JP7597181B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines such as slot machines.

An example of an amusement machine that stops multiple reels after they have been spun is a slot machine. In a slot machine, multiple symbols are attached to the outer periphery of each reel, and some of the symbols attached to each reel can be seen through a display window. The player inserts a medal and operates the start lever to start the reels spinning, and after each reel has started spinning, the reels stop sequentially by operating the stop button. Inside the slot machine, a lottery is held on the condition that a medal is inserted and the start lever is operated, and if the lottery results in a win and the player stops the winning symbol on a pre-set pay line, a certain number of medals will be paid out or a special game (special game state) that is advantageous to the player will be played.

In this slot machine, even if the stop button is operated between the start of rotation of each reel and the time when the rotation speed reaches a constant speed, or if a stop button corresponding to another reel is operated while one reel is being controlled to stop (see, for example, Patent Document 1), the reel is not generally controlled to stop (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This is because during the period until the reels reach a constant speed or while one reel is being controlled to stop, it is not possible to stably control the stop of each reel or the other reels.

JP 2003-180936 A

However, in this configuration, for example, if a stop button is operated during an invalid period, the corresponding reel does not stop, and the game does not progress, which may reduce the player's attention. Also, for example, if multiple stop buttons are operated over a period in which the stop button operation is invalid and a period in which it is valid, the reel operated during the invalid period will not stop, while the reel operated during the valid period will stop. In this case, a so-called erroneous operation may occur, in which the player is unable to stop the reels in the intended stopping order or timing.

The above problem is not limited to the slot machines exemplified above, but also applies to other gaming machines that display multiple types of pictures in a cyclical manner and then end the cyclical display based on the operation of a stop operation means.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a gaming machine that can achieve at least one of the following: optimally increasing attention during invalid periods, and reducing erroneous operations by players when stopping the rotating body.

The present invention relates to
A plurality of rotating bodies that rotate in a circumferential direction and have a plurality of patterns arranged in the circumferential direction;
A display unit that allows some of the patterns of each of the rotating bodies to be viewed;
A start operation means that is operated to start rotation of each of the rotating bodies;
a lottery means for holding a lottery for awarding a privilege to a player based on an operation of the start operation means;
A driving means provided on each of the rotating bodies to rotate each of the rotating bodies;
a start drive control means for controlling the drive means to start rotation of each of the rotating bodies based on an operation of the start operation means;
A plurality of stop operation means that are operated to individually stop the rotation of each of the rotating bodies;
a stop drive control means for controlling the drive means to stop the rotation of the rotating body corresponding to the operated stop operation means based on the operation of each of the stop operation means;
a bonus awarding means for awarding a bonus corresponding to a predetermined result when a lottery result by the lottery means is a predetermined result and a predetermined pattern combination corresponding to the predetermined result stops based on the stop drive control at an effective position set at a position visible through the display unit;
a determining unit that determines that the stop operation unit corresponding to the rotating body has been operated during a specific period during which the stop drive control based on the operation of the stop operation unit corresponding to the rotating body is not being executed while the rotating body is rotating;
a specific control means capable of executing a specific control different from the stop drive control for at least one stop operation means corresponding to the rotating body during rotation when the specific control means identifies that the stop operation means has been operated during the specific period;
A means capable of issuing a notification corresponding to the specific control;
Equipped with
The specific control means is characterized in that it is equipped with a special control means that executes special control to prevent the stop drive control from being executed when the stop operation means identified by the identification means is operated until a predetermined condition is met, including the operation of an operation means other than the stop operation means identified by the identification means.

This invention makes it possible to at least one of the following: appropriately increase the level of attention during invalid periods and prevent players from making erroneous operations when stopping the rotating body.

1 is a front view of a slot machine according to an embodiment. 1 is an oblique view of the slot machine with the front door closed. 1 is an oblique view of the slot machine with the front door open. FIG. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on each reel. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the symbols visible through the display window and the combination lines. FIG. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between winning modes and the benefits provided. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the main control device. 2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the display control device; 13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. 13 is a flowchart showing a normal process. 13 is a flowchart showing a lottery process. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery table for a normal gaming state. 13 is a flowchart showing a reel control process. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the operation sequence of the stop buttons and the winning patterns that are achieved. FIG. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining reel stop control. 13 is a flowchart showing RT state processing. A figure showing an example of a lottery table for the first RT state. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the operation sequence of the stop buttons and the winning patterns that are achieved. FIG. A figure showing an example of a lottery table for the second RT state. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the operation sequence of the stop buttons and the winning patterns that are achieved. FIG. A figure showing an example of a lottery table for the third RT state. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the operation sequence of the stop buttons and the winning patterns that are achieved. FIG. A figure showing an example of a lottery table for the 4th RT state. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the operation sequence of the stop buttons and the winning patterns that are achieved. FIG. A figure showing an example of a lottery table for the 5th RT state. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the operation sequence of the stop buttons and the winning patterns that are achieved. FIG. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the transition of a game state. 13 is a flowchart showing BB state processing. 13 is a flowchart showing a game number management process. 13 is a flowchart showing a lottery result handling process. 13A and 13B are explanatory diagrams for explaining the presentation in the auxiliary display section. 4A to 4C are timing charts for explaining the timing of executing the push order notification effect on the auxiliary display section. 13 is a flowchart showing a notification lottery process. 13 is a flowchart showing a winning result response process. 13 is a flowchart showing a notification process. 13 is a flowchart showing a stop command response process. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the rotation speed of each reel and the valid and invalid periods of the stop button. FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a rotation start process. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation response process. FIG. 13A is a flowchart showing the extended information command processing executed by the CPU of the display control device, and FIGS. 13B and 13C are explanatory diagrams for explaining the presentation in the auxiliary display section. 11A to 11D are timing charts showing changes in the valid and invalid periods of the stop button. 13 is a flowchart showing a reel control process in the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart showing a rotation start process in the second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation response process in the second embodiment. 13A to 13C are timing charts showing the operation of each reel based on the operation of the stop button in the second embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing normal processing in the third embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing a special reel control process in the third embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing a rotation start order determination process in the third embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing a special rotation start process in the third embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing a special stop enabling process in the third embodiment. 13A to 13C are explanatory diagrams showing the relationship between the rotation of each reel and the valid and invalid periods of the corresponding stop button in the third embodiment. 13 is a flowchart showing a special rotation start process in the fourth embodiment. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the change in the valid and invalid periods of the stop button from the start of rotation of each reel in the fourth embodiment. FIG.

First Embodiment
An embodiment of the present invention, which is applied to a reel type gaming machine, specifically a slot machine, will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a front view of a slot machine 10, Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the slot machine 10 with a front door 12 closed, Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the slot machine 10 with the front door 12 open, Fig. 4 is a rear view of the front door 12, and Fig. 5 is a front view of a cabinet 11.

As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the slot machine 10 has a housing 11 that forms its outer shell. The housing 11 is generally formed in a box shape with an open front, and is attached to the so-called island equipment by nailing it when installing it in an amusement hall.

A front door 12 is attached to the front side of the housing 11 so as to be openable and closable. That is, the housing 11 is provided with a pair of upper and lower support shafts 13a, 13b on the left side when viewed from the front, and the front door 12 is provided with bearings 14a, 14b at positions corresponding to the support shafts 13a, 13b. When the support shafts 13a, 13b are inserted into the bearings 14a, 14b, the front door 12 is supported rotatably around an opening and closing axis extending in the vertical direction connecting the support shafts 13a, 13b with respect to the housing 11, and the front open side of the housing 11 can be opened or closed by rotating the front door 12. The front door 12 is locked and cannot be opened by a locking device 20 provided on its back side. A key cylinder 21 integrated with the locking device 20 is provided at the upper right end side of the front door 12, and the locked state is released by a predetermined key operation on the key cylinder 21.

A game panel 25 that notifies the player of the game status is provided at the upper center of the front door 12. The game panel 25 has three vertically long display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R arranged side by side, and the inside of the slot machine 10 can be seen through each of the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R. The display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R may be combined into one common display window.

As shown in FIG. 3, the inside of the housing 11 is divided into two parts, an upper part and a lower part, by a partition plate 30, and a reel unit 31 constituting a variable display means is attached to the upper part of the partition plate 30. The reel unit 31 is provided with a left reel 32L, a center reel 32M, and a right reel 32R each formed in a cylindrical (annular) shape. Each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R is supported so that it can rotate with its central axis being the axis of rotation of the reel. The axes of rotation of each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R are arranged on the same axis extending in a substantially horizontal direction, and each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R corresponds one-to-one to each display window 26L, 26M, and 26R. Therefore, a part of the surface of each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R is visible through the corresponding display window 26L, 26M, and 26R. Furthermore, when reels 32L, 32M, and 32R rotate forward, the surfaces of reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are displayed through display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R as if they are moving from top to bottom.

Here, we will briefly explain the configuration of the reel unit 31.

Each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is connected to a stepping motor (not shown), and each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R can be rotated individually, i.e., independently, by driving each stepping motor. The stepping motor is set to rotate once by giving a drive signal (hereinafter also referred to as an excitation pulse) of, for example, 504 pulses, and the rotational position of the stepping motor, i.e., the rotational position of the reel, is controlled by this excitation pulse. In addition, a reel index sensor (not shown) for detecting that the reel has rotated once is installed on each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R in the reel unit 31. When the reel index sensor detects that the reel has rotated once, it outputs a detection signal to the main control device 101, which will be described later, each time it detects that the reel has rotated once. Therefore, the main control device 101 can check and correct the angular position of each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R for each rotation based on the detection signal of the reel index sensor and the number of excitation pulses output before the detection signal is input.

On the outer periphery of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R, multiple symbols are drawn in the long side direction (rotation direction) as identification information. More specifically, 21 symbols are drawn at equal intervals. Therefore, to switch from one symbol to the next symbol at a specified position, it is necessary to output 24 excitation pulses (= 504 pulses ÷ 21 symbols). Furthermore, the main control device 101 can determine which symbols are visible from the display windows 26L, 26M, 26R and stop a specified symbol at a position visible from the display windows 26L, 26M, 26R based on the number of excitation pulses output after the detection signal of the reel index sensor is input.

Next, we will explain the symbols depicted on each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R.

Figure 6 shows the arrangement of symbols on the left reel 32L, center reel 32M, and right reel 32R. As shown in the figure, 21 symbols are arranged in a row on each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. Numbers from 0 to 20 are also assigned to each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, but these numbers are numbers used by the main control device 101 to identify the symbols that are visible through the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R, and are not actually assigned to the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. However, these numbers will be used in the following explanation.

There are ten types of symbols: "red bell" symbol (e.g., 20th on left reel 32L), "replay" symbol (e.g., 19th on left reel 32L), "watermelon" symbol (e.g., 18th on left reel 32L), "red 7" symbol (e.g., 17th on left reel 32L), "cherry" symbol (e.g., 16th on left reel 32L), "young man" symbol (e.g., 14th on left reel 32L), "white 7" symbol (e.g., 10th on left reel 32L), "BAR" symbol (e.g., 8th on left reel 32L), "white bell" symbol (e.g., 6th on left reel 32L), and "blue 7" symbol (e.g., 3rd on left reel 32L). As shown in FIG. 6, the number and arrangement order of the various symbols are completely different on each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R.

Each display window 26L, 26M, 26R is formed so that of the 21 symbols on the corresponding reel, only three symbols are visible in their entirety. Therefore, when each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is stopped, 3 x 3 = 9 symbols are visible through the display window 26L, 26M, 26R.

In this slot machine 10, a total of four combination lines are set so as to connect positions where the symbols on each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R are visible. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, a first line L1 connecting the upper symbol of the left reel 32L, the middle symbol of the middle reel 32M, and the upper symbol of the right reel 32R, a second line L2 connecting the upper symbol of the left reel 32L, the middle symbol of the middle reel 32M, and the lower symbol of the right reel 32R, a third line L3 connecting the lower symbol of the left reel 32L, the middle symbol of the middle reel 32M, and the upper symbol of the right reel 32R, and a fourth line L4 connecting the lower symbol of the left reel 32L, the middle symbol of the middle reel 32M, and the lower symbol of the right reel 32R are set. When the symbols stop in a specified combination on an activated combination line, i.e., an active line, a winning combination is achieved, and a bonus is awarded in which a specified number of medals, which serve as gaming media, are paid out, or a bonus is awarded in which the gaming state is changed.

Figure 8 shows the winning combinations of symbols and the benefits that will be awarded if a winning combination is achieved.

The minor winning combinations that result in the payout of medals include the Cherry Win, the 1st Watermelon Win, the 2nd Watermelon Win, the Bell Win, and the 1st Special Bell Win through the 12th Special Bell Win. When the "Cherry" symbol on the center reel 32M stops on an active line, one medal is paid out as a Cherry Win. In other words, in the case of a Cherry Win, any symbol on the left reel 32L and the right reel 32R that stops on an active line can be used. In other words, when a combination of the "Cherry" symbol on the center reel 32M and any symbol on the left reel 32L and the right reel 32R stops on an active line, a Cherry Win is achieved. Here, since the center of the center reel 32M is a position where four pay lines overlap, when the "cherry" symbol stops on the center of the center reel 32M, the cherry winning is established on all four pay lines, and as a result, four (=1×4) medals are paid out. When the "watermelon" symbols on each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R stop on a pay line, five medals are paid out as the first watermelon winning. When the "blue 7" symbol on the center reel 32M and the "watermelon" symbol on the right reel 32R stop on a pay line, one medal is paid out as the second watermelon winning. That is, in the case of the second watermelon winning, any symbol may stop on the pay line for the left reel 32L. When the "red bell" or "white bell" symbols on each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R stop on an active line, nine medals are paid out as a bell prize. Also, when the "red bell" or "white bell" symbols on two of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R stop on an active line and the "replay" symbol on the remaining reel stops on an active line, nine medals are paid out as a special bell prize. For example, when the "replay" symbol on the left reel 32L, the "red bell" symbol on the center reel 32M, and the "red bell" symbol on the right reel 32R stop on an active line, nine medals are paid out as a first special bell prize.

State transition winnings, which only result in a transition of the game state, include the 1st BB winning and the 2nd BB winning.

When the "Blue 7" symbols on each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R stop on an active line, a first BB win is achieved, and when the "Blue 7" symbols on the left reel 32L and center reel 32M and the "White 7" symbol on the right reel 32R stop on an active line, a second BB win is achieved. When either of these BB wins is achieved, the game state transitions to the BB state.

The winnings that grant the replay privilege, which allows you to play the next game without inserting a medal, are the 1st replay winning to the 12th replay winning. If the "cherry" symbol on the left reel 32L and the "replay" symbol on the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R stop on an active line, or if the "replay" symbol on the left reel 32L, the "youth" symbol on the middle reel 32M, and the "watermelon" symbol on the right reel 32R stop on an active line, the 1st replay winning is achieved. If the "replay" symbol on the left reel 32L and the middle reel 32M, and the "watermelon" symbol on the right reel 32R stop on an active line, the 2nd replay winning is achieved. When the "replay" symbols on the left reel 32L and the right reel 32R and the "young man" symbol on the center reel 32M stop on an active line, a third replay win is awarded. When the "cherry" symbol on the left reel 32L, the "replay" symbol on the center reel 32M, and the "watermelon" symbol on the right reel 32R stop on an active line, a fourth replay win is awarded. When the "cherry" symbol on the left reel 32L, the "young man" symbol on the center reel 32M, and the "watermelon" symbol on the right reel 32R stop on an active line, a fifth replay win is awarded. When the "replay" symbols on each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R stop on an active line, or when the "red 7" symbol on the left reel 32L and the "replay" symbols on the center reel 32M and the right reel 32R stop on an active line, the sixth replay win is awarded. When the "red 7" symbols on the left reel 32L and the center reel 32M and the "young man" symbol on the right reel 32R stop on an active line, the seventh replay win is awarded. When the "red 7" symbols on the left reel 32L and the center reel 32M and the "BAR" symbol on the right reel 32R stop on an active line, the eighth replay win is awarded. When the "red 7" symbols on each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R stop on an active line, the ninth replay win is awarded. If the "BAR" symbol on the left reel 32L and the "replay" symbols on the middle reel 32M and right reel 32R stop on an active line, the 10th replay win is awarded. If the "red bell" symbol on the left reel 32L, the "young man" symbol on the middle reel 32M, and the "watermelon" symbol on the right reel 32R stop on an active line, the 11th replay win is awarded. If the "white bell" symbol on the left reel 32L, the "young man" symbol on the middle reel 32M, and the "watermelon" symbol on the right reel 32R stop on an active line, the 12th replay win is awarded.

In addition, if any of the first re-play winning, tenth re-play winning, eleventh re-play winning, or twelfth re-play winning is achieved, the game state transitions to the normal game state, if the second re-play winning is achieved, the game state transitions to the second RT state, if the third re-play winning is achieved, the game state transitions to the third RT state, if the fourth re-play winning is achieved, the game state transitions to the fourth RT state, and if the fifth re-play winning is achieved, the game state transitions to the fifth RT state. In addition, although not a winning combination, the game state transitions to the first RT state when the "replay", "red bell" and "watermelon" symbols stop on the active line from the left, when the "replay", "white bell" and "watermelon" symbols stop, when the "replay", "young man" and "red bell" symbols stop, and when the "replay", "young man" and "white bell" symbols stop. Hereinafter, the symbol combinations that transition the game state to the first RT state are referred to as transition results.

If any of the 6th to 9th replay wins are made, the game state will not change. However, if any of the 7th to 9th replay wins are made, a notification lottery process will be performed as described below, assuming that a specific combination has been won.

In the following, the combination of symbols corresponding to each winning prize is also referred to as the winning symbol combination. For example, the third special bell symbol combination is the combination of symbols that results in the third special bell prize, that is, the combination of the "replay" symbol, the "white bell" symbol, and the "red bell" symbol. In addition, the symbols on the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R that correspond to each winning prize are also referred to as the winning symbols. For example, the third special bell symbol is the "replay" symbol on the left reel 32L, the "white bell" symbol on the middle reel 32M, and the "red bell" symbol on the right reel 32R.

Returning to the explanation of Figures 1 to 5, a start lever 41 is provided on the lower left side of the game panel 25, which is operated to start the rotation of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. The start lever 41 constitutes a start operation means or a start operation means that is operated to start the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, i.e., to start the variable display of the patterns. When the start lever 41 is operated with a predetermined number of medals inserted, each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R starts to rotate.

On the right side of the start lever 41, there are provided stop buttons 42-44 in the form of buttons that are operated to individually stop each of the rotating reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. Each stop button 42-44 is disposed directly below the display window 26L, 26M, and 26R corresponding to the reel 32L, 32M, and 32R to be stopped. That is, when the left stop button 42 is operated, the left reel 32L stops spinning, when the center stop button 43 is operated, the center reel 32M stops spinning, and when the right stop button 44 is operated, the right reel 32R stops spinning. The stop buttons 42-44 constitute a stop operation means that is operated to stop the variable display of the symbols based on the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. Stop lamps 42b, 43b, and 44b are built into each of the stop buttons 42-44. These stop lamps 42b, 43b, and 44b are lit when the stop operation of the corresponding stop button 42, 43, or 44 is valid, and are turned off when a valid stop operation is performed.

A medal insertion port 45 for inserting medals is provided below and to the right of the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R. The medal insertion port 45 constitutes an input means for inputting game media. In addition, considering that the medal insertion port 45 involves the action of the player directly inserting medals, it can also be said to constitute a direct input means for directly inputting game media.

The medals inserted through the medal insertion port 45 are guided to either the storage passage 47 or the discharge passage 48 by a selector 46 as a passage switching means provided on the back of the front door 12. More specifically, the selector 46 is provided with a medal passage switching solenoid 46a, and when the medal passage switching solenoid 46a is not energized, the medals are guided to the discharge passage 48 side, and when the medal passage switching solenoid 46a is energized, the medals are guided to the storage passage 47 side. The medals guided to the storage passage 47 are guided to a hopper device 51 stored inside the housing 11. On the other hand, the medals guided to the discharge passage 48 are guided to a medal tray 50 from a medal discharge port 49 provided on the lower front surface of the front door 12, and are returned to the player.

The hopper device 51 is composed of a storage tank 52 that stores medals, and a payout device 53 that pays out medals to players. The payout device 53 rotates a medal payout rotating plate (not shown) to discharge medals to an opening 48a provided in the discharge passage 48, and pays out the medals to a medal receiving tray 50 through the discharge passage 48. In addition, a reserve tank 54 is provided to the right of the hopper device 51 to prevent medals from being stored in the storage tank 52 by more than a predetermined amount. Inside the storage tank 52 of the hopper device 51, a guide plate 52a is provided to discharge medals from the storage tank 52 to the reserve tank 54. Therefore, if medals are stored above the height at which the guide plate 52a is provided, the medals will be stored in the reserve tank 54.

A button-shaped return button 55 is provided below the medal insertion slot 45. If the return button 55 is operated when a medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 45 is stuck in the selector 46, the selector 46 is mechanically linked and operated, and the medal stuck in the selector 46 is returned from the medal ejection slot 49.

