medals will be paid out if you win, and small winnings 7, 8, 39, and 40 will give you 3 medals if you win. There are three winning combinations that are paid out, and minor winning combinations 9 to 38 are single winning combinations that pay out one medal when a prize is won.
In addition, in the following, the winning areas "batting order bell 1A" to "batting order bell 6A" are referred to as batting order bell A, the winning areas "batting order bell 1B" to "batting order bell 6B" are referred to as batting order bell B, and batting order bells A and B. These are collectively referred to as the batting order bell. In addition, the winning areas "choice 1 sheet_1" to "choice 1 sheet_4" are collectively referred to as selection 1 sheet.

The winning area "Small Wins ALL" is a winning area where all the Small Wins (Small Wins 1 to 40) are won in duplicate. In addition, the winning area "1 card ALL" is a winning area where all 1-card winnings (minor winnings 9 to 38) are won in duplicate. In addition, the winning areas "Choice 1 card_1" to "Choice 1 card_4" are winning areas where a plurality of one-card winning combinations overlap. In addition, the winning areas "Batting Order Bells 1A to 6A" and "Batting Order Bells 1B" to "Batting Order Bells 6B" are winning areas where any one of the 10-card combinations and the 1-card combination can be won at the same time. ing. In addition, the winning area "Watermelon" is a winning area where all 3-card roles (small role 7, minor role 8, minor role 39, minor role 40) and multiple 1-card roles overlap and win. .

Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, Replay 1 to Replay 16 are prepared as replays. In addition, the winning areas that include replays include "Normal Replay", "Replay 1" to "Replay 4", "Weak Cherry 1", "Weak Cherry 2", "Strong Cherry", "Chance", and "Watermelon Loss" is available.

In the winning areas "Normal Replay", "Replay 1" to "Replay 4", "Weak Cherry 1", "Weak Cherry 2", "Strong Cherry", "Chance" and "Watermelon Loss", multiple replays overlap. This is the winning area where you can win.

Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a big bonus is provided as a bonus. In addition, as winning areas associated with bonuses, there is a winning area "RBB" where you can win a big bonus alone, and winning areas "1 choice_1_1" to "1 choice_4" have big bonuses. It is set up so that you can win multiple times. In addition, in the winning areas "1 choice_1_1" to "1 choice_4", if the gaming state is in the normal state, the big bonus will be won in duplicate, but if the gaming state is in the RBB internal state, is designed to prevent you from winning multiple big bonuses.
In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, although the bonus is assumed to be an accessory continuous activation device related to a so-called first class special accessory, other bonuses may be used. Further, other bonuses may also be included. Further, the installed bonuses may be set to be won individually, or may be set to be won in combination with replays and small winnings.

In addition, "non-winning" is provided as a winning area associated with losing.

Each winning area is set to either win or not win depending on the gaming state. In other words, the internal lottery means 42 selects an internal lottery table according to the gaming state and performs an internal lottery, thereby changing the winning combinations. In other words, in each game state, an internal lottery is conducted using an internal lottery table whose lottery targets include winning areas that can be won in each game state. In FIG. 24, whether or not each winning area can be won in each gaming state is indicated by an "O" mark. In other words, the winning areas "Non-win", "Small role ALL", and "1 piece ALL" are won when the gaming state is in the RBB active state, and cannot be won in the general state or the RBB internal state. There is. Also, the winning areas "1 choice_1" to "1 choice_4", "batting order bell 1A" to "batting order bell 6A", "batting order bell 1B" to "batting order bell 6B", "watermelon", "normal replay" "Replay 1" to "Replay 4", "Weak Cherry 1", "Weak Cherry 2", "Strong Cherry", "Chance" and "Watermelon Loss" are when the game status is normal or RBB internal medium. If the RBB is in operation, it will not be possible to win. Furthermore, the winning area "RBB" is designed to be won when the gaming state is in the general medium state, but not to be won in the RBB internal medium state or the RBB active state.

Each winning area is assigned a different winning area number. Each winning area can be identified by the winning area number. In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, the winning areas "choice 1 piece_1" to "choice 1 piece_4" which are won when the gaming state is in the normal state, and when the gaming state is inside the RBB. Separate winning area numbers are assigned to the winning areas "1 choice_1" to "1 choice_4" that are won in the medium state, but the same winning area number is assigned regardless of the gaming state. , it is also possible to switch whether or not big bonuses can be won at the same time depending on the gaming state.

Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the probability of winning a small winning combination is the same in the general medium state and the RBB internal medium state. Furthermore, the replay winning probability is the same in the general medium state and the RBB internal medium state. Also, while the RBB is in operation, you will not be able to win a replay. In other words, in the general medium state and the BB internal medium state, the replay winning probability is higher than in the RBB active state.

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

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

Further, in the slot machine 10, the probability of winning a winning combination differs depending on the six setting values from setting 1 to setting 6. Specifically, when the settings change, the internal lottery table group consisting of a plurality of internal lottery tables selected according to the gaming state is changed to the internal lottery table group associated with each setting. Depending on the settings, there will be a group of internal lottery tables with different winning probabilities for small roles, replays, and bonuses.

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

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

The initialization means 48 performs an initialization process to initialize at least part of the information stored in the RAM of the storage means 60 when the set value is changed. Specifically, when the setting value is changed, the initialization means 48 performs processing to return the gaming state, gaming section, and performance state to the initial state, which will be described later. In other words, when the setting value is changed, the gaming state becomes the normal state, the gaming section becomes the non-advantageous section, and the performance state becomes the normal performance state, and these states are the same as when the power was first turned on after shipping from the factory. The state will be as follows. Further, in the initialization process, the initialization means 48 also initializes information regarding effects stored in the RAM of the storage means 60. Further, the sub control board 32 is also equipped with an initialization means (not shown), and when a signal indicating that the setting value has been changed is transmitted from the main control board 31, the initialization means of the sub control board 32 is The information regarding the performance stored in the RAM of the sub-side storage means 51 is initialized.
Note that even if the set value is changed, the game state, game section, and performance state may not be returned to the initial state.

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

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

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

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

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

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

A correct batting order and an incorrect batting order are set for each batting order bell. Specifically, as shown in Figure 25, if any batting order bell is won, if the operation is performed with the correct batting order, a 10-card winning combination will be won, and if the operation is performed with the incorrect batting order, a 1-card winning combination will be won. is now possible to win. Also, if an operation is performed with an incorrect batting order, there is a predetermined probability (1/2 or 3/4 probability) that the 1-card winning combination will not win, or more specifically, that neither winning combination will win. There is. Further, there is only one correct batting order for each batting order bell, and the other five batting orders are incorrect batting orders. Furthermore, for "batting order bell 1A" to "batting order bell 6A", mutually different batting orders are set as the correct batting order, and for "batting order bell 1B" to "batting order bell 6B", mutually different batting orders are set as the correct batting order. There is.

