JP7514552B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

Conventionally, slot machines equipped with multiple reels with multiple symbols arranged on the outer periphery are known as gaming machines. In a slot machine, the reels start to spin when play begins, and an internal lottery is held using a lottery table. When the reels stop, a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination selected in the internal lottery is displayed on the multiple reels, and if this winning combination wins, a process corresponding to the winning combination is performed, such as a medal payout process that pays out medals (game value) or a replay process that allows the player to play again without consuming any more medals.

In addition, slot machines are equipped with a seven-segment display that can display (announce) certain information (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2019-165898 A

However, there is a demand for gaming machines to improve the entertainment value of the game.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a gaming machine that can increase the enjoyment of gaming.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine of the present invention comprises:
A plurality of reels (e.g., reels 20a, 20b, and 20c) having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface thereof;
An internal lottery means (e.g., the internal lottery means 42) for performing an internal lottery for determining whether or not a winning combination has been achieved;
A payout control means (e.g., a payout control means 45) that determines the amount of game value to be paid out in a game according to the result of the game;
a first display unit (e.g., a segment display unit 350) controlled by a main control means (e.g., a main control board 31);
A gaming machine including a second display unit (e.g., a liquid crystal display unit 210), a sound output unit (e.g., a speaker 14), and a light-emitting unit (e.g., a lighting device 15 or a backlight 17) controlled by a sub-control means (e.g., a sub-control board 32),
The first display unit is capable of displaying a predetermined value,
The second display unit is capable of displaying a predetermined value,
When the payout control means determines the payout of a predetermined amount of game value,
A first payout notification that notifies the payout by sequentially updating a value on the first display unit;
A second payout notification that notifies the payout by sequentially updating the value on the second display unit;
A third payout notification is executed by at least one of the sound output unit or the light emitting unit to notify the payout,
The timing at which the update of the first payout notification ends is different from the timing at which the update of the second payout notification ends,
The start of the update of the first payout notification and the second payout notification is prior to the start of the third payout notification,
The update of the first payout notification and the second payout notification ends before the update of the third payout notification ends.

The timing at which the update of the first payout notification ends is different from the timing at which the update of the second payout notification ends. Compared to when both end at the same time, it is easier to grasp that both values have changed because there is a difference in the end timing.
In addition, the start of the update of the first payout notification and the second payout notification is prior to the start of the third payout notification. By providing a lag in the start timing, the presentation can be prevented from becoming monotonous compared to when the first payout notification and the second payout notification are started simultaneously.
In addition, the end of the update of the first payout notification and the second payout notification is before the end of the third payout notification. Since there is a difference in the end timing and the third payout notification is executed for a longer period, the player can feel as if more game value has been paid out compared to when the first payout notification and the second payout notification are ended at the same time. This can improve the interest of the game.

The gaming machine of the present invention can increase the enjoyment of the game.

1 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the gaming machine. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the internal lottery table. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the batting order of the batting order minor prizes and the winning prizes. FIG. 11 is a state transition diagram of the game state. FIG. 11 is a state transition diagram of the game area and presentation state. FIG. 13 shows the arrangement of symbols on the reels. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the reel stop control. This is a figure for explaining navigation performance, where (a) is an example of a first navigation performance, (b) is an example of a second navigation performance, and (c) is a figure for explaining another example of the second navigation performance. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the gaming machine. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the internal lottery table. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the winning patterns of small prizes. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the payout for small prizes. FIG. 11 is a state transition diagram of the game state. FIG. 11 is a state transition diagram of the game area and presentation state. 1A is a diagram showing a seven-segment display, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a backlight. 11 is a flowchart for explaining a main loop process. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the count-up effect. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the payout sound effect. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the payout sound effect. This is a diagram to explain the dispensing light effect. FIG. 11 is a diagram (schematic diagram) showing a modified example of the gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention, showing a part of the front door as viewed from the front side. This is a diagram to explain the start and end timing of each performance. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an example of a gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a schematic configuration of the gaming machine. FIG. 13 shows the arrangement of symbols on the reels. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a liquid crystal display according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the layer structure of the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the batting order navigation presentation. This is a diagram to explain the specific effects. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining various displays when a specific performance is executed.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.
First, the outline of the gaming machine will be described. In this embodiment, the present invention will be described by taking as an example a case where the present invention is applied to a slot machine, which is one of the gaming machines, but the present invention may be applied to other gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines and medal-less gaming machines, without being limited to slot machines. In the following description, "front and rear" basically means that when a player is in front of the slot machine, the player side is "front" and the slot machine side is "rear", "up and down" means that the top side of the slot machine is "up" and the bottom side is "down", and "left and right" means that the left hand side of the player playing the slot machine is "left" and the right hand side is "right".

As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine (gaming machine) 10 of this embodiment includes a box-shaped housing 11 with an opening on the front side, which faces the player, and a front door 12 for opening and closing the front opening of the housing 11. The housing 11 houses a reel unit in which a rotatable first reel 20a, a second reel 20b, and a third reel 20c are unitized, a hopper device for paying out medals (game value), and the like. The front door 12 is divided into an upper door 12a and a lower door 12b, and the upper door 12a and the lower door 12b can be opened and closed freely relative to the housing 11.

The upper door 12a is provided with a liquid crystal display (display means) 13, a speaker 14, and other performance devices, as well as a display window 16. The liquid crystal display 13 displays images (moving images, still images) for various performances. The speaker 14 outputs sounds (music, sound effects, voice, etc.) for various performances. In addition to the liquid crystal display 13 and speaker 14, other performance devices may include lighting devices such as lamps (LEDs), movable props that can be operated by actuators, etc.

At the back of the display window 16, a reel unit is arranged so that a part of it can be seen from outside the display window 16. A plurality of types of symbols are arranged in a row on the outer periphery of each reel 20a to 20c, and when each reel 20a to 20c stops, three symbols (upper row symbol, middle row symbol, lower row symbol) are displayed per reel through the display window 16. In addition, the display window 16 is provided with an upper row, a middle row, and a lower row as display positions for visually seeing the symbols of each reel 20a to 20c, and a winning line is set by a combination of the display positions of each reel 20a to 20c. In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a winning line is formed by the upper row of the first reel 20a, the middle row of the second reel 20b, and the lower row of the third reel 20c. In addition, in this embodiment of the gaming machine, the number of medals required for one game (prescribed number) is set to three, and when the prescribed number of medals is inserted, the active line is activated.

When the slot machine 10 starts playing, each of the reels 20a-20c starts spinning and an internal lottery is run to determine whether any of the winning combinations will be a win or a miss (non-win). Next, when the reels 20a-20c stop, if a symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination selected in the internal lottery is displayed on an active line, this winning combination will be a winning combination, and a process corresponding to the winning combination (winning process) will be executed.

Below the display window 16, there are a game information display section 17 and a favorable zone indicator 18. The game information display section 17 is made up of an LED, a lamp, a 7-segment display, etc., and displays various game information such as the number of medal credits, the number of medals paid out or won in one game, and error information. In addition, the favorable zone indicator 18 has an LED, and by turning this LED on and off, it is possible to notify whether or not the player is in a favorable zone.

The lower door 12b is provided with a medal insertion port 22 for inserting medals, a bet button 23 for betting credited medals, a start lever (game start operation means) 24 that is operated to start playing, stop buttons (stop operation means) 26a, 26b, 26c for stopping the spinning reels, a payout port 27 from which medals are paid out by a hopper device, and a medal receiving tray 28 for receiving medals paid out from the payout port 27. In addition, at the back of the medal insertion port 22, there is provided a medal sensor 29 (see Figure 2) that detects the passage of medals inserted from the medal insertion port 22.

In the slot machine 10, operation of the start lever 24 is enabled when medals are inserted into the medal slot 22 or when the bet button 23 is operated to bet a specified number of medals. Furthermore, when the enabled start lever 24 is operated, a game begins. When a game begins, each of the reels 20a to 20c begins to rotate, and when the rotation speed of each of the reels 20a to 20c reaches a certain speed and reaches a steady rotation, operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c is enabled. Furthermore, when an enabled stop button 26a to 26c is operated, each of the reels 20a to 20c corresponding to the operated stop button 26a to 26c is stopped.

As shown in FIG. 2, inside the slot machine 10, there is provided a main control board (main control device) 31 and a sub-control board (sub-control device) 32. The main control board 31 receives input signals from input means such as the bet button 23, start lever 24, stop buttons 26a-26c, and medal sensor 29, performs various calculations to execute the game, and controls output means such as the reel unit and hopper device based on the calculation results. In addition, the sub-control board 32 receives signals sent from the main control board 31, performs various calculations to execute effects, and controls devices for effects such as the LCD display 13 and speaker 14 based on the calculation results.

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

The main control board 31 includes an input receiving means 40, a random number generating means 41, an internal lottery means 42 for conducting an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination has been achieved, a reel control means 43 for controlling the rotation of the reels, a winning determination means 44 for determining whether a winning combination has been achieved when all the reels have stopped, a payout control means 45, a replay control means 46, a setting change means 47, an initialization means 48, a game state control means 49, an instruction function control means 51, a performance main control means 52, and a storage means 60. The storage means 60 includes a ROM and a RAM.
The sub-control board 32 also includes a sub-performance control means 70 and a sub-side storage means 72. The sub-side storage means 72 also includes a ROM and a RAM.

The main performance control means 52 and the sub-performance control means 70 constitute the performance control means 100. The main performance control means 52 issues instructions to the sub-performance control means 70 based on the game state, performance state, etc. The sub-performance control means 70 controls the performance device using the performance data stored in the sub-side storage means 72 based on the game state, information on the performance state, or information on whether or not to perform a performance instruction sent from the main performance control means 52. The control performed by the main performance control means 52 described in this embodiment may be performed by the sub-performance control means 70, and the control performed by the sub-performance control means 70 may be performed by the main performance control means 52. The control performed by the performance control means 100 described in this embodiment may be performed by the instruction function control means 51, and the control performed by the instruction function control means 51 may be performed by the performance control means 100.

The insertion acceptance means 40 accepts the insertion of medals for each game, and performs a process of validating a game start operation on the start lever 24 based on the insertion of a specified number of medals. Specifically, when medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 22, the medal sensor 29 detects the medals, and the insertion acceptance means 40 sets the inserted medals to an inserted state (bet state) up to a specified number. In addition, when the bet button 23 is pressed with medals credited, the insertion acceptance means 40 sets the credited medals to an inserted state up to a specified number. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the first press operation of the start lever 24, which is enabled based on the insertion of a specified number of medals, is accepted as a game start operation, and this operation triggers the rotation of the reels 20a to 20c and a lottery such as an internal lottery is performed.

The insertion acceptance means 40 also controls so that medals owned by the player are not set to a newly inserted state in the next game after the game in which the replay was won. Specifically, if a replay was won in the previous game, even if medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 22 while the insertion of medals is being accepted, the inserted medals are not set to an inserted state, and the inserted medals are credited up to the credit upper limit (e.g., 50 medals). Also, while the insertion of medals is being accepted, operation of the bet button 23 is not accepted, so that the credited medals are not set to an inserted state even if the bet button 23 is pressed.

The random number generating means 41 generates random numbers for the lottery. The random numbers can be generated, for example, based on the count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numbers so as to circulate through a specified count range). In this embodiment, the "random numbers" include not only values that are generated randomly in the mathematical sense, but also values that are generated regularly but whose acquisition timing is irregular, and therefore can essentially function as random numbers.

The internal lottery means 42 performs an internal lottery using an internal lottery table based on the operation of the activated start lever 24 (i.e., the start of a game).
In the internal lottery table, various winning roles including small wins, replays, and bonuses and losing roles (non-winning roles) are associated with each of a plurality of random numbers (for example, 65,536 random numbers from 0 to 65,535), and a plurality of internal lottery tables are stored in an internal lottery table storage area 61 provided in the ROM of the storage means 60. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, as described later, a normal state, an internal bonus state, and a bonus operating state can be set as the game state, and six setting values from setting 1 to setting 6 can be set as the setting value, and the internal lottery means 42 selects an internal lottery table according to the game state and the setting value to perform an internal lottery.
A minor win is a win that allows a player to receive a payout of a predetermined number of medals according to the minor win. A replay is a win that allows a player to play again without consuming any more medals. When a replay is won, the operation of the start lever 24 is enabled without the player using any medals, and the player can start playing by operating the start lever 24.

In the internal lottery, a random number value for lottery is obtained from the random number generating means 41, and this random number value is compared with the internal lottery table to determine whether or not a winning role has been won, and the winning role associated with the random number value is the winning role. Specifically, the internal lottery table is provided with a plurality of winning areas as shown in FIG. 3, and each random number value obtained from the random number generating means 41 is associated with one of the winning areas. In addition, the winning areas include winning areas that include one or more winning roles (are associated with winning roles), and winning areas that do not include any winning roles (are associated with losses). In addition, the combinations of winning roles included in each winning area are different. All winning roles that belong to the winning areas that are associated with the random number value obtained from the random number generating means 41 are the winning roles as a result of the internal lottery. In the following, when a role that belongs to a winning area wins in the internal lottery, it is also referred to as "the winning area wins". In addition, when no role wins, it is also referred to as "the winning area 'non-winning' wins".

As shown in FIG. 3, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, small prizes 1 to 55 are prepared as small prizes. In addition, the winning areas containing small prizes are "small prize ALL", "1 piece ALL", "batting order bell 1", "batting order bell 2", "batting order bell 3A1", "batting order bell 3A2", "batting order bell 3B1", "batting order bell 3B2", "batting order bell 4A1", "batting order bell 4A2", "batting order bell 4B1", "batting order bell 4B2", "batting order bell 5A1", "batting order bell 5A2", "batting order bell 5B1", "batting order bell 5B2", "batting order bell 6A1", "batting order bell 6A2", "batting order bell 6B1", "batting order bell 6B2", "watermelon", "chance eye", "fixed prize", "common 2 pieces", "common 1 piece A", "common 1 piece B", "common 1 piece C" and "common 1 piece D". In addition, small prize 1 to small prize 46 are 1-coin prizes in which 1 medal is paid out when won, small prize 47 to small prize 53 are 12-coin prizes in which 12 medals (more medals than the specified number) are paid out when won, small prize 54 is a 3-coin prize in which 3 medals are paid out when won, and small prize 55 is a 2-coin prize in which 2 medals are paid out when won. In the following, the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1", "Batting Order Bell 2", "Batting Order Bell 3A1", "Batting Order Bell 3A2", "Batting Order Bell 3B1", "Batting Order Bell 3B2", "Batting Order Bell 4A1", "Batting Order Bell 4A2", "Batting Order Bell 4B1", "Batting Order Bell 4B2", "Batting Order Bell 5A1", "Batting Order Bell 5A2", "Batting Order Bell 5B1", "Batting Order Bell 5B2", "Batting Order Bell 6A1", "Batting Order Bell 6A2", "Batting Order Bell 6B1" and "Batting Order Bell 6B2" will be collectively referred to as the winning areas "Batting Order Minor Features".

The winning area "Small Role ALL" is a winning area where all small roles (small role 1 to small role 55) overlap and win. The winning area "1 piece ALL" is a winning area where all 1 piece roles (small role 1 to small role 46) overlap and win. The winning area "Battle Order Bell" is a winning area where any one of the 12 pieces roles and a 1 piece role overlap and win. The winning areas "Watermelon", "Determined Role", "Common 1 Piece A", "Common 1 Piece B", "Common 1 Piece C", and "Common 1 Piece D" are winning areas where multiple 1 piece roles overlap and win. The winning area "Chance Eye" is a winning area where a 3 piece role wins alone. The winning area "Common 2 Pieces" is a winning area where a 2 piece role wins alone.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, replays are provided in the range of Replay 1 to Replay 7. In addition, "Replay 1" to "Replay 8" are provided as winning areas that contain replays.

The winning areas "Replay 1" to "Replay 8" are areas where multiple replays can overlap and be won.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a big bonus (RBB) is prepared as a bonus. Also, a winning area "RBB" is prepared as a winning area where the big bonus (RBB) is won alone. Also, the winning areas "common 1 piece A", "common 1 piece B" and "common 1 piece C" are set so that the big bonus (RBB) is won in duplicate. Also, in the winning areas "common 1 piece A", "common 1 piece B" and "common 1 piece C", when the gaming state is in the general state, the big bonus (RBB) is won in duplicate, whereas when the gaming state is in the bonus internal state, the big bonus (RBB) is not won in duplicate.
In the gaming machine of this embodiment, a bonus is assumed to be a continuous operation device for a so-called first type special feature, but other bonuses, such as a first type special feature (regular bonus (RB)), may also be used. In other words, the big bonus (RBB) in this embodiment may be read as a regular bonus (RB), etc. In addition, other bonuses may also be installed. The installed bonuses may be set to be won individually, or may be set to be won in combination with a replay or a small feature. For example, a winning area may be provided in which the big bonus (RBB) or regular bonus (RB) is won individually.

There is also a "No Win" area that corresponds to a losing prize.

Each winning area is set to be winable or not winable depending on the game state. In other words, the internal lottery means 42 selects an internal lottery table according to the game state and performs an internal lottery, which changes the winning combination. In other words, in each game state, an internal lottery is performed using an internal lottery table in which the winning areas that can be won in each game state are included in the lottery targets. In FIG. 3, a "◯" mark indicates whether each winning area can be won in each game state. That is, the winning areas "No Win", "Small Role ALL" and "1 Piece ALL" are won when the game state is in the bonus operation state, and are not won in the general state and the bonus internal state. In addition, the winning area "RBB" is won when the game state is in the general state, and is not won in the bonus internal state and the bonus operation state. In addition, winning areas other than the winning areas "No Win", "Small Win ALL", "1 Piece ALL" and "RBB" are won when the game state is in the normal state or in the bonus internal state, and are not won when the bonus is in operation.

Each winning area is assigned a different winning area number. Each winning area can be identified by its winning area number.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the probability of winning a small prize is the same in the normal state and the bonus internal state. Also, replays cannot be won in the bonus operating state. In other words, the probability of winning a replay is higher in the normal state and the bonus internal state than in the bonus operating state.

The internal lottery means 42 sets the winning flag corresponding to the winning combination as a result of the internal lottery from a non-winning state (off state) to a winning state (on state). In addition, when multiple winning combinations are won at the same time, the winning flag corresponding to each of the overlapping winning combinations is set from a non-winning state to a winning state. In addition, the setting information of the winning flag is stored in the winning flag memory area 62 provided in the RAM of the memory means 60.

There are two types of winning flags: a winning flag (carry-over flag) that can carry over the winning state to the next game or later until a prize is won, and a winning flag (non-carry-over flag) that is reset to a non-winning state and does not carry over the winning state to the next game or later regardless of whether a prize is won. A role that can be associated with a carry-over flag is a bonus (big bonus (RBB)). A role that cannot be associated with a carry-over flag is a small role and a replay. For example, when a bonus is won in an internal lottery, the internal lottery means 42 carries over the winning state of the bonus winning flag until the bonus is won. At this time, the internal lottery means 42 also carries out an internal lottery to determine whether or not a small role and a replay have been won, even in a game in which the winning state of the bonus winning flag has been carried over. In other words, in a game where the winning state of the bonus winning flag is carried over, if a small win or replay is won, the winning flags corresponding to two or more types of roles, the winning flag of the already won bonus and the winning flag of the small win or replay won by the internal lottery, are set to the winning state.

In addition, the slot machine 10 has six setting values, from setting 1 to setting 6, and the probability of winning a role varies depending on the setting value. Specifically, when the setting is changed, the internal lottery table group, which is made up of multiple internal lottery tables selected according to the game state, is changed to an internal lottery table group associated with each setting, and the internal lottery table group changes to one with different winning probabilities for minor roles, replays, and bonuses depending on the setting.

The setting change means 47 controls changing of the setting values stored in the setting value storage area 63 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60. Specifically, when the setting change key is inserted into the setting change key cylinder provided inside the slot machine 10 and the power supply of the slot machine 10 is turned on with the setting change key (setting change key cylinder) rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the initial position, the setting change means 47 starts the slot machine 10 in the setting change mode. The setting value can be selected from six setting values from setting 1 to setting 6, and the winning probability of the internal lottery is changed so that the expected value of the ball payout rate increases in order from setting 1 to setting 6. The setting change means 47 changes the setting value in the order of setting 1 → setting 2 → ... setting 6 → setting 1 → ... each time the setting change button provided inside the slot machine 10 is pressed in the setting change mode, and when the start lever 24 is pressed, the setting value is confirmed and the confirmed setting value is stored in the setting value storage area 63. In addition, it is possible to switch from the setting change mode to the game mode by returning the setting change key inserted into the setting change key cylinder to its initial position.
In this embodiment, the setting values are expressed in the order of setting 1<setting 2<setting 3<setting 4<setting 5<setting 6.

When the power is turned on with the setting change key cylinder in the initial position, the slot machine 10 is started in the game mode. In the game mode, the gaming machine of this embodiment can play games but cannot change the settings, while in the setting change mode, the settings can be changed but cannot play games.

When the setting value is changed, the initialization means 48 performs an initialization process to initialize at least a part of the information stored in the RAM of the storage means 60. Specifically, when the setting value is changed, the initialization means 48 performs a process to return the game state, game zone, and presentation state to their initial states, which will be described later. That is, when the setting value is changed, the game state becomes a normal state, the game zone becomes a non-advantageous zone, and the presentation state becomes a non-advantageous zone presentation state, and these states become the same as when the power is turned on for the first time after shipping from the factory. In addition, the initialization means 48 initializes other information related to presentation stored in the RAM of the storage means 60 in the initialization process. In addition, the sub-control board 32 also has an initialization means (not shown), and when a signal notifying that the setting value has been changed is transmitted from the main control board 31, the initialization means of the sub-control board 32 initializes information related to presentation stored in the RAM of the sub-side storage means 72.
In addition, even if the setting value is changed, the game state, game section, and presentation state may not return to their initial states.

The reel control means 43 starts the rotation of each of the reels 20a-20c when the enabled start lever 24 is operated (i.e., the start of a game) under the control of the main control board 31, and when the enabled stop buttons 26a-26c are operated, it controls the stopping of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button.

