JP7449609B1 - gaming machine - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a gaming machine with improved marketability.
[Solution] If a specific state is a state in which a prescribed number of gaming values necessary to start a game have been inserted, or a state in which gaming values are automatically inserted based on winning a replay as a result of an internal lottery, the specific state If the front door is opened, the start lever is not operated, and the operating means related to the set value is OFF, and the start lever is operated, the game is started and the specified In this state, with the front door open and the start lever not operated, the operating means related to the set value is changed from OFF to ON, and with the operating means related to the set value turned ON, the start lever is If the operation means related to the set value is turned off while the start lever is being operated, the game will not start.
[Selection diagram] Figure 18

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine.

2. Description of the Related Art As a gaming machine, a slot machine is known which is equipped with a plurality of reels having 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.

Further, some slot machines are configured so that setting values can be selected from among setting values in a plurality of stages (setting 1 to setting 6). In the slot machine disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the power is turned on and no bet is placed, insert the setting key into the setting key insertion slot, rotate the setting key 90 degrees clockwise, and press the setting key. When the switch is turned on, the setting confirmation state is entered, and the current setting value is displayed on the setting value display LED.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-151135

By the way, there is a demand for improving the marketability of gaming machines.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine with improved marketability.

In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention has the following features:
front door and
Multiple reels with multiple types of symbols arranged on the outer circumferential surface,
a stop button provided corresponding to each of the plurality of reels;
A start lever used to start the game,
Operating means related to set values;
A control means for controlling the progress of the game;
Display means;
The control means includes:
internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery to determine the validity of multiple types of winning combinations based on the operation of the start lever;
A setting change means capable of executing a setting change process of changing a setting value among a plurality of setting values,
Displays that can be simultaneously displayed on the display means include an alert display that calls attention to the player, and a specific display that provides a predetermined notification to the player;
The display positions of the warning display and the specific display are set so that no overlap occurs, and
Assuming that the specific state is a state in which a specified number of gaming values necessary to start a game have been inserted, or a state in which gaming values are automatically inserted based on winning a replay as a result of the internal lottery,
In the specific state, when the start lever is operated while the front door is open, the start lever is not operated, and the operating means related to the set value is OFF, The game starts,
In the specific state, when the front door is open and the start lever is not operated, the operating means related to the set value is changed from OFF to ON, and the operating means related to the set value is turned ON. In this state, if the start lever is operated and the operating means related to the set value is turned off while the start lever is being operated, the game will not start.

In the specific state, when the front door is open and the start lever is not operated, the operating means related to the set value is changed from OFF to ON, and the operating means related to the set value is turned ON. In this state, the start lever is operated, and if the operating means related to the set value is turned off while the start lever is being operated, the game is not started. Therefore, it is possible to suppress (prevent) the game from being started based on an unintended operation or an erroneous operation. Thereby, the marketability of the gaming machine can be improved.

Further, even if the attention-calling display and the specific display are displayed at the same time, the visibility of the display does not deteriorate due to the presence of a portion where the two overlap. That is, visibility of both displays can be ensured. Thereby, the player can accurately understand the notification contents displayed on both sides.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine with improved marketability.

1 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a diagram showing the pattern arrangement of the reels in the same game. 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 relationship between the mode of the stop operation at the time of winning each winning area and the winning combination. It is a diagram for explaining the relationship between winning combinations and symbol combinations. It is a diagram for explaining the relationship between winning combinations and symbol combinations. It is a state transition diagram of the game state. It is a state transition diagram of the game section and performance state in the same. It is a figure for explaining the liquid crystal display of the same. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the layer structure of the same. FIGS. 3A and 3B are diagrams for explaining the display on the liquid crystal display, in which (a) is a diagram showing a left-press recommendation display, and (b) is a diagram showing an immersion prevention display. It is a diagram for explaining the display on the liquid crystal display, and is a diagram showing a case where a left-press recommendation display and an immersion prevention display are displayed at the same time. 2 is a diagram for explaining the display of the liquid crystal display, (a) is a diagram showing a game stop suggestion display, and (b) is a diagram showing a case where a game stop suggestion display and an addictive prevention display are displayed at the same time. It is a diagram. These are diagrams for explaining the display of the liquid crystal display, (a) is a diagram showing a case where a game stop suggestion display and a left push recommendation display are displayed at the same time, and (b) is a diagram showing a game stop suggestion display and a left push recommendation display. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a case where an addictive prevention display and a left-press recommendation display are displayed at the same time. It is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view showing the state where the front door is opened. It is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the same gaming machine. It is a figure which shows the main error in the same. It is a figure showing a sub-error in the same case. It is a flowchart for explaining main loop processing in the same embodiment. It is a flowchart for explaining the setting confirmation process in the same example. It is a perspective view showing another example of the gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart for explaining the process related to the operation of the counting button.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that although a slot machine, which is one type of gaming machine, will be described below, the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to a slot machine, and may be a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine or a medalless gaming machine.
In addition, in the following explanation, "front and rear" basically means, when the player is on the front side of the slot machine, that the player side is the "front" and the slot machine side is the "rear"; means that the top side of the slot machine is "top" and the bottom side is "bottom", and "left and right" means that the player's left hand side when playing the slot machine is "left", and the right hand side is "right". do.
Note that, within the scope of the present invention, each configuration can be freely combined, each configuration can be arbitrarily modified, or each configuration can be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 1, 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 (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 presentation devices such as a liquid crystal display (display means) 13, a speaker (sound output means) 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 sounds for presentation (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. The outer peripheral surface of each reel 20a to 20c is divided into 20 frames (20 areas) at regular intervals, and one of a plurality of types of symbols is arranged on each frame. In other words, a plurality of types of symbols are arranged in a row on the outer peripheral surface of each reel 20a to 20c. Furthermore, when each reel 20a to 20c stops, three symbols per reel (an upper symbol, a middle symbol, and a lower symbol) are displayed through the display window 16. 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 this embodiment, an effective line is formed by the lower stage of the first reel 20a, the middle stage of the second reel 20b, and the upper stage of the third reel 20c. Further, in this embodiment, the number of medals required for one game (regular number) is set to three, and when the specified number of medals is inserted, the active line is activated.

As shown in FIG. 2, on the outer peripheral surface of each reel 20a to 20c, white 7 symbol "White 7", purple 7 symbol A "Purple 7A", purple 7 symbol B "Purple 7B", purple 7 symbol C "Purple" 7C'', Purple 7 pattern D ``Purple 7D'', Yellow 7 pattern ``Yellow 7'', Red 7 pattern ``Red 7'', Black BAR pattern ``Black BAR'', Red BAR pattern ``Red BAR'' and blank pattern ``BK'', Each pattern is arranged. Further, symbol numbers 0 to 19 are associated with each symbol on each reel 20a to 20c.

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. 3) 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.

Further, a performance button (performance operation means) 25 is provided on the lower door 12b. The effect button 25 is pressed and operated by the player, and when pressed changes the aspect of the effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display 13, increasing the player's sense of participation in the game, and It is designed to increase interest. Note that the performance button (performance operation means) 25 does not need to be button-shaped, and may be any button that can detect the player's operation.

As shown in FIG. 3, inside the slot machine 10, a main control board (main control means) 31 and a sub-control board (sub-control means) 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 and input signals from input means such as the production button 25, performs various calculations to execute the production, and based on the calculation results. to control the liquid crystal display 13, speaker 14, and other performance devices.

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. a prize determining means 44 that determines whether a winning combination has been won when the winning combination is stopped; a payout control means 45; a replay control means 46; a setting change means 47; an initialization means 48; and a 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 (sub-memory) 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. Note that in 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 rotation of the reels 20a to 20c is started with this operation as a trigger. At the same time, an internal lottery or other lottery will be held.

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

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

The internal lottery means 42 performs an internal lottery using an internal lottery table based on the 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 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 setting values from setting 1 to setting 6 can be set as the setting values. 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. Moreover, a replay is a winning combination that allows you to play the game again without consuming new medals by winning (activating). 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. 4, 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. 4, in this embodiment, small winnings 1 to 33 are prepared as small winnings. In addition, the winning areas that include small roles are “Small role ALL”, “8 pieces ALL”, “3 pieces ALL”, “1 piece ALL”, “4 selection yellow 7A” to “4 selection yellow 7H”, “4 3-card selection A" to 4-choice 3-card D, "Pushing order A" to "Pushing order D", "Common 3 cards A", "Common 3 cards B", "Chance number A", "Chance ``Eye B'', ``Right Up Yellow 7'', ``Middle Yellow 7'', ``Black BAR Matching'', and ``1 Common Sheet'' are available. In addition, small winnings 1 to 3 are 15 winnings in which 15 medals are paid out when a prize is won. Furthermore, small winnings 4 to 8 are 8 medal winnings in which 8 medals are paid out when a prize is won. Furthermore, minor prizes 9 to 14 are three-copy prizes in which three medals are paid out when a prize is won. In addition, minor prizes 15 to 33 are single-copy prizes in which one medal is paid out when a prize is won.
Hereinafter, the winning areas "4-choice yellow 7A" to "4-choice yellow 7H" may be collectively referred to as "4-choice yellow 7." In addition, the winning areas "4-choice 3-card A" to "4-choice 3-card D" are sometimes collectively referred to as a "4-choice 3-card combination." In addition, the winning areas "eyeballing order A" to "eyeballing order D" may be collectively referred to as "eyeballing order combination." In the present embodiment, the batting order bell basically refers to the winning area of 4-choice yellow 7, but the batting order bell may refer to the winning area of 4-choice 3-card combination, etc.

The winning area "Small win ALL" is a winning area where all the small wins (Small win 1 to Small win 33) are won in duplicate. In addition, the winning area "8 pieces ALL" is a winning area where small winnings 4 to 33 are won in duplicate. In addition, the winning area "3 pieces ALL" is a winning area where small winnings 9 to 33 are won in duplicate. In addition, the winning area "1 piece ALL" is a winning area where small winnings 15 to 33 are won in duplicate. In addition, the winning areas "4-choice Yellow 7A" to "4-choice Yellow 7H" are winning areas where one type of 8-card combination and multiple types of 1-card combinations overlap. In addition, the winning areas "4-choice 3-card A" to "4-choice 3-card D" are winning areas where one type of 3-card combination and a plurality of types of 1-card combination are overlapped. In addition, the winning areas "eye-rolling order A" to "eye-rolling order D" are winning areas where the 15-card combination and multiple types of 1-card winning combinations overlap. In addition, the winning area "Common 3-card A" is a winning area where multiple types of 3-card combinations are won overlappingly. In addition, the winning area "Common 3-card B" is a winning area where multiple types of 3-card winning combinations and one type of 1-card winning combination (minor winning combination 25) overlap. In addition, the winning area "Chance A" is a winning area where a 3-card winning combination (minor winning combination 11) is won individually. In addition, the winning area "Chance B" is a winning area where multiple types of 3-card combinations are won overlappingly. In addition, the winning area "Yellow 7, rising to the right" is a winning area where an 8-card winning combination (minor winning combination 6) is won individually. In addition, the winning area "Middle Yellow 7" is a winning area where an 8-card winning combination (small winning combination 4) is won individually. In addition, the winning area "Black BAR Collection" is a winning area where multiple types of 8-card combinations are won in duplicate. In addition, the winning area "Common 1-card" is a winning area where multiple types of 1-card winning combinations overlap.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, Replay 1 to Replay 6 are prepared as replays. In addition, "Replay A", "Replay B", "Batting Order 7 Reply", "Middle Replay", "Red 7 Fake Reply", "Red 7 Reply", and "BAR Match" are prepared as winning areas that include replays. ing.

The winning areas "Replay A", "Replay B", "Batting Order 7 Reply", "Red 7 Reply", and "BAR Match" are winning areas where multiple types of replays can be won at the same time. Furthermore, the winning areas "Middle Replay" and "Red 7 Fake Replay" are winning areas where one type of replay can be won individually.

Further, in this embodiment, a big bonus (RBB: special winning) is prepared 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, as well as winning areas "Red 7 Set", "BAR Set", "Black BAR Set", and “One common ticket” is set so that the big bonus can be won multiple times. In addition, in the winning areas "Red 7 Set", "BAR Set", "Black BAR Set", and "Common 1 Piece", if the gaming state is normal, the big bonus will be won in duplicate, but the When the state is in the RBB internal medium state, it is designed to prevent the big bonus from being won twice.
In addition, in 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 a replay or a small winning combination.

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. 4, "O" marks indicate whether or not each winning area can win in each gaming state. In other words, the winning areas "Non-win", "Small role ALL", "8 pieces ALL", "3 pieces ALL", and "1 piece ALL" are won when the gaming state is in the RBB operating state, and in the general state. Or, if the RBB is in the internal state, it will not be possible to win. In addition, the winning areas "Replay A", "Replay B", "Batting order 7 rep", "Middle row replay", "Red 7 fake rep", "4 choice yellow 7A" to "4 choice yellow 7H", "4 choice 3" ``Piece A'' - ``4 choice 3 pieces D'', ``Pushing order A'' - ``Pushing order D'', ``Common 3 pieces A'', ``Common 3 pieces B'', ``Chance number A'', ``Chance number B ", "Yellow 7 on the upper right", "Yellow 7 in the middle", "Red 7 set", "BAR set", "Black BAR set", and "Common 1 piece" are in the normal medium state or RBB internal medium state. You will win if , and you will not win if the RBB is in operation. 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.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the probability of winning a small winning combination 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 RBB 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 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 now changing. Each time the setting change button provided inside the slot machine 10 is pressed in the setting change mode, the setting change means 47 changes the settings in the order of setting 1 → setting 2 →... setting 6 → setting 1 →... When the set value is changed and the start lever 24 is pressed, the set value is confirmed and the determined set value is stored in the set value storage area 63. Furthermore, by returning the setting change key inserted into the setting change key cylinder to its initial position, it is possible to shift from the setting change mode to the game mode.
In this embodiment, the height of the setting values is expressed in the order of setting 1 < setting 2 < setting 3 < setting 4 < setting 5 < setting 6.

Furthermore, when the power is turned on with the setting change key cylinder in the initial position, the slot machine 10 is started in a gaming mode. In 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 has become.

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 production state becomes the non-advantageous section production state, and these states are when the power is first turned on after shipping from the factory. The same condition will occur. Further, in the initialization process, the initialization means 48 also initializes information regarding effects stored in the RAM of the storage means 60. Further, the sub control board 32 is also equipped with an initialization means (not shown), and when a signal indicating that the setting value has been changed is transmitted from the main control board 31, the initialization means of the sub control board 32 is The information regarding the performance stored in the RAM of the sub-side storage means 72 is initialized.
Note that even if the set value is changed, the game state, game section, and performance state may not be returned to the initial state.

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

That is, each time each of the stop buttons 26a to 26c is operated, the reel control means 43 determines the stop position of the reel corresponding to the operated button among the first reel 20a to third reel 20c. , performs control to stop the reel at the determined stop position. In the slot machine 10, when the stop button 26a is operated, the rotation of the first reel 20a is stopped, and when the stop button 26b is operated, the rotation of the second reel 20b is stopped, and the stop button 26c is operated. Then, the rotation of the third reel 20c is stopped. Therefore, the 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." ``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." Also, "batting order 1" and "batting order 2" are collectively called "left push," "batting order 3" and "batting order 4" are collectively called "middle push," and "batting order 5" and "batting order 6" are called "batting order 5" and "batting order 6." These are collectively called "right push." Moreover, the "middle press" and the "right press" are sometimes collectively referred to as "irregular presses."

Further, in this embodiment, regarding the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c, the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button is stopped within 190 ms from the time when the stop button 26a to 26c is operated. It has become. Furthermore, the reels can rotate for up to four frames (four symbols) from the time each stop button 26a to 26c is operated until each reel 20a to 20c stops. Then, the reel control means 43 causes the symbols corresponding to the combinations whose winning flags are set to the winning state to stop on the outer peripheral surfaces of the reels 20a to 20c corresponding to the stop buttons 26a to 26c on which the stopping operation has been performed. If the symbol is located within the range of 0 to 4 frames (predetermined pull-in range) with respect to the display position on the active line at the time the operation is performed, the symbol corresponding to the winning combination is valid. Control is performed to stop the reels 20a to 20c corresponding to the stop buttons 26a to 26c on which the stop operation has been performed so as to be displayed on the line. In other words, the reel control means 43 moves the reels 20a to 20c corresponding to the stop buttons 26a to 26c on which the stop operation has been performed to four adjacent symbols from the symbol located on the active line at the time the stop operation was performed. It is stopped so that any of the symbols up to the symbol in is displayed on the active line.

Further, 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 present embodiment, the priority order is determined in the order of "Replay>Small win>Bonus". Then, the reel control means 43 causes the symbols constituting the symbol combination representing the winning form of a winning combination with a high priority to be placed on the active line in preference to the symbols constituting the symbol combination representing a winning form of a winning combination with a low priority. The reels 20a-20c are stopped as shown.

In addition, when multiple types of small roles are won in an internal lottery, the priority of stop position candidates is determined by a method (number priority control) that determines the priority according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line. There is a method (number priority control) of determining the priority order according to the number of medals to be paid out. When performing number priority control that determines the priority order of stop position candidates according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line, the number of symbol combinations that indicate winning forms that can be displayed on the active line is The priority order for each stop position candidate is determined so that the more stop positions (symbols) there are, the higher the priority order becomes. When performing quantity priority control that determines the priority order of stop position candidates according to the number of medals paid out, the number of medals is determined based on the payout of the minor role corresponding to the symbol displayed at the display position on the active line. The priority order of each stop position candidate is determined so that the stop position where the number of payouts increases (the stop position where a small winning combination with a large payout can be won) has a higher priority. In addition, when determining the priority order of stop position candidates according to the number of medals paid out, if small roles with the same payout are won twice, the stop positions where each small role can be won are determined. The priorities of the candidates are treated as the same.

FIG. 5 shows the relationship between the mode of the stop operation and the winning combination when each winning area is won in the RBB internal state.
As shown in FIG. 5, a correct batting order and an incorrect batting order are set for each of the four-choice yellows 7. For each winning area of 4-choice yellow 7, if you win in the RBB internal medium state, if the operation is performed in the correct batting order, an 8-card combination (correct combination) will be won, and if the operation is performed in the incorrect batting order, the winning area will be won. If it is, a 1-card hand (incorrectly answered hand) can win a prize. In other words, when any of the 4-choice yellow 7 is won in the RBB internal medium state, if the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the correct batting order, the stop position where small winnings 4 to 7 can be won. The priority order is determined so that the priority of the candidates is the highest, and when the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the incorrect batting order, small winnings 15, small winnings 17 to 28, and small winnings 31 are awarded. The priorities are determined so that the possible stopping position candidates have the highest priority.

There is only one correct batting order for each 4-choice yellow 7, and the other five batting orders are incorrect batting orders. In addition, the winning areas "4-choice yellow 7A" to "4-choice yellow 7D" have mutually different batting orders set as the correct batting orders, and the winning areas "4-choice yellow 7E" to "4-choice yellow 7H" have mutually different batting orders. is set as the correct batting order. In addition, in the winning areas "4-choice Yellow 7A" to "4-choice Yellow 7D", one of batting orders 3 to 6 is set as the correct batting order, and batting order 1 and batting order 2 are set as the incorrect batting order. There is. In addition, in the winning areas "4-choice yellow 7E" to "4-choice yellow 7H", one of batting orders 3 to 6 is set as the correct batting order, and batting order 1 and batting order 2 are set as the incorrect batting order. There is.

Note that the content in parentheses in FIG. 5 indicates the winning rate of a one-card combination when the stop operation is performed in that batting order. For example, the notation "1 card (1/2)" means that there is a 1/2 probability that a 1-card winning combination will win, and a 1/2 probability that you will miss a 1-card winning combination (a 1-card winning combination will not win). It shows. Also, the notation "1 card (1/4)" means that there is a 1/4 probability that a 1-card winning combination will win, and a 3/4 probability that you will miss a 1-card winning combination (a 1-card winning combination will not win). It shows.