Then, when any of the batting order bells is won, if the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the correct batting order, the priority of the stop position candidates that can win small roles 1 to 6 will be the highest. When the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the incorrect batting order, the priority order is set so that the priority of the stop position candidate that can win small winnings 9 to 38 is the highest. is required.

In addition, in the winning areas "1-choice_1_1" to "1-choice_4", the winning/non-winning of 1-card winnings differs depending on the timing of pressing the stop buttons 26a to 26c, and the winning area is 1/4. The probability is that one card will win, and the probability is 3/4 that none of the cards will win. Here, each of the winning areas "Choice 1 card_1" to "Choice 1 card_4" is pressed at different timings to make it possible to win a winning combination of one card.

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

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

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, 10 medals are paid out when winning small winnings 1 to 6, and 3 medals are paid out when winning small winnings 7, 8, 39, and 40. One medal is paid out if you win a small prize from 9 to 38.

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

As shown in FIG. 26, the gaming state control means 49 performs a gaming state transition control process for shifting the gaming state between the general medium state, the RBB internal medium state (bonus established state), and the RBB active state (bonus state). conduct. As the gaming state transition condition, one condition or a plurality of conditions may be determined. If a plurality of conditions are set, the gaming state may be shifted based on the fulfillment of one of the plurality of predetermined conditions; The gaming state may be shifted based on the fact that all the conditions have been met.

Further, as described above, the internal lottery means 42 selects an internal lottery table according to the gaming state and performs an internal lottery. Specifically, in the normal state, an internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which the big bonus is set as a lottery target. Further, in the RBB internal medium state, an internal lottery is performed with reference to an internal lottery table in which the big bonus is excluded from lottery targets. Furthermore, while the RBB is in operation, an internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which the big bonus is excluded from lottery targets.

In the initial state, the gaming state is a normal state. In the general state, an internal lottery is performed with reference to an internal lottery table in which all winning areas except the winning areas ``Non-win'', ``Small role ALL'', and ``1 piece ALL'' are set as lottery targets. Furthermore, it is possible to transition from the general medium state to the RBB internal medium state. The gaming state control means 49 shifts the gaming state to the RBB internal medium state when a big bonus is won in the general medium state.

The RBB internal medium state is a gaming state that is transitioned to when a big bonus is won in an internal lottery. In the RBB internal medium state, the internal lottery is performed by referring to the internal lottery table in which all winning areas except the winning areas "Non-win", "Small role ALL", "1 piece ALL", and "RBB" are set as lottery targets. will be held. In addition, in the RBB internal state, the lottery flag corresponding to the big bonus is maintained in the winning state until the big bonus is won, and when the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the big bonus is displayed on the active line, the gaming state is controlled. The means 49 shifts the gaming state from the RBB internal state to the RBB operating state.

The RBB active state is a gaming state that is entered when a symbol combination representing a winning form of the big bonus is displayed on the active line. In the RBB operating state, an internal lottery is performed with reference to an internal lottery table in which the winning areas "Non-win", "Small winning combination ALL", and "1 piece ALL" are set as lottery targets. In addition, in the RBB active state, it is determined whether the end condition is satisfied based on the total number of medals paid out in the RBB active state, and if the medal exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 200), When the payout occurs, the gaming state control means 49 ends the RBB operating state and shifts the gaming state to the normal state.
In this embodiment, the termination condition for the RBB active state is determined by the total number of medals paid out, but the termination condition is determined by the number of games played, the number of small winnings, etc. while the RBB is active. It's okay. Further, the RBB operating state may be such that a termination condition is set so that the game can be terminated after one game.

The instruction function control means 51 includes a game section control means 80, a performance state control means 81, and a privilege granting means 82. The instruction function control means 51 performs processing related to the operation of an instruction function that assists in winning a specific winning combination in an advantageous section. Specifically, when a predetermined winning combination is won, the instruction function control means 51 determines whether or not to perform an instruction performance to assist the winning of this winning combination. More specifically, when the batting order bell is won, the instruction function control means 51 determines whether or not to perform an instruction performance (batting order navigation performance) that notifies the correct batting order and assists in winning a 10-card winning combination. . Based on this determination, the effect control means 100 causes the liquid crystal display 13 to execute a batting order navigation effect.

As shown in FIG. 27, the game section control means 80 performs a game section transition control process to shift the game section between a non-advantageous section and an advantageous section according to the progress of the game. The non-advantageous section is a game section corresponding to the initial state among the plurality of types of game sections. In the non-advantageous section, the benefit giving means 82 performs a lottery for moving to an advantageous section, and when the lottery for moving to an advantageous section is won, the game section control means 80 shifts the game section to the advantageous section. Further, the advantageous section is a game section in which an upper limit value (in this case, 1500 times) is set for the number of times a game can be played. Further, when the game section is set to a non-advantageous section, no instruction performance can be performed, and only when the game section is set to an advantageous section, the instruction performance can be performed. When the number of games played in the advantageous section reaches an upper limit of 1500 times, the game section control means 80 ends the advantageous section and shifts the game section to a non-advantageous section.

In the non-advantageous section, the benefit granting means 82 performs a lottery (advantageous section transfer lottery) to determine whether or not to transfer to the advantageous section at a predetermined opportunity. Specifically, the benefit granting means 82 selects a predetermined combination (for example, winning area "Watermelon", "Weak Cherry 1", "Weak Cherry 2", "Strong Cherry", "Chance", etc.; hereinafter, these Based on the winning area (referred to as a rare combination), a lottery is held to determine whether or not to move to an advantageous section (advantageous section transition lottery). Then, when winning the advantageous section transition lottery, the game section control means 80 shifts the game section from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section.

