JP7545752B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

In conventional slot machines, an internal lottery is conducted when the game starts, and a winning combination is determined by determining the pattern of symbols that correspond to the results of the internal lottery. In addition, a special winning combination is set up that generates a special game state in which the player can win a large amount of game media when the winning combination is generated, and if the special winning combination is won by the internal lottery, the right to win is carried over until the special winning combination is generated. In addition, a combination that may or may not result in a winning combination depending on the reel stopping order has been set up, and in a specific game state (AT or ART) that occurs when a predetermined condition is met, the reel stopping order (assist information) that results in a winning combination is notified, making it possible to win a large amount of game media (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2013-46697 A

The purpose of this invention is to increase the enjoyment of games.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a gaming machine as described below. The gaming machine includes a plurality of reels capable of variably displaying a plurality of symbols, a control means capable of executing an internal lottery for a role each time a game involving the variably displaying of the plurality of reels is executed, a presentation means capable of presenting the game, and a presentation control means capable of controlling the presentation means. When the result of the game becomes a stopped pattern corresponding to a role won by the internal lottery, the role is awarded. The role includes a special role in which a special game state occurs when the role is awarded. The control means is capable of setting a normal zone including a normal game state, and an advantageous zone which is an area more advantageous than the normal zone and includes a special game state. When the special role is awarded by the internal lottery, a bonus flag is set, and when the special role is awarded by the internal lottery in the advantageous zone, the bonus flag is not cleared even if the advantageous zone ends before the special role is awarded. The presentation control means is capable of executing, in the presentation means, a first suggestive presentation suggesting the end of the advantageous zone and a second suggestive presentation suggesting the winning of the special role. The first suggestion effect is an effect executed during a predetermined period before the end of the advantageous zone without any suggestion of a special winning combination, regardless of the presence or absence of a bonus flag. The second suggestion effect is an effect executed at a predetermined timing after the end of the advantageous zone.

The present invention can increase the enjoyment of games.

1 is a front view showing the appearance of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a top view of the vicinity of the game configuration unit of a slot machine. A block diagram showing the general configuration of a game control device. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a performance control device. 1 is a diagram explaining the arrangement of symbols on each reel, the types of winning prizes, the symbol combinations, and the contents of winning prizes. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an effective line. 11 is a state transition diagram illustrating the transition of game states. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the display on the first game information display unit. FIG. 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating modified examples of the display on the first game information display unit. 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating an example of the display in each section during a game. 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating an example of the display in each section during a game. 11 is a flowchart explaining main processing in a game control device. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an unrecoverable error process. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a power recovery process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a main loop process. 13 is a flowchart explaining a role selection process. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a lottery data table. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a random number generating circuit. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a counter value acquisition process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a process when latch data is read. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a reel spin start process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a pattern control process. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating setting of a change range. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a seven-segment data setting process. 11 is a flowchart illustrating main processing in the performance control device. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a game management main process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a command control process. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a stage set value information process. A diagram explaining the selection ratio of usable effects. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a performance control code setting process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a command reception interrupt process. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a V-Sync interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a 7SEG data editing process. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a second game information display section display data editing process. 11 is a diagram illustrating the display timing of the first game information display section and the second game information display section. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the timing of the end of display on the first game information display section and the second game information display section. FIG. 13 is a diagram explaining the timing of transmitting a winning combination notification command. FIG. A figure explaining another example of a method for transmitting a winning role notification command. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a performance button input process. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of an execution mode of a specific game state and a special game state. FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a presentation. A diagram explaining the processing when the advantageous zone ends. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of medal payout. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a payment appearance setting process. A figure explaining an example of the execution mode of a specific game state and a special game state in the first modified example.

First Embodiment
As shown in FIG. 1, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, which constitutes an amusement machine, has various devices arranged inside a box-shaped housing with an open front, and a front frame 2 is arranged on the front of the housing via a hinge provided at the left end when viewed from the front, so that it can be opened and closed in a single-door format.

The housing contains a game control device 100 that controls the entire slot machine 1, and a presentation control device 300 that controls presentations based on information from the game control device 100. The housing also contains a variable display device with rotatable reels 6a, 6b, and 6c, and a medal payout device (hopper). The medal payout device receives and stores medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 15, and when a predetermined symbol combination is formed on an active line and a winning combination is established, it drives a medal payout motor 63 according to a payout command (command or data) from the game control device 100 to pay out a number of medals (payout medals) corresponding to the winning combination, or medals that exceed the credit limit due to the addition associated with the winning combination, onto the lower tray 27.

An overflow tank is also provided inside the housing to store medals that overflow from the medal payout device and guide the medals that flow in to the medal recovery mechanism of the installation island on which the slot machine 1 is installed. In addition, a power supply unit that supplies power to electronic components such as the control device, motor, and lamps, and a setting device that sets the winning probability of the slot machine 1 to one of six levels, for example, are provided inside the housing.

At the top of the front frame 2, there are provided an image display device 3 that displays effects and information according to the game, an upper speaker 4a that displays effects using sound, a decoration device 46 that provides light-emitting decoration using LEDs, and a frame effect device 7 that has a built-in movable effect device 47. The image display device 3 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display panel, and displays various information such as historical information display in addition to effects related to the game. The various effects displays and historical information display on the image display device 3 are controlled by a performance control device 300. In other words, the image display device 3 constitutes a performance display means capable of displaying effects according to the progress of the game, and the performance control device 300 constitutes a display control means capable of controlling the display of the performance display means.

A front panel 9 is arranged in the center of the front frame 2, which prevents the view behind it and has decorative patterns drawn on it, and a (transparent, for example) pattern display window 5 is formed in the center of the front panel 9, allowing the view behind it to be seen. The front panel 9 may also be configured as a display device, which allows the reels 6 to be seen when no image is displayed in the pattern display window 5, and mainly displays images that create a game effect around the pattern display window 5. In this case, it is also possible to display images that create a game effect in the pattern display window 5.

Through this symbol display window 5 (window portion), the symbols that change as the reels 6 arranged inside the housing rotate can be seen. The reels 6 are composed of a cylindrical left reel 6a, a center reel 6b, and a right reel 6c arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction. A plurality of symbols are arranged on the outer periphery of the reels 6a, 6b, and 6c in a line along the circumferential direction. In addition, each of the reels 6a, 6b, and 6c is provided with a reel motor 64a, 64b, or 64c (see FIG. 3), which is a stepping motor, and each of the reels 6a, 6b, and 6c can be independently driven to rotate and stopped to rotate. In other words, the reel motors 64a, 64b, and 64c form the electric drive source that drives each of the reels 6a, 6b, and 6c.

By rotating the reel 6 with the reel motor 64, the multiple types of symbols visible through the symbol display window 5 are changed, for example, cyclically from top to bottom (changing display). On the other hand, when the reel 6 is stopped, a predetermined number of consecutive symbols (for example, three) for each reel 6a, 6b, 6c, that is, a total of nine symbols of 3 x 3, can be seen through the symbol display window 5. In other words, through the symbol display window 5, the effective display parts of the reels 6a, 6b, 6c that derive and display the stopped result of the game can be seen. Thus, the reels 6a, 6b, 6c form multiple changing display parts that can variably display multiple symbols.

For the 3x3 pattern matrix visible through the pattern display window 5, a predetermined activation possible line is set. In this embodiment, only the line (middle line) that crosses the patterns in the middle of each reel 6a, 6b, 6c is the activation possible line. Then, when the player inserts a medal or inputs a credit (hereinafter referred to as a "betting operation"), the activation possible line is activated and becomes an active line (so-called 3-coin bet only) when the bet number (number of bets) becomes a predetermined number (for example, 3), and the establishment/non-establishment of a winning (role) is determined based on the pattern combination (outcome) formed on this active line. Note that the bet number may be set arbitrarily within the range of 1 to 3 coins, rather than 3-coin bet only. However, in this case, an internal lottery will be performed to set the internal winning probability that is most favorable to the player when the number of bets is 3 coins in the normal game state, as described later.

When a winning combination is achieved, three predetermined symbols may line up on a winning line, or three predetermined symbols may line up on other lines. Examples of such lines include a line that crosses the symbols on the upper row of each reel 6a, 6b, 6c (upper row line), a line that crosses diagonally across each reel 6a, 6b, 6c from the lower row of the left reel 6a to the middle row of the middle reel 6b to the upper row of the right reel 6c (upward right line), a line that crosses diagonally across each reel 6a, 6b, 6c from the upper row of the left reel 6a to the middle row of the middle reel 6b to the lower row of the right reel 6c (downward right line), a line that crosses the symbols on the lower row of each reel 6a, 6b, 6c (lower row line), and a virtual line (pseudo winning line) that crosses the front part (visible part) of each reel 6a, 6b, 6c that faces the symbol display window 5 other than the above. Hereinafter, the activated lines (middle lines) and the lines where the patterns can be visually aligned when winning (upper lines, etc.) will be collectively referred to as the pattern stop lines (pattern alignment lines).

To the left of the symbol display window 5 is a second game medium information display unit 44 that is controlled by the performance control device 300 to display information related to the game medium. This second game medium information display unit is provided with a second credit number display unit 11, a second payout number display unit 13, and a second acquired number display unit 12. The second credit number display unit 11 displays the number of medals stored as credits without being paid out by the medal payout device. The second payout number display unit 13 displays the number of medals paid out when a win is achieved. The second acquired number display unit 12 displays the cumulative number of medals acquired since the start of the special game state. These displays 11, 12, and 13 are, for example, seven-segment displays, and display various information depending on their lighting state.

Below the symbol display window 5 is a second game information display section 40 that is controlled by the performance control device 300 to display game information. This second game information display section 40 is made up of three 7-segment displays, a second left display section 40a, a second middle display section 40b, and a second right display section 40c, and can notify the type of winning combination in the internal lottery and the stopping order of the reels 6 to achieve that combination.

Below the front panel 9 is a game configuration section 30 in which game operation means are arranged so that the player can perform game-related operations. This game configuration section 30 is a stepped section that protrudes forward, and various game operation means are arranged on the top and front surfaces. As shown in FIG. 2, near the left end of the top surface of the game configuration section 30, a 1 bet button 31, which is one of the game operation means, is provided. This 1 bet button 31 is designed to input one bet from credits by pressing it once.

To the right of the 1 bet button 31 is a game status display section 18 that displays the status of replay, waiting, playable standby, etc., and displays the game status by lighting a lamp. The game status display section 18 is provided with a replay display section 18a that indicates that a replay win (replay win) has been established and a replay game has been awarded, a standby display section 18b that indicates that there is a waiting time from when the player operates the start lever 21 until the reel 6 spins (the reel 6 is waiting to start spinning because a certain amount of time has not passed since the start of the previous game), a game start display section 18c that indicates that a start operation is possible, and a coin insertion display section 18d that indicates that the slot machine 1 is in a playable standby state and encourages a bet operation.

A max bet button 17, which is one of the game operation means, is provided to the right of the game status display section 18. This max bet button 17 allows the player to input up to the upper limit of the bet (e.g., 3 coins) from the credits by pressing it once, but if the number of credits does not reach the upper limit, the number of credits is input as the bet.

To the right of the max bet button 17 is a first gaming medium information display unit 32 that is controlled by the gaming control device 100 to display information about the gaming medium. This first gaming medium information display unit 32 is provided with a first credit number display unit 32a, a first payout number display unit 32b, and a first acquired number display unit 32c. The first credit number display unit 32a displays the number of medals stored as credits without being paid out by the medal payout device. The first payout number display unit 32b displays the number of medals paid out when a win is achieved. The first acquired number display unit 32c displays the cumulative number of medals acquired since the start of the special gaming state. These display units are, for example, composed of 7-segment displays, and display various information depending on their lighting state.

On the right side of the first game medium information display unit 32, there is provided a first game information display unit 33 which is a display means controlled by the game control device 100 to display game information such as information on the result of the internal lottery. This first game information display unit 33 is composed of three 7-segment displays, a first left display unit 33a, a second middle display unit 33b, and a first right display unit 33c, and can notify the type of winning combination in the internal lottery and the stopping order of the reels 6 to realize the winning combination. On the right side of the first game information display unit 33, there is provided a performance button 10 which incorporates an operation switch for receiving operation input from the player. This performance button 10 is one of the game operation means, and when operated by the player, a performance is performed in which the player's operation is involved in the performance display on the image display device 3, or game history information is displayed.

A medal insertion slot 15 is provided to the right of the performance button 10. A game can be played when a player inserts a medal into this medal insertion slot 15 and performs a betting operation. The path along which the medal inserted from this medal insertion slot 15 passes is provided with medal insertion sensors 51a, 51b (see FIG. 3) that detect the passage of the medal, and the number of inserted medals is counted based on the detection information from these medal insertion sensors 51a, 51b.

A settlement button 20, which is one of the game operation means, is provided near the left end of the front of the game configuration unit 30. The settlement button 20 is used to give a command to return to the lower tray 27 medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 15, medals input as a bet number using the 1 bet button 31 or the max bet button 17 (betting medals), or medals paid out when a win is made and stored as credits (accumulated medals). In addition, medals exceeding a predetermined number that can be stored as credits are also returned to the lower tray 27. In addition, medals are returned to the lower tray 27 when medals are inserted from the medal insertion slot 15 after an automatic betting operation based on the establishment of a replay win (replay win). However, when medals are inserted from the medal insertion slot 15 after an automatic betting operation based on the establishment of a replay win (replay win), they may be accepted as credits. A start lever 21, which is one of the game operation means, is provided to the right of the settlement button 20. The start lever 21 is a control lever for progressing through the game and for starting a section of the game.

On the right side of the start lever 21, there is provided a reel stop button 24, which is one of the game operation means. The reel stop button 24 constitutes a progress operation section for progressing the game, and is composed of a left reel stop button 24a, a middle reel stop button 24b, and a right reel stop button 24c, which are provided in one-to-one correspondence with the left reel 6a, the middle reel 6b, and the right reel 6c, respectively, and is for stopping the rotation of the corresponding reels 6a, 6b, and 6c in response to a stop operation. These reel stop buttons 24a, 24b, and 24c are formed, for example, from a colored translucent resin material. Inside the reel stop buttons 24a, 24b, and 24c, there are provided reel stop button LEDs 66a, 66b, and 66c, which indicate by their light emission modes whether or not the corresponding reel 6 can be stopped by operating the reel stop buttons 24a, 24b, and 24c. That is, the reel stop buttons 24a, 24b, and 24c form multiple stop operation sections for performing stop operations provided in correspondence with each variable display section, and the reel stop button LEDs 66a, 66b, and 66c form operation section light-emitting means capable of illuminating the stop operation sections.

To the right of the reel stop button 24 is a return button 22, which is one of the game operation means. The return button 22 is used to return medals inserted through the medal insertion slot 15 and stuck in the medal flow path to the lower tray 27. To the right of the return button 22 is a keyhole 23. The keyhole 23 is for inserting a key when opening the front frame 2 or when resetting an error (e.g., a hopper error) state of the slot machine 1.

In addition, below the game configuration unit 30, a lower panel (decorative panel) 25 that constitutes the lower region of the front frame 2 is provided. Furthermore, below the lower panel 25 and at the bottom of the front frame 2, an ashtray 26, a lower tray 27 for storing medals, a medal payout outlet 28, a lower speaker 4b for outputting sound, etc. are provided. Note that the positions of the various devices are not limited to those described above. For example, the game status display unit 18, the first game medium information display unit 32, the first game information display unit 33, the second game medium information display unit 44, the second game information display unit 40, etc. may be provided around the image display unit 3, in the part where the front panel 9 is provided, or in the part where the lower panel 25 is provided.

Figures 3 and 4 are block diagrams showing the schematic configuration of the control system of the slot machine 1. Note that components that are the same as or equivalent to those described in Figures 1 and 2 are given the same reference numerals, and duplicate explanations are omitted.

As shown in FIG. 3, the slot machine 1 is equipped with a game control device 100, which is a main control device (main board) that controls the overall game. The game control device 100 has a gaming microcomputer (CPU) 111 called an amusement chip (IC), and an oscillator circuit (crystal oscillator) 113 that has an oscillator such as a quartz crystal resonator and generates the operating clock for the CPU, timer interrupts, and a clock that serves as a reference for the random number generation circuit.

The gaming microcomputer 111 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 111a, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 111b, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 111c. It also includes a random number generation circuit 160 that generates various random numbers, such as random numbers for determining whether or not a prize is won, used in the internal lottery, and a clock generator 114 that generates a timer interrupt signal of a predetermined period for the CPU 111a and a clock that provides an update timing for the random number generation circuit 160 based on an oscillation signal (original clock signal) from an oscillation circuit 113.

The CPU 111a includes a control unit and a calculation unit, and performs various calculation processes, inputs and outputs data, generates control signals, and the like as the calculation processing device of the game control device 100. The ROM 111b stores control programs and control data for executing various processes, as well as judgment values (judgment tables) for internal lotteries. The ROM 111b also stores a stop control table that is referenced when controlling the stop of the reel 6 in each game. For example, a stop control table corresponding to various internally won prizes and a stop control table corresponding to losses are stored. The stop control table stores data (such as a change range (number of sliding frames)) for performing pull-in stop control of the reel 6 that maximizes the formation of a symbol combination pattern corresponding to an internal winning state (the state of the set winning flag) on the pay line, and kick-off stop control of the reel that removes a symbol combination corresponding to various prizes that have not been internally won from the pay line, and the stop position is preset according to the operation stop order and operation timing of the reel 6.

RAM 111c provides a storage area for random numbers for the internal lottery sampled by CPU 111a based on the start operation, a storage area for temporarily storing various data (e.g., data on the number of credits, data on the number of bets, data on the internal winning status, data related to payouts based on the derivation of a predetermined pattern combination, data indicating the winning probability value of the internal lottery, etc.), and a working area for CPU 111a. Note that electrically rewritable non-volatile memory such as EEPROM may be used as ROM 111b or RAM 111c.

The first input port 121 of the game control device 100 is also connected to an error reset SW61, a setting button SW60, a start lever SW52, a settlement button SW58, a max bet button SW57, a 1 bet button SW31a, and reel stop buttons SW53 (first reel (left) stop button SW53a, second reel (center) stop button SW53b, and third reel (right) stop button SW53c) via a low-pass filter, a buffer gate, an input/output interface, and other components (not shown). The various signals output from these switches are read into the game microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140.

The second input port 122 of the game control device 100 is connected to the play stop switch SW 35, the automatic settlement switch SW 36, the stage setting key SW 62, the full detection sensor 82, the medal payout sensor 59, and the reel sensor 54 (left reel sensor 54a, center reel sensor 54b, right reel sensor 54c) via a low-pass filter, a buffer gate, an input/output interface, etc. (not shown). Various signals output from these switches and sensors are read into the game microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140. Various signals output from these switches and sensors are input to the monitor LED 180 provided in the game control device 100, and the corresponding LED is turned on in response to the input of various signals. Regarding the reel sensor 54, the LED corresponding to the input of each of the left reel sensor 54a, center reel sensor 54b, and right reel sensor 54c is turned on.

The third input port 123 of the game control device 100 is connected to the medal insertion sensors 51a and 51b, the medal insertion fraud detection sensor 51c, and the control signal generating unit 430 of the power supply device 400 that generates a power cutoff signal via a low-pass filter, a buffer gate, an input/output interface, etc. (not shown). Various signals output from these sensors are read into the game microcomputer 111 via the data bus 140. The data held by each input port 121, 122, 123 can be read by the game microcomputer 111 asserting the enable signal CE2 (changing it to an active level) by decoding the address assigned to each input port.

The power supply cutoff signal from the control signal generating unit 430 is also input to the power supply monitoring circuit 181, which generates control signals such as a reset signal RST based on the input of the power supply cutoff signal and outputs them to the gaming microcomputer 111. The reset signal RST is input directly to a reset terminal provided on the gaming microcomputer 111 and is also supplied to each of the output ports 131 to 139. The reset signal RST is also configured to turn off the test firing signal held in the output port 139 for output to the test firing device. The reset signal RST is not supplied to the input ports 121, 122, and 123. The data set to each output port by the gaming microcomputer 111 immediately before the reset signal RST is input must be reset to prevent system malfunction, but the data read by the gaming microcomputer 111 from each input port immediately before the reset signal RST is input is discarded by the reset of the gaming microcomputer 111.

The game control device 100 is also supplied with power from the normal power supply unit 410 of the power supply device 400. The normal power supply unit 410 is equipped with a converter that generates the above-mentioned DC 24V, DC 12V, and DC 5V DC power supplies from an AC 24V AC power supply, and supplies these to the game control device 100. In addition, a power supply voltage is supplied from the backup power supply unit 420 of the power supply device 400 to the RAM 111c inside the game microcomputer 111 during a power outage, and the data stored in the RAM 111c is retained even during a power outage.

The error reset SW 61 is a switch that detects, for example, that the key inserted into the keyhole 23 has been turned in the opposite direction to that used to open the front frame 2, and resets the slot machine 1 based on this detection. The game control device 100, for example, resets the error state of the slot machine 1 based on the detection signal from the error reset SW 61.

The setting button SW60 and the stage setting key SW62 are provided on a setting device for switching the stage setting value (so-called setting) of the slot machine 1. By inserting the stage setting key into a keyhole provided on the setting device and turning it, the stage setting key SW62 is turned on, allowing the setting to be changed, and the stage setting value is changed each time the setting button SW60 is turned on by operating the setting button provided on the setting device. This setting device, for example, sets one of a number of settings (e.g., settings 1 to 6) with different winning probabilities (internal winning probabilities) of various prizes (roles) in an internal lottery for each game.

The start lever SW52 is a switch for detecting that the start lever 21 has been operated. The settlement button SW58 is a switch for detecting that the settlement button 20 has been operated. The max bet button SW57 is a switch for detecting that the max bet button 17 has been operated, and the 1 bet button SW31a is a switch for detecting that the 1 bet button 31 has been operated.

The first reel (left) stop button SW53a, the second reel (center) stop button SW53b, and the third reel (right) stop button SW53c of the reel stop button SW53 are switches for detecting the operation of the corresponding reel stop buttons 24a, 24b, and 24c. The play stop switch SW35 is a switch for selecting whether or not to enter a play stop mode in which play is stopped after the special game state ends. In the play stop mode, play cannot be resumed unless the error release SW61 is operated after the special game state ends. The automatic settlement switch SW36 is a switch for selecting whether or not to enable automatic settlement in which credits are settled after the special game state ends.

The full detection sensor 82 detects when the hopper of the medal payout device is full of medals. The medal payout sensor 59 detects medals paid out from the medal payout device, and the number of medals paid out is counted by counting the detection signals from this switch. The left reel sensor 54a, center reel sensor 54b, and right reel sensor 54c of the reel sensor 54 are sensors for detecting the rotation phases of the corresponding reels 6a, 6b, and 6c.

The medal insertion sensors 51a and 51b detect the passage of medals inserted from the medal insertion port 15, and the number of medals inserted is counted based on this detection information. The medal insertion fraud detection sensor 51c is a sensor that detects fraudulent acts that cause medals to be detected as having been inserted. The medal insertion sensors 51a and 51b are arranged in a line from the upstream side along the flow direction of the medals, and the medal insertion fraud detection sensor 51c is arranged between the medal insertion sensors 51a and 51b. If there is no fraudulent act, after the medal insertion sensor 51a detects a medal, the medal insertion sensor 51b detects the same medal. The medal insertion fraud detection sensor 51c detects the presence of an object only at the moment the medal flows down. However, if a fraudulent act is committed by inserting a fraudulent tool through the medal insertion port 15 to cause the medal insertion sensors 51a and 51b to detect the passage of a medal, the medal insertion fraud detection sensor 51c continues to detect the presence of an object, thereby detecting the fraudulent act.

In addition, multiple output ports are connected to the data bus 140 of the game control device 100, and information is output from the output ports to various devices provided in the slot machine via drivers, etc. The gaming microcomputer 111 outputs an operation data signal for the left reel motor 64a from the first output port 131 to the first driver 151, and the first driver 151 receives the operation data signal, generates a drive signal for the left reel motor 64a, and outputs it to the left reel motor 64a. In addition, the gaming microcomputer 111 outputs display data for the game start display unit 18c and display data for the reel stop buttons 24a, 24b, and 24c from the first output port 131 to the second driver 152, and the second driver 152 receives the display data, generates display signals for the game start display LED 67a and the reel stop button LEDs 66a, 66b, and 66c, and outputs them to the game start display LED 67a and the reel stop button LEDs 66a, 66b, and 66c.

