JP7485340B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine that determines by lottery whether or not to award a gaming advantage to a player.

In slot machines, which are used as gaming machines, multiple game states and presentation states are provided that give players different degrees of advantage (game profits) as the game progresses. For example, some slot machines use a specification that transitions from a normal game state to a bonus game state in which the player has a higher chance of winning medals by displaying a symbol combination that corresponds to a bonus role on an active line. In addition, slot machines that use a so-called AT (assist time) presentation state in which an auxiliary presentation is executed to assist in the winning of a winning role are also becoming popular.

In addition, in slot machines that employ an AT presentation state, it has been proposed to transition to a so-called chance zone after the AT presentation state ends (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2017-221424 A

However, in the above-mentioned slot machines, the game only transitions to the chance zone after the AT performance state ends, making the game monotonous and causing the player to lose motivation to play. Also, if the arrangement of the symbols on the reels becomes monotonous, it may reduce interest and the player's motivation to play.

In view of these problems, the present invention aims to provide a gaming machine that can increase players' motivation to play.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the gaming machine of the present invention includes a winning type selection means for selecting one of a plurality of winning types by lottery, the winning type being a combination of a correct combination and an incorrect combination , and a bonus winning type being a combination of a bonus combination and a minor combination, and a start switch for controlling the rotation of a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are respectively arranged, and a stop switch for controlling the rotation of the reel operated based on the result of the lottery for the winning type, in response to the operation of a stop switch corresponding to the rotating reel. and a game state control means for transitioning to one of a plurality of game states including a non-internal game state and a bonus internal game state (e.g., an RBB internal game state) which is transitioned to based on winning a bonus role (e.g., a winning role "RBB") in the non-internal game state. In the non-internal game state, among the bonus winning types, the bonus role, a first minor role (e.g., a winning role "minor role 24") whose payout number is less than a specified number, and a second minor role (e.g., a winning role "minor role 25") whose payout number is less than a specified number are selected from the bonus winning types. For example, the winning type (for example, the winning type “common 1”) in which the first minor role overlaps with the winning role “minor role 45”) may be won, and the selected winning type includes a predetermined winning type (for example, the winning type “batting order bell blue 2”) in which the first minor role overlaps, and the selected winning type does not include a winning type in which the second minor role overlaps, and the symbol (for example, the symbol “BAR”) arranged on a predetermined reel (for example, the middle reel 110b) among the symbol combinations corresponding to the bonus role may be a symbol (for example, the symbol “BAR”) arranged on a predetermined reel (for example, the symbol “ Unlike a bonus win ("replay"), the symbol arranged on the specified reel among the symbol combinations corresponding to the bonus role is equal to the symbol arranged on the specified reel among the symbol combinations corresponding to the second minor role (e.g., the symbol "BAR"), the specified reel is the reel corresponding to the first stop in the specified operation when the specified winning type is won, and the reel control means performs stop control so as not to win the bonus role regardless of the operation mode of the stop switch, regardless of which of the bonus winning types is determined.

The present invention makes it possible to increase players' motivation to play.

FIG. 1 is an external view for explaining a schematic mechanical configuration of a slot machine. 1 is an external view of the slot machine with the front door open, illustrating the general mechanical configuration of the slot machine. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of symbols on the reels and the winning lines. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the slot machine. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a winning combination. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a winning type lottery table. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a winning type lottery table. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the transition of a game state. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the transition of the presentation state. A diagram explaining the internal state of the normal presentation state. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a status improvement lottery table. A diagram explaining the CZ lottery table. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the mode of the normal presentation state. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a transition lottery table. 13 is a diagram for explaining an overview of an increase or decrease in medals when a setting is changed. FIG. A diagram explaining the continuation lottery table and the advantageous continuation lottery table. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating reel effects. 13 is a diagram illustrating a reel effect lottery table. FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a CPU initialization process in a main control board. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a cold start process in a main control board. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an error stop process in the main control board. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a setting value switching process in a main control board. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an initialization start process in the main control board. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a state restoration process in a main control board. 13 is a flowchart explaining game start processing on the main control board. 13 is a flowchart explaining the game medal insertion processing on the main control board. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an internal lottery process in the main control board. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a pattern code setting process in the main control board. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an execution flag setting process in the main control board 200. This is a flowchart explaining non-favorable section processing executed in the state-specific module execution processing. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the normal presentation state processing executed in the state-specific module execution processing. This is a flowchart explaining the CZ performance state processing executed in the state-specific module execution processing. This is a flowchart explaining the non-advantageous waiting presentation state processing executed in the state-specific module execution processing. This is a flowchart explaining the advantageous waiting presentation state processing executed in the state-specific module execution processing. 13 is a flowchart explaining the processing performed during reel rotation on the main control board. 13 is a flowchart explaining the reel stop processing in the main control board. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a display determination process in a main control board. 13 is a flowchart explaining the payout process in the main control board. 13 is a flowchart explaining game transition processing on the main control board. This is a flowchart explaining the normal AT presentation state processing executed in the state-specific module execution processing. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a save process in the main control board when power is turned off. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a timer interrupt process in a main control board. A diagram explaining an overview of the increase and decrease of medals when the settings of the modified example are changed.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific values shown in the embodiment are merely examples to facilitate understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In this specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same functions and configurations are given the same reference numerals to avoid duplicated explanations, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not illustrated.

(Mechanical Configuration of Slot Machine 100)
1 and 2, a slot machine 100 as a gaming machine is provided with a housing 102 with an open front, and an upper front door 104 and a lower front door 106 which are rotatably arranged vertically side by side at one end of the front of the housing 102. A colorless and transparent symbol display window 108 made of a glass plate, a transparent resin plate or the like is provided at approximately the center of the lower part of the upper front door 104, and three reels 110 (left reel 110a, center reel 110b, right reel 110c) are provided at positions corresponding to the symbol display window 108 in the housing 102 so as to be independently rotatable. As shown in the pattern arrangement in Figure 3(a), multiple types of patterns are arranged in each of 20 equal areas on the outer peripheral surfaces of the left reel 110a, center reel 110b, and right reel 110c, and the player can view a total of nine patterns, three consecutive patterns located on the top, middle, and bottom rows of the left reel 110a, center reel 110b, and right reel 110c, through the pattern display window 108.

An operation unit installation stand 112 is formed on the top of the front lower door 106, and is provided with a medal insertion unit 114, a bet switch 116, a start switch 118, a stop switch 120, a performance switch 122, and the like. The medal insertion unit 114 accepts medals inserted as game value through a medal insertion port 114a. The bet switch 116 inserts (bet) a specified number of medals required for one game from among the medals electrically stored inside the slot machine 100 (hereinafter simply referred to as credits).

The start switch 118 is, for example, a lever that can detect tilting operation, and detects the start operation of the game by the player. The stop switches 120 (stop switch 120a, stop switch 120b, stop switch 120c) are provided corresponding to the left reel 110a, the center reel 110b, and the right reel 110c, respectively, and detect the stop operation by the player. Note that when the stop switch 120 can be stopped, the first stop is when the player operates one of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c to stop the reels, and after the first stop, the second stop is when the player operates one of the two stop switches 120 that have not been stopped, and after the second stop, the third stop is when the player operates the last remaining stop switch 120 to stop the reels. The effect switch 122 is, for example, a push switch and a jog dial switch arranged around it so that it can rotate freely, and detects the push operation and rotation operation by the player.

A liquid crystal display unit 124 that displays various images associated with the performance is provided approximately in the center of the top of the upper front door 104. Performance lamps 126, for example composed of high-brightness light-emitting diodes (LEDs), are provided at the top and left and right of the upper front door 104. Speakers 128 that perform auditory performances using sound effects, musical tones, etc. are provided at the left and right positions of the liquid crystal display unit 124 on the back surface of the upper front door 104 and at the left and right positions on the back surface of the lower front door 106.

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

Below the reels 110 in the housing 102, a medal payout device (medal hopper) 142 is provided for paying out medals from a medal discharge port 140a. A tray 140 for storing medals paid out from the medal discharge port 140a is provided at the lower front part of the front lower door 106. A power switch 144 is also provided inside the housing 102. The power switch 144 is operated by an administrator who manages the slot machine 100, and is used to switch between two states: a power-off state and a power-on state.

In addition, inside the cabinet 102, a setting key and a setting change switch (collectively referred to as a setting value setting means or setting means) (not shown) are provided on the main control board 200 described later. In the slot machine 100, when a predetermined key (operation key) is inserted into the setting key and turned from the OFF position to the ON position, and the power is turned on via the power switch 144, the slot machine 100 transitions to a setting change mode, and the setting value can be changed (also simply referred to as a setting change). The setting value indicates the degree of advantage (machine odds) of the player in stages, and is expressed in six stages from 1 to 6, for example. In general, the higher the setting value, the higher the overall advantage in the game (the higher the expected number of coins to be won). Then, each time the setting change switch is pressed in a state in which the setting can be changed, the setting value is incremented by one, and the setting value is changed to one of the six setting values, for example, and when the start switch 118 is operated, the setting value is confirmed, and the setting key is returned to its original position (OFF position), ending the setting change mode and enabling play. Note that settings can only be changed for a certain period of time after the power switch 144 is operated to turn on the power.

In the slot machine 100, when a game can be started and a specified number of medals are bet, the active line A is activated and the operation of the start switch 118 is activated. Here, the bet includes the case where the medals credited through the operation of the bet switch 116 are inserted, the case where the medals are inserted through the medal insertion section 114, and the case where the medals are automatically inserted based on the replay role displayed on the active line A, which will be described in detail later. The active line A is a line for determining whether or not a winning role has been won, and in this embodiment, there is one active line. As shown in FIG. 3(b), the active line A is set to a line connecting the positions corresponding to the symbols stopped on the upper row of the left reel 110a, the middle row of the center reel 110b, and the lower row of the right reel 110c among the nine symbols (three reels x three rows: top, middle, and bottom) facing the symbol display window 108. Invalid lines are lines other than the valid line A that are not used to determine whether a winning combination has been won, and which display other symbol combinations that make it easier to determine the winning combination when it is difficult to determine the winning combination based on the symbol combination displayed on the valid line A alone. In this embodiment, the four invalid lines B1, B2, B3, and C shown in FIG. 3(b) are assumed.

When the player operates the start switch 118, the game begins, the left reel 110a, the center reel 110b, and the right reel 110c are spun, and a lottery for a winning type is executed. After that, the left reel 110a, the center reel 110b, and the right reel 110c are stopped according to the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c. Then, if a winning combination that can receive a medal payout is won based on the result of the lottery for a winning type and the combination of the symbols displayed on the pay line A, the medals are paid out. If a winning combination that can receive a medal payout is not won or if a winning combination that can receive a medal payout is won but not won, the game ends when the left reel 110a, the center reel 110b, and the right reel 110c all stop.

In this embodiment, the above-mentioned one game refers to the game from when a medal is inserted through the medal insertion section 114, when a credited medal is inserted through the operation of the bet switch 116, or when a medal is automatically inserted based on a replay role being displayed on the active line A, until the left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c are controlled to rotate and a winning type lottery is executed in response to the player's operation of the start switch 118, and the left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c corresponding to the operated stop switch 120a, 120b, 120c are controlled to stop in response to the result of the winning type lottery and the player's operation of the multiple stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, and if a winning role that may be awarded with a medal is won, the medal is paid out. In addition, if a player does not win a prize type that can receive a medal payout, or if a player wins but does not win a prize, one game ends when the left reel 110a, center reel 110b, and right reel 110c all come to a stop. However, the start of one game may be interpreted as the player operating the start switch 118 instead of the insertion of a medal or winning a replay role. The number of times one such game is repeated is defined as the number of games.

Figure 4 is a block diagram showing the schematic electrical configuration of the slot machine 100. As shown in Figure 4, the slot machine 100 is provided with a control board including a main control board 200 (main control unit) that controls the progress of the game, and a sub-control board 202 (sub-control unit) that controls the presentation according to the progress of the game. Furthermore, the transmission of electrical signals between the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202 is limited to one direction only, from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 202, from the viewpoint of preventing fraud, etc.

(Main control board 200)
The main control board 200 has semiconductor integrated circuits including a main CPU 200a which is a central processing unit, a main ROM 200b in which programs and the like are stored, and a main RAM 200c which functions as a work area, and generally controls the entire slot machine 100. Note that even if the power is cut off, the main RAM 200c retains data without erasing it, unless a setting change is made and the RAM is cleared.

The main control board 200 also has functional parts such as an initialization means 300, a betting means 302, a winning type selection means (selection means) 304, a reel control means 306, a determination means 308, a payout control means 310, a game state control means 312, a presentation state control means (state control means, section control means) 314, and a command transmission means 316, which function when the main CPU 200a cooperates with the main RAM 200c based on a program stored in the main ROM 200b.

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

The initialization means 300 executes initialization processing on the main control board 200. The betting means 302 bets medals to be used in the game. The winning type selection means 304 performs a winning type selection based on the operation of the start switch 118, as will be described in detail later, to determine whether or not a winning role has been won, or more specifically, whether or not a winning type that includes a winning role has been won.