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

In addition, the game section control means 80 updates the memory value of the difference number counter 64 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60 with the difference number of medals in the advantageous section, and updates the value corresponding to the number of medals to be paid out (for example, 10 If there is a payout of 1 medal, it is set as ``10'', and if there is no payout without winning any combination, it is set as ``0''), which corresponds to the number of medals used in the game. The value (for example, if 3 coins are inserted, it is set as "3") is subtracted to obtain the calculation result of the difference number of coins in the game, and this calculation result is added to the stored value of the difference number counter 64. Perform update processing. Note that the game section control means 80 does not add to the difference number counter 64 in the non-advantageous section. Further, at the time of transition from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section, the stored value of the differential sheet number counter 64 is "0". Then, the game section control means 80 changes the game section from an advantageous section to a non-advantageous section, assuming that the end condition of the advantageous section is satisfied when the stored value of the difference number counter 64 exceeds a threshold value (for example, "2400"). Move to section. The stored value of the difference number counter 64 is controlled so as not to fall below the initial value "0". For example, if the stored value of the difference number counter 64 at the start of the game is "2", as a result of playing the game, If the winning combination is not won and no medals are paid out, the calculation result of the difference number in that game will be "-3", and when the calculation result of the difference number is added to the value stored in the difference number counter 64, the initial value will be Although the value falls below "0", the value stored in the updated differential sheet number counter is configured to stop counting with the initial value "0" as the lower limit. In other words, an upper limit is set for the number of medals that can be earned in an advantageous section, and the point when the number of medals in an advantageous section has decreased the most is set as "0", and the increase in the number of medals from that standard exceeds 2,400. The advantageous section ends when the In addition, if there is a winning replay in a game, it is treated as if the game in which the replay won has paid out medals equivalent to the specified number of inputs for the game, and the difference in the number of medals is calculated. For the next game to be offered, even if no medals are actually inserted, it may be treated as if the number of medals equivalent to the prescribed number of medals for the game has been inserted, and the difference in the number of medals may be determined.

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

As shown in FIG. 27, the performance state control means 81 controls multiple types of performance including a normal performance state, a non-AT performance state, a chance performance state, an AT performance state (instruction performance state), a low expected value performance state, and a special performance state. Performance state transition control processing is performed to shift the performance state between performance states. As the performance state transition condition, one condition may be determined, or a plurality of conditions may be determined. If multiple conditions are set, the production state may be transitioned when one of the multiple predetermined conditions is satisfied, or when some or all of the multiple predetermined conditions are met. The performance state may be shifted based on the fact that the event has been established.

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

The non-AT performance state is basically a performance state that transitions to when an advantageous section starts, and at the beginning of an advantageous section, the probability of transitioning to a non-AT performance state is higher than the probability of transitioning to another performance state. It is also set high. In the non-AT performance state, the benefit granting means 82 performs a lottery (CZ lottery) to determine whether or not to shift to the chance performance state. Specifically, the benefit granting means 82 performs a CZ lottery when a rare combination is won in the non-AT presentation state. Then, when it is determined to shift to the chance performance state based on the CZ lottery, the performance state control means 81 shifts the performance state to the chance performance state.

In the chance performance state, the benefit granting means 82 performs a lottery (AT lottery) to determine whether or not to transition to the AT performance state. Specifically, the benefit granting means 82 performs an AT lottery when a rare combination is won in the chance presentation state. Then, when the transition to the AT performance state is determined based on the AT lottery, the performance state control means 81 shifts the performance state to the AT performance state. Specifically, when it is determined that the AT lottery is won and the performance state is to be changed to the AT performance state, the benefit granting means 82 stores the AT performance state in the AT stock counter 67 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60. A value "1" corresponding to one set of is set (increases the stock number in the AT performance state by "1"), and the right to transition to the AT performance state is granted. Note that the number of sets (stock number) awarded by winning the AT lottery is not limited to one set, but may be two or more sets, and may be selected from multiple types of set numbers (stock numbers) when winning the AT lottery. You can also use it as

The performance state control means 81 shifts the performance state to the AT performance state when the number of stocks in the AT performance state stored in the AT stock counter 67 in the chance performance state is "1" or more. Further, the performance state control means 81 performs processing to reduce the stock number of the AT performance state by "1" when starting the AT performance state. Furthermore, when starting the AT performance state, the performance state control means 81 sets a predetermined value corresponding to the number of batting order navigations for one set of the AT performance state into the navigation frequency counter 66 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60. Set. Note that the number of times the batting order navigation is set here may be selected from a plurality of types of times, and in the gaming machine of this embodiment, "10", "20", "30", and "50" are selected. ” or “100” at a predetermined timing.

In addition, in the AT performance state, the benefit granting means 82 determines whether or not to increase the number of sets (stock number) in the AT performance state at a predetermined opportunity (for example, when winning a rare role). If a lottery (additional lottery) is held to determine whether to increase the duration of The corresponding value is added to the AT set number counter 67.

When the batting order bell is won in the AT performance state, the instruction function control means 51 determines to execute a batting order navigation performance that notifies the correct batting order. Further, when it is decided to execute the batting order navigation performance, the performance control means 100 causes the liquid crystal display 13 to display the correct batting order. Further, the instruction function control means 51 performs a process of subtracting "1" from the stored value of the navigation number counter 66 every time the batting order navigation effect is executed. Then, when the stored value of the navigation counter 66 reaches the threshold value "0", the performance state control means 81 terminates one set of the AT performance state, assuming that the conditions for ending one set of the AT performance state are satisfied. .

The performance state control means 81 shifts the performance state to a low expected value performance state when one set of termination conditions of the AT performance state is satisfied. In the low expected value performance state, the benefit granting means 82 performs a lottery to determine whether or not to increase the number of sets (stock number) in the AT performance state at a predetermined opportunity (for example, when winning a rare role); When it is determined to increase the number of sets (stock number) based on the lottery result, a value corresponding to a predetermined number of sets (stock number) is added to the AT set number counter 67.

In the low expected value performance state, even if the batting order bell is won, the batting order navigation performance that notifies the player of the correct batting order is not performed, and the more the game is played, the fewer medals are earned. On the other hand, in the AT performance state, since a batting order navigation performance is performed to notify the correct batting order when the batting order bell is won, the player can increase the number of medals by performing a stop operation according to the batting order navigation performance. In other words, in the low expected value performance state, the expected value regarding the increase in the number of medals is lower than in the AT performance state.
Note that even in the low expected value performance state, the batting order navigation performance may be performed, but it is preferable that the frequency of occurrence of the batting order navigation performance is set lower than in the AT performance state.

Furthermore, in the low expected value performance state, games are executed a predetermined number of times. Here, the number of games played in the low expected value production state may be determined based on a lottery or predetermined conditions. If the stock number in the AT performance state is "1" or more, the performance state control means 81 shifts the performance state to the AT performance state after a predetermined number of games are completed. In addition, in this case, the number of stocks in the AT performance state is decreased by "1". On the other hand, if the stock number in the AT performance state is "0", the performance state control means 81 shifts the performance state to the normal performance state after a predetermined number of games are completed. Further, when the performance state shifts to the normal performance state, the game section control means 80 shifts the game section from an advantageous section to a non-advantageous section.

