JP7460225B1 - Gaming machine - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a gaming machine, such as a reel gaming machine (slot machine), characterized by a feature of announcing advantageous operation contents to a player. [Solution] When a transition condition (a predetermined combination is won) is met, a transition is made to an advantageous zone in which notification information (instruction monitor information) by a notification means 126 is permitted, and when a certain operation mode winning result (e.g., bell CLR2) is determined as a winning result, a division process (S263) is executed in which a value (22) represented by numerical information is divided by a predetermined number (3, which is the division number), and a process (S264) is executed in which notification information is determined by the quotient value (7) resulting from the division process, and whether or not the winning combination number is a specific value (4) or more is determined according to the success or failure of a carry flag derived by comparison. [Selected Figure] Fig. 24

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines, such as slot machines and pachinko machines.

A slot machine uses a predetermined number of gaming media and operates a start lever to perform a lottery to determine an internal winning combination from among multiple winning combinations, and also rotates multiple reels to determine the winning combination. The system is configured to stop the reels based on the internally won winning combination and the operation result of the stop button, and to award a profit according to the winning combination based on the manner of the stopped reels.

Some slot machines have advantageous sections that are advantageous to players. Regarding the setting of an advantageous section, there are known specifications in which a lottery is conducted to determine whether or not to set the advantageous section for each winning result, and specifications in which a table is referred to that determines whether or not to set the advantageous section for each winning result (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2021-65503 A

However, there is room for improvement in the way conventional gaming machines notify players of operations that are advantageous to them.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above circumstances, it is an object of the present invention to provide a game machine that has features regarding notification of operation contents that are advantageous to players.

The gaming machine of the present invention that solves the above object is:
A rotationally driven reel ,
a stop switch provided corresponding to the reel;
Winning result determining means for determining the winning result;
Notifying means for notifying notification information corresponding to the operation mode of the stop switch;
A game machine comprising:
When the transition condition is satisfied, the system is configured to shift to an advantageous section in which broadcasting of the broadcast information by the broadcasting means is permitted,
The player is configured to be able to determine as the winning result any one of the winning results of a plurality of operating modes in which operating modes that are advantageous to the player are defined (hereinafter referred to as "a certain operating mode winning result"). ,
A winning role number is associated with each winning result,
The plurality of operation mode winning results include a predetermined number of operation mode winning results that share the advantageous operation mode,
The winning results of the plurality of operation modes are configured such that numerical information is successively attached to each of the advantageous operation modes,
In notifying the notification information, when the winning result of the certain operation mode is determined as the winning result,
configured to execute a division process of dividing the value represented by the numerical information by the predetermined number,
configured to execute a process of determining the broadcast information based on the quotient value of the result of the division process,
The numerical information is configured such that the quotient value of the result of the division process is the same for each of the advantageous operation modes,
If the winning combination number corresponding to the winning result determined by the winning result determining means is equal to or greater than a specific value, the transition condition is satisfied and the winning combination is configured to move to the advantageous section;
If the winning combination number corresponding to the winning result determined by the winning result determining means is less than the specific value, the transition condition is not satisfied and the winning combination is configured not to shift to the advantageous section,
The winning combination number corresponding to the winning result determined by the winning result determining means is configured to be stored in a predetermined register,
The winning combination number stored in the predetermined register is compared with the specific value, and the winning combination number corresponding to the winning result determined by the winning result determining means is greater than or equal to the specific value. is configured to determine whether the carry flag is successful or not based on the success or failure of the carry flag derived by performing the comparison,
A game machine characterized by:

The present invention makes it possible to provide a gaming machine with features for notifying players of operations that are advantageous to them.

1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a front view of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention with a front door open. 1A to 1C are diagrams showing the pay lines of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention and diagrams showing the operation of a liquid crystal display device. 1 is a circuit block diagram of a control unit of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a two-dimensional development of the arrangement of symbols on each reel of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. This is a table showing the display mode and payout number for each operation content of some of the winning roles (mainly push order roles) of the slot machine of one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a transition diagram of a gaming state of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1A is a diagram showing the probability of winning the transition lottery to the pull-back zone, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the probability of winning the AT lottery during the pull-back zone, which is executed in the pull-back zone. It is a graph showing an example of an increase/decrease in the number of difference sheets when passing through a pullback zone. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing of a main control unit of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. 11 is a flowchart showing the flow of a main control unit timer interrupt process of the slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of first sub-control unit main processing, first sub-control unit command reception interrupt processing, and first sub-control unit timer interrupt processing of the slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. A flowchart showing the flow of the second sub-control unit main processing, second sub-control unit command reception interrupt processing, second sub-control unit timer interrupt processing, and second sub-control unit image control processing of a slot machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram for pointing out a problem in an example of a conventional slot machine in which a continuous performance is started and then the game shifts to an AT state. 14A is a diagram showing a detailed timing chart of the N+2 game and the N+3 game explained using FIG. 14(a), and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at each timing. 14B is a diagram showing a detailed timing chart of the N+2 game and the N+3 game explained using FIG. 14(b), and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at each timing. This figure shows detailed timing charts for the N+2th game and the N+3th game, in which irregular button presses were performed but no penalty occurred, and shows the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at each timing. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where an irregular push is performed during a continuous performance and an example of a case where an irregular push is performed during a non-continuous performance. This is a diagram showing the relationship between the ceiling counter and the game number display GMV when the settings are changed or when power is lost and restored. (a) is a schematic diagram of what happens when a penalty occurs during a continuous performance, as explained above; (b) is a diagram showing an example of the display of the game count display GMV when a penalty occurs, as explained above; (c1) is a conceptual diagram of a first modified example when a penalty occurs during a continuous performance; and (c2) is a diagram for explaining a second modified example when a penalty occurs during a continuous performance. 11A to 11C are diagrams showing a number of examples of the display form of the operation recommendation display REC displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. This figure shows an example of when an error message ERR is displayed while an operation recommendation message REC is displayed, or when a power outage occurs and is restored. (a) is a diagram showing winning combination data stored in the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300, and (b) is a flowchart of advantageous section transition processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an instruction monitor controlled by a CPU 304 of a main control unit 300. FIG. It is a figure which shows another example of the winning combination data shown to Fig.23 (a).

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

The slot machine of this embodiment is a gaming machine in which a predetermined number of gaming media are inserted, and multiple reels each decorated with multiple types of symbols begin to spin when a predetermined operation to start spin is received, and a lottery is held to determine whether multiple types of internal winning combinations have been won based on the reception of the operation to start spin, and each of the multiple reels stops spinning individually when a predetermined operation to stop spin is received. If the conditions determined by the combination of symbols when the multiple reels stop based on the results of the lottery and the combination of symbols based on the results of the lottery meet the predetermined payout conditions, gaming media are paid out and the game ends, but if they do not meet the conditions, the game ends without paying out any gaming media.

<Overall configuration>
First, the overall configuration of the slot machine 100 will be explained using FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 viewed from the front side (player side). FIG. 2 is a front view of the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open. FIG. 3(a) is a diagram showing the winning line.

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

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

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

In this embodiment, one winning line 114 is provided, which is a middle winning line L1 consisting of a left reel middle symbol (symbol position 2), a middle reel middle symbol (symbol position 5), and a right reel middle symbol (symbol position 8). ing. The winning line 114 is a line that is set at the stop position of symbols that are visible through the reel window 113, and is the line on which it is determined whether or not a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination has been displayed. . This winning line L1 is shown in FIG. 3(a). A valid winning line (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as "valid line") 114 is predetermined by the number of medals bet as gaming media. The slot machine 100 of this embodiment is a three-copy bet machine, and when the number of inserted medals is less than three, the winning line 114 is not activated, and when the number of inserted medals is three, the winning line 114 is not activated. 114 becomes valid. When the winning line 114 becomes valid, the game can be started by operating the start lever 135.

The pay lines (winning lines) are not limited to the one middle winning line L1 described above, but may be, for example, one upper pay line consisting of the upper left reel pattern (pattern position 1), the upper middle reel pattern (pattern position 4) and the upper right reel pattern (pattern position 7), or one lower pay line consisting of the lower left reel pattern (pattern position 3), the lower middle reel pattern (pattern position 6) and the lower right reel pattern (pattern position 9). Also, it may be one right-downward pay line consisting of the upper left reel pattern (pattern position 1), the middle middle reel pattern (pattern position 5) and the lower right reel pattern (pattern position 9), or one right-upward pay line consisting of the lower left reel pattern (pattern position 3), the middle middle reel pattern (pattern position 5) and the upper right reel pattern (pattern position 7). Alternatively, there may be one irregular effective line consisting of the middle symbol on the left reel (symbol position 2), the middle symbol on the middle reel (symbol position 5), and the top symbol on the right reel (symbol position 7). The number of winning lines 114 is not limited to one. For example, in addition to the middle winning line L1, a right-downward winning line consisting of the top symbol on the left reel, the middle symbol on the middle reel, and the bottom symbol on the right reel, and a right-upward winning line consisting of the bottom symbol on the left reel, the middle symbol on the middle reel, and the top symbol on the right reel, totaling three lines, may be set as effective winning lines, and a number of winning lines according to the number of bets may be set as effective winning lines.

The notification lamp 123 is, for example, a lamp that informs the player that a specific winning combination (specifically, a bonus combination) has been internally won in an internal lottery for winning combinations, which will be described later, or that a bonus game is in progress. be. The game medal insertion possible lamp 124 is a lamp for informing the player that game medals can be inserted. The replay lamp 122 indicates that the current game can be replayed (no need to insert medals) when a replay combination (details will be described later) is one of the winning combinations in the previous game. This is a lamp that informs the player of the

The medal insertion buttons (also called bet buttons) 130 to 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (called credits) electronically stored in the slot machine 100. In this embodiment, one medal is inserted each time the bet button 130 is pressed, two medals are inserted when the bet button 131 is pressed, and three medals are inserted when the bet button 132 is pressed. Hereinafter, the operation of the bet buttons 130 to 132 is also called a bet operation, and the bet button 132 is also called a MAX bet button. In this embodiment, a light-emitting body (called a bet button lamp) is provided inside the bet buttons 130 to 132, and when the bet buttons 130 to 132 can be operated, the light-emitting body can be turned on to notify the player. The game medal insertion lamp 129 turns on the lamps in the number corresponding to the number of medals inserted, and when the specified number of medals have been inserted, the game start lamp 121 is turned on to notify that the game start operation is possible.

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

The stored medal number display 125 is a display device for displaying the number of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for numerically displaying various internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during a bonus game). The payout number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals paid out to the player as a result of winning some winning combination. In this embodiment, the stored token number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout token number display 127 are composed of seven segment (SEG) displays.

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

The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137-139 consisting of a left stop button 137, a middle stop button 138, and a right stop button 139. The stop buttons 137-139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110-112 that have started to rotate by operating the start lever 135, and are provided in correspondence with each of the reels 110-112. More specifically, the left reel 110 can be stopped by operating the left stop button 137, the middle reel 111 can be stopped by operating the middle stop button 138, and the right reel 112 can be stopped by operating the right stop button 139.

Hereinafter, the operations on the stop buttons 137 to 139 will be referred to as a stop operation, the first stop operation will be referred to as a first stop operation, the next stop operation will be referred to as a second stop operation, and the last stop operation will be referred to as a third stop operation. Further, the reel that is the target of the first stop operation is called the first stop reel, the reel that is the target of the second stop operation is called the second stop reel, and the reel that is the target of the third stop operation is called the third stop reel. Furthermore, the order in which the stop buttons 137 to 139 are stopped in order to stop all of the rotating reels 110 to 112 is called an operation order or a pressing order. The operation order of the stop operation in which the first stop reel is the left reel 110 and the second stop reel is the middle reel 111 is called a "sequential push operation order" or simply "sequential push", and the first stop reel is the left reel 110. , the operation order of the stop operation in which the second stop reel is the right reel 112 is called "sequential nipping", and the operation order of the stop operation in which the first stop reel is the middle reel 111 is called the "middle press operation order" or simply "middle press". The operation order of the stop operation in which the first stop reel is the right reel 112 and the second stop reel is the middle reel 111 is called "reverse push operation order" or simply "reverse push", and the first stop reel is the right reel 112. The order of stop operations in which the reel 112 is used as the second stop reel and the left reel 110 is used as the second stop reel is called "reverse pinching." In this embodiment, a light emitting body (referred to as a stop button lamp) is provided inside each of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and when the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be operated, the light emitting body is turned on and the player can be informed.

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

A title panel 162 is provided at the bottom of the stop button unit 136 for displaying the model name and pasting various certificate stamps. A medal payout opening 155 and a medal receiving tray 161 are provided at the bottom of the title panel 162. The sound hole 145 is a hole for outputting sound from a speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. Side lamps 144 provided on the left and right sides of the front door 102 are decorative lamps to enliven the game. A title panel 160 and a sound hole 143 are provided at the top of the front door 102.

A liquid crystal display (performance image display) 157 is provided in the area including the reel window 113 and its surroundings. Of these, the area inside the reel window 113 (the area covering the reel window 113) is a so-called transmissive liquid crystal that allows the reels 110 to 112 to be viewed through the reel window 113.

The PUSH button 192 is a button that can be operated when executing a specified effect. In this embodiment, the history of the number of coins won in the AT state so far can be displayed based on the operation of the PUSH button 192. Note that in this embodiment, an illuminator (called a PUSH button lamp) is provided inside the PUSH button 192, and when the PUSH button 192 can be operated (can be accepted as a valid operation), the illuminator can be lit to notify the player.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open. The main body 101 is a box that is surrounded by a top plate 261, a left side plate 260, a right side plate 260, a bottom plate 264, and a back plate 242, and has an opening at the front. Inside the main body 101, a main control board storage case 210 that stores a main control board inside is arranged at a position that does not overlap with the ventilation hole 249 provided at the top of the back plate 242. Three reels 110 to 112 are arranged below. On the side of the main control board storage case 210 and the reels 110 to 112, that is, on the left side plate 260, there is a first sub-control board that stores therein a first sub-control board constituting the first sub-control unit 400. A board storage case 220 is provided. Furthermore, an external centralized terminal board 248 is attached to the side plate 260 on the right side as viewed from the outside, which is connected to the main control board and outputs information about the slot machine 100 to an external device.

A medal payout device 180 (a device for paying out medals accumulated in a bucket) is disposed on the bottom plate 264, and a power supply board is provided above the medal payout device 180, that is, below the reels 110 to 112. A power supply device 252 is provided, and a power switch 244 is provided in front of the power supply device 252. The power switch 244 can be operated by opening the front door 102, and is difficult or impossible to operate when the front door 102 is closed.

The power supply device 252 converts AC power supplied from the outside to the slot machine 100, converts it to a predetermined voltage, and powers each of the main control section 300, first sub-control section 400, second sub-control section 500, etc., which will be described later. Supplies to the control unit and each device. Furthermore, it is equipped with a power storage circuit (e.g., a capacitor) for supplying power to predetermined components (e.g., RAM 308 of the main control unit 300, etc.) for a predetermined period (e.g., 10 days) even after external power is cut off. There is.

A medal auxiliary storage 240 is provided on the right side of the medal payout device 180, and an overflow terminal is provided behind this storage (not shown). The power supply device 252 is provided with a power cord connection part to which a power cord 265 is connected, and the power cord 265 connected here extends to the outside through a power cord hole 262 formed in the back plate 242 of the main body 101. There is.

The front door 102 is hinged to the left side plate 260 of the main body 101 via a hinge device 276, and a second sub-control board constituting the second sub-control unit 500 is housed above the liquid crystal display device 157. A second sub-board case 230 and an upper speaker 272 are provided. At the bottom of the liquid crystal display device 157, there are provided a medal selector 170 for sorting the inserted medals, and a passage 266 through which the medals pass when the medal selector 170 drops fraudulent medals, etc. into the medal receiving tray 161. There is. Furthermore, a bass speaker 277 is provided at a position corresponding to the sound hole 145.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the liquid crystal display device 157 includes a transmissive color liquid crystal panel 157A equipped with a color filter, and a backlight 157B that illuminates the color liquid crystal panel 157A with white light from the back side. It is a liquid crystal display. The liquid crystal panel 157A is a rectangular panel that extends to both the inner region and the outer region of the reel window 113, and a well-known liquid crystal panel can be used. The liquid crystal panel 157A includes, for example, R, G, and B (red, green, and blue) filters for each pixel, and also has a liquid crystal between transparent substrates such as glass on which signal lines, switching elements, pixel electrodes, etc. are formed. A liquid crystal layer is formed by enclosing the liquid crystal layer, and this liquid crystal layer is sandwiched between polarizing plates. Although the liquid crystal panel 157A indicating the winning line may be of a normally white type, it is of a normally black type in this embodiment.

The backlight 157B includes a light guide plate, a light source such as an LED that irradiates the light guide plate, an optical member such as a diffusion sheet, and the like. The light source is arranged, for example, along the edge of the light guide plate, and the light propagating inside the light guide plate is reflected to the liquid crystal panel 157A. In the case of this embodiment, the backlight 157 has an opening 157b formed in the inner region of the reel window 113 and penetrating in the thickness direction, so that the player can view each reel 110 to 111 without using a light guide plate or the like. is visible. In this embodiment, backlights provided in each of the reels 110 to 112 are used to illuminate the portion where the liquid crystal panel 157A and the opening 157b overlap from behind. Since the reel band has a white color (or a milky white color), each reel 110 to 112 can realize illumination that is not much different from the backlight 157, and the backlight of each reel 110 to 112 is one part of the backlight 157. or the entirety thereof can also be referred to as a backlight unit.

In this embodiment, the opening 157b is a single rectangle whose outline matches the reel window 113, but it may be three rectangles corresponding to each of the reels 110 to 112 so as to fill the gaps between the reels. This improves the clarity of the image displayed in the gaps between the reels.

By blocking light transmission through the liquid crystal panel 157A, a black image appears to be displayed to the player. Also, by transmitting the backlight light equally through R, G, and B, a white image appears to be displayed to the player. When a white image is displayed, it can be said that the liquid crystal panel 157A has high transparency, and when R, G, and B are each controlled to their maximum brightness, it can be said that this is the state in which light is most transparent. The display of black, white, or other colors can be controlled on a pixel-by-pixel basis.

The operation of this liquid crystal display device 157 will be explained using FIGS. 3(b) to 3(d). This figure is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the liquid crystal display device 157.

FIG. 3(b) shows the state of the liquid crystal display device 157 when power is not supplied to the slot machine 100. As described above, in the case of this embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 157 is a normally black type liquid crystal display, and when the power is off, it appears to the player that a black image is displayed, and the reels 110 to 112 is in a state where it is difficult to see.

Figure 3(c) shows an example of the operation of the liquid crystal display device 157. This figure shows that the entire liquid crystal display device 157 is used to display an image. At this time, in the area inside the reel window 113, light from the reels 110 to 112 acts as a backlight, and the image on the liquid crystal display device 157 becomes visible in this area. However, the image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157 reduces the visibility of the patterns on the reels 110 to 112 (making them harder to see).

FIG. 3(d) shows an example of the operation of the liquid crystal display device 157 that is different from that shown in FIG. 3(c). In this figure, the area inside the reel window 113 is different from the example in (c) above. Specifically, by displaying a white image in the area inside the reel window 113, visibility of the reels 110 to 112 is ensured. In this embodiment, this state occurs after medals are inserted within one game. That is, in order to ensure the visibility of the reels 110 to 112, the state shown in FIG. 3(d) is maintained at least from the start to the stop of rotation of the reels 110 to 112.

The example of the effect display on the liquid crystal display device 157 described later will be an example displayed on the part of the liquid crystal panel 157A above the reel window 113.

Note that a stored number display section 125L is provided on the left side of the reel window 113, and a payout number display section 127L is provided on the opposite right side. The stored number display section 125L displays the same value as the stored number displayed on the stored number display 125, and the payout number display section 127L displays the same value as the payout number displayed on the payout number display 127. be done.

As described above, in this embodiment, the liquid crystal display device 157 is provided with an area that covers the reel window 113, displays a white image to make the reels 110 to 112 visible, and displays an image other than white. In this case, the visibility of the reels 110 to 112 is reduced. In order to improve the visibility of the reels 110 to 112, it is possible to set the transmittance of each pixel that makes up the image of the area covering the reel window 113, and the transmittance is set to 100% (transparent state). It's okay.

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

<Circuit configuration of control unit>
Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Note that Fig. 4 is a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

The control unit of the slot machine 100 is broadly composed of a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game, a first sub-control unit 400 that controls the main presentation in response to command signals (hereinafter simply referred to as "commands") sent by the main control unit 300, and a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on the commands sent by the first sub-control unit 400.