The gaming microcomputer 111 also outputs display data for the MAX BET button 17 and the bet line number display section (not shown) from the second output port 132 to the second driver 152, and the second driver 152 receives the display data, generates display signals for the MAX BET button LED 17a and the bet line number display LED 37, and outputs them to the MAX BET button LED 17a and the bet line number display LED 37. The gaming microcomputer 111 also outputs an operation data signal for the center reel motor 64b from the second output port 132 to the third driver 153, and the third driver 153 receives the operation data signal, generates a drive signal for the center reel motor 64b, and outputs it to the center reel motor 64b.

The gaming microcomputer 111 also outputs an operation data signal for the right reel motor 64c from the third output port 133 to the fourth driver 154, and the fourth driver 154 receives the operation data signal, generates a drive signal for the right reel motor 64c, and outputs it to the right reel motor 64c. The gaming microcomputer 111 also outputs display data for the medal insertion display unit 18d and the replay display unit 18a from the third output port 133 to the fifth driver 155, and the fifth driver 155 receives the display data, generates display signals for the medal insertion display LED 67b and the replay display LED 67c, and outputs them to the medal insertion display LED 67b and the replay display LED 67c.

The gaming microcomputer 111 also outputs display data for the standby display unit 18b from the fourth output port 134 to the sixth driver 156, which receives the display data, generates a display signal for the standby display LED 67d, and outputs it to the standby display LED 67d. The gaming microcomputer 111 also outputs external information to be supplied to an external device (such as an information collection terminal or an amusement facility internal management device (hall computer)) from the fourth output port 134 to the sixth driver 156, which receives the external information, generates an external information signal, and outputs it to the external signal output terminal 170.

The control signals output to the external signal output terminal 170 include, for example, a signal indicating the number of bets output when the start lever 21 is operated (game medal insertion signal), a signal indicating the number of medals paid out when medals are paid out (game medal payout signal), a signal indicating that the game is in a super big bonus state (SBB signal), a signal indicating that the game is in a big bonus state (BB signal), a signal indicating that the game is in a regular bonus state (RB signal), a signal indicating that the game is in a replay time state (RT signal), and a signal output when the front frame 2 is opened or when the settings are changed (security signal), etc.

The gaming microcomputer 111 also outputs an operation data signal of the selector solenoid 68 provided in the medal selector that switches the flow path of the medal from the fifth output port 135 to the fifth driver 155, and the fifth driver 155 receives the operation data signal, generates a drive signal for the selector solenoid 68, and outputs it to the selector solenoid 68. The gaming microcomputer 111 also outputs on/off drive data for the digit lines of the first game information display unit 33 and the first game medium information display unit 32 from the fifth output port 135 to the seventh driver 157, and the seventh driver 157 receives the drive data, generates an on/off drive signal for the digit lines, and outputs it to the first game information display unit 33 and the first game medium information display unit 32.

The gaming microcomputer 111 also outputs on/off drive data for the segment lines of the first game information display unit 33 and the first game medium information display unit 32 from the sixth output port 136 to the eighth driver 158, and the eighth driver 158 receives the drive data, generates an on/off drive signal for the segment lines, and outputs it to the first game information display unit 33 and the first game medium information display unit 32. This causes the first game information display unit 33 and the first game medium information display unit 32 to be controlled by a dynamic drive method. The gaming microcomputer 111 also outputs an operation data signal for the medal payout motor 63 of the medal payout device from the sixth output port 136 to the ninth driver 159, and the ninth driver 159 receives the operation data signal, generates a drive signal for the medal payout motor 63, and outputs it to the medal payout motor 63.

The gaming microcomputer 111 also transmits data to the performance control device 300 from the seventh output port 137 and the eighth output port 138 by parallel communication. Note that this is one-way communication that does not allow signals to be input from the performance control device 300 to the gaming control device 100. Data may also be transmitted to the performance control device 300 by serial communication. The gaming control device 100 is also configured to be able to implement a ninth output port 139 that outputs signals related to games to the test firing test device 500 of the certification agency. This ninth output port 139 is a component that is not implemented in the gaming control device 100 of the slot machine as an actual machine (mass-produced product) installed in a gaming facility. Furthermore, the gaming microcomputer 111 is capable of transmitting information such as the identification code and program of each slot machine to the external inspection device 600. The gaming microcomputer 111 and the inspection device 600 are configured to be able to communicate in both directions so that data can be sent and received by serial communication. In addition, the sending and receiving of such data is performed using the serial communication terminal of the gaming microcomputer 111, just like a normal general-purpose microprocessor, so no port is provided.

In the game control device 100, for example, the CPU 111a updates the random number (e.g., +1) at every predetermined cycle time, and samples the random number at that time when detected by the start lever SW 52, and performs an internal lottery using the sampled random number as the random number for the internal lottery. In addition, the game control device 100 refers to the corresponding stop control table based on the internal lottery result and the stop operation timing of the reel stop buttons 24a, 24b, 24c, and controls the operation of the reel motors 64a, 64b, 64c to stop the reels 6a, 6b, 6c so that a predetermined pattern is displayed in the pattern display window 5. It is also possible to sample the random numbers generated by the random number generator.

Furthermore, when a stop operation is performed before the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the internally won winning prize (role) reach the pay line, the game control device 100 performs so-called pull-in stop control, which delays the timing of stopping the reels 6a, 6b, and 6c so that the symbols are stopped and displayed on the pay line. Also, when a stop operation is performed at the timing when a symbol combination corresponding to a winning prize that is not an internal win is formed on the pay line, the game control device 100 performs so-called kick-off stop control, which delays the timing of stopping the reels 6a, 6b, and 6c so that the symbols constituting the symbol combination that may be formed on the pay line pass the pay line. In the pull-in stop control and kick-off stop control by the game control device 100, the maximum time value for changing (delaying) the stop timing is set, and in the case of 21 frames per reel as in this embodiment, it is possible to pull in or kick within a change range of up to 5 frames from the position where the stop operation was performed.

The change range can be set to a different range for each reel 6. For example, it can be 5 frames for the left reel 6a, 3 frames for the middle reel 6b, and 1 frame for the right reel. Furthermore, it is possible to set different ranges depending on the game situation. For example, it is possible to set the change range of all reels 6 or a specific reel 6 to a range less than 5 frames depending on whether the other reels 6 are changing or are stopped. It is also possible to determine the change range depending on the winning combination in an internal lottery, or to determine the change range by a separate lottery.

Next, the configuration of the performance control device 300 will be described with reference to FIG.
The performance control device 300 is equipped with a main control microcomputer (CPU) 311 which is an amusement chip (IC) similar to the gaming microcomputer 111, a VDP (Video Display Processor) 312 as a graphics processor which performs image processing for displaying images on the image display device (liquid crystal display device) 3 in accordance with commands and data from the main control microcomputer 311, and a sound source LSI 314 which controls the output of sound to play various melodies, sound effects, etc. from speakers 4a, 4b.

The main control microcomputer 311 is connected to a program ROM 321 consisting of a PROM (programmable read-only memory) that stores the programs executed by the CPU and various data, a RAM 322 that provides a working area, an FeRAM 323 that can retain memory contents even if power is not supplied during a power outage, and an RTC (real-time clock) 338 that serves as a timekeeping means for generating information indicating the current date and time (date, day of the week, time, etc.). A RAM that provides a working area is also provided inside the main control microcomputer 311. A WDT (watchdog timer) circuit 324 is also connected to the main control microcomputer 311. The main control microcomputer 311 analyzes commands from the gaming microcomputer 111, determines the content of the performance, and instructs the VDP 312 on the content of the output video, instructs the sound source LSI 314 on the sound to be played, lights up decorative lamps, controls the drive of motors and solenoids, and manages the performance time.

The VDP 312 is provided with a RAM 312a that provides a working area, and a scaler 312b for enlarging and reducing images. Also connected to the VDP 312 is an image ROM 325 that stores character images and video data, and an ultra-high-speed VRAM (video RAM) 326 that is used to expand and process image data such as characters read from the image ROM 325.

Although not limited to this, data is sent and received between the main control microcomputer 311 and the VDP 312 in a parallel manner. By sending and receiving data in a parallel manner, commands and data can be sent in a shorter time than in the case of serial transmission.

The VDP 312 inputs to the main control microcomputer 311 a vertical synchronization signal VSYNC for synchronizing the image on the image display device 3 with the lighting of the decorative lamps provided on the front frame 2, and a synchronization signal STS for providing the timing for transmitting data. In addition, the VDP 312 also inputs to the main control microcomputer 311 interrupt signals INT0-n for notifying the processing status, such as the end of drawing to the VRAM, and a wait signal WAIT for notifying the main control microcomputer 311 that it is waiting to receive commands or data.

The performance control device 300 is provided with a signal conversion circuit 313 that generates a video signal to be transmitted to the image display device 3 using the LVDS (low amplitude signal transmission) method. Video data, a horizontal synchronization signal HSYNC, and a vertical synchronization signal VSYNC are input from the VDP 312 to the signal conversion circuit 313, and the video generated by the VDP 312 is displayed on the image display device 3 via the signal conversion circuit 313.

An audio ROM 327 in which audio data is stored is connected to the sound source LSI 314. The main control microcomputer 311 and the sound source LSI 314 are connected via an address/data bus 340. An interrupt signal INT is input from the sound source LSI 314 to the main control microcomputer 311. The performance control device 300 is provided with an amplifier circuit 337 consisting of an audio power amplifier that drives the upper speaker 4a and the lower speaker 4b provided on the front frame 2, and the sound generated by the sound source LSI 314 is output from the upper speaker 4a and the lower speaker 4b via the amplifier circuit 337.

The presentation control device 300 is also provided with an interface chip (command I/F) 331 that receives commands sent from the game control device 100. Various information such as commands sent from the game control device 100 to the presentation control device 300 is received via this command I/F 331 as a presentation control instruction signal (presentation command). The game microcomputer 111 of the game control device 100 operates on DC 5V, and the main control microcomputer 311 of the presentation control device 300 operates on DC 3.3V, so the command I/F 331 is provided with a signal level conversion function.

The information relating to the game supplied from the game control device 100 includes bet amount information output when the start lever 21 is operated to start the game (for example, information that outputs a number of pulses according to the bet amount and transmits the bet amount and the number of games), internal winning information indicating the result of an internal lottery, game status information indicating the current game status (normal status, special game status, ART status, etc.), and reel stop information indicating that the reel stop button 24 corresponding to the reel 6 being displayed in a variable manner has been operated.

The performance control device 300 also includes a reel LED control circuit 332 that controls the reel decoration device 45, which includes a backlight that illuminates the reel 6 from the inside; a decorative LED control circuit 333 that controls the decoration device 46 with LEDs provided on the front frame 2; a performance movable body control circuit 334 that controls the performance movable body device 47 (e.g., a movable role that enhances the performance effect in cooperation with the performance display on the image display device 3) provided on the front frame 2; and a segment LED control circuit 335 that controls the display of the second game information display unit 40 and the second game medium information display unit 44, which are made up of a 7-segment display. These control circuits 332 to 335 that control the lamps, LEDs, motors, solenoids, etc. are connected to the main control microcomputer 311 via an address/data bus 340.

The performance control device 300 also includes a performance button SW10a built into the performance button 10 provided on the front frame 2, a performance movable body SW47a that detects the initial position of the motor of the performance movable body device 47 provided on the front frame 2, a function to detect the on/off state of the door sensor 65 that detects the open state of the front frame 2 and inputs a detection signal to the main control microcomputer 311, and a switch input circuit 336 that detects the state of the volume adjustment switch 338 provided on the performance control device 300 and inputs a detection signal to the main control microcomputer 311.

The normal power supply section 410 of the power supply unit 400 is configured to generate a voltage of DC 24V for driving motors and solenoids, DC 12V for driving the image display device 3 consisting of a liquid crystal panel, motors and LEDs, and DC 5V as the power supply voltage for the command I/F 331 in order to supply the desired level of DC voltage to the performance control device 300 having the above-mentioned configuration and the electronic components controlled by it. Furthermore, when an LSI that operates at a low voltage such as 3.3V or 1.2V is used as the main control microcomputer 311, a DC-DC converter is provided in the performance control device 300 to generate DC 3.3V or DC 1.2V based on DC 5V. The DC-DC converter may be provided in the normal power supply section 410.

The reset signal generated by the control signal generating unit 430 of the power supply unit 400 is supplied to the main control microcomputer 311, which resets the device. It is also supplied as an output from the main control microcomputer 311 to the VDP 312 (VDPRESET signal), the sound source LSI 314, the amplifier circuit 337 (SNDRESET signal) that drives the speaker, and the control circuits 332-335 (IORESET signal) that drive and control lamps, motors, etc., which reset these. A cooling fan 48 that cools various parts of the slot machine 1 is connected to the performance control device 300, and the cooling fan 48 is driven when the performance control device 300 is powered on.

Here, we will briefly explain the progress of the game in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment. When playing a game in the slot machine 1, the player first inputs the amount of the bet (bet input) by inserting medals into the medal insertion slot 15 or by operating the 1 bet button 31 or max bet button 17. When the bet is input, the active line is set and the operation of the start lever 21 is valid, that is, the game can be started. Then, when the start lever 21 is operated, an internal lottery process is performed in the game control device 100 to determine whether or not the winning combination (role) has been won, and the movement of the reels 6a, 6b, and 6c begins. In other words, the game control device 100 serves as a game control means capable of performing an internal lottery for the combination each time a game involving the movement and display of multiple reels 6 is executed.

After a predetermined time has elapsed, the rotation of the reels 6a, 6b, and 6c is stopped based on the operation of the reel stop buttons 24a, 24b, and 24c, for which the stop operation has been enabled, and a predetermined pattern is displayed in the pattern display window 5. Then, when a pattern combination corresponding to the internally won winning prize is formed on an active line, a winning prize is established, and the medals corresponding to this winning prize are paid out. This ends one stage of the game, and the game progresses thereafter by repeating this operation. In addition, the performance control device 300 controls the display of a preview display of a small prize winning, a notice display of a special prize winning, a performance display (one that is completed in one game or one that spans multiple games), etc. on the image display device 3 based on information from the game control device 100. In other words, the performance control device 300 constitutes a performance control means that controls the performance based on information from the game control means (game control device 100).

Figure 5(a) shows an example of the arrangement of symbols on reels 6a, 6b, and 6c of slot machine 1. As shown in Figure 5(a), eight identifiable symbols, "black 7", "white 7", "BAR", "bell", "watermelon A", "watermelon B", "cherry", "replay", and "blank", are arranged in a predetermined order on each reel 6. Note that although symbols other than "black 7", "white 7", and "BAR" are indicated by letters, they are actually displayed as the corresponding symbols. Also, watermelon A and watermelon B are different watermelon symbols, and it is possible to identify which one they are.

Figure 5 (b) shows the types of winnings (roles) in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the symbol combinations corresponding to each winning, and the winning contents. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the special winnings are Super Big Bonus winning (SBB winning), Big Bonus winning (BB winning), and Regular Bonus winning (RB winning). The winning flags (flags that are set when an internal lottery is won) for each special winning are treated separately. Note that if a special winning is internally won, even if the special winning is not achieved in the game in which the internal winning was made, the winning flag is carried over to the next game, and the special winning can be achieved in the subsequent game.

When a special win is made, the payout of medals is 0, but when an SBB win, BB win, or RB win is made, the corresponding special game state, SBB state, BB state, or RB state, occurs. In this special game state, a game is played using a judgment table in which the internal probability of winning a small prize is higher than in the normal game state, and the special game state ends when the difference in the number of medals obtained by the player in the special game state minus the number of medals used by the player from the number of medals won by the player exceeds a specified number. In the special game state, a JAC game (a game in which the internal probability of winning a specified prize role is high when a JAC-in win is made) may be repeatedly played until the difference in the number of medals reaches the specified number, or a combination of a JAC game and a game in which the internal probability of winning a small prize is high may be played.

In addition, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the following minor prizes are defined: watermelon prize, bell 1 prize, bell 2 prize, cherry prize, replay prize, special replay 1 prize, and special replay 2 prize. The watermelon prize can be won if it is composed of only watermelon A or watermelon B, or if they are mixed. Also, the replay prize, which is composed of two cherry symbols and one replay symbol, can be in any order. That is, it can be won with cherry, cherry, replay, cherry, or replay, cherry, cherry.

Of these minor winning combinations, any combination other than the Replay Win, Special Replay 1 Win, or Special Replay 2 Win will pay out a number of medals according to the combination. If the Replay Win, Special Replay 1 Win, or Special Replay 2 Win is achieved, no medals will be paid out, but a replay (replay game) will be awarded, allowing the game to be played again without placing any more bets. There are two types of watermelon and cherry wins, strong and weak, and each is a different combination.

The above winning combination occurs when the symbols stop on the winning line (middle line) shown in Figure 6(a). It can also occur when the symbol combination in Figure 5(b) stops on the symbol stop lines that appear to be upper, lower, upward to the right, or downward to the right, as shown in Figure 6(b). In this case, a different symbol combination to the one shown in Figure 5(b) is lined up on the winning middle line, but the symbol combination that stops on this middle line is preset as the winning symbol combination, and so it is determined that a winning combination has occurred.

Furthermore, for the watermelon win, cherry win, bell 1 win, bell 2 win, replay win, special replay 1 win, and special replay 2 win, there are special roles that cannot be achieved unless the reels 6 are stopped in a specific stopping order (the order in which the reel stop buttons 24 are operated (pressed)). In the normal game state, the game is played in the stopping order of left, center, right (pushing in order), and since the stopping order is not announced when a special role other than pushing in order is won, it is difficult to achieve this if the result of the internal lottery is a special role that is not pushing in order. In the special game state, the stopping order is announced, making it easier to achieve special roles other than pushing in order.

When a small prize is won internally, the small prize can only be won in the game in which it was won internally. That is, depending on the timing of the stop operation, depending on the type of small prize, the small prize may not be won even if the pull-in stop control is performed within the change range set due to the relationship of the pattern arrangement, or the push order may not be correct, and if such a small prize is won internally and the small prize cannot be won (so-called missed), the win flag for this small prize is cleared and is not carried over to the next game. Here, there are cases where the watermelon prize and cherry prize cannot be won even if the pull-in stop control is performed within the change range set due to the relationship of the pattern arrangement. Furthermore, these prizes may not be won unless the stop order is specified. In addition, small prizes may be won in combination, but the maximum number of coins paid out in one game is 15 coins.

In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to win both a special prize and a specified small prize in the same game. Also, if a small prize is won in a game after the game in which the special prize is internally won and the win flag is carried over, the priority order of the prizes derived on the pay line is small prize > special prize. In other words, even if the win flag for the special prize is carried over, if the small prize is internally won, the small prize is given priority, and the pull-in stop control is performed so that the small prize is won.

In addition, it is possible for minor prizes to overlap in the same game and become an internal winner. Here, it is possible for a cherry prize and a replay prize to overlap. Which prize is won depends on the timing of the stop operation, but if a cherry prize and a replay prize overlap, one of the prizes will always be won. A cherry prize is a three-coin prize, and a replay prize allows the player to play the next game without inserting three medals, and these prizes provide the player with the same prize value. This reduces the disadvantage suffered by players who are not accustomed to eye-pressing.

When any of the above winning combinations is internally won by the internal lottery in the game control device 100, the symbol combination pattern corresponding to the internally won winning combination can be derived on a specified winning line. On the other hand, if no internal winning combination is won, it is a loss (pure loss), and the symbol combination pattern corresponding to the winning combination is not formed on a winning line.

In the example shown in FIG. 6(a), only the middle line can be activated, but the top, middle, bottom, upward and downward lines can also be activated as shown in FIG. 6(b). Also, as shown in FIG. 6(c) and (d), a line that is not a straight line can also be activated. Also, regardless of the bet amount (even if the bet amount is 1 or 2), all lines can be activated, or a specific activated line can be activated according to the bet amount, and whether or not a winning combination (hand) is established can be determined based on the pattern combination pattern formed on this activated line. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 6(c) and (d), only the dotted line can be activated for bet amount 1 or 2, and for bet amount 3, the dotted line and the solid line can be activated.

Figure 7 shows a state transition diagram for explaining the game states in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment. The game states in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment are broadly divided into a normal game state ST10, a special game state ST20 which is entered when a special win is achieved, and a specific game state ST30 which is entered when a specific transition condition is met. The specific game state ST30 is a state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state ST10. For example, the number of game media acquired by playing a certain number of games is greater than in the normal game state ST10, making it a more advantageous state for the player than the normal game state ST10.

In the normal game state ST10, there is a low probability state ST11 in which the probability of winning in the lottery to acquire ART rights (probability of acquiring ART rights) is low, and a high probability state ST12 in which the probability is higher than that of the low probability state ST11. If special replay winning 1 is achieved in the low probability state ST11, the state transitions to the high probability state ST12. Also, if a predetermined number of games are played in the high probability state ST12, the state transitions to the low probability state ST11. Also, if special replay winning 2 is achieved in the normal game state ST10, the state transitions to the specific game state (ART state) ST30.

In the normal game state ST10, if a special win, such as SBB win, BB win, or RB win, is internally won, and the corresponding symbol combination pattern is derived and a win is established, the game transitions to the special game state ST20. The special game state ST20 is a state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state ST10. For example, the number of game media acquired by playing a certain number of games is greater than in the normal game state ST10, and the state is more advantageous to the player than in the normal game state ST10. Specifically, if an internal win is made for the SBB win, the corresponding symbol combination pattern is derived and a win is established, the game transitions to the SBB state ST21. The SBB state ST21 ends when the difference in number of sheets exceeds 200 sheets. If an internal win is made for the BB win, the corresponding symbol combination pattern is derived and a win is established, the game transitions to the BB state ST22. The BB state ST22 ends when the difference in number of sheets exceeds 100 sheets. When an internal win occurs for the RB win and the corresponding symbol combination is derived, the game transitions to the RB state ST23. The RB state ST23 ends when the difference in number of coins exceeds 50 coins.

When each of the end conditions is met in the special game state ST20, if the transition condition is met in the special game state ST20, the game state transitions to the specific game state ST30, and if the transition condition is not met, the game state transitions to the normal game state ST10. The transition condition is met when a special replay 2 win is achieved during the special game state, or when there is a grace period for the difference in the number of coins in the specific game state ST30.

In the specific game state (ART state) ST30, the internal winning probability of a replay win (normal replay win) is higher than in the normal game state ST10 (RT state), and the derivation of the established minor winning combination is assisted by announcing the stop order (AT state). In the specific game state ST30, one set of the specific game state ST30 can be executed for one ART right. This set ends when the difference in the number of medals obtained by the player in the specific game state minus the number of medals used by the player from the number of medals acquired by the player exceeds a predetermined number (e.g., 200 medals). In addition, the difference in the number of medals at which the specific game state ST30 ends is added when a predetermined addition condition is met. When an internal win is made for a special win, such as an SBB win, a BB win, or a RB win, in this specific game state ST30, and the corresponding pattern combination is derived and a win is established, the game transitions to the special game state ST20. In addition, when the difference in number of coins reaches a predetermined number in the special game state ST30, the game transitions to the normal game state ST10.

While both the RT state and the AT state are controlled by the game control device 100, the RT state may be controlled by the game control device 100 and the AT state may be controlled by the presentation control device 300. In addition, in the specific game state ST30, there may be a state in which only one of the RT state and the AT state is set, but this state is also more advantageous to the player than the normal game state ST10. In other words, the game control device 100 and the presentation control device 300 constitute a game state switching means that can switch the game state between the normal game state and a specific game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state based on the achievement of a predetermined transition role.

Next, the first game information display unit 33 will be described. As shown in FIG. 8(a), the first game information display unit 33 is composed of three 7-segment displays, the first left display unit 33a, the first middle display unit 33b, and the first right display unit 33c, and can notify the type of winning combination in the internal lottery and the stopping order of the reels 6 to realize the winning combination. In the following description, it is assumed that the light-emitting units shown in the shaded areas in the figure are lit and the light-emitting units shown in white are turned off. The second game information display unit 40 also performs a similar display, and the second left display unit 40a can execute a display corresponding to the first left display unit 33a, the second middle display unit 40b can execute a display corresponding to the first middle display unit 33b, and the second right display unit 40c can execute a display corresponding to the first right display unit 33c.