Further, the performance state control means 81 shifts the performance state to a special performance state when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the advantageous section. Specifically, the benefit granting means 82 performs a lottery to determine whether or not to transition to the special performance state in the advantageous section. Then, when the transition to the special performance state is determined based on the lottery, the performance state control means 81 shifts the performance state to the special performance state.

In the special performance state, the benefit granting means 82 determines whether or not to increase the number of sets (stock number) in the AT performance state at a predetermined opportunity, and when it is determined to increase the number of sets (stock number), A value corresponding to the number of sets (stock number) is added to the AT set number counter 67. Further, in the special performance state, the expected value for an increase in the number of sets (stock number) in the AT performance state is set higher than in the non-AT performance state, the chance performance state, the AT performance state, and the low expected value performance state.

Further, when the special performance state is entered, the benefit granting means 82 is adapted to grant one or more sets of AT performance states. Then, when the special performance state ends, the performance state control means 81 shifts the performance state to the AT performance state.

Note that the normal performance state may be directly shifted to the chance performance state or the AT performance state. For example, in an advantageous section transition lottery, instead of simply determining whether to transition to an advantageous section (non-AT performance state), it is determined whether the performance state is to be shifted to an AT performance state or a chance performance state. It is also possible to make a lottery as to whether to shift to the production state or not to shift to the normal production state. In other words, the CZ lottery may be performed in a performance state other than the non-AT performance state (for example, the normal performance state), and the AT lottery may be performed in a performance state other than the chance performance state (for example, the normal performance state or the non-AT performance state). You may go.

Note that the chance performance state has a higher probability of transition to the AT performance state than the normal performance state and the non-AT performance state, and is a performance state that is more advantageous for the player than the normal performance state and the non-AT performance state. Furthermore, in the chance presentation state, the batting order navigation presentation is performed less frequently than in the AT presentation state, and the batting order navigation presentation is almost never performed or is not performed at all. Furthermore, in the non-AT performance state, the batting order navigation performance is performed less frequently than in the chance performance state, and the batting order navigation performance is almost never performed or is not performed at all.

In addition, when transitioning from one performance state to another performance state, such as when winning an AT lottery and moving from a chance performance state to an AT performance state, it is possible to move through another performance state before proceeding. good. For example, when winning an AT lottery, instead of immediately starting the AT performance state, the system shifts from the chance performance state to the AT performance preparation state (AT preparation performance state), and then shifts to the AT performance state. may be used as

Further, the AT performance state may be set according to the gaming state to which the player transitions based on winning a bonus or winning a prize. For example, when the gaming state is in the RBB internal medium state, the transition to the AT performance state may be enabled, and in the general medium state or the RBB active state, the transition to the AT performance state may be disabled. In other words, in the general state or the RBB operating state, for example, even if the AT lottery is won, the AT performance state may not be entered, or the AT lottery may not be held.

In addition, if you win a bonus while the production state is AT production state and the gaming state is RBB internal medium state, after the RBB operation state ends due to winning this bonus, you will be transferred again via the general state. The AT performance state may be interrupted until the state transitions to the RBB internal medium state. That is, the batting order navigation presentation may be stopped when a bonus is won, and the batting order navigation presentation may be restarted when the RBB internal state is entered again.

The instruction function control means 51 performs instruction function information initialization to initialize information stored in the RAM of the storage means 60 as information related to the instruction function when the advantageous section ends and the game section shifts to the normal section. Perform processing. Specifically, the instruction function control means 51 controls the memory value of the advantageous section game number counter 65, the memory value of the difference number counter 64, the flag (lottery result) related to the lottery related to the instruction function, the memory value of the AT stock counter 67, and The stored values of the navigation counter 66 are initialized. That is, information related to the instruction function is not carried over across multiple advantageous sections. Further, when the initialization means 48 performs the above-mentioned initialization processing performed when the set value is changed, the information related to the instruction performance shown here is also initialized.

When the performance state is the AT performance state, when the batting order bell is won, the performance control means 100 issues an instruction performance (navigation performance) on the liquid crystal display 13 and the speaker 14 to notify the correct batting order and assist in winning the 10-card winning combination. Controls the performance devices such as the following. When the batting order bell is won and the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in accordance with the correct batting order announced by the instruction performance, a 10-card winning combination will always be won and 10 medals will be obtained. .
Note that when performing an instruction performance, information indicating the correct batting order is also displayed on the 7-segment display of the game information display section 17.

Next, the winning probability in the internal lottery in the gaming machine of this embodiment will be explained.
First, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, only when small winnings 1 to 6 are won, more medals than the specified number of inputs (3 medals) are paid out, and the player can increase the number of medals he has. can. The probability that at least one of the small winning combinations 1 to 6 will be won in the RBB active state is lower than the probability that at least one of the small winning combinations 1 to 6 will be won in the RBB internal medium state. In the medium state, it is more difficult for the player to increase the number of medals he has than in the RBB internal medium state. Further, when the performance state is the AT performance state, the correct batting order of the batting order bell is notified by the instruction performance, so that the player can increase the number of medals he has. That is, when the RBB is in the internal state and is in the AT production state, the situation can be more advantageous in terms of acquiring medals than when the RBB is in operation, and the player is encouraged to stay in the RBB internal state for a long period of time. can provide motivation to maintain

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, in the RBB internal medium state, in a game in which a replay or a small prize with a higher priority than the big bonus is not won and the internal lottery is a loss, the stop button 26a to If you do not press 26c, you will not be able to win the big bonus. Specifically, when winning a replay or minor role, the symbols that make up the winning form of the replay or minor role can always be drawn onto the active line on any reel, so no matter what form it takes, Even if the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed, winning of the big bonus is avoided. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a game is played in the RBB internal medium state and the production state is set to the AT production state, the player can increase the number of medals he has without changing the gaming state. It is now possible to do so.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, by setting the RBB active state to a gaming state that is inferior to the general medium state or the RBB internal medium state in terms of medal acquisition performance, While keeping the medal acquisition rate within a predetermined range based on social demands, it is possible to set the probability of winning a small role in the general medium state or the RBB internal medium state to be high.