That is, each time one of the stop buttons 26a to 26c is operated, the reel control means 43 determines the stop position of the reel from the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c that corresponds to the operated button, and controls the reel to stop at the determined stop position. In the slot machine 10, when the stop button 26a is operated, the rotation of the first reel 20a is stopped, when the stop button 26b is operated, the rotation of the second reel 20b is stopped, and when the stop button 26c is operated, the rotation of the third reel 20c is stopped. Therefore, the stop order of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c changes depending on the operation order (batting order) of the stop buttons 26a to 26c.

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

In the following, the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stop the reels in the order of the first reel 20a, the second reel 20b, and the third reel 20c is referred to as "batting order 1," the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stop the reels in the order of the first reel 20a, the third reel 20c, and the second reel 20b is referred to as "batting order 2," and the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stop the reels in the order of the second reel 20b, the first reel 20a, and the third reel 20c is referred to as "batting order 3." " Batting order 4" refers to the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stop the reels in the order of the second reel 20b, the third reel 20c, and the first reel 20a. Batting order 5 refers to the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stop the reels in the order of the third reel 20c, the first reel 20a, and the second reel 20b. Batting order 6 refers to the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stop the reels in the order of the third reel 20c, the second reel 20b, and the first reel 20a. Batting order 1 and 2 are collectively called "left push", batting order 3 and 4 are collectively called "center push", and batting order 5 and 6 are collectively called "right push". Center push and right push are sometimes collectively called "irregular push".

In the stop control when the stop buttons 26a to 26c are operated, the reel control means 43 stops each of the reels 20a to 20c so that the winning combination with the winning flag set to the winning state wins. Specifically, when the winning flag of one winning combination is set to the winning state, the reels 20a to 20c are stopped so that this winning combination wins. In addition, when the winning flags of multiple winning combinations are set to the winning state in a overlapping manner, the reels 20a to 20c are stopped so that a predetermined winning combination wins according to the priority order set for each combination. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the priority order is set in the order of "replay > minor combination > bonus". Then, the reel control means 43 stops the reels 20a to 20c so that the symbols constituting the winning combination with the higher priority are displayed on the pay line in priority to the symbols constituting the winning combination with the lower priority.

In addition, when multiple types of small roles are won in the internal lottery, the priority order for the candidate stop positions may be determined according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line, or according to the number of medals paid out based on the payouts that are determined in advance for the small roles. When determining the priority order for the candidate stop positions according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line, the priority order for each candidate stop position is determined so that the priority order is higher for the stop positions that have a larger number of symbol combinations that show winning forms that can be displayed on the active line. When determining the priority order for the candidate stop positions according to the number of medals paid out, the priority order for each candidate stop position is determined so that the priority order is higher for the stop positions that have a larger number of medals paid out based on the payouts for the small roles that correspond to the symbols displayed at the display positions on the active line (stop positions that can win small roles with a larger payout). However, when determining the priority order for the candidate stop positions according to the number of medals paid out, if small roles with the same payouts are won multiple times, the priority order for the candidate stop positions that can win each small role is treated as being the same.

Each of the winning areas "batting order minor role" is set to a correct operation mode and an incorrect operation mode. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, when any of the winning areas "batting order minor role" is won, if the stop operation is performed in the correct operation mode, a 12-piece role as a correct role will be won, and if the stop operation is performed in the incorrect operation mode, a 1-piece role as an incorrect role will be won (the 12-piece role will not be won). Also, for each of the winning areas "batting order minor role", one of the six batting orders is set to the correct operation mode, and the other five batting orders are set to the incorrect operation mode.
In this embodiment, when the stop operation is performed in a specific batting order (correct batting order) as a correct operation mode, the correct role is always awarded regardless of the timing of each stop operation. However, it may be configured such that the correct role is awarded when the stop operation is performed in the correct batting order and a predetermined stop operation is performed at a predetermined timing, and the correct role is not awarded when the stop operation is performed in the correct batting order but the predetermined stop operation is not performed at the predetermined timing.

In the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1", batting order 1 is set as the correct batting order. In the winning area "Batting Order Bell 2", batting order 2 is set as the correct batting order. In the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 3A1", "Batting Order Bell 3A2", "Batting Order Bell 3B1" and "Batting Order Bell 3B2", batting order 3 is set as the correct batting order. In the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 4A1", "Batting Order Bell 4A2", "Batting Order Bell 4B1" and "Batting Order Bell 4B2", batting order 4 is set as the correct batting order. In the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 5A1", "Batting Order Bell 5A2", "Batting Order Bell 5B1" and "Batting Order Bell 5B2", batting order 5 is set as the correct batting order. In the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 6A1", "Batting Order Bell 6A2", "Batting Order Bell 6B1" and "Batting Order Bell 6B2", batting order 6 is set as the correct batting order.

When any of the winning areas "batting order minor prize" is won, if the stop buttons 26a-26c are pressed in the correct operation mode, the priority is determined so that the candidate stop position that can win a 12-coin prize has the highest priority, and if the stop buttons 26a-26c are pressed in the incorrect operation mode, the priority is determined so that the candidate stop position that can win a 1-coin prize has the highest priority.

In addition, FIG. 4 shows the number of medals paid out when a stop operation is performed in each batting order when each winning area is won (i.e., the small prize that can be won). Note that the notation "0 or 1" indicates that there are cases where a 1-coin prize is won and cases where a 1-coin prize is missed (no small prize is won), assuming that the timing of the stop operation is random. Also, FIG. 4 shows the relationship between each winning area in the bonus internal middle state and the correct operation mode and the incorrect operation mode. In this embodiment, in the general middle state, each of the winning areas "batting order small prize" is stopped so that a 1-coin prize is won when a stop operation is performed in the correct operation mode (operation mode in which a 12-coin prize is won) in the bonus internal middle state. In other words, in the general middle state, even if the winning area "batting order small prize" is won, a 12-coin prize cannot be won, but it may be configured to be able to be won.

The winning determination means 44 is activated when the reels 20a to 20c stop spinning, and determines whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the stopping state of the reels 20a to 20c. Specifically, the symbol combination displayed (stopped display) on the pay line by the stopping of the reels 20a to 20c is compared to the winning determination table stored in the ROM of the storage means 60. The winning determination table stores the winning form (the symbol combination that will win when stopped and displayed) of each winning combination, and the above-mentioned comparison determines whether or not a winning combination has been achieved and the type of winning combination that has been achieved. When a winning combination has been achieved, the main control board 31 executes a winning process corresponding to the winning combination that has been achieved. Specifically, the winning process performs a payout process when a small combination has been achieved, a replay process (replay process) when a replay has been achieved, and a process to transition the game state (game state transition control process) when a bonus has been achieved.

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

In this embodiment of the gaming machine, one medal is paid out when small prize 1 to small prize 46 are won, 12 medals are paid out when small prize 47 to small prize 53 are won, 3 medals are paid out when small prize 54 is won, and 2 medals are paid out when small prize 55 is won.

In addition, the replay process is a process in which, when a replay wins, the next game is set to the same game start waiting state as the previous game without the player having to insert any medals owned by the player, and is performed by the replay control means 46. When a replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed in which the same number of medals as the number set to the inserted state in the previous game (the game in which the replay won) are automatically inserted without using the player's medals (including credited medals), and the game waits for the next game start operation on the start lever 24 with a winning line set corresponding to the number of medals inserted by the automatic insertion process. In addition, when the automatic insertion process is performed, it is not possible to insert additional medals.

The game state control means 49 performs a game state transition control process for transitioning the game state among a normal state, a bonus internal state, and a bonus operating state, as shown in FIG.
The game state transition condition may be one or more than one. When multiple conditions are defined, the game state may be transitioned based on one of the multiple predetermined conditions being satisfied, or based on multiple or all of the multiple predetermined conditions being satisfied.

As described above, the internal lottery means 42 selects an internal lottery table according to the game state and performs an internal lottery. Specifically, in the general state, the internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which the big bonus (RBB) is set as a lottery target. In the internal bonus state, the internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which the big bonus (RBB) is excluded from the lottery target. In the bonus operation state, the internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which the big bonus (RBB) is excluded from the lottery target.

The game state is initially in the normal state.
In addition, a transition from the normal state to the bonus internal state is possible. When a big bonus (RBB) is won in the normal state, the gaming state control means 49 transitions the gaming state to the bonus internal state.

The internal bonus state is a game state to which the player enters when a big bonus (RBB) is won in an internal lottery. In the internal bonus state, the lottery flag corresponding to the big bonus (RBB) is maintained in a winning state until the big bonus (RBB) is won, and when a symbol combination indicating the winning form of the big bonus (RBB) is displayed on an active line, the game state control means 49 transitions the game state from the internal bonus state to the bonus active state.

The bonus operating state is a game state to which the game is switched when a symbol combination showing a winning form of a big bonus (RBB) is displayed on an active line. In the bonus operating state, the game state control means 49 judges whether or not a termination condition is established based on the total number of medals paid out in the bonus operating state, and when the number of medals paid out exceeds a predetermined number, the game state control means 49 terminates the bonus operating state and switches the game state to a normal state.
The condition for ending the bonus operating state may be determined based on the number of games played in the bonus operating state, the number of wins of a small winning combination, etc. The condition for ending the bonus operating state may be determined so that the bonus operating state ends after one game.

The instruction function control means 51 includes a game zone control means 80, a presentation state control means 81, and a bonus granting means 82. The instruction function control means 51 performs processing related to the operation of an instruction function that assists the winning of a predetermined role in an advantageous zone. Specifically, when a predetermined role is won, the instruction function control means 51 determines whether or not to perform an instruction presentation that assists the winning of this role. More specifically, when the winning area "batting order minor role" is won, the instruction function control means 51 determines whether or not to perform an instruction presentation (navigation presentation) that notifies the correct operation mode and assists the winning of a 12-piece role. Then, based on this decision, the presentation control means 100 causes the liquid crystal display 13, etc. to execute the navigation presentation. In the navigation presentation, the liquid crystal display 13 executes a display (navigation display) that notifies the correct operation mode. Specifically, for example, the liquid crystal display 13 executes a navigation display that notifies the first stop operation, the second stop operation, and the third stop operation related to the correct operation mode.

As shown in FIG. 6, the game zone control means 80 performs game zone transition control processing to transition the game zone between a non-advantageous zone and an advantageous zone according to the progress of the game. The non-advantageous zone is a game zone that corresponds to the initial state among multiple types of game zones. In addition, in the non-advantageous zone, instruction presentation is not executed.

In the non-advantageous zone, the bonus granting means 82 conducts a lottery (advantageous zone transition lottery) to determine whether or not to transition to an advantageous zone at a predetermined trigger. Specifically, the bonus granting means 82 conducts an advantageous zone transition lottery, for example, depending on the result of an internal lottery (for example, winning a predetermined role (winning area)). When the advantageous zone transition lottery is won, the game zone control means 80 transitions the game zone from the non-advantageous zone to an advantageous zone. Note that the probability that a transition to an advantageous zone will be determined in the advantageous zone transition lottery may be 100%.

In addition, the game zone control means 80 performs an increment process, which adds "1" to the memory value of the advantageous zone play count counter 65 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60 as a value corresponding to one play, triggered by the game start operation on the start lever 24 each time one play is performed in the advantageous zone. Note that the game zone control means 80 does not add to the advantageous zone play count counter 65 in the non-advantageous zone. Also, at the time of transition from the non-advantageous zone to the advantageous zone, the memory value of the advantageous zone play count counter 65 is "0". Then, when the memory value of the advantageous zone play count counter 65 reaches a threshold value (upper limit value) "3000", the game zone control means 80 transitions the game zone from the advantageous zone to the non-advantageous zone, assuming that the end condition of the advantageous zone is established. In other words, the upper limit value of the number of plays in the advantageous zone is set to 3000 times, and it is so arranged that more than 3000 plays are not played consecutively in the advantageous zone.

In addition, the game zone control means 80 performs an update process in which the storage value of the difference number counter 64 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60 is updated by the difference number of medals in the advantageous zone, subtracting a value corresponding to the number of medals inserted in the game (for example, "3" if three medals are inserted) from a value corresponding to the number of medals paid out (for example, "12" if 12 medals are paid out, and "0" if no combination is won and no payout is made) to obtain a calculation result of the difference number in the game, and adds this calculation result to the storage value of the difference number counter 64. Note that the game zone control means 80 does not add to the difference number counter 64 in the non-advantageous zone. Also, at the time of transition from the non-advantageous zone to the advantageous zone, the storage value of the difference number counter 64 is "0". Then, when the stored value of the difference number counter 64 exceeds a threshold value (for example, "2400"), the game zone control means 80 determines that the end condition of the advantageous zone is met and shifts the game zone from the advantageous zone to the non-advantageous zone. The stored value of the difference number counter 64 is controlled so as not to fall below the initial value "0". For example, if the stored value of the difference number counter 64 at the start of the game is "2" and as a result of playing the game, no winning combination is won and no medals are paid out, the calculation result of the difference number in that game becomes "-3", and if the calculation result of the difference number is added to the stored value of the difference number counter 64, it falls below the initial value "0". However, the stored value of the difference number counter 64 after updating is set to the initial value "0" as the lower limit and the count is stopped. In other words, an upper limit is set for the number of medals that can be acquired in the advantageous zone, and the advantageous zone ends when the number of medals increases from the reference "0" when the number of medals decreases the most in the advantageous zone exceeds 2400. Also, if a replay is won in a game, the game in which the replay was won may be treated as having had a payout of medals equivalent to the specified number of medals inserted for that game, and the difference in the number of medals may be calculated, and for the next game that is provided free of charge as a result of the replay being won, even if no actual medals are inserted, the difference in the number of medals may be calculated as if a medal equivalent to the specified number of medals has been inserted for that game.

In addition, the advantageous zone indicator 18 is turned off in a non-advantageous zone and turned on in an advantageous zone.
In addition, the advantageous zone indicator 18 does not need to be turned on at the same time as the transition to the advantageous zone, but only needs to be turned on before the first instruction performance is performed. Also, once turned on, it will not be turned off until the advantageous zone ends.

As shown in FIG. 6, the presentation state control means 81 performs a presentation state transition control process that transitions the presentation state between multiple types of presentation states, including a non-advantageous zone presentation state, a normal presentation state, a chance presentation state, a preparation presentation state, and an AT presentation state (instruction presentation state). A single presentation state transition condition may be defined, or multiple conditions may be defined. When multiple conditions are defined, the presentation state may be transitioned when one of the multiple predefined conditions is satisfied, or the presentation state may be transitioned based on multiple or all of the multiple predefined conditions being satisfied.

The non-advantageous zone presentation state is a presentation state that corresponds to the initial state among multiple types of presentation states. In a non-advantageous zone, the presentation state control means 81 sets the presentation state to a non-advantageous zone presentation state. In a non-advantageous zone presentation state (non-advantageous zone), the bonus granting means 82 performs a lottery for transition to an advantageous zone as described above, and when a transition to an advantageous zone is determined in the lottery for transition to an advantageous zone, the presentation state control means 81 transitions the presentation state to a normal presentation state, a chance presentation state, or an AT presentation state.

The normal presentation state is the presentation state to which a transition is basically made when an advantageous zone begins, and at the start of an advantageous zone, the probability of transitioning to the normal presentation state is set higher than the probability of transitioning to other presentation states. In the normal presentation state, the bonus granting means 82 performs a lottery (CZ lottery) to determine whether or not to transition to the chance presentation state. Specifically, in the normal presentation state, the bonus granting means 82 performs a CZ lottery depending on the result of an internal lottery (for example, a win in a specified role (winning area)). Then, when a transition to the chance presentation state is determined based on the CZ lottery, the presentation state control means 81 transitions the presentation state to the chance presentation state.

In the chance presentation state, the bonus granting means 82 performs a lottery (AT lottery) to determine whether or not to transition to the AT presentation state. Specifically, the bonus granting means 82 performs an AT lottery, for example, in the chance presentation state, depending on the result of an internal lottery (for example, winning a specified role (winning area)). Then, when a transition to the AT presentation state is determined based on the AT lottery, the presentation state control means 81 transitions the presentation state to the AT presentation state.

The chance presentation state has a higher probability (expectation) of transitioning to the AT presentation state compared to the normal presentation state, and is a presentation state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal presentation state. That is, in this embodiment, the probability of transitioning from the chance presentation state to the AT presentation state is higher than the probability of transitioning from the normal presentation state to the AT presentation state. Note that an AT lottery may be executed in the normal presentation state, and a transition to the AT presentation state may be determined in the normal presentation state (there may also be cases where a transition is made directly from the normal presentation state), and the probability of a transition to the AT presentation state being determined by an AT lottery in the chance presentation state may be higher than the probability of a transition to the AT presentation state being determined by an AT lottery in the normal presentation state.

When transitioning from one presentation state to another, such as when winning the AT lottery and transitioning from the chance presentation state to the AT presentation state, the transition may be made via another presentation state. For example, when the AT lottery is won in the chance presentation state, the AT presentation state may not be started immediately, but may be transitioned from the chance presentation state to a preparation state for the AT presentation state (preparation presentation state), etc., and then transitioned to the AT presentation state. In this embodiment, when the right to transition to the AT presentation state is granted by the privilege granting means 82, such as by winning the AT lottery, the presentation state transitions to the preparation presentation state, and when a predetermined condition is met in the preparation presentation state, the AT presentation state is started. Details of the preparation presentation state will be described later.

In the AT presentation state, when the winning area "batting order minor role" is won, the presentation control means 100 causes the presentation device such as the liquid crystal display 13 to execute a navigation presentation that assists in winning the correct role (12-coin role). The AT presentation state has a higher probability (frequency) of executing the navigation presentation compared to the normal presentation state and the CZ presentation state, making it a presentation state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal presentation state and the CZ presentation state.

The continuation of the AT presentation state is managed based on the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60. The instruction function control means 51 determines the value to be set in the AT end judgment counter 67 when the presentation state transitions to the AT presentation state. In other words, the instruction function control means 51 increases the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 when the presentation state transitions to the AT presentation state. In yet other words, the instruction function control means 51 sets a value related to the duration of the AT presentation state in the AT end judgment counter 67 when the presentation state transitions to the AT presentation state.

The instruction function control means 51 also decreases the stored value of the AT end determination counter 67 in accordance with the progress of the game in the AT presentation state. Then, when the stored value of the AT end determination counter 67 reaches the threshold value "0" in the AT presentation state, the presentation state control means 81 determines that the end condition of the AT presentation state is met and ends the AT presentation state.

The stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 may represent, for example, the number of medals that can be acquired in the AT performance state, the number of games that can be executed in the AT performance state (AT game number), the number of sets of AT performance states that can be executed (AT set number), or the number of navigation effects (first navigation effects described later) that can be executed in the AT performance state (navigation number). In other words, when the AT performance state is started, the number of medals that can be acquired, the number of AT games, the number of AT sets, the number of navigation effects, etc. are set in the AT end judgment counter 67, and the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 is updated at a predetermined opportunity, such as each time a medal is paid out in the AT performance state, each time a game is played, each time one set of AT performance state is executed, or each time a navigation effect is executed, and the AT performance state is terminated based on the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 reaching a threshold value.

In addition, the bonus granting means 82 performs a lottery (addition lottery) to determine whether or not to increase the stored value of the AT end determination counter 67 (determines whether or not to increase the duration of the AT effect state) at a predetermined trigger during the AT effect state, and increases the stored value of the AT end determination counter 67 based on the result of the lottery.

When the advantageous zone ends and the play zone transitions to the normal zone, the instruction function control means 51 performs an instruction function information initialization process to initialize information stored in the RAM of the storage means 60 as information related to the instruction function. Specifically, the instruction function control means 51 initializes the stored value of the advantageous zone play count counter 65, the stored value of the difference number counter 64, the flag (lottery result) related to the lottery related to the instruction function, and the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67. In other words, information related to the instruction function is not carried over across multiple advantageous zones. In addition, when the initialization means 48 performs the above-mentioned initialization process when the setting value is changed, the information related to the instruction performance shown here is also initialized.

When the presentation state is an AT presentation state or the like, if the winning area "batting order minor role" is won, the presentation control means 100 controls the presentation devices such as the liquid crystal display 13 and the speaker 14 to execute an instruction presentation (navigation presentation) that notifies the correct operation mode and assists in winning the 12-coin role when the winning area "batting order minor role" is won and the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed according to the correct operation mode notified by the instruction presentation, the 12-coin role is always won and 12 medals can be acquired.
When an instruction performance is performed, the seven-segment display (main control display 19) of the game information display unit 17 also displays (navigation display) corresponding to the operation mode notified by the instruction performance.

In this embodiment, in the internal bonus state, regardless of the result of the internal lottery (and regardless of the manner of the stop operation), the stop control of reels 20a to 20c is executed so that the symbol combination indicating the winning form of a big bonus (RBB) is not displayed on the pay line. In other words, in this embodiment, once the game state is set to the internal bonus state, the game continues in the internal bonus state thereafter. For this reason, in this embodiment, the game is basically played in the internal bonus state.

In this embodiment, the expected value of the payout rate (ratio of the number of medals paid out to the number of medals inserted) in the bonus operation state to which the state transitions due to the winning of a bonus is 100% or less (less than) (but it may be 100% or more). Specifically, the expected value of the payout rate is lowered by devising the lottery mode of the 12-coin role for the bonus operation state. In this embodiment, in the general state and the bonus internal state, the six types of 12-coin roles, small roles 47 to 53, are set to win without overlapping with each other for each of the winning areas "batting order small roles", while in the bonus operation state, the six types of 12-coin roles are set to win overlapping with each other for the winning area "small role ALL". And the winning probability of the winning area "small role ALL" in the bonus operation state is set higher than the winning probability of each of the winning areas "batting order small roles" in other game states. In addition, the probability of winning the "Small Win All" winning area while the bonus is in operation is set lower than the probability of winning any of the "Battle Order Small Win" winning areas while the bonus is in operation. This reduces the chances of winning a 12-coin winning combination while the bonus is in operation compared to other game states, lowering the expected payout rate while the bonus is in operation.