A first credit insertion button 56 is provided on the lower left side of the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R for inserting three credited virtual medals as gaming media at a time. A second credit insertion button 57 and a third credit insertion button 58 are provided to the left of the first credit insertion button 56. The second credit insertion button 57 is for inserting two virtual medals at a time, and the third credit insertion button 58 is for inserting one virtual medal. The credit insertion buttons 56 to 58, together with the medal insertion slot 45, constitute an input means for inputting gaming media. Also, while the medal insertion slot 45 involves the action of the player directly inserting medals, the credit insertion buttons 56 to 58 only involve the action of inserting virtual medals based on the stored memory. Considering this, it can also be said that they constitute an indirect input means for indirectly inputting gaming media.

A settlement button 59 is provided to the left of the start lever 41. In other words, this slot machine 10 has a credit function that stores and stores as virtual medals any surplus inserted medals up to a predetermined maximum value (equivalent to 50 medals) and any medals paid out when a prize is won, and when the settlement button 59 is operated while virtual medals are stored and stored, the virtual medals are paid out as real medals from the medal discharge port 49. In this case, when focusing on the function of paying out credited virtual medals as real medals, the settlement button 59 can also be said to constitute a settlement operation means for actually paying out the stored and stored game media.

Below the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R of the game panel 25 are a credit display section 60 that displays the number of credited virtual medals, a remaining payout number display section 61 that displays the number of medals remaining to be paid out until the BB state ends, and a payout number display section 62 that displays the number of medals paid out when a win occurs. These display sections 60 to 62 are made up of seven-segment displays, but can of course be replaced with liquid crystal displays or the like.

At the top of the front door 12, there are provided an upper lamp 63 that lights up or flashes as the game progresses, a pair of left and right speakers 64 that play various sound effects as the game progresses and notify the player of the game status, and an auxiliary display unit 65 that gives the player various information. The auxiliary display unit 65 is for executing various display effects as the game progresses, and since the game using each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R can be considered to be performed by the main display unit, it is referred to as the auxiliary display unit 65 in this embodiment. At the back of the auxiliary display unit 65, there is provided a display control device 81 for driving the upper lamp 63, the speaker 64, and the auxiliary display unit 65.

Inside the housing 11, a power supply box 70 is provided to the left of the hopper device 51. The power supply box 70 houses the power supply device 91 inside and is equipped with a power switch 71, a reset button 72, a setting key insertion hole 73, and the like. The power switch 71 is an activation switch for supplying power to each part including the main control device 101. The reset button 72 is a switch for resetting an error state of the slot machine 10. The setting key insertion hole 73 is for the hall manager or the like to adjust the medal payout. In other words, the hall manager or the like can set the winning probability of the slot machine 10 by inserting the setting key into the setting key insertion hole 73 and turning it ON. The reset button 72 is operated not only when resetting an error state but also when changing the winning probability of the slot machine 10.

Above the reel unit 31, a main control device 101 that controls the game is attached to the cabinet 11.

Next, the electrical configuration of the slot machine 10 will be explained based on the block diagram in FIG. 9.

The main control device 101 is equipped with a microcomputer centered around the CPU 102, which is an arithmetic processing means. In addition to the power supply device 91, the CPU 102 is connected to a clock circuit 103 that outputs a rectangular wave of a predetermined frequency, an input/output port 104, and the like via an internal bus. This main control device 101 functions as the main board built into the slot machine 10.

The input side of the main control device 101 is connected to various sensors, such as reel index sensors 32l, 32m, and 32r that individually detect when each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R has made one rotation, a start detection sensor 41a that detects the operation of the start lever 41, stop detection sensors 42a to 44a that individually detect the operation of each stop button 42 to 44, an inserted medal detection sensor 45a that detects medals inserted through the medal insertion slot 45, a payout detection sensor 51a that detects medals paid out from the hopper device 51, credit insertion detection sensors 56a to 58a that individually detect the operation of each credit insertion button 56 to 58, a settlement detection sensor 59a that detects the operation of the settlement button 59, a reset detection sensor 72a that detects the operation of the reset button 72, and a setting key detection sensor 73a that detects when a setting key is inserted into the setting key insertion hole 73 and turned ON. The signals from these various sensors are output to the CPU 102 via the input/output port 104.

The power supply unit 91 is connected to the input side of the main control unit 101 via the input/output port 104. The power supply unit 91 is equipped with a power supply unit 91a that supplies driving power to the main control unit 101 and each electronic device of the slot machine 10, a power outage monitoring circuit 91b, and the like.

The power failure monitoring circuit 91b monitors the power supply cut-off state and generates a power failure signal not only during a power failure but also when the power supply is cut off by the power switch 71. For this reason, the power failure monitoring circuit 91b monitors the stabilized drive voltage of 12 volts DC in this example output from the power supply unit 91a, and is configured to determine that the power supply has been cut off and output a power failure signal when this drive voltage drops to less than 10 volts, for example. The power failure signal is supplied to both the CPU 102 and the input/output port 104, and the CPU 102 recognizes this power failure signal and executes the power failure processing described below. The power failure signal is also configured to be supplied to the display control device 81.

The power supply unit 91a is configured to output a stabilized voltage of 5 volts to be used as a drive voltage in control systems such as the main control unit 101, even if the output voltage drops below 10 volts. The time for which this stabilized voltage is output is sufficient to allow the main control unit 101 to execute power outage processing.

The above-mentioned CPU 102 includes a ROM 105 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 102, an RWM 106 for securing a working area for temporarily storing various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 105, and, although not shown, various processing circuits necessary for the slot machine 10, such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, and a data transmission/reception circuit, as well as various counters, such as a credit counter that counts the number of credits. The ROM 105 and the RWM 106 form a main memory as a storage means, and the programs for executing various processes are stored in the above-mentioned ROM 105 as part of the control programs.

The RWM 106 is configured to be able to retain (back up) data by receiving backup voltage from the power supply device 91 even after the power supply to the slot machine 10 is cut off. The RWM 106 is provided with a backup area in addition to memory for temporarily storing various data, a winning flag storage area 106a for storing the lottery results of winning combinations, a stop information storage area 106b for storing stop information used when controlling the stop of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, and a status information storage area 106c for storing the game status such as the BB status.

The backup area is an area for storing the value of the stack pointer at the time of power interruption (including power interruption by operation of the power switch 71; the same applies below) in the event that power is interrupted due to a power outage or the like, and when the power outage is resolved (including power on by operation of the power switch 71; the same applies below), the state of the slot machine 10 can be restored to the state before power interruption based on the information in the backup area. Writing to the backup area is performed by the power outage processing when power is interrupted, and the restoration of each value written to the backup area is performed during main processing when power is turned on.

The NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the CPU 102 is configured to receive a power outage signal from the power outage monitoring circuit 91b when the power is cut off due to a power outage or the like. When the power is cut off, an NMI interrupt process is immediately executed as a power outage flag generation process.

The output side of the main control device 101 is connected via an input/output port 104 to the stop lamps 42b-44b built into the stop buttons 42-44, the stepping motors 42c-44c for rotating the reels 32L, 32M, 32R, the medal passage switching solenoid 46a provided on the selector 46, the hopper device 51, the credit display unit 60, the remaining payout number display unit 61, the payout number display unit 62, the display control device 81, and an external centralized terminal board 121 that can send information to a hall management device (not shown), etc.

Next, the electrical configuration of the display control device 81 will be explained based on the block diagram in FIG. 10.

The display control device 81 is equipped with a microcomputer centered around a CPU 82, which is a calculation means. The CPU 82 includes a ROM 83 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 82, and an RWM 84 for securing a working area for temporarily storing various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 83.

The display control device 81 is provided with an input/output port (not shown), with the main control device 101 connected to the input side and the upper lamp 63, speaker 64, and auxiliary display unit 65 connected to the output side. The display control device 81 drives and controls the upper lamp 63, speaker 64, and auxiliary display unit 65 based on various commands input from the main control device 101. In other words, the display control device 81 is a sub-board that performs auxiliary control in relation to the main control device 101, which is the main board that manages the overall game. In other words, by providing a sub-board for sounds, lamps, and displays related to indirect games, the burden on the main board is reduced. Note that the display control device 81 may be configured to control the various display units 60-62.

In this configuration, the ROM 83 of the display control device 81 stores a RT state video data group 85 consisting of a push order notification video data group 85a and a special notification video data group 85b. When the push order notification or special notification video data group is set to the auxiliary display unit 65, a push order notification or special notification is performed in the auxiliary display unit 65 during the RT state. Push order notification and special notification will be described later.

Next, the control processes executed by the CPU 102 of the main control device 101 will be described. The processes of the CPU 102 can be broadly divided into main processes that are started when the power is turned on, timer interrupt processes that are started periodically (every 1.49 msec in this embodiment), and NMI interrupt processes that are started when a power outage signal is input to the NMI terminal. Below, we will explain the processes related to the progress of the game among these processes, i.e., timer interrupt processes, and normal processes performed in the main processes.

Figure 11 is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process that is periodically executed by the main control unit 101, and a timer interrupt is generated by the CPU 102 of the main control unit 101, for example, every 1.49 msec.

First, in the register save process shown in step S101, the values of all registers in the CPU 102 that are used in normal processing, which will be described later, are saved to the backup area of the RWM 106. In step S102, it is confirmed whether the power outage flag is set, and if the power outage flag is set, the process proceeds to step S103, where power outage processing is executed.

Here is an overview of how power outages are handled.

When the power supply is cut off due to a power outage or the like, a power outage signal is output from the power outage monitoring circuit 91b of the power supply device 91, and the power outage signal is input to the main control device 101 via the NMI terminal. When the power outage signal is input, the main control device 101 immediately executes NMI interrupt processing and sets a power outage flag in a power outage flag storage area provided in the RWM 106.

In the power failure process, first, it is determined whether the transmission of the command has been completed. If the transmission has not been completed, this process is terminated and the process returns to the timer interrupt process, and the transmission of the command is terminated. If the transmission of the command has been completed, the value of the stack pointer of the CPU 102 is saved in the backup area of the RWM 106. After that, the output state of the output port in the input/output port 104 is cleared, and all actuators (not shown) are turned off. Then, a judgment value for judging whether the data in the RWM 106 is normal or not when the power failure is resolved is calculated and saved in the backup area, thereby prohibiting subsequent access to the RWM. After the above process is performed, an infinite loop is entered in preparation for the power being completely cut off and processing being unable to be executed. Note that, in consideration of the case where the power failure flag is erroneously set due to noise, for example, a check is made as to whether a power failure signal is being output before entering the infinite loop. If the power failure signal is not being output, it means that the power failure state has been recovered, so writing to the RWM 106 is permitted, the power failure flag is reset, and the process returns to the timer interrupt process. If the power failure signal continues to be output, the process enters the infinite loop as it is. Incidentally, even in an infinite loop, it checks whether the power outage signal is being output, and if the power outage signal is no longer being output, it transitions to the main process.

Returning to the explanation of the timer interrupt process, if the power outage flag is not set in step S102, various processes from step S104 onwards are carried out.

That is, in step S104, a watchdog timer clear process is performed to initialize the value of the watchdog timer for monitoring the occurrence of malfunction. In step S105, an interrupt end declaration process is performed to enable the CPU 102 itself to set the next timer interrupt. In step S106, a stepping motor control process is performed to drive the stepping motors 42c to 44c, which are the reel drive motors, to rotate each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. In step S107, a sensor monitoring process is performed to read the status of various sensors such as the stop detection sensors 42a to 44a, the inserted medal detection sensor 45a, and the payout detection sensor 51a connected to the input/output port 104 (see FIG. 9), and to monitor whether the read results are normal or not. In step S108, a timer calculation process is performed to subtract the values of each counter and timer. In step S109, a counter process is performed to output the results of counting the number of medals bet and the number of medals paid out to the external centralized terminal board 121.

In step S110, a command output process is performed to send various commands to the display control device 81. In step S111, a segment data setting process is performed to set the segment data to be displayed in the credit display unit 60, the remaining payout number display unit 61, and the payout number display unit 62. In step S112, a segment data display process is performed to supply the segment data set in the segment data setting process to each display unit 60 to 62 and display the corresponding numbers, symbols, etc. In step S113, a port output process is performed to output data corresponding to the I/O device from the input/output port 104. In step S114, the values of each register that were saved to the backup area in the previous step S101 are restored to the corresponding register in the CPU 102. Thereafter, in step S115, an interrupt permission process is performed to permit the next timer interrupt, and this series of timer interrupt processes is terminated.

Next, the normal processing that performs the main control related to the game will be explained based on the flowchart in Figure 12.

First, in step S201, an interrupt permission process is performed to permit the next timer interrupt. In step S202, a pre-start process is performed to enable play. In the pre-start process, the system waits until the display control device 81 and other devices have finished initializing. When the initialization of the display control device 81 and other devices has finished, the system performs the game management process shown in steps S203 to S213.

As part of the game management process, in step S203, various game information and other data (e.g., random number values used in the previous game) stored in the RWM 106 are cleared. Then, in step S204, a start wait process is performed.

In the start waiting process, it is determined whether any of the first to twelfth replay winnings was achieved in the previous game. If any of the replay winnings was achieved, an automatic insertion process is performed to automatically insert virtual medals in the same number as the previous bet number, and the start waiting process is terminated. In the automatic insertion process, virtual medals are inserted without reducing the number of virtual medals displayed on the credit display unit 60. In other words, if any of the replay winnings was achieved in the previous game, the player can play the current game without reducing the number of medals he owns and without inserting medals. If no replay winnings were achieved, a sensor abnormality confirmation process is performed to check whether any abnormality has occurred in the sensor reading result obtained in the sensor monitoring process (step S107) of the timer interrupt process, and if an abnormality has occurred, an abnormality occurrence process is performed to put the slot machine 10 into an error state and notify the occurrence of the error. This error state is maintained until the reset button 72 is operated. If the sensor reading is normal, it determines whether the settlement button 59 has been operated, and if so, it performs a medal return process to pay out the same number of medals as the credited virtual medals. After the medal return process is completed or if the settlement button 59 has not been operated, it determines whether medals have been inserted or the credit insertion buttons 56-58 have been operated between the previous start waiting process and the current start waiting process, and if either has been done, it performs a medal insertion process to change the number of bets, etc., and ends the start waiting process. Also, if neither medals have been inserted nor the credit insertion buttons 56-58 have been operated between the previous start waiting process and the current start waiting process, it ends the start waiting process as is.

After the start waiting process is completed, in step S205, it is determined whether the number of medals bet has reached a specified number (3 in this embodiment), and if the number of medals bet has not reached the specified number, the process returns to the start waiting process of step S204, and the process from the sensor abnormality confirmation process onwards is carried out. If the number of medals bet has reached the specified number, in step S206, it is determined whether the start lever 41 has been operated. If the start lever 41 has not been operated, the process returns to the start waiting process of step S204, and the process from the sensor abnormality confirmation process onwards is carried out.

On the other hand, when the start lever 41 is operated, it means that a start command has been issued to start the game, since the game can be started when the start lever 41 is operated under the condition that a prescribed number of medals have been bet. In such a case, in step S207, a valid line setting process is performed to set all combinations of the first line L1 to the fourth line L4 as valid lines, and in step S208, the medal passage switching solenoid 46a is switched to a non-excited state to prohibit bet acceptance. After that, the lottery process in step S209, the reel control process in step S210, the medal payout process in step S211, the RT state process in step S212, and the BB state process in step S213 are executed in this order, and then the process returns to step S203.

Next, the lottery process in step S209 will be explained based on the flowchart in FIG. 13.

In step S301, a random number is obtained to be used when determining whether a winning combination has been achieved. In this slot machine 10, when the start lever 41 is operated, the hardware circuitry latches the value of the free-run counter at that time. The free-run counter generates random numbers between 0 and 65535, and the CPU 102 stores the value latched by the hardware circuitry in the RWM 106 after confirming the operation of the start lever 41. With this configuration, it is possible to quickly obtain a random number when the start lever 41 is operated, and it is possible to avoid problems such as synchronization. The hardware circuitry of this slot machine 10 is configured to latch the value of the free-run counter each time the start lever 41 is operated.

After obtaining the random number, in step S302, a lottery table for determining whether the winning combination is a winning combination is selected. In this slot machine 10, there are seven types of game states, which are generally classified as a normal game state, a first RT state, a second RT state, a third RT state, a fourth RT state, a fifth RT state, and a BB state. In step S302, the current game state of the slot machine 10 is determined based on the setting flag set in the state information storage area 106c, and a lottery table corresponding to the game state is selected. For example, if the setting flag is not set in the state information storage area 106c, the current game state is determined to be a normal game state, and a lottery table for the normal game state is selected. In addition, in this slot machine 10, six winning probabilities from "Setting 1" to "Setting 6" are prepared in advance, and by inserting the setting key into the setting key insertion hole and turning it on, and performing a predetermined operation, it is possible to set which winning probability is used to execute the internal processing. In step S302, when the setting state is "Setting 1", a lottery table with the lowest expected value of medal payout is selected, and when the setting state is "Setting 6", a lottery table with the highest expected value of medal payout is selected.

The lottery table will be briefly explained. Figure 14 is a lottery table for the normal game state selected in the normal game state of "Setting 3". The lottery table has index values IV set, and each index value IV is uniquely associated with a winning combination and has a point value PV set.

After the lottery table is selected, in step S303, the index value IV is set to 1, and in the following step S304, a judgment value DV is set to be used when judging whether the hand is a win or a loss. In this judgment value setting process, the point value PV corresponding to the current index value IV is added to the current judgment value DV to set a new judgment value DV. Note that in the initial judgment value setting process, the random number value acquired in step S301 is set as the current judgment value DV, and the point value PV corresponding to the current index value IV (1) is added to this random number value to set the new judgment value DV.

After that, in step S305, a win/loss determination is made for the combination corresponding to the index value IV. In determining whether or not the combination is a win, a determination is made as to whether or not the judgment value DV exceeds 65535. If it exceeds 65535, the process proceeds to step S306, and a win flag corresponding to the index value IV at that time is set in the win flag storage area 106a of the RWM 106. For example, if the judgment value DV exceeds 65535 when IV=6, in step S306, a win flag indicating that a cherry and a second watermelon have been won is set in the win flag storage area 106a.

Incidentally, if the set winning flag is not a winning flag indicating that the first BB has been won (hereinafter referred to as the "first BB winning flag") or a winning flag indicating that the second BB has been won (hereinafter referred to as the "second BB winning flag"), the winning flag set in the winning flag storage area 106a is reset after the game in which the corresponding selection flag is set ends (see step S203 in the normal processing). On the other hand, if the winning flag is a first BB winning flag or a second BB winning flag, these winning flags are reset on the condition that the corresponding BB win is established. In other words, the first BB winning flag and the second BB winning flag may be valid over multiple games. In addition, in step S306 in a state in which the first BB winning flag or the second BB winning flag is carried over, if the current index value IV is 3 to 20, the winning flag corresponding to the index value IV is set, and if the current index value IV is 1 or 2, the corresponding winning flag is not set. In other words, in a game where the 1st BB winning flag or the 2nd BB winning flag is carried over, if a role other than 1st BB or 2nd BB is won, the corresponding winning flag is set, but if 1st BB or 2nd BB is won, the corresponding winning flag is not set.

If the judgment value DV does not exceed 65535 in step S305, it means that the hand corresponding to the index value IV has not been won. In such a case, the index value IV is incremented by 1 in step S307, and in the following step S308, it is determined whether or not there is a hand corresponding to the index value IV, that is, whether or not there is a judgment target for which a win/loss judgment should be made. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the index value IV incremented by 1 exceeds the maximum value of the index value IV set in the lottery table. If there is a judgment target for which a win/loss judgment should be made, the process returns to step S304, and the judgment of the hand is continued. At this time, in step S304, the point value PV corresponding to the current index value IV is added to the judgment value DV used to judge the win/loss of the previous hand (i.e., the current judgment value DV) to obtain a new judgment value DV, and in step S305, the hand is judged to be a win/loss based on the judgment value DV. Incidentally, when the lottery table shown in FIG. 14 is used to determine whether a winning combination will be a winner, the probability of winning when IV=1 is approximately 1 in 16,400, the probability of winning when IV=2 is approximately 1 in 2,050, the probability of winning when IV=3 is approximately 1 in 96.4, the probability of winning when IV=4 is approximately 1 in 262, the probability of winning when IV=5 is approximately 1 in 256, the probability of winning when IV=6 is approximately 1 in 16,400, and the probability of winning when IV=7 is approximately 1 in 65,500. The probability of winning when IV=8 to 11 is approximately 1 in 91.9, and the probability of winning when IV=12 to 19 is approximately 1 in 31.2. The probability of winning when IV=20 is approximately 1 in 7.30. Also, the probability of losing, i.e. not winning any combination, is approximately 1 in 1.80.

After the winning flag is set in step S306, or if it is determined in step S308 that there are no judgment targets to be judged, this means that the judgment of the winning or losing role has been completed. In such a case, a lottery result response process is executed in step S309. This process is a process for causing the display control device 81 to execute a predetermined effect depending on the game result, and this lottery result response process will be described in detail later. In step S310, a stop information setting process is executed to set stop information for reel stop control, and the lottery process is terminated.