In the winning areas "4-choice yellow 7A" to "4-choice yellow 7H", if the correct batting order is operated, an 8-card winning combination will be won. Further, in the winning areas "4-choice yellow 7A" to "4-choice yellow 7H", if the operation is performed with an incorrect batting order, either one winning combination will be won or none of the winning combinations will be won.

In addition, each winning area of 4-choice yellow 7 is won in the general medium state, and if the RBB is in the internal state, the 8-card combination will win even if the stop operation is performed in the batting order (correct batting order) that will win the 8-card combination. There is a 1/2 chance that a 1-card winning combination will win, and a 1/2 chance that a 1-card winning combination will fail (a 1-card winning combination will not win).

As shown in FIG. 5, a correct batting order and an incorrect batting order are set for each of the 4-choice, 3-card combinations. Each winning area for the 4-choice 3-card combination is designed so that if you win in the RBB internal medium state, you will win a 3-card combination (correct combination) if you operate in the correct batting order, and if you operate in the incorrect batting order. When the card is answered, a 1-card hand (incorrectly answered hand) will be awarded. In other words, when any of the 4-choice 3-card winning combinations is won in the RBB internal medium state, if the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the correct batting order, the stop button allows winning of the small winning combinations 9 to 10. The priority order is determined so that the priority of the position candidate is the highest, and when the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the incorrect batting order, small winnings 15 to 28 and 31 can be won. The priority order is determined so that the stop position candidate has the highest priority.

There is only one correct batting order for each four-choice, three-card combination, and the other five batting orders are incorrect batting orders. In addition, different batting orders are set as correct batting orders for the winning areas "4-option 3-card A" to "4-chop 3-card D". In addition, in the winning areas "4-choice 3-card A" to "4-choice 3-card D", either batting order 3 to batting order 6 is set as the correct batting order, and batting order 1 and batting order 2 are set as the incorrect batting order. ing.

The winning areas ``4-choice 3-card A'' to ``4-choice 3-card D'' are designed so that if the correct batting order is operated, a 3-card winning combination will be won. Furthermore, if the winning areas "4-choice 3-card A" to "4-choice 3-card D" are operated in an incorrect batting order, a 1-card winning combination will be won.

In addition, in the winning areas "4-choice 3-card A" to "4-choice 3-card D", when winning in the normal state, if the operation is performed in the correct batting order, a 3-card winning combination will be won, and if the operation is performed in the incorrect batting order, the prize will be won. If it is, one card will win the prize. There are two correct batting orders for the winning areas "4-option 3-card A" to "4-option 3-card D" in the general medium state, and the other four batting orders are incorrect batting orders. In addition, in the winning areas "4-choice 3-card A" to "4-choice 3-card D" in the general condition, any two of batting orders 3 to 6 are set as the correct batting order, and batting order 1 and batting order 2 is set as an incorrect batting order. Specifically, in the winning areas "4-choice 3-card A" and "4-choice 3-card B" in the general condition, batting order 3 and batting order 4 are set as the correct batting order, and batting order 1, batting order 2, batting order 5, and batting order are set as the correct batting order. 6 is set as the incorrect batting order. In addition, in the winning areas "4-choice 3-card C" and "4-choice 3-card D" in the general condition, batting order 5 and batting order 6 are set as the correct batting order, and batting order 1 to batting order 4 are set as the incorrect batting order. There is. In other words, in the winning areas "4-choice 3-card A" to "4-choice 3-card D", the number of correct batting orders is set to be larger in the general medium state than in the RBB internal medium state, and if you win, you will receive 3 cards. The probability of winning a winning combination (expected value for winning a medal) is increased.

As shown in FIG. 5, a correct batting order and an incorrect batting order are set for each of the eyeball batting order combinations. Each winning area of the eye-catching batting order combination is such that if you win in the RBB internal medium state, you can win a 15-card combination (correct combination) if you operate with the correct batting order, and if you operate with the incorrect batting order. When the card is answered, a 1-card hand (incorrectly answered hand) will be awarded. In other words, when any of the eye-rolling winning combinations is won in the RBB internal medium state, when the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the correct answer stop operation mode, the stop position where the small winning combinations 1 to 3 can be won. The priority is determined so that the priority of the candidate is the highest, and when the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the incorrect answer stop operation mode, the small winnings 15 to 20, the small winnings 22, the small winnings 31 to The priority order is determined so that the priority of the stop position candidate that can win the small winning combination 33 is the highest.

There is only one correct batting order for each target batting order role, and the other five batting orders are incorrect batting orders. Furthermore, in the winning areas "eyeball batting order A" to "eyeball batting order D", different batting orders are set as correct batting orders. In addition, in the winning areas "Pushing batting order A" to "Pushing batting order D", one of batting orders 3 to 6 is set as the correct batting order, and batting order 1 and batting order 2 are set as the incorrect batting order. There is.

In the winning areas "Pushing batting order A" to "Pushing batting order D", if the operation is performed in the correct batting order and the prescribed stop operation is performed at the predetermined timing (first predetermined timing), a 15-card winning combination will be won. It is supposed to be done. When a predetermined stop operation is performed at the first predetermined timing, for example, a symbol within a predetermined range that includes a specific symbol (for example, the red BAR symbol "Red BAR") on the reels 20a to 20c to be stopped first is a predetermined symbol. It may be assumed that the first stop operation is performed while the robot is located at the display position (for example, on the effective line). In other words, by operating in the correct batting order and performing the first stop operation aiming at a specific symbol, it is possible to win a 15-card combination.
In addition, the winning areas "Pushing batting order A" to "Pushing batting order D" are selected when the operation is performed with an incorrect batting order, and when the operation is performed with the correct batting order and at a predetermined timing (second predetermined timing). When the stop operation is performed, a 1-card winning combination is made. For example, when a predetermined stop operation is performed at a second predetermined timing, a symbol within a predetermined range that does not include the specific symbol on the reels 20a to 20c to be stopped first is placed at a predetermined display position (for example, on an active line). ) when the first stop operation is performed.

4-choice yellow 7 is a winning area where if you win, if you operate in the correct batting order, you will win an 8-card winning combination, and if you win, you will receive an 8-card winning combination, and if you win, you will be operated in the correct batting order, and When a predetermined stop operation is performed at a predetermined timing (first predetermined timing), it becomes a winning area where a 15-card winning combination is won. In this embodiment, the eye-catching order combination is provided as a winning area where the number of medals that can be paid out in the event of winning is greater than 4-choice-yellow-7.

In addition, in the winning areas "eyeball batting order A" to "eyeball batting order D", when winning in the normal state, the operation is performed in the correct batting order, and the predetermined stop operation is performed at a predetermined timing (first predetermined timing). If the card is played, a 15-card hand will be awarded. In addition, the winning areas ``eyeball batting order A'' to ``eyeball batting order D'' are determined in the following cases: when winning in the normal state, if the operation is performed in the incorrect batting order, and if the operation is performed in the correct batting order, and at the predetermined timing When a predetermined stop operation is performed at (second predetermined timing), a one-card winning combination is won. In the general medium state, there are two correct batting orders for the winning areas "Pushing batting order A" to "Pushing batting order D", and the other four batting orders are incorrect batting orders. In the winning areas "Pushing batting order A" to "Pushing batting order D" in the general condition, any two of batting orders 3 to 6 are set as the correct batting orders, and batting orders 1 and 2 are incorrect. The batting order is set. Specifically, in the winning areas "Pushing batting order A" and "Pushing batting order B", batting order 3 and batting order 4 are set as correct batting orders, and batting order 1, batting order 2, batting order 5, and batting order 6 are set as incorrect batting orders. is set to . In the winning areas "Target batting order C" and "Target batting order D", batting order 5 and batting order 6 are set as correct batting orders, and batting orders 1 to 4 are set as incorrect batting orders. In other words, in the winning areas "Target batting order A" to "Target batting order D", the number of correct batting orders is set to be larger in the general medium state than in the RBB internal medium state, and if you win, you will receive a 15-card combination. The probability of winning a prize (expected value for winning a medal) is increased.

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. The correspondence relationship between symbol combinations displayed on the active line and winning combinations in this embodiment is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, for example, a black BAR symbol "Black BAR" stops at the bottom of the first reel 20a, and a red 7 symbol "Red 7" or a white 7 symbol "White" stops at the middle of the second reel 20b. 7" stops and the yellow 7 symbol "Yellow 7" stops on the upper row of the third reel 20c, the small winning combination 1 becomes a winning prize.

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 (activated), a replay process (replay process) is performed, and a bonus is won (activated). In this case, processing for shifting the gaming state (gaming state transition control processing) is performed.

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 this embodiment, when winning small roles 1 to 3, 15 medals are paid out, when winning small roles 4 to 8, 8 medals are paid out, and when winning small roles 9 to 14, If you win, three medals will be paid out, and if you win small winnings 15 to 33, one medal will be paid out.

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. 8, 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, all winning areas except the winning areas ``Non-winning'', ``Small role ALL'', ``8 pieces ALL'', ``3 pieces ALL'', and ``1 piece ALL'' are set as lottery targets. An internal lottery is performed with reference to a lottery table. 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, all winning areas are eligible for lottery except the winning areas ``Non-winning'', ``Small role ALL'', ``8 pieces ALL'', ``3 pieces ALL'', ``1 piece ALL'' and ``RBB''. An internal lottery is performed by referring to a set internal lottery table. 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 operating state is a gaming state that is entered when a symbol combination representing a winning form of the big bonus is displayed on an active line. When the RBB is in operation, the winning areas ``Non-win'', ``Small role ALL'', ``8 pieces ALL'', ``3 pieces ALL'', and ``1 piece ALL'' are set as lottery targets by referring to the internal lottery table. An internal lottery will be held. In addition, in the RBB active state, it is determined whether the termination condition is satisfied based on the total number of medals paid out in the RBB active state, and when medals exceeding a predetermined number are paid out, the game state The control means 49 terminates 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. in the RBB active state. 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.

As shown in FIG. 3, 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, 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 the 8-card winning combination if, for example, 4-choice yellow 7 is won. Determine. When the instruction function control means 51 determines to perform the batting order navigation performance, the performance control means 100 causes the liquid crystal display 13, the speaker 14, and other performance devices to perform the batting order navigation performance. In addition, when performing the batting order navigation effect, information indicating the correct batting order is also displayed on the 7-segment display of the game information display section 17.

As shown in FIG. 9, 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 performs a lottery (advantageous section transition lottery) to determine whether or not to move to an advantageous section based on the result of an internal lottery (winning of a predetermined winning combination (winning area)). 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 first 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 paid out (for example, , if 8 medals were paid out, it is set as "8", and if none of the winning hands were won and there was no payout, it is set as "0") to the number of medals used in the game. A corresponding value (for example, if three 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 stored in the first difference number counter 64. Performs update processing to add to the value. Note that the game section control means 80 does not add to the first 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 first differential sheet number counter 64 is "0". Then, the game section control means 80 determines that the end condition of the advantageous section is satisfied when the stored value of the first difference number counter 64 exceeds a threshold value (for example, "2400"), and changes the game section from the advantageous section. Move to a non-advantageous area. Note that the stored value of the first difference number counter 64 is controlled so as not to fall below the initial value "0". For example, if the stored value of the first difference number counter 64 at the start of the game is "2" and the game is started, As a result, if none of the winning combinations were won and no medals were paid out, the calculation result of the difference number for that game would be "-3", and the difference number calculation result would be added to the memory value of the first difference number counter 64. When the results are added up, the value falls below the initial value "0", but after the update, the stored value of the first difference number counter 64 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 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. 9, the performance state control means 81 controls the performance state between a plurality of types of performance states including a non-advantageous section performance state, a normal performance state, a special performance state, a chance performance state, and an AT performance state (instruction performance state). Performance state transition control processing for transitioning the performance state is performed. Further, the AT performance state includes a normal AT performance state and a special AT performance state. 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 non-advantageous section 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 non-advantageous section performance state. In the non-advantageous section performance state (non-advantageous section), the benefit granting means 82 performs the advantageous section transfer lottery as described above, and when the transition to the advantageous section is determined in the advantageous section transfer lottery, the presentation state control is performed. Means 81 shifts the performance state to a normal performance state.

The normal performance state is a performance state that basically transitions to when the advantageous section starts, and at the beginning of the advantageous section, the probability of transitioning to the normal performance state is higher than the probability of transitioning to other performance states. It is set. Furthermore, in the normal performance state, the batting order navigation performance is performed less frequently than in the special performance state or the AT performance state, and the batting order navigation performance is almost never performed or is not performed at all. In this embodiment, the normal performance state is a period in which the batting order navigation performance is not performed. In the normal performance state, the benefit granting means 82 performs a lottery (special lottery) to determine whether or not to move to the special performance state, depending on the result of the internal lottery (for example, winning a predetermined role (winning area)). . In the normal performance state, if the special lottery is won, the performance state control means 81 shifts the performance state to the special performance state.

Hereinafter, the normal performance state may be referred to as the first performance state. Note that the first performance state may include a non-advantageous section performance state of the previous technique.

In the special performance state (pseudo bonus performance state), games are played a predetermined number of times (for example, 25 times). In other words, the performance state control means 81 ends the special performance state when a predetermined number of games have been played in the special performance state. The special performance state is a section in which the batting order navigation performance can be executed. In other words, in the special performance state, when the batting order bell (predetermined combination (winning area): 4-choice yellow 7) is won, the instruction function control means 51 determines to execute the batting order navigation performance that notifies the correct batting order. When it is decided to execute the batting order navigation performance, the performance control means 100 causes the performance devices such as the liquid crystal display 13 and the speaker 14 to execute the batting order navigation performance that notifies the correct batting order and assists in winning the 8-card combination. When the batting order bell is won and the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in accordance with the correct batting order notified by the batting order navigation presentation, an eight-card winning combination is won and eight medals can be obtained. The special performance state in which the batting order navigation performance is executed is more advantageous for the player than the first performance state. The performance state control means 81 shifts the performance state to a chance performance state based on the end of the special performance state.
In addition, in this embodiment, the transition to the special performance state is based on the winning of the special lottery in the normal performance state, and the transition to the chance performance state via the special performance state, but it is not possible to directly go from the normal performance state to the chance performance state. There may be a transition.

In the chance performance state, games are played a predetermined number of times (for example, 10 times). In other words, the performance state control means 81 ends the chance performance state when a predetermined number of games have been played in the chance performance state. In the chance performance state, the batting order navigation performance is performed less frequently than in the special performance state or the AT performance state, and the batting order navigation performance is almost never performed or is not performed at all. In this embodiment, the chance effect state is a period in which the batting order navigation effect is not executed.

In the chance performance state, the benefit granting means 82 performs a lottery (AT lottery) to determine whether or not to shift to the AT performance state. Specifically, in the chance performance state, the benefit granting means 82 performs an AT lottery according to the result of the internal lottery (for example, winning a predetermined winning combination (winning area)). If this AT lottery is won, the player is given the right to shift to an AT performance state as a benefit that is advantageous to the player. In addition, in the chance performance state, a plurality of rights to shift to the AT performance state may be granted.

The chance production state is a period during which an AT lottery can be executed, and the expectation level for determining the transition to the AT production state (the expectation level for the provision of a predetermined benefit regarding the instruction production) is set higher than in the first production state. has been done. That is, when the chance performance state is set as the second performance state, the second performance state is more advantageous for the player than the first performance state.
In addition, in the first performance state, an AT lottery may be executed based on the result of the internal lottery, but even in that case, the chance performance state (second performance state) is better than the first performance. The degree of expectation that the transition to the AT performance state will be determined is higher than that of the current state, which is an advantageous state for the player.

The performance state control means 81 determines whether or not the right to shift to the AT performance state is granted at the end of the chance performance state, and if the right is granted, the performance state is changed to the AT performance state (special AT performance state). state). On the other hand, if the right has not been granted, the performance state is shifted to a non-advantageous section performance state. At this time, the game section control means 80 shifts the game section from an advantageous section to a non-advantageous section. In addition, if the end conditions of the advantageous section are not satisfied at the end of the chance production state, the production state may be transferred to the normal production state and the advantageous section may be continued (not transferred to the non-advantageous section). .

In the AT presentation state, when the batting order bell (predetermined combination (winning area): 4 choices yellow 7) is won, the instruction function control means 51 determines to execute a batting order navigation presentation (instruction presentation) that notifies the correct batting order. When it is decided to execute the batting order navigation performance, the performance control means 100 executes the batting order navigation performance to notify the correct batting order. The AT performance state in which the batting order navigation performance is executed is more advantageous for the player than the first performance state.
In addition, in this embodiment, the batting order navigation performance is executed when the batting order bell is won in both the normal AT performance state and the special AT performance state in the AT performance state. The frequency of occurrence of the batting order navigation performance in the special AT performance state may be lower or higher than that in the normal AT performance state. Note that here, the expression "infrequently" includes a case where the batting order navigation effect is not performed at all.

In this embodiment, the continuation of the AT performance state is managed by the difference in the number of medals acquired in the AT performance state. Specifically, the continuation of the AT performance state is managed based on the stored value of an AT end determination counter 67 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60. The privilege granting means 82 determines the value to be set in the AT end determination counter 67 in the special AT performance state that transitions to at the start of the AT performance state. In other words, the benefit granting means 82 executes an addition to increase the stored value of the AT end determination counter 67 in the special AT performance state. In the present embodiment, the benefit granting means 82 determines a value (initial value) corresponding to a predetermined difference number of sheets to be set as the memory value of the AT end determination counter 67 in the special AT performance state that transitions to at the start of the AT performance state. do. In other words, the privilege granting means 82 increases the memory value of the AT end determination counter 67 in the special AT performance state. Note that there may be cases where the special AT performance state is not passed through at the start of the AT performance state, and in that case, a value corresponding to a predetermined difference number of sheets is added to the stored value of the AT end determination counter 67 at the start of the AT performance state. may be set. Further, the value may be determined by lottery or the like.

The special AT performance state is a performance state that determines the initial value of the value (memory value of the AT end determination counter 67) related to the continuation of the AT performance state. The performance state control means 81 shifts the performance state to the normal AT performance state based on the end of the special AT performance state. In the special AT performance state, games are played a predetermined number of times (for example, three times), and the value to be added to the stored value of the AT end determination counter 67 for each game is determined by lottery (additional lottery). In addition, in the additional lottery, it may be determined that the value to be added to the stored value of the AT end determination counter 67 is set to "0". In this embodiment, in the special AT performance state, the stored value of the AT end determination counter 67 increases by a predetermined value (for example, 30) or more.
Note that the transition to the special AT performance state is not limited to the start of the AT performance state. For example, in the AT performance state, a lottery is held based on winning a predetermined role (winning area), and if you win the lottery, you are given the right to move to a special AT performance state as a benefit, and based on that, you are given the right to move to a special AT performance state. It may be possible to move to. In addition, in performance states other than the special AT performance state, an additional lottery (additional lottery) may be executed to increase the memory value of the AT end determination counter 67 as a benefit based on the winning of a predetermined role (winning area). It's okay.

The performance state control means 81 shifts the performance state to the normal AT performance state based on the end of the special AT performance state. In other words, when the game is played a predetermined number of times (for example, three times) in the special AT performance state, the normal AT performance state is started.

Each time a game is played in the normal AT performance state, the performance state control means 81 performs a process of subtracting a value corresponding to the difference number of sheets in the game from the stored value of the AT end determination counter 67. The difference in the number of medals for the game (one game) is a value equivalent to the number of medals paid out (for example, if 8 medals were paid out, it is set as "8", and any winning combination is paid out without winning any winnings). If there were no medals, then "0"), then subtract the value equivalent to the number of medals used in the game (for example, if three medals were inserted, "3"). Desired. Then, when the stored value of the AT end determination counter 67 reaches a threshold value "0" in the normal AT performance state, the performance state control means 81 satisfies the end condition (one of the end conditions) of the AT performance state. Assuming that, the AT performance state (normal AT performance state) is ended and the performance state is shifted to a non-advantageous section performance state. At this time, the game section control means 80 shifts the game section from an advantageous section to a non-advantageous section. Furthermore, at the end of the AT performance state, if the end conditions for the advantageous section are not met, the performance state will be transferred to the normal performance state, and the advantageous section will continue (not to be transferred to the non-advantageous section). good. In this embodiment, the AT performance state is changed based on the difference in the number of medals obtained in the AT performance state (normal AT performance state) reaching a predetermined difference number (the difference number set in the special AT performance state). It is set to end.