<Main control section>
First, the main control section 300 of the slot machine 100 will be explained. The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300, and this basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, control program data, lottery data used in internal lottery for winning combinations, and reel symbols. A ROM 306 for storing arrays, etc., a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, an I/O 310 for controlling input/output of various devices, a counter timer 312 for measuring time, number of times, etc., and a WDT. (watchdog timer) 314 is installed. Note that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 306 and RAM 308, and the same applies to the first sub-control unit 400 and second sub-control unit 500, which will be described later. However, in this embodiment, data is stored in a non-volatile manner. A ROM, which is a storage device that has a storage area for temporarily storing data, and a RAM, which is a storage device that has a storage area that temporarily stores data, are used together.

The CPU 304 of this basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output from the crystal oscillator 315b as a system clock. Furthermore, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits the frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312, and the counter timer 312 sets the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data. An interrupt request is sent to the CPU 304 at each interrupt time. The CPU 304 uses this interrupt request as a trigger to monitor each sensor and transmit drive pulses. For example, if the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1/256, and the frequency division data of the ROM 306 is set to 47, the reference time of the interrupt is 256 x 47 ÷ 8 MHz. =1.504ms.

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

In addition, the main control unit 300 includes a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 detects various sensors 318 (bet button 130 sensor, bet button 131 sensor, bet button 132 sensor, medal input from the medal slot 141) at each interrupt time. A medal reception sensor for medals, a start lever 135 sensor, a left stop button 137 sensor, a middle stop button 138 sensor, a right stop button 139 sensor, a payment button 134 sensor, a medal payout sensor for medals paid out from the medal payout device 180, and a left reel 110. , the index sensor of the middle reel 111, the index sensor of the right reel 112, the PUSH button 192 sensor, etc.) are monitored.

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

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

The bet button 130 sensor, bet button 131 sensor, and bet button 132 sensor are provided on the corresponding medal insertion buttons 130-132, respectively, and detect the insertion operation when medals electronically stored in RAM 308 are inserted as medals to be inserted into a game. The settlement button 134 sensor is provided on the settlement button 134. When the settlement button 134 is pressed once, the medals electronically stored are settled. The medal payout sensor is a sensor for detecting medals paid out by the medal payout device 180. Note that each of the above sensors may be a non-contact sensor or a contact sensor.

The index sensor of the left reel 110, the index sensor of the middle reel 111, and the index sensor of the right reel 112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting base of each reel 110 to 112, and a light shielding piece provided on the reel frame passes through them. Every time you do it, it becomes L level. The rotational position information indicating how far the reel is rotating from the reference position from once reaching the L level until the next time it becomes the L level is calculated based on the counted value of the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b. be done. When the CPU 304 detects the L level signal, it determines that the reel has rotated once, and resets the rotational position information of the reel to zero. This rotational position information is stored in the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300.

The main control unit 300 includes a drive circuit 322 that drives the stepping motors provided on the reels 110-112, a drive circuit 324 that drives a solenoid provided on the medal selector 170 that selects inserted medals, a drive circuit 326 that drives a motor provided on the medal payout device 180, and a drive circuit 328 that drives various lamps 339 (notification lamp 123, medal insertion possible lamp 124, replay lamp 122, medal insertion lamp 129, game start lamp 121, number of stored medals indicator 125, game information indicator 126, payout number indicator 127).

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

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

The main control unit 300 also has an output interface for sending commands to the first sub-control unit 400, enabling communication with the first sub-control unit 400. Note that information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 is one-way communication, and the main control unit 300 is configured to be able to send signals such as commands to the first sub-control unit 400, but is configured so that signals such as commands cannot be sent from the first sub-control unit 400 to the main control unit 300.

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

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

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

The first sub-controller 400 is also provided with a drive circuit 422, to which various lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 144, title panel 162 lamp, medal insertion possible lamp 124, bet button lamp, reel backlight, stop button 137-139 lamps, PUSH button lamp, etc.) are connected via an input/output interface.

Further, the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a sensor circuit 423, and the CPU 404 monitors the detection result of the door sensor 421 that detects the opening of the front door 102.

The CPU 404 also transmits and receives signals to the second sub-control unit 500 via the output interface. The second sub-control unit 500 controls the display of the liquid crystal display device 157.

Next, the second sub-control unit 500 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The second sub-control unit 500 has a basic circuit 502 that receives control commands sent by the first sub-control unit 400 via an input interface and controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on the control commands. This basic circuit 502 is equipped with a CPU 504, a RAM 508 for temporarily storing data, an I/O 510 for controlling input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 512 for measuring time, number of times, etc. The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 514 as a system clock. In addition, the second sub-control unit 500 has a ROM 506 in which control programs and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, data for image display, etc. are stored.

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

The second sub-control unit 500 is also provided with a VDP 534 (video display processor), to which a ROM 506 and a VRAM 536 are connected via a bus. The VDP 534 reads out image data and the like stored in the ROM 506 based on a signal from the CPU 504, generates a display image using the work area of the VRAM 536, and displays the image on the liquid crystal display device 157.

<Design arrangement>
The symbol arrangement on each of the reels 110 to 112 described above will be explained using FIG. 5. Note that this figure is a plan view showing the arrangement of symbols on each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112).

Each of the reels 110-112 has a predetermined number of frames (20 frames numbered 0-19) of symbols of multiple types (10 types in this embodiment) as shown on the right side of the figure. The numbers 0-19 shown on the left side of the figure indicate the arrangement position of the symbols on each of the reels 110-112. For example, in this embodiment, the "bell symbol" is arranged on the number 0 frame of the left reel 110, the "replay symbol" is arranged on the number 1 frame of the middle reel 111, and the "watermelon 1 symbol" is arranged on the number 1 frame of the right reel 112.

Note that the "Blue Seven 2 design" and the "Watermelon 2 design" are marked with star marks, which means that the "Blue Seven 2 design" and the "Watermelon 2 design" have the same design as the "Blue Seven 1 design" and the "Watermelon 1 design", but are different designs (also called designs of the same type). "Similar designs" include designs where the characters are the same but have different expressions, or the object (watermelon) is the same but has a different pattern. In this embodiment, star marks are added to make it easier to distinguish between designs of the same type.

<Type of winning role>
Next, types of winning combinations of the slot machine 100 will be explained.

The winning combinations of the slot machine 100 include a replay combination (replay) and a small combination. Note that the types of winning combinations are not limited to these winning combinations, and can be arbitrarily adopted. Among the winning combinations in this embodiment, the replay combination (replay) is a replay combination that allows replaying without inserting new medals, and is distinguished from the winning combination and may be called an "activation combination". . In this embodiment, "winning" includes a case where a symbol combination of an active combination that does not involve a payout of medals (does not involve a payout of medals) is displayed on the active line. included.

A replay is a winning role (operating role) that allows you to play the next game without inserting medals (gaming media) upon winning, and you can play the next game with the amount of bet set for that game, and no medals are paid out. A minor role is a winning role that pays out a set number of medals upon winning.

The winning combination in a game is one of the combinations that correspond to the internal winning combinations. These internal winning combinations are determined by a lottery (internal winning combination lottery) at the start of the game.

FIG. 6(a) is a diagram collectively showing the internal winning combinations of the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1.

The probability of winning an internal winning combination is determined by converting numerical data corresponding to the range of lottery data associated with each internal winning combination to numerical data within the range of random numbers obtained during the internal lottery (in this embodiment, 65536 ) is calculated by dividing the value by The lottery data is divided in advance into several numerical ranges, and each numerical range is associated with each internal winning combination and loss. In the winning combination internal lottery process to be described later, it is determined whether the random number value obtained as a result of executing the internal lottery is a value corresponding to the lottery data corresponding to any internal winning combination, and the internal winning combination is determined. In reality, this lottery data has settings 1 to 6 with different winning probabilities for at least one internal winning combination, and game parlor staff can arbitrarily select and set any of the settings. Can be done.

Regarding the setting values, while the winning probability of the internal winning combination is the same for each setting value, the winning probability of AT (ease of transition to AT), which will be described later, is different for settings 1 to 6. For example, in Setting 1, the AT lottery probability when a certain internal winning combination is determined is set to probability A, while in Setting 6, the AT lottery probability when a certain internal winning combination is determined is set to probability A. It is also possible to set the probability B to be higher than that.

In Figure 6 (a), the range of lottery data (lottery value) is indicated by letters. Replay 4 to Replay 7 all show (g), which indicates that the lottery value is the same. For example, (g) = 3000/65535. 1-piece role 1 to 1-piece role 8 all show (m), which also indicates that the lottery value is the same. Bell CLR1 to Bell RCL3 all show (n), which also indicates that the lottery value is the same.

The relationship between lottery values indicated by alphabets is (a) + (b) + (c) + (d) < (e) + (f) + (g) + (h) + (i) + (j) + ( The relationship is k) + (l) + (m) + (n).

In addition, the watermelon and cherry roles are rare roles with small lottery values.

<Types of internally elected roles>
Next, the internal winning combination (condition device) of the slot machine 100 will be explained using FIG. 6(b).

Figure 6 (b) is a table showing the display mode and payout number for each operation content of the common bell and push order role among the internal winning roles. The push order role refers to an internal winning role in which the winning role (the display mode of reels 110 to 112) differs depending on the content of the stop operation (in this embodiment, the operation sequence from the first stop operation to the third stop operation).

In this embodiment, (1) the stop operation of left, center, and right (stop operation with the first stop reel set to the left reel 110, the second stop reel set to the center reel 111, and the third stop reel set to the right reel 112) is an LCR operation, (2) the stop operation of left, right, and center (stop operation with the first stop reel set to the left reel 110, the second stop reel set to the right reel 112, and the third stop reel set to the center reel 111) is an LRC operation, (3) the stop operation of center, left, and right (stop operation with the first stop reel set to the center reel 111, the second stop reel set to the left reel 110, and the third stop reel set to the right reel 112) is a CLR operation, (4) A stop operation of center, right, and left (a stop operation in which the first stop reel is the center reel 111, the second stop reel is the right reel 112, and the third stop reel is the left reel 110) is sometimes referred to as a CRL operation, (5) a stop operation of right, left, and center (a stop operation in which the first stop reel is the right reel 112, the second stop reel is the left reel 110, and the third stop reel is the center reel 111) is sometimes referred to as an RLC operation, and (6) a stop operation of right, center, and left (a stop operation in which the first stop reel is the right reel 112, the second stop reel is the center reel 111, and the third stop reel is the left reel 110) is sometimes referred to as an RCL operation.

For example, if push order bells _CLR1 to 3 are internally won in the winning combination internal lottery, and (1) LCR operation or LRC operation is performed, it will be a loss or a 1-card winning combination, and a 0-card or 1-card winning combination. 1 medal is paid out, (2) If the CLR operation is performed, the bell is won and 9 medals are paid out, (3) If the CRL operation is performed, 1 medal is paid out. If you win a winning combination and 1 medal is paid out, and (4) RLC operation or RCL operation is performed, it will be a loss or a winning winning combination of 1 medal, and 0 or 1 medal will be paid out. . That is, in the push order Bells_CLR1 to _CLR3, when the CLR operation is performed, the bell is won and the maximum number of medals is paid out. Hereinafter, when the push order combination is internally elected, the operation content when the maximum number of medals is paid out may be referred to as "correct operation". In this embodiment, the correct operation means that the order of operations from the first stop operation to the third stop operation is correct.

Similarly, for push order Bell_CRL1 to 3, CRL operation is the correct operation, and in the case of CRL operation, the bell is won and nine medals are paid out. In addition, for push order bell_RLC1-3, RLC operation is the correct answer, and in the case of RLC operation, the bell is won and 9 medals are paid out, and for push order bell_RCL1-3, RCL operation is correct. In the case of RCL operation, the bell is won and nine medals are paid out.

On the other hand, for example, if the common bell is internally won in the winning combination internal lottery, the bell will be won and nine medals will be paid out regardless of the operation details. Hereinafter, the above-mentioned push order bells_CLR1 to 3, push order bells_CRL1 to 3, push order bells_RLC1 to 3, and push order bells_RCL1 to 3 will be collectively referred to as "push order bells." Of these "push order bells", push order bells_CLR1-3 and push order bells_CRL1-3 are called "middle first bell" for convenience of explanation, and push order bells_RLC1-3 and push order bells_RCL1-3 is sometimes called the "first bell on the right." In addition, the number of common bells to be paid out is 9 pieces, which is the same number as the pressed order bells, but it is not limited to this, and the number may be smaller than the pressed order bells, and by reducing the number of common bells, the normal state medal payout can be suppressed.

In this embodiment, there is no push order bell for which the correct answer is an LCR or LRC operation (forward push or forward sandwich), but there is a push order bell for which the correct answer is a CLR or CRL operation (middle push) and an RLC or RCL operation (reverse push or reverse sandwich). In other words, this is a specification called a biased bell. By using a biased bell, the number of balls put out in the normal state (non-AT state) can be reduced and the number of balls put out in the AT state can be increased. Note that a biased bell is a specification in which a push order other than the first left stop is more advantageous for play (for example, the number of coins paid out is greater or the probability of winning is higher) than the first left stop.

The display mode and payout amount for each operation when the internal winning role (condition device) is 1-coin role 1-8 and replay 1-7 are as shown in FIG. 6(b). "S Blue 7/BAR" in FIG. 6(b) means that the "Blue Seven 1" will line up on a single (1-line) winning line, or the "BAR" will line up. "Fake" means that even if the target symbol is announced and you press the button, the announced symbol will not line up. "Replay (Pink 7/W Blue 7 Fake)" means that you are informed to aim for the Pink Seven symbol or the Blue Seven symbol on a double (2-line) winning line, but the replay symbol will line up even if you press the button.

<Types of game states>
Next, a description will be given of the types and transitions of game states of the slot machine 100. Fig. 7 is a transition diagram of game states (specifically, AT game states) of the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100. The AT game states are game states related to presentation.

The game state of the slot machine 100 is roughly divided into a normal state and an AT state. The normal state is a state in which the operation navigation is not executed, and the AT state is a state in which the operation navigation may be executed. Here, the operation navigation is a notification effect that notifies the stop operation mode (information on the contents of the stop operation), and if the stop operation is performed according to the notification contents of the operation navigation, a favorable result is brought to the player. The operation navigation is roughly divided into (1) a push order navigation that notifies information including the operation order (push order) of the stop operation, and (2) a pattern navigation that notifies information including operation timing (for example, the pattern of the stop target). In other words, the push order navigation is an operation navigation that does not include the timing of the push, and the pattern navigation is an operation navigation that includes the timing of the push. In the case of this embodiment, for example, in the AT state, if the push order bell is internally won, the correct operation content (operation order) may be notified.

The normal state includes a normal stage, a challenge zone (hereafter abbreviated as CZ), and a pullback zone. The AT state includes a bonus state, a normal AT state, an added zone, and an ending state.

In addition to the seven gaming states mentioned above, there are also concepts of advantageous sections and non-advantageous sections. The non-advantageous section consists of a part of the period of the normal stage and a part of the period of the pullback zone, and the advantageous section is a period other than these. Therefore, the AT state is an advantageous section mode. The advantageous period in this embodiment is a period in which an upper limit difference in the number of sheets is set. Specifically, the upper limit difference in number of sheets is 2400 sheets. Here, the difference in number of medals is the cumulative value of the difference between the number of medals inserted and the number of medals paid out in one game (number of medals paid out - number of medals put in). The upper limit differential number of coins in the advantageous section is a value for determining the end of the advantageous section, and the differential number is updated according to the result of one game. Note that the advantageous section may be a period in which an upper limit number of games is set together with an upper limit differential number of coins, but the advantageous section in the slot machine 100 of the present embodiment does not have an upper limit on the number of games. Further, the advantageous section must be ended when the upper limit difference in number of sheets is reached, but it can be ended even if the upper limit difference in number of sheets is not reached. Further, although the upper limit differential number of coins is provided as an advantageous section, the technical idea of this embodiment can also be applied to a medalless gaming machine that does not use game media such as medals.

In non-advantageous zones, a lottery is not held to determine whether or not to transition from the normal state to the AT state. This is therefore a zone in which operation navigation is not executed. On the other hand, in advantageous zones, a lottery is held to determine whether or not to transition from the normal state to the AT state. This is why, if the lottery is won and the state transitions to the AT state, operation navigation may be executed. An advantageous zone is a zone in which it is possible to transition to the AT state, and a non-advantageous zone is a zone in which it is not possible to transition to the AT state.

When the setting is changed, it is set to a non-advantageous section and becomes a normal stage. If you win a winning combination other than a loss in the normal stage of the non-advantageous section, you will move to the advantageous section. When either the above-mentioned upper limit number of games or the above-mentioned upper limit difference number of coins is reached in the advantageous section, the period shifts to the non-advantageous section. Even in a non-advantageous zone (pullback zone) that has transitioned from an advantageous zone, if you win a winning combination other than a loss, you will transition to an advantageous zone.

In general, in order to realize a gameplay that increases the medal payout in a state advantageous to the player, such as an AT state, it is necessary to suppress the medal payout in the normal state. Furthermore, with regard to the stopping operation of the gaming machine, it is often recommended that the player perform the stopping operation (forward push or forward sandwich) with the first stopping operation being to the left. Therefore, in this embodiment, when a push order role is provided, a push order bell with a biased bell specification as shown in FIG. 6 is adopted as a method of realizing a gameplay that suppresses the medal payout in the normal state (there is no push order bell with the first stopping operation being to the left, but there are push order bells with the first stopping operation being to the right or during the first stopping operation being the correct answer), as shown in FIG. 6.

Note that in this embodiment, there is no push order bell in which the correct answer is the first stop operation left, but it may be provided separately. In this case, the internal winning probability of the push order bell whose correct answer is the first stop operation left is the internal winning probability of the push order bell whose correct answer is during the first stop operation, and the internal winning probability of the press order bell whose correct answer is the first stop operation left. It is sufficient to set it lower than the sum of the internal winning probabilities of the first bell.

Furthermore, this embodiment employs a gameplay feature in which the game shifts to the AT state when the number of games in the normal state after the end of the AT state reaches a predetermined threshold (hereinafter referred to as the number of ceiling games).

Furthermore, in this embodiment, a stop operation (forward push or forward sandwich) with the first stop operation to the left in the normal state is recommended, and in a game in which the push order bell is internally won in the normal state (non-AT state) of the advantageous zone, if a stop operation other than the first stop operation to the left (specifically, the first stop operation to the right during the first stop operation) is performed, a penalty is imposed. Here, the penalty is specifically a penalty related to the transition from the normal state to the AT state, and in this embodiment, (1) a lottery is not held to determine whether or not to transition from the normal state to the AT state in the game. Note that even if a lottery is held, the penalty may be a penalty that does not win the transition to the AT state. Also, (2) the value of the counter that counts the number of games in the normal state up to the ceiling game number (hereinafter referred to as the ceiling counter) is not updated (does not add). In this embodiment, the contents of these penalties (1) and (2) are adopted, but are not limited to these, and other contents may be used as long as they are penalties related to the transition from the normal state to the AT state. For example, when a stock lottery is held according to an internal winning role during a premonition in which the AT has already been determined (so-called during the main premonition), the stock lottery may not be held, or when an AT upgrade lottery is held during the main premonition to transition to a better AT according to an internal winning role, the penalty may be to suppress or not execute preferential processing. Also, although a penalty is given regarding transition to the AT state, a penalty regarding transition to the CZ may also be provided.

FIG. 7 shows the seven gaming states described above, and the transition conditions for these are indicated on the arrows. When the transition condition corresponding to each arrow is established, the gaming state transitions in the direction of the arrow.

The normal stage is the initial state after the setting is changed. If condition A is met in the normal stage (more specifically, after winning a role other than a miss in the normal stage of the non-advantageous zone, which is the initial state, and transitioning to the advantageous zone, a specific effect lottery based on a rare role (for example, a strong cherry) is won in the normal stage of the advantageous zone, and the specific effect begins and ends, transitioning to the AT normal state occurs. In this embodiment, the specific effect is a continuous effect that spans multiple games. The continuous effect may be, for example, a duel effect or a freeze effect. In addition, the continuous effect may be an effect that spans multiple games, and may be called a precursor effect because it occurs before the transition to the AT state. The specific effect lottery may be a 100% win, or it may be a mode in which the transition to the AT normal state is confirmed when a rare role is won.

When condition B is satisfied in the normal stage (more specifically, after winning a winning combination other than losing in the normal stage of the non-advantageous section which is the initial state and moving to the advantageous section, in the normal stage of the advantageous section, the winning combination is based on the winning combination) If you win the CZ transition lottery), you will transition to CZ. CZ is a gaming state for a finite period in which the number of games is fixed (for example, 10 games). If condition D is met in CZ (more specifically, if you win the bonus transfer lottery based on the winning combination in CZ), you will enter the bonus state, and if condition C is met in CZ (more specifically, if you win the bonus transfer lottery based on the winning combination in CZ), you will be transferred to the bonus state. If you do not win the lottery), you will move to the regular stage.