In addition, in this embodiment, the predetermined processing related to the instruction performance is set to be more advantageous to the player when the game is played by pressing the left button than when the game is played by pressing the irregular button. Specifically, in the normal performance state or chance performance state in the bonus internal state, when the game is played by pressing the left button, the predetermined processing related to the instruction performance is executed, whereas when the game is played by pressing the irregular button, the predetermined processing is not executed. In other words, for a predetermined game in which the instruction performance is not executed, playing by pressing the left button is more advantageous to the player in terms of the instruction performance (transition of the performance state, etc.) than playing by pressing the irregular button. In other words, in the predetermined game in which the instruction performance is not executed, a predetermined penalty is given to a player who plays a game in a stop operation mode other than pressing the left button as a specific stop operation mode.
The predetermined process may be, for example, a predetermined lottery such as a CZ lottery or an AT lottery. For example, the normal presentation state may have a game feature of accumulating a predetermined point related to the transition to the AT presentation state, and the bonus granting means 82 may grant the point as a bonus at a predetermined opportunity, and the predetermined process may be a process of granting the point. For example, the number of times of play in a predetermined presentation state (for example, a normal presentation state) may be set to an upper limit (so-called ceiling), and a game feature may be provided in which a transition to another presentation state (for example, a chance presentation state) is possible when the number of times of play that reaches the upper limit has been played, and the predetermined process may be a process of decreasing the number of times of play remaining up to the ceiling (a process of counting the number of times of play in the predetermined presentation state).

On the other hand, in this embodiment, the expected value of the ball output rate when playing with left push is set lower than that when playing with irregular push, so that the ball output rate (ball output performance) is appropriate. Specifically, in this embodiment, the probability that the center push will win the winning area "batting order minor role" of the correct batting order and the probability that the right push will win the winning area "batting order minor role" of the correct batting order are set higher than the probability that the left push will win the winning area "batting order minor role" of the correct batting order. In other words, in this embodiment, the probability that the player will win the winning area "batting order minor role" and receive the payout of 12 medals is lower when playing always with left push than when playing always with center push or always with right push.
In addition, by using other methods, the expected value of the payout rate when playing with a certain operation sequence (pushing left) may be lower than that when playing with other operation sequences (pushing middle or pushing right). For example, a winning area "batting order minor win" for the correct batting order may be prepared by pressing the middle button, and a winning area "batting order minor win" for the correct batting order may be prepared by pressing the right button, and the winning area "batting order minor win" for the correct batting order may not be prepared by pressing the left button.

In this embodiment, when the winning area "Common 1 A" is won in the internal lottery, it is possible to stop the reels 20a to 20c in a specific stopping mode by performing a stopping operation in a specific operating mode. Specifically, by performing the stopping operation in a specific batting order (for example, batting order 4) and performing each stopping operation at a predetermined timing, the reels 20a to 20c are stopped in a stopping mode in which a symbol combination showing the winning form of the minor role 1 as a specific role is displayed on the pay line. This point will be specifically explained with reference to Figures 7 and 8.

Figure 7 is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on the reels. As shown in Figure 7, the following symbols are arranged on the outer periphery of each of the reels 20a to 20c: replay symbol A "RPA", bell symbol "BL", watermelon symbol "WM", special symbol A "SPA", special symbol B "SPB", BAR symbol "BAR", blue 7 symbol "blue 7", blank symbol A "BKA", and blank symbol B "BKB". Each symbol on each of the reels 20a to 20c is assigned a symbol number from 0 to 19.

As shown in FIG. 8, in a game in which the winning area "Common 1 Piece A" is won, when the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c are each spinning and the stop button 26b is pressed for the second reel 20b when the replay symbol B "RPB" with symbol number 18 is located in the middle (on the active line), the reel control means 43 determines the position where the replay symbol B "RPB" stops on the active line as the stop position for the second reel 20b, and stops the second reel 20b.

Also, as shown in FIG. 8(b), when the second reel 20b stops so that the replay symbol B "RPB" with symbol number 18 is positioned on the active line and the first reel 20a and third reel 20c are spinning, if the stop button 26c is pressed on the third reel 20c when the BAR symbol with symbol number 9 "BAR" is positioned on the lower row (on the active line), the reel control means 43 determines the position where the BAR symbol with symbol number 9 "BAR" stops on the active line as the stop position of the third reel 20c, and stops the third reel 20c.

As shown in FIG. 8(c), when the second reel 20b stops so that the replay B "RPB" with the symbol number 18 is located on the pay line, the third reel 20c stops so that the BAR symbol "BAR" with the symbol number 9 is located on the pay line, and the first reel 20a is rotating, if the stop button 26a is pressed when the bell symbol "BL" with the symbol number 7 is located on the upper row (on the pay line) of the first reel 20a, the reel control means 43 determines the position where the bell symbol "BL" with the symbol number 7 is stopped on the pay line as the stop position of the first reel 20a, and stops the first reel 20a. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8(d), a symbol combination showing the winning form of the minor prize 1 is displayed on the pay line, and one medal is paid out. At this time, the reels 20a to 20c will stop so that the BAR symbol "BAR" is displayed in a straight line.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8(c), in a situation where the second reel 20b stops so that the replay pattern B "RPB" with the pattern number 18 is located on the pay line, the third reel 20c stops so that the BAR pattern "BAR" with the pattern number 9 is located on the pay line, and the first reel 20a is rotating, if the stop button 26a is pressed when the replay pattern A "RPA" with the pattern number 15 is located on the upper row (on the pay line) of the first reel 20a, the reel control means 43 determines the position where the replay pattern A "RPA" with the pattern number 15 stops on the pay line as the stop position of the first reel 20a, and stops the first reel 20a. In this case, as shown in FIG. 8(e), a symbol combination showing the winning form of the minor role 42 is displayed on the pay line, and one medal is paid out. At this time, the reels 20a to 20c will stop so that the BAR symbol "BAR" is not displayed in a straight line.

As described above, in this embodiment, in a game in which the winning area "Common 1 Piece A" is won, if a stop operation is performed in a predetermined operation mode, the reels 20a to 20c are stopped in a stop mode in which the minor role 1 is won. Also, in a game in which the winning area "Common 1 Piece A" is won, if a stop operation is performed in a predetermined operation mode different from the predetermined operation mode, the reels 20a to 20c do not stop in a stop mode in which the minor role 1 is won, but stop in a stop mode in which the minor role 42 is won. In other words, in a game in which the winning area "Common 1 Piece A" is won, if a stop operation is performed in a predetermined operation mode, the reels 20a to 20c are stopped in a stop mode in which the BAR pattern "BAR" as the specific pattern is lined up in a straight line. In other words, in a game in which the "Common 1 A" winning area is won, if a stopping operation is performed in a predetermined operation mode different from the predetermined operation mode, reels 20a to 20c will stop in a stopping mode in which the BAR symbol "BAR" as the specific symbol is not lined up in a straight line.

In a game in which the winning area "common 1 piece A" is won in the preparation performance state, when the reels 20a to 20c stop in a stopping state in which the small win 1 is won, the performance state control means 81 transitions the performance state to the AT performance state. In other words, in the preparation performance state, when the reels 20a to 20c stop in a stopping state in which the BAR pattern "BAR" is lined up in a straight line, the performance state control means 81 transitions the performance state to the AT performance state. Also, in a game in which the winning area "common 1 piece A" is won in the preparation performance state, if the reels 20a to 20c do not stop in a stopping state in which the small win 1 is won, the performance state control means 81 maintains the performance state as the preparation performance state. In other words, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the winning area "common 1 coin A" is won in the preparation presentation state and the reels 20a to 20c stop in a specific stopping pattern, the presentation state transitions to the AT presentation state, and when the winning area "common 1 coin A" is won in the preparation presentation state and the reels 20a to 20c do not stop in the specific stopping pattern, the presentation state is maintained in the preparation presentation state.
Hereinafter, the stopping pattern of the reels 20a to 20c which, when obtained in the preparation presentation state, will cause the presentation state to transition to the AT presentation state, will be referred to as a "specific stopping pattern."

In addition, even when a role other than the minor role 1 wins, the presentation state may be changed from the preparation presentation state to the AT presentation state. In other words, the specific stop mode may include a stop mode in which a symbol combination indicating the winning form of the role for multiple types of roles is displayed on the pay line. In addition, the specific stop mode does not have to be one-to-one associated with a specific role, and for example, some symbol combinations among the symbol combinations indicating the winning form of the minor role 1 may not be included in the specific stop mode. In addition, even in a game in which a winning area other than the winning area "common 1 piece A" (for example, the winning area "common 1 piece B" or "common 1 piece C") is won, it may be possible to stop the reels 20a to 20c in a specific stop mode by performing a stop operation in a specific operation mode. In other words, there may be multiple types of winning areas in which it is possible to stop the reels 20a to 20c in a specific stopping pattern by performing a stopping operation in a specific operating manner, and the operating manner of the stopping operation that stops the reels 20a to 20c in a specific stopping pattern may be different for each winning area.

In addition, in this embodiment, a specific navigation effect is prepared as an instruction effect. In the preparation effect state, if the winning area "Common 1 A" is won in the internal lottery (in a game in which the winning area "Common 1 A" is won), the specific navigation effect is executed.

The specific navigation effect is an effect that assists in stopping the reels 20a to 20c in a specific stop mode. In the specific navigation effect, the liquid crystal display 13 displays a display (specific operation mode related display) related to (corresponding to) the operation for stopping the reels 20a to 20c in the specific stop mode.
In the following, the operation mode instructed by the specific navigation effect is referred to as the "specific operation mode," the batting order related to the specific operation mode is referred to as the "specific batting order," and the timing of the specified stop operation related to the specific operation mode is referred to as the "specific timing."

In this embodiment, the specific operation mode related display includes a display instructing the player to perform a stop operation in a specific batting order (batting order instruction display) and a display instructing the player to perform a stop operation at a specific timing (operation timing instruction display).

The batting order indication may be an indication showing the order in which the stop buttons 26 should be operated. For example, the batting order indication may be an indication of the number "1" at a position corresponding to the stop button 26 related to the first stop operation of a specific batting order as an indication to prompt the first operation, an indication of the number "2" at a position corresponding to the stop button 26 related to the second stop operation of a specific batting order as an indication to prompt the second operation, and an indication of the number "3" at a position corresponding to the stop button 26 related to the third stop operation of a specific batting order as an indication to prompt the third operation. The batting order indication may also be, for example, an indication of a predetermined figure (for example, an indication of a left-facing arrow indicating a right push) or an indication of a predetermined color (for example, an indication of a red background when a red background indicates a right push).

The operation timing instruction display may be a display showing the timing to operate a specific stop button 26. The operation timing instruction display may be, for example, a display of a symbol to be aimed at a specific reel 20. Specifically, for example, the performance control means 100 may display, as the operation timing instruction display, characters such as "Aim at BAR" and/or an image corresponding to the BAR symbol "BAR" (an image imitating the BAR symbol "BAR") on the liquid crystal display 13, and may encourage the player to perform a stop operation aiming at the BAR symbol "BAR" so that the BAR symbols "BAR" are displayed in a straight line. Also, for example, the performance control means 100 may display, as the operation timing instruction display, an image corresponding to a specific symbol on the reel at a position corresponding to one or more reels 20 (stop button 26), and may encourage the player to perform a stop operation aiming at the specific symbol on the specific reel 20. Also, the operation timing instruction display may be a display of a specific color related to a specific timing.
Here, "aiming" refers to performing a stopping operation so that the targeted symbol stops at a predetermined display position among the upper, middle, or lower rows.

The performance control means 100 may execute a specific navigation performance that assists in stopping the reels 20a to 20c in a specific stopping mode by outputting a specific sound from the speaker 14 or illuminating the lighting device in a specific manner. The assistance may also be provided by urging the player to avoid stopping a specific symbol at a specific position (stopping operation at a specific timing), etc.

The specific navigation effect may be such that reels 20a to 20c always stop in a specific stopping pattern by performing a stopping operation in accordance with the specific navigation effect.

In this embodiment, when the reels 20a to 20c stop in a specific stop mode during the preparation performance state, the performance state transitions to the AT performance state, but the specific stop mode is a stop mode that cannot be obtained when playing by pressing left. In other words, when playing a game in which the winning area "Common 1 Piece A" is won and playing by pressing left, the symbol combination showing the winning form of minor prize 1 is not displayed on the pay line. In further other words, when playing a game in which the winning area "Common 1 Piece A" is won and playing by pressing left, the BAR symbol "BAR" is not displayed in a straight line. That is, in this embodiment, the predetermined processing related to the instruction performance is set so that playing with left push is more advantageous to the player than playing with irregular pushes, and in games where instruction performance is not performed, playing with left push is recommended, but the specific stop mode is a stop mode that cannot be obtained when the stop operation is performed in the recommended hitting order in games where instruction performance is not performed.

In this embodiment, the first navigation effect and the second navigation effect are further prepared as instruction effects. In the AT effect state, if the winning area "batting order minor feature" is won in the internal lottery (in a game in which the winning area "batting order minor feature" is won), the first navigation effect is executed. In addition, in the preparation effect state, if the winning area "batting order minor feature" is won in the internal lottery (in a game in which the winning area "batting order minor feature" is won), the second navigation effect is executed.

The first navigation performance is a performance that notifies the correct operation mode. In the first navigation performance, the performance control means 100 displays the correct operation mode on the liquid crystal display 13. In addition, when the first navigation performance is executed, if the stop operation is performed as notified in the first navigation performance, the correct role will always win. In this embodiment, the winning area "batting order bell" is configured so that if the stop operation is performed in the correct batting order, the correct role will always win regardless of the timing of each stop operation. In the first navigation performance, the liquid crystal display 13 displays the correct batting order. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9(a), the liquid crystal display 13 displays the number "1" as a display that prompts the first operation at a position corresponding to the stop button 26 related to the first stop operation of the correct batting order, displays the number "2" as a display that prompts the second operation at a position corresponding to the stop button 26 related to the second stop operation of the correct batting order, and displays the number "3" as a display that prompts the third operation at a position corresponding to the stop button 26 related to the third stop operation of the correct batting order.
In addition, the first navigation effect does not necessarily have to notify the correct operation mode itself. In other words, the first navigation effect does not necessarily have to be a winning combination when the stop operation is performed as notified.

The second navigation performance is a performance that notifies an incorrect operation mode. In the second navigation performance, the performance control means 100 displays the incorrect operation mode on the liquid crystal display 13. In this embodiment, the winning area "batting order bell" is configured so that if a stop operation is performed in a specific batting order as an incorrect batting order, the correct role will not win regardless of the timing of each stop operation. In the second navigation performance, the liquid crystal display 13 displays the incorrect batting order. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9(b), the liquid crystal display 13 displays the character "x" as a display that encourages the player to avoid the first operation at a position corresponding to the stop button 26 related to the first stop operation of the incorrect batting order, and displays the character "?" at a position corresponding to the remaining two stop buttons 26. Here, the character "?" can be said to be an indication that the stop button 26 may be related to the first stop operation of the correct batting order. In other words, in the second navigation performance, some of the multiple types of incorrect operation modes are notified. This allows the second navigation effect to assist with correct operation (winning the correct role).

That is, both the first navigation effect and the second navigation effect are effects that support the winning of the correct role when the winning area "batting order bell" is won. Furthermore, the first navigation effect is an effect that makes it easier to win the correct role compared to the second navigation effect. In other words, the first navigation effect is an effect that is more advantageous to the player compared to the second navigation effect. Specifically, in this embodiment, there are six batting orders as the mode of the stopping operation that the player can select, and the first navigation effect is an effect that supports the winning of the correct role by notifying the player of the batting order that is the correct answer among the six batting orders. Furthermore, the second navigation effect is an effect that supports the winning of the correct role by notifying the player of the batting order that is the incorrect answer among the six batting orders. In other words, both the first navigation effect and the second navigation effect are effects that support the winning of the correct role by narrowing the player's options.

The second navigation effect may, for example, notify a part of the correct operation mode (a part of the operation related to the correct operation mode). Specifically, for example, in the second navigation effect, the liquid crystal display 13 may display the number "1" as an indication to prompt the first operation at a position corresponding to the stop button 26 related to the first stop operation of the correct batting order, as shown in FIG. 9(c), and may display the character "?" at positions corresponding to the remaining two stop buttons 26. In this example, it is notified that one of two of the six batting orders is the correct batting order.

As described above, in this embodiment, the first navigation effect is executed when the winning area "batting order minor win" is won in the AT performance state, and the second navigation effect is executed when the winning area "batting order minor win" is won in the preparation performance state. However, each performance may always be executed when the winning area "batting order minor win" is won in each performance state, or there may be cases where each performance is not executed. Also, the second navigation effect may be executed in the AT performance state, and the first navigation effect may be executed in the preparation performance state.

In this embodiment, when the instruction function control means 51 wins the winning area "batting order minor role" in the preparation performance state, it performs a lottery (navigation execution lottery) to determine whether or not to execute the instruction performance. Then, the performance control means 100 is configured to execute the instruction performance based on the result of the navigation execution lottery. In the navigation execution lottery executed when the winning area "batting order minor role" in which any of batting order 3 to batting order 6 is the correct batting order is won, the probability that the instruction performance will be executed is 83.3%, and even if these winning areas are won, the instruction performance is not executed with a probability of 16.7%. In the navigation execution lottery executed when the winning area "batting order minor role" in which batting order 1 or batting order 2 is the correct batting order is won, the probability that the instruction performance will be executed is 1%, and even if these winning areas are won, the instruction performance is not executed with a probability of 99%. In addition, when the winning area "batting order minor role" in which any of batting order 3 to batting order 6 is won and the execution of the instruction performance is determined by the navigation execution lottery, the second navigation performance is executed. In addition, if the winning area "batting order minor prize" in which either batting order 1 or batting order 2 is the correct batting order is won and the execution of the instruction effect is decided by the navigation execution lottery, the first navigation effect will be executed.

In addition, if the winning area "batting order minor role" is selected in the internal lottery, the probability that the first navigation effect will be executed is higher in the AT effect state than in the preparation effect state. And because the probability of the first navigation effect being executed is higher, it is easier to win medals in the AT effect state than in the preparation effect state, making it an advantageous effect state for the player.

The gaming machine of this embodiment is
A variable display means (reels 20a to 20c) for displaying variable indications of the symbol information;
An internal lottery means 42 for performing an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination is achieved;
A stop control means (reel control means 43) for stopping the variable display means in a mode corresponding to the result of the internal lottery based on a stop operation;
A game value providing means (payout control means 45) for providing a game value according to the payout of the winning minor winning combination based on the winning of the minor winning combination;
A presentation state control means 81 for shifting a presentation state between a plurality of presentation states including a first presentation state (AT presentation state) and a second presentation state (preparation presentation state);
A performance control means 100 for controlling execution of an instruction performance as a performance related to the stop operation,
As the small winning combination, there are several kinds of correct winning combinations (12 coin winning combinations) that, when won, are awarded with a gaming value greater than the gaming value bet for one game,
As winning possibilities obtained in the internal lottery,
A plurality of specific winning modes (winning area "batting order minor role") in which the correct role is won when the stop operation is performed in a correct operation mode, while the correct role is not won when the stop operation is performed in a predetermined operation mode different from the correct operation mode;
A first winning mode (winning area "common 1 coin A") in which the variable display means stops in a specific stopping mode when the stop operation is performed in a specific operation mode, while the variable display means does not stop in the specific stopping mode when the stop operation is performed in a predetermined operation mode different from the specific operation mode;
The instruction and direction include:
A first instruction effect (first navigation effect) and a second instruction effect (second navigation effect) that assist the winning of the correct answer role;
A specific instruction effect (specific navigation effect) that assists in stopping the variable display means in the specific stop mode,
The first instruction performance is a performance that makes it easier to win the correct role compared to the second instruction performance,
The performance control means 100 includes:
When any of the specific winning modes is obtained in the internal lottery in the first performance state, executing the first instruction performance;
When any of the specific winning modes is obtained in the internal lottery in the second performance state, executing the second instruction performance;
When the first winning mode is obtained in the internal lottery in the second performance state, the specific instruction performance is executed.
The first winning pattern is obtained in the internal lottery in the second performance state, and the performance state transitions to the first performance state based on the fact that the variable display means has stopped in the specific stop pattern;
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the first winning pattern is obtained in the internal lottery in the second presentation state and the variable display means does not stop in the specific stopping pattern, the presentation state is maintained in the second presentation state.

According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the variable display means stops in a specific stop mode in the second presentation state, the machine transitions to the first presentation state, and in the second presentation state, a specific instruction presentation is performed to assist in stopping the variable display means in a specific stop mode. Therefore, the second presentation state is maintained when the operation according to the specific instruction presentation is not (cannot be) performed, and it is possible to keep the expected value of the ball payout rate low when the operation according to the specific instruction presentation is not (cannot be) performed. In particular, by making the specific operation mode for stopping the variable display means in a specific stop mode when the first winning mode is obtained one that requires a specific stop operation at a specific timing (so-called eye-pressing), it is possible to keep the expected value of the ball payout rate low for players who cannot eye-press.

In addition, even in the second presentation state, a presentation (second instruction presentation) that assists in winning the correct role is executed, so that it is possible to prevent the expected ball payout rate from becoming excessively low in cases where the player remains in the second presentation state for an extended period of time.

In addition, in this embodiment, when any of the winning areas "batting order minor role" (the winning area "batting order minor role" when any of the batting orders is the correct batting order) is won in the second performance state, an instruction performance that assists the winning of the correct role can be executed. Also, when any of the winning areas "batting order minor role" (the winning area "batting order minor role" when any of the batting orders is the correct batting order) is won in the second performance state, there are cases where an instruction performance is executed and cases where an instruction performance is not executed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a strategy in which the player follows the instruction when an instruction performance is performed, and makes irregular pressing to easily acquire game value when an instruction performance is not performed, so that there is no need to impose a penalty when playing in a predetermined batting order (for example, irregular pressing) in the second performance state.
In addition, when the winning area "batting order minor role" is won in the second performance state, the instruction performance (first navigation performance or second navigation performance) may be executed without fail. In addition, in the navigation execution lottery, instead of determining whether or not to execute the instruction performance, it may be determined whether to execute the instruction performance, for example, the first navigation performance or the second navigation performance.