In addition, when the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 reaches the threshold value "0" in the normal AT performance state, it has the right to transition to the AT performance state (or the right to transition to the special AT performance state). If so, the performance state control means 81 may start an AT performance state (or a special AT performance state).

In this embodiment, the continuation of the AT performance state is managed based on the difference in the number of medals acquired in the AT performance state, but it may also be managed based on the number of medals acquired in the AT performance state. The continuation of the state may be managed based on the number of games played in the AT performance state, the number of batting order navigation performances executed in the AT performance state, and the like. The stored value of the AT end determination counter 67 may, for example, represent the number of games that can be performed in the AT performance state, and represents the number of batting order navigation performances that can be performed in the AT performance state (batting order navigation number). It may be something. In other words, a value corresponding to the number of games that can be played, the number of times that batting order navigation can be performed, etc. that can be executed in the special AT performance state is set in the AT end determination counter 67, and the game or batting order navigation performance is performed in the normal AT performance state. The stored value of the AT end determination counter 67 may be updated every time, and the AT effect state may be ended based on the stored value of the AT end determination counter 67 reaching a threshold value.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, there may be a direct transition from the non-advantageous section performance state to the AT performance state. For example, in an advantageous section transition lottery, instead of simply deciding whether to transition to the advantageous section (normal performance state), it is determined whether the performance state should be shifted to the AT performance state, the normal performance state, or the non-advantageous state. It is also possible to randomly select whether or not to transfer the section performance state. In other words, the AT lottery may be performed in a non-advantageous section presentation state.
Further, there may be a direct transition from the normal performance state to the AT performance state. For example, in a special lottery, rather than simply determining whether to transition to the special performance state, it is determined whether the performance state should be transitioned to the AT performance state, the special performance state, or not transitioned to the normal performance state. It is also possible to select by lottery. In other words, the AT lottery may be performed in the normal performance state.

Further, the AT performance state may be set according to the gaming state to which the player transitions based on winning a bonus or winning a prize. For example, when the gaming state is 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 initializes instruction function information 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 a non-advantageous section. 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 first difference number counter 64, the flag (lottery result) related to the lottery related to the instruction function, and the AT end determination counter 67. Initialize memory values, etc. 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, information related to the instruction function (instruction performance) shown here is also initialized.

In FIG. 1, it is assumed that the liquid crystal display 13 is provided on the front door 12 (upper door 12a), but in the following, the liquid crystal display 90 shown in FIG. 10 is provided on the front door 12 (upper door 12a). shall be. The liquid crystal display 90 is arranged on the front side of the reel unit including the reels 20a to 20c. The liquid crystal display 90 can perform effects by displaying a predetermined display (displayed object) on its display surface.Displayed objects (objects) include, for example, people, animals, vehicles, buildings, and natural objects. (for example, rocks, trees, etc.), characters, backgrounds, patterns, designs, and other things (images) displayed on the liquid crystal display 90.

The liquid crystal display 90 has a display area that is a display area that does not overlap with the reels 20a to 20c when viewed from the front (front), and an outside reel display area that overlaps with the reels 20a to 20c when viewed from the front (front). and a reel front display area. The reel front display area (transparent area) is capable of displaying a display object, and also allows viewing of the reels 20a to 20c arranged on the rear side thereof. The off-reel display area is formed to surround the before-reel display area.

As shown in FIG. 3, the sub-control board 32 includes an effect sub-control means 70 and a sub-memory 72. Further, the effect sub-control means 70 includes an effect determining means 310, a display control means 312, and a VDP 314 (drawing means). Further, the VDP 314 includes a VRAM 320. Further, the sub-memory 72 includes multiple types of RAM and ROM, and various data stored in the sub-memory 72 are stored in each RAM and ROM. The effect sub-control means 70 displays an image on the liquid crystal display 90 based on various commands transmitted from the main control board 31, input signals from the effect button 25, and effect data stored in the ROM of the sub-memory 72. Controls the production device, such as displaying the , lighting or blinking the lighting device, outputting production sound from the speaker 14, and driving the production product drive device to operate the production material (accessory object). By doing so, the presentation device is caused to perform presentations for enlivening the game or assisting the game (controlling various presentation devices).

The performance determining means 310 determines the content of the performance to be executed based on various commands transmitted from the main control board 31, input signals from the performance button 25, and the like. Furthermore, upon determining the content of the performance to be executed, the performance determining means 310 sets a message to the display control means 312 instructing the content of the performance.

The display control means 312 analyzes the set message and controls the display on the liquid crystal display 90. Specifically, the display control unit 312 executes the liquid crystal drawing process at a predetermined period (for example, at a frame rate of 60 times per second = 60 FPS). In the liquid crystal drawing process, the display control means 312 analyzes the set message, etc., and constructs a drawing command (information) that instructs the VDP 314 about the drawing content. Then, the VDP 314 performs drawing according to the drawing command, and the drawn content is displayed in the display area of the liquid crystal display 90. Note that the VDP 314 is a processor that performs drawing related to the display on the screen of the liquid crystal display 90, and is integrated into a single chip together with the effect determining means 310 and the display control means 312.

In the display area of the liquid crystal display 90, for example, 60 still images are displayed per second, thereby displaying a moving image. Hereinafter, one frame is called a frame. For example, in the case of a performance image (performance pattern) whose performance time is 60 seconds, the performance image is composed of 60 seconds x 60 frames, a total of 3600 frames. The VDP 314 develops the drawing material stored in the ROM of the sub-memory 72 into the frame buffer of the VRAM 320 frame by frame. In the frame buffer, multiple drawing materials are superimposed according to set priorities. Specifically, in the frame buffer, drawing materials with lower priorities are placed on the lower (back) side in the stacking direction, and drawing materials with higher priorities are placed on the upper (front) side in the stacking direction. . As a result, image data (composite image) representing one frame image is generated on the frame buffer. The VDP 314 then drives the liquid crystal display 90 based on the composite image generated on the frame buffer. Thereby, the composite image generated in the frame buffer is displayed in the display area of the liquid crystal display 90 for each frame.

A drawing material with a lower priority may be partially or completely invisible on the display (composite image) of the liquid crystal display 90 because a drawing material with a higher priority is superimposed on it. However, it is possible to set the transparency for each drawing material, and if the transparency set for the drawing material that is overlaid on the top is not 0 (completely opaque), this does not apply; In some cases, the hidden drawing material becomes visible on the display (composite image) of the liquid crystal display 90.

Drawing the drawing material on top of the image buffered in the frame buffer can be referred to as drawing the drawing material on an upper layer. That is, it can be said that there are N virtual transparent layers in one frame, and each drawing material is arranged in each layer. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the concept of layers in which drawing materials are arranged, and shows the layer structure that constitutes one frame. A priority is set for each drawing material that is superimposed, and drawing materials with lower priority are placed in lower layers, and drawing materials with higher priority are placed in higher layers. . Note that the composite image that makes up each frame can be constructed by arranging drawing materials on all N layers, but the number of drawing materials that make up each composite image may vary depending on the content of the performance. However, it is not necessarily configured by arranging drawing materials on all N layers. In addition, when the drawing materials that make up the composite image are arranged, the layers are not necessarily used from the bottom without empty numbers, but the layers are used in consideration of efficiency in the frame image composition process, etc. Therefore, unused layers may occur in the intermediate portion as appropriate.

When drawing one frame, drawing materials are drawn one by one on the appropriate layer starting from the drawing material with the lowest priority. For example, if one frame consists of 5 drawing materials, the drawing material with the lowest priority (5th priority) is placed on the lowest layer and drawn at a predetermined position. . Next, the drawing material with the second lowest priority (fourth priority) is placed in a layer above the layer on which the fifth priority drawing material is drawn, and is drawn at a predetermined position. In this way, the drawing materials are drawn one after another according to the priority, and finally the drawing material with the highest priority (first priority) is placed in a layer higher than the drawing material with the second priority. They are arranged in layers and drawn at predetermined positions. When all the drawing materials have been drawn on each layer, a composite image of the plurality of layers viewed from the upper side (front side) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 90 as a composite image corresponding to that frame. In other words, when the composite image is viewed in the display area of the liquid crystal display 90, the drawing materials arranged in the lower layer are covered by the drawing materials arranged in the upper layer. In other words, it can be said that the higher the layer, the higher the display priority in the display area.

In the present embodiment, the instruction function control means 51 (performance control means 100) controls the lottery related to the instruction function (for example, the lottery related to transition to the AT production state) and the batting order when the gaming state is in the RBB internal state. When processing related to instruction functions such as granting benefits related to navigation effects (for example, benefits that increase the probability of transition to the AT effect state) or batting order navigation effects, but the gaming state is in the normal state or the RBB operating state. , the lottery related to the instruction function, the granting of benefits related to the batting order navigation presentation, and the processing related to the instruction function such as the batting order navigation presentation are not performed. In this embodiment, the player basically plays the game in the RBB internal medium state, so the following explanation will be based on the assumption that the gaming state is basically the RBB internal medium state.

Gaming machines need to be designed so that the payout rate (the ratio of the number of medals paid out to the number of medals inserted), which is an index related to medal acquisition performance, falls within a predetermined range. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the expected value of the ball payout rate when a game is played with a left push is set lower than that when a game is played with an irregular push (middle push or right push). , the ball output rate (ball output performance) is appropriate.
Specifically, in this embodiment, for the internal RBB internal state, a batting order bell for which the middle press indicates the correct batting order, a batting order bell for which the right press is the correct batting order, and a batting order bell for which the left press indicates the correct batting order are prepared. do not have. In other words, in this embodiment, if you always play the game by pressing left, you will win the batting order bell and receive 8 cards compared to if you always play by pressing middle or right. The probability of being able to receive a medal payout is low. In other words, if you operate with the first operation mode (irregular press) and continue playing, the 8-card winning combination (specific combination) will be more likely than when you operate with the second operation mode (left press) and continue playing. The probability of winning is high. The 8-card winning combination can be said to be a winning combination that allows you to obtain more gaming value than the medals (gaming value) bet for one game. Furthermore, it can be said that this is a winning combination in which the number of medals paid out when winning is greater than the number of medals (gaming value) required to start the game. In the game machine of this embodiment, it is basically recommended to play the game by pressing left (second operation mode).

In addition, due to other methods, the expected value of the ball payout rate when playing the game with a predetermined operation order (left press) is lower than that when playing the game with other operation orders (middle press or right press). It may be set as follows. For example, there is also a batting order bell for which pressing the left is the correct batting order, and in an internal lottery, the probability of winning the batting order bell for which the correct batting order is for pressing the left is lower than the probability for winning the batting order bell for the correct batting order for pressing the middle, and may be set lower than the probability of winning the batting order bell of the correct batting order.

As shown in FIG. 5, for the batting order bells (winning areas "4-choice yellow 7A" to "4-choice yellow 7H"), one of batting order 3 to batting order 6 is set as the correct batting order, and batting order 1 and batting order 2 are set as the correct batting order. is set in the incorrect batting order. In other words, when looking at the batting order bells (winning areas "4-choice yellow 7A" to "4-choice yellow 7H") as a whole, there is a bias in setting the correct batting order. In the winning areas "4-choice yellow 7A" to "4-choice yellow 7H", if you press left (second operation mode), a 1-card hand (incorrectly answered) will always win, and if you press middle or right (first operation) In the case of (aspect), if the batting order is correct, an 8-card winning combination (correct winning combination) will be won, and if the batting order is incorrect, a 1-card winning combination or none of the winning combinations will be won. In this way, the winning areas "4-choice yellow 7A" to "4-choice yellow 7H" are winning areas where the number of medals paid out differs (changes) depending on the batting order (operation mode (operation order) of the stop buttons 26a to 26c). It becomes.
Note that the winning area in which the number of medals paid out differs depending on the batting order is not limited to 4-choice yellow 7 (batting order bell), but may refer to a 4-choice 3-card combination or a special batting order combination. In other words, the term "batting order bell" is not limited to the four-choice, yellow-7 combination, but may refer to a four-choice, three-card combination or a special batting order combination.

In this embodiment, in the non-advantageous section performance state, normal performance state, and chance performance state, even if the batting order bell is won, execution of the batting order navigation performance is not determined, and the game by pressing left is not performed. This is the recommended period (section). Hereinafter, this period will be referred to as the left push recommended period. As mentioned above, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the game is continued with the irregular push (first operation mode), the number of 8-card winnings is higher than when the game is continued with the left push (second operation mode). The probability of winning is high. For this reason, if the game continues with irregular presses, there is a risk that the ball output performance of the gaming machine will become excessive.

Therefore, in this embodiment, if a game is played with an irregular press during the left press recommended period (a period in which the batting order navigation effect is not executed), a display prompting the player to play with a left press (left press recommended display) is provided. is displayed on the display surface of the liquid crystal display 90. Note that details of the left push recommendation display will be described later.

In addition, if a game is played with an irregular press during the recommended left press period (a period in which the batting order navigation effect is not executed), a predetermined disadvantage (penalty) will be given (imposed) to the player. You can leave it there. The disadvantage may be that "1", which is the value corresponding to the number of times the game has been played, is not added (subtracted) to the stored value of a predetermined counter. The predetermined counter is a counter whose value is added (subtracted) from the stored value to the player's advantage. As a predetermined counter, for example, a value "1" is added each time a game is played in a normal performance state, and when the stored value reaches a predetermined value, an advantageous state (special performance state, chance performance state, or AT performance state) is added. There is a counter that determines the transition to state). In addition, if a predetermined lottery (for example, AT lottery) is executed to determine whether or not to grant benefits that are advantageous to the player based on the results of an internal lottery during the left push recommendation period, the disadvantage is that the game ( In the irregular push game), the predetermined lottery may not be executed.

If the game is played using the second operation mode (left push), the player may not be disadvantaged (penalty). In other words, when the operation is performed in the second operation mode (left press) that is different from the first operation mode (irregular press), the predetermined instruction performance is The probability that a profit will be awarded may be increased. The predetermined profit may include adding a value to a stored value of a predetermined counter, or executing a predetermined lottery.

Next, the chance effect state, which is one of the left push recommended periods, will be explained. In the chance production state, if a game is played with an irregular press (middle press or right press), a left press recommendation display 300 (first display) shown in FIG. 12(a) is displayed on the display surface of the liquid crystal display 90. In the chance performance state, when a game is played with an irregular press (middle press or right press), the performance control means 100 displays a left press recommendation display 300 at a predetermined opportunity. The performance control means 100 displays the left push recommendation display 300, for example, based on the third stop operation of the game (game with irregular push). Note that the predetermined trigger is not limited to the one based on the third stop operation, but may be based on the first stop operation of pressing the stop button 26b (FIG. 1) or the stop button 26c (FIG. 1). It may be based on the second stop operation when the first stop operation is performed. Moreover, based on the stop operation may be the timing at which the release of the press of the stop button is detected, or the timing at which the press of the stop button is detected.

When a certain period of time (first time) elapses with the left push recommendation display 300 being displayed, the effect control means 100 sets the left push recommendation display 300 to a state in which it is not displayed. In other words, the left push recommendation display 300 is displayed during the first time. Note that the left push recommendation display 300 may not be displayed based on the press (ON) of the start lever 24 of the next game of the game (game with irregular push). In other words, the left push recommendation display 300 may be displayed until the start lever 24 of the next game is pressed.

If a penalty is awarded if a game is played with an irregular press during the left press recommendation period, the left press recommendation display 300 may serve as a notification display that a penalty has been imposed. For this reason, when the left push recommendation display 300 is displayed, there is a risk that the player may avoid playing on the gaming machine (the operating rate of the gaming machine may decrease). In this embodiment, since the left push recommendation display 300 is not displayed after a certain period of time (first time) has elapsed, it is possible to suppress avoidance of such a game. It is preferable that the first time is set to be relatively short.

The left push recommendation display 300 (left push recommendation image) is a display that prompts (instructs) to operate the stop buttons 26a to 26c in a predetermined operation mode (left push), and includes the text "Left push is recommended" ( It is displayed in a rectangular shape with long left and right sides. The left push recommendation display 300 includes a rectangular background filled with dark blue, white text that says "Left push is recommended", and a white frame line that frames the outer periphery of the background. Since a relatively large amount of white parts are included, the left push recommendation display 300 can be said to be a display based on white. A display based on white is relatively conspicuous, especially when the surrounding area is black.

In the chance production state, even if the game is played with an irregular press (middle press or right press) or the game is played with a left press, the addictive prevention display 400 shown in FIG. 12(b) is displayed. (second display) can be displayed on the display surface of the liquid crystal display 90. Specifically, in the last game (final game) in the chance production state, even if the game is played with an irregular press (middle press or right press), the game is played with the left press. In other words, no matter what stop button operation mode (operation order) the game is played, the performance control means 100 can display the addictive prevention display 400 at a predetermined opportunity. The performance control means 100 displays the addictive prevention display 400, for example, based on the third stop operation of the game (the final game in the chance performance state). Note that the predetermined trigger is not limited to the one based on the third stop operation, but may be based on the first stop operation or the second stop operation, or may be based on pressing the start lever 24, It may be based on the fact that a predetermined time has elapsed since the start lever 24 or a predetermined stop button was pressed. Furthermore, based on the stop operation (press) may be the timing at which the release of the press is detected, or the timing at which the press is detected.

In addition, if the right to transition to the AT performance state is granted as a bonus in the final game in the chance performance state, the transition to the AT performance state will be based on the end of the chance performance state, but in that case, the relevant The addictive prevention display 400 may not be displayed based on the third stop operation of the game.

When a certain period of time (second time) elapses with the addictive prevention display 400 being displayed, the performance control means 100 sets the addictive prevention display 400 to a state in which it is not displayed. In other words, the addictive prevention display 400 is displayed during the second time period. In this embodiment, the second time is set longer than the first time. In other words, the addictive prevention display 400 is displayed for a longer time than the left push recommendation display 300.
Note that the addictive prevention display 400 may be in a state where it is not displayed based on the pressing down (ON) of the start lever 24 of the next game after the game concerned. In other words, the addictive prevention display 400 may be displayed until the start lever 24 of the next game is pressed.

The addictive prevention display 400 (an addictive prevention image) is a display that warns the player against becoming too absorbed in the game (a display that warns the player against continuing the game). In this embodiment, the addiction prevention display 400 includes the text (character string) "Be careful not to get addicted to it. Pachinko and Pachislot are games that can be enjoyed in moderation." and is a long rectangular display on the left and right sides. There is. The anti-immersion display 400 has a rectangular shape, and has a background in which the upper half (upper row) is filled with red and the lower half (lower row) is filled with white, and a "non-immersion" display placed in the upper row. Be careful!'' in white text, and at the bottom, in red, ``Pachinko and Pachislot are games that should be enjoyed in moderation.'' Since a relatively large number of white parts are included, the anti-immersion display 400 can be said to be a display based on white.

Here, when comparing the size (area) displayed on the display surface of the liquid crystal display 90, the left push recommendation display 300 is larger than the immersion prevention display 400. In other words, the display size of the left push recommendation display 300 is set larger than that of the addictive prevention display 400. In other words, the left-press recommended image is drawn in a larger size than the immersion prevention image.

