JP7513320B1 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a gaming machine capable of improving the entertainment value of instructions for stop operation modes. [Solution] The gaming machine includes a state control means capable of control to one of the states including a first state in which an instruction command is not sent to the presentation control means and a second state in which an instruction command can be sent to the presentation control means, each winning area includes a plurality of specific winning areas, and in a specific game in which one of the plurality of specific winning areas is won, the expected value of the game value awarded in the case of a stop operation in an irregular mode is larger than that in the case of a stop operation in a normal mode, and in the specific game in the first state, when a stop operation is performed in an irregular mode, a penalty control that is disadvantageous in the processing related to the instruction function is executed, and in the specific game in the second state, when a stop operation is performed in an irregular mode, the penalty control is not executed in the processing related to the instruction function, and the instruction command sending means does not send an instruction command in the specific game in the second state. [Selected Figure] Fig. 9

Description

The present invention relates to a gaming machine that can instruct the stop operation mode.

Gaming machines that indicate the stopping operation mode have been proposed in the past (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2022-93459 A

The present invention aims to improve the entertainment value of indicating the stop operation mode.

In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention is a gaming machine equipped with a game control means for controlling the progress of a game, a stop operation means capable of stopping the game in either a normal mode or an irregular mode, a pattern display means for variably displaying a plurality of types of patterns in each game and capable of stopping and displaying a pattern combination resulting from the game in response to a stop operation, a presentation control means for controlling presentation in response to a command from the game control means, and an instruction means for instructing a stop operation mode, in which the game control means includes a game start means for starting a game using a specified number of game values, a winning area determination means for determining which of each winning area is selected in each game, a pattern variation control means for stopping and displaying a pattern combination in response to the winning area and the stop operation mode, a game value awarding means for awarding game values corresponding to the pattern combination, and an instruction command for indicating a stop operation mode advantageous to the player. The game device includes an instruction command transmission means for transmitting an instruction code to the performance control means, and a state control means for controlling the game to one of the states including a first state in which the instruction command is not transmitted to the performance control means and a second state in which the instruction command can be transmitted to the performance control means, and each winning area includes a plurality of types of specific winning areas, and in a specific game in which one of the plurality of types of specific winning areas is won, the expected value of the game value awarded when the game is stopped in an irregular manner is greater than when the game is stopped in a normal manner, and in a specific game in the first state, when the game is stopped in an irregular manner, a penalty control that is disadvantageous in the processing related to the instruction function is executed, and in a specific game in the second state, when the game is stopped in an irregular manner, a penalty control is not executed in the processing related to the instruction function, and the instruction command transmission means does not transmit an instruction command in a specific game in the second state.

The present invention makes it more interesting to indicate the stopping operation mode.

FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the symbols arranged on each reel. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a pattern display area. FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine. FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of a winning area lottery table. FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of a winning combination determination table. FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of a symbol combination table. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of an expected acquisition value. A diagram to explain the transition of the ball output state. FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of an instruction decision table. 11 is a diagram for explaining commands transmitted from a main control board. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining each piece of display information. FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of a specific performance determination table. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of an instruction performance. 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining specific examples of triggers for switching instruction modes; A diagram to explain the average number of plays in a non-advantageous zone. A diagram to explain specific examples of triggers for transition of ball output state. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a warning image. 11 is a diagram for explaining a specific example of a period during which a warning image is displayed. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a game control process of the main CPU. This is a flowchart of the main CPU's processing during a non-favorable period. This is a flowchart of the main CPU's advantageous zone control processing. 13 is a flowchart of a sub startup process of a sub CPU. 4 is a diagram for explaining each control mode of a sub-CPU. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of each effect process of a sub-CPU. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is another diagram for explaining the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a third embodiment.

First Embodiment
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings.
<Structure of gaming machine>
The structure of the gaming machine 1 in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is an example of a front view of the gaming machine 1. A player plays on the gaming machine 1 using gaming media (for example, medals or gaming balls). In this embodiment, a gaming machine 1 (a slot machine) in which medals are used as gaming media is exemplified. Note that the gaming medium may be configured to use electrically stored points (for example, see JP 2020-116297 A).

The gaming machine 1 is composed of a box-shaped cabinet with an opening on the front side (player side) and a front door 3. The cabinet is provided with a hinge mechanism. The front door 3 is supported by the hinge mechanism so that the opening of the cabinet can be opened and closed.

As shown in FIG. 1, multiple (14 in the example of FIG. 1) cabinet lamps 5 are provided on the peripheral side of the front door 3. Each cabinet lamp 5 is composed of an illuminant such as a light emitting diode and a light-transmitting lens that covers the illuminant. The cabinet lamps 5 emit light in a manner that corresponds to each performance in the gaming machine 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, a lower panel 6 is provided on the front door 3. The name of the gaming machine 1 and the like are printed on the lower panel 6. A tray unit 7 for storing medals is provided below the lower panel 6. The tray unit 7 is provided so that the player can freely remove the stored medals.

The front door 3 is provided with a medal insertion section 8 having an opening through which medals are inserted, and a medal payout outlet 9 through which medals are ejected from inside the gaming machine 1. When a specified number (three medals) of medals are inserted into the medal insertion section 8, play can begin. The specified number is set according to the state of the game. The medals ejected from the medal payout outlet 9 are stored in the receiving tray unit 7.

A panel 10 is provided at the center of the front of the front door 3. A roughly rectangular display window 11 is formed in the center of the panel 10. From the display window 11, the multiple reels 12 (12L, 12C, 12R) inside the cabinet can be seen.

Each reel 12 is composed of a substantially cylindrical drum portion and a band-shaped sheet material attached to the outer peripheral surface of the drum portion. The sheet material of the reel 12 is light-transmitting and has a variety of patterns drawn on it. Each reel 12 is rotatably provided and arranged horizontally next to each other. Specifically, each reel 12 is arranged so that the rotation axes are positioned on the same straight line. A stepping motor 101 (101L, 101C, 101R) is provided on each of the reels 12 (not shown), and each reel 12 is rotated by each stepping motor 101.

Figure 2 is a diagram showing the symbols arranged on each reel 12 in this embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the outer periphery of each of the multiple reels 12 is divided into 20 frames. As shown in Figure 2, one symbol is drawn on each frame. In this embodiment, the Nth frame (N is an integer from "0" to "19") from the bottom of the arrangement of symbols shown in Figure 2 may be referred to as symbol position "N". As shown in Figure 2, a replay symbol, a bell A symbol, a bell B symbol, a cherry A symbol, a cherry B symbol, a seven A symbol, a seven B symbol, a seven C symbol, a BAR symbol, and a blank symbol are arranged on each reel 12.

Specifically, the replay symbols are arranged at symbol positions "2", "7", "12", and "17" on the left reel 12L, at symbol positions "1", "5", "10", and "15" on the center reel 12C, and at symbol positions "4", "9", "14", and "19" on the right reel 12R. The bell A symbols are arranged at symbol positions "4", "9", "14", and "19" on the left reel 12L, at symbol positions "1", "6", "11", and "16" on the center reel 12C, and at symbol positions "2" and "17" on the right reel 12R. The bell B symbols are arranged at symbol positions "1", "6", and "11" on the left reel 12L, and at symbol positions "7" and "12" on the right reel 12R. The Cherry A symbol is arranged at symbol position "12" on the center reel 12C and at symbol positions "5" and "15" on the right reel 12R. The Cherry B symbol is arranged at symbol position "10" on the left reel 12L and at symbol position "14" on the center reel 12C. The Seven A symbols are arranged at symbol positions "0" and "15" on the left reel 12L, at symbol positions "2" and "7" on the center reel 12C, and at symbol position "10" on the right reel 12R. The Seven B symbols are arranged at symbol position "5" on the left reel 12L, at symbol position "17" on the center reel 12C, and at symbol position "0" on the right reel 12R. The SEVEN C symbols are arranged at symbol position "16" on the left reel 12L, symbol position "4" on the center reel 12C, and symbol position "11" on the right reel 12R. The BAR symbols are arranged at symbol positions "3", "8", "13", and "18" on the left reel 12L, symbol positions "3", "8", "13", and "18" on the center reel 12C, and symbol positions "3", "8", "13", and "18" on the right reel 12R. The BLANK symbols are arranged at symbol positions "9" and "19" on the center reel 12C, and symbol positions "1", "6", and "16" on the right reel 12R.

In FIG. 2, each symbol is shown in a color different from the actual color of each symbol. Furthermore, the symbols on each reel 12 are generally identifiable by the player even while the reel 12 is spinning. Therefore, the player can perform an operation to stop the reel 12 (so-called eye-pressing) when a specific symbol passes through the display window 11. A symbol arrangement table (not shown) indicating the arrangement of symbols on each reel 12 is stored in the main ROM 302.

Three symbols are displayed on each reel 12 in the display window 11 of the front door 3 shown in FIG. 1. In other words, when all reels 12 are stopped, a total of nine symbols are displayed in the display window 11. In this embodiment, the area in which each symbol is displayed is called the "symbol display area."

Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining the symbol display area. As shown in Figure 3, the symbol display area is composed of unit areas U (L, C, R). Each unit area U displays one symbol. Each unit area U is composed of unit areas UL in which the symbols of the left reel 12L are displayed, unit areas UC in which the symbols of the center reel 12C are displayed, and unit areas UR in which the symbols of the right reel 12R are displayed. Each unit area UL includes a unit area UL1 located at the top, a unit area UL2 located at the middle, and a unit area UL3 located at the bottom. Each unit area UC includes a unit area UC1 located at the top, a unit area UC2 located at the middle, and a unit area UC3 located at the bottom, and each unit area UR includes a unit area UR1 located at the top, a unit area UR2 located at the middle, and a unit area UR3 located at the bottom.

When a specified number of medals are inserted into the medal insertion unit 8, a winning line is set. The winning line is an area that is made up of one unit area U of reel 12L, one unit area U of reel 12C, and one unit area U of reel 12R among the unit areas U. In this embodiment, the winning line is a line that connects unit area UL2 of reel 12L, unit area UC2 of reel 12C, and unit area UR2 of reel 12R.

The winning line displays a combination of symbols as a result of the game. When a predetermined combination of symbols is stopped on a winning line, the player is awarded a benefit according to the stopped combination of symbols. For example, when a winning combination of symbols is stopped on a winning line, the player is awarded a medal. When a replay combination is stopped on a winning line, the player is granted the right to play again. Specifically, when a replay combination is displayed in the current game, the next game can be started without the need to insert a medal. The combination of symbols that can be stopped on a winning line is determined for each game according to the results of an internal lottery process, which will be described later.

In this embodiment, the line connecting the upper unit area UL1 of reel 12L, the upper unit area UC1 of reel 12C, and the upper unit area UR1 of reel 12R may be referred to as the "upper line". Similarly, the line connecting the middle unit area UL2 of reel 12L, the middle unit area UC2 of reel 12C, and the middle unit area UR2 of reel 12R (the active line in this embodiment) may be referred to as the "middle line". Also, the line connecting the lower unit area UL3 of reel 12L, the lower unit area UC3 of reel 12C, and the lower unit area UR3 of reel 12R may be referred to as the "lower line". Also, the line connecting the lower unit area UL3 of reel 12L, the middle unit area UC2 of reel 12C, and the upper unit area UR1 of reel 12R may be referred to as the "upper right line". Similarly, the line connecting unit area UL1 in the upper row of reel 12L, unit area UC2 in the middle row of reel 12C, and unit area UR3 in the lower row of reel 12R is sometimes called the "right-downward line."

Each reel 12 is provided with a backlight (not shown) that illuminates the sheet member of the reel 12 from the inside. Specifically, each reel 12 is provided with a backlight that illuminates the unit area U of the upper line of the reel 12, a backlight that illuminates the unit area U of the middle line, and a backlight that illuminates the unit area U of the lower line.

As shown in FIG. 1, the panel 10 is provided with a number of indicators (hereafter referred to as "indicators ML") including a slot possible indicator lamp 13, BET lamps 14 (14a, 14b, 14c), a start lamp 15, an instruction indicator 16, a number of reserved coins indicator 17, a replay indicator lamp 18, a wait lamp 19, and a play stop lamp 20. Each lamp of the indicator ML is controlled by the main CPU 301, which will be described later.

The insertion possible indicator lamp 13 indicates whether or not it is possible to accept medals from the medal insertion portion 8. The BET lamp 14 indicates the number of bet medals. The BET lamp 14 also includes a 1-coin lamp 14a, a 2-coin lamp 14b, and a 3-coin lamp 14c. When one bet medal is set, the 1-coin lamp 14a lights up, when two bet medals are set, the 1-coin lamp 14a and the 2-coin lamp 14b light up, and when three bet medals are set, the 1-coin lamp 14a, the 2-coin lamp 14b, and the 3-coin lamp 14c light up. The start lamp 15 indicates whether or not it is possible to accept a game start operation (operation of the start lever 24 described below).

The instruction display 16 is controlled by the main CPU 301 and displays instruction information instructing the operation mode (pressing sequence) of the stop buttons 25. Although details will be described later, the main CPU 301 causes the instruction display 16 to display instruction information during each game during the instruction period. In addition, the instruction display 16 displays the number of medals to be awarded to the player when a symbol combination related to a winning role is displayed on an active line. For example, when the symbol combination "Bell-Bell-Bell" is stopped and displayed on an active line, 12 medals are awarded to the player, and the instruction display 16 displays the number "12."

The number of medals awarded to a player can be electrically stored (accumulated) in the gaming machine 1 (main RAM 303 described below). In this embodiment, the number of medals accumulated is referred to as the "number of credits." The number of credits is incremented when medals are awarded as a result of playing a game. The number of credits is also incremented when a specified number of bet medals have been inserted and further medals are inserted from the medal insertion unit 8. The accumulated number display 17 displays the number of credits. Specifically, the accumulated number display 17 variably displays a number between "0" and "50", which is the upper limit of the number of credits, depending on the number of credits stored.

The replay indicator lamp 18 notifies the player that a replay is in progress. Specifically, the replay indicator lamp 18 is lit from the time when the combination of symbols related to the replay is stopped and displayed on the pay line in the current game until the next game ends. The replay indicator lamp 18 is lit to notify the player that the next game can be started without using medals. The wait lamp 19 is lit during the wait period from the start operation of the game (operation of the start lever 24 described below) until the rotation of each reel 12 begins. The wait period is set so that the average time required for one game is equal to or longer than a predetermined value (approximately 4.1 seconds). The stop lamp 20 notifies the player that a game is in a stop state in which play is not possible.

As shown in FIG. 1, the front door 3 is provided with a number of operating sections including a 1-BET button 21, a MAX-BET button 22, a settlement button 23, a start lever 24, a number of stop buttons 25 (25L, 25C, 25R), an effect button 26 and a direction designation button 27. Each operating section is operated by the player.

The 1 BET button 21 is operated when setting one bet medal using stored medals. The MAX-BET button 22 is operated when setting a specified number of bet medals using stored medals. The settlement button 23 is operated when settling the medals stored as the number of credits and the bet medals. When the settlement button 23 is operated, the total number of medals, the credits and the bet medals, is paid out from the medal payout outlet 9. In this embodiment, the operation of the MAX-BET button 22 or the 1 BET button 21 may be referred to as a BET operation.

The start lever 24 is operated by the player when starting a game. When the game is ready to start, the player can command the start of the game by operating the start lever 24. In this embodiment, the start lever 24 can be tilted 360 degrees in any direction from a state that is approximately perpendicular to the front door 3. The grip portion of the start lever 24 is made of a translucent resin and has a built-in lever performance lamp 42. The lever performance lamp 42 lights up during a specified performance.

The stop button 25 is operated by the player when stopping the reels 12. The stop button 25 includes stop button 25L, stop button 25C, and stop button 25R. Stop button 25L corresponds to reel 12L, stop button 25C corresponds to reel 12C, and stop button 25R corresponds to reel 12R. When the stop button 25 corresponding to the reel 12 is operated (hereinafter referred to as the "stop operation") while the reel 12 is spinning, the reel 12 stops (normal stop, pseudo stop).

In the following, in this embodiment, the first stop operation in each game is referred to as the first stop operation. Similarly, the second stop operation is referred to as the second stop operation, and the third stop operation is referred to as the third stop operation. In addition, the first stop operation of the left stop button 25L may be described as the "left first stop operation," the first stop operation of the center stop button 25C may be described as the "center first stop operation," and the first stop operation of the right stop button 25R may be described as the "right first stop operation."

Furthermore, the control by the gaming machine 1 (main CPU 301 described below) to stop the reels 12 based on the first stop operation is referred to as the first stop control. Similarly, the control to stop the reels 12 based on the second stop operation is referred to as the second stop control, and the control to stop the reels 12 based on the third stop operation is referred to as the third stop control. Furthermore, the pattern position of the reels 12 located on the middle line of the display window 11 at the time when the stop operation is performed is referred to as the stop operation position. The pattern position located on the middle line during the rotation of each reel 12 is stored in a pattern counter, and the pattern position on the pattern counter at the time of the stop operation is obtained as the stop operation position. The pattern counter is provided in, for example, the main RAM 303.

When all the reels 12 have stopped, the combination of symbols resulting from the game is displayed on the pay lines and the game ends. When the game begins, each reel 12 accelerates to a constant rotation speed. During the period when each reel 12 is rotating at a constant speed (the period when the reels 12 are rotating steadily), a stop operation is possible to stop and display the game result on the pay lines. On the other hand, during the acceleration period from when each reel 12 starts to rotate until it reaches a steady rotation, a stop operation to display the game result is not accepted even if the reel 12 is rotating.

The stop button 25 of this embodiment can be controlled to a plurality of display modes. Specifically, inside each stop button 25, an illuminant (e.g., an LED) capable of emitting red, blue, and green light is provided. During the period when the illuminant of the stop button 25 emits red light, the stop button 25 appears to emit red light. Similarly, during the period when the illuminant of the stop button 25 emits blue light, the stop button 25 appears to emit blue light, and during the period when the illuminant of the stop button 25 emits green light, the stop button 25 appears to emit green light. The stop button 25 emits green light when a specific setting value (setting value "1") is set among the setting values described below. According to the above configuration, it is possible to know that a specific setting value has been set from the state of the stop button 25. Note that the state of the stop button 25 is not limited to the above example.

The effect button 26 is operated by the player when giving instructions regarding the effects. For example, the player can instruct the execution of a specific effect by operating the effect button 26. In other words, the specific effect is executed when the effect button 26 is operated (triggered). It is also possible to make the MAX-BET button 22 function as the effect button 26. With the above configuration, the effect button 26 is omitted, and the number of parts can be reduced.

In addition, if the effect button 26 is operated during the period from the end of the current game until the insertion of a betting medal to start the next game (hereinafter referred to as the "non-game period"), a menu image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 30.

The operation of the effect button 26 is detected by the effect button switch 26SW. For example, when the effect button 26 is not pressed, the effect button switch 26SW outputs an OFF signal. On the other hand, when the effect button 26 is pressed, the effect button switch 26SW outputs an ON signal. During a non-play period, when the effect button switch 26SW changes from the OFF state to the ON state, a menu image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 30.

The direction designation button 27 is operated by the player, for example, when a menu image is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 30. The direction designation button 27 is composed of an up button, a down button, a right button, and a left button. For example, by operating the direction designation button 27, it is possible to move a cursor designating an option displayed on a menu image. Specifically, when the up button is operated, the cursor in the menu image moves upward. Similarly, when the down button is operated, the cursor moves downward, when the right button is operated, the cursor moves right, and when the left button is operated, the cursor moves left.

When the direction designation button 27 is operated during a non-play period, the master volume of the gaming machine 1 is changed. In addition, when the direction designation button 27 is operated appropriately during a non-play period, the presentation control mode of the gaming machine 1 can be changed. In this embodiment, three types of presentation control modes are provided: enjoy mode, normal mode, and simple mode. The frequency with which presentations are executed differs among the above presentation control modes. Specifically, enjoy mode is the presentation control mode in which presentations are most easily executed. In addition, simple mode is the presentation control mode in which presentations are least easily executed.

As shown in FIG. 1, in addition to the above-mentioned display ML (start lamp 15, etc.), the panel 10 of the front door 3 is provided with a number of performance lamps 28 (28a-28e) and a number of stop operation sequence display lamps 29 (29L, 29C, 29R). Each lamp of the display ML is controlled by the main CPU 301, while each performance lamp 28 and each stop operation sequence display lamp 29 are controlled by the sub-CPU 412 described below. Of the multiple performance lamps 28, performance lamps 28a and 28b are provided on the left side of the display window 11 when viewed from the front, and performance lamps 28c to 28e are provided on the right side of the display window 11 when viewed from the front. Each performance lamp 28 notifies the current game status, etc.

Each stop operation sequence display lamp 29 is provided in the area of the panel 10 below the display window 11, and indicates the order in which to operate each stop button 25. As shown in FIG. 1, above the display window 11 of the front door 3, a liquid crystal display device 30 that displays various images is provided. The liquid crystal display device 30 displays moving images and still images according to the performance executed by the gaming machine 1. Specifically, the liquid crystal display device 30 indicates information related to the results of the internal lottery process described below, information suggesting the ball output status, etc.

In addition, each of the performance execution means including the liquid crystal display device 30 is controlled to a plurality of different performance modes. Each performance execution means is capable of executing a performance according to the performance mode. For example, the liquid crystal display device 30 displays various images (such as background images) according to the performance mode. In addition, the speaker 31 plays music according to the performance mode. The sub-CPU 412 determines the execution of a performance according to the performance mode.

As shown in FIG. 1, upper lamps 35 (L, R) are provided on the upper end side of the front door 3. The upper lamps 35 are composed of, for example, light-emitting diodes capable of emitting light in various colors (blue, yellow, green, red, etc.) and lenses covering the light-emitting diodes. For example, when a winning combination is displayed stopped on an active line, the upper lamps 35 emit light in a manner (color) corresponding to the winning combination. Furthermore, in each performance, the upper lamps 35 emit light in a manner corresponding to the performance.

As shown in FIG. 1, the front door 3 is provided with speakers 31 (31L, 31R) and speakers 32 (32L, 32R). Speaker 31 is provided on the lower end side of the front door 3, and includes speaker 31L attached to the left side as seen from the player's side and speaker 31R attached to the right side. Speaker 32 is provided on the upper end side of the front door 3, and includes speaker 32L attached to the left side as seen from the player's side and speaker 32R attached to the right side. Speakers 31 and 32 output sounds (music, voice, and sound effects) according to the performance. For example, speakers 31 and 32 output sounds related to the performance executed by the above-mentioned liquid crystal display device 30, performance lamp 28, cabinet lamp 5, stop operation sequence display lamp 29, or lever performance lamp 42. Speakers 31 and 32 are attached to the back surface of front door 3, and multiple sound emission holes are formed on the surface of front door 3 at positions corresponding to speakers 31 and 32.

As shown in FIG. 1, a return button 33 is provided on the front door 3. The return button 33 is operated to clear medals that are stuck in the medal flow path inside the gaming machine 1. By operating the return button 33, medals that are stuck in the medal flow path are discharged from the medal payout outlet 9.

The front door 3 is provided with a locking device 4 having a keyhole formed therein. The front door 3 is locked by the locking device 4 of the front door 3 engaging with a latch piece (not shown) of the cabinet. As shown in FIG. 1, the keyhole of the locking device 4 is located on the front of the front door 3, and a key (not shown) for unlocking the front door 3 can be inserted into it. As described below, various operating units (e.g., setting change button 37) are provided inside the cabinet. Each operating unit inside the cabinet is operated by a person in charge of the key that unlocks the front door 3 (e.g., a staff member of the amusement arcade where the gaming machine 1 is installed).

A main control board 300 is provided inside the cabinet. Specifically, the main control board 300 is housed in a transparent board case and attached to the back panel of the cabinet. Various electronic components including a main CPU 301, which will be described later, are mounted on the main control board 300. The main control board 300 is also electrically connected to various boards including a reel board 100, relay board 200, sub-control board 400, and power supply board 500, which will be described later, via connectors (not shown). The various boards described above may be configured as a single board or multiple boards.

Inside the cabinet, a setting display unit 36 and a setting change button 37 are provided. The setting display unit 36 displays the setting value of the gaming machine 1. The setting value is a numerical value related to the ball payout rate of the gaming machine 1, and various lotteries are performed in each game with a probability according to the setting value. For example, setting values range from "1" to "6," with the setting value "6" having the highest ball payout rate. In this embodiment, when the setting change key is inserted into the setting change keyhole and turned, the setting display unit 36 displays the setting value.

The setting change button 37 is operated when changing the numerical value on the setting display unit 36. Each time the setting change button 37 is operated, the setting display unit 36 increments the numerical value by one and displays it. When the start lever 24 is operated during the period when the setting value is displayed on the setting display unit 36, the numerical value displayed on the setting display unit 36 at the time of the operation is stored as the setting value.

However, in this embodiment, the numbers "0", "1", "2", "4", "5", and "6" are displayed on the setting display unit 36. Specifically, when the power is turned on with the setting change key rotated, the setting value change process is initiated and the device transitions to setting change mode. In the setting change mode, when the start lever 24 is operated during the period when the number "0" is displayed on the setting display unit 36, the setting value "1" is set. Furthermore, when the start lever 24 is operated during the period when the number "1" is displayed on the setting display unit 36, the setting value "2" is set. Furthermore, when the start lever 24 is operated during the period when the number "2" is displayed on the setting display unit 36, the setting value "3" is set.

Similarly, when the start lever 24 is operated during the period when the number "4" is displayed on the setting display unit 36, the setting value "4" is set, when the start lever 24 is operated during the period when the number "5" is displayed on the setting display unit 36, the setting value "5" is set, and when the start lever 24 is operated during the period when the number "6" is displayed on the setting display unit 36, the setting value "6" is set. When the setting value is set, the setting change mode ends, and all information including the game status (game status flag) and ball output status (ball output status flag) is initialized, and play becomes possible. Note that if the power is turned on without using the setting key, the setting value change process is not executed. In the above cases, various information including the game status flag and ball output status flag at the time when the power was cut off is retained even after the power is turned on.

A sub-control board 400 is provided on the back side of the front door 3. The sub-control board 400 is composed of various boards including a performance control board 410, an image control board 420, and a sound board 430.

A power supply unit 510 is provided inside the cabinet. The power supply unit 510 includes an AC-DC converter and a DC-DC converter (both not shown), generates a DC voltage from an AC voltage supplied from outside the gaming machine 1, and generates multiple types of DC voltages from the generated DC voltage. For example, the power supply unit 510 generates a 32V DC voltage used to drive motors and solenoids, a 12V DC voltage supplied to the liquid crystal display device 30, and a 5V DC voltage supplied to an electronic circuit board (e.g., the main control board 300).

The power supply device 510 is provided with a power button 511 and a reset button 512. When the power button 511 is operated to the ON state, power is supplied to the gaming machine 1, and when the power button 511 is operated to the OFF state, the power is cut off. The reset button 512 is operated when resetting the ball output state, etc. Specifically, when the reset button is operated, a specified memory area of the main RAM 303 described below is reset to its initial value.

The main control board 300 is provided with various electronic components. Specifically, various electronic components including a main CPU 301, a main ROM 302, a main RAM 303, resistors, capacitors, connectors, a setting display unit 36, and a main display 40 are mounted on the main control board 300. The connectors are used to electrically connect the main control board 300 to other control devices.

<Amusement machine circuit>
This concludes the explanation of the structure of the gaming machine 1. Below, the function of each circuit provided in the gaming machine 1 will be explained with reference to Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 4, the gaming machine 1 includes a reel board 100, a relay board 200, a main control board 300, a sub-control board 400, and a power supply board 500.

<Main control board>
4, the main control board 300 includes a main CPU 301, a main ROM 302, a main RAM 303, a random number generator 304, and an I/F (interface) circuit 305. The main CPU 301, the main ROM 302, and the main RAM 303 may be provided as separate electronic devices, or may be provided as a one-chip microcomputer in which each element is integrally configured.

The main ROM 302 stores the control program executed by the main CPU 301 and various data (e.g., a winning area lottery table) in a non-volatile manner. The main RAM 303 stores various data used in each process executed by the main CPU 301.

The main CPU 301 reads the control program stored in the main ROM 302 and performs predetermined processing in accordance with the progress of the game, thereby controlling various devices including the sub-control board 400, each reel 12, the hopper 520 that pays out medals, and the display ML.

The random number generator 304 generates a random number value R1 used in the internal lottery process described below. In this embodiment, the random number generator 304 is equipped with a counter circuit, a sampling circuit, and a pulse generating circuit (all not shown), and generates hardware random numbers. Specifically, the pulse generating circuit outputs a signal to the counter circuit at a predetermined period. The value of the counter circuit is incremented by "1" each time a signal is input from the pulse generating circuit. When a player performs an operation to start a game, the sampling circuit stores the value of the counter circuit as the random number value R1. The random number value R1 is generated in the range of "0" to "65535". Note that a software random number may also be used as the random number value R1.

In this embodiment, in addition to the random number value R1, a random number value R2 is generated. The random number value R2 is a software random number obtained from a register built into the main CPU 301, and is generated in the range of values "0" to "255". As described below, the random number value R2 is used in the reel performance determination process. In the reel performance determination process described above, the type of reel performance (pseudo game) is determined by lottery. In the reel performance, each reel 12 is controlled in a manner different from normal game. In addition, the main CPU 301 generates a random number value R3. The random number value R3 is generated in the range of values "0" to "255". The random number value R3 is used in the lottery for the initial state determination process described below.

The I/F circuit 305 inputs signals from each switch SW (e.g., start switch 24SW) of various operation parts (e.g., start lever 24) and each sensor SE (e.g., medal sensor 34SE) to the main CPU 301. The signals from each switch SW and each sensor SE are high-level or low-level signals. In this embodiment, for the sake of explanation, a signal of a first level (high level or low level) is expressed as an ON signal, and a signal of a second level (low level or high level) is expressed as an OFF signal. Whether the first level, which is an ON signal, is high level or low level is set according to the type of switch SW or sensor SE. In addition, the output of an ON signal (OFF signal) from the switch SW may be described as "the switch SW is in the ON state (OFF state)".

The I/F circuit 305 outputs various signals to drive the display ML, the hopper 520, and each reel 12 to the outside of the main control board 300. The I/F circuit 305 also outputs various commands to the sub-control board 400. Note that to prevent unauthorized commands from being input to the main control board, commands from the sub-control board 400 are not received by the main control board 300.

A signal is input to the reel board 100 from the main control board 300. In response to the signal from the main control board 300, the reel board 100 outputs a drive pulse to each reel 12. In response to the drive pulse from the reel board 100, each stepping motor 101 of each reel 12 is driven.

The stepping motor 101 has multiple (four) coils. The combination of excited coils among the coils is switched in sequence each time a drive pulse is input from the reel board 100, and the reels 12 rotate as the combination of excited coils is switched in sequence. Specifically, when the combination of excited coils of the stepping motor 101 is switched once, the reel 12 rotates a predetermined angle. For example, when 24 pulses are applied, the reel 12 rotates an angle of one frame (unit area U), and when 504 pulses are applied, the reel 12 rotates once. In the above configuration, the shorter the time interval at which the drive pulses are applied, the faster the rotation speed of the reel 12 becomes.

ON/OFF signals from multiple reel sensors 111 (111L, 111C, 111R) are input to the main control board 300 via the reel board 100. Of the reel sensors 111, reel sensor 111L corresponds to reel 12L, reel sensor 111C corresponds to reel 12C, and reel sensor 111R corresponds to reel 12R. Each reel sensor 111 outputs an ON signal when the rotation angle of the corresponding reel 12 is at the reference position. On the other hand, each reel sensor 111 outputs an OFF signal when the rotation angle of each reel 12 is other than the reference position. The main CPU 301 of the main control board 300 can determine the rotation angle of each reel 12 from the signal from each reel sensor 111 and the number of times drive pulses are output to each stepping motor 101.