The bonus state is a gaming state for a limited period in which the number of games is fixed (for example, 30 games). Note that the bonus mentioned here is a pseudo bonus. When condition F is satisfied in the bonus state (more specifically, when the AT lottery based on the winning combination is won in the bonus state), the AT normal state is entered. If you win the AT lottery, you will be given the number of games you can stay in the AT normal state (hereinafter referred to as the number of AT awarded games). On the other hand, if condition E is satisfied in the bonus state (more specifically, if the AT lottery is not won in the bonus state), the stage shifts to the normal stage.

The slot machine 100 of this embodiment is designed to increase the number of balls in the AT normal state. AT If condition G is satisfied in the normal state (more specifically, if the winning combination is won in the bonus zone transfer lottery based on the winning combination), the game moves to the bonus zone. The add-on zone is a state in which an add-on lottery is executed to add on the number of AT awarded games. That is, in the AT normal state, it is possible to play games equal to the number of games in which the number of games awarded in this add-on zone is added to the initial number of AT awarded games awarded immediately after winning the AT lottery. The add-on zone is a gaming state for a limited period in which the number of games is fixed (for example, 10 games). When condition H is satisfied in the add-on zone (more specifically, when the add-on zone ends after playing the number of games), the AT normal state is entered. Note that the AT lottery number may not be awarded immediately after winning the AT lottery, and the initial number of games in the AT normal state may be determined in the add-on zone.

Further, when condition J is satisfied in the AT normal state (more specifically, when the ending transition condition is satisfied), the AT normal state is transitioned to the ending state. Here, the case where the ending transition condition is satisfied is the case where the difference in the number of sheets in the advantageous section is equal to or greater than the specified difference in number of sheets (here, 2200 sheets). That is, when the remaining number of sheets until reaching the upper limit difference number of sheets (here, 2400 sheets) at which the advantageous section ends becomes less than or equal to the predetermined number of sheets (here, 200 sheets), condition J is satisfied.

The ending state is the final state of the AT state (advantageous zone). When condition L is met in the ending state (more specifically, when the advantageous zone end condition is met and the pull-back zone transition lottery is won), the player transitions to the pull-back zone. The advantageous zone end condition is met when the difference in number of sheets in the advantageous zone reaches the upper limit of difference in number, 2400 sheets. Note that since the upper limit of difference in number is 2400 sheets, it is possible for the advantageous zone to end with more than 2400 sheets, taking into account the negative amount up to the AT state.

FIG. 8(a) is a diagram showing the transition winning probability of the pullback zone transition lottery.

The RAM 308 of the main control unit 300 includes a difference number counter that counts the upper limit difference number in the advantageous section, the above-mentioned ceiling counter, a counter that counts the number of AT granted games, etc., as well as a counter that counts the number of acquired AT normal states. A counter for the number of AT acquired coins is provided. When the AT acquisition number counter reaches a predetermined second value (500 coins in this case), the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 executes a pull-back zone transition lottery. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8(a), the transition winning probability in the pull-back zone transition lottery is about 10%, and the transition to the pull-back zone may occur. Strictly speaking, the transition winning probability (probability of transition) is 25/256, and the probability of no transition is 231/256. If you win the lottery to move to the pullback zone at this stage, condition K will be met when you have used all the AT granted games before reaching the upper limit differential number of coins at which the advantageous section ends in the AT normal state, and the withdrawal will be returned. Move to zone. If the vehicle moves to the pullback zone in this way, it remains in the advantageous zone. On the other hand, if the number of acquired coins in the AT normal state does not reach the predetermined second value (500 coins), the pullback zone transition lottery is not executed. Therefore, in this case, the probability of winning the pullback zone transition lottery is 0%. Before the number of coins acquired in the AT normal state reaches a predetermined second value (500 coins), the condition I is satisfied when the number of AT granted games is completely exhausted, and the game returns to the normal stage. If you return to the normal stage in this way, you will remain in the advantageous section.

In addition, when the AT acquisition number counter reaches a predetermined second value (500 coins in this case), the lottery to move to the pullback zone is a loss, and the AT acquisition number counter reaches a predetermined first value (the advantageous section ends. When the value (less than the upper limit difference number of coins, here 1000 coins) is reached, the pullback zone transition lottery is executed again. As shown in FIG. 8(a), the probability of winning when 1000 tickets are reached is 100%. After the number of acquired coins in the AT normal state reaches the predetermined first value (1000 coins) (winning the withdrawal zone transition lottery), but before reaching the upper limit difference number of coins at which the advantageous section ends in the AT normal state. Condition K is satisfied when all the number of AT granted games are used up, and the game moves to the pullback zone. Even when moving to the pullback zone in this way, the zone remains advantageous. Further, when the transition to the ending state occurs and the upper limit differential number of sheets (2400 sheets) at which the advantageous section ends is reached, condition L is satisfied and the flow shifts to the pullback zone. When transitioning from the ending state to the pullback zone, the transition is to a non-advantageous zone. The fact that the difference in the number of sheets in the advantageous section has reached the upper limit of 2400 sheets means that the number of sheets acquired in the AT normal state has reached 1000 sheets, and from the ending state it will definitely move to the pullback zone. It turns out.

Further, when the number of acquired coins in the AT normal state reaches the second value (500 coins), there is a probability of losing the pullback zone transition lottery about 90%. If the number of acquired coins in the AT normal state reaches the second value, there will be a loss, and even if the number of AT bonus games is used up before reaching the first value, Condition I will also be applied. Established and returns to normal stage. Even if you return to the normal stage in this way, it will remain in the advantageous section.

As explained above, the pull-back zone transition lottery is not executed unless the number of winnings in the AT normal state reaches 500, is executed if the number of winnings reaches 500, and always transitions to the pull-back zone if the number of winnings reaches 1000. This allows the player to have a game goal during the AT normal state, and also gives the player a sense of expectation that "if a lot of winnings come out, maybe even more will come out." Here, the AT winning number counter counts the number of winnings in the AT normal state, but it may also count the number of winnings in the AT normal state and the bonus state combined, or it may count the number of winnings in the entire AT state. In addition, the winning probability of the pull-back zone transition lottery may be different depending on the setting value, and the winning probability of the pull-back zone transition lottery may be higher for a high setting (e.g., setting 6) than for a low setting (e.g., setting 1). In this way, it is possible to acquire even more game value with a high setting. On the other hand, the winning probability of the pull-back zone transition lottery may be higher for a low setting (e.g., setting 1) than for a high setting (e.g., setting 6). By doing this, it is possible to obtain a lot of gaming value even at low settings.

In addition, in the normal AT state, a display such as "When you reach 1000 coins, you may be confirmed to be in the pull-back zone" may be displayed, allowing the player to visually confirm the game goal during the AT. Alternatively, in the normal AT state after winning the pull-back zone transition lottery and gaining the right to transition to the pull-back zone, a display that allows the player to identify that they will transition to the pull-back zone in the future can be displayed, increasing the player's motivation to continue playing.

The pull-back zone transition lottery may be executed when the upper limit difference in number of coins is reached, which is the end of the advantageous zone, or when all the AT-granting games have been played. In this case, the probability of winning the transition will differ depending on whether the number of coins won at the time of execution in the normal AT state has reached a predetermined second value (500 coins) or a predetermined first value (1000 coins), as shown in FIG. 8(a). Alternatively, the pull-back zone transition lottery may be executed when the number of coins won in the normal AT state has reached the predetermined second value and the predetermined first value, and when all the AT-granting games have been played.

In addition, when the number of games that give the AT is consumed after reaching a predetermined second value (500 coins) or a predetermined first value (1000 coins), and then the player moves to the pull-back zone, the advantageous zone continues without moving to the non-advantageous zone, but at the point when the number of games that give the AT is consumed, it may be determined whether or not to end the advantageous zone and move to the non-advantageous zone depending on whether a sufficient number of coins can be acquired in the remaining period of the advantageous zone in which the player is currently staying. The sufficient number of coins may be, for example, 2400 coins, or 1500 coins, which is less than 2400 coins. In other words, if a sufficient number of coins cannot be acquired, the current advantageous zone may be ended and moved to the non-advantageous zone so that a new advantageous zone can be started. This is to prevent the occurrence of an incident in which the player wins the AT in the pull-back zone and returns to the AT, but immediately moves to the ending state even though the number of coins acquired in the returned AT is small, causing dissatisfaction among the player.

The pullback zone is a finite play state with a fixed number of games (e.g., 15 games). The number of games in the pullback zone is less than the number of games in the bonus state, but more than the number of games in the add-on zone.

FIG. 8(b) is a diagram showing the AT winning probability of the AT lottery in the pullback zone executed in the pullback zone.

If AT is won in the AT lottery held for all roles within the 15 games (condition M shown in Figure 7 is met), the AT normal state will re-enter after the end of the pullback zone, and if AT is not won (as shown in Figure 7). If the condition N shown in FIG. If you have just moved to the pullback zone, you have returned to the non-advantageous zone, so if you lose and win, the AT lottery will not be held. Alternatively, even if an AT lottery is held and an AT is won, it will be treated as invalid. If you win a role other than a loser and move to an advantageous section, there is a possibility that you will win AT even if you win a loser. The diagram shown in FIG. 8(b) is an example. In addition, watermelon and weak cherry are used as weak rare roles, strong cherry and chance are used as strong rare roles, and the AT winning probability is 45% for weak rare roles and strong For rare roles, distribution may be made such as 100%. Further, the AT lottery during the pullback zone may be set differently depending on the setting value, so that the AT winning probability is higher with a high setting (for example, setting 6) than with a low setting (for example, setting 1). Good too. By doing this, it is possible to obtain even more gaming value if the setting is high. On the other hand, the AT winning probability may be higher with a low setting (eg, setting 1) than with a high setting (eg, setting 6). By doing so, it is possible to obtain a large amount of gaming value even with a low setting.

Note that even if AT is won, the pullback zone is maintained until the 15 games are played, but the AT normal state may be entered from the next game in which AT is won. Furthermore, before transitioning from the ending to the pullback zone, a pullback zone preparation state for several games may be provided, and this pullback zone preparation state may provide an opportunity to return from a non-advantageous section to an advantageous section. In this case, a preparation effect that can specify or suggest that the pullback zone is in the preparation state may be executed. Then, when the vehicle moves to the advantageous zone in the preparation state, the pullback zone starts.

Figure 9 is a graph showing an example of the increase or decrease in the difference in number of coins when passing through the pullback zone.

In FIG. 9, the vertical axis represents the number of game media (number of medals), and the horizontal axis represents the passage of time. As described above, the difference in number represented by the graph in FIG. 9 is the cumulative value of the difference between the number of medals inserted and the number of medals paid out in one game (number of medals paid out - number of medals inserted). The setting is changed, and the difference in number is reset to 0. In addition, the setting is changed, and the game state becomes normal. During the normal state, the difference in number decreases, but when the game transitions to the AT state (first time), it starts to increase. When the number of AT-granted games is consumed in the AT normal state, the number of medals won in the AT normal state reaches 500, and a lottery for transition to the pull-back zone is executed. However, the probability of winning is about 10% as shown in FIG. 8(a) (Condition I shown in FIG. 7 is met), and the game transitions to the second normal state. During the second normal state, the difference in number also decreases, but when the game transitions to the AT state (second time), it starts to increase, and the difference in number increases to a positive value. Eventually, the number of games that give the AT is consumed even in the AT state (second time). The number of coins won in the AT normal state exceeds 1000 coins (condition K shown in FIG. 7 is met), and the game moves to the pullback zone. The pullback zone is in the normal state, and the operation navigation is not executed, so the difference in coins decreases. The AT lottery is won during the pullback zone, and after the pullback zone ends after 15 games, the game moves to the AT state (third time). In the AT state (third time), the difference in coins reaches the upper limit of 2400 coins. As a result, condition L shown in FIG. 7 is met, and the game moves to the pullback zone. In addition, the advantageous zone is reset and becomes a non-advantageous zone. In the pullback zone, the difference in coins decreases, the AT lottery cannot be won during the pullback zone, and after the pullback zone ends after 15 games, the game moves to the normal state.

As explained above, in the slot machine 100 of the present embodiment, if the number of coins acquired in one AT state is 1000 or more, the slot machine 100 always moves to the pullback zone. In addition, the pullback zone transition lottery is executed when the conditions for ending the advantageous section are met and when the number of AT granted games is used up in the AT normal state, but in addition, when the AT normal state is entered, Even when the number of coins reaches 500, a lottery for moving to the pull-back zone may be held, and if the lottery is won, the right to move to the pull-back zone may be suspended until the number of AT granted games is exhausted. By doing this, even if the number of acquired coins does not reach 1000, you will have more opportunities to acquire the right to move to the pullback zone, and you will be able to increase your chances of gaining the right to move to the pullback zone, and you will be able to increase your chances of gaining the right to move to the pullback zone. It becomes easier to perform. As an inciting performance, for example, a performance that can specify or suggests that you will be transferred to the withdrawal zone if you win the withdrawal zone transition lottery may be executed, or a performance that can specify or suggest that you will be transferred to the withdrawal zone if you win the withdrawal zone transition lottery, or when the number of acquired coins approaches 500 (for example, , 450 pieces), the number of acquired pieces displayed on the screen in the AT state may blink or change color, or may blink or change color when 500 pieces are reached. .

Note that instead of the number of coins acquired in one AT state, the number of coins acquired in one advantageous period may be used. Furthermore, if the number of AT-granting games is exhausted without any additional AT-granting games being added, the winning probability of moving to the pull-back zone may be increased to more than about 10%.

Note that the number of acquired sheets may refer to a virtual difference number of sheets instead of the actual number of acquired sheets. The virtual difference number of coins mentioned here is the expected number of coins assuming that the game value is acquired as expected by the gaming machine. For example, in the normal state (non-AT state), the number of coins actually acquired by sequential pressing is counted. The number of cards obtained by performing an irregular push in the normal state is treated as 0 (not counted). A fair game machine can be provided because the game value obtained by playing in a way that is not recommended is not counted. To count the number of coins that can be obtained by operating in the correct operation order even if the user does not follow the operation navigation in an AT state. That is, even if the push order navigation is ignored, the number of sheets is counted as if the push order navigation was followed. Even if you make a mistake in the order of pressing during the AT state, in the pull-back zone transition lottery, the transition lottery will be performed assuming that you have performed the correct operation. As a result, even though there were actually more than 1000 pieces, due to the wrong press order, you could only get 990 pieces, and you would miss the lottery to move to the pull-back zone and be unable to move to the pull-back zone. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from being disadvantaged.

In addition to a difference number counter that counts the pure difference in number of coins, the gaming machine is also provided with a counter that counts the virtual difference in number of coins (virtual difference number counter). The initial value of this virtual difference number counter is greater than 0. Even if the count value falls below the initial value in the gaming situation, there is a margin before the negative range, and the counting period without taking the negative into consideration becomes longer. In addition, the absolute value on the negative side of the initial value of the virtual difference number counter (second absolute value) is greater than the absolute value on the positive side of the initial value (first absolute value). Even if the acquired difference number exceeds the value obtained by subtracting the first absolute value from the initial value due to the player's gaming situation, there is still room for the player to make up for it.

Furthermore, the difference number counter counts the difference in the positive range (ignores the negative part of the number of paid out coins - the number of inserted coins and only counts the positive part), and calculates the actual number of paid out coins in a day including the negative part. - A measurement counter is also provided to count the number of sheets inserted. The difference number counter and the virtual difference number counter are not initialized when the power is restored after a power outage, but the actual measurement counter is initialized when the power is restored. By preventing the difference number counter and virtual difference number counter from being initialized when the power is restored after a power outage, they will not be initialized even when the power is turned on before the store opens, and by inheriting the count value from the previous day, We can expect that the operation will improve.

According to the above description,
"Reels that stop spinning by a stop operation [for example, left reel 110, center reel 111, right reel 112],
A notification means (e.g., a liquid crystal display device 157);
A control means (e.g., a main control unit 300) for controlling the transition of a game state;
A gaming machine equipped with
The control means is a means capable of transitioning the game state to an announcing game state [for example, an AT state (AT normal state, ending state)] in which the announcing means can notify an operation mode advantageous to the player in the stopping operation [for example, a stopping operation in which the first stop reel is the center reel 111, the second stop reel is the right reel 112, and the third stop reel is the left reel 110],
The control means is a means for transitioning to a special game state (e.g., a pull-back zone) that can transition to the notification game state after the notification game state ends when a first condition (e.g., the number of game media acquired in the AT state is 1,000 or more) is satisfied in the notification game state.
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He explained:

With this gaming machine, the player may aim to achieve the first condition in the notification game state, which is expected to increase the player's motivation to participate. Furthermore, by providing the special game state even after the notification game state ends, the player is motivated to continue playing, and the player's motivation to play can be actively increased.

Also,
``Even if the first condition is not satisfied in the notification gaming state, the control means may cause the transition to the special gaming state when the notification gaming state ends [e.g. , Even if the number of game media acquired in the AT state is less than 1000 pieces, if it is 500 pieces or more, you may win the transition lottery],
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Also,
``The first condition is a condition that is satisfied when the acquisition status of game value [for example, medals] in the notification gaming state is a predetermined first situation [for example, 1000 coins or more],
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

If the game value acquisition situation is the above-mentioned first predetermined situation, it is possible to give the player a sense of expectation that the number of balls dispensed may be increased.

Also,
``The control means is means for transitioning to the special game state when the notification game state ends when the first condition is not satisfied but the second condition is satisfied in the notification game state. can be,
The second condition is a predetermined second situation [for example, 500 or more coins and less than 1000 coins] in which the game value acquisition status in the notification gaming state does not satisfy the predetermined first situation, and the transition lottery [ For example, the condition is satisfied if you win [for example, the winning probability of about 10% shown in FIG. 8(a)].
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Even if the first predetermined condition is not met, the player is given the opportunity to transition to the special game state, which helps prevent loss of interest in the game.

Also,
" Equipped with advantageous areas that are advantageous to players,
The notification game state is one of the game states in the advantageous zone,
The advantageous zone may end when the game value acquisition status in the advantageous zone reaches a predetermined third status [for example, 2,400 or more],
The notification game state may end when the acquisition status of the game value in the advantageous zone reaches the predetermined third status,
the predetermined third situation is a situation exceeding the predetermined first situation,
When the advantageous zone ends and the notification game state transitions to the special game state [e.g., a pull-back zone] [e.g., when condition L shown in FIG. 7 is satisfied], the special game state may be a game state in a new advantageous zone [e.g., an internal win for a role other than a miss],
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

If a new advantageous section is started in the special gaming state, it is possible to secure the maximum amount of gaming value that can be acquired in the advantageous section.

<Slot machine operation>
Next, the processing of the main control unit 300, the first sub-control unit 400, and the second sub-control unit 500 will be explained using the drawings.

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

As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with a start-up signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 338 that outputs a start-up signal (reset signal) when power is applied. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 that receives this start-up signal is reset and started by a reset interrupt, and executes the main control unit main processing shown in FIG. 10 according to a control program previously stored in the ROM 306.

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

In step S103, a game start process is executed. In this process, a check is made to see if medals have been inserted (by hand or by operating the bet buttons 130 to 132), and if medals have been inserted, preparations are made to send an insertion command indicating this. If a replay was won in the previous game, a process is performed to insert the same number of medals as the number inserted in the previous game, eliminating the need for the player to insert medals. In addition, a check is made to see if the start lever 135 has been operated after the specified number of medals (2 or 3) have been used, and if the start lever 135 has been operated, the number of medals inserted and the valid winning lines are confirmed, and the game begins.

In step S105, various lottery processes including an internal winning combination lottery process and the like are executed.

In step S107, reel stop data corresponding to the first stop operation is prepared based on the result of the internal winning role lottery. This reel stop data is stored in the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300.

In step S109, on the condition that the play interval timer (which is subtracted in the timer update process described below) is 0, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate, and an initial value is set to the play interval timer. When the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate, preparations are made to send a reel rotation start command to the first sub-control unit 400. After that, when the reels 110 to 112 reach a predetermined rotation speed and the optical sensors provided on each reel detect and grasp the pattern positions of each reel, the stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is enabled. The play interval counter ensures the minimum time required for one play (4.1 seconds in this embodiment), reducing the risk of gambling.