The reel control means 306 controls the rotation of the left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c in response to the operation of the start switch 118, and controls the stopping of the corresponding left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c in response to the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c corresponding to the rotating left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c, respectively. In addition, the reel control means 306 may extend the time from enabling the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c in the previous game to enabling the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c by the player to display the lottery result of the winning type lottery (disabled by completing the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c in the previous game) to a specified time in response to the operation of the start switch 118, and during that time, perform a reel effect (freeze effect) in which the reels 110a, 110b, 110c are rotated in various ways. The reel effect can be realized by not enabling any switch that should be enabled for a specified time, suspending a process that should be executed for a specified time, or not transmitting or receiving a signal of any switch that should be transmitted or received for a specified time.

The reel drive control unit 150 is also connected to the main control board 200. This reel drive control unit 150 drives the stepping motor 152 based on the rotation start signal for the left reel 110a, center reel 110b, and right reel 110c sent from the reel control means 306 in response to the operation signal of the start switch 118. The reel drive control unit 150 also stops the driving of the stepping motor 152 based on the stop signal for each of the left reel 110a, center reel 110b, and right reel 110c and the detection signal of the rotation position detection circuit 154 sent from the reel control means 306 in response to the operation signal of the stop switch 120.

The determination means 308 determines whether or not a symbol combination corresponding to a winning role has been displayed on the pay line A. Here, the display of a symbol combination corresponding to a winning role on the pay line A may simply be referred to as winning. The payout control means 310 pays out medals in the number (value amount) corresponding to the winning role based on the fact that a symbol combination corresponding to a winning role has been displayed on the pay line A (winning). In addition, a medal payout device 142 is connected to the main control board 200, and the payout control means 310 dispenses medals while counting the number of medals paid out.

The game state control means 312 refers to the result of the lottery for determining the winning type and the result of the judgment by the judgment means 308, and transitions the game state to one of a plurality of game states. The presentation state control means 314 refers to the result of the lottery for determining the winning type, the result of the judgment by the judgment means 308, and transition information of the game state, and transitions the presentation state to one of a plurality of presentation states.

The command transmission means 316 sequentially determines game-related commands associated with the operation of the betting means 302, the winning type selection means 304, the reel control means 306, the determination means 308, the payout control means 310, the game state control means 312, the presentation state control means 314, etc., and sequentially transmits the determined commands to the sub-control board 202.

The main control board 200 is also provided with a random number generator (random number generating means) 200d. The random number generator 200d sequentially increments the count value, loops it within a predetermined numerical range, and extracts the count value at a predetermined point in time to obtain a random number. The random number generated by the random number generator 200d of the main control board 200 (hereinafter referred to as the winning type lottery random number) is used to determine the gaming benefit to be awarded to the player, for example, the winning type by the winning type lottery means 304.

(Sub-control board 202)
Similarly to the main control board 200, the sub-control board 202 has various semiconductor integrated circuits including a sub-CPU 302a which is a central processing unit, a sub-ROM 302b which stores programs and the like, and a sub-RAM 302c which functions as a work area, and controls the performance in particular based on commands from the main control board 200. Similarly to the main RAM 200c, the sub-RAM 302c is also connected to a backup power supply (not shown), so that data is retained without being erased even if the power supply is cut off. Similarly to the main control board 200, the sub-control board 202 is also provided with a random number generator (random number generating means) 302d, and the random numbers generated by the random number generator 302d (hereinafter referred to as performance lottery random numbers) are mainly used to determine the mode of the performance.

In addition, in the sub-control board 202, the sub-CPU 302a has functional units such as an initialization determination means 330, a command receiving means 332, and a performance control means 334 that function in cooperation with the sub-RAM 302c based on the program stored in the sub-ROM 302b.

The initialization determination means 330 executes the initialization process in the sub-control board 202. The command receiving means 332 receives commands from other control boards such as the main control board 200, and processes the commands. The performance control means 334 receives a detection signal from the performance switch 122, and determines the performance of the game to be performed by each device of the liquid crystal display unit 124, the speaker 128, and the performance lamp 126 based on the received command. Specifically, the performance control means 334 determines image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 124, lighting data for the performance through lighting devices such as the performance lamp 126, the sub-credit display unit 134, and the sub-payout display unit 136, and determines audio data constituting the sound to be output from the speaker 128. Then, the performance control means 334 executes the performance of the determined game. In addition, the performance also includes auxiliary performance. The auxiliary effect is an effect that notifies the player of the correct operation mode of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, which is the winning condition for the correct role, when a selected winning type in which a correct role (specific role) and an incorrect role overlap in a winning type lottery is won. This auxiliary effect allows the player to easily display the symbol combination corresponding to the correct role on the pay line A. The performance state in which this auxiliary effect is executed is called an AT (assist time) performance state. In addition, a so-called ART game state in which the AT performance state and an RT (replay time) game state, in which the probability of winning a replay role is high, are carried out in parallel, may also be used.

In the following, notification means managed by boards other than the main control board 200, including the sub-control board 202, such as the LCD display unit 124, performance lamps 126, speaker 128, sub-credit display unit 134, and sub-payout display unit 136, may be referred to as other notification means. In contrast, notification means managed by the main control board 200, such as the main credit display unit 130 and main payout display unit 132, may be referred to as main notification means (instruction monitor). In addition, the main notification means and other notification means capable of executing auxiliary performances may be collectively referred to as auxiliary performance execution means. The performance state control means 314 causes the auxiliary performance execution means to execute the auxiliary performance in the AT performance state.

(Table used in main control board 200)
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the winning combination, and FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the winning type lottery table.

In the slot machine 100, as described in detail below, multiple types of game states and presentation states are provided, and the game states and presentation states are changed according to the progress of the game. In the main control board 200, multiple winning type lottery tables and the like corresponding to the game states managed and controlled by the game state control means 312 are stored in the main ROM 200b. The winning type lottery means 304 extracts the corresponding winning type lottery table from the main ROM 200b according to the current setting value (which indicates the easiness of obtaining a game profit in stages) stored in the main RAM 200c and the current game state, and determines which winning type in the winning type lottery table corresponds to the winning type lottery random number obtained according to the operation signal of the start switch 118 based on the extracted winning type lottery table.

Here, the winning roles that make up the winning types extracted in the winning type lottery table include a replay role, a small role, and a bonus role. A replay role is a role that allows the player to play again without placing a new medal bet when a symbol combination corresponding to the replay role is displayed on the active line A. A small role is a role that allows the player to receive a predetermined number of medals according to the symbol combination when a symbol combination corresponding to the small role is displayed on the active line A. A bonus role is a role that allows the game state managed by the game state control means 312 to transition to a bonus game state (a game state during RBB operation described later) when a symbol combination corresponding to the bonus role is displayed on the active line A.

As shown in FIG. 5, the winning role in this embodiment includes a bonus role, "RBB". In addition, the winning roles "Replay 1" to "Replay 7" are provided as replay roles. In addition, the winning roles "Small Role 1" to "Small Role 45" are provided as small roles. In FIG. 5, one or more symbols constituting each winning role are associated with the left reel 110a, the center reel 110b, and the right reel 110c. In the following, the winning roles "Small Role 1" to "Small Role 17" may be abbreviated to "15-coin role", the winning role "Small Role 18" to "14-coin role", the winning roles "Small Role 19" and "Small Role 20" to "3-coin role", and the winning roles "Small Role 21" to "Small Role 45" to "1-coin role".

Here, in this embodiment, when the stop switch 120 is operated by the player, if the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to a possible winning combination are on the active line A, the reel control means 306 performs stop control so that the symbols stop on the active line A. Also, when the stop switch 120 is operated, if the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to a possible winning combination are not on the active line A but are within a range equivalent to four symbol frames in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the reel 110 (pulling-in range), the reel control means 306 performs stop control so that the number of separated symbols becomes the number of slipping frames, and the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination are pulled onto the active line A and then stopped after maintaining rotation for the number of slipping frames. In addition, when there are multiple symbols corresponding to winning combinations that can win prizes on the reel 110 and all of them are within the reel-in range of the reel 110, it is determined which symbol to reel in to the pay line A according to a predetermined priority order, and the stop control is performed so that the prioritized symbol is stopped after maintaining rotation for the number of sliding frames so as to reel in the winning line A. When the stop switch 120 is pressed, if a symbol constituting a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination other than a winning combination that can win a prize is on the winning line A, the reel control means 306 also executes a so-called kicking process in parallel to prevent the symbol from stopping on the winning line A. In addition, as described later, when an operation mode (operation order or operation timing) is set as a winning condition for a winning combination included in a winning type, the reel control means 306 controls the stop so that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination can be displayed on the winning line A according to the operation mode of the player.

For example, the symbols constituting the symbol combinations corresponding to the winning role "Replay 1" and the winning role "Small role 17" are arranged on each reel 110 so that they can always be displayed on the pay line A by the above-mentioned stopping control. Such a winning role may be expressed as PB=1. On the other hand, for example, the symbols constituting the symbol combinations corresponding to the winning role "Replay 2", the winning roles "Small role 1" to "Small role 16", and the winning role "RBB" are not always arranged on each reel 110 so that they can always be displayed on the pay line A by the above-mentioned stopping control, so that so-called misses may occur. Such a winning role may be expressed as PB≠1.

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the winning type lottery table is divided into multiple winning areas, and the winning types that are the subject of the lottery vary depending on each game state, and the presence or absence of non-winning (missing) varies. In Figures 6 and 7, the winning areas (winning types) assigned to each game state (non-internal game state (non-internal), game state while inside RBB (while inside RBB), game state while RBB is operating (RBB operating)) are represented by "◎" or "○", but in reality, a winning type lottery table corresponding to each of the multiple game states is stored in the main ROM 200b. Note that "◎" indicates a winning type that allows the lottery of a favorable zone to be drawn, and "○" indicates a winning type that does not allow the lottery of a favorable zone to be drawn, and does not allow the lottery of a favorable zone to be drawn.

In the winning type lottery table, each partitioned winning area is associated with a predetermined number of entries (winning range value), which is a numerical value indicating the winning range, and a winning type. The total number of entries in all winning areas assigned to each game state is the total number of winning type lottery random numbers (65536). Therefore, the probability of each winning type being determined is the value obtained by dividing the number of entries associated with the winning area by the total number of winning type lottery random numbers. The winning type lottery means 304 sequentially obtains the number of entries from the multiple winning areas in the winning type lottery table starting with the highest number based on the game state at that time, subtracts the number of entries from the winning type lottery random number, and if the value after subtraction is less than 0, the winning type associated with the winning area at that time is the lottery result of the winning type lottery. Also, if the number of entries in all winning areas 1 or more are subtracted from the winning type lottery random number and the value after subtraction is 0 or more, the winning type "miss" of winning area 0 is the lottery result of the winning type lottery.

Here, we will add some details about the winning role "RBB" that constitutes the winning type "RBB". The specified first-class special role RB is a role that increases the number of combinations of symbols related to winning for each specified number, or increases the probability of the condition device related to winning for each specified number activating, and is activated in a predetermined case and can continue to operate until the result of the game is obtained not more than 12 times. Here, the condition device is a device whose operation is a necessary condition for the display of a combination of symbols related to winning, replay, the operation of a role, or the operation of a role continuous operation device, and is activated when a winning type lottery (a lottery by a computer performed in the gaming machine) is won, that is, it means a winning flag. And the role continuous operation device related to the first-class special role that constitutes the winning type "RBB" (winning role "RBB") is a device that can continuously operate the first-class special role RB, and is activated when a specific combination of symbols is displayed and ends its operation in a predetermined case.

According to the winning type lottery tables in Figures 6 and 7, for example, winning area 0 is associated with the winning type "miss." If such a winning type is won, the symbol combination corresponding to any of the winning roles shown in Figure 5 will not be displayed on the pay line A, and no medals will be paid out.

In addition, winning area 1 is associated with the winning type "small win ALL" which includes (wins) the winning roles "small win 1" to "small win 45" in overlapping fashion, winning area 2 is associated with the winning type "3 coins ALL" which includes (wins) the winning roles "small win 19" and "small win 20" in overlapping fashion, and winning area 3 is associated with the winning type "1 coin ALL" which includes (wins) the winning roles "small win 21" to "small win 45" in overlapping fashion.

Furthermore, winning areas 4 to 7 are associated with winning types "Replay 1" to "Replay 4", which overlap with winning roles "Replay 1" to "Replay 7". In the following, the four winning types of winning areas 4 to 7 may be simply referred to as the winning type "Replay".

In addition, the winning regions 8 to 31 are associated with selected winning types (winning types "batting order bell A blue 1" to "batting order bell A blue 4", "batting order bell A red 1" to "batting order bell A red 4", "batting order bell B blue 1" to "batting order bell B blue 4", "batting order bell B red 1" to "batting order bell B red 4", "batting order bell A1" to "batting order bell A4", and "batting order bell B1" to "batting order bell B4") that overlap with either a correct combination (winning combination "minor combination 1" to "minor combination 16") that results in a payout of 15 coins, and either an incorrect combination (winning combination "minor combination 21" to "minor combination 40") that results in a payout of 1 coin. Note that, below, the 24 winning types in the winning regions 8 to 31 may be abbreviated to the winning type "batting order bell".