As shown in FIG. 8(b), each display unit has two light-emitting units e, f and b, c arranged vertically on the left and right sides, and three light-emitting units a, g, d arranged horizontally at the top, middle, and bottom in the center, connecting the ends of the left and right light-emitting units, so that the seven light-emitting units are arranged in an eight-shape. Note that light-emitting unit h may or may not be present. In addition, a seven-segment display in which seven light-emitting bodies are arranged in an eight-shape is used here, but a display device such as a liquid crystal display device may also display seven light-emitting units arranged in an eight-shape to imitate a seven-segment display.

The first left display section 33a notifies the player of the stopping order required to achieve the internal winning combination. As shown in FIG. 8(c), in the display on the first left display section 33a, the left light-emitting sections e and f correspond to the left reel 6a, the central light-emitting sections a, g and d correspond to the middle reel 6b, and the right light-emitting sections b and c correspond to the right reel 6c, and the stopping order is notified by illuminating the light-emitting sections that light up in the order of the stopping order in one display section in a line from top to bottom. For example, when the stopping order is left, center and right, the light-emitting sections f, g and c are lit so that the player can understand the stopping order by following the light-emitting sections that light up in order from top to bottom. In addition, in the case of non-notification where the stopping order is not notified, or in the case of no stopping order where a combination is achieved regardless of the stopping order, the light-emitting sections a to f are lit to display "0". In addition, in the case of some abnormality, the light-emitting sections a, d to f are lit to display "E".

The first middle display section 33b and the first right display section 33c notify the type of winning combination. In the first middle display section 33b, the light-emitting section is lit according to the type of winning combination that has been internally won, as shown in FIG. 8(d), and in the first right display section 33c, the light-emitting section is lit according to the strength of the winning combination or the distinction between Bell 1 and Bell 2 winning, as shown in FIG. 8(e). For example, in the display mode of FIG. 8(a), the first left display section 33a notifies that the stopping order is left-center-right, the first middle display section 33b notifies that the type of winning combination is a Cherry winning combination, and the first right display section 33c notifies that the type of winning combination is a Strong Cherry winning combination. In addition, the display of the first middle display section 33b and the first right display section 33c does not use the "7" symbol used as a symbol on the reel 6, to prevent the player from misunderstanding the type of winning combination. However, the display of "7" may also be used to notify that one of the special prizes has been internally won. As described above, the lighting state of the seven light-emitting elements arranged in a figure-of-eight shape in the first game information display unit 33 can notify the type of winning combination in the internal lottery and the predetermined stopping sequence for achieving that combination. The second game information display unit 40 can also provide a similar notification.

When only the first stop order, which is the first reel to be stopped, is to be notified in the first left display section 33a, the notification may be made by illuminating the light-emitting section corresponding to the first stop order as shown in FIG. 9(a). For example, when the first stop order is the left reel 6a, the light-emitting sections e and f are lit. In addition, since replay and bell wins occur frequently during a specific game state, as shown in FIG. 9(b), in addition to notifying the stop order, the first left display section 33a may notify the replay and bell wins by whether or not the light-emitting section h is lit. For example, when the stop order is left, center, and right and the replay win is an internal win, the light-emitting sections c, f, g, and h are lit. When the stop order is left, center, and right and the bell win is an internal win, the light-emitting sections c, f, and g are lit.

When the light-emitting section h is used to indicate a winning combination in this manner, the first middle display section 33b and the first right display section 33c may not display the winning combination. Also, the light-emitting section h may be made to blink if an internal winning combination other than a replay winning combination or a bell winning combination has occurred. Also, if the light-emitting section is capable of emitting light in full color, the winning combination may be indicated by the luminous color. Also, the first middle display section 33b and the first right display section 33c may be made to display the winning combination only if an internal winning combination other than a replay winning combination or a bell winning combination has occurred.

Also, as shown in FIG. 9(c), the first left display unit 33a may be configured with a display device in which multiple LEDs are arranged in a matrix. The same applies to other display units using 7-segment displays. Also, as shown in FIG. 9(d), the first right display unit 33c may not be provided, and the role may be notified only by the first left display unit 33a and the first middle display unit 33b. In this case, the strength of the role is not notified, but may be notified by the presence or absence of lighting of the light-emitting unit h.

In addition, the stop order and winning combination may be notified by a display device in which multiple LEDs are arranged in any shape (circular, linear, other shapes), or by a display device such as a liquid crystal display device in which multiple light-emitting parts are arranged in any shape (circular, linear, other shapes). In this case, the display may be made so that the player can understand the stop order and winning combination at a glance, or the display may be made so that the player cannot understand the stop order and winning combination at a glance. Displaying the stop order and winning combination so that the player cannot understand the stop order and winning combination at a glance can be, for example, by assigning multiple light-emitting modes to a single stop order or winning combination and selecting one of these at will for display. Furthermore, by using light-emitting modes that are not in the shape of numbers or letters, it becomes even more difficult to distinguish. Furthermore, a light-emitting mode may be assigned to a combination of a stop order and a winning combination, or a multiple light-emitting mode may be assigned to a single combination and one of these may be selected at will for display.

In addition, when the display is made in such a way that it is difficult for the player to understand the stopping order or winning role at a glance, if it is desired to have the player recognize the stopping order or winning role, as in a specific game state, this can be realized by notifying the player of the stopping order or winning role with the image display device 3. In addition, when it is desired to have the player recognize the stopping order or winning role, as in a specific game state, the display may be made so that the player can recognize the stopping order or winning role at a glance, and in other cases the display may be made so that it is difficult for the player to understand the stopping order or winning role at a glance.

In view of the above, a slot machine 1 is provided with a plurality of reels 6 capable of variably displaying a plurality of symbols, a game control means (game control device 100) capable of performing an internal lottery for a role each time a game involving the variably displaying of the plurality of reels 6 is executed, and a plurality of stop operation units (reel stop buttons 24) for individually stopping and displaying the plurality of reels 6, and when the result of the game stopped and displayed by the operation of the plurality of stop operation units becomes a stopped pattern pattern corresponding to a role won by the internal lottery, the slot machine 1 is provided with a display means (first game information display unit 33) controlled by the game control means and capable of displaying information regarding the result of the internal lottery, and the role won by the internal lottery includes a specific role in which a win is achieved when the plurality of reels 6 stop in a predetermined stopping order, and the game control means is capable of notifying the predetermined stopping order by the lighting state of the plurality of light-emitting units in the display means. Therefore, since the game control means is capable of notifying the stopping order, normal play can be performed. In addition, since the stop sequence can be notified by the lighting state of the multiple light-emitting elements, the notification can be made by a simple display, the configuration of the display means can be simplified, and the burden on control can be prevented from increasing. Here, the display means includes a 7-segment display in which seven light-emitting elements are arranged in an 8-shape, a display in which seven light-emitting elements are arranged in an 8-shape in imitation of a 7-segment display in a display device such as a liquid crystal display device, or a display in which multiple light-emitting elements are arranged in other arrangements, a display in which multiple LEDs are arranged in a matrix, or a display in which multiple LEDs are arranged in an arbitrary shape, etc.

The number of reels 6 is three, and they are arranged side by side in the left-right direction. In the display means, two light-emitting parts are arranged vertically on each side, and three light-emitting parts are arranged horizontally to connect the ends of the left and right light-emitting parts, arranged at the top, middle and bottom, in the center, so that the seven light-emitting parts are arranged in an eight-shape. The game control means corresponds the left light-emitting part in the display means to the left reel 6a, the central light-emitting part to the middle reel 6b, and the right light-emitting part to the right reel 6c, and the light-emitting parts that light up in the order of the predetermined stop order are illuminated in a line from the top in one display means, thereby notifying the predetermined stop order. Therefore, the stop order can be notified only by the lighting state of the seven light-emitting parts arranged in one eight-shape, which simplifies the configuration of the display means and prevents the burden on control from increasing.

The slot machine 1 is equipped with a plurality of reels 6 capable of variably displaying a plurality of symbols, a game control means (game control device 100) capable of performing an internal lottery for a role each time a game involving the variably displaying of the plurality of reels 6 is executed, and a plurality of stop operation units (reel stop buttons 24) for individually stopping the plurality of reels 6, and when the result of the game stopped and displayed by operating the plurality of stop operation units becomes a stopped pattern corresponding to a role won in the internal lottery, the slot machine 1 is equipped with a game configuration unit 30 in which game operation means including the stop operation unit are arranged for the player to perform game-related operations, and a display means (first game information display unit 33) which is controlled by the game control means and is provided in the game configuration unit 30 and can display the result of the internal lottery, and the roles that are won in the internal lottery include specific roles that are won when the plurality of reels 6 stop in a predetermined stop order, and the game control means is capable of announcing the predetermined stop order on the display means. Therefore, the game control means can notify the player of the stop order, allowing the player to play normally. In addition, the display means is provided in the game configuration unit 30, which is provided with game operation means, including the stop operation unit, that allow the player to perform game-related operations, making it easier for the player to check the display during play.

The display means is provided on the upper surface of the game configuration unit 30 facing upward, and the upper surface of the game configuration unit 30 is provided with a game status display unit 18 that displays the game status, and a payout number display unit 32b that displays the payout number of game media. This makes it easier for the player to check the stop order along with the information necessary for the game during play.

Figures 10 and 11 show an example of game progress. Figure 10 (a) shows the state after the previous game has ended and before the current game has started. In this example, the game state is a specific game state (ART state) ST30, and the image display device 3 is performing a presentation for the specific game state. In addition, the first game information display unit 33 and the second game information display unit 40 are in a state where all light-emitting sections are turned off and no display is being performed, and the reel stop button LEDs 66a, 66b, 66c of each reel stop button 24a, 24b, 24c are all turned off, indicating that a stop operation cannot be performed.

In this state, the number of credits is three or more, and the maximum number of bets (three in this case) is input from the credits by pressing the max bet button 17 as shown in FIG. 10(b). Then, the game starts when the start lever 21 is pressed as shown in FIG. 10(c). When the game starts, an internal lottery is performed in the game control device 100, and the result is sent to the performance control device 300. The game control device 100 also starts the rotation of the reels 6, and displays information about the internal lottery on the first game information display unit 33. Here, as a result of the internal lottery, the first left display unit 33a notifies that the stopping order is middle, left, right, and the first middle display unit 33b and the first right display unit 33c notify that the type of winning combination is bell 1.

The performance control device 300 displays information related to the internal lottery on the second game information display unit 40 based on information from the game control device 100. Here, as a result of the internal lottery, the second left display unit 40a notifies that the stopping order is middle, left, right, and the second middle display unit 40b and the second right display unit 40c notify that the type of winning combination is Bell 1. In other words, the displays on the first game information display unit 33 and the second game information display unit 40 are synchronized. The performance control device 300 also notifies the stopping order on the image display device 3. It is also possible to notify the type of winning combination at the same time.

Then, as shown in FIG. 10(d), when the reel 6 starts rotating at a constant speed and the reel stop button LEDs 66a, 66b, and 66c of the reel stop buttons 24a, 24b, and 24c light up to indicate that the reel can be stopped. When the player operates the center reel stop button 24b as the first stop operation according to the notified stop sequence, the center reel 6b stops as shown in FIG. 11(a). At this time, the game control device 100 controls the bell symbol to stop on the pay line so that the internally won Bell 1 prize is established. In addition, as the center reel stop button 24b is operated, the center reel stop button LED 66b goes out, and the notification of the first stop sequence ends on the image display device 3.

Furthermore, when the player operates the left reel stop button 24a as a second stop operation according to the notified stopping sequence, the left reel 6a stops as shown in FIG. 11(b). At this time, the game control device 100 controls the bell symbol to stop on the pay line so that the internally won Bell 1 prize is established. Accordingly, the left reel stop button LED 66a goes out, and the notification of the second stopping sequence on the image display device 3 ends.

When the player operates the right reel stop button 24c as the third stop operation according to the notified stopping sequence, the right reel 6c stops as shown in FIG. 11(c). At this time, the game control device 100 controls the bell symbol to stop on the pay line so that the internally won Bell 1 winning is achieved. This results in a Bell 1 winning, and medals are paid out or the credits are added to the winning amount. In addition, the right reel stop button LED 66c of the right reel stop button 24c goes out as the right reel stop button 24c is operated. Furthermore, the image display device 3 ends the notification of the stopping sequence, and in response to the Bell 1 winning, the number of coins to be paid out is announced.

When the payout associated with the winning is completed, the game ends, and the display on the first game information display unit 33 and the second game information display unit 40 ends, as shown in FIG. 11(d). The image display device 3 also finishes notifying the number of coins paid out, and a special game state is displayed. If no winning is achieved, the game ends when all reels 6 come to a halt, and the state shown in FIG. 11(d) appears.

Next, the processing by the game control device 100 will be described.
[Main processing]
The main process is shown in Fig. 12. When the slot machine 1 is powered on and the game control device 100 is powered on, the CPU 111a reads out and executes the control program stored in the ROM 111b, thereby starting the main process.

In the main process, first, a temporary stack pointer is set to specify the address (here, the top address) of the temporary stack area for performing processing when the power is turned on (step S1), and an interrupt vector is set (step S2). In this embodiment, the interrupt mode is fixed to 2 in the CPU 111a, so the interrupt mode is not set here, but depending on the CPU, the interrupt mode may be set.

Next, the CTC (Counter/Timer Circuit) circuit that generates a timer interrupt signal and a random number update trigger signal (CTC) in the gaming microcomputer 111 (clock generator) is started (step S3), RAM access is permitted (step S4), and the CPU is initialized (step S5). The CPU initial settings include not using the WDT and setting the CS (chip select) attribute (control is performed by memory mapped I/O). The setting items can be changed as necessary.

Next, a checksum of the entire RAM area is calculated (step S6). In this embodiment, the RAM 111c is 512 bytes, and an XOR (exclusive OR) is taken for each byte from the beginning. At this point, the value of the temporary stack area is 0 and can be ignored. Then, it is determined whether the calculated result matches the checksum constant (step S7). If the information stored in the RAM 111c at the time of power off is maintained, the calculated result will match the checksum constant.

If the calculated result does not match the checksum constant (step S7; N), set the start address 1 for RAM initialization (step S8). Start address 1 is the start address of RAM 111c. In this case, the information stored in RAM 111c at the time of power off does not match the current information, so the start address of RAM 111c is specified as the start address for RAM initialization, and the entire area of RAM 111c is initialized.

Then, it is determined whether the step setting key SW is on (step S9). When the step setting key SW is on, it means that the step setting key is inserted into the keyhole and turned, and the step setting value can be changed or confirmed. When the step setting key SW is on (step S9; Y), the process moves to step S14. When it is not on (step S9; N), the process prepares segment output data indicating a checksum error (step S10), and moves to unrecoverable error processing (step S30).

In step S10, data is set as the lower digit segment output data of the payout number display unit 32b to display "1", indicating that a checksum error has occurred. Note that in the unrecoverable error processing (step S30), data is set as the upper digit segment output data of the payout number display unit 32b to display "E", indicating that an error has occurred. Note that the error display may also be displayed on the first game information display unit 33.

On the other hand, if the calculated result matches the sum check constant (step S7; Y), that is, if the information stored in RAM 111c at the time of power off matches the current information, it is determined whether the stage setting value is being changed (step S11), and if it is being changed (step S11; Y), the process proceeds to power recovery processing. If the stage setting value is not being changed (step S11; N), it is determined whether the stage setting key SW is on (step S12), and if it is not on (step S12; N), the process proceeds to power recovery processing. If the stage setting key SW is on (step S12; Y), the top address 2 for RAM initialization is set (step S13). The top address 2 is the first address excluding the areas where the stage setting value and the random number for the symbol selection are stored, and the areas other than these areas are initialized.

Then, a stack pointer is set (step S14), and a RAM check initialization process is performed (step S15). In the RAM check initialization process (step S15), data is written and read one byte at a time to the area after the address set in step S8 or S13, and if the reading and writing is successful, the area is cleared to 0. If there is an area that cannot be read or written successfully, the process proceeds to an unrecoverable error process (step S30).

Next, a step setting value change process is performed to change the step setting value (step S16), the start address 2 for RAM initialization is set (step S17), and a RAM check initialization process is performed (step S18). The processes in steps S17 and S18 are the same as those in steps S13 and S15.

Next, an automatic settlement play stop mode setting process is performed to set the automatic settlement and play stop mode (step S19). In this process, based on the selection made by operating the play stop switch SW35, a process is performed to set whether or not to enter a play stop mode in which play is stopped after the special game state ends, and based on the selection made by operating the automatic settlement switch SW36, a process is performed to set whether or not to enable automatic settlement in which credits are settled after the special game state ends. Then, a command number (stage setting value) corresponding to the set stage setting value is prepared (step S20), a command setting process is performed (step S21), and the process moves to the main loop process. As a result, information on the set stage setting value is transmitted to the performance control device 300.

[Handling unrecoverable errors]
13 shows the unrecoverable error processing (step S30) shown in the above-mentioned main processing and each processing described later, etc. In this unrecoverable error processing, first, interrupts are prohibited (step S31), all ports except the command port (seventh output port 137, eighth output port 138) and the test signal port (ninth output port 139) are cleared (step S32), and access to the RAM is prohibited (step S33).

Next, the lower digit digit output data of the payout number display unit 32b is set (step S34), the upper digit digit output data of the payout number display unit 32b is set (step S35), and the upper digit segment output data (data to display "E") of the payout number display unit 32b is set (step S36). Note that the lower digit segment output data of the payout number display unit 32b is set to data corresponding to the error that occurred at the caller of the unrecoverable error processing.

Then, the digit-off data is output to the digit output port (fifth output port 135) (step S37), and the upper-digit segment output data is output to the segment output port (sixth output port 136) (step S38). Furthermore, the upper-digit digit output data is output to the digit output port (step S39), and a wait process is performed to wait for a predetermined time (step S40).

Then, digit-off data is output to the digit output port (step S41), and the lower-order segment output data is output to the segment output port (step S42). Furthermore, the lower-order digit output data is output to the digit output port (step S43), wait processing is performed to wait for a predetermined time (step S44), and the process returns to step S37. The processing of steps S37 to S44 continues until the power is cut off. In other words, only an error is displayed, and the game control cannot be returned to.

[Power recovery process]
FIG. 14 shows the power recovery process (step S50) shown in the main process. In this power recovery process, first, the power recovery process in progress flag is set (step S51), and it is determined whether the stage setting value is equal to or less than the maximum setting value (here, 6) (step S52). If the stage setting value is not equal to or less than the maximum setting value (step S52; N), segment output data for an error outside the stage setting value range (segment output data for the lower digits of the payout number display section 32b) is prepared (step S66), and the process proceeds to an unrecoverable error process (step S30). If the stage setting value is equal to or less than the maximum setting value (step S52; Y), an automatic settlement stop mode setting process (step S53) is performed. This process is the same as the process in step S19.

After that, a command number (game state) corresponding to the current game state is prepared (step S54), and a command setting process (step S55) is performed. This causes information about the current game state to be transmitted to the performance control device 300. Then, a command number (stage setting value) corresponding to the set stage setting value is prepared (step S56), and a command setting process is performed (step S57). This causes information about the set stage setting value to be transmitted to the performance control device 300.

Next, it is determined whether an error occurred before the power was cut off (step S58). The error referred to here is not an error that will cause a transition to unrecoverable error processing, but rather a recoverable error such as a medal payout error due to a shortage of medals. If an error occurred before the power was cut off (step S58; Y), a command number corresponding to the error (error occurred) is prepared (step S59), command setting processing is performed (step S60), and the process moves to step S62. This causes error information to be sent to the performance control device 300. Furthermore, if an error did not occur before the power was cut off (step S58; N), recovery processing is performed to return to the state before the power was cut off (step S61), and the process moves to step S62.

After that, the unused area of RAM 111c and the temporary stack area at power-on are cleared (step S62), the reel position detection flag is cleared (step S63), and the power recovery processing in progress flag is cleared (step S64). Then, the value of the stack pointer save area is loaded into the stack pointer (step S65), and the process returns to the processing before the power was cut off in the main loop processing described below.

[Main loop processing]
15 shows the main loop process (step S80) shown in the main process. In this main loop process, first, the BB end flag set at the end of the SBB state ST21 or the SBB state ST22 is cleared (step S81), and the RB end flag set at the end of the RB state ST23 is cleared (step S82). Next, the bet line number display LED is set to OFF (step S83).

Then, an ART set process is performed to set the start of a specific game state ST30 (ART state) (step S84), an interrupt is permitted (step S85), and game initial process is performed (step S86). In the game initial process (step S86), for example, a replay activation start flag based on the establishment of a replay prize and a special game state activation flag associated with the establishment of a special prize are cleared, and a process is performed to transmit the game state to the presentation control device 300. Also, an initial value (e.g., 30 seconds) is set to an automatic light-off timer that times a predetermined time in order to turn off a predetermined LED when a predetermined time has elapsed while no game is being played.

Next, a medal insertion initial process is performed to determine whether medals can be inserted (step S87). In the medal insertion initial process (step S87), if the current game is a replay based on a replay win in the previous game, the same bet amount as the previous bet amount is automatically set, and the state of the selector solenoid 68 is set so that medals inserted through the medal insertion port 15 are returned to the lower tray 27. If the current game is not a replay, the state of the selector solenoid 68 is set so that medals inserted through the medal insertion port 15 are accepted.

After that, a display setting process (step S88) is performed to set the display on the acquired coin count display unit 32c, and the medal insertion flag is cleared (step S89). Then, if the stage setting value has been changed, a stage setting value display process (step S90) is performed to display the stage setting value on the display unit of the setting device, and if the automatic light-off time timer is 0 (time up), the bet line number display LED is set to off (step S91).

Next, a medal insertion management process is performed (step S92). In this process, the number of bets is set by inserting medals into the medal insertion slot 15, the number of bets is added to the credits, the number of bets is set from the credits by operating the 1 bet button 31 or the max bet button 17, the credits are settled by operating the settlement button 20, the medal payout device full error is monitored based on the signal from the full detection sensor 82, and this information is sent to the performance control device 300. After that, a medal payout sensor error process is performed to monitor medal payout abnormalities based on the signal from the medal payout sensor 59, and to send the occurrence or end of an abnormality to the performance control device 300 (step S93), a medal insertion number check process is performed to compare the maximum number of bets according to the game state (3 except in the special game state) with the current number of bets (step S94), and it is determined whether the number of medals inserted (number of bets) is 0 (step S95).

If the number of medals inserted (number of bets) is 0 (step S95; Y), the process returns to step S89. If the number of medals inserted (number of bets) is not 0 (step S95; N), the medal-inserted flag is set (step S96), and it is determined whether the number of medals inserted is the maximum value corresponding to the game status (step S97). If the number of medals inserted is not the maximum value corresponding to the game status (step S97; N), the process returns to step S92. If the number of medals inserted is the maximum value corresponding to the game status (step S97; Y), the on data for the game start indicator LED is set (step S98), and it is determined whether the start lever SW is on (step S99).

If the start lever SW is not on (step S99; N), the process returns to step S92. If the start lever SW is on (step S99; Y), the process executes medal insertion end processing (step S100). In the medal insertion end processing, the medal insertion display LED 67b is turned off, medal insertion signal output data is set, and the state of the selector solenoid 68 is set so that the medal inserted from the medal insertion port 15 is returned to the lower tray 27. In addition, information indicating that the start lever SW is on is sent to the performance control device 300.

Next, a role selection process is performed to select an internal role (step S101), and a bonus winning process is performed (step S102). In the bonus winning process, if the result of the internal selection is a special winning, the RT determination flag indicating whether the RT state is in progress is backed up and the RT is terminated. This makes it easier to win a bonus, and allows the ART state to be resumed after the special game state ends. The RT state may be continued even if a bonus winning has been internally selected. In this case, in order to provide an opportunity for a bonus winning to be achieved, a predetermined percentage of cases are provided in which the ART state results in a losing result in which the small role winning is not won.

Then, a performance selection process is performed in which a performance corresponding to the result of the internal lottery is selected and this is transmitted to the performance control device 300 as expected performance information (step S103), and a reel rotation start process is performed to perform processes related to the start of rotation of the reel 6 (step S104). After that, the off data of the reel stop button LEDs 1 to 3 is set (step S105), and an interrupt waiting process is performed to wait for execution of the timer interrupt process while updating the role selection random number used in the internal lottery (step S106).