Next, the reel control process in step S210 will be explained based on the flowchart in FIG. 15.

The reel control process first performs a rotation start process in step S401 to start the rotation of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R.

In the rotation start process, the stepping motors 42c to 44c are driven and controlled under predetermined conditions, and the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R start to rotate. In addition, it is determined whether a predetermined period (predetermined time) has passed since the start of rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, and whether it is possible to perform processing to control the stopping of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. If the predetermined period has passed, the stop lamps 42b to 44b built into the stop buttons 42 to 44 are turned on to allow the player to recognize that it is now possible to stop the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, and the process proceeds to step S402 and subsequent steps.

The above-mentioned predetermined period in the spin start process is set to be longer than the period required for each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R to reach constant speed rotation after starting to spin. Therefore, the process will not proceed to step S402 during the period until each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R reaches constant speed rotation, i.e., during the acceleration period of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R.

In addition, in this embodiment, in the spin start process of a specified game, if any of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is operated during the period from when each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R starts spinning until a specified period of time has elapsed, special processing is performed. Details of this processing will be described later, but here we will first explain the processing that occurs after the spin speed of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R becomes constant and a specified period of time has elapsed since the start of spinning.

Following the spin start process, in step S402, it is determined whether any of the stop buttons 42 to 44 has been operated. If none of the stop buttons 42 to 44 has been operated, the process waits until any of the stop buttons 42 to 44 has been operated. If it is determined that any of the stop buttons 42 to 44 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S403, where it is determined whether or not the stop button corresponding to the spinning reel has been operated, i.e., whether or not a stop command has been issued from the corresponding stop detection sensor. If a stop command has not been issued, the process returns to step S402, where it waits until any of the stop buttons 42 to 44 has been operated. If a stop command has been issued, a stop command response process is executed in step S404. In this process, a process corresponding to the first operation of the center stop button 43 or the right stop button 44 is executed under a predetermined condition. This stop command response process will be described in detail later. In the following step S405, the corresponding stop lamp is turned off, and in the following steps S406 to S412, a stop control process is executed to stop the spinning reel.

In step S406, the symbol number of the reaching symbol that has reached the base position (lower in this embodiment) at the timing when the stop button is operated is confirmed. Specifically, the symbol number of the reaching symbol that has reached the base position is confirmed by the number of excitation pulses output from the time when the detection signal of the reel index sensor 32l, 32m, 32r is input. In the following step S407, the number of slips of the reel to be stopped this time is calculated based on the stop information stored in the stop information storage area 106b. In this slot machine 10, five stop modes are prepared as stop modes for stopping each reel 32L, 32M, 32R when the stop button 42 to 44 is operated: a stop mode in which the reaching symbol that has reached the base position is stopped as it is, a stop mode in which the corresponding reel is stopped after sliding for one symbol, a stop mode in which the corresponding reel is stopped after sliding for two symbols, a stop mode in which the corresponding reel is stopped after sliding for three symbols, and a stop mode in which the corresponding reel is stopped after sliding for four symbols. Therefore, in step S407, a value between 0 and 4 is calculated as the slip number based on the stop information stored in the stop information storage area 106b. After that, in step S408, the calculated slip number is added to the symbol number of the reached symbol to determine the symbol number of the stop symbol that will actually stop at the base position. In step S409, it is determined whether the symbol number of the reached symbol of the reel to be stopped this time and the symbol number of the stop symbol are equal, and if they are equal, a reel stop process is performed in step S410 to stop the rotation of the reel. After that, in step S411, it is determined whether all reels 32L, 32M, and 32R have stopped. If all reels 32L, 32M, and 32R have not stopped, a second stop information setting process is performed in step S412, and the process returns to step S402.

The second stop information setting process is a process for changing the stop information stored in the stop information storage area 106b of the RWM 106 after the reels have stopped. In the second stop information setting process, the stop information is changed based on the winning flag that has been set and the stop outcome of the stopped reels. In this slot machine 10, for example, when a win occurs when IV=8 to 19, that is, when a bell and two types of special bells are won (see FIG. 14), the second stop information setting process is performed to change the winning mode that is established depending on the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42 to 44 that generated the stop command.

Figure 16 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between the winning flags that are set when IV = 8 to 19, the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44, and the winning patterns that are achieved. For example, when the winning flag "12" corresponding to IV = 12 is set, the stop information is set so that the first special bell winning is achieved when the left stop button 42 is operated first, the stop information is set so that the bell winning is achieved when the middle stop button 43 is operated first, and the stop information is set so that the ninth special bell winning is achieved when the right stop button 44 is operated first. However, even when the stop information is set in this way, the corresponding winning may not be achieved depending on the operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44.

The arrangement of symbols on each reel 32L, 32M, 32R will be briefly explained. In this slot machine 10, the reels 32L, 32M, 32R can be stopped after sliding a maximum of four symbols from the timing of the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44, and the left reel 32L and the right reel 32R have active lines set on the upper and lower rows, and the center reel 32M has an active line set on the middle row. Therefore, for the left reel 32L and the right reel 32R, if the spacing between the same symbols is six symbols or less, the winning symbol can be stopped on an active line when it becomes a winning symbol regardless of the timing of the operation of the stop buttons 42 and 44, and for the center reel 32M, if the spacing between the same symbols is four symbols or less, the winning symbol can be stopped on an active line when it becomes a winning symbol regardless of the timing of the operation of the stop button 43. On the left reel 32L, the "replay", "cherry" and "watermelon" symbols are arranged so that the interval between the same symbols is 6 symbols or less, on the middle reel 32M, the "replay" and "young man" symbols are arranged so that the interval between the same symbols is 4 symbols or less, and on the right reel 32R, the "replay" and "watermelon" symbols are arranged so that the interval between the same symbols is 6 symbols or less. Therefore, when the above symbols become winning symbols, the winning symbols can be stopped on the winning line regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44. On the other hand, for other symbols such as the "red bell" and "white bell" symbols, they are arranged so that an interval is formed that is more than the above interval, so in order to stop them on the winning line, the player needs to operate the stop buttons 42 to 44 while aiming at the symbols.

As an example, a win occurs when IV=12, and the left stop button 42, middle stop button 43, and right stop button 44 are operated in that order. In this case, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are controlled to stop in order to achieve the first special bell win.

On the left reel 32L, the "replay" symbols, which are the first special bell symbol, are arranged so that the distance between each symbol of the same type is six symbols or less. Therefore, when the left stop button 42 is operated first, the "replay" symbols will stop on the top or bottom row regardless of the timing of the operation. For example, if the left stop button 42 is operated when the number 12 "replay" symbol on the left reel 32L has reached the bottom row, the number 12 "replay" symbol will stop on the bottom row, as shown in Figure 17(a). As a result, there is still room for the first special bell winning to be achieved on the third line L3 and the fourth line L4.

On the center reel 32M, the "red bell" symbols, which are the first special bell symbols, are arranged at the positions 2, 5, 10, and 20. In the section between 20 and 10, the "red bell" symbols are arranged so that the interval between them is 4 symbols or less, while in the section between 10 and 20, the interval between them is 9 symbols. Therefore, the "red bell" symbols may or may not stop on the active line depending on the timing of the operation of the center stop button 43. Specifically, if the center stop button 43 is operated at the timing when any of the "red 7" symbol at 16 to the "red bell" symbol at 10 has reached the middle row, the "red bell" symbol, which is the first special bell symbol, stops in the middle row, as shown in FIG. 17(b). As a result, there is still room for the first special bell winning to be established on the third line L3 and the fourth line L4. On the other hand, if the middle stop button 43 is operated when any of the No. 11 "watermelon" to No. 15 "white bell" symbols have reached the middle row, the first special bell symbol, the "red bell" symbol, cannot be stopped in the middle row even if the middle reel 32M is stopped after sliding four symbols. If the middle stop button 43 is operated at such a time, the No. 15 "white bell" symbol will stop in the middle row, as shown in FIG. 17(c). By stopping the "white bell" symbol in the middle row when the "red bell" symbol cannot be stopped in the middle row, it is possible to make the player hope that the third or fourth special bell will be achieved even in a situation where a winning combination has not been announced.

On the right reel 32R, the first special bell symbol, the "red bell" symbol, is arranged at the 9th and 16th positions. In the section between the 9th and 16th positions, the distance between the "red bell" symbols is 6 symbols, while in the section between the 16th and 9th positions, the distance between the "red bell" symbols is 13 symbols. Therefore, the "red bell" symbol may or may not stop on the active line depending on the timing of the operation of the right stop button 44. Specifically, if the right stop button 44 is operated when any of the "blue 7" symbol at the 3rd position through the "red bell" symbol at the 16th position has reached the bottom row, the "red bell" symbol, the first special bell symbol, will stop on the top or bottom row. As a result, the first special bell win is established on the third line L3 or the fourth line L4. For example, if the right stop button 44 is operated when the No. 16 "red bell" symbol has reached the bottom row, the first special bell winning is established on the fourth line L4 as shown in FIG. 17(d). On the other hand, if the right stop button 44 is operated when any of the No. 17 "red 7" symbol to the No. 2 "white bell" symbol has reached the bottom row, the first special bell symbol, the "red bell" symbol, cannot be stopped on the top row or the bottom row even if the right reel 32R is stopped after sliding four symbols. If the right stop button 44 is operated at such a timing, the "watermelon" symbol stops on the top row or the bottom row. For example, if the right stop button 44 is operated when the No. 2 "white bell" symbol has reached the bottom row, the "replay", "white bell" and "watermelon" symbols stop on the fourth line L4 from the left as shown in FIG. 17(e). In other words, if the stop buttons 42-44 are operated at a time when the first special bell winning cannot be achieved, the transition result (see Figure 8) will stop on the winning line.

This is not limited to when a win occurs when IV = 12, but when a win occurs when IV = 12 to 19 and the left stop button 42 is operated first, that is, when the stop information is set to achieve the first special bell to the fourth special bell win, if the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated at a time when the special bells cannot be achieved, the transition result will stop on the active line.

Next, we will explain an example in which a win occurs when IV=8 and the left stop button 42, middle stop button 43, and right stop button 44 are operated in that order. In such a case, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are controlled to stop in order to achieve a bell win.

On the left reel 32L, the "red bell" symbol is arranged at the 13th and 20th positions, and the "white bell" symbol is arranged at the 6th position. In this case, the interval between the "white bell" symbol at the 6th position and the "red bell" symbol at the 13th position is 6 symbols, the interval between the "red bell" symbol at the 13th position and the "red bell" symbol at the 20th position is 6 symbols, and the interval between the "red bell" symbol at the 20th position and the "white bell" symbol at the 6th position is 6 symbols. In other words, on the left reel 32L, the "red bell" symbol and the "white bell" symbol are arranged so that the interval between the bell symbols is 6 symbols or less. Therefore, when the left stop button 42 is operated first, the "red bell" symbol or the "white bell" symbol stops at the top or bottom row regardless of the timing of the operation.

On the middle reel 32M, the "red bell" symbol is arranged at the 20th, 2nd, 5th, and 10th positions, and the "white bell" symbol is arranged at the 15th position. In this case, the distance between the "red bell" symbols in the 20th to 10th position is 4 symbols or less, the distance between the "red bell" symbol at the 10th position and the "white bell" symbol at the 15th position is 4 symbols, and the distance between the "white bell" symbol at the 15th position and the "red bell" symbol at the 20th position is 4 symbols. In other words, on the middle reel 32M, the "red bell" symbol and the "white bell" symbol are arranged so that the distance between the bell symbols is 4 symbols or less. Therefore, when the middle stop button 43 is operated second, the "red bell" symbol or the "white bell" symbol stops in the middle row regardless of the timing of the operation.

On the right reel 32R, the "red bell" symbol is arranged at the 9th and 16th positions, and the "white bell" symbol is arranged at the 2nd position. In this case, the interval between the 2nd "white bell" symbol and the 9th "red bell" symbol is 6 symbols, the interval between the 9th "red bell" symbol and the 16th "red bell" symbol is 6 symbols, and the interval between the 16th "red bell" symbol and the 2nd "white bell" symbol is 6 symbols. In other words, on the right reel 32R, the "red bell" symbol and the "white bell" symbol are arranged so that the interval between the bell symbols is 6 symbols or less. Therefore, when the right stop button 44 is last operated, the "red bell" symbol or the "white bell" symbol stops on the upper or lower row regardless of the timing of the operation. As a result, the "red bell" or "white bell" symbols on each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R will stop on the winning line, resulting in a bell win.

If the stop information is set to produce a bell win, the bell win will be produced regardless of the timing of the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44, regardless of whether IV = 8 to 19 is the winning combination.

If a win occurs when IV = 8 to 19, the stop information is set so that a bell win is achieved for two of the six possible operation sequences of the stop buttons 42 to 44, and the stop information is set so that a special bell win is achieved for four possible operation sequences. As described above, when the stop information is set so that a bell win is achieved, the bell win is achieved regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44. On the other hand, when the stop information is set so that a special bell win is achieved, the special bell win is achieved or not achieved depending on the operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44.

If a win occurs when IV = 8 to 19 and the stop information is set to achieve the 5th special bell to 12th special bell wins, that is, if the middle stop button 43 or right stop button 44 is operated first, then if the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated at a time when the corresponding special bell win can be achieved, then that special bell win will be achieved, but if the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated at a time when the corresponding special bell win cannot be achieved, then not only will the special bell win not be achieved, but the transition result will not stop on the winning line. In this case, no medals will be paid out and the game state will not be changed.

The transition result is when a win occurs when IV = 12 to 19, and the left stop button 42 is operated for the first time and the first to fourth special bell winnings corresponding to the set stop information cannot be achieved, and the ball stops on the winning line. In this case, no medals are paid out, and the game state transitions to the first RT state.

The order in which the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated is set so that the winning combination differs depending on which stop button is operated first, as shown in FIG. 16. In other words, the winning combination differs depending on whether the left stop button 42, the middle stop button 43, or the right stop button 44 is operated first among the stop buttons 42 to 44. Even if the second and third stop buttons are operated in the reverse order, the winning combination will not change.

In addition, when a "replay" symbol stops on the left reel 32L, the player is expected to operate the center stop button 43 and right stop button 44 to stop the center reel 32M and right reel 32R, aiming for a "red bell" symbol or a "white bell" symbol. In such a case, if a winning combination has not been announced, there is a 1 in 4 chance that a special bell win will occur, and a 3 in 4 chance that the transition result will stop on a winning line. Incidentally, if a win occurs when IV=7, a bell win will occur regardless of the order or timing of operation.

Returning to the explanation of the reel control process, if it is determined in step S411 that all reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped, a payout determination process is performed in step S413. The payout determination process is a process for setting the number of medals to be paid out, with one of the conditions being that the winning combination is lined up on an active line. In the payout determination process, a combination of symbols formed on each active line is derived from the symbol numbers of the symbols stopped on the lower row of each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R, and it is determined whether or not a winning combination is established on the active line. If a winning combination is established, it is further determined whether or not the winning combination corresponds to the winning flag set in the winning flag storage area 106a. If the winning combination corresponds to the winning flag, the winning combination and the payout number corresponding to the winning combination are set in the payout information storage area provided in the RWM 106. On the other hand, if the winning combination does not correspond to the win flag, the slot machine 10 is put into an error state and an abnormality occurrence process is performed to notify the occurrence of the error. This error state is maintained until the reset button 72 is operated. When the payout determination process is completed, in step S414, a winning result response process is executed to execute the progress of the game according to the winning combination in the current game, and the reel control process is terminated. The winning result response process will be described in detail later.

Next, we will provide an overview of the medal payout process in step S211.

In the medal payout process, it is determined whether the payout number set in the payout information storage area is 0. If the payout number is 0, it means that the previous payout determination process determined that no small winning combination was achieved. In such a case, it is determined whether any of the 1st replay winning combination to the 12th replay winning combination was achieved, based on the winning combination set in the payout determination process. If none of the replay winning combinations was achieved, the medal payout process is terminated as is, and if any of the replay winning combinations was achieved, a replay setting process is performed to set the game state to a replay state, and the medal payout process is terminated. Note that in the start waiting process S204 described above, if it is determined that the current game state is a replay state, an automatic insertion process is performed.

On the other hand, if the payout number set in the payout information storage area is not 0, the system pays out medals in the same number as the payout number, and ends the medal payout process. Specifically, when the credit counter count value has not reached the upper limit (the number of medals stored is 50), the system adds the payout number to the credit counter count value, and displays the added value on the credit display unit 60. When the credit counter count value has reached the upper limit, or when the credit counter count value reaches the upper limit during the addition of the payout number, the system drives the medal payout rotating plate, and pays out medals from the hopper device 51 to the medal tray 50 via the medal discharge port 49. In addition, the medal payout process also performs a process of changing the payout number displayed on the payout number display unit 62 in accordance with the payout of medals. In addition, when the current game state is BB state, the system subtracts the payout number from the value of the remaining payout number counter described later, and subtracts the remaining payout number displayed on the remaining payout number display unit 61.

Next, the RT state processing in step S212 will be explained based on the flowchart in Figure 18.

In step S501, it is determined whether the transition result has stopped on the pay line. If the transition result has stopped, the process proceeds to step S502, where it is determined whether the current game state is a normal game state. If the current game state is a normal game state, the first RT setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c of the RWM 106 in step S503, and this process ends. Also, if it is determined in step S502 that the current game state is not a normal game state, this means that any one of the first RT setting flag to the fifth RT setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c. In such a case, the RT setting flag set in the state information storage area 106c is cleared in step S504, and the first RT setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c of the RWM 106 in step S503, and this process ends.

If the first RT setting flag is set in step S503, the game state transitions to the first RT state. Then, in step S302 of the lottery process, it is determined that the current game state is the first RT state based on the fact that the first RT setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c, and a lottery table for the first RT state is selected.

Figure 19 shows the lottery table for the first RT state selected in the first RT state of "setting 3". 26 index values IV are set in the lottery table for the first RT state. The same winning combination and point value PV as those in the lottery table for the normal game state (see Figure 14) are set for IV = 1 to 19, and the first replay or multiple replays including the first replay are set as the winning combination and a point value PV is set for IV = 20 to 26. When the winning combination is determined using this lottery table, the probability of winning when IV = 1 to 19 is equal to the winning probability in the normal game state, the probability of winning when IV = 20 is about 1 in 36.9, and the probability of winning when IV = 21 to 26 is about 1 in 54.6. The probability of losing, i.e. not winning any combination, is about 1 in 1.80.

Here, as shown in FIG. 14, in the normal game state, if a win occurs when IV=20, the sixth replay will be won. The probability of winning when IV=20 is approximately 1 in 7.30. In the first RT state, if a winning occurs when IV=20, the first re-play is won, if a winning occurs when IV=21, the first re-play and the second re-play are won, if a winning occurs when IV=22, the first re-play, the second re-play and the tenth re-play are won, if a winning occurs when IV=23, the first re-play, the second re-play and the eleventh re-play are won, if a winning occurs when IV=24, the first re-play, the second re-play and the twelfth re-play are won, if a winning occurs when IV=25, the first re-play, the second re-play, the tenth re-play and the eleventh re-play are won, if a winning occurs when IV=26, the first re-play, the second re-play, the tenth re-play and the twelfth re-play are won. The probability of winning any of IV=20 to 26 is about 1 in 7.30. In other words, when the game state transitions to the first RT state, the small win, replay, and BB types are won with the same probability as in the normal game state, but the winning mode in which the replay privilege is awarded changes to one different from that in the normal game state. More specifically, in the normal game state, only the sixth replay win, which does not transition the game state, is established, and in the first RT state, the second replay win, which transitions to the second RT state, and the first, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth replay wins, which transition to the normal game state, are established.

In addition, in the second stop information setting process (step S412) in the first RT state, in addition to the above-mentioned cases where a win occurs when IV = 8 to 19, the stop information is set to change the winning mode that is established depending on the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 that generated the stop command, even when a win occurs when IV = 21 to 26.

20 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between the winning flag that is set when a win occurs when IV=20-26 in the first RT state, and the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42-44 and the winning patterns that are established. On the left reel 32L, the "replay" and "cherry" symbols are arranged with the same symbols spaced 6 symbols or less apart, on the middle reel 32M, the "replay" and "young man" symbols are arranged with the same symbols spaced 4 symbols or less apart, and on the right reel 32R, the "replay" and "watermelon" symbols are arranged with the same symbols spaced 6 symbols or less apart. Therefore, when the stop information is set to establish at least the first replay winning, the combination of "cherry", "replay" and "replay" symbols, or the combination of "replay", "young man" and "watermelon" symbols, which will result in the first replay winning, will stop on an active line, regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44. Similarly, when the stop information is set to establish the second replay winning, the combination of "replay", "replay" and "watermelon" symbols, which will result in the second replay winning, will stop on an active line, regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44.