The left push recommendation display 300 and the addictive prevention display 400 are both displays that provide a predetermined notification (call for attention) to the player. For this reason, the left push recommended image related to the left push recommended display 300 and the addictive prevention image related to the addictive prevention display 400 are set to have relatively higher display priority than other images (effect images, etc.). and is drawn (placed) on the upper layer. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the left-press recommended image is drawn in a layer higher than the immersion prevention image. In this embodiment, when comparing the left-press recommendation display 300 and the addictive prevention display 400, the left-press recommendation display may be displayed more frequently than the addictive prevention display (may be displayed in more scenes). . For this reason, the left-press recommended image, which can be placed (drawn) overlapping with more other images, is set to have a higher priority than the immersion prevention image.

In this embodiment, the left push recommendation display 300 and the addictive prevention display 400 may be displayed simultaneously in the chance production state. Specifically, in a specific situation where an irregular press is performed in the final game in the chance production state, the left press recommendation display 300 and the addictive prevention display 400 may be displayed simultaneously for a predetermined period of time (there is a period in which they are displayed simultaneously). obtain). At this time, an overlapping (overlapping) part (range) occurs between one display (the immersion prevention display 400) and the other display (the left press recommendation display 300), and one display is covered (hidden) by the other display. ), if the visibility of one of the displays is reduced, the player may not be able to accurately grasp the content of the notification (call for attention).

In the present embodiment, the left push recommendation display 300 (a specific display that notifies the player of a predetermined information) and the addictive prevention display 400 (an alert display that calls the player's attention) may be displayed at the same time. Considering this, the display position of each display is set so that even if they are displayed at the same time, there will be no overlap (overlapping part). FIG. 13 shows a case where the left push recommendation display 300 and the immersion prevention display 400 are displayed at the same time. The display position of the display 400 is set at approximately the upper right corner of the display screen, and there is no overlap between the two. The drawing positions (coordinates) of the left-press recommended image and the immersion prevention image in the layer are set so that even if they are drawn in the same frame, there will be no overlap between them.
Note that the display positions of the left push recommendation display 300 and the addictive prevention display 400 are not limited to the display positions shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, but may be at other display positions, and when displayed at the same time, the display positions may overlap with each other. It is sufficient if the display position does not occur.

In this embodiment, even if the left push recommendation display 300 and the immersion prevention display 400 are displayed at the same time, the visibility of the display does not deteriorate due to the presence of a portion where they overlap. That is, visibility of both displays can be ensured. Thereby, the player can accurately grasp the notification contents displayed on both sides.

In the present embodiment, in the state shown in FIG. 13, as the first time elapses, the left push recommendation display 300 is not displayed, and then, as the second time elapses, the addictive prevention display 400 is not displayed. Become. Note that the non-displayed state may be controlled to gradually (gradually) become a non-displayed state (fade out).

In this embodiment, the addictive prevention display 400 may be displayed in the final game of the chance performance state (second performance state), and in that case, the addictive prevention display 400 may be displayed at the same time as the left push recommendation display 300. explained. However, the addictive prevention display 400 may be displayed not only in the chance production state but also in other production states. In other words, the second performance state may be another performance state different from the chance performance state. For example, a case where a specific performance state to which the AT performance state is transitioned upon completion of the AT performance state is provided as the second performance state will be described.

The specific performance state is a left-handed batting recommended period in which the batting order navigation performance is not executed even if the batting order bell is won. Furthermore, in the specific performance state, games are played a predetermined number of times, and an AT lottery is executed according to the result of the internal lottery. If you win the AT lottery, you will be given the right to shift to the AT performance state as a benefit. In the specific performance state, the degree of expectation for determining the transition to the AT performance state is higher than in the first performance state. In other words, the specific performance state (second performance state) is more advantageous for the player than the first performance state. Note that the specific performance state may have a higher degree of expectation that a transition to the AT performance state is determined than the chance performance state. Furthermore, as mentioned above, the AT lottery may be executed based on the result of the internal lottery in the first performance state, but even in that case, the specific performance state (second performance state) is better. The degree of expectation that the transition to the AT performance state will be determined is higher than that of the first performance state, which is an advantageous state for the player.

When the last game in the specific performance state is executed, an addictive prevention display 400 may be displayed. In other words, in the last game (final game) in a specific production state, even if the game is played with an irregular press (middle press or right press), even if the game is played with a left press. That is, the addictive prevention display 400 can be displayed no matter what stop button operation mode (operation order) the game is played. If the game is played using irregular presses, the addictive prevention display 400 and the left press recommendation display 300 may be displayed at the same time.

The second performance state may be an AT performance state that is more advantageous than the first performance state. For example, when AT performance states are executed continuously (for example, including succession via a specific performance state), when the last game in the series of AT performance states is executed, the addictive prevention display 400 is displayed. The information may be displayed. In other words, in the last game (final game) of a series of AT production states, even if the game is played with an irregular press (middle press or right press), even if the game is played with the left press. In other words, the addictive prevention display 400 may be displayed no matter what stop button operation mode (operation order) the game is played. In that case, if the last game was played with an irregular press,
The addictive prevention display 400 and the left push recommendation display 300 may be displayed at the same time.

In addition, in this embodiment, the expected value of the ball payout rate when the game is played by pressing the left button is set lower than that when the game is played by pressing the middle button or the right button. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the expected value of the ball payout rate when the game is played with the middle press is higher than that when the game is played with the left or right press. It may be set low and basically recommend playing the game by pressing the middle button. In other words, the left press recommended period in this embodiment may be the middle press recommended period. In other words, when you continue the game by operating in the first operation mode (left press or right press), the 8-card combination (specific combination) is higher than when you operate in the second operation mode (middle press) and continue playing. The probability of winning a prize may be high. Then, during the middle press recommendation period, when a game is played in the first operation mode (left press or right press), a "middle press recommendation display" may be displayed.

The gaming machine of this embodiment is
A plurality of reels (20a to 20c) on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged,
stop buttons (26a to 26c) provided corresponding to each of the plurality of reels;
internal lottery means (42) that performs an internal lottery to determine the validity of multiple types of winning combinations;
instruction function control means (51) for controlling execution of an instruction performance to assist in winning a predetermined role;
Control is performed to shift the performance state between a plurality of types of performance states including a first performance state (for example, a normal performance state) and a second performance state that is more advantageous than the first performance state, such as a chance performance state. A presentation state control means (81);
Display means (90);
Among the multiple types of roles, there is a specific role (8-card role) that allows you to obtain more gaming value than the gaming value bet for one game if you win a prize.
It is better to continue playing the game by operating the stop button in the first operation mode (for example, pressing the irregular button) than to continue playing the game by operating the stop button in the second operation mode (for example, pressing the left button). The probability of winning a particular role is high,
In the second performance state, when a game is played by operating in the first operation mode, there is a first display (left push recommendation display 300) as a display that may be displayed on the display means,
In the second performance state, whether the game is played by operating in the first operation mode or the game is played by operating in the second operation mode, the display means displays As a possible display, there is a second display (addiction prevention display 400),
The first display and the second display may be displayed at the same time, but the display position of each display is set so that even if they are displayed at the same time, there will be no overlap.

The first display (left push recommendation display 300) and the second display (addiction prevention display 400) can be displayed at the same time, but even if they are displayed at the same time, each display is The display position of is set. Therefore, even if the left push recommendation display 300 and the immersion prevention display 400 are displayed at the same time, the visibility of the display will not deteriorate due to the presence of a portion where they overlap. That is, visibility of both displays can be ensured. Thereby, the player can accurately grasp the notification contents displayed on both sides.

(Complete function)
The gaming machine of this embodiment manages whether or not to execute processing related to stopping the game (activate the complete function) based on the difference in the number of medals acquired after changing settings (after turning on the power). The main control board 31 is equipped with a game stop control means (not shown), and when the game stop control means executes processing related to game stop, the game machine enters a state where it cannot play games (an error state, a game stop state). state). The game stop control means manages whether or not to execute the process related to game stop based on the stored value of the second difference number counter 68 (FIG. 3) provided in the RAM of the storage means 60.

After the setting is changed (after the power is turned on), the game stop control means updates the stored value of the second difference number counter 68 with the difference number of medals every time a game is played. Specifically, the value corresponding to the number of medals paid out (for example, if 8 medals were paid out, it would be "8", and if none of the winning combinations were won and no payouts were made, it would be "0"). '') to find the difference in the number of medals in the game by subtracting a value corresponding to the number of medals used in the game (for example, if three medals were inserted, it is set as "3"). Then, an updating process is performed in which a value corresponding to this difference number of sheets is added to the stored value of the second difference number counter 68. Note that after the setting is changed (after the power is turned on), the stored value of the second differential sheet number counter 68 is "0". The updating (processing) of the stored value of the second difference number counter 68 may be controlled in the same way as the first difference number counter 64.

When the stored value of the second difference number counter 68 exceeds a threshold value (for example, 19000), the game stop control means determines that the execution condition for the process related to game stop is satisfied, and controls the gaming machine to play the game. to a state in which it is not possible to do so (error state, game stop state). In the game stop state, no game can be played, and notification that the game has stopped (that an error has occurred) is executed via the effect device such as the liquid crystal display 13 or the speaker 14. In addition, in the game stop state, when a setting change is performed as an operation to cancel the game stop (activation of the complete function), the state shifts to a state where games can be played. At this time, the stored value of the second difference number counter 68 is reset to "0" based on the operation.

As described above, after the settings are changed (after the power is turned on), the stored value of the second difference number counter 68 is updated every time a game is played. In this embodiment, when the stored value of the second difference number counter 68 exceeds a predetermined value, a game stop suggestion display 500 (first display) shown in FIG. be done. The predetermined value is a value smaller than the threshold value (19000), and is, for example, "18900". When the stored value of the second difference number counter 68 exceeds the predetermined value, the effect control means 100 displays the game stop suggestion display 500 at a predetermined opportunity. For example, the performance control means 100 displays a game stop suggestion display 500 based on the third stop operation of the game. Note that "based on the third stop operation" may be the timing at which the release of the last press of the stop button is detected, or the timing at which the last press of the stop button is detected.

The game stop suggestion display 500 is a display that suggests the execution of a process related to a game stop (a display that notifies the operation of the complete function in advance), and informs the player of the period until the process related to a game stop is executed. This is a display to notify you. Specifically, the display notifies you of how many more medals must be obtained before the process related to stopping the game will be executed.

The game stop suggestion display 500 (game stop suggestion image) includes the characters (character string) ``XX sheets until complete function activation'' (〇〇 is a number), and is a long rectangular display on the left and right sides. . The game stop suggestion display 500 includes a rectangular background filled with black, white text that reads "XX pieces until complete function is activated" (XX is a number), and a white frame bordering the outer periphery of the background. , contains. Since a relatively large number of white parts are included, the game stop suggestion display 500 can be said to be a display based on white.

When a game is executed and the stored value of the second difference number counter 68 is updated in a state where the stored value of the second difference number counter 68 exceeds a predetermined value (18900), the game is stopped based on the stored value of the second difference number counter 68. The difference in the number of medals required until the process is executed is calculated, and the performance control means 100 displays a game stop suggestion display 500 corresponding to the difference in the number of medals (updates the display).

When the stored value of the second difference number counter 68 exceeds the threshold value (19000) and the execution condition for the process related to stopping the game is satisfied (when the execution condition is met), the game stopping suggestion display 500 is not displayed. The performance control means 100 sets the game stop suggestion display 500 to a state in which the game stop suggestion display 500 is not displayed based on the establishment of the execution condition. In other words, the game stop suggestion display 500 is not displayed when it is decided to execute the process related to the game stop. In this embodiment, the display time of the game stop suggestion display 500 (the time from the start of the display to the end of the display) is longer than that of the left push recommendation display 300 (first time) and the addictive prevention display 400 (second time). It's getting longer.

Note that the game stop suggestion display 500 may be displayed (only) in a predetermined game (a game in which the stored value of the second difference number counter 68 exceeds a predetermined value (18900)). In addition, after the stored value of the second difference number counter 68 exceeds a predetermined value (18900), until the execution condition for the process related to game stop is satisfied, for each game (every game), for a predetermined period of time. The process of being displayed and then not being displayed may be repeated.

In this embodiment, the size (area) of the game stop suggestion display 500 displayed on the display surface of the liquid crystal display 90 is smaller than that of the left push recommendation display 300 and the addictive prevention display 400. In other words, the game stop suggestion display 500 is set to have a smaller display size than the left push recommendation display 300 and the addictive prevention display 400. In other words, the game stop suggestion image is drawn in a smaller size than the left push recommended image and the addictive prevention image.

The game stop suggestion image related to the game stop suggestion display 500 has a relatively higher display priority than other images (effect images, etc.), and is drawn (arranged) in a higher layer. In this embodiment, when comparing the game stop suggestion display 500 and the addictive prevention display 400, the game stop suggestion display 500 may be displayed more frequently (displayed in more situations) than the addictive prevention display 400. obtain). For this reason, the game stop suggestion image, which can be placed overlapping with more other images, is given a higher priority than the addictive prevention image.

For example, in the chance production state, if a game is played by an irregular press (middle press or right press) and the stored value of the second difference number counter 68 exceeds a predetermined value (18900), the game stop suggestion display 500 will appear on the liquid crystal display 90. can be displayed on the display screen. Further, in this embodiment, for example, in a chance production state, a game is played by an irregular press (middle press or right press), and the stored value of the second difference number counter 68 exceeds a predetermined value (18900), and the game If the execution conditions for the process related to stopping are not satisfied, a game stopping suggestion display 500 may be displayed on the display surface of the liquid crystal display 90.
For example, in the chance effect state, if a game is played by pressing the left button and the stored value of the second difference number counter 68 exceeds a predetermined value (18900), a game stop suggestion display 500 is displayed on the display surface of the liquid crystal display 90. may be displayed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, for example, in a chance performance state, a game is played by pressing the left button, the stored value of the second difference number counter 68 exceeds a predetermined value (18900), and processing related to stopping the game is executed. If the condition is not met, a game stop suggestion display 500 may be displayed on the display surface of the liquid crystal display 90.

In addition, in the final game in the chance production state, even if the game is played with an irregular press (middle press or right press) or the game is played with a left press, in other words, any stop button Even if the game is played according to the operation mode (operation order), the addictive prevention display 400 may be displayed.
Therefore, in the final game in the chance production state, the game stop suggestion display 500 and the addictive prevention display 400 may be displayed simultaneously for a predetermined period of time (there may be a period in which they are displayed simultaneously). At this time, if there is a portion (range) where one display (addiction prevention display 400) and the other display (gaming stop suggestion display 500) overlap, one display is covered (hidden) by the other display, If the visibility of one of the displays is reduced, the player may not be able to accurately grasp the content of the notification (call for attention).

In the present embodiment, the game stop suggestion display 500 (a specific display that provides a predetermined notification to the player) and the addictive prevention display 400 (an alert display that calls the player's attention) can be displayed at the same time. Considering this, the display position of each display is set so that even if they are displayed at the same time, there will be no overlap (overlapping part). FIG. 14(b) shows a case where the game stop suggestion display 500 and the addictive prevention display 400 are displayed at the same time, but the display position of the game stop suggestion display 500 is set approximately at the upper left of the display screen. The display position of the immersion prevention display 400 is set approximately at the upper right of the display screen, and there is no overlap between the two. The drawing positions (coordinates) of the game stop suggestion image and the addictive prevention image in the layer are set so that even if they are drawn in the same frame, there will be no overlap between them.
Note that the display positions of the game stop suggestion display 500 and the addictive prevention display 400 are not limited to the display position shown in FIG. 14, but may be at other display positions, and when they are displayed at the same time, no overlap occurs. It suffices if it is in the display position.

The gaming machine of this embodiment is
A plurality of reels (20a to 20c) on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged,
stop buttons (26a to 26c) provided corresponding to each of the plurality of reels;
internal lottery means (42) that performs an internal lottery to determine the validity of multiple types of winning combinations;
instruction function control means (51) for controlling execution of an instruction performance to assist in winning a predetermined role;
Control is performed to shift the performance state between a plurality of types of performance states including a first performance state (for example, a normal performance state) and a second performance state that is more advantageous than the first performance state, such as a chance performance state. A presentation state control means (81);
Display means (90);
Among the multiple types of roles, there is a specific role (8-card role) that allows you to obtain more gaming value than the gaming value bet for one game if you win a prize.
It is better to continue playing the game by operating the stop button in the first operation mode (for example, pressing the irregular button) than to continue playing the game by operating the stop button in the second operation mode (for example, pressing the left button). The probability of winning a particular role is high,
In the second performance state, when a game is played by operating in the first operation mode, a first display (gaming stop suggestion display 500) may be displayed on the display means,
In the second performance state, whether the game is played by operating in the first operation mode or the game is played by operating in the second operation mode, the display means displays As a possible display, there is a second display (addiction prevention display 400),
The first display and the second display may be displayed at the same time, but the display position of each display is set so that even if they are displayed at the same time, there will be no overlap.

The first display (gaming stop suggestion display 500) and the second display (addiction prevention display 400) may be displayed at the same time, but even if they are displayed at the same time, each display is The display position of is set. Therefore, even if the game stop suggestion display 500 and the addictive prevention display 400 are displayed at the same time, the visibility of the display does not deteriorate due to the presence of a portion where they overlap. That is, visibility of both displays can be ensured. Thereby, the player can accurately grasp the notification contents displayed on both sides.

Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the first display is a display suggesting execution of a process related to stopping the game (game stop suggestion display 500), and is displayed when a condition related to the execution of the process is satisfied. Not done.

In this embodiment, the game stop suggestion display 500 is the first display, but the game stop suggestion display 500 may be the second display. In the chance production state, regardless of whether the game is played with an irregular press (middle press or right press) or the left press, no matter what stop button operation mode (operation order) ), if the stored value of the second difference number counter 68 exceeds a predetermined value (18900), the game stop suggestion display 500 (second display) will be displayed on the liquid crystal display 90. It can be displayed on a display surface. In addition, in the chance production state, no matter what operation mode (operation order) of the stop button the game is played, the stored value of the second difference number counter 68 exceeds the predetermined value (18900). In addition, when the execution condition for the process related to stopping the game is not satisfied, a game stopping suggestion display 500 may be displayed on the display surface of the liquid crystal display 90.

In the chance production state, as shown in FIG. 15(a), a left push recommendation display 300 (first display) and a game stop suggestion display 500 (second display) may be displayed at the same time. Specifically, in a specific situation where an irregular press is performed in the final game in the chance production state, the left push recommendation display 300 and the game stop suggestion display 500 may be displayed simultaneously for a predetermined period of time (there is a period in which they are displayed simultaneously). possible).

Considering that the left push recommendation display 300 and the game stop suggestion display 500 may be displayed at the same time, each display is adjusted so that even if they are displayed at the same time, there will be no overlap between the two. The display position of is set. FIG. 15(a) shows a case where the left push recommendation display 300 and the game stop suggestion display 500 are displayed at the same time, but the display position of the left push recommendation display 300 is set to approximately the center of the display screen. The display position of the game stop suggestion display 500 is set approximately at the upper left of the display screen, and there is no overlap between the two. The drawing positions (coordinates) of the left push recommended image and the game stop suggestion image in the layer are set so that even if they are drawn in the same frame, there will be no overlap between them.

Therefore, even if the left push recommendation display 300 and the game stop suggestion display 500 are displayed at the same time, the visibility of the display does not deteriorate due to the presence of a portion where they overlap. That is, visibility of both displays can be ensured. Thereby, the player can accurately grasp the notification contents displayed on both sides.

In addition, in a specific situation where an irregular press is performed in the final game in the chance production state, as shown in FIG. They may be displayed simultaneously (there may be periods of simultaneous display). In this embodiment, considering that the game stop suggestion display 500, the addictive prevention display 400, and the left push recommendation display 300 (three displays) may be displayed at the same time, even if they are displayed at the same time, The display position of each display is set so that overlapping parts (overlapping parts) do not occur. Therefore, even if they are displayed simultaneously, the visibility of each display is ensured, and the player can accurately understand the notification content of each display.