Next, the reel motor is monitored for operational abnormalities, and if an abnormality is detected, a reel motor error detection process is performed to restart the motor (step S107). The reel sensor 54 is used to check whether any reels 6 are spinning, and a reel constant speed check process is performed to check whether the reel 6 has reached a constant speed of rotation (step S108). After that, it is determined whether the reel stop button has been accepted (step S109). The state in which the reel stop button has been accepted is when there is no operational abnormality in the reel motor and the reel 6 has reached a constant speed of rotation. If the reel stop button has not been accepted (step S109; N), the process returns to step S105. If the reel stop button has been accepted (step S109; Y), the stop button check process is performed (step S110).

In the stop button check process (step S110), operation of the reel stop button 24 is detected, and an automatic stop setting is performed to automatically stop the rotation of the reels 6 if no stop operation is performed for a certain period of time. Note that in the AT state, the automatic stop setting may not be performed, or the reels 6 may be stopped in the stopping sequence required to complete a winning combination. Then, it is determined again whether the reel stop button has been accepted (step S111), and if the reel stop button has not been accepted (step S111; N), the process returns to step S105. If the reel stop button has been accepted (step S111; Y), it is determined whether a reel stop request has been made (step S112).

A reel stop request is when the reel stop button 24 corresponding to the spinning reel 6 is operated or when an automatic stop setting has been made. If there is no reel stop request (step S112; N), the process proceeds to step S114. If there is a reel stop request (step S112; Y), a symbol control process is performed to stop the reel 6 (step S113), and an all-reel stop process is performed to check whether all reels have stopped (step S114).

If all reels have not stopped (step S115; N), proceed to step S106. If all reels have stopped (step S115; Y), perform medal payout sensor error processing to monitor medal payout abnormalities based on a signal from the medal payout sensor 59 and transmit the occurrence or end of an abnormality to the performance control device 300 (step S116).

Next, a winning determination process is performed (step S117) to determine whether the symbol combination pattern stopped on the pay line matches the winning expected symbol pattern, which is the symbol combination pattern required to achieve the winning combination selected by the internal lottery, i.e., whether the winning combination has been achieved. In this process, if a winning combination is achieved, a payout corresponding to the winning combination that has been achieved is set, a replay is set when a replay win is achieved, a game state (normal game state, special game state, special game state) corresponding to the winning combination that has been achieved is set, and the information determined and set in this process is sent to the performance control device 300.

Then, a medal payout process is performed (step S118), which pays out medals corresponding to the established hand or adds them to the credits, and transmits this information to the performance control device 300. An advantageous zone management process is performed (step S119), which manages the difference in the number of medals in a specific game state or special game state that is advantageous to the player, sets the end of the specific game state or special game state, and sets and clears various flags. Furthermore, a game end process is performed (step S120), which settles the medals corresponding to the credits or the inputted bet amount when the settlement button 20 is pressed, settles the credits when the special game state ends when automatic settlement is enabled, transmits a notice of settlement to the performance control device 300, and transmits a notice of the end of the game to the performance control device 300.

After that, the unused area and the temporary stack area at power-on are cleared (step S121), interrupts are prohibited (step S122), and the stack area is cleared (step S123). Furthermore, the areas corresponding to the state of the BB and RB end flags are cleared (step S124). The areas where information is cleared at the end of the game include areas that are cleared every time the game ends, and areas that are cleared only when the corresponding state ends, such as the SBB state, BB state, or RB state, in which the reel continuous operation device is operating. In this process, the necessary areas are cleared depending on the state of the BB and RB end flags.

Then, it is determined whether it is time to end the SBB state, BB state, or RB state (step S125), and if it is time to end the SBB state, BB state, or RB state (step S125; Y), the process returns to step S81. If it is not time to end the SBB state, BB state, or RB state (step S125; N), the process returns to step S84.

[Role selection process]
16 shows the role selection process (step S101) shown in the main loop process. In this role selection process, first, a medal insertion number check process is performed (step S141) to compare the maximum number of bets according to the game state (3 except in the special game state) with the current number of bets, and it is determined whether the number of medals inserted is the maximum number of medals inserted according to the game state (step S142). If the number of medals inserted is not the maximum number of medals inserted according to the game state (step S142; N), the segment output data of the medal error at the time of the lottery (segment output data for the lower digits of the payout number display section 32b) is prepared (step S168), and the process proceeds to the irrecoverable error process (step S30).

If the number of medals inserted is the maximum number according to the game status (step S142; Y), the number of active lines is calculated (step S143), and a stage setting value check process is performed to determine whether the stage setting value is equal to or less than the maximum setting value (here, 6) (step S144). Note that if the stage setting value is not equal to or less than the maximum setting value in the stage setting value check process (step S144), the process transitions to an unrecoverable error process.

Next, a lottery table address corresponding to the game state (normal game state, special game state, specific game state) is set (step S145), and a random number for the role selection is loaded (step S146). Then, the number of roles selected is obtained and set as a loop counter (step S147), and the address of the lottery data table corresponding to the stage setting value is calculated (step S148). Furthermore, the lottery data for the role for which a win or loss is to be determined is obtained (step S149), and a new random number value is set by subtracting the lottery data from the random number value (step S150), and it is determined whether the random number value is less than 0 (step S151).

If the random number value is not less than 0 (step S151; N), i.e., if the currently selected role has not won, the lottery table address is updated to the address corresponding to the next role (step S152), the loop counter is updated by -1 (step S153), and it is determined whether the loop counter value is 0 (step S154). If the loop counter value is not 0 (step S154; N), the process returns to step S148. If the loop counter value is 0 (step S154; Y), the win flags 1 and 2 are set to miss (step S155), and push order information 1 and 2 are set to no push order information (step S156), and the process proceeds to step S159.

Note that winning flag 1 is information when an internal win occurs other than SBB win, BB win, or RB win, and if the winning combination is not achieved in the game where the internal win occurs, the internal win will disappear. Winning flag 2 is information when an internal win occurs in SBB win, BB win, or RB win, and if the winning combination is not achieved in the game where the internal win occurs, the internal win will be carried over to the next game or later. Press order information 1 is information on the stopping order for the winning combination of winning flag 1 to occur, and press order information 2 is information on the stopping order for the winning combination of winning flag 2 to occur.

On the other hand, if the random number value is less than 0 (step S151; Y), that is, if the currently selected role has won, the winning flags 1 and 2 corresponding to the winning role are obtained (step S157), and the push order information 1 and 2 corresponding to the winning role are obtained (step S158). Then, if an internal win has been made for an SBB win, BB win, or RB win but the role has not been won, it is determined whether there is a carryover win, which is a state in which the winning of the win has been carried over (step S159), and if there is no carryover win (step S159; N), the process proceeds to step S162. Also, if there is a carryover win (step S159; Y), the winning flag 2 is replaced with the value in the winning flag 2 area (step S160), and the push order information 2 is replaced with the value in the push order information 2 area (step S161).

Then, the value of winning flag 1 is saved in the winning flag 1 area, the value of winning flag 2 is saved in the winning flag 2 area (step S162), and the value of winning flag 2 is saved in the carryover winning flag area (step S163). Furthermore, the value of push order information 1 is saved in the push order information 1 area, and the value of push order information 2 is saved in the push order information 2 area (step S164), and a condition device signal output process is performed to set the signal to be output to the external signal output terminal 170 and the test firing test device 500 (step S165), and the role selection process is terminated.

Figure 17 shows an example of a lottery data table. The random number for lottery selection has a value in the range of 0 to 65535, and the winning role is determined based on the obtained random number for lottery selection. This lottery data table is provided for each game state, normal game state, special game state, and specific game state, and for each stage setting value, and the lottery data table corresponding to the game state and stage setting value is used. In each lottery data table, if the random number for lottery selection is 0, a replay win, which is established regardless of the stopping order, is always won. This makes it possible to prevent both the player and the gaming facility from suffering damage even if an abnormality occurs in the random number generation circuit 116, etc., as described below.

Figure 18 shows a block diagram of the random number generation circuit 160. The random number generation circuit (random number generation means) 160 includes a random number control circuit 161 that controls the entire random number generation circuit, and a group of registers (162 to 168).

The random number control circuit (update control means) 161 performs calculations for generating random numbers for role selection used in the execution process of game control, and controls the reading and writing of data to registers. It generates random numbers using a mathematical method (e.g., M-series method or congruential method) that generates uniform random numbers using a counter method or a generating polynomial. In addition, the random number control circuit 161 can receive an interrupt signal from the reset interrupt control circuit 115 and a signal from the clock generator 114. The clock generator 114 includes a frequency divider circuit that divides the clock CLK from the oscillation circuit 113, and a CTC (counter timer circuit) circuit that generates the operating clock CTC of the CPU core 111a based on the clock generated by the frequency divider circuit.

Although not limited to this, the random number generation circuit 160 is configured to be able to update random numbers by inputting a signal from a CTC (Counter/Timer Circuit) circuit in the clock generator 114 and the CTC circuit, and by setting data to a latch trigger circuit for updating random numbers by the CPU core 111a. The random number generation circuit 160 is also configured to be able to select either a counter mode, in which random numbers are generated by updating the counter value by -1 each time, or a mode in which M-sequence random numbers are generated.

The register group of the random number generation circuit 160 includes a random number initial value setting register 162 in which the initial value of the random number is set by the CPU core 111a via the CPU bus 116, a random number circuit startup register 163, and a random number counter 164. When a predetermined value is set in the random number circuit startup register 163 by the CPU core 111a, the random number control circuit 161 is configured to start controlling the random number generation. The random number counter 164 is also made of a binary counter, and is configured so that its counting range can be selected from the range of 8 bits (FFh) to 16 bits (FFFFh). If multiple types of random numbers are required, multiple random number counters 164 can be provided, and the random number initial value setting register 162 can be configured to set a different initial value for each random number counter.

The random number generation circuit 160 further comprises a random number latch register 166 that captures and holds the value of the random number counter 164, and a random number latch register trigger circuit 165 that generates a trigger signal that causes the random number latch register 166 to latch the value of the random number counter 164. The random number latch register trigger circuit 165 is composed of a register (hereinafter, referred to as a latch trigger register), and can generate the above-mentioned trigger signal by the CPU core 111a writing to it.

When the CPU core 111a sets a predetermined value in the random number latch register trigger circuit 165, a latch trigger signal is generated and the value of the random number counter 164 is latched in the random number latch register 166. Here, when a signal from the start lever SW52 is input to the CPU core 111a in a state in which the game can be started, the CPU core 111a sets a predetermined value in the random number latch register trigger circuit 165 and latches the value. Note that while the random number counter 164 is updated by the rising edge of the clock divided by the frequency divider circuit, the inverted signal of the clock, i.e., a clock with a phase difference of 180°, is used as the latch timing signal, so that the counter value is not latched at the timing when the value of the random number counter 164 changes.

The random number generation circuit 160 further includes a random number status register 167 for informing the CPU core 111a of the internal state of the random number generation circuit 160, and a random number circuit initialization register 168 for initializing the random number generation circuit 160. The random number status register 167 is provided with a latch permission flag (called a latch flag) that permits or prohibits latching of the counter value into the random number latch register 166; latching of the counter value is permitted by setting this flag, and latching is prohibited by clearing the flag.

The random number status register 167 is rewritten by the random number control circuit 161, and the CPU core 111a can only read from it, not write to it. This makes it possible to prevent fraudulent activities such as rewriting a program to cause the CPU to obtain illegal random number values.

Figure 19 shows the counter value acquisition process, which is a procedure for the random number control circuit 161 to control the retention (latch control) of the counter value in the random number latch register 166. In this control, it is first determined whether a latch trigger signal has been input (step S351), and if a latch trigger signal has been input (step S351; Y), it is determined whether the latch permission flag in the random number status register 167 is set (step S352).

If there is no latch trigger signal input (step S351; N) or the latch permission flag is not set (step S352; N), the counter value acquisition process ends. If the latch permission flag is set in step S352 (step S352; Y), the counter value is read from the random number counter 164 (step S353) and stored in the random number latch register 166 (step S354). Next, the latch permission flag of the random number status register 167 is set to the prohibited state (step S355), and the counter value acquisition process ends.

Figure 20 shows the latch data read process, which is the control procedure when the random number control circuit 161 reads latch data. In this process, it is first determined whether data has been read from the random number latch register 166 by the CPU core 111a (step S361), and if data (counter value) has been read (step S361; Y), a specified value (here, 0) is set in the random number latch register 166 (step S362), the latch permission flag of the random number status register 167 is set to the permission state (step S363), and the latch data read process is terminated.

By reading the data in the random number latch register 166, setting a specified value, and setting the latch permission flag to the permitted state, there is no risk of retrieving a duplicate counter value that has already been retrieved, even if the counter value is no longer latched into the random number latch register 166 due to some malfunction such as a circuit failure.

Here, 0 is set as the default value, but as shown in FIG. 17, this value corresponds to a replay win, which occurs regardless of the stopping order. This makes it possible to prevent consecutive jackpots from occurring if the value previously held in the random number latch register corresponds to a jackpot. Also, if the counter value is no longer latched into the random number latch register 166 due to some malfunction, replay wins will occur consecutively, allowing the abnormality to be detected. Also, because it is a replay win, neither the player nor the gaming facility will suffer any damage.

Also, when the power is turned on (or when a power outage is restored) and before the main processing, the random number control circuit sets a specified value (here, 0) in the random number latch register 166. As a result, even if the random number circuit cannot receive a clock signal due to a broken wire or the like and the value of the random number counter 164 is not updated after the power is turned on, or the counter value is not latched in the random number latch register 166 due to some malfunction such as a circuit failure, a replay win is only established, so neither the player nor the gaming establishment suffers any damage. Also, since replay wins are continuous from the time the power is turned on, it is possible to discover abnormalities early on after the gaming establishment opens. The random number latch register 166 may be set to a specified value in the process of initializing the RAM 111c, which is performed after the stage setting value is changed, when the RAM is cleared, or when the information stored in the RAM 111c at the time of power off does not match the current information.

The random number control circuit 161 latches the counter value into the random number latch register when the CPU core 111a sets a predetermined value in the random number latch register trigger circuit 165. On the other hand, when a signal from the start lever SW52 is input to the gaming microcomputer 111, the CPU core 111a reads the data (counter value) from the random number latch register 166 at a predetermined timing as a random number value for role selection through its program processing. Then, from the time the counter value is latched into the random number latch register 166 until it is read by the CPU core 111a, the latch permission flag of the random number status register 167 is set to a latch prohibition state.

Therefore, by performing the above-mentioned control, even if noise is introduced into the random number latch register trigger circuit 165 and a latch trigger signal is generated, the counter value of the random number counter 164 will not be erroneously latched (overwritten) in the random number latch register 166, and the CPU core 111a will not read an incorrect counter value (random number value). The data (random number) read by the CPU core 111a is stored in a specified area of the RAM 111c in the gaming microcomputer 111.

The number of consecutive replay wins may be counted, and an announcement may be made if a predetermined number of consecutive wins occur. The number of consecutive replay wins may also be displayed. A replay win may be set that corresponds only to a specified value set in the random number latch register 166, and the first game information display unit 33 and the second game information display unit 40 may display information corresponding only to this replay win. In this way, it is possible to confirm that the specified value continues to be set in the random number latch register 166.

The role corresponding to the specified value set in the random number latch register 166 is the replay winning role, but it may be the same number role that is established regardless of the stopping order and awards the same number of medals as the number of bets in the game. In this embodiment, since the machine is a 3-coin dedicated machine, the number of bets in the game is 3, so the Bell 2 winning and Cherry winning, which pay out 3 medals, correspond to the same number role. However, since the Cherry winning requires careful eye contact and may not be established, it is preferable that the Bell 2 winning role is the role that corresponds to the specified value set in the random number latch register 166. In addition, in the case of a gaming machine that allows the game to be played with any number of bets from 1 to 3, the same number role is set as the same number role that is established regardless of the stopping order and awards the same number of medals as the number of bets.

The role corresponding to the specified value set in the random number latch register 166 may also be a role that is won by both the same number role and the replay win. In this embodiment, it may be a role that is won by both the cherry win and the replay win. Which win is achieved is determined by the timing of the stop operation, but if both the cherry win and the replay win are won, one of the wins will always be achieved. The cherry win is a three-coin role, and the replay win allows the player to play the next game without inserting three medals, and these award the player with a prize value equivalent to the number of medals bet.

In addition, when the power is turned on (or when a power outage is restored) and before the main processing, the random number control circuit sets a specified value (here, 0) in the random number latch register 166, but the specified value (here, 0) may also be set in the random number latch register 166 at times other than when the power is turned on. Also, when a power outage occurs during play and the point of recovery is the period from when the start lever SW is turned on to when the lottery for a role using the retained value is completed, the retained value may be maintained without being set to the specified value. This prevents the lottery results from being discarded.

The initial value of the random number set in the random number initial value setting register 162 may also be a value corresponding to a role (such as a replay or a three-coin role) that allows the player to start the next game without changing the amount of gaming value held by the player. This prevents either the player or the gaming establishment from suffering any damage even if an abnormality occurs in the random number counter 164 where the initial value is not updated and the same value continues to be obtained as the random number for the internal lottery.

In view of the above, in a gaming machine (slot machine 1) that includes a plurality of reels 6 capable of variably displaying a plurality of symbols, a control means (game control device 100) capable of performing an internal lottery for a role when a start condition is met and executing a game involving the variably displaying of the plurality of reels 6, and a plurality of stop operation units (reel stop buttons 24a, 24b, 24c) for individually stopping and displaying the plurality of reels 6, and that, when the result of the game that has been stopped and displayed by operating the plurality of stop operation units becomes a stopped pattern corresponding to a role that has been won in the internal lottery, a winning role is established and game media corresponding to the role is awarded, the control means The system includes a counter means (random number counter 164) that performs counting based on the clock signal, a counter value holding means (random number latch register 166) that takes in the counter value counted by the counter means when a start condition is met and holds it as a held value, and a determination means (game control device 100) that acquires the held value held in the counter value holding means and determines whether a winning combination has been achieved. The held value held in the counter value holding means at the time of power-on can be set to a value determined by the determination means as a winning combination for a predetermined combination that allows the player to start the next game without changing the number of game values held by the player. Therefore, even if an abnormality occurs in the taking in of the counter value, etc., neither the player nor the game establishment will suffer any damage, and inconveniences caused by the occurrence of an abnormality can be prevented.

The winning combination in the internal lottery includes a replay combination that allows the game to be played again without inserting a gaming medium, and the control means sets a predetermined combination as the replay combination. Therefore, even if an abnormality occurs in the input of the counter value, etc., neither the player nor the gaming facility will suffer any damage, and inconveniences caused by the occurrence of an abnormality can be prevented.

The winning combination in the internal lottery includes an equal number combination that awards the same number of gaming media as the number of bets in the game in which the internal lottery is performed, and the control means sets the predetermined combination to an equal number combination. Therefore, even if an abnormality occurs in the import of the counter value, etc., neither the player nor the gaming facility will suffer any damage, and inconveniences caused by the occurrence of an abnormality can be prevented.

Furthermore, after the determination by the determination means is completed, the control means changes the held value held in the counter value holding means to a value determined by the determination means as a winning combination that allows the next game to be started without changing the number of game values held by the player, before the next start condition is met. Therefore, even if an abnormality occurs in the import of the counter value, etc., neither the player nor the gaming facility can suffer any damage, and inconvenience when an abnormality occurs can be prevented.

[Reel spin start process]
FIG. 21 shows the reel spin start process (step S104) shown in the main loop process. In this reel spin start process, first, a winning expected symbol setting table is prepared (step S171), and effective line information setting process is performed (step S172). The winning expected symbol is a symbol combination required to establish a winning combination that is selected by an internal lottery, and in the effective line information setting process (step S172), information on symbols that may be aligned for each effective line is set according to the game state. When the reel 6 stops, the symbols to be stopped are set by referring to this information.

Next, a stop priority symbol setting table is prepared (step S173), and effective line information setting processing is performed (step S174). When a special prize is won and a combination other than the special prize is also won, it is necessary to set the priority of the winning combination to be realized, with the priority being small prize, followed by special prize (small prize > special prize). In the effective line information setting processing (step S174), information on the pattern combination that may be formed for each effective line is set according to the type of winning combination. When the reel 6 stops, this information is referenced to set the symbols to be stopped.

Next, an interrupt waiting process is performed to wait for execution of the timer interrupt process (step S175), the ON data of the standby display LED is set (step S176), and it is determined whether the minimum game interval timer that manages the predetermined time (e.g., 4.1 seconds) from the start of the previous game until the start of the next game is possible is 0 (time up) (step S177). If the minimum game interval timer is not 0 (step S177; N), the process returns to step S175. If the minimum game interval timer is 0 (step S177; Y), the OFF data of the standby display LED is set (step S178), a command number corresponding to the start of reel rotation is prepared (step S179), and a command setting process is performed (step S180). As a result, the start of rotation of the reel 6 is transmitted to the performance control device 300. Note that this command may include information on the current difference in number of coins related to the end of the specific game state ST30 or the special game state ST20, information on the number of games played in the advantageous zone, etc.

After that, a command number corresponding to the winning flag 1, 2 information and the push order information 1, 2 information is prepared (step S181), and a command setting process is performed (step S182). This causes the winning combination and push order information (winning combination notification command) to be sent to the performance control device 300. The performance control device 300 sets the display and performance of the second game information display unit 40 based on this information. Next, a reel motor start process is performed to start the reel motors 64a, 64b, and 64c (step S183), and it is determined whether the start of the motors for all reels has been completed (step S184). If the start of the motors for all reels has not been completed (step S184; N), the process returns to step S183. If the start of the motors for all reels has been completed (step S184; Y), the reel rotation in progress flag is set (step S185), and the reel rotation start process is completed.

[Pattern Control Processing]
FIG. 22 shows the symbol control process (step S113) shown in the main loop process. In this symbol control process, first, interrupts are prohibited (step S201), and the address of the motor control area of the reel to be stopped is set (step S202). Next, the current symbol number is loaded as the pressed symbol number (step S203), and it is determined whether the step counter is within the immediate stop range (step S204). If the step counter is within the immediate stop range (step S204; Y), the process proceeds to step S206. If the step counter is not within the immediate stop range (step S204; N), the pressed symbol number is updated by -1 (step S205), and interrupts are permitted (step S206).

Each reel 6 has 21 symbols arranged on it, and each reel 6 is numbered from 0 to 20 in the direction of rotation of the reel 6 (see FIG. 5(a)). The step counter defines the position of each symbol in more detail, and areas numbered from 0 to 21 are evenly allocated to each symbol in the direction of rotation of the reel 6. The top position of the middle row in the symbol display window 5 is set as the reference position, and various processes are performed based on the symbol at this reference position and the step counter value for that symbol. When a symbol is correctly stopped in the middle row, the step counter value for that symbol at the reference position is in the range of 0 to 3.

In the above process, the step counter value is prevented from changing by prohibiting interrupts in step S201, and in step S203, the current pattern number, which is the pattern number of the pattern in the reference position at the time when the reel stop request is made by the stop operation or automatic stop, is set as the pressed pattern number. Then, in step S204, if the step counter value of the pattern in the reference position at the time when the reel stop request is made is within a predetermined range (7 to 21 in this case), the pattern is in the middle of entering the middle position, so it is determined that the pattern can be stopped in the middle position. In other words, the pattern in the middle position at the time of the reel stop request can be stopped immediately at the middle position. Therefore, in this case, as set in step S203, the current pattern number is set as the pressed pattern number. However, if the step counter value of the pattern in the reference position at the time when the reel stop request is made is not within the predetermined range (0 to 6 in this case), the pattern has already entered the middle position and it is too late to stop it even if the stop process is performed. Therefore, in step S205, the pressed symbol number is changed to the symbol that will next appear in the middle position.

After the pressed symbol number is determined in this way, an interrupt is permitted (step S206), and a process is performed to determine the symbol to be stopped according to the result of the internal win. The symbol to be stopped can be set within a range (up to 5 frames) defined as the change range from the pressed symbol number. In other words, it can be set within the range of (pressed symbol number) - (change range value). First, a pull-in frame number table selection process is performed based on the information on the reel to be processed and the winning role (step S207), and a symbol arrangement data table for the reel to be stopped is set (step S208). Furthermore, a data address corresponding to the pressed symbol number is calculated (step S209), and an effective line search data index table for the reel to be stopped is set (step S210).