The 10th replay win, 11th replay win, and 12th replay win are set so that the 10th replay win, 11th replay win, 12th replay win, or 1st replay win will be achieved even if the same operation sequence is used. On the left reel 32L, the "BAR" symbol, "red bell" symbol, and "white bell" symbol are arranged so that an area is formed that is spaced apart from the above-mentioned intervals between each symbol, and the 10th replay win, 11th replay win, and 12th replay win are achieved only when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated at a specified timing. If the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated at a timing other than the specified timing, the 1st replay win will be achieved. More specifically, when it is set that the 1st replay winning or the 10th replay winning has occurred, the left reel 32L stops the "BAR" symbol on the active line if it is possible to stop the "BAR" symbol on the active line depending on the timing of operation of the left stop button 42, and stops the "cherry" symbol on the active line if the "BAR" symbol cannot be stopped, and further causes the middle reel 32M and right reel 32R to stop the "replay" symbol on the active line regardless of the timing of operation of the middle stop button 43 and the right stop button 44. In addition, when it is set so that the 1st replay winning or the 11th replay winning is established, depending on the timing of operation of the left stop button 42, the left reel 32L will stop the "red bell" symbol on the active line if it is possible to stop the "red bell" symbol on the active line, and will stop the "replay" symbol on the active line if the "red bell" symbol cannot be stopped, and further, regardless of the timing of operation of the middle stop button 43 and the right stop button 44, the middle reel 32M will stop the "youth" symbol and the right reel 32R will stop the "watermelon" symbol on the active line. In addition, when the first or twelfth replay win is set, the left reel 32L stops the "white bell" symbol on the active line if it is possible to stop the "white bell" symbol on the active line depending on the timing of the operation of the left stop button 42, and stops the "replay" symbol on the active line if the "white bell" symbol cannot be stopped, and further, regardless of the timing of the operation of the middle stop button 43 and the right stop button 44, the middle reel 32M stops the "youth" symbol and the right reel 32R stops the "watermelon" symbol on the active line.

Winning flags "22" to "27" correspond to only one of the six possible operation sequences with a second replay, and the other operation sequences correspond to replays other than the second replay. Therefore, in a game in which the operation sequence of stop buttons 42 to 44 is not announced, if any of winning flags "22" to "27" is set, there is a 1 in 6 chance that a second replay win will be made, and a 5 in 6 chance that a replay win other than the second replay will be made.

Returning to the explanation of the RT state processing, if it is determined in step S501 that the transition result is not on a winning line, the process proceeds to step S505, where it is determined whether or not any of the first replay win, the tenth replay win, the eleventh replay win, and the twelfth replay win has been achieved, based on the winning combination set in the previous payout determination process. If any of the replay wins has been achieved, the RT setting flag set in the state information storage area 106c in step S506 is cleared, and this process ends. As a result, if any of the first replay win, the tenth replay win, the eleventh replay win, and the twelfth replay win has been achieved, the game state transitions to the normal game state.

If none of the first replay win, tenth replay win, eleventh replay win, or twelfth replay win has been achieved, the process proceeds to step S507, where it is determined whether or not a second replay win has been achieved based on the winning combination set in the previous payout determination process. If a second replay win has been achieved, the process sets a second RT setting flag in the state information storage area 106c of the RWM 106 in step S508, and ends this process.

If the second RT setting flag is set in step S508, the game state transitions to the second RT state. Then, in step S302 of the lottery process, it is determined that the current game state is the second RT state based on the fact that the second RT setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c, and a lottery table for the second RT state is selected.

Figure 21 is a lottery table for the second RT state selected in the second RT state of "setting 3". 25 index values IV are set in the lottery table for the second RT state. The same winning combinations and point values PV as those in the lottery table for the normal game state (see Figure 14) are set for IV = 1 to 19, and multiple replays including the first replay and the third replay are set as winning combinations and point values PV are set for IV = 20 to 25. When the winning combination is determined using this lottery table, the probability of winning when IV = 1 to 19 is equal to the winning probability in the normal game state, and the probability of winning when IV = 20 to 25 is about 1 in 24.0. The probability of losing, i.e. not winning any combination, is about 1 in 2.30. In other words, when the game transitions to the second RT state, the probability of losing is lower than in the normal game state, which is advantageous for the player. Then, in the second RT state, the third replay win that transitions to the third RT state, and the first replay win, the tenth replay win, the eleventh replay win, and the twelfth replay win that transitions to the normal play state are achieved.

In the second RT state, the second stop information setting process (step S412) sets the stop information to change the winning pattern that is established depending on the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 that generated the stop command, not only when a win occurs when IV = 8 to 19 as described above, but also when a win occurs when IV = 20 to 25.

Figure 22 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between the winning flag that is set when a win occurs when IV=20-25 in the second RT state, the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42-44, and the winning mode that is established. On the left reel 32L and the right reel 32R, the "replay" symbols are arranged so that the interval between the same symbols is 6 symbols or less, and on the center reel 32M, the "youth" symbols are arranged so that the interval between the same symbols is 4 symbols or less. Therefore, when the stop information is set to establish the third replay winning, the combination of the "replay", "youth" and "replay" symbols that establishes the third replay winning will stop on the pay line regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42-44. The first replay winning, the tenth replay winning, the eleventh replay winning, and the twelfth replay winning are as described above. For the winning flags "28" to "33", the third replay is associated with only one of the six possible operation sequences, and the other operation sequences are associated with replays other than the third replay. Therefore, in a game in which the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not announced, if any of the winning flags "28" to "33" are set, there is a 1 in 6 probability that a third replay win will be achieved, and a 5 in 6 probability that a replay win other than the third replay will be achieved.

Returning to the explanation of the RT state processing, if the second replay winning combination has not been achieved, the process proceeds to step S509, where it is determined whether or not the third replay winning combination has been achieved, based on the winning combination set in the previous payout determination process. If the third replay winning combination has been achieved, the process sets the third RT setting flag in the state information storage area 106c of the RWM 106 in step S510, and ends this process.

If the third RT setting flag is set in step S510, the game state transitions to the third RT state. Then, in step S302 of the lottery process, it is determined that the current game state is the third RT state based on the fact that the third RT setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c, and a lottery table for the third RT state is selected.

Figure 23 is a lottery table for the third RT state selected in the third RT state of "setting 3". 25 index values IV are set in the lottery table for the third RT state. The same winning combination and point value PV as those in the lottery table for the normal game state (see Figure 14) are set for IV = 1 to 19, and multiple replays including the first replay and the fourth replay are set as winning combinations and point values PV are set for IV = 20 to 25. When the winning combination is determined using this lottery table, the probability of winning when IV = 1 to 19 is equal to the winning probability in the normal game state, and the probability of winning when IV = 20 to 25 is about 1 in 8.80. The probability of losing, i.e. not winning any combination, is about 1 in 423. In other words, when the game transitions to the third RT state, the probability of losing is lower than in the normal game state, which is advantageous for the player. Then, in the third RT state, the fourth replay win that transitions to the fourth RT state, and the first replay win, the tenth replay win, the eleventh replay win, and the twelfth replay win that transitions to the normal play state are achieved.

In the second stop information setting process (step S412) in the third RT state, in addition to the above-mentioned cases where a win occurs when IV = 8 to 19, the stop information is set to change the winning pattern that is established depending on the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 that generated the stop command, even when a win occurs when IV = 20 to 25.

Figure 24 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between the winning flag that is set when IV=20-25 in the third RT state, the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42-44, and the winning mode that is established. The "cherry" symbol on the left reel 32L and the "watermelon" symbol on the right reel 32R are arranged so that the interval between the same symbols is 6 symbols or less, and the "replay" symbol on the center reel 32M is arranged so that the interval between the same symbols is 4 symbols or less. Therefore, when the stop information is set to establish the fourth replay winning, the combination of the "cherry" symbol, the "replay" symbol, and the "watermelon" symbol that establishes the fourth replay winning will stop on the pay line regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42-44. The first replay winning, the tenth replay winning, the eleventh replay winning, and the twelfth replay winning are as described above. For the winning flags "34" to "39," the fourth replay is associated with only one of the six possible operation sequences, and the other operation sequences are associated with replays other than the fourth replay. Therefore, in a game in which the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not announced, if any of the winning flags "34" to "39" are set, there is a 1 in 6 chance that the fourth replay will be won, and a 5 in 6 chance that a replay other than the fourth replay will be won.

Returning to the explanation of the RT state processing, if the third replay winning combination has not been achieved, the process proceeds to step S511, where it is determined whether or not the fourth replay winning combination has been achieved, based on the winning combination set in the previous payout determination process. If the fourth replay winning combination has been achieved, the fourth RT setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c of the RWM 106 in step S512, and this process ends.

If the 4th RT setting flag is set in step S512, the game state transitions to the 4th RT state. Then, in step S302 of the lottery process, it is determined that the current game state is the 4th RT state based on the fact that the 4th RT setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c, and a lottery table for the 4th RT state is selected.

Figure 25 is a lottery table for the 4th RT state selected in the 4th RT state of "setting 3". 25 index values IV are set in the lottery table for the 4th RT state. The same winning combination and point value PV as those in the lottery table for the normal game state (see Figure 14) are set for IV = 1 to 19, and multiple replays including the 1st replay and the 5th replay are set as winning combinations and point values PV are set for IV = 20 to 25. When the winning combination is determined using this lottery table, the probability of winning when IV = 1 to 19 is equal to the winning probability in the normal game state, and the probability of winning when IV = 20 to 25 is about 1 in 8.80. The probability of losing, i.e. not winning any combination, is about 1 in 423. In other words, when the game transitions to the 4th RT state, the probability of losing is lower than in the normal game state, which is advantageous for the player. Then, in the fourth RT state, the fifth replay win that transitions to the fifth RT state, and the first replay win, the tenth replay win, the eleventh replay win, and the twelfth replay win that transitions to the normal play state are achieved.

In the second stop information setting process (step S412) in the fourth RT state, in addition to the above-mentioned cases where a win occurs when IV = 8 to 19, the stop information is set to change the winning pattern that is established depending on the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 that generated the stop command, even when a win occurs when IV = 20 to 25.

Figure 26 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between the winning flags that are set when a win occurs when IV=20-25 in the fourth RT state, and the winning modes that are established. The "cherry" symbol on the left reel 32L and the "watermelon" symbol on the right reel 32R are arranged so that the interval between the same symbols is 6 symbols or less, and the "young man" symbol on the center reel 32M is arranged so that the interval between the same symbols is 4 symbols or less. Therefore, when the stop information is set to establish the fifth replay winning, the combination of the "cherry" symbol, the "young man" symbol, and the "watermelon" symbol that establishes the fifth replay winning will stop on the pay line regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42-44. The first replay winning, the tenth replay winning, the eleventh replay winning, and the twelfth replay winning are as described above. For the winning flags "40" to "45", the fifth replay is associated with only one of the six possible operation sequences, and the other operation sequences are associated with replays other than the fifth replay. Therefore, in a game in which the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not announced, if any of the winning flags "40" to "45" is set, there is a 1 in 6 chance that the fifth replay will be won, and a 5 in 6 chance that a replay other than the fifth replay will be won.

Returning to the explanation of the RT state processing, if the fourth replay win has not been achieved, the process proceeds to step S513, where it is determined whether or not the fifth replay win has been achieved, based on the winning combination set in the previous payout determination process. If the fifth replay win has not been achieved, the process ends as is, but if the fifth replay win has been achieved, the fifth RT setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c of the RWM 106 in step S514, and the process ends.

If the 5th RT setting flag is set in step S514, the game state transitions to the 5th RT state. Then, in step S302 of the lottery process, it is determined that the current game state is the 5th RT state based on the fact that the 5th RT setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c, and a lottery table for the 5th RT state is selected.

Figure 27 is a lottery table for the 5th RT state selected in the 5th RT state of "setting 3". 29 index values IV are set in the lottery table for the 5th RT state. For IV = 1 to 19, the same winning role and point value PV as in the lottery table for the normal game state (see Figure 14) are set, and for IV = 20 to 29, the 6th replay or multiple replays including the 6th replay are set as the winning role, and a point value PV is also set. When the winning/losing of the hand is judged using such a lottery table, the probability of winning when IV=1 to 19 is equal to each winning probability in the normal game state, the probability of winning when IV=20 is about 1 in 3.40, the probability of winning when IV=21 is about 1 in 51.8, the probability of winning when IV=22 is about 1 in 655, the probability of winning when IV=23 is about 1 in 6550, and the probability of winning when IV=24 to 29 is about 1 in 16.4. Also, the probability of losing, i.e. not winning any hand, is about 1 in 417. In other words, when the game transitions to the fifth RT state, the probability of losing is lower than in the normal game state, which is advantageous to the player. In the fifth RT state, the sixth replay win, seventh replay win, eighth replay win, and ninth replay win, which do not result in a transition to the game state, and the first replay win, tenth replay win, eleventh replay win, and twelfth replay win, which result in a transition to the normal game state, are achieved.

In the second stop information setting process (step S412) in the fifth RT state, in addition to the above-mentioned cases where a win occurs when IV = 8 to 19, the stop information is set to change the winning mode that is established depending on the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 that generated the stop command, even when a win occurs when IV = 21 to 29.

Figure 28 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between the winning flags that are set when a win occurs when IV = 20 to 29 in the 5th RT state, and the winning patterns that are established. On the left reel 32L and right reel 32R, "replay" symbols are arranged so that the interval between the same symbols is 6 symbols or less, and on the center reel 32M, "replay" symbols are arranged so that the interval between the same symbols is 4 symbols or less. Therefore, when the stop information is set to establish at least the 6th replay winning, the combination of "replay", "replay", and "replay" symbols that establishes the 6th replay winning will stop on the active line regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44.

The 7th replay win, 8th replay win, and 9th replay win are set so that the 7th replay win, 8th replay win, 9th replay win, or 6th replay win will be achieved even if the same operation sequence is used. On each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, the "red 7" symbols are arranged so that an area is formed that is spaced apart from the above-mentioned intervals between each symbol. For this reason, the combination of the "red 7" symbol, "replay" symbol, and "replay" symbol that results in the 6th replay win, and the 7th replay win, 8th replay win, and 9th replay win are achieved only when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated at the specified timing. However, if the stop buttons 42-44 are operated at a time when the 7th replay win, 8th replay win, and 9th replay win are possible, the 7th replay win, 8th replay win, and 9th replay win are respectively achieved, rather than the 6th replay win, and if the stop buttons 42-44 are operated at a time when the 7th replay win, 8th replay win, and 9th replay win are not possible, the 6th replay win is achieved.

More specifically, when the sixth or seventh replay win is set, the left reel 32L stops the "red 7" symbol on the pay line if it is possible to stop the "red 7" symbol on the pay line depending on the timing of the operation of the left stop button 42, and stops the "replay" symbol on the pay line if the "red 7" symbol cannot be stopped. When the "red 7" symbol is stopped on the left reel 32L and the middle stop button 43 is operated at a timing when it is possible to stop the "red 7" symbol on the pay line, the middle reel 32M stops the "red 7" symbol on the pay line, otherwise stops the "replay" symbol on the pay line. When the "red 7" symbol is stopped on the left reel 32L and the middle reel 32M, the right reel 32R stops the "young man" symbol on the pay line regardless of the timing of the operation of the right stop button 44, and otherwise stops the "replay" symbol on the pay line.

When the sixth, seventh or ninth replay win is set to be established, the left reel 32L and the middle reel 32M are first set to be established in the same manner as when the sixth or seventh replay win is set to be established. When the "red 7" symbol is stopped on the middle reel 32M and the right stop button 44 is operated at a timing when the "red 7" symbol can be stopped on the active line, the right reel 32R stops the "red 7" symbol on the active line, and when the "red 7" symbol is stopped on the middle reel 32M but the right stop button 44 is operated at a timing when the "red 7" symbol cannot be stopped on the active line, the "young man" symbol is stopped on the active line, and when the "red 7" symbol is not stopped on the middle reel 32M, the "replay" symbol is stopped on the active line regardless of the timing of the operation of the right stop button 44.

When the sixth or eighth replay win is set, the left reel 32L stops the "red 7" symbol on the active line if it is possible to stop the "red 7" symbol on the active line depending on the timing of the operation of the left stop button 42, and stops the "replay" symbol on the active line if the "red 7" symbol cannot be stopped. When the "red 7" symbol is stopped on the left reel 32L and the right stop button 44 is operated at a timing when it is possible to stop the "BAR" symbol on the upper row of the right reel 32R, the right reel 32R stops the "BAR" symbol on the upper row. In this case, the "replay" symbol is stopped on the lower row of the right reel 32R (see FIG. 6), leaving room for either the sixth or eighth replay win to be achieved. On the other hand, even if the "red 7" symbol is stopped on the left reel 32L, if the right stop button 44 is operated at a timing when the "BAR" symbol cannot be stopped on the upper row of the right reel 32R, the "replay" symbol is stopped on the upper row of the right reel 32R. In this case, the "BAR" symbol does not stop on the active line (see FIG. 6). Also, if the "red 7" symbol is not stopped on the left reel 32L, the "replay" symbol is stopped on the active line regardless of the operation timing of the right stop button 44. The center reel 32M stops the "red 7" symbol when the "red 7" symbol is stopped on the left reel 32L and the "BAR" symbol is stopped on the upper row of the right reel 32R and the "red 7" symbol can be stopped on the active line, and stops the "replay" symbol on the active line when the "red 7" symbol cannot be stopped. In addition, if the "Replay" symbol is stopped on the left reel 32L, or if the "Replay" symbol is stopped on the top row of the right reel 32R, the "Replay" symbol will be stopped on the active line regardless of the timing of the operation of the middle stop button 43.

The 1st replay prize, 10th replay prize, 11th replay prize, and 12th replay prize are as described above. For the winning flags "50" to "55," the 6th replay is associated with only one of the six operation sequences, and the other operation sequences are associated with replays other than the 6th replay. Therefore, in a game in which the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not notified, if any of the winning flags "40" to "45" are set, there is a 1 in 6 probability that the 6th replay prize will be achieved, and a 5 in 6 probability that a replay prize other than the 6th replay will be achieved.

Here, we will use Figure 29 to explain the transitions between normal gameplay states and each RT state.

When the game state is in the normal game state, the game state transitions to the first RT state when the transition result stops on a winning line. The transition result is set to stop so that one of the first to fourth special bell wins is established, and stops on a winning line if the corresponding special bell win cannot be established. In other words, the transition result wins when IV = 12 to 19, and stops on a winning line when the left stop button 42 is operated first and the special bell win is not established. The probability of winning when IV = 12 to 19 is approximately 1 in 3.90. Also, when the player operates the center stop button 43 and the right stop button 44 aiming for either the "red bell" or "white bell" pattern in a situation where the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 has not been notified, there is a 1 in 4 probability that the first to fourth special bell wins will be established, and there is a 3 in 4 probability that the transition result will stop on a winning line. Therefore, when the game state is the normal game state and the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42 to 44 has not been notified, there is a probability of approximately 1 in 5.20 that the game will transition to the first RT state. Note that in the normal game state, the winning or losing of the second replay, third replay, fourth replay, and fifth replay is not judged, so there is no event of transitioning from the normal game state to the second RT state, third RT state, fourth RT state, or fifth RT state. Also, in the normal game state, the probability of winning the replay is approximately 1 in 7.3.

When the game state is the first RT state, the game state transitions to the second RT state by the establishment of the second re-play winning, and the game state transitions to the normal game state by the establishment of the first re-play winning, the tenth re-play winning, the eleventh re-play winning, and the twelfth re-play winning (hereinafter, these four re-play winnings are collectively referred to as "fall re-play winnings"). As described above, when a winning occurs when IV=21 to 26, the stop information is set to establish the second re-play winning in one of the six operation sequences, and the stop information is set to establish the fall re-play winning in the other operation sequence. The probability of winning with any of IV=21 to 26 is approximately 1 in 9.10. Also, when a winning occurs when IV=20, the fall re-play winning is established regardless of the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42 to 44. The probability of winning when IV=20 is about 1 in 36.9. Therefore, when the game state is the first RT state and the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not notified, there is a probability of about 1 in 54.6 to transition to the second RT state, and a probability of about 1 in 8.48 to transition to the normal game state. In other words, in the first RT state, the probability of transitioning to the normal game state is higher than the probability of transitioning to the second RT state. In addition, since the winning or losing judgment is not performed for the third replay, the fourth replay, and the fifth replay in the first RT state, an event of transitioning from the first RT state to the second RT state, the third RT state, the fourth RT state, or the fifth RT state does not occur. Additionally, in the first RT state, the probability of winning any of the replays (first replay, second replay, tenth replay, eleventh replay, twelfth replay) is approximately 1 in 7.3, which is the same probability as in the normal play state.