Specifically, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the prescribed number of medals inserted in each gaming state of the general medium state, RBB internal medium state, and RBB operating state is the same, and the number of medals inserted in each gaming state is unchanged. In addition, by using the RBB operating state (so-called 1st class special prize), which conducts an internal lottery with a higher probability of winning small prizes than the general medium state or the RBB internal medium condition, a situation with a low medal acquisition rate is created. ing. More specifically, in the RBB operating state, a winning area "Small winnings ALL" is provided in which small winnings 1 to 6, which are individually won in the general medium state and RBB internal medium state, are won repeatedly. An internal lottery is conducted so that the probability that the winning flags corresponding to each of the small winning combinations 1 to 6 will be set to the winning state is higher than the general medium state or the RBB internal medium state. Furthermore, the probability of winning the winning area "small win ALL" in the RBB active state is set to be higher than the probability of winning each of the batting order bells in each of the general medium state and the RBB internal medium state. In addition, the probability of winning the winning area "Small win ALL" in the RBB active state is determined by the probability of winning the winning area "Small win ALL" in the general medium state and the RBB internal medium state for each batting order bell that includes the same small win from among small wins 1 to 6. The probability is the sum of the winning probabilities (for example, for the batting order bell in which small role 1 is won, the probability of winning the winning area "batting order bell 1A" and the probability of winning the winning area "batting order bell 1B") set to a high probability. In addition, the probability of winning one of the winning areas related to the small role, that is, the probability that the winning probabilities of each winning area related to the small role are summed up, is higher in the RBB active state than in the general medium state and the RBB internal medium state. An internal lottery is held to increase the price. That is, in the RBB operating state, the winning probability of each of the small winnings 1 to 6, which have a higher payout than the specified number of inputs, is higher than in the general medium state or the RBB internal medium state, and the winning probability of the entire small winning combination is also in the general medium state. However, the probability of winning a winning area including small winnings 1 to 6 with a higher payout than the specified number of inputs (the winning probability of the winning area "small winning area ALL") is in the general medium state or RBB internal medium state. Probability of winning a winning area including small roles 1 to 6 in the RBB internal medium state (combining the winning probabilities of winning areas batting order bell 1A to batting order bell 6A, and batting order bell 1B to batting order bell 6B) (probability), the expected value of the medal acquisition rate when the RBB is in operation can be set low (for example, less than 100%). In particular, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, there are six types (small roles 1 to 6) of specific small roles (small roles in which more medals are paid out than the number of inputs) that can be won when the correct batting order is made, and these are placed in the RBB active state. By allowing players to win multiple times, the expected value of the medal acquisition rate when the RBB is in operation is reduced. That is, in the general medium state and the RBB internal medium state, an internal lottery is conducted with a mode in which N types of specific small winning combinations are won without duplication, and in the RBB operating state, N types of specific small winning combinations are won in duplicate. By setting up a mode and conducting an internal lottery, we can calculate the probability of obtaining a winning pattern including a specific small winning combination in the RBB active state, and the probability of obtaining a winning pattern including a specific small winning combination in the general medium state and the RBB internal medium state. It can be compressed to about 1/N. As a result, it is possible to design the medal acquisition performance related to the AT performance state while lowering the lower limit of the expected value of the medal acquisition rate in the RBB operating state to, for example, 100% or less. The degree of freedom in designing gaming machines can be dramatically improved.

In addition, in the general medium state and RBB internal medium state, the player cannot know the result of the internal lottery unless it is in the AT performance state, so it is not possible to win small prizes 1 to 6 in situations where the AT performance state is not. It will be difficult and it will be difficult to win medals. On the other hand, when the RBB is in operation, no matter which gaming method you play, if you win the winning area "Small winnings ALL", you can win any of the small winnings 1 to 6 regardless of the mode of the stop operation. , When you win the winning area "1 piece ALL", you can win small roles 9 to 38, so if you are not in the AT effect state, even if you play with a fixed batting order, the batting order will be randomly changed every game. Even when a game is selected and played, the expected value of the medal acquisition rate is higher in the RBB active state than in the general middle state or the RBB internal middle state. However, in the AT performance state, an instruction performance that notifies the correct batting order is performed, so if the player performs the stop operation according to the instruction performance, he can obtain medals with a high probability, and while the RBB is in the internal state and the AT performance In this situation, it becomes possible to play a game with a high expected value of medal acquisition.

(Processing related to AT performance state)
When the termination condition of the AT performance state (first performance state) is satisfied, the performance state control means 81 shifts the performance state to a low expected value performance state (second performance state). In addition, when the stock number of the AT performance state stored in the AT stock counter 67 is "1" or more, the performance state control means 81 controls the performance state after a predetermined number of games have been executed in the low expected value performance state. to the AT performance state. Therefore, the performance state control means 81 may alternately execute (loop) the AT performance state and the low expected value performance state under predetermined conditions.
If the stock number in the AT performance state is "0", the performance state control means 81 shifts the performance state to the normal performance state after a predetermined number of games are completed in the low expected value performance state.

In the AT performance state, an instruction performance (batting order navigation performance) that notifies you of the correct batting order is performed when the batting order bell is won, and it is possible to increase medals (gaming value) by performing a stop operation according to the batting order navigation performance. . On the other hand, in the low expected value performance state, even if the batting order bell is won, the batting order navigation performance is not performed, so the more the game is played, the fewer medals there are. Note that the batting order navigation performance may be performed in the low expected value performance state, but the number of times this is performed is smaller than in the AT performance state. Therefore, the low expected value performance state is a performance state in which the expected value regarding the increase (increase in number) of medals is lower than the AT performance state.

As described above, the benefit granting means 82 performs a lottery (additional lottery) to determine whether or not to increase the stock number in the AT performance state at a predetermined opportunity in the AT performance state (for example, when winning a rare role). conduct. In other words, the benefit awarding means 82 performs a lottery (a benefit award lottery) to determine whether or not to award a benefit related to the right to transition to the AT performance state at a predetermined opportunity. The benefits include normal stock (normal benefits) and special stocks (special benefits).

The normal stock and special stock provide the player with a predetermined number of games in the low expected value performance state and a predetermined number of batting order navigation performances in the AT performance state. When the normal stock or special stock is provided, the performance state control means 81 changes the performance state to the AT performance state after a predetermined number of games determined by the normal stock or special stock are executed in the low expected value performance state. Then, the instruction function control means 51 executes the batting order navigation performance a predetermined number of times determined by the normal stock or special stock in the AT performance state.

In the normal stock, the number of games played in the low expected value performance state is relatively small (the duration of the low expected value performance state is relatively short), and the number of times the batting order navigation performance is executed in the AT performance state (AT performance state (number of games played) is relatively small. In other words, the normal stock has a high probability that the number of games played in the low expected value performance state is a value smaller than a predetermined threshold value in a predetermined range, and the number of times the batting order navigation performance is executed in the AT performance state ( The probability that the number of games played in the AT effect state is smaller than a predetermined threshold value in a predetermined range is high.