Next, the stop priority pattern position information, which is information on the pattern that is to be stopped preferentially within the change range set from the pressed pattern number, is cleared to 0 (step S211), the stop prohibition pattern position information, which is information on the pattern that is prohibited from stopping within the change range set from the pressed pattern number, is cleared to 0 (step S212), and then a pattern kicking process is performed to set the stop prohibition pattern position information (step S213), and a pattern pulling process is performed to set the stop priority pattern position information (step S214).

Next, automatic symbol stop processing is performed to automatically stop the reel 6 if no stop operation is performed for a predetermined time (step S215). This processing is performed when there is a request to stop the reels by automatic stop, and is processing to determine the number of the symbol to be pressed when the reels are automatically stopped. Then, it is determined whether there is an appropriate stop position at the time of this automatic stop (step S216), and if there is no appropriate stop position (step S216; N), the process returns to step S205. If there is an appropriate stop position (step S216; Y), the process proceeds to step S217. Note that if there is a reel stop request due to the player's stop operation, it is always assumed that there is an appropriate stop position (step S216; Y), and the process proceeds to step S217.

Next, a stop position setting process is performed (step S217), and a stop pattern setting process is performed (step S218). In these processes, the stop pattern is calculated based on the number of pull-in frames, stop priority pattern position information, stop prohibition pattern position information, etc., set in the above-mentioned processes, and a process of setting a stop request (deceleration) for the target motor and a process of sending information on the stop of reel 6 and the stop pattern (stop position of reel 6) to the performance control device 300 are performed.

Then, the stop flag of the reel to be stopped is set (step S219), and the number of stopped reels is updated by +1 (step S220). Then, a command number corresponding to the winning flag 1, 2 information and the push order information 1, 2 information is prepared (step S221), the command setting process is performed (step S222), and the symbol control process is terminated. As a result, even if a stop operation is performed, information on the winning role and the push order (winning role notification command) is sent to the performance control device 300. By sending the winning role and push order information to the performance control device 300 for each stop operation in this way, the performance control device 300 can grasp the winning role and the push order even if a command has been missed before. It is also possible to display the second game information display unit 40 based on this information.

Figure 23 shows the set value of the change range, which is the range within which the reel 6 can be rotated from the position where the stop operation is performed until it is stopped, and which is determined in the pull-in frame number table selection process (step S207).

Figure 23 (a) shows the set values of the change range when the result of the internal lottery is a result other than a cherry or watermelon win. In this case, it differs depending on the game state. In the normal game state ST10 or the special game state ST20, the change range of the left reel 6a and the center reel 6b is set to 5 frames, and the change range of the right reel 6c is set to 4 frames. In these game states, the game is played by pushing the reels in order, and the change range of the right reel 6c, which is the third stop reel, is smaller than the other reels. Also, when the game state is the specific game state ST30, the change range of each reel 6 is set to 5 frames. In the specific game state ST30, a stop order other than pushing in order may be instructed, so the same change range is set for all reels 6.

Figure 23(b) shows the set values for the change range when the result of the internal lottery is a cherry win. In this case, the same set value is used regardless of the game state, and a change range of 5 frames is set for the first reel stopped when the first reel is stopped, and the second reel stopped when the second reel is stopped.

Then, for the third stopped reel, which was last stopped, the setting value differs depending on the stopping state of the two reels 6 that are already stopped. In a state where cherries are in a tenpai state, that is, where cherries are stopped side by side on one symbol stop line and a cherry win occurs when cherries stop on that line, the change range is set to three frames. In addition, if cherries are not in a tenpai state, the change range is set to four frames.

In other words, when there is a possibility of a Cherry win, the range of change is smaller than in the normal game state shown in FIG. 23(a), and the player is required to press the buttons accurately. This allows the player's skill to be reflected in the Cherry win, which can increase the excitement of the game. Note that by setting the range of change to 3, it is also possible to win a Replay. Also, when there is no possibility of a Cherry win, the range of change is the same as in the normal game state shown in FIG. 23(a), making it possible to win a Replay.

Figure 23(c) shows the set values for the change range when the result of the internal lottery is a watermelon win. In this case, the same set value is used regardless of the game state, and a change range of 5 frames is set for the first reel stopped when the first reel is stopped, and the second reel stopped when the second reel is stopped.

Then, for the third stopped reel, which was last stopped, the setting value differs depending on the stopping state of the two reels 6 that are already stopped. In a state where only watermelon A is in a ready state, that is, when two watermelons A are stopped side by side on a single symbol stop line that includes a winning line, and a watermelon win is achieved if watermelon A or B stops on that line, the change range is set to 5 frames.

In addition, when the hand is in a tenpai state including watermelon B, that is, when watermelon A and watermelon B are each stopped on a symbol stop line including an active line, or when two watermelons B are stopped and a watermelon win occurs if watermelon A or B stops on that line, the change range is set to one frame. In addition, when the watermelon win is not in a tenpai state, that is, when there is no possibility of a watermelon win occurring, the change range is set to four frames.

There are fewer watermelons A than watermelon B, so as a bonus for players who have completed a tenpai with only watermelon A, the range of change at the final stop is given more leeway, making it easier to achieve the watermelon win. Also, when a tenpai including watermelon B is completed, the range of change is narrower than in the normal game state shown in Figure 23(a), requiring the player to use accurate eyeballing to achieve the watermelon win. In this way, by determining the range of change based on the state before the final stop, the player's skill in the stopping operation up to that point is reflected, making the game more interesting. Also, if there is no possibility of achieving a watermelon win, the range of change is set to the same as in the normal game state shown in Figure 23(a), making it easier to derive the pattern combination for the losing result.

Note that cherry and watermelon winning may only occur in a specific stopping order, and the right reel 6c may not necessarily be the third stopped reel. Therefore, the change range is determined based on the order in which each reel 6 stops. Here, when the third reel is the last stopped reel, the change range is set to differ depending on the status of the reels that have already stopped, but the change range for the second stopped reel may also be set to differ depending on the stopping status of the first stopped reel.

In view of the above, in a gaming machine (slot machine 1) that includes multiple reels 6 capable of variably displaying multiple symbols, a gaming control means (gaming control device 100) capable of performing an internal lottery for a role each time a game involving the variably displaying of the multiple reels 6 is executed, and multiple stop operation units (reel stop buttons 24) for individually stopping and displaying the multiple reels 6, and in which a winning role is achieved when the result of a game stopped and displayed by operating the multiple stop operation units becomes a stopped pattern pattern corresponding to a role won in the internal lottery, the gaming control means can stop the reel 6 within a predetermined change range from the position of the reel 6 at the time the stop operation unit was operated, and the change range can be set to a different range for each of the multiple reels 6. Therefore, it is possible to vary the stop operation mode for each reel 6, thereby increasing the interest of the game.

The game control means can also set the range of change according to the state of the other reels 6. This allows the game progress to be reflected, making the game more entertaining.

The game control means can set the range of change according to the winning combination in the internal lottery. This allows the difficulty of the winning combination to be changed according to the winning combination, making the game more entertaining.

In addition, in a gaming machine (slot machine 1) that includes multiple reels 6 capable of variably displaying multiple symbols, a game control means (game control device 100) capable of performing an internal lottery for a winning combination for each game involving the variable display of the multiple reels 6, and multiple stop operation units (reel stop buttons 24) for individually stopping the multiple reels 6, and in which a winning combination is achieved when the game result stopped and displayed by operating the multiple stop operation units becomes a stopped pattern pattern corresponding to a winning combination in the internal lottery, the winning combination in the internal lottery includes a specific combination that cannot be achieved unless the multiple reels 6 are stopped in a predetermined stopping order and at least one reel 6 is stopped at a predetermined stopping operation timing. Therefore, the player's skill is reflected in the achievement of a specific combination, which can increase the interest of the game.

[Timer interrupt processing]
Timer interrupt processing is shown in Fig. 24. Timer interrupt processing is started when a periodic (for example, every 1.9 msec) timer interrupt signal generated by a CTC circuit in a clock generator is input to the CPU 111a. When a timer interrupt occurs in the gaming microcomputer 111, the interrupt is automatically disabled and the timer interrupt processing is started.

In the timer interrupt process, first, a register save process (step S241) is performed to move the value held in a specified register to RAM 111c, and then the return address in the stack area is checked to determine whether it is outside the program area (step S242). If the return address is outside the program area (step S242; Y), the return address error segment output data (lower digit segment output data of the payout number display section 32b) is prepared (step S263), and the process proceeds to the unrecoverable error process (step S30).

If the return address is not outside the program area (step S242; N), the occurrence of a power outage is monitored, and if a power outage occurs, a power cut-off process (step S243) is performed to handle the situation when a power outage occurs. The process when a power outage occurs may, for example, include stopping the payout of medals, backing up information in RAM 111c, storing the stack pointer and checksum, and then prohibiting access to RAM and waiting for the power to the slot machine 1 to be cut off. Note that if a power outage has not occurred, no processing is performed in the power cut-off process (step S243).

Next, input from various sensors is taken in, i.e., input switch status processing is performed to read the status of each input port (step S244). The input taken in this input switch status processing (step S244) is input from the medal insertion sensors 51a, 51b, the medal insertion fraud detection sensor 51c, the start lever switch 52, the reel stop button switch 53 (first reel (left) stop button switch 53a, second reel (center) stop button switch 53b, third reel (right) stop button switch 53c), the reel sensor 54 (left reel sensor 54a, center reel sensor 54b, right reel sensor 54c), the max bet switch 57, the 1 bet switch 31a, the settlement button switch 58, the medal payout sensor 59, the error release switch 61, the full detection sensor 82, the play stop switch 35, the automatic settlement switch 36, etc., as well as the step setting key switch 62 of the setting device, the setting button switch 60, etc.

Next, if the input from the medal insertion sensors 51a, 51b or the medal insertion fraud detection sensor 51c indicates an abnormality, a security check process (step S245) is performed in which appropriate processing is performed or a medal insertion error command is sent to the performance control device 300.

After that, for the control of the left reel 6a, a work address for the first reel control is prepared (step S246), and reel motor control processing is performed (step S247). Next, for the control of the center reel 6b, a work address for the second reel control is prepared (step S248), and reel motor control processing is performed (step S249). Furthermore, for the control of the right reel 6c, a work address for the third reel control is prepared (step S250), and reel motor control processing is performed (step S251).

Then, the interrupt counter is incremented by +1 within the range of 0 to 3 (step S252), and a subroutine is called using the updated interrupt counter (step S253). If the interrupt counter value is "0", a 7-segment data setting process is performed to set the display of the display unit composed of a 7-segment display, such as the first game information display unit 33 and the first game medium information display unit 32 (step S254). If the interrupt counter value is "1", an LED blinking process is performed to control the display on the game status display unit 18 and the bet line number display LED 37 (step S255).

If the interrupt counter value is "2", a full detection sensor monitoring process (step S256) is performed to monitor whether the medal payout device's hopper is full based on the input from the full detection sensor 82. Next, a medal jam monitoring process (step S257) is performed to monitor the medal payout abnormality based on the input from the medal payout sensor 59, and if an abnormality is detected, a medal jam monitoring process (step S257) is performed to send a payout switch error command to the performance control device 300. In addition, a timer update process (step S258) is performed to update various timers such as an automatic stop monitoring timer that monitors the time until automatic stop, a minimum play interval timer that monitors the game interval, an automatic turn-off timer that monitors the time until the LED is turned off, various error monitoring timers, and other game timers.

If the interrupt counter value is "3", an external information output process (step S259) is performed to edit information to be output to an external device such as a hall computer. In this process, the following signals are set: the SBB signal output when in the SBB state, the BB signal output when in the BB state, the RB signal output when in the RB state, the medal insertion signal output when a medal is inserted, the medal payout signal output when a medal is paid out, the stage setting key signal output when the stage setting key switch is on, and the specific game state signal output when in the specific game state ST30.

After performing processing according to the value of the interrupt counter, a data output process is performed based on the output data set in the various processes to output control signals to the performance control device 300, the first game information display unit 33, the first game medium information display unit 32, the game status display unit 18, the medal payout device, the reel motors 64a, 64b, 64c, the external signal output terminal 170, the reel stop button LEDs 66a, 66b, 66c, the bet line number display LED 37, the selector solenoid 68, the test firing device 500, the inspection device 600, etc. (step S260). The register is then restored (step S261), an interrupt is permitted (step S262), and the timer interrupt process is terminated.

The specific game state ST30 is initiated when a special replay 2 win is achieved in the normal game state ST10, when a special replay 2 win is achieved during a special game state and the special game state ends, or when the difference in the number of coins in the specific game state ST30 does not reach a predetermined value at the end of the special game state, and this triggers the output of the specific game state signal to start (change to ON state).The specific game state ST30 ends when the difference in the number of coins reaches a predetermined number or when the special game state ST20 is entered, and this triggers the output of the specific game state signal to end (change to OFF state).

This specific gaming state ST30 includes an RT state in which the internal probability of winning a replay (normal replay) is higher than in the normal gaming state ST10, an AT state in which the derivation of a completed minor winning combination is assisted by the notification of the stopping order, and an ART state in which both the RT state and the AT state occur. The AT state or the RT state alone may occur at the start or end of the specific gaming state ST30. Also, if the player performs a stopping operation in the ART state that does not follow the notified stopping order, the AT state may end and the RT state may occur. In this case, a return to the ART state is made by achieving special replay 2 again in the RT state.

The specific game state signal is output from the satisfaction of the start condition of the specific game state ST30 until the satisfaction of the end condition, and the ON state continues even if, for example, the player falls from the ART state to the RT state by performing a stop operation that does not follow the notified stop order. The ON state also continues even if the ART state is returned to again. In other words, the ON state of the specific game state signal continues during one consecutive specific game state ST30.

This makes it easier for the external device to grasp the continuation status of the specific game state ST30. In other words, if the specific game state signal is changed to the OFF state when the ART state falls to the RT state or the AT state, and then the specific game state signal is changed to the ON state when the ART state is restored, the external device will recognize that a new specific game state ST30 has started, but by implementing this embodiment, it becomes possible to accurately grasp one continuous specific game state ST30.

In addition, if a special win is achieved in the specific game state ST30 and transitions to the special game state ST20, the specific game state signal may remain in the ON state even during the special game state ST20. In this case, since the specific game states ST30 before and after the special game state ST20 are a series of specific game states ST30, by leaving the specific game state signal in the ON state, it becomes possible for the external device to know that it is a series of specific game states ST30. In addition, it becomes possible for the external device to know that it is an advantageous period during which either the specific game state or the special game state is being executed, and the duration of the advantageous period.

[7-segment data setting process]
25 shows the 7-segment data setting process (step S254) shown in the timer interrupt process. In this 7-segment data setting process, first, as a process related to the display in the first credit number display section 32a of the first game medium information display section 32, segment data corresponding to the number of credits is set (step S281), and the set segment data is saved in the segment data area of the first credit number display section 32a (step S282).

Next, as a process related to the display in the first payout number display section 32b of the first gaming medium information display section 32, segment data for a blank display is set (step S283), and it is determined whether the reel 6 is spinning (step S284). If the reel 6 is spinning (step S284; Y), the set segment data is saved in the segment data area of the first payout number display section 32b (step S290). In this case, a blank display is set.

If the reel 6 is not spinning (step S284; N), it is determined whether the stage setting value is being changed (step S285). If the stage setting value is being changed (step S285; Y), the process proceeds to step S290. In this case, a blank display is set. If the stage setting value is not being changed (step S285; N), it is determined whether an error has occurred (step S286).

If an error of some kind is occurring (step S286; Y), segment data corresponding to the error number data is set (step S289), and the process proceeds to step S290. In this case, a display corresponding to the error is set. If no error is occurring (step S286; N), the process determines whether the medal payout number counter, which sets the number of medals to be paid out if any, is 0 (step S287).

If the medal payout counter is 0 (step S287; Y), the process proceeds to step S290. In this case, a blank display is set. If the medal payout counter is not 0 (step S287; N), segment data corresponding to the medal payout counter is set (step S288), and the process proceeds to step S290. In this case, the display of the payout number is set.

Next, as a process related to the display on the first game information display unit 33, blank display segment data is set (step S291), and it is determined whether the reel 6 is spinning (step S292). If the reel 6 is not spinning (step S292; N), the set segment data is saved in the segment data area of the first game information display unit 33 (step S301). In this case, a blank display is set.

If the reel 6 is spinning (step S292; Y), it is determined whether the AT state (specific game state) is in progress (step S293), and if the AT state is in progress (step S293; Y), the process proceeds to step S295. If the AT state is not in progress (step S293; N), it is determined whether the push order is push in order (left, center, right) or there is no push order (step S294). If the push order is push in order or there is no push order (step S294; Y), the process proceeds to step S295. If the push order is not push in order or there is no push order (step S294; N), the set segment data is saved in the segment data area of the first game information display unit 33 (step S301). In this case, a blank display is set. In other words, if the AT state is not in progress, the push order and winning combination are notified only if the push order is push in order or there is no push order.

In step S295, it is determined whether the winning flag 1 is a no-win (loss) (step S295). If the winning flag 1 is not a no-win (loss) (step S295; N), the process proceeds to step S297. If the winning flag 1 is a no-win (loss) (step S295; Y), it is determined whether the winning flag 2 is a no-win (loss) (step S296). If the winning flag 2 is a no-win (loss) (step S296; Y), the process proceeds to step S297. If the winning flag 2 is not a no-win (loss) (step S296; N), the process proceeds to step S299. The winning flag 1 is information on a small prize, and the winning flag 2 is information on a special prize. If a small prize and a special prize are won at the same time, the small prize is controlled to be established with priority over the special prize, so the display on the first game information display unit 33 is also displayed accordingly.

In step S297, segment data corresponding to the winning combination of win flag 1 is set (step S297), segment data corresponding to push order information 1 is set (step S298), and the process proceeds to step S301. As a result, information about the small combination is displayed on the first game information display unit 33. Also, in step S299, segment data corresponding to the winning combination of win flag 2 is set (step S299), segment data corresponding to push order information 2 is set (step S300), and the process proceeds to step S301. As a result, information about the special combination is displayed on the first game information display unit 33.

When not in the AT state, the push order and winning combination are notified only when the push order is in order or there is no push order, and a blank display is displayed in other cases, but it is also possible to display a blank and notify of a loss. Also, the segment data may be obtained from a table or set by program logic.

[Main processing]
Next, the processing by the performance control device 300 will be described. The main processing shown in Fig. 26 is started by the CPU 311 reading and executing a control program for the performance control processing stored in the PROM 321 when the slot machine 1 is powered on and the performance control device 300 is powered on. This main processing includes processing that is performed only when the power is turned on and loop processing that is repeatedly executed.

First, as a process when the power is turned on, interrupts are prohibited (step S501), the internal RAM is enabled (step S502), and the CPU is initialized (step S503). Next, the watchdog timer is started (step S504), the sound source LSI 314 is initialized (step S505), and the VDP 312 is initialized (step S506).

After that, an interrupt is permitted (step S507), a checksum calculation process is performed (step S508), and it is determined whether the calculated checksum matches the backup value in the checksum area (step S509). If they match (step S509; Y), i.e., if the backup was performed correctly, the process moves to step S511. If they do not match (step S509; N), i.e., if the backup was not performed correctly, the backup section that stores the backup information is cleared (step S510), and the process moves to step S511.

In step S511, the lamp control area is initialized (step S511), the watchdog timer is cleared (step S512), and frame synchronization processing is performed (step S513). In the frame synchronization processing, frame synchronization processing related to game management, frame synchronization processing related to audio control, sound code output processing, LED control data output processing, random number update processing, etc. are performed.

Then, as a loop process, first, the watchdog timer is cleared (step S514), an interrupt is permitted (step S515), frame synchronization processing is performed (step S516), and the watchdog timer is cleared (step S517). Next, a game management main process that performs control processing of various devices within the performance control device 300 is performed (step S518), a lamp, sound, and image editing process that sets the performance mode is performed (step S519), a performance button input process that performs corresponding processing based on an input signal generated by the operation of the performance button 10 is performed (step S520), and then the process returns to step S514.

[Game management main processing]
The game management main process (step S518) shown in the main process is shown in Fig. 27. In this game management main process, first, a delay (wait time) for the delivery of the performance control code, which is the control information to be sent to various devices in the performance control device 300, is set (step S531), the performance control code saved in the previous performance control code setting process is delivered (step S522), and it is determined whether all the performance control codes have been delivered (step S533).

If not all effect control codes have been distributed (step S533; N), the process returns to step S532. If all effect control codes have been distributed (step S533; Y), a command control process is performed to process commands received from the game control device 100 (step S534), and an effect control code setting process is performed to set the effect control code (step S535). After that, an AT control process is performed to control effects related to the AT state (specific game state), and the game management main process is terminated.

The performance control codes include sound codes for controlling the sound source LSI 314, lamp codes that are the source of LED control data for controlling the I2C, and image codes for controlling the VDP 312. The performance control codes are set according to the progress of the game and sent to various devices within the performance control device 300 to perform control.

[Command control processing]
FIG. 28 shows the command control process (step S534) shown in the game management main process. In this command control process, first, "no command" is set as the analysis command (step S551), and it is determined whether the analysis read index and the analysis write index match (step S552). If they match (step S552; Y), the process proceeds to step S556. In this case, there is no command to be processed. If they do not match (step S552; N), the received command is loaded from the analysis buffer corresponding to the analysis read index (step S553), and the loaded received command is set as the analysis command (step S554).

Next, the analysis read index is updated by +1 in the range of 0 to 127 (step S555), the analysis command is saved as an execution command (step S556), and it is determined whether the execution command is no command (step S557). If the execution command is no command (step S557; Y), the command control process is terminated. In this case, it is determined that there is no match in the process of step S552. Also, if the execution command is not no command (step S557; N), a command execution process is performed to perform processing corresponding to the command (step S558), and the process returns to step S551. In the command execution process, a performance control code, which is control information to be sent to various devices in the performance control device 300, is set based on the information sent from the game control device 100. This causes the operation settings of various devices to be performed based on the information sent from the game control device 100.

[Step setting value information processing]
29 shows the stage setting value information processing performed in the command execution processing (step S558) in the command control processing. In this stage setting value information processing, first, it is determined whether stage setting value information has been received as a command (step S561). The stage setting value information is information that is transmitted when the power is turned on in the game control device 100 or when the stage setting value is changed (steps S20, S56).

If this stage setting value information has not been received (step S561; N), the stage setting value information processing is terminated. If stage setting value information has been received (step S561; Y), the stage setting value information is saved (step S562), an available effect corresponding to the stage setting value information is selected (step S563), and the stage setting value information processing is terminated.

Figure 30 shows the effects that are available in accordance with the stage setting value information and their selection ratios. There are five types of effects that can be used here, effects A through E. The contents of these effects A through E can be any of the effects displayed on the image display device 3 (including the effect theme, individual effects, background, characters, etc.), sounds, music played during the special game state ST20 or specific game state ST30, the lighting mode of the LED, or a combination of these, but it is preferable that each of effects A through E be distinguishable by the player.

When it is set to 1-3, all of effects A-E are always available. When it is set to 4, there is an 80% chance that all of effects A-E are available, and 20% chance that only effects A-D are selectable. When it is set to 5, there is a 60% chance that all of effects A-E are available, 20% chance that only effects A-D are available, and 20% chance that only effects A and E are available. When it is set to 6, there is a 40% chance that all of effects A-E are available, 20% chance that only effects A-D are available, 20% chance that only effects A and E are available, and 20% chance that only effect A is available.

In this way, by varying the combination of effects that can be used depending on the stage setting value, the player can infer the stage setting value from the effects that are executed. For example, if the proportion of effect D is high, it can be inferred that there is a high possibility that the setting is 4. Also, if the proportion of effect E is high, it can be inferred that there is a high possibility that the setting is 5. Also, if the proportion of effect A is high, it can be inferred that there is a high possibility that the setting is 6. Here, none of the effects definitively notify the stage setting value, but it is also possible to provide effects that clearly indicate the stage setting value, such as providing an effect that can only be selected when the setting is 6.