In step S111, a reel stop control process is executed. In this process, when any of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is pressed after the stop operation is enabled, the reel 110 to 112 corresponding to the pressed stop button 137 to 139 is stopped. Specifically, each time a stop operation is performed, the stop table of the reel stop data is referenced, and the reel 110 to 112 corresponding to the stop operation is stopped according to the number of reel-in frames set in the stop table. In addition, for the first stop operation, reel stop data corresponding to the second stop operation is prepared, and for the second stop operation, reel stop data corresponding to the third stop operation is prepared. In addition, for each stop operation, preparations are made to send the corresponding command (first to third press commands) to the first sub-control unit 400, and each time the reels 110 to 112 stop, preparations are made to send the corresponding command (first to third stop commands) to the first sub-control unit 400. When all the reels 110 to 112 have stopped, the process proceeds to step S113.

In step S113, a winning determination process is performed. Here, if a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination is displayed on an activated winning line, it is determined that the winning combination has been won. After determining the winning combination, preparations are made to send a winning command to the first sub-control unit 400.

In step S115, if a winning combination that entails a payout has been achieved, the number of medals corresponding to that winning combination is awarded (paid out), and the number of medals awarded is displayed using the payout number display 127.

In step S117, a state update process is executed to update various states in the slot machine 100. For example, the difference number counter that counts the upper limit difference number in the advantageous zone, which is provided in the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300, is updated, the ceiling counter described above is updated, the counter that counts the number of games in which the AT is awarded, and the AT acquisition number counter described above is updated.

This completes one game. After this, the game will proceed by returning to step S103 and repeating the above-mentioned process.

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

The main control unit 300 is equipped with a counter timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined cycle (approximately once every 2 ms in this embodiment), and this timer interrupt signal is used as a trigger to start main control unit timer interrupt processing at the predetermined cycle.

In step S201, a timer interrupt start process is performed. This timer interrupt start process includes processes such as temporarily saving the values of each register of the CPU 304 to a stack area.

In step S203, WDT314 is periodically restarted (in this embodiment, once every 2 ms, which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt) so that the count value of WDT314 does not exceed the initial setting value (32.8 ms in this embodiment) and a WDT interrupt does not occur (so that a processing abnormality is not detected).

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

In step S207, various game processes are executed, and processes according to the interrupt status are executed.

In step S209, a timer update process is performed. For example, a process is executed to update various timers according to their respective time units, such as subtracting from the game interval timer.

In step S211, a command setting and sending process is performed, and various commands that have been prepared for sending by the main processing of the main control unit 300, timer interrupt processing, etc., are sent to the first sub-control unit 400. The output schedule information sent to the first sub-control unit 400 is composed of strobe information (when on, it indicates that data is set), command type (in this embodiment, basic command, input command, start lever acceptance command, internal winning command, performance command associated with performance lottery processing, reel rotation start command associated with the start of rotation of the reels 110 to 112, first to third press commands associated with the acceptance of the operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139, first to third stop commands associated with the stopping of the reels 110 to 112, winning command, payout number command and payout end command associated with the medal payout processing, status update command, item addition command, acquired point command, setting change command, power recovery command), and command data (predetermined information corresponding to the command type).

The first sub-control unit 400 is able to determine the presentation control in response to changes in game control in the main control unit 300 based on the command type contained in the received output schedule information, and is also able to determine the content of the presentation control based on the command data information contained in the output schedule information.

In step S213, an external signal setting process is performed. In this external signal setting process, the game information stored in the RAM 308 is output to an information input circuit 652, which is separate from the slot machine 100, via the information output circuit 334.

In step S215, device monitoring processing is performed. In this device monitoring process, first, in step S205, the signal states of the various sensors 318 stored in the signal state storage area are read out, and the presence or absence of errors related to medal insertion abnormalities, medal dispensing abnormalities, etc. is monitored, and if an error is detected, (Illustration omitted) Executes error handling. Furthermore, the medal blocker 171, various lamps 339, and various 7-segment (SEG) indicators are set according to the current gaming state.

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

In step S219, timer interrupt end processing is performed. In this timer interrupt end processing, the values of each register temporarily saved in step S201 are set back to the original registers, and other processing is performed. After that, the processing returns to the main processing of the main control unit shown in FIG. 10.

On the other hand, in step S221, information that needs to be saved, such as specific variables and stack pointers for restoring the state at the time of power outage when power is restored, is saved in a specified area of RAM 308, a checksum value for the specified area that includes at least the used area of RAM 308 is derived and stored in RAM 308, and a power flag indicating that power outage processing has been performed is set to ON.

<Processing of the first sub-control unit>
Next, the processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be explained using FIG. 12. Note that FIG. 12A is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400. FIG. 12(b) is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing by the first sub-control unit 400. FIG. 12C is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing by the first sub-control unit 400.

First, the main processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be explained using FIG. 12(a).

When the power is turned on, initialization processing is first executed in step S301. In this initialization process, initialization of input/output ports, initialization of the storage area in the RAM 408, etc. are performed. Through this process, an area for storing internal winning information, which is information representing the result of internal winning, and an area for storing RT update information, which is information representing the gaming state, are provided in the RAM 408, respectively.

In step S302, it is determined whether the timer variable is 10 or more, and this process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process moves to step S303.

In step S303, the timer variable is assigned the value 0.

In step S304, command processing, which is processing corresponding to each command received from the main control unit 300, is executed.

In step S305, a performance control process is performed. Here, preparation for the performance is performed according to the performance reservation information in the performance reservation area provided in RAM 408. This preparation includes, for example, performing a process such as reading the performance data from ROM 406, and updating the performance data if it is necessary to update the performance data.

In step S306, sound control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S305. For example, if the performance data read in step S305 contains a command to the sound source IC 418, this command is output to the sound source IC 418.

In step S307, lamp control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S305. For example, if the performance data read in step S305 includes commands for the various lamps 420, these commands are output to the drive circuit 422.

In step S309, an information output process is performed to set up sending a command to the second sub-control unit 500 based on the processing result of step S305. For example, if the performance data read in step S305 contains a command to send to the second sub-control unit 500, settings are made to output this control command, and the process returns to step S302.

Next, the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described using FIG. 12(b). This command reception interrupt processing is processing that is executed when the first sub-control unit 400 detects a strobe signal output by the main control unit 300. In step S401 of the command reception interrupt processing, the command output by the main control unit 300 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command memory area provided in the RAM 408.

Next, using FIG. 12(c), the first sub-control unit timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined period (once every 2 ms in this embodiment), and executes the timer interrupt processing at a predetermined period in response to this timer interrupt.

In step S501, 1 is added to the value in the timer variable storage area of the RAM 408 described in step S302 in the first sub-control unit main processing shown in FIG. 12A, and the value is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S302, it is determined that the value of the timer variable is 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms×10).

In step S502, the command set in step S309 is sent to the second sub-control unit 500, and the random number values for performance are updated.

<Processing of second sub-control unit>
Next, the processing of the second sub-control unit 500 will be explained using FIG. 13. Note that FIG. 13A is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. FIG. 13(b) is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing by the second sub-control unit 500. FIG. 13(c) is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing by the second sub-control unit 500. FIG. 13(d) is a flowchart of image control processing by the second sub-control unit 500.

First, in step S601 of FIG. 13(a), various initial settings are performed. When the power is turned on, initialization processing is first performed in step S601. In this initialization process, initialization of input/output ports, initialization of the storage area in the RAM 508, initialization of the storage area in the VRAM 518, etc. are performed.

In step S602, it is determined whether the timer variable is 10 or more, and this process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process moves to step S603.

In step S603, 0 is assigned to the timer variable.

In step S604, command processing is performed. In command processing, the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500 determines each command received from the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 .

In step S605, performance control processing is performed. Specifically, if a new command is received in step S604, processing corresponding to this command is performed. For example, processing is executed to read performance data for image control related to the background image from ROM 506. In addition, processing is executed to read other performance data from ROM 506, and if the performance data needs to be updated, processing to update the performance data is executed.

In step S606, image control processing (described in detail below) is performed based on the processing result of step S605. For example, if the performance data read in step S605 contains an image control command, image control corresponding to this command is performed. For example, image control related to the display image (notification image, background image) is executed. When this image control processing is completed, the process returns to step S602.

Next, the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500 will be described using FIG. 13(b). This command reception interrupt processing is processing that is executed when the second sub-control unit 500 detects a strobe signal output by the first sub-control unit 400.

In step S701 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output by the first sub-control unit 400 is stored as an unprocessed command in the command storage area provided in the RAM 508.

Next, using FIG. 13(c), we will explain the second sub-control unit timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. The second sub-control unit 500 is equipped with a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined period (once every 2 ms in this embodiment), and executes the timer interrupt processing at a predetermined period in response to this timer interrupt.

In step S801, 1 is added to the value in the timer variable storage area of the RAM 508 described in step S602 in the second sub-control unit main processing shown in FIG. 13A, and the value is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S602, it is determined that the value of the timer variable is 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms×10).

In step S802, processing for updating the random number value for effect, etc. is performed.

Next, the image control process of step S606 in the main process of the second sub-control unit 500 will be described using FIG. 13(d). This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of image control processing.

In step S901, an image data transfer instruction is issued. Here, the CPU 504 first swaps the drawing area designations of the display area A and the display area B of the VRAM 536. As a result, one frame of the image stored in the display area that is not designated as the drawing area is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157. Next, the CPU 504 sets ROM coordinates (transfer source address of ROM 506), VRAM coordinates (transfer destination address of VRAM 518), etc. in the attribute register of VDP 516 based on the position information table, and then transfers the image from ROM 506 to VRAM 518. Set the command to start data transfer. The VDP 516 transfers image data from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 518 based on instructions set in the attribute register. Thereafter, the VDP 516 outputs a transfer end interrupt signal to the CPU 504.

In step S902, it is determined whether or not a transfer end interrupt signal is input from the VDP 516. If the transfer end interrupt signal is input, the process advances to step S903; otherwise, the transfer end interrupt signal is input. wait until

In step S903, parameters are set based on the performance scenario configuration table, attribute data, and the like. Here, in order to form a display image in the display area A or B of the VRAM 518 based on the image data transferred to the VRAM 518 in step S901, the CPU 504 displays information on image data constituting the display image (coordinate axes of the VRAM 518, image size , VRAM coordinates (location coordinates), transparency, etc.) to the VDP 516. The VDP 516 performs parameter settings according to attributes based on instructions stored in the attribute register.

In step S904, a drawing instruction is given. In this drawing instruction, the CPU 504 instructs the VDP 516 to start drawing an image. The VDP 516 starts drawing an image in the frame buffer according to instructions from the CPU 504.

In step S905, it is determined whether a generation end interrupt signal has been input from VDP 516 based on the end of image drawing. If a generation end interrupt signal has been input, the process proceeds to step S906; if not, the process waits for the generation end interrupt signal to be input.

In step S906, the scene display counter, which is set in a specified area of RAM 508 and counts how many scene images have been generated, is incremented (+1), and the process ends.

Next, we will explain an example of a transition from a continuous performance to an AT state.

The RAM 308 of the main control unit 300 is provided with a premonition G number A counter, and the RAM 408 of the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a premonition G number B counter. In condition A shown in FIG. 7, the AT state (AT normal state) is entered when the continuous performance ends. Here, the continuous performance becomes a duel performance, which is executed over four games, and when the duel performance ends, the AT state is entered. The game during which the continuous performance is being executed corresponds to the game that is a premonition of the transition to the AT state. Whether the premonition G number A counter or the premonition G number B counter is a counter that counts the remaining number of games that are premonitions before the transition to the AT state. The premonition G number A counter is a counter for managing the transition to the AT state to earn balls, and is managed by the main control unit 300. On the other hand, the premonition G number B counter is a counter for performance management, and is managed by the first sub-control unit 400.

Fig. 14 is a diagram for pointing out a problem in an example in which a continuous performance starts and then transitions to an AT state in a conventional slot machine. In Fig. 14, the progression is from left to right in both Fig. 14(a) in the upper row and Fig. 14(b) in the lower row.
14 shows the number of plays (number of games), winning combinations, push order, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, the occurrence of penalties, the performance progress, the count value of the premonition G number A counter, and the count value of the premonition G number B counter. The display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 is controlled based on the value of the premonition G number B counter managed by the first sub-control unit 400.

In FIG. 14(a) shown in the upper row, a rare combination (for example, strong cherry) is won, and continuous performance starts from the Nth game. That is, performance 1 of the continuous performance is executed, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a notification image (a mission image of "defeat the master swordsman") notifying that the duel performance will start. . At the stage when a rare combination (for example, strong cherry) is won, a value of "4" is set in both the precursor G number A counter and the precursor G number B counter. The count value of the precursor G number A counter in this Nth game is updated from "4" to "3", and the count value of the precursor G number B counter is also updated from "4" to "3". .

In the N+1th game, performance 2 of the continuous performance is executed, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a scene in which the enemy swordsman appears. The count value of the precursor G number A counter in this N+1 game is decreased by one due to the update to "2", and the count value of the precursor G number B counter is also "2".

In the N+2nd game, performance 3 of the consecutive performances is executed, and a scene in which the lord, the protagonist, and the master swordsman, the villain, face off against each other, is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. The count value of the premonition G count A counter in this N+2th game is further decremented by one due to updating to "1", and the count value of the premonition G count B counter is also "1". Note that the winning role here is the push order bell, whereas the previous winning roles had been misses, but since it is in the normal state (not the AT state), the operation navigation is not executed, and the push order stop operation is performed with the first stop operation being to the left.

In the game N+3 (fourth game after the start of the continuous performance), performance 4 (corresponding to the last performance) of the continuous performance is executed, and the main character's lord is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. A scene in which the character has won against the enemy swordsman is displayed, and the transition to AT is announced. In this N+3 game, the count value of the precursor G number A counter is updated to "0", and the count value of the precursor G number B counter is also updated to "0".

In the N+4th game, the normal state is shifted to the AT state (AT normal state). The liquid crystal display device 157 displays a notification screen (AT start screen on which "AT start" is displayed) that notifies the transition to the AT state based on the count value of the precursor G number B counter being "0". ) is displayed. Also, based on the fact that the count value of the portent G number A counter is "0", the main control unit 300 is allowed to send information regarding the operation order of the winning combination to the first sub-control unit 400. Become. As a result, on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, a display of "321" (reverse push operation navigation display) is displayed to notify the correct operation of the push order bell which is the winning combination.

Figure 14(b) shown in the lower part shows an example in which a consecutive performance is executed in the same way as in the upper part of Figure 14(a), but a penalty occurs in a game midway through the consecutive performance. The following will focus on the differences from the example shown in the upper part of Figure 14(a).

Let me once again summarize the penalties. First, (a) the game must be in a normal state in an advantageous section (not in a non-advantageous section or in an AT state), (b) the game must have been internally won for the push order bell, and (c) the first stop operation. When all of the conditions (a) to (c) are met, that a stop operation (so-called irregular press) is performed other than on the left (specifically, during the first stop operation, on the right of the first stop operation) acts are subject to penalties. In other words, just making an irregular push does not result in a penalty. This prevents you from finding a strategy by repeating irregular presses, and also prevents excessive penalties. However, a penalty may be given regardless of the winning combination, such as the push order bell (penalty given by (a) + (c)). In addition, as will be described later, when an irregular press is performed, a recommended operation display such as "Press left is recommended" is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157, regardless of whether a penalty is given, to make the recommended press known to the players. Plan.

Also, no penalty will be incurred in non-advantageous sections. This means that if an irregular push is performed in a non-advantageous section and the transition to an advantageous section is prohibited, it becomes possible to continue making irregular pushes in the non-advantageous section and earn more medals. Therefore, it is meaningful to prevent such things. Further, the first game after the setting change may be considered as the timing for transitioning from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section, but the first game after the setting change is often when the game parlor opens. First thing in the morning, the reel is not warmed up, it takes time for the reel to accelerate, and the timing at which the stop operation can be accepted tends to be slightly delayed. Therefore, even though the player presses the left stop button 137 in the first operation, there is a possibility that the above-mentioned timing is shifted and the timing when the middle stop button 138 is actually pressed becomes the above-mentioned timing. Since it would be cruel to the player to impose a penalty in such a case, no penalty is imposed in the non-advantageous section.

When an action subject to a penalty is performed, (1) no lottery is held to determine whether or not the game will transition from the normal state to the AT state. (2) The value of the ceiling counter, which counts the number of games in the normal state up to the ceiling game number, is not updated. Furthermore, in this example, (3) the count value of the premonition G number A counter is not updated either. The following penalties are incurred.

In the example shown in FIG. 14(b), in the N+2th game (performance 3 of the consecutive performances), a stop operation is performed with the first stop operation being to the right. A stop operation with the first stop operation being to the right is an irregular push. In this case, since an internal win occurs on the push order bell in the normal state of the advantageous zone, this is an action subject to a penalty, and a penalty occurs. Even when the next game, the N+3rd game, starts, the count value of the premonition G number A counter remains at "1". Meanwhile, the count value of the premonition G number B counter has been updated to "0".

In this example as well, the normal state is shifted to the AT state (AT normal state) in the N+4th game. The AT start screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157 based on the fact that the count value of the precursor G number B counter is "0". On the other hand, since the count value of the portent G number A counter was not "0", the information regarding the operation order of the winning combination was not transmitted from the main control unit 300 to the first sub-control unit 400, and the liquid crystal display The display screen 157 does not display an operation navigation display that informs you of the correct operation of the pressing order bell, which is the winning combination. As described above, in conventional slot machines, there is a problem in that the occurrence of a penalty causes a lag between the start of the operation navigation and the performance.

The slot machine 100 of this embodiment has been devised to solve this problem.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a detailed timing chart of the N+2-th game and the N+3-th game described using FIG. 14(a), and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at each timing.

In FIG. 15, time passes from left to right. In FIG. 15, the "game progress" includes the operation of the start lever 135, which is the "start operation," the "first stop," the "second stop," and the "third stop." Below that, the receptive states of the "left stop Sw" which is the left stop button 137 sensor, the "middle stop Sw" which is the middle stop button 138 sensor, and the "right stop Sw" which is the right stop button 139 sensor are also shown. Each Sw becomes receptive after the start operation, and when a stop operation is accepted in the receptive state, the receptive state ends. Below that, the rotating states of the left reel 110, the middle reel 111, and the right reel 112 are also shown. Below that, the display contents of the "liquid crystal display device" which is the liquid crystal display device 157 are also shown. In this example, in the continuous performance, there is a period (the period from the third stop to the start of the next game) during which the character display NTG of "NEXT," which indicates that the performance continues to the next game, is displayed in the lower right part of the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. Furthermore, the game count display GMV is displayed in the lower left corner of the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. The value of this game count display GMV is the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400, and is a value that increases by one each time a start lever acceptance command is received from the main control unit 300 after the power is turned on, for example. The matters described above are also the same in Figures 16 and 17.

The timing at which the start operation is performed is the timing (A1), the N+2th game is started, and execution of performance 3 of the continuous performance is started. In the N+2 game, the push order bell is internally selected. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the timing (A1), a close-up screen of the main character, the lord, is displayed. Furthermore, upon the start of the game, the game number display GMV is updated from "99G" to "100G". From then on, "100G" will continue to be displayed on the game number display GMV until refused.

In the N+2th game under normal conditions, the left stop button 137 is operated first, causing the first stop. Because the left stop button 137 is operated first, it is not an irregular press, and the first stop action here is not subject to a penalty. The timing at which the first stop operation is performed is timing (A2), and the left reel 110 stops. At timing (A2), a close-up of the enemy swordsman is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157.

Next, the middle stop button 138 is operated to perform a second stop and the middle reel 111 is stopped, and finally the right stop button 139 is operated to perform a third stop. The timing when the third stop operation is performed is the timing (A3), and the right reel 112 stops. The display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the timing (A3) shows the same scene as the scene shown on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 of the N+2th game in FIG. Displayed. Furthermore, in this example, a character display NTG of "NEXT" is added to the lower right corner in response to the third stop operation.

The timing after the third stop and before the start of the next game is timing (A4). The display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at timing (A4) is the same as the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the previous timing (A3).

Then, by operating the start lever 135 and performing a start operation, the next game (N+3 game) is started, and this time, execution of performance 4 of the continuous performance is started. The timing at which the N+3 game is started is the timing (A5). In the N+3rd game, the replay is internally won. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at timing (A5), the main character, the lord, is displayed in the upper half, and the villain, the master swordsman, is displayed in the lower half. Further, when the game starts, the character display NTG of "NEXT" disappears, and the game number display GMV is updated from "100G" to "101G".

Also in the N+3rd game, the left stop button 137 is operated first to perform the first stop. The timing at which the first stop operation is performed is timing (A6), and the left reel 110 stops. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the timing (A6), a scene after the protagonist lord and the enemy swordsman clash is displayed. Further, the game number display GMV of "101G" is continuously displayed.

Next, the middle stop button 138 is operated to perform a second stop and the middle reel 111 is stopped, and finally the right stop button 139 is operated to perform a third stop. The timing when the third stop operation is performed is the timing (A7), and the right reel 112 stops. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the timing (A7), a scene in which the enemy swordsman is slashed is displayed. Even if the third stop is performed, this N+3rd game is the last game (fourth game) of the continuous effect, so there is no continuous effect that continues, and the "NEXT" character display NTG is not additionally displayed. do not have. However, the game number display GMV of "101G" continues to be displayed.