When the game state is in the second RT state, the game state transitions to the third RT state when the third re-play win is made, the game state transitions to the first RT state when the transition result stops on an active line, and the game state transitions to the normal game state when the fall re-play win is made. As described above, when a win occurs when IV = 20 to 25, the stop information is set to make the third re-play win in one of the six operation sequences, and the stop information is set to make the fall re-play win in the other operation sequence. The probability of winning with any of IV = 20 to 25 is approximately 1 in 4.00. Also, the probability of the transition result stopping on an active line is approximately 1 in 5.20. Therefore, when the game state is the second RT state and the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not notified, there is a probability of about 1 in 24.0 to transition to the third RT state, a probability of about 1 in 5.20 to transition to the first RT state, and a probability of about 1 in 4.80 to transition to the normal game state. In other words, in the second RT state, the probability of transitioning to the first RT state or the normal game state is higher than the probability of transitioning to the third RT state. In addition, since the winning or losing judgment is not performed for the fourth replay and the fifth replay in the second RT state, an event of transitioning from the second RT state to the fourth RT state or the fifth RT state does not occur. In addition, in the second RT state, the probability of winning any of the replays (first replay, third replay, tenth replay, eleventh replay, twelfth replay) is about 1 in 4.00 as described above, which is a higher probability than the normal game state and the first RT state.

When the game state is in the third RT state, the fourth re-play winning entry transitions the game state to the fourth RT state, the transition result stops on a winning line transitions the game state to the first RT state, and the fall re-play winning entry transitions the game state to the normal game state. As described above, when a win occurs when IV=20 to 25, the stop information is set to achieve the fourth re-play winning entry in one of the six operation sequences, and the stop information is set to achieve the fall re-play winning entry in the other operation sequence. The probability of a win with any of IV=20 to 25 is approximately 1 in 1.47. Also, the probability of the transition result stopping on a winning line is approximately 1 in 5.20. Therefore, when the game state is the third RT state and the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42 to 44 has not been notified, there is a probability of about 1 in 8.82 of transitioning to the fourth RT state, a probability of about 1 in 5.20 of transitioning to the first RT state, and a probability of about 1 in 1.77 of transitioning to the normal game state. In other words, in the third RT state, the probability of transitioning to the first RT state or the normal game state is higher than the probability of transitioning to the fourth RT state. In addition, since the winning or losing judgment is not performed for the fifth replay in the third RT state, an event of transitioning from the third RT state to the fifth RT state does not occur. In addition, in the third RT state, the probability of winning any of the replays (first replay, fourth replay, tenth replay, eleventh replay, twelfth replay) is about 1 in 1.47 as described above, which is a higher probability than the second RT state.

When the game state is in the 4th RT state, the game state transitions to the 5th RT state when the 5th replay win is made, the game state transitions to the 1st RT state when the transition result stops on an active line, and the game state transitions to the normal game state when the fall replay win is made. As described above, when a win occurs when IV = 20 to 25, the stop information is set to make the 5th replay win in one of the six operation sequences, and the stop information is set to make the fall replay win in the other operation sequence. The probability of winning with any of IV = 20 to 25 is approximately 1 in 1.47. Also, the probability of the transition result stopping on an active line is approximately 1 in 5.20. Therefore, when the game state is the fourth RT state and the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42 to 44 has not been notified, there is a probability of about 1 in 8.82 of transitioning to the fifth RT state, a probability of about 1 in 5.20 of transitioning to the first RT state, and a probability of about 1 in 1.77 of transitioning to the normal game state. In other words, in the fourth RT state, the probability of transitioning to the first RT state or the normal game state is higher than the probability of transitioning to the fifth RT state. Also, in the fourth RT state, the probability of winning any of the replays (first replay, fifth replay, tenth replay, eleventh replay, twelfth replay) is about 1 in 1.47 as described above, which is the same probability as in the third RT state.

When the game state is in the 5th RT state, the game state transitions to the 1st RT state by stopping the transition result on the winning line, and the game state transitions to the normal game state by establishing the fall replay winning. As described above, when a win occurs when IV = 24 to 29, the stop information is set to establish the 6th replay winning in one of the six operation sequences, and the stop information is set to establish the fall replay winning in the other operation sequence. The probability of winning in any of IV = 24 to 29 is about 1 in 2.73. In addition, the probability of the transition result stopping on the winning line is about 1 in 5.20. Therefore, when the game state is in the 5th RT state and the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not notified, there is a probability of about 1 in 5.20 to transition to the 1st RT state, and a probability of about 1 in 3.28 to transition to the normal game state. Additionally, in the fifth RT state, the probability of winning any of the replays (first replay, sixth replay, seventh replay, eighth replay, ninth replay, tenth replay, eleventh replay, twelfth replay) is approximately 1 in 1.47, the same probability as in the third and fourth RT states.

In this way, in order to transition from the normal game state to the fifth RT state, it is necessary to go through four RT states, the first RT state to the fourth RT state. Also, if a fall replay win occurs in the second RT state to the fourth RT state, the game state transitions to the normal game state rather than transitioning to the previous RT state (i.e., the RT state in the previous state), and if the transition result stops on an active line, the game state transitions to the first RT state rather than transitioning to the previous RT state (i.e., the RT state in the previous state). For this reason, if the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 has not been notified, it is difficult to transition to the fifth RT state. Incidentally, the probability of transitioning from the normal game state to the fifth RT state in a situation in which the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 has not been notified is approximately 1 in 50,000.

On the other hand, when transitioning to the 5th RT state (in this embodiment, the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is notified), it is desirable to transition quickly. For example, if the normal game state is configured to transition directly to the 5th RT state, the winning probability of the role that triggers the transition to the 5th RT state (the 5th replay in this embodiment) is necessarily set low, and the game until the transition role is won becomes monotonous. In addition, if the transition role is established by the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42 to 44 after the winning probability of the transition role is increased in order to eliminate the monotony, the probability of transitioning to the 5th RT state changes depending on whether the operation sequence is notified, and the above monotony is eliminated, but the game until the transition role is won becomes protracted even when the operation sequence is notified. Therefore, like this slot machine 10, when transitioning from the normal game state to the fifth RT state, the player goes through multiple RT states different from the fifth RT state, and by increasing the probability of winning each transition role (in this embodiment, the second replay to the fourth replay), the delay in the game when the operation sequence is notified is eliminated.

Next, the BB state processing in step S213 will be explained based on the flowchart in Figure 30.

First, in step S601, it is determined whether the current game state is a BB state. If it is not a BB state, the BB determination process shown in steps S602 to S605 is performed.

In the BB determination process, in step S602, it is determined whether the first BB winning flag or the second BB winning flag is set. If either of the BB winning flags is set, the process proceeds to step S603, and it is determined whether the first BB winning or the second BB winning has been achieved based on the winning combination set in the previous payout determination process. If either of the BB winnings has been achieved, in step S604, a BB setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c of the RWM 106. At this time, the BB winning flag set in the winning flag storage area 106a of the RWM 106 is cleared. In step S605, a process is performed in which 442 is set to the remaining payout number counter for counting the remaining medals that can be paid out during the BB state provided in the state information storage area 106c, and 442 is displayed on the remaining payout number display unit 61. By performing the processes of steps S604 and S605, the game state transitions to the BB state. Then, in step S302 of the lottery process, it is determined that the current game state is the BB state based on the fact that the BB setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c, and a lottery table for the BB state is selected.

If the game state has transitioned to the BB state, a positive determination is made in step S601, and an end determination process is performed in step S606. In the end determination process, for example, it is determined whether the value of the remaining payout counter has reached 0, and if it has reached 0, the BB setting flag is cleared and the game state is returned to the normal game state.

If none of the BB winning flags are set (if step S602 is NO), if none of the BB wins are achieved (if step S603 is NO), if the remaining payout counter is set to 442 in step S605, or if the end determination process is performed in step S606, the process proceeds to step S607, where game number management processing is executed. This processing will be described in detail later, but unlike the lottery results for the roles in each game, it is processing related to the progress of each game.

After executing the process of step S607, in steps S608 to S614, a signal output process is performed to output a jackpot signal indicating that a jackpot has occurred to a hall management device or the like. Specifically, first in step S608, it is determined whether or not a jackpot signal has been output from the external centralized terminal board 121 to the hall management device or the like. If a jackpot signal has not been output, the process proceeds to step S609 to determine whether or not the current game state is a BB state. If it is not a BB state, it is further determined in step S610 whether or not the current game state is a fifth RT state. If the current game state is neither a BB state nor a fifth RT state, this process is terminated as it is, and if the current game state is a BB state or a fifth RT state, an output start process is performed in step S611 to start outputting a jackpot signal from the external centralized terminal board 121, and this process is terminated.

In this way, the slot machine 10 outputs a jackpot signal when the game state transitions to the BB state and when the game state transitions to the fifth RT state. Therefore, in an amusement facility or the like where the slot machine 10 is connected to a jackpot counter that displays the number of jackpots of the slot machine 10, the jackpot counter can display not only when the game state transitions to the BB state, but also when the game state transitions to the fifth RT state. The jackpot signal when the game state transitions to the BB state and the jackpot signal when the game state transitions to the fifth RT state may be output from different output sections of the external centralized terminal board 121. With such a configuration, it becomes possible to display the number of times the game state transitions to the BB state and the number of times the game state transitions to the fifth RT state separately on the jackpot counter.

If it is determined in step S608 that a jackpot signal is being output, the process proceeds to step S612, where it is determined whether or not the current gaming state is a BB state. If it is not a BB state, it is further determined in step S613 whether or not the current gaming state is a fifth RT state. If the current gaming state is a BB state or a fifth RT state, this process is terminated as it is. On the other hand, if the current gaming state is neither a BB state nor a RT state, this means that the BB state or the fifth RT state has ended, so in step S614, an output stop process is performed to stop the output of the jackpot signal, and this process is terminated.

In this slot machine 10, the display control device 81 may or may not notify the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44, thereby making it easier for the gaming state to transition from the normal gaming state to the fifth RT state, or making it harder for the gaming state to transition from the normal gaming state to the fifth RT state. In other words, in this slot machine 10, the probability of transitioning from the normal gaming state to the fifth RT state changes depending on whether or not the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is notified. Therefore, the following describes the process by which the main control device 101 causes the display control device 81 to notify the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44.

First, the game count management process in step S607 will be explained based on the flowchart in Figure 31.

In step S701, it is determined whether or not the current game is a game in which the BB state has ended. If the current game is a game in which the BB state has ended, the process proceeds to step S702, where a waiting game number lottery process is performed. In the waiting game number lottery process, one of values from 1 to 1280 is obtained from the game number lottery counter provided in the ROM 105. In step S703, the value obtained in the waiting game number lottery process is set in the waiting game number counter provided in the RWM 106 of the main control device 101. This process then ends.

If it is determined in step S701 that the current game is not a game in which the BB state has ended, the process proceeds to step S704, where it is determined whether or not the penalty flag is set. If the penalty flag is set, the process terminates after performing the penalty game count subtraction process shown in steps S705 to S707. If the penalty flag is not set, the process terminates after performing the waiting game count subtraction process shown in steps S708 to S711. The penalty game count subtraction process will be described later, and the waiting game count subtraction process will be described below.

In the waiting game number subtraction process, in step S708, it is determined whether or not the value of the waiting game number counter is 0. If the value of the waiting game number counter is 0, this process is terminated as is, and if the value of the waiting game number counter is not 0, in step S709, the value of the waiting game number counter is decremented by 1. In the following step S710, it is determined whether or not the value of the waiting game number counter after the subtraction is 0. If the value of the waiting game number counter is not 0, this process is terminated as is, and if the value of the waiting game number counter is 0, in step S711, a notification flag is set to notify the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44, and this process is terminated.

In this way, when the BB state ends, the number of waiting games is set to one of the values between 1 and 1280. If the penalty flag is not set, the number of waiting games is decremented by 1 each time a game ends, and when the number of waiting games reaches 0, the notification flag is set.

Next, the lottery result response process will be explained based on the flowchart in Figure 32.

In step S801, it is determined whether any role has been won. If no role has been won, this process ends. If any role has been won, in step S802 it is determined whether a penalty flag has been set. If the penalty flag has not been set, the process proceeds to step S803, where it is determined whether a notification flag has been set.

If the notification flag is set, in steps S804 and S805, it is determined whether or not a bell (only when simultaneously won with a special bell) or a fall replay has been won. If a bell or a fall replay has been won, the process proceeds to step S806, where it is determined whether or not the current game state is a normal game state. If the current game state is not a normal game state, that is, if it is one of the first RT state to the fifth RT state, the process proceeds to step S807, where a notification command is set as a transmission target to the display control device 81. The notification command is composed of multiple bits so that it can be known that it is a notification command and that either a bell or a fall replay has been won. The display control device 81 that has received the notification command sets the push order notification video data group 85a from the RT state video data group 85 in the ROM 83 to the auxiliary display unit 65 in order to notify the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 in the current game. At this time, if the bell is won, video data corresponding to the operation sequence that can win the bell is selected from the push order notification video data group 85a and notified on the auxiliary display unit 65, and if the fall replay is won, video data corresponding to the operation sequence that can achieve any of the second replay win to the sixth replay win, not the fall replay win, is selected from the push order notification video data group 85a and notified on the auxiliary display unit 65. On the other hand, in step S806, if the current game state is the normal game state, this process is terminated without setting a notification command. This is for the following reason. That is, in order to transition from the normal game state to the first RT state, the stop buttons 42 to 44 need to be operated so that the transition result stops on the active line. Since the transition result stops on the active line when the special bell win cannot be achieved, if the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42 to 44 that can achieve the bell win is notified, the normal game state cannot be transitioned to the first RT state. In addition, if a bell is formed regardless of the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 (if a win occurs when IV=7), the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 will not be notified.

Here, in the notification of the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42 to 44 by the display control device 81, if it is determined in step S804 that the bell has been won, the operation sequence of only the stop button that should be operated first is notified, whereas if it is determined in step S805 that the fall replay has been won, the operation sequence of all the stop buttons 42 to 44 is notified. This is because, as already explained, if the bell has been won, it is set as to whether the bell or the special bell will stop depending on which of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is the stop button that should be operated first (see FIG. 16), and if the fall replay has been won, only one of the six operation sequences is set as an operation sequence that can achieve any of the second replay win to the sixth replay win, rather than the fall replay win (see FIG. 20, FIG. 22, FIG. 24, FIG. 26, FIG. 28). Therefore, when the display control device 81 receives the notification command, it selects different data from the push order notification video data group 85a depending on whether a bell has been won or whether a fall replay has been won.

Here, the contents of the notification of the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 in the auxiliary display unit 65 (push order notification effect) will be described with reference to Figures 33 and 34. Figures 33(a) and 33(b) are explanatory diagrams for explaining the state of the push order notification effect, with Figure 33(a) showing the state of the push order notification effect when a bell is won, and Figures 33(b-1) to 33(b-3) showing the state of the push order notification effect when a fall replay is won. Note that Figure 33(a) shows an example in which a bell win is achieved when the center stop button 43 is operated first, and Figure 33(b) shows an example in which any of the second replay win to the sixth replay win is achieved, rather than a fall replay win, when the center stop button 43 → right stop button 44 → left stop button 42 are operated in that order. Also, Figure 34 is a timing chart to explain the timing at which the push order notification effect is executed on the auxiliary display unit 65, where Figure 34(a) shows how the start lever 41 is operated, Figure 34(b) shows the rotation speed of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, and Figure 34(c) shows how the push order notification effect is executed.

In the press order notification presentation when a bell has been won, as shown in FIG. 33(a), of the three button displays arranged in parallel on the auxiliary display unit 65 corresponding to the stop buttons 42 to 44, the button display corresponding to the stop button that should be operated first (the middle button display corresponding to the middle stop button 43 in the figure) is marked with the number 1, displayed larger than the other button displays, and in yellow (shaded in the figure) to correspond to the bell. This allows the player to recognize that they have won a bell in this game, and that the middle stop button 43 is the stop button that should be operated first.

In the push order notification presentation when the fall replay has been won, as shown in FIG. 33 (b-1), in the auxiliary display unit 65, of the three light blue (dots in the figure) buttons displayed in parallel to correspond to the replay, the button display corresponding to the first stop button to be operated (the middle button display corresponding to the middle stop button 43 in the figure) is given the number 1 and is displayed larger than the other button displays. Also, the button display corresponding to the second stop button to be operated (the right button display corresponding to the right stop button 44 in the figure) is given the number 2, and the button display corresponding to the third stop button to be operated (the left button display corresponding to the left stop button 42 in the figure) is given the number 3, and the button displays corresponding to the second and third stop buttons to be operated are displayed smaller than the button display corresponding to the first stop button to be operated. When the player operates the center stop button 43 and the corresponding center reel 32M comes to a final stop, the button display corresponding to the second stop button to be operated is displayed larger than the other button displays, as shown in FIG. 33(b-2), and when the player operates the right stop button 44 and the corresponding right reel 32R comes to a final stop, the button display corresponding to the third stop button to be operated is displayed larger than the other button displays, as shown in FIG. 33(b-3). This allows the player to recognize that he or she has won the fall replay in this game and the order in which the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated.

To explain the timing of the push order notification effect, as shown in FIG. 34(a), when the start lever 41 is operated at the timing of t0, the rotation of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is started as shown in FIG. 34(b). Each reel 32L, 32M, 32R goes through an acceleration period and reaches a constant speed rotation at the timing of t1. As described above, in the reel control process (FIG. 15), the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 becomes effective after the rotation of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R starts and the rotation speed reaches a constant speed rotation (after a predetermined period has elapsed), but the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is invalid before the rotation speed of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R reaches the constant speed rotation at the timing of t1. On the other hand, the push order notification effect is executed on the auxiliary display unit 65 at the same time or approximately at the same time as the start lever 41 is operated at the timing of t0, as shown in FIG. 34(c). In other words, the notification command set in step S807 is sent to the display control device 81 in the command output process (step S110) in the timer interrupt process (FIG. 11), and when the display control device 81 receives the notification command, it immediately executes the push order notification effect regardless of the rotation speed of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R. Here, as a configuration for executing the push order notification effect, a configuration for executing the push order notification effect after each reel 32L, 32M, 32R reaches a constant speed rotation, that is, a configuration for executing the push order notification effect after the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 becomes effective, is also conceivable, but in this case, the player will recognize the operation order after the push order notification effect is executed and will operate the stop buttons 42 to 44, which is not preferable from the viewpoint of smoothly progressing the game. In contrast, in this embodiment, by configuring the push order notification effect to be executed before the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 becomes effective, it is possible to recognize the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44, and once the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 becomes effective, it is possible to operate them quickly, making it possible to progress in the game at a good tempo.

Returning to the explanation of the lottery result response process (FIG. 32), if it is determined in step S803 that the notification flag is not set, or if it is determined in step S805 that the fall replay has not been won, the process proceeds to step S808, where the win flag is checked to determine whether or not a specific combination has been won. Specifically, it is determined whether or not any of the following has been won: cherry, first watermelon, second watermelon, seventh replay, eighth replay, or ninth replay. If a specific combination has not been won, the process ends as is, and if a specific combination has been won, the notification lottery process is carried out in step S809.

As already explained, even if the winning flag is "47" to "49" and either the 7th replay, 8th replay, or 9th replay is won, depending on the operation timing of each stop button 42 to 44, the 7th replay winning, 8th replay winning, or 9th replay winning may not be achieved, and the 6th replay winning may be achieved. Even in such a case, in step S808, it is determined that a specific role has been won.

In the notification lottery process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 35, in step S901, it is determined whether the current game state is the fifth RT state. If the current game state is not the fifth RT state, the process proceeds to step S902, where a notification lottery is performed based on a random number obtained from RWM106. In step S903, it is determined whether the notification lottery has been won, and if not, the process ends. On the other hand, if the notification lottery has been won, the value of the waiting game number counter is set to 0 in step S904, and the notification flag is set in step S905, and the process ends. In the notification lottery in step S902, the probability of winning the notification lottery is set to differ depending on the type of specific role. Specifically, the probability of winning the notification lottery is highest for the 9th replay at 100 percent, and lowest for the 1st watermelon at 10 percent, with the probability of winning the notification lottery decreasing in the following order: 9th replay, 8th replay, 7th replay, 2nd watermelon, 1st watermelon.

If it is determined in step S901 that the current game state is the fifth RT state, a predetermined value is added to the value of the accumulation counter provided in RWM106 in step S906, and this process is terminated. The predetermined value is set to be different depending on the type of specific combination. Specifically, the largest value is "5" for the ninth replay, and the smallest value is "1" for the first watermelon, and the values added to the accumulation counter are set to be smaller in the order of the ninth replay, eighth replay, seventh replay, second watermelon, and first watermelon.

The probability of winning the notification lottery and the specified value to be added to the accumulation counter are arbitrary.

Next, the winning result response process will be explained based on the flowchart in Figure 36.

In step S1001, it is determined whether or not the fifth replay win has been achieved. If the fifth replay win has been achieved, it is determined in step S1002 whether or not the notification flag has been set. If the notification flag has not been set, the notification flag is set in step S1003, and then the process proceeds to step S1004. If the notification flag has been set, the process proceeds directly to step S1004. In step S1004, a notification count lottery process is performed to determine the number of notifications for notifying the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42 to 44 based on the random number obtained from the RWM 106. In step S1005, the number of notifications determined in the notification count lottery process is set in the notification count counter provided in the RWM 106. This process is then terminated. Incidentally, in this slot machine 10, the notification count lottery process is performed, and one of the values 16, 33, 50, and 75 is set in the notification count counter.