It is preferable that the expected value of the ball payout rate when a player plays in the preparation performance state is set to less than 100% (or less). In other words, it is assumed that the player does not know the correct operation mode unless notified, and in games with instruction performance, the player plays in an operation mode according to the instruction performance, and in games without instruction performance, the player plays in an arbitrary operation mode (note that "arbitrary" here may mean that the operation mode is selected randomly for each game, or that the player plays in a predetermined operation mode (for example, the operation mode with the highest expected value), such as left push, center push, or right push), and it is preferable that the expected value of the ball payout rate does not exceed 100%. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a strategy in which it becomes easy to win medals by intentionally continuing the preparation performance state without following a specific navigation performance.

In addition, a specific process (a process advantageous to the player) related to the instruction performance can be executed until the specific navigation performance is executed for the first time after the transition to the preparation performance state, while if the specific navigation performance is executed and the reels 20a to 20c do not stop in a specific stop mode (in other words, if the transition to the AT performance state does not occur), the specific process may not be executed until the reels 20a to 20c stop in a specific stop mode and transition to the AT performance state. In other words, after transition to the preparation performance state, a specific process related to the instruction performance can be executed until a specific winning area (for example, a winning area "common 1 piece A") that can stop the reels 20a to 20c in a specific stop mode is won, while if the specific winning area is won and the reels 20a to 20c do not stop in a specific stop mode (in other words, if the transition to the AT performance state does not occur), the specific process may not be executed until the reels 20a to 20c stop in a specific stop mode and transition to the AT performance state.
The specific processing may be, for example, a processing related to an increase in the duration of the AT presentation state (addition), a processing related to an increase in the degree of advantage (mode promotion) for the player in a specific presentation state such as the AT presentation state, or the like, or may be a first navigation presentation or a second navigation presentation. The specific processing may be executed even if the specific navigation presentation is executed first and the reels 20a to 20c do not stop in a specific stop mode, although the probability (frequency) of execution is reduced. In other words, the specific processing may be executed with a reduced probability (frequency) when the specific navigation presentation is executed and the reels 20a to 20c do not stop in a specific stop mode, and here, the probability after the reduction may be 0%, and the probability before the reduction may be 100%.
With this configuration, it is possible to prevent a game from being played by continuing the preparation presentation state without following the specific navigation presentation.

In addition, in the preparation performance state, if the number of plays performed from a predetermined point in time reaches a predetermined number, the AT performance state may be started even before the reels 20a to 20c stop in a specific stopping mode. For example, the AT performance state may be started when the number of plays since the start of the preparation performance state reaches a predetermined number. Also, for example, the AT performance state may be started when the number of plays since the start of the advantageous zone reaches a predetermined number.

Second Embodiment
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the present invention will be described by taking as an example a case where the present invention is applied to a slot machine, which is one of gaming machines, but the present invention may be applied to other gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines and medal-less gaming machines without being limited to slot machines. In the following description, "front and rear" basically means that when a player is in front of the slot machine, the player side is "front" and the slot machine side is "rear", "up and down" means that the top side of the slot machine is "up" and the bottom side is "down", and "left and right" means that the left hand side of the player playing the slot machine is "left" and the right hand side is "right".

As shown in FIG. 10, a slot machine (gaming machine) 10 comprises a box-shaped housing 11 with an opening on the front side, which faces the player, and a front door 12 for opening and closing the front opening of the housing 11. The housing 11 houses a reel unit in which a rotatable first reel 20a, a second reel 20b, and a third reel 20c are unitized, a hopper device for paying out medals, and the like. The front door 12 can be opened and closed freely relative to the housing 11. The front door 12 may be divided into an upper door and a lower door.

The front door 12 is provided with a liquid crystal display device 200, a speaker 14, a lighting device 15, and other performance devices, as well as a display window 16 (reel window). The liquid crystal display device 200 displays images (moving images, still images) for various performances. The speaker 14 outputs sounds (music, sound effects, voice, etc.) for various performances. In addition to the liquid crystal display device 200, the speaker 14, and the lighting device 15, movable parts that can be operated by actuators, etc., may also be provided as performance devices.

Behind the display window 16, a reel unit including reels 20a to 20c is arranged so that a part of the reel unit can be seen from outside the display window 16. A number of different patterns are arranged in a row on the outer periphery of each reel 20a to 20c, and when each reel 20a to 20c stops, a total of nine patterns are displayed (visually seen) through the display window 16, three patterns (upper pattern, middle pattern, and lower pattern) per reel. In addition, the display window 16 has an upper row, a middle row, and a lower row as display positions for visually seeing the patterns of each reel 20a to 20c, and a winning line is set by a combination of the display positions of each reel 20a to 20c. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the winning line is formed by the middle row of the first reel 20a, the middle row of the second reel 20b, and the middle row of the third reel 20c. In addition, in this embodiment of the gaming machine, the number of medals required for one game (prescribed number) is set to three, and when the prescribed number of medals is inserted, the active line is activated.

When the slot machine 10 starts playing, each of the reels 20a-20c starts spinning and an internal lottery is run to determine whether any of the winning combinations will be a win or a miss (non-win). Next, when the reels 20a-20c come to a halt, if a symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination selected in the internal lottery is displayed on an active line, this winning combination will be a winning combination, and a process corresponding to the winning combination (winning process) will be executed.

The front door 12 is provided with an operating section 50. The operating section 50 is provided with a medal insertion port 22 for inserting medals, a bet button 23 operated when inserting (betting) credited medals, a start lever 24 operated when starting a game, stop buttons 26a, 26b, 26c operated when stopping the rotation of the reels, and a settlement button operated when settling medals. In this embodiment, the bet buttons 23 include a MAX bet button 23 (first bet button) operated when betting three medals (prescribed number) and a 1 bet button 23 (second bet button) operated when betting one medal. In addition, a medal sensor 29 (see FIG. 11) that detects the passage of medals inserted from the medal insertion port 22 is provided at the back of the medal insertion port 22. In addition, a payout port 27 that pays out medals by a hopper device and a medal receiving tray 28 that receives medals paid out from the payout port 27 are provided at the bottom of the front door 12.

The operation unit 50 is provided with a main display (main game information display) 310. The main display 310 is a seven-segment display, and includes a main credit display (second main display) 311 and a main payout display (first main display) 312. The main credit display 311 displays the number of medals credited (number of credits). The main payout display 312 displays the number of medals paid out in one game. Although not shown, a favorable zone indicator is provided near the main display 310. The favorable zone indicator has an LED, and the turning on and off of this LED notifies the player whether or not they are in the favorable zone.

A sub-display (sub-game information display unit) 320 is provided below the display window 16 on the front door 12. The sub-display 320 is a seven-segment display, and includes a sub-credit display unit (second sub-display unit) 321 and a sub-payout display unit (first sub-display unit) 322. The sub-credit display unit 321 displays the number of medals credited (number of credits). The sub-payout display unit 322 displays the number of medals paid out in one game.

In this embodiment, the main credit display unit 311, the main payout display unit 312, the sub credit display unit 321, and the sub payout display unit 322 are capable of displaying two-digit values (numbers) (see FIG. 17(a)). The main display unit 310 and the sub display unit 320 may also be referred to as "game information display units."

In the slot machine 10, operation of the start lever 24 is enabled when medals are inserted into the medal slot 22 or when the bet button 23 is operated to bet a specified number of medals. Furthermore, when the enabled start lever 24 is operated, a game begins. When a game begins, each of the reels 20a to 20c begins to rotate, and when the rotation speed of each of the reels 20a to 20c reaches a certain speed and reaches a steady rotation, operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c is enabled. Furthermore, when an enabled stop button 26a to 26c is operated, each of the reels 20a to 20c corresponding to the operated stop button 26a to 26c is stopped.

As shown in FIG. 11, inside the slot machine 10, a main control board (main control device) 31 and a sub-control board (sub-control device) 32 are provided. The main control board 31 receives input signals from input means such as the bet button 23, start lever 24, stop buttons 26a-26c, and medal sensor 29, performs various calculations to execute the game, and controls output means such as the reel unit and hopper device based on the calculation results. The sub-control board 32 also receives signals sent from the main control board 31, performs various calculations to execute effects, and controls effect devices such as the liquid crystal display device 200, speaker 14, and lighting device 15 based on the calculation results.

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

The main control board 31 includes an input receiving means 40, a random number generating means 41, an internal lottery means 42 for conducting an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination has been achieved, a reel control means 43 for controlling the rotation of the reels, a winning determination means 44 for determining whether a winning combination has been achieved when all the reels have stopped, a payout control means 45, a setting change means 47, an initialization means 48, a game state control means 49, an instruction function control means 51, a main performance control means 52, and a storage means 60. The storage means 60 includes a ROM and a RAM.
The sub-control board 32 also includes a sub-effect control means 70 and a sub-side storage means 72. The sub-side storage means 72 also includes a ROM and a RAM.

The main performance control means 52 and the sub-performance control means 70 constitute the performance control means 100. The main performance control means 52 decides whether or not to perform a navigation performance (batting order navigation performance) based on the game state, the performance state, etc. The sub-performance control means 70 controls the performance device using the performance data stored in the sub-side storage means 72 based on the game state, information on the performance state, or the decision on whether or not to perform a navigation performance transmitted from the main performance control means 52. Note that the control performed by the main performance control means 52 described in this embodiment may be performed by the sub-performance control means 70, and the control performed by the sub-performance control means 70 may be performed by the main performance control means 52.

The insertion acceptance means 40 accepts the insertion of medals for each game, and performs a process of validating a game start operation on the start lever 24 based on the insertion of a specified number of medals. Specifically, when medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 22, the insertion acceptance means 40 sets the inserted medals to an inserted state (bet state) up to a specified number as the medal sensor 29 detects the medals. Furthermore, when the bet button 23 is pressed in a state in which medals have been credited, the insertion acceptance means 40 sets the credited medals to an inserted state up to a specified number.
In this embodiment, the number of credits is displayed on the main credit display section 311 and the sub-credit display section 321. The performance control means 100 changes the display contents of the main credit display section 311 and the sub-credit display section 321 according to an increase or decrease in the number of medal credits stored in the storage means 60.

In this embodiment, the first press of the start lever 24, which is activated based on the insertion of a specified number of medals, is accepted as the game start operation, and this operation triggers the rotation of the reels 20a to 20c and a lottery such as an internal lottery is held.

The insertion acceptance means 40 also controls so that medals owned by the player are not set to a newly inserted state in the next game after the game in which the replay was won. Specifically, if a replay was won in the previous game, even if medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 22 while the insertion of medals is being accepted, the inserted medals are not set to an inserted state, and the inserted medals are credited up to the credit upper limit (e.g., 50 medals). Also, while the insertion of medals is being accepted, operation of the bet button 23 is not accepted, so that the credited medals are not set to an inserted state even if the bet button 23 is pressed.

The random number generating means 41 generates random numbers for the lottery. The random numbers can be generated, for example, based on the count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numbers so as to circulate through a specified count range). In this embodiment, the "random numbers" include not only values that are generated randomly in the mathematical sense, but also values that are generated regularly but whose acquisition timing is irregular, and therefore can essentially function as random numbers.

The internal lottery means 42 performs an internal lottery using an internal lottery table based on the operation of the activated start lever 24 (i.e., the start of a game).
In the internal lottery table, various winning combinations including small combinations, replays, and bonuses and losing combinations (non-winning combinations) are associated with a plurality of random numbers (for example, 65,536 random numbers from 0 to 65,535), and a plurality of internal lottery tables are stored in the internal lottery table storage area 61 provided in the ROM of the storage means 60. Specifically, the gaming machine of this embodiment has a plurality of internal lottery tables including three types of internal lottery tables, from internal lottery table 1 to internal lottery table 3, as shown in Fig. 12. The internal lottery means 42 selects an internal lottery table according to the game state and a set value and performs an internal lottery.
A minor win is a win that allows a player to receive a payout of a predetermined number of medals according to the minor win. A replay is a win that allows a player to play again without consuming any more medals. When a replay is won, the operation of the start lever 24 is enabled without the player using any medals, and the player can start playing by operating the start lever 24.

In the internal lottery, a random number value for the lottery is obtained from the random number generating means 41, and this random number value is compared with the internal lottery table to determine whether or not a winning role has been won, and the winning role associated with the random number value is the winning role. Also, for each random number value, there are cases where one winning role is associated with one random number, and cases where multiple winning roles are associated with one random number. Therefore, there are cases where one role is won by the internal lottery, and cases where multiple roles are won at the same time.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the following minor roles are available: normal bell A, bell B, bell C, special minor role A1, special minor role A2, special minor role A3, special minor role A4, special minor role B, weak cherry, strong cherry, and watermelon. The winning modes for minor roles in which multiple types of minor roles overlap and are won are batting order bell (batting order bell 1 to batting order bell 8: first winning mode), JAC1 (second winning mode), and JAC2.

To explain the batting order bells in detail with reference to FIG. 13, as shown in FIG. 13(a), batting order bell 1 to batting order bell 4 indicate that bell A, bell B, any one of special minor roles A1 to A4, and special minor role B overlap and win. In this way, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, batting order bell 1 to batting order bell 4, bell A, bell B, and two types of special minor roles overlap and win, and the combinations of the two types of special minor roles that overlap and win with bell A and bell B are different. Also, as shown in FIG. 13(a), batting order bell 5 to batting order bell 8 indicate that bell A, bell C, any one of special minor roles A1 to A4, and special minor role B overlap and win. In this way, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, Bell A, Bell C, and two types of special minor winning combinations can be won in Batting Bell 5 to Batting Bell 8, and the combinations of Bell A and Bell C and the two types of special minor winning combinations are different.

To explain JAC in more detail with reference to FIG. 13, JAC1 indicates that Bell A, Bell B, Bell C, special small win B, watermelon, weak cherry, and strong cherry will be won in overlapping fashion, as shown in FIG. 13(b). To add, JAC2 indicates that special small win A1 to A4, special small win B, and Bell A will be won in overlapping fashion, as shown in FIG. 13(b).

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the probability of winning a small prize is the same on internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2. The probability of winning a replay is the same on internal lottery tables 1 to 3. On internal lottery table 3, the small prize is won in a manner different from that on internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2. On internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2, batting order bell 1 to batting order bell 8 cause bell B and bell C to win without overlapping, while on internal lottery table 3, bell B and bell C are won in an overlapping manner by JAC1.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a big bonus (BB) is provided as a bonus, and in the internal lottery table 1, the big bonus is set as a lottery object, but in the internal lottery table 2 and the internal lottery table 3, the big bonus is excluded from the lottery objects.
In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the bonus is assumed to be a continuous operation device for a so-called first type special feature, but it may be a continuous operation device for a first type special feature or a second type special feature, etc. Also, the bonus is not limited to one type, and multiple bonuses may be installed.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the replay and the bonus are each set to be won individually, but it may also be set so that they can be won together. For example, it may be set so that a replay and a bonus are won together, a small role and a bonus are won together, or multiple types of replays are won together.

The internal lottery means 42 sets the winning flag corresponding to the winning combination as a result of the internal lottery from a non-winning state (off state) to a winning state (on state). In addition, when multiple winning combinations are won at the same time, the winning flag corresponding to each of the overlapping winning combinations is set from a non-winning state to a winning state. In addition, the setting information of the winning flag is stored in the winning flag memory area 62 provided in the RAM 60a of the memory means 60.

There are two types of winning flags: a winning flag (carry-over flag) that can carry over the winning state to the next game or later until a prize is won, and a winning flag (non-carry-over flag) that is reset to a non-winning state and does not carry over the winning state to the next game or later regardless of whether a prize is won. A big bonus is an example of a role that can be associated with a carry-over flag. A small role and a replay are examples of roles that can be associated with a non-carry-over flag. For example, when a big bonus is won in an internal lottery, the internal lottery means 42 carries over the winning state of the big bonus winning flag until the big bonus is won. At this time, the internal lottery means 42 also carries out an internal lottery to determine whether a small role and a replay have been won, even in a game in which the winning state of the big bonus winning flag has been carried over. In other words, in a game in which the winning state of the big bonus winning flag is carried over, if a small win or replay is won, the winning flags corresponding to two or more types of roles, the winning flag of the already won big bonus and the winning flag of the small win or replay won by the internal lottery, are set to the winning state.

In addition, the slot machine 10 has six settings, from setting 1 to setting 6, and the probability of winning a role varies depending on the setting value. Specifically, when the setting is changed, the internal lottery table group consisting of internal lottery tables 1 to 3 is changed to an internal lottery table group associated with each setting, and the internal lottery table group changes to one with different winning probabilities for small roles, replays, and bonuses depending on the setting.

The setting change means 47 controls changing of the setting values stored in the setting value storage area 63 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60. Specifically, when the setting change key is inserted into the setting change key cylinder provided inside the slot machine 10 and the power supply of the slot machine 10 is turned on with the setting change key (setting change key cylinder) rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the initial position, the setting change means 47 starts the slot machine 10 in the setting change mode. The setting value can be selected from six setting values from setting 1 to setting 6, and the winning probability of the internal lottery is changed so that the expected value of the ball payout rate increases in order from setting 1 to setting 6. The setting change means 47 changes the setting value in the order of setting 1 → setting 2 → ... setting 6 → setting 1 → ... each time the setting change button provided inside the slot machine 10 is pressed in the setting change mode, and when the start lever 24 is pressed, the setting value is confirmed and the confirmed setting value is stored in the setting value storage area 63. In addition, it is possible to switch from the setting change mode to the game mode by returning the setting change key inserted into the setting change key cylinder to its initial position.
In this embodiment, the setting values are expressed in the order of setting 1<setting 2<setting 3<setting 4<setting 5<setting 6.

When the power is turned on with the setting change key cylinder in the initial position, the slot machine 10 is started in the game mode. In the game mode, the gaming machine of this embodiment can play games but cannot change the settings, while in the setting change mode, the settings can be changed but cannot play games.

When the setting value is changed, the initialization means 48 performs an initialization process to initialize at least a part of the information stored in the RAM of the storage means 60. Specifically, when the setting value is changed, the initialization means 48 performs a process to return the game state, game section, and presentation state to their initial states, which will be described later. That is, when the setting value is changed, the game state becomes the normal state, the game section becomes the non-advantageous section, and the presentation state becomes the normal presentation state, and these states become the same as when the power is turned on for the first time after shipping from the factory. In addition, the initialization means 48 initializes other information related to presentation stored in the RAM of the storage means 60 in the initialization process. In addition, the sub-control board 32 also has an initialization means (not shown), and when a signal notifying that the setting value has been changed is transmitted from the main control board 31, the initialization means of the sub-control board 32 initializes information related to presentation stored in the RAM of the sub-side storage means 72.
In addition, even if the setting value is changed, the game state, game section, and presentation state may not return to their initial states.

The reel control means 43 starts the rotation of each of the reels 20a-20c when the enabled start lever 24 is operated (i.e., the start of a game) under the control of the main control board 31, and when the enabled stop buttons 26a-26c are operated, it controls the stopping of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button.

That is, each time one of the stop buttons 26a to 26c is operated, the reel control means 43 determines the stop position of the reel from the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c that corresponds to the operated button, and controls the reel to stop at the determined stop position. In the slot machine 10, when the stop button 26a is operated, the rotation of the first reel 20a is stopped, when the stop button 26b is operated, the rotation of the second reel 20b is stopped, and when the stop button 26c is operated, the rotation of the third reel 20c is stopped. Therefore, the stop order of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c changes depending on the order in which the stop buttons 26a to 26c are operated.

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

In the following, the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stop the reels in the order of the first reel 20a, the second reel 20b, and the third reel 20c is referred to as "batting order 1," the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stop the reels in the order of the first reel 20a, the third reel 20c, and the second reel 20b is referred to as "batting order 2," and the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stop the reels in the order of the second reel 20b, the first reel 20a, and the third reel 20c is referred to as "batting order 3." The operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stops the reels in the order of the second reel 20b, the third reel 20c, and the first reel 20a is designated as "batting order 4," the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stops the reels in the order of the third reel 20c, the first reel 20a, and the second reel 20b is designated as "batting order 5," and the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stops the reels in the order of the third reel 20c, the second reel 20b, and the first reel 20a is designated as "batting order 6."

In the stop control when the stop buttons 26a to 26c are operated, the reel control means 43 stops each of the reels 20a to 20c so that the winning combination with the winning flag set to the winning state wins. Specifically, when the winning flag of one winning combination is set to the winning state, the reels 20a to 20c are stopped so that this winning combination wins. In addition, when the winning flags of multiple winning combinations are set to the winning state in a overlapping manner, the reels 20a to 20c are stopped so that a predetermined winning combination wins according to the priority order set for each combination. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the priority order is set in the order of "replay > minor combination > bonus". Then, the reel control means 43 stops the reels 20a to 20c so that the symbols constituting the winning combination with the higher priority are displayed on the pay line in priority to the symbols constituting the winning combination with the lower priority.

In addition, when multiple types of small roles are won in the internal lottery, the priority order for the candidate stop positions may be determined according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line, or according to the number of medals paid out based on the payouts that are determined in advance for the small roles. When determining the priority order for the candidate stop positions according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line, the priority order for each candidate stop position is determined so that the priority order is higher for the stop positions that have a larger number of symbol combinations that show winning forms that can be displayed on the active line. When determining the priority order for the candidate stop positions according to the number of medals paid out, the priority order for each candidate stop position is determined so that the priority order is higher for the stop positions that have a larger number of medals paid out based on the payouts for the small roles that correspond to the symbols displayed at the display positions on the active line (stop positions that can win small roles with a larger payout). However, when determining the priority order for the candidate stop positions according to the number of medals paid out, if small roles with the same payouts are won multiple times, the priority order for the candidate stop positions that can win each small role is treated as being the same.