The timing after the third stop until the start of the next game (until the transition to the AT state) is the timing (A8). The display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at this timing (A8) is the same as the scene shown on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 of the N+3th game in FIG. The transition to AT has been announced. Note that the game number display GMV of "101G" is continuously displayed here as well.

Figure 16 shows a detailed timing chart of the N+2th game and the N+3th game described using Figure 14(b), and a diagram showing the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at each timing. The following explanation will focus on the differences from Figure 15, and duplicate explanations may be omitted.

The N+2th game is started, and execution of performance 3 of the continuous performances is started. In this N+2 game, the push order bell is internally selected. The game number display GMV on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 has been updated to "100G". In this example, in the N+2 game in the normal state, the right stop button 139 is operated first to perform the first stop. The first stop act here is an irregular push, and since the push order bell has been internally won in the normal state of the advantageous section, it is an act subject to a penalty. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the timing (A2) when the first stop operation is performed, a recommended operation display REC such as "Press left is recommended" is displayed so as to overlap the close-up screen of the enemy swordsman. be done. At the timing when the recommended operation display REC is displayed, the number of games display GMV remains displayed as "100G".

Next, the center stop button 138 is operated to perform the second stop, stopping the center reel 111, and finally the right stop button 139 is operated to perform the third stop. At the timing (A3) when the third stop operation is performed, a blackout display is added to the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. That is, just like (A3) in FIG. 15, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a scene in which the lord, the protagonist, and the swordsman, the enemy, confront each other, but the blackout display makes the scene difficult to see. The blackout display suggests that a penalty has occurred in that game. In addition, the character display NTG of "NEXT" is not additionally displayed, or even if it is additionally displayed, it is difficult to see due to the blackout display. On the other hand, the operation recommendation display REC and the number of games display GMV are not blacked out, and these displays REC and GMV are easily visible. At the time the third stop occurs (when the blackout display is added), the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 is returned by one game, and the game number display GMV switches to display "99G."

The display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the timing (A4) after the third stop until the next game starts is the same as the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the previous timing (A3). That is, although the blackout display continues, the recommended operation display REC and the game number display GMV of "99G" are visible.

Then, the start lever 135 is operated to perform the start operation, and the next game (game N+3) begins. At the timing (A5) when game N+3 begins, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 stops displaying the blackout display and also stops displaying the operation recommendation display REC. As described above, the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 is set back by one game, and the game number display GMV is updated to "100G". In other words, one is set back in the game in which the penalty occurred, and one is advanced at the start of the next game. For this reason, the consecutive effects are also re-executed, with effect 3 of the consecutive effects being executed according to the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400. The same display screen as at the timing (A1) is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157.

In the N+3 game, an internal replay win occurs, and the left stop button 137 is operated first to perform the first stop. The first stop action here is not subject to a penalty. At the time (A6) when this first stop operation is performed, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 shows the same display screen as at the time (A2), but the operation recommendation display REC is not displayed.

Next, the middle stop button 138 is operated to perform a second stop and the middle reel 111 is stopped, and finally the right stop button 139 is operated to perform a third stop. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the timing (A7) when the third stop operation was performed, the same display screen as at the timing (A3) in FIG. 15 is displayed. That is, a scene in which the main character, the lord, and the enemy, the master swordsman, are facing each other is displayed, and the text "NEXT" NTG is added to the lower right corner. Further, at the lower left, the game number display GMV of "100G" is continuously displayed.

The display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the timing (A8) after the third stop until the next game starts (until the transition to the AT state) is the same as that of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the previous timing (A7). It is the same as the display screen.

In the slot machine 100 of this embodiment, as described above, the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 is returned by one in the game in which a penalty occurred, and is advanced by one at the start of the next game. As a result, the number of games in the game in which a penalty occurred and the number of games in the next game are the same. This is the same as the premonition G number A counter managed by the main control unit 300, which was explained using FIG. 14, and the problem of a discrepancy occurring between the start of the subsequent operation navigation and the presentation is eliminated by re-executing the presentation of the game in which a penalty occurred. Moreover, during the game in which a penalty occurred, a blackout display is displayed and the game number display GMV is also returned by one, so that it is easy to understand which game a penalty occurred in, and the player is not given the misunderstanding that a penalty occurred in the next game, and interest in the game is less likely to decrease.

The timing of the start of the display of the darkening display may be the same as the timing of the start of the display of the operation recommendation display REC. Alternatively, the timing of the start of the display of the darkening display may be the timing of (A2), and the timing of the start of the display of the operation recommendation display REC may be the timing of (A3). Furthermore, the timing of the start of the display of the darkening display may be the timing of the second stop, or the timing of the start of the display of the operation recommendation display REC may be the timing of the second stop. In addition, the timing of the end of the darkening display is not limited to the timing of (A5), and may be a timing a while after the third stop operation of the game in which the irregular press was performed, or may be a timing when the bet number setting operation for the next game is performed. In addition, the timing of the value of the game number display GMV being returned by 1 may be within the game in which the penalty occurred, and may be the timing of (A2), the timing of (A4), or the timing of the second stop. Even if the value of the game count display GMV is returned by 1 in a game where a penalty has occurred, the presentation itself will continue as is, as described below, and waiting games for the number of games that resulted in the penalty may occur after the series of presentations has ended, or may occur before the AT state begins.

Figure 17 shows a detailed timing chart of games N+2 and N+3, in which irregular button presses were performed but no penalty occurred, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at each timing. The following explanation focuses on the differences from Figure 16, and duplicate explanations may be omitted.

The N+2nd game begins, and performance 3 of the consecutive performances begins. In this N+2nd game, an internal win occurs not for the push order bell but for a miss. In this example, in the N+2nd game in normal conditions, the right stop button 139 is operated first to perform the first stop. The first stop action here is an irregular push, and although it is in the normal conditions of the advantageous zone, it is not an action subject to penalty because it does not result in an internal win for the push order bell. At the time when the first stop operation is performed (A2), due to the irregular push, a recommended operation display REC such as "Push left recommended" is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, overlapping with a close-up of the enemy swordsman.

Next, the middle stop button 138 is operated to perform a second stop and the middle reel 111 is stopped, and finally the right stop button 139 is operated to perform a third stop. The display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 at the timing (A3) when the third stop operation was performed does not have a blackout display because no penalty has occurred, and the main character is displayed as shown in (A3) in FIG. A scene is shown where the lord and the enemy swordsman are confronting each other. However, the recommended operation displays REC are displayed so as to overlap. Furthermore, the game number display GMV continues to be displayed as "100G" at the bottom left, and the text display NTG "NEXT" triggered by the third stop operation has been added at the bottom right.

After the third stop, at the timing (A4) until the next game is started, the operation recommendation display REC disappears (becomes hidden) on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, and the same display screen as that at the timing (A4) in FIG. 15 is displayed. The timing at which the operation recommendation display REC disappears may be some time after the third stop, or may be simultaneous with the third stop, or may be simultaneous with the second stop. Alternatively, the operation recommendation display REC may disappear after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of display, regardless of the operation. However, since the operation recommendation display REC is indistinguishable from the performance of the stop operation trigger if it is displayed only for a moment, it is preferable that the operation recommendation display REC continues to be displayed at least until the third stop. In addition, in the case of irregular pressing during the continuous performance, the display mode of the operation recommendation display REC differs depending on the winning role. That is, in the case of a non-winning push order bell as in the example shown in this FIG. 17, the operation recommendation display REC is displayed when the irregular pressing is performed, but the performance of the third stop is executed, and the operation recommendation display REC becomes hidden a while after the third stop. On the other hand, in the case of winning the push order bell as in the example shown in Figure 16, when irregular pushes are performed, the operation recommendation display REC is displayed, the performance that triggers the third stop is not executed (it is difficult to see due to the blackout display), and the operation recommendation display REC continues to be displayed until just before the next game starts.

The rest (timings (A5) to (A8)) are the same as the example in Figure 15.

As in this example, when an irregular press is performed, the operation recommendation display REC is displayed regardless of whether a penalty occurs or not. If a penalty occurs, the operation recommendation display REC will continue to be displayed until the game in which the irregular press was performed ends (until the next game starts), as shown in the example shown in FIG. 16, but the penalty will occur. If you fail to do so, the penalty will disappear sooner than if it had occurred. Alternatively, the length of the display period of the operation recommendation display REC is fixed, and it disappears even if no operation is performed by the player. In addition, even if an irregular press is performed, if no penalty occurs, the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 does not change (is not returned by 1), and the number of games is displayed. The GMV value also continues to be displayed without changing.

Next, we compare cases where irregular button presses are performed during consecutive effects with cases where irregular button presses are performed during non-consecutive effects.

Figure 18 shows an example of irregular button presses during a continuous performance, and an example of irregular button presses during a non-continuous performance.

FIG. 18(a) in the upper row shows an example of a case where an irregular press is performed during a continuous performance, and FIG. 18(b) in the lower row shows an example when an irregular press is performed during a non-continuous performance. It is a figure showing an example. In both the upper part of FIG. 18(a) and the lower part of FIG. 18(b), the movement progresses from left to right. Also, whether it is shown in the upper part of FIG. 18(a) or the lower part of FIG. 18(b),
In FIG. 18, the number of games played (number of games), the winning combination, the pressing order, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, the occurrence of a penalty, the progress of the performance, and the number of games display GMV displayed at the lower left of the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. Each value is shown. Note that the value of the number of games display GMV is the value of the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400.

The example in the top row of FIG. 18(a) is the same as the examples explained so far, and the continuous performance is a duel performance. A rare combination (for example, a strong cherry) is won, and the continuous performance starts from the Nth game played. That is, performance 1 of the continuous performances is executed, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a notification image (a mission image of "Defeat the Swordsman") notifying the start of the duel performance. The game count display GMV shows "98G".

In the N+1th game, the second of the consecutive effects is executed, and a scene in which the enemy swordsman appears is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. The number of games played (GMV) is updated and now shows "99G."

In the N+2nd game, the push order bell is internally won, and the right stop button 139 is operated first to perform the first stop. The first stop act here is an irregular push, and since the push order bell has been internally won in the normal state of the advantageous section, it is an act subject to a penalty, and a penalty will be incurred. In the N+2nd game, performance 3 of the continuous performance is executed, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a scene in which the main character, the lord, and the enemy, the master swordsman, are facing each other. Further, since an irregular press has been performed, a recommended operation display REC such as "Press left is recommended" is displayed overlapping the display of the above-mentioned scene. Furthermore, since a penalty has occurred, the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 is returned by one game, and the value of the number of games display GMV changes from "100G" to "99G". Note that in this example, the darkening display is not displayed, but it may be displayed after this, or a modified example in which the darkening display is not displayed may be used.

The N+3rd game is the 4th game after the start of the continuous production, but since the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 has been returned by one game in the N+2nd game, The value of the game number display GMV has been updated and "100G" is displayed once again. Further, regarding the continuous performance, performance 3 of the continuous performance is re-executed according to the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, the same scene as in the N+2 game, in which the protagonist lord and the enemy swordsman are facing each other, is displayed. The recommended operation display REC is not displayed.

Note that when an effect is replayed, the exact same effect may be executed, but in cases where multiple types of effects are prepared and the effect is selected by lottery, the effect may be replayed by lottery.

In the N+4th game, production 4 (corresponding to the last production) of the continuous production is executed, and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a scene in which the protagonist, the lord, defeats the enemy swordsman, and the AT transition is made. has been announced. The value of the game number display GMV has been updated and "101G" is displayed.

The example in Figure 18 (b) shown in the lower part is a state in which continuous effects are not being executed (non-continuous effects are being executed) in the normal state of the advantageous zone. More specifically, it is an example in the normal stage shown in Figure 7.

In the Nth game, a cherry, which is one of the minor prizes, is internally won, and minor prize presentation 1 is executed. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157, a scene in which the lord is surprised at the appearance of a cherry is displayed. The game number display GMV is "99G".

When the N+1th game begins, the game count display GMV is updated to "100G". In this N+1th game, the push order bell is internally selected and the normal presentation is executed. In this game, an irregular push is performed with the first stop operation being to the right, and the operation recommendation display REC is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. Here, since the push order bell is internally selected in the normal state of the advantageous zone, this irregular push is subject to a penalty, a penalty is incurred, the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 is set back by one game, and the value of the game count display GMV becomes "99G" from "100G".

When the N+2nd game is started, the game number display GMV is updated to "100G" again. In this N+2 game, watermelon, which is one of the minor prizes, is internally won, and minor prize presentation 2 is executed. Since it is not a continuous performance, the performance itself is not re-executed (not returned to the normal performance of the N+1 game), and the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a scene in which the lord is surprised at the appearance of a watermelon.

When the N+3rd game begins, the game count display GMV is updated to "101G". In this N+3rd game, an internal win occurs for a cherry, and minor prize performance 1 is executed. In this game as well, an irregular press is performed with the first stop operation being to the right, and the operation recommendation display REC is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. Here, although it is in the normal state of the advantageous zone, because an internal win occurs for a cherry rather than a push order bell, this irregular press is not subject to penalty, and no penalty occurs. For this reason, the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 is not returned, and the value of the game count display GMV does not change.

When the N+4th game is started, the game number display GMV is updated to "102G". In this N+4th game, an internal prize is won and a normal effect is executed. Incidentally, since no penalty has occurred due to the irregular press in the N+3 game, and it is not a continuous performance, the performance itself will not be re-executed (it will not be returned to the minor role performance 1 in the N+3 game).

When the N+5th game begins, the game count display GMV is updated to "103G". In this N+5th game, an internal win occurs on the replay, and the normal presentation is executed. In this game, an irregular press is performed with the first stop operation being to the right, and the recommended operation display REC is displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157. In this game, although it is in the normal state of the advantageous zone, because an internal win occurs on the replay, not the push order bell, this irregular press is not subject to penalty, and no penalty occurs. For this reason, the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 is not returned, and the value of the game count display GMV does not change.

Operation recommendation display REC for the N+2 game in the example of FIG. 18(a) shown in the upper row, operation recommendation display REC for the N+1 game in the example of FIG. 18(b) shown in the lower row, and operation recommendation display for the N+3 game REC and the operation recommendation display REC for the N+5th game are both displayed in a common manner. The recommended operation display REC is displayed in a common manner regardless of the type of performance being executed. Further, the recommended operation display REC is displayed in a common manner even if the production stages are different. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the operation recommendation display REC from being mistakenly recognized as a type of expectation production.

As compared above, in a normal state, irregular pressing in a game in which the push order bell is won is an action subject to a penalty, and during a continuous performance, the performance is re-executed in the next game, but during a non-continuous performance, the performance is not re-executed in the next game. In the continuous performance (premonition performance) immediately before the transition to the AT state, as explained using FIG. 14(b), there is a problem of a discrepancy between the start of the operation navigation and the performance, but if it is not during a continuous performance (premonition performance), such a problem does not occur, so the performance is not re-executed. However, when a penalty occurs, the value of the ceiling counter managed by the main control unit 300 is not updated, so the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 is also not updated at the stage of the next game in accordance with the ceiling counter. The ceiling counter is updated at the third stop. On the other hand, the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 is updated when a reel rotation start command indicating the start of the game is received. For this reason, the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400 is reset by one in the game in which the penalty occurred, and in the next game, the number of games is updated at the start of the game as usual, resulting in the number matching the value of the ceiling counter at the third stop of the next game.

Next, we will explain the relationship between the ceiling counter and the game count display GMV when settings are changed or when power is restored after a power outage.

Figure 19 shows the relationship between the ceiling counter and the game count display GMV when settings are changed or when power is restored after a power outage. In this figure, the thick white arrow indicates the flow when buttons are pressed in order (recommended operation), and the thick black arrow indicates the flow when buttons are pressed in an irregular order (non-recommended operation).

It is determined whether or not to update the count value of the ceiling counter at the third stop. Note that any timing after the first stop within one game is not limited to the third stop. After the first stop is performed, the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 can determine whether or not a penalty has occurred, and can determine whether or not to update the count value. The count value of the ceiling counter is not updated when a penalty occurs (the count value remains unchanged), and the count value is updated (the count value is +1) when a penalty does not occur. On the other hand, upon receiving the reel rotation command from the main control unit 300, the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 updates (+1) the game number display GMV.

FIG. 19(a) is a diagram illustrating an example where it is determined that the settings are changed and the first game is shifted to the advantageous section.

When the settings are changed, the ceiling counter provided in the main control unit 300 becomes 0G, and the game number display GMV on the liquid crystal display device 157 also becomes 0G. Furthermore, the gaming state is a gaming state in a non-advantageous section.

The first game is started, a winning combination other than a losing one is won, and the game shifts to an advantageous section from the second game. Hereinafter, a game that has been decided to move to an advantageous section will be referred to as an advantageous section transition game. Note that the advantageous section transition game is a game in the non-advantageous section. The ceiling counter is not updated in a non-advantageous section, but even if it is a non-advantageous section, if it is an advantageous section transition game, it is updated at the timing of the third stop. The game number display GMV is also not updated in a non-advantageous section, but even if it is a non-advantageous section, if it is a game transitioning to an advantageous section, it is updated at the timing of the game start.

When a forward push is performed in an advantageous section transition game, the ceiling counter is updated to 1G at the third stop, and the game number display GMV remains at 1G, as indicated by the thick white arrow. Even when an irregular press is performed, as indicated by the thick black arrow, the ceiling counter is updated to 1G at the third stop, and the game number display GMV remains at 1G. The winning combination may be a bell in the order of pressing or may not be a bell in the order of pressing. In advantageous zone transition games, there is no penalty even if you make an irregular push. As a result, the ceiling counter is updated normally at the third stop. Furthermore, the game number display GMV updated at the start of the game remains at 1G at the third stop.

When the second game starts, the game shifts to an advantageous section, but is in a normal state. At the timing of starting the second game, the game number display GMV is updated to 2G. When the forward press is performed, as indicated by the thick white arrow, the ceiling counter is updated to 2G at the third stop, and the game number display GMV remains at 2G. If an irregular push is performed while the push order bell has been won, a penalty will occur, and as indicated by the thick black arrow, the ceiling counter will not be updated at the third stop and will remain at 1G. Also, the game number display GMV has been returned by 1G to 1G. Note that if an irregular press is performed with a winning position other than the press order bell, the ceiling counter will be updated to 2G at the third stop, and the game number display GMV will remain at 2G.

FIG. 19(b) is a diagram illustrating an example where the first game is not an advantageous section transition game after the settings are changed.

The first game starts, a losing role is won, and the player remains in the non-advantageous zone in the second game. The ceiling counter is not updated in the non-advantageous zone except for games that transition to an advantageous zone. The number of games displayed GMV is also not updated in the non-advantageous zone except for games that transition to an advantageous zone. Furthermore, no penalties are incurred in the non-advantageous zone, and even if irregular presses are performed, the ceiling counter is not updated at the third stop and remains at 0G, as indicated by the thick black arrow, and the number of games displayed GMV also remains at 0G.

The second game begins, a role other than a losing role is won, and the second game becomes a game that transitions to a favorable zone. At the start of the second game, the game count GMV is updated to 1G. Also, if the player presses the buttons in order, the ceiling counter is updated to 1G at the third stop, as indicated by the thick white arrow, and the game count GMV remains at 1G. Also, as mentioned above, in a game that transitions to a favorable zone, there is no penalty for pressing buttons in an irregular manner regardless of the winning role, so the ceiling counter is updated to 1G at the third stop, as indicated by the thick black arrow, and the game count GMV remains at 1G.

FIG. 19(c) is a diagram showing an example where the ceiling counter is 1G or more at the time of power restoration after power interruption.

In this example, the ceiling counter is 100G when the power is restored after a power outage. On the other hand, when the power is restored after a power outage, the game number display GMV becomes 0G. Note that the gaming state at the time of power restoration after power interruption is the normal state of the advantageous section.

The first game is started, and the game number display GMV is updated to 1G. When the forward press is performed, as indicated by the thick white arrow, the ceiling counter is updated to 101G at the third stop, and the game number display GMV remains at 1G. If an irregular push is performed while the push order bell is won (penalty occurs), the ceiling counter is not updated at the third stop and remains at 100G, as indicated by the thick black arrow. On the other hand, the game number display GMV updated at the start of the game remains at 1G. Even if a penalty occurs in the first game after power is restored, the number of games displayed GMV will not be returned. Note that if an irregular press is performed with a winning position other than the press order bell, the ceiling counter will be updated to 101G at the third stop, and the game number display GMV will remain at 1G.