The relay board 200 relays signals from the main control board 300 to the display ML. The display ML is driven in response to the signal output from the main control board 300. The relay board 200 also relays ON/OFF signals input to the main control board 300 from each sensor (such as the start switch 24SW described below) that detects the operation of each operation unit (such as the start lever 24). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the relay board 200 relays ON/OFF signals from the 1BET switch 21SW, the MAX-BET switch 22SW, the settlement switch 23SW, the start switch 24SW, the stop switch 25SW, and the medal sensor 34SE. As shown in FIG. 4, the power supply board 500 also relays ON/OFF signals from various sensors or switches including the reset switch 512SE and the payout sensor 112SE.

The 1BET switch 21SW detects the operation of the 1BET button 21 by the player. In addition, the ON signal from the 1BET switch 21SW is input to the I/F circuit 305 of the main control board 300 via the relay board 200. When the ON signal is input from the 1BET switch 21SW, the main CPU 301 adds one medal to the bet medals.

The MAX-BET switch 22SW detects the operation of the MAX-BET button 22 by the player. The ON signal from the MAX-BET switch 22SW is input to the I/F circuit 305 of the main control board 300 via the relay board 200. When the ON signal is input from the MAX-BET switch 22SW, the main CPU 301 sets a specified number of medals as the bet medals.

The settlement switch 23SW detects the operation of the settlement button 23 by the player. The ON signal from the settlement switch 23SW is input to the I/F circuit 305 of the main control board 300 via the relay board 200.

When an ON signal is input from the settlement switch 23SW, or when a winning symbol combination is displayed on an active line, the main CPU 301 outputs a hopper drive signal to the hopper 520. The hopper drive signal is input to the hopper 520 from the main control board 300 via the power supply board 500. When the hopper drive signal is input, the hopper 520 pays out medals.

The payout sensor 112SE outputs a payout signal to the main control board 300 each time a medal is paid out from the hopper 520. Specifically, the payout sensor 112SE is provided at a position where a medal passing through the discharge slit 521b of the hopper 520 is detected. When the payout sensor 112SE detects a medal, it outputs a payout signal. The payout signal is input to the main control board 300 via the power supply board 500. The main CPU 301 can determine the number of medals paid out by counting the number of times the payout signal is input.

The power switch 511SW is switched to the ON or OFF state by operating the power button 511. When the power switch 511SW is ON, power is supplied from the power supply device 510 to the gaming machine 1, and when the power switch 511SW is OFF, power from the power supply device 510 to the gaming machine 1 is cut off. When power is supplied, the power supply device 510 generates a DC voltage. The DC voltage generated by the power supply device 510 is supplied to various devices including the hopper 520 via the power supply board 500.

The reset switch 512SW is provided on the power supply device 510, and outputs a reset signal to the main control board 300 when the reset button 512 is operated. The reset signal is input to the main control board 300 via the power supply board 500. When the main CPU 301 receives the reset signal, it initializes a predetermined storage area of the main RAM 303, and releases, for example, an error state. Note that a configuration may be provided with multiple reset switches 512SW (reset buttons 512). For example, in addition to the reset switch 512SW provided on the power supply device 510, a reset switch may be provided on the locking device 4. In the above configuration, for example, a configuration is preferably adopted in which the front door 3 is unlocked when the key is inserted into the keyhole of the locking device 4 and turned to the right, and a reset signal is output from the reset switch when the key is turned to the left.

The setting change switch 37SW shown in FIG. 4 detects the operation of the setting change button 37. The ON signal from the setting change switch 37SW is input to the main control board 300. When the ON signal from the setting change switch 37SW is input, the main CPU 301 updates the display on the setting display unit 36. In addition, if an ON signal from the setting change switch 37SW is input during a period when the setting value is not displayed on the setting display unit 36, the main CPU 301 displays the instructed role ratio (described below) on the stored number display 16. The medal sensor 34SE detects medals inserted from the medal insertion unit 8.

The main control board 300 receives ON/OFF signals from a plurality of stop switches 25SW (25SWL, 25SWC, 25SWR) via the relay board 200. Of the stop switches 25SW, the stop switch 25SWL corresponds to the stop button 25L, the stop switch 25SWC corresponds to the stop button 25C, and the stop switch 25SWR corresponds to the stop button 25R. The main CPU 301 controls the stopping of the reel 12 corresponding to the stop switch 25SW to which the ON signal has been input. Specifically, when an ON signal is input from the stop switch 25SWL, the main CPU 301 controls the stopping of the reel 12L. Similarly, when an ON signal is input from the stop switch 25SWC, the main CPU 301 controls the stopping of the reel 12C, and when an ON signal is input from the stop switch 25SWR, the main CPU 301 controls the stopping of the reel 12R.

The start switch 24SW detects the operation of the start lever 24 by the player. The ON signal from the start switch 24SW is input to the I/F circuit 305 of the main control board 300 via the relay board 200. When the ON signal is input from the start switch 24SW, the main CPU 301 controls, for example, each stepping motor 101 to spin each reel 12. In addition, the ON signal from the setting change switch 37SW is input to the main control board 300.

The start switch 24SW in this embodiment is formed to be able to detect the direction in which the start lever 24 is operated. Specifically, the start switch 24SW can individually detect any of the following operations: pushing up the start lever 24 when viewed from the player's side; pushing down the start lever 24; rightward operation to tilt the start lever 24 to the right; and leftward operation to tilt the start lever 24 to the left. For example, the start switch 24SW is composed of multiple sensors including a start switch 24SWU that outputs an ON signal when the start lever 24 is pushed up, a start switch 24SWD that outputs an ON signal when the start lever 24 is pushed down, a start switch 24SWR that outputs an ON signal when the start lever 24 is operated to the right, and a start switch 24SWL that outputs an ON signal when the start lever 24 is operated to the left. With the above configuration, for example, it is possible to make the performance to be executed different when the start lever 24 is pushed down and when it is pushed up.

The main CPU 301 calculates various game information (consecutive win ratio, role ratio, most recent consecutive win ratio, most recent role ratio, role ratio with instruction, bonus game ratio) according to the progress of the game, and displays display information corresponding to the game information on the main display 40. The display information includes each identification information corresponding to each game information and ratio information indicating the size of the game information.

The main display 40 includes a first display section 40X and a second display section 40Y. The first display section 40X displays the above-mentioned identification information. The second display section 40Y displays the above-mentioned ratio information. The first display section 40X is composed of two 7-segment displays, and the second display section 40Y is composed of two 7-segment displays. When the power to the gaming machine 1 is turned on, the main display 40 starts displaying display information, and continues to do so until the power is turned off. As will be described in detail later, the main display 40 displays multiple pieces of display information corresponding to various types of game information. Each piece of display information is switched and displayed at a predetermined time interval (approximately 5 seconds).

<Sub-control board>
The sub-control board 400 controls the liquid crystal display device 30, the speakers (31, 32) and each lamp (e.g., the performance lamp 28). As shown in Fig. 4, the sub-control board 400 is composed of a plurality of boards including a performance control board 410, an image control board 420 and a sound board 430. In addition, various sensors including the performance button switch 26SW and the direction designation switch 27SW, and various lamps including the case lamp 5, the performance lamp 28, the stop operation sequence display lamp 29, the lever performance lamp 42 and the upper lamp 35 are electrically connected to the sub-control board 400.

As shown in FIG. 4, a volume adjustment switch 44 is electrically connected to the sub-control board 400. The volume adjustment switch 44 is used to adjust the master volume of the gaming machine 1. For example, a dip switch is preferably used as the volume adjustment switch 44. As described above, the master volume can also be adjusted by operating the direction designation button 27. That is, the master volume is adjusted by operating either the direction designation button 27 or the volume adjustment switch 44.

In this embodiment, the adjustable master volume differs when the direction designation button 27 is operated from when the volume adjustment switch 44 is operated. Specifically, when the direction designation button 27 is operated, the master volume can be adjusted to any of the numbers "1" to "5" (five levels). On the other hand, when the volume adjustment switch 44 is operated, the master volume can be adjusted to any of the numbers "1", "3" and "5" (three levels). Note that the adjustable master volume may be the same when the direction designation button 27 is operated and when the volume adjustment switch 44 is operated.

As shown in FIG. 4, the performance control board 410 is composed of an I/F circuit 411, a sub-CPU 412, a sub-ROM 413, and a sub-RAM 414. The performance control board 410 (sub-CPU 412) controls various lamps including the cabinet lamp 5, the performance lamp 28, the stop operation sequence display lamp 29, and the lever performance lamp 42, as well as the sound board 430. The performance control board 410 also gives commands to the image control board 420 to cause the liquid crystal display device 30 to display each image.

The sub-ROM 413 stores the control program executed by the sub-CPU 412 and various data. For example, the sub-ROM 413 stores a performance selection table for determining the type of performance and lamp data showing the blinking patterns of various lamps.

The sub-RAM 414 functions as a work area for volatilely storing various data. The I/F circuit 411 receives commands from the main control board 300 (I/F circuit 305). However, the main control board 300 is configured not to be able to receive commands from the sub-control board 400. The command received by the I/F circuit 411 is supplied to the sub-CPU 412. The command received by the I/F circuit 411 is, for example, a display winning role command that indicates the type of winning role that has stopped on the pay line.

The sub-CPU 412 executes the control program stored in the sub-ROM 413, and controls various lamps (e.g., the cabinet lamp 5) and the sound board 430 based on the data stored in the sub-ROM 413. For example, the sub-CPU 412 reads data indicating the blinking pattern of the cabinet lamp 5 from the sub-ROM 413, and blinks the cabinet lamp 5. The sub-CPU 412 also generates a random number value R4 used in the performance control process described below. For example, a random number in the range 0 to 65535 is preferably used as the random number value R4. The sub-ROM 413 may be composed of a single electronic component, or may be composed of multiple electronic components (storage devices).

The image control board 420 displays various images on the liquid crystal display device 30 in response to commands from the performance control board 410. As shown in FIG. 4, the image control board 420 includes an image control CPU 421, an image control ROM 422, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 423, a CGROM 424, and a VRAM 425.

The image control CPU 421 executes the control program stored in the image control ROM 422 and gives instructions to the VDP 423 according to commands from the performance control board 410. The CGROM 424 stores compressed and encoded image data (e.g., texture data). The VDP 423 is configured to include an image decoder and a drawing circuit (both not shown). When an instruction from the image control CPU 421 is input to the VDP 423, the image decoder reads image data from the CGROM 424 according to the instruction. The image decoder expands (decodes) the read image data and stores it in the RAM 425. The drawing circuit displays various images on the liquid crystal display device 30 according to the image data stored in the RAM 425. The RAM 425 also stores various data generated by each process of the image control CPU 421. The RAM 425 is provided with a command storage area for storing sound control commands to be sent to the sound source IC 431.

The sound board 430 generates an audio signal under the control of the image control CPU 421. The audio signal generated by the sound board 430 is supplied to the speaker 31 and the speaker 32, and is output as a sound wave. As shown in FIG. 4, the sound board 430 includes a sound source IC 431 and a sound source ROM 432. The image control CPU 421 controls the sound board 430 (sound source IC 431) in response to commands from the sub-CPU 412.

The sound source ROM 432 compresses and stores multiple sound data. Each sound data is data indicating each sound, including, for example, music for a specific ball output state, a sound output each time the player operates the stop button 25, and an error sound output in an error state.

The sound source IC 431 generates an audio signal from the audio data in the sound source ROM 432. The sound source IC 431 includes a decoder, a control register, and an A/D converter (all not shown). The decoder of the sound source IC 431 reads out audio data from the sound source ROM 432 in response to an instruction from the sub-CPU 412. The decoder of the sound source IC 431 adjusts the volume of the read audio data and then stores the audio data in the control register. The control register stores multiple audio data, and the audio data stored in the control register are supplied to the A/D converter in the order in which they were stored. The A/D converter generates an audio signal from the audio data and supplies it to the amplifier 433. The amplifier 433 amplifies the audio signal supplied from the sound source IC 431 (A/D converter) and supplies it to the speaker 31 and the speaker 32. Note that a CPU that controls the sound source IC 431 may be provided separately from the sub-CPU 412 and the image control CPU 421.

<Data used by the main CPU>
This concludes the description of each circuit in the gaming machine 1. Hereinafter, various data stored in the main ROM 302 will be described with reference to the drawings.

Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram of a winning area selection table. In the internal selection process described below, the main CPU 301 determines a winning area using the winning area selection table and a random value R1. As shown in Figure 5, each winning area selection table is composed of multiple winning areas and selection values corresponding to each winning area. The name of each winning area is shown in Figure 5. The winning area selection table is stored in the main ROM 302 for each set value.

Figure 5 shows an example of a winning area selection table that is referenced when the setting value is "1". As will be described in detail later, the playability when the setting value is set to "0" is significantly different from the playability when other setting values are set. Specifically, when the setting value is set to "0", the gambling aspect is significantly reduced compared to when other setting values are set. For the above reasons, some players may find it less interesting, so some administrators of gaming machine 1 may not set the setting value to "0" as a general rule.

Each winning area in the winning area lottery table specifies a winning role defined in the winning role determination table shown in FIG. 6. For example, assume that "Replay 1" in winning area number "01" is determined by the internal lottery process. As shown in FIG. 6, winning area number "01" specifies winning roles "REP1" and "REP2". In other words, in a game in which the winning area "Replay 1" is won, multiple types of winning roles are specified in overlapping fashion. The combination of symbols of the winning role specified in the winning area is permitted to stop on an active line.

Each lottery value in the winning area lottery table is subtracted to a random number value R1 in the internal lottery process. Specifically, in the internal lottery process, the main CPU 301 subtracts each lottery value corresponding to each winning area from the random number value R1 in ascending order of the winning areas. In the internal lottery process, a winning area is determined for which the result of subtracting the lottery value from the random number value R1 is a negative number. The larger the lottery value, the higher the probability that the number will be negative when subtracted from the random number value R1, so the winning area with the larger lottery value has a higher probability of winning.

As shown in FIG. 5, the winning area selection table is configured to include each selection value for each game state. Each game state includes a non-internal state, an internal state, and a bonus activation state. In this embodiment, the specified number of coins in each game state is three coins. Among the game states, the non-internal state is entered when a set value is set (changed) or after the bonus activation state ends. Note that if the set value is changed in the internal state, the internal state may be maintained.

The internal intermediate state is a game state in which the winning state of the RBB role is carried over (hereinafter, simply described as "the RBB role is carried over" or the like). Specifically, in this embodiment, various winning roles including the RBB role are determined in each game. Winning roles other than the RBB role are not carried over to the next game, regardless of whether or not the symbol combination of the winning role is stopped and displayed. On the other hand, if the symbol combination of the RBB role is not stopped and displayed in the current game, the RBB role is carried over to the next game and thereafter.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, in a game in which the winning area "Top Right Bell" is determined, in addition to the RBB role, the winning role "NML1", "NML2" and "NML8" symbol combinations can be displayed as stop symbols. If the RBB role symbol combination is not displayed as stop symbols in a game in which the winning area "Top Right Bell" is determined, the RBB role is carried over to the next game onwards (transitioning to the internal intermediate state), and other winning roles are not carried over to the next game. The internal intermediate state described above is maintained until the bonus activation state is started. Note that the internal intermediate state in this embodiment includes a game in which the RBB role is won.

The bonus activation state is entered when a symbol combination related to the RBB role is stopped and displayed on an active line. The bonus activation state ends when more than 22 medals are paid out. When the bonus activation state ends, the main CPU 301 enters a non-internal state. In each game in the bonus activation state, as shown in FIG. 5, one of the winning areas "all 1 coin", "all 3 coins", and "all roles" is won.

In a game in which the "All Roles" winning area is won, a winning role with a payout of 12 coins (12-coin bell role) is displayed stopped on the active line. In a game in which the "All 3 Coins" winning area is won, a winning role with a payout of 3 coins is displayed stopped on the active line. In a game in which the "All 1 Coin" winning area is won, a winning role with a payout of 1 coin is displayed stopped on the active line. In a bonus activation state, each of the above winning roles is displayed stopped on the active line regardless of the stop operation order or stop operation position.

In this embodiment, the RBB role can be displayed in a stopped state only when the winning area "Single RBB" is won (when the RBB role is won alone) in the non-internal state. Also, once the RBB role is lost, another winning role will definitely be won in the subsequent internal state, so the RBB role symbol combination cannot be displayed in a stopped state. In other words, in this embodiment, the game is generally played in the internal state.

Figure 7 is a conceptual diagram of the symbol combination table. The symbol combination table specifies the symbol combinations that are permitted to stop on a valid line in a game in which each winning role is won. For example, in a game in which the winning role "RBB" is won, the symbol combination "Cherry B-Cherry B-Cherry A" is permitted to stop on a valid line. Also, for example, in a game in which the winning role "REP1" is won, the symbol combinations "BAR-Bell A-Seven A", "BAR-Bell A-Seven B", and "BAR-Bell A-Cherry A" can stop on a valid line.

As shown in FIG. 7, the symbol combination table is composed of the permission bit number of each symbol combination and the number of medals paid out when the symbol combination for each winning role stops on an active line. FIG. 7 shows the number of medals paid out when the symbol combination for each winning role stops on an active line. For example, when the symbol combination "Bell A-Bell A-Bell A" of the winning role "NML1" stops on an active line, the number of medals paid out is "3". Also, when the symbol combination for the RBB role stops on an active line, the number of medals paid out is "0".

As shown in FIG. 7, when a symbol combination associated with any of the winning roles including winning role "NML1,2" (3-coin bell role), winning role "NML3-6" (12-coin bell role), winning role "NML7" (premium role), winning role "NML8" (upper right bell role), and winning role "NML9-43" (1-coin role) is displayed on an active line, a number of medals corresponding to the winning role will be awarded to the player. In this embodiment, a winning role that will result in the payment of medals when displayed on an active line is called a "winning role". Also, the symbol combination of a winning role being stopped and displayed on an active line may simply be called a "winning role".

When any of the winning combinations "REP1" (upper row replay combination), "REP2" (middle row replay combination), "REP3-7" (seven replay combinations), and "REP8-11" (fake replay combinations) is displayed on an active line, the next game is set to a replay. In this embodiment, winning combinations that will result in a replay when displayed on an active line are sometimes collectively referred to as "replays." When multiple winning combinations are won at the same time, replays are displayed stopped on an active line in priority over other winning combinations, and RBB combinations have a lower priority than other winning combinations. However, a configuration in which bonus combinations have a higher priority than prize winning combinations may also be used.

Each permission bit number in the symbol combination table specifies a display permission bit in the display permission bit storage area of the main RAM 303. The display permission bit storage area is composed of multiple display permission bits, and each display permission bit corresponds to a winning combination. For example, assume that "Replay 1" in winning area number "01" wins, and the symbol combination of the upper replay is permitted to stop on a valid line. In the above case, the display permission bit specified by permission bit number "01" in the display permission bit storage area is set to "1", and the others are set to "0".

The main RAM 303 stores a display role storage area that is compared with the display permission bit storage area in the display determination process described later. The display role storage area is configured to include multiple displayable bits, and each displayable bit corresponds to each winning role (similar to the display permission bit storage area). In addition, each displayable bit is set to "1" when there is a possibility that the symbol combination related to the winning role corresponding to the displayable bit will stop on an active line, and is set to "0" when there is no possibility that the symbol combination related to the corresponding winning role will stop on an active line. For example, when each reel 12 starts rotating, all the displayable bits are set to "1" because there is a possibility that the symbol combinations related to all winning roles will stop on an active line. In addition, each displayable bit in the display role storage area is updated every time each reel 12 stops, and when all the reels 12 stop, only the displayable bit corresponding to the symbol combination related to the winning role that actually stopped on the active line becomes "1".

A winning combination selected in the internal lottery process stops on a valid line according to the operation mode of each stop button 25 by the player. Specifically, each winning combination stops on a valid line according to the combination of the stop operation position and the stop operation sequence of each stop button 25 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "stop operation mode"). For example, symbols located within a range of four frames (five frames including the stop operation position) from the stop operation position (hereinafter referred to as the "pulling range") can be stopped on a valid line, and symbols located outside the pulling range cannot be stopped on a valid line even if they are symbols that constitute a winning combination (so-called "missing out" occurs). However, if a symbol of a winning combination that can win a prize is located within the pulling range, that symbol is always stopped on a valid line (if multiple symbols are located within the pulling range, one of them is stopped on a valid line).

As described above, multiple types of winning roles may overlap and be won in one game. In a game in which multiple types of winning roles are won, for example, the symbol combination associated with the winning role according to the order of the stop operation and the stop operation position will stop on an active line. In this embodiment, the type of winning role won in the current game, the combination of the stop operation order and the stop operation position, and the symbol combination to be displayed are associated one-to-one for each winning area.

As described above, the type of winning combination that is won changes depending on the stop operation sequence. In this embodiment, the game can be transitioned to a game state (non-internal state, internal state) in which a stop operation sequence that is unilaterally advantageous in the number of medals paid out is provided, as will be described in detail later. Hereinafter, a stop operation sequence that is unilaterally advantageous in the number of medals paid out may be described as a "favorable push order", and a stop operation sequence other than an advantageous push order may be described as an "unfavorable push order". In addition, when the stop operation position is random, the expected number of medals paid out when playing with a specific stop operation sequence may be described as the "expected acquisition value A" for that stop operation sequence. The above expected acquisition value A is higher when playing with a favorable push order than when playing with an unfavorable push order. However, as will be described in detail later, depending on the ball output state, when playing with a favorable push order, a penalty control is executed that reduces the performance of the indication function of the above-mentioned indication display 16.

Figure 8 is a diagram for explaining the symbol combinations that are stopped and displayed in each game. Figure 8 shows the symbol combinations that are stopped and displayed in the internal state among the various game states (internal state, non-internal state, bonus operation state). As described above, in this embodiment, the game progresses in the internal state as a rule. Figure 8 shows the winning combinations that can be stopped and displayed on the pay line (subject to being drawn) in a game in which each winning area is won, for each stopping operation order.

For the sake of explanation, the stop operation sequence of "left first stop, middle second stop, right third stop" may be simply described as "left middle right". The same applies to other stop operation sequences. In addition, in this embodiment, each of the six types of stop operation sequences of "left middle right", "left left middle", "center left left", "center right left", "right left middle", and "right middle left" may be described as "sequence 1", "sequence 2", "sequence 3", "sequence 4", "sequence 5", and "sequence 6". Furthermore, any one of the above stop operation sequences may be simply described as "sequence m". "m" is an integer from the number "1" to the number "6". Also, as shown in FIG. 8, the expected acquisition value A of "left middle right" (sequence 1) may be described as "expected acquisition value A1". Similarly, the expected acquisition value A of each stop operation sequence from "left left middle" (sequence 2) to "right middle left" (sequence 6) may be described as "expected acquisition value A2" to "expected acquisition value A6".

In a game in which Bells A1 to A4 are won, a 1-coin role or a 3-coin bell role will be awarded depending on the stop operation sequence. For example, in a game in which Bell A1 is won, if the stop operation is performed 1st left, one of the 1-coin roles will be awarded regardless of the stop operation position. On the other hand, in a game in which Bell A1 is won, if the stop operation is performed in an irregular pressing order, a 3-coin bell role will be awarded regardless of the stop operation position.

Specifically, in a game in which Bell A1 is won, the middle bell role out of the three bell roles will win, whether the stop operation is performed on the middle 1st (middle left/right, middle right/left) or on the right 1st (right left middle, right center left) of the irregular pressing sequence. Similarly, in a game in which Bell A2 is won, if the stop operation is performed on the left 1st, one of the one-coin roles will win, regardless of the stopping operation position. Also, in a game in which Bell A2 is won, if the stop operation is performed using the irregular pressing sequence, the middle bell role out of the three bell roles will win.

As can be understood from the above explanation, Bell A1 and Bell A2 are in separate winning areas, but the winning combinations that can be won (middle bell, 1-coin combination) and the stopping operation sequence in which the winning combinations are won are the same (irregular push order, 1st left). However, as will be described later, the type of stopping operation sequence instructed (middle left/right, middle right/left) differs between the game in which Bell A1 is won and the game in which Bell A2 is won.

In a game in which Bell A3 is won, if the button is stopped on the first left button press, one of the 1-coin roles will win regardless of the stop operation position. On the other hand, in a game in which Bell A3 is won, if the button is stopped using an irregular pressing sequence, the lower bell of the 3-coin bell role will win regardless of the stop operation position. In a game in which Bell A4 is won, if the button is stopped on the first left button press, one of the 1-coin roles will win regardless of the stop operation position. On the other hand, in a game in which Bell A4 is won, if the button is stopped using an irregular pressing sequence, the lower bell of the 3-coin bell role will win, just like in a game in which Bell A3 is won.

As can be understood from the above explanation, Bell A3 and Bell A4 are in separate winning areas, but the winning combinations that can be won (lower row bell, 1 coin combination) and the stopping operation sequence in which the winning combinations are won are the same (irregular push order, left 1st). However, as described below, the type of stopping operation sequence instructed (right left center, right center left) differs between the game in which Bell A3 is won and the game in which Bell A4 is won. As described above, in the game in which Bells A1 to A4 are won, a 1 coin combination is won when the stop operation is performed on the left 1st, and a 3 coin bell combination is won when the stop operation is performed in the irregular push order. Below, for the sake of explanation, Bells A1 to A4 may be referred to as "Bell Group A".

...

As shown in Figure 8, in a game in which Bell B1 to Bell B8 are won, a 1-coin or 12-coin bell role will be awarded depending on the sequence of the stop operations. For the sake of explanation, the sequence of the stop operations that results in a 12-coin bell role may be referred to as the "correct sequence of operations." In addition, in a game in which Bell B1 to Bell B8 are won, a sequence of the stop operations that does not result in a 12-coin bell role may be referred to as the "incorrect sequence of operations."

For example, in a game in which Bell B1 is won, if the button is stopped on "middle left/right", a 12-coin bell role will be won regardless of the stop operation position. In other words, in a game in which Bell B1 is won, "middle left/right" is the correct button press sequence. On the other hand, in a game in which Bell B1 is won, if the button is stopped on "middle right/left" or the 1st left button press, which is an incorrect button press sequence, a 1-coin role will be won regardless of the stop operation position. Also, in a game in which Bell B1 is won, if the button is stopped on the 1st right button press, which is an incorrect button press sequence, a 1-coin role will be won or a miss will occur depending on the stop operation position.

In a game in which Bell B2 is won, if the button is stopped on "middle left/right", a 12-coin bell role will be won regardless of the stop operation position. In other words, the correct button press sequence is the same for a game in which Bell B2 is won and a game in which Bell B1 is won. On the other hand, in a game in which Bell B2 is won, if the button is stopped on "middle right left" or the left 1st in an incorrect button press sequence, a 1-coin role will be won regardless of the stop operation position. Also, in a game in which Bell B2 is won, if the button is stopped on the right 1st in an incorrect button press sequence, a 1-coin role will be won or a miss will occur depending on the stop operation position. Note that the stop operation position at which a 1-coin role will be won on the right 1st differs between a game in which Bell B1 is won and a game in which Bell B2 is won.

In a game in which Bell B3 is won, if the button is stopped on "middle, right, left," a 12-coin bell role will be won regardless of the stop operation position. In other words, in a game in which Bell B3 is won, "middle, right, left" is the correct button press sequence. On the other hand, in a game in which Bell B3 is won, if the button is stopped on "middle, left, right" or the 1st left button press, which is an incorrect button press sequence, a 1-coin role will be won regardless of the stop operation position. Also, in a game in which Bell B3 is won, if the button is stopped on the 1st right button press, which is an incorrect button press sequence, a 1-coin role will be won or a miss will occur depending on the stop operation position.

In a game in which Bell B4 is won, if the button is stopped at "middle, right, left," a 12-coin bell role will be won regardless of the stop operation position. In other words, the correct button press sequence is the same for a game in which Bell B4 is won and a game in which Bell B3 is won. On the other hand, in a game in which Bell B4 is won, if the button is stopped at "middle, left, right" or the left 1st in an incorrect button press sequence, a 1-coin role will be won regardless of the stop operation position. Also, in a game in which Bell B4 is won, if the button is stopped at the right 1st in an incorrect button press sequence, a 1-coin role will be won or a miss will occur depending on the stop operation position. Note that the stop operation position at which a 1-coin role will be won at the right 1st differs between a game in which Bell B3 is won and a game in which Bell B4 is won.

In a game in which Bell B5 is won, if the button is stopped on "right, left, center," a 12-coin bell role will be won regardless of the stop operation position. In other words, in a game in which Bell B5 is won, the correct button press sequence is "right, left, center." On the other hand, in a game in which Bell B5 is won, if the button is stopped on "right, center, left" or on the 1st left button press, which is an incorrect button press sequence, a 1-coin role will be won regardless of the stop operation position. Also, in a game in which Bell B5 is won, if the button is stopped on the 1st center button press, which is an incorrect button press sequence, a 1-coin role will be won or a miss will occur depending on the stop operation position.

In a game in which Bell B6 is won, if the button is stopped on "right, left, center," a 12-coin bell role will be won regardless of the stop operation position. In other words, the correct button press sequence is the same for a game in which Bell B6 is won and a game in which Bell B5 is won. On the other hand, in a game in which Bell B6 is won, if the button is stopped on "right, center, left" or on the left 1st in an incorrect button press sequence, a 1-coin role will be won regardless of the stop operation position. Also, in a game in which Bell B6 is won, if the button is stopped on the middle 1st in an incorrect button press sequence, a 1-coin role will be won or a miss will occur depending on the stop operation position. Note that the stop operation positions at which a 1-coin role will be won on the middle 1st differ between a game in which Bell B5 is won and a game in which Bell B6 is won.

In a game in which Bell B7 is won, if the button is stopped on "right, center, left," a 12-coin bell role will be won regardless of the stop operation position. In other words, in a game in which Bell B7 is won, the correct button press sequence is "right, center, left." On the other hand, in a game in which Bell B7 is won, if the button is stopped on "right, left, center" or on the 1st left button press, which are incorrect buttons, a 1-coin role will be won regardless of the stop operation position. Also, in a game in which Bell B7 is won, if the button is stopped on the 1st center button press, which are incorrect buttons, a 1-coin role will be won or a miss will occur depending on the stop operation position.

In a game in which Bell B8 is won, if the button is stopped on "right, center, left," a 12-coin bell role will be won regardless of the stop operation position. In other words, the correct button press sequence is the same for a game in which Bell B8 is won and a game in which Bell B7 is won. On the other hand, in a game in which Bell B8 is won, if the button is stopped on "right, left, center" or on the left 1st in an incorrect button press sequence, a 1-coin role will be won regardless of the stop operation position. Also, in a game in which Bell B8 is won, if the button is stopped on the middle 1st in an incorrect button press sequence, a 1-coin role will be won or a miss will occur depending on the stop operation position. Note that the stop operation positions at which a 1-coin role will be won on the middle 1st differ between a game in which Bell B7 is won and a game in which Bell B8 is won.

As described above, in a game in which Bells B1 to B8 are won, if the machine is stopped on the first left push, a 1-coin role will be won, and if the machine is stopped in the correct push order, a 12-coin bell role will be won. For the sake of explanation, Bells B1 to B8 may be referred to as "Bell Group B" below. Details will be described later, but when Bell Group B is won during an instruction period (addition specialization state, stock specialization state, ending state, main AT state, premium AT state), the instruction display 16 will indicate the correct push order and an instruction performance in which the correct push order is indicated will be executed.

In a game where Replay 1 is won, if the stop operation is performed on the left 1st, the upper replay role will be displayed stopped on the active line regardless of the stop operation position. On the other hand, in a game where Replay 1 is won, if the stop operation is performed on the middle 1st or right 1st (irregular push order), the middle replay role will be displayed stopped on the active line regardless of the stop operation position.

In a game where Replay 2 or Replay 3 is won, the Red Seven Replay symbol is displayed on the winning line according to the order of the stop operations. When the Red Seven Replay symbol is displayed on the winning line, the symbol combination "Red Seven - Red Seven - Red Seven" is displayed on one of the five lines.