If it is determined in step S1001 that the fifth replay winning has not been achieved, the process proceeds to step S1006, where it is determined whether or not the notification flag is set. If the notification flag is not set, the process ends as is. If the notification flag is set, it is determined in step S1007 whether or not the fall replay winning has been achieved, and in step S1008 it is determined whether or not the transition result has stopped on an active line. If a fall replay winning has been achieved, or if the transition result has stopped on an active line, this means that the game state has transitioned to the normal game state or the first RT state. In such a case, the notification flag is cleared in step S1009, and the above-mentioned waiting game number lottery process is performed in step S1010. In step S1011, the value obtained in the waiting game number lottery process is set in the waiting game number counter. Then, the process ends.

On the other hand, if the notification flag is set and a fall replay win is not made, and the transition result does not stop on an active line, the notification process is performed in step S1012, and then this process ends.

In the notification process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 37, in step S1101, it is determined whether the value of the notification count counter is not 0. If the value of the notification count counter is 0, this process is terminated as it is, and if it is not 0, it is determined in step S1102 whether a small prize has been won. If a small prize has not been won, this process is terminated as it is, and if a small prize has been won, it is determined in step S1103 whether a 9-coin small prize in which 9 medals are paid out, that is, a bell prize or any of the 1st special bell prize to the 12th special bell prize, has been won. If a 9-coin small prize has not been won, this process is terminated as it is, and if a 9-coin small prize has been won, the value of the notification count counter is decremented by 1 in step S1104. Then, in step S1105, it is determined whether the value of the notification count counter is 0. If the value of the notification count counter is not 0, this process is terminated as it is, and if it is 0, the notification flag is cleared in step S1106. In the next step S1107, it is determined whether the value of the accumulation counter is not 0, and if it is 0, this process is terminated. On the other hand, if the value of the accumulation counter is not 0, the value of the accumulation counter is decremented by 1 in step S1108, and the above-mentioned notification count lottery process is performed in step S1109. Thereafter, in step S1110, the value determined in the notification count lottery process is set in the notification count counter, and in the next step S1111, the notification flag is set again, and this process is terminated.

Therefore, if the value of the accumulation counter is not 0, even if the value of the notification count counter becomes 0, the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42 to 44 will be notified again in a given game. As already explained, the accumulation counter is set in the notification lottery process (FIG. 35) so that the probability of winning the notification lottery and the value to be added to the accumulation counter in the event of a win differ depending on the type of specific combination. Therefore, the player can play while predicting whether or not the notification lottery process will be performed depending on the type of specific combination, and the value to be added to the accumulation counter in the event of a win, that is, while predicting how long the notification flag will remain set.

Next, the stop command response process will be explained based on the flowchart in Figure 38.

In step S1201, it is determined whether the notification flag is set. If the notification flag is set, this process ends, and if the notification flag is not set, the penalty determination process shown in steps S1202 to S1206 is performed.

In the penalty determination process, in step S1202, it is determined whether the current stop command is the first stop command, that is, whether the stop command occurred while all reels 32L, 32M, and 32R were spinning. If it is not the first stop command, the process ends as it is, and if it is the first stop command, in step S1203, it is determined whether the left stop button 42 was operated as the first stop command. If the left stop button 42 is operated and the first stop command is generated, the process ends as it is. On the other hand, if the center stop button 43 or the right stop button 44 is operated and the first stop command is generated, the process proceeds to step S1204, where it is determined whether the penalty flag is set. If the penalty flag is not set, the penalty flag is set in step S1205. After that, or if the penalty flag has already been set, in step S1206, 2 is added to the value of the penalty game number counter provided in the RWM 106, and the process ends.

In this way, in this slot machine 10, if the notification flag is not set and the left stop button 42 is not operated initially, the penalty flag is set and the penalty game number counter is incremented by 2.

If the penalty flag is set, in the game number management process (see FIG. 31), a positive judgment is made in step S704, and the penalty game number subtraction process shown in steps S705 to S707 is performed instead of the waiting game number subtraction process. In the penalty game number subtraction process, the penalty game number counter is subtracted by 1 in step S705, and it is determined in step S706 whether the penalty game number counter is 0 or not. If the penalty game number counter is not 0, this process is terminated as it is, and if it is 0, the penalty flag is cleared in step S707 and then this process is terminated. Then, in the lottery result response process (see FIG. 32), if the penalty flag is set, a positive judgment is made in step S802, and the lottery result response process is terminated as it is. In other words, if the penalty flag is set, the notification lottery process is not performed even if a specific combination is won.

In other words, if the middle stop button 43 or right stop button 44 is operated first when the notification flag is not set, the value of the waiting game number counter will not be decremented after the game ends. Also, in the next game, even if a specific combination is won, the notification lottery process will not be performed and the value of the waiting game number counter will not be decremented. Therefore, if the middle stop button 43 or right stop button 44 is operated first when the notification flag is not set, a disadvantageous situation will arise for the player.

Next, the flow of the game in this slot machine 10 will be explained. In this slot machine 10, the probability of winning the first BB is extremely low at approximately 1 in 16,400, and the probability of winning the second BB is extremely low at approximately 1 in 2,050, so the gameplay is centered around not winning the BB. Therefore, to make it easier to understand, we will explain the flow of the game after the BB state ends.

When the BB state ends, the main control device 101 transitions the game state from the BB state to the normal game state. At this time, the main control device 101 performs a lottery process for the number of waiting games, and sets the number of waiting games counter to one of the values between 1 and 1280. The notification flag, which notifies the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44, is set when the number of waiting games becomes 0. In other words, if the number of waiting games is not 0, the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not notified.

If the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not notified, the probability of transitioning from game state 1 to another game state is set low, making it extremely difficult to transition from the normal game state to the fifth RT state.

For this reason, the player must play each game so that the number of waiting games is 0. The number of waiting games is decremented by 1 when the left stop button 42 is operated first and a game is played when the penalty flag is not set. Also, when a specific combination is won and the notification lottery is won when the penalty flag is not set, the number of waiting games is set to 0. The penalty flag is set when the middle stop button 43 or right stop button 44 is operated first and the notification flag is not set. In other words, in order to set the number of waiting games to 0, the left stop button 42 must be operated first in each game.

When the number of waiting games becomes 0, a notification flag is set. Then, when a bell or fall replay is won in the first RT state to the fourth RT state, the display control device 81 notifies the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42 to 44. By operating the stop buttons 42 to 44 in the notified operation sequence, the player can achieve a bell win or a second replay win to a fifth replay win (hereinafter also referred to as a "promotion replay win") without operating the stop buttons 42 to 44 aiming for a pattern. In addition, by achieving a bell win or a promotion replay win, it is possible to avoid a fall replay win or a transition result stopping on an active line, and it is possible to relatively quickly transition the game state to the fifth RT state.

When the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is notified, the probability of transitioning from game state 1 to another game state is set high, making it easier to transition from the normal game state to the fifth RT state compared to when the operation sequence is not notified.

When the game state transitions to the fifth RT state, a notification count lottery process is performed and the notification count counter is set to one of the values 16, 33, 50, or 75. When a bell win or special bell win is achieved, the value of the notification count counter is decremented by 1, and when the value of the notification count counter becomes 0, the notification flag is cleared. In other words, in the fifth RT state, when the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42 to 44 to achieve a bell win has been announced the number of times, the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42 to 44 will no longer be announced.

The expected medal payout value per game in the fifth RT state is about 4.80 medals when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated in the notified operation sequence. Since three medals must be bet to play one game, an increase of about 1.80 medals per game can be expected in the fifth RT state. Incidentally, if the number of times of notification is set to 16, an increase of about 100 medals can be expected before the notification flag is cleared, if the number of times of notification is set to 33, an increase of about 200 medals can be expected before the notification flag is cleared, if the number of times of notification is set to 50, an increase of about 300 medals can be expected before the notification flag is cleared, and if the number of times of notification is set to 75, an increase of about 450 medals can be expected before the notification flag is cleared.

When the value of the notification count counter becomes 0 in the fifth RT state, it is determined whether the value of the accumulation counter is 0 or not. If the value of the accumulation counter is not 0, the notification flag is set again, and a notification count lottery process is performed, and the notification count counter is set again to one of the values 16, 33, 50, or 75. If the notification lottery, which is the result of winning a specific role in the fifth RT state, is won, a predetermined number is added to the value of the accumulation counter depending on the type of specific role. From this perspective, it can be said that the fifth RT state is more advantageous for the player than the normal game state.

When the value of the accumulation counter is 0, a waiting game number lottery process is performed, and the waiting game number counter is set to any value between 1 and 1280. As a result, the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not notified again until the number of waiting games becomes 0. The expected value of medal payout per game in the 5th RT state is about 3.07 medals when the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not notified. Since it is necessary to bet three medals to play one game, it is expected that the medals per game will increase by about 0.07 medals in the 5th RT state. Therefore, even in a situation where the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is not notified, the 5th RT state is more advantageous to the player than the normal game state. However, in such a situation, there is a probability of about 1 in 5.20 that the transition result stops on the effective line and the state transitions to the 1st RT state, and there is a probability of about 1 in 3.28 that the fall replay winning is established and the state transitions to the normal game state. Therefore, if the transition result stops on a winning line or a fall replay win occurs before the number of waiting games reaches zero, the situation favorable to the player will end.

As described above, when the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is notified, the player is in an advantageous situation, but even when the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is notified, the player may be in an unfavorable situation. Specifically, if the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated in a different order from the notified operation sequence, in a game in which a bell is won, a special bell or a transition result may stop on the active line instead of a bell depending on the operation sequence and operation timing of the stop buttons 42 to 44, and in a game in which a fall replay is won, a fall replay win may be achieved instead of the second replay win to the sixth replay win depending on the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42 to 44. As already explained, when the transition result stops, the game state transitions to the first RT state, and when a fall replay win is achieved, the game state transitions to the normal game state. In other words, the game state in which the player was staying transitions to a less favorable game state, resulting in a disadvantageous situation for the player.

In particular, even if the auxiliary display unit 65 notifies the player of the operation order of the stop buttons 42-44 and the player operates them accordingly, each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R may not stop. This is because, even if the stop buttons 42-44 are operated while each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is spinning, there are set periods during which the operation is valid and periods during which it is invalid. The relationship between these periods will now be explained with reference to Figure 39. Figure 39 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the rotation speed of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R and the valid and invalid periods of the stop buttons 42-44.

As shown in FIG. 39, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R start to rotate at time t0, and then the rotation speed increases during the acceleration period. After the rotation speed reaches a predetermined speed at time t1, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R continue to rotate at that speed. Here, the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 becomes valid at time t2, which is set after time t1. In other words, the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is invalid until time t2, and the period from time t0 to time t2 is set as the invalid period for the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44. In this slot machine 10, the period from when the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R start to rotate until the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 becomes valid is basically set to 1 sec. Also, as already explained, when announcing the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44, the push order notification effect is executed on the auxiliary display unit 65 at the same time as the rotation of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R starts at timing t0, or before that if it is during the wait period.

Because the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is invalid before the timing of t2, the corresponding reel does not stop even if the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated before the timing of t2, and the corresponding reel stops if the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated after the timing of t2. Also, as already explained, when the reel stops, if the slip control is set, the reel is controlled to stop with a slip. During this reel slip control, the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is invalid. Therefore, it can be said that the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is invalid during the period from when any of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is operated at the timing of t3 until the corresponding reel finally stops with a slip at the timing of t4. In addition, in this slot machine 10, when the 4-symbol slip control, which is the maximum number of slip symbols set, is performed, the period from when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated until the corresponding reel finally stops (the period from the timing of t3 to the timing of t4 when the maximum number of slip control is performed) is set to be 0.1 sec. Furthermore, prior to timing t0, i.e., before the reels start to spin, operation of stop buttons 42-44 is invalid, and after timing t4, i.e., after the reels have finally stopped, operation of the stop button corresponding to the reel that has finally stopped is invalid.

The existence of invalid and valid periods for these stop buttons 42-44 means that even if a player operates the stop buttons 42-44 in the notified operation sequence, if the player operates multiple stop buttons 42-44 across these invalid and valid periods, one reel will not stop while the other reels will. This results in a so-called erroneous operation, where the reels stop in an unintended stopping order. This creates an unfavorable situation for the player, as described above.

In particular, as already explained, in the present slot machine 10, when a bell is won, the first stop button is operated to determine whether the bell win or the special bell win will result, and when a fall replay is won, the order in which the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated determines whether the fall replay win or another replay win will result. In other words, the push order notification performance is configured to be executed simultaneously with or before the start of rotation of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. Even if the order of operation that results in a bell win or a replay win other than a fall replay is notified, if the stop button that should be operated first is operated from t0 to t2 as shown in FIG. 39, and then the stop button that should be operated second or later is operated after t2, the fall replay win or transition result may stop. Therefore, if the stop buttons 42-44 are operated during the period from when the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R start to spin until the operation of the stop buttons 42-44 becomes effective (the period from time t0 to time t2), there is a high possibility that this will be an erroneous operation.

On the other hand, the period during which the reel slip control is performed based on the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is 0.1 sec, which is set shorter than the period from when the rotation of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R begins until the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 becomes effective. In particular, this period during slip control is shorter than the period (about 0.2 sec) assumed to be required for a player to operate one stop button and then operate another stop button, and the possibility of an erroneous operation occurring due to the operation of a stop button corresponding to another reel during this slip control is relatively low compared to the period from when the reel starts to rotate and until the operation of the stop button becomes effective. Also, some players may operate the same stop button multiple times in succession to ensure that the reel stops. In this case, even if the stop button is operated during the period during which the operation is effective, there is a high possibility that the same stop button will be operated intentionally again during the subsequent slip control.

Therefore, in this slot machine 10, if the stop buttons 42-44 are operated during the period from when the rotation of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R starts until the operation of the stop buttons 42-44 becomes effective, there is a high possibility of an erroneous operation occurring. Therefore, in order to suppress such an erroneous operation, a distinctive process is set in the rotation start process (step S401) in the reel control process (FIG. 15) performed by the main control device 101. The rotation start process will be explained based on the flowchart in FIG. 40.

First, in step S1301, it is confirmed whether a predetermined wait time (e.g., 4.1 sec) has elapsed since the reels started spinning in the previous game, and the process waits until the wait time has elapsed. If the wait time has elapsed, the wait time for the next game is reset in step S1302. Then, in step S1303, the number of medals bet is set. The set number of bets is output to the external centralized terminal board 121 in the counter process (step S109) of the timer interrupt process. In the following step S1304, rotation start information is set in the motor control storage area provided in the RWM 106. By performing this process, the acceleration process of the stepping motors 42c to 44c is started in the stepping motor control process (step S106) of the timer interrupt process, and each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R starts spinning. Therefore, by setting the above wait time, even if a player bets a specified number of medals and operates the start lever 41, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R may not immediately start spinning.

In the next step S1305, a process is executed to input a value corresponding to the invalid operation period (for example, "671" which corresponds to approximately 1 sec) to an invalid counter MC provided in the RWM 106. The invalid counter MC is a counter that is decremented by 1 in a timer subtraction process (step S108) each time the timer interrupt process (FIG. 11) is executed once, and is a counter that the CPU 102 uses to identify that the invalid operation period is in progress.

In step S1306, it is determined whether the invalid counter MC is "0" to determine whether the invalid operation period has elapsed. If the invalid operation period has not elapsed, it is determined in the following step S1307 whether the stop buttons 42 to 44 have been operated, and if they have not been operated, the process returns to step S1306.

On the other hand, if the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated before the operation invalid period has elapsed, a positive determination is made in step S1307, the operation response process is executed in step S1308, and the process returns to step S1306. In other words, regardless of whether the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated or not, the reel stop control process of steps S402 to S412 in the reel control process (FIG. 15) does not proceed until the operation invalid period has elapsed, and the corresponding reel 32L, 32M, 32R will not stop even if the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated. The operation response process will now be explained based on the flowchart in FIG. 41.

In the operation response process, first in step S1401, it is determined whether or not the game is in a normal game state, and if so, this operation response process ends. In step S1402, it is determined whether or not the notification flag is set, and in the following step S1403, it is determined whether or not a bell (only when simultaneously won with a special bell) or a fall replay has been won by checking the winning flag. If a negative judgment is made in step S1402 or step S1403, this operation response process ends. In other words, even if the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated before the operation invalid period has elapsed, the processing from step S1404 onwards is performed only in the case where the game is in a game state other than the normal game state (first RT state to fifth RT state) and the auxiliary display unit 65 notifies the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44.

In step S1404, it is determined whether the extension counter EC provided in the RWM 106 is "2", and if the extension counter EC is "2", this operation response process is terminated. The extension counter EC is a counter that allows the CPU 102 to determine the number of times the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated before the operation invalid period has elapsed in a game that notifies the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44.

In the next step S1405, the extension counter EC is incremented by "1", and in the next step S1406, the invalid counter MC is incremented by "671". This extends the invalid operation period. In detail, in step S1406, the invalid operation period is extended by approximately 1 sec.

The value added to the void counter MC in step S1406 is not limited to "671" and may be smaller or larger than this. Furthermore, the value added may be set to be longer or shorter than the period from when each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R starts to rotate until it reaches a constant speed. However, from the viewpoint of preventing the occurrence of erroneous operations that stop the reels in an unintended stopping order when the reels are stopped successively, it is desirable to perform the increment process of the void counter MC so that the period is longer than the interval between the successive operation of one stop button and another stop button by the player, so as to correspond at least to the speed at which the player successively operates the reels to stop.

In the next step S1407, the extension information command is set as a transmission target for the display control device 81, and this operation response process ends. The process of the display control device 81 that receives the extension information command will be described later.

Returning to the explanation of the rotation start process (Figure 40), if it is determined in step S1306 that the invalid counter MC is "0", the extension counter EC is set to "0" in the following step S1309, and the stop lamps 42b to 44b are turned on in the following step S1310, after which the rotation start process is terminated.

Therefore, in this slot machine 10, if the stop buttons 42-44 are operated during a given game before the operation invalid period has elapsed, the operation invalid period is extended by approximately 1 second for each operation, up to a maximum of two times. This makes it possible to prevent a situation in which the player stops the next reel even though the reel that was stopped by the player has not stopped, which would result in the transition result or fall replay winning being stopped.

The number of times the operation invalid period can be extended is not limited to two times, but may be one time or three or more times. Even in this case, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of the above-mentioned erroneous operations.

In addition, in step S1406 in the operation response process (FIG. 41), a process of adding a predetermined value to the invalid counter MC is executed, but this is not limited to the above, and the invalid counter MC may be updated to a predetermined value. Specifically, for example, by updating the invalid counter MC again to "671", which corresponds to the length of the invalid operation period before the update, at least the period from the start of rotation to when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated is added to the invalid operation period. In this case, the length of the invalid operation period after the extension is shorter than in the process of adding a predetermined value to the invalid counter MC, making it possible to smoothly progress in the game while suppressing the occurrence of erroneous operations.

Next, the processing of the display control device 81 that has received the above-mentioned extension information command will be described with reference to FIG. 42. FIG. 42(a) is a flowchart showing the extension information command processing, and FIG. 42(b) and FIG. 42(c) are explanatory diagrams for explaining the presentation in the auxiliary display unit 65.

As shown in FIG. 42(a), first, in step S1501, it is determined whether the currently received extension information command is the first one received in the current game, and if it is the first time, a first special notification is set in step S1502, and if it is not the first time, a second special notification is set in step S1503. In steps S1502 and S1503, the corresponding special notification is set by setting the special notification video data group 85b from the RT state video data group 85 stored in the ROM 83 of the display control device 81 to the auxiliary display unit 65.

Specifically, when the first special notification is set, as shown in FIG. 42(b-1), the word "wait" is displayed and a sound effect is emitted from the speaker 64, and a performance is executed to inform the player that the stop buttons 42 to 44 have been operated during the operation invalid period. In addition, as the background, a video performance of a device that draws water into a bamboo tube and makes a pleasant sound when the bamboo tube flips over due to the weight of the accumulated water and hits a stone, so-called water supply (or deer scare), is displayed. In the water supply video performance, water gradually accumulates in the bamboo tube, and as 1 sec corresponding to the extended operation invalid period passes, the bamboo tube tilts and the water spills, as shown in FIG. 42(b-2), and the bamboo tube hits a stone and makes a sound, informing the player that the extended operation invalid period has passed. Furthermore, by displaying an emotional landscape video of water supply, it is expected to have the effect of calming the player's excitement.

When the second special notification is set, as shown in FIG. 42(c-1), the words "Wait! Wait!" are displayed and a sound effect is emitted from the speaker 64, further informing the player that the operation invalid period has been extended. In addition, a video of the sunrise on Mt. Fuji is displayed as the background. In the video of the sunrise on Mt. Fuji, the sky gradually brightens, and after 1 sec, which corresponds to the extended operation invalid period, the sun appears from the top of Mt. Fuji as shown in FIG. 42(c-2), informing the player that the extended operation invalid period has elapsed. Furthermore, by displaying an emotional landscape video of the sunrise on Mt. Fuji, it is expected that the effect of calming the player's excitement can be expected. In addition, since the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R can be stopped with the sunrise, the player can resume playing with a renewed feeling.