In addition, the batting order bells 1 to 8 are set with a correct batting order and a specific batting order, respectively, and an order different from either the correct batting order or the specific batting order is treated as an incorrect batting order. In particular, in this embodiment, the correct batting order and the specific batting order have the same reel to be stopped first, and the second reel to be stopped is branched into a case where it is judged to be the correct batting order and a case where it is judged to be the specific batting order. If any of the batting order bells is won, and the type of the stop button pressed first corresponds to the correct batting order and the specific batting order, the priority is determined so that the first reel to be stopped has the highest priority of the candidate for the stop position that will have the largest number of medals paid out and the largest number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the effective line, and the second and subsequent reels to be stopped have the highest priority of the candidate for the stop position that will have the largest number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the effective line. Furthermore, if any of the batting order bells is won, and the stop buttons 26a-26c are pressed in an incorrect batting order, the priority is determined so that the candidate stop position that can display the symbol combination that constitutes the most winning forms is given the highest priority.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, if any of the batting order bells is won, when the stop buttons 26a-26c are pressed in a specific batting order, the priority is determined so that the candidate stop positions that can win Bell A have the highest priority, when the stop buttons 26a-26c are pressed in the correct batting order, the game order is determined so that the candidate stop positions that can win Bell B or Bell C have the highest priority, and when the stop buttons 26a-26c are pressed in an incorrect batting order, the priority is determined so that the candidate stop positions that can win Special Small Winners A1-A4 or Special Small Winners B have the highest priority.

In addition, if you win JAC1, you can win Bell B or Bell C regardless of the batting order you play in, and if you win JAC2, you can win Bell A regardless of the batting order you play in.

The winning determination means 44 is activated when the reels 20a to 20c stop spinning, and determines whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the stopping state of the reels 20a to 20c. Specifically, the symbol combination displayed (stopped display) on the pay line by the stopping of the reels 20a to 20c is compared to the winning determination table stored in the ROM of the storage means 60. The winning determination table stores the winning form (the symbol combination that will win when stopped and displayed) of each winning combination, and the above-mentioned comparison determines whether or not a winning combination has been achieved and the type of winning combination that has been achieved. When a winning combination has been achieved, the main control board 31 executes a winning process corresponding to the winning combination that has been achieved. Specifically, the winning process performs a payout process when a small combination has been achieved, a replay process (replay process) when a replay has been achieved, and a process to transition the game state (game state transition control process) when a bonus has been achieved.

Here, the payout process is a process of paying out a number of medals determined based on the payout determined for each role when a minor winning combination is achieved, and is performed by the payout control means 45. When a minor winning combination is achieved, the payout control means 45 determines the number of medals to be paid out based on the payout determined for each role, and causes the hopper device to pay out the determined number of medals to be paid out.
In this embodiment, when medals are paid out in each game, the number of medals paid out is displayed on the main payout display unit 312 and the sub payout display unit 322. When medals are paid out as a result of a minor winning combination, the performance control means 100 causes the main payout display unit 312 and the sub payout display unit 322 to display the number of medals paid out (the number of medals paid out) associated with the minor winning combination.

When crediting (accumulating) medals is permitted, instead of actually paying out medals using the hopper device, a credit addition process is performed to add the payout number to the credit number (number of credited medals) stored in a credit storage area provided in the RAM of the storage means 60, and medals are virtually paid out. When adding a part or all of the payout number of medals to the credit number, the performance control means 100 changes the display content of the main credit display section 311 and the sub-credit display section 321 in accordance with the increase in the credit number.

As shown in FIG. 14, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a bell A, special small symbols A1 to A4, or special small symbol B is won, one medal is paid out, when a bell B or bell C is won, seven medals are paid out, when a watermelon is won, three medals are paid out, and when a weak cherry or strong cherry is won, two medals are paid out.

In addition, replay processing is a process in which, when a replay wins, the next game is set to the same game start waiting state as the previous game without the player having to insert any medals owned by the player, and is performed by the replay processing means 46. When a replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed in which the same number of medals as the number set to the inserted state in the previous game (the game in which the replay won) are automatically inserted without using the player's medals (including credited medals), and the game waits for the next game start operation on the start lever 24 with a winning line set corresponding to the number of medals inserted by the automatic insertion process. In addition, when the automatic insertion process is performed, it is not possible to insert additional medals.

As shown in FIG. 15, the game state control means 49 performs a game state transition control process that transitions the game state between the normal state, the bonus established state, and the bonus state. A single game state transition condition may be defined, or multiple game state transition conditions may be defined. When multiple game state transition conditions are defined, the game state may be transitioned based on one of the multiple predetermined conditions being established, or the game state may be transitioned based on multiple or all of the multiple predetermined conditions being established.

The internal lottery means 42 selects an internal lottery table from the internal lottery tables shown in FIG. 12 according to the game state and performs an internal lottery. Specifically, in the normal state, the internal lottery is performed by referring to the internal lottery table 1 in which the big bonus is set as the lottery object. In the bonus establishment state, the internal lottery is performed by referring to the internal lottery table 2 in which the big bonus is excluded from the lottery object. In the bonus state, the internal lottery is performed by referring to the internal lottery table 3 in which the big bonus is excluded from the lottery object. The slot machine 10 may be provided with a plurality of internal lottery tables with different winning probabilities of replay, and the game state control means 49 may transition the game state between a plurality of game states (RT states) with different winning probabilities of replay at a predetermined opportunity (for example, based on the winning of a predetermined role).

The game state is initially in the normal state.
In addition, it is possible to transition from the normal state to a bonus realization state. When a big bonus is won in the normal state, the gaming state control means 49 transitions the gaming state to the bonus realization state.

The bonus established state is a game state to which the player transitions when a big bonus is won in an internal lottery. In the bonus established state, the lottery flag corresponding to the big bonus is maintained in a winning state until the big bonus is won, and when a symbol combination indicating the winning form of the big bonus is displayed on an active line, the game state control means 49 transitions the game state from the bonus established state to the bonus state.

The bonus state is a game state to which the game is switched when a symbol combination indicating a big bonus winning form is displayed on an active line. In the bonus state, the game state control means 49 judges whether or not a termination condition is met based on the total number of medals paid out in the bonus state, and when the number of medals paid out exceeds a predetermined number (e.g., 100 medals), the game state control means 49 terminates the bonus state and switches the game state to the normal state.
In this embodiment, the end condition of the bonus state is determined by the total number of medals paid out, but the end condition may be determined by the number of games played in the bonus state, the number of times a small winning combination is won, etc. Also, the end condition of the bonus state may be determined so that the bonus state ends after one game.

The instruction function control means 51 includes a game zone control means 80, a presentation state control means 81, and a bonus lottery means 82.

As shown in FIG. 16, the game zone control means 80 performs a game zone transition control process that transitions the game zone between a non-advantageous zone and an advantageous zone according to the progress of the game. The non-advantageous zone is a game zone that corresponds to the initial state among multiple types of game zones. In the non-advantageous zone, the bonus lottery means 82 performs an advantageous zone transition lottery, and when the advantageous zone transition lottery is won, the game zone control means 80 transitions the game zone to the advantageous zone. The advantageous zone is a game zone in which an upper limit (for example, 1500 times here) is set for the number of times that the game can be played. In addition, when the game zone is set to a non-advantageous zone, a navigation effect (more precisely, a navigation effect that indicates the batting order) cannot be performed, and a navigation effect (a navigation effect that indicates the batting order) can be performed only when the game zone is set to an advantageous zone. When the number of times that the game zone has been played in the advantageous zone reaches the upper limit of 1500 times, the game zone control means 80 ends the advantageous zone and transitions the game zone to a non-advantageous zone.

In the non-advantageous zone, the bonus lottery means 82 conducts a lottery (advantageous zone transition lottery) to determine whether or not to transition to the advantageous zone based on whether watermelon, weak cherry, or strong cherry is won. Then, when the advantageous zone transition lottery is won, the game zone control means 80 transitions the game zone from the non-advantageous zone to the advantageous zone.

In addition, the game zone control means 80 performs an increment process to add "1" to the advantageous zone play count counter 65 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60 as a value corresponding to one play, triggered by the game start operation on the start lever 24, each time one play is performed in the advantageous zone. Note that the game zone control means 80 does not add to the advantageous zone play count counter 65 in the non-advantageous zone. Also, at the time of transition from the non-advantageous zone to the advantageous zone, the stored value of the advantageous zone play count counter 65 is "0". Then, when the stored value of the advantageous zone play count counter 65 reaches a threshold value (upper limit value), for example, "1500", the game zone control means 80 transitions the game zone from the advantageous zone to the non-advantageous zone, assuming that the end condition of the advantageous zone is established. In other words, the upper limit value of the number of plays in the advantageous zone is set to, for example, 1500 times, so that more than 1500 plays are not performed consecutively in the advantageous zone.

In addition, the game zone control means 80 performs an update process in which the value of the difference number counter (not shown) provided in the RAM of the storage means 60 is updated by the difference number of medals in the advantageous zone, subtracting a value corresponding to the number of medals inserted in the game (for example, "3" if three medals are inserted) from a value corresponding to the number of medals paid out (for example, "7" if seven medals are paid out, and "0" if no combination is won and no payout is made) to obtain a calculation result of the difference number in the game, and adding this calculation result to the value of the difference number counter. Note that the game zone control means 80 does not add to the difference number counter in the non-advantageous zone. Also, at the time of transition from the non-advantageous zone to the advantageous zone, the stored value of the difference number counter is "0". Then, when the value of the difference number counter exceeds a threshold value (for example, "2400"), the game zone control means 80 determines that the end condition of the advantageous zone is met, and transitions the game zone from the advantageous zone to the non-advantageous zone. The value of the difference number counter is controlled so that it does not fall below the initial value "0", for example, if the value of the difference number counter at the start of a game is "2", and as a result of playing the game, no winning combination is won and no medals are paid out, the calculation result of the difference number in that game will be "-3", and adding the calculation result of the difference number to the value of the difference number counter will make it fall below the initial value "0", but the counting of the updated difference number counter is stopped with the initial value "0" as the lower limit. In other words, an upper limit is set for the number of medals that can be won in the advantageous zone, and the point when the number of medals has decreased the most in the advantageous zone is set as the standard "0", and the advantageous zone ends when the number of medals has increased by more than 2400 from that standard. Also, if a replay is won in a game, the game in which the replay was won may be treated as having had a payout of medals equivalent to the specified number of medals inserted for that game, and the difference in the number of medals may be calculated, and for the next game that is provided free of charge as a result of the replay being won, even if no actual medals are inserted, the difference in the number of medals may be calculated as if a medal equivalent to the specified number of medals has been inserted for that game.

The advantageous zone indicator is turned off in non-advantageous zones and turned on in advantageous zones. The advantageous zone indicator does not need to be turned on as soon as the advantageous zone is entered, but only needs to be turned on before the first navigation effect (batting order navigation effect that indicates the batting order) is performed. Once turned on, it will not be turned off until the advantageous zone ends.

As shown in FIG. 16, the presentation state control means 81 performs a presentation state transition control process that transitions the presentation state between multiple types of presentation states, including a non-advantageous zone presentation state, a normal presentation state, and an AT presentation state (navigation presentation state). A single condition may be defined as the transition condition of the presentation state, or multiple conditions may be defined. When multiple conditions are defined, the presentation state may be transitioned when one of the multiple predefined conditions is satisfied, or the presentation state may be transitioned based on multiple or all of the multiple predefined conditions being satisfied.

The non-advantageous zone presentation state is a presentation state that corresponds to the initial state among multiple types of game states. In the non-advantageous zone, the presentation state control means 81 sets the presentation state to the non-advantageous zone presentation state. In the non-advantageous zone presentation state, the bonus lottery means 82 performs a lottery for transition to an advantageous zone as described above, and when a transition to an advantageous zone is determined in the lottery for transition to an advantageous zone, the presentation state control means 81 transitions the presentation state to the normal presentation state.

In the normal presentation state, the bonus selection means 82 performs a selection (AT selection) to determine whether or not to transition to the AT presentation state. Specifically, the bonus selection means 82 performs an AT selection when a watermelon, weak cherry, or strong cherry is selected in the normal presentation state.

When the AT lottery is won, the presentation state control means 81 decides to transition the presentation state to the AT presentation state. When the AT lottery is won and it is decided to transition the presentation state to the AT presentation state, the presentation state control means 81 sets a predetermined value to the storage value of the AT game number counter 67 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60, and transitions the presentation state to the AT presentation state. In this embodiment, the AT game number counter 67 is set to "50" as a value corresponding to, for example, 50 games. In addition, in the AT presentation state, when the watermelon, weak cherry, or strong cherry is won, the bonus lottery means 82 performs a lottery (addition lottery) to determine whether or not to increase the number of games in the AT presentation state (determines whether or not to increase the duration of the AT presentation state), and a value corresponding to the number of games determined based on the lottery result is added to the AT game number counter 67.
In addition, the value set in the AT game number counter 67 at the start of the AT presentation state may be determined by lottery or the like.

The presentation state control means 81 performs a decrement process to subtract a value "1" corresponding to one play count from the stored value of the AT play count counter 67 each time a game is played in the AT presentation state. Then, when the stored value of the AT play count counter 67 reaches the threshold value "0", it determines that the end condition for the AT presentation state is met, ends the AT presentation state, and transitions the presentation state to the normal presentation state (or non-advantageous zone presentation state).

The AT presentation state may also be set according to the game state to which a transition occurs based on winning a bonus or winning a prize. For example, the game state may transition to the AT presentation state when a bonus is established, and may not transition to the AT presentation state in the normal state or bonus state. In other words, in the normal state or bonus state, for example, the AT presentation state may not be transitioned to even if an AT lottery is won, and an AT lottery may not be held.

In addition, if a bonus is won when the presentation state is the AT presentation state and the game state is the bonus established state, the AT presentation state (updating of the AT game count counter 67) may be interrupted until the game state transitions back to the bonus established state via the normal state after the bonus state transitions due to the winning of the bonus ends. In other words, the navigation presentation may be stopped when a bonus is won, and resumed when the game state transitions back to the bonus established state.

When the advantageous zone ends and the game zone transitions to the normal zone, the instruction function control means 51 performs a navigation information initialization process to initialize the information stored in the RAM of the storage means 60 as information related to the navigation performance. Specifically, the instruction function control means 51 initializes the stored value of the advantageous zone play count counter 65, the stored value of the difference number counter, the flag (lottery result) related to the lottery related to the navigation performance such as the information stored in the AT flag storage area 66, the stored value of the AT play count counter 67, the stored value of the input number storage area 68, the stored value of the payout number storage area 69, etc. In other words, the information related to the navigation performance (instruction function) is not carried over across multiple advantageous zones. In addition, when the initialization means 48 performs the above-mentioned initialization process when the setting value is changed, the information related to the navigation performance shown here is also initialized.

When the presentation state is the AT presentation state, if any of batting order bells 1 to 8 wins, the presentation control means 100 controls the presentation devices such as the liquid crystal display device 200 and the speaker 14 to execute a navigation presentation that notifies the player of the correct batting order and assists in the winning of bells B and C. When the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed according to the correct batting order notified by the navigation presentation, bells B and C will always win and seven medals can be won. When the navigation presentation is executed, information indicating the correct batting order is also displayed on the main display 310.

The transmission of information from the main control board 31 to the sub-control board 32 is achieved by sending commands via serial communication. Information contained in the commands sent from the main control board 31 to the sub-control board 32 includes setting values, game status, number of medals inserted (number of credits) and number of medals paid out, results of internal lottery, signal status of various switches, contents of reel stop control, results of winning determination, information related to any errors that have occurred, etc.

The performance sub-control means 70 controls the execution of performances in various performance devices based on information from the main control board 31 and performance data stored in the sub-side storage means 72. For example, it controls the execution of a performance that displays a predetermined display on the liquid crystal display device 200, that outputs a predetermined sound from the speaker 14, and that lights up (blinks) the lighting device 15 in a predetermined lighting mode. The performance control means 100 changes the display content of the liquid crystal display device 200, outputs a sound from the speaker 14, or lights up or blinks the lighting device 15 based on the occurrence of a game event such as the insertion of a medal, operation of the bet button 23, operation of the start lever 24, operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c, or a change in the game state.

The reel unit of this embodiment also includes a backlight 17 (see FIG. 17(b)) that illuminates reels 20a to 20c from the back side of the reel tape of each reel (the inner peripheral side of each reel). The performance control means 100 controls the execution of a performance in which the backlight 17 is illuminated in a predetermined light emission mode (light emission pattern).

When the performance control means 100 receives a specific command, it reads sound data corresponding to the command from the sub-side storage means 72, plays the data, and outputs the sound from the speaker 14. In addition, when the performance control means 100 receives a specific command, it reads flash data corresponding to the command from the sub-side storage means 72, plays the data, and illuminates the backlight 17.

The main loop process that controls the progress of the game will now be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 18. First, an insertion acceptance process is performed to accept the insertion of the number of medals required to play the game (prescribed number) (step S100), and it is determined whether the insertion of the prescribed number of medals (3 medals) set as the game start condition has been accepted (step S101). In the insertion acceptance process, the inserted medals are set to an inserted state based on the player inserting the medals into the medal insertion slot 22. Also, the medals credited to the gaming machine are set to an inserted state based on the pressing of the 1 bet button 23 or the MAX bet button 23. Also, if a replay is won in the previous game, the same number of medals as the number inserted in the previous game (the same number of medals inserted in the previous game) are automatically set to an inserted state.

If it is determined in step S101 that the insertion of the specified number of medals has been accepted (if it is determined that the specified number of medals has been set to the inserted state) (step S101: YES), the operation of the start lever 24 is enabled (step S102). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S101 that the insertion of the specified number of medals has not been accepted (step S101: NO), the process returns to step S100.

Next, it is determined whether the start lever 24 has been operated (step S103). If it is determined in step S103 that the start lever 24 has been operated (step S103: YES), an internal lottery is conducted (step S104) and the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c start to rotate (step S105). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S103 that the start lever 24 has not been operated (step S103: NO), the process of step S103 is repeated.

Next, it is determined whether the rotation speed of each reel is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed (step S106). If it is determined in step S106 that the rotation speed of each reel is equal to or greater than the predetermined speed (step S106: YES), operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c is enabled (step S107). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S106 that the rotation speed of each reel is not equal to or greater than the predetermined speed (step S106: NO), the processing of step S106 is repeated.

Next, it is determined whether or not a specific stop button has been operated (step S108). If it is determined in step S108 that a specific stop button has been operated (step S108: YES), the rotation of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button is stopped (step S109), and it is determined whether or not all reels have stopped (step S110). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S108 that a specific stop button has not been operated (step S108: NO), the processing of step S108 is repeated.

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

In step S111, a case where it is determined that the winning combination (minor combination) in the internal lottery has been won will be described. When the release of the final press of the stop button (third stop operation) for the game is detected and it is determined that a minor combination has been won, the payout control means 45 determines the number of medals to be paid out based on the payout determined for each combination, and transmits a command (payout command) indicating (instructing) the payment of a predetermined number of medals to the hopper device and the performance control means 100 (main performance control means 52 and sub performance control means 70).

When the presentation control means 100 receives the payout command (triggered by the reception of the payout command), it controls the execution of a presentation corresponding to the payout command. In this embodiment, when the release of the third stop operation is detected and the payout process is executed, a presentation related to the payout is executed. The presentation related to the payout can be said to be a presentation that notifies the payout of medals (winning of a minor prize).

(Count up effect)
Upon receiving a command (payout command) indicating that a predetermined number of medals are to be paid out, the performance control means 100 executes (starts) a count-up performance corresponding to the payout command, and updates (changes) the values (display values) of the main display 310 and the sub-display 320 shown in Fig. 10. In this embodiment, the main control board 31 sequentially updates the value of the main display 310 (first display section), and the sub-control board 32 sequentially updates the value of the sub-display 320 (second display section).

The performance control means 100 increases the values of the main display 310 and the sub display 320 by a value (number) corresponding to the number of medals to be paid out indicated by the payout command. This increase in value is realized by increasing the value stepwise by one (counting up). In other words, the main display 310 executes a first payout notification that notifies the payout by sequentially updating the value, and the sub display 320 executes a second payout notification that notifies the payout by sequentially updating the value. The values of the main payout display section 312 and the sub payout display section 322 are increased by one each time from 1. The values of the main credit display section 311 and the sub credit display section 321 are increased by one each time from the current number of credits.
In this embodiment, the upper limit of the values in the main credit display section 311 and the sub-credit display section 321, i.e., the upper limit of the number of credits, is set to "50", and any medals exceeding the upper limit are paid out.

In the above, it has been described that the values of the main credit display unit 311 and the sub-credit display unit 321 are updated based on the receipt of a payout command, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the number of credits stored in the storage means 60 may be updated based on a payout command, the performance control means 100 may receive a command indicating the number of credits, and the values of the main credit display unit 311 and the sub-credit display unit 321 may be updated based on the command.

In the following, even if the number of credits is less than 50 and the maximum payout medals are paid out, the explanation is based on the premise that the number of credits is a number of credits (for example, 11) that does not reach the upper limit value. When a seven-coin role is won and the performance control means 100 receives a payout command indicating that seven medals are to be paid out, the value corresponding to the number of medals to be paid out becomes "7". The performance control means 100 increases the values of the main payout display section 312 and the sub payout display section 322 in order from 1, 2, ..., and stops increasing (updating) the values when they reach 7. In addition, the performance control means 100 increases the values of the main credit display section 311 and the sub credit display section 321 in order from 12, 13, ..., and stops increasing (updating) the values when they reach 18.
In addition, if the number of credits at the time the payout command is received is “0”, the values in the main credit display section 311 and the sub-credit display section 321 will change in the same way as the values in the main payout display section 312 and the sub-payout display section 322.
Furthermore, when the value on the 7-segment display is a single digit, a 0 may be displayed in the tens digit, for example, so that the value is displayed as "01".

Here, the count-up effect will be explained using FIG. 19. The main display 310 (main payout display section 312 (M payout) and main credit display section 311 (M credit)) and the sub display 320 (sub payout display section 322 (S payout) and sub credit display section 321 (S credit)) are referred to as the "7-segment display section". The value of the 7-segment display section is updated (counted up) based on a payout command indicating that a predetermined number of medals are to be paid out. The main control board 31 is equipped with a counter and a timer (main timer) (timing means for timing the time related to the payout of game value). Upon receiving a payout command indicating that n medals are to be paid out in response to the winning of an n-coin role, the effect control means 100 increments the value of the 7-segment display section by 1, sets the value of n-1 to the counter, and starts timing (measurement) the timer. As shown in FIG. 19, when a payout command is received indicating that seven medals are to be paid out, the value on the 7-segment display is incremented by 1, the counter is set to 6 (7-1), and the timer is started. Then, when the timer reaches a predetermined value (83.44 ms), it is determined whether the current counter value is 1 or greater, and if it is 1 or greater, the value on the 7-segment display is incremented by 1, 1 is subtracted from the counter, and the timer is reset to start counting again. On the other hand, if the counter value is less than 1 (i.e. 0), the value on the 7-segment display is not incremented by 1.