For example, in a game in which Replay 2 is won, if the reels 12 are stopped in the reel-in range of the Red Seven symbol using the "middle, left, right" stopping sequence, a Red Seven Replay symbol will be displayed on the winning line. On the other hand, in a game in which Replay 2 is won, if the reels 12 are stopped in the "middle, right, left" stopping sequence, a Fake Replay symbol will be displayed on the winning line, even if the reels 12 are stopped in the reel-in range of the Red Seven symbol. When the Fake Replay symbol stops on a winning line, a Red Seven symbol will be formed on one of the lines.

In a game in which Replay 3 is won, if the reels 12 are stopped in the reel-in range of the Red Seven symbol using the "middle, right, left" stop operation sequence, the Red Seven Replay symbol will be displayed as stopped on the winning line. On the other hand, in a game in which Replay 3 is won, if the reels are stopped in the reel-in range of the Seven A symbol using the "middle, left, right" stop operation sequence, the Fake Replay symbol will be displayed as stopped on the winning line, even if the reels are stopped in the reel-in range of the Seven A symbol. In a game in which Replay 2 or Replay 3 is won, if the reels are stopped on the left 1st, the top replay will be displayed as stopped on the winning line, and if the reels are stopped on the right 1st, the middle replay will be displayed as stopped on the winning line.

For the following explanation, Replay 2 and Replay 3 may be collectively referred to as "selection group C". Details will be described later, but when selection group C is won in a specific ball output state (stock specialization state), the instruction display 16 indicates "Middle 1st" and an instruction effect indicating "Middle 1st" (see FIG. 14 (b-1)) is executed. In addition, in a game in which selection group C is won, if the red seven replay role is stopped and displayed in the order in which it is stopped, a predetermined bonus is awarded. However, as described above, in a game in which selection group C is won, there are two types of stop operation orders in which the red seven replay role is stopped and displayed: "middle left and right" and "middle right and left". Therefore, even if the stop operation is performed according to the instruction effect in a game in which selection group C is won, a bonus may not be awarded. Note that in a ball output state other than the stock specialization state, if the red seven replay is stopped and displayed on the active line in a game in which selection replay C is won, the above-mentioned bonus is not awarded.

In a game in which Replays 4, 5, 6, 9, and 10 are won, the red seven replay role is displayed stopped on the active line according to the order of the stop operations. Hereinafter, Replays 4, 5, 6, 9, and 10 may be collectively referred to as "Recovery Replays." For example, when a Recovery Replay is won in a stock-specialized state, the above-mentioned bonus is awarded. Note that unlike when the above-mentioned selection group C is won, when a Recovery Replay is won in a stock-specialized state, the above-mentioned bonus is awarded regardless of the order of the stop operations.

In a game where Replay 7 or Replay 8 is won, a fake replay will be displayed on the winning line according to the order of the stop operation. Hereinafter, Replay 7 and Replay 8 may be collectively referred to as "fake replays."

In this embodiment, if Replays 2 to 8 are selected during an instruction period other than the stock specialization state, the liquid crystal display device 30 instructs a stop operation sequence in which the red seven replay or fake replay is not stopped and displayed. Specifically, if Replays 2 to 8 are selected, the liquid crystal display device 30 instructs 1st left. During an instruction period other than the stock specialization state, in a game in which Replays 2 to 8 are selected, the degree of advantage does not change according to the stop operation sequence. For the above reasons, during an instruction period other than the stock specialization state, in a game in which Replays 2 to 8 are selected, the liquid crystal display device 30 instructs 1st left, but the instruction display device 30 does not display any instruction information.

In a game where 1 coin 1-6 wins, one of the 1 coin roles will win regardless of the stop operation sequence and stop operation position. In a game where 1 coin 4 out of 1 coin 1-6 wins, a 1 coin role that does not win in a game where other winning areas of the 1 coin role wins will win. In a game where a chance eye wins, just like a game where 1 coin 4 wins, a 1 coin role that does not win in a game where other winning areas of the 1 coin role win will win regardless of the stop operation mode.

In a game where the White Seven is won, if the reels 12 are stopped in the reel-in range of the Seven C symbol on the first left streak, a 1-coin combination of "Seven C-Seven C-Seven C" will be won, and in other stopping operation modes, one of the other 1-coin combinations will be won. In a game where the winning area "Premium" is won, the Premier combination will be won on the first left streak and the first center streak, and the 12-coin Bell combination will be won on the first right streak.

In a game in which Bell Group B is won, regardless of which of the irregular push sequences is used to stop the machine, there is a probability of about 1/4 that the 12-bell role will be won. On the other hand, in a game in which Bell Group B is won, if the machine is stopped on the first left push, the 12-bell role will not be won. In the above configuration, in a game in which Bell Group B is won, the expected value of the game value is higher when the machine is stopped on the first left push sequence than when the machine is stopped on the first left push sequence. However, the expected value of the game value won for each of the irregular push sequence stop operation sequences in a game in which Bell Group B is won is less than the specified number (3).

In addition, in a game in which Bell Group A wins, the three-bell role will be won regardless of the irregular pressing sequence used to stop the game. In this embodiment, the expected gains A1 and A2 in the first left push are approximately the same, and the expected gains A3 to A6 in the irregular push sequence are approximately the same. On the other hand, the expected gains A (3 to 6) in the irregular push sequence is greater than the expected gains A (1, 2) in the first left push sequence.

Figure 9 (a) is a diagram for explaining the transition of the ball output state of the main CPU 301. The main CPU 301 controls the game in either the non-favorable zone or the favorable zone. When the ball output state transitions, the game state (non-internal state, internal state, bonus operation state) is generally maintained. When the game state transitions, the ball output state is generally maintained.

A non-advantageous zone is a zone in which, in principle, processes related to the instruction function (processes related to the transition of the ball output state (update processes, lottery processes, processes for executing instructions on the instruction display device 16, etc.) are not executed, except for the advantageous zone transition process described below. In other words, a non-advantageous zone is a zone in which instructions on the instruction display device 16 are not executed. On the other hand, an advantageous zone is a zone in which processes related to the instruction function are executed. In other words, an advantageous zone is a zone in which instructions on the instruction display device 16 may be executed.

In this embodiment, a ball output state flag indicating the current ball output state and a game state flag indicating the current game state are stored in the main RAM 303. The main CPU 301 transmits a ball output state command indicating the ball output state flag to the sub-CPU 412 in each game. The sub-CPU 412 determines the presentation according to the ball output state indicated by the ball output state command. The game state flag is referenced when determining the current game state.

In this embodiment, the difference in number of coins in the favorable zone (total number of coins paid out - total number of coins inserted) is counted by a difference in number counter. The difference in number counter is provided, for example, in the main RAM 303. The "difference in number" above is a numerical value obtained by subtracting the number of medals used in play from the number of medals won in the favorable zone, and can be a negative number. For example, if the medals start to increase when the difference in number of coins in the favorable zone is "-1000 coins", and then the difference in number reaches "2400 coins", the net increase in number of coins will be "3400 coins".

In this embodiment, there is no upper limit to the number of times that a game can be played in a single advantageous zone. However, the advantageous zone may be configured to end after a predetermined number of games. For example, in addition to the above-mentioned difference in number of coins reaching 2,400 coins, the advantageous zone may be configured to end when the number of games played in the advantageous zone reaches 4,000.

As shown in FIG. 9, in this embodiment, on condition that it is in a favorable zone, it can be controlled to the normal state, the add-on special state, the main AT state, the stock special state, the ending state, the waiting state (A, B) and the premium AT state (a ball output state other than a non-favorable zone). In this embodiment, among the various ball output states, the ball output state in which the instruction on the instruction display 16 is executed may be collectively referred to as the "instruction period".

Details will be described later, but in this embodiment, the instruction period is controlled to one of several instruction modes (a to c). The probability that the stop operation sequence is instructed changes depending on the instruction mode. The ball output state in which the instruction on the instruction display 16 is not executed may be collectively referred to as a "non-instruction period." In this embodiment, the add-on specialization state, main AT state, stock specialization state, ending state, and premium AT state are instruction periods, and other ball output states are non-instruction periods.

As described above, when the setting value is changed, each game state transitions to a non-internal state. Also, when the setting value is changed, each ball output state transitions to a non-advantageous zone (arrow (A) in FIG. 9(a)). As will be described in detail later, the ball output state to which a transition can be made differs between the non-advantageous zone in the internal state and the non-advantageous zone in the non-internal state. For example, the non-advantageous zone immediately after the setting value is changed is the non-internal state. In the above non-advantageous zone, when a winning area other than "Miss" and "Replay 1" (hereinafter referred to as "advantageous zone transition winning area") is won, each ball output state transitions to the normal state (arrow (B) in FIG. 9(a)).

The normal state is a non-instruction period, during which various processes are executed, including the AT first hit lottery. The normal state includes multiple modes with different winning probabilities in the AT first hit lottery. Specifically, in the normal state, a mode transition lottery is executed with a probability according to the winning area, and the mode transition occurs according to the result of the lottery. The above normal state is a relatively unfavorable ball output state in which the average number of plays required to transition to the instruction period is longer than other ball output states.

When the initial AT hit lottery is won in the normal state, the state then transitions to an add-on specialized state (arrow (C) in Figure 9(a)). The add-on specialized state is a command period, and is a ball output state in which the number of plays in the main AT state is added (added on). However, play in the early stages of the add-on specialized state is a non-command period (see Figure 9(b) below). As described above, the state transitions to the add-on specialized state from the normal state. In other words, when transitioning from the normal state to the command period, the initial ball output state of the command period is the add-on specialized state. In the above cases, the add-on specialized state functions as a ball output state that determines the initial number of plays in the main AT state.

In each game in the add-on specialized state, the number of add-on games is determined by lottery. Specifically, the remaining number of games in the main AT state is stored in the AT game count counter. In the add-on specialized state, the number of add-on games is determined with a higher probability than in other ball output states, and the determined number of add-on games is added to the AT game count counter. The above add-on specialized state ends after, for example, 10 games. However, the number of games in the add-on specialized state can be changed as appropriate. For example, the add-on specialized state may be a number of games greater than 10.

In the special add-on state, the number of additional plays is determined according to the winning area. Specifically, if the bell group A wins among the winning areas, the number of additional plays is likely to be determined to be greater than if the bell group B wins. Although details will be described later, in this embodiment, in the special add-on state, a common instruction effect X is executed when the bell group A wins and when the bell group B wins. Also, the instruction information that can be displayed when the bell group A wins and when the bell group B wins is the same. With the above configuration, it is not possible to know whether the bell group A or the bell group B has won from the instruction effect or instruction information. Therefore, there is an advantage in that the player can play in the hope that the bell group A has won until the bell role (3-coin bell role, 12-coin bell role) actually wins.

As will be explained in more detail later, in the stock specialization state described below, multiple rights to transition to the added-on specialization state may be granted. Specifically, in the stock specialization state, the added-on stock counter may be incremented. Even if the number of remaining plays in the added-on specialization state reaches the value "0", if the added-on stock counter is equal to or greater than the value "1", the value "1" is subtracted from the added-on stock counter and the state transitions to the added-on specialization state again. As can be understood from the above explanation, if multiple rights to transition to the added-on specialization state are granted, the added-on specialization state is repeated multiple times.

As shown in Figure 9, in addition to winning the AT first hit lottery in the normal state, if the winning area "White Seven" is won, the state will transition to the added-on specialized state (arrow (D) in Figure 9 (a)). For example, if the winning area "White Seven" is won in the normal state, the state will transition to the added-on specialized state from the next game. Similarly, if the winning area "White Seven" is won in the main AT state, the state will transition to the added-on specialized state from the next game. The above added-on specialized state functions as a ball output state for adding (extending) the remaining number of games in the main AT state that has already progressed.

In addition, if the winning area "White Seven" is won during the stock specialization state, the value "1" is added to the added stock counter. In the above cases, after the stock specialization state ends, the value "1" is subtracted from the added stock counter and the state transitions to the added specialization state. Similarly, if the winning area "White Seven" is won during the premium AT state, the value "1" is added to the added stock counter and the state transitions to the added specialization state after the premium AT state ends.

If the winning area "White Seven" is won in a non-advantageous zone, the premium stock flag will be changed to the ON state, and the next game will transition to the add-on specialized state. In the above cases, after the add-on specialized state and the main AT state end, the premium AT state can be transitioned to (details will be described later). Similarly, if the winning area "White Seven" is won in the standby state (A, B), the premium stock flag will be changed to the ON state, and the next game will transition to the add-on specialized state.

If the winning area "White Seven" is won during the add-on specialization state, a new add-on specialization state will begin after the add-on specialization state ends. If the winning area "White Seven" is won during the premier AT state with the premier stock flag ON, the middle 1st or right 1st will be indicated, and no special bonus will be awarded. If "White Seven" is won, and the stopping operation is performed on the middle 1st or right 1st, the symbol combination "Seven C-Seven C-Seven C" will not be stopped and a 1-coin role that will win even if another winning area is won will be won. With the above configuration, the player will not realize that the winning role "White Seven" has been won during the premier AT state.

As shown in FIG. 9(a), when the additional specialization state ends, it transitions to the main AT state (arrow (E) in FIG. 9(a)). The main AT state is an instruction period. In each game in the above main AT state, the above-mentioned AT game number counter is decremented by the value "1". In addition, in each game in the main AT state, the number of additional games in the main AT state is determined with a probability according to the winning area.

The main AT state ends when the AT play count counter is decremented to the value "0". When the main AT state ends, it transitions to the normal state (arrow (H) in Figure 9 (a)). However, if the premium stock flag is ON when the main AT state ends, it transitions to a non-advantageous zone or standby state B (details will be described later). Note that multiple AT sets may be awarded in the AT first hit lottery. Even if the AT play count counter reaches the value "0", if the AT set is the value "1" or more, the value "1" is subtracted from the AT set and it transitions again to the added specialization state.

When Replay 10 is won in the main AT state, a lottery is held to see whether or not to transition to a stock-specialized state. If the lottery is won, a stop operation sequence (1st to the right) is instructed in which the red seven replay role is stopped and the next game transitions to the stock-specialized state (arrow (F) in Figure 9(a)). Also, when Replay 9 (red seven) is won in the main AT state, the next game transitions to the stock-specialized state. If Replay 9 (red seven) is won in the normal state, the next game transitions to the stock-specialized state, and after the stock-specialized state ends, the transitions occur in the order of added-on specialization state and main AT state.

If Replay 9 (Red Seven) is won in a non-advantageous zone, the premier stock flag is changed to ON and the game will transition to the stock-specialized state from the next game. In the above cases, after the stock-specialized state, the add-on specialized state, and the main AT state end, the game can transition to the premier AT state (details will be described later). Similarly, if Replay 9 (Red Seven) is won in the standby state (A, B), the premier stock flag is changed to ON and the game will transition to the stock-specialized state from the next game.

If Replay 9 (Red Seven) is won during an add-on specialization state, the add-on specialization state will be interrupted midway and a transition will occur to a stock specialization state. Furthermore, when the stock specialization state ends, the interrupted add-on specialization state will be resumed. If Replay 9 (Red Seven) is won during a premier AT state or an ending state, no special benefits will be awarded. Furthermore, if Replay 9 (Red Seven) is won during a premier AT state or an ending state, an instruction display will be executed instructing the stop operation sequence (middle 1st or right 1st) that will not stop the Red Seven replay role.

The stock specialization state is a designated period, during which the added stock counter is incremented with a high probability in each game. In other words, in the stock specialization state, the right to transition to the added specialization state is granted with a high probability. Specifically, if the above-mentioned selection group C is won and the stop operation is performed in the stop operation sequence that stops and displays the red seven replay role, the added stock counter is incremented. In addition, if the above-mentioned recovery replay is won, the added stock counter is incremented. When transitioning to the stock specialization state, the added stock counter is set to the initial value "1".

The above stock specialization state ends after a predetermined number of plays (for example, 12 times). However, when the added stock counter is incremented, the number of remaining plays in the stock specialization state is reset (restored) to 12 times. If the added stock counter is not incremented even once during the 12 plays, the stock specialization state ends. When the stock specialization state ends, a transition to an added specialization state occurs (arrow (G) in Figure 9 (a)). The above added specialization state is repeated a number of times according to the value of the added stock counter incremented in the stock specialization state.

In the stock specialized state, the game is controlled to either normal mode or special mode. Specifically, the stock specialized state is generally normal mode. However, if Replay 9 (red seven) is won in the stock specialized state, the game will transition from normal mode to special mode. In the special modes described above, the average added value of the extra stock counter in each game will be higher than in normal mode. The special modes described above will continue until the stock specialized state ends. However, the special mode may be configured to end (by lottery) when some of the remaining games in the stock specialized state are reset.

As shown in Figure 9(a), when the difference number counter (the number of medals until the current advantageous zone is forcibly ended) is subtracted below 151, the state transitions to the ending state (arrow (I) in Figure 9(a)). Specifically, when the difference number counter is subtracted below 151 in the main AT state, the add-on specialization state, the stock specialization state, or the premium AT state, the state transitions to the ending state. The ending state is an instruction period, and continues until the difference number counter is subtracted to the value "0". In other words, the ending state continues until an opportunity occurs to forcibly end the advantageous zone.

In the above configuration, when the ending state ends, a transition to a non-advantageous zone occurs. As described above, in this embodiment, in principle, play other than immediately after the setting value is changed will be in the internal state. Therefore, the non-advantageous zone after the ending state ends is usually in the internal state (arrow (J) in FIG. 9(a)). In a non-advantageous zone in the internal state, when the advantageous zone transition winning area is won, an initial state determination process (part of the advantageous zone transition process) is executed. In the above initial state determination process, it is determined with a probability according to the setting value whether to transition to standby state A (see arrow (M) in FIG. 9(a)) or to standby state B (see arrow (K) in FIG. 9(b)).

In each game in standby state B, a premium transition lottery process is executed. If the above premium transition lottery process is won, the premium transition flag is changed to the ON state. In addition, in each game in standby state B, the remaining standby count counter is decremented by one. When transitioning to standby state B, the above remaining standby count counters are set to the initial value of 30. In addition, when transitioning to standby state B, the standby ceiling counter is set to the value of 3.

In standby state B, when the remaining standby counter is subtracted to the value "0", it is determined whether the premier transition flag is ON or not. If the premier transition flag is ON (if the premier transition lottery process was won during 30 plays), then the state transitions to the premier AT state. On the other hand, if the premier transition flag is not ON, the value "1" is subtracted from the standby ceiling counter, and it is determined whether the subtraction result is the value "0". If the standby ceiling counter is the value "0", then the state transitions to the premier AT state. On the other hand, if the standby ceiling counter is not the value "0", then the remaining standby counter is set to "30" again. In the above configuration, standby state B continues for a maximum of 90 times, and then the state transitions to the premier AT state (arrow (L) in FIG. 9(a)).

Waiting state A ends after one play. Furthermore, when waiting state A ends, there is a transition to a non-advantageous zone (arrow (N) in Figure 9 (a)). In the above configuration, there are repeated transitions to the non-advantageous zone and waiting state A until waiting state B is determined in the initial state determination process in the non-advantageous zone. As will be described in detail later, with the setting value "0", it is more difficult to determine waiting state B in the initial state determination process compared to other setting values. In other words, with the setting value "0", the proportion of the number of plays in the advantageous zone to the total number of plays is smaller compared to other setting values.

However, in standby state A, the premium transition lottery process is executed in the same way as in standby state B. If the premium transition lottery process is won in standby state A, the premium transition flag is turned ON. In the above cases, standby state A does not end with one game, but continues thereafter. Specifically, if the premium transition flag is changed to ON in standby state A, the remaining number of times of standby is set to the value "30" and the number of times of standby ceiling is set to the value "1". In the above configuration, when 30 games are played in standby state A after the premium transition flag is changed to ON, the remaining number of times of standby is decremented to the value "0". Also, when the remaining number of times of standby is decremented to the value "0", the waiting ceiling counter is decremented to the value "0", and then the state transitions to the premium AT state (arrow (O) in FIG. 9(a)).

As mentioned above, when the main AT state ends, the premium stock flag may be ON. In the above cases, depending on the current value of the difference number counter, the advantageous period may continue and the state may transition to the premium AT state, or the advantageous period may end and the state may transition to the premium AT state.

Specifically, when the premium stock flag is ON, it is determined whether the difference number counter (the number of medals until the current advantageous zone is forcibly ended) is 2400 or more (initial value). If the difference number counter is less than 2400, the current advantageous zone ends and a transition to a non-advantageous zone occurs (arrow (R) in Figure 9 (a)). When the main AT state ends and a transition to a non-advantageous zone occurs, the game state is usually in an internal state. Therefore, when the main AT state ends and a transition to a non-advantageous zone occurs, similar to the case where the above-mentioned ending state ends and a transition to a non-advantageous zone occurs, and then a transition to the premium AT state occurs via a waiting state (A, B).

On the other hand, if the difference number counter is 2400 or more, the current advantageous zone continues and transitions to standby state B (arrow (R) in Figure 9 (a)). In the above cases, the remaining standby count counter is set to an initial value of "10", and the standby ceiling counter is set to an initial value of "1". Therefore, if the advantageous zone continues, a transition to the premier AT state will occur when 10 games have been played since the main AT state ended.

As described above, the number of plays required from the end of the main AT state to transition to the premier AT state is shorter when there is no non-advantageous zone than when there is no non-advantageous zone. In addition, the number of plays required from the end of the main AT state to transition to the premier AT state is random when there is a non-advantageous zone, and is predetermined when there is no non-advantageous zone.

The premier AT state is an instruction period. When the premier AT state starts, it transitions to the first half premier AT state. The first half premier AT state continues for, for example, 100 plays. In addition, in the first half premier AT state, a second half transition lottery is executed. The above second half transition lottery has a probability of being won of approximately 75%. If the second half transition lottery is won, it transitions to the second half premier AT state after the first half premier AT state ends. The second half premier AT state continues for, for example, 30 plays. In addition, in the second half premier AT state, a continuation lottery is executed, and if the continuation lottery is won, the second half premier AT state is repeated.

In this embodiment, when the game transitions to the latter half premier AT state, there is a probability of approximately 65% that the difference number counter can reach 2,400 coins (the advantageous zone can be completed). As described above, when the advantageous zone ends, the game transitions to the premier AT state via a standby state. Therefore, when the game transitions to the premier AT state, the game can repeatedly transition to the premier AT state by completing the advantageous zone in the premier AT state.

As shown in Figure 9 (a), when the winning area "Premium" is won (when the BAR symbols are lined up), the state transitions to the premier AT state (arrow (P) in Figure 9 (a)). For example, when the winning area "Premium" is won in the normal state, the add-on specialized state, or the main AT state, the state transitions to the premier AT state from the next game. In the above cases, the premier stock flag is not changed. Also, when the winning area "Premium" is won in a non-advantageous zone, the state transitions to the premier AT state from the next game. In the above cases, the premier stock flag is changed to the ON state.

In the stock specialized state, if the winning area "Premium" is won, the stock specialized state will end and then the state will transition to the Premier AT state. Note that if the winning area "Premium" is won for the second time in the stock specialized state, the Premier Stock Flag will be changed to ON. Also, if the winning area "Premium" is won in the stock specialized state and the Premier Stock Flag has already been changed to ON, if the winning area "Premium" is won again in the stock specialized state, the right 1st will be indicated, which will result in a 12-bell combination, and no special bonus will be awarded.

If the "Premium" winning area is won in the ending state, the first move to the right will be indicated, which will result in a 12-bell combination, and no special bonus will be awarded. If the "Premium" winning area is won in the standby state (A, B), the game will transition to the Premier AT state from the next game. In the above cases, the Premier Stock Flag will be changed to the ON state.

As described above, if a stop operation is performed in an irregular button press sequence during a non-instruction period in an advantageous zone, main penalty control is executed. Specifically, a game progress flag is stored in the main RAM 303. As long as the stop operation is performed on the first left button press during a non-instruction period, the game progress flag will not change from the ON state. On the other hand, in a game in which a stop operation is performed in an irregular button press sequence during a non-instruction period, main penalty control is executed after the third stop operation. When main penalty control is executed, the game progress flag becomes OFF. Note that main penalty control is not executed in non-advantageous zones (including games in which advantageous zone transition processing is executed).

In the above configuration, if the stop operation is performed in the irregular button sequence in the current game, the game progress flag will be in the OFF state at the start of the next game. If the game progress flag is in the OFF state at the start of the game, the processing related to the instruction function is not executed (however, the advantageous zone control processing (update processing of the advantageous zone counter and the difference number counter) described below is executed). Specifically, if the game progress flag is in the OFF state at the start of the game, various counters (such as the counter indicating the remaining number of games in the current ball output state) are not decremented, and various lotteries are not executed. In other words, a penalty is given in which the game cannot progress during the period when the game progress flag is in the OFF state. If the stop operation is performed at the left 1st, the game progress flag is changed from the OFF state to the ON state.

Figure 9(b) is a diagram for explaining the details of each ball output state. Figure 9(b) shows whether each ball output state is a non-indicated period or an indicated period. As described above, the non-advantageous zone, normal state, and standby state (A, B) are non-indicated periods. In addition, the main AT state, stock specialization state, ending state, and premium AT state are indicated periods. In addition, the first to third plays of each game in the add-on specialization state are non-indicated periods, and the fourth and subsequent plays in the add-on specialization state are indicated periods.

As shown in Figure 9 (b), in the normal and standby states during the non-instruction period, penalty control (main penalty control) is executed when the stop operation is performed in an irregular pressing sequence. On the other hand, even during the non-instruction period, penalty control is not executed in the non-advantageous zone and the add-on specialized state (1st to 3rd games), regardless of the winning area. Furthermore, penalty control is not executed in each ball output state during the instruction period.

When main penalty control is executed, for example, the lottery for the first AT win in the normal state is omitted. Also, when main penalty control is executed, the lottery for transition to the premier AT, which will be described later, is omitted in the standby state. However, in a game in which Replay 9 (red seven), White Seven, or Premier (BAR line-up) is won among the winning areas, main penalty control will not be executed even if the stop operation is performed with an irregular pressing sequence.

Figure 9(b) shows the instruction modes (a, b, c) for each ball output state during the instruction period. In this embodiment, during the instruction period, control is performed to one of the instruction modes including instruction mode a, instruction mode b, and instruction mode c. Specifically, as shown in Figure 9(b), among the ball output states, the main AT state and the premier AT state become instruction mode a. In addition, the add-on specialization state (from the fourth game onwards) and the ending state become instruction mode b, and the stock specialization state becomes instruction mode c.

In each instruction mode, the winning area for which the stop operation sequence is instructed by the instruction display 16 is different. Specifically, in instruction mode a, if the bell group B is selected among the winning areas, the correct button press sequence for winning the 12-bell role is instructed. In instruction mode b, if the bell group B is selected among the winning areas, the correct button press sequence for winning the 12-bell role is instructed, and if the bell group A is selected, the stop operation sequence (any of the irregular button press sequences) for winning the 3-bell role is instructed. In instruction mode c, if the bell group B is selected among the winning areas, the correct button press sequence for winning the 12-bell role is instructed, and if the bell group A is selected, the stop operation sequence (any of the irregular button press sequences) for winning the 3-bell role is instructed, and if the selection group C is selected, the middle 1st is instructed.

Figure 9(b) shows the increase value in each instruction mode. In this embodiment, the "increase value" is the expected value of the number of medals that will increase (the specified number "3" - the number of medals paid out) in one game when the stop operation is performed in the stop operation sequence in a game in which the stop operation sequence is instructed on the instruction display 16, and when the stop operation is performed 1st left in a game in which the stop operation sequence is not instructed.

For example, in instruction modes b and c, the stop operation order is indicated in both the game in which bell group A is won and the game in which bell group B is won. The increase value in instruction modes b and c above is approximately "4". On the other hand, in instruction mode a, the stop operation order is indicated in the game in which bell group B is won, but the stop operation order is not indicated in the game in which bell group A is won. Therefore, the increase value in instruction mode a is calculated assuming that the stop operation is performed on the first left in the game in which bell group A is won (a 1-coin role is won and a 3-coin bell role is not won). The increase value in instruction mode a above is less than the increase value "4" in instruction modes b and c. Specifically, the increase value in instruction mode a is approximately "2.77".

However, in this embodiment, even in instruction mode a, a configuration is adopted in which a 3-bell combination can be won in a game in which bell group A is won. As will be described in detail later, when bell group A is won in instruction mode a, a suggestion effect is executed to suggest that bell group A has been won. In the suggestion effect described above, the stopping operation sequence for winning the 3-bell combination is not directly instructed.

As described above, in a game in which Bell Group A is won, if the player performs the stop operation in any of the irregular push orders (1st middle, 1st right), the 3-bell role will be won. Therefore, in a game in which a suggestion effect is executed, the player can perform the stop operation in an irregular push order to win the 3-bell role, even though a specific stop operation order is not instructed. Also, in each game during the instruction period including instruction mode a, main penalty control will not be executed even if the player performs the stop operation in an irregular push order, regardless of whether or not a stop operation order is instructed for that game.

In the above configuration, even in instruction mode a, the game is played in a sequence in which the 3-bell role is won when bell group A is won. When playing in the above sequence, the expected value of the number of medals increased in one game (hereinafter referred to as the "actual added value") is the same value of "4" in instruction mode a, instruction mode b, and instruction mode c. Figure 9 (b) shows the actual added value for each ball output state.

Figures 10(a) and 10(b-1) to 10(b-3) are conceptual diagrams of each instruction determination table (X, Ya, Yb, Yc). In each game, the main CPU 301 determines an instruction number using the instruction determination table, and displays instruction information ("01" to "05") corresponding to the instruction number on the instruction display 16. The main CPU 301 also transmits a command (a second command, described below) indicating the instruction number determined in each game to the sub-control board 400 (sub-CPU 412).

Each instruction determination table includes an instruction determination table X (Fig. 10(a)) and an instruction determination table Y (Fig. 10(b-1) to Fig. 10(b-3)). The instruction determination table X is used to determine the instruction number for each game during the non-instruction period. Also, the instruction determination table Y (Ya, Yb, Yc) is used to determine the instruction number for each game during the instruction period. As shown in Fig. 10, each instruction determination table is composed of each instruction number for each winning area.

The instruction decision table Y includes an instruction decision table Ya, an instruction decision table Yb, and an instruction decision table Yc. The instruction decision table Ya is used in instruction mode a (main AT state, premier AT state) during the instruction period. The instruction decision table Ya is used in instruction mode a during the instruction period. Furthermore, the instruction decision table Yb is used in instruction mode b during the instruction period, and the instruction decision table Yc is used in instruction mode c.

As shown in FIG. 10(a), in the non-instruction period, regardless of which winning area is won, the instruction number "99" is determined. When the instruction number "99" is determined, the instruction display 16 does not display instruction information. Specifically, when the instruction number "99" is determined, the instruction display 16 displays the number "0" during the period in which instruction information is displayed. With the above configuration, in the non-instruction period, the instruction display 16 does not indicate the stop operation mode (stop operation position, stop operation sequence).

Figure 10 (b-1) is a conceptual diagram of the instruction determination table Ya. As described above, the instruction determination table Ya is used in the instruction mode a. In other words, the instruction determination table Ya is used in the main AT state and the premier AT state.

As shown in FIG. 10(b-1), in each game of the instruction mode a, when bell B1 or bell B2 of the bell group B is won, the main CPU 301 determines the instruction number "01". When the instruction number "01" is determined, the main CPU 301 displays the number "1" (hereinafter, described as "instruction information "1") on the instruction display 16 as instruction information. As described above, the correct pressing order when bell B1 or bell B2 is won is "center left right". In the above configuration, in a game in which the instruction information "1" is displayed, if the stop operation is performed in the order of "center left left" it is more advantageous than if the stop operation is performed in another order. Therefore, when the instruction information "1" is displayed on the instruction display 16, the player performs the stop operation in the order of "center left left". In other words, the above configuration can be said to instruct the player to perform the stop operation in the order of "center left left".