Special stocks have a relatively large number of games played in the low expected value performance state (the duration of the low expected value performance state is relatively long), and the number of times the batting order navigation performance is executed in the AT performance state (AT performance state The number of games played) is relatively high. In other words, the special stock has a high probability that the number of games played in the low expected value performance state is larger than a predetermined threshold value in a predetermined range, and the number of times the batting order navigation performance is executed in the AT performance state ( There is a high probability that the number of games played in the AT performance state) is a value larger than a predetermined threshold value in a predetermined range.

In other words, the special stock has a higher probability that the number of games in the low expected value performance state will be greater than the normal stock, and the number of times the batting order navigation performance is executed in the AT performance state (the number of games in the AT performance state) is higher. There is a high probability that there will be more.

As a privilege award lottery, the benefit awarding means 82 first performs a regular stock award lottery (first lottery) to determine whether or not to award regular stock. Then, when it is decided to allocate normal stock through the normal stock allocation lottery, special stock is also allocated with a predetermined probability. Here, when granting the special stock, after the regular stock is granted, a special stock grant lottery (second lottery) may be performed as a bonus grant lottery to determine whether or not to grant the special stock. That is, as the bonus award lottery, a two-stage lottery including a normal stock award lottery and a special stock award lottery may be performed. In addition, the regular stock grant lottery and the special stock grant lottery will be drawn together in one lottery (one stage of lottery), and in that lottery, whether regular stock will be given, special stock will be given, or regular stock will be given. It is also possible to decide whether to provide special stock or special stock.

Then, when the granting of normal stock or special stock is determined by the prize granting lottery, the benefit granting means 82 causes the AT stock counter 67 to stock the regular stock or special stock, and provides the normal stock or special stock to the player. Give. That is, the number of stocks in the AT stock counter 67 is increased by "1", and the increased stock is associated and stored so that it can be determined whether it is a normal stock or a special stock.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the granting of special stock is determined together with the granting of normal stock, but the granting of regular stock and the granting of special stock may also be decided at separate occasions. good. In other words, the normal stock award lottery and the special stock award lottery may be executed at different opportunities. That is, for example, the rare role in which the normal stock award lottery is executed and the rare role in which the special stock award lottery is executed may be different, or the probability that the normal stock award lottery is conducted may be different depending on the type of rare role. , and the probability that the special stock award lottery will be held may be made different.
In addition, when it is decided to grant regular stock, a lottery will be held to determine whether or not this regular stock will be changed (promoted) to special stock, and based on the result of this lottery, regular stock will be granted or special stock will be assigned. It is also possible to decide whether or not to grant.

The probability of receiving special stock increases as the setting value stored in the setting value storage area 63 increases (that is, from setting 1 to setting 6). In other words, the special stock award lottery is executed such that the higher the set value, the higher the probability of winning the special stock. Note that the probability of receiving normal stock remains the same regardless of whether the set value is high or low.

When one set of AT performance states is completed, the benefit providing means 82 determines whether the AT stock counter 67 is stocked with normal stock or special stock. If the stock is stocked, the privilege granting means 82 determines to use up one stock and shift to the AT performance state again. In addition, the benefit granting means 82 determines the number of games in the low expected value performance state (hereinafter referred to as the number of low expected value games) and the number of games in the AT performance state, depending on whether the stock to be consumed at this time is normal stock or special stock. The number of times the batting order navigation effect is executed (hereinafter referred to as the batting order navigation number of times) is determined. Then, a value corresponding to the determined number of low expected value games is set in the low expected value game counter 68 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60, and a value corresponding to the determined number of times of batting order navigation is set in the number of low expected value games counter 68 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60. The number of times is set in the number counter 66.

Here, a method for determining the number of low expected value games and the number of times of batting order navigation will be explained.
When transitioning to the AT effect state based on the normal stock, the benefit granting means 82 uses the first table (see FIG. 28(a)) in which a plurality of candidates for the number of low expected value games are set (see FIG. 28(a)), A lottery is held to determine the number of games in the value presentation state. In this lottery, for example, the probability of winning "10 times" is 50%, the probability of winning "15 times" is 30%, the probability of winning "20 times" is 10%, the probability of winning "30 times" is 7%, The probability of winning ``60 times'' is 3%. In addition, when transitioning to the AT performance state based on the normal stock, the benefit granting means 82 uses the second table (see FIG. 28(b)) in which a plurality of candidates for the number of times of batting order navigation are set, and uses the AT performance state based on the stock. A lottery will be held to determine the number of batting order navigations in each state. In this lottery, for example, the probability of winning "10 times" is 50%, the probability of winning "20 times" is 30%, the probability of winning "30 times" is 10%, the probability of winning "50 times" is 7%, The probability of winning ``100 times'' is 3%.

In addition, when transitioning to the AT effect state based on the special stock, the benefit granting means 82 uses the third table (see FIG. 28(c)) in which a plurality of candidates for the number of low expected value games are set. A lottery is held to determine the number of games in a low expected value performance state. In this lottery, for example, the probability of winning "10 times" is 3%, the probability of winning "15 times" is 7%, the probability of winning "20 times" is 10%, the probability of winning "30 times" is 30%, The probability of winning "60 times" is 50%. In addition, when transitioning to the AT production state based on the special stock, the benefit granting means 82 uses the fourth table (see FIG. 28(d)) in which a plurality of candidates for the number of times of batting order navigation are set, and uses the AT production state. A lottery will be held to determine the number of batting order navigations in each state. In this lottery, for example, the probability of winning "10 times" is 3%, the probability of winning "20 times" is 7%, the probability of winning "30 times" is 10%, the probability of winning "50 times" is 30%, The probability of winning "100 times" is 50%.

Here, the number of low expected value games that can be selected and the number of times that batting order navigation can be selected are the same for the normal stock and the special stock, but they may be different. For example, in the case of normal stock, the winning probability for the low expected value game number "60 times" may be set to 0%, or the winning probability for the batting order navigation number "100 times" may be set to 0%. Further, in the case of special stock, the winning probability for the low expected value game number "10 times" may be set to 0%, or the winning probability for the batting order navigation number "10 times" may be set to 0%. In other words, regarding the number of low expected value games or the number of times of batting order navigation, a number greater than a predetermined number may not be selected in the normal stock, and a number less than the predetermined number may not be selected in the special stock. In other words, the average number of low expected value games or batting order navigation that can be selected with the special stock (in the above example, the average number of low expected value games that can be selected with the special stock is 31.25 times (=( 15+20+30+60)/4)) is the average value of the number of low expected value games or batting order navigation that can be selected with normal stock (in the above example, the average value of the number of low expected value games that can be selected with normal stock is 18.75 (=(10+15+20+30)/4)).