In this embodiment, when the timer starts counting based on the receipt of a payout command (when the timer is at 0 ms), the value of the 7-segment display increases by 1. If the start of counting by the timer is the "first time point," the first update of the value of the 7-segment display (first payout notification) is executed at the first time point.
Also, the value of the 7-segment display unit is increased by 1 every time a predetermined time (83.44 ms) has elapsed. That is, when the value of the 7-segment display unit starts to be updated, the value is increased by 1, and the timer starts to measure, and the value is increased by 1 every time a predetermined time has elapsed. If the time when a predetermined time (83.44 ms) has elapsed from the first time point is the "second time point", the second value update of the 7-segment display unit (first payout notification) is executed at the second time point. If the time when a predetermined time (83.44 ms) has elapsed from the second time point is the "third time point", the third value update of the 7-segment display unit (first payout notification) is executed at the third time point. If the time when a predetermined time (83.44 ms) has elapsed from the nth time point is the "n+1th time point", the n+1th value update of the 7-segment display unit (first payout notification) is executed at the n+1th time point. In the case of FIG. 19, n is 1 to 6. Also, the "seventh time point" is the final time point.
The amount of code in the program relating to the processing can be reduced compared to when the value on the 7-segment display is not incremented by 1 (the first update is not performed) when the timing means starts timing (the first time point) and the value is incremented by 1 every time a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of timing (when a predetermined time (83.44 ms) is required for the first increment by 1) (when the first update is performed when the predetermined time has elapsed since the start of timing). This makes it possible to increase the program capacity available for other processing.

The αth (α=1, 2, ..., 7) update (increase) of the value can be said to be executed (started) when "83.44 ms x α - 83.44 ms" has elapsed since the start of timing by the timing means. For example, the seventh update, which changes the value of the main payout display unit 312 (M Payout) from "6" to "7", is executed when "83.44 ms x 7 - 83.44 ms" has elapsed since the payout command was received.

In FIG. 19, if the counter value is 1 or more when the timer reaches a predetermined value (83.44 ms), the value of the 7-segment display is incremented by 1 and the timer is reset. However, the timer may be configured not to be reset. In that case, when the timer reaches 83.44 ms x k (k = 1, 2, ..., 7), it is determined whether the counter value is 1 or more, and if it is 1 or more, the value of the 7-segment display is incremented by 1 and 1 is subtracted from the counter, and if it is less than 1, the value of the 7-segment display is not incremented by 1.

In this embodiment, the main display 310 (main payout display section 312 and main credit display section 311) and the sub display 320 (sub payout display section 322 and sub credit display section 321) are updated synchronously (linked). Also, in this embodiment, the update intervals for the values of the main display 310 and the sub display 320 are equivalent (the same) intervals. This makes it possible to prevent the player from feeling uncomfortable due to different update intervals for the values between two displays that perform a common function.

In FIG. 19, a payout command indicating that n medals are to be paid out is received once, and the value of the 7-segment display is updated based on that. However, the following configuration may also be used. That is, when an n-coin combination is won, a payout command indicating that one medal is to be paid out is received n times at a predetermined interval (83.44 ms), and the value of the 7-segment display is updated based on the reception of each payout command.

In this embodiment, a speaker 14, a lighting device 15, a backlight 17, etc. are provided as the performance devices. The speaker 14 is a sound output unit, and the lighting device 15 and the backlight 17 are light-emitting units. The light-emitting unit may be composed of at least one of the lighting device 15 and the backlight 17.
The performance control means 100, upon receiving a command (payout command) instructing to pay out a predetermined number of medals, executes a payout notification (third payout notification) in response to the payout command. The third payout notification is executed by at least one of the sound output unit and the light emission unit.
First, the payout sound effect (winning sound effect) as the third payout notification (3rd S payout notification) executed by the sound output unit will be described.
Upon receiving a command (payout command) indicating that a predetermined number of medals are to be paid out, the presentation control means 100 executes (starts) a payout sound presentation (winning sound presentation) corresponding to the payout command, and outputs a predetermined sound (predetermined payout sound (winning sound)) (sound presentation related to the payout of game value) from the speaker 14. Upon receiving a payout command indicating that a predetermined number of medals are to be paid out, the presentation control means 100 starts playing payout sound data corresponding to the payout command. An example of a payout sound is a predetermined sound (such as a "da" sound) that is played repeatedly.

In this embodiment, the payout sound data is prepared in association with the payout command (payout amount), but the payout sound data may be prepared in association with the stopping state of the reels 20a to 20c when a predetermined winning area is won. In that case, for example, the performance control means 100 may be configured to read out the payout sound data corresponding to the command when it receives a command indicating that a predetermined winning area has been won and the reels 20a to 20c have stopped in a predetermined stopping state, and to play the payout sound data in response to the receipt of the payout command.

In this embodiment, the payout sound effect (third payout notification) ends after the count-up effect (first payout notification and second payout notification). In other words, the payout sound output does not stop when the update (count-up) of the value of the 7-segment display unit ends (stops), and the payout sound output ends when a predetermined time has elapsed since the update of the value of the 7-segment display unit ends. Note that the end of the update of the value of the 7-segment display unit refers to the timing when the last value update of the consecutive value updates (count-ups) is executed (the update is completed). In this embodiment, the update of the first payout notification and the second payout notification ends before the end of the third payout notification (payout sound effect).

When a seven-coin combination is won and a payout command is received indicating that seven medals are to be paid out as shown in FIG. 20, the performance control means 100 reads out the payout sound data S1 corresponding to the payout command and starts playing it. The length (playback time) of the payout sound data S1 is 700 ms (100 ms x 7 medals). The payout sound data S1 has a length of 100 ms for one medal, and a "da" sound (payout sound) is output seven times (a number of times corresponding to the number of medals paid out) at a predetermined interval. In this embodiment, the output of the payout sound is stopped when about 200 ms has elapsed since the update of the value of the 7-segment display unit was completed (the seventh update was executed).

As shown in FIG. 20, the payout sound data S2 may be read out instead of the payout sound data S1, and the payout sound data S2 may be repeatedly (looped) played. In other words, the payout sound data S2 having a length (playback time) of 100 ms may be repeatedly played seven times (a number of times corresponding to the number of payouts). The payout sound data S2 outputs a "da" sound. In this case, the lag (difference) between the timing at which the value of the 7-segment display is updated and the timing at which the payout sound "da" is output gradually increases over time.

The timing when the value of the 7-segment display increases (updates) and the timing when the "da" sound is output may be configured to coincide (synchronize). As shown in FIG. 20, the payout sound data S3 and the payout sound data S4 may be read out and played instead of the payout sound data S1. The length of the payout sound data S3 is 83.44 ms (the same length as the update interval of the value of the 7-segment display). The length of the payout sound data S4 is 200 ms. After the payout sound data S3 is played six times (looped), the payout sound data S4 is played once. The payout sound data S3 is the "da" sound, and the payout sound data S4 is the "daan" sound.

Although not shown in the figure, the payout sound data S2 and the payout sound data S4 may be read out and played instead of the payout sound data S1. In other words, the payout sound data S2 may be played repeatedly (looped) six times, and then the payout sound data S4 may be played once.

When a three-coin combination is won and a payout command is received indicating that three medals should be paid out, as shown in FIG. 21(a), the performance control means 100 reads out the payout sound data S11 corresponding to the payout command and starts playing it. The length of the payout sound data S11 is 300 ms (100 ms x 3 medals). In this case, the payout sound stops being output when a further 133 ms has elapsed since the update of the value of the 7-segment display section has finished (the third update has been performed).

If a 12-coin role is provided and the 12-coin role is won, as shown in FIG. 21(b), when a payout command is received indicating that 12 medals should be paid out, the performance control means 100 reads out the payout sound data S21 corresponding to the payout command and starts playing it. The length of the payout sound data S21 is 1200 ms (100 ms x 12 medals). In this case, the output of the payout sound stops about 282 ms after the update of the value of the 7-segment display has finished (the 12th update has been performed).

Although not shown in FIG. 21, when the number of coins to be paid out is 3 (12), the payout sound may be output using the payout sound data S2 (FIG. 20) as in the case when the number of coins to be paid out is 7, or the payout sound may be output using the payout sound data S3 and the payout sound data S4 (FIG. 20). In this case, the number of times the payout sound data is played (the number of times it loops) will depend on the number of coins to be paid out.

When comparing the time from when the updating of the value of the 7-segment display section finishes (stops) to when the output of the payout sound ends, the time is longer when a larger number of medals are paid out than when a smaller number of medals are paid out. In other words, the more medals are paid out, the longer the time from when the count-up of the value of the 7-segment display section finishes to when the output of the payout sound ends. For this reason, the more medals are paid out, the longer it will be possible to bask in the afterglow. Note that the time may be configured to be constant regardless of the number of medals paid out.

In the above, a payout command indicating that n medals are to be paid out is received once, and the payout sound starts to be output based on that. However, the following configuration may be used. When an n-coin combination is won, a payout command indicating that one medal is to be paid out is received n times at a predetermined interval (83.44 ms), and a payout sound is output based on the reception of each payout command. In that case, the payout sound data S3 and payout sound data S4 shown in FIG. 20 may be used, and the payout sound data S3 (83.44 ms) may be played based on the reception of the payout commands up to the n-1th time (e.g., the 6th time), and the payout sound data S4 (200 ms) may be played based on the reception of the nth time (e.g., the 7th time).

Next, the payout light effect (winning light effect) as the third payout notification (third L payout notification) executed by the light-emitting unit will be described. Below, the case where the light-emitting unit is configured by the backlight 17 will be described, but the light-emitting unit may be configured by at least one of the backlight 17 and the lighting device 15.
The performance control means 100, upon receiving a command (payout command) indicating that a predetermined number of medals are to be paid out, executes (starts) a payout light performance (a winning light performance) corresponding to the payout command, and causes the reel backlight (backlight 17) to emit light in a predetermined light emission mode. The predetermined light emission mode (flash) may be that the entire backlight 17 blinks for a predetermined time, or that a portion of the backlight 17 corresponding to a predetermined display position (for example, a portion corresponding to a display position where a pattern arranged in a straight line is located) blinks for a predetermined time. When the performance control means 100 receives a payout command indicating that a predetermined number of medals are to be paid out, it starts reproducing data (payout flash data) corresponding to the payout command. When the light-emitting unit is the lighting device 15, reproduction of data indicating a predetermined lighting pattern is started as data corresponding to the payout command.

In this embodiment, the data (payout flash data) is prepared in association with the payout command (payout amount), but the data may be prepared in association with the stopping state of the reels 20a to 20c when a specific winning area is won. In that case, for example, the performance control means 100 may be configured to read out data corresponding to the command when it receives a command indicating that a specific winning area has been won and the reels 20a to 20c have stopped in a specific stopping state, and to play the data in response to the receipt of the payout command.

In this embodiment, the payout light effect (third payout notification) ends after the count-up effect (first payout notification and second payout notification). In other words, the payout light effect (flashing of the backlight 17) does not stop at the time (timing) when the updating (count-up) of the value of the 7-segment display ends (stops), and the flashing of the backlight 17 ends when a predetermined time has elapsed since the updating of the value of the 7-segment display ends. In this embodiment, the updating of the first payout notification and second payout notification ends before the end of the third payout notification (payout light effect).

When a seven-coin combination is won and a payout command is received indicating that seven medals are to be paid out, as shown in FIG. 22(a), the performance control means 100 reads out the payout flash data T1 corresponding to the payout command and starts playing it. The length of the payout flash data T1 is 700 ms (100 ms x 7 medals). The payout flash data T11 has a length of 100 ms for one medal, and flashes seven times (a number of times corresponding to the number of medals to be paid out). In this embodiment, the flashing of the backlight 17 stops about 200 ms after the update of the value of the seven-segment display has finished (the seventh update has been executed).

When a three-coin combination is won and a payout command is received indicating that three medals should be paid out, as shown in FIG. 22(b), the performance control means 100 reads out the payout flash data T2 corresponding to the payout command and starts playing it. The length of the payout flash data T2 is 300 ms (100 ms x 3 medals). In this embodiment, the flashing of the backlight 17 stops when a further 133 ms has elapsed since the updating of the value of the 7-segment display section has finished (the third update has been performed).

If a 12-coin role is provided and the 12-coin role is won, as shown in FIG. 22(c), when a payout command is received indicating that 12 medals should be paid out, the performance control means 100 reads out the payout flash data T3 corresponding to the payout command and starts playing it. The length of the payout flash data T3 is 1200 ms (100 ms x 12 medals). In this case, the flashing of the backlight 17 stops about 282 ms after the update of the value of the 7-segment display has finished (the 12th update has been performed).

When comparing the time from when the value of the 7-segment display finishes updating to when the backlight 17 stops flashing, the time is longer when a larger number of medals are paid out than when a smaller number of medals are paid out. In other words, the more medals are paid out, the longer the time from when the count-up of the value of the 7-segment display finishes to when the backlight 17 stops flashing. For this reason, the more medals are paid out, the longer the afterglow can be enjoyed. Note that the time may be configured to be constant regardless of the number of medals paid out.

The payout sound effect involves the repeated output of a specific sound, which can be said to be a repeated notification. The payout light effect involves repeated blinking (flashing), i.e., the backlight 17 being turned on and off, which can be said to be a repeated notification. In this embodiment, the payout sound effect and the payout light effect have the same intervals between the repeated notifications. Specifically, the timing at which the sound is output from the speaker 14 and the timing at which the backlight 17 is turned on are configured to match. This makes it possible to prevent the player from feeling uncomfortable due to the different intervals between the repeated notifications between the two performance devices (speaker and backlight) that perform a common function.

In this embodiment, the sub-display 320 is a seven-segment display, but this is not limiting, and the information displayed on the sub-display 320 may be configured to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 200.

In this embodiment, the count-up effect may be the first effect, and the payout sound effect and payout light effect may be the second effect.

The gaming machine of this embodiment is
A plurality of reels (20a, 20b, 20c) having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on their outer circumferential surfaces;
An internal lottery means (42) for performing an internal lottery for determining whether a winning combination is achieved;
A winning determination means (44) for determining a winning combination based on the stopping state of the plurality of reels;
a payout control means (45) for determining the amount of game value to be paid out in a game according to the result of the game;
A timing means for timing a time related to the payout of a gaming value;
A first display unit (310) controlled by a main control means (31);
A gaming machine including a sound output unit (14) and a light emitting unit (15, 17) controlled by a sub-control means (32),
The first display unit is capable of displaying a predetermined value,
When the payout control means determines the payout of a predetermined amount of game value,
A first payout notification that notifies the payout by sequentially updating a value on the first display unit;
A third payout notification is executed by at least one of the sound output unit or the light emitting unit to notify the payout,
When the start of the time counting by the time counting means is defined as a first time point, and when a predetermined time has elapsed from the first time point is defined as a second time point,
The first update of the first payout notification is performed at the first time point,
The second update of the first payout notification is performed at the second time point,
The update of the first payout notification ends before the update of the third payout notification ends.

The end of the update of the first payout notification is before the end of the third payout notification. Since there is a difference in the end timing and the third payout notification is executed for a longer period of time, the player can feel as if more game value has been paid out compared to when both notifications end at the same time. This can increase the interest in the game.
In addition, the first update of the first payout notification is performed at the first time point (time when the clock starts), and the second update of the first payout notification is performed at the second time point. Therefore, the amount of code of the program related to the processing can be reduced compared to the case where the first update is not performed at the time when the clock starts, but is performed a predetermined time after the clock starts (a predetermined time is required for the first increase of 1). This allows the program capacity available for other processing to be increased.

(Modification)
In this embodiment, the main display 310 and the sub-display 320, which are seven-segment displays, are provided, but in this modified example, the sub-display 320 is not provided, and predetermined information (predetermined values) relating to the game, the display of which is controlled by the sub-control board 32, is displayed on the display surface of the liquid crystal display device 200. In this modified example, the total (total value) of the number of medals paid out (number of medals won) in a predetermined state (AT performance state) is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 200 as information relating to the game.

As shown in Fig. 23, the total number of medals paid out is displayed on the display surface of the liquid crystal display device 200 as the liquid crystal display unit 210 (second display unit). The second display unit executes a second payout notification that notifies the payout by sequentially updating the value. The sub-control board 32 sequentially updates the value on the second display unit.
The main display (seven-segment display) provided on the front door 12 (below the display window 16) is the segment display unit 350 (first display unit). The first display unit executes a first payout notification that notifies the payout by sequentially updating the value. The main control board 31 sequentially updates the value of the second display unit.
In this modified example, a segment display section 350 is provided below the display window 16, instead of the operation section 50. The segment display section 350 includes a main credit display section 351 and a main payout display section 352.

In this modified example, the value displayed on the LCD display unit 210 is the total number of medals paid out in a specific state (AT performance state), but this is not limited to this and may be the number of credits, etc.

When the performance control means 100 receives a command (payout command) indicating that a predetermined number of medals should be paid out, it simultaneously starts updating the value of the segment display unit 350 (first display unit) (first payout notification) and updating the value of the liquid crystal display unit 210 (second display unit) (second payout notification). In this modified example, the updates of the values of the segment display unit 350 and the liquid crystal display unit 210 start simultaneously.
In this modified example, the updating of the values of the segment display unit 350 and the LCD display unit 210 is started simultaneously, but the updating of the value of the segment display unit 350 may be started before the updating of the value of the LCD display unit 210, or the updating of the value of the LCD display unit 210 may be started before the updating of the value of the segment display unit 350.

Here, we will explain the case where the number of credits is "38" and the total number of medals to be paid out in the AT performance state is "171", that is, when "38" is displayed on the main credit display unit 351 and "171" is displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 210, and the performance control means 100 receives a payout command indicating that seven medals are to be paid out. When the performance control means 100 receives the payout command, it increases the value of the main credit display unit 351 in sequence from 39, 40, ..., and stops the increase when it reaches 45. It also increases the value of the main payout display unit 352 in sequence from 1, 2, ..., and stops the increase when it reaches 7. It also increases the value of the liquid crystal display unit 210 in sequence from 172, 173, ..., and stops the increase when it reaches 178.

At this time, when comparing the intervals at which values are updated (intervals of change) between the segment display unit 350 and the LCD display unit 210, the segment display unit 350 has a longer (larger) value update interval (slower change interval) than the LCD display unit 210. For this reason, it is easier to grasp how the values change (increase) sequentially in the segment display unit 350 than in the LCD display unit 210.

In addition, although the updating of the values of the segment display unit 350 and the liquid crystal display unit 210 starts at the same time, the timing at which the updating of the values ends is different between the first payout notification and the second payout notification. In this embodiment, the updating of the value of the segment display unit 350 (first payout notification) ends later than the liquid crystal display unit 210 (second payout notification). In other words, comparing the timing at which the updating of the value ends, the segment display unit 350 ends later than the liquid crystal display unit 210. For this reason, it is possible to see the updating of the value of the segment display unit 350 after seeing the updating of the value of the liquid crystal display unit 210 (it is easy to understand that both values are changing).
In addition, the segment display unit 350 (first payout notification) may finish updating the value before the liquid crystal display unit 210 (second payout notification).

Upon receiving a command (payout command) indicating the payment of a specified number of medals, the performance control means 100 starts updating the values of the segment display unit 350 and the liquid crystal display unit 210.
24, the timing at which updating of the values of the segment display unit 350 and the liquid crystal display unit 210 starts is defined as a first timing. In this modified example, the performance control means 100 starts a payout light performance (performance via the light emitting unit) based on the reception of the payout command at a second timing that is later than the first timing.
In other words, the payout light effect is started after the start of updating the values of the segment display unit 350 and the liquid crystal display unit 210. In other words, the start of updating the first payout notification and the second payout notification is started before the start of the third payout notification (payout light effect).
In addition, the performance control means 100 starts a payout sound performance (performance via the sound output unit) based on the reception of the payout command at a second timing that is later than the first timing.
In other words, the payout sound effect is started after the start of updating the values of the segment display unit 350 and the liquid crystal display unit 210. In other words, the start of updating the first payout notification and the second payout notification is started before the start of the third payout notification (payout sound effect).
In this modified example, the dispensing light effect and the dispensing sound effect are started simultaneously (at the second timing).

The "timing at which updating of the values of the segment display unit 350 and the LCD display unit 210 ends" is the timing at which updating of the values of the segment display unit 350 ends (the third timing shown in FIG. 24) if updating of the values of the segment display unit 350 ends later than updating of the values of the LCD display unit 210.

The performance control means 100 ends the payout light performance at a fourth timing that is later than the third timing. In other words, the payout light performance ends after the end of updating the values of the segment display unit 350 and the liquid crystal display unit 210. In other words, the end of updating the first payout notification and the second payout notification ends before the end of the third payout notification (payout light performance).
Furthermore, the performance control means 100 ends the payout sound performance at a fourth timing that is later than the third timing. In other words, the payout sound performance ends after the end of updating the values of the segment display unit 350 and the liquid crystal display unit 210. In other words, the end of updating the first payout notification and the second payout notification ends before the end of the third payout notification (payout sound performance).

Here, if the light emitting unit and sound output unit are treated as a performance device, and the payout light performance and payout sound performance are treated as a performance (third payout notification) that notifies the payout executed by the performance device (via the performance device), the performance (notification) that notifies the payout by the performance device starts after the value update of the segment display unit 350 and the liquid crystal display unit 210 starts. Also, the performance that notifies the payout by the performance device ends after the update of the values of the segment display unit 350 and the liquid crystal display unit 210 ends.