In addition, winning regions 32 to 41 are associated with winning types "Batting Chance 1" to "Batting Chance 10" that include overlapping winning roles "Small Role 18" with a payout of 14 coins, "Small Role 17" with a payout of 15 coins, and any of the winning roles "Small Role 21", "Small Role 22", "Small Role 27", "Small Role 28", "Small Role 35", "Small Role 36", and "Small Role 43" with a payout of 1 coin. In the following, the 10 winning types in winning regions 32 to 41 may be simply referred to as the winning types "Batting Chance".

In addition, winning areas 42 and 43 are associated with the winning types "Common 3 Coins 1" and "Common 3 Coins 2," which include a combination of the winning role "Small Role 20," which pays out three coins, and any of the winning roles "Small Role 25," "Small Role 26," "Small Role 27," and "Small Role 28," which pay out one coin. In the following, the two winning types in winning areas 42 and 43 may be simply referred to as the winning type "Common 3 Coins."

In addition, the winning area 44 is associated with the winning type "common 1 coin" which includes the winning combination "RBB" and the small combinations "small combination 21", "small combination 23", "small combination 24", and "small combination 45" in overlapping fashion. In addition, the winning area 45 is associated with the winning type "watermelon" which includes the winning combination "RBB" and the small combination "small combination 43" in overlapping fashion. In addition, the winning area 46 is associated with the winning type "chance eye A" which includes the winning combination "RBB" and the small combination "small combination 44" in overlapping fashion. In addition, the winning area 47 is associated with the winning type "chance eye B" which includes the winning combination "RBB" and the small combination "small combination 19" in overlapping fashion. In the following, the two winning types of the winning areas 46 and 47 may be simply abbreviated as the winning type "chance eye".

In addition, winning area 48 is associated with a winning type "Weak Cherry" that includes the winning role "RBB" and the small role "Small Role 41" in an overlapping manner. In addition, winning area 49 is associated with a winning type "Strong Cherry" that includes the winning role "RBB" and the small role "Small Role 42" in an overlapping manner. In addition, winning area 50 is associated with a winning type "RBB" that includes the winning role "RBB" alone. Note that if winning areas 44 to 49 are won during a game state inside RBB, only the small role will be won.

When a winning type that includes multiple overlapping winning combinations is won, the winning conditions for which winning combination is to be preferentially displayed on the pay line A are set, such as the order in which the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are operated, and the operation timing of the stop switches 120b and 120c (operation position of the reel 110).

In the following description, the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c that stop the reels in the order of left reel 110a, center reel 110b, and right reel 110c is referred to as "batting order 1," the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c that stop the reels in the order of left reel 110a, right reel 110c, and center reel 110b is referred to as "batting order 2," and the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c that stop the reels in the order of center reel 110b, left reel 110a, and right reel 110c is referred to as "batting order 3." ", the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c that stop the reels in the order of center reel 110b, right reel 110c, and left reel 110a is "batting order 4", the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c that stop the reels in the order of right reel 110c, left reel 110a, and center reel 110b is "batting order 5", and the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c that stop the reels in the order of right reel 110c, center reel 110b, and left reel 110a is "batting order 6".

In addition, in "batting order 3," the operation of the stop switch 120b when the symbols with symbol numbers 1 to 10 arranged on the center reel 110b are located on the active line A is referred to as "batting order 3 blue (blue in the figure)," and the operation of the stop switch 120b when the symbols with symbol numbers 0 and 11 to 19 arranged on the center reel 110b are located on the active line A is referred to as "batting order 3 red (red in the figure)." Similarly, in "batting order 4," the operation of the stop switch 120b when the symbols with symbol numbers 1 to 10 arranged on the center reel 110b are located on the active line A is referred to as "batting order 4 blue," and the operation of the stop switch 120b when the symbols with symbol numbers 0 and 11 to 19 arranged on the center reel 110b are located on the active line A is referred to as "batting order 4 red." In addition, in "batting order 5" and "batting order 6", when the stop switch 120c is operated when the symbols with symbol numbers 1 to 10 arranged on the right reel 110c are positioned on the active line A, this is referred to as "batting order 5 blue" and "batting order 6 blue", respectively, and when the stop switch 120c is operated when the symbols with symbol numbers 0 and 11 to 19 arranged on the right reel 110c are positioned on the active line A, this is referred to as "batting order 5 red" and "batting order 6 red", respectively.

For example, in the game state inside the RBB described below, if the winning type "Batting Order Bell A Blue 1" in winning area 8 is won and an operation is performed using the correct operation mode (Batting Order 3 Blue), stopping control is performed so that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning role "Minor Role 1", which is the correct role with a payout of 15 coins, is preferentially displayed on the active line A. In addition, when operations are performed by batting order 1 and batting order 2, the stop control is performed so that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning role "1 piece role", which is an incorrect answer with a payout of one coin, is preferentially displayed on the valid line A with a probability of 1/2 when operations are performed by batting order 3 red and batting order 4 (batting order 4 blue and batting order 4 red), the stop control is performed so that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning role "1 piece role", which is an incorrect answer with a payout of one coin, is preferentially displayed on the valid line A with a probability of 1/2 when operations are performed by batting order 5 and 6, the stop control is performed so that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning role "1 piece role", which is an incorrect answer with a payout of one coin, is preferentially displayed on the valid line A with a probability of 1/4.

The probability of winning (number of pieces placed) for each winning type in winning areas 8-23 is set to be equal. The probability of winning (number of pieces placed) for each winning type in winning areas 24-31 is set to be equal. Since players usually cannot know which winning type they have won, the above-mentioned winning areas 8-31 are provided to make it difficult for correct combinations to win. As described above, even if the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are operated in an operation mode that prioritizes the display of incorrect combinations, it is not necessarily possible to display the symbol combination corresponding to the incorrect combination on the pay line A, so depending on the operation mode, a miss may occur (PB ≠ 1).

When any of the above winning types is won, the internal winning flag corresponding to the winning type is established (ON), and the stop control of each reel 110 is performed according to the establishment status of this internal winning flag. At this time, if a winning type including a small role is won, but the symbol combination corresponding to the winning role cannot be displayed on the active line A during the game, the internal winning flag is turned OFF after the game ends. In other words, the right to win a small role is limited only to the game in which the winning type including a small role is won, and the right cannot be carried over to the next game. On the other hand, when a winning type including the winning role "RBB" is won, the RBB internal winning flag is established (ON), and the RBB internal winning flag is carried over across games until the symbol combination corresponding to the winning role "RBB" is displayed on the active line A. In addition, when an internal win flag corresponding to a win type that includes a replay role is established, a symbol combination corresponding to one of the replay roles included in that win type is always displayed on the active line A, and after the processing required to play the next game without requiring a medal is performed, the internal win flag is turned OFF.

(Game state transition)
Here, the transition of the game state will be explained with reference to Fig. 8. Here, a plurality of game states are prepared, such as a non-internal game state, an internal RBB game state, and an RBB operation game state. As described later, each game state is transitioned according to the winning of a bonus role, winning (operation), and ending.

The non-internal game state is a game state that corresponds to the initial state among multiple game states. In such a non-internal game state, the probability of winning a replay role is set to approximately 1/7.3. In addition, in the non-internal game state, the winning role "RBB" is determined with a predetermined probability (for example, approximately 1/10).

The game state control means 312 transitions the game state in response to the winning combination "RBB". For example, in a game in which the winning combination "RBB" is won, when a symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "RBB" is displayed on the active line A, the game state control means 312 transitions the game state to a game state in which RBB is active (1).

In the RBB-operated game state, the winning probability of the replay role is set to 0. In this RBB-operated game state, the winning type that can be won is set as "small role ALL" in the winning area 1, "3-piece ALL" in the winning area 2, and "1-piece ALL" in the winning area 3. When the winning type "small role ALL" is won, a symbol combination corresponding to any of the winning roles "small role 1" to "small role 45" is displayed on the valid line A, when the winning type "3-piece ALL" is won, a symbol combination corresponding to any of the winning roles "small role 19" and "small role 20" is displayed on the valid line A, and when the winning type "1-piece ALL" is won, the game is stopped and controlled so that a symbol combination corresponding to any of the winning roles "small role 21" to "small role 45" is displayed on the valid line A. Here, the expected number of winning coins per unit game in the RBB-operated game state is lowered by the configuration of such small roles.

When the conditions for terminating the game state during RBB operation are met, i.e., when the number of coins won reaches a predetermined number, the game state control means 312 transitions the game state to a non-internal game state (2).

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

In the RBB internal game state, the probability of winning a replay role is set to approximately 1/5.9. Also, in the RBB internal game state, the winning type "miss" cannot be won. In other words, if the symbol combination corresponding to the winning role "RBB" cannot be displayed on the active line A in the winning game of the winning role "RBB", the symbol combination corresponding to the winning role "RBB" cannot be displayed on the active line A after that, since the minor role and the replay role are controlled to stop on the active line A in priority to the winning role "RBB". Therefore, once the game state transitions to the RBB internal game state, the RBB internal game state is maintained without any transition of the game state. Here, while maintaining such an RBB internal game state, the AT performance state is realized in the RBB internal game state.

Here, in the RBB internal game state, multiple types of correct roles are won without overlapping with each other, so the chances of winning a correct role can be increased, and as a result, for example, by performing an auxiliary performance in the AT performance state in the RBB internal game state, medals can be easily won. On the other hand, in the RBB operation game state, multiple types of correct roles are won in overlapping, so there are fewer chances of winning a correct role, and therefore there are fewer chances of winning a correct role than in the AT performance state in other game states, making it difficult for the player to increase the medals he owns. Therefore, it is possible to realize a specification (accelerator RBB) in which the RBB operation game state is inferior to the RBB internal game state in terms of medal winning performance, while having the function of the RBB operation game state in which the winning probability of a winning role related to winning is higher than in the RBB internal game state.

(Transition of performance state)
9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the transition of the presentation state. The following describes in detail the presentation state transitioned by the presentation state control means 314 in the main control board 200. Note that the following describes the case where the game state is the RBB internal game state.

Here, in order to comprehensively and uniformly determine whether or not the game state with high medal acquisition performance is biased, a game zone having a performance related to the instruction function, that is, a game zone advantageous to the player, including a game zone in which an auxiliary performance (instruction function) is executed, is defined as an advantageous zone. Note that, when an auxiliary performance is activated as a result of a lottery or the like related to the activation of the auxiliary performance on the main control board 200, the advantageous zone is a game zone in which information indicating the content of the instruction may be transmitted to a peripheral board such as the sub-control board 202 only when the content of the instruction is displayed on the main notification means so that the main control board 200 can identify it. Also, unlike the advantageous zone, a game zone in which the auxiliary performance (instruction function) cannot be executed is defined as a non-advantageous zone. Therefore, multiple performance states belong to either the advantageous zone or the non-advantageous zone, which are game zones. In this embodiment, almost all performance states belong to the advantageous zone, and a non-advantageous zone is realized in some performance states (here, the first game of the non-advantageous waiting performance state).

In addition, in the advantageous zone, among the winning modes in which the correct combination would be missed without the auxiliary effect, in the selected winning type in which the payout for the correct combination is the maximum (here, 15 coins), when an auxiliary effect that assists in winning the correct combination (an auxiliary effect that can obtain the maximum payout number) is performed, this must be notified, for example, by lighting up the zone indicator 160.

In addition, in non-advantageous zones, the probability of winning a type of win can be made different for each setting value, but the probability of deciding to transition to a presentation state with auxiliary effects (AT presentation state) for the same winning type must not be made different for each setting value. On the other hand, in advantageous zones, both the probability of winning a type of win and the probability of deciding to transition (or add) to a presentation state with auxiliary effects (AT presentation state) for the same winning type can be made different for each setting value.

Therefore, in addition to managing the transition of the presentation state, the presentation state control means 314 also manages the transition between the non-advantageous zone and the advantageous zone. Furthermore, regardless of this management, the advantageous zone is forcibly terminated when the following termination conditions are met. For example, the zone is forcibly terminated when the value counted in the advantageous zone reaches a predetermined value (for example, the number of games played during the zone reaches 1,500 games or the net increase in the number of coins exceeds 2,400 coins). In either case, the presentation state control means 314 resets all information updated in the advantageous zone (all variables that affect the performance related to the instruction function) by transitioning from the advantageous zone to the non-advantageous zone.

(Non-AT performance state, AT performance state)
In the non-AT performance state, the frequency of the auxiliary performance is much lower than in the AT performance state, and the auxiliary performance is almost not performed, so the number of medals that can be acquired is limited. Here, six performance states are provided as the non-AT performance state, such as a normal performance state, a CZ performance state (a chance zone performance state), a special zone performance state, an advantageous waiting performance state, a non-advantageous waiting performance state, and a pull-back performance state.