In each game of the instruction mode a, when bell B3 or bell B4 is won, the main CPU 301 determines the instruction number "02". When the instruction number "02" is determined, the main CPU 301 displays the number "2" (hereinafter referred to as "instruction information "2") on the instruction display 16 as instruction information. As described above, the correct pressing order when bell B3 or bell B4 is won is "middle, right, left". In the above configuration, in a game in which the instruction information "2" is displayed, if the stop operation is performed in the order of "middle, right, left", it is more advantageous than if the stop operation is performed in another order. Therefore, when the instruction information "2" is displayed on the instruction display 16, the player performs the stop operation in the order of "middle, right, left". In other words, the above configuration instructs the player to perform the stop operation in the order of "middle, right, left" by displaying the instruction information "2".

In each game of the instruction mode a, when the bell B5 or the bell B6 is won, the main CPU 301 determines the instruction number "03". When the instruction number "03" is determined, the main CPU 301 displays the number "3" (hereinafter, "instruction information "3") as instruction information on the instruction display 16. As described above, the correct pressing order when the bell B5 or the bell B6 is won is "right, left, center". In the above configuration, in a game in which the instruction information "3" is displayed, if the stop operation is performed in the order of "right, left, center", it is more advantageous than if the stop operation is performed in another order. Therefore, when the instruction information "3" is displayed on the instruction display 16, the player performs the stop operation in the order of "right, left, center". In other words, the above configuration indicates that the display of the instruction information "3" instructs the player to perform the stop operation in the order of "right, left, center".

In each game of the instruction mode a, when the bell B7 or the bell B8 is won, the main CPU 301 determines the instruction number "04". When the instruction number "04" is determined, the main CPU 301 displays the number "4" (hereinafter, "instruction information "4") as instruction information on the instruction display 16. As described above, the correct pressing order when the bell B7 or the bell B8 is won is "right, center, left". In the above configuration, in a game in which the instruction information "4" is displayed, if the stop operation is performed in the order of "right, center, left", it is more advantageous than if the stop operation is performed in another order. Therefore, when the instruction information "4" is displayed on the instruction display 16, the player performs the stop operation in the order of "right, center, left". In other words, the above configuration indicates that the display of the instruction information "4" instructs the player to perform the stop operation in the order of "right, center, left".

As described above, in the instruction mode a, when the bell group B (bell B1-8) is selected among the winning areas, the correct pressing order is indicated by the instruction display 16. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10(b-1), in the instruction mode a, even if the bell group A (bell A1-4) is selected among the winning areas, the stop operation order is not indicated. In other words, when the bell group A (bell A1-4) is selected in the instruction mode a, the stop operation order (irregular pressing order) that results in a three-bell combination is not indicated. However, as described above, when the bell group A is selected in the instruction mode a, the suggestion effect suggests that the stop operation should be performed in the irregular pressing order that results in a three-bell combination. As shown in FIG. 10(b-1), in the instruction mode a, in a game in which a winning area other than the bell group B is selected, the instruction by the instruction display 16 is not executed.

Figure 10 (b-2) is a conceptual diagram of the instruction determination table Yb. The instruction determination table Yb is used in instruction mode b. As described above, the ending state and the added special state (from the fourth game onwards) become instruction mode b. As shown in Figure 10 (b-2), when bell group B is won in instruction mode b, the correct button press sequence to win the 12-bell role is indicated by the instruction display 16, just like instruction mode a.

In the instruction mode b, the stop operation sequence is indicated by the instruction display 16 in the game in which the bell group B is won, as well as in the game in which the bell group A (bell A1 to 4) is won. Specifically, when the bell A1 of the bell group A is won in the instruction mode b, the main CPU 301 determines the instruction number "01" (center left and right). The main CPU 301 also displays the instruction information "1" on the instruction display 16. That is, when the bell A1 is won in the instruction mode b, the stop operation sequence of "center left and right" is indicated, as in the case in which the bell B1 (bell B2) is won. As described above, in the game in which the bell A1 is won, if the stop operation is performed in the irregular pressing order (including center left and right), a three-bell role is won. Therefore, in the instruction mode b, by following the instructions of the instruction display 16, a three-bell role can be won in the game in which the bell A1 is won.

When Bell A2 is won in instruction mode b, the main CPU 301 determines the instruction number "02". The main CPU 301 also displays instruction information "2" on the instruction display 16. That is, when Bell A2 is won in instruction mode b, the stop operation sequence of "middle, right, left" is instructed, as in the case where Bell B3 (Bell B4) is won. As described above, in a game in which Bell A2 is won, a three-bell role is won if the stop operation is performed in an irregular pressing sequence (including middle, right, left). Therefore, in instruction mode b, by following the instructions of the instruction display 16, a three-bell role can be won in a game in which Bell A2 is won.

When Bell A3 is won in instruction mode b, the main CPU 301 determines the instruction number "03". The main CPU 301 also causes the instruction display 16 to display instruction information "3". In other words, when Bell A3 is won in instruction mode b, the stop operation sequence of "right, left, center" is instructed, just as when Bell B5 (Bell B6) is won. As described above, in a game in which Bell A3 is won, a three-bell role is won if the stop operation is performed in an irregular pressing sequence (including right, left, center). Therefore, in instruction mode b, by following the instructions of the instruction display 16, a three-bell role can be won in a game in which Bell A3 is won.

When Bell A4 wins in the instruction mode b, the main CPU 301 determines the instruction number "04". The main CPU 301 also displays the instruction information "4" on the instruction display 16. That is, when Bell A4 wins in the instruction mode b, the stop operation sequence of "right, center, left" is instructed, as in the case of Bell B7 (Bell B8) winning. As described above, in a game in which Bell A4 wins, a three-bell role is won if the stop operation is performed in an irregular pressing sequence (including right, center, left). Therefore, in the instruction mode b, by following the instructions of the instruction display 16, a three-bell role can be won in a game in which Bell A4 wins. In the instruction mode b, when a character other than Bell Group A and Bell Group B wins, the instruction number "99" is determined, and no instruction information is displayed on the instruction display 16.

In a game in which bell group A is won, if the irregular pressing sequence is "middle left/right", "middle right/left", "right left middle", or "right middle/left", the three bell role will be won. Therefore, when bell group A is won in instruction mode b, the instruction information "A" may be displayed in common on the instruction display 16 regardless of the type of bell A, and the instruction number "A" may be determined (hereinafter referred to as "comparative example"). In the above comparative example, when the instruction number "A" is displayed on the instruction display 16, an instruction is given to stop the operation in one of the irregular pressing sequences (middle left/right, middle right/left, right left middle, right middle/left), and the three bell role can be won.

However, in the above-mentioned comparative example, the types of instruction information that can be displayed differ between a game in which Bell Group A is won (instruction information = A) and a game in which Bell Group B is won (instruction information = 1, 2, 3, 4). Therefore, the number of types of instruction information increases, and some players (especially beginners) may have trouble understanding which stop operation sequence each piece of instruction information indicates. Taking the above into consideration, in this embodiment, the instruction information that can be displayed is the same for a game in which Bell Group A is won and a game in which Bell Group B is won. The above-mentioned embodiment has the advantage that the number of types of instruction information is reduced compared to the above-mentioned comparative example, and the above-mentioned inconvenience can be suppressed.

Figure 10 (b-3) is a conceptual diagram of the instruction determination table Yc. As described above, the instruction determination table Yc is used in the instruction mode c. In other words, the instruction determination table Yc is used in the stock specialization state. As shown in Figure 10 (b-3), in the instruction mode c, similar to the instruction modes a and b, the instruction display 16 indicates the correct pressing sequence for winning a 12-bell role when bell group B is won. Also, in the instruction mode c, similar to the instruction mode b, the instruction display 16 indicates the stop operation sequence for winning a 3-bell role when bell group A is won.

In instruction mode c, the instruction display 16 instructs the stop operation sequence in games in which selection group C (replays 2 and 3) and replay 4 (recovery replay) are won, as well as games in which selection group A or bell group B is won. Specifically, when selection group C or replay 4 is won in instruction mode c, the in-CPU 301 determines the instruction number "05". In addition, the main CPU 301 causes the instruction display 16 to display instruction information "5".

In command mode c (stock-specialized state), which will be described in more detail later, in a game in which selection group C is selected, the player is granted the right to transition to an add-on specialization state on the condition that a stop operation is performed on the middle 1st (either middle left/right or middle right/left). Therefore, when command information "5" is displayed on command display 16 in command mode c, the player performs a stop operation on the middle 1st. In other words, when command information "5" is displayed on command display 16, a command is essentially issued to perform a stop operation on the middle 1st.

In this embodiment, if Replay 4 (recovery replay) is selected in instruction mode c, the right to transition to the added specialization state is granted regardless of the stop operation order. Therefore, if Replay 4 is selected in instruction mode c, the instruction number "99" (no instruction) may be determined and instruction information may not be displayed on the instruction display 16. In instruction mode c, if anything other than bell group A, bell group B, selection group C, and Replay 4 is selected, the instruction number "99" is determined and instruction information is not displayed on the instruction display 16.

Figure 11 is a diagram for explaining each command (first command, second command) sent from the main CPU 301 to the sub-CPU 412. As shown in Figure 11, the main CPU 301 sends a first command (such as "A00") to the sub-CPU 412 according to the winning area. For example, if the winning area for the current game is a miss, the main CPU 301 sends the command "A00" to the sub-CPU 412. Furthermore, if Replay 1 is a win, the main CPU 301 sends the command "A01".

As can be seen from FIG. 11, in principle, one first command corresponding to each winning area is provided for that winning area. In other words, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the winning area and the first command. Therefore, when the first command is received by the sub-CPU 412, the winning area can be identified from the first command. Therefore, the sub-CPU 412 can determine the presentation according to the winning area corresponding to the first command.

However, as shown in FIG. 11, in games in which Replay 2 and Replay 3 (selection group C) win, the first command "A02" is commonly sent. Therefore, it is not possible to determine from the first command "A02" which of Replay 2 and Replay 3 has won. Also, in games in which Bells A1 to A4 (Bell group A) win, the first command "A10" is commonly sent. Therefore, it is not possible to determine from the first command "A10" which of Bells A1 to A4 has won. Similarly, in games in which Bells B1 to B8 (Bell group B) or 1 coin 1 has won, the first command "A11" is commonly sent. Therefore, it is not possible to determine from the first command "A11" which of Bells B1 to B8 has won. With the above configuration, it is not possible to identify an advantageous stop operation sequence (for example, the correct pressing sequence) from the first command.

In addition to the first command, the main CPU 301 transmits to the sub-CPU 412 a second command (such as "B01") corresponding to the instruction number (instruction information) for the current game. Specifically, if the instruction number "99" (no instruction) is determined for the current game, the main CPU 301 transmits the command "B99" to the sub-CPU 412, as shown in FIG. 11. As described above, the instruction number "99" is determined in each game during the non-instruction period. Therefore, during the non-instruction period, the command "B99" is transmitted regardless of the winning area.

As shown in FIG. 11, when bell B1 or bell B2 (correct pressing order is "middle left/right") of bell group B is selected in instruction mode a (main AT state, premier AT state) during the instruction period, the main CPU 301 transmits the second command "B01" corresponding to the instruction number "01" (middle left/right). Also, when bell B3 or bell B4 (correct pressing order is "middle right left") of bell group B is selected in instruction mode a, the main CPU 301 transmits the second command "B02" corresponding to the instruction number "02" (middle right left). Similarly, when bell B5 or bell B6 (correct pressing order is "right left middle") of bell group B is selected in instruction mode a, the main CPU 301 transmits the second command "B03" corresponding to the instruction number "03" (right left middle), and when bell B7 or bell B8 (correct pressing order is "right middle left") is selected, the main CPU 301 transmits the second command "B04" corresponding to the instruction number "04" (right middle left).

As shown in FIG. 11, in the same way as in instruction mode a, in instruction mode b (fourth game in the add-on specialization state, ending state) and instruction mode c (stock specialization state) in a game in which bell group B is won, a second command (B01 to B04) corresponding to the correct pressing sequence for the bell B (1 to 8) won in that game is transmitted. When the above second command is received, the sub-CPU 412 executes an instruction presentation in which the stopping operation sequence corresponding to the second command is instructed. In the above instruction presentation, the correct pressing sequence for the 12-bell role is instructed.

As shown in FIG. 11, when bell group A is won in instruction mode a during the instruction period, the main CPU 301 transmits the second command "B99". The above second command "B99" corresponds to the instruction number "99" (no instruction). That is, in a game in which bell group A is won in instruction mode a, an irregular pressing sequence is advantageous (although a three-bell role can be won with an irregular pressing sequence), but the second command corresponding to the advantageous stop operation sequence is not transmitted. Also, in a game in which bell group A is won in instruction mode a, no instruction information is displayed on the instruction display 16.

However, the sub-CPU 412 can know whether or not the bell group A has been won by the first command "A10". In this embodiment, when the sub-CPU 412 receives the first command "A10" in instruction mode a, it executes a predetermined suggestive effect. In a game in which the above suggestive effect is executed, a three-bell role is won by performing a stop operation in an irregular pressing sequence. In other words, according to the above suggestive effect, an advantageous stop operation sequence is essentially suggested even in a game in which instruction information is not displayed on the instruction display 16.

As shown in FIG. 11, when bell A1 of bell group A is selected in instruction mode b or instruction mode c during the instruction period, the main CPU 301 transmits the second command "B01" corresponding to the instruction number "01" (center left/right). Also, when bell A2 of bell group A is selected in instruction mode b or instruction mode c during the instruction period, the main CPU 301 transmits the second command "B02" corresponding to the instruction number "02" (center right/left).

Similarly, when Bell A3 of Bell Group A wins during the instruction period in instruction mode b or instruction mode c, the main CPU 301 transmits the second command "B03" corresponding to the instruction number "03" (right, left, center), and when Bell A4 wins, the main CPU 301 transmits the second command "B04" corresponding to the instruction number "04" (right, center, left). Upon receiving the above second command, the sub-CPU 412 executes an instruction performance in which the stop operation sequence corresponding to the second command is instructed. In the above instruction performance, the stop operation sequence in which a 3-bell combination is won is instructed.

As shown in FIG. 11, when selection group C or replay 4 is selected in instruction mode c during the instruction period, the main CPU 301 transmits a second command "B05" corresponding to instruction number "05" (1st in the middle). Upon receiving the second command, the sub-CPU 412 executes an instruction effect (selection effect) in which the stopping operation sequence corresponding to the second command is instructed (see FIG. 14 (b-1) described below).

The main CPU 301 calculates various game information (consecutive win ratio, role ratio, most recent consecutive win ratio, most recent role ratio, role ratio with instruction, bonus game ratio) according to the progress of the game, and displays display information corresponding to the game information on the main display 40. To calculate the above game information, the main CPU 301 counts the number of games played during the period from when the power to the gaming machine 1 is first turned on until the number of games reaches 175,000 (hereinafter referred to as the "total game count period").

Figure 12 is a diagram for explaining each memory area (G1 to G3, g1, g2) of the main RAM 303. Each of the above memory areas is provided for storing each of the above-mentioned game information (consecutive win ratio, etc.), and includes memory area G1, memory area G2, memory area G3, memory area G4, memory area g1, and memory area g2. For example, each of the memory areas can store 1 byte of information.

For the sake of explanation, the period during which the so-called "continuous operation device for the first type special feature" operates may be referred to simply as "first feature period". Similarly, the period during which the so-called "continuous operation device for the second type special feature" operates may be referred to simply as "second feature period". The first feature period and the second feature period end with the payout of a predetermined number of medals. In addition, the period during which the so-called "first type special feature" operates may be referred to simply as "in the first feature", and the period during which the so-called "second type special feature" operates may be referred to simply as "in the second feature". The first feature period ends after eight plays, and the second feature period ends after one play. In addition, the period during which the so-called "normal feature" operates may be referred to simply as "in the normal feature". The normal feature period ends after one play.

The bonus activation state in this embodiment is the first combination, and all play is during the first combination. A "first combination general" may be provided during the first combination. During the first combination general, a winning combination (RB combination) that activates the first type special combination is more likely to be won compared to play states other than the first combination general. Furthermore, if a second combination is provided, a "second combination general" may be provided during the second combination. During the second combination general, a winning combination (CB combination) that activates the second type special combination is more likely to be won compared to play states other than the second combination general.

The consecutive role ratio is the ratio of the number of medals won in the first role (including the first role in the first series) (hereinafter "consecutive role medal number B") to the number of medals won from the first power-on to the present (hereinafter "total medal number A") (consecutive role ratio = B/A). In this embodiment, consecutive role medal number B is the number of medals won in the bonus operating state (in the first role in the first series). As shown in Figure 12, the consecutive role ratio is stored in memory area G1.

The main CPU 301 calculates the consecutive win ratio every 400 plays and stores the calculation result in memory area G1. If the calculation result includes a decimal portion, the main CPU 301 rounds down the decimal portion and stores only the integer portion as the consecutive win ratio in memory area G1.

The role ratio is the ratio of the sum of the number of medals won in the first role, the second role, and the normal role (hereinafter referred to as "number of medals C in the role") to the total number of medals A (role ratio = C/A). As shown in FIG. 12, the role ratio is stored in memory area G2. In this embodiment, the number of medals C in the role is the number of medals won in the first role (bonus activation state) because it is not set in the second role or the normal role.

The main CPU 301 calculates the role ratio for every 400 plays and stores the calculation result in the memory area G2. If the calculation result includes a decimal portion, the main CPU 301 rounds down the decimal portion and stores only the integer portion as the role ratio in the memory area G2. The role ratio with instruction is the ratio of the total number of medals (C+D) of the total number of medals won in the game instructed by the instruction display 16 (hereinafter referred to as the "instructed game medal number D") and the number of role medals C to the total number of medals A (instructed role ratio = (C+D)/A). In this embodiment, even if the instruction display 16 instructs the play order to stop the game in a way other than the pressing order (if the pressing order is incorrect), a one-coin role may be displayed as stopped. In the above cases, the number "1" is added to the instructed game medal number D.

The main CPU 301 calculates the instruction-included feature ratio every 400 plays and stores the calculation result in memory area G3. If the calculation result includes a decimal portion, the main CPU 301 truncates the decimal portion and stores only the integer portion as the instruction-included feature ratio in memory area G3.

The most recent consecutive role ratio is the ratio of the number of medals won in the first role (including the first role in the first role sequence) (hereinafter "the most recent consecutive role medal number b") to the number of medals won in the most recent 6000 plays (hereinafter "the most recent total medal number a") (most recent consecutive role ratio = b/a). In this embodiment, the most recent consecutive role medal number b is the number of medals won in the bonus activation state (in the first role in the first role sequence) in the most recent 6000 plays. As shown in Figure 12, the most recent consecutive role ratio is stored in memory area g1. Note that if the number of plays in the total play period is 6000 or less, the consecutive role ratio and the most recent consecutive role ratio are the same (B/A = b/a).

The main CPU 301 calculates the most recent consecutive win ratio every 400 plays and stores the calculation result in memory area g1. If the calculation result includes a decimal portion, the main CPU 301 rounds down the decimal portion and stores only the integer portion as the most recent consecutive win ratio in memory area g1.

The most recent role ratio is the ratio of the sum of the number of medals won in the first role, the second role, and the normal role (hereinafter referred to as "number of medals c") to the most recent total number of medals a (role ratio = c/a). In this embodiment, the number of medals c is not set in the second role or the normal role, so it is the number of medals won in the first role (bonus activation state) in the most recent 6,000 plays. As shown in Figure 12, the most recent role ratio is stored in memory area g2. Note that if the number of plays in the total play period is 6,000 or less, the role ratio and the most recent role ratio are the same (C/A = c/a).

The main CPU 301 calculates the most recent feature ratio every 400 plays and stores the calculation result in memory area g2. If the calculation result includes a decimal portion, the main CPU 301 truncates the decimal portion and stores only the integer portion as the most recent feature ratio in memory area g2.

The bonus play ratio is the proportion of bonus play counts F, which is the sum of the number of plays with the first role sequence (including the first role), the number of plays with the second role sequence (including the second role), the number of plays with the first role (excluding the first role sequence), the number of plays with the second role (excluding the second role), and the number of plays with the normal role, out of the total number of plays E during the total play period (bonus play ratio = F/E). In this embodiment, the bonus play count F is the total number of plays in the bonus activation state.

As shown in FIG. 12, the bonus play ratio is stored in memory area G4. The main CPU 301 calculates the bonus play ratio for each game and stores the calculation result in memory area G4. If the calculation result includes a decimal portion, the main CPU 301 rounds down the decimal portion and stores only the integer portion as the bonus play ratio in memory area G4.

The total number of medals A, number of consecutive medals B, number of accessory medals C, number of instructed game medals D, total number of games E, number of bonus games F, most recent total number of medals a, most recent number of consecutive medals b, and number of accessory medals c are stored separately in dedicated counters provided in the main RAM 303, and are added up at each of the above-mentioned triggers. For example, when a medal is awarded in each game for which an instruction was executed, the instructed game medal number D is added up. Also, when a medal is awarded in a bonus operation state, the accessory medal number C is added up. Furthermore, when a game medium is awarded in each game, the total number of medals A is added up regardless of whether or not a stop operation sequence is instructed.

In this embodiment, when the total number of plays E reaches 175,000, the updates of the consecutive win ratio, the special feature ratio, the special feature ratio with instructions, and the bonus play ratio are stopped. On the other hand, the most recent consecutive win ratio and the most recent special feature ratio are updated even after the total number of plays E reaches 175,000.

Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the main display 40 displaying the display information HA. When the display information HA is displayed, the first display section 40X of the main display 40 displays the character string "6A" corresponding to the consecutive roll ratio, and the second display section 40Y displays the current value of the memory area G1 (the magnitude of the consecutive roll ratio).

When the display information HA is displayed and the ratio information of the second display unit 40Y is equal to or greater than the number "60" (G1 ≧ 60), the second display unit 40Y displays the ratio information by blinking. When the display information HA is displayed and the number of games played during the total game period is less than 17,500, the first display unit 40X displays the identification information by blinking.

Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the main display 40 displaying the display information HB. When the display information HB is displayed, the character string "7A" corresponding to the role ratio is displayed on the first display section 40X of the main display 40, and the current value of the memory area G2 is displayed on the second display section 40Y.

When the display information HB is displayed and the ratio information of the second display unit 40Y is equal to or greater than the number "70" (G2≧70), the second display unit 40Y displays the ratio information by blinking. When the display information HB is displayed and the number of games played during the total game period is less than 17,500, the first display unit 40X displays the identification information by blinking.

Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the main display 40 displaying the display information HC. When the display information HC is displayed, the first display section 40X of the main display 40 displays the character string "7P" corresponding to the instructed role ratio, and the second display section 40Y displays the current value of the memory area G3.

When the display information HC is displayed and the ratio information of the second display unit 40Y is equal to or greater than the number "70" (G3≧70), the second display unit 40Y displays the ratio information by blinking. When the display information HC is displayed and the number of games played during the total game period is less than 175,000 (E<175,000), the first display unit 40X displays the identification information by blinking.

Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the main display 40 displaying the display information HD. When the display information HD is displayed, the first display section 40X of the main display 40 displays the character string "6Y" corresponding to the most recent consecutive win ratio, and the second display section 40Y displays the current value of the memory area g1.

When the display information HD is displayed and the ratio information of the second display unit 40Y is equal to or greater than the number "60" (g1 ≧ 60), the second display unit 40Y displays the ratio information by blinking. When the display information HD is displayed and the number of games played during the total game period is less than 6000, the first display unit 40X displays the identification information by blinking.

Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the main display 40 displaying the display information HE. When the display information HE is displayed, the first display section 40X of the main display 40 displays the character string "7Y" corresponding to the most recent role ratio, and the second display section 40Y displays the current value of the memory area g2.

When the display information HE is displayed and the ratio information of the second display unit 40Y is equal to or greater than the number "70" (g2 ≥ 70), the second display unit 40Y displays the ratio information by blinking. Also, when the display information HE is displayed and the number of games played during the total game period is less than 6000, the first display unit 40X displays the identification information by blinking.

Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the main display 40 displaying the display information HF. When the display information HF is displayed, the first display section 40X of the main display 40 displays the character string "5F" corresponding to the bonus game ratio, and the second display section 40Y displays the current value of the memory area G4.

When the display information HF is displayed and the ratio information of the second display unit 40Y is equal to or greater than the number "50" (G4≧50), the second display unit 40Y displays the ratio information by blinking. Also, when the display information HF is displayed and the number of games played during the total game period is less than 175,000, the first display unit 40X displays the identification information by blinking.

As described above, each of the above display information is displayed in a switched manner at a predetermined time interval (approximately 5 seconds). Specifically, when the power is turned on, the main display 40 displays a test pattern for approximately 5 seconds. In the above test pattern, all segments of the main display 40 are displayed blinking. Thereafter, the main display 40 displays each piece of display information for approximately 5 seconds in the following order: display information HC, display information HD, display information HE, display information HA, display information HB, and display information HF. In addition, after display information HF is displayed, each piece of display information is repeatedly displayed from the beginning (starting with display information HC).

The main display 40 may be configured to display a test pattern during other periods as well as immediately after the power is turned on. For example, the main display 40 may be configured to display a test pattern during a period in which the setting value can be changed. The main display 40 may be configured to display a test pattern during a period in which the setting value can be confirmed. The test pattern may be different between the period immediately after the power is turned on and other periods.

<Data used by the sub-CPU>
Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a description will be given of various data stored in the sub ROM 413. The sub ROM 413 stores various data including a specific effect determination table.

When the sub-CPU 412 receives a second command (other than B99 (no instruction)) indicating an instruction number (instruction information), it determines one of the instruction performances based on the specific performance determination table. When an instruction performance is determined, the sub-CPU 412 transmits a performance control command indicating the instruction performance to the image control board (image control CPU 421) 420.

When the image control CPU 421 receives a presentation control command indicating an instruction presentation, it causes each image of the instruction presentation to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 30. In this embodiment, when the sub-control board (sub-CPU 412) 400 receives a second command specifying a stop operation sequence advantageous to the player (when the main CPU 301 transmits the second command), the sub-CPU 412 always notifies the player of the stop operation mode (stop operation sequence) corresponding to the second command.

Figures 13(a)-(c) are conceptual diagrams of the special effect determination table. Based on the command (first command, second command) from the main CPU 301, the sub-CPU 412 uses the special effect determination table to determine one of the special effects. Special effects are effects that allow the player to play in an advantageous stopping operation sequence, and include the instruction effects and suggestion effects described above. Note that in this embodiment, aside from (in parallel with) the special effects, notification effects, etc. may be executed to notify the player of the winning area that has been won in the current game (see Figure 14(a-1) etc.).

As shown in Figures 13(a) to (c), a specific effect determination table is provided for each instruction mode (a to c). Figure 13(a) is a conceptual diagram of a specific effect determination table in instruction mode a. Figure 13(b) is a conceptual diagram of a specific effect determination table in instruction mode b. Figure 13(c) is a conceptual diagram of a specific effect determination table in instruction mode c.

As shown in FIG. 13(a), in instruction mode a, when the combination of the first command "A10" (bell group A) and the second command "B99" is received by the sub-CPU 412, suggested effect Y is executed. In a game in which bell group A is won in instruction mode a, no instruction information is displayed on the instruction display 16, but suggested effect Y is executed. In a game in which suggested effect Y is executed, the player can win the three-bell role by performing a stop operation in an irregular pressing sequence.

In a game in which 1 coin 4 is won in instruction mode a, suggestion effect Y is executed in the same way as in a game in which bell group A is won. However, in a game in which 1 coin 4 is won, a 1 coin role will be won regardless of the order in which the buttons are stopped. In the above configuration, in a game in which suggestion effect Y is executed, a 3 coin bell role will not necessarily be won even if the buttons are stopped in an irregular pressing order. In other words, suggestion effect Y does not necessarily indicate that an irregular pressing order is advantageous. Note that suggestion effect Y may be executed in a game in which bell A1 to 4 are won, and suggestion effect Y may not be executed in a game in which other winning areas (including 1 coin 4) are won.

As shown in FIG. 13(a), in instruction mode a, when the sub-CPU 412 receives a combination of the first command "A11" (bell group B) and the second commands "B01" to "B04," instruction performance X (1 to 4) is executed, which indicates the stop operation sequence corresponding to the second command.

For example, when the sub-CPU 412 receives a combination of the first command "A11" and the second command "B01" (middle left/right), an instruction effect X1 instructing "middle left/right" is executed. Also, when the sub-CPU 412 receives a combination of the first command "A11" and the second command "B02" (middle right/left), an instruction effect X2 instructing "middle right/left" is executed. Similarly, when the sub-CPU 412 receives a combination of the first command "A11" and the second command "B03" (right left/middle), an instruction effect X3 instructing "right left/middle" is executed, and when the sub-CPU 412 receives a combination of the first command "A11" and the second command "B04" (right middle left), an instruction effect X4 instructing "right middle left" is executed. In the above configuration, in a game in which the bell group B is won, the correct pressing order for the 12-coin bell role is indicated by the instruction effects X (1 to 4).

Figure 13(a) shows the probability that instruction performance X will be executed in each game in instruction mode a. As shown in Figure 13(a), the probability that instruction performance X1, among the instruction performances, will be executed in instruction mode a is approximately 1/11. Also, the probability that instruction performance X2, among the instruction performances, will be executed in instruction mode a is approximately 1/11. Similarly, the probability that instruction performance X3, among the instruction performances, will be executed in instruction mode a is approximately 1/11, and the probability that instruction performance X4 will be executed in instruction mode a is approximately 1/11.

In the above instruction mode a, the average percentage of games in which the instruction effect X1 (middle left/right) is executed in each game instructed by the instruction display 16 is about 1/4 (hereinafter "appearance percentage CLRa"). Also, in the instruction mode a, the average percentage of games in which the instruction effect X2 (middle right/left) is executed in each game instructed by the stop operation sequence is about 1/4 (hereinafter "appearance percentage CRLa"). Similarly, in the instruction mode a, the average percentage of games in which the instruction effect X3 (right/left/middle) is executed in each game instructed by the stop operation sequence is about 1/4 (hereinafter "appearance percentage RLCa"), and the average percentage of games in which the instruction effect X4 (right/middle/left) is executed in each game instructed by the stop operation sequence is about 1/4 (hereinafter "appearance percentage RCLa").

As shown in FIG. 13(b), in instruction mode b, instruction effects X (1-4) are executed in a game in which the first command "A10" (bell group A) is received, and in a game in which the first command "A11" (bell group B) is received. For example, in instruction mode b, instruction effect X1 is executed when a combination of the first command "A11" (bell group B) and the second command "B01" (center left/right) is received, similar to instruction mode a described above. In addition to the above cases, instruction effect X1 is executed in instruction mode b when a combination of the first command "A10" (bell group A) and the second command "B01" (center left/right) is received.

Similarly, in the instruction mode b, when a combination of the first command "A10" (bell group A) and the second command "B02" (center right left) is received, and when a combination of the first command "A11" (bell group B) and the second command "B02" is received, the instruction performance X2 is executed. Also, in the instruction mode b, when a combination of the first command "A10" and the second command "B03" (right left center) is received, and when a combination of the first command "A11" and the second command "B03" is received, the instruction performance X3 is executed. In the instruction mode b, when a combination of the first command "A10" and the second command "B04" (right center left) is received, and when a combination of the first command "A11" and the second command "B04" is received, the instruction performance X4 is executed.

Figure 13(b) shows the probability that instruction performance X will be executed in each game in instruction mode b. As shown in Figure 13(b), the probability that instruction performance X1, among the instruction performances, will be executed in instruction mode b is approximately 1/7. Also, the probability that instruction performance X2, among the instruction performances, will be executed in instruction mode b is approximately 1/7. Similarly, the probability that instruction performance X3, among the instruction performances, will be executed in instruction mode b is approximately 1/7, and the probability that instruction performance X4 will be executed in instruction mode b is approximately 1/7.