Note that in the specific situation, in addition to the game stop suggestion display 500, the addictive prevention display 400, and the left push recommendation display 300, there may be a predetermined display that is displayed simultaneously with these displays. Examples of the predetermined display include, for example, a display (operation explanation display) informing you of the effect operation means 25 to be operated when confirming (referring to) information regarding how to play the gaming machine or changing predetermined settings regarding the effect; , a display (number display) showing the number of medals acquired in a predetermined period (for example, AT performance state), etc. The display position of each of the game stop suggestion display 500, addictive prevention display 400, and left push recommendation display 300 is set so that there is no overlap with a predetermined display (at least the number of sheets), and the visual recognition of each display is It may be such that sex is not inhibited. In addition, the game stop suggestion display 500, the addictive prevention display 400, and the left push recommendation display 300 may overlap with a predetermined display (operation explanation display), and in that case, they may be placed in front of the predetermined display. By displaying (using an upper layer), the visibility of each display may not be obstructed.

In the present embodiment, each of the game stop suggestion display 500, the addictive prevention display 400, and the left push recommendation display 300 is a still image displayed for a predetermined period of time, but the present invention is not limited to this. A movie (moving image) may be displayed for a period of time. However, even in the case of a movie, the display position of each display is set so that the displays do not overlap.

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

(Second embodiment)
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the general configuration of the gaming machine will be explained. In addition, in this embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a slot machine, which is one of gaming machines, will be explained as an example, but the present invention is not limited to slot machines, but can be applied to pachinko gaming machines, medalless gaming machines, etc. It may also be applied to other gaming machines. In addition, in the following explanation, "front and rear" basically means, when the player is on the front side of the slot machine, that the player side is the "front" and the slot machine side is the "rear"; means that the top side of the slot machine is "top" and the bottom side is "bottom", and "left and right" means that the player's left hand side when playing the slot machine is "left", and the right hand side is "right". do.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the slot machine X. This slot machine formed into a shape. Furthermore, a front door 12 is provided at the front of the housing 10 to open and close the front opening of the housing 10 . Further, the front door 12 includes an upper door 30 that opens and closes the upper part of the front opening of the housing 10, and a lower door 40 that opens and closes the lower part of the opening. Note that the front door 12 may have an integral structure without being divided into the upper door 30 and the lower door 40.

As shown in FIG. 17, the lower part of the housing 10 stores a power supply unit 14 containing a built-in power supply device (power supply means) for supplying power to each component, medals (gaming media, gaming value), and A hopper unit 16 as a payout device (payout means) for paying out medals, a cash box 18 from which medals are sent out from the hopper unit 16 when the amount of medals in the hopper unit 16 exceeds a predetermined amount are provided. Further, the power supply unit 14 includes a power switch, and when the power switch is turned on, power is supplied from the power supply unit 14 to each component. Note that power may be supplied to some parts even when the power supply unit 14 is in an OFF state.

Further, within the housing 10, a reel unit 20, a main control means (first control means, main control board) 70, a sub control means (second control means, sub control board) 72, etc. are provided. The reel unit 20 has a first reel 20a, a second reel 20b, and a third reel 20c with a plurality of symbols displayed around them, and a drive motor (stepping motor) for rotating the reels 20a to 20c. are doing.

The main control means 70 is provided with a setting change key cylinder, a setting change button 26 (FIG. 18), and the like. Note that the setting change key cylinder and the setting change button 26 may be provided in other parts, such as the power supply unit 14, for example.
The setting change key cylinder (setting key switch, operating means related to set values) has two states: an OFF state and an ON state. In other words, it is possible to switch between the OFF state and the ON state. Further, the setting change key cylinder is formed so that a setting key can be inserted therein. The setting change key cylinder is in the OFF state in the initial state. The position of the movable part of the setting change key cylinder and the setting key when the setting key is inserted in the OFF state is the initial position. When the inserted setting key is turned 90 degrees clockwise from the initial position, the state of the setting change key cylinder is switched from the OFF state to the ON state. When the setting key is turned counterclockwise by 90 degrees so that the state of the setting change key cylinder changes from the ON state to the initial position, the ON state is switched to the OFF state.
The setting change button 26 can be pressed.

As shown in FIG. 16, a display window 31 is provided at the center of the lower part of the upper door 30, and behind this display window 31, three reels 20a to 20c are provided in a horizontal row. A plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of each reel 20a to 20c, and when the reels 20a to 20c stop, three symbols per reel are displayed through the display window 31. The display window 31 is provided with upper, middle, and lower display positions for visually recognizing the symbols on each reel 20a to 20c, and an effective line is set by a combination of the display positions of each reel 20a to 20c. There is.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the number of medals required for one game (regular number, specified number) is set to 3, and when the specified number of medals is inserted, each reel 20a to 20c The activation line constituted by the middle row is activated. Further, with the start of the game, each of the reels 20a to 20c starts rotating, 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.

A game information display section 32 is provided below the display window 31. The game information display section 32 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 game information display section 32 includes a first main display 90, a second main display 92, and a sub-display 93.

A display window 33 is provided in the upper center of the upper door 30 above the display window 31. A liquid crystal display (display means) 34 is provided behind the display window 33. The liquid crystal display 34 displays various videos (images) for assisting and enlivening the game. Further, a plurality of speakers (sound output means) 36 are provided on the upper door 30 and the lower door 40. The speaker 36 outputs various sounds for assisting and enlivening the game. Further, the front door 12 is provided with a plurality of lighting devices (illumination means) 38 for performing notifications, effects, and the like.

At the top of the lower door 40, an operation area 50 for operating the slot machine X is provided. The operation area 50 includes a settlement button 52 which is operated when settling medals, a start lever 53 which is operated when starting a game, and a stop button 54 (which is operated when stopping the rotation of the reels). 54a, 54b, 54c), a medal slot 42 for inserting medals, a reject button (not shown) operated to clear a medal jam that occurs in the medal passage below the medal slot 42, and medals. A bet button 56 that is operated when placing a bet (bet), a performance button 57 that is operated when advancing the performance (changing the aspect of the performance image displayed on the liquid crystal display 34), etc. are provided. . The gaming machine of the present embodiment has a MAX bet button 56 (first bet button) that is operated as a bet button 56 when betting three medals (a specified number of medals), and a MAX bet button 56 (first bet button) that is operated when betting one medal. A 1-bet button 56 (second bet button) to be operated is provided.

The performance button 57 is arranged approximately at the center of the operation area 50 in the width direction (left and right direction). The effect button 57 is a push button whose pressing part is formed to be depressible, and may include a jog dial or the like for selecting an effect or the like. For example, the effect button 57 becomes valid for operation during execution of a effect that makes the player expect to move to an advantageous state, and an image instructing the operation is displayed on the liquid crystal display 34. Then, when the performance button 57 is operated, the result of the game (whether or not the game shifts to an advantageous state) is notified.

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 and the game can be started. When the player presses the start lever 53 to start the game, the reels 20a to 20c begin to rotate, and when the rotational speed of the reels 20a to 20c increases to a predetermined speed and enters a steady rotation state, the stop button is pressed. The pressing operations 54a to 54c become valid (validated state). Thereafter, when the player presses each stop button 54a to 54c corresponding to each reel 20a to 20c at an arbitrary timing, the rotation of each reel 20a to 20c is stopped. Specifically, when the stop button 54a is pressed, the rotation of the first reel 20a is stopped, when the stop button 54b is pressed, the rotation of the second reel 20b is stopped, and when the stop button 54c is pressed, the rotation of the third reel 20c is stopped. Stop. Then, when all the reels 20a to 20c stop rotating, processes such as paying out medals and making it possible to start the game again without consuming new medals are performed depending on the result of the game. , one game ends.

A medal payout port 60 for discharging medals from the inside of the slot machine X and a medal receiving tray 62 for storing medals discharged from the medal payout port 60 are provided at the lower end of the front door 12. ing. Further, a lower panel 64 for decorating the appearance of the slot machine X is provided between the operation area 50 and the medal tray 62. Further, a light source (LED) for illumination is provided on the back side of the lower panel 64, and the lower panel 64 is illuminated from behind by light emitted from this light source.

The lower door 40 is provided with a door key cylinder 66, and the lower door 40 (front door 12) can be unlocked by inserting a door key into the door key cylinder 66. Specifically, the lower door 40 can be unlocked by rotating (twisting) the door key inserted into the door key cylinder 66 clockwise from its initial position. Furthermore, by rotating (twisting) the door key inserted into the door key cylinder 66 counterclockwise from its initial position, an error can be cleared. Note that 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 is closed. It has a structure that cannot be opened. That is, when opening the upper door 30, the lower door 40 is unlocked and opened, and then the upper door 30 is opened.

The medals inserted from the medal input port 42 enter the hopper unit 16 via a medal chute 69 after passing through a medal selector 67 (FIG. 17). However, under certain conditions, such as after starting a game, the medal blocker 68 (FIG. 18) built into the medal selector 67 is activated, blocking the flow path toward the medal chute 69 (FIG. 17), and inserting the medal. The medals are returned from the medal payout port 60.

FIG. 18 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of this embodiment. The gaming machine (slot machine X) of this embodiment is controlled by a main control means (main board) 70 and a sub-control means (sub-board) 72. The main control means 70 receives input signals from the payment button 52, start lever 53, stop button 54, bet button 56, setting change button 26, door open/close switch 74, insertion detection sensor 78, payout sensor 88, etc. It performs various calculations for machine settings, error management, and game execution, and controls output means such as the reels 20a to 20c and the hopper unit 16 based on the calculation results.

The sub-control means 72 receives information (signals) sent from the main control means 70, performs various calculations to execute the performance, and controls the liquid crystal display 34, speaker 36, and lighting device 38 based on the calculation results. Controls production equipment such as

The main control means 70 and the sub-control means 72 are electrically connected, and various information (signals) such as information indicating the gaming state can be transmitted from the main control means 70 to the sub-control means 72. , information cannot be transmitted from the sub-control means 72 to the main control means 70. Further, the functions of the main control means 70 and the sub-control means 72 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.

The main control means 70 includes a setting change means 101, a setting confirmation means 102, a payout control means 103, a game control means 104, a random number generation means 105, a main error detection means 106, a main error management means 107, a main storage means 108, etc. ing.

The setting change means 101 performs control (setting change processing) to change the setting values stored in the main storage means 108. In this embodiment, depending on the state of the setting change key cylinder when the power is turned on, it is possible to switch between starting in the game mode and starting in the setting change mode. When the setting key is inserted into the setting change key cylinder and the setting key is rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the initial position, when power is supplied from the power supply unit 14 by operating the power switch (i.e., the power is turned off). When the gaming machine is turned on), the setting change means 101 starts the gaming machine in the setting change mode. In this embodiment, a setting value can be selected from six levels of setting values from setting 1 to setting 6. Then, the probability of winning the internal lottery is changed in order from setting 1 to setting 6 so that the expected value of the ball payout rate becomes higher. 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.

Each time the setting change button 26 is pressed in the setting change mode, the setting change means 101 changes the setting value in the order of setting 1 → setting 2 →... setting 6 → setting 1 →... When 53 is pressed, the set value is determined and the determined set value is stored in the main storage means 108. Furthermore, when the setting key inserted into the setting change key cylinder is returned to its initial position, the setting change mode is shifted to the game mode. In this embodiment, the currently selected setting value is displayed on the first main display 90 in the setting change mode.

Further, in this embodiment, when the setting key is inserted into the setting change key cylinder and the power is turned on with the setting key in the initial position, the gaming machine starts in the gaming mode. In 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 has become.

In the setting change mode, the setting change unit 101 performs an initialization process to initialize information stored in a read/write memory (RWM), which is a readable and writable storage area in the main storage unit 108. Note that during the initialization process, not all information stored in the read/write memory is initialized, but certain information (some information such as medal credit information) is retained without being initialized. It is supposed to be done.

The setting confirmation means 102 shifts the gaming machine (slot machine A process (setting notification process) of notifying the current setting value via the display 34, the game information display section 32, etc. is performed. Details of the setting confirmation mode will be described later.

The game control means 104 is a means for controlling the progress of the game, and when the game is started by accepting the insertion of medals, it determines the validity of the winning combination by internal lottery, and also controls the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c. When the reels are rotated and a stop operation is performed on the stop buttons 54a to 54c, the rotating reels are stopped according to the result of the internal lottery, and the winning combination is determined based on the symbol combination displayed on the active line. A main loop process is performed in which the game progresses by determining whether or not the game is in progress and performing processing according to the determination result. The details will be explained below.

The game control means 104 accepts the insertion of medals for each game, and performs a process of validating the game start operation on the start lever 53 based on the insertion of medals equivalent to the specified number of inputs (3 pieces). . In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the first pressing operation of the start lever 53, which is activated based on the insertion of a prescribed number of medals, is accepted as a game start operation, and the first to third reels 20a to 3 This serves as a trigger for starting the rotation of the reel 20c, and also serves as a trigger for executing an internal lottery.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when medals are inserted into the medal slot 42, the insertion detection sensor 78 in the medal selector 67 is activated, and the game control means 104 controls the number of inputs up to the prescribed number of inputs. The inserted medals are set to an inserted state (bet state). Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, it is possible to store up to 50 medals as credits in the main storage means 108 (storage storage), and with the medals stored in the gaming machine as credits, When the bet button 56 is pressed, the game control means 104 sets the medals stored in credits in the main storage means 108 to be inserted, with a limit to the prescribed number of insertions. In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the number of credits is displayed on the second main display 92. The game control means 104 changes the display content of the second main display 92 according to the increase or decrease in the number of medal credits stored in the main storage means 108.

The game control means 104 performs an internal lottery to determine the validity of a winning combination based on a game start operation on the start lever 53 (the first pressing operation on the activated start lever 53), performs a lottery table selection process, and random number determination. Performs processing, lottery flag setting processing, etc.

In the lottery table selection process, it is determined which of the plurality of internal lottery tables stored in the main storage means 108 is used to perform the internal lottery. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, in each internal lottery table, various winnings such as replays, small winnings, bonuses, etc. (Not elected) is associated. In addition, in this embodiment, an internal lottery table is prepared according to the gaming state for each setting value for the six levels of setting values, and some winning modes can be obtained in the internal lottery according to the setting values. The probabilities are different, and the correspondence between the winning combination and the random number value is set so that the higher the set value, the higher the expected value of the ball payout rate. Note that a small winning combination is a winning combination in which, by winning a prize, a predetermined number of medals can be paid out according to the winning small winning combination. Furthermore, a replay is a winning combination that allows you to play the game again without consuming new medals. When the replay wins, the operation of the start lever 53 is enabled without consuming the player's medals, and the game can be started by operating the start lever 53.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, a normal state, a bonus established state, and a bonus state can be set as the gaming state, and in the lottery table selection process, one of multiple types of internal lottery tables is selected according to the gaming state. Select as the internal lottery table used in internal lottery.

In the random number determination process, a random number (random number for lottery) is acquired from the random number generation means 105 for each game based on the game start operation on the start lever 53, and the internal memory stored in the main storage means 108 about the acquired random number is It is determined whether or not the winning combination has been won by referring to the lottery table.

The random number generation means 105 is means for generating random numbers for lottery. The random numbers can be generated, for example, by a 16-bit random number circuit that generates 65,536 random numbers from 0 to 65,535 without duplication in one cycle. In addition, in this embodiment, "random value" includes not only a value that occurs randomly in a mathematical sense, but also a value that occurs regularly even if the generation itself is regular, because the timing of acquisition etc. is irregular. It also includes values that can function as random numbers.

In the lottery flag setting process, based on the result of the random number determination process, the lottery flag corresponding to the winning combination is changed from a non-winning state (first flag state, off state) to a winning state (second flag state). , on state). In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when two or more types of winning combinations are won in duplicate, the lottery flags corresponding to each of the two or more winning combinations are set to a winning state. Note that the setting information of the lottery flag is stored in the main storage means 108.

The lottery flag includes a lottery flag that allows you to carry over your winning status to subsequent games until you win (carryover flag), and a lottery flag that allows you to carry over your winning status to subsequent games until you win a prize, and a lottery flag that resets your winning status to a non-winning status without carrying over to subsequent games regardless of whether you win or not. A lottery flag (non-carryover flag) is prepared. The former flag that can be carried over is associated with a bonus, and the minor winnings and replays are associated with the latter flag that cannot be carried over. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, for example, when a bonus is won in an internal lottery, the winning state of the bonus lottery flag is carried over until the bonus is won. At this time, the game control means 104 performs an internal lottery to determine the success or failure of small winning combinations and replays even in games in which the winning state of the bonus lottery flag is carried over. In this way, in the lottery flag setting process, in a game where the winning status of the bonus lottery flag is carried over, if a small role or replay is won, the lottery flag of the bonus that has already been won and the winning state of the internal lottery Lottery flags corresponding to two or more types of winnings consisting of minor winnings and replay lottery flags are set in a winning state.

Further, the game control means 104 starts the rotation of each reel 20a to 20c in response to the operation of the activated start lever 53 under the control of the main control means 70 (that is, the start of the game), and also starts the rotation of each reel 20a to 20c. When the stop buttons 54a to 54c are operated, the reels corresponding to the operated stop button are stopped in a manner corresponding to the setting state of the lottery flag (internal lottery result).

Each time each of the stop buttons 54a to 54c is operated, the game control means 104 determines the stop position of the reel corresponding to the operated button among the first reel 20a to third reel 20c, and determines the stop position of the reel corresponding to the operated button. Control is performed to stop the reel at the stopped position. In the slot machine X, when the stop button 54a is operated, the rotation of the first reel 20a is stopped, and when the stop button 54b is operated, the rotation of the second reel 20b is stopped, and the stop button 54c is operated. Then, the rotation of the third reel 20c is stopped. Therefore, the order in which the first reel 20a to third reel 20c are stopped changes depending on the order in which the stop buttons 54a to 54c are operated.

In the stop control when the stop buttons 54a to 54c are operated, the game control means 104 stops each reel 20a to 20c so that the winning combination whose lottery flag is set to the winning state is won. Specifically, when the lottery flag for one winning combination is set to the winning state, each reel 20a to 20c is controlled to stop so that this winning combination is won. In addition, in a state where the lottery flags of multiple winning combinations are set to the winning state in duplicate, 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 game control means 104 controls the reel 20a so that the symbols constituting the winning form of the winning combination with high priority are displayed on the active line in priority to the symbols forming the winning form of the winning combination with low priority. ~Stop 20c.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when multiple types of small winning combinations are won in an internal lottery, the priority order of stop position candidates is given according to the number of symbol combinations indicating winning forms that can be displayed on the active line. There are cases in which the ranking is determined and cases in which the priority ranking is determined in accordance with the number of medals to be paid out based on a predetermined payout for a small role. 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. In addition, when determining the priority of stop position candidates according to the number of symbol combinations showing winning forms that can be displayed on the active line, if the number of symbol combinations showing winning forms that can be displayed on the active line is the same. The priorities of the stop position candidates are treated as the same.

The game control means 104 performs a winning determination process to determine whether or not a winning combination has been won based on the stopping manner of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c. Specifically, the symbol combinations displayed (stopped) on the active line by stopping the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c are checked against the winning determination table stored in the ROM of the main storage means 180. do. 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 game control means 104 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).

The payout process is a process of paying out the number of medals determined based on the payout determined for each win when a minor win is won. When a small role is won, the game control means 104 determines the number of medals to be paid out based on the payout determined for each role, and pays out medals corresponding to the determined number of payouts to the hopper unit 16. let

The hopper unit 16 is a device that performs an operation of paying out the number of medals instructed by the game control means 104. The hopper unit 16 is equipped with a payout sensor 88 that operates every time one medal is paid out, and the game control means 104 controls whether the medal is actually paid out from the hopper unit 16 based on an input signal from the payout sensor 88. The system is configured so that the number of medals can be managed. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when medals are paid out in each game, the number of medals paid out is displayed on the first main display 90. When medals are paid out due to winning of a small winning combination, the game control means 104 causes the first main display 90 to display the number of medals paid out due to winning of the small winning combination.