In the AT performance state, by having the auxiliary performance execution means execute an auxiliary performance when the selected winning type is won, it is possible to win many medals while reducing medal consumption. Therefore, by transitioning to the AT performance state, the player can play more advantageously than in a non-AT performance state. Here, there are four AT performance states: OP performance state (opening performance state), normal AT performance state, continuation performance state, and special specialized zone performance state. Each performance state will be explained individually below.

(Each performance state)
The normal presentation state (first state) is a presentation state that corresponds to the initial state among the multiple presentation states. The presentation state control means 314 performs a CZ lottery in the normal presentation state. The CZ lottery is a lottery that determines the transition to the CZ presentation state, and the presentation state control means 314 performs the CZ lottery with different probabilities for each winning type determined by the winning type lottery, as will be described in detail later. Then, when the CZ lottery is won in the normal presentation state, the presentation state control means 314 transitions the presentation state to the CZ presentation state (1).

In the CZ presentation state (second state), the presentation state control means 314 performs an AT lottery. The AT lottery is a lottery that determines the transition to the AT presentation state (normal AT presentation state), and the presentation state control means 314 performs the AT lottery with different probabilities for each winning type determined by the winning type lottery. Then, if the AT lottery is won in the CZ presentation state, the presentation state control means 314 transitions the presentation state to the OP presentation state, which is the AT presentation state (2). Note that the CZ presentation state can be said to be a more advantageous presentation state than the normal presentation state, since it may be determined that the transition to the normal AT presentation state in which the auxiliary presentation is executed will occur.

On the other hand, when a predetermined end condition is met in the CZ presentation state (for example, a predetermined number of plays has elapsed without winning the AT lottery), the presentation state control means 314 transitions the presentation state to the normal presentation state (3).

In addition, when a predetermined ceiling condition (for example, the ceiling number of plays passes consecutively without transitioning from the normal presentation state, CZ presentation state, or pull-back presentation state to any other presentation state) is met in the normal presentation state or CZ presentation state without transitioning to the OP presentation state or special specialized zone presentation state (so-called reaching the ceiling), the presentation state control means 314 transitions the presentation state to the OP presentation state (2), (4).

In the OP presentation state, the auxiliary presentation is executed until a predetermined end condition is met (for example, five correct wins are made for the winning type, and five auxiliary presentations are executed). Then, when a predetermined end condition is met in the OP presentation state, the presentation state control means 314 transitions the presentation state to a specialized zone presentation state (5). In the specialized zone presentation state, the difference in number of coins (net increase in number of coins) that can be acquired in the normal AT presentation state to which the state is subsequently transitioned is determined by lottery. The specialized zone presentation state continues for, for example, 15 games, and when 15 games have elapsed, the presentation state control means 314 transitions the presentation state to the normal AT presentation state (6).

In the normal AT presentation state (second state), the auxiliary presentation is executed until a predetermined end condition (for example, winning the difference in the number of medals determined in the specialized zone) is met. In other words, the normal AT presentation state is a difference-in-number-managed AT presentation state. Then, when a predetermined end condition is met in the normal AT presentation state, the presentation state control means 314 transitions the presentation state to the standby presentation state indicated by the dashed dotted line (7), (8).

The standby presentation state is divided into an advantageous standby presentation state, which is an advantageous zone, and a non-advantageous standby presentation state, which is a non-advantageous zone. Although a detailed explanation will be given later, in the final game of the normal AT presentation state, the presentation state control means 314 performs a continuation lottery to determine whether or not to transition (continue) to the normal AT presentation state again. If the continuation lottery is won, the presentation state control means 314 continues the advantageous zone and temporarily transitions the presentation state to the advantageous standby presentation state (7). In addition, even if the continuation lottery is not won, the presentation state control means 314 performs an advantageous continuation lottery when a specific condition is established, and if the advantageous continuation lottery is won, the presentation state control means 314 continues the advantageous zone and transitions the presentation state to the advantageous standby presentation state (7). On the other hand, if the continuation lottery is not won and the specific condition is not established, or if the specific condition is established but the advantageous continuation lottery is not won, the presentation state control means 314 transitions the advantageous zone to the non-advantageous zone and transitions the presentation state to the non-advantageous standby presentation state (8).

The standby presentation state continues for two plays, whether it is an advantageous standby presentation state or an unadvantageous standby presentation state. If the continuation lottery is won and the state transitions to an advantageous standby presentation state, the presentation state control means 314 transitions the presentation state to a continuation presentation state after two plays have elapsed (9).

In addition, if the continuation lottery is not won, but the advantageous continuation lottery is won and the state transitions to the advantageous standby presentation state, the presentation state control means 314 conducts a continuation lottery for each of the two games. Then, after two games have elapsed, the presentation state control means 314 transitions the presentation state to the continuation presentation state, regardless of whether the continuation lottery is won or not (9).

On the other hand, when the non-advantageous waiting presentation state is entered, the presentation state control means 314 performs a favorable zone transition lottery during the first play to determine whether or not to transition to a favorable zone. Note that the favorable zone transition lottery in this embodiment is always won. Therefore, the presentation state control means 314 transitions the play zone to the favorable zone when the first play in the non-advantageous waiting presentation state ends. Also, when the non-advantageous waiting presentation state is entered, the presentation state control means 314 performs a continuation lottery for each of the two plays. Then, after two plays have elapsed, the presentation state control means 314 transitions the presentation state to the continuation presentation state regardless of whether or not the continuation lottery is won (10).

The continuation presentation state continues until a predetermined end condition (for example, the passage of 10 games) is met, during which time the presentation control means 334 notifies the result of the continuation lottery. If the continuation lottery is won, the presentation state control means 314 transitions again to the specialized zone presentation state (11). On the other hand, if the continuation lottery is not won, the presentation state control means 314 transitions the presentation state to the pullback presentation state (12). Note that in the continuation presentation state, if the continuation lottery is not won, a so-called rewrite lottery may be held to determine by lottery whether to transition to the normal AT presentation state.

The pull-back presentation state continues until a predetermined end condition (e.g., 30 plays have elapsed), during which time the presentation state control means 314 conducts a pull-back lottery for the normal AT presentation state. If the pull-back lottery is won, the presentation state control means 314 transitions the presentation state to the specialized zone presentation state (13). On the other hand, if the pull-back lottery is not won and the end condition is met, the presentation state control means 314 transitions the presentation state to the normal presentation state (14).

In the normal presentation state, CZ presentation state, and pull-back presentation state shown by dashed lines, when a predetermined winning type (for example, winning types "Replay 3" and "Replay 4") is selected by the winning type lottery, the presentation state control means 314 determines by lottery whether or not to execute a locked 3 reel presentation (freeze presentation), which will be described in detail later. Then, when it is determined that a locked 3 reel presentation should be executed, the reel control means 306 executes the locked 3 reel presentation, and the presentation state control means 314 transitions the presentation state to a special specialized zone presentation state for the next game (15).

The special specialized zone presentation state is a state that is more advantageous to the player (a state in which the gaming profit is greater) than the specialized zone presentation state. Specifically, in the special specialized zone presentation state, like the specialized zone presentation state, the difference in number of coins (net increase in number of coins) that can be obtained in the normal AT presentation state to which it is subsequently transitioned is determined by lottery, but the difference in number determined is more likely to be a value greater than in the specialized zone presentation state. For example, in the special specialized zone presentation state, a total of 2400 coins is determined, which is the maximum net increase in number of coins that can be obtained in one advantageous zone. Note that the special specialized zone presentation state may be transitioned to when a specific condition, which will be described in detail later, is met, in addition to when it is determined that the reel presentation of lock 3 is to be executed.

Then, when the special specialized zone presentation state ends, the presentation state control means 314 transitions the presentation state to the normal AT presentation state (16).

(Details of normal performance state)
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the internal state of the normal performance state. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the state-up lottery table. The above-mentioned normal performance state is provided with a plurality of internal states with different transition probabilities to the CZ performance state, i.e., different winning probabilities of the CZ lottery. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, the normal performance state is provided with four internal states, namely, a low probability state, a normal state, a high probability state, and a super high probability state. The low probability state is the state in which it is most difficult to win the CZ lottery. The normal state is the state in which it is more likely to win the CZ lottery than the low probability state, and is more difficult to win the CZ lottery than the high probability state and the super high probability state. The high probability state is the state in which it is more likely to win the CZ lottery than the low probability state and the normal state, and is more difficult to win the CZ lottery than the super high probability state. The super high probability state is the state in which it is most likely to win the CZ lottery.

When the normal AT presentation state ends, the continuation lottery is not won, and the presentation state transitions to the normal presentation state via the pull-back presentation state, as shown in FIG. 10, the presentation state control means 314 sets the internal state to a low probability state. Therefore, when the transition to the normal presentation state is first made, it is difficult to win the CZ lottery.

In the normal presentation state, the presentation state control means 314 refers to the status improvement lottery table shown in FIG. 11 and performs a status improvement lottery for each game. According to the status improvement lottery table, the probability of winning is set for each winning type determined by the winning type lottery means 304. In the status improvement lottery table, the winning type "Strong Cherry", which has the highest probability of winning in the CZ lottery, which will be described in detail later, is also set to have the highest probability of winning in the status improvement lottery. Therefore, when the winning type "Strong Cherry" is won, not only does it increase the expectation of winning the CZ presentation state, but it also increases the expectation of winning the status improvement lottery, even if the CZ lottery is not won.

When the status-up lottery is won in a low-probability state, the presentation state control means 314 transitions the internal state to the normal state. When the status-up lottery is won in a normal state, the presentation state control means 314 transitions the internal state to a high-probability state. When the status-up lottery is won in a high-probability state, the presentation state control means 314 transitions the internal state to an ultra-high-probability state. In this way, each time the status-up lottery is won, the presentation state control means 314 transitions the internal state to a state with a high probability of winning the CZ lottery.

Then, regardless of the internal state, when the CZ lottery is won, the presentation state control means 314 transitions the presentation state to the CZ presentation state. If the presentation state is subsequently transitioned to the normal presentation state without winning the AT lottery in the CZ presentation state, the presentation state control means 314 transitions the internal state to either the normal state, the high probability state, or the ultra-high probability state. Note that the normal state, the high probability state, or the ultra-high probability state may be determined by lottery, or the internal state may be transitioned to a preset state each time the normal presentation state is transitioned to.

In this way, when slot machine 100 first transitions to the normal presentation state, it transitions to a low probability state in which it is least likely to win the CZ lottery, but by winning the state-up lottery, the internal state is upgraded, and when transitioning from the CZ presentation state to the normal presentation state, it transitions to an internal state other than the low probability state in which it is least likely to win the CZ lottery.

Figure 12 is a diagram explaining the CZ lottery table. When the internal state of the normal presentation state is a low probability state, the presentation state control means 314 performs the CZ lottery by referring to the CZ lottery table for the low probability state shown in Figure 12 (a). When the internal state of the normal presentation state is a normal state, the presentation state control means 314 performs the CZ lottery by referring to the CZ lottery table for the normal state shown in Figure 12 (b). When the internal state of the normal presentation state is a high probability state, the presentation state control means 314 performs the CZ lottery by referring to the CZ lottery table for the high probability state shown in Figure 12 (c). When the internal state of the normal presentation state is a very high probability state, the presentation state control means 314 performs the CZ lottery by referring to the CZ lottery table for the very high probability state shown in Figure 12 (d).

According to the CZ lottery tables shown in Figures 12(a) to 12(d), the probability of determining a transition to the CZ presentation state (winning probability) is set for each winning type. Therefore, the presentation state control means 314 will conduct a CZ lottery by referring to one of the CZ lottery tables shown in Figures 12(a) to 12(d) based on the winning type determined by the winning type lottery.

As is also clear from the CZ lottery tables shown in Figures 12(a) to 12(d), the order of likelihood of winning the CZ lottery is low probability, normal state, high probability state, and ultra-high probability state. Therefore, immediately after the normal AT presentation state ends, the player does not win the continuation lottery and transitions to the normal presentation state via the pull-back presentation state after remaining in the low probability state, making it difficult to win the CZ lottery, and therefore the player is unlikely to transition to the CZ presentation state, making it less likely to win the AT lottery.

On the other hand, if the player wins the status-up lottery (predetermined trigger) or the CZ lottery (predetermined trigger), the internal state will then necessarily transition to either the normal state, or a high-probability state or ultra-high-probability state, which have a higher probability of winning than the normal state. Therefore, the longer the game is played in the normal presentation state, the easier it is to win the CZ lottery, and since it is easier to transition to the CZ presentation state, the higher the chance of winning the AT lottery. This can increase the player's motivation to play the more they play.

Here, in the CZ lottery tables shown in Figures 12(a) to 12(d), when it is decided to execute Lock 1 or Lock 2 as a reel effect, which will be described in detail later, a CZ lottery is executed with the winning type "Lock 1" or winning type "Lock 2" instead of the winning type decided by the winning type lottery. The winning types "Lock 1" and "Lock 2" are set to have a higher probability of winning the CZ lottery than the winning type that was won when the reel effect was decided. Therefore, when the reel effect of Lock 1 or Lock 2 is executed, the player's expectations can be further heightened, and their motivation to play can be improved.