Here, as shown in FIG. 42(b) and FIG. 42(c), the push order notification effect that notifies the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 (in the figure, it notifies that the reels should be stopped in the order of center reel 32M → right reel 32R → left reel 32L) is displayed in a manner that can be seen even when each special notification is set. Specifically, although it is displayed smaller than when each special notification is set, it is displayed in front of the background video effect of each special notification, so that the player can recognize the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 even during the operation invalid period. Therefore, the game can be resumed immediately after the operation invalid period has elapsed. In this explanation, the push order notification effect when the fall replay is won is explained as an example, but the push order notification effect when the bell is won is also the same. It goes without saying that the display contents and videos of each special notification are not limited to this.

As described above, the slot machine 10 is configured to notify the player of the extension of the operation invalid period via the auxiliary display unit 65 and the speaker 64. This allows the player to recognize that he or she has operated the stop buttons 42-44 during the operation invalid period, and is expected to operate the stop buttons 42-44 carefully in the current game and in subsequent games. This makes it possible to prevent situations that are unfavorable to the player from occurring.

Next, we will explain how to extend the operation invalid period with reference to Figure 43.

Figures 43(a) to 43(d) are timing charts showing the changes in the valid and invalid periods of the stop buttons 42 to 44 based on the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44, with Figures 43(a-1), (b-1), (c-1), and (d-1) showing the valid and invalid periods of the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44, and Figures 43(a-2), (b-2), (c-2), and (d-2) showing the operation status of the stop buttons 42 to 44.

As shown in FIG. 43(a), at time t0, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R start to rotate, and at time t2, after the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R reach a constant speed at time t1, the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 becomes valid after the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 has elapsed for a period of Ta (1 sec in this embodiment). In addition, when any of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is operated at time t3 during the valid period, the corresponding reel stops at time t4 with a slip. As already explained, the period from when the stop button is operated to when the reel is rotating with a slip (the period from t3 to t4) is also an operation invalid period. Furthermore, the operation of all the stop buttons 42 to 44 is invalid before time t0, and the operation of the stop button corresponding to the last reel that stopped is invalid after time t4.

In a game in which the operation sequence is notified, as shown in FIG. 43(b), when any of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is operated at timing t5 during the operation invalid period, the operation invalid period is extended by a period Tb (1 sec in this embodiment). As a result, the operation invalid period becomes a period of Ta+Tb. In addition, the first special notification is executed by the auxiliary display unit 65 and the speaker 64. When the extended operation invalid period has elapsed at timing t6, operation of the stop button becomes valid, and it becomes possible to stop the corresponding reel based on the operation.

As shown in FIG. 43(c), in a situation where any of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is operated at the timing of t5, if any of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is further operated at the timing of t7 during the operation invalid period, the extended operation invalid period is further extended by a period of Tc (1 sec in this embodiment). As a result, the operation invalid period becomes a period of Ta+Tb+Tc. In addition, a second special notification is executed by the auxiliary display unit 65 and the speaker 64. When the extended operation invalid period has elapsed at the timing of t8, the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 becomes valid, and it becomes possible to stop the corresponding reel based on the operation.

On the other hand, the operation invalid period can only be extended twice. As shown in FIG. 43(d), even if any of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is operated a third time at timing t9 during the operation invalid period, the operation invalid period is not extended, and as in FIG. 43(c), operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 becomes valid at timing t8, making it possible to stop the corresponding reel based on the operation.

In this slot machine 10, while suppressing the occurrence of a situation in which the operation is not performed according to the notified operation sequence, after the operation invalid period has elapsed, the stop buttons 42 to 44 can be operated in any operation sequence. In other words, even if the operation invalid period is extended, it is possible to operate the stop buttons 42 to 44 in an operation sequence different from the notified operation sequence after the operation invalid period has elapsed.

As a configuration for preventing the stop buttons 42 to 44 from being operated in an operation sequence other than the notified operation sequence, a configuration that allows the stop buttons 42 to 44 to be operated only in the notified operation sequence is also conceivable. However, the reason why the stop buttons 42 to 44 can be operated in an operation sequence other than the notified operation sequence as in this configuration is as follows. That is, in the slot machine 10 in which the player operates the start lever 41 to start a game and the player operates the stop buttons 42 to 44 to end the game, it is significant that the player starts and ends the game by his own operation, and the operation method for starting and ending these games should be allowed to be performed as the player likes. In other words, even if the operation sequence that will give the highest profit at the end of the game is notified, the player is free to not follow the notification, and it is considered that there should be room left for the player to perform an operation that does not follow the notification, for example, when the player intentionally wants to transition from the 5th RT state to another game state. In this regard, if the configuration allows the game to end only in the notified operation sequence, not only would it be impossible to intentionally perform operations different from those notified, but it would also eliminate the thrill of the slot machine 10, which is that the game progresses through the player's operations. Therefore, in the light of the above, it is considered inappropriate to use such a configuration.

If the wait time (4.1 sec) has not elapsed since the start of the previous game, the system waits in step S1301. In detail, if the credit insertion buttons 56-58 and start lever 41 are operated in the current game within the wait time after the start of rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R in the previous game, the system waits in step S1301. If a player wishes to play each game quickly, it is assumed that each game will be played consecutively with a so-called full wait, so that a situation in which the system waits in step S1301 occurs for each game.

As described above, in the slot machine 10, if the stop buttons 42-44 are operated during the operation invalid period, the operation invalid period is extended, and the slot machine 10 is set so that the extension of the operation invalid period does not interfere with the full wait consumption. Specifically, the operation invalid period from the start of the rotation of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is extended to 3 seconds even at the maximum. In addition, the period required for the subsequent stop control of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R and the payout of medals is set to be within 1 second in total. Therefore, if the player quickly operates the stop buttons 42-44, the credit insertion buttons 56-58 for the next game, and the start lever 41, even if the operation invalid period is extended to the maximum, it will be within the wait time of 4.1 seconds, and the above-mentioned full wait consumption can be performed. In particular, erroneous operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is likely to occur in situations where a player is trying to play each game quickly because, for example, the closing time of the gaming hall is approaching. In other words, if the configuration were such that full wait completion could not be executed when the operation invalid period is extended, the configuration for suppressing the occurrence of erroneous operation could become a configuration that hinders the smooth completion of play. In contrast, as described above, the slot machine 10 is designed to suppress the occurrence of erroneous operation while not hindering the smooth progress of play.

The present embodiment described above provides the following excellent advantages:

In a slot machine 10 in which the rotation of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R starts when the player operates the start lever 41, and the rotation of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R stops when the player operates the stop buttons 42-44 after the operation invalid period has elapsed, if the stop buttons 42-44 are operated before the operation invalid period has elapsed, the operation invalid period is extended as an operation response process. This makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of erroneous operations in which the player operates the stop buttons 42-44 multiple times before and after the operation invalid period has elapsed, causing the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R to stop in an unintended stopping order or timing.

As the operation invalid period is extended, the auxiliary display unit 65 and speaker 64 are configured to notify the player that the operation invalid period has been extended. This allows the player to recognize that he or she has operated the stop buttons 42 to 44 during the operation invalid period, and is expected to carefully check the operation sequence before operating in the current game and in subsequent games.

The operation invalid period can be extended up to two times. This makes it possible to prevent the operation invalid period from being extended indefinitely if the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated consecutively during the operation invalid period.

Even if the winning combination is the same, the game result will be different depending on the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44. Specifically, if a bell is won, depending on the operation order, a bell win will be established, or a transition result will stop on an active line. When a bell win is established, nine medals will be paid out, while when a transition result stops, the game state may change. Also, when a fall replay win is won, depending on the operation order, a fall replay will be established, or another replay will be established. When a fall replay win is established, the game state changes, while when another replay is established, the game state does not change. By applying the above-mentioned configuration that suppresses the occurrence of erroneous operation to a gaming machine where the game result may differ depending on the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44, the game of the gaming machine can be improved.

As the above-mentioned different game results, one situation may be advantageous to the player, and the other situation may be disadvantageous to the player. Specifically, a plurality of game states with different degrees of advantage for the player are set, and as the above-mentioned different game results, when a bell is won, nine medals can be obtained when the bell is won, while when the transition result stops on the effective line, the game state transitions to the first RT state, which is a game state that is disadvantageous to the current game state (if the game state is in the first RT state, the transition does not occur). In addition, when a fall replay win is won, if a fall replay is established, a privilege is obtained in which the next game can be played for free, but the game state transitions to the normal game state, which is a game state that is disadvantageous to the current game state, and if another replay is established, a privilege is obtained in which the next game can be played for free, and the game state does not transition. By applying the above-mentioned configuration for suppressing the occurrence of erroneous operation to a gaming machine in which either an advantageous or unfavorable situation occurs depending on the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44, it is possible to make the game on that gaming machine more enjoyable.

The operation response process is configured to be performed when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated during the period from when each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R starts to rotate until a predetermined period has elapsed. Specifically, after the predetermined period has elapsed, the operation of the stop buttons becomes invalid during the slip control based on the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 (hereinafter, this is also called the slip period to distinguish it from the operation invalid period from when each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R starts to rotate until a predetermined period has elapsed), but even if the stop button is operated during this slip period, the operation invalid period is not extended as described above. This is for the following reason. That is, the period from when each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R starts to rotate until the predetermined period has elapsed is 1 sec, while the slip period is as short as 0.1 sec, and the possibility of an erroneous operation occurring due to the operation of the stop button corresponding to another reel during the slip control is relatively low compared to the period from when the reel starts to rotate until the operation of the stop button becomes valid. Also, some players may operate the same stop button multiple times in succession to ensure that the reels stop. In this case, even if the stop button is operated during a period in which operation is valid, there is a high possibility that the same stop button will be operated intentionally again during the subsequent slip control. In other words, the reason why the operation response process is not executed during the slip period is because the operation response process should not be executed during the slip period from the perspective of both the short period being unlikely to result in an erroneous operation and the high possibility of the stop button being intentionally operated.

The operation response process is configured to extend the operation invalid period for all stop buttons 42 to 44. This makes it possible to reduce the processing load compared to a configuration in which the operation invalid period for each stop button 42 to 44 is extended individually.

In particular, if the configuration is such that only the operation invalid period of the stop button operated during the operation invalid period is extended, the operation invalid period of the other stop buttons will elapse before the operation invalid period of the stop button whose operation invalid period has been extended, and this configuration is not effective from the viewpoint of preventing the occurrence of erroneous operation caused by the operation of multiple stop buttons before and after the operation invalid period has elapsed. On the other hand, if the configuration is such that the operation invalid period of the stop button other than the one operated during the operation invalid period is extended, the occurrence of the above-mentioned erroneous operation can be prevented, but there is a concern that the processing load will increase due to the individual monitoring of the valid and invalid management of the operation of each of the stop buttons 42 to 44. Therefore, by configuring the configuration in such a way that the operation invalid period of all the stop buttons 42 to 44 is extended as in this embodiment, the occurrence of erroneous operation can be prevented while reducing the processing load.

In games where a winning combination results in different game results depending on the above-mentioned stop order, the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is notified, limiting the games in which the above-mentioned operation invalid period can be extended. In games other than the games in which the winning combination is achieved, the operation invalid period is not extended, allowing the game to proceed smoothly, and in games in which the winning combination is achieved, it is possible to increase the significance of advising the player to be careful.

As described above, the stop buttons 42 to 44 can be operated in the order intended by the player while preventing erroneous operation by the player. Specifically, not only when the operation invalid period is not extended, but also when the operation invalid period is extended, the player can stop the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R in any order after the period has elapsed. This allows the player to intentionally stop the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R in an order different from the operation order notified to him, preventing the player from losing the thrill of playing the slot machine 10 by operating the reels himself.

Second Embodiment
In the first embodiment described above, when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated during the operation invalid period, the operation invalid period is extended as an operation response process. However, in the present embodiment, the operation response process is configured to execute a process for invalidating a predetermined number of operations after the operation invalid period has elapsed.

The following describes the configuration that differs from the first embodiment. Note that other than the different configuration, the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Figure 44 is a flowchart showing the reel control process in this embodiment.

In the reel control process in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, first, the spin start process is executed in step S1601. However, the spin start process in this embodiment has a different processing configuration from that of the first embodiment. The different configuration will be explained below with reference to FIG. 45. FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing the spin start process in this embodiment.

In the spin start process in this embodiment, the processes of steps S1701 to S1705 are executed in the same manner as the processes of steps S1301 to S1305 in the first embodiment. In step S1706, whether or not a predetermined period (operation invalid period) has elapsed since the start of the spinning of each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R is determined by whether or not the value of the invalid counter MC is "0" as in the first embodiment. If the predetermined period has not elapsed in step S1706, it is determined in step S1707 whether or not the stop buttons 42 to 44 have been operated. If no operation has been performed, the process returns to step S1706, and if any of the stop buttons 42 to 44 have been operated, the process executes the operation response process in step S1708. After executing the operation response process, the process returns to step S1706 as in the first embodiment. If the invalid counter MC is "0" in step S1706, the spin start process ends.

Here, the operation response processing in this embodiment will be explained based on the flowchart in FIG. 46.

In the operation response process in this embodiment, the process of steps S1801 to S1803 is executed in the same manner as the process of steps S1401 to S1403 in the first embodiment. In step S1804, it is determined whether or not the stop limit counter SC provided in the RWM 106 is "0". The stop limit counter SC is a counter for the CPU 102 to specify the number of times the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated after the operation invalid period has elapsed when any of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is operated during the operation invalid period in a game in which the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is notified. If the stop limit counter SC is "0" in step S1804, the process proceeds to step S1805, and "2" is input to the stop limit counter SC. On the other hand, if the stop limit counter SC is not "0" in step S1804, that is, if the process of step S1805 has already been executed in the current game, the operation response process is terminated as it is.

After executing the process of step S1805, in step S1806, the stop restriction command is set as a transmission target to the display control device 81, and this operation response process is terminated. The display control device 81 that has received the stop restriction command issues a notification on the auxiliary display unit 65 and the speaker 64 to inform the user that the stop buttons 42 to 44 have been operated during the invalid operation period of the stop buttons 42 to 44, and to inform the user of the value of the stop restriction counter SC. In this case, the auxiliary display unit 65 also issues a push order notification effect that notifies the user of the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 in a manner that can be recognized at the same time, similar to the first special notification effect and the second special notification effect in the first embodiment.

Returning to the explanation of the reel control process (FIG. 44), after executing the spin start process in step S1601, it is determined in step S1602 whether any of the credit insertion buttons 56-58 have been operated. If none of the credit insertion buttons 56-58 have been operated, it is determined in steps S1603 and S1604 whether the stop buttons 42-44 have been operated and a stop command has been issued, similar to the processes in steps S402 and S403 in the first embodiment described above. In the following step S1605, it is determined whether the stop limit counter SC is "0". If the determination in step S1602 is positive, or if the determination in step S1605 is negative, the process proceeds to step S1606. In step S1606, a process of subtracting "1" from the stop limit counter SC is executed, and in the following step S1607, the SC subtraction command is set as a transmission target to the display control device 81, and then the process returns to step S1602. Upon receiving the SC subtraction command, the display control device 81 executes the process described above to change the value of the stop limit counter SC displayed on the auxiliary display unit 65 to a value that is subtracted by "1." This allows the player to recognize that the value of the stop limit counter SC has been subtracted.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1605 that the stop limit counter SC is "0", the process proceeds to step S1608, where the stop lamps 42b to 44b are turned on, and in the following step S1609, the process corresponding to the stop command is executed as in the first embodiment described above, and the process relating to the reel stop in steps S1610 to S1619 and the process based on the winning combination are executed, and the reel control process is terminated.

In other words, in this embodiment, in a game that notifies the operation sequence, if the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated during the operation invalid period, "2" is input to the stop limit counter SC, and even if the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated after the operation invalid period has elapsed, the corresponding reel will not be stopped until the second operation, and the process of stopping the corresponding reel is executed when the stop button 42 to 44 is operated a third time.

The stop limit counter SC is also decremented by operating any of the credit insertion buttons 56-58 in addition to operating the stop buttons 42-44 after the operation invalid period has elapsed.

Here, we will explain the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 and the stopping control of each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R by executing the operation response process, based on Figure 47.

Figures 47(a) to 47(c) are timing charts showing the operation of each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R based on the operation of stop buttons 42 to 44, with Figures 47(a-1), (b-1), and (c-1) showing the spinning and stopping status of each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R, and Figures 47(a-2), (b-2), and (c-2) showing the operation status of stop buttons 42 to 44.

As shown in Figure 47(a), at time t0, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R start to spin, and at time t1, when the operation invalid period has elapsed at time t2, which is the time after the reels have reached constant speed rotation, operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 becomes valid. When any of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is operated at time t3, during the valid period, the corresponding reel will slip and stop at time t4.

In a game in which the operation sequence is notified, as shown in FIG. 47(b), when any of the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated at the timing of t5 during the operation invalid period, the operation response process inputs "2" to the stop limit counter SC. In addition, a special notification is executed by the speaker 64 and the auxiliary display unit 65, and the value of the stop limit counter SC is displayed on the auxiliary display unit 65. After that, even if any of the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated at the timing of t6 and t7 during the valid period, the value of the stop limit counter SC is only decremented by "1" and the corresponding reel is not stopped. However, the display of the value of the stop limit counter SC on the auxiliary display unit 65 is decremented by "1". When the stop limit counter SC becomes "0" by the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 at the timing of t6 and t7, if any of the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated at the timing of t3, the corresponding reel will stop at the timing of t4 with a slip, as in FIG. 47(a).

Also, as shown in FIG. 47(c), even if any of the stop buttons 42-44 are operated multiple times at times t5 and t8 during the operation invalid period, the operation response process does not input the predetermined value ("2" in this embodiment) again to the stop limit counter SC. Therefore, as in FIG. 47(b), when any of the stop buttons 42-44 is operated at time t3, which is the third operation after the valid period has started, the corresponding reel will slip and stop at time t4.

Furthermore, although not shown in the figure, the configuration is such that, while suppressing erroneous operation caused by operating the stop buttons 42-44 both before and after the operation invalid period as described above, the decrement process of the stop limit counter SC is also performed by operating any of the credit insertion buttons 56-58. In other words, in order for the player to recognize the above-mentioned erroneous operation and resume play, it is necessary to set the value of the stop limit counter SC to "0". In this case, even though the stop limit counter SC has already reached "0", there is a concern that the stop buttons 42-44 may be further operated, causing the reels to stop at an unintended timing, which is a so-called secondary erroneous operation. This configuration is a device to suppress the occurrence of such secondary erroneous operation. In other words, when the operation of the stop buttons 42-44 becomes invalid after the operation invalid period has elapsed, the player can resume play by operating any of the credit insertion buttons 56-58.

The present embodiment described above provides the following excellent advantages:

If the stop buttons 42-44 are operated after the start of rotation of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R and before the operation invalid period has elapsed, the operation of the stop buttons 42-44 is invalidated up to a predetermined number of times (twice in this embodiment) and the corresponding reel is not stopped, even if the stop buttons 42-44 are operated after the operation invalid period has elapsed. This makes it possible to prevent erroneous operation caused by operating the stop buttons 42-44 multiple times both before and after the operation invalid period has elapsed.

Even if the stop buttons 42-44 are operated after the operation invalid period has elapsed, the number of times the operation is invalidated is limited to a predetermined number (2 times). This is set in accordance with the number of stop buttons 42-44 provided on the slot machine 10. In other words, there are two stop buttons corresponding to the reel other than the one originally intended to be stopped, and even if these are operated in succession, stop control is not performed for each of them, making it possible to prevent erroneous operation of each reel.

However, from the viewpoint of preventing erroneous operation in which, when two stop buttons are operated both before and after the operation invalid period, the reel operated before the operation invalid period does not stop, but the reel operated after the operation invalid period stops, the number of times that the operation is invalidated after the operation invalid period may be one. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of reliably invalidating the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 after the operation invalid period, the number of times that the operation is invalidated after the operation invalid period may be three or more.

In addition to the configuration in which the stop limit counter SC is decremented by "1" when the stop buttons 42-44 are operated after the operation invalid period has elapsed, the stop limit counter SC is also decremented when other switches (credit insertion buttons 56-57 in this embodiment) are operated. This makes it possible to suppress erroneous operations in which the reels stop at unintended timing or order due to the operation of the stop buttons 42-44 only for decrementing the stop limit counter SC. In other words, when "2" is input into the stop limit counter SC, the operation after the player recognizes this is required to decrement the stop limit counter SC. Without this configuration, there is a possibility that the player will operate the stop button corresponding to the reel that is not intended to be stopped first, or the stop button will be operated at a timing other than the one intended to stop, without realizing that the value of the stop limit counter SC has become "0". On the other hand, in this configuration, the value of the stop limit counter SC is decremented by operating an operation part (credit insertion buttons 56-58) separate from the operation part for stopping the reels (stop buttons 42-44), making it possible to prevent the occurrence of such secondary erroneous operations.