In the above instruction mode b, the average percentage of games in which the instruction effect X1 (middle left/right) is executed in each game instructed by the instruction display 16 (hereinafter "appearance percentage CLRb") is about 1/4. Also, in the instruction mode b, the average percentage of games in which the instruction effect X2 (middle right/left) is executed in each game instructed by the stop operation sequence (hereinafter "appearance percentage CRLb") is about 1/4. Similarly, in the instruction mode b, the average percentage of games in which the instruction effect X3 (right/left/middle) is executed in each game instructed by the stop operation sequence (hereinafter "appearance percentage RLCb") is about 1/4, and the average percentage of games in which the instruction effect X4 (right/middle/left) is executed (hereinafter "appearance percentage RCLb") is about 1/4.

As can be understood from the above explanation, the ratio of each game in which "middle, left, right" is instructed among each game in which the stop operation sequence is instructed by the instruction display 16 is approximately common between instruction mode a and instruction mode b (occurrence ratio CLRa = occurrence ratio CLRb = 1/4). Also, the ratio of each game in which "middle, right, left" is instructed among each game in which the stop operation sequence is instructed is approximately common between instruction mode a and instruction mode b (occurrence ratio CRLa = occurrence ratio CRLb = 1/4). Similarly, the ratio of each game in which "right, left, middle" is instructed among each game in which the stop operation sequence is instructed is approximately common between instruction mode a and instruction mode b (occurrence ratio RLCa = occurrence ratio RLCb = 1/4), and the ratio of each game in which "right, middle, left" is instructed among each game in which the stop operation sequence is instructed is approximately common between instruction mode a and instruction mode b (occurrence ratio RCLa = occurrence ratio RCLb = 1/4).

In the above embodiment, the probability that a stop operation sequence is instructed varies between instruction modes a and b, but the occurrence rates (CLR, CLR, RLC, RCL) do not vary between instruction modes a and b. Let us assume a configuration in which the occurrence rate of a specific stop operation sequence varies between instruction modes a and b (hereinafter, "comparison"). In the above comparison, some stop operation sequences may be extremely difficult to instruct. In the above cases, some stop operation sequences are instructed suddenly (rarely), which may cause the player to be unable to follow the instructions. According to the present embodiment, each stop operation sequence is instructed in a balanced manner between instruction modes a and b, which has the advantage of suppressing the above inconveniences.

As shown in Figures 13(a) and 13(b), in a game in which the first commands "A02" to "A06" (replays 2 to 7) are received, the second command "99" is received in both command mode a and command mode b. When a combination of the first commands "A02" to "A06" and the second command "99" is received, the left 1st effect W is determined.

As described above, in a game in which Replays 2 to 7 are won, if the stop operation is performed on the first left button press, the upper replay will be displayed stopped on the active line, and in an irregular pressing sequence, a Red Seven Replay or Fake Replay may be displayed stopped. By executing the above-mentioned left first button press performance W, it is possible to prevent the Red Seven Replay and Fake Replay from being displayed meaninglessly. However, in instruction mode a and instruction mode b, the stop operation order may not be instructed in a game in which Replays 2 to 7 are won.

As shown in FIG. 13(c), in instruction mode c, similar to instruction mode b described above, instruction effects X (1-4) are executed in a game in which the first command "A10" (bell group A) is received and in a game in which the first command "A11" (bell group B) is received. Also, the probability and appearance rate of each instruction effect X1-4 (center left/right, center right/left, right left center, right center left) in instruction mode c are substantially the same as instruction mode b.

In addition, in instruction mode c, instruction effect Z is executed in a game in which the first command "A02" (selection group C) or the first command "A03" (replay 4 (part of recovery replay)) is received, and in a game in which the first commands "A04" to "A06" (recovery replay, fake replay) are received. Specifically, when a combination of the first command "A02" (selection group C) and the second command "B05" (middle 1st) is received, the sub-CPU 412 executes instruction effect Z. In the above cases, instruction information "5" is displayed on the instruction display 16.

In addition, when a combination of the first command "A03" (recovery replay) and the second command "B05" (middle 1st) is received, the sub-CPU 412 executes the instruction performance Z. In the above cases, the instruction information "5" is displayed on the instruction display 16. Similarly, when a combination of the first commands "A04" to "A06" (recovery replay, fake replay) and the second command "B99" (no instruction) is received, the sub-CPU 412 executes the instruction performance Z. In the above cases, no instruction information is displayed on the instruction display 16.

As can be understood from the above explanation, in a game in which instruction performance Z is executed, the instruction display 16 may or may not display instruction information. Specifically, in a game in which selection group C is selected and instruction performance Z is executed, if the stop operation is performed other than the middle 1st instructed by the instruction display 16, the privilege (the right to move to the added specialization state) is not granted. In other words, in this game, the middle 1st is actually more advantageous than other stop operation sequences.

On the other hand, in a game in which a recovery replay or fake replay is won and instruction effect Z is executed, a middle 1st is indicated in the instruction effect Z, but a bonus is awarded regardless of the stop operation order. Also, in this game, the replay is stopped and displayed on the active line regardless of the stop operation order. In other words, in this game, the advantage degree is the same for each stop operation order. Therefore, there is no need to display instruction information on the instruction display 16. However, as in a game in which Replay 4 (recovery replay) is won, the instruction information "5" may be displayed in a game in which another recovery replay or fake replay is won.

Figure 14 (a-1) is a diagram for explaining a specific example of instruction effect X. The specific example of Figure 14 (a-1) assumes a case where instruction effect X1 is executed in the main AT state. In the main AT state, an effect during AT is executed in parallel with a specific effect including instruction effect X. The effect during AT includes, for example, the display of an effect image that notifies or suggests a winning area that has been won. Also, in the main AT state, the number of remaining plays in that main AT state is displayed. Also, in the main AT state, the number of medals won in the current instruction period is displayed.

As described above, the main AT state is the instruction mode a, and instruction effects X (1 to 4) are executed in a game in which bell group B is won. In instruction effect X, an instruction image Gsx is displayed. The instruction image Gsx is an image for instructing the correct pressing order for the 12-bell role. As shown in FIG. 14 (a-1), in instruction effect X1, an instruction image Gsx is displayed that instructs the stop operation sequence of "middle left right". In addition, in instruction effect X2, an instruction image Gsx is displayed that instructs the stop operation sequence of "middle right left". Similarly, in instruction effect X3, an instruction image Gsx is displayed that instructs the stop operation sequence of "right left center", and in instruction effect X4, an instruction image Gsx is displayed that instructs the stop operation sequence of "right center left".

The above instruction image Gsx starts to be displayed immediately after the start operation of the game. In addition, the instruction image Gx is displayed in front of other effect images. The above effect images are expected to be images for notifying winning areas, images for notifying whether or not additional play times will be awarded, etc. In the premium AT state, similar to the above main AT state, in a game in which Bell Group B is won, the correct pressing order for the 12-bell role is indicated by the instruction image Gx.

Figure 14 (a-2) is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the suggested effect Y. The specific example of Figure 14 (a-2) assumes the case where the suggested effect Y is executed in the main AT state. As described above, when the bell group A or one coin 4 is won in the main AT state of the instruction mode a, the suggested effect Y is executed. In the main AT state, the effect during the AT is executed in parallel with the suggested effect Y. As shown in Figure 14 (a-2), the suggested image Gsy is displayed in the suggested effect Y. The suggested image Gsy is an image that is approximately in the shape of a picture frame, and an effect image is displayed inside. However, the suggested image Gsy is not limited to the specific example of Figure 14 (a-2).

The above-mentioned suggestion image Gsy starts to be displayed immediately after the start operation of the game. In other words, the timing when the suggestion image Gsy starts to be displayed and the timing when the instruction image Gsx starts to be displayed are substantially simultaneous. However, the timing when the suggestion image Gsy starts to be displayed and the timing when the instruction image Gsx starts to be displayed may be different. For example, the timing when the suggestion image Gsy starts to be displayed may be later than the timing when the instruction image Gsx starts to be displayed, or it may be earlier.

If the stop operation is performed using an irregular button press sequence, the suggestion image Gsy will be hidden at the timing of the third stop operation. However, if the stop operation is performed 1st to the left after the suggestion image Gsy starts to be displayed, the suggestion image Gsy will be hidden at the timing of the first stop operation. Specifically, when the 1st left stop operation is performed in a game in which suggestion performance Y is executed, the suggestion image Gsy will be hidden immediately thereafter and the message image Gm described below will be displayed. However, even if the stop operation is performed using an irregular button press sequence, the suggestion image Gsy may be configured to be hidden at the timing of the first stop operation.

Figure 14 (a-3) is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the message image Gm. The specific example in Figure 14 (a-3) assumes that the suggestive effect Gsy is started at the start of a game, and then the first left stop operation is performed. In the above case, the message image Gm is displayed immediately after the first stop operation is performed. The message image Gm displays a message that the first left stop operation has been performed. According to the above message image Gm, in a game in which the suggestive effect Y is executed, it is suggested that a stop operation should be performed at a position other than the first left position.

As shown in FIG. 14 (a-3), during the period when the message image Gm is displayed, the effect image is displayed. Specifically, as described above, the effect image displayed during the period when the suggestion image Gsy is displayed continues to be displayed during the period when the message image Gm is displayed. For example, assume that a predetermined moving image is displayed as an effect image during the period when the suggestion image Gsy is displayed. In the above case, regardless of whether the message image Gm is displayed (regardless of whether the left first stop operation is performed), the predetermined moving image is displayed continuously. However, the configuration may be such that another image (such as an effect image) changes when the message image Gm is displayed. For example, the configuration may be such that a black background image is displayed instead of the effect image when the message image Gm is displayed.

The message image Gm becomes hidden when the third stop operation is performed. However, the trigger for hiding the message image Gm can be changed as appropriate. For example, the message image Gm may be hidden when a predetermined time has elapsed since the message image Gm began to be displayed.

The display mode of the message image Gm may be changed depending on whether the stop operation is performed on the first left in a game in which the bell group A is won in the instruction mode a, or on whether the stop operation is performed on the first left in a game in which the 1 coin 4 is won. Also, the message image Gm may not be displayed when the stop operation is performed on the first left in a game in which the 1 coin 4 is won. In this embodiment, the message image Gm is not displayed in a game in which the suggestion image Gsy is not displayed (for example, a game in which the 1 coin 1 is won), but the message image Gm may be displayed in that game.

In the premier AT state, similar to the main AT state described above, in a game in which the bell group A is won, a suggestion image Gsy is displayed. Also, in the premier AT state, similar to the main AT state described above, in a game in which the bell group A is won, if the left first stop operation is performed, a message image Gm is displayed.

Figure 14 (b-1) is a diagram for explaining a specific example of instruction effect Z. As described above, instruction effect Z is executed in a game in which selection group C, recovery replay, or fake replay is won in the stock specialization state. Figure 14 (b-1) is a schematic diagram of each image when instruction effect Z is executed in the stock specialization state. In the stock specialization state, an image indicating the number of remaining games in the stock specialization state is displayed. Also, instruction effect Z displays an instruction image Gsz. The instruction image Gsz is an image for instructing 1st center or 1st right.

Specifically, in the stock-specialized state, if selection group C or Replay 4 (recovery replay) is selected, an instruction image Gsz instructing a middle 1st is displayed. Also, in the stock-specialized state, if Replay 5, Replay 6 (recovery replay), or Replay 7 (fake replay) is selected, an instruction image Gsz instructing a right 1st is displayed.

In addition, in the instruction effect Z in the stock specialization state, an image showing the string "CHANCE!" is displayed in addition to the instruction image Gsz. Note that in games in which the instruction effect Z is executed, in games in which a recovery replay is won, and in games in which selection group C is won and the stop operation is performed in a specific stop operation sequence, a red seven play is displayed stopped on the pay line by aiming for the red seven symbol on each reel 12. Therefore, in games in which the instruction effect Z is executed, a configuration may be adopted in which a message to aim for the red seven symbol is displayed on each reel 12.

Figure 14 (b-2) is a diagram for explaining another specific example of instruction performance X. The specific example in Figure 14 (b-2) shows specific examples of each image displayed in the stock specialization state. As described above, the stock specialization state is instruction mode b. In instruction mode b, instruction performance X (1 to 4) is executed in a game in which bell group B is won, as well as in a game in which bell group A is won.

In this embodiment, in instruction mode b (stock-specialized state, top-up specialized state), the same instruction effect Gsx is displayed when bell group A is won and when bell group B is won. However, the form of the instruction image Gsx may be different when bell group A is won and when bell group B is won.

Figures 15(a) and 15(b) are diagrams for explaining specific examples of instruction modes (a to c) in each game. Figures 15(a) and 15(b) show the ball output status and instruction mode at each point in time. In this embodiment, the instruction mode may be switched during a series of instruction periods.

The specific example in FIG. 15(a) assumes that the AT first hit lottery is won at time t1. When the AT first hit lottery is won, a predetermined number of premonition plays are played, and then the state transitions to the add-on specialization state. The specific example in FIG. 15(a) assumes that the state transitions to the add-on specialization state at time t2. As described above, the early play in the add-on specialization state (first to third play) is a non-instruction period. In addition, the later play in the add-on specialization state (fourth play and onward) is an instruction period. The instruction mode for the add-on specialization state is instruction mode b.

In the specific example of FIG. 15(b), it is assumed that the add-on specialized state ends at time t3. As described above, when the add-on specialized state ends, the state transitions to the main AT state. The instruction mode of the main AT state is instruction mode a. In addition, in the specific example of FIG. 15(b), it is assumed that a red seven (replay 9) is won at time t4 in the main AT state. In a game in which a red seven is won, if a red seven symbol is aimed at each reel 12 in the first left spool, the symbol combination "red seven-red seven-red seven" is stopped and displayed. In addition, when a red seven is won in the main AT state, a stock specialized state starts from the next game.

The instruction mode for the stock specialization state is instruction mode c. As described above, the increase value for instruction mode a is approximately 2.77, and the increase value for instruction mode c is approximately 4. As can be understood from the above explanation, in this embodiment, when a specific symbol combination (red seven-red seven-red seven) is stopped and displayed in the main AT state, the increase value increases. In this embodiment described above, it is possible to make the player recognize that a transition to an advantageous state has occurred when a specific symbol combination is stopped and displayed.

However, as mentioned above, the actual increase value is about 4 between the main AT state (instruction mode a) and the stock-specialized state (instruction mode c). Similarly, if a red seven is won in the premier AT state, the instruction mode changes from instruction mode a (premium AT state) to instruction mode c (stock-specialized state), so the player can recognize that the ball output state has changed when a specific symbol combination is stopped and displayed.

As shown in FIG. 15(a), when the stock specialization state ends, there is then a transition to an added-on specialization state. In the final play of the stock specialization state, an image is displayed showing the value of the added-on stock counter that was added in that stock specialization state. In the specific example of FIG. 15(a), it is assumed that the stock specialization state ends at time t5. The added-on specialization state after the stock specialization state ends is repeated a number of times according to the value of the added-on stock counter that was added in that stock specialization state.

As shown in FIG. 15(a), even if a transition occurs from a stock-specialized state to an add-on specialized state, the early game play in the add-on specialized state is a non-instruction period. However, the early game play in the add-on specialized state transitioned from the normal state may be a non-instruction period, and the add-on specialized state transitioned from the stock-specialized state may be an instruction period (instruction mode b) from the first game. Note that if a white seven is won in the main AT state, the next game will transition to the add-on specialized state. In this embodiment, even if a transition occurs from the main AT state to an add-on specialized state, the early game play in the add-on specialized state is a non-instruction period. However, the add-on specialized state transitioned from the main AT state may be an instruction period (instruction mode b) from the first game.

When the added-on specialization state ends, the main AT state is then restored. In the specific example of FIG. 15(a), it is assumed that the added-on specialization state ends at time t6 and transitions to the main AT state. In the above case, the instruction mode is changed from instruction mode b to instruction mode a at time t6. In the final play in the added-on specialization state, an image is displayed that shows the total number of added-on plays acquired in the added-on specialization state.

Figure 15(b) is a diagram for explaining other specific examples of the instruction modes (a to c) in each game. In the specific example of Figure 15(b), it is assumed that the difference number counter is subtracted to less than the value "151" at time t7 in the main AT state. In the above case, the main AT state transitions to the ending state at time t7. As described above, if the difference number counter is subtracted to less than the value "151", if it is during the instruction period, the state transitions to the ending state regardless of the ball output state (such as the premier AT state). In the ending state, a special ending performance exclusive to the ending state is executed.

However, it is more important not to overlook the suggested effect Y, which simply suggests the order of the stop operations, than the instruction effect X, which directly instructs the order of the stop operations. Therefore, in the instruction mode a, in which the suggested effect Y is executed, it is more difficult for the player to concentrate on other effects than in the instruction mode b, in which the suggested effect Y is not executed. Taking the above into consideration, in this embodiment, the ending state is set to the instruction mode b. With the above configuration, there is an advantage that it is easier to concentrate on the above-mentioned ending effect, compared to, for example, the ending state being configured as the instruction mode a (a configuration in which the suggested effect Y can be executed in the ending state).

However, the longer the ball output state in instruction mode b (instruction mode c) continues, the more likely it is that the above-mentioned inconvenience of the instruction-inclusive feature ratio becoming excessively high will occur. However, the maximum net increase in medals in the ending state is 151 + α (α < 12). Therefore, by setting the ending state to instruction mode b, it is unlikely that the inconvenience of the instruction-inclusive feature ratio becoming extremely high will occur. However, the ending state may also be instruction mode a.

As described above, when the ending state ends, the advantageous zone ends and a transition to a non-advantageous zone occurs. In Figure 15(b), the period of the non-advantageous zone is shown shaded. Similarly, in Figures 17(a) to (c) and the like described below, the period of the non-advantageous zone is shown shaded. Note that in this embodiment, the freeze flag is set to ON during the final play of the ending state (advantageous zone). The freeze flag described above is maintained in the ON state even after the final play of the ending state ends and there is a transition to a non-advantageous zone.

In addition, if the freeze flag is ON during the first play in the non-advantageous zone, a freeze effect is executed at the start of that play. In the freeze effect described above, the start of movement of each reel 12 is restricted, and the liquid crystal display device 30 notifies the player that they will be entering a standby period. The freeze flag is ON when there is a transition from an ending state or main AT state to a non-advantageous zone, and is not ON when there is a transition from another ball output state (standby state A) to a non-advantageous zone. Also, the freeze flag is not ON when the setting value is changed and there is a transition to a non-advantageous zone.

When moving to a non-advantageous zone, all information used in the processing related to the instruction function is initialized. The above information includes information indicating the final ball output state in the previous advantageous zone. However, in this embodiment, before the advantageous zone ends, the freeze flag is changed to the ON state according to the final ball output state of the advantageous zone. Therefore, even if all information used in the processing related to the instruction function is initialized before moving to a non-advantageous zone, the presence or absence of a freeze effect in the non-advantageous zone can be changed according to the final ball output state of the previous advantageous zone. Note that the configuration may be such that the freeze effect is executed when the non-advantageous zone is moved to the standby state.

In the specific example of FIG. 15(b), it is assumed that the advantageous zone transition process is executed at time t8. As described above, the advantageous zone transition process includes the initial state determination process. In the initial state determination process described above, it is determined whether to transition to standby state A or standby state B with a probability according to a set value. In the specific example of FIG. 15(b), it is assumed that standby state A is determined in the initial state determination process at time t8. In the above case, the advantageous zone will start from the next game and the game will transition to standby state A.

In principle, standby state A ends after one play. However, the premium transition lottery process is also executed in standby state A. In the specific example of FIG. 15(b), it is assumed that the premium transition lottery process executed at time t9 is not won. In the above cases, standby state A ends and a transition to a non-advantageous zone occurs.

In the specific example of FIG. 15(b), it is assumed that the advantageous zone transition process (initial state determination process) is executed at time t10 of the second non-advantageous zone after the ending state ends. It is also assumed that standby state B is determined in the initial state determination process at time t10. As described above, standby state B continues until transition to the premier AT state. In the specific example of FIG. 15(b), it is assumed that standby state B ends at time t12 and transition occurs to the premier AT state.

Figure 16(a) is a diagram for explaining the probability that waiting state A or waiting state B is determined in the initial state determination process. As shown in Figure 16(a), the probability of winning waiting state B changes depending on the set value. Specifically, the larger the set value, the easier it is to win waiting state B. As described above, if a transition to waiting state B occurs, then a transition to the premier AT state follows. On the other hand, if a transition to waiting state A occurs, then a transition to a non-advantageous zone follows. However, even if a transition to waiting state A occurs, if a win is won in the premier transition lottery process, then that waiting state A will continue for 30 plays, and then the player can transition to the premier AT state.

Figure 16(b) is a diagram for explaining the probability of winning the premier transition lottery process. As shown in Figure 16(b), the probability of winning the premier transition lottery process in one play is approximately 2.3%. Therefore, even if a transition occurs to standby state A, there is a 2.3% probability that standby state A will continue and the game will transition to the premier AT state rather than to a non-advantageous zone.

Figure 16(c) is a diagram for explaining the average number of plays in the non-advantageous zone from when the player transitions to the non-advantageous zone in the internal intermediate state until when the player transitions to the premier AT state (hereinafter referred to as the "average number of plays in the non-advantageous zone"). In this embodiment, the non-advantageous zone ends after one play in principle, regardless of the setting value. As shown in Figure 16(a) above, when the setting value is 0, there is no transition to standby state B, and standby state A and the non-advantageous zone are repeated until the player wins the premier transition lottery process in standby state A. In this embodiment, the average number of plays in the non-advantageous zone at setting value 0 is approximately 43 times.

On the other hand, for setting values other than 0, waiting state A and the non-advantageous zone are repeated until waiting state B is won in the initial state determination process or the premium transition lottery process in waiting state A is won. As described above, in the initial state determination process, the larger the setting value, the easier it is to win waiting state B. In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16(c), the larger the setting value, the lower the average number of non-advantageous zones.

As described above, in this embodiment, at the setting value 0 with the lowest ball payout rate, the average value of the total number of non-advantageous periods in all games is the largest. On the other hand, at the setting value 6 with the highest ball payout rate, the average value of the total number of non-advantageous periods is the smallest. With the above configuration, gameplay is realized in which the setting value can be predicted based on the number of games required to transition to the premier AT state. Note that the configuration may also be such that at the setting value 0 with the lowest ball payout rate, the average value of the total number of non-advantageous periods is the smallest, and at the setting value 6 with the highest ball payout rate, the average value of the total number of non-advantageous periods is the largest. Even with the above configuration, gameplay is realized in which the setting value can be predicted based on the number of games required to transition to the premier AT state.

Figures 17(a)-(c) are diagrams for explaining the transition of each ball output state when premium stocks are present (premium stock flag = ON). Figures 17(a)-(c) show the ball output state, instruction mode, and value of the difference number counter at each point in time. As mentioned above, when premium stocks are present, it is possible to transition to the premium AT state after the main AT state ends. However, the ball output state until transition to the premium AT state differs depending on the difference number counter when the main AT state ends.

Figure 17(a) is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the transition from the main AT state to the premier AT state. The specific example in Figure 17(a) assumes that the main AT state ends at time t1a. If the premier stock flag is ON when the main AT state ends, it is determined whether the difference number counter (the number of medals until the current advantageous zone is forcibly ended) is greater than 2400.

If the difference number counter is 2400 or less, the current advantageous period ends and a transition to a non-advantageous period occurs. In the specific example of FIG. 17(a), assume that the value of the difference number counter is "1000" at time t1a when the main AT state ends (difference number counter < 2400). In the above cases, when the main AT state ends, the advantageous period ends and a transition to a non-advantageous period occurs.

In the specific example of FIG. 17(a), it is assumed that a decision is made to transition to standby state B in the first non-favorable zone after the main AT state ends. In the above case, the first ball output state of the new favorable zone becomes standby state B. In the specific example of FIG. 17(a), it is assumed that a new favorable zone starts from time t2a. In the above case, the difference number counter at time t2a becomes the initial value "2401".

Let us assume a configuration in which the main AT state transitions to the premier AT state without passing through a non-favorable zone, regardless of the value of the difference number counter at the time the main AT state ends. In the above configuration, if the value of the difference number counter at the time the main AT state ends is excessively small, the difference number counter is immediately subtracted to the value "0" in the subsequent premier AT state, resulting in a disadvantage in which the state transitions to a non-favorable zone. According to this embodiment, if the value of the difference number counter at the time the main AT state ends is excessively small, the state transitions to a non-favorable zone once and a new favorable zone begins, and the difference number counter is reset to the initial value "2401" before transitioning to the premier AT state. Therefore, the above-mentioned disadvantages can be suppressed.

As described above, the premium transition lottery process is executed for each game in standby state B. In addition, when the number of games in standby state B reaches 30, it is determined whether or not a win has been won in the premium transition lottery process for those 30 games. In the specific example of FIG. 17(a), it is assumed that at time t3a when the 30th game in standby state B has ended, no win has been won in the premium transition lottery process. In the above cases, standby state B continues after time t3a.

In the specific example of FIG. 17(a), assume that a prize is won in the premier transition lottery process during 30 plays in standby state B from time t3a onwards. In the above case, it is determined that a prize has been won in the premier transition lottery process at time t4a when the 60th play in standby state B is completed. If a prize has been won in the premier transition lottery process, the game will transition to the premier AT state from the next play. As described above, if 90 plays are played in standby state B, the game will transition to the premier AT state from the next play even if a prize is not won in the premier transition lottery process.

In addition, if a certain condition is met (for example, if a specific winning area is won), the configuration may be such that the state transitions to the premier AT state before 30 plays are executed in standby state B. When the state transitions to the premier AT state, the instruction mode becomes instruction mode a (the instruction period begins).

Figure 17(b) is a diagram for explaining another specific example of the transition from the end of the main AT state to the transition to the premier AT state. In the specific example of Figure 17(a) described above, it is assumed that the difference number counter is equal to or less than the value "2400" at the end of the main AT state. In the specific example of Figure 17(b), it is assumed that the difference number counter is greater than the value "2400" at the end time t1b of the main AT state.

At the end of the main AT state, if the difference number counter is greater than the number "2400", the state transitions to the premier AT state without passing through a non-favorable zone. In other words, the state transitions to the premier AT state without resetting the difference number counter. Specifically, at the end of the main AT state, if the difference number counter is greater than the number "2400", the state transitions directly from the main AT state to standby state B. In other words, the main AT state and standby state B become a common (series of) favorable zones.

When a direct transition from the main AT state to the standby state B occurs, after 10 plays have been performed in the standby state B, the state transitions to the premier AT state regardless of the result of the premier transition lottery process. In FIG. 17(b), it is assumed that the premier AT state is started at time t2b. The presentation mode is the "standby mode" in both the standby state B transitioned from a non-advantageous zone (see FIG. 17(a)) and the standby state B transitioned from the main AT state (see FIG. 17(b)). However, the presentation mode of the standby state B may be different when transitioning from a non-advantageous zone and when transitioning from the main AT state (without passing through a non-advantageous zone).

Let us assume a configuration in which, regardless of the value of the difference number counter at the time the main AT state ends, the game moves to a non-advantageous zone when the main AT state ends. In the above configuration, even if the value of the difference number counter at the time the main AT state ends is greater than 2400 (e.g., 3000), the game will move to a non-advantageous zone when the net increase in the number of coins reaches about 2400 coins in the subsequent premier AT state. In the above configuration, some players may experience inconveniences that reduce their motivation to play. According to this embodiment, if the value of the difference number counter at the time the main AT state ends is greater than 2400, the advantageous zone continues and the difference number counter is not reset to the initial value (2401). Therefore, the above-mentioned inconveniences can be suppressed.

Figure 17(c) is a diagram for explaining another specific example of the transition from the end of the main AT state to the transition to the premier AT state. The specific example of Figure 17(c) assumes, like the specific example of Figure 17(a) above, that the difference number counter is equal to or less than the value "2400" at the end time t1c of the main AT state. In the above cases, a transition occurs from the main AT state to a non-advantageous zone.

The specific example in Figure 17(c) assumes a case where standby state A is determined in the first non-advantageous zone after the main AT state ends. It also assumes a case where the premier AT transition lottery process (time t2c) for that standby state A is a miss. In the above cases, standby state A ends and a transition to the non-advantageous zone occurs again. Furthermore, the specific example in Figure 17(c) assumes a case where standby state A is determined in the second non-advantageous zone after the main AT state ends, and the premier AT transition lottery process (time t3c) for the subsequent standby state A is also a miss. In the above cases, standby state A ends and a transition to the non-advantageous zone occurs again.

The specific example in FIG. 17(c) assumes a case where the main AT state ends and standby state A is determined even in the third non-favorable zone. It also assumes a case where a player wins the premier transition lottery process (time t4c) in standby state A. In the above cases, standby state A does not end with one game, but continues for 30 games thereafter. Furthermore, after 30 games have been played in standby state A, the game then transitions to the premier AT state.

In the above embodiment, if the premier AT transition lottery process is won in standby state A, standby state A continues and transitions to the premier AT state even if the original trigger for ending standby state A (execution of one game) occurs. In other words, in this embodiment, even if the original trigger for ending the advantageous zone occurs, if the right to obtain a specified benefit is granted in the advantageous zone, the advantageous zone continues and the benefit is granted. Compared to a configuration in which the right to obtain a specified benefit is granted but the player is transitioned to a non-advantageous zone and the right is invalidated, this embodiment has the advantage of being able to increase the player's motivation to play.

Even if there are repeated transitions between a non-advantageous zone and standby state A, the presentation mode at each point in time from the end of the main AT state to the transition to the premier AT state will be a common "standby mode." Assume a configuration in which the presentation mode is switched when a transition to a non-advantageous zone or standby state A is triggered. In the above configuration, the presentation mode is frequently switched, which can cause inconvenience to some players that may be annoying. The configuration of this embodiment reduces the above inconveniences.

In this embodiment, a warning image Gk may be displayed when transitioning to a non-advantageous zone (see FIG. 18(a) described below). The above warning image Gk is an image for warning the player of game dependency. However, in this embodiment, when transitioning to standby state A, there is a possibility of repeated transitions to non-advantageous zones. Therefore, if the warning image Gk were uniformly displayed every time a transition was made to a non-advantageous zone, there would be a situation in which the warning image Gk would be displayed repeatedly in a short period of time, which could be inconvenient.

Taking the above circumstances into consideration, this embodiment employs a configuration in which, when moving to a non-advantageous zone, if a predetermined display condition is met, a warning image Gk is displayed, but if the display condition is not met, the warning image Gk is not displayed. The above configuration is described in detail below.

Figure 18 (a) is a diagram for explaining a specific example of a warning image Gk. Figure 18 (a) is a mock-up of a result screen Mr. The result screen Mr is an image that displays the number of medals won during a series of designated periods (such as the main AT state).

The warning image Gk is displayed, for example, during the period when the result screen Mr is displayed. As shown in FIG. 18(a), the warning image Gk displays messages such as "Be careful not to get addicted" and "Pachinko slot machines are a game that should be enjoyed in moderation." Note that specific examples of the warning image Gk are not limited to the above examples. Also, the warning image Gk may be displayed during periods other than the display period of the result screen Mr. For example, the warning image Gk may be displayed during non-play periods. Also, the images displayed on the result screen Mr are not limited to the above examples. For example, the number of times the game has transitioned to the stock specialization state during the main AT state may be displayed on the result screen Mr.

Figure 18 (b) is a diagram for explaining a specific example of when the warning image Gk is displayed. In principle, the warning image Gk is displayed immediately before the ball output state transitions. For example, when transitioning from the main AT state (source state) to the normal state (destination state), the warning image Gk is displayed when the main AT state ends. On the other hand, when transitioning from the main AT state to standby state B (when there is a premium stock and the advantageous zone is not reset), the warning image Gk is not displayed when the main AT state ends.

In addition, when transitioning from the main AT state to a non-advantageous zone (when there is premium stock and the advantageous zone is reset), the warning image Gk is not displayed when the main AT state ends. When transitioning from an ending state to a non-advantageous zone, the warning image Gk is displayed when the ending state ends. In addition, when transitioning from standby state A to a non-advantageous zone, the warning image Gk is not displayed when the standby state A ends.