In addition, regarding the number of low expected value games or the number of times of batting order navigation for regular stock, it is not necessarily the case that the lower the number of times, the higher the probability of winning, and regarding the number of low expected value games or number of times of batting order navigation for special stock, It is not necessary that the probability of winning increases as the number increases. For example, regarding the number of batting order navigations for special stocks, the probability of winning for "10 times" is 3%, the probability of winning for "20 times" is 7%, the probability of winning for "30 times" is 30%, and the probability of winning for "50 times" is 3%. 40%, the probability of winning "100 times" may be 20%, etc. (see FIG. 28(d)).

Further, the range of the number of low expected value games that can be selected may vary depending on the number of batting order navigations determined based on the normal stock or the special stock. In other words, a lottery to determine the number of batting order navigations may be conducted first, and a table to be used in a lottery to determine the number of low expected value games may be selected based on the result. For example, if the number of batting order navigations is determined to be less than a predetermined number (for example, "20 times"), a low expected value game number of more than a predetermined number (for example, "30 times") may not be selected. If the number of times of batting order navigation is determined to be a predetermined number of times (for example, "50 times") or more, a low expected value game number of less than a predetermined number of times (for example, "15 times") may not be selected.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 28(e), a plurality of patterns are prepared in which the number of low expected value games and the number of times of batting order navigation are linked in advance, and the number of low expected value games and the number of times of batting order navigation are determined based on the patterns. You may. This table (fifth table) is provided with patterns A to E, each of which is associated with the number of low expected value games and the number of batting order navigations. Patterns A and B have a higher probability of being selected for normal stock than special stock, and patterns D and E have a higher probability of being selected for special stock than normal stock. Then, pattern C may have the same probability of being selected for normal stock and special stock. It should be noted that the number of low expected value games and the number of batting order navigations does not have to be linked on a completely one-to-one basis; there is a pattern in which the number of low expected value games "10 times" is linked to the number of batting order navigations "10 times". A1 and a pattern A2 in which the number of low expected value games "20" is linked to the number "10" of batting order navigation may be prepared.

In addition, in determining the number of low expected value games and the number of times of batting order navigation, a lottery may be conducted for each (divided into multiple times), or a lottery may be conducted at once (for example, all at once). Good too. That is, for these lotteries, similar to the internal lottery described above, random numbers for the lottery may be obtained from the random number generating means 41, and the results of the lottery may be determined by comparing these random numbers with a predetermined table. However, random values may be acquired individually for each determination, or random values may be acquired once and each determination may be made based on the acquired random value.

When the number of low expected value games and the number of times of batting order navigation are determined as described above, the performance state control means 81 shifts the performance state to the low expected value performance state, and plays the games for the determined number of low expected value games. The low expected value presentation state is maintained until this is executed. Then, when the games corresponding to the determined number of low expected value games are executed, the performance state control means 81 shifts the performance state to the AT performance state. Further, when the batting order navigation performance for the determined number of times of batting order navigation is executed in the AT performance state, the performance state is shifted to the low expected value performance state. That is, when the normal stock or the special stock is provided, the performance state control means 81 performs processing to shift the performance state to the AT performance state after a predetermined number of games are executed in the low expected value performance state.

Specifically, first, a value corresponding to the determined low expected value game count is set in the low expected value game count counter 68, and a value corresponding to the determined batting order navigation count is set in the navigation count counter 66. Then, the performance state control means 81 shifts the performance state to a low expected value performance state. Further, the instruction function control means 51 subtracts a value "1" corresponding to one game from the stored value of the low expected value game number counter 68 every time a game is played in the low expected value performance state. Then, when the stored value of the low expected value game counter 68 reaches the threshold value "0", the performance state control means 81 changes the performance state to the AT performance state, assuming that the condition for ending the low expected value performance state is satisfied. Migrate. Further, the instruction function control means 51 subtracts "1" from the stored value of the navigation number counter 66 every time the batting order navigation performance is performed in the AT performance state. Then, when the memory value of the navigation counter 66 reaches the threshold value "0", it is assumed that the end condition of one set of AT performance state is satisfied, and the privilege granting means 82 determines whether the normal stock or special stock is stocked or not again. At the same time as the determination, the performance state control means 81 shifts the performance state to a low expected value performance state.

As described above, the performance state control means 81 shifts the performance state based on the normal stock or the special stock. When shifting the performance state based on the normal stock, the performance state control means 81 shifts to the AT performance state in which the number of batting order navigations is relatively small after a relatively small number of games are executed in the low expected value performance state. It happens. In addition, when shifting the production state based on the special stock, the production state control means 81 controls the batting order navigation number to be relatively large (the number of games) after a relatively large number of games have been executed in the low expected value production state. (relatively common) will cause the transition to the AT performance state.

Note that when one set of AT performance states is completed, if the stock number of AT performance states stored in the AT stock counter 67 is "0", the instruction function control means 51 controls the low expected value game number counter 68 A predetermined value (for example, "50") may be stored as the stored value. Note that the bonus award lottery may be performed even in the low expected value presentation state. In addition, in the low expected value performance state when the number of stocks in the AT performance state is "0", if it is decided to grant normal stock or special stock in the bonus grant lottery, when the grant of the stock is decided, the low The expected number of games and the number of batting order navigations may be determined.

Note that the format of the lottery and the timing of using up the stock do not have to be as described above. For example, in the bonus award lottery, the decision to award the normal stock or special stock and the number of low expected value games and batting order navigation for the normal stock or special stock may be determined at the same time.

Here, another aspect of the special stock will be explained.
Special stocks (1) have a higher probability of having a large number of games in the low expected value performance state than normal stocks, and (2) have a higher degree of advantage regarding the instruction function in the AT performance state than normal stocks. It has become. This will be explained in detail below.
(Another aspect of special stock 1)
The special stock shown in FIG. 29 (1) has a higher probability of being played more times in the low expected value effect state (interval) than the normal stock, and (2) has an AT effect that is set at the start of the AT effect state. The number of games in the state is the same as the normal stock (for example, 30 times), but in the AT performance state, it is decided to increase the number of sets (stock number) in the AT performance state (increase the duration of the AT performance state). The probability of this happening is higher than that of regular stock.