(Normal performance mode)
FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the mode of the normal presentation state. The normal presentation state described above is managed by one of a plurality of modes in addition to the internal state described above. As shown in FIG. 13(a), the normal presentation state has four modes (transition conditions), mode A to mode D. In mode A to mode D, the ceiling condition, that is, the number of games until the ceiling is reached (hereinafter referred to as the ceiling number of games), is different. In mode A, the ceiling number of games is set to 999 games, in mode B, the ceiling number of games is set to 777 games, in mode C, the ceiling number of games is set to 500 games, and in mode D, the ceiling number of games is set to 100 games. Therefore, since the ceiling number of games is larger than in mode B to mode D, mode A is an unfavorable condition because more medals are consumed until the ceiling number of games is reached. In addition, mode D is an advantageous condition because the ceiling number of games is smaller than in mode A to mode C.

Then, in the second game in the non-advantageous standby presentation state, the presentation state control means 314 refers to the mode selection table for the non-advantageous standby presentation state shown in FIG. 13(b) and determines the mode of the normal presentation state to which it will subsequently transition by mode selection. According to the mode selection table for the non-advantageous standby presentation state, mode B is selected with a 50% probability, mode C with a 40% probability, and mode D with a 10% probability. Note that if the continuation selection is won in the non-advantageous standby presentation state, no mode selection is performed.

In addition, if the advantageous continuation lottery is won, in the second game in the advantageous standby presentation state, the presentation state control means 314 refers to the mode lottery table at the time of winning the advantageous continuation lottery shown in FIG. 13(c) and determines the mode of the normal presentation state to be transitioned to thereafter by mode lottery. According to the mode lottery table at the time of winning the advantageous continuation lottery, mode D is determined with a 100% probability. In addition, if the continuation lottery is won in the advantageous standby presentation state, the mode lottery is not performed. Therefore, if the continuation lottery is won in the normal AT presentation state, the mode lottery is not performed. In other words, the mode lottery is performed only if the advantageous continuation lottery is won and the subsequent continuation lottery is not won. In such a case, the mode will transition to the normal presentation state via the pull-back presentation state without transitioning to the normal AT presentation state via the specialized zone presentation state, but after 100 games have passed, the ceiling will be reached and the AT presentation state (normal AT presentation state) can be returned to early.

When the settings are changed, information such as the game state, presentation state, and game zone is reset (initialized), so the game state becomes a non-internal game state and the game zone becomes a non-advantageous zone. Also, the presentation state when the settings are changed is set to a non-advantageous waiting presentation state.

Then, in the first game after the setting change, that is, in the first game in the non-advantageous waiting presentation state, the advantageous zone lottery is sure to be won and the game zone will transition to the advantageous zone. On the other hand, since the probability of winning the winning type that includes the winning role "RBB" is approximately 1/10, the game state is unlikely to transition from the non-internal game state to another game state. In other words, in the first game after the setting change, there is a high possibility that the game state will be maintained in the non-internal game state.

Therefore, in the second game after the setting change, i.e., in the second game in the non-advantageous waiting presentation state, if the game state is a non-internal game state, the presentation state control means 314 refers to the mode selection table at the time of the setting change shown in FIG. 13(d) and determines the mode of the normal presentation state to which it will subsequently be transitioned by mode selection. According to the mode selection table at the time of the setting change, mode A is selected with a 50% probability, mode B with a 30% probability, and mode C with a 20% probability.

In this way, among the multiple modes that manage the normal game state, mode A, which has the highest ceiling number of games, is determined only when the settings are changed.

Figure 14 is a diagram explaining the transition lottery table. As described above, when a transition to the normal AT presentation state is decided in the normal presentation state and the CZ presentation state, if the execution of the lock 3 reel presentation is not decided, and if the specific condition is not met, the transition will be made to the normal AT presentation state via the OP presentation state and the specialized zone presentation state.

Here, in this embodiment, the specific condition is set as the number of continued plays (number of continued plays) in the pull-back presentation state, normal presentation state, and CZ presentation state reaching 999 plays. In order for the number of continued plays to reach 999 plays, it is necessary to set to mode A. Mode A may be determined only when the setting is changed. In other words, except when the execution of the reel presentation of lock 3 is determined, the only time the special specialized zone presentation state may be transitioned to is when mode A is determined when the setting is changed and the number of continued plays reaches 999 plays. When mode A is determined when the setting is changed and the number of continued plays reaches 999 plays, the transition destination is determined by referring to the transition lottery table shown in FIG. 14. According to the transition lottery table, there is a 50% probability that a specialized zone via the OP presentation state is determined, and there is a 50% probability that the special specialized zone presentation state is determined.

Figure 15 is a diagram for explaining an overview of the increase and decrease of medals when the setting is changed. In the slot machine 100, when the setting is changed (first thing in the morning), 999 plays may be determined as the ceiling number of plays in the initial normal presentation state. In other words, the player may get stuck in the initial normal presentation state. In such a case, as shown in Figure 15, a large amount of medals will be consumed compared to other cases. On the other hand, when the ceiling number of plays reaches 999 plays, the player may transition to a special specialized zone presentation state, and the player may be able to obtain the same profit as when the reel presentation is determined. Therefore, in such a case, as shown in Figure 15, it is possible to win a large amount of medals after a large amount of medals has been consumed.

By doing this, it is possible to increase the so-called MY value, which is calculated by subtracting the minimum value (minimum net increase in number of coins) from the maximum value (maximum net increase in number of coins) in a day, thereby improving the player's motivation to play.

Figure 16 is a diagram explaining the continuation lottery table and the advantageous continuation lottery table. As described above, a continuation lottery is held to determine whether to continue the normal AT presentation state in the final game of the normal AT presentation state and in the standby presentation state. Here, the continuation lottery is held by referring to the continuation lottery tables shown in Figures 16(a) and 16(b).

Specifically, when the normal AT presentation state, which is entered for the first time from the normal presentation state, the CZ presentation state, and the pull-back presentation state, ends (the so-called first win), and when the advantageous standby presentation state is entered after winning the advantageous continuation lottery, the presentation state control means 314 performs a continuation lottery by referring to the first continuation lottery table shown in FIG. 16(a). According to the first continuation lottery table, regardless of the setting value, there is a 1% probability of winning and a 99% probability of not winning.

In addition, when the second or subsequent normal AT presentation state ends without passing through the normal presentation state, the CZ presentation state, and the pull-back presentation state, the presentation state control means 314 performs a continuation selection by referring to the continuation selection table for the second or subsequent times shown in FIG. 16(b). According to the continuation selection table for the second or subsequent times, regardless of the setting value, there is an 80% probability of winning and a 20% probability of not winning.

In this way, it is difficult to win the continuation lottery when the normal AT performance is on for the first time, but it is easier to win the continuation lottery when the normal AT performance is on for the second time onwards.

In addition, even if the continuation lottery is not won, if the net increase in the number of coins in the advantageous zone is less than 400 coins, the presentation state control means 314 refers to the advantageous continuation lottery table shown in FIG. 16(c) and conducts an advantageous continuation lottery to continue the advantageous zone. In the advantageous continuation lottery table, the probability of winning the advantageous continuation lottery is set to be different for each setting value. Specifically, the setting is such that the higher the setting value, the easier it is to win the advantageous continuation lottery. As described above, if the advantageous continuation lottery is won, even if the continuation lottery is not won, the mode of the subsequent normal presentation state is determined to be mode D, so the ceiling number of plays is set to 100, and the game will transition (return) to the normal AT presentation state early.

As described above, by varying the probability of the advantageous zone continuing depending on the setting value, even if the continuation lottery is not won, the higher the setting, for example, the sooner the player will return to the normal AT presentation state, resulting in different gameplay characteristics for each setting value, which can increase motivation to play.

Figure 17 is a diagram explaining the reel effects. In this embodiment, lock 1, lock 2, and lock 3 are provided as reel effects. In the reel effects of lock 1 to 3, at the start of the game, the reel control means 306 executes a reel effect in which the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are rotated in reverse in stages. As shown in FIG. 17(a), in the reel effect of lock 1, the reel control means 306 executes a reel effect in which the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are rotated in reverse and temporarily stopped, and then the rotating reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are rotated. In the reel effect of lock 2, as shown in FIG. 17(b), the reel control means 306 executes a reel effect in which the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are rotated in reverse and temporarily stopped twice, and then the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are rotated. In addition, in the reel effect of lock 3, as shown in FIG. 17(c), a reel effect is executed in which reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are rotated in the reverse direction and then stopped three times, and then reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are rotated.

In this way, in this embodiment, reel effects of Lock 1 to Lock 3 are provided, in which the number of times reels 110a, 110b, and 110c spin backwards differs in stages. As described above, Lock 2 is more likely to win the CZ lottery than Lock 1, and Lock 3 determines a transition to a special specialized zone effect state. In other words, the more backward spins there are, the greater the benefits to the player.

Figure 18 is a diagram explaining the reel effect selection table. As shown in Figure 18, when the winning types "watermelon", "chance eye", "weak cherry" or "strong cherry" are selected by the winning type selection lottery, the presentation state control means 314 refers to the reel effect selection table shown in Figure 18(a) and determines whether or not lock 1 and lock 2 can be executed by a reel effect selection lottery. Whether or not locks 1 and 2 can be executed is determined by a selection lottery when a so-called rare combination is selected.

In addition, when the winning types "Replay 3" and "Replay 4" are selected by the winning type selection lottery, the presentation state control means 314 refers to the reel presentation selection table shown in FIG. 18(b) and determines whether or not to execute lock 3 by the reel presentation selection lottery.

However, if the total number of plays in the normal presentation state, CZ presentation state, and pull-back presentation state is 400 or less, when the winning type "watermelon," "chance eye," "weak cherry," or "strong cherry" is won by the winning type lottery, the presentation state control means 314 refers to the reel presentation lottery table shown in FIG. 18(c) and determines whether or not to execute lock 1 or lock 2 by reel presentation lottery.

In addition, if the total number of plays in the normal presentation state, CZ presentation state, and pull-back presentation state is 400 or less, when the winning types "Replay 3" and "Replay 4" are selected by the winning type lottery, the presentation state control means 314 refers to the reel presentation lottery table shown in FIG. 18(d) and determines whether or not to execute Lock 3 by the reel presentation lottery.

According to the reel effect lottery tables shown in Figures 18(a) to 18(d), when the total number of plays in the normal effect state, CZ effect state, and pull-back effect state is 400 plays or less (before a specified number of plays), the probability of winning lock 2 and lock 3 is set lower than in other cases (e.g., greater than 400 plays (after a specified number of plays)). In other words, the probability of lock 2 and lock 3 appearing is different when the total number of plays in the normal effect state, CZ effect state, and pull-back effect state is 400 plays or less and when it is greater than 400 plays.

As a result, although it is difficult to win lock 2 and lock 3 at the beginning of the transition to the normal presentation state, CZ presentation state, and pull-back presentation state, it becomes easier to win lock 2 and lock 3 after 400 plays, making it easier for players to be granted special privileges (normal AT presentation state and special specialized zone presentation state), and increasing motivation to play by playing multiple times.

The specific processing on the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202 is explained below based on the flowchart.

(CPU Initialization Processing of Main Control Board 200)
19 is a flowchart illustrating the CPU initialization process in the main control board 200. When power is supplied from the power supply board, a system reset occurs in the main CPU 200a, and the main CPU 200a performs the following CPU initialization process (S100).

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

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

(Step S100-5)
The main CPU 200a judges whether a power-off warning signal has been detected. The main control board 200 is provided with a power-off detection circuit, which outputs a power-off warning signal when the power supply voltage falls below a predetermined value. If a power-off warning signal has been detected, the process proceeds to step S100-3, and if a power-off warning signal has not been detected, the process proceeds to step S100-7.

(Step S100-7)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the wait processing time set in step S100-3 has elapsed or not. If it is judged that the wait processing time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S100-9, and if it is judged that the wait time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S100-5.

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

(Step S100-11)
The main CPU 200a executes a checksum confirmation process. Here, the main CPU 200a calculates a checksum and judges whether the calculated checksum does not match the checksum saved at the time of power off (is abnormal) and whether the backup is abnormal. If the main CPU 200a judges that either or both of the backup and the checksum are abnormal, it turns on the backup abnormality flag, and if it judges that neither the backup nor the checksum are abnormal, it turns off the backup abnormality flag.

(Step S100-13)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the backup abnormality flag is on, and if it is judged that the backup abnormality flag is on, the process proceeds to step S110, whereas if it is judged that the backup abnormality flag is not on, the process proceeds to step S120.

(Step S110)
The main CPU 200a executes a cold start process, which will be described later.

(Step S120)
The main CPU 200a executes a setting value switching process for switching the setting value, which will be described later.