Figures 19(a-1) to 19(a-3) are diagrams for explaining the details of the time when the warning image Gk is displayed in this embodiment. Figures 19(a-1) to 19(a-3) show the ball output status and presentation mode at each point in time. Also, Figures 19(a-1) to 19(a-3) show the display period T during which the warning image Gk is displayed. The same applies to Figures 19(b-1) and 19(b-2) described below.

Figure 19 (a-1) is a diagram for explaining a specific example when the main AT state ends. The specific example in Figure 19 (a-1) assumes a case where the premium stock flag is in the OFF state when the main AT state ends. Also assumes a case where the number of remaining AT sets is 0. In the above cases, when the main AT state ends, the state transitions to the normal state.

In the specific example of FIG. 19(a-1), it is assumed that the last game in the main AT state ended at time t1d (the third stop operation was performed at time t1d). In the above case, the warning image Gk is displayed for the display period T immediately after time t1d. The display period T ends after a predetermined time (for example, about 5 seconds). When transitioning from the main AT state to the normal state, as explained above using FIG. 18(a), the result screen Mr is displayed from time t1d, and the warning image Gk is displayed during the period in which the result screen Mr is displayed.

In this embodiment, it is assumed that the first game in the normal state starts at time t2d, which is more than 5 seconds after time t1d. In the above case, the warning image Gk is hidden before the transition to the normal state. On the other hand, if the first game in the normal state starts before 5 seconds have passed since time t1d, the warning image Gk is displayed at the start of that game and then hidden.

However, the period during which the warning image Gk is displayed can be changed as appropriate. For example, the warning image Gk may be configured to continue to be displayed until the next game is started. The result screen Mr may be displayed, for example, until the start time t2d of the first game in normal state, and then be hidden. However, the result screen Mr may be hidden when a medal is inserted to start the first game in normal state. In the above configuration, the presentation mode switches to the normal mode corresponding to the normal state when a medal is inserted to start the first game in normal state.

Figure 19 (a-2) is a diagram for explaining another specific example when the main AT state ends. The specific example of Figure 19 (a-2) assumes the case where the remaining number of AT sets is 0, similar to the above-mentioned Figure 19 (a-1). In addition, the specific example of Figure 19 (a-2) assumes the case where the premium stock flag is ON when the main AT state ends, and the difference number counter is equal to or less than the value "2400". In the above cases, when the main AT state ends, a transition to a non-advantageous zone will occur.

In the specific example of Figure 19 (a-2), it is assumed that the main AT state ends at time te1 and transitions to a non-advantageous zone. As described above, when transitioning from the main AT state to the normal state, the warning image Gk is displayed (see Figure 19 (a-1) above). On the other hand, when transitioning from the main AT state to a non-advantageous zone, as shown in Figure 19 (a-2), the warning image Gk is not displayed.

In the specific example of FIG. 19(a-2), it is assumed that there is a transition from the first non-advantageous zone to standby state A after the main AT state has ended. It is also assumed that there is a transition from standby state A to a non-advantageous zone at time t2e. As shown in FIG. 19(a-2), when transitioning from standby state A to a non-advantageous zone, the warning image Gk is not displayed. In the specific example of FIG. 19(a-2), it is assumed that a transition to standby state B is decided in the second non-advantageous zone after the main AT state has ended. In the above cases, there is a transition to the premier AT state after standby state B has ended.

As can be understood from the above explanation, when the main AT state ends and transitions to the normal state (see FIG. 19(a-1)), the warning image Gk is displayed, whereas when transitioning to a non-advantageous zone (see FIG. 19(a-2)), the warning image Gk is not displayed. A detailed explanation will be omitted, but if the premium stock flag is ON when the main AT state ends and the difference number counter is greater than the value "2400", the warning image Gk will not be displayed during the period from the main AT state to the transition to the premium AT state via standby state B.

As shown in FIG. 19 (a-2), the non-advantageous zone starts immediately after time t1e when the third stop operation is performed in the final game in the main AT state. In the specific example of FIG. 19 (a-2), it is assumed that the first game in the non-advantageous zone starts at time t11e, and that a transition to the advantageous zone is decided during that game. It is further assumed that the first game in standby state A starts from time t12e.

In the specific example of FIG. 19 (a-2) above, the presentation mode from time t1e to time t11e is maintained in the main AT mode corresponding to the main AT state. Note that the result screen Mr may be displayed during the period from time t1e to time t11e. In the above configuration, the display period T of the warning image Gk may start from time t1e. The presentation mode during the period after time t11e, when the first play in the non-advantageous zone starts, becomes the standby mode corresponding to the standby state (A, B).

Figure 19 (a-3) is a diagram for explaining a specific example of when the ending state ends. As described above, when the ending state ends, a transition to a non-advantageous zone occurs. The specific example in Figure 19 (a-3) assumes that the third stop operation in the final play of the ending state is executed at time t1f, and then a transition to a non-advantageous zone occurs. In the above case, the display period T of the warning image Gk starts from time t1f.

In addition, in the specific example of FIG. 19(a-3), it is assumed that the first game in the non-advantageous zone starts at time t2f after the display period T has elapsed. In the above case, the warning image Gk is not displayed at time t2f when the first game in the non-advantageous zone starts. However, if the first game in the non-advantageous zone starts before the display period H ends, the warning image Gk may be displayed at the start of that game.

In the specific example of FIG. 19(a-3), in the period from time t1f to time t2f, the presentation mode is controlled to an ending mode corresponding to the ending state, and the result screen Mr is displayed. Also, from time t2f when the first play in the non-advantageous zone begins, the presentation mode switches to the standby mode. However, instead of the above configuration, the result screen Mfr may be hidden and the presentation mode may switch to the standby mode when a medal is inserted to begin the first play in the non-advantageous zone. In the specific example of FIG. 19(a-3), it is assumed that the game transitions to standby state B at time t3f. When standby state B ends, the game transitions to the premier AT state.

The timing of displaying the warning image Gk can be changed as appropriate. Figures 19(b-1) and 19(b-2) are diagrams for explaining a modified example of the first embodiment. As described above, in the first embodiment, when the player moves from the inside state to the non-advantageous zone, the player is essentially confirmed to move to the premier AT state. On the other hand, in the modified examples shown in Figures 19(b-1) and 19(b-2), even if the player moves from the inside state to the non-advantageous zone, the player may not move to the premier AT state. Specifically, in this modified example, the player moves from the non-advantageous zone in the non-inside state to the normal state, as in the first embodiment. Also, in this modified example, the player moves from the non-advantageous zone in the inside state to the standby state. The standby state in the modified example ends after 30 plays, for example.

In each game in the standby state of the modified example, a premier AT transition lottery process is executed, similar to the standby states (A, B) of the first embodiment. The above standby states are periods during which the right to transition to the premier AT state is determined with a high probability. However, in the first embodiment, even if the number of remaining games in the standby state reaches 0 without winning the premier AT lottery process, the game will eventually transition to the premier AT state. On the other hand, in the modified example, if the number of remaining games in the standby state reaches 0 without winning the premier AT lottery process, the game will then transition to the normal state.

The specific example in FIG. 19(b-1) assumes a case where a winner is selected in the premier AT lottery process in the standby state. Specifically, FIG. 19(b-1) assumes a case where a player transitions from the main AT state to a non-advantageous zone at time t1g. Also assumes a case where a player transitions from a non-advantageous zone to a standby state, and wins the premier AT transition lottery process at time t2g in the standby state. In the above cases, when the number of remaining plays in the standby state reaches 0, the player transitions from the standby state to the premier AT state. As shown in FIG. 19(b-1), when a player transitions from a standby state to a premier AT state, the warning image Gk is not displayed during the series of periods during which the player transitions from the main AT state to the premier AT state.

The specific example in FIG. 19(b-2) assumes that the player does not win in the lottery process for transitioning to the premier AT in the standby state. In the above cases, the warning image Gk is displayed when the standby state ends. Specifically, the specific example in FIG. 19(b-2) assumes that the last game in the standby state ends at time t1h (when the third stop operation is performed). In this modified example, the display period T (5 seconds) of the warning image Gk starts from time t1h. After that, when the next game starts at time t2h, the ball output state transitions to the normal state.

In the above modified example, the result screen Mr is displayed during the period from time t1h to time t2h. The result screen Mr displays the game results according to the number of medals acquired during the specified period including the immediately preceding main AT state. Note that the result screen Mr may be hidden and the presentation mode may be switched to the normal mode when a medal is inserted to start the first game in the normal state.

According to the above modified example, the warning image Gk is not displayed when the advantageous zone ends, but can be displayed in a new advantageous zone that starts after that. Let us assume a configuration in which the warning image Gk is displayed uniformly when the advantageous zone ends. In the above configuration, the warning image Gk is displayed even when a relatively advantageous ball dispensing state (e.g., a standby state) is entered after the advantageous zone ends. In other words, the warning image Gk is displayed in the middle of a series of advantageous periods. Therefore, depending on the player, an inconvenience may occur in which their motivation to play decreases in the middle of the series of advantageous periods. The above modified example suppresses the above inconvenience.

<Processing Executed by the Main CPU>
The main CPU 301 executes various processes using the above-mentioned data. The main CPU 301 executes a startup process when a reset signal is input from the reset circuit. The reset signal is output when the power supply voltage supplied to the main control board 300 exceeds a predetermined threshold. For example, the startup process is executed when the power switch 511SW is turned on to start supplying power supply voltage to the main control board 300. In the startup process, the main CPU 301 initializes each register of the main control board 300.

In addition, in the startup process, the main CPU 301 executes various processes (processes for transitioning to a playable state) including a process for changing the set value. Note that the main CPU 301 may execute a security check process for determining the validity of the control program stored in the main ROM 302 prior to the startup process. After completing the startup process, the main CPU 301 transitions to a game control process. In this embodiment, when the set value is changed, the game state transitions to a non-internal state, and the ball output state becomes a non-advantageous zone. In addition, various information related to the instruction function is initialized.

Figure 20 is a flowchart of the game control process of the main CPU 301. The game control process is executed each time the player plays a game. Although details will be described later, the main CPU 301 executes interrupt processes at a predetermined time interval (e.g., 1.49 ms) during the period in which the game control process is executed. In other words, the main CPU 301 executes game control processes and interrupt processes alternately. For example, commands sent to the sub-control board 400 are set in the game control process and sent to the sub-control board 400 in the interrupt process. Commands indicating the results of various lotteries executed by the main CPU 301 or the values of various counters provided in the main RAM 303 are sent to the sub-control board 400 as appropriate. In addition, each timer (e.g., a wait timer) set in the game control process is decremented in the interrupt process.

When the main CPU 301 starts the game control process, it executes the initial setting process (S101). The initial setting process is executed every time one game is completed. In the initial setting process, the main CPU 301 initializes the memory area of the main RAM 303 that is initialized for each game. For example, the winning area storage area in which the winning area (winning area number) of the previous game is stored is initialized in the initial setting process.

After the initial setting process, the main CPU 301 proceeds to the automatic insertion process (S102). In the automatic insertion process, if a replay-related symbol combination is aligned on an active line as a result of the previous game, the main CPU 301 sets the same number of bet medals as in the previous game as the bet medals for the current game.

After the automatic insertion process, the main CPU 301 transitions to pre-game processing (S103). In the pre-game processing, the main CPU 301 detects medals from the medal insertion unit 8, and detects operation of the settlement button 23. If the insertion of medals is detected in the pre-game processing, the main CPU 301 adds the bet medals or credits. Furthermore, if the operation of the settlement button 23 is detected in the pre-game processing, the main CPU 301 pays back the bet medals or credits. Furthermore, in the pre-game processing, the main CPU 301 detects operation of the start lever 24 (i.e., operation to start a game).

When the main CPU 301 detects a game start operation in the pre-game start processing, the process proceeds to a setting value confirmation process (S104). In the setting value confirmation process, the main CPU 301 judges whether the setting value is appropriate. Specifically, in the setting value confirmation process, the main CPU 301 determines whether the setting value is appropriate (0, 1, 2, 4, 5, or 6). If the main CPU 301 judges that the setting value is not appropriate, it stores an abnormal setting value command indicating an abnormality in the command storage area, and proceeds to a setting value error process.

When the main CPU 301 determines in the setting value confirmation process that the setting values are appropriate, it acquires random number values R1, R2, and R3 (S105). Random number value R1 is a hardware random number generated by the random number generator 304, and is used in the internal lottery process. Random number value R2 is a software random number acquired from a register built into the main CPU 301, and is used in the reel performance determination process, etc. Random number value R3 is used in the process related to the instruction function. The main CPU 301 stores the acquired random number value R1 in the random number value R1 storage area of the main RAM 303. Similarly, the main CPU 301 stores the acquired random number value R2 in the random number value R2 storage area of the main RAM 303, and stores the random number value R3 in the random number value R3 storage area of the main RAM 303.

After storing the random number values R1, R2, and R3 in the main RAM 303, the main CPU 301 proceeds to the start-up process (S106). The start-up process is made up of processes including an internal lottery process for determining the winning area based on the random number value R1, and a reel performance determination process for determining the reel performance based on the random number value R2. The start-up process also includes a command number determination process for determining a command number.

After executing the start processing, the main CPU 301 executes the reel presentation processing (S107). For example, in the reel presentation processing, various game operations are accepted, and processing is executed to switch the state of the reel 12 (acceleration, variable display, stop, stillness, vibration). In the reel presentation processing, the main CPU 301 also sets the above-mentioned delay time by lottery. Note that the remaining time of the wait period is also subtracted in the reel presentation processing.

After executing the reel presentation process, the main CPU 301 executes the wait process (S108). The wait process is a process for making the time length of each game longer than a predetermined length. In the wait process, the main CPU 301 determines whether the wait period has elapsed, and if it determines that the wait period has not elapsed, it does not transition from the wait process to the pre-stop process described below.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the wait period has elapsed, the main CPU 301 proceeds to pre-stop processing (S109). In the pre-stop processing, various data (such as the priority order described below) are stored in the main RAM 303 according to the winning area determined in the internal lottery processing. In the stop control processing described below, each reel 12 is stopped according to each data stored in the pre-stop processing, and the symbol combination associated with the winning role specified in the winning area is displayed stopped on the pay line.

After executing the pre-stop processing, the main CPU 301 transitions to the stop control processing (S110). Through the stop control processing, the main CPU 301 stops the reel 12 corresponding to each stop button 25 each time that stop button 25 is operated. Each reel 12 stops at a symbol position according to each data set in the pre-stop processing described above.

When all reels 12 are stopped in the stop control process, the main CPU 301 proceeds to the display determination process (S111). In the display determination process, the main CPU 301 determines the combination of symbols displayed on the active line. The main CPU 301 also sets various data according to the type of combination of symbols displayed on the active line. For example, if the main CPU 301 determines that a symbol combination related to a replay is stopped and displayed on an active line, the main CPU 301 sets the replay operation flag to the ON state. If the main CPU 301 determines that a symbol combination related to a winning combination is stopped on an active line, the main CPU 301 adds the number of medals according to the type of the winning combination to the number of credits.

After executing the display determination process, the main CPU 301 executes the stop time process (S112). In the stop time process, the main CPU 301 transitions the ball output state and the game state. The above stop time process includes the above-mentioned determination condition lottery process and stock lottery process. In addition, in the stop time process, the main CPU 301 starts or ends the advantageous zone in accordance with the transition of the ball output state. Specifically, it executes the advantageous zone control process described below. When the main CPU 301 ends the stop time process, it returns the process to step S101.

Figure 21 is a flowchart of processing during a non-advantageous zone. The main CPU 301 executes processing during a non-advantageous zone during play in the non-advantageous zone. Specifically, the main CPU 301 executes processing during a non-advantageous zone during start processing (S106 in Figure 20 described above). Note that processing during a non-advantageous zone is executed in all play in the non-advantageous zone, regardless of the play state.

When the non-advantageous zone processing is started, the main CPU 301 determines whether the winning area for the current game is an advantageous zone transition winning area (Sx0). If the winning area for the current game is not an advantageous zone transition winning area (Sx0: No), the main CPU 301 skips the advantageous zone transition processing described below and ends the non-advantageous zone processing. In the above cases, the advantageous zone does not start and the non-advantageous zone continues into the next game. On the other hand, if the winning area for the current game is an advantageous zone transition winning area (Sx0: Yes), the main CPU 301 executes advantageous zone transition processing. The advantageous zone transition processing is processing that is executed when a new advantageous zone starts, and includes steps Sx1 to Sx5 described below.

As shown in FIG. 21, in the advantageous zone transition process, it is determined whether the game state is in the internal state (Sx1). If it is determined that the game state is not in the internal state (Sx1: No), the main CPU 301 sets the next ball output state to the normal state (Sx2). If the next ball output state was set to the normal state in the previous game, it will become the normal state from the next game. In addition, after setting the next ball output state to the normal state, the main CPU 301 executes normal time processing (Sx3). The normal time processing includes various processes executed in each game in the normal state. For example, in the normal time processing, the above-mentioned AT first hit lottery is executed. The main CPU 301 ends the non-advantageous zone processing after executing the normal processing.

In step Sx1, when it is determined that the game state is the internal in-play state (Sx1: Yes), the main CPU 301 executes the initial state determination process (Sx4). In the initial state determination process, as described above, standby state A or standby state B is determined. Thereafter, the main CPU 301 sets the next ball output state to standby state A or standby state B based on the result of the initial state determination process (Sx5). For example, if standby state A was determined in the immediately preceding initial state determination process, the next ball output state is set to standby state A.

On the other hand, if standby state B was determined in the immediately preceding initial state determination process, the main CPU 301 sets the next ball output state to standby state B. Also, when the main CPU 301 sets the next ball output state to standby state B, it sets the standby ceiling counter to an initial value of "3" and sets the standby remaining counter to an initial value of "30". After setting the next ball output state, the main CPU 301 ends the non-advantageous zone processing. Note that, in the non-advantageous zone processing, when the next ball output state is set to a standby state, various processes that are executed during the standby state may be executed. For example, in the non-advantageous zone processing, a premier AT transition lottery process may be executed.

Figure 22 is a flowchart of the advantageous zone control process. The main CPU 301 executes the advantageous zone control process in the above-mentioned stop time processing. Note that the advantageous zone control process is executed in all games regardless of the game state. When the advantageous zone control process is started, the main CPU 301 judges whether or not the current game is in an advantageous zone (Sx10). If it is determined that it is not in an advantageous zone (Sx10: No), i.e., if it is in a non-advantageous zone, the main CPU 301 ends the advantageous zone control process. On the other hand, if it is determined that it is in an advantageous zone (Sx10: Yes), the main CPU 301 judges whether or not a replay has been stopped and displayed on a pay line in the current game (Sx11).

When it is determined that the replay is not stopped (Sx11: No), the main CPU 301 executes a difference number counter update process (Sx12). In the difference number counter update process, the difference number counter is updated. Specifically, the value obtained by subtracting the number of medals paid out from the number of medals bet on the current game (3 medals) is added to the difference number counter. For example, if the number of medals paid out is 12 medals, the value "-9" is added to the difference number counter (i.e., the value "9" is subtracted from the difference number counter). Also, if the number of medals paid out is 0 medals, the value "+3" is added to the difference number counter.

In a replay (a game following a game in which a replay was stopped and displayed), step Sx12 is executed with the number of medals automatically inserted as the number of medals bet in that game. After executing the difference number counter update process, the main CPU 301 advances the process to step Sx13. If it is determined that a replay was stopped and displayed in the current game (Sx11: Yes), the main CPU 301 skips the difference number counter update process and advances the process to step Sx13.

In step Sx13, the main CPU 301 determines whether the difference number counter is equal to or less than the value "0". If it is determined that the difference number counter is equal to or less than the value "0" (Sx13: Yes), the main CPU 301 initializes all parameters related to the instruction functions stored in the main RAM 303 (Sx15) and ends the advantageous zone control process. In step Sx15, for example, the above-mentioned counters are initialized and the ball output state transitions to a non-advantageous zone. Note that even if the ball output state transitions to a non-advantageous zone, the game state does not change.

When it is determined that the difference number counter is greater than the value "0" (Sx13: No), the main CPU 301 determines whether the next ball output state is set to the "non-advantageous zone" (Sx14). For example, in the final game of the ending state, the next ball output state is set to the "non-advantageous zone". Also, in the game of standby state A when the premier AT transition lottery process is lost, the next ball output state is set to the "non-advantageous zone".

If the next ball output state is a "non-favorable zone" (Sx14: Yes), the main CPU 301 proceeds to step Sx15, initializes all parameters related to the instruction functions stored in the main RAM 303, and ends the favorable zone control process. On the other hand, if the next ball output state is other than a "non-favorable zone" (Sx14: No), the main CPU 301 skips step Sx15 and ends the favorable zone control process.

<Processes Executed by the Sub-CPU>
23 is a flowchart of the sub startup process of the sub CPU 412. The sub CPU 412 executes the sub startup process when a reset signal is input from the reset circuit. The reset circuit outputs a reset signal when the power supply voltage supplied to the sub control board 400 exceeds a predetermined threshold. For example, the sub startup process is executed when the supply of power supply voltage to the sub control board 400 is started.

When the sub startup process starts, the sub CPU 412 executes startup initialization process (S301). In the startup initialization process, the sub CPU 412 initializes, for example, various registers of the sub control board 400.

During startup initialization processing, the sub-CPU 412 determines whether or not there is a backup abnormality in the sub-RAM 414. If there is a backup abnormality, the sub-CPU 412 initializes the backup data. Furthermore, during startup initialization processing, the sub-CPU 412 determines whether or not the data stored in various ROMs, including the CGROM 424, is correct. For example, it reads data stored at a specific address in each ROM and determines whether or not the data is correct. If an abnormality is found in any of the ROMs, the sub-CPU 412 transitions to a specified error process.

In the sub startup process, the sub-CPU 412 starts a lamp control task (S302), a sound control task (S303), an image control board communication task (S304), a main control board communication task (S305), and a performance button input task (S306).

The sub-CPU 412 controls various lamps, including the case lamp 5 and the performance lamp 28, through a lamp control task. The sub-CPU 412 also controls the speakers (31, 32) through an audio control task. The sub-CPU 412 also sends commands to the image control board 420 through an image control board communication task, receives commands from the main control board 300 through a main control board communication task, and accepts operations of the performance button 26 and the direction designation button 27 through a performance button input task.

A timer interrupt signal is input to the sub-CPU 412 at a predetermined time interval. When the sub-CPU 412 receives the timer interrupt signal, it executes one of the tasks. In other words, the peripheral devices, including the various lamps and speakers (31, 32), are controlled in a time-division manner.

The total number of medals acquired in a given number of games is required to be within a predetermined range, regardless of the set value. Specifically, the total number of medals acquired in 400 games is required to be more than one-third of the total number of medals inserted, and less than 2.2 times. The total number of medals acquired in 1,600 games is required to be more than two-fifths of the total number of medals inserted, and less than 1.5 times. The total number of medals acquired in 6,000 games is required to be more than one-half of the total number of medals inserted, and less than 1.26 times. The total number of medals acquired in 17,500 games is required to be more than three-fifths of the total number of medals inserted, and less than 1.15 times.

Whether or not the above criteria (hereinafter "ball output criteria") are met is usually confirmed through testing. If the number of medals is excessively likely to be lost in a given number of plays, there is a high possibility that the ball output criteria will not be met in testing. Also, if an excessively large number of medals is likely to be won in a given number of plays, there is a high possibility that the ball output criteria will not be met in testing. In other words, the more gambling-like a gaming machine is, the more likely it is that it will be determined that the ball output criteria are not met in testing.

In consideration of the above circumstances, the gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is configured such that certain set values have a significantly lower gambling nature than other set values. Specifically, a configuration is adopted in which, when the set value "0" is set among the set values, the possibility of meeting the ball output standard in the test is significantly higher than when other set values are set. For example, in this embodiment, by transitioning to the instruction period (BB state), many medals can be acquired. When the set value "0" is set, the probability of transitioning to the instruction period (probability of first hit) is relatively high, but the instruction period is likely to end in a short period of time (it is difficult to achieve consecutive wins). With the above configuration, when the set value "0" is set, the probability of meeting the ball output standard in the test is high.

However, when the setting value "0" is set, the gambling aspect is significantly reduced, and many players find the game less exciting. Therefore, if a configuration is used in which it is not possible to know before playing whether or not the setting value "0" is set, some players may be reluctant to play on the gaming machine 1. Taking the above into consideration, this embodiment employs a configuration that makes it possible to know before playing whether or not the setting value "0" is set. The above configuration is described in detail below.

Figure 24 (a) is a flowchart of the power-on processing by the sub-CPU 412. The sub-CPU 412 executes the power-on processing immediately after the power is turned on. Furthermore, the above power-on processing is usually completed before the main CPU 301 is able to execute game control processing. In other words, the sub-CPU 412 completes the power-on processing before game play becomes possible.

When power-on processing begins, the sub-CPU 412 checks the setting value set by the main CPU 301. Specifically, the main CPU 301 sends a command indicating the setting value to the sub-CPU 412 immediately after power is turned on. In step Sy1, the sub-CPU 412 checks the setting value indicated by the command. Thereafter, the sub-CPU 412 determines whether the setting value checked in step Sy1 is "0" (Sy2).

If it is determined that the set value is not "0" (Sy2: No), the sub-CPU 412 determines the normal control mode (Sy3) and ends the power-on processing. On the other hand, if it is determined that the set value is "0" (Sy2: Yes), the sub-CPU 412 determines the special control mode (Sy4) and ends the power-on processing. As will be explained in detail below, when the normal control mode is determined, the state of the performance execution means (stop button 25, speaker, LCD display device 30) differs from when the special control mode is determined.

Figure 24(b) is a diagram for explaining the mode of the performance execution means in each control mode. As shown in Figure 24(b), in the normal control mode, the stop button 25 emits red light during the period when operation of the stop button 25 is invalid (for example, during the period when the corresponding reel is stopped). On the other hand, in the special control mode, the stop button 25 emits green light during the period when operation of the stop button 25 is invalid.

In the above configuration, the player can determine whether or not the setting value "0" has been set before playing by checking the color of the stop button 25. However, as shown in FIG. 24(b), the color of the stop button 25 during the period when the stop operation is possible is blue, which is common to all control modes. Let us assume a configuration in which the color of the stop button 25 during the period when the stop operation is possible differs between control modes. With the above configuration, it is expected that some players may have a problem in that it may be difficult to intuitively determine whether or not the stop operation is valid. According to this embodiment, the above problem is suppressed.

As described above, in this embodiment, the player can adjust the master volume by operating the direction designation button 27. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 24(b), when the control mode is the normal control mode, the player can adjust the master volume. On the other hand, when the control mode is the special control mode, the master volume cannot be changed. With the above configuration, when the master volume cannot be changed, the player can identify that the setting value "0" is set. However, regardless of the control mode, the error sound for notifying an error is output at maximum volume.

As described above, in this embodiment, the player can change the presentation control mode (enjoy mode, normal mode, simple mode) by operating the direction designation button 27. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 24(b), when the control mode is the normal control mode, the player can change the presentation control mode. On the other hand, when the control mode is the special control mode, the presentation control mode cannot be changed. With the above configuration, when the presentation control mode cannot be changed, the player can identify that the setting value "1" is set.

In this embodiment, when the sub-CPU 412 recovers from a power-off state, the power-on process is executed immediately, and the stop button 25 is displayed in green. This configuration has the advantage that, for example, an administrator of the gaming machine 1 that has been powered on can immediately know that the setting value "1" is set when the stop button 25 is displayed in green.

The image on the liquid crystal display device 30 during non-play periods may be different between the normal control mode and the special control mode. In the above configuration, as in this embodiment, it is possible to determine whether the setting value "1" is set before playing. However, the time it takes for the lamps (including the stop button lamp) to be restored after the power is turned on is usually shorter than that for the liquid crystal display device 30. Therefore, this embodiment has the advantage that the time it takes to determine that the setting value "1" is set after the power is turned on is shortened, compared to a configuration in which only the image on the liquid crystal display device 30 changes in each control mode.

Figures 25(a)-(c) are flowcharts of the performance control process by the sub-CPU 412. The performance control process is a process for controlling the performance in the performance execution means (such as the liquid crystal display device 30). As shown in Figures 25(a)-(c), the performance control process includes sub start-time processing, sub first stop processing, and sub stop-time processing. Figures 25(a)-(c) show an excerpt of part of the performance control process.

Figure 25 (a) is a flowchart of the sub start processing. When a game start operation is performed, the main CPU 301 sends a command indicating this to the sub CPU 412 (sub control board 400). When the sub CPU 412 receives the command from the main CPU 301, it executes the sub start processing. As shown in Figure 25 (a), when the sub start processing starts, the sub CPU 412 determines whether or not it is in the sub penalty state (Sy11). The sub CPU 412 is controlled to the sub penalty state during the period when the above-mentioned game progress flag is in the OFF state (the period after the main penalty control is executed). For example, if a stop operation was performed in an irregular push order in the previous game during the non-instruction period, the sub penalty state will be entered at the time of execution of the sub start processing in the current game.

If it is determined that the game is not in the sub-penalty state (Sy11: No), the sub-CPU 412 determines various effects by effect lottery (Sy12) and ends the sub-start processing. When an effect is determined in step Sy12, that effect begins to be executed by each effect execution means. On the other hand, if it is determined that the game is in the sub-penalty state (Sy11: Yes), the sub-CPU 412 skips the effect lottery and ends the sub-start processing. With the above configuration, in games that are started in the sub-penalty state, new effects are not determined in step Sy12.

Figure 25 (b) is a flowchart of the sub-first stop process. When the first stop operation is performed, the main CPU 301 transmits a command indicating the stop button 25 (left, center, right) that has been subjected to the first stop operation to the sub-CPU 412. When the sub-CPU 412 receives the command from the main CPU 301 during a non-instruction period, it executes the sub-first stop process. As shown in Figure 30 (b), when the sub-first stop process is started, the sub-CPU 412 determines whether or not the left first stop operation has been performed (Sy21). If it determines that the left first stop operation has been performed (Sy21: Yes), the sub-CPU 412 ends the sub-first stop process.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the stop operation has been performed at any point other than the left first stop (the middle first stop or the right first stop) (Sy21: No), the sub-CPU 412 forcibly ends the currently running effect (Sy22). For example, if a performance that was started in the immediately preceding sub start processing is subsequently operated at the middle first stop or right first stop, it is forcibly ended in the sub first stop processing.

In addition, when the stop operation is performed at any stop other than the first left stop, instead of a configuration in which all effects are uniformly forcibly terminated, a configuration in which some effects can continue to be executed may be used. For example, when the stop operation is performed at any stop other than the first left stop, the sub-CPU 412 determines whether the currently executed effect is a specific effect or not. If it is determined to be a specific effect, the specific effect continues to be executed. On the other hand, if it is determined not to be a specific effect, the currently executed effect is forcibly terminated. Note that a specific effect is expected to be an effect for notifying a transition in the game state (for example, an effect when the main AT state starts). It is preferable that the above specific effects be executed in the game in which they were scheduled to be executed, even if the game is in the sub-penalty state.

As shown in FIG. 25(b), when the sub-CPU 412 determines that the stop operation has been performed at any position other than the left first stop, it transitions to a sub-penalty state (Sy23). When the sub-CPU 412 determines that the stop operation has been performed at any position other than the left first stop, it executes a notification content determination process (Sy24). In the notification content determination process, a notification image and a notification sound are determined. Specifically, when the middle first stop operation is performed in the current game, a notification image displaying a message "Pushing from the middle" and a notification sound "Pushing from the middle" are determined. When the right first stop operation is performed in the current game, a notification image displaying a message "Pushing from the right" and a notification sound "Pushing from the right" are determined. When the notification image is determined, the notification image is immediately displayed on the liquid crystal display device 30. When the notification sound is determined, the notification sound is immediately output from the speakers.