Note that when credit storage (storage storage) of medals is permitted, instead of actually dispensing medals by the hopper unit 16, the number of credits stored in the main storage means 108 (credit stored medals) A process of virtually paying out medals is performed by performing a credit addition process of adding the number of payouts to the number of medals. In addition, when adding part or all of the number of paid out medals to the number of credits, the game control means 104 changes the display content of the second main display 92 in accordance with the increase in the number of credits.

The replay process is a process of setting the next game to the same game start standby state as the previous game without requiring the player to insert medals owned by the player when the replay wins. 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 next game start operation on the start lever 53 is awaited in a state where an effective line corresponding to the number of medals inserted by the automatic insertion process is set. Further, when the automatic insertion process is performed, additional medals cannot be inserted.

Further, the game control means 104 controls the medals owned by the player not to be newly set in the inserted 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 upper limit number of credits (for example, 50 medals). Further, the operation on the bet button 56 is not accepted in a state in which the insertion of medals is being accepted, and even if the bet button 56 is pressed, the credited medals are not set in the inserted state.

Further, the game control means 104 performs a game state transition control process for transitioning the game state between a normal state, a bonus established state, and a bonus state. In this embodiment, information indicating the gaming state in which the player is staying is stored in the main storage means 108. As the gaming state transition condition, one condition or a plurality of conditions may be determined. If multiple conditions are defined, the gaming state is determined based on the fulfillment of one of the multiple predefined conditions, or the fulfillment of all of the multiple predefined conditions. It is possible to move to another gaming state.

The normal state is a gaming state corresponding to an initial state among a plurality of types of gaming states, and it is possible to transition from the normal state to a bonus established state. Specifically, if a bonus is won in the normal state, the state shifts to the bonus established state. In addition, in the normal state, an internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which minor prizes, replays, and bonuses are set as lottery targets among a plurality of types of internal lottery tables stored in the main storage means 108. .

The bonus established state is a gaming state that is triggered by winning a bonus in an internal lottery. In the bonus established state, among the plurality of types of internal lottery tables stored in the main storage means 108, the success or failure of the small winning combination is determined with the same probability as in the normal state, and the internal lottery table in which the bonus is excluded from the lottery target is referred to. An internal lottery will be held. Note that even in the bonus established state, the replay is set as a lottery target, but the winning probability and winning mode of the replay may be different or the same as those in the normal state.

In the bonus winning state, the lottery flag corresponding to the bonus is maintained in the winning state until the bonus is won, and the success or failure of the small role and replay is determined, and the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the bonus is displayed on the active line. Then, the game control means 104 shifts the game state from the bonus established state to the bonus state based on the winning of the bonus.

The bonus state is a gaming state that is triggered by the display of a symbol combination representing a winning form of a bonus on an active line. In the bonus state, among the multiple types of internal lottery tables stored in the main storage means 108, the probability of winning a minor prize is set higher than in the normal state and the bonus established state, and the internal lottery is excluded from replays. An internal lottery will be held with reference to the table. That is, in the bonus state, small winning combinations are won more frequently than in the normal state or the bonus established state, making the game state more advantageous for the player than in the normal state or the bonus established state.

In the bonus state, it is determined whether the end condition is satisfied based on the total number of medals paid out in the bonus game in the bonus state, and medals exceeding the predetermined number of scheduled end payouts (for example, 250 medals) are paid out. When the game is played, the game control means 104 ends the bonus state and returns the game state to the normal state. In this embodiment, the count information regarding the number of payouts in the bonus state is accumulated and stored in the main storage means 108.

The main error detection means 106 monitors the signal states of various sensors such as the loading detection sensor 78 and the dispensing sensor 88, determines whether error detection conditions are satisfied, and detects an error based on the satisfaction of the error detection conditions. Detect the main error by identifying the main error that is In this embodiment, even after detecting any main error (in a state where it is waiting for a release operation by error wait processing to be described later), the main error detection means 106 periodically detects each main error by timer interrupt processing. continues to be detected.

The main error detection means 106 detects a backflow error, an empty error, a dispensing jam error, an abnormal dispensing error, an over error, a retention error, and an abnormal loading error, as shown in FIG. 19, based on the signal states of various sensors. When the main error detection means 106 detects a predetermined main error, it sets a corresponding error detection flag in the main storage means 108. The backflow error is a main error caused by medals flowing backward in the flow path. The empty error is a main error caused by the fact that there are no more medals stored in the hopper unit 16. The payout jam error is a main error caused by the medals to be paid out being jammed in the hopper unit 16 and not being ejected. The abnormal payout error is a main error caused by medals being paid out in a situation where medals should not be paid out. The over error is a main error caused by the surplus medals stored in the cash box 18 exceeding a predetermined amount. The retention error is a main error caused by medals being jammed in the medal selector 67. The abnormal insertion error is a main error caused by medals being jammed near the medal insertion slot 42 or the like.

When any error detection flag is set in the main storage means 108, the main error management means 107 performs an error wait process and waits for a predetermined cancellation operation, and in this error wait process, the main error The main error detected by the detection means 106 is notified via the first main display 90, and the error detection flag etc. are cleared based on a predetermined release operation (pressing the setting change button 26). Perform the cancellation process. In addition, in this embodiment, the main loop processing in the game control means 104 is interrupted while the main error management means 107 is executing the error wait processing, and the main loop processing is resumed after the cancellation processing for the main error that has occurred is completed. will be resumed.

In the error wait process, the main error management means 107 accepts the pressing of the setting change button 26 as a release operation, and stores error-related information such as the detection flag and timer timing information stored in the main storage means 108. Performs cancellation processing to clear (erase). In the error wait processing, after displaying the error code on the first main display 90, timer wait processing is performed using the error wait timer provided in the main storage means 108, and the period during which the timer wait processing is performed ( The release operation is accepted after approximately 108 ms) has elapsed.

In this embodiment, the transmission of information from the main control means 70 to the sub-control means 72 is realized by sending commands through serial communication. The included information includes settings, gaming status, number of medals inserted and paid out, results of internal lottery, signal status of various switches, contents of reel stop control, results of winning determination, and main errors that have occurred. etc.

In this embodiment, when a main error occurs, the main control means 70 issues an error occurrence command corresponding to the error type for which the error detection flag has been set, or indicates that a cancellation operation has been performed on the setting change button 26. The error cancellation command shown is transmitted to the sub-control means 72. Furthermore, when the signal state of the door opening/closing switch 74 changes, the main control means 70 changes the signal state from an OFF state (a signal state indicating that the front door 12 is closed) to an ON state (a signal state indicating that the front door 12 is open). Based on the signal state changing from the ON state to the OFF state, a door open command is sent to the sub-control means 72, and the door close command is sent based on the signal state changing from the ON state to the OFF state. In this embodiment, even if the front door 12 is open, it is not handled as a main error, and the main loop processing can be continued if no other main error occurs. Further, in this embodiment, control is also performed in which the main control means 70 periodically transmits a disconnection monitoring command to the sub control means 72 at every predetermined period (for example, every 15 ms).

Next, the sub-control means 72 will be explained. The sub-control means 72 includes a performance control means 131, a sub-error detection means 202, a sub-error management means 203, a sub-storage means 132, and the like.

The performance control means 131 controls the performance performed using the liquid crystal display 34, the performance performed using the speaker 36, and the performance performed using the lighting device 38 based on the performance data stored in the sub-storage means 132. I do. For example, the lighting device 38 may be turned on or blinked in response to the insertion of medals, the operation of the bet button 56, the start lever 53, and the stop buttons 54a to 54c, or the occurrence of a gaming event such as a change in the gaming state, or the lighting device 38 may be turned on or off, or the liquid crystal display 34 may be turned on or off. By changing the display contents and outputting sound from a speaker 36, execution control of performances for enlivening the game and assisting the game is performed according to the progress of the game.

The content of the performance executed in the game is determined by the performance lottery table stored in the sub-storage means 132 in accordance with commands sent from the main control means 70 in accordance with the game state, performance state, internal lottery results, etc. is determined using In this embodiment, image data stored in the ROM of the sub-storage means 132 is read into an image buffer provided in the sub-storage means 132, and an image based on the image data read into the image buffer is output to the liquid crystal display 34. be done. Further, the sound data stored in the ROM of the sub-storage means 132 is read into a sound buffer provided in the sub-storage means 132, and a sound based on the sound data read into the sound buffer is output from the speaker 36.

The sub-error detection means 202 determines whether or not error detection conditions are satisfied based on the door open command and the disconnection monitoring command sent from the main control means 70, and determines whether an error has occurred based on the satisfaction of the error detection conditions. Detect sub-errors by identifying them. In this embodiment, even after detecting any sub-error (in a state where it is waiting to receive an error cancellation command from the main control means 70, which will be described later), the sub-error detection means 202 periodically detects the error by using a timer interrupt process. Detection of each sub-error continues.

The sub-error detection means 202 detects door opening/closing errors and communication errors, as shown in FIG. When the sub-error detection means 202 detects a predetermined sub-error, it sets a corresponding error detection flag in the sub-storage means 132. The door open error is a sub-error caused by the front door 12 being open. Further, the communication error is a sub-error caused by a communication failure due to a disconnection of a communication cable between the main control means 70 and the sub-control means 72.

Upon receiving the error occurrence command transmitted from the main control means 70, the sub error detection means 202 sets an error detection flag corresponding to the main error specified by the error occurrence command in the sub storage means 132.

When the error detection flag is set in the sub-storage means 132, the sub-error management means 203 performs an error notification process of determining an error to be notified and controlling the presentation device in a presentation mode corresponding to the error. In addition, the sub-error management means 203 notifies the error to be notified in the error notification process, and waits for an error release command or door close command to be transmitted from the main control means 70, and indicates that the error recovery condition is satisfied. Based on this, error recovery processing is performed to clear the error detection flag etc. set in the sub-storage means 132 and restore the state of the production device to its original state. In addition, in this embodiment, no information is transmitted from the sub-control means 72 to the main control means 70, and the occurrence of a sub-error does not affect the progress of the main loop processing in the game control means 104. The game control means 104 can continue the main loop processing even in a situation where a sub-error has occurred as long as a main error has not occurred.

When an error detection flag corresponding to a sub-error is set in the sub-storage means 132, the sub-error management means 203 causes the sub-display 93 to display an error code corresponding to the type of the error detection flag.

It should be noted that communication errors can be recovered only by initializing the sub-storage means 132 due to power failure recovery, and the sub-error management means 203 continues the communication error notification process until the power supply to the gaming machine is cut off. Maintain the state in which communication errors are reported. However, even if the communication error is temporarily cleared by power recovery, if the disconnection situation is not resolved, the sub-error detection means 202, a communication error is detected again.

Next, the main loop process for controlling the progress of the game will be explained using the flowchart shown in FIG. 21. First, an input reception process is performed to accept the input of the required number (regular number) of medals to play the game (step S100), and the input reception process accepts the input of the specified number (3 medals) set as the game start condition. It is determined whether or not it has been accepted (step S101). In the insertion reception process, based on the player inserting medals into the medal slot 42, the inserted medals are set to the inserted state. Further, based on the pressing of the 1 bet button 56 or the MAX bet button 56, the medals credited in the gaming machine are set to the inserted state. Furthermore, if the replay wins in the previous game, the same number of medals as the number inserted in the previous game (the same number of medals inserted as in the previous game) is automatically set to the inserted state.

In step S101, if it is determined that the specified number of medals have been inserted (if it is determined that the specified number of medals have been set to the inserted state) (step S101: YES), the operation of the start lever 53 is enabled. (Step S102). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S101 that the specified number of medals have not been accepted (step S101: NO), the process returns to step S100.

Next, it is determined whether the start lever 53 has been operated (step S103). In step S103, if it is determined that the start lever 53 has been operated (step S103: YES), an internal lottery is performed (step S104), and rotation of the first reel 20a to third reel 20c is started (step S105). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S103 that the start lever 53 is not operated (step S103: NO), the process of step S103 is repeated.

Next, it is determined whether the rotation speed of each reel is equal to or higher than a predetermined speed (step S106). If it is determined in step S106 that the rotational speed of each reel is equal to or higher than the predetermined speed (step S106: YES), the operations on the stop buttons 54a to 54c are enabled (step S107). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S106 that the rotational speed of each reel is not equal to or higher than the predetermined speed (step S106: NO), the process of step S106 is repeated.

Next, it is determined whether a predetermined stop button has been operated (step S108). In step S108, if it is determined that a predetermined stop button has been operated (step S108: YES), the rotation of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button is stopped (step 109), and whether or not all reels have stopped is determined. (Step S110). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S108 that the predetermined stop button has not been operated (step S108: NO), the process of step S108 is repeated.

If it is determined in step S110 that all the reels are not stopped (step S110: NO), the process returns to step S108. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S110 that all the reels have stopped (step S110: YES), it is determined whether or not the winning combination has been won in the internal lottery based on the stopped state (stopping mode) of each reel. (Step S111). In step S111, if it is determined that the winning combination has been won in the internal lottery (step S111: YES), a process (winning process) corresponding to the winning combination is executed (step S112), and a series of processes (one game ) ends. On the other hand, in step S111, if it is determined that the winning combination has not been won in the internal lottery (or if the result of the internal lottery is a loss (non-winning)) (step S111: NO), each reel 20a to 20c The series of processing (one game) ends when the game stops.

Here, a state in which the specified number of medals required to start the game has been inserted, or a state in which medals are automatically inserted based on winning (winning) the replay in the previous game (a state in which replay is activated) is set to a specific state (game startable state). The gaming machine of this embodiment is capable of executing a setting confirmation process (described later) in a specific state.

Here, in a specific state (game startable state), that is, after it is determined as YES in step S101 (after the process in step S102 is executed) and before it is determined as YES in step S103, the settings are confirmed. A case in which the process is executed will be explained. FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the setting confirmation process (setting reference process) in the main control means 70. It is assumed that the start point of the flowchart shown in FIG. 22 is the gaming mode.

The main control means 70 moves (rotates) the setting key from a first position (initial position) to a second position (for example, a position rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the initial position) when the setting key is inserted into the setting change key cylinder. It is determined whether or not it has been performed (step S200). In this way, in the gaming mode, the operation of moving the setting key from the first position to the second position can be called an operation of shifting to the setting confirmation mode.

In step S200, if it is determined that the setting key has been inserted into the setting change key cylinder and the setting key has been moved from the first position to the second position (step S200: YES), the main control means 70 controls the game mode (first state) to the setting confirmation mode (second state, setting reference mode, setting confirmation state, setting reference state) (step S201). At this time, main loop processing is interrupted as the mode shifts to setting confirmation mode. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S200 that the setting key has been inserted into the setting change key cylinder and that the setting key has not been moved from the first position to the second position (step S200: NO), the process of step S200 is repeated.

Note that, in step S200, it may be determined whether the setting key is inserted into the setting change key cylinder, the setting key is moved from the first position to the second position, and the setting change button 26 is operated (pressed). good. In other words, the operation of shifting to the setting confirmation mode involves inserting the setting key into the setting change key cylinder, moving the setting key from the first position to the second position, and operating the setting change button 26. Good too. In that case, if it is determined in step S200 that the setting key has been inserted into the setting change key cylinder, the setting key has been moved from the first position to the second position, and the setting change button 26 has been operated (step S200: YES). , the main control means 70 shifts from the gaming mode to the setting confirmation mode (step S201).

In the setting confirmation mode, an image (for example, text "Referring to settings") is displayed on the liquid crystal display 34 to notify that the mode is the setting confirmation mode. Furthermore, in the setting confirmation mode, the currently set setting value is displayed on the first main display 90 in the game information display section 32. In the setting confirmation mode, it is possible to refer to (notify) the current setting values, but it is not possible to play games. Further, in the setting confirmation mode, although the setting values can be referred to, the setting values cannot be changed. Even in the specific state (game startable state), the first state shifts to the second state, and the setting notification process can be executed, allowing the current setting value to be confirmed. For this reason, for example, in the case of the specific state, there is no need to shift to the second state in which the setting notification process is performed after the game ends, and the convenience of checking the setting value is improved.
In addition, in a specific state (game startable state), before the start lever is turned on, it can be said that the setting key can be moved to the second position and the setting confirmation mode can be entered.

Next, the main control means 70 determines whether the setting key inserted into the setting change key cylinder has been moved (rotated) from the second position to the first position (step S202). In step S202, if it is determined that the setting key has been moved from the second position to the first position (step S202: YES), the main control means 70 ends the setting confirmation mode and shifts from the setting confirmation mode to the gaming mode. (Step S203). The operation of moving the setting key from the second position to the first position (returning it to the initial position) in the setting confirmation mode can be called an operation of returning to the game mode. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S202 that the setting key has not been moved from the second position to the first position (step S202: NO), the process of step S202 is repeated.

After the process in step S203, the main control means 70 restarts the main loop process (FIG. 21) (returns to the main loop process). Note that the main control means 70 may restart the main loop processing after a predetermined time (predetermined wait period) has elapsed after the processing in step S203.

(start lever)
In this embodiment, the operation (transition operation) of moving the setting key inserted into the setting change key cylinder from the first position to the second position from a specific state (game startable state) and gaming mode is performed. ) is performed and the setting confirmation mode is set, and the start lever 53 is operated (pressed) before the operation of moving the setting key from the second position to the first position (return operation) is performed. When the setting key is moved from the second position to the first position (return operation) while the start lever 53 is being operated, immediately after the transition to the game mode (return) , the game will not start. It should be noted that immediately after transition (return) to the gaming mode is specifically the timing at which the main loop processing is returned (timing at which the timer interrupt processing is executed). Moreover, the state in which the start lever 53 is operated refers to the state in which the start lever 53 is operated to the ON position.

In other words, in the setting confirmation mode, the start lever 53 is in the ON state, and even if the start lever 53 is in the ON state and the setting confirmation mode shifts to the game mode, the game is not started. It has become.

The main control means 70 monitors the state of the signal input from the start lever 53 (signal state). When the start lever 53 is not operated, the signal input to the main control means 70 is OFF, and when the start lever 53 is operated, the signal input to the main control means 70 is ON. If the signal state is ON based on the operation of the start lever 53 which is not activated, the main control means 70 does not detect the ON state. Note that the configuration may be such that the signal state does not turn ON when the start lever 53 that is not activated is operated.

In the main loop process, when the state of the signal input from the start lever 53 changes from OFF to ON, that is, an ON edge (rising edge) is detected, the main control means 70 detects that the start lever 53 is operated. It can be determined that the switch has turned on (turned on). In the setting confirmation mode, if the start lever 53 is pressed and turned ON, and the game mode is entered in that state, it is detected that the input signal is ON at the timing of returning to the main loop processing, but the input signal does not change from OFF to ON. A rising edge (ON edge) is not detected. Therefore, it is not determined that the start lever 53 has been operated at the timing of returning to the main loop process, and the game is not started. In addition, even if the start lever 53 is kept in the ON state after shifting from the setting confirmation mode to the game mode and returning to the main loop process, the game will not start. Further, even after the ON state of the input signal is detected upon returning to the main loop process, the ON state of the start lever 53 is maintained, and if the start lever 53 then becomes OFF state, the input signal changes from ON to OFF (OFF). edge, falling edge) is detected, but since it is an OFF edge, it is not determined that the start lever 53 has been operated, and the game is not started.

In this embodiment, in a specific state (game startable state), the setting change key cylinder (operation means related to the setting value, second operation means related to the setting value) is turned from the OFF state to the ON state, and the setting change key cylinder is turned on. Even if the start lever 53 is operated while it is in the ON state, the game will not start, and the setting change key cylinder will be in the OFF state while the start lever 53 is being operated (while the operation continues). Even if it is, the game will not start.