[Performance control code setting process]
31 shows the effect control code setting process (step S535) shown in the game management main process. In this effect control code setting process, first, the sound code set in the command execution process (step S558) is saved in a buffer (step S571), and the lamp code set in the command execution process (step S558) is saved in a buffer (step S572).

Next, the image code set in the command execution process (step S558) is saved in a buffer (step S573), output control is performed on the interface board 2 (not shown) that outputs a test signal (step S574), and the performance control code setting process is terminated.

[Command reception interrupt processing]
FIG. 32 shows the command reception interrupt process. In this command reception interrupt process, first, it is determined whether the INT signal is on (step S601), and if it is on (step S601; Y), a command is input and saved as the first command (step S602), and a predetermined wait time (for example, 20 us) is set (step S604). If it is not on (step S601; N), 0000H is saved as the first command (step S603), and a predetermined wait time (for example, 20 us) is set (step S604). After that, the same process is performed as the second and third reception processes (steps S605 to S611), and it is determined whether the results of all three receptions are the same value (step S612).

If the results of the three receptions are not all the same value (step S612; N), the received command is considered invalid and the command reception interrupt process is terminated. If the results of the three receptions are all the same value (step S612; Y), it is determined whether the value of the received command is other than 0000H (step S613). If the value of the received command is not other than 0000H (step S613; N), the received command is considered invalid and the command reception interrupt process is terminated.

If the value of the received command is other than 0000H (step S613; Y), the received command is treated as valid, the receive command buffer address corresponding to the receive write index is calculated (step S614), and the command is saved to the calculated address (step S615). After that, the receive write index is updated by +1 within the range of 0 to 127 (step S616), the value of the timer counter (hardware) is set as the random number seed (step S617), and the command receive interrupt process is terminated.

[V-Sync interrupt processing]
33 shows a V-Sync interrupt process for processing items that need to be processed in accordance with V-Sync, such as the seven-segment displays, such as the second game information display unit 40 and the second game medium information display unit 44, and the image display device 3. In this V-Sync interrupt process, first, the frame synchronization counter is incremented by +1 (step S631), and it is determined whether the frame synchronization counter is 2 or greater (step S632).

If the frame synchronization counter is not 2 or greater (step S632; N), the process proceeds to step S635. If the frame synchronization counter is 2 or greater (step S632; Y), the frame synchronization counter is set to 0 (step S633), the V-Sync flag is set (step S634), and the process proceeds to step S635. In step S635, a command copy process is performed to copy the contents of the receive command buffer to the analysis command buffer (step S635), and it is determined whether the V-Sync flag is set (step S636).

If the V-Sync flag is not set (step S636; N), the process proceeds to step S641 without editing the image data, etc. If the V-Sync flag is set (step S636; Y), the 7SEG data storage process is performed (step S637), and the 7SEG data editing process is performed (step S638). The 7SEG data is display data for a 7-segment display such as the second game information display unit 40 or the second game medium information display unit 44. The 7SEG data editing process (step S638) edits the display data, and the 7SEG data storage process (step S637) sets the edited display data to be output to the segment LED control circuit 335.

Next, image data storage processing is performed (step S639), image data editing processing is performed (step S640), volume switch input processing is performed to set the volume based on the input from the volume adjustment SW 338 (step S641), and the V-Sync interrupt processing is terminated. Image data is display data for a liquid crystal display device such as the image display device 3, and the image data editing processing (step S640) edits the display data, and the image data storage processing (step S639) performs processing to set the edited display data to be output to the VDP 312.

[7SEG data editing process]
34 shows the 7SEG data editing process (step S638) shown in the V-Sync interrupt process. In this 7SEG data editing process, first, as a process related to the display in the second credit number display section 11 of the second game medium information display section 44, segment data corresponding to the number of credits based on the information transmitted from the game control device 100 is set (step S661), and the set segment data is saved in the segment data area of the second credit number display section 11 (step S662).

Next, as a process related to the display in the second payout number display unit 13 of the second gaming medium information display unit 44, segment data for a blank display is set (step S663), and it is determined whether the reel 6 is spinning (step S664). If the reel 6 is spinning (step S664; Y), the set segment data is saved in the segment data area of the second payout number display unit 13 (step S669). In this case, a blank display is set.

If the reel 6 is not rotating (step S664; N), it is determined whether the stage setting value is being changed (step S665). If the stage setting value is being changed (step S665; Y), the process proceeds to step S669. In this case, a blank display is set. If the stage setting value is not being changed (step S665; N), it is determined whether there is medal payout information from the game control device 100 (step S667), and if there is no medal payout information (step S667; N), the process proceeds to step S669. In this case, a blank display is set. If there is medal payout information (step S667; Y), segment data corresponding to the medal payout information is set (step S668), and the process proceeds to step S669. In this case, the display of the number of payouts is set. Note that the second payout number display unit 13 may display an error in the same manner as the first payout number display unit 32b. Next, the second game status display unit display data editing process is performed to process the display on the second game information display unit 40 (step S670), and the 7SEG data editing process is terminated.

[Editing process of display data of second game status display unit]
35 shows the second game status display section display data editing process (step S670) shown in the 7SEG data editing process. In this second game status display section display data editing process, first, blank display segment data is set (step S671), and it is determined whether the reel 6 is spinning (step S672). If the reel 6 is not spinning (step S672; N), the set segment data is saved in the segment data area of the second game information display section 40 (step S682). In this case, a blank display is set.

Also, if the reel 6 is spinning (step S672; Y), it is determined whether the winning combination/push order command for this game has been received (step S673), and if it has not been received (step S673; N), the process proceeds to step S682. In this case, a blank display is set. Also, if it has been received (step S673; Y), it is determined whether the AT state (specific game state) is in (step S674), and if it is in the AT state (step S674; Y), the process proceeds to step S676. Also, if it is not in the AT state (step S674; N), it is determined whether the push order is push in order (left, center, right) or there is no push order (step S675). If the push order is push in order or there is no push order (step S675; Y), the process proceeds to step S676. Also, if the push order is not push in order or there is no push order (step S675; N), the process proceeds to step S682. In this case, a blank display is set. In other words, when the AT state is not in effect, the push order and winning combination are only notified if the push order is in order or there is no push order.

In step S676, it is determined whether winning information 1 corresponding to winning flag 1 in the game control device 100 is no winning (loss) (step S676). If winning information 1 is not no winning (loss) (step S676; N), proceed to step S678. If winning information 1 is no winning (loss) (step S676; Y), it is determined whether winning information 2 corresponding to winning flag 2 in the game control device 100 is no winning (loss) (step S677). If winning information 2 is no winning (loss) (step S677; Y), proceed to step S678. If winning information 2 is not no winning (loss) (step S677; N), proceed to step S680. Winning information 1 is information on a small prize, and winning information 2 is information on a special prize. If a small prize and a special prize are won at the same time, the small prize is controlled to be given priority over the special prize, and the display on the second game information display unit 40 is also displayed accordingly.

In step S678, segment data corresponding to the winning combination in winning information 1 is set (step S678), segment data corresponding to push order notification information 1 corresponding to push order information 1 in the game control device 100 is set (step S678), and the process proceeds to step S682. As a result, information about the small combination is displayed on the second game information display unit 40. Also, in step S680, segment data corresponding to the winning combination in winning information 2 is set (step S680), segment data corresponding to push order notification information 2 corresponding to push order information 2 in the game control device 100 is set (step S681), and the process proceeds to step S682. As a result, information about the special combination is displayed on the second game information display unit 40.

Next, the start and end timing of display on the first game information display unit 33 and the second game information display unit 40 will be described. As shown in FIG. 36, display on the first game information display unit 33 starts after the start lever is operated (t11). Here, after the start lever is operated (t11), an internal lottery is performed and the reel 6 starts to spin (t12). At the time when the reel 6 starts to spin (t12), a winning role notification command is sent to the performance control device 300 to notify the stop order and winning role, and based on receiving this command, the performance control device 300 starts display on the image display device 3 and the second game information display unit 40 (t13).

The first game information display unit 33 can start the notification after the internal lottery has ended, and the second game information display unit 40 can start the notification after the winning combination notification command has been received, so the notification can be started at any time after the timing at which the notification can be started. However, it is preferable that the display on the first game information display unit 33 and the second game information display unit 40 start before the timing (t14) at which the reel 6 starts rotating at a constant speed and can be stopped.

The display on the first game information display unit 33 and the second game information display unit 40 ends when all reels 6 stop (t15). By ending the notification when all reels stop, determining whether or not a win has been achieved and there is no longer any need for notification, it is possible to save power and prevent deterioration of the 7-segment display.

The end timing of the display on the first game information display unit 33 and the second game information display unit 40 may be other than the timing when all the reels 6 stop. As shown in FIG. 37, for example, if medals are paid out in response to a winning combination, it may be the timing when the medal payout ends (t27). In this way, it is possible to check the combination that has been achieved and the number of medals paid out. Also, even if some or all of the payout has not been completed due to a medal payout error, it is possible to check the remaining number of medals to be paid out. Note that if no winning combination is achieved or if a winning combination without a payout is achieved, it may be the timing when all the reels stop (t26), or a predetermined time after the timing when all the reels 6 stop.

The end timing may also be the start operation for the next game. Examples of start operations include inserting a medal, operating the 1 bet button 31 or the max bet button 17 (t21, t28), or operating the start lever (t22). In this way, if a winning combination is missed, time can be secured to check the missed combination.

The end timing may also be the timing when the notification of the next game begins. In this case, it can also be said to be the timing when the display switches. In this case, if a predetermined time has passed after the end of a game without the next game starting, the display may be ended. Since simply switching may make it difficult for the player to recognize, a period of blank display may be provided between the end and start of the notification. Also, the display may be made to flash when it starts.

Alternatively, the timing may be when a stop operation becomes possible (t23), when the first stop operation is performed (t24), or when the second stop operation is performed (t25). Ending the timing at these times will result in the player performing the stop operation based on guesswork or memory from before the stop operation, improving playability. Note that the timing may end at the timing of the first stop operation (t24) only in the case of a two-choice stopping order where only the reel 6 performing the first stop operation is notified. Also, the timing may end at the timing of the second stop operation (t25) only in the case of a combination that does not result in missed wins due to the timing of the stop operation. Also, if the stopping order is not followed, the notification may end at that point.

In view of the above, a slot machine 1 is provided with a plurality of reels 6 capable of variably displaying a plurality of symbols, a game control means (game control device 100) capable of performing an internal lottery for a role each time a game involving the variably displaying of the plurality of reels 6 is executed, and a plurality of stop operation units (reel stop buttons 24) for individually stopping and displaying the plurality of reels 6, and when the result of the game stopped and displayed by operating the plurality of stop operation units becomes a stopped pattern pattern corresponding to a role won in the internal lottery, the slot machine 1 is provided with a display means (first game information display unit 33) controlled by the game control means and capable of displaying information regarding the result of the internal lottery, and the roles won in the internal lottery include specific roles in which a win is achieved when the plurality of reels stop in a predetermined stopping order, and the game control means is capable of notifying the role won in the internal lottery and the predetermined stopping order for achieving the role by the lighting state of the plurality of light-emitting units in the display means, and is configured to end the notification in the display means when a predetermined notification end condition is met.

Therefore, the game control means can notify the winning combination in the internal lottery and the predetermined stop sequence for realizing the winning combination, so that normal play can be performed. In addition, since the stop sequence can be notified by the lighting state of the multiple light-emitting parts, the notification can be made by a simple display, the configuration of the display means can be simplified, and the burden on control can be prevented from increasing. Since the notification in the display means is terminated based on the establishment of a predetermined notification end condition, it is possible to make the notification only for the necessary period. Here, the display means includes a 7-segment display in which seven light-emitting elements are arranged in an 8-shape, a display in which seven light-emitting parts are arranged in an 8-shape in imitation of a 7-segment display in a display device such as a liquid crystal display device, or a display in which multiple light-emitting parts are arranged in other arrangements, a display in which multiple LEDs are arranged in a matrix, or a display in which multiple LEDs are arranged in an arbitrary shape, etc.

The condition for ending the notification is that all reels 6 have stopped. Therefore, the notification can be ended based on whether or not a winning combination has been achieved for the winning combination selected by the internal lottery.

The notification end condition is that all reels 6 have stopped if no gaming media have been paid out, and that the payout has ended if gaming media have been paid out. Therefore, it is possible to check the correspondence between the results of the internal lottery and the payout.

The condition for ending the notification is that a predetermined time has elapsed after all reels 6 have stopped. Therefore, the results of the internal lottery can be confirmed after all reels 6 have stopped.

In addition, when an operation to start the game following the game to be notified is performed, the notification end condition is met, the notification on the display means is terminated, and a notification for the next game is started. Therefore, when an operation to start the game following the game to be notified is performed, the notification on the display means is terminated and a notification for the next game is started, so that a notification corresponding to the game can be made.

Figure 38 shows the timing of sending the winning role notification command. The winning role notification command, which is information on the winning role and the push order, is first sent to the performance control device 300 at the timing (t32) when the internal lottery is performed after the start lever operation (t31) and the reel 6 starts to rotate. After that, it is also sent when the first stop operation is performed (t33), when the second stop operation is performed (t34), and when the third stop operation is performed (t35). By sending the winning role and push order information to the performance control device 300 for each stop operation in this way, the performance control device 300 can grasp the winning role and the push order even if the winning role notification command is missed before that. Therefore, for example, if the winning role notification command is missed when the reel 6 starts to rotate, the display on the second game information display unit 40 can start from the timing of receiving the winning role notification command after that. In addition, by receiving the command multiple times, the performance control device 300 can compare the command contents multiple times and determine the validity of the command.

Figure 39 shows another example of how the winning role notification command is sent. In this example, after the start lever is operated (t41), an internal lottery is performed and the reel 6 starts spinning (t42), at which point the sending of the winning role notification command to the performance control device 300 begins, and the command is sent intermittently multiple times until the first stop operation is performed (t43). In this way, sending the winning role notification command multiple times at the start of the game can prevent players from missing out. In addition, the validity of the command can be determined in the performance control device 300 by comparing the contents of the multiple commands.

The winning role notification command is also transmitted when the first stop operation is performed (t43), when the second stop operation is performed (t44), and when the third stop operation is performed (t45). Of course, the winning role notification command may be transmitted intermittently multiple times from the timing when the reel 6 starts to spin (t42) until the second stop operation is performed (t44) or the third stop operation is performed (t45). In other words, the winning role notification command may be transmitted intermittently from the start of transmission until a predetermined time has elapsed or a predetermined number of transmissions have been completed.

In view of the above, in a slot machine 1 that is equipped with multiple reels 6 capable of variably displaying multiple symbols, a game control means (game control device 100) capable of performing an internal lottery for a role each time a game involving the variably displaying of the multiple reels 6 is executed, and multiple stop operation units (reel stop buttons 24) for individually stopping and displaying the multiple reels 6, and in which a winning role is achieved when the game result stopped and displayed by operating the multiple stop operation units becomes a stopped pattern corresponding to a role won in the internal lottery, the game control means transmits information regarding the result of the internal lottery to a presentation control means that controls presentation based on information from the game control means at the start of a game and when the stop operation units are operated.

Therefore, when the game starts and when the stop operation unit is operated, information regarding the result of the internal lottery is sent to the presentation control means that controls the presentation based on information from the game control means, so that information can be reliably sent to the presentation control means, enabling normal gameplay to be played.

In addition, the winning combinations in the internal lottery include specific combinations that are achieved when multiple reels 6 stop in a predetermined stopping order, and the game control means transmits information about the winning combination in the internal lottery and the predetermined stopping order for achieving the combination to the performance control means when the game starts and when the stop operation unit is operated. Therefore, information can be reliably transmitted to the performance control means, making it possible to play normally.

The device also includes a performance display device (second game information display unit 40) that is controlled by the performance control means and can display information, and the performance control means can notify the player of information relating to the result of the internal lottery by displaying it on the performance display device based on information from the game control means. Therefore, the player can be notified of necessary information. In particular, even if information is missed, it is possible to notify the player based on information that is transmitted again later.

[Performance button input processing]
Fig. 40 shows the effect button input process (step S520) in the main process shown in Fig. 26. In this effect button input process, first, it is determined whether the effect button 10 is in an effective period (step S701). The effective period of the effect button 10 is a period during which a corresponding process can be performed based on the operation of the effect button 10, and includes, for example, a state in which the operation of the effect button 10 is requested in an active effect, a state in which a change in effect based on the operation of the effect button 10 can be accepted, and a state in which game history information, etc. can be displayed based on the operation of the effect button 10.

If the effect button 10 is not in its valid period (step S701; N), the effect button input process is terminated. If the effect button 10 is in its valid period (step S701; Y), it is determined whether there is any input from the effect button 10 (step S702). If there is no input from the effect button 10 (step S702; N), the effect button input process is terminated. If there is input from the effect button 10 (step S702; Y), it is determined whether there is a state in which the effect can be changed based on the operation of the effect button 10 (step S703).

If the effect cannot be changed (step S703; N), the effect reflection process is performed (step S705), and the effect button input process is terminated. In the effect reflection process, the operation of the effect button 10 is reflected according to the current situation. For example, if the operation of the effect button 10 is required for the effect being executed, a change in the effect according to the operation of the effect button 10 is set. In addition, if the state is such that game history information, etc. can be displayed based on the operation of the effect button 10, the history information, etc. is displayed based on the operation of the effect button 10.

On the other hand, if the effect can be changed (step S703; Y), an effect is selected from the available effects and set (step S704), and the effect button input process ends. Available effects are combinations of effects that are selected according to the stage setting value as described in Figures 29 and 30, and one effect is selected and set from this combination of effects. By allowing the effects to be changed by the player's operation in this way, it becomes possible to infer the stage setting value from the change mode of the effect.

The selection of the effect in step S704 may be made so that the player can select any of the available effects. For example, if effects A to D are selected as the available effects, a choice of effects A to D may be displayed, and the player may select any of the effects by operating the effect button 10.

The selection of the effect in step S704 may also be made by lottery from among the available effects. For example, if effects A to D have been selected as the available effects, one effect is selected by lottery from among effects A to D. In this case, the currently set effect may be excluded from the lottery. Furthermore, the selection rate of each effect may be made different, and if this selection rate is made different according to the stage setting value, it becomes possible to infer the stage setting value from this as well. In other words, it becomes possible to infer the stage setting value from the information for each of the two stages of selection: the selection of a combination and the selection of one effect.

The selection of effects in step S704 may be performed in a predetermined order from among the available effects. When changing according to a predetermined order, for example, if effects A to D are selected as available effects, the effects are changed in the order A → B → C → D → A... In this case, the selection order of each effect may be made different depending on the stage setting value.

The duration of the presentation changeable state, during which presentation can be changed based on the operation of the presentation button 10, can be set arbitrarily, and the presentation changeable state may always be set, or may be set when certain unlocking conditions are met. For example, the presentation changeable state may be initiated when a certain number of games have been played, a certain amount of time has passed, the date and time managed by the RTC338 that manages the actual date and time becomes a specified date and time, or the points that can be acquired in connection with the game reach a specified value. The presentation changeable state may also be initiated when a specific game state ST30 has been initiated, when a specific game state ST30 has continued for a specified period, or when a special game state ST20 has been initiated.

Furthermore, it is preferable to set these conditions so that the stage setting value cannot be ascertained in a short time after the opening of the gaming establishment. For example, it may be set when 5,000 games have been played or 10 hours have passed since the power was turned on, or when the time reaches 9 p.m. Also, it may be made easier to guess the stage setting value as time passes since the power was turned on. For example, when the selection rate of available effects is made to differ according to the stage setting value, the selection rate may be made to differ as time passes since the power was turned on, and the higher the stage setting value, the gradually higher the selection rate of effect A may be. Similarly, it may be made easier to guess the stage setting value as the duration of a specific gaming state becomes longer.

When selecting an effect, a combination of available effects may or may not be presented. When presented, only available effects from effects A through E may be presented, or all may be presented and then the available effects clearly indicated. Presenting a combination of available effects can provide a clue for the player to guess the stage setting value, increasing the enjoyment of the game. Also, although the stage setting value can be guessed from the selection of effects during a game, it may also be possible to guess the stage setting value from the selection of effects while waiting for customers and no game is being played.

Also, the combination of available effects may be reselected when the same conditions as those for starting the effect changeable state described above are met. In this case, the selection may be made at the selection ratio shown in FIG. 30, or at a different selection ratio, but it is preferable to make the selection ratio correspond to the stage setting value.

Furthermore, when reselecting a usable effect, the player may be presented with an option other than the selection of the usable effect, and the selection ratio of the usable effect may vary depending on the selection result of that option, or the content of that option may be selected according to a stage setting value. That is, the content of the first option varies depending on the stage setting value, and the selection ratio of the second option, which is the usable effect, varies depending on the selection result of the first option, and the selection ratio of the usable selection is also set to a selection ratio according to the stage setting value. In this case, two stages of selection are made according to the stage setting value. If the player does not select the first option, the selection ratio of the usable effect may be set to the selection ratio shown in FIG. 30.

In addition, the game control device 100 may be able to select the range of change from the stopping operation of the reel 6 with a selection ratio according to the stage setting value. The effect control device 300 may then determine which effect to select or set from among the available effects based on the range of change rather than on the stage setting value information. In addition, although the effect button 10 is only a push button, it may be equipped with multiple types of buttons, such as a cross key and a push button. The effect button 10 may also be made to operate (pop up, vibrate, etc.).

In view of the above, in a gaming machine (slot machine 1) equipped with multiple reels 6 capable of variably displaying multiple symbols, a gaming control means (gaming control device 100) capable of performing an internal lottery for each game involving the variable display of the multiple reels 6, and a presentation control means (presentation control device 300) for controlling the presentation of the game, the gaming control means is equipped with a setting means (gaming control device 100) capable of selecting and setting a probability value to be used in the internal lottery from multiple types of probability values, and the presentation control means is capable of determining a combination of presentations that can be selected from multiple types of presentations according to the probability value set by the setting means. Therefore, it is also possible to infer the stage setting value from the combination of presentations, which can increase the interest of the game.

The game also includes an operation means (effect button 10) that can be operated by the player, and the effect control means can set one effect to be executed in response to operation of the operation means from among a combination of selectable effects. This makes it possible to guess the stage setting value in response to the player's operation, thereby increasing the interest of the game.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may have the following configuration. For example, a multi-symbol that functions as any of a number of symbols may be arranged on the reel 6, and in particular, a multi-symbol that functions as a symbol that requires careful attention to achieve a win, such as a watermelon symbol or a cherry symbol, may be arranged.

In addition, the change range may be different depending on the symbol on the same reel 6. For example, the change range for replay symbols and bell symbols may be 5 frames, and the change range for watermelon symbols and cherry symbols may be 0 frames.

Furthermore, if the change range is set to a smaller change range than the normal case shown in FIG. 23(a) or if the change range is 0 frames and the target winning is achieved, a bonus may be given to the player. Bonuses include the presentation of information suggesting the stage setting value, an indication that there is a right to execute a specific game state ST30, an indication that the achievement of a special winning has been carried over, an indication that the high probability state ST12 is in place, the execution of a special performance, and the like. These indications are given by the image display device 3, LEDs, sound, the backlight of the reel 6, etc.

Furthermore, for watermelon and cherry winning, any of two or more multiple stopping orders may be possible, and the range of change may differ depending on the stopping order. In other words, the difficulty of realization may differ depending on the stopping order, so that one winning role that can be achieved in one game may have different difficulty of realization. For example, one winning role may be achieved with either the stopping order of center, right, left or the stopping order of left, right, center, and the range of change may be 5 frames with one of the stopping orders, and 0 frames with the other stopping order. Note that in the ART state, one winning role can be achieved regardless of the stopping order, but if the stopping order is not specified, there may be cases where the state falls into the AT state or RT state.

A winning combination can be achieved with any of the six stopping orders, but if the stopping order is a specific stopping order, the change range is set to 5 frames for all reels, and if the stopping order is other than the specific stopping order, the change range may be less than 5 frames (for example, 0 frames). For example, if the stopping order is left, center, and right, the change range is set to 0 frames when it is determined that the specific stopping order is not the case. In other words, if the stopping operation is performed in the stopping order of right, center, and left, the change range is set to 0 frames from the first stopping operation of the right reel 6c, and the change range is also set to 0 frames for the subsequent stopping operations of the center reel 6b and left reel 6a. In addition, if the stopping operation is performed in the stopping order of left, right, and center, it is still unclear at the stage of the first stopping operation of the left reel 6a whether or not it is a specific stopping order, so the change range is set to 5 frames, and the change range is set to 0 frames from the operation of the next right reel 6c.