(Step S130)
The main CPU 200a executes a state restoration process to restore the state immediately before the power was turned off, as will be described later.

Figure 20 is a flowchart explaining the cold start process (S110) in the main control board 200.

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

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

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

(Step S110-7)
The main CPU 200a judges whether an abnormality has been detected in the above step S110-1. If it is judged that an abnormality has been detected in the above step S110-1, the process proceeds to step S112, and if it is judged that an abnormality has not been detected in the above step S110-1, the process proceeds to step S110-9.

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

(Step S110-11)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the RAM read/write error flag is on. If it is judged that the RAM read/write error flag is on, the process proceeds to step S112, and if it is judged that the RAM read/write error flag is not on, the process proceeds to step S120.

(Step S120)
The main CPU 200a executes a setting value switching process for switching the setting value, which will be described later.

(Step S110-13)
The main CPU 200a sets the error code "E7" which indicates a backup error.

(Step S112)
The main CPU 200a executes an error stop process for stopping the progress of the game due to an error, which will be described later.

Figure 21 is a flowchart explaining the error stop processing (S112) in the main control board 200.

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

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

(Step S112-5)
The main CPU 200a sets the external signal 1-3 output bit OFF, which turns off the output image of the bits corresponding to the external signals 1-3.

(Step S112-7)
The main CPU 200a executes an output port image set process for updating the output image for the bit set in step S112-5.

(Step S112-9)
The main CPU 200a goes into a permanent loop, which stops the progress of the game.

Figure 22 is a flowchart explaining the setting value switching process (S120) in the main control board 200.

(Step S120-1)
The main CPU 200a acquires a signal from the input port 1, and judges whether the setting value switching condition is satisfied based on the acquired signal from the input port 1. As a result, if it is judged that the setting value switching condition is not satisfied, the setting value switching process is terminated, and if it is judged that the setting value switching condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S120-3. Here, the signal from the input port 1 includes a signal indicating whether the front upper door 104 and the front lower door 106 are open or not, and a signal indicating whether the setting key is turned on or not. Here, it is judged that the setting value switching condition is satisfied when a signal indicating that the front upper door 104 and the front lower door 106 are open and a signal indicating that the setting key is turned on are acquired.

(Step S120-3)
The main CPU 200a executes a RAM clear process to clear areas in the main RAM 200c that should be cleared when the settings are changed.

(Step S120-5)
The main CPU 200a executes a table content setting process for transferring the table data of the setting value switching data table to the main RAM 200c.

(Step S120-7)
The main CPU 200a sets in the transmission buffer a setting change start command, which indicates the start of changing the setting value.

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

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

(Step S120-13)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the on-edge of the setting change switch has been detected in the above step S120-9. If it is judged that the on-edge of the setting change switch has not been detected, the process proceeds to step S120-17, and if it is judged that the on-edge of the setting change switch has been detected, the process proceeds to step S120-15.

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

(Step S120-17)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the set value data is within the range (1 to 6) that can be set as a set value. If it is judged that the set value data is within the range, the process proceeds to step S120-21, and if it is judged that the set value data is not within the range, the process proceeds to step S120-19.

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

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

(Step S120-23)
The main CPU 200 a executes a display data conversion process for displaying the set value in the main credit display section 130 .

(Step S120-25)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the on-edge of the setting change switch has been detected. If it is judged that the on-edge of the setting change switch has not been detected, the process proceeds to step S120-31, and if it is judged that the on-edge of the setting change switch has been detected, the process proceeds to step S120-27.

(Step S120-27)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the setting change switch is on. If it is judged that the setting change switch is on, the process proceeds to step S120-27, and if it is judged that the setting change switch is not on, the process proceeds to step S120-29.

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

(Step S120-31)
The main CPU 200a executes a timer wait process to wait until the setting change switch interval timer counts down to 0.

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

(Step S120-35)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the setting key is OFF. If it is judged that the setting key is OFF, the process proceeds to step S120-35, and if it is judged that the setting key is not OFF, the process proceeds to step S120-37.

(Step S120-37)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the setting key is on. If it is judged that the setting key is on, the process proceeds to step S120-37, and if it is judged that the setting key is not on, the process proceeds to step S122.

(Step S122)
The main CPU 200a executes an initialization start process to start the initialization start, which will be described later.

Figure 23 is a flowchart explaining the initialization start process (S122) in the main control board 200.

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

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

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

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

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

(Step S122-11)
The main CPU 200a executes a RAM clear process to clear areas in the main RAM 200c that should be cleared when the settings are changed.

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

(Step S200)
The main CPU 200a executes a game start process to start a game, which will be described later.

Figure 24 is a flowchart explaining the state restoration process (S130) in the main control board 200.

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

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

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

(Step S130-7)
The main CPU 200a sets (ON) the post-power-off recovery flag.

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

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

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

(Step S130-15)
The main CPU 200a acquires the motor phases of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c. Here, the motor phase is set as the state of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c. The motor phase indicates the operation state of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c, i.e., accelerating, rotating steadily, stopped, and waiting. Specifically, a variable of 1 byte (storage unit) assigned to the motor phase changes to a value such as accelerating = 3, rotating steadily = 2, stopped = 1, and waiting = 0 according to the operation state of the stepping motor 152.

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

(Step S130-19)
The main CPU 200a executes a rotation error process that performs settings when an error is detected in the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c.

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

(Step S130-23)
The main CPU 200a then permits the interrupt and ends the state restoration process, thereby restoring the main CPU 200a to the state it was in immediately before the power was turned off.

Figure 25 is a flowchart explaining the game start process (S200) on the main control board 200.

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

(Step S200-3)
The main CPU 200a sets an inserted number indicator output bit OFF to turn off (light off) the bit corresponding to the inserted number indicator that displays the number of inserted medals (number of bets).

(Step S200-5)
The main CPU 200a executes an output port image set process for updating the output image for the bit set in step S200-3.

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

(Step S200-9)
The main CPU 200a executes a timer wait process to wait until the game start wait timer counts down to 0.

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

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

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

(Step S210)
The main CPU 200a executes a medal insertion process for receiving insertion of medals, which will be described later.

Figure 26 is a flowchart explaining the medal insertion process (S210) on the main control board 200.

(Step S210-1)
The main CPU 200a executes an error checking process to check the detection results of various errors.

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

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

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

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

(Step S210-11)
The main CPU 200a executes an error wait process to display an error, request an alarm sound, and wait for recovery from the error.

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

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

(Step S210-17)
When a credit switch (not shown) for paying back accumulated (credited) medals is pressed, the main CPU 200a executes a credit button check process for paying back the accumulated medals.

(Step S210-19)
The main CPU 200a executes a process related to the medal insertion button for betting medals. When the bet switch 116 is pressed, the reserved (credited) medals are bet up to a specified number, and the number of reserved medals is subtracted by the number of medals bet. When medals are inserted through the medal insertion slot 114a, medals are bet up to a specified number, and when more medals are inserted than the specified number, the number of medals is added to the number of reserved medals.

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

(Step S210-23)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the number of inserted coins is equal to the specified number based on the result of the check in step S210-21. If the number of inserted coins is equal to the specified number, the process proceeds to step S210-1. If the number of inserted coins is equal to the specified number, the process proceeds to step S210-25.

(Step S210-25)
The main CPU 200a sets a start indicator output bit for turning on (illuminating) a start indicator (not shown) that indicates whether or not the operation of the start switch 118 has been validated.

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

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

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

(Step S210-33)
The main CPU 200a executes blocker blocking pre-processing to turn off (extinguish) the start indicator.

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

(Step S220)
The main CPU 200a executes an internal lottery process for carrying out a lottery for determining the type of winning. This internal lottery process will be described later.

Figure 27 is a flowchart explaining the internal lottery process (S220) in the main control board 200.

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

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

(Step S220-5)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the setting value data acquired in step S220-1 is abnormal. If it is judged that the setting value data is abnormal, the process proceeds to step S112, and if it is judged that the setting value data is not abnormal, the process proceeds to step S220-7.

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

(Step S220-9)
The main CPU 200a executes a state offset acquisition process for acquiring an offset value related to a game state.

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

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

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

(Step S220-17)
The main CPU 200a judges whether or not to hold a prize type lottery. If it is judged that a prize type lottery will not be held, the process proceeds to step S220-21. If it is judged that a prize type lottery will be held, the process proceeds to step S220-19.

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

(Step S220-21)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the subtraction result in the above step S220-19 is negative, i.e., whether the winning area has been won by the winning type lottery. If it is judged that the winning type lottery has been won, the process proceeds to step S230, and if it is judged that the winning type lottery has not been won, the process proceeds to step S220-23.

(Step S220-23)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the winning type lottery has ended. If it is judged that the winning type lottery has not ended, the process proceeds to step S220-15, and if it is judged that the winning type lottery has ended, the process proceeds to step S220-25.

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

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

Figure 28 is a flowchart explaining the pattern code setting process (S230) on the main control board 200.

(Step S230-1)
The main CPU 200a acquires the winning area acquired in step S220, and executes a game state setting process for setting the game state to an internal game state if the acquired winning area includes a bonus role.

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

(Step S230-5)
The main CPU 200a determines (sets) the type of win based on the win area acquired in step S230-1.

(Step S230-7)
The main CPU 200a executes a symbol code initial setting process for setting symbol codes indicating symbols that can be displayed and symbols to be drawn in, based on the stop control number set in step S230-3.

(Step S230-9)
The main CPU 200a executes a display symbol bit initial value setting process to set a display symbol bit.

(Step S231)
The main CPU 200a executes an execution flag setting process which sets an execution flag, performs various processes related to the performance state, processes related to the auxiliary performance, etc. This execution flag setting process will be described later.

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

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

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

(Step S230-19)
The main CPU 200a sets in the transmission buffer a pre-reel spin command indicating that the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c have not yet spun.

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

(Step S230-23)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the 1-game timer is not 0. As a result, if it is judged that the 1-game timer is not 0, the process proceeds to step S230-23, and if it is judged that the 1-game timer is 0, the process proceeds to step S230-25.

(Step S230-25)
The main CPU 200a executes a reel start process for starting the rotation of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c. Here, the motor phases of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c are set to accelerating to start the rotation of each reel, and the one-play timer is set to a value equivalent to 4.1 seconds.

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

(Step S240)
The main CPU 200a executes a process during the rotation of the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c. This process will be described later.

Figure 29 is a flowchart explaining the execution flag setting process (S231) in the main control board 200.

(Step S231-1)
The main CPU 200a executes an AT state update process to update (transition) the presentation state based on the next AT flag. The next AT flag indicates the presentation state to be set in the next game, and is set by the following process.

(Steps S232 to S236)
The main CPU 200a executes a state-specific module execution process that executes a module for each presentation state and game section, and ends the execution flag setting process. In the state-specific module execution process, a module (process) corresponding to the presentation state and game section being shifted to is read from the main ROM 200b and executed. In the following, modules related to the features of this embodiment will be described in detail, and modules unrelated to the features of this embodiment will not be described.

Figure 30 is a flowchart explaining the non-advantageous zone processing (S232) executed in the state-specific module execution processing. The non-advantageous zone processing is executed when the play zone is a non-advantageous zone.

(Step S232-1)
The main CPU 200a performs a lottery for determining advantageous zones.

(Step S232-3)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the advantageous zone lottery has been won in the above step S232-1. If it is judged that the advantageous zone lottery has been won, the process proceeds to step S232-5, and if it is judged that the advantageous zone lottery has not been won, the non-advantageous zone process is terminated.

(Step S232-5)
The main CPU 200a turns on the advantageous zone flag indicating that the zone is an advantageous zone, and ends the non-advantageous zone processing. As a result, the zone is transitioned to an advantageous zone in the advantageous zone update processing in step S280-7, which will be described later.

Figure 31 is a flowchart explaining the normal presentation state processing (S233) executed in the state-specific module execution processing. The normal presentation state processing is executed when the presentation state is the normal presentation state.

(Step S233-1)
The main CPU 200a increments the continued play counter for counting the number of continued plays by 1. The continued play counter is also incremented by 1 for each play in the CZ presentation state process described below and the pull-back presentation state process (not shown) executed in the pull-back presentation state. The continued play counter is reset when the state transitions to the OP presentation state or the special specialized zone presentation state.

(Step S233-3)
The main CPU 200a executes a reel effect lottery process for determining whether or not to execute a reel effect by lottery when a predetermined winning type is won. Here, when the winning types "watermelon", "chance", "weak cherry", and "strong cherry" are won by the winning type lottery, the effect state control means 314 refers to the reel effect lottery table shown in FIG. 18(c) if the number of continued games is 400 or less, and refers to the reel effect lottery table shown in FIG. 18(a) if the number of continued games is greater than 400, and determines whether or not to execute lock 1 and lock 2 by reel effect lottery. In addition, when the winning types "replay 3" and "replay 4" are won by the winning type lottery, the effect state control means 314 refers to the reel effect lottery table shown in FIG. 18(d) if the number of continued games is 400 or less, and refers to the reel effect lottery table shown in FIG. 18(b) if the number of continued games is greater than 400, and determines whether or not to execute lock 3 by reel effect lottery.