When the second game starts, the game count GMV increases by 1G. If the buttons are pressed in order, the ceiling counter increases by 1G at the third stop, as indicated by the thick white arrow, and the game count GMV remains at 1G. If an irregular press is performed after winning the push order bell (when a penalty occurs), the ceiling counter is not updated at the third stop and remains at 100G, as indicated by the thick black arrow. The game count GMV is also set back by 1G to 1G. If an irregular press is performed after winning something other than the push order bell, the ceiling counter is updated to 101G at the third stop, and the game count GMV remains at 2G.

FIG. 19(d) is a diagram showing an example where the ceiling counter is 0G at the time of power restoration after power interruption. Note that the gaming state at the time of power restoration after power interruption is the normal state of the advantageous section.

The first game is started, and the game number display GMV is updated to 1G. When the forward press is performed, as indicated by the thick white arrow, the ceiling counter is updated to 1G at the third stop, and the game number display GMV remains at 1G. If an irregular push is performed while the push order bell is won (penalty occurs), the ceiling counter is not updated at the third stop and remains at 0G, as indicated by the thick black arrow. On the other hand, as described above, even if a penalty occurs in the first game after power is restored, the number of games display GMV is not returned, so the number of games display GMV remains 1G. Note that if an irregular press is performed with a winning position other than the press order bell, the ceiling counter will be updated to 1G at the third stop, and the game number display GMV will remain at 1G.

When the second game starts, the game count GMV increases by 1G. If the buttons are pressed in order, the ceiling counter increases by 1G on the third stop, as indicated by the thick white arrow, and the game count GMV remains increased by 1G. If an irregular press is performed after winning the push order bell (when a penalty occurs), the ceiling counter is not updated on the third stop and remains at 0G, as indicated by the thick black arrow. The game count GMV is also set back by 1G to 1G. If an irregular press is performed after winning something other than the push order bell, the ceiling counter is updated to 1G on the third stop, and the game count GMV remains at 2G.

If the setting is changed before the store opens, it will look like FIG. 19(a) or (b). On the other hand, if the setting is not changed before the store opens, the power will only be turned on, and it will look like FIG. 19(c) or (d). If the player knows that the setting has not been changed, the operation of the slot machine immediately after the store opens may decrease, so it is preferable to make the display of the number of games displayed GMV consistent for both the case where the setting has been changed and the case where the setting has not been changed. Therefore, if the store clerk plays a game in the advantageous zone transition game before the store opens on the gaming machine where the setting has been changed, the number of games displayed GMV will not become 0G, so the player will not know whether the setting has been changed or not. On the other hand, if the setting is changed, the difference number counter (including the virtual difference number counter) in the advantageous zone is reset, and the expected number of game values that can be acquired in the advantageous zone decreases, so it is expected that some players will take the setting change as a bad impression, and the operation of the gaming machine immediately after the store opens may not be extended. Even in such cases, by matching the behavior of the game count display GMV when settings are changed and when they are not, it becomes difficult to tell whether settings have been changed or not, and a drop in operation immediately after opening can be prevented.

Next, a modification of the example described above will be described.

FIG. 20(a) is a schematic diagram of the case where a penalty occurs during continuous performance as described above.

When a penalty occurs during a continuous performance, the performance is re-executed in the next game. In this mode, when the number of games until the transition to the AT state is managed by both the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 (so-called game number management type/mode management type), the number of games managed by the main control unit 300 can be adjusted to the number of games managed by the first sub-control unit 400. This mode is also compatible with Gaze's continuous performance (a continuous performance that does not transition to the AT state even after the continuous performance ends) when game number management is performed.

FIG. 20(b) is a diagram illustrating an example of display of the game number display GMV when a penalty occurs, as described above.

The number of games display GM is updated at the start of the game, and the number of games is increased by one. When a penalty occurs, the game number display GM returns one game at the timing of the third stop of the game where the penalty occurred. Then, when the next game is started, the game number display GM increases by one. Here, even if a penalty occurs, there is no change in the number of games display GM, and when the next game is started, the number of games display GM may be increased by one. However, when a penalty occurs, the ceiling counter controlled by the main control unit 300 is not updated, resulting in a discrepancy with the ceiling counter. Furthermore, it is also possible that the game number display GM does not advance when the next game is started. However, this may lead to a misunderstanding that a penalty has been awarded in the next game. On the other hand, if the game number display GM goes back one game in the game in which the penalty occurred, it can indicate that the penalty has been completed in the game, and also the difference with the ceiling counter. This has the effect that this will not occur.

Figure 20 (c1) is a conceptual diagram of the first modified example when a penalty occurs during a continuous performance.

In the first variant, even if a penalty occurs, the consecutive performances are executed to the end, and the confirmation performance (the performance that displays the AT confirmation screen) that follows the consecutive performance is executed repeatedly. In other words, by executing an extra performance just before transitioning to the AT state (at the end of the normal state), this is a mode that eliminates the discrepancy with the ceiling counter. While the extra confirmation performance is being executed, the display screen shows the text "Waiting" or the like.

Figure 20 (c2) is a diagram to explain the second modified example when a penalty occurs during a continuous performance.

In the second variant, even if a penalty occurs, the consecutive performances are continued until the end, and the final performance 4 of the consecutive performances (victory performance) is repeatedly performed. While the extra victory performance is being performed, the display screen of the victory performance on the liquid crystal display device 157 displays a message such as "Waiting."

In the case of Gaze's consecutive performances, the consecutive performances will be executed as is until the end, and no extra performances will be performed anywhere.

This is a mode that works well when the number of games played before transitioning to the AT state is managed only by the main control unit 300 out of the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400, or when the number of games is not managed during the continuous Gaze performance. This is also a mode that works well with specifications where the AT lottery is performed based on the winning combination, rather than specifications where transitioning to the AT state is determined depending on the number of games or mode.

In addition, if an irregular push is performed and a penalty occurs, and if a rare role is internally won in the next game after the penalty occurs, a special process (rare role avoidance navigation) that navigates the pressing order to avoid winning the rare role ) may be executed. If a player recognizes that a penalty has occurred due to a blackout display, etc., and wins a rare prize immediately after the penalty, he or she may feel disappointed because the previous penalty affects the profit obtained from the rare prize and causes a loss. , we intentionally execute a navigation to avoid rare roles so that players will not be disappointed.

In addition, the AT lottery will not be held in the game in which the penalty occurred, but it will be held in the next game. However, preferential processing related to the AT (for example, the lottery for adding to the number of games in which the AT is awarded) that may be executed if the AT lottery is won will not be held in the game following the game in which the penalty occurred.

Next, the display mode of the recommended operation display REC will be explained.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a plurality of examples of the display mode of the operation recommendation display REC displayed on the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157.

Figure 21 (a) shows the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 before the reels 110 to 112 start spinning, with the image displayed using the entire display screen.

Figure 21(b), which follows on from Figure 21(a), shows the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 when the start lever 135 is operated and all three reels 110 to 112 are spinning. This display screen shows a normal performance image (a scene in which an old man is reading a letter to the lord in the castle tower).

Continuing from FIG. 21(b), FIG. 21(c1) displays an SPE in which the lord says, "There are signs of a good opportunity." All three reels 110 to 112 continue to spin.

In FIG. 21(c2), which is a continuation of FIG. 21(c1), only the center reel 111 is stopped among the three reels 110-112. That is, the center stop button 138 is operated as the first stop operation, and an irregular press is performed. On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 shown in FIG. 21(c2), the operation recommendation display REC is displayed above the dialogue display SPE, such as "There is a good chance." That is, the operation recommendation display REC and the dialogue display SPE do not overlap. In addition, the operation recommendation display REC does not overlap with the number of stored coins display section 125L on the left side, and the operation recommendation display REC does not overlap with the number of coins to be paid out display section 127L on the right side.

Note that the display mode of the recommended operation display REC is a common display mode regardless of the type of performance being executed (for example, normal performance, small role performance, duel performance, freeze performance, etc.).

Figure 21 (c3) is a diagram showing another display mode of the operation recommendation display REC. The operation recommendation display REC shown in this figure is displayed on the entire screen except for the three reels 110 to 112. In other words, the text "Push left recommended" is displayed on a gray background.

FIG. 21(c4) is a diagram showing the relationship between the recommended operation display REC and the error display.

The error display ERR, which displays the word "error" on a gray background, is displayed on the entire screen except for the three reels 110 to 112. Even if the operation recommendation display REC is displayed before the error display ERR, or even if the operation recommendation display REC is displayed after the error display ERR, the error display ERR overlaps the operation recommendation display REC, making it difficult to see. In FIG. 21 (c4), the operation recommendation display REC overlapped on the error display ERR is shown by a dotted line. Note that in this example, the operation recommendation display REC is completely overlapped on the error display ERR, which is displayed on the entire screen, but it may be at least partially overlapped. Specific errors of the error display ERR include a door open error, a hopper clogged error, a hopper empty error, and a medal passing number error (the same applies in the following explanation).

As explained above, the operation recommendation display REC is displayed in an area that overlaps with the error display ERR but does not overlap with the dialogue display SPE, allowing part of the presentation to be understood. In addition, the operation recommendation display REC is displayed approximately in the center of the display screen.

Note that with medal-less gaming machines, counting can be performed at any time, so counting is possible even when the operation recommendation display REC is displayed, and the operation recommendation display REC may be displayed during counting.

Next, we will explain an example of what happens when the error message ERR appears while the recommended operation message REC is displayed, and the error is resolved.

Figure 22 shows an example of when an error message ERR is displayed or when a power outage occurs while the operation recommendation message REC is displayed. In Figure 22, the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 is shown in chronological order from left to right.

As explained above, the operation recommendation display REC is a display that appears when irregular button presses are detected, but irregular button presses may or may not result in a penalty. If a penalty occurs, the operation recommendation display REC will remain displayed after the third stop and will disappear when the next game starts (see the example shown in Figure 16), but if no penalty occurs, it will disappear earlier than if a penalty occurs (see the example shown in Figure 17).

Figure 22 (a1) shows an example of when a penalty occurs when performing irregular button presses.

On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 shown at the far left, the operation recommendation display REC is displayed overlapping with the display of the normal effects. When an error is detected while the operation recommendation display REC is displayed, the error display ERR is displayed over the entire display screen, and the operation recommendation display REC becomes invisible (hidden). In other words, an error is detected in the game in which the penalty occurred. After that, the error is resolved in the game in which the penalty occurred, the error is recovered, the error display ERR disappears, and the state returns to one in which the operation recommendation display REC is displayed again. When the start lever 135 is operated to start the next game, the operation recommendation display REC disappears, and the display screen shows the effects of the next game (display of the small winnings effects).

FIG. 22(a2) is a diagram showing an example of a case where an irregular push is performed but no penalty occurs.

On the display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 shown at the far left, an operation recommendation display REC is displayed overlapping the display of the normal effect. An error is detected before the third stop is performed, and the error display ERR is displayed on the entire display screen, and the operation recommendation display REC becomes invisible (hidden). After that, a third stop is performed, and if the error is resolved and the error returns before a predetermined time has elapsed since the third stop, the error display ERR disappears and the operation recommendation display REC returns to the state where it is displayed again. . On the other hand, if the error is resolved and the error returns after a predetermined period of time has passed since the third stop, the operation recommendation display REC is not displayed on the display screen after the error display ERR disappears.

Note that the error detection timing in this example may be within a period after the third stop and before the predetermined time elapses.

As explained above, if an error occurs while displaying the recommended operation display REC, the error display ERR will be displayed on the full screen, and if the error is recovered within the display period of the recommended operation display REC, the recommended operation display REC will remain. However, if the error returns after the display period has elapsed, no operation recommendation display REC remains.

Next, we will explain an example of what happens when power is restored after a power outage while the operation recommendation display REC is displayed.

FIG. 22(b1) is a diagram illustrating an example of a case where a power outage recovery occurs after the third stop and before the next game is started.

The display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 shown at the far left is the display screen after the third stop (while the reels are stopped), and the operation recommendation display REC is displayed overlapping the display of the normal effect. Before the start lever 135 is operated (before the next game is started), a power outage occurs and the display screen after the power is restored displays a start-up screen (a screen with the words "Starting up" displayed). This example is an example in which a demo screen is displayed after a power outage occurs while the reels are stopped and the operation recommendation display REC is displayed. In the demo screen, the operation recommendation display REC is erased, and when the start lever 135 is operated while the demo screen is displayed, the next game starts and the display screen displays the effect of the next game (a display of a small winning effect). Therefore, the operation recommendation display REC that was displayed immediately before the power outage is not displayed after the power is restored. Note that a dedicated screen for when power is restored (for example, a recovery screen with the words "Recovery" displayed) may be displayed instead of the demo screen.

FIG. 22(b2) is a diagram illustrating a first example when a power outage recovery occurs before the third stop when the operation recommendation display REC is displayed.

The display screen of the liquid crystal display device 157 shown at the far left is the display screen after the irregular press and before the third stop (while the reels are spinning), and the operation recommendation display REC is displayed overlapping the normal effect display. A power outage occurs while the reels are spinning, and the display screen after power is restored shows the start-up screen. This first example is an example in which, when a power outage occurs while the reels are spinning with the operation recommendation display REC displayed, a recovery screen, which is a dedicated screen when power is restored, is displayed after the start screen. On the recovery screen, the operation recommendation display REC has disappeared, and when the start lever 135 is operated while the recovery screen is displayed, the next game is started, and the display screen shows the effect of the next game. Therefore, even in this first example, the operation recommendation display REC that was displayed immediately before the power outage is not displayed after power is restored.

FIG. 22(b3) is a diagram illustrating a second example in the case where a power outage recovery occurs before the third stop when the operation recommendation display REC is displayed.

In this second example, if power is restored during a power outage while the reels are rotating while the recommended operation display REC is being displayed, an effect display immediately before the power outage is displayed after the startup screen. Here, a normal presentation is displayed. In the effect display after the startup screen, the recommended operation display REC has disappeared, and if the start lever 135 is operated in this state, the next game will start, and the effect display for the next game will be displayed on the display screen. There is. Therefore, in this example as well, the operation recommendation display REC immediately before the power outage is not displayed after the power is restored.

FIG. 22(b4) is a diagram illustrating a third example where a power outage recovery occurs before the third stop when the operation recommendation display REC is displayed.

In this third example, if a power outage occurs while the reels are spinning and the operation recommendation display REC is displayed, the screen shown immediately before the power outage is displayed after the start-up screen. Here, the operation recommendation display REC is displayed overlapping the normal presentation display. Therefore, in this third example, the operation recommendation display REC shown immediately before the power outage is displayed after power is restored. Note that when the next game starts, the operation recommendation display REC disappears and the presentation display for the next game is displayed.

According to the above description,
``A control means [for example, the main control unit 300] capable of executing a second process that is advantageous to the player [for example, AT transition lottery, ceiling counter update];
A display means [for example, liquid crystal display device 157] capable of displaying a value display [for example, game number display GMV] representing a value based on the progress of the game;
A game machine comprising:
The control means is configured to provide information to the player when a predetermined execution condition [for example, an irregular push is performed in a state where the push order bell is won in the normal state (non-AT state) of the advantageous section] is satisfied. A means for executing the first process that is disadvantageous [for example, penalty process (not performing AT transition lottery, not updating ceiling counter)],
The display means is a means capable of displaying the value display in a first mode [for example, a display mode updated by 1G] at a first timing in a certain game [for example, the timing of the game start],
If the predetermined execution condition is satisfied after displaying in the first mode, the display means displays the display at a second timing [for example, third stop timing] that is later than the first timing. A means that may display the value in a second mode [for example, a display mode that returns 1G],
The display means does not display the value display in the second mode even at the second timing if the predetermined execution condition is not satisfied after displaying the value in the first mode. means [e.g., continue displaying in the first mode],
The second aspect is a different aspect from the first aspect,
A game machine characterized by: ”
explained.

According to this game machine, when the first process is less advantageous than the second process, the second process is performed at the second timing after the first timing in the certain game. By displaying the value displayed in the first mode in the second mode, the player can understand that the first process has been completed in the certain game. , it is possible to prevent the player from worrying that the first process will extend to the next game.

Processing that is disadvantageous to the player is processing that prevents the transition to the above-mentioned advantageous gaming state, or preferential processing that is advantageous to the player (for example, an additional lottery, or when the initial number of G awarded for AT is It may be a process that gives preferential treatment, or a process that does not include a process for acquiring the right to move to a specialized zone in an AT state.

For example, when the predetermined execution conditions are met, (a) it is a normal state in an advantageous section (not in an unfavorable section, it is not in an AT state), (b) a predetermined combination (for example, the pressing order This is a case where all of the conditions (a) to (c) are satisfied: (a) the game is an internal winning game; and (c) an operation different from the recommended operation is performed. Note that the value display may be a case where one or more of the conditions (a) to (c) are satisfied.The value display may be a display that has a one-to-one relationship with the number of games (for example, a display that has a one-to-one relationship with the number of games). The number of games may be displayed), or it may be a display that does not have a one-to-one relationship with the number of games.

If the predetermined execution condition is not satisfied after displaying in the first mode, the display means displays the value display even at the second timing, but does not display the value in the second mode. It may not be displayed in the above mode, it may not be displayed in the first mode, or the value display may not be displayed.

Also,
“The first mode is the mode displayed by performing the first update display of the value display [for example, +1G update display],
The second mode is a mode displayed by performing a second update display of the value display [for example, an update display of -1G],
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

If the first process is involved, the second update display is displayed after the first update display is displayed within the certain game, so the first process is not performed within the certain game. The player can understand that this has been carried out.

The second update display may be an update display that returns the value updated in the first update display to the value before the update.

Also,
“The first update display is a display that updates the value represented by the value display [e.g., number of games] displayed on the display means by a predetermined number of times [e.g., one game];
The second update display is a display that returns the value updated in the first update display to the value before being updated.
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

When the number of plays updated by a predetermined number at the first timing involves an unfavorable first process, the number of plays is returned to the number before the update, making it possible to understand that the unfavorable process has been completed with that certain play.

Also,
"One of the predetermined execution conditions is a condition that is established when a specific event (e.g., irregular pressing) occurs.
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

The specific event may be a certain operation by the player, or it may be an operation other than the operation recommended by this gaming machine (a non-recommended operation).

Also,
``Equipped with reels [for example, reels 110 to 112] that stop rotation by a stop operation,
The stop operation includes a recommended stop operation [for example, a sequential push stop operation],
The specific event is that a stop operation different from the recommended stop operation [for example, an irregular press stop operation] is performed;
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

By determining the stopping operations that may be disadvantageous, it is possible to recommend the player to play the game using the recommended stopping operations.

Also,
``When a predetermined transition condition [for example, an internal winning of a winning combination other than a losing one] is satisfied, the game is moved from a non-advantageous section [for example, a section in which it is impossible to shift to an AT state] to a game from the non-advantageous section. It is a configuration in which the vehicle moves to an advantageous section [for example, a section where it is possible to shift to an AT state] that is advantageous for the user,
The control means is a means for not executing the first process in the non-advantageous section even if the first condition is satisfied.
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

For example, the timing of transition from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section may be the first game after the setting change, but the first game after the setting change is often when the store opens. First thing in the morning, the reel is not warmed up, so it takes time to accelerate, and the timing at which the stop operation can be accepted is slightly delayed. Therefore, even though the player presses the left stop button in the first operation, there is a possibility that the above-mentioned timing is shifted and the timing when the middle stop button is actually pressed becomes the above-mentioned timing. It would be cruel to the player to impose a penalty in such a case, so by not executing the first process in the non-advantageous section even if the first condition is satisfied, It is possible to prevent the player from suffering a disadvantage.

Note that the advantageous section is a section in which it is possible to shift to a notification gaming state (AT state) that notifies the player of an operation mode that is advantageous to the player in the stop operation, and the non-advantageous section refers to It may also be a section in which it is impossible to shift to a gaming state.

The control means may be a means for managing values based on the progress of a game. More specifically, the control means may be a means having a counter (ceiling counter) for counting the number of games played in the advantageous zone until the game state transitions to the notification game state.

Further, the control means is means for updating the value of the counter in a game in the non-advantageous section immediately before shifting from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section [for example, an advantageous section transition game], and the display means may be means for updating and displaying the value display according to the start of the game [for example, see the thick white arrow in the advantageous section transition game in FIG. 19(a)].

Also,
``The display means does not display the value display in the second mode in the first game after power restoration even if the predetermined execution condition is satisfied in the first game after power restoration [for example, as shown in FIG. 19(c) and (d) of the same figure],
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

It is possible to prevent players from knowing whether settings have been changed or not.

Next, the winning combination data stored in the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300 will be explained.

FIG. 23(a) is a diagram showing winning combination data stored in the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300.