In this way, a winning combination can be treated as if it were a combination that could only be achieved with a specific stop sequence, and even if the player does not operate the machine in the specific stop sequence, the winning combination can still be achieved depending on the player's skill, providing unprecedented gameplay. Furthermore, when playing a push order guessing game in which all or part of the specific stop sequence is not announced, players who guess the push order can be given the privilege of easily achieving a winning combination, and even players who do not guess the push order can have the possibility of winning the same prize value, increasing interest and preventing players from suffering significant disadvantages. Furthermore, the specific stop sequence in a game is not limited to one, and there may be multiple combinations.

In addition, when an internal win occurs for a winning combination that requires careful hitting, such as a watermelon or cherry win, a winning combination that can only be achieved in a specific stopping order, or a winning combination that is difficult to achieve without a specific stopping order as described above, if the winning combination cannot be achieved, a freeze state may be generated after all reels 6 have stopped, causing the reels 6 to operate and display the symbol combination of the winning combination that would have been achieved. This operation may be performed for all winning combinations, or only for some winning combinations. For example, it may be performed only when the same prize value is awarded, such as when a replay win is achieved because a cherry win cannot be achieved.

In addition, for symbols that require a certain eye, the timing of the stop operation to establish a winning combination may be notified. This notification is made by display on the image display device 3, by the flashing of the LED or the backlight of the reel 6, by voice, or the like. The notification of the timing of the stop operation may be made when the target symbol reaches the stopping position to establish a winning combination, or may be made by notifying that the target symbol is within a change range in which it can stop at the stopping position to establish a winning combination. The change range may be the change range applied when the current stop operation is performed, or may be the narrowest change range that can be applied (3 frames for a cherry winning combination, 1 frame for a watermelon winning combination). The notification period may also be limited, and may be, for example, the period from when all the reels 6 rotate at a constant speed and a stopping operation is possible until the reels 6 rotate a predetermined number of times, or the period from when the first stop operation is performed until the reels 6 rotate a predetermined number of times.

The range of change thereafter may be set depending on the type of special or small winning that has been achieved, the timing of the reel 6 stop operation, such as whether or not the reel 6 was stopped when a specific symbol was in a specific position, and the results of a game separate from the game played by the reel 6. For example, the range of change is set to 5 frames in the specific game state ST30 that is executed after the special game state ST20 based on the achievement of an SBB win ends, the range of change is set to 3 frames in the specific game state ST30 that is executed after the special game state ST20 based on the achievement of an NBB win ends, and the range of change is set to 0 frames in the specific game state ST30 that is executed after the special game state ST20 based on the achievement of an RB win ends.

In the above embodiment, the change range for the watermelon and cherry winnings can be set differently from other winning combinations, but it is also possible to set individual change ranges for other winning combinations. For example, it is also possible to set individual change ranges for the special replay 1 winning and special replay 2 winning when each reel 6 is stopped. Also, the change ranges may differ even for the same winning combination. For example, there may be a bell 1 winning in which the change range for each reel 6 is 5 frames, and a bell 1 winning in which the change range for each reel 6 is 0 frames.

In addition, when a winning combination in which a part of the symbols constituting the winning combination is common to other winning combinations, such as the special replay 1 winning and the special replay 2 winning, is to be achieved only in a predetermined stopping order, the reel 6 that stops first may be the reel 6 with the common symbol. For example, in the case of the special replay 1 winning and the special replay 2 winning, the symbols on the middle reel 6b are both replays, so the middle reel 6b is set as the first stopped reel. By doing this, the timing at which it becomes clear which winning combination has been achieved can be delayed, and the interest in the game can be increased. In particular, if winning combinations in which a part of the symbols constituting the winning combination is common are allowed to win in duplicate, the winning combination that is achieved will vary depending on the player's skill, and the interest in the game can be further increased.

In addition, for winning roles in which some of the symbols constituting the winning role are common to other winning roles, it may be possible for the winning role to be achieved even if the predetermined stop order is not followed, and the range of change may be narrowed and the winning role may be difficult to achieve if the stop order is other than the predetermined stop order. In addition, a change range in which the common symbol can be stopped may be set for the reel 6 with the common symbol, and a narrower change range may be set for the other reels 6 than for the reel 6 with the common symbol. For example, in the case of a special replay 1 win and a special replay 2 win, a change range in which the replay can be stopped may be set for the middle reel 6b, and a narrower change range may be set for the other reels 6 than for the middle reel 6b.

In addition, when an internal win is made for a small winning combination that can be added to increase the difference number, which is the end condition of the specific game state ST30, the timing of the notification of the difference number to be added may be different depending on whether the mode of the small winning combination satisfies the notification condition. For example, when an internal win is made for a small winning combination that can be added to increase the difference number, which is the end condition of the specific game state ST30, if the notification condition is met that the number of pull-in frames when the third stop reel is stopped is within a predetermined number of frames (for example, 0 frames), the difference number to be added is immediately notified upon the establishment of the small winning combination, and if the notification condition is not met, the difference number to be added may be notified at the timing of the next game or later. If the notification condition is not met, this includes cases where the small winning combination could not be established, as well as cases where the small winning combination was established but was established by pulling in more than the predetermined number of pull-in frames. The notification condition for the difference number to be added can be set arbitrarily.

Furthermore, as described above, if the notification of the difference in the number of sheets to be added is set to the timing of the next game onwards, and if the notification has not yet been made, and a small winning combination that can be added to increase the difference in the number of sheets that is the end condition of the specific game state ST30 is internally won and the notification conditions are met, the difference in the number of sheets to be added due to the establishment of the small winning combination and the difference in the number of sheets to be added that has been carried over from the notification may be notified upon the establishment of the small winning combination. In this case, the notification may be made so that the difference in the number of sheets to be added due to the establishment of the small winning combination and the difference in the number of sheets to be added that has been carried over from the notification can be distinguished, or may be notified together.

The set range of change may also be notified. Any method of notification may be used, and the number of frames in the range of change may be clearly displayed or suggested by the image display device 3, sound, or LED. The range of change may not be notified or suggested in advance, but may be notified or suggested by the image display device 3, sound, or LED when the stop operation is performed. For example, the larger the range of change, the higher the sound that is output when the stop operation is performed. Furthermore, the number of frames (number of slips) that has actually changed when the stop operation is performed, rather than the range of change, may also be notified or suggested by the image display device 3, sound, or LED.

Although the change range is set for each reel 6 individually, it is also possible to set only the upper limit of the change range that can be used in one game, and to allow the stop position of each reel 6 to be changed within this range. For example, if the upper limit is set to 10 frames in one game, and the first reel is stopped after changing by 4 frames, the remaining change range of 6 frames becomes available, and if the second reel is subsequently stopped after changing by 5 frames, the remaining change range of 1 frame becomes available when the third reel is stopped.

The upper limit of this change range can be set according to the game state, the internally won role, the result of the lottery to determine the upper limit, etc. Also, the set upper limit and remaining change range may be notified or suggested. Also, if there is remaining change range for a game at the end of that game, it may be possible to carry it over to the next game or later.

Furthermore, the maximum change range for each reel 6 shown in FIG. 23 can also be applied at the same time. For example, if the watermelon B is in a ready state during a watermelon winning combination, the change range will be set to 1 even if the remaining change range is 2 or more. Conversely, if only watermelon A is in a ready state during a watermelon winning combination, but the remaining change range is 4 or less, the change range will be the value of the remaining change range. In other words, the lesser of the remaining change range and the change range corresponding to the reel 6 that is stopped will be applied.

In addition, while in Figures 23(b) and (c) the change range is set according to the stop order, it is also possible to set the change range according to the position of the reel 6, as in Figure 23(a). For example, the change range is set to 5 frames for the left reel 6a and center reel 6b, and 0 frames for the right reel 6c. By setting the change range according to the position of the reel 6 in this way, the difficulty of achieving a winning combination that requires careful eye contact and can only be achieved in a specific stop order changes according to the selected stop order, making the game more interesting.

In other words, when the right reel 6c is selected as the first stop reel, it may stop in any of the upper, middle, or lower positions, so it is essentially allowed to stop within a range of three frames. Also, when the right reel 6c is selected as the second stop reel, it is limited to a range of one to three frames depending on the stopping state of the first stop reel, so the difficulty level is higher than when it is selected as the first stop reel. And when the right reel 6c is selected as the third stop reel, it is limited to a range of one frame depending on the stopping state of the first stop reel and the second stop reel, so the difficulty level is the highest.

In addition, a fall replay may be provided in which the specific game state ST30 ends when the fall replay is realized as a winning combination, and the ease of the fall replay occurring may be changed by the set value of the change range. For example, the change range may be set according to the game state or the stopping state of other reels 6 as shown in Figures 23(b) and (c), or the change range may be set according to the position of the reel 6 as described above, and the stopping order may be specified.

Next, the execution mode and presentation of the specific game state and special game state will be explained. Figure 41 shows an example of the execution mode of the specific game state and special game state. As shown in Figure 41 (a), when the conditions for starting the specific game state are met in a normal game state other than the specific game state and special game state, the specific game state starts (t51). The specific game state ends when the difference in number of coins reaches a predetermined number, and when the conditions for starting the specific game state are met, the specific game state can be executed until the difference in number of coins reaches 200 coins. In addition, when conditions such as winning a specific small winning combination are met, it is possible to add on to increase the difference in number that is the end condition of the specific game state.

In addition, the advantageous zone begins with the start of the specific game state. The advantageous zone is a period during which either the specific game state or the special game state is being executed. The number of games executed in this advantageous zone is counted, and when the number of games reaches a predetermined number (e.g., 1,500 games), even if the specific game state or the special game state is being executed, it is terminated and the game returns to the normal game state.

After that, during the specific game state, an internal bonus win occurs (t52). Even if an internal bonus win occurs, the specific game state continues, and the counting of the difference in the number of coins, which is the condition for ending the specific game state, continues. Then, when a bonus win occurs during the specific game state, the specific game state is interrupted and the game state transitions to a special game state (t53).

The special game state ends when the difference in number of coins reaches a specified number (t53), but the difference in number of coins that is the end condition of the special game state is counted separately from the difference in number of coins that is the end condition of the specific game state. In other words, while in the special game state, counting the difference in number that is the end condition of the specific game state is suspended. As will be described later, the difference in number of coins displayed on the image display device 3 is displayed as a total for the specific game state and the special game state. Also, even if there is a transition from the specific game state to the special game state, it does not change that it is in an advantageous zone, and the counting of the number of games played in the advantageous zone continues.

When the special game state ends, the interrupted specific game state is resumed (t54). This restarts the counting of the difference in the number of coins that is the condition for ending the specific game state. At this time, counting is restarted from the difference in the number of coins at the time when it was interrupted due to the start of the special game state. Note that if there is an addition due to the execution of the special game state, the difference in the number of coins will increase due to the addition. Also, even if there is a transition from the special game state to the specific game state, it does not change the fact that it is in an advantageous zone, and the counting of the number of games executed in the advantageous zone continues.

When the game progresses in the specific game state and the number of games played in the advantageous zone reaches a predetermined number, the specific game state ends and transitions to the normal game state, and the advantageous zone ends (t55). In this case, the end of the specific game state due to the difference in number of coins occurs at a later time (t56), but the number of games played in the advantageous zone had reached the predetermined number before that (t55), and the specific game state ends at this point.

Figure 41 (b) shows a case where the number of games played in the advantageous zone reaches a predetermined number during the execution of a special game state that occurs during the execution of a specific game state. First, a bonus is won during the execution of the specific game state, and the special game state begins (t61). Here, the number of games played in the advantageous zone reaches a predetermined number (t63) before the timing at which the special game state ends due to the difference in the number of coins (t63), and at this point the special game state ends and transitions to the normal game state, ending the advantageous zone (t62). In addition, the specific game state (t63-t64), which was interrupted by the start of the special game state and was scheduled to resume when the special game state ends, will no longer be executed.

In addition, when an internal bonus is won in a situation where the special gaming state may end when the number of games played in the advantageous zone reaches a predetermined number, as in FIG. 41(b), a presentation may be provided that suggests or notifies the player that the normal gaming state will occur when the special gaming state ends at a predetermined timing.

Figure 42 shows an example of the presentation on the image display device 3 in the specific game state and the special game state. When the conditions for starting the specific game state are met in a normal game state other than the specific game state and the special game state, and the specific game state starts, as shown in Figure 42 (a), a notification of the start of the specific game state is given by notifying the start of the tiger mode, which is a presentation mode corresponding to the specific game state. During the specific game state, as shown in Figure 42 (b), a presentation mode display 91 showing the current presentation mode is displayed, and an accumulated information display 92 showing the current difference in number of coins (number of coins won) is displayed. The accumulated information display 92 displays the difference in number of coins in the specific game state and the difference in number of coins in the special game state together. In other words, the difference in number of coins in the advantageous zone is displayed.

When the game is started from the state shown in FIG. 42(b), the difference in number of coins is subtracted by 3 in accordance with the amount of the bet in the cumulative information display 92 as shown in FIG. 42(c). Also, here, an internal win for the bell prize has been won, and the stopping sequence that will result in the bell prize is shown. When the bell prize is won, the number of coins to be paid out is displayed as shown in FIG. 42(d), and is added to the cumulative information display 92 as shown in FIG. 42(e).

Also, as shown in Figures 42(e) and (f), if both the watermelon win and the SBB win are won, a suggestion display will be displayed to indicate that the watermelon win has been won. When the watermelon win is achieved, the number of coins to be paid out is displayed as shown in Figure 42(f), and is added to the cumulative information display 92 as shown in Figure 42(h). Here, an internal win has been achieved for the bonus win, and there is a bonus flag, but no notification or presentation is given to the effect that a bonus win is possible. This allows the player to play in the specific game state without being aware of the bonus win.

After that, the game progresses with the bonus flag in place, and a game starts with a miss result, as shown in Figures 42(i) and (j). Since the miss result means that a bonus win is possible, a display is displayed encouraging the player to aim for an SBB win, as shown in Figure 42(j). This display is displayed in the same position and in the same manner as the display of the stopping sequence for achieving a small win and the type of small win that is internally won, so the player can play in a specific game state without being aware of the bonus win.

Here, the player is unable to achieve a bonus win, the game ends with a losing result, and no payout is made, so the number of coins to be paid out is not displayed, as shown in Figure 42 (k). The bonus flag is carried over to the next game. Then, the game progresses with the bonus flag in place, and a game begins with a losing result, as shown in Figures 42 (l) and (m). Since the losing result means that a bonus win is possible, a display is displayed encouraging the player to aim for an SBB win, as shown in Figure 42 (m). Here, the player has achieved a bonus win, so the specific game state is interrupted and a special game state is started.

When the special game state is started, as shown in FIG. 42(n), the presentation mode display 91 showing the current presentation mode is changed to display "Super Tiger Mode", which is the presentation mode corresponding to the special game state. Other than this, no special presentation display is performed, and the same display as that at the end of the game as shown in FIG. 42(k) is performed. Since the number of coins paid out for the SBB winning is 0, the number of coins paid out is not displayed. In addition, the cumulative information display 92 takes over the display contents in the specific game state, and the number of coins won in the special game state is added to the number of coins won in the specific game state. However, internally, the counting of the difference in the number of coins in the specific game state is suspended, and the counting of the difference in the number of coins in the special game state is started.

As shown in Fig. 42 (o) to (r), even in the special game state, the display is the same as in the specific game state, and no special effects are displayed to indicate that the game is in the special game state. When the special game state ends and the specific game state is resumed, the effect mode display 91 showing the current effect mode is changed to the "Tiger mode" effect mode corresponding to the specific game state, as shown in Fig. 42 (s). Other than this, no special effect display is performed, and the same display as that at the end of the game as shown in Fig. 42 (k) is performed. In addition, the cumulative information display 92 takes over the display contents in the special game state, and the number of coins won in the specific game state is added to the number of coins won at the end of the special game state. However, internally, the counting of the difference in the number of coins in the special game state ends, and the counting of the difference in the number of coins in the specific game state that was interrupted is resumed.

When transitioning between the specific game state and the special game state, there is no fanfare time that delays the start of the game at the beginning of the special game state, nor an ending time that delays the start of the game at the end of the special game state, and the game can be played at the same intervals when transitioning between the specific game state and the special game state as when playing in the specific game state. In addition, the cumulative information display 92 is carried over and displayed even when the game state is transitioned between the specific game state and the special game state. The presentation mode display 91 is also carried over in almost the same manner. These cumulative value notification unit 92 and presentation mode display 91 form a specific display that is carried over and displayed between the specific game state and the special game state.

In other words, the presentation in the special game state is designed to progress the game while retaining elements of the presentation in the specific game state. This allows the specific game state and the special game state to be played without any separation, making the player unaware of the special game state, and even when the game state changes, the player's senses of ball output, speed, rhythm, etc. can be maintained, improving the enjoyment of the game. In addition, the cumulative information display 92 adds up the difference in the number of coins between the specific game state and the special game state, which is a larger value than when each is reported separately, giving the player the feeling that he or she has won a large number of coins.

After that, when a predetermined period of time has passed before the end of the specific game state, a suggestion effect is executed to suggest a possible change in the game state, as shown in Figures 42 (t) and (u). This suggestion effect shows an ally character fighting an enemy character, and if the ally character wins, it is suggested that the specific game state will continue, which is advantageous to the player, and if the ally character loses, it is suggested that the specific game state will end, which is disadvantageous to the player. In this case, the specific game state ends, and a presentation is made in which the ally character loses, as shown in Figure 42 (u), and the specific game state ends. When the specific game state ends, the difference in number of coins (number of coins won) is announced, as shown in Figure 42 (v), and then the presentation transitions to the normal game state.

The suggestive effect is executed not only when a specific game state ends because the difference in number of coins reaches a predetermined number, but also when a specific game state or a special game state ends because the number of games played in the advantageous zone reaches a predetermined number, as shown in FIG. 41. In other words, it is executed in common when the advantageous zone ends. In this way, by making it a common suggestive effect regardless of the conditions that cause the advantageous zone to end, it is possible for the player to feel a sense of discomfort even in the case of an unintended ending due to the number of games played in the advantageous zone reaching a predetermined number.

Suggestive effects are also used to suggest that an internal win has been won for a bonus prize during normal gameplay. However, if an internal win for a bonus prize is won during a specific gameplay state, no suggestive effects are performed to suggest the internal win, so as not to make the player aware of the special gameplay state. Of course, if the advantageous period does not end or if an internal win for a bonus prize has not been won, so-called false effects can be executed with a certain probability. Furthermore, the content of the suggestive effects is not limited to those shown here.

If the symbol combination corresponding to the bonus win is not a special symbol combination such as "777" but a symbol combination using symbols commonly used for small role wins, it becomes difficult to tell that a bonus win has been achieved, and the separation between the specific game state and the special game state can be eliminated. Symbols commonly used for small role wins include bells, watermelons, and cherries. The same effect can be obtained by using the symbol combination used for small role wins as the symbol combination corresponding to the bonus win. For example, the symbol combination corresponding to the SBB win can be "replay-bell-bell." If the symbol combination corresponding to the bonus win is a symbol combination that can be achieved without the player having to press the buttons, the special game state can be started without the player being aware of it, and the separation between the specific game state and the special game state can be eliminated.

In addition, in FIG. 42(j) and other figures, a display is shown indicating the corresponding symbol in a game in which a bonus win can be achieved in a specific gaming state (here, "Aim for 7!!"), but other displays may be used to indicate the symbol. For example, an image showing the part of the reel 6 facing the symbol display window 5 may be used to display which symbols will stop on the winning line or pseudo winning line. In this case, all symbols on the part of the reel 6 facing the symbol display window 5 may be displayed, or only the main symbols may be displayed. For example, symbols that require eye-striking may be displayed, and symbols that do not require eye-striking may not be displayed. Hiding symbols that do not require eye-striking makes them easier to see and understand.

In addition, when there are multiple possible stop patterns, such as when either a stop pattern in which the symbols line up on a middle line or a stop pattern in which the symbols line up on a line that slopes upwards to the right is selected depending on the timing of the stop operation, images showing some or all of the stop patterns may be displayed. Also, images showing both a case in which the symbols line up on a winning line and a case in which the symbols line up on a pseudo winning line may be displayed.

In addition, the cumulative information display 92 does not notify the value of the difference in the number of coins at which the specific game state ends or the value of the difference in the number of coins at which the special game state ends, but these may be notified. Furthermore, if an add-on is applied in the specific game state, an add-on effect may be performed to notify the user of the add-on, and if a special game state occurs in the specific game state, the same effect as the add-on effect may be performed. The add-on increases the difference in the number of coins until the specific game state ends, extending the period of the specific game state, but the occurrence of a special game state also extends the specific game state by the difference in the number of coins that can be obtained in the special game state, and by treating these as add-ons, it is possible to make the specific game state appear to be continuing for a long period of time.

In addition, the corresponding presentation modes are different between the specific game state and the special game state, and different displays are displayed on the presentation mode display 91. However, the same presentation mode may be used for both the specific game state and the special game state, and the display of the presentation mode display 91 may be the same in both the specific game state and the special game state. In other words, the display content of the image display device 3 may be the same in the specific game state and the special game state.

In addition, when the advantageous zone ends, an ending result that forms a specific symbol combination may be derived to end the zone. The advantageous zone may end, for example, when the difference in number of coins reaches a specified number in the specific game state, when the difference in number of coins reaches a specified number in the special game state and the game does not transition to the specific game state, or when the number of games played in the advantageous zone reaches a specified number. In these cases, an ending result may be derived to notify the player of the end of the advantageous zone. In particular, when the number of games played in the advantageous zone reaches a specified number, the advantageous zone ends at an unnatural time, so by impressing the player that the game will transition to the normal game state once the ending result is derived, the advantageous zone can end without feeling unnatural. In addition, a specific ending effect may be performed instead of or in addition to the ending result.

In addition, here, both the specific game state and the special game state are terminated when the difference in the number of coins meets the termination condition, but they may be terminated under other conditions. For example, both the specific game state and the special game state may be terminated when the number of games played in each game state meets the termination condition. If a special combination is won and the game state transitions to the special game state ST20 when the number of games played in the specific game state ST30 does not meet the termination condition of the specific game state ST30 (a state in which there is a number of games remaining), the game state transitions to the specific game state ST30 after the special game state ST20 ends, and the number of remaining games is consumed. In this way, when managing the transition of the game state based on the number of games, the cumulative information display 92 displays the number of games played. In addition, when transitioning between the specific game state and the special game state, the cumulative information display 92 is updated following the number of games displayed in the cumulative information display 92 in the game state before the transition.

In addition, when the special game state or specific game state is ended by the number of games executed in the advantageous zone reaching a predetermined number, the display of the cumulative value notification unit 92 may be ended, or a specific display (such as "MAX") may be displayed that does not clearly indicate the difference in number. In this case, the difference in number displayed in the cumulative value notification unit 92 may end the special game state or specific game state without satisfying the end conditions of the state, which may dissatisfy the player, so when it is clear that the special game state or specific game state will be ended by the number of games executed in the advantageous zone reaching a predetermined number, it is preferable not to clearly indicate the difference in number.

In addition, the display on the image display device 3 is made common between the special game state and the specific game state, so that the presentation in the special game state progresses while retaining elements of the presentation in the specific game state, but other elements may also be common. For example, since the specific game state notifies the player of the push order, the push order may also be notified in the special game state. However, in the special game state, bells are won and generated regardless of the push order, so there is no need to notify the player of the push order. Therefore, the push order is notified as a presentation. And, for example, a setting suggestion presentation or points may be given depending on the number of times the push order is followed (the image displayed at the end of the special game state is likely to correspond to the setting value, and special presentations such as unlocking songs with points are implemented).