(Step S233-5)
The main CPU 200a judges whether or not it has been decided to execute Lock 3 in step S233-3, that is, whether or not Lock 3 has been obtained. If it is determined that Lock 3 has been obtained, the process proceeds to step S233-7, and if it is determined that Lock 3 has not been obtained, the process proceeds to step S233-9.

(Step S233-7)
The main CPU 200a sets the next AT flag to a value corresponding to the special specialized zone presentation state, and transfers the process to step S233-31.

(Step S233-9)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the value of the continued play counter is the ceiling play number corresponding to the set mode. If it is judged that the value of the continued play counter is the ceiling play number, the process proceeds to step S233-11, and if it is judged that the value of the continued play counter is not the ceiling play number, the process proceeds to step S233-17.

(Step S233-11)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the value of the continued play number counter is 999. As a result, if it is judged that the value of the continued play number counter is 999, the process proceeds to step S233-13, and if it is judged that the value of the continued play number counter is not 999, the process proceeds to step S233-15.

(Step S233-13)
The main CPU 200a performs a transition lottery to determine the presentation state to which the player will transition, by referring to the transition lottery table shown in Fig. 14. Here, if the number of continuous games has passed 999 games, a transition to the special specialized zone presentation state is determined with a 50% probability.

(Step S233-15)
If the transition lottery is won in the above step S233-13, the main CPU 200a sets the next AT flag to a value corresponding to the special specialized zone presentation state, and if the transition lottery is not won or if the transition lottery has not been held, it sets the next AT flag to a value corresponding to the OP presentation state and proceeds to step S233-31.

(Step S233-17)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the internal state is the ultra-high probability state. If it is judged to be the ultra-high probability state, the process proceeds to step S233-21, and if it is judged not to be the ultra-high probability state, the process proceeds to step S233-19.

(Step S233-19)
The main CPU 200a refers to the status improvement lottery table shown in Figure 11 and conducts a status improvement lottery based on the winning type determined in the winning type lottery, and if the status improvement lottery is won, the internal status is upgraded by one.

(Step S233-21)
The main CPU 200a judges whether execution of lock 1 or lock 2 has been decided in the above step S233-3, that is, whether lock 1 or lock 2 has been won. If it is determined that lock 1 or lock 2 has been won, the process proceeds to step S233-23, and if it is determined that lock 1 and lock 2 have not been won, the process proceeds to step S233-25.

(Step S233-23)
The main CPU 200a rewrites the winning type to "lock 1" if lock 1 has been won, and rewrites the winning type to "lock 2" if lock 2 has been won.

(Step S233-25)
The main CPU 200a selects one of the CZ lottery tables shown in Figures 12(a) to 12(d) based on its internal state, and by referring to the selected CZ lottery table, conducts a CZ lottery based on the winning type determined by the winning type lottery or the winning type rewritten in the above step S233-23.

(Step S233-27)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the CZ lottery was won in step S233-25. If it is determined that the CZ lottery was won, the process proceeds to step S233-29. If it is determined that the CZ lottery was not won, the process proceeds to step S233-31.

(Step S233-29)
The main CPU 200a sets the next AT flag to a value corresponding to the CZ presentation state.

(Step S233-31)
The main CPU 200a judges whether execution of the reel effect has been decided in the above step S233-3, that is, whether any of the reel effects of lock 1 to lock 3 has been won. As a result, if it is judged that the reel effect has been won, the process proceeds to step S233-33, and if it is judged that the reel effect has not been won, the normal effect state process is terminated.

(Step S233-33)
The main CPU 200a executes the reel effect determined in step S233-3, and ends the normal effect state processing.

Figure 32 is a flowchart explaining the CZ presentation state processing (S234) executed in the state-specific module execution processing. The CZ presentation state processing is executed when the presentation state is the CZ presentation state processing. Note that among the processes in the CZ presentation state processing, the same processes as those in the normal presentation state processing are given the same reference numerals, and their explanations are omitted.

(Step S234-1)
The main CPU 200a conducts an AT lottery based on the winning type determined by the winning type lottery.

(Step S234-3)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the AT lottery has been won in the above step S234-1. If it is judged that the AT lottery has been won, the process proceeds to step S234-5. If it is judged that the AT lottery has not been won, the process proceeds to step S234-7.

(Step S234-5)
The main CPU 200a sets the next AT flag to a value corresponding to the OP performance state, and transfers the process to step S233-31.

(Step S234-7)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the game is the final game of the CZ presentation state. If it is judged as the final game of the CZ presentation state, the process proceeds to step S234-9. If it is judged as the final game of the CZ presentation state, the process proceeds to step S233-31.

(Step S234-9)
The main CPU 200a sets the next AT flag to a value corresponding to the normal presentation state, and sets the internal state to either the normal state, the high probability state, or the ultra-high probability state.

Figure 33 is a flowchart explaining the non-advantageous standby presentation state processing (S235) executed in the state-specific module execution processing. The non-advantageous presentation state processing is executed when the presentation state is a non-advantageous presentation state.

(Step S235-1)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the continuation flag is on. The continuation flag is turned on when a transition (continuation) to the normal AT presentation state is determined. As a result, if it is judged that the continuation flag is on, the process proceeds to step S235-9, and if it is judged that the continuation flag is not on, the process proceeds to step S235-3.

(Step S235-3)
The main CPU 200a performs the continuation lottery by referring to the first continuation lottery table shown in FIG.

(Step S235-5)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the continuation lottery has been won. If it is judged that the continuation lottery has been won, the process proceeds to step S235-7. If it is judged that the continuation lottery has not been won, the process proceeds to step S235-9.

(Step S235-7)
The main CPU 200a turns on the continuation flag.

(Step S235-9)
The main CPU 200a judges whether or not it is the final game (second game) of the non-advantageous waiting presentation state. If it is judged to be the final game, the process proceeds to step S235-11, and if it is judged not to be the final game, the non-advantageous waiting presentation state process is terminated.

(Step S235-11)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the continuation flag is on. If it is judged that the continuation flag is on, the process proceeds to step S235-13, and if it is judged that the continuation flag is not on, the process proceeds to step S235-15.

(Step S235-13)
If the game state of the previous game was a non-internal game state, the main CPU 200a refers to the mode selection table at the time of setting change shown in Figure 13(d), and if the game state of the previous game was other than a non-internal game state (a game state within RBB), the main CPU 200a refers to the mode selection table for the non-advantageous waiting presentation state shown in Figure 13(b) and determines the mode of the normal presentation state to which the game will be subsequently transitioned by mode selection.

(Step S235-15)
The main CPU 200a sets the next AT flag to a value corresponding to the continuation presentation state, and ends the non-advantageous standby presentation state processing.

Figure 34 is a flowchart explaining the advantageous standby presentation state processing (S236) executed in the state-specific module execution processing. The advantageous presentation state processing is executed when the presentation state is an advantageous presentation state. Note that among the processes in the advantageous presentation state processing, the same processes as those in the non-advantageous presentation state processing are given the same reference numerals, and their explanations are omitted.

(Step S236-1)
The main CPU 200a refers to the mode selection table for the advantageous waiting presentation state shown in Fig. 13(c) and determines the mode of the normal presentation state to be shifted thereafter by mode selection. Here, mode D is always selected.

Figure 35 is a flowchart explaining the processing during reel rotation (S240) in the main control board 200.

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

(Step S240-3)
The main CPU 200a executes an output port image set process to update the output image for the bit set in step S240-1.

(Step S240-5)
The main CPU 200a executes an error checking process to check the detection results of various errors.

(Step S240-7)
The main CPU 200a refers to the index flag and obtains the index of the spinning reels 110a, 110b, and 110c. Note that the index flag is set only after the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c have reached a constant rotation speed. In other words, the fact that the index flag is set indicates that the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c have reached a constant rotation speed.

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

(Step S240-11)
The main CPU 200a acquires the stopped reel bit indicating the reels 110a, 110b, and 110c that have stopped or are starting to stop. Here, the stopped reel bit is composed of a 3-bit bit string, and each bit corresponds to one of the three reels 110a, 110b, and 110c, and is represented as a constant speed state = 1, and an accelerating state, decelerating state, or stopped state = 0.

(Step S240-13)
The main CPU 200a stores the stopped reel bit acquired in step S240-11 as a reel rotation in progress flag.

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

(Step S240-17)
The main CPU 200a acquires an image of the input port 0, and executes an operation target bit extraction process to extract an operation target bit from the acquired image. Here, the operation target bit is composed of a bit string of 3 bits, each bit corresponding to one of the three stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c, and is represented as 1 if it is operated and 0 if it is not operated.

(Step S240-19)
The main CPU 200a calculates the logical product of the reel spinning flag acquired in step S240-13 and the bit to be operated extracted in step S240-17. If the reel 110 is spinning and the stop switch 120 corresponding to that reel is operated, that is, if the operated stop switch 120 corresponds to the reel 110 that is actively spinning, the logical product will be 1.

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

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

(Step S240-25)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the logical product calculated in the above step S240-23 is 0, i.e., whether the operated stop switch 120 is lit in red. If it is judged that the operated stop switch 120 is lit in red, the process proceeds to step S240-1, and if it is judged that the operated stop switch 120 is not lit in red, the process proceeds to step S240-27.

(Step S240-27)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the operated stop switch 120 is valid. As a result, if it is judged that the operated stop switch 120 is not valid, the process proceeds to step S240-1, and if it is judged that the operated stop switch 120 is valid, the process proceeds to step S240-29. Note that here, it is judged whether or not one stop switch 120 is operated. Then, if it is judged that one stop switch 120 is operated, the process proceeds to step S240-29, and if it is judged that not one stop switch 120 is operated, that is, that two or more stop switches 120 are operated, the process proceeds to step S240-1.

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

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

(Step S240-33)
The main CPU 200a executes a touch reference position acquisition process to derive the symbol number of the symbol located on the pay line A as the touch reference position.

(Step S240-35)
The main CPU 200a executes a sliding frame number acquisition process for determining the number of sliding frames on the reel 110.

(Step S250)
The main CPU 200a executes a reel stop process for stopping the reel 110 corresponding to the operated stop switch 120. This reel stop process will be described later.

Figure 36 is a flowchart explaining the reel stop process (S250) in the main control board 200.

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

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

(Step S250-5)
The main CPU 200a sets a stop request flag (sets it to 1). The stop request flag is a flag for requesting a program operating in parallel to perform a stop process for the target reel 110, and by setting the stop request flag to 1, it becomes possible to stop the symbol corresponding to the stop request number on the activated line A. The stop request flag and the stop request number are read out by the program operating in parallel, and the reel 110 is stopped. When the stop process is completed, the stop request flag is reset to 0 (OFF) by that program.

(Step S250-7)
The main CPU 200a permits the interrupt.

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

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

(Step S250-13)
The main CPU 200a executes an output port image set process for updating the output image for the bit set in step S250-11.

(Step S250-15)
The main CPU 200a executes a display symbol bit setting process to set a display symbol bit.

(Step S250-17)
The main CPU 200a executes a next cylinder setting pre-processing for stopping the next reel 110.

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

(Step S250-21)
The main CPU 200a determines whether the stop request flag is on for any of the reels 110, i.e., whether all of the reels 110 have stopped. If it is determined that all of the reels 110 have not stopped, the process proceeds to step S250-21, and if it is determined that all of the reels 110 have stopped, the process proceeds to step S250-23.

(Step S250-23)
The main CPU 200a executes an error checking process to check the detection results of various errors.

(Step S250-25)
The main CPU 200a executes an operation target bit extraction process for extracting information on the operation target bit.

(Step S250-27)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the stop switch 120 is pressed based on the operation target bit acquired in the above step S250-25. If it is judged that the stop switch 120 is pressed, the process proceeds to step S250-23, and if it is judged that the stop switch 120 is not pressed, the process proceeds to step S260.

(Step S260)
The main CPU 200a executes a display determination process for determining the winning combination that has been achieved. This display determination process will be described later.

Figure 37 is a flowchart explaining the display determination process (S260) in the main control board 200.

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

(Step S260-3)
The main CPU 200a executes a display judgment abnormality detection process to determine whether a display judgment abnormality has occurred based on whether or not the pattern combination displayed on the active line A matches the pattern combination permitted to be displayed on the active line A.

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

(Step S260-7)
The main CPU 200a judges whether or not the display judgment is abnormal based on the judgment result of the above step S260-3. If it is judged that the display judgment is abnormal, the process proceeds to step S112, and if it is judged that the display judgment is not abnormal, the process proceeds to step S260-9.

(Step S260-9)
The main CPU 200a executes a display symbol identification generation process for determining a winning combination based on the symbol combination stopped (displayed) on the pay line A.

(Step S260-11)
The main CPU 200a sets the initial value of the payout number to 0.

(Step S260-13)
The main CPU 200a judges whether or not a small win has been won. If it is judged that a small win has been won, the process proceeds to step S260-15. If it is judged that a small win has not been won, the process proceeds to step S260-35.