(Another aspect of special stock 2)
As shown in FIG. 30(a), in the AT performance state, a first AT performance state and a second AT performance state are provided. When a predetermined condition is satisfied in the first AT performance state, the state shifts to the second AT performance state. The second AT performance state has a higher degree of advantage regarding the instruction function than the first AT performance state.
The special stock shown in FIG. 30(b) has (1) a higher probability that the number of games in the low expected value performance state (interval) will be greater than the normal stock, and (2) the number of games in the first AT performance state is Although it is the same as the normal stock (for example, 30 times), the probability of being granted the right to shift to the second AT performance state in the first AT performance state is higher than that of the normal stock.

Note that normal stock has (1) a higher probability of fewer games in the low expected value performance state than special stock, and (2) a higher degree of advantage regarding the instruction function in the AT performance state than special stock. It can be said that the value has also decreased.

In order to increase the interest of the game, when the setting value is high (high setting) and when the setting value is low (low setting), the granting of benefits is determined by a predetermined lottery. ) The probability is set high, or the expected value of medal increase (acquisition) in the AT performance state is set high. Specifically regarding the former, for example, when the setting is high, the winning probability of the rare combination is set higher than when the setting is low. Therefore, the higher the setting, the higher the probability that the right to shift to the chance performance state will be granted by the CZ lottery. In addition, in the same chance performance state, when the number of times a small benefit is granted reaches a threshold (for example, 3 times), the right to shift to the AT performance state as a major benefit is granted, the higher the setting, the more small benefits are granted. There is a high probability that the number of times will reach the threshold and a great benefit will be granted. That is, the higher the setting, the higher the probability that the right to shift to the AT performance state will be granted.

In such a case, the higher the setting, the faster the increase rate of medals (the amount of increase in medals per game) in a short period of time (short period of time) tends to be. For this reason, there is a risk that slot machines with high settings may become too gambling-like.

In this embodiment, the higher the set value, the higher the probability that special stock will be provided. The special stock has a higher degree of advantage regarding the instruction function in the AT performance state than the normal stock, but in the low expected value performance state (the performance state where the medals decrease as you play) in which it stays before shifting to the AT performance state. The probability that the number of games played is high is high. Therefore, even if the setting is high, there is a high probability that the number of games will increase in the low expected value performance state (the performance state in which medals decrease as you play) before transitioning to the AT performance state, and for a short period of time. It is possible to prevent the medal increase speed from increasing rapidly. This makes it possible to make the game at the high setting more interesting (while keeping the expected value of increase in medals at the high setting high), while suppressing the gambling nature.

Furthermore, in the case of a low setting where the expected value of increase in medals is low (when the setting value is low), it is difficult to give special stock, and basically, normal stock is given. The normal stock has a lower degree of advantage regarding the instruction function in the AT performance state than the special stock, but there is a high probability that the number of games will be small in the low expected value performance state (the performance state in which the medals decrease as you play). . Therefore, even in the case of a low setting, the rate of increase in medals can be maintained at a high level without decreasing the rate of increase in medals (without decreasing the number of medals).

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when it is decided to allocate new stock before the allocated stock (normal stock or special stock) has been executed (used up), the AT stock counter 67 Multiple stocks may be stored. In this case, if the performance state transition based on the special stock is performed multiple times in a row, there is a risk that the rate of increase in medals in a short period of time will increase rapidly.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when both the normal stock and the special stock are stocked in the AT stock counter 67, the performance state control means 81 controls the transition of the performance state based on the normal stock and the performance state based on the special stock. The transition of the performance state is controlled to be executed alternately. For this reason, even if a plurality of benefits are awarded, transitions between performance states based on special stock will not occur consecutively. This makes it possible to suppress a rapid increase in the rate of increase in medals over a short period of time.
In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the provision of special stock is determined together with the provision of normal stock, so the AT stock counter 67 is stocked in the order of the earliest stocked stock or the latest stocked stock. By digesting the stocks in order, the normal stock and the special stock can be consumed alternately.

(AT preparation performance state)
Further, when the AT lottery is held in the chance performance state (or the AT lottery is performed in the non-AT performance state) and the AT lottery is won, the performance state control means 81 changes the AT preparation performance state as the second performance state. After the game has been played a predetermined number of times, processing may be performed to shift the performance state to an AT performance state (first performance state). Here, in the AT preparation presentation state, the batting order navigation presentation is not performed (or the execution probability of the batting order navigation presentation is lower than in the AT presentation state), and the more the game is played, the fewer medals are obtained, and the expectation regarding the increase in medals is The value is lower than the AT performance state. In this case, the AT lottery may be a bonus award lottery for determining whether to award normal stock or special stock. In addition, the number of times the normal stock is played in the AT preparation performance state is relatively small (the duration of the AT preparation performance state is relatively short), and the number of times the batting order navigation performance is executed in the AT performance state (AT performance state The number of games played in the AT preparation performance state is relatively small (the number of games played in the AT preparation performance state) is relatively small, and the number of games played in the AT preparation performance state is relatively large (the duration of the AT preparation performance state is relatively long), and the batting order in the AT performance state is assumed to be The number of times the navigation performance is executed (the number of times the game is played in the AT performance state) may be relatively large.

Note that the second performance state is not limited to the low expected value performance state or the AT preparation performance state, but may be any performance state in which the expected value regarding increase in medals is lower than the AT performance state (first performance state). , or other performance states.

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

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

47 Setting change means 51 Instruction function control means 81 Performance state control means 82 Benefit granting means

Claims (1)

Multiple reels with multiple types of symbols arranged on the outer circumferential surface,
an internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery to determine the validity of the winning combination;
reel control means that performs control to rotate the plurality of reels for each game and to stop the reels in a manner according to the result of the internal lottery in response to a stop operation;
a gaming state control means for shifting the gaming state between a plurality of types of gaming states;
A main control board that controls the game,
bet button and
Equipped with a payment button for executing payment processing,
The main control board is
A power outage occurs while the bet button is not pressed, the bet button is pressed during the power outage, and the bet button is returned from the power outage with the bet button being pressed and the operation of the bet button is valid. Even if the game becomes a state where the
Even if the bet button is pressed during an error in which the operation of the bet button is disabled, and the operation of the bet button is enabled while the bet button is pressed, the said bet button cannot be pressed. without placing a bet with a playing value based on
Even if the bet button is pressed during the payout of gaming value where the operation of the bet button is disabled, and the operation of the bet button is enabled while the bet button is pressed. , do not bet the gaming value based on the press,
Even if the bet button is pressed during execution of the settlement process, and the settlement process ends while the bet button is pressed, the gaming value based on the press is not bet;
If the bet button is pressed while the ON of the door key is detected, the gaming value can be bet based on the press.
A gaming machine characterized by:

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