In addition, since this is the push order used in the performance, the push order selected by the performance control means 300 is to be notified. In this case, it is desirable to have a display mode different from that of the push order notification when the push order bell is won. For example, the push order notification when the push order bell is won in a specific game state is to add a color (yellow) or image (the same image as the bell pattern) that is reminiscent of a bell to the push order image, and when the winning is established, the first payout sound is output as the payout sound, and the light emission mode at the time of payout is set to be a color (yellow) that is reminiscent of the push order bell. In contrast, the push order notification in the performance during the special game state is set to a color (for example, black) that is not reminiscent of a bell, and no image is added. In addition, when the winning is established, the second payout sound different from the first payout sound is output as the payout sound, and the light emission mode at the time of payout is set to be a color (only white) that is not reminiscent of the push order bell. This lets the player know that the button press sequence will not affect the outcome of the game, and that pressing the buttons in the wrong sequence will not result in significant disadvantage.

Also, the start condition of the AT state may be different from the start condition of the RT state, and the end condition of the AT state may be different from the end condition of the RT state. For example, the end condition of the AT state may be a predetermined number of difference coins, and the end condition of the RT state may be a game result mode in which a specific end result is derived. Then, the period from the end of the AT state to the derivation of the end result may be a specific game state end preparation state (RT state), and the game state may go through this end preparation state to the normal game state. The presentation in the end preparation state (mainly the screen) may display the same part as the normal game state (background image) and images that are displayed during or at the end of the specific game state (image of the end of tiger mode, display of the number of coins acquired, etc.). In other words, a display that mixes elements of the normal game state and elements of the specific game state may be displayed. This allows the transition from the specific game state to the normal game state to be presented without any sense of incongruity.

For example, the start condition for the AT state may be the acquisition of ART rights or the fulfillment of a predetermined condition after the acquisition of ART rights, and the start condition for the RT state may be the derivation of a specific starting result as the game result mode. The period from the start of the AT state to the derivation of the starting result may be a start preparation state for a specific game state (AT state), and the ART state may be reached after passing through this start preparation state. The presentation in the start preparation state (mainly the screen) may display the same parts as the normal game state (background image) and the same parts as the specific game state (such as notifications of push order). In other words, a display may be made that mixes elements of the normal game state and elements of the specific game state. This makes it possible to start the specific game state without any sense of incongruity.

In this way, when the AT state or RT state is possible in addition to the ART state, all of these are more advantageous states for the player than the normal gaming state ST10, so the ART state, AT state, and RT state can be treated as specific gaming states ST20, i.e., advantageous zones. In addition, multiple states that differ in the ease of adding on may be provided in the ART state, AT state, and RT state, and these states are also included in the advantageous zone. The ART state may be the specific gaming state ST30, and the AT state and RT state may be treated as gaming states separate from the specific gaming state ST30, and in this case, the AT state and RT state are also included in the advantageous zone. In other words, the advantageous zone includes at least the special gaming state ST20 and the specific gaming state ST30, and may also include other states.

In addition, there is a normal gaming state ST10 as a normal section (normal period) that is not an advantageous section, and this normal gaming state ST10 includes a low probability state ST11 and a high probability state ST12, and further includes a chance zone that has a high probability of transitioning to a specific gaming state ST30 and a predetermined period after a rare role is derived. These low probability states ST11, high probability states ST12, chance zones, and predetermined periods after a rare role is derived may be treated as gaming states separate from the normal gaming state ST10, and in this case, these states are also included in the normal section. In other words, the normal section includes at least the normal gaming state ST1, and may also include other states.

In view of the above, in a gaming machine (slot machine 1) equipped with a plurality of reels 6 capable of variably displaying a plurality of symbols, a control means (game control device 100) capable of performing an internal lottery for a role each time a game involving the variably displaying of the plurality of reels 6 is executed, and a plurality of stop operation units (reel stop buttons 24a, 24b, 24c) for individually stopping and displaying the plurality of reels 6, when the result of a game stopped and displayed by operating the plurality of stop operation units becomes a stopped pattern corresponding to a role won by the internal lottery, the role includes a specific role that is achieved by operating the plurality of stop operation units in a predetermined stopping order, and a special role that generates a special game state when a win is achieved, and the control means is configured to set one of the game states: a normal game state ST10; a specific game state ST30, which is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state ST10 and is entered based on the establishment of a predetermined condition; and a special game state ST20, which is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state ST10 and is entered based on the establishment of a special role. Game information in the specific game state ST30 is accumulated, and the specific game state ST30 is terminated based on the accumulation result satisfying the termination condition. Even if a special role is internally won in the specific game state ST30, the specific game state ST30 is continued and the accumulation of game information in the specific game state ST30 is continued. Therefore, the specific game state and the special game state can be executed without any separation, which can improve the interest of the game. The accumulated game information can be the difference in number of coins or the number of games.

The device also includes a display device (image display device 3) capable of displaying information related to the game, and the control means is configured to accumulate game information in the special game state ST20 and terminate the special game state ST20 based on the accumulated result satisfying the termination condition, and the display device can perform an accumulated information display 92 that displays information related to the accumulated result of game information in the specific game state ST30 or the special game state ST20, and when a special combination is won in the specific game state ST30 and the game state transitions to the special game state ST20, the accumulated information display 92 is updated following the display contents of the accumulated information display 92 that was displayed in the specific game state ST30. This makes it possible to execute the specific game state and the special game state without any separation, thereby improving the interest of the game.

The device is also provided with a display device capable of displaying information related to the game, and the control means is configured to accumulate game information in the special game state ST20 and terminate the special game state ST20 based on the accumulated result satisfying the termination condition, and the display device can perform an accumulated information display 92 that displays information related to the accumulated result of game information in the specific game state ST30 or the special game state ST20, and when the specific game state ST30 is entered after the special game state ST20 is terminated, the accumulated information display 92 is updated following the display contents of the accumulated information display 92 that was displayed in the special game state ST20. Therefore, the specific game state and the special game state can be executed without any separation, which can increase the interest of the game.

The control means accumulates the number of game media acquired as game information in the specific game state ST30 in the specific game state ST30, and ends the specific game state ST30 when the accumulated result satisfies the end condition, and accumulates the number of game media acquired as game information in the special game state ST20 in the special game state ST20, and ends the special game state ST20 when the accumulated result satisfies the end condition. Therefore, the end condition for both the special game state and the specific game state is determined by the number of game media acquired, and the presentation can be shared, allowing the specific game state and the special game state to be played without any separation, improving the interest of the game.

In addition, in a gaming machine (slot machine 1) equipped with a control means (game control device 100) that executes a game in which a plurality of symbols are variably displayed and executes control capable of generating a special gaming state when the result of the game results in a special result, the gaming machine is equipped with a display control means (presentation control device 300) that can display a predetermined image on a display device (image display device 3), and the control means is capable of setting at least a normal gaming state ST10, a specific gaming state ST30 that is more advantageous than the normal gaming state ST10, and a special gaming state ST20 to which the game transitions in response to a special result being achieved, and a normal period that includes at least the normal gaming state ST10, and an advantageous period that includes at least the special gaming state ST20 and the specific gaming state ST30 ( The game is executed in either the special game state ST20 or the specific game state ST30, and the special game state ST20 and the specific game state ST30 are ended when a predetermined ending condition is satisfied. The advantageous period can be transitioned from the advantageous period to the normal period when an ending condition different from the ending condition of the special game state ST20 and the ending condition of the specific game state ST30 is satisfied. The normal period can be transitioned from the normal period to the advantageous period when one of a plurality of transition conditions is satisfied. When the game transitions to the special game state ST20 in response to a special result in the specific game state ST30, the display control means continues to display the specific display that was displayed in the specific game state ST30. Therefore, the specific game state and the special game state can be executed without any separation, which can increase the interest of the game.

Figure 43 (a) shows a case where an internal bonus win is made in a specific gaming state (t81), but the number of games played in the advantageous zone before the bonus win is realized reaches a predetermined number (t82).

A bonus flag is set (t71) indicating that a bonus win can be achieved by an internal win of a bonus win. This bonus flag is carried over to the next game even if a bonus win cannot be achieved in the game being played. Here, a bonus win cannot be achieved while this bonus flag is set, the number of games played in the advantageous zone reaches a predetermined number, and the specific gaming state ends before the scheduled end timing (t73) (t72). In this case, the bonus flag is cleared as the specific gaming state ends and the advantageous zone ends. In other words, it is not possible to achieve a bonus win that was internally won.

Figure 43 (b) shows a case where the condition for adding is met (t81) when the timing when the number of games played in the advantageous zone reaches a predetermined number (t82) precedes the timing when the specific gaming state due to the difference in number of coins ends (t83). In this case, it is clear that the period of the specific gaming state (t83 to t84) that is extended by the increase in the difference in number due to the adding will not be executed. In this case, the difference in number of coins is not added. This prevents the player from feeling dissatisfied that the added amount is not executed.

In a situation where the timing (t82) when the number of games played in the advantageous zone reaches a predetermined number precedes the timing (t83) when the specific gaming state due to the difference in number of coins ends, the difference in number of coins may be added internally, but the player may not be notified that an addition has been made. Also, the condition for adding may not be met. For example, a lottery for adding coins may not be held, or in the lottery for adding coins, the option of not adding coins may always be selected.

As shown in FIG. 43, even if a bonus win is not established or an add-on is not performed, the history information that records information on previously established bonus wins, information on small winning combinations that have been won in conjunction with a bonus win, and information on ART may record the bonus win, information on small winning combinations that have been won in conjunction with a bonus win, and information on the add-on. The history information includes gaming machine history information, which is the history information on the gaming machine, and player history information, which is the history information on the player's play. Information on bonus wins that were not established, small winning combinations that have been won in conjunction with a bonus win, and information on add-on that was not performed may be recorded in only one of the history information, or may be recorded in both history information.

For example, bonus wins that were not realized or additional wins that were not executed may not be recorded in the player history information because the player is not aware of their existence. However, information about bonus wins and minor winning combinations that were overlapping wins may be recorded in the player history information, or may be recorded as not overlapping wins. Also, since bonus wins that were not realized and additional wins that were not executed are still wins as a result of the lottery on the gaming machine, all of them may be recorded in the gaming machine history information.

In addition, the processing shown in Figures 41 and 43, which is performed when the number of games played in the advantageous zone reaches a predetermined number, is performed in the advantageous zone management processing (step S119, see Figure 15) in the game control device 100. In this processing, when the processing shown in Figures 41 and 43 is performed when the number of games played in the advantageous zone reaches a predetermined number, information to that effect may be sent to the presentation control device 300.

Next, the effects associated with the awarding of game value will be described. As shown in FIG. 44, when the payout of medals, which are game media, begins as the awarding of game value, the speakers 4a, 4b, which constitute the sound output means, begin to output a grant sound that notifies the payout of medals (t101). In addition, the flow path contact sound caused by the medal reaching and contacting the flow path is emitted with a delay of the time it takes for the medal paid out from the medal payout device to reach the flow path (t101-t102) (t102). In addition, the lower tray contact sound caused by the medal reaching and contacting the lower tray 27 is emitted with a delay of the time it takes for the medal paid out from the medal payout device to reach the lower tray 27 (t101-t103) (t103).

During this payout, the medals stored in the medal payout device run out, or the medals become clogged in the medal payout device, causing a medal payout error in which the medal payout motor 63 is driven but the medal payout sensor 59 cannot detect the paid-out medals (t104). As a result, the payout of medals is interrupted, and the output of the grant sound is stopped along with this interruption (t104). In addition, the cessation of the flow path contact sound (t105) and the cessation of the lower tray contact sound (t106) are delayed from the cessation of medal payout by the amount of time it takes for them to arrive from the medal payout device. Furthermore, as a result of the occurrence of a medal payout error, the output of an error notification sound from the speakers 4a and 4b begins, and the decoration device 46 equipped with an LED begins to emit an error light (t104). The error light is emitted in a specific light emission mode, which is a predetermined light emission mode that notifies of an abnormality.

After that, when the medal payout error is cleared, the suspended payout of medals is resumed (t107). In addition, the start of the flow path contact sound (t108) and the start of the lower tray contact sound (t109) are delayed from the start of medal payout by the amount of time it takes for them to arrive from the medal payout device. In addition, the error notification sound stops outputting when the medal payout error is cleared. Here, even if the medal payout error is cleared and payout resumes, the grant sound is not resumed. This makes it easier to hear the drive sound, flow path contact sound, and lower tray contact sound of the medal payout device, making it possible to confirm by sound whether the abnormality in the gaming machine has been resolved.

In addition, the error notification sound stops being output when the medal payout error is cleared, but the error light does not end immediately after the medal payout error is cleared. It continues to emit light at least until the bottom tray contact sound starts (t109) and then ends (t110). This indicates that attention should be paid to the driving sound of the medal payout device, the flow path contact sound, and the bottom tray contact sound.

When all medals to be paid out have been paid out, the medal payout ends (t111). The cessation of the flow path contact sound (t112) and the cessation of the lower tray contact sound (t113) are delayed from the cessation of medal payout by the amount of time it takes for each to arrive from the medal payout device.

[Payment and attendance setting process]
45 shows a payout performance setting process executed to set performance related to the payout of medals in the lamp & sound & image editing process (step S519) that sets various performance modes in the main process executed by the performance control device 300. In this payout performance setting process, first, it is determined whether or not there is a payout flag (step S801).

The payout in progress flag is a flag that is set during the period from the start to the completion of the payout of medals. If this payout in progress flag is not present (step S801; N), it is determined whether a payout start command that the game control device 100 sends when starting the payout of medals has been received (step S802). If this payout start command has not been received (step S802; N), the process proceeds to step S814. If a payout start command has been received (step S802; Y), the payout in progress flag is set (step S803), and output of the grant sound is started (step S804).

Next, it is determined whether the game control device 100 has received the end payout command, which is sent when the payout of medals is to be completed (step S811). If the payout end command has not been received (step S811; N), the process proceeds to step S814. If the payout end command has been received (step S811; Y), the payout in progress flag is cleared (step S812), the output of the payout sound is stopped (step S813), and the process proceeds to step S814.

On the other hand, if the payout in progress flag is set (step S801; Y), it is determined whether a payout error clear command sent from the game control device 100 when the medal payout error is cleared has been received (step S805). If this payout error clear command has been received (step S805; Y), an initial value is set to the error light emission timer. The error light emission timer measures the time for which the error light emission continues from the clearing of the medal payout error, and an initial value is set to a value that corresponds to a time longer than the time from the clearing of the medal payout error to the output of the lower tray contact sound. Furthermore, the output of the error notification sound is stopped (step S807), and the process proceeds to step S811.

If the payout error release command has not been received (step S805; N), it is determined whether a payout error occurrence command transmitted from the game control device 100 when a medal payout error occurs has been received (step S808). If this payout error occurrence command has not been received (step S808; N), the process proceeds to step S811. If the payout error occurrence command has been received (step S808; Y), the process starts emitting error light (step S809), starts outputting an error notification sound (step S810), and proceeds to step S813 where output of the sound is stopped.

In step S814, if the error light emission timer is not 0, it is updated by -1 (step S814), and it is determined whether the error light emission timer has become 0 (step S815). Then, if the error light emission timer has not become 0 (step S815; N), the payment appearance setting process is terminated. Also, if the error light emission timer has become 0 (step S815; Y), the end of the error light emission is set (step S816), and the payment appearance setting process is terminated.

Although it has been stated that the dispense sound is not output after the medal payout error is cleared, the volume may be reduced compared to normal payout. Also, after the medal payout error is cleared, the volume of sounds other than the dispense sound may also be reduced or stopped from being output. This makes it easier to hear the drive sound of the medal payout device, the flow path contact sound, and the bottom tray contact sound.

In addition, medals may be paid out based on the establishment of a win or by releasing credits. In either case, the awarding sound may be controlled as shown in FIG. 44. Alternatively, when medals are paid out based on the establishment of a win, the awarding sound may be controlled as shown in FIG. 44, and when medals are paid out based on the release of credits, the awarding sound may be resumed when a medal payout error is cleared. When medals are paid out based on the release of credits, there is a possibility that the payout may be made by fraudulently causing the medals to be paid out. Therefore, by resuming the awarding sound when a medal payout error is cleared, it is possible to notify those around that a payout is being made by releasing credits.

In addition, in addition to paying out gaming media such as medals, game value can also be added to credits. A sound of the value being added may also be output when the value is added to credits. When the value is being added to credits, the value may also be interrupted due to an abnormality, in which case the sound of the value being added may be stopped. When the value is interrupted and then resumed, the sound of the value being added associated with the addition may not be output, or when the value is being added to credits, the sound of the value being added associated with the resumption of the value being added may be output.

In addition, in the case of credit addition, the effect related to the addition, such as the addition sound, may be terminated at the point when the abnormality occurs. In the case of credit addition, the addition to the credit has already been completed at the time the effect related to the addition is executed, so no inconvenience will occur if the effect is not resumed after the abnormality is resolved.

In order to make the flow path contact sound more likely to occur or to make the flow path contact sound louder, a sound generating member such as an uneven portion or a metal plate may be provided on the wall of the flow path through which the medals are dispensed. The position of the sound generating member is preferably the part where the medals and the flow path are most in contact with each other in the part where the medals flow in from the medal dispensing device (placed in the part where the medals have the most momentum). In order to make the lower tray contact sound more likely to occur or to make the lower tray contact sound louder, a sound generating member may be provided on a part where the medals flowing into the lower tray 27 may come into contact. For example, all of the parts where the medals flowing into the lower tray 27 may come into contact may be made of metal, or only the part where the medals flying out of the outlet of the flow path come into contact most may be made of metal, or the edge of the outlet of the flow path may be covered with a metal member to make the contact sound easier to hear (it does not have to be metal, but may be made of a material different from the other members). In addition, since the background music is louder in the specific game state and the special game state than in the normal game state, after the medal dispensing error is released, the background music may be faded in (gradually increased) or the like to make the flow path contact sound and the lower tray contact sound easier to hear.

In view of the above, a gaming machine (slot machine 1) capable of executing a game based on the establishment of a predetermined condition and awarding game value according to the result of the game is provided with sound output means (speakers 4a, 4b) capable of outputting sound, and sound output control means (presentation control device 300) for controlling the sound output means, and the sound output control means is capable of outputting an awarding sound from the sound output means in association with the awarding of game value, and when the awarding of game value is resumed after being interrupted due to the occurrence of an abnormality, it is possible not to output the awarding sound associated with the award. This makes it easier to hear the driving sound, flow path contact sound, and bottom tray contact sound of the medal payout device, making it possible to confirm by sound whether the abnormality in the gaming machine has been resolved, and making it easier to confirm recovery from the abnormality.

The device also includes a light-emitting means (frame decoration device 46) capable of performing effects through light emission, and a light-emitting control means (effect control device 300) for controlling the light-emitting means. When an abnormality occurs in the awarding of game value during the awarding of game value and the awarding is interrupted, the light-emitting control means can cause the light-emitting means to emit light in a specific light-emitting mode to notify the abnormality, and when the interrupted awarding is resumed due to the abnormality being resolved, the light emission in the specific light-emitting mode continues until a predetermined period has elapsed since the abnormality was resolved. This can therefore prompt confirmation that the abnormality has been resolved.

The system also includes a payout device that pays out gaming media according to the gaming value, and a tray (lower tray 27) that receives the gaming media paid out from the payout device, and the light emission control means sets the predetermined period to at least the period until the gaming media paid out by the payout device reaches the tray when payout is resumed due to the elimination of the abnormality. This can therefore encourage caution until recovery from the abnormality can be visually confirmed.

[First Modification]
Next, a first modified example of the gaming machine of the above embodiment will be described. Basically, the gaming machine has the same configuration as the gaming machine of the above embodiment, and the following description will be omitted for the parts having the same configuration with the same reference numerals, and mainly the different parts will be described. In the gaming machine of this modified example, when the number of games played in the advantageous zone before the internally won bonus winning is established in a specific gaming state reaches a predetermined number, the bonus flag corresponding to the bonus winning is carried over without being cleared.

Figure 46 shows an example of a case where the number of games played in the advantageous zone reaches a predetermined number. In this example, an internal win for a bonus prize is won in the advantageous zone (t121), but the bonus prize cannot be won, and the specific gaming state ends (t123) before the number of games played in the advantageous zone reaches a predetermined number and the scheduled end timing (t124) with the bonus flag still set. Even in this case, the bonus flag is carried over, and it is possible to win a bonus prize after the advantageous zone ends (t126).

In this case, since the special gaming state occurred during the normal gaming state, the start of this special gaming state will also start a new advantageous zone. Therefore, it is also possible to transition to a specific gaming state after the special gaming state. However, in the case of a special gaming state based on a bonus flag that has been carried over beyond the timing when the number of games played in the advantageous zone reaches a predetermined number, as in this example, it may be possible to prevent a transition to the specific gaming state after the special gaming state ends.

In addition, a suggestive effect is executed for a predetermined period before the end of the specific game state (t122-t123). This suggestive effect suggests the end of the specific game state, and is an effect that suggests that the ally character will lose and that the result will be unfavorable to the player. In this example, the specific game state ends when the number of games played in the advantageous zone reaches a predetermined number, so the suggestive effect starts a predetermined period before the timing when the number of games played in the advantageous zone reaches the predetermined number, and is executed until the number of games played in the advantageous zone reaches the predetermined number.

In addition, although the bonus flag is set here, the suggestion effect to end the specific game state is executed regardless of the presence or absence of the bonus flag, and the content of the effect does not suggest the presence of a bonus flag. Of course, it is also possible to suggest the presence of a bonus flag; for example, although the effect shows that an ally character loses, the content may be different depending on the presence or absence of a bonus flag.

When the special game state ends, the game enters the normal game state, and the presentation changes to that of the normal game state (t123). Here too, the bonus flag is present, but in order to indicate that the game has transitioned to the normal game state, the presentation in the normal game state does not suggest the presence of the bonus flag. Of course, the presentation may also suggest the presence of a bonus flag. Then, at a specified timing, a suggestion presentation is executed that suggests an internal win for a bonus prize (t125-t126). This suggestion presentation suggests the occurrence of a special game state, and therefore suggests that the ally character will win, resulting in a favorable outcome for the player.

In addition, the bonus win and the bonus win and the overlapping small win are recorded in the player history information and gaming machine history information, which record information on previously established bonus wins, information on bonus wins and overlapping small wins, and information on ART. However, when a special gaming state occurs based on a bonus flag carried over from the timing when the number of games played in the advantageous zone reaches a predetermined number as in this example, the timing at which the information is recorded and made viewable may be made different. For example, at the timing (t121) when the bonus win and the overlapping small win are both established, the information on the bonus win and the overlapping small win are recorded in the gaming machine history information and made viewable. In contrast, the player history information may only contain information on the bonus win and the overlapping small win, and viewing may be made possible from the timing (t126) when the bonus win is established.

The present invention is not limited to the slot machines shown in the above embodiment, but can be applied to all slot machines, such as slot machines that use gaming balls. It can also be applied to gaming machines such as pachinko gaming machines, arrange ball gaming machines, and mahjong ball gaming machines. The configurations of the above embodiment and the modified examples can be combined as appropriate and applied.

Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

1. Slot machine (amusement machine)
3 Image display device (display device)
6 Reel 24a Left reel stop button (operation part)
24b Center reel stop button (operation part)
24c Right reel stop button (operation part)
92 Accumulated information display 100 Game control device (control means)

Claims (1)

A plurality of reels capable of variably displaying a plurality of symbols; and a control means capable of performing an internal lottery for each game involving the variably displaying of the plurality of reels;
A presentation means capable of presenting the game;
A performance control means capable of controlling the performance means,
In a gaming machine in which, when the result of the game becomes a stop pattern corresponding to a winning combination in an internal lottery, the winning combination is established,
The above roles include:
Including special roles that result in a special gaming state when a winning combination is achieved,
The control means
A normal interval including a normal gaming state and an advantageous interval that is an interval more advantageous than the normal interval and includes the special gaming state can be set;
If the special combination is won in the internal lottery, a bonus flag is set.
In the case where the special role is won in the internal lottery during the advantageous period, even if the advantageous period ends before the special role is won, the bonus flag is not cleared,
The performance control means is capable of executing a first suggestion performance suggesting the end of the advantageous period and a second suggestion performance suggesting the winning of the special role in the performance means;
The first suggestion effect is an effect that is executed during a predetermined period before the end of the advantageous zone without any suggestion of the winning of the special role, regardless of the presence or absence of the bonus flag,
The second suggestion effect is an effect executed at a predetermined timing after the end of the advantageous zone.
Amusement machine.

Images