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

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

(Step S260-19)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the time is within an advantageous zone. If it is judged that the time is within an advantageous zone, the process proceeds to step S270. If it is judged that the time is within an advantageous zone, the process proceeds to step S260-21.

(Step S260-21)
The main CPU 200a obtains the value of the advantageous zone MY counter, which counts the net increase in the number of coins during the advantageous zone.

(Step S260-23)
The main CPU 200a adds the number of payout coins to the value of the advantageous zone MY counter obtained in step S260-23 above.

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

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

(Step S260-29)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the result of the subtraction in step S260-27 is negative. If it is judged that the result of the subtraction is not negative, the process proceeds to step S260-33, and if it is judged that the result of the subtraction is negative, the process proceeds to step S260-31.

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

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

(Step S260-35)
The main CPU 200a judges whether or not the replay role has been won. If it is judged that the replay role has not been won, the process proceeds to step S270, and if it is judged that the replay role has been won, the process proceeds to step S260-37.

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

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

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

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

Figure 38 is a flowchart explaining the payout process (S270) in the main control board 200.

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

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

(Step S270-5)
The main CPU 200a judges whether or not a replay has been won based on the replay operation flag acquired in step S270-1. If it is judged that a replay has been won, the process proceeds to step S270-41. If it is judged that a replay has not been won, the process proceeds to step S270-7.

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

(Step S270-9)
The main CPU 200a determines whether or not a payout has been made (the number of payout coins is 0). If it determines that no payout has been made, the process proceeds to step S270-35. If it determines that a payout has been made, the process proceeds to step S270-11.

(Step S270-11)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the number of reserved sheets is 50 or more. If it is judged that the number of reserved sheets is 50 or more, the process proceeds to step S270-13, and if it is judged that the number of reserved sheets is not 50 or more, the process proceeds to step S270-15.

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

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

(Step S270-17)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the payout start timer is not 0, i.e., whether it is the time of the first payout. If it is judged as the time of the first payout, the process proceeds to step S270-21, and if it is judged as not the time of the first payout, the process proceeds to step S270-19.

(Step S270-19)
The main CPU 200a executes a timer wait process to wait until the payout start interval timer counts down to 0.

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

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

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

(Step S270-27)
The main CPU 200a judges whether or not the bonus game state is in effect. If it is judged that the bonus game state is not in effect, the process proceeds to step S270-31. If it is judged that the bonus game state is in effect, the process proceeds to step S270-29.

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

(Step S270-31)
The main CPU 200a judges whether or not the payout of the payout number of medals has been completed. If it is judged that the payout has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S270-11, and if it is judged that the payout has been completed, the process proceeds to step S270-33.

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

(Step S270-35)
The main CPU 200a judges whether an over error has been detected. If it is judged that an over error has not been detected, the process proceeds to step S270-41, and if it is judged that an over error has been detected, the process proceeds to step S270-37.

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

(Step S270-39)
The main CPU 200a executes an error wait process to display an error, request an alarm sound, and wait for recovery from the error.

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

(Step S280)
The main CPU 200a executes a game transition process that performs a transition of the game state, a process of managing the advantageous zone, etc. This game transition process will be described later.

Figure 39 is a flowchart explaining the game transition process (S280) on the main control board 200.

(Step S280-1)
The main CPU 200a acquires a replay operation flag, and based on the acquired replay operation flag, executes a replay display control process which sets a stop display output bit off (output image) to turn on or off a bit corresponding to a replay display (not shown) indicating that the next play is a replay, and updates the output bit of the set output image.

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

(Step S281)
The main CPU 200a executes a state-specific module execution process that executes modules for each presentation state and section state. In the state-specific module execution process, a module (process) corresponding to the presentation state being transitioned to is read from the main ROM 200b and executed. In the following, modules related to the features of this embodiment will be described in detail, and modules unrelated to the features of this embodiment will not be described.

(Step S280-5)
When the number of coins acquired during the bonus operation reaches a predetermined number in the bonus game state, the main CPU 200a executes a bonus operation end process for shifting the game state to a non-internal game state.

(Step S280-7)
The main CPU 200a executes advantageous zone update processing that manages advantageous zones.

(Step S280-9)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the next game is in an AT presentation state. If it is judged that the next game is not in an AT presentation state, the process proceeds to step S280-15, and if it is judged that the next game is in an AT presentation state, the process proceeds to step S280-11.

(Step S280-11)
The main CPU 200a judges whether or not the bonus game state is in effect. If it is judged that the bonus game state is not in effect, the process proceeds to step S280-15, and if it is judged that the bonus game state is in effect, the process proceeds to step S280-13.

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

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

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

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

(Step S280-21)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the effect wait timer, which is set when the advantageous zone is ended in the above step S280-7, is 0. As a result, if it is judged that the effect wait timer is not 0, the process proceeds to step S280-21, and if it is judged that the effect wait timer is 0, the process proceeds to step S280-23.

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

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

Figure 40 is a flowchart explaining the normal AT presentation state processing (S281) executed in the state-specific module execution processing. The normal AT presentation state processing is executed when the presentation state is the normal AT presentation state.

(Step S281-1)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the normal AT presentation state is the final game based on the net increase in the number of coins in the normal AT presentation state. As a result, if it is judged that it is the final game of the normal AT presentation state, the process proceeds to step S281-3, and if it is judged that it is not the final game of the normal AT presentation state, the normal AT presentation state process is terminated.

(Step S281-3)
The main CPU 200a performs the continuation lottery by referring to the continuation lottery tables shown in FIG. 16(a) and FIG. 16(b).

(Step S281-5)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the continuation lottery has been won. If it is judged that the continuation lottery has been won, the process proceeds to step S281-7. If it is judged that the continuation lottery has not been won, the process proceeds to step S281-9.

(Step S281-7)
The main CPU 200a turns on the continuation flag and moves the process to step S281-17.

(Step S281-9)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the value of the advantageous zone MY counter is less than 400. If it is judged that the value of the advantageous zone MY counter is less than 400, the process proceeds to step S281-11, and if it is judged that the value of the advantageous zone MY counter is not less than 400, the process proceeds to step S281-15.

(Step S281-11)
The main CPU 200a performs the advantageous continuation lottery by referring to the advantageous continuation lottery table shown in FIG. 16(c).

(Step S281-13)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the advantageous continuation lottery has been won. If it is judged that the advantageous continuation lottery has been won, the process proceeds to step S281-17. If it is judged that the advantageous continuation lottery has not been won, the process proceeds to step S281-15.

(Step S281-15)
The main CPU 200a sets the next AT flag to a value corresponding to the non-advantageous waiting presentation state, and sets a flag for setting the game area to a non-advantageous area in the above step S280-7, and terminates the normal AT presentation state processing.

(Step S281-17)
The main CPU 200a sets the next AT flag to a value corresponding to the advantageous waiting presentation state, and ends the normal AT presentation state processing.

One game is executed through a series of processes from step S200 to step S280. After that, steps S200 to S280 are repeated.

Next, we will explain the power-off evacuation process and timer interrupt process on the main control board 200.

(Evacuation process when power is turned off for the main control board 200)
41 is a flow chart explaining the power-off save processing in the main control board 200. The main CPU 200a monitors the power-off detection circuit, and when the power supply voltage falls below a predetermined value, interrupts and executes the power-off save processing.

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

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

(Step S300-5)
The main CPU 200a judges whether a power-off warning signal has been detected. If it is judged that a power-off warning signal has been detected, the process proceeds to step S300-11. If it is judged that a power-off warning signal has not been detected, the process proceeds to step S300-7.

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

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

(Step S300-11)
The main CPU 200a executes an output port clear process to stop the output of the output port.

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

(Step S300-15)
The main CPU 200a executes a RAM protect setting process required to prohibit access to the main RAM 300c.

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

(Step S300-19)
The main CPU 200a decrements the value of the loop counter set in step S300-17 by one.

(Step S300-21)
The main CPU 200a judges whether the counter value of the loop counter is 0. If it is judged that the counter value is not 0, the process proceeds to step S300-19, and if it is judged that the counter value is 0, the process proceeds to the above-mentioned CPU initialization process (step S1000).

If a power outage actually occurs, operation of the slot machine 100 will stop while steps S300-19 to S300-21 are being looped.

(Timer interrupt processing of main control board 200)
42 is a flow chart for explaining the timer interrupt process in the main control board 200. The main control board 200 is provided with a reset clock pulse generating circuit that generates a clock pulse every predetermined period (1.49 milliseconds in the simultaneous rotation reference example, hereinafter referred to as "1.49 ms"). When a clock pulse is generated by the reset clock pulse generating circuit, an interrupt occurs and the following timer interrupt process is executed.

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

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

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

(Step S400-7)
The main CPU 200a outputs the set output image to the output port and executes a dynamic port output process which controls the lighting of the main credit display section 130, the main payout display section 132, the number of inserted coins indicator, the start indicator, the indicators of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c, the replay indicator, and the section indicator 160.

(Step S400-9)
The main CPU 200a updates the timer interrupt phase. The timer interrupt phase can be any of 0 to 3. In this example, if the timer interrupt phase is 0, 1, or 2, 1 is added, and if the timer interrupt phase is 3, it is changed to 0.

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

(Step S400-13)
The main CPU 200 a executes a stepping motor control process for controlling the stepping motor 152 .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(Step S400-29)
The main CPU 300a permits the interrupt and ends the timer interrupt process.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202 are arranged to share the functional parts for progressing through the game, but the functional parts of the main control board 200 may be arranged on the sub-control board 202, or the functional parts of the sub-control board 202 may be arranged on the main control board 200, or all the functional parts may be arranged together on a single control board.

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

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

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, it is possible to get stuck (consuming a large amount of medals) in the first normal presentation state after the setting is changed, and then win a large amount of medals in the subsequent normal AT presentation state. However, it is sufficient to get stuck in the first normal presentation state after the setting is changed, and as shown in FIG. 41, the ball payout rate (amount of medals won) in the subsequent normal AT presentation state may be the same as in other normal AT presentation states. In this case, the ball payout rate (amount of medals won) in the normal AT presentation state can be increased by the amount of the hit in the first normal presentation state after the setting is changed.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, a CZ lottery is performed in the normal presentation state to determine whether or not to transition to a CZ presentation state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal presentation state, but an AT lottery may also be performed to determine whether or not to transition to a presentation state other than the CZ presentation state that is more advantageous to the player, such as a normal AT presentation state.

In addition, in the above-described embodiment, if the reel effect of lock 1 or lock 2 is won, a bonus of transitioning to a CZ effect state may be awarded, and if the reel effect of lock 3 is won, a bonus of transitioning to a special specialized zone effect state is awarded. However, the bonus may be any kind of bonus as long as it is awarded according to the stage of the reel effect.

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, 1 to 3 stages of reel effects are provided, and the probability of reel effects appearing at a predetermined stage or higher (2 stages) is made different before and after a predetermined number of plays (400G), but the stages of reel effects and the stages at which the appearance probability is made different can be designed as appropriate.

Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the attached drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can come up with various modified or revised examples within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that these also naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention.

100 Slot machine (amusement machine)
200 Main control board 200a Main CPU
200b Main ROM
200c Main RAM
304 Winning type lottery means (lottery means)
306 Reel control means 314 Performance state control means (state control means, section control means)

Claims (1)

A winning type selection means for selecting a winning type by lottery, the winning type being a combination of a correct answer role and an incorrect answer role , and a bonus winning type being a combination of a bonus role and a minor role, the winning type being a selection winning type being a combination of a correct answer role and an incorrect answer role, the selection winning type being a combination of a correct answer role and a bonus winning type being a combination of a bonus role and a minor role ;
a reel control means for controlling the rotation of a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are respectively arranged in response to an operation of a start switch, and for controlling the stop of each of the reels corresponding to the operated stop switch based on the result of the lottery for the winning type in response to an operation of a stop switch corresponding to the rotating reel, and
A game state control means for transitioning to any one of a plurality of game states including a non-internal game state and a bonus internal game state which is transitioned to based on winning a bonus role in the non-internal game state;
Equipped with
In the non-internal gaming state, among the bonus winning types, a winning type in which the bonus role, a first minor role having a payout number less than a specified number, and a second minor role having a payout number less than a specified number overlap may be won,
The selected winning type includes a predetermined winning type in which the first small winning combination is duplicated,
The selected winning type does not include a winning type in which the second small winning combination is overlapped,
The symbol combination corresponding to the bonus combination arranged on the predetermined reel is different from the symbol combination corresponding to the first minor combination arranged on the predetermined reel,
The symbol combination corresponding to the bonus winning combination arranged on the predetermined reel is equal to the symbol combination corresponding to the second minor winning combination arranged on the predetermined reel,
the predetermined reel is a reel that corresponds to a first stop in the predetermined operation when the predetermined winning type is won,
The reel control means performs stop control so as not to allow the bonus combination to be won, regardless of the operation mode of the stop switch, even if any of the bonus winning types is determined .

Images