The winning combination information on the left side shown in FIG. 23(a) is the same as the winning combination information shown in FIG. 6(a). There are four patterns (CLR, CRL, RLC, RCL) with different stop operation modes (press order) for the bell (push order bell) which is the push order combination. Furthermore, three winning combinations (1 to 3) are prepared for each pattern. That is, three combinations are prepared in the same pressing order. For combinations with the same push order, the player's profit is the same, but by preparing three each, the results can be varied. For example, if there is only one winning combination for one pressing order, only a specific result will be displayed for a specific pressing order, which will become monotonous, but we will provide multiple winnings for one pressing order. By doing this, the shapes in which the winning combinations are displayed can be different even when the pressing order is the same, and it is possible to prevent the results from becoming monotonous.

Each winning role is assigned a consecutive natural number (winning role number) such as "00" to "34" that corresponds one-to-one with the winning role.

In the explanation so far, the transition from the non-favorable zone to the favorable zone occurs when a combination other than a losing combination is won. In other words, if the combination of "01" or more, which corresponds to Replay 3, is internally won, the player will transition to the favorable zone.

In this example, if an internal win occurs with a role of "04" or more associated with Replay 1, the player will move to the advantageous zone. Winning role numbers of "04" or more, i.e., winning role numbers in the range of "04" to "34", are advantageous zone numbers. On the other hand, winning role numbers less than "04", i.e., winning role numbers in the range of "01" to "03", are non-advantageous zone numbers. In this way, by determining winning role numbers separately for roles that are allowed to move to the advantageous zone and roles that are not allowed, the advantageous zone move processing described below can be achieved with simple processing.

The winning combination data shown in FIG. 23(a) includes the winning combination information on the left side as well as information on the small combination group and the rare combination group.

The information on the small role group includes a push order group consisting of all push order Bell roles, a 1-card role 7, and a 1-card role 8 among the push order roles. For small winning combinations that are not included in this push order winning group, a consecutive number (natural number) is assigned to each small winning combination. In other words, small winning numbers from "01" to "21" are assigned, which correspond one-to-one with the small winnings. Therefore, the small winnings can be identified by the small winning numbers. On the other hand, in the push order group, a group number ("00") is assigned to the entire group, and no number is assigned to each bell role or one-card role. For this reason, types such as push order winnings can be identified by group numbers, but small roles (push order bell_CLR, push order bell_CRL, push order bell_RLC, push order bell_RCL, 1-card winning combination 7, 1-card winning combination) 8) cannot be distinguished, and the stop operation mode (pressing order) cannot be distinguished. That is, from the group number, it can be determined whether or not the combination is in the order of pressing, but it cannot be determined which is the correct operation (operation mode that may be most advantageous to the player). In addition, even if it is possible to specify that it is a pressing winning combination, it can also be said that the information cannot specify which type of pressing winning combination (Bell_CLR1, Bell_CRL1, etc.) it is. In the AT state, when the main control unit 300 transmits an internal winning command to the first sub-control unit 400, the main control unit 300 transmits it including winning combination information (winning combination number), and the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400: The winning role information (winning role number) is used to conduct a lottery regarding performances such as AT performances. Further, the main control section 300 may transmit information indicating the pressing order to the CPU 404 of the first sub-control section 400 instead of or together with the winning combination information (winning combination number). On the other hand, in the normal state (non-AT state), the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 does not need to perform AT performance, and instead of referring to the 35 winning combination numbers "00" to "34", Referring to the 22 numbers from ``00'' to ``21'' results in faster processing and a smaller program capacity. Therefore, when transmitting an internal winning command to the first sub-control unit 400, the main control unit 300 does not include the winning combination information (winning combination number) in the normal state (non-AT state), and The CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 uses the information of the minor role group to perform processing such as a production lottery (for example, a lottery for whether or not to execute a suggestive production, an announcement production for the level of expectation, etc.). conduct. In addition, the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 acquires new information from the information on the small role groups (the information on the small role groups is further grouped, such as push order, replay, common bell, cherry, watermelon, and chance). The new information may be used to perform the performance lottery and performance processing, and even with such specifications, it can be said that information on the small role group is used.

The rare role group is a further grouping of the small role group, and the information is divided into a group of weak rare roles, a group of strong rare roles, and a group of non-rare roles (other groups). The group of weak rare roles is assigned a unique group number ("01") for the entire group, and each rare role (watermelon, weak cherry) is not assigned a number. The group of strong rare roles is assigned a unique group number ("02") for the entire group, and each rare role (strong cherry, chance eye) is not assigned a number. The other groups are assigned a unique group number ("03") for the entire group, and each role is not assigned a number. Therefore, the group number can distinguish whether a role is rare or not, and can also identify the type of rare role, such as weak rare roles and strong rare roles. However, the group number cannot identify small roles, and it cannot tell which pattern to press. When the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 performs an AT lottery or a lottery for transition to a high probability state described later in accordance with the result of the lottery, the CPU 304 may perform the lottery process using a rare role group, since the processing is lighter when performing a lottery process of "Other? → Weak rare role? → Strong rare role?" than a lottery process such as "Replay? → Bell? → Weak cherry? → Strong cherry → Watermelon? → Chance eye?". The same is true for the lottery process in the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400, and the main control unit 300 may send an internal win command to the first sub-control unit 400 by including information on the rare role group in the internal win command.

The main control unit 300 may use the winning combination information to perform an AT lottery to determine whether to transition to the AT state, a transition lottery to a high probability state, and a CZ lottery to determine whether to transition to a CZ state. You may use a small role group, you may use a rare role group, you may use a small role group or a rare role group depending on the object of the lottery. For example, if the AT lottery is a win (transfers to AT state) only when a strong cherry is won, the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 can perform lottery processing using the small role group, and select the strong cherry or chance. If it is a win (transition to AT state) only when the winning combination is won, the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 can perform lottery processing using the rare combination group.

The winning combination number, minor combination number, and group number explained above are expressed in binary or hexadecimal in the program (the same applies to the following explanations).

FIG. 23(b) is a flowchart of advantageous section transition processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300.

This advantageous section transition process is executed after the winning combination is determined in the various lottery process steps S105 shown in FIG.

First, the CPU 304 sets in a register a winning role number (winning role information) of one of "00" to "34" shown in FIG. 23(a) that is associated with the winning role in the game, and determines whether the winning role number is equal to or greater than "04", the winning role number associated with Replay 1 (step S251). Note that a comparison command such as a "CP command" can be used as a method of determination, and a transition determination process to an advantageous zone can be performed depending on whether the carry flag is set (if the carry flag = 1, there is no transition to the advantageous zone). In the case of a numerical value without a sign, such as winning role information, it is only necessary to perform processing depending on whether the carry flag is set, so by using a comparison command, the processing load can be reduced while using simple commands.

If the winning role number associated with the winning role is "04" or greater, the game state is set to an advantageous zone (step S252). Here, there is a high probability state in which the probability of winning the AT lottery is relatively high, and a low probability state in which the probability is relatively low. During the advantageous zone, there is a transition from the low probability state to the high probability state, or from the high probability state to the low probability state. Also, the ceiling game number may be set to a first game number (e.g., 1000 games) or a second game number (e.g., 500 games). There are multiple types of advantageous zones that combine the timing of the transition to the high probability state and the ceiling game number, and the advantageous zone set in step S252 is the advantageous zone selected by lottery from among these multiple types of advantageous zones.

On the other hand, if the winning role number associated with the winning role is less than "04", the advantageous zone transition process ends and the non-advantageous zone continues.

As explained above, the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 only needs to determine whether the winning role is in the range of "04" to "34", i.e., whether the winning role number corresponding to the winning role is 4 or greater. In terms of program instructions, this requires a simple program in which, when a non-advantageous zone continues, the winning role number is set in a specified register (for example, register A), the contents of the specified register are compared with the contents of replay 1 ("04"), and the program ends when the winning role number is less than 4, which reduces the program capacity compared to determining whether each winning role is a role that will transition to an advantageous zone. Also, roles that are not roles that will transition to an advantageous zone can be eliminated with certainty.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram regarding the instruction monitor controlled by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300.

In the AT state, the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 may use the game information display 126 shown in FIG. 1 to display the order in which the stop buttons 137 to 139 should be pressed. The game information display 126, which may display the number of medals paid out during a bonus game, etc., functions as an instruction monitor.

Figure 24 (a) shows a game information display 126 with seven-segment displays arranged side-by-side.

At the far left of FIG. 24(a), an instruction display (display of the number 7) is shown when instructing CLR (center right/left) operation, and to its right side is an instruction display when instructing CRL (center right left) operation. An instruction display (displaying the number 8) is shown in the center, and an instruction display (displaying the number 9) for instructing RLC (center right left center) operation is shown in the center. Left) An instruction display (display of the number 10) for instructing operations is shown, and on the far right, the player can press the button in any order corresponding to 1-card winning 7 and 1-card winning 8. A common display (display of the number 11) indicating that the profits are the same is shown depending on the pressing order.

Figure 24 (b) is a flowchart of the instruction monitor setting process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300.

This instruction monitor setting process is executed after the winning combination is determined in the various lottery process steps S105 shown in FIG.

First, the CPU 304 determines whether the winning combination is a combination that belongs to the pressing order combination of the small combination group shown in FIG. 23(a) (step S261). In terms of program instructions, the number of the small role group to which the winning role corresponds (the small role number from "01" to "21" or the group number of "00") is the group number " 00''. The CPU 304 has to refer to 35 numbers such as "00" to "34" for winning combination numbers, but for small winning combination groups, it only needs to refer to 22 numbers, increasing the processing speed. Furthermore, the capacity of the program becomes smaller.

If the winning combination does not belong to the group of pressed combinations, this instruction monitor setting process ends. On the other hand, if the winning combination belongs to the group of pressed combinations, it is determined whether the current gaming state is an AT state (step S262). Among the various game states shown in FIG. 7, the normal stage is "01", the CZ is "02", the pullback zone is "03", the bonus state is "04", the AT normal state is "05", Game state numbers such as "06" is given to the top-up zone and "07" is given to the ending state. A gaming state number representing the current gaming state is set in a register (for example, A register) of the CPU 304. In step S262, it is determined whether the gaming state number set in the register is "04" or more. If it is less than "04", this instruction monitor setting process ends; If there is, an instruction information value is calculated in step S263. That is, if the current gaming state is the AT state, the process advances to step S263.

In step S263, processing is performed using the winning combination information (winning combination number) instead of the information on the small winning combination group used in step S261. That is, the winning combination number associated with the winning combination is divided by 3, and the value of the quotient of the division result is determined as the instruction information value. For example, if Bell_CLR2 is won, the winning combination number "22" is divided by 3 and the quotient value is "7", so "7" is determined as the instruction information value. "3" used here corresponds to the number of prepared winning combinations with the same pressing order. In other words, in order to have a variety of outcomes, we have prepared three winning combination numbers in the same pressing order, so there are three winning combination numbers, and in order to perform common processing for these three winning combination numbers, we divide by 3, and the remainder is is not considered, and the value of the quotient is determined as the instruction information value. This makes the process simple.

In the following step S264, the instruction monitor information is set based on the instruction information value calculated in step S263, and the instruction monitor setting process ends. The set instruction monitor information is displayed on the game information display 126, which functions as the instruction monitor.

Note that the CPU 304 is also capable of processing information about small role groups and rare roles due to the high processing speed and small program capacity mentioned above, even in AT lottery and lottery in a high probability state where the probability of winning the AT lottery is relatively high. Process using group information.

FIG. 24(c) is a modification of the flowchart of the instruction monitor setting process shown in FIG. 24(b).

In the explanation so far, the game information display 12 functioning as an instruction monitor has displayed the numbers 7 through 11 as shown in FIG. 24(a), but in this modified example, it displays the numbers 0 through 4.

Steps S271 and S272 are the same as steps S261 and S262 described above, so their explanation will be omitted.

If the winning combination is a pressing combination and the current gaming state is the AT state, in step S273, the CPU 304 selects the winning combination as shown in FIG. 23(a) from the value of the winning combination number (winning combination information) associated with the winning combination. 21, which is the value of the winning winning combination number associated with Bell_CLR1, which is the pushing winning combination located at the head of the pressing winning combination of the small winning combination group shown in , to obtain the winning winning combination information subtraction value. In step S274, the winning combination information subtraction value is divided by 3, and the value of the quotient of the division result is set as the winning combination information subtraction division value. In step S275, a value of "1" is added to the winning combination information subtraction division value, and if the value of the addition result exceeds "4", 0 is determined as the instruction information value; If not, the value of the result of adding is determined as the instruction information value. For example, if Bell_CLR2 has been won, first, "21" is subtracted from the winning combination number "22" to obtain a winning combination information subtraction value of "1" (step S273). Next, "1" is divided by 3, and since the value of the quotient is "0", this "0" is set as the winning combination information subtraction division value (step S274). Finally, "1" is added to "0", and since the added value does not exceed "4", "1" is determined as the instruction information value. On the other hand, if the winning combination 7 has been won, first, "21" is subtracted from the winning combination number "33" to obtain a winning combination information subtraction value of "12" (step S273). Next, "12" is divided by 3, and since the quotient value is "4", this "4" is set as the winning combination information subtraction division value (step S274). Finally, "1" is added to "4", and since the added value exceeds "4", "0" is determined as the instruction information value.

In the following step S276, the instruction monitor information is set based on the instruction information value determined in step S275, and the instruction monitor setting process ends. As a result, the game information display 126 functioning as the instruction monitor shows the number 1 when instructing a CLR operation, the number 2 when instructing a CRL operation, the number 3 when instructing an RLC operation, and the number 4 when instructing an RCL operation. In addition, the number 0 is shown as the common push order display corresponding to the 1-coin role 7 and the 1-coin role 8, indicating that the player's profit is the same regardless of which push order is used.

In the instruction monitor setting process shown in FIG. 24(b) described above, the quotient after the division process is displayed as is on the instruction monitor, and the information to be displayed on the instruction monitor is determined by one division process. Processing becomes easier. On the other hand, depending on the number of winning combinations and types of winning combinations, the instruction monitor information displayed on the game information display 126 will be displayed from a value other than "1". In this example, the numbers are displayed starting from "7" as shown in FIG. 24(a). On the other hand, in the instruction monitor setting process shown in FIG. 24(b), the instruction monitor information displayed on the game information display 126 can be displayed from "1", making it easier for players to understand. can.

Figure 25 is a diagram showing another example of the winning combination data shown in Figure 23(a). The following explanation will focus on the differences from the winning combination data shown in Figure 23(a), and duplicate explanations may be omitted.

FIG. 25(a) shows another example 1 of the winning combination data. In this alternative example 1 as well, the winning combination information is the same as the winning combination information of the winning combination data shown in FIG. 23(a). In other words, the same 35 winning combinations (small winning combinations) as the winning combination information shown in FIG. A consecutive number (winning role number) is attached.

Of the 35 winning combinations (minor combinations) in this alternative example 1, the relationship between the display mode and the number of coins paid out for each operation content of the common bell and the pressing combination is the same as the relationship shown in FIG. 6(b). .

In another example 1, if a winning combination of "05" or higher associated with Replay 2 is internally won, the game shifts to the advantageous section. A winning combination number of "05" or higher, that is, a winning combination number belonging to the range of "05" to "34" is an advantageous section number. On the other hand, winning combination numbers less than "05", ie, winning combination numbers belonging to the range of "01" to "04", become non-advantageous section numbers.

In the information on the small role group in the modified example 1, in addition to the same push order role group as the push order role group in the information on the small role group in the winning role data shown in FIG. 23(a), a group of replay groups, which is a different push order role, is also provided. Small roles that are not included in the push order role group or the replay group group are assigned small role numbers "01" to "04" and "06" to "16" that correspond one-to-one to the small roles. Therefore, it is possible to identify the small roles by the small role number. On the other hand, in the replay group group, a unique group number ("05") is assigned to the entire group, and no number is assigned to each replay role. Therefore, although the type of role such as a replay role can be identified by the group number, it is not possible to distinguish between the replay roles, and the stop operation mode (push order) cannot be identified.

In another example 1, since replay 1, which is not transferred to the advantageous section, is also grouped into the replay group ("05"), in the advantageous section transition processing shown in FIG. 23(b), the winning combination information is It is convenient to refer to it.

Although not shown, the winning combination data of Example 1 also includes the same rare combination group as the rare combination group in the winning combination data shown in FIG. 23(a).

Figure 25(b) shows another example 2 of the winning combination data. In this another example 2, the winning combination information is the same as the winning combination information of the winning combination data shown in Figure 23(a). That is, the same 35 winning combinations (minor combinations) as the winning combination information shown in Figure 23(a) are lined up in the same order, and natural number consecutive numbers (winning combination numbers) such as "00" to "34" that correspond one-to-one to the winning combinations are assigned.

Of the 35 winning combinations (minor combinations) in this alternative example 2, the relationship between the display mode and payout number for each operation content of the common bell and push order combination is the same as the relationship shown in Figure 6 (b).

In another example 2, when a winning combination of "21" or higher associated with the push order bell_CLR1 is internally won, the game shifts to an advantageous section. A winning combination number of "21" or higher, that is, a winning combination number belonging to the range of "21" to "34" is an advantageous section number. On the other hand, winning combination numbers less than "21", ie, winning combination numbers belonging to the range of "01" to "20", become non-advantageous section numbers.

The information on the small role group in the second example includes a push order role group consisting of all push order bell roles, 1-coin role 6, 1-coin role 7, and 1-coin role 8 among the push order roles. The small roles that are not included in this push order role group are assigned consecutive numbers (natural numbers) for each small role. In other words, the small role numbers "01" to "20" that correspond one-to-one to the small roles are assigned. Therefore, the small roles can be identified by the small role numbers. On the other hand, in the push order role group, the entire group is assigned a group number ("00"), and each bell role or 1-coin role is not assigned a number. Therefore, although the type of push order role can be identified by the group number, it is not possible to distinguish between the small roles (push order bell_CLR, push order bell_CRL, push order bell_RLC, push order bell_RCL, 1-coin role 6, 1-coin role 7, 1-coin role 8), and the stop operation mode (push order) cannot be identified. In other words, the group number does not tell us which is the correct operation (the operation mode that may be most advantageous to the player).

In the second example, the 1-coin role 6 that does not transition to the favorable zone is also grouped in the push order role loop ("00"). Therefore, in the favorable zone transition process shown in FIG. 23(b), it is more convenient to refer to the winning role information rather than the small role group.

Note that the winning combination data of Example 2 also includes the same rare combination group as the rare combination group in the winning combination data shown in FIG. 23(a), although this is not shown in the figure.