Figure 25 (c) is a flowchart of the sub stop processing. When the last stop button 25 is operated, the main CPU 301 sends a command indicating that to the sub CPU 412. When the sub CPU 412 receives the command from the main CPU 301, it executes the sub stop processing. As shown in Figure 25 (c), when the sub stop processing starts, the sub CPU 412 determines whether or not the left first stop operation has been performed in the current game (Sy31). If it determines that the left first stop operation has been performed (Sy31: Yes), the sub CPU 412 determines whether or not the sub penalty state is in progress (S32).

If it is determined that the sub-penalty state is not in progress (Sy32: No), the sub-CPU 412 ends the sub-stop processing. On the other hand, if it is determined that the sub-penalty state is in progress (Sy32: Yes), the sub-CPU 412 cancels the penalty state (Sy33) and ends the sub-stop processing. With the above configuration, the sub-penalty state is canceled at the end of a game in which the left first stop operation is performed. Also, if it is determined in the above-mentioned step Sy31 that the left first stop operation has not been performed (Sy31: No), the sub-CPU 412 skips step Sy33 and ends the sub-stop processing. With the above configuration, if the left first stop operation is not played, the sub-penalty state continues to the next game onwards.

Second Embodiment
Other embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In each of the following exemplary embodiments, the elements having the same actions and functions as those of the first embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

Figure 26(a) is a diagram for explaining the transition of the ball output state in the second embodiment. Figure 26(a) shows an excerpt of some of the ball output states. In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment described above, the state transitions to a non-advantageous zone (internal middle state, non-internal middle state), normal state, top-up special state, main AT state, stock special state, premium AT state, ending state, and standby state (A, B) (see Figure 9(a)). In principle, the trigger for transition to each ball output state in the second embodiment is the same as in the first embodiment described above. In addition, the type of winning area and the winning combination of symbols that can be stopped and displayed in a game in which each winning area is won are the same in the second embodiment and the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 26(a), in the second embodiment, in addition to each of the ball output states described above, a preparation state is provided. Specifically, in the first embodiment described above, there is a direct transition from the normal state to the add-on specialized state. On the other hand, in the second embodiment, there is a transition from the normal state to the add-on specialized state via the preparation state. Specifically, when the AT first hit lottery is won in the normal state, an AT win notification is executed via a premonition period, and then the state transitions to the preparation state.

In the above preparation state, a specific instruction effect (instruction effect H described below) is executed. Also, in a game in which instruction effect H is executed, if the stop operation is performed in a predetermined stop operation sequence (irregular push order), it becomes possible to transition to an add-on specialized state (arrow (a) in FIG. 26(a)). On the other hand, if the stop operation is performed in a sequence other than the above stop operation sequence, the state does not transition to the add-on specialized state, and the preparation state is maintained (arrow (b) in FIG. 26(a)).

Figure 26 (b) is a conceptual diagram of the instruction determination table Yj in the second embodiment. In the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the instruction period is controlled to one of instruction mode a, instruction mode b, and instruction mode c. In addition, in instruction modes a to c in the second embodiment, the instruction number is determined by each instruction determination table Y (a to c) described above using Figures 10 (b-1) to 10 (b-3). In the second embodiment, in addition to the above instruction modes (a to c), an instruction mode j is provided. In instruction mode j, the instruction number is determined using the instruction determination table Yj.

In the second embodiment, the above-mentioned preparation state is controlled in instruction mode j. When bell group B (bells B1 to B8) is selected in instruction mode j, the main CPU 301 determines the instruction number "06" regardless of the type of bell B, and displays the instruction information "06" on the instruction display 16. In addition, when bell group B is selected in instruction mode j, the main CPU 301 transmits the first command "A11" indicating bell group B and the second command "B06" indicating the instruction number "06" to the sub-CPU 412.

As described above, the expected winning value in a game in which Bell Group B wins is higher with an irregular push order than with the first left button. In other words, when it is announced that Bell Group B has won, the expected winning value will be higher if the player performs the stop operation with an irregular push order that can result in the winning of the 12-bell combination than with the first left button, in which the 12-bell combination does not win. In the above configuration, in a game in which the instruction information "06" is displayed, the player performs the stop operation with an irregular push order. In other words, when the instruction information "06" is displayed, the player is essentially instructed to perform the stop operation with an irregular push order. In a game in which something other than Bell Group B wins in instruction mode j (preparation state), the instruction number "99" (no instruction) is determined and no instruction information is displayed.

Figure 26 (c) is a conceptual diagram of a specific effect determination table in instruction mode j. In instruction modes a to c in the second embodiment, specific effects (instruction effects, suggested effects) are determined using the specific effect determination tables explained using Figures 13 (a) to 13 (c) above, as in the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 25 (c), when a combination of the first command "A11" (bell group B) and the second command "B06" (irregular push order) is received in instruction mode j, the sub-CPU 412 determines to execute instruction effect H. In the instruction effect H described above, an irregular push order is instructed.

Figure 26 (d-1) is a diagram for explaining the images displayed in the preparation state. In each game in the preparation state, for example, a message is displayed indicating that preparation is underway to transition to the added-on specialization state. The specific example in Figure 26 (d-1) assumes that bell group B is won in the preparation state and instruction performance H is executed.

In the instruction performance H, an instruction image Gsh is displayed. The instruction image Gsh is an image for instructing that the stop operation should be performed in an irregular pressing order. For example, the instruction image Gsh includes a left portion corresponding to the left stop button 25L, a center portion corresponding to the middle stop button 25C, and a right portion corresponding to the right stop button 25R. In addition, an "x" mark is displayed on the left portion of the instruction image Gsh, and a "?" mark is displayed on each of the center and right portions. The instruction image Gsh described above instructs that the stop operation should be performed in a manner other than the first left stop operation (irregular pressing order).

The instruction image Gsh in instruction performance H has a different display area on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 30 than the instruction image Gsx in instruction performance X. Figure 26 (d-2) is a conceptual diagram of each image in instruction performance X. As shown in Figure 26 (d-2), the instruction image Gsx in instruction performance X is displayed below the center on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 30. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 26 (d-1), the instruction image Gsh in instruction performance H is displayed near the center on the screen of the liquid crystal display device 30. As can be seen from Figures 26 (d-1) and 26 (d-2), the instruction image Gsh is displayed in a larger area than the instruction image Gsx. However, it is sufficient for the instruction image Gsh to be able to indicate an irregular button press sequence, and it can be changed as appropriate.

The above instruction performance H is executed during the period from when the game is started until the first stop operation is executed. In this embodiment, the start performance is executed in response to the first stop operation after the instruction performance H has begun to be executed. Figure 26 (d-3) is a diagram for explaining the image displayed in the start performance. As shown in Figure 26 (d-3), in the start performance, a message is displayed to notify that the added-on specialization state is about to begin (in the example of Figure 26 (d-3), "START!"). Note that the start performance may be configured to display an image to explain the added-on specialization state.

Figure 27(a) is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the period during which the instruction performance H is executed. That is, Figure 27(a) is a diagram for explaining a specific example of the period during which the instruction image Gsh (see Figure 26(d-1) above) is displayed. Figure 27(a) also shows the ball output status and instruction mode at each point in time, the period during which the instruction image Gsh is displayed, and the start image (see Figure 26(d-3) above).

In the specific example of FIG. 27(a), it is assumed that there is a transition from the normal state to the preparation state. In the above case, control is performed to the instruction mode j, and the instruction period begins. In addition, in the specific example of FIG. 27(a), it is assumed that the bell group B is won in a game that begins at time t1x in the preparation state. In the above case, at time t1x, the instruction information "06" begins to be displayed on the instruction display device 16, the instruction performance H is executed on the liquid crystal display device 30, and the instruction image Gsh begins to be displayed.

In the specific example of FIG. 27(a), a case is assumed in which the stop operation is performed in an irregular push order (middle 1st or right 1st) in a game in which instruction performance H is executed. Specifically, a case is assumed in which the first stop operation is performed at time t2x. In the above cases, a transition to the add-on specialized state is determined, and the next game will transition to the add-on specialized state. Specifically, in a game in which instruction performance H is executed, depending on the stop operation order (middle left/right, middle right/left, right left middle, right middle left), the 12-coin bell role may or may not win. However, if the stop operation is performed in an irregular push order in a game in which instruction performance H is executed, the next game will transition to the add-on specialized state regardless of whether the 12-coin bell role wins or not.

Meanwhile, there is a known technology that allows a transition to a favorable ball-out state from the next game if a specific replay is won in the preparation state. In the above conventional technology, a special instruction display is executed in a game in which a specific replay is won, and a specific symbol combination (seven-seven-seven) is stopped and displayed by stopping the machine in accordance with the instruction display. This configuration has the advantage that it is easy for the player to recognize the transition to a favorable ball-out state.

However, in the above conventional technology, in a game that can transition to a favorable ball-out state, the replay is stopped and displayed regardless of the stopping operation mode. In other words, the game value (including the right to play again) that can be awarded in that game is uniform. Therefore, some players may find the game boring.

In consideration of the above circumstances, this embodiment employs a configuration in which the game value that can be awarded changes in a game in which a transition to a favorable ball-out state is possible, even if the player plays according to the instructions of the instruction presentation. This configuration has the advantage that it makes it easier to recognize that a transition to a favorable ball-out state is occurring, while making the game more entertaining compared to, for example, the conventional technology described above.

As shown in FIG. 27(a), at time t2x of the first stop operation in a game in which instruction effect H is executed, the instruction image Gsx becomes hidden. Also, when the first stop operation (first stop on center, first stop on right) is performed in an irregular pressing sequence in a game in which instruction effect H is executed, the start image begins to be displayed in place of the instruction image Gsh. After that, the start image is displayed until time t3x when the first game in the add-on specialization state begins.

The period during which the start image is displayed can be changed as appropriate. For example, the start image may be configured to start displaying upon the third stop operation of the game in which the instruction performance H was executed, and to stop being displayed upon the start of the first game in the added-on specialization state. However, with the above configuration, if the next game is started immediately after the game in which the instruction performance H was executed ends, the period during which the start image is displayed may become extremely short, which is an inconvenience. The configuration of the second embodiment has the advantage of suppressing the above-mentioned inconvenience.

Figure 27(b) is a diagram for explaining another specific example of the period during which the instruction effect H is executed. Figure 27(b) shows the ball output status at each point in time and the period during which the instruction image Gsh is displayed.

In the specific example of FIG. 27(b), it is assumed that bell group B is won in a game in a preparation state that is started at time t1y. In the above case, instruction effect H is executed from the start time t1y of the game, and instruction effect Gsh starts to be displayed. In addition, in the specific example of FIG. 27(b), it is assumed that the left first stop operation is performed at time t2y in the game. In the above case, the left first stop operation triggers the instruction image Gsh to be hidden.

As mentioned above, if the stop operation is performed in an irregular pressing sequence in accordance with the instruction display H in the preparation state, the next game will transition to an add-on specialized state. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 27(b), if the stop operation is performed 1st left in a game in which the instruction display H is executed in the preparation state, the preparation state will continue in the next game and thereafter.

Specifically, the ready state continues until a stop operation is performed in an irregular pressing sequence according to the instruction effect H. For example, in the specific example of FIG. 27(b), assume that the second instruction effect H is executed in a game that starts at time t3y, but the left first stop operation is performed at time t4y of that game. In the above cases, the ready state continues from that game onwards.

The above preparation state will continue until the state transitions to the added-on specialized state, even if the stop operation is performed 1 step to the left during the instruction performance H. In other words, the right to transition to the added-on specialized state will not disappear, even if the stop operation is performed 1 step to the left during the instruction performance H. However, if the difference number counter is decremented to the value "0" during the preparation state, the transition will be to the non-advantageous zone.

In addition, if a white seven, red seven (replay 9), or premium (hereinafter sometimes collectively referred to as "guaranteed role") is won in the preparation state, the preparation state ends. Specifically, if a white seven is won in the preparation state, the next game will transition to an add-on specialization state. In addition, if a red seven is won in the preparation state, the next game will transition to a stock specialization state. Similarly, if a premium is won in the preparation state, the next game will transition to a premium AT state. However, even in each of the above cases, the next game will transition to an add-on specialization state after the main AT state ends, except when a transition to a non-advantageous zone occurs via an ending state (the right to transition to the add-on specialization state does not disappear).

The preparation state may be ended when a predetermined number of plays (e.g., 100 times) have been played in the preparation state. The ball output state may be maintained in the preparation state even if a fixed role is won. In the above configuration, if a fixed role is won in the preparation state, the ball output state may then transition to a ball output state (premium AT state) corresponding to the fixed role (e.g., premium) when the preparation state ends in accordance with the instructions of the instruction performance H.

In the specific example of FIG. 27(b), it is assumed that the game is stopped at time t6y with "middle left/right" (irregular push order) during the game that is started at time t5y. In the above case, the game will transition to an add-on specialized state from the next game. As described above, when the add-on specialized state ends, the game will transition to the main AT state. In the above main AT state, bell B1 from bell group B may win, and instruction performance X1 (left, middle, right) may be executed. In the above case, even if the game in which instruction performance X1 is executed is stopped at "left, middle, right", the ball output state will not change from the main AT state (it will not transition to an add-on specialized state).

As can be understood from the above explanation, when the instruction performance (X, H) is executed in a game in which Bell Group B is won, even if the stop operation sequence is the same, the ball output state may be maintained (main AT state) or not (preparation state). With the above configuration, there is an advantage that the inconvenience of the ball output state changing at an unintended time can be suppressed compared to a configuration in which the ball output state changes uniformly when the stop operation is performed in a specific stop operation sequence in a game in which a specific winning area is won.

Third Embodiment
FIG. 28(a) is a diagram for explaining winning combinations that are won in each stop operation sequence in the third embodiment. The first and third embodiments have the same ball-discharging states that can be transitioned to. In addition, the various processes executed in each ball-discharging state are generally the same in the first and third embodiments. Furthermore, the instruction modes (a to c) for each ball-discharging state are the same in the first and third embodiments.

In the third embodiment, batting order bells 01 to 04 are provided in place of bells A1 to A4 (bell group A) and bells B1 to B8 (bell group B) in the first embodiment. The winning probability of each of the above batting order bells 01 to 04 is the same. Hereinafter, batting order bells 01 to 04 may be referred to as "bell group X." The winning areas other than bell group X are the same in the first and third embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 28(a), in a game in which Bell Group X wins, the winning combination that is won varies depending on the stop operation order. For example, in a game in which Batting Order Bell 01 of Bell Group X wins, if the stop operation is performed at "middle left/right", an 8-coin bell combination will win regardless of the stop operation position. The 8-coin bell combination is a winning combination with a payout of 8 coins. On the other hand, in a game in which Batting Order Bell 01 wins, if the stop operation is performed at any position other than "middle left/right", one of the 1-coin combinations will win regardless of the stop operation position.

Similarly, in a game in which batting order Bell 02 from Bell Group X is won, if the player stops at "center, right, left", an 8-coin bell role will be won regardless of the stop position, and if the player stops at any other position than "center, right, left", a 1-coin role will be won regardless of the stop position. In a game in which batting order Bell 03 is won, if the player stops at "right, left, center", an 8-coin bell role will be won regardless of the stop position, and if the player stops at any other position than "right, left, center", a 1-coin role will be won regardless of the stop position. In a game in which batting order Bell 04 is won, if the player stops at "right, center, left", an 8-coin bell role will be won regardless of the stop position, and if the player stops at any other position than "right, center, left", a 1-coin role will be won regardless of the stop position.

In the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment described above, the expected value of winning for the left 1st is smaller than the expected value of winning for the irregular pressing sequence (middle 1st, right 1st). In addition, the expected value of winning is the same for each stop operation sequence of the left 1st (left-center-right, left-right-center), and the expected value of winning is the same for each stop operation sequence of the irregular pressing sequence (center-left-right, center-right-left, right-left-center, right-center-left).

In the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when a stop operation is performed in an irregular button press sequence in the normal state and standby state (A, B), main penalty control is executed. Note that, as will be described in detail later, in a game in which bell group X is won during the instruction period (instruction mode a), the stop operation sequence may or may not be instructed. In a game in which the stop operation sequence is not instructed during the instruction period, main penalty control is not executed even if the stop operation is performed in an irregular button press sequence.

When bell group X is won, the first command "A0F" is commonly sent from the main CPU 301 to the sub-CPU 412. Note that in the third embodiment, the first command when another winning area is won is the same as in the first embodiment.

If Bell Group X wins during the non-instruction period, the second command "B99" (no instruction) is sent. Also, in instruction modes b and c during the instruction period, in a game in which Batting Order Bell 01 of Bell Group X wins, the instruction information "01" (center left/right) is displayed on the instruction display 16 as a general rule, and the second command "B01" (center left/right) is sent.

Similarly, in instruction modes b and c, in a game in which batting order bell 02 is won, instruction information "02" (center, right, left) is displayed on the instruction display 16 and the second command "B02" (center, right, left) is transmitted. Also, in instruction modes b and c, in a game in which batting order bell 03 is won, instruction information "03" (right, left, center) is displayed on the instruction display 16 and the second command "B03" (right, left, center) is transmitted, and in a game in which batting order bell 04 is won, instruction information "04" (right, center, left) is displayed on the instruction display 16 and the second command "B04" (right, center, left) is transmitted.

In the third embodiment, the same specific effects (instruction effect X, suggestion effect Y, instruction effect Z) as in the first embodiment are executed. Specifically, when the sub-CPU 412 receives the second commands "B01" to "B04", instruction effects X1 to X4 are executed on the liquid crystal display device 30. As can be understood from the above explanation, in a game in which bell group X is won in instruction mode b or instruction mode c, the instruction display 16 and the liquid crystal display device 30 are instructed in principle to follow the stopping operation sequence (hereinafter "correct pressing sequence") that allows the player to win the 8-bell role.

On the other hand, if bell group X is won in instruction mode a, an instruction execution lottery is executed, and, provided that the instruction execution lottery is won, instruction information corresponding to the correct button press sequence is displayed on the instruction display 16, and an instruction performance instructing the correct button press sequence is executed. On the other hand, if the instruction execution lottery is not won, the instruction information is not displayed on the instruction display 16, and the instruction performance is not executed. Specifically, if the instruction execution lottery is not won, a suggestion performance Y is executed. The above configuration will be described in detail using Figure 28 (b) below.

Figure 28 (b) is a flowchart of the bell winning process in the third embodiment. The main CPU 301 executes the bell winning process at the start of a game in which the bell group X is won. When the above bell winning process starts, the main CPU 301 determines whether or not the current game is in the command period (Sz11). If it is determined that it is not in the command period (Sz11: No), the main CPU 301 sets the second command "B99" in the command storage area (Sz17) and ends the bell winning process.

On the other hand, if it is determined that it is the instruction period (Sz11: Yes), the main CPU 301 determines whether the instruction mode is instruction mode a (Sz12). If the instruction mode is not instruction mode a (Sz12: No), the main CPU 301 executes an instruction display control process (Sz13). That is, in the case of instruction mode b or instruction mode c, the instruction display control process is executed. In the instruction display control process, an instruction number corresponding to the correct pressing sequence for winning the 8-coin bell role in this game is determined, and instruction information (0 to 4) corresponding to the instruction number is displayed on the instruction display 16. After that, the main CPU 301 sets a second command (B01 to B04) corresponding to the instruction number determined in the immediately preceding instruction display control process, and ends the bell winning process.

According to the above configuration, in a game in which bell group X is won in instruction mode b or instruction mode c, a second command indicating the correct button press sequence is generally transmitted from the main CPU 301 to the sub-CPU 412. The sub-CPU 412 executes instruction performance X indicating the correct button press sequence indicated by the received second command.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step Sz12 above that it is instruction mode a (Sz12: Yes), the main CPU 301 executes an instruction execution lottery (Sz15). In the instruction execution lottery described above, it is determined by lottery whether or not instruction performance X will be executed in the current game. For example, in the instruction execution lottery, it is determined with approximately 1/2 probability that instruction performance X will be executed (with approximately 1/2 probability of winning instruction performance X).

The main CPU 301 determines whether or not the instruction execution lottery has been won (Sz16), and if it has been won (Sz16: Yes), it executes the instruction display control process described above, sets the second command (B01-B04) indicating the correct button press sequence for the current game, and ends the bell winning process. In the above cases, an instruction effect X indicating the correct button press sequence is executed. On the other hand, if the instruction execution lottery has not been won (Sz16: Yes), the main CPU 301 sets the second command "B99" (no instruction) and ends the bell winning process. In the above cases, a suggestion effect Y is executed, as explained in FIG. 28 (c-1) below.

Figures 28(c-1) and 28(c-2) are conceptual diagrams of the specific performance determination table in the third embodiment (see Figures 13(a) and 13(b) in the first embodiment). Note that Figures 28(c-1) and 28(c-2) show excerpts of the specific performance determination table for instruction mode a and the specific performance determination table for instruction mode b.

Figure 28 (c-1) is a conceptual diagram of a specific effect determination table in the instruction mode a. As described above, in the instruction mode a, in a game in which the bell group X is won, if the instruction execution lottery is won, a combination of the first command "A0F" and any of the second commands "B01" to "B04" is received on the sub-CPU 412 side. In the above case, as shown in Figure 28 (c-1), any of the instruction effects X1 to X4 is executed according to the second command. In the instruction effect X, the correct button pressing sequence for winning the 8-bell role is instructed. Also, in the instruction mode a, in a game in which the bell group X is won, if the instruction execution lottery is not won, a combination of the first command "A0F" and the second command "B99" is received on the sub-CPU 412 side. In the above case, as shown in Figure 28 (c-1), the suggestion effect Y is executed.

As described above, in a game in which the bell group X is won, the expected value to be won in an irregular push order is greater than the expected value to be won in the first left step. Also, in the instruction mode a, the main penalty control is not executed even if the stop operation is performed in an irregular push order in a game in which the instruction effect X is not executed. In the above configuration, when the suggestion effect Y is executed, the player will perform the stop operation in an irregular push order. That is, the suggestion effect Y in the third embodiment functions as an effect that suggests that the stop operation should be performed in an irregular push order, similar to the suggestion effect Y in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 28 (c-1), in the third embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, when 1 coin 4 is won in the instruction mode a, the suggestion effect Y is executed.

Figure 28 (c-2) is a conceptual diagram of a specific effect determination table in instruction mode b. As described above, in instruction mode b, in a game in which bell group X is won, a combination of the first command "A0F" and any one of the second commands "B01" to "B04" is generally received by the sub-CPU 412. In the above case, as shown in Figure 28 (c-2), any one of instruction effects X1 to X4 is executed according to the second command. Note that, in instruction mode c, as in instruction mode b, in a game in which bell group X is won, instruction effects X (1 to 4) instructing the correct button pressing order are generally executed. Also, in instruction mode c of the third embodiment, instruction effect Z may be executed, as in instruction mode c of the first embodiment.

In the third embodiment, during the non-indicated period, suggestive effect Y is not executed regardless of the winning area (even if bell group X is won). Also, if the stop operation is performed in an irregular pressing sequence during the non-indicated period, main penalty control is executed.

According to the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment described above, it is possible to improve the actual increase value while suppressing the ratio of command-inclusive features. Note that the configuration for improving the actual increase value while suppressing the ratio of command-inclusive features is not limited to the above examples.

For example, as a modified example of the third embodiment, instead of batting order bells 01 to 04, a configuration is assumed in which batting order bell C, in which the correct push order is the middle 1st, and batting order bell R, in which the correct push order is the right 1st, are provided. In the above modified examples, the first command of batting order bell C and batting order bell R are common. Also, in instruction mode b or instruction mode c, in a winning game of batting order bell C, middle 1st (correct push order) is indicated by the instruction display 16, and middle 1st is indicated by the instruction effect. Similarly, in instruction mode b or instruction mode c, in a winning game of batting order bell R, right 1st (correct push order) is indicated by the instruction display 16, and right 1st is indicated by the instruction effect. However, in instruction mode a, in a winning game of batting order bell C, middle 1st is indicated by the instruction display 16 and the liquid crystal display device 30, while in a winning game of batting order bell R, suggestion effect Y is executed (no instruction information is displayed).

In the above modified example, in a game in which suggested effect Y is executed, an 8-bell combination is won by performing a stop operation on the first right. Therefore, suggested effect Y of the modified example suggests the stop operation sequence that will result in an 8-bell combination. According to the modified example above, as in the first and third embodiments, it is possible to improve the actual added value while suppressing the ratio of instructed features.

The third embodiment can be adopted in the second embodiment described above. Specifically, in the third embodiment, a preparation state is provided, and if the bell group X is won in the preparation state, the instruction performance H described above is executed. Also, in a game in which the instruction performance H is executed, if the stop operation is performed in an irregular pressing sequence, the configuration may be such that the next game will transition to an added-on specialized state.

<Modification>
The above embodiments can be modified in various ways. Specific modified embodiments are exemplified below. Two or more embodiments selected from the following examples can be appropriately combined.

(1) In the second embodiment described above, the configuration is such that no instruction effects other than instruction effect H are executed in the preparation state. However, the configuration may be such that instruction effects other than instruction effect H can be executed in the preparation state. For example, the configuration may be such that instruction effect X, which indicates the correct button pressing sequence to win the bell role, can be executed in the preparation state.

Specifically, when bell group B is selected in the ready state, the main CPU 301 executes an instruction type determination process. In the instruction type determination process described above, a lottery is performed to determine whether instruction performance X (1-4) or instruction performance H will be executed. For example, there is a probability of approximately 1/2 that instruction performance X will be determined, and a probability of approximately 1/2 that instruction performance H will be executed.

In a game in which instruction effect X is determined, an instruction number indicating the correct button press sequence for that game is determined, a second command indicating that instruction number is sent to the sub-CPU 412, and instruction effect X (1 to 4) corresponding to that second command is executed. However, even if a stop operation is performed with an irregular button press sequence in a game in which instruction effect X is determined, the ball output state is maintained in the ready state. On the other hand, when instruction effect H is determined, an instruction number indicating an irregular button press sequence is determined, a second command indicating that instruction number is sent to the sub-CPU 412, and instruction effect H is executed. When a stop operation is performed with an irregular button press sequence in a game in which instruction effect H is executed, it becomes possible to transition to an add-on specialized state.

Let us assume that in the preparation state, a player (especially a beginner) cannot immediately understand the stopping operation sequence instructed by instruction effect H. In such a case, depending on the player, a situation may arise in which the player continues to perform the stopping operation 1st to the left every time instruction effect H is executed in the preparation state. Therefore, the preparation state may be prolonged longer than necessary, which may result in the inconvenience of wasting many medals in the preparation state. According to the above-mentioned modified example, instruction effect X is executed in the preparation state, making it possible to win the 12-bell role. Therefore, there is an advantage in that the loss of medals when the preparation state is prolonged longer than necessary is suppressed.

In the above specific example, whether or not to execute instruction effect X was determined by the instruction type determination process, but the configuration for enabling instruction effect X to be executed in the preparation state is not limited to the above example. For example, a configuration is conceivable in which instruction effect X is executed in games in which Bell B1, Bell B3, Bell B5, and Bell B7 of Bell Group B are won, and instruction effect H is executed in games in which Bell B2, Bell B4, Bell B6, and Bell B8 are won.

In the preparation state of the above configuration, in a game in which Bell B1, Bell B3, Bell B5, and Bell B7 of the bell group B are won, instruction information corresponding to the correct pressing order is displayed, and a second command indicating the correct pressing order is sent to the sub-CPU 412. On the other hand, in a game in which Bell B2, Bell B4, Bell B6, and Bell B8 are won, instruction information indicating an irregular pressing order is displayed, and a second command indicating the instruction information is sent to the sub-CPU 412. With the above configuration, there is an advantage that the correct pressing order is uniform when the instruction performance H is executed in the preparation state. In addition, in each form in which the preparation state is provided, the period during which the correct pressing order for the bell role is instructed can be changed as appropriate. For example, in the preparation state after the instruction performance H is executed for the first time, the correct pressing order for the bell role may not be instructed. In other words, in the preparation state after the instruction performance H is executed for the first time, only the instruction performance H may be executed, and the instruction performance X may not be executed. In addition, the instruction performance X and the instruction performance H may continue to be executed in the preparation state regardless of whether the instruction performance H is executed or not.

(2) In the second embodiment described above, the configuration that enables a transition from the preparation state to the added-on specialized state is not limited to the above example. Specifically, the preparation state may be configured to continue even if a stop operation is performed in an irregular button press sequence during a game in which instruction performance H is executed during the early period of the preparation state.

For example, in the first 10 games in the ready state, the ready state will continue even if the stop operation is performed in an irregular button press sequence in a game in which instruction performance H is executed. Also, in the 11th game and onwards in the ready state, if the stop operation is performed in an irregular button press sequence in a game in which instruction performance H is executed, a transition to the transition possible state will occur. In the above transition possible state, a stop operation sequence is instructed in which a red seven replay is stopped and displayed in a game in which a recovery replay is won. In the transition possible state, if a recovery replay is won, regardless of whether a red seven replay is stopped and displayed (regardless of the stop operation mode), a transition will occur from the next game to the add-on specialization state.

In addition, in the above modified examples (including other modified examples), the instruction performance H may be executed in a game in which bell group B in the transitionable state is won. Also, in a game in which instruction performance H is executed in the preparation state and transitionable state, if a 12-bell role is won, a predetermined bonus may be awarded. For example, in a game in which instruction performance H is executed in the preparation state and transitionable state, if a 12-bell role is won, the number of additional plays in the main AT state may be awarded.

Furthermore, in a game in which the instruction performance H is executed in the preparation state and the transitionable state, a configuration may be made in which a bonus is more likely to be awarded depending on the number of times a 12-bell role has been won. For example, a configuration may be made in which a lottery is held to determine whether or not a bonus will be awarded when a 12-bell role is won, and the more times the 12-bell role has been won, the higher the probability of winning the lottery. Similarly, in a game in which the instruction performance H is executed in the preparation state in the second embodiment, a predetermined bonus may be awarded if a 12-bell role is won.

In the above modified examples, even if the 12-bell combination is not awarded in a game in which the instruction performance H is executed, a bonus may be awarded if the stop operation is performed in an irregular pressing sequence. The trigger for transitioning from the preparation state to the transitionable state is not limited to the above examples. For example, the transition to the transitionable state may be triggered by a stop operation in an irregular pressing sequence during the instruction performance H in the preparation state and winning a predetermined lottery. The transition to the transitionable state may be triggered from the next game in which the instruction performance H is executed, regardless of the number of games executed in the preparation state.

(3) In the second embodiment described above, the instruction performance H may be executed in a state other than the preparation state. For example, the instruction performance H may be executed in the main AT state. In addition, in a game in which the instruction performance H is executed in the main AT state, if a 12-bell combination is won, a predetermined bonus (for example, the number of additional plays in the main AT state) may be awarded. Note that, even if a 12-bell combination is not won in a game in which the instruction performance H is executed in the main AT state, a bonus may be awarded if the player performs a stop operation in an irregular pressing sequence.

In the above modified examples, if the instruction performance H is executed in a state other than the preparation state, the ball output state progresses (the number of remaining plays is subtracted) regardless of the stop operation sequence (even if the stop operation is performed on the first left). However, it is also possible to determine by lottery whether or not to execute the instruction performance H in the main AT state, and if the instruction performance H is won, the main AT state is temporarily interrupted and the state transitions to the preparation state. In the above configuration, the preparation state continues until the instruction performance H is executed (for example, until a specific winning area is won), and if the stop operation is performed in an irregular pressing sequence in a game in which the instruction performance H is executed, the state then returns to the main AT state. Also, if the stop operation is performed on the first left in a game in which the instruction performance H is executed, the preparation state continues.

(4) In the second embodiment described above, the trigger for transitioning to the preparation state can be changed as appropriate. For example, in addition to transitioning from the normal state to the add-on specialized state, when transitioning from the main AT state to the add-on specialized state, the configuration may be such that the state transitions from the main AT state to the add-on specialized state via the preparation state. Also, when transitioning to the add-on specialized state, the configuration may be such that the state transitions to the add-on specialized state via the preparation state, regardless of the ball output state from which the transition occurs.