In this embodiment, a specific state is defined as a state in which a specified number of medals necessary to start a game have been inserted, or a state in which medals are automatically inserted based on winning a replay as a result of an internal lottery. Although it is possible to shift from the game mode to the setting confirmation mode, it may also be possible to shift from the gaming mode to the setting confirmation mode in any one of the specific states. For example, when the specified number of medals required to start a game have been inserted, it is possible to shift from the game mode to the setting confirmation mode, but when the medals are automatically inserted based on a replay win as a result of an internal lottery, It may be impossible to shift from the game mode to the setting confirmation mode.

The operation of shifting to the setting confirmation mode and the operation of returning to the game mode are operations performed while the front door 12 is open (the signal state of the door open/close switch 74 (door sensor) is ON). In this embodiment, when the operation to return to the game mode (the operation to move the setting key from the second position to the first position) is performed, the setting confirmation mode is shifted to the game mode and the main loop process is returned. When the return operation to the gaming mode is performed and the front door 12 is closed (that is, when the signal state of the door opening/closing switch 74, which is ON due to the front door 12 being open, is turned OFF), It is also possible to shift from the setting confirmation mode to the game mode and then return to the main loop process. That is, the condition for transitioning from the setting confirmation mode to the game mode (the condition for returning to the main loop process) may include that the front door 12 is in a closed state.
The control related to returning from the setting confirmation mode (setting reference state) may be as follows.
In the first example, when the setting change key cylinder is turned from the OFF state to the ON state while the front door 12 is open, the mode shifts to the setting confirmation mode. Next, with the front door 12 in the open state, when the setting change key cylinder is turned from the ON state to the OFF state, the game mode shifts to the game mode (returns from the setting confirmation mode).
In the second example, when the setting change key cylinder is turned from the OFF state to the ON state while the front door 12 is in the open state, the mode shifts to the setting confirmation mode. Next, when the setting change key cylinder is turned from the ON state to the OFF state while the front door 12 is closed, the setting confirmation mode continues (the setting confirmation mode is not returned to). Next, even if the front door 12 is opened while the setting change key cylinder is in the OFF state, the setting confirmation mode continues (it does not return from the setting confirmation mode).
In the third example, when the setting change key cylinder is turned from the OFF state to the ON state while the front door 12 is open, the mode shifts to the setting confirmation mode. Next, when the setting change key cylinder is turned from the ON state to the OFF state while the front door 12 is closed, the setting confirmation mode continues (the setting confirmation mode is not returned to). Next, when the front door 12 is opened and the setting change key cylinder is turned ON (whichever order is OK), and the front door 12 is opened and the setting change key cylinder is turned OFF, the game mode is entered. (returns from setting confirmation mode).

In this embodiment, in a specific state (game startable state), the front door 12 is opened and the start lever 53 is operated while the setting change key cylinder (operation means related to the setting value) is in the OFF state. In this case, the game starts (the game progresses), but in a specific state, the start lever 53 is operated while the front door 12 is open and the setting change key cylinder is in the ON state (setting confirmation mode). If this happens, the game will not start (the game will not proceed).

Predetermined operating means (first operating means) (buttons, switches) different from the start lever 53 include stop buttons 54a to 54c, a bet button 56, a performance button 57, and the like. This predetermined operating means can be referred to as a first operating means used for operations to advance the game. In this embodiment, in a specific state (game startable state), if the start lever 53 is operated while the first operating means is being operated (in the ON state), the game is started. However, in a specific state, if the start lever 53 is operated while the setting change key cylinder (operating means related to the set value, second operating means related to the set value) is in the ON state, the game will not start. It looks like this.

In addition, in a specific state (game startable state), when the setting change button 26 (operating means related to the set value, second operating means related to the set value) is operated (in the ON state), the start lever If 53 is operated, the game is not started. Furthermore, regardless of whether the setting change key cylinder is in the OFF state or in the ON state, if the start lever 53 is operated while the setting change button 26 is being operated (in the ON state), the game will not start. It is prevented from starting. Further, even if the setting change button 26 is turned off while the start lever 53 is being operated (while the operation continues), the game is not started.
In addition, in this embodiment, regardless of whether or not it is a specific gaming state, even if (1) the MAX bet button 56 is operated (pressed) while the setting change button 26 is operated (pressed), the game is not played. (2) If the player inserts (manually inserts) the gaming value into the medal slot 42, although the value is not bet (the gaming value is not in the input state, but the input of the gaming value is not accepted), The gaming value is set to be bet (the gaming value enters the input state, and the input of the gaming value is accepted).

(Payment button)
The settlement button 52 is used to settle medals electronically stored in the gaming machine (slot machine It is provided for discharging (dispensing) the medals to the medal receiving tray 62 via the medal receiving tray 60 . "Settlement" means returning the medals used in the game to the player.

The payment button 52 is configured to be pressable, and payment processing is executed based on the operation of the payment button 52. Note that the payment button 52 includes a pressing portion, and the pressing portion is formed to be able to be pressed down (pushed). Hereinafter, the operation of the pressing part of the payment button 52 will be referred to as the operation of the payment button 52. In the settlement process (predetermined process related to gaming value), medals set for at least one of storage (credits) and bets are settled. In other words, the objects of settlement based on the operation of the settlement button 52 include not only medals set in credits but also medals set in bets. When medals are set for both bets and credits, there are, for example, the following two modes of settlement based on the operation of the settlement button 52. In the first settlement mode, both the medals set in the bet and the medals set in the credit are settled at once by operating the settlement button 52 once. In the second settlement mode, only the medals set in the bet are settled by the first operation of the settlement button 52, and are set as credits by the second operation of the settlement button 52 after the medals set in the bet are settled. The medals listed will be settled.

Here, a process will be described in which the game mode is shifted to the setting confirmation mode in a specific state (game startable state), and then the setting confirmation mode is returned to the game mode. In this embodiment, the operation (transition operation) of moving the setting key inserted into the setting change key cylinder from the first position to the second position from a specific state (game startable state) and gaming mode is performed. ) has been performed and the setting confirmation mode is set, and before the operation of moving the setting key from the second position to the first position (return operation) is performed, the payment button 52 is operated (pressed). When the setting key is moved from the second position to the first position (return operation) while the payment button 52 is being operated (ON state). Settlement is executed (started). The state in which the payment button 52 is operated refers to the state in which the payment button 52 is operated to the ON position.

In other words, in the setting confirmation mode, the settlement button 52 is turned on, and when the setting confirmation mode shifts to the gaming mode with the settlement button 52 in the ON state, settlement is started. Therefore, when shifting to the gaming mode, there is no need to turn on the payment button 52 again, and payment can be started more smoothly.

The main control means 70 monitors the state of the signal input from the payment button 52 (signal state). When the payment button 52 is not operated, the signal input to the main control means 70 is OFF, and when the payment button 52 is operated, the signal input to the main control means 70 is ON. In the main loop processing, when it is detected (detected) that the state of the signal input from the payment button 52 is ON for a certain period of time or more (over a predetermined number of timer interrupt processing), the main control means 70 causes the payment button 52 to be operated. It can be determined that the switch has been turned on (turned on). Therefore, if the payment button 52 is pressed and turned ON in the setting confirmation mode, and the game mode is entered in that state, the input signal is detected to be ON at the timing of returning to the main loop process, and the input signal is turned ON. If the detection continues for a certain period of time, payment will begin.

In addition, the operation (transition operation) of moving the setting key inserted into the setting change key cylinder from the first position to the second position is performed from the specified state (game startable state) and the gaming mode. In the setting confirmation mode, the payment button 52 is pressed (ON state) before the operation of moving the setting key from the second position to the first position (return operation) is performed. Therefore, if the setting key is moved from the second position to the first position (return operation) while the payment button 52 is in the ON state, even if payment is not started. good. In this case, it is possible to prevent payment from being started based on an unintended operation. Further, if payment is started based on an unintended operation, it will be necessary to insert medals into the medal slot 42 in order to continue playing the game, which will be a burden to the player, but according to the present embodiment , such burdens can be prevented from occurring. Note that even if the ON state of the payment button 52 is further maintained (continued) after transitioning from the setting confirmation mode to the gaming mode and returning to the main loop process, the payment may not be started.

In the specific state (game startable state), the setting change key cylinder (operating means related to the set value) is turned from the OFF state to the ON state, and the setting change key cylinder (the operating means related to the set value) is in the ON state. Even if the settlement button 52 is operated in this state, the processing related to the gaming value (settlement processing) is not started, and the setting change key cylinder is in the OFF state while the settlement button 52 is being operated (the operation is maintained). Even if this is the case, processing related to gaming value (settlement processing) may not be started.

In addition, in the above case, the specific state (a state in which a specified number of medals required to start a game has been inserted, or a state in which medals are automatically inserted based on winning a replay as a result of an internal lottery), In the state where the specified number of medals required for the start have been inserted (specified number of medals inserted state), the setting change key cylinder (operation means related to the setting value) is turned from the OFF state to the ON state, and the setting change key cylinder (the setting value Even if the settlement button 52 is operated while the operation means related to (operation means related to Even if the setting change key cylinder is turned off (while the setting change key cylinder is being maintained), processing related to the gaming value (settlement processing) may not be started.

In addition, in a state in which a specified number of medals necessary to start the game have been inserted (a specified number of medals inserted state), the setting change button 26 (operation means related to the setting value) is turned from OFF to ON, and the setting change button 26 ( Even if the settlement button 52 is operated while the operation means related to the set value is being operated (turned ON), the processing related to the gaming value (settlement processing) is not started, and the settlement button 52 is not operated. Even if the setting change button 26 is turned off while the player is still in the game (while the operation is maintained), the process related to the gaming value (settlement process) may not be started.

In addition, in a state where the specified number of medals required to start the game have not been inserted (a state where only credits are set), (1) the setting change key cylinder (operation means related to the setting value) is turned from the OFF state to the ON state. When the status is set, the mode shifts to setting confirmation mode. (2) On the other hand, when the setting change key cylinder is in the OFF state, the settlement button 52 is operated while the setting change button 26 is operated (ON), and the settlement button 52 is operated. Even if the setting change button 26 is turned off in the state where the game value is set, the process related to the gaming value (settlement process) may not be started.

(Volume change button, light intensity change button)
As the effect button 57 (see FIG. 16), in addition to a push button that can be pressed (or instead of a push button), an effect setting button that is operated when making settings related to the effect, etc. may be provided. Hereinafter, it is assumed that a production setting button including a cross key, a decision button, and a cancel button (end button, return button) is provided. The cross key has four directional buttons: an upper button on the back side, a lower button on the front side, a right button on the right side, and a button on the left side. It has a left button and a button.

When a predetermined direction button (right button or left button) on the cross key is operated during non-gaming, a volume change screen (volume change image) (screen related to performance settings) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 34, and a sound is heard from the speaker 36. It becomes possible to adjust the size (volume) of the output sound (the volume can be increased or decreased (changed) by pressing the direction button). In addition, when a predetermined direction button (up button or down button) on the cross key is operated while not playing, a light amount change screen (light amount change image) (screen related to effect settings) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 34, The brightness (luminance) of the display 34 and/or the illumination device 38 can be adjusted (the amount of light can be raised or lowered (changed) by pressing the direction button). Note that it may be possible to increase or decrease (change) the volume (or light intensity) by pressing the direction button for the first time. That is, by pressing the first direction button, the volume (or light amount) may be changed at the same time as the volume change screen (or light amount change screen) is displayed. In this way, the cross key functions as a volume change button or a light intensity change button. The production setting button (cross key) as a production button can be said to be a predetermined button used for an operation to display a screen related to production settings, or a predetermined button used for an operation related to production settings.

Here, a process will be described in which the game mode is shifted to the setting confirmation mode in a specific state (game startable state), and then the setting confirmation mode is returned to the game mode. In a specific state (game startable state) and in a game mode, an operation (transfer operation) is performed to move the setting key inserted in the setting change key cylinder from the first position to the second position, While in the setting confirmation mode, the volume change button (or light intensity change button) is operated (pressed) before the operation of moving the setting key from the second position to the first position (return operation) is performed. is in the ON state, and the volume change button (or light intensity change button) is being operated (ON state), and the operation of moving the setting key from the second position to the first position When a volume change screen (or light amount change screen) is performed, the volume change screen (or light amount change screen) is not displayed on the liquid crystal display 34, so that the volume change (or light amount change) is not possible. Although it was assumed that the volume change screen (or light intensity change screen) is not displayed on the liquid crystal display 34 and the volume change (or light intensity change) is not possible, the volume (or light intensity) is not changed. Good too. The state where the volume change button is being operated refers to the state where the volume change button is being operated to the ON position.

In other words, in the setting confirmation mode, the volume change button (or light intensity change button) is in the ON state, and with the volume change button (or the light intensity change button) in the ON state, the setting confirmation mode is shifted to the gaming mode. Even if this happens, the volume change (or light intensity change) will not start.
In other words, in a specific state (game startable state), the setting change key cylinder (operating means related to the set value) is turned from the OFF state to the ON state, and the setting change key cylinder (the operating means related to the set value) is in the ON state. In a state where "a predetermined button used for operations related to production settings" is turned on, and the setting change key cylinder is turned off while the predetermined button is turned on. Even if there is, the processing related to the effect settings is not started (for example, the screen related to the effect settings is not displayed on the liquid crystal display 34).
Therefore, if you accidentally return to the game mode from the setting confirmation mode with the volume change button (or light intensity change button) still in the ON state, the volume change screen (or light intensity change screen) will be displayed due to an unintended operation. can be prevented from being displayed. In this case, even if the volume change button (or light intensity change button) is maintained (continued) after transitioning from setting confirmation mode to gaming mode and returning to main loop processing, the volume change (or light intensity change button) change) does not start.
In addition, although the case in the specific state (game start possible state) was described above, the following may be applied regardless of whether or not the specific state is in place. In other words, the settings change key cylinder (operation means related to setting values) is turned from the OFF state to the ON state, and in the state where the settings change key cylinder (operation means related to setting values) is in the ON state, "operations related to production settings" Even if a "predetermined button used for the production" is operated (turned ON) and the setting change key cylinder is turned OFF while the predetermined button is being operated, the processing related to the production settings will not be performed. It may not be started.
In addition, regardless of whether or not it is in a specific state, the setting change button 26 (operation means related to setting values) is turned from OFF to ON, and the setting change button 26 (operation means related to setting values) is operated ( When the "predetermined button used for operations related to the settings of the production" is operated (turned ON) state, and the setting change button 26 is turned OFF while the predetermined button is being operated. Even if it is, the processing related to the setting of the effect may not be started.

The volume change and the light amount change are controlled by the sub-control means 72, and may be configured to be controllable based on the return to the main loop process and the elimination of the sub-error.

In addition, the operation (transition operation) of moving the setting key inserted into the setting change key cylinder from the first position to the second position is performed from the specified state (game startable state) and the gaming mode. If the volume change button (or light intensity change button) is pressed before the setting key is moved from the second position to the first position (return operation) while in the setting confirmation mode. When the setting key is moved from the second position to the first position (return operation) while the volume change button (or light intensity change button) is in the ON state. Then, a volume change screen (or light amount change screen) may be displayed on the liquid crystal display 34, and the volume (or light amount) may be changed, and the volume (or light amount) may be changed. Good too. In this case, when transitioning to the game mode, the volume change screen (or light amount change screen) can be displayed more smoothly.

(Production button)
When the effect button 57 (FIG. 16) is operated during non-gaming, a menu screen (menu image) (screen related to effect settings) may be displayed on the liquid crystal display 34. From the menu screen, you can set the production mode (for example, set the character that will mainly appear in the production, set the notification mode for winning roles or bonuses, etc.), view the gaming history, and use the user terminal (player's smartphone, etc.) It is possible to transfer the winnings to , check how the winning combinations are displayed, etc.
Note that it may be possible to determine a predetermined performance mode (for example, setting a character) based on the operation of the performance button 57 without going through the menu screen (it is also possible to move to a character setting screen).
Further, in the case where the above-mentioned effect setting button is provided, a menu screen may be displayed on the liquid crystal display 34 when the enter button is operated during non-gaming. In other words, the decision button may be a performance button that can display a menu screen (a performance button that is operated as a trigger for transitioning to the menu screen). When the menu screen is displayed, move the cursor using the cross key or the like to select the desired menu, and press the OK button to move to a screen where settings related to the selected content can be made. The production button 57 (or decision button) can be said to be a predetermined button used for an operation to display a screen related to production settings, or a predetermined button used for an operation related to production settings.

Here, a process will be described in which the game mode is shifted to the setting confirmation mode in a specific state (game startable state), and then the setting confirmation mode is returned to the game mode. In a specific state (game startable state) and in a game mode, an operation (transfer operation) is performed to move the setting key inserted in the setting change key cylinder from the first position to the second position, In the setting confirmation mode, before the operation of moving the setting key from the second position to the first position (return operation) is performed, the production button 57 is operated (pressed) (ON state). ), and when the setting key is moved from the second position to the first position (return operation) while the production button 57 is being operated (ON state), the menu screen is It is not displayed on the liquid crystal display 34 (it does not move to the menu screen), and a state in which a predetermined menu can be selected is not started. The state in which the effect button 57 is operated refers to the state in which the effect button 57 is operated to the ON position.

In other words, in the setting confirmation mode, the production button 57 is in the ON state, and even if the production button 57 is in the ON state and the setting confirmation mode is shifted to the gaming mode, the predetermined menu cannot be selected. Possible states are prevented from starting.
In other words, in a specific state (game startable state), the setting change key cylinder (operating means related to the set value) is turned from the OFF state to the ON state, and the setting change key cylinder (the operating means related to the set value) is in the ON state. In this state, a "predetermined button used for operations related to production settings" is operated (ON state), and settings are changed while the predetermined button is operated (ON state). Even if the key cylinder is turned off, processing related to the effect settings is not started (for example, a screen related to the effect settings is not displayed on the liquid crystal display 34).
Therefore, if the player returns from the setting confirmation mode to the game mode while the production button 57 is left in the ON state by mistake, it is possible to prevent the menu screen from being displayed based on an unintended operation.
In addition, although the case in the specific state (game start possible state) was described above, the following may be applied regardless of whether or not the specific state is in place. In other words, the settings change key cylinder (operation means related to setting values) is turned from the OFF state to the ON state, and in the state where the settings change key cylinder (operation means related to setting values) is in the ON state, "operations related to production settings" Even if a "predetermined button used for the production" is operated (turned ON) and the setting change key cylinder is turned OFF while the predetermined button is being operated, the processing related to the production settings will not be performed. It may not be started.
In addition, regardless of whether or not it is in a specific state, the setting change button 26 (operation means related to setting values) is turned from OFF to ON, and the setting change button 26 (operation means related to setting values) is operated ( When the "predetermined button used for operations related to the settings of the production" is operated (turned ON) state, and the setting change button 26 is turned OFF while the predetermined button is being operated. Even if it is, the processing related to the setting of the effect may not be started.

In addition, the operation (transition operation) of moving the setting key inserted into the setting change key cylinder from the first position to the second position is performed from the specified state (game startable state) and the gaming mode. In the setting confirmation mode, the production button 57 is pressed (ON state) before the operation of moving the setting key from the second position to the first position (return operation) is performed. Therefore, when the setting key is moved from the second position to the first position (return operation) while the production button 57 is in the ON state, the menu screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 34 (menu screen), and a state in which a predetermined menu can be selected may be started. In this case, the menu screen can be displayed more smoothly when shifting to the game mode.

In addition, after transitioning from the setting confirmation mode to the game mode and returning to the main loop process, if the production button 57 continues to be in the ON state for a predetermined time or more, a menu screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 34 (a predetermined menu is displayed). The selectable state may be started). Specifically, the operation of the performance button 57 as a menu button may be enabled after a predetermined period of time has passed since the setting confirmation mode is shifted to the game mode and the main loop process is restarted. In this case, the performance button 57 is turned on in the setting confirmation mode, the game mode is returned to with the performance button 57 in the ON state, and the predetermined period of time continues with the performance button 57 in the ON state. When the operation of the production button 57 is activated after the elapse of time, a menu screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 34 based on the activation of the operation of the production button 57, and a predetermined menu becomes selectable. . Furthermore, even if the effect button 57 that had been turned off lights up at the timing when the operation of the effect button 57 is activated, and the fact that the operation of the effect button 57 has been activated is notified. good.