The gaming machine of this modified example is as follows:
A plurality of reels (20a, 20b, 20c) having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on their outer circumferential surfaces;
An internal lottery means (42) for performing an internal lottery for determining whether a winning combination is achieved;
A winning determination means (44) for determining a winning combination based on the stopping state of the plurality of reels;
a payout control means (45) for determining the amount of game value to be paid out in a game according to the result of the game;
A first display unit (350) controlled by a main control means (31);
A gaming machine including a second display unit (210), a sound output unit (14), and a light emitting unit (15, 17) controlled by a sub-control means (32),
The first display unit is capable of displaying a predetermined value,
The second display unit is capable of displaying a predetermined value,
When the payout control means determines the payout of a predetermined amount of game value,
A first payout notification that notifies the payout by sequentially updating a value on the first display unit;
A second payout notification that notifies the payout by sequentially updating the value on the second display unit;
A third payout notification is executed by at least one of the sound output unit or the light emitting unit to notify the payout,
The timing at which the update of the first payout notification ends is different from the timing at which the update of the second payout notification ends,
The start of the update of the first payout notification and the second payout notification is prior to the start of the third payout notification,
The update of the first payout notification and the second payout notification ends before the update of the third payout notification ends.

The timing at which the update of the first payout notification ends is different from the timing at which the update of the second payout notification ends. Compared to when both end at the same time, it is easier to grasp that both values have changed because there is a difference in the end timing.
In addition, the start of the update of the first payout notification and the second payout notification is prior to the start of the third payout notification. By providing a lag in the start timing, the presentation can be prevented from becoming monotonous compared to when the first payout notification and the second payout notification are started simultaneously.
In addition, the end of the update of the first payout notification and the second payout notification is before the end of the third payout notification. Since there is a difference in the end timing and the third payout notification is executed for a longer period, the player can feel as if more game value has been paid out compared to when the first payout notification and the second payout notification are ended at the same time. This can improve the interest of the game.

The main display 310, the sub display 320, and the segment display unit 350 are described as seven-segment displays, but are not limited to seven-segment displays and may be other segment displays.
In the above-described embodiments, a game is played using medals as a game value, but the game value may be electronic information (or may be a so-called medalless system). In this case, when a winning combination is achieved, a value amount corresponding to the winning combination may be given to the player in the form of electronic information.

Third Embodiment
Hereinafter, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The gaming machine of this embodiment has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the configuration of the gaming machine of this embodiment that is the same as the gaming machine of the first embodiment will be omitted.

In the first embodiment, the liquid crystal display 13 is provided on the front door 12 (upper door 12a), but in the following, it is assumed that the liquid crystal display 90 shown in FIG. 27 is provided on the front door 12 (upper door 12a). The liquid crystal display 90 is disposed in front of the reel unit including the reels 20a to 20c. The liquid crystal display 90 is capable of executing effects by displaying a predetermined display (image, display object) on its display surface. Display object (object) refers to, for example, people, animals, vehicles, buildings, natural objects (e.g., rocks, trees, etc.), letters, backgrounds, patterns, designs, and other things (images) displayed on the liquid crystal display 90.

The liquid crystal display 90 has, as its display areas, an out-of-reel display area which is a display area that does not overlap with the reels 20a to 20c when viewed from the front (front), and a front-of-reel display area which is a display area that overlaps with the reels 20a to 20c when viewed from the front (front). The front-of-reel display area (transparent area) is capable of displaying display objects, and also allows the reels 20a to 20c arranged behind it to be seen. The out-of-reel display area is formed to surround the front-of-reel display area. As shown in FIG. 27, the display area (shaded area) above the reels 20a to 20c in the out-of-reel display area is set as display area X. Display area X occupies approximately the upper half of the entire display area (display surface).

25, the sub-control board 32 includes a performance sub-control means 70 and a sub-memory 72. The performance sub-control means 70 includes a performance determination means 310, a display control means 312, and a VDP 314 (drawing means). The VDP 314 includes a VRAM 320. The sub-memory 72 includes multiple types of RAM and ROM, and various data stored in the sub-memory 72 is stored in each RAM and ROM. The performance sub-control means 70 controls the performance devices, such as displaying images on the LCD display 90, turning on or blinking the lighting device, outputting performance sounds from the speaker 14, and driving the performance object drive device to operate the performance objects (gimmick objects), based on various commands sent from the main control board 31, input signals from the performance buttons 25, and performance data stored in the ROM of the sub-memory 72, thereby causing the performance devices to execute performances to liven up or assist the game (controlling various performance devices).
The effect button (effect operation means) 25 is provided on the lower door 12b. The effect button 25 is operated by the player, and when pressed, it changes the state of the effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display 90, thereby increasing the player's awareness of participation in the game and enhancing the interest. The effect button (effect operation means) 25 does not have to be button-shaped, and may be anything that can detect the player's operation.

The effect determination means 310 determines the effect content to be executed based on various commands sent from the main control board 31, input signals from the effect buttons 25, etc. In addition, when the effect determination means 310 determines the effect content to be executed, it sets a message to the display control means 312 to instruct the effect content.

The display control means 312 performs analysis of the set message and controls the display on the liquid crystal display 90. Specifically, the display control means 312 executes the liquid crystal drawing process at a predetermined cycle (for example, at a frame rate of 60 times per second = 60 FPS). In the liquid crystal drawing process, the display control means 312 performs analysis of the set message and constructs drawing commands (information) that instruct the VDP 314 on the drawing contents. The VDP 314 then performs drawing in accordance with the drawing commands, and the drawn contents are displayed in the display area of the liquid crystal display 90. The VDP 314 is a processor that performs drawing related to the display on the screen of the liquid crystal display 90, and is integrated on a single chip together with the performance determination means 310 and the display control means 312.

In the display area of the liquid crystal display 90, for example, 60 still images are displayed per second to display a moving image. Hereinafter, one frame is referred to as a frame. For example, in the case of a performance image (performance pattern) with a performance time of 60 seconds, the performance image is composed of 60 seconds x 60 frames, for a total of 3,600 frames.

The VDP 314 loads the drawing materials stored in the ROM of the sub-memory 72 into the frame buffer of the VRAM 320 for each frame. In the frame buffer, multiple drawing materials are overlaid according to the set priorities. Specifically, in the frame buffer, drawing materials with lower priorities are placed at the bottom (back) of the stacking direction, and drawing materials with higher priorities are placed at the top (front) of the stacking direction. As a result, image data (composite image) showing a frame image of one frame is generated in the frame buffer. The VDP 314 then drives the liquid crystal display 90 based on the composite image generated in the frame buffer. As a result, the composite image generated in the frame buffer is displayed in the display area of the liquid crystal display 90 for each frame.

When a drawing material with a lower priority is overlaid with a drawing material with a higher priority, it may be possible for part or all of it to be invisible on the display (composite image) on the LCD display 90. However, transparency can be set for each drawing material, and this does not apply if the transparency set for the drawing material overlaid on top is not 0 (completely opaque), in which case the drawing material hidden underneath may be visible on the display (composite image) on the LCD display 90 depending on the degree of transparency.

Drawing materials overlaid on an image buffered in a frame buffer can be said to be drawn on a higher layer. In other words, one frame has N virtual transparent layers, and each drawing material is placed on each layer. Figure 28 is a diagram showing the concept of layers on which drawing materials are placed, and shows the layer structure that constitutes one frame. Priority is set for each drawing material to be overlaid, and drawing materials with lower priority are placed on lower layers, and drawing materials with higher priority are placed on higher layers. Note that the composite image that constitutes each frame can be constructed by placing drawing materials on all N layers, but the number of drawing materials that constitute each composite image varies depending on the content of the performance, and it is not necessarily constructed by placing drawing materials on all N layers. In addition, when drawing materials that constitute a composite image are placed, layers are not necessarily used from the bottom up without any vacant numbers, and layers are used taking into consideration the efficiency of the frame image synthesis process, so unused layers may occur appropriately in the middle part.

When drawing one frame, the drawing materials are drawn one by one in the corresponding layer starting from the lowest priority. For example, if one frame is composed of five drawing materials, the drawing material with the lowest priority (priority 5) is first arranged in the lowest layer and drawn in a predetermined position. Next, the drawing material with the second lowest priority (priority 4) is arranged in a layer higher than the layer in which the drawing material with priority 5 is drawn and drawn in a predetermined position. In this way, the drawing materials are drawn one after another according to the priority, and finally the drawing material with the highest priority (priority 1) is arranged in a layer higher than the layer in which the drawing material with priority 2 is drawn and drawn in a predetermined position. When all the drawing materials have been drawn in each layer, a composite image of the multiple layers viewed from the upper side (front side) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 90 as a composite image corresponding to the frame. In other words, when the composite image is viewed in the display area of the liquid crystal display 90, the drawing materials arranged in the lower layers are covered by the drawing materials arranged in the higher layers. In other words, the higher the layer, the higher the display priority in the display area.

In this embodiment, in a game in which a specific winning area (for example, a specific winning area related to a replay) is won, when a stopping operation is performed in a specific operation mode, the reels 20a to 20c stop in a specific stopping mode, and when the reels 20a to 20c stop in the specific stopping mode, a bonus is awarded and the awarding of the bonus is notified. The bonus can be, for example, the right to move to an advantageous state (for example, an AT performance state) or a predetermined amount of bonus. The predetermined amount of bonus means that a predetermined value is added to the stored value of the AT end determination counter 67. The advantageous state may also include a bonus state.

In this embodiment, when the predetermined winning area is won, a specific effect (aim effect) can be executed. The specific effect is an effect related to the granting of a bonus (an effect that can be executed in conjunction with the granting of a bonus), and is an effect that instructs a stop operation to be performed in a specific operation mode. When a stop operation is executed in a specific operation mode in a game in which the specific effect is executed, the reels 20a to 20c stop in a specific stop mode. Note that the game in which the bonus is granted and the game in which the specific effect is executed do not have to be the same game. For example, a bonus may be granted by winning a bonus granting lottery (such as an AT lottery or an additional lottery) performed by the bonus granting means 82 in a predetermined game, and then the specific effect may be executed in the predetermined game, and the granting of the bonus may be notified when the reels 20a to 20c stop in a specific stop mode.

In this embodiment, the specific stop mode is a stop mode in which the specific symbols are displayed in a predetermined display position among the upper, middle, and lower rows of the three reels 20a to 20c as positions visible through the display window 16, and the three specific symbols are lined up in a row. In this embodiment, the specific symbol is a red BAR symbol "red BAR" (three red BAR symbols "red BAR" are lined up in a row).
In this embodiment, the following symbols are arranged on the outer periphery of each of the reels 20a to 20c, as shown in Fig. 26: white 7 symbol "white 7", purple 7 symbol A "purple 7A", purple 7 symbol B "purple 7B", purple 7 symbol C "purple 7C", purple 7 symbol D "purple 7D", yellow 7 symbol "yellow 7", red 7 symbol "red 7", black BAR symbol "black BAR", red BAR symbol "red BAR" and blank symbol "BK". Symbol numbers 0 to 19 are assigned to the symbols on each of the reels 20a to 20c.

The performance control means 100 is capable of causing a performance device such as a liquid crystal display 90 to execute a specific performance. In a specific performance, the following displays are displayed to instruct a player to perform a stop operation in a specific operation mode: (1) a display (operation sequence instruction display) instructing the player to press (operate) the stop button 26 in a specific pressing order, and (2) a display (stop pattern instruction display) instructing the player to press (operate) the stop button 26 at a specific timing so that a specific pattern is displayed in a specific display position (a specific display position among the upper, middle, and lower rows as positions visible through the display window 16). "Performing a stop operation in a specific operation mode" means performing a stop operation in accordance with the operation sequence instruction display and the stop pattern instruction display related to the specific performance.

The operation order instruction display is different from the batting order navigation display related to the batting order navigation performance. Here, the batting order navigation display will be described with reference to FIG. 29. FIG. 29 shows an example of the batting order navigation display. The number "3" is displayed above the reel 20a in the display area X of the liquid crystal display 90, the number "1" is displayed above the reel 20b, and the number "2" is displayed above the reel 20c. This is a display instructing batting order 4, that is, to press the stop button 26b first, then the stop button 26c, and finally the stop button 26a. In the batting order navigation display, the number instructing to press first (next) is displayed larger than the other numbers (in FIG. 29, "1" is displayed largest). In addition, when a specific stop button is pressed according to the instruction, the number corresponding to the stop button is not displayed (not displayed). In FIG. 29, when the stop button 26b is pressed, "1" is not displayed and "2" is displayed larger than "3". When a specific stop button is pressed in accordance with instructions, the number corresponding to that stop button will be displayed (not visible) for a specific period of time (specific number of frames) after the press is detected, and will, for example, exhibit an effect in which the number explodes or gradually disappears, and will ultimately become invisible.
In addition, if a specified stop button is pressed without following instructions, the batting order navigation display (all numbers) may not be displayed immediately without executing an effect based on the detection of the press, or the batting order navigation display may be maintained from the detection of the press until the detection of the final stop button press, and the batting order navigation display may not be displayed without executing an effect based on the detection of the final stop button press. If the batting order navigation display is maintained until the detection of the final stop button press, if the instructions are not followed in the first stop operation, the display of three numbers will be maintained, and if the instructions are not followed in the second stop operation, the display of two numbers will be maintained.

The batting order navigation display displays numbers indicating the order in which the stop buttons 26 are pressed for each corresponding reel (stop button). The numbers may include symbols (such as the symbol "-" meaning that the batting order does not matter). In contrast, the operating order instruction display of this embodiment displays a display (display object) other than the numbers indicating the order in which the stop buttons 26 are pressed. Furthermore, the display (display object) related to the operating order instruction display of this embodiment is not displayed for each corresponding reel (stop button). In this embodiment, the operating order instruction display includes at least one of an arrow or a message (letter). The operating order instruction display E shown in FIG. 30 is composed of an arrow and a message, and displays a right-facing arrow (arrow image) and a message (message image) saying "Press in order!".

The stop symbol instruction display (symbol navigation display) is a display that aims to display a specific symbol at a predetermined display position (notifies the player that they should aim). In this embodiment, the specific symbol is a red BAR symbol "red BAR", and a specific symbol image corresponding to the specific symbol is displayed as the stop symbol instruction display. Note that pressing the stop button with the aim of displaying the specific symbol at a predetermined display position may be referred to as "eye-pressing".
In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 30, the stop pattern instruction display (specific pattern image) F is composed of a left pattern image F1 corresponding to the reel 20a (stop button 26a), a middle pattern image F2 corresponding to the reel 20b (stop button 26b), and a right pattern image F3 corresponding to the reel 20c (stop button 26c). The left pattern image F1 is displayed above the reel 20a. The middle pattern image F2 is displayed above the reel 20b. The right pattern image F3 is displayed above the reel 20c. In this embodiment, the operation sequence instruction display E is displayed in the upper area of the display area X (FIG. 27), and the stop pattern instruction display F is displayed in the lower area. In other words, the stop pattern instruction display F is displayed on the side closer to the reel.

Here, if the specific pattern image corresponding to the stop button (corresponding reel) pressed first when following the operation order instruction display is the "specific pattern image corresponding to the first stop operation", in FIG. 30, the operation order instruction display E is instructing to press in order, so the specific pattern image corresponding to the first stop operation is the left pattern image F1. Also, if the specific pattern image corresponding to the stop button (corresponding reel) pressed second when following the operation order instruction display is the "specific pattern image corresponding to the second stop operation", in FIG. 30, the operation order instruction display E is instructing to press in order, so the specific pattern image corresponding to the second stop operation is the middle pattern image F2. Also, if the specific pattern image corresponding to the stop button (corresponding reel) pressed last (third) when following the operation order instruction display is the "specific pattern image corresponding to the third stop operation", in FIG. 30, the operation order instruction display E is instructing to press in order, so the specific pattern image corresponding to the third stop operation is the right pattern image F3.

In this embodiment, in a game in which a specific effect is executed, when a stop operation is executed in a specific operation mode, that is, an operation mode as instructed (following the instructions) by the operation sequence instruction display and the stop pattern instruction display, the reels 20a to 20c are stopped in a specific stop mode. In a game in which a specific effect is executed, when a stop operation is executed in a specific operation mode and the reels 20a to 20c stop in a specific stop mode (a stop mode in which three specific patterns are lined up in a row), the award of a bonus is notified. In other words, when a specific effect is executed in a specified game, an indication (operation sequence instruction display and stop pattern instruction display) instructing to perform a stop operation in a specific operation mode is displayed on the liquid crystal display 90, and when the reels 20a to 20c stop in the specific stop mode, an indication (celebratory effect) notifying the award of a bonus is displayed on the liquid crystal display 90.

Next, using FIG. 31, various displays when a specific effect is executed in a specified game will be described. A specific effect is started based on a game start operation on the start lever 24 in a specified game. Note that starting based on a game start operation on the start lever 24 may mean starting at the timing when the game start operation is detected, or may mean starting at a specified timing after the game start operation is detected and before the stop operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c is enabled.

When a specific effect is started, as shown in FIG. 31(a), the effect control means 100 first starts the operation sequence instruction display E. In this embodiment, the operation sequence instruction display E is displayed before the stop pattern instruction display F. In other words, when a specific effect is started, the operation sequence instruction display E is displayed alone. In this embodiment, the operation sequence instruction display E is configured to have both an arrow and a message. Below, a case where the operation sequence instruction display E instructs pressing in order (batting order 1) will be described. When instructing pressing in order, the arrow becomes a right arrow image pointing to the right, and the message becomes a press in order image consisting of the words "Press in order!".

As shown in FIG. 31(a), the right arrow image and the forward push image are displayed overlapping each other, with the forward push image being displayed in front of the right arrow image. In other words, the forward push image is placed (drawn) in a layer higher than the right arrow image. Also, the forward push image (message image) is displayed (fixed) in approximately the center in the left-right direction, and the right arrow image (arrow image) is displayed (display mode) to move (scroll) from left to right over time.

The operation sequence instruction display E, which is composed of a push-forward image and a push-right image, is initially displayed in a first size, and after a predetermined time has passed, as shown in FIG. 31(b), is displayed in a second size smaller than the first size. In other words, the operation sequence instruction display E is reduced from the first size to the second size at a predetermined timing. The first size is a size that occupies (covers) the entire display area X (FIG. 27), and the second size is a size that occupies approximately the upper half of the display area X. The display range of the operation sequence instruction display E is larger when the operation sequence instruction display E is displayed alone than when it is displayed together with the stop pattern instruction display F. Since the operation sequence instruction display E is displayed with emphasis at the start of a specific performance, it is easier for the player to understand the operation sequence of the stop button.

After starting the operation sequence instruction display E, the performance control means 100 starts the stop pattern instruction display F when a predetermined time has elapsed. Note that the stop pattern instruction display F may be started while the operation sequence instruction display E is being reduced to the second size (during reduction), the stop pattern instruction display F may be started when the reduction of the operation sequence instruction display E is completed, or the stop pattern instruction display F may be started immediately after the reduction of the operation sequence instruction display E is completed.

Figure 31(c) shows the state immediately after the stop pattern instruction display F is started, and Figure 31(d) shows the state after a predetermined time has passed from the state shown in Figure 31(c). As shown in Figure 31(c), the specific pattern image (left pattern image F1) corresponding to the first stop operation starts to be displayed before the specific pattern image (middle pattern image F2) corresponding to the second stop operation and the specific pattern image (right pattern image F3) corresponding to the third stop operation. This makes it easy for the player to intuitively grasp the stop button that should be operated for the first stop. Note that the middle pattern image F2 and the right pattern image F3 may start to be displayed at the same time, or the middle pattern image F2 may start to be displayed before the right pattern image F3.

In this embodiment, the left pattern image F1, the middle pattern image F2, and the right pattern image F3 are enlarged (enlarged action) as an effect (effect: change in display mode) related to their appearance, and are gradually enlarged and displayed over time. Then, as shown in FIG. 31(e), when the left pattern image F1, the middle pattern image F2, and the right pattern image F3 reach a predetermined size (steady state), the effect related to their appearance ends (completion), and they are stopped and displayed. FIG. 31(e) shows a state in which the effect related to the appearance of the left pattern image F1, the middle pattern image F2, and the right pattern image F3 has stopped, and each image is displayed at a predetermined size. Comparing the predetermined sizes, the left pattern image F1 is larger than the middle pattern image F2 and the right pattern image F3. In other words, when the effect related to their appearance has ended, the left pattern image F1 is displayed larger (at a larger size) than the middle pattern image F2 and the right pattern image F3. For this reason, the left pattern image F1 stands out (is emphasized) more than the middle pattern image F2 and the right pattern image F3. This makes it easier for the player to identify the stop button that should be operated for the first stop. Note that when the effect related to the appearance has ended, the middle pattern image F2 and the right pattern image F3 may be displayed at the same size, or the middle pattern image F2 may be displayed larger than the right pattern image F3.

In FIG. 31(e), the effect of the appearance ends when the left pattern image F1, the middle pattern image F2, and the right pattern image F3 each reach a predetermined size (steady state), but each image may be slightly reduced in size to the predetermined size (steady state) after reaching a maximum size larger than the predetermined size, and then stopped and displayed. In that case, the effect of the appearance ends when the reduction is completed (when the steady state is reached).

When the effect of the appearance is finished, the left pattern image F1 and the middle pattern image F2 have a partially overlapping portion. In this embodiment, the left pattern image F1 is arranged in a layer higher than the middle pattern image F2, so the left pattern image F1 is displayed in front of the middle pattern image F2. Therefore, it is easier for the player to grasp the stop button that should be operated for the first stop.
In addition, when the effect related to the appearance is finished, the middle symbol image F2 and the right symbol image F3 have a partially overlapping portion. In this embodiment, since the middle symbol image F2 is arranged in a layer higher than the right symbol image F3, the middle symbol image F2 is displayed closer to the player than the right symbol image F3. Therefore, the player can more easily grasp the stop button to be operated for the second stop.

In addition, in this embodiment, the left pattern image F1, the middle pattern image F2, and the right pattern image F3 related to the stop pattern instruction display F are arranged in a layer higher than the right arrow image and the push-forward image related to the operation sequence instruction display E. In other words, the right arrow image and the push-forward image related to the operation sequence instruction display E are arranged in a layer lower than the left pattern image F1, the middle pattern image F2, and the right pattern image F3 related to the stop pattern instruction display F. As shown in FIG. 31(e), the operation sequence instruction display E (at least the right arrow image) and the stop pattern instruction display F have a partially overlapping portion, but the stop pattern instruction display F is displayed in front of the operation sequence instruction display E. In other words, the stop pattern instruction display F, which starts to be displayed later than the operation sequence instruction display E, has a higher display priority. Since the stop pattern instruction display F is not covered by the operation sequence instruction display E, the player can more reliably grasp the specific pattern to be aimed for.