According to the above description,
"A means for determining whether a transition condition for transitioning to an advantageous zone advantageous to a player (e.g., a miss, 3 replays, 1 coin during RB, or a winning combination other than a bell during RB) is satisfied, and for setting the advantageous zone when the transition condition is satisfied (e.g., a CPU 304 for executing the advantageous zone transition process shown in FIG. 23(b)),
A winning result determination means for determining one of a plurality of winning results (for example, the CPU 304 for executing an internal winning combination lottery process in the various lottery processes (step S105) shown in FIG. 10 );
A gaming machine equipped with
Each of the plurality of winning results (e.g., the winning combination of the winning combination information shown in FIG. 23(a)) is associated with first numerical information (e.g., the winning combination number of the winning combination information shown in FIG. 23(a)).
The advantageous zone setting means is a means for setting the advantageous zone when the first numerical information corresponding to the winning result determined by the winning result determination means is a specific value [e.g., "04" or "0100" expressed in binary or 4 expressed in hexadecimal] or more [e.g., a Yes judgment result in step S251 shown in FIG. 23(b)], whereby the transition condition is satisfied and the advantageous zone is set [e.g., step S252 shown in FIG. 23(b)],
The advantageous zone setting means is a means for not setting the advantageous zone because the transition condition is not satisfied if the first numerical information corresponding to the winning result determined by the winning result determination means is less than the specific value [for example, a judgment result of No in step S251 shown in FIG. 23(b)] [for example, the end of the advantageous zone transition process shown in FIG. 23(b)],
The first numerical information corresponding to the winning result determined by the winning result determination means is stored in a predetermined register,
The advantageous zone setting means is a means using a comparison instruction [e.g., a CP instruction] for comparing the first numerical information stored in the specified register with the specific value,
The advantageous zone setting means is a means for determining whether the first numerical information corresponding to the winning result determined by the winning result determination means is equal to or greater than the specific value, depending on the success or failure of a carry flag derived by performing a comparison using the comparison command [for example, depending on whether the carry flag is 1].
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He explained:

Also,
“A reel that stops rotating by a stop operation [for example, reels 110 to 112],
Further comprising a privilege granting means [for example, main control unit 300],
The plurality of winning results include a plurality of types [for example, Bell CLR, Bell CRL, Bell RLC, Bell RCL, Operation mode of 1-card winning combination 7, 1-card winning 8] Contains the winning result [for example, push order winning combination],
The benefit granting means may be configured to perform a process for granting a benefit (for example, AT state) [for example, AT state transition lottery] using the second numerical information [for example, in the case of normal state (non-AT state)]. A certain means [for example, step S252 shown in FIG. 23(b)],
The benefit granting means is a means that may perform a process [for example, transition lottery] regarding the granting of a benefit [for example, AT state, high probability state] using the third numerical information [for example, as shown in FIG. 23(b) ), step S252],
The second numerical information is information that is different from the first numerical information and the third numerical information [for example, numerical information of a small role group],
The third numerical information is information that is different from the first numerical information and the second numerical information [for example, numerical information of a rare role group],
The second numerical information can specify that the winning result determined by the winning result determining means is the winning result of the operation mode [for example, a push order combination], but it is possible to specify that the winning result determined by the winning result determining means is the winning result of the operation mode [for example, the winning combination]. It is impossible to specify which operating mode is the winning result [for example, Bell CLR, Bell CRL, Bell RLC, Bell RCL, 1-card role 7, or 1-card role 8]. ,
The second numerical information [for example, the numerical information of the winning combination among the numerical information of the small winning combination group] is a value [for example, Small role group number 00] are multiple types of information associated with each other,
The third numerical information [for example, the numerical information of a strong rare role among the numerical information of the rare role group] corresponds to the plurality of values in the second numerical information [for example, the minor role group numbers 14 and 15]. multiple types of information associated with common values [for example, rare role group number 02],
The second numerical information is information with a smaller number of types [for example, the number of types is 22] than the first numerical information [for example, the number of types is 35],
The third numerical information is information with a smaller number of types [for example, the number of types is 3] than the second numerical information [for example, the number of types is 22],
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Furthermore, according to the above description,
"A reel that stops spinning by a stop operation [e.g., reels 110 to 112],
A reward giving means (e.g., the main control unit 300);
a means for determining whether a transition condition for transitioning to an advantageous zone advantageous to a player (e.g., a miss, a replay 3, a 1-card win during RB, or a win other than a bell during RB) is satisfied, and for setting the advantageous zone when the transition condition is satisfied (e.g., a CPU 304 for executing the advantageous zone transition process shown in FIG. 23(b));
A winning result determination means for determining one of a plurality of winning results (for example, the CPU 304 for executing an internal winning combination lottery process in the various lottery processes (step S105) shown in FIG. 10 );
A gaming machine equipped with
Each of the plurality of winning results (e.g., the winning combination of the winning combination information shown in FIG. 23(a)) is associated with first numerical information (e.g., the winning combination number of the winning combination information shown in FIG. 23(a)).
The plurality of winning results include a plurality of types of winning operation results [e.g., push order roles] [e.g., Bell CLR, Bell CRL, Bell RLC, Bell RCL, 1 coin role 7, 1 coin role 8] corresponding to an operation mode [e.g., so-called correct operation] advantageous to the player in the stopping operation,
The advantageous zone setting means is a means for satisfying the transition condition and setting the advantageous zone when the first numerical information corresponding to the winning result determined by the winning result determination means is equal to or greater than a specific value [e.g., "04" or "0100" expressed in binary or 4 expressed in hexadecimal] [e.g., a Yes judgment result in step S251 shown in FIG. 23(b)],
The advantageous zone setting means is a means for not setting the advantageous zone because the transition condition is not satisfied if the first numerical information corresponding to the winning result determined by the winning result determination means is less than the specific value [for example, a judgment result of No in step S251 shown in FIG. 23(b)] [for example, the end of the advantageous zone transition process shown in FIG. 23(b)],
The bonus granting means is a means for performing a process for granting a bonus [for example, an AT state] [for example, an AT state transition lottery] using the second numerical information [for example, in the case of a normal state (non-AT state)] [for example, step S252 shown in FIG. 23(b)],
The bonus granting means may perform a process (e.g., a transition lottery) for granting a bonus (e.g., an AT state, a high probability state) using the third numerical information (e.g., step S252 shown in FIG. 23B),
The second numerical information is information different from the first numerical information and the third numerical information [for example, numerical information of a small winning group],
The third numerical information is information different from the first numerical information and the second numerical information [for example, numerical information of a rare role group],
The second numerical information is information that can identify that the winning result determined by the winning result determination means is the winning result of the operation mode [for example, a push order role], but cannot identify which of the multiple types of operation mode winning results it is [for example, whether it is a bell CLR, a bell CRL, a bell RLC, a bell RCL, a 1-coin role 7, or a 1-coin role 8].
The second numerical information [for example, the numerical information of the push order role among the numerical information of the small role group] is a plurality of types of information to which a value [for example, the small role group number 00] is associated with the first numerical information [for example, the winning role number 21 to 34],
The third numerical information [for example, numerical information of a strong rare role among numerical information of a rare role group] is a plurality of types of information in which a common value [for example, rare role group number 02] is associated with a plurality of values [for example, small role group numbers 14, 15] in the second numerical information,
The second numerical information is information having a smaller number of types (e.g., 22 types) than the first numerical information (e.g., 35 types),
The third numerical information is information having a smaller number of types (e.g., 3 types) than the second numerical information (e.g., 22 types),
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

moreover,
"The second numerical information is information in which one value is associated with one or more values in the first numerical information [for example, the winning combination number 00 is associated with the minor combination group number 01, and the winning combination numbers 21 to 34 are associated with the minor combination group number 00],
The third numerical information is information to which a common value is associated according to the degree of advantage regarding the granting of the privilege [for example, AT state] corresponding to the winning result [for example, 01 is associated as a common value to a degree of advantage of 45%, and 02 is associated as a common value to a degree of advantage of 100%],
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

According to this gaming machine, the advantageous zone can be set by determining whether the first numerical information corresponding to the winning result determined by the winning result determination means is equal to or greater than a specific value, and the capacity of the processing program is reduced compared to determining whether or not a winning zone transition role occurs for each winning result. In addition, the data capacity does not become huge.

The multiple pieces of first numerical information associated with each of the multiple winning results may be consecutive values, or may be values spaced apart. Alternatively, they may be discrete values. However, the multiple pieces of first numerical information must be associated with each of the multiple winning results so that a winning result that sets the advantageous zone and a winning result that does not set the advantageous zone can be distinguished at the boundary of the specific value.

moreover,
an advantageous zone setting means for determining whether a transition condition for transitioning to an advantageous zone advantageous to a player is satisfied, and setting the advantageous zone when the transition condition is satisfied;
A winning result determination means for determining a winning result;
A gaming machine equipped with
First information is associated with the winning result,
the advantageous zone setting means is a means for setting the advantageous zone if the first information corresponding to the winning result determined by the winning result determination means satisfies a predetermined condition;
the advantageous zone setting means is a means for not setting the advantageous zone if the first information corresponding to the winning result determined by the winning result determination means does not satisfy the predetermined condition,
The first information is information in which information satisfying the predetermined condition is classified into information not satisfying the predetermined condition,
A gaming machine characterized by:
may be also possible.

Also,
"A winning result in which the first numerical information is equal to or greater than the specific value [for example, 31 pieces in FIG. 23(a)] is better than a winning result in which the first numerical information is less than the specific value. For example, more than 4 in FIG. 23(a)]
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

By doing so, the advantageous section can be set at an early stage, and the processing speed can be increased.

Also,
"The total value of the winning probability of the winning result in which the first numerical information is equal to or greater than the specific value [for example, (a) + (b) + (c) + (d) in FIG. 6(a)] is higher than the total value of the winning probability of the winning result in which the first numerical information is less than the specific value [for example, (e) + (f) + (g) + (h) + (i) + (j) + (k) + (l) + (m) + (n) in FIG. 6(a)].
He also explained:

By doing so, the advantageous section can be set at an early stage, and the processing speed can be increased.

Also,
“A reel that stops rotating by a stop operation [for example, reels 110 to 112],
Privilege granting means [for example, main control unit 300],
The plurality of winning results include a plurality of types [for example, Bell CLR, Bell CRL, Bell RLC, Bell RCL] associated with operation modes that are advantageous to the player in the stop operation [for example, so-called correct operation]. , 1-card combination 7, 1-card combination 8] operation mode results [for example, push order combination] are included,
The benefit granting means uses second information different from the first numerical information [for example, information on a minor role group] to carry out processing related to granting a benefit [for example, AT state] [for example, AT state transition lottery]. [For example, in a normal state (non-AT state)]
The second information can specify that the winning result determined by the winning result determining means is the result of the operation mode [for example, the push order combination], but it is possible to specify that the winning result determined by the winning result determining means is the result of the operation mode [for example, the push order combination], but it is possible to specify that the winning result determined by the winning result determining means is the result of the operation mode [for example, the push order combination], but it is possible to specify that the winning result determined by the winning result determining means is the result of the operation mode [for example, the push order combination], but it is possible to specify that the winning result determined by the winning result determining means is the result of the operation mode [for example, the push order combination], but it is possible to specify that the winning result determined by the winning result determining means is the result of the operation mode [for example, the push order combination], but it is possible to specify that the winning result determined by the winning result determining means is the result of the operation mode [for example, the push order combination], but it is possible to specify that the winning result determined by the winning result determining means is the result of the operation mode [e.g. Whether it is [for example, Bell CLR, Bell CRL, Bell RLC, Bell RCL, 1-card role 7, or 1-card role 8] is information that cannot be specified.
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

From the viewpoint of the lottery means, there may be game states in which the advantageous operation mode is not necessary, and conversely, there may be cases in which a lottery using the second information requires less capacity for the processing program.

According to the above description,
“A reel that stops rotating by a stop operation [for example, reels 110 to 112],
Winning result determining means for determining one of the plurality of winning results [for example, the CPU 304 that executes the internal winning combination lottery process in the various lottery processes (step S105) shown in FIG. 10];
Notification information determining means [for example, CPU 304 that executes instruction monitor setting processing] that determines notification information [for example, instruction monitor information] corresponding to the operation mode in the stop operation;
Notification means for notifying the notification information [for example, the game information display 126 functioning as an instruction monitor];
A game machine comprising:
The winning result determining means selects one of a plurality of types of specific winning results (e.g., push order combinations) that are associated with operation modes that are advantageous to the player (e.g., so-called correct operation). It is a means that may determine the winning results [for example, Bell CLR 1 to 3, Bell CRL 1 to 3, Bell RLC 1 to 3, Bell RCL 1 to 3, 1-card combination 7, 1-card combination 8],
When one of the plurality of types of specific winning results is determined, the notification information determining means performs a predetermined calculation process [for example, calculation process of dividing the winning combination number by 3]. means for determining the notification information based on the calculation result [for example, instruction information value] obtained by
A game machine characterized by: ”
explained.

With this gaming machine, regardless of which of the specific winning results is determined, the notification information is determined based on the calculation results obtained by a specified calculation process, which allows for standardization of processing and reduces the capacity of the processing program related to notifying the player of operation details that are advantageous to the player.

Also,
"The winning result [for example, the winning combination of the winning combination information shown in FIG. 23(a)] is associated with first information [for example, the winning combination number of the winning combination information shown in FIG. 23(a)],
the notification information determination means is means for determining the notification information based on a calculation result obtained by the predetermined calculation processing using the first information;
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

The notification information can be determined according to the winning result.

Also,
“A first control means [for example, the main control unit 300] that controls the progress of the game,
A second control means [for example, the first sub-control unit 400] that controls the production,
Equipped with
The broadcast information determining means is a means controlled by the first control means,
The first control means is a means for transmitting second information different from the first information [for example, information on a small role group] to the second control means,
The second information can specify that the winning result determined by the winning result determining means is the specific winning result [for example, the winning combination], but it is possible to specify that the winning result determined by the winning result determining means is the specific winning result [for example, the winning combination] The type [for example, Bell CLR1, Bell CLR2, Bell CLR3, etc.] is information that cannot be specified.
The second control means is a means for controlling the production using the second information,
What makes it special is the game console. ”
Also explained.

From the perspective of the second control means, there may be game states in which the advantageous operation mode is not necessary, and conversely, there may be cases in which controlling the presentation using the second information requires less processing program capacity.

The first control means may include the winning result determining means, and the first control means may include the broadcast information determining means.

Also,
“The predetermined calculation process is a division process,
The first information is information that includes a corresponding value [for example, the value of the winning combination number] that corresponds one-to-one to the winning result,
Based on the calculation result obtained by dividing the corresponding value by a predetermined value (for example, 3), the notification information determining means may use the calculation result as it is (step S264), Further processing the calculation result (step S275)] is means for determining the notification information [for example, the CPU 304 that executes the instruction monitor setting process shown in FIG. 24(b) or (c)],
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

Regardless of which of the specific winning results is determined, the notification information is determined based on the calculation result obtained by performing division processing with a predetermined value, thereby standardizing the processing and reducing the capacity of the processing program.

Also,
``The broadcast information determining means is a means for determining, as the broadcast information, information representing a quotient value of the result of dividing the corresponding value by the predetermined value [for example, an instruction monitor shown in FIG. 24(b)] CPU 304 that executes the setting process],
A game machine characterized by: ”
Also explained.

By using the quotient value of the result of the division process, the notification information can be determined without considering the remainder of the division process, so the capacity of the processing program can be further reduced.

Also,
"The plurality of types of specific winning results include a first number [e.g., 3] of winning results [e.g., Bell_CLR] each having the same advantageous operation mode,
the predetermined value is the first number,
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He also explained:

The first number has a value of 2 or more, and it is possible to prepare a plurality of specific winning results of the same advantageous operation mode with different outcomes. On the other hand, since the number of specific winning results increases, the value to be handled becomes larger, but since the division processing is performed by the first number, it is possible to cancel the increase in the number of specific winning results, It is possible to suppress the increase in the capacity of the processing program and the time required for processing.

In addition,
"Reels that stop rotating by a stop operation [for example, reels 110 to 112],
A winning result determining unit that determines a winning result from among a plurality of winning results [for example, the CPU 304 that executes an internal winning combination lottery process in the various lottery processes (step S105) shown in FIG. 10];
a notification means that provides notification corresponding to the operation mode in the stop operation [for example, the game information display 126 functioning as an instruction monitor];
A game machine comprising:
The winning result determining means determines a specific winning result from among a plurality of specific winning results [for example, a push order combination] that are associated with an operation mode that is advantageous to the player [for example, a so-called correct operation]. It is a means that may
The plurality of specific winning results include a first specific winning result [for example, Bell_CLR1] and a second specific winning result [for example, Bell_CLR2],
The first specific winning result is associated with a first operation mode [for example, pressing order of middle left and right] as the advantageous operation mode,
The second specific winning result is associated with the first operation mode [for example, pressing order of middle left and right] as the advantageous operation mode,
The notification means is a means that can notify the first information corresponding to the first operation mode when the first specific winning result is determined as the winning result by the winning result determining means,
The notification means is a means that can notify second information corresponding to the first operation mode when the second specific winning result is determined as the winning result by the winning result determining means,
The first information and the second information are the same information [for example, the display of the number "7" shown on the leftmost side of FIG. 24(a)],
A game machine characterized by: ”
It may be.

According to the above description,
"A reel that is driven to rotate [e.g., reels 110 to 112] ,
Stop switches (e.g., a left stop button 137, a middle stop button 138, and a right stop button 139) provided corresponding to the reels;
A winning result determination means for determining a winning result (for example, the CPU 304 that executes an internal winning combination lottery process in various lottery processes (step S105) shown in FIG. 10 )
a notification means (e.g., a game information display 126 functioning as an instruction monitor) for notifying notification information (e.g., instruction monitor information) corresponding to the operation mode of the stop switch;
A gaming machine equipped with
When a transition condition (for example, a miss, 3 replays, 1 RB, or a win other than RB bell) is satisfied, the system is configured to transition to an advantageous zone in which notification of the notification information by the notification means is permitted;
The winning result can be determined as a winning result from among a plurality of winning operation results [e.g., Bell CLR1, Bell CLR2... Bell RCL3, L lip 1, L lip 2... R lip 3, Bell_pink LCR, Bell_pink LRC... Bell_blue RCL] in which an operation mode advantageous to a player [e.g., a so-called correct operation] is determined (hereinafter, referred to as a "certain operation mode winning result");
A winning combination number (for example, the value of the winning combination number shown in FIG. 23(a)) is associated with each winning result.
The plurality of operation mode winning results each include a predetermined number (e.g., 3) of operation mode winning results each having the advantageous operation mode in common,
The plurality of operation mode winning results are configured by consecutively allotting numerical information [e.g., winning combination number] for each of the advantageous operation modes,
When the notification information is notified, when the certain operation mode winning result (for example, the bell CLR2 shown in FIG. 23(a)) is determined as the winning result,
The process is configured to execute a division process (e.g., step S263 in FIG. 24B ) of dividing a value (e.g., 22) represented by the numerical information by the predetermined number (e.g., 3);
The quotient value (e.g., 7) of the division process is used to determine the notification information (e.g., step S264 in FIG. 24B ).
The numerical information is configured so that the quotient value resulting from the division process is the same for each advantageous operation mode [for example, in FIG. 23(a), if the winning combination number is 21 to 23, it is 0; if the winning combination number is 24 to 26, it is 1; if the winning combination number is 27 to 29, it is 2; and if the winning combination number is 30 to 32, it is 3];
If the winning combination number corresponding to the winning result determined by the winning result determination means is equal to or greater than a specific value [e.g., the value of the winning combination number corresponding to Replay 1, “4”], the transition condition is satisfied and the game is transitioned to the advantageous zone [e.g., step S251 and step S252 shown in FIG. 23(b)],
If the winning combination number corresponding to the winning result determined by the winning result determination means is less than the specific value, the transition condition is not satisfied and the game does not transition to the advantageous zone (for example, the result of the determination in step S251 shown in FIG. 23(b) is No),
The winning combination number corresponding to the winning result determined by the winning result determination means is stored in a predetermined register;
The winning combination number stored in the predetermined register is compared with the specific value (for example, step S251 shown in FIG. 23(b)), and whether or not the winning combination number corresponding to the winning result determined by the winning result determination means is equal to or greater than the specific value is determined according to the success or failure of a carry flag derived by the comparison.
A gaming machine characterized by the above.
He explained:

The functions and effects described in the embodiments described above are merely a list of the most preferred functions and effects, and the functions and effects of the present invention are not limited to those described here. Furthermore, even if the constituent elements are included only in the descriptions of the embodiments, examples, modifications, various examples, etc. explained above, those constituent elements may be included in other embodiments, examples, modifications, etc. It may also be applied to various examples. In other words, unless there is a factor that prevents the application, the constituent features included only in the description of the embodiment, examples, modifications, various examples, etc. may not be applied to other embodiments, examples, modifications, etc. Even if it is applied to various examples, it still stands as a cohesive technical idea.

100 Slot machine 101 Main unit 102 Front door 110 Left reel 111 Center reel 112 Right reel 126 Game information display 130-132 Bet buttons 135 Start lever 137-139 Stop button 157 Liquid crystal display device GMV Game number display NTG Character display of "NEXT" REC Operation recommendation display SPE Dialogue display ERR Error display

Claims (1)

A reel that is driven to rotate ;
A stop switch provided corresponding to the reel;
A winning result determination means for determining a winning result;
a notification means for notifying notification information corresponding to an operation mode of the stop switch;
A gaming machine equipped with
When a transition condition is satisfied, the notification means is configured to transition to a favorable zone in which notification of the notification information is permitted,
A winning result of one of a plurality of winning results of an operation mode in which an operation mode advantageous to a player is determined (hereinafter, referred to as a "winning result of a certain operation mode") can be determined as the winning result,
A winning combination number is associated with each winning result,
The plurality of operation mode winning results are configured to include a predetermined number of operation mode winning results each having the advantageous operation mode in common,
The plurality of operation mode winning results are configured by consecutively adding numerical information for each of the advantageous operation modes,
When the notification information is notified, when the certain operation mode winning result is determined as the winning result,
A division process is configured to divide a value represented by the numerical information by the predetermined number,
The system is configured to execute a process of determining the notification information based on a quotient value resulting from the division process,
the numerical information is configured so that a quotient resulting from the division process is the same for each of the advantageous operation modes;
If the winning combination number corresponding to the winning result determined by the winning result determination means is equal to or greater than a specific value, the transition condition is satisfied and the game is transitioned to the advantageous zone;
If the winning combination number corresponding to the winning result determined by the winning result determination means is less than the specific value, the transition condition is not satisfied and the game does not transition to the advantageous zone;
The winning combination number corresponding to the winning result determined by the winning result determination means is stored in a predetermined register;
The winning combination number stored in the predetermined register is compared with the specific value, and whether or not the winning combination number corresponding to the winning result determined by the winning result determination means is equal to or greater than the specific value is determined according to the success or failure of a carry flag derived by the comparison.
A gaming machine characterized by:

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