(Medalless gaming machine)
In this embodiment, a gaming machine (slot machine Instead, games may be played by using game values as electronic information and by consuming or giving game values (a so-called medalless gaming machine). In a medalless gaming machine, gaming value is consumed instead of inserting medals, and gaming value is given instead of paying out medals.

Next, control in the medalless gaming machine Y will be explained. Note that descriptions of configurations having the same or equivalent functions as those described using the slot machine X described above will be omitted or simplified.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the medalless gaming machine Y seen from the front side. Although not shown, a card unit (game value lending device, game medal lending device, predetermined device) is provided on the side (right side) of the medalless gaming machine Y. The medalless gaming machine Y does not have a configuration such as a medal input port, a medal payout port, a medal receiving tray, etc., or a device for controlling inserted medals such as a medal selector or a hopper unit.

In the medalless gaming machine Y, a value corresponding to a predetermined number of game values is set as a credit (value stored in a credit storage area in the main storage means 108) based on a lending operation to a card unit or the like. The stored value in the credit storage area in the main storage means 108 can be called the number of credits (number of stored credits). The number of credits (the number of game medals that can be used for the game) is displayed on the game medal number display device 111.

In the medalless gaming machine Y, the upper limit of the number of credits is not set to "50" like the slot machine may have been done.

In the operation area 50, a game medal number display device 111 is provided. The game medal number display device 111 is composed of a 7-segment LED display, and in this embodiment, can display a 5-digit number. Further, the operation area 50 is provided with a counting button 112. The count button 112 is a button operated when transmitting (returning) information indicating a value corresponding to a predetermined number of credits (all or part of the number of credits) to the card unit. The counting button 112 includes a pressing portion, and the pressing portion is formed to be operable to press down. Hereinafter, pressing down the pressing portion of the counting button 112 will be referred to as operating the counting button 112.

Although not shown, a power supply unit 14 (power supply box) is provided inside the housing 10, and a setting change key cylinder, a setting change button 26, etc. are provided on the front surface of the power supply unit 14.

Here, the basic flow of the game in the medalless gaming machine Y will be explained. First, a predetermined number of game medals are awarded (the number of credits is added) based on a lending operation on the card unit. When the MAX bet button 56 is operated, game medals are set to be inserted up to a specified number, and a value corresponding to the number of game medals set to be inserted is subtracted from the number of credits (the number of game medals is displayed). (The number of game medals displayed on the device 111 decreases.)

When the specified number of game medals are set to the inserted state, the operation of the start lever 53 becomes valid, that is, the game becomes ready to start. Next, when the activated start lever 53 is operated, rotation of the reels 20a to 20c is started. Next, when the rotational speed of the reels 20a to 20c increases to a predetermined speed and enters a steady rotation state, the operation of the stop buttons 54a to 54c becomes effective. Next, when any of the stop buttons 54a to 54c is operated, the rotation of the corresponding reel 20a to 20c is stopped. Next, when all the reels 20a to 20c stop rotating, depending on the result of the game, a predetermined number of game medals are awarded (added to credits) or the game can be played again without consuming new game medals. Processing (replay processing) etc. to make it possible to start is performed.

As described above, when the count button 112 is operated, a predetermined number of credits (game medals) are transmitted (returned) to the card unit. Then, when a card return operation is performed in the card unit, the card storing a predetermined value is ejected from the card unit.

Next, the process related to the operation of the counting button 112 in the main control means 70 will be explained using the flowchart shown in FIG. 24. The main control means 70 monitors the state (signal state) of the signal input from the counting button 112 (counting button signal). When the count button 112 is not operated, the signal input to the main control means 70 is OFF, and when the count button 112 is operated, the signal input to the main control means 70 is ON.

In the main loop process, the main control means 70 controls a predetermined number of times when detecting a change in the count button signal from ON to OFF (detecting an OFF edge) or when detecting ON of the count button signal for a predetermined time or more. A process (counting process) of transmitting information indicating a value equivalent to credits (all or part of the number of credits) to the card unit and subtracting the value from the number of credits (value stored in the credit storage area in the main storage means 108). I do. As the number of credits is subtracted, the number of game medals displayed on the number of game medal display device 111 decreases.

The main control means 70 determines whether the count button signal is ON (step S301). If it is determined in step S301 that the count button signal is ON (step S301: YES), it is determined whether a predetermined condition is satisfied (step S302). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S301 that the count button signal is not ON (step S301: NO), the process of step S301 is repeated. The predetermined conditions are (1) a condition that the OFF edge of the count button signal is detected and the ON detection time (ON detection time) of the count button signal is less than 500 ms (first condition), or (2) count The condition (second condition) is that the button signal ON detection time is 500 ms or more.

If it is determined in step S302 that the predetermined condition is satisfied (step S302: YES), the main control means 70 determines whether the first condition is met (step S303). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S302 that the predetermined condition is not satisfied (step S302: NO), the process returns to step S301.

In step S303, if it is determined that the first condition is satisfied (step S303: YES), the main control means 70 determines whether the number of credits (number of game medals) is 1 or more (step S304). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S303 that the first condition is not met (step S303: NO), the main control means 70 determines whether the number of credits is 50 or more (step S306).

In step S304, if it is determined that the number of credits is 1 or more (step S304: YES), the main control means 70 transmits information indicating the number of credits "1" (a value corresponding to a part of the number of credits) to the card unit. At the same time, 1 is subtracted from the number of credits (step S305). After step S305, the process returns to step S301. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S304 that the number of credits is less than 1 (step S304: NO), the process returns to step S301.

In step S306, if it is determined that the number of credits is 50 or more (step S306: YES), the main control means 70 transmits information indicating the number of credits "50" (a value corresponding to a part of the number of credits) to the card unit. At the same time, 50 is subtracted from the number of credits (step S307). After step S307, the process advances to step S309. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S306 that the number of credits is less than 50 (step S306: NO), the main control means 70 outputs a value corresponding to the current number of credits (for example, 30, a value equivalent to the entire number of credits). ) is transmitted to the card unit, and the value is subtracted from the number of credits (step S308). After step S308, the process returns to step S301. Note that in step S308, the number of credits may be 0, in which case information indicating the number of credits "0" is transmitted to the card unit and a process of subtracting 0 from the number of credits is performed. or such processing may not be performed.

The main control means 70 continuously determines whether or not the ON state of the counting button signal is detected (step S309). In step S309, if it is determined that ON of the counting button signal is continuously detected (step S309: YES), the main control means 70 detects ON of the counting button signal after the process of step S307 is performed. It is determined whether the time has reached 300 ms (step S310). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S309 that the counting button signal is not continuously detected as ON (step S309: NO), the process returns to step S301.

In step S310, if it is determined that the ON detection time of the count button signal after the processing in step S307 has reached 300 ms (step S310: YES), the process advances to step S306. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S310 that the ON detection time of the count button signal after the processing in step S307 has not reached 300 ms (step S310: NO), the process advances to step S309.

(Count button)
Here, a process will be described in which the game mode is shifted to the setting confirmation mode in a specific state (game startable state), and then the setting confirmation mode is returned to the game mode. In a specific state (game startable state) and in a game mode, an operation (transfer operation) is performed to move the setting key inserted in the setting change key cylinder from the first position to the second position, In the setting confirmation mode, before the operation of moving the setting key from the second position to the first position (return operation) is performed, the counting button 112 becomes depressed (ON state), When the setting key is moved from the second position to the first position (return operation) while the counting button 112 is in the ON state, the counting process is not executed (started) and the predetermined Information indicating a value corresponding to the number of credits (all or part of the number of credits) is not sent to the card unit, and the value is not subtracted from the number of credits.

In other words, when the counting button 112 is in the ON state in the setting confirmation mode and the counting button 112 is in the ON state and the setting confirmation mode is shifted to the gaming mode, the counting process is not started. There is. Therefore, if the counting button 112 is left in the ON state by mistake and the setting confirmation mode returns to the game mode, the counting process will not start, so it is possible to prevent the counting process from starting based on an unintended operation. Can be done. If the counting process is started based on an unintended operation, it may be necessary to lend out the game value in order to continue playing the game, which is a burden to the player, but according to the present embodiment, this This can prevent such burdens from occurring.

If the counting button 112 is turned on in the setting confirmation mode and the game mode is entered in that state, it is detected that the counting button signal is turned on at the timing (point of time) when the main loop processing is returned to. is not a falling edge from ON to OFF (OFF edge). Further, since it is the time of returning to the main loop processing, the ON detection time is not longer than the predetermined time (500 ms). That is, the determination in step S302 is NO. Therefore, the counting process is not executed at the timing of returning to the main loop process.

Here, in the setting confirmation mode, the counting button 112 is turned on, and with the counting button 112 in the ON state, the setting confirmation mode is shifted to the gaming mode, and after returning to the main loop processing, the counting button 112 is turned on. The processing when the ON state of is continued (maintained) will be explained. (1) If it is detected that the counting button signal is ON at the timing of returning to the main loop processing, and then it is detected that the ON detection time of the counting button signal is less than 500ms, the counting process (credit The process that returns the number "1") does not start. (2) Also, if it is detected that the counting button signal is ON at the timing of returning to the main loop processing, and then it is detected that the ON detection time of the counting button signal is longer than the predetermined time (500ms), Based on this, the counting process (the process of returning the number of credits "50" or the current number of credits) is not started. (3) Also, at the timing of returning to the main loop process, it is detected that the count button signal is ON, and after that, while the ON detection of the count button signal continues (for 500ms or more), the count button 112 is turned off. When the state is OFF and an OFF edge is detected, counting processing (processing for returning the number of credits "1") is not started based on the OFF edge. Note that (2') it is detected that the counting button signal is ON at the timing of returning to the main loop process, and after that, the counting button 112 is pressed in the setting confirmation mode while the counting button signal continues to be detected as ON. The counting process is not started based on the fact that the ON detection time from the time when is turned ON is longer than the predetermined time (500 ms).

In addition, the operation (transition operation) of moving the setting key inserted into the setting change key cylinder from the first position to the second position is performed from the specified state (game startable state) and the gaming mode. In the setting confirmation mode, the counting button 112 is pressed (ON state) before the operation of moving the setting key from the second position to the first position (return operation) is performed. Therefore, when the setting key is moved from the second position to the first position (return operation) while the counting button 112 is in the ON state, the counting process is started. It's okay.

In other words, the counting process is started when the counting button 112 is turned on in the setting confirmation mode and the setting confirmation mode is shifted to the gaming mode with the counting button 112 being turned on. You can leave it there. In this case, the counting process can be started more quickly when the game mode is entered.

Here, in the setting confirmation mode, the counting button 112 is in the ON state, and with the counting button 112 in the ON state, the setting confirmation mode is shifted to the gaming mode, and after returning to the main loop processing, the counting button 112 is turned on. Processing when the ON state of 112 continues will be explained. (1) When it is detected that the counting button signal is ON at the timing of returning to main loop processing, and then an OFF edge is detected and it is detected that the ON detection time of the counting button signal is less than 500ms. , based on this, a counting process (a process of returning the number of credits "1") may be started (or may be executable). (2) Also, if it is detected that the counting button signal is ON at the timing of returning to the main loop processing, and then it is detected that the ON detection time of the counting button signal is 500ms or more, the counting process will be performed based on that. (Process of returning the number of credits "50" or the current number of credits) may be started. In this case, the return is not limited to one time, but if the counting button 112 continues to be in the ON state and the condition (step S310) is satisfied, the next return is executed. (3) Also, at the timing of returning to the main loop process, it is detected that the count button signal is ON, and after that, while the ON detection of the count button signal continues (for 500ms or more), the count button 112 is turned off. When the OFF state is reached and an OFF edge is detected, counting processing (processing for returning the number of credits "1") may be started based on the OFF edge.

(Payment button)
In the medalless gaming machine Y, the settlement button 52 is operated when returning game medals inserted (set to the inserted state) by operating the bet button 56 to the credit (credit storage area in the main storage means 108). button. In other words, based on the operation of the settlement button 52, a process of returning the game medals set to the inserted state to credits (insertion return processing) is executed. In the input/return process (predetermined process related to game value), the setting of the input status of game medals is canceled, and the value corresponding to the number of game medals set in the input status is changed to the number of credits (credit storage in the main storage means 108). This process is added to the memory value of the area. When the settlement button 52 is operated while there are game medals set in the inserted state, the game medals are returned to the credit based on the operation, and the number of game medals displayed on the game medal number display device 111 is increased.

Here, a process will be described in which the game mode is shifted to the setting confirmation mode in a specific state (game startable state), and then the setting confirmation mode is returned to the game mode. In a specific state (game startable state) and in a game mode, an operation (transfer operation) is performed to move the setting key inserted in the setting change key cylinder from the first position to the second position, In the setting confirmation mode, before the operation of moving the setting key from the second position to the first position (return operation) is performed, the payment button 52 is operated (pressed) (ON state). ), and when the setting key is moved from the second position to the first position (return operation) while the payment button 52 is operated (ON state), the input return process is performed. is not started (executed), and the game medals set to the inserted state are not returned to the credits. The state in which the payment button 52 is operated refers to the state in which the payment button 52 is operated to the ON position.

In other words, in the settings confirmation mode, even if the payment button 52 is in the ON state and the payment button 52 is in the ON state and the setting confirmation mode shifts to the gaming mode, the input return process starts. It is designed so that it will not happen.
In other words, in a specific state (game startable state), the setting change key cylinder (operating means related to the set value) is changed from the OFF state to the ON state, and the setting change key cylinder (operating means related to the set value) is changed to the ON state. Even if the settlement button 52 is operated in a state where the settlement button 52 is operated, the processing related to the game value (input/return processing) does not start, and the setting change key cylinder is pressed while the settlement button 52 is operated (the operation is maintained). Even if it is turned off, processing related to gaming value (insertion/return processing) is not started.
For this reason, if you return from the setting confirmation mode to the gaming mode while the payment button 52 is left in the ON state by mistake, the input/return process will not be executed, thereby preventing the input/return process from being started based on an unintended operation. It can be prevented. If the input/return process is executed based on an unintended operation, it will be necessary to input the gaming value again in order to play the game, which will be a burden to the player, but according to the present embodiment, such a burden can be eliminated. can be prevented from occurring. It should be noted that even if the settlement button 52 is kept in the ON state after transitioning from the setting confirmation mode to the game mode and returning to the main loop process, the input/return process is not started.

In the above, it is set in a specific state (a state in which a specified number of medals necessary for the start of a game have been inserted, or a state in which medals are automatically inserted based on winning a replay as a result of an internal lottery), but when the start of a game In the state in which the required specified number of medals have been inserted (specified number of medals inserted state), the setting change key cylinder (operation means related to the set value) is turned from the OFF state to the ON state, and the setting change key cylinder (operating means related to the set value Even if the payment button 52 is operated while the payment method (operation means) is in the ON state, the processing related to the game value (input/return processing) will not start; Even if the setting change key cylinder is turned off (while the setting change key cylinder remains in the OFF state), the process related to the gaming value (the input/return process) may not be started.

In addition, in a state in which a specified number of medals necessary to start the game have been inserted (a specified number of medals inserted state), the setting change button 26 (operation means related to the setting value) is turned from OFF to ON, and the setting change button 26 ( Even if the settlement button 52 is operated while the operation means related to the set value is being operated (turned ON), the processing related to the gaming value (input/return processing) is not started, and the settlement button 52 is not operated. Even if the setting change button 26 is turned off while the player is in a state where the setting change button 26 is turned off (while the operation is maintained), the process related to the gaming value (insertion and return process) may not be started.

In addition, the operation (transition operation) of moving the setting key inserted into the setting change key cylinder from the first position to the second position is performed from the specified state (game startable state) and the gaming mode. In the setting confirmation mode, the payment button 52 is pressed (ON state) before the operation of moving the setting key from the second position to the first position (return operation) is performed. Therefore, when the setting key is moved from the second position to the first position (return operation) while the payment button 52 is in the ON state, the input return process is started. You can leave it there. In this case, when transitioning to the game mode, the input/return process can be started more smoothly.

The gaming machine of this embodiment is
A plurality of reels 20a to 20c on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer peripheral surface;
a start lever 53 used for operation to start the game;
A switch related to the setting value,
A control means 70 for controlling the progress of the game,
The control means includes:
a game control means 104 that performs an internal lottery for determining the validity of a winning combination based on the operation of the start lever;
A setting change means 101 capable of executing a setting change process of changing a setting value among a plurality of setting values,
Assuming that the specific state is a state in which a specified number of gaming values necessary to start a game have been inserted, or a state in which gaming values are automatically inserted based on winning a replay as a result of the internal lottery,
In the specific state, the operating means related to the set value is turned from OFF to ON, the start lever is operated while the operating means related to the set value is ON, and the start lever is operated. Even if the operating means related to the set value is turned off in , the game will not start.

Even if the start lever is operated while the operating means relating to the set value is ON, and the operating means relating to the set value is turned OFF while the start lever is being operated, The game is prevented from starting. Therefore, it is possible to suppress (prevent) a game from being started based on an unintended or erroneous operation. Thereby, the marketability of the gaming machine can be improved. If the result of the internal lottery in a game started based on an unintended operation is a non-winning result, a predetermined number of game values will be consumed. According to the gaming machine according to this embodiment, the risk of such gaming value being consumed can be reduced.

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 component can be freely combined, or any component can be modified or omitted.

12 Front door 20a, 20b, 20c Reels 26a, 26b, 26c Stop button 42 Internal lottery means 47 Setting change means 51 Instruction function control means 53 Start lever 70 Main control means (control means)
81 Production state control means 90 Liquid crystal display (display means)
300 Left push recommended display (specific display)
400 Addiction prevention display 500 Game stop suggestion display (specific display)

Claims (1)

front door and
Multiple reels with multiple types of symbols arranged on the outer circumferential surface,
a stop button provided corresponding to each of the plurality of reels;
A start lever used to start the game,
Operating means related to set values;
A control means for controlling the progress of the game;
Performance state control means that performs control to shift the performance state between a plurality of types of performance states including a first performance state and a second performance state that is more advantageous than the first performance state;
Display means;
The control means includes:
internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery to determine the validity of multiple types of winning combinations based on the operation of the start lever;
an instruction function control means for controlling execution of an instruction performance that assists in winning a predetermined role;
A setting change means capable of executing a setting change process of changing a setting value among a plurality of setting values,
Among the plurality of types of winnings, there is a specific winning combination that allows you to obtain more gaming value than the gaming value bet for one game when winning,
When the stop button is operated in the first operation mode and the game continues, the probability that the specific combination wins is higher than when the stop button is operated in the second operation mode and the game is continued. Ori,
In the second performance state, when a game operated in the first operation mode is played, a display that may be displayed on the display means includes a first display prompting the operation in the second operation mode;
In the second performance state, whether the game is played by operating in the first operation mode or the game is played by operating in the second operation mode, the display means displays As a possible display, there is a second display regarding the continuation of the game,
The first display and the second display may be displayed at the same time , but the display position of each display is set so that no overlapping portion occurs even if they are displayed at the same time ,
In a situation where the first display and the second display are displayed at the same time, the first display is displayed at a position closer to the plurality of reels than the second display,
Assuming that the specific state is a state in which a specified number of gaming values necessary to start a game have been inserted, or a state in which gaming values are automatically inserted based on winning a replay as a result of the internal lottery,
In the specific state, when the start lever is operated while the front door is open, the start lever is not operated, and the operating means related to the set value is OFF, The game starts,
In the specific state, when the front door is open and the start lever is not operated, the operating means related to the set value is changed from OFF to ON, and the operating means related to the set value is turned ON. A game machine characterized in that, if the start lever is operated in a state where the start lever is operated, and the operating means related to the set value is turned off while the start lever is being operated, a game is not started.

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