In addition, in this embodiment, the stop operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c is enabled when the operation sequence instruction display E and the stop pattern instruction display F are displayed. The stop operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c may be enabled after the performance related to the appearance of the left pattern image F1, the middle pattern image F2, and the right pattern image F3 has ended, or may be enabled before the performance ends.
Although not shown, in a game in which a specific effect is executed, a reel effect may be executed after the start lever 24 is pressed and before the stop operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c is enabled. For example, the reel effect may be such that, after the start lever 24 is pressed, the rotation of the reels 20a to 20c is stopped and maintained (frozen) for a predetermined time, and after the predetermined time has elapsed, the reels 20a to 20c start rotating in the forward direction (forward rotation). When the reel effect is executed, the freeze may end and the reels may start rotating (forward rotation) at the timing when the stop symbol indication display F shown in FIG. 31(c) starts.

The reel unit of this embodiment is equipped with a backlight that illuminates reels 20a to 20c from the back side of the reel tape of each reel (the inner peripheral side of each reel). The performance control means 100 controls the performance of making the backlight shine in a predetermined light emission mode (light emission pattern). The performance control means 100 also controls the performance of outputting a predetermined sound from the speaker 14.

In this embodiment, when a first stop operation is performed in a specific operation mode (according to the operation sequence instruction display and the stop pattern instruction display) in a game in which a specific effect is executed, a specific pattern is displayed in a specific display position (upper, middle or lower row), and the first effect is executed. In the first effect, a stop sound (for example, a "bash" sound) is output from the speaker 14, and the backlight emits light in a specific light emission mode (white flash). The white flash is a light emission mode in which the entire backlight (white light) flashes uniformly.

The first stop operation is said to be successful when the first stop operation is performed in a specific operation mode, a specific symbol is displayed in a specific display position (top, middle or bottom), and there is still a possibility of stopping reels 20a to 20c in a specific stop mode (a stop mode in which the specific symbols are lined up in a row).

In this embodiment, even if the first stop operation is successful, the specific pattern image (left pattern image F1) corresponding to the first stop operation is not in a non-displayed state (non-displayed). In other words, even after the first stop operation is successful, the left pattern image F1 is maintained in a displayed state. In addition, even after the first stop operation is successful, the left pattern image F1 is maintained in a state in which it is larger than the middle pattern image F2 and the right pattern image F3. In addition, even after the first stop operation is successful, the left pattern image F1 is maintained in a state in which it is arranged in a layer higher than the middle pattern image F2 and the right pattern image F3, and the left pattern image F1 is displayed in front of the middle pattern image F2 and the right pattern image F3. In other words, even after the first stop operation is successful, the stop pattern instruction display (and the operation order instruction display) is maintained in a state when the performance related to the appearance is completed. This point differs from the batting order navigation display (FIG. 29) in which, when a predetermined stop button is pressed according to an instruction, the number corresponding to the stop button is not displayed.
In addition, after the first stop operation is successful, the middle pattern image F2 corresponding to the second stop operation is not enlarged. This point is different from the batting order navigation display (FIG. 29) in which the number "2" indicating the next press is enlarged and displayed when the first stop operation is performed according to the instruction. In addition, after the first stop operation is successful, the middle pattern image F2 is not displayed in front of the left pattern image F1 and the right pattern image F3.

In a game in which a specific effect is executed, if the first stop operation is successful and then the second stop operation is performed in a specific operation mode (according to the operation sequence instruction display and the stop pattern instruction display), the specific pattern is displayed in a specific display position (top, middle or bottom) and the first effect is executed. A state in which the second stop operation is performed in a specific operation mode, the specific pattern is displayed in a specific display position (top, middle or bottom), and there remains a possibility of stopping reels 20a to 20c in a specific stop mode (a stop mode in which the specific patterns are lined up in a row) can be said to be a "successful second stop operation."

In this embodiment, when the second stop operation is successful, the specific pattern image (middle pattern image F2) corresponding to the second stop operation is not in a non-displayed state (hidden). In other words, even after the second stop operation is successful, the state in which the middle pattern image F2 is displayed is maintained. Also, even after the second stop operation is successful, the state in which the left pattern image F1 is larger than the middle pattern image F2 and the right pattern image F3 is maintained. Also, even after the second stop operation is successful, the state in which the left pattern image F1 is arranged in a layer higher than the middle pattern image F2 and the right pattern image F3 is maintained, and the left pattern image F1 is displayed in front of the middle pattern image F2 and the right pattern image F3. That is, even after the second stop operation is successful, the stop pattern instruction display (and the operation order instruction display) is maintained in the state when the performance related to the appearance is completed.
Furthermore, after the second stop operation is successful, the right pattern image F3 corresponding to the third stop operation is not enlarged, and the right pattern image F3 is not displayed in front of the left pattern image F1 and the middle pattern image F2.

In a game in which a specific effect is executed, if the first and second stop operations are successful and then the third stop operation is performed in a specific operation mode (according to the operation order instruction display and the stop pattern instruction display), the specific pattern is displayed in a specified display position (top, middle or bottom), and reels 20a to 20c stop in a specific stop mode (a stop mode in which the specific patterns are lined up in a row). In this way, the state in which the third stop operation is performed in a specific operation mode and reels 20a to 20c stop in a specific stop mode can be said to be a "successful third stop operation."

In this case, the operation sequence instruction display E and the stop pattern instruction display F on the liquid crystal display 90 are not displayed when the pressing of the stop button related to the third stop operation (the final pressing of the stop button) is detected. "Not displayed when the pressing of the stop button is detected" refers to a state in which the display is not displayed (visually recognized) immediately after the pressing is detected, without performing a performance (effect, action) in which the display gradually disappears over several frames (a predetermined time), for example. In other words, the operation sequence instruction display E and the stop pattern instruction display F are not displayed in the next frame after the pressing is detected. Note that in this embodiment, the time when the pressing of the stop button is detected is the time when the pressing of the stop button is detected as the time when the pressing of the stop button is detected as the time when the pressing of the stop button is released (OFF).

When the batting order navigation display shown in FIG. 29 detects that a specific stop button has been pressed as instructed, the number corresponding to that stop button is hidden, but at that time an effect such as the numbers exploding is executed for a specific period of time (a specific number of frames), and the numbers are finally hidden. Therefore, when comparing the time required from when the stop button is detected to when the numbers are hidden, the time is shorter for the displays related to the specific effects (operation order instruction display E and stop pattern instruction display F) than for the batting order navigation display.

If the third stop operation is successful, the LCD display 90 will (instantly) stop displaying the operation sequence instruction display E and the stop pattern instruction display F when it detects that the last stop button has been pressed, and will display a display (celebratory display) informing the user that a special bonus has been awarded.

In this embodiment, in a game in which a specific performance is executed, if the reels 20a to 20c do not stop in a specific stop mode, the bonus is not awarded and a notification is issued that the bonus will not be awarded. For example, if the first stop operation is successful and the second stop operation is successful, but the third stop operation is not performed in the specific operation mode, the specific pattern is not displayed at the specified display position, and the reels 20a to 20c do not stop in a specific stop mode (a stop mode in which the specific patterns are aligned in a row), the operation sequence instruction display E and the stop pattern instruction display F are not displayed based on the detection of the pressing of the stop button related to the third stop operation, and the display surface (display area) of the liquid crystal display 90 goes dark. This darkening is a notification that the bonus will not be awarded. Note that the darkening is not limited to the screen going completely black, but may also be a predetermined image (for example, the image that was displayed immediately before) being viewed in a darkened state. For example, a transparent blackout image may be arranged in a layer higher than the layer in which the predetermined image is arranged.

In addition, in the case where the first stop operation is successful but the second stop operation is not performed in a specific operation manner, if the stop button 26c is pressed without following the operation sequence instruction display E instructing the reels to be pressed in order and the stop pattern instruction display F aiming to display a specific pattern at a specified display position, the specific pattern will not be displayed at the specified display position (upper, middle or lower row), and the possibility of stopping reels 20a to 20c in a specific stop manner will disappear.
In addition, in the case where the first stop operation is successful but the second stop operation is not performed in a specific operation manner, if the stop button 26b is pressed in accordance with the operation sequence instruction display E instructing to press in order but without following the stop pattern instruction display F which aims to display a specific pattern at a specified display position, the specific pattern will not be displayed at the specified display position (upper, middle or lower row), and the possibility of stopping reels 20a to 20c in a specific stop manner will disappear.
In this embodiment, even if the second stop operation fails, the second stop operation does not cause the operation sequence instruction display E and the stop pattern instruction display F to go into a non-display state (their display is maintained), and the second stop operation triggers the execution of the first performance. Then, the third stop operation triggers the operation sequence instruction display E and the stop pattern instruction display F to go non-display, and the display screen goes dark (informing the player that no special benefit will be awarded).

In addition, in a game in which a specific performance is executed, if the stop button 26a is pressed first (when the first stop operation is performed) in accordance with the operation sequence instruction display E that instructs pressing in order, but without following the stop pattern instruction display F that aims to display a specific pattern at a specified display position, the specific pattern is not displayed at the specified display position (upper, middle, or lower), and the possibility of stopping the reels 20a to 20c in a specific stop mode disappears. In this embodiment, if such a first stop operation fails, the operation sequence instruction display E and the stop pattern instruction display F are not displayed (their display is maintained) as a trigger for the first stop operation, and the first performance is executed as a trigger for the first stop operation. Also, even if the next second stop operation is performed, the operation sequence instruction display E and the stop pattern instruction display F are not displayed (their display is maintained) as a trigger for the second stop operation, and the first performance is executed as a trigger for the second stop operation. Then, with the final third stop operation as a trigger, the operation sequence instruction display E and the stop pattern instruction display F are hidden, and the display screen goes dark (informing the user that no bonus will be awarded).

In this embodiment, when the first stop operation is performed according to the operation sequence instruction display E that instructs pressing in order, even if the possibility of stopping reels 20a to 20c in a specific stop pattern disappears after the first stop operation or the second stop operation, the fact that a bonus will not be awarded is not notified until the third stop operation is completed.

In this embodiment, when the first stop operation is performed according to the operation sequence instruction display E instructing the player to push in order and the stop pattern instruction display F aiming to display a specific symbol at a predetermined display position, even if the second stop operation is performed without following the operation sequence instruction display E, the reels 20a to 20c may stop in a specific stop mode. Specifically, when the first stop operation is successful and the stop button 26c is pressed (when the second stop operation is performed) without following the operation sequence instruction display E instructing the player to push in order but according to the stop pattern instruction display F aiming to display a specific symbol at a predetermined display position, the specific symbol is displayed at the predetermined display position (upper, middle or lower). At this time, the operation sequence instruction display E and the stop pattern instruction display F are not displayed (their display is maintained) as a result of the second stop operation, and the first performance is executed as a result of the second stop operation. Then, when the last stop button 26b is pressed (a third stop operation is performed) and the reels 20a to 20c stop in a specific stop mode (a stop mode in which specific symbols are lined up in a row), the third stop operation triggers the operation sequence instruction display E and the stop pattern instruction display F to go invisible, and a bonus is awarded. On the other hand, when the last stop button 26b is pressed and the reels 20a to 20c do not stop in a specific stop mode (a stop mode in which specific symbols are lined up in a row), the third stop operation triggers the operation sequence instruction display E and the stop pattern instruction display F to go invisible, and the display screen goes dark (a bonus is not awarded).

In this embodiment, if an irregular push is performed without following the operation sequence instruction display E that instructs pushing in order, it is determined that the reels 20a to 20c will not stop in a specific stop mode (a stop mode in which the specific symbols are lined up in a row) based on the first stop operation. If the first stop operation is not performed according to the operation sequence instruction display E that instructs pushing in order, that is, in a game in which a specific performance is executed, if the stop button 26b or the stop button 26c is pressed first without following the operation sequence instruction display E that instructs pushing in order (if the first stop operation of irregular push is performed), the specific symbol is not displayed in the predetermined display position (upper row, middle row, or lower row), and the first stop operation causes the operation sequence instruction display E and the stop symbol instruction display F to not be displayed. Then, the third stop operation causes the display screen to go dark (notifying that a bonus will not be awarded). Note that the display screen may go dark when the first stop operation is triggered.

In this embodiment, when a stop operation is performed in a specific operation mode in a game in which a specific effect is executed, the reels 20a to 20c stop in a specific stop mode. However, there may be cases in which the reels 20a to 20c do not stop in a specific stop mode when a stop operation is performed in a specific operation mode in a game in which a specific effect is executed. That is, in a game in which a specific effect is executed, it is possible to stop the reels 20a to 20c in a specific stop mode by performing a stop operation in a specific operation mode, but in a game in which a specific effect is executed, it is not necessary that the reels 20a to 20c stop in a specific stop mode when a stop operation is performed in a specific operation mode, and in a game in which a specific effect is executed, even if a stop operation is performed in a specific operation mode, the reels 20a to 20c may not stop in a specific stop mode.

In a game in which a specific effect is executed, if a stop operation is performed in a specific operation mode, but the reels 20a to 20c do not stop in the specific stop mode, a bonus may not be awarded, or a bonus may be awarded. If a bonus is awarded, a game in which the reels 20a to 20c do not stop in the specific stop mode even when a stop operation is performed in a specific operation mode may have a lower expectation of a bonus being awarded than a game in which the reels 20a to 20c stop in the specific stop mode when a stop operation is performed in a specific operation mode.

In addition, in this embodiment, in a game in which a specific effect is executed, if the reels 20a-20c do not stop in a specific stopping pattern, no bonus is awarded. However, in a game in which the reels 20a-20c stop in a specific stopping pattern when a stop operation is executed in a specific operating mode (in a game in which the reels 20a-20c do not stop in a specific stopping pattern even if a stop operation is executed in a specific operating mode), a bonus may be awarded. In other words, in a game in which a specific effect is executed and the reels 20a-20c stop in a specific stopping pattern when a stop operation is executed in a specific operating mode, a bonus may always be awarded regardless of the stopping operation mode.

In this embodiment, the case where the operation order instruction display E instructs pressing in the forward direction (batting order 1) has been described, but the operation order instruction display E is not limited to instructing pressing in the forward direction. The operation order instruction display E may instruct, for example, pressing in the reverse direction (batting order 6), in which case the arrow becomes a left arrow image pointing to the left, and the message becomes a pressing in the reverse direction image consisting of the text "Press in the reverse direction!" In addition, in this case, the specific pattern image corresponding to the first stop operation described above becomes the right pattern image F3, the specific pattern image corresponding to the second stop operation becomes the middle pattern image F2, and the specific pattern image corresponding to the third stop operation becomes the left pattern image F1.

In this embodiment, the specific symbol is a red BAR symbol "red BAR", but the specific symbol may be another symbol such as a black BAR symbol "black BAR" or a red 7 symbol "red 7". In this embodiment, the specific symbol to be displayed at a predetermined display position is the same for each reel, that is, the left symbol image F1, the middle symbol image F2, and the right symbol image F3 are all images corresponding to the same symbol, but this is not limited to this, and the specific symbol may be different for each reel. For example, the left symbol image F1 may be an image corresponding to a red BAR symbol "red BAR", the middle symbol image F2, and the right symbol image F3 may be images corresponding to a black BAR symbol "black BAR", and when a stop operation is performed in a specific operation mode, the reels 20a to 20c may stop in a stop mode (red BAR, black BAR, black BAR) in which the three specific symbols are aligned in a row.
Also, the specific pattern image (for example, the left pattern image F1) may be one that aims to display either one of the two patterns at a predetermined display position. Specifically, for example, it may be one that aims to display either the red BAR pattern "red BAR" or the black BAR pattern "black BAR" at a predetermined display position, in which case the left half of the left pattern image F1 may correspond to the red BAR pattern "red BAR", the right half may correspond to the black BAR pattern "black BAR", and the symbol "?" may be displayed in the center (border).

In addition, the specific stop mode in this embodiment may be the specific stop mode in the first embodiment (the specific symbol may be the BAR symbol "BAR" in the first embodiment), the specific performance may be the specific navigation performance in the first embodiment, and when reels 20a to 20c stop in the specific stop mode, a transition from the preparation performance state to the AT performance state may be made.

The gaming machine of this embodiment is
A start lever 24;
A plurality of reels 20a, 20b, and 20c on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged;
stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c provided corresponding to each of the plurality of reels;
An internal lottery means 42 for performing an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination is achieved;
a reel control means 43 for controlling the reels to rotate based on the operation of the start lever and to stop the reels in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery based on the operation of the stop button;
A performance control means 100 for controlling the performance;
A display means 90;
The performance includes a specific performance,
In the specific performance, an operation sequence instruction display instructing the user to operate the stop buttons in a predetermined order and a stop pattern instruction display instructing the user to operate the stop buttons at a predetermined timing so that a specific pattern is displayed at a predetermined position are displayed on the display means;
In a game in which the specific performance is executed, the operation sequence instruction display is displayed prior to the stop symbol instruction display.

In a game in which the specific performance is executed, the operation order instruction display is displayed before the stop pattern instruction display. Therefore, the player can more reliably understand the instructions than when both are displayed at the same time. Specifically, the player can first understand the operation order of the stop button, and then understand the specific pattern to aim for when operating the stop button. This makes it possible to prevent the player from operating the stop button without following the operation order instruction display or the stop pattern instruction display, that is, making an operation error, in a game in which the specific performance is executed. If an operation error occurs, the player may feel disappointed, but with this configuration, operation errors are suppressed, and the risk of the player feeling disappointed is reduced. Therefore, the interest in the game can be improved.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment,
the performance control means causes the display means to display a predetermined display by arranging an image in a predetermined layer and superimposing a plurality of layers;
The image relating to the operation sequence instruction display is arranged in a layer lower than the image relating to the stop symbol instruction display.

The image related to the stop pattern instruction display, which starts to be displayed later, has a higher display priority than the image related to the operation sequence instruction display, which starts to be displayed earlier, and the image related to the stop pattern instruction display is not covered by the image related to the operation sequence instruction display. This allows the player to more reliably grasp the specific pattern to be aimed for, and reduces operational errors.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment,
When the stop button is operated in accordance with the operation sequence instruction display and the stop pattern instruction display, the operation sequence instruction display and the stop pattern instruction display are no longer displayed at the point in time when a third stop operation of the stop button is detected.

Compared to the case where the time from when the third stop operation of the stop button is detected to when the operation sequence instruction display and the stop pattern instruction display are no longer displayed is relatively long, the next performance can be executed more quickly. For example, if the next performance notifies the player whether or not a bonus will be awarded, the player can know more quickly whether or not a bonus will be awarded.

(Modification)
In this embodiment, the arrow image and message image related to the operation sequence instruction display are started to be displayed before the left pattern image, the middle pattern image, and the right pattern image related to the stop pattern instruction display. In this modified example, the arrow image and message image related to the operation sequence instruction display are started to be displayed after the left pattern image, the middle pattern image, and the right pattern image related to the stop pattern instruction display. When a specific performance starts in a predetermined game, the stop pattern instruction display is first started to be displayed. At this time, when the operation sequence instruction display displayed later instructs, for example, sequential push, the left pattern image may be started to be displayed before the middle pattern image and the right pattern image, the left pattern image may be displayed larger than the middle pattern image and the right pattern image, and the left pattern image may be displayed in front of the middle pattern image and the right pattern image. Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the stop pattern instruction display started to be displayed, the operation sequence instruction display is started to be displayed. The message image related to the operation sequence instruction display is displayed in front of the arrow image.
The arrow image and the message image related to the operation sequence instruction display are arranged in a layer lower than the left pattern image, the center pattern image, and the right pattern image related to the stop pattern instruction display. In other words, the operation sequence instruction display has a lower display priority than the stop pattern instruction display.
The arrow image and the message image related to the operation sequence instruction display may be arranged in a layer higher than the left pattern image, the center pattern image, and the right pattern image related to the stop pattern instruction display. In other words, the operation sequence instruction display may have a higher display priority than the stop pattern instruction display.

The operation order instruction display is displayed after the stop pattern instruction display. This allows the player to more reliably understand the instructions compared to when both are displayed at the same time. Specifically, the player can first understand the specific pattern to aim for when operating the stop button, and then the order in which to operate the stop button. This prevents the player from operating the stop button without following the operation order instruction display or the stop pattern instruction display, i.e., making an operation error, during a game in which a specific performance is executed.

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

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the game control form and configuration of the slot machine and medal-less gaming machine are not limited to those of the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, the above-described control operation can be applied not only to slot machines and medal-less gaming machines, but also to other gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines. The present invention can be applied to gaming machines, and gaming machines include slot machines, pachinko gaming machines, medal-less gaming machines, etc.

In addition, within the scope of the present invention, the components of each embodiment can be freely combined, any component can be modified, or any component can be omitted.

20a, 20b, 20c reels (variable display means)
42 Internal lottery means 43 Reel control means (stop control means)
45 Payout control means (game value providing means)
81 Presentation state control means 100 Presentation control means

Claims (1)

A plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer circumferential surface;
An internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery for determining whether a winning combination is achieved;
A payout control means for determining the amount of game value to be paid out in a game according to the result of the game;
a first display unit controlled by the main control means;
A gaming machine including a second display unit, a sound output unit, and a light emitting unit controlled by a sub-control means,
The first display unit is capable of displaying a predetermined value,
The second display unit is capable of displaying a predetermined value,
When the payout control means determines the payout of a predetermined amount of game value,
A first payout notification that notifies the payout by sequentially updating a value on the first display unit;
A second payout notification that notifies the payout by sequentially updating the value on the second display unit;
A third payout notification is executed by the sound output unit to notify the payout,
The timing at which the update of the first payout notification ends is different from the timing at which the update of the second payout notification ends,
The start of the update of the first payout notification is prior to the start of the third payout notification,
The end of the update of the first payout notification is prior to the end of the third payout notification,
The third payout notification is a notification in which a payout sound is repeatedly reproduced a number of times corresponding to the number of payouts, and the length of the last payout sound reproduced is at least twice as long as the payout sounds reproduced before it.
A gaming machine characterized by:

Images