However, when transitioning from a non-instruction period (normal state) to an add-on specialized state, the state transitions to the add-on specialized state via a preparation state, whereas when transitioning from an instruction period (main AT state, etc.) to an add-on specialized state, the state transitions to the add-on specialized state without transitioning to a preparation state. For example, in a stock specialized state, the add-on stock counter may be incremented to a value of "2" or more. In such cases, the state transitions repeatedly to the add-on specialized state after the stock specialized state ends, but does not transition to a preparation state. However, when transitioning repeatedly to an add-on specialized state, the state transitions to a preparation state only when transitioning to the first add-on specialized state may be configured.

In addition, when transitioning from the normal state to the add-on specialized state, the configuration may be such that the state transitions to the add-on specialized state via the chance AT state. In the above configuration, if the initial AT hit lottery is won in the normal state, the state transitions to the chance AT state. In addition, in the chance AT state, whether or not to transition to the add-on specialized state (main AT state) is determined by lottery. If the lottery is lost, the state returns to the normal state after the chance AT state ends. On the other hand, if the lottery is won, the state transitions to the add-on specialized state via the preparation state after the chance AT state ends.

Furthermore, the configuration may be such that a transition is made to a ball-dispensing state for a specific non-instruction period via the preparation state. For example, in the above-mentioned modified example, a configuration is assumed in which a transition is made from a chance AT state to a chance state. The above chance state is a non-instruction period, and whether or not to transition to an add-on specialized state is determined with a high probability in each game. If a transition to an add-on specialized state is determined in the chance state, then a transition to the add-on specialized state occurs. On the other hand, if the chance state ends before a transition to the add-on specialized state is determined, then a transition to the normal state occurs.

In the above configuration, the system may be configured to transition to a preparation state after the chance AT state ends, and transition to a chance state when a stop operation is performed in an irregular pressing sequence during instruction performance H in the preparation state. Also, if a 12-bell combination is won during a game in which instruction performance H is executed in the preparation state, the number of games in the chance state thereafter may be extended.

(5) In each form, the configuration in which the warning image Gk is displayed is not limited to the above examples. For example, a configuration is assumed in which an end notification of a specific ball-dispensing state can be executed, and a result screen Mr including a warning image Gk is displayed when the end notification is issued. In addition, a configuration is assumed in which an end notification is executed even if the ball-dispensing state actually continues, and then a revival effect is displayed to notify that the ball-dispensing state will continue. In the above configurations, a configuration is conceivable in which a result screen Mr including a warning image Gk is displayed when the end notification is issued, regardless of whether a revival effect is executed or not.

In addition, in the modified examples of Figures 19(b-1) and 19(b-2) described above, when there is a transition from an AT state (main AT state) to a standby state via a non-advantageous section, there are cases where the standby state transitions again to an AT state (premium AT state), and cases where the standby state transitions to a normal state. In the above modified examples, when a continuation notification is executed in the standby state to indicate that the AT state will continue (restart), no end notification is executed, and the standby state transitions to the AT state. In the above cases, the result screen Mr and warning image Gk are not displayed in the standby state.

When the standby state transitions to the normal state, the result screen Mr and the warning image Gk are displayed in the end notification. In the above configuration, even in some cases where the standby state transitions to the AT state again, the end notification is executed instead of the continuation notification, and the result screen Mr and the warning image Gk are displayed. Specifically, the end notification is executed in the final game in the standby state. When the standby state transitions to the AT state, the insertion of a medal to start the next game triggers the revival performance, and the performance mode switches to the AT mode (premiere AT mode). On the other hand, when the standby state transitions to the normal state, the insertion of a medal to start the next game triggers the performance mode to switch to the normal mode. According to the above modified example, regardless of the presence or absence of the revival performance, the warning image Gk is displayed in the end notification. Therefore, the inconvenience of the presence or absence of the revival performance being understood from the presence or absence of the warning image Gk is suppressed.

(6) In each form, in a game where the bell group (A or X) is won and the suggestive effect Y is executed, the suggestive effect Y may not be executed. Also, in each form, if a specific effect (instruction effect, suggestive effect) is not executed in a winning game of the bell group during the instruction period, the main penalty control may be executed when the stop operation is performed with an irregular pressing sequence.

(7) In each form, the instruction performance X may be configured to change depending on whether a specific bell group (e.g., bell group A) is won or another bell group (e.g., bell group B) is won. For example, in the instruction performance X, a common instruction image Gsx is displayed regardless of the type of bell group. On the other hand, in the instruction performance X when a specific bell group is won, a performance image (e.g., a performance during AT) that is displayed even in a game in which the instruction performance X is not executed is displayed, and in the instruction performance X when another bell group is won, a dedicated cut-in image is displayed instead of (or in addition to) the performance image.

Furthermore, in a game in which instruction performance X is executed, a different image may be displayed depending on the type of bell role that has been won. For example, if a bell role that pays out a relatively small number of coins wins, an image displaying the string "GET" may be displayed (without displaying the number of coins paid out), and if a bell role that pays out a relatively large number of coins wins, an image displaying the string "GET XX coins!" may be displayed.

(8) In each embodiment, the bell group is not limited to the above examples. For example, in the first embodiment, instead of bell group A and bell group B, bell group C including bells C1 to C8 may be provided. In the above modified example, if the stop operation is performed on the 1st from the left in a game in which bell group C is won, a 1-coin role will be won regardless of the stop operation position.

On the other hand, in a game in which Bell C1 wins, if the reel is stopped anywhere other than "middle left/right", a 1-coin role will be awarded, and if the reel is stopped at "middle left/right", a 3-coin bell role or a 12-coin bell role will be awarded depending on the symbol position at which the first middle reel is stopped. Specifically, if the symbol position at which the first middle reel is stopped is in the first range, a 3-coin bell role will be awarded, and if the symbol position at which the first middle reel is stopped is in a range other than the first range (hereinafter referred to as the "second range"), a 12-coin bell role will be awarded.

In addition, in a game in which Bell C2 is won, if the reel is stopped at any position other than "middle left/right", a 1-coin role is won, and if the reel is stopped at "middle left/right", a 3-coin bell role is won if the symbol position at the first middle stop operation is in the second range, and a 12-coin bell role is won if the symbol position at the first middle stop operation is in the first range. In a game in which Bell C3 is won, if the reel is stopped at any position other than "middle right/left", a 1-coin role is won, and if the reel is stopped at "middle right/left", a 3-coin bell role is won if the symbol position at the first middle stop operation is in the first range, and a 12-coin bell role is won if the symbol position at the first middle stop operation is in the second range. In a game in which Bell C4 wins, if the reel is stopped at any position other than "middle, right, left", a 1-coin role is won, and if the reel is stopped at "middle, right, left", a 3-coin bell role is won if the symbol position at the middle first stop operation is in the second range, and a 12-coin bell role is won if the symbol position at the middle first stop operation is in the first range. In a game in which Bell C5 wins, if the reel is stopped at any position other than "right, left, middle", a 1-coin role is won, and if the reel is stopped at "right, left, middle", a 3-coin bell role is won if the symbol position at the right first stop operation is in the first range, and a 12-coin bell role is won if the symbol position at the right first stop operation is in the second range. In a game in which Bell C6 wins, if the reel is stopped at any position other than "right, left, center", a 1-coin role is won, and if the reel is stopped at "right, left, center", a 3-coin bell role is won if the symbol position at the right first stop operation is in the second range, and a 12-coin bell role is won if the symbol position at the right first stop operation is in the first range. In a game in which Bell C7 wins, if the reel is stopped at any position other than "right, center, left", a 1-coin role is won, and if the reel is stopped at "right, center, left", a 3-coin bell role is won if the symbol position at the right first stop operation is in the first range, and a 12-coin bell role is won if the symbol position at the right first stop operation is in the second range. In a game where Bell C8 wins, if the reel is stopped anywhere other than "right, center, left", a 1-coin role will be won, and if the reel is stopped on "right, center, left", a 3-coin bell role will be won if the first symbol on the right is in the second range, and a 12-coin bell role will be won if the first symbol on the right is in the first range. The winning probabilities for Bell C1 to Bell C8 are the same.

In the above modified example, in a game in which bell C1 is won in instruction mode a, instruction information J1 is displayed. Similarly, in a game in which bell C2 is won in instruction mode a, instruction information J1 is displayed. In a game in which the above instruction information J1 is displayed, a 3-bell role or a 12-bell role is won by performing a stop operation at "middle left right". Therefore, in a game in which the above instruction information J1 is displayed, "middle left left" is essentially indicated. Also, in instruction mode a, in a game in which bell C3 or bell C4 is won, instruction information J2 (middle right left) is displayed, in a game in which bell C5 or bell C6 is won, instruction information J3 (right left center) is displayed, and in a game in which bell C7 or bell C8 is won, instruction information J4 (right center left) is displayed. From the above instruction information J1 to J4, the pattern position in which the 12-bell role is won cannot be specified.

In addition, in the above modified example, in a game in which bell C1 is won in instruction mode b, instruction information J11 is displayed, and in a game in which bell C2 is won in instruction mode b, instruction information J12 is displayed. In the above configuration, in a game in which instruction information J11 is displayed, a 12-bell role is won by performing a stop operation at "middle left/right" while performing a middle first stop operation in the second range. In addition, in a game in which instruction information J12 is displayed, a 12-bell role is won by performing a stop operation at "middle left/right" while performing a middle first stop operation in the first range. In other words, the instruction information J11 essentially instructs the combination of the stop operation sequence (middle left/right) and the stop operation position that will result in a 12-bell role.

Similarly, in instruction mode b, in a game in which bell C3 is won, instruction information J13 is displayed, and in a game in which bell C4 is won, instruction information J14 is displayed. In instruction mode b, in a game in which bell C5 is won, instruction information J15 is displayed, and in a game in which bell C6 is won, instruction information J16 is displayed. In instruction mode b, in a game in which bell C7 is won, instruction information J17 is displayed, and in a game in which bell C8 is won, instruction information J18 is displayed. The same is true in instruction mode c.

Even in the above modified examples, when instruction information is displayed, the player performs the stop operation according to the instruction information, and when instruction information is not displayed, the medal increase value when the player performs the stop operation at the first left step varies between instruction mode a and instruction mode b. However, even in the modified examples, the proportion of games in which "middle left/right" is instructed (games in which instruction information J1, J11, J12 is displayed) in each game in which the stop operation sequence is instructed is the same for each instruction mode. The same is true for the proportion of games in which other stop operation sequences are instructed.

In addition, in this modified example, as in the other embodiments, when instruction information is displayed, a second command corresponding to the instruction information is transmitted. For example, in instruction mode b, a second command BJ11 corresponding to instruction information J11 is transmitted. The above second command BJ11 can be said to be a second command indicating the stop operation mode in which the awarded game value is maximized. On the other hand, in instruction mode a, a second command BJ1 corresponding to instruction information J1 is transmitted. The above second command BJ1 does not indicate the stop operation mode in which the awarded game value is maximized.

(9) In the present invention, the "state" (first state, second state) refers to one of the ball-dispensing states or a combination of multiple ball-dispensing states. For example, the "second state" to which an "instruction command" (second command) can be sent may refer to a combination of the main AT state and the premier AT state among the ball-dispensing states.

(10) In each form, the conditions for terminating the advantageous zone can be changed as appropriate. For example, in the main AT state, a lottery is held to determine whether or not the right to transition to the premier AT state is granted, and if the lottery is won, the game transitions to a non-advantageous zone and then to the premier AT state. In the above configuration, the game may transition to a special AT mode in the main AT state. In the above special AT mode, AT stocks are granted with a high probability. In addition, even if the right to transition to the premier AT state is granted in the main AT state, if the game remains in the special AT mode, the instruction period is more likely to continue for a long period of time if the game remains in the special AT mode than if the game transitions to the premier AT state (if the game transitions to a non-advantageous zone). In the above configuration, even if the right to transition to the premier AT state is granted during play in the main AT state, if the game remains in the special AT mode, the game may be configured so that the game does not transition to the premier AT state (non-advantageous zone) and the special AT mode (main AT state) continues.

(11) In each form, the instruction information displayed when the bell group is won may be changed as appropriate. For example, in each form, a configuration is assumed in which bell groups D and E are provided instead of the bell groups (A, B, C, X). Bell group D includes bells D1 to D4. In each game in which bell group D is won, a common first command is sent to the sub-CPU 412 regardless of the winning area. Also, in each game in which bell group E is won, a common first command is sent regardless of the winning area. However, the first command differs between each game in which bell group D is won and each game in which bell group E is won.

In a game in which Bell D1 is won, if the player stops at "middle left/right", the 9-coin bell role will be won, and if the player stops at any other position than "middle left/right", the 1-coin role will be won. Similarly, in a game in which Bell D2 is won, if the player stops at "middle right left", the 9-coin bell role will be won, and if the player stops at any other position than "middle right left", the 1-coin role will be won. In a game in which Bell D3 is won, if the player stops at "right left middle", the 9-coin bell role will be won, and if the player stops at any other position than "right left middle", the 1-coin role will be won. In a game in which Bell D4 is won, if the player stops at "right middle left", the 9-coin bell role will be won, and if the player stops at any other position than "right middle left", the 1-coin role will be won.

Bell group E includes Bell E1 to Bell E4. In a game where Bell E1 is won, if the player stops at "middle left/right", an 11-coin bell role will be won, and if the player stops at any other position, a 1-coin role will be won. Similarly, in a game where Bell E2 is won, if the player stops at "middle right left", an 11-coin bell role will be won, and if the player stops at any other position, a 1-coin role will be won. In a game where Bell E3 is won, if the player stops at "right left middle", an 11-coin bell role will be won, and if the player stops at any other position, a 1-coin role will be won. In a game where Bell E4 is won, if the player stops at "right middle left", an 11-coin bell role will be won, and if the player stops at any other position, a 1-coin role will be won. Hereinafter, the stop operation sequence for winning a 9-coin bell role and the stop operation sequence for winning an 11-coin bell role may be referred to as the "correct push order."

As described above, in this modified example, the correct button press sequence is the same for a game in which the bell D1 is won and a game in which the bell E1 is won. However, in the instruction mode (instruction mode b) in which the correct button press sequence is instructed, the instruction information displayed differs between a game in which the bell D1 is won and a game in which the bell E1 is won. Specifically, the instruction information "2" is displayed in a game in which the bell D1 is won, and the instruction information "6" is displayed in a game in which the bell E1 is won. Similarly, the instruction information "3" is displayed in a game in which the bell D2 is won, and the instruction information "7" is displayed in a game in which the bell E2 is won. The instruction information "4" is displayed in a game in which the bell D3 is won, and the instruction information "8" is displayed in a game in which the bell E3 is won. The instruction information "5" is displayed in a game in which the bell D4 is won, and the instruction information "9" is displayed in a game in which the bell E4 is won. In this modified example, a second command corresponding to the instruction information (instruction number) is transmitted to the sub-CPU 412.

If the correct button press sequence is the same for a game in which Bell Group D is won and a game in which Bell Group E is won, the same instruction information is displayed. In the above configuration, if a player performs a stop operation in hopes of winning an 11-bell combination, and instead wins a 9-bell combination, this can cause an inconvenience that reduces the player's motivation to play, depending on the player.

According to the above-mentioned modified example, even if the correct button press sequence is the same for a game in which Bell Group D is won and a game in which Bell Group E is won, different instruction information is displayed. Therefore, by checking the instruction information, the player can know in advance whether a 9-bell role or an 11-bell role will be won. Therefore, according to this modified example, the above-mentioned inconvenience is suppressed. Note that in this modified example, if the correct button press sequence is the same for a game in which Bell Group D is won and a game in which Bell Group E is won, the displayed instruction information may also be the same.

However, in this modified example, during the instruction period, the correct button press sequence is indicated by a common instruction image Gs in a game in which bell D1 is won and a game in which bell E1 is won. Similarly, the correct button press sequence is indicated by a common instruction image Gs in a game in which bell D2 is won and a game in which bell E2 is won, the correct button press sequence is indicated by a common instruction image Gs in a game in which bell D3 is won and a game in which bell E3 is won, and the correct button press sequence is indicated by a common instruction image Gs in a game in which bell D4 is won and a game in which bell E4 is won. With the above configuration, the inconvenience of an excessive number of types of instruction images Gs being displayed in each game is suppressed.

In the above modified example, control is performed in instruction mode a in the main AT state, and in instruction mode b in the premier AT state. Also, in instruction mode a, instruction information instructing the correct button press order is displayed in a game in which bell group D of the bell groups (D, E) is won. On the other hand, in instruction mode b, instruction information instructing the correct button press order is displayed in a game in which bell group D of the bell groups (D, E) is won, as well as in a game in which bell group E is won. In the above configuration, the increase in instruction mode b is greater than the increase in instruction mode a.

In addition, in this modified example, the winning probability of each winning area of Bell Group D (Bell D1 to Bell D4) is the same. Also, the winning probability of each winning area of Bell Group E (Bell E1 to Bell E4) is the same. However, the probability of Bell Group D winning is higher than the probability of Bell Group E winning. The above configuration has the advantage of being able to suppress the difference in frequency at which the instruction performance is executed between instruction mode a and instruction mode b, compared to a configuration in which the winning probability of Bell Group E (11-bell role) is higher than the winning probability of Bell Group D (9-bell role).

In this modified example, a preparation state is provided, and in the preparation state, control is performed to instruction mode j. In instruction mode j, instruction effect H is executed in some games in which bell group D is won, and instruction effect X instructing the correct button pressing sequence is executed in other games. Specifically, bell D1 of bell group D includes bell D11 and bell D12 (which have the same winning probability). In instruction mode j, in games in which bell D11 is won, instruction information "1" is displayed and instruction effect H is executed. On the other hand, in games in which bell D12 is won, instruction information "2" (center left and right) is displayed and instruction effect X is executed.

In addition, bell D2 of bell group D includes bell D21 and bell D22 (the winning probability is the same). In the instruction mode j, in a game in which bell D21 is won, the instruction information "1" is displayed and the instruction performance H is executed. On the other hand, in a game in which bell D22 is won, the instruction information "3" (center, right, left) is displayed and the instruction performance X is executed. Similarly, bell D3 of bell group D includes bell D31 and bell D32 (the winning probability is the same). In the instruction mode j, in a game in which bell D31 is won, the instruction information "1" is displayed and the instruction performance H is executed. On the other hand, in a game in which bell D32 is won, the instruction information "4" (right, left, center) is displayed and the instruction performance X is executed. In the bell group D, bell D4 includes bell D41 and bell D42 (the winning probability is the same). In the instruction mode j, in a game in which bell D41 is won, the instruction information "1" is displayed and the instruction performance H is executed. On the other hand, in a game in which bell D42 is won, the instruction information "5" (right, center, left) is displayed and instruction performance X is executed. In instruction mode j, in a game in which bell group E is won, no instruction information is displayed.

In the instruction performance H, as described above, an instruction is given to perform a stop operation in one of the irregular button press sequences. Also, in a game in which the instruction performance H is executed, if a stop operation is performed in an irregular button press sequence, the game then transitions to a transition-enabled state. On the other hand, in a game in which the instruction performance H is executed, if a stop operation is performed on the first left button, the ready state is maintained. In the transition-enabled state, if a replay that can be stopped and displayed as a red seven replay is won, the game transitions to an add-on specialization state from the next game. When the replay is stopped and displayed in the transition-enabled state, a start image is displayed to notify the player that the add-on specialization state will begin. Note that the transition from the transition-enabled state to the main AT state may also be configured.

(12) In each form, a configuration in which the increase in the ready state is less than the number "0" is preferable. Let us assume a configuration in which the increase in the ready state is equal to or greater than the number "0". Let us also assume that in the above configuration, when a transition is made to a non-advantageous zone, a transition is then made to an advantageous ball output state (for example, a premier AT state). In the above cases, there remains room for fraudulent conduct in which a stop operation is intentionally performed on the left 1st in a game in which instruction performance H is executed, the ready state is maintained until the difference number counter is subtracted to the number "0", and then a transition is made to an advantageous ball output state via a non-advantageous zone. According to the above-mentioned modified example, the above fraudulent conduct is suppressed.

(13) In each embodiment, multiple types of ball output states to which a transition can be made via the preparation state may be provided. For example, a configuration is assumed in which a first add-on specialized state and a second add-on specialized state are provided as add-on specialized states. In the above configuration, a configuration in which a transition can be made to either the first add-on specialized state or the second add-on specialized state via the preparation state may be provided.

In addition, in the above configuration, in the preparation state, it may be possible to configure it so that in principle it is concealed whether the state will transition to the first added-on specialization state or the second added-on specialization state. When the instruction performance H is executed in the preparation state and the stop operation is performed in an irregular pressing sequence, the state transitions to a transition possible state. The above transition possible state ends after a predetermined number of plays (for example, one time). In play in the transition possible state, a notification performance is executed to notify the type of the added-on specialization state to be transitioned to subsequently. According to the above modified example, the game in which the instruction performance H is executed and the game in which the notification performance is executed are separate. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which the instruction performance H and the notification performance are executed in a common game, there is an advantage in that it is easier to secure a period in which the notification performance can be executed.

(14) In each form, the presentation mode of the preparation state and the transitionable state may be changed depending on the ball output state to which the player transitions from the preparation state. For example, a configuration is assumed in which it is possible to transition to the main AT state via the preparation state, and if a premium is won in the normal state, the player transitions to the premium AT state via the preparation state. In the above configuration, the presentation mode of the preparation state may be different when transitioning to the main AT state and when transitioning to the premium AT state. Note that, regardless of the ball output state to which the player transitions, the preparation state ends when a stop operation is performed in an irregular push order in a game in which the instruction presentation H is executed.

Specifically, when transitioning from the normal state to the main AT state, the preparation state and the transition possible state are controlled to a common presentation mode (preparation mode), and if a replay is won in the transition possible state, a presentation is executed instructing each reel 12 to aim for the red seven symbol, and the next game will transition to the main AT state. However, in the above configuration, the presentation mode may be changed between the preparation state and the transition possible state. For example, a presentation mode dedicated to the transition possible state may be provided.

On the other hand, when a premium role is won in the normal state, the subsequent preparation state and transition state are controlled to the premium AT mode, which is common to the premium AT state. In the above preparation state and transition state, a notification is given that a transition to the premium AT state is being prepared. In this modified example, in the preparation state and transition state, a configuration is preferable in which the instruction performance H is executed in a game in which a part of the bell group is won, and the instruction performance X is executed in a game in which the other part is won. Also, in the transition state when transitioning to the premium AT state, no notification is given that the red seven symbol should be aimed for, and the transition to the premium AT state occurs when a replay is stopped and displayed. In the above modified example, when a premium role is won in the instruction period (for example, the main AT state), the preparation state and transition state may be omitted, and a configuration may be made in which a transition to the premium AT state is possible.

(15) In each form, the configuration in which the ball output state transitions via the preparation state is not limited to the above examples. For example, when transitioning from a normal state to an instruction period, in principle, a configuration is assumed in which the preparation state (and transitionable state) is provided at the beginning of the instruction period. In the above configuration, when a premium role is won and the instruction period begins, a configuration in which the state transitions to the premium AT state without going through the preparation state may also be used.

In addition, a configuration is assumed in which, when a predetermined ceiling number of plays is played in the normal state, thereafter the system transitions to a premier AT state or an add-on specialized state. The type of ball output state to transition to after the ceiling number of plays is played is determined, for example, by lottery. In the above configuration, when the ceiling number of plays is played and a transition is made to the premier AT state, the system transitions to the premier AT state without passing through the preparation state, whereas when a transition is made to the add-on specialized state, the system transitions to the add-on specialized state via the preparation state. However, when the ceiling number of plays is played and the instruction period begins, the system may be configured to transition to the preparation state uniformly, or may not transition to the preparation state regardless of the ball output state to which the transition is made.

(16) In each form, in a configuration in which a preparation state may not be established at the start of an instruction period, a configuration that allows a transition to the preparation state during the instruction period is preferable. For example, consider a case in which a ceiling number of plays is played and a transition to a premier AT state occurs without going through the preparation state. In the above cases, when the premier AT state ends (or goes through the middle of the premier AT state) and a transition to an add-on specialized state occurs, a configuration in which a transition to the add-on specialized state occurs through the preparation state is conceivable. Also, in a configuration in which a transition to a preparation state occurs as a general rule (uniformly) when an instruction period begins, a configuration in which a transition to the preparation state does not occur during the instruction period (for example, even when a transition to an add-on specialized state occurs (when a preparation state is established when transitioning from a normal state)).

(17) In each embodiment, when the preparation state is started, a freeze period may be set in which game progress (stop operation, coin insertion operation) is not possible for a predetermined time. For example, the freeze period may be started when the first game start operation is performed in the preparation state. During the freeze period, a start effect is executed to notify the player of the transition to the preparation state or the ball output state to be transitioned to via the preparation state. In addition, a configuration in which instruction information is displayed immediately after the freeze period is started is preferable. As the instruction information, instruction information indicating the correct pressing sequence for the bell role or instruction information indicating an irregular pressing sequence is assumed. However, the instruction effect corresponding to the instruction information is started after the freeze period (start effect) ends.

In the above configuration, even if the instruction effect H is executed in the first game in the preparation state, the instruction information "1" is displayed at the start of the freeze period, so this fact can be known in advance (before the freeze period ends). This has the advantage of reducing the inconvenience of stopping the game with the first left move in a game in which the instruction effect H is executed. In addition, since the start point of the start effect and the start point of the instruction effect H are shifted, the inconvenience of the instruction image Gsh of the instruction effect H becoming difficult to see due to the start effect is reduced. Note that the instruction information may be configured to start being displayed after the freeze period ends.

(18) In each form, the winning area in which the instruction performance H is executed in the preparation state is not limited to the above example. For example, in a configuration in which bell group A and bell group B are provided, the instruction performance H may be executed in a game in which bell group A is won among the bell groups. Also, the instruction performance H may be executed in both a game in which bell group A is won and a game in which bell group B is won. Also, in a configuration in which bell group D and bell group E are provided, the instruction performance H may be executed in a game in which bell group D is won among the bell groups, or the instruction performance H may be executed in a game in which bell group E is won. The instruction performance H may be executed in both a game in which bell group D is won and a game in which bell group E is won.

(19) In each form, the ball output state in which the main penalty control is executed can be changed as appropriate. For example, in instruction mode j (preparation state, transitionable state), the main penalty control may be executed when a stop operation is performed in an irregular button press sequence in a game in which an instruction performance (H, X) is not executed. Similarly, in other instruction modes, the main penalty control may be executed when a stop operation is performed in an irregular button press sequence in a game in which an instruction performance is not executed. In the above configuration, the suggestion performance Y may not be executed.

(20) In each form, the configuration for changing the increase value in each ball output state is not limited to the above example. For example, in a configuration in which a bell group X is provided, a configuration is assumed in which, in the first ball output state, the correct button press sequence is instructed in all games in which the bell group X is won. In the above configuration, in the second ball output state, if the correct button press sequence was instructed in the previous game in which the bell group X was won, the correct button press sequence is not instructed in the current game in which the bell group X is won, and if the correct button press sequence was not instructed in the previous game in which the bell group X was won, the correct button press sequence is instructed in the current game in which the bell group X is won.

(21) In each form, the instruction mode of the transitionable state may be the same as the instruction mode of the preparation state, or may change depending on each ball output state. For example, assume a configuration in which, when the instruction performance H is executed in the preparation state and a transition is made to the transitionable state, the transitionable state ends after a predetermined number of plays (for example, one play). In the above configuration, in the preparation state, the instruction performance H is executed in some of the games in which the bell group is won, and the instruction performance X is executed in other parts (the correct push order for the bell role is instructed). On the other hand, in the transitionable state, the instruction performance X may be executed in all games in which the bell group is won. Specifically, the instruction mode of the transitionable state may be the same as the instruction mode of the ball output state (addition specialization state, main AT state) to which the transitionable state is transitioned to.

(22) The present invention can be applied not only to the above-mentioned pachislot machines, but also to pachinko machines, other gaming machines, and game machines in general. It goes without saying that the control in each of the above modifications can be executed regardless of the gaming state.

The gaming machine of the present invention is, for example, the following gaming machine.

The gaming machine of the present invention is a gaming machine equipped with a game control means (main CPU 301) that controls the progress of the game, a stop operation means (stop button 25) that can be operated to stop the game in either a normal mode or an irregular mode, a pattern display means (reel 12) that variably displays multiple types of patterns in each game and can stop and display the pattern combination resulting from the game in response to a stop operation, a presentation control means (sub CPU 412) that controls the presentation in response to a command from the game control means, and an instruction means (instruction display 16) that can indicate the stop operation mode. The game control means includes a game start means (pre-game start processing) that starts a game using a specified number of game values, a winning area determination means (internal lottery processing) that determines which of each winning area is selected in each game, a pattern change control means (stop control processing) that stops and displays the pattern combination in response to the winning area and the stop operation mode, a game value granting means (stop time processing) that can grant a game value corresponding to the pattern combination, and a game value granting means (stop time processing) that grants a game value corresponding to the pattern combination to the player. The device is equipped with an instruction command sending means for sending an instruction command indicating an advantageous stop operation mode to the performance control means, and a state control means capable of controlling to one of the states including a first state in which the instruction command is not sent to the performance control means and a second state in which the instruction command can be sent to the performance control means, and each winning area includes a plurality of specific winning areas (Bell A, Bell B), and in a specific game in which one of the plurality of specific winning areas is won, the expected value of the game value awarded when the stop operation is performed in an irregular mode is greater than when the stop operation is performed in a normal mode, and in a specific game in the first state, when the stop operation is performed in an irregular mode, a penalty control that is disadvantageous in the processing related to the instruction function is executed, and in a specific game in the second state, when the stop operation is performed in an irregular mode, the penalty control is not executed in the processing related to the instruction function (see FIG. 9(b)), and the instruction command sending means does not send an instruction command in a specific game in the second state (instruction mode a in FIG. 11).

1... gaming machine, 300... main control board, 301... main CPU, 302... main ROM, 303... main RAM, 304... random number generator, 305... I/F circuit, 400... sub control board, 410... performance control board, 411... I/F circuit, 412... sub CPU, 413... sub ROM, 414... sub RAM, 420... image control board, 421... image control CPU, 422... image control ROM, 423... VDP, 424... CG ROM, 425... RAM, 430... sound board, 431... sound source IC, 432... sound source ROM.

Claims (1)

A game control means for controlling the progress of a game;
A stop operation means capable of performing a stop operation in either a normal mode or an irregular mode;
a symbol display means for variably displaying a plurality of types of symbols in each game and capable of stopping and displaying a symbol combination resulting from the game in response to a stopping operation;
A performance control means for controlling a performance in response to a command from the game control means;
An instruction means for instructing a stop operation mode;
A gaming machine comprising:
The game control means includes:
A game starting means for starting a game using a specified number of game values;
A winning area determination means for determining one of the winning areas in each game;
A symbol variation control means for stopping and displaying the symbol combination in accordance with the winning area and the stop operation mode;
a game value awarding means for awarding a game value corresponding to the symbol combination;
An instruction command sending means for sending an instruction command indicating a stop operation mode advantageous to a player to the performance control means;
a state control means for controlling the state to any one of a first state in which the instruction command is not transmitted to the performance control means and a second state in which the instruction command can be transmitted to the performance control means;
Each of the winning areas includes a plurality of specific winning areas,
In a specific game in which any one of the plurality of types of specific winning areas is won, the expected value of the game value awarded in the case of a stop operation in the irregular mode is larger than that in the case of a stop operation in the normal mode,
When the stop operation is performed in the irregular mode in the specific game in the first state, a penalty control that is disadvantageous in the processing related to the instruction function is executed;
In the specific game in the second state, when a stop operation is performed in the irregular mode, the penalty control is not executed in the processing related to the instruction function,
The instruction command transmitting means does not transmit the instruction command in the specific game in the second state.
Amusement machine.

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