Third Embodiment
In the first and second embodiments described above, an operation response process is executed when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated during the operation invalid period. However, in this embodiment, each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is controlled so that the timing of the elapse of the operation invalid period for each reel 32L, 32M, 32R differs.

The following describes the configuration that differs from the first and second embodiments. Note that other than the different configuration, the configuration is the same as the first and second embodiments. Figure 48 is a flowchart showing normal processing in this embodiment.

In the normal processing in this embodiment, the processing of steps S1901 to S1909 is executed in the same manner as steps S201 to S209 in the first and second embodiments. In step S1910, it is determined whether or not the normal game state is in effect, and if the normal game state is not in effect, that is, if the state is in the first RT state to the fifth RT state, the process proceeds to step S1911. In step S1911, it is determined whether the notification flag is set, and in the following step S1912, it is determined whether a bell (only when simultaneously won with a special bell) or a fall replay has been won. If both steps S1911 and S1912 result in a positive determination, the process proceeds to step S1913, and a special reel control process is executed.

Here, the special reel control process in step S1913 will be explained based on the flowchart in Figure 49.

In the special reel control process, similar to the spin start process in the first and second embodiments, the elapse of the wait time is determined in step S2001, the wait time is reset in step S2002, and the number of bets is set in step S2003. In the following step S2004, the spin start order of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is determined. Here, the spin start order determination process in step S2004 will be explained based on the flowchart in FIG. 50.

In the spin start order determination process, first, in step S2101, it is determined whether or not the game is a bell win. If the game is a bell win, in step S2102, it is confirmed whether the win flag is "8" to "11". As already explained, when the win flag is "8" to "11", as shown in FIG. 16, when the left reel 32L is stopped first, a bell (a combination of "red bell" or "white bell"), rather than a special bell, is set to stop on the activated line. Therefore, if a positive determination is made in step S2102, in step S2103, the left reel 32L is set as the first reel to start spinning first, and the spin start order determination process ends.

If a negative determination is made in step S2102, then in step S2104 it is checked whether the winning flag is "12" to "15". If the winning flag is "12" to "15", then as shown in FIG. 16, when the center reel 32M is stopped first, a bell (a combination of "red bell" or "white bell"), rather than a special bell, is set to stop on the active line. Therefore, if a positive determination is made in step S2104, then in step S2105 the center reel 32M is set as the first reel to start spinning first, and this spin start order determination process is terminated.

If a negative judgment is made in step S2104, this means that the winning flag is between "16" and "19". When the winning flag is between "16" and "19", as shown in FIG. 16, when the right reel 32R is stopped first, a bell (a combination of "red bell" or "white bell"), rather than a special bell, is set to stop on the active line. Therefore, if a negative judgment is made in step S2104, the right reel 32R is set as the first reel to start spinning first in step S2106, and this spin start order determination process is terminated.

If a negative judgment is made in step S2101, that is, if the game is a game in which any of the fall replays have been won, step S2107 checks whether the winning flag is any of "22", "28", "34", "40", and "50". In a game in which the winning flag is any of "22", "28", "34", "40", and "50", as shown in Figures 20, 22, 24, 26, and 28, when the right reel 32R, the center reel 32M, and the left reel 32L are stopped in this order, a promotion replay (second replay to fifth replay) or a replay without a transition in game state (sixth replay) is established rather than a fall replay (first replay). Therefore, if a positive judgment is made in step S2107, in step S2108, the first reel is set as the reel that starts spinning first, the second reel is set as the reel that starts spinning next, and the third reel is set as the reel that starts spinning last, with the right reel 32R set as the first reel, the center reel 32M set as the second reel, and the left reel 32L set as the third reel, and this spin start order determination process is terminated.

If a negative judgment is made in step S2107, in step S2109, it is confirmed whether the winning flag is any of "23", "29", "35", "41", and "51". In a game in which the winning flag is any of "23", "29", "35", "41", and "51", as shown in Figures 20, 22, 24, 26, and 28, when the right reel 32R, the left reel 32L, and the center reel 32M are stopped in this order, a promotion replay (second replay to fifth replay) or a replay without a transition in the game state (sixth replay) is established, rather than a fall replay (first replay or tenth replay). Therefore, if a positive determination is made in step S2109, in step S2110, the right reel 32R is set as the first reel, the left reel 32L is set as the second reel, and the center reel 32M is set as the third reel, and the spin start order determination process ends.

If a negative judgment is made in step S2109, in step S2111, it is confirmed whether the winning flag is any of "24", "30", "36", "42", and "52". In a game in which the winning flag is any of "24", "30", "36", "42", and "52", as shown in Figures 20, 22, 24, 26, and 28, when the center reel 32M, the right reel 32R, and the left reel 32L are stopped in this order, a promotion replay (second replay to fifth replay) or a replay without a transition in the game state (sixth replay) is established, rather than a fall replay (first replay or eleventh replay). Therefore, if a positive determination is made in step S2111, in step S2112, the center reel 32M is set as the first reel, the right reel 32R is set as the second reel, and the left reel 32L is set as the third reel, and the spin start order determination process ends.

If a negative judgment is made in step S2111, in step S2113, it is confirmed whether the winning flag is any of "25", "31", "37", "43", and "53". In a game in which the winning flag is any of "25", "31", "37", "43", and "53", as shown in Figures 20, 22, 24, 26, and 28, when the center reel 32M, the left reel 32L, and the right reel 32R are stopped in this order, a promotion replay (second replay to fifth replay) or a replay without a transition in the game state (sixth replay) is established, rather than a fall replay (first replay or twelfth replay). Therefore, if a positive determination is made in step S2113, in step S2114, the center reel 32M is set as the first reel, the left reel 32L is set as the second reel, and the right reel 32R is set as the third reel, and the spin start order determination process ends.

If a negative judgment is made in step S2113, in step S2115, it is confirmed whether the winning flag is any of "26", "32", "38", "44", and "54". In a game in which the winning flag is any of "26", "32", "38", "44", and "54", as shown in Figures 20, 22, 24, 26, and 28, when the left reel 32L, the right reel 32R, and the center reel 32M are stopped in this order, a promotion replay (second replay to fifth replay) or a replay without a transition in the game state (sixth replay) is established, rather than a fall replay (first replay, tenth replay, or eleventh replay). Therefore, if a positive determination is made in step S2115, in step S2116, the left reel 32L is set as the first reel, the right reel 32R is set as the second reel, and the center reel 32M is set as the third reel, and the spin start order determination process ends.

If a negative judgment is made in step S2115, this means that the winning flag is any of "27", "33", "39", "45", and "55". In a game in which the winning flag is any of "27", "33", "39", "45", and "55", as shown in Figures 20, 22, 24, 26, and 28, when the left reel 32L, the center reel 32M, and the right reel 32R are stopped in this order, a promotion replay (second replay to fifth replay) or a replay without a transition in the game state (sixth replay) is established, rather than a fall replay (first replay, tenth replay, or twelfth replay). Therefore, if a negative judgment is made in step S2115, in step S2117, the left reel 32L is set as the first reel, the center reel 32M is set as the second reel, and the right reel 32R is set as the third reel, and the spin start order determination process is terminated.

Therefore, in the spin start order determination process, if a bell is won, the reel that should stop first is set as the first reel, according to the operation sequence that results in a bell win rather than a special bell, and if a fall replay is won, the spin start order of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is set as the first reel, the second reel, the third reel, according to the operation sequence that results in a promotion replay win (second replay win to fifth replay win) or sixth replay win rather than a fall replay.

Returning to the explanation of the special reel control process (FIG. 49), after the spin start order determination process is executed in step S2004, the process proceeds to step S2005, where the special spin start process is executed. Here, the special spin start process will be explained based on the flowchart in FIG. 51.

First, in step S2201, the process of starting the rotation of the reel (first reel) that should start rotating first in the rotation start order determined in the above-mentioned rotation start order determination process is executed. In detail, the rotation start information of the stepping motor (one of stepping motors 42c to 44c) corresponding to the first reel is set in the motor control storage area provided in the RWM 106. By performing this process, the acceleration process of the stepping motor corresponding to the first reel is started in the stepping motor control process (step S106) of the timer interrupt process, and the first reel starts rotating. In the following step S2202, the process of inputting "671" to the first invalid counter MC1 provided in the RWM 106 is executed. The first invalid counter MC1 is a counter for the CPU 102 to identify that it is an operation invalid period in which the stop control of the first reel cannot be performed, and is a counter that is subtracted by "1" in the timer subtraction process (step S108) each time the timer interrupt process is executed once. Also, the period until the value input to the first invalid counter MC1 in step S2202 becomes "0" is set to be longer than the period required for the first reel to reach constant speed rotation after starting to rotate (1 sec in this embodiment), as in the first and second embodiments.

In the next step S2203, a process is executed to input "168" to a first delay counter TC1 provided in the RWM 106. The first delay counter TC1 is a counter that allows the CPU 102 to identify the timing to start spinning the second reel (a reel other than the first reel in the case of a bell) determined in the spin start order determination process (FIG. 50) and is a counter that is decremented by "1" in a timer decrement process (step S108) each time the timer interrupt process is executed once.

After executing the process of step S2203, in step S2204, it is determined whether the first delay counter TC1 is "0" and waits until it becomes "0". In other words, the timer interrupt process is configured to be executed once every 1.49 msec, and it takes about 0.25 sec from inputting "168" to the first delay counter TC1 in step S2203 until a positive determination is made in step S2204.

After a positive determination is made in step S2204, the next step S2205 determines whether or not the game has a winning bell. If a positive determination is made in step S2205, i.e., the game has a winning bell and only the first reel has been determined in the spin start order determination process (FIG. 50), the next step S2206 executes spin start processing for the remaining reels. In detail, by storing the rotation start information of the stepping motors corresponding to reels other than the reel that started spinning in step S2201 in the motor control storage area, the stepping motor control process (step S106) of the timer interrupt process starts acceleration processing for the stepping motors corresponding to reels other than the first reel, and the corresponding reels start spinning.

In the next step S2207, a process is executed to input "671" to the second invalid counter MC2 provided in the RWM 106. The second invalid counter MC2 is a counter for the CPU 102 to identify that it is an operation invalid period in which stop control of reels other than the first reel cannot be performed, and is a counter that is decremented by "1" by the timer subtraction process (step S108) each time the timer interrupt process is executed once. Also, like the first invalid counter MC1, the period until the value input to the second invalid counter MC2 becomes "0" in step S2207 is set to be longer than the period required from the start of rotation of reels other than the first reel until those reels reach constant speed rotation (1 sec in this embodiment, like the first reel). After executing the process of step S2207, this special rotation start process is terminated.

On the other hand, if the result of step S2205 is negative, that is, if the game is a game in which the fall replay has been won and the spin start order of each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R has been determined in the spin start order determination process (FIG. 50), the process proceeds to step S2208. In step S2208, the process of starting the spin of the second reel determined in the spin start order determination process is executed. In detail, the spin start information of the stepping motor (one of stepping motors 42c to 44c) corresponding to the second reel is set in the motor control storage area provided in the RWM 106. By performing this process, the acceleration process of the stepping motor corresponding to the second reel is started in the stepping motor control process (step S106) of the timer interrupt process, and the second reel starts spinning. In the following step S2209, the process of inputting "671" to the second void counter MC2 provided in the RWM 106 is executed.

In the next step S2210, a process is executed to input "168" to a second delay counter TC2 provided in the RWM 106. The second delay counter TC2 is a counter that the CPU 102 uses to determine the timing to start spinning the third reel determined in the spin start order determination process (FIG. 50), and is a counter that is decremented by "1" in a timer decrement process (step S108) each time the timer interrupt process is executed once.

After executing the process of step S2210, in step S2211, it is determined whether the second delay counter TC2 is "0" and waits until it becomes "0". In other words, the timer interrupt process is configured to be executed once every 1.49 msec, and it takes about 0.25 sec from inputting "168" to the second delay counter TC2 in step S2210 until a positive determination is made in step S2211.

In the next step S2212, the process of starting the rotation of the third reel is executed. In detail, by storing rotation start information of the stepping motor corresponding to the third reel in the motor control storage area, the stepping motor control process (step S106) of the timer interrupt process starts the acceleration process of the stepping motor corresponding to the third reel, and the third reel starts to rotate.

In the next step S2213, a process is executed to input "671" to the third invalid counter MC3 provided in the RWM 106. The third invalid counter MC3 is a counter for the CPU 102 to identify that it is an operation invalid period in which the third reel cannot be stopped, and is a counter that is decremented by "1" by the timer subtraction process (step S108) each time the timer interrupt process is executed once. As with the first invalid counter MC1 and the second invalid counter MC2, the period until the value input to the third invalid counter MC3 becomes "0" in step S2213 is set to be longer than the period required from the start of rotation of the third reel to the constant speed rotation (1 sec in this embodiment, similar to the first and second reels). After executing the process of step S2213, this special rotation start process is terminated.

Therefore, in the case of a bell win, the time difference between the start of rotation of the first reel and the other reels is approximately 0.25 sec, and in the case of a fall replay win, the time difference between the start of rotation of the first reel and the second reel and the second reel and the third reel is approximately 0.25 sec, respectively. This allows the player to distinguish that the rotation of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R has started separately, and allows the player to recognize from the rotation pattern of the reels that the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42 to 44 will be notified in the current game. Furthermore, the operation sequence can also be recognized from the rotation sequence of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R.

Returning to the explanation of the special reel control process (FIG. 49), after the special spin start process is executed in step S2005, the special stop activation process is executed in step S2006. Here, the special stop activation process will be explained based on the flowchart in FIG. 52.

First, in step S2301, it is determined whether the first reel is spinning. If it is spinning, the process proceeds to step S2302, where it is determined whether the first void counter MC1 is "0". If the first void counter MC1 is not "0", the special stop activation process is terminated. If the first void counter MC1 is "0", the first reel stop activation flag is set in the reel stop activation flag storage area provided in the RWM106 in the following step S2303. This enables the operation of the stop button corresponding to the first reel. In the following step S2304, a process is executed to light up the corresponding stop lamp. This allows the player to recognize that the operation of the stop button corresponding to the first reel has become effective. After the process of step S2304 is executed, the special stop activation process is terminated.

If it is determined in step S2301 that the first reel is not spinning, the process proceeds to step S2305. In step S2305, it is determined whether or not the game is a bell-winning game. If the determination is affirmative in step S2305, it is determined in step S2306 that the remaining reels other than the first reel are spinning. If the remaining reels are not spinning, the special stop activation process is terminated. If the remaining reels are spinning, the process proceeds to step S2307, where it is determined whether the second void counter MC2 is "0", and if the second void counter MC2 is not "0", the special stop activation process is terminated. If the second void counter MC2 is "0", the next step S2308 sets a stop activation flag corresponding to the remaining reels in the reel stop activation flag storage area. This enables the operation of the stop button corresponding to the remaining reels other than the first reel. In the next step S2309, a process is executed to light up the corresponding stop lamp. This allows the player to recognize that the operation of the stop button corresponding to the remaining reels has been enabled. After executing step S2309, this special stop activation process ends.

If the result of step S2305 is negative, that is, if the game is one in which the fall replay has been won, the process proceeds to step S2310. In step S2310, it is determined whether the second reel is spinning. If the second reel is spinning, the process proceeds to step S2311, where it is determined whether the second void counter MC2 is "0", and if the second void counter MC2 is not "0", the special stop activation process is terminated. If the second void counter MC2 is "0", the second reel stop activation flag is set in the reel stop activation flag storage area in the following step S2312. This enables the operation of the stop button corresponding to the second reel. In the following step S2313, a process is executed to light up the corresponding stop lamp. This allows the player to recognize that the operation of the stop button corresponding to the second reel has been enabled. After the process of step S2313 is executed, the special stop activation process is terminated.

If it is determined in step S2310 that the second reel is not spinning, the process proceeds to step S2314. In step S2314, it is determined whether the third reel is spinning, and if it is not spinning, the special stop activation process is terminated. If the third reel is spinning, the process proceeds to step S2315, it is determined whether the third void counter MC3 is "0", and if the third void counter MC3 is not "0", the special stop activation process is terminated. If the third void counter MC3 is "0", the third reel stop activation flag is set in the reel stop activation flag storage area in the following step S2316. This enables the operation of the stop button corresponding to the third reel. In the following step S2317, a process is executed to light up the corresponding stop lamp. This allows the player to recognize that the operation of the stop button corresponding to the third reel has become effective. After the process of step S2317 is executed, the special stop activation process is terminated.

Returning to the explanation of the special reel control process (Figure 49), after the special stop activation process is performed in step S2006, the process proceeds to step S2007.

In step S2007, it is determined whether any of the stop buttons 42 to 44 have been operated, and if so, in the following step S2008, it is determined whether the reel stop enable flags corresponding to the currently operated stop button have been set.

Specifically, in a game in which a bell is won, if the first reel is the left reel 32L, the process proceeds to step S2009 if it is determined in step S2007 that the left stop button 42 has been operated and the first reel stop enable flag has been set in step S2008, or if it is determined in step S2007 that the center stop button 43 or the right stop button 44 has been operated and the stop enable flag for the remaining reels has been set in step S2008. Also, if the first reel is the center reel 32M, the process proceeds to step S2009 if it is determined in step S2007 that the center stop button 43 has been operated and the first reel stop enable flag has been set in step S2008, or if it is determined in step S2007 that the left stop button 42 or the right stop button 44 has been operated and the stop enable flag for the remaining reels has been set in step S2008. Also, if the first reel is the right reel 32R, if it is determined in step S2007 that the right stop button 44 has been operated and the first reel stop enable flag is set in step S2008, or if it is determined in step S2007 that the left stop button 42 or the center stop button 43 has been operated and the stop enable flags for the remaining reels are set in step S2008, the process proceeds to step S2009.

Regarding the game in which the fall replay is won, first, the relationship between the reel set to the first reel, the stop button, and the first reel stop valid flag is the same as that in the game in which the bell is won. Also, if the second reel is the left reel 32L, if it is determined in step S2007 that the left stop button 42 has been operated and if the second reel stop valid flag is set in step S2008, the process proceeds to step S2009. If the second reel is the center reel 32M, if it is determined in step S2007 that the center stop button 43 has been operated and if the second reel stop valid flag is set in step S2208, the process proceeds to step S2009. If the second reel is the right reel 32R, if it is determined in step S2007 that the right stop button 44 has been operated and if the second reel stop valid flag is set in step S2008, the process proceeds to step S2009. Also, if the third reel is the left reel 32L, if it is determined in step S2007 that the left stop button 42 has been operated and if the third reel stop enable flag is set in step S2008, the process proceeds to step S2009; if the third reel is the center reel 32M, if it is determined in step S2007 that the center stop button 43 has been operated and if the third reel stop enable flag is set in step S2008, the process proceeds to step S2009; if the third reel is the right reel 32R, if it is determined in step S2007 that the right stop button 44 has been operated and if the third reel stop enable flag is set in step S2008, the process proceeds to step S2009.

If a negative judgment is made in step S2007 or step S2008, the process returns to step S2006.

The processing from step S2009 to step S2019 is the same as the processing from step S404 to step S414 in the first embodiment. However, if it is determined in step S2016 that all reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are not stopped, the second stop information setting process is executed in step S2017, and then the process returns to step S2006.

Returning to the explanation of normal processing (FIG. 48), if a positive determination is made in step S1910, or if a negative determination is made in step S1911 or step S1912, the process proceeds to step S1914, where reel control processing is executed.

The reel control process in this embodiment is generally similar to that in the first embodiment, but the process configuration of the spin start process (Figure 40) is different. That is, as described above, in a game in which the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is notified, the special reel control process is performed. In the spin start process in this embodiment, in step S1306, it is determined whether a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of the spin of all reels 32L, 32M, and 32R (whether the invalid counter MC is "0"), and if the predetermined period has not elapsed, the process waits as is. If the predetermined period has elapsed, the stop lamps 42b to 44b are turned on and the spin start process is terminated. Furthermore, the display control device 81 is also configured not to perform the extension information command process (Figure 42).

After the special reel control process is executed in step S1913, or after the reel control process is executed in step S1914, the process of steps S1915 to S1917 is executed in the same manner as the process of steps S211 to S213 in the first embodiment described above, and then the process returns to step S1903.

The operation invalid period of the first reel to the third reel is not limited to the above, and may be longer or shorter than the above. Specifically, the values input to the first invalid counter MC1, the second invalid counter MC2, and the third invalid counter MC3 are arbitrary. However, from the viewpoint of stably controlling the stop of each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R, it is preferable to set the values input to each invalid counter MC1, MC2, and MC3 so that the operation invalid period elapses after the rotation of each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R reaches a constant speed. In addition, although the operation invalid period of the first reel to the third reel is the same length, a configuration in which different values are input to each invalid counter MC1, MC2, and MC3 may be used so that the operation invalid period of each reel is different. In addition, the values input to each invalid counter MC1, MC2, and MC3 may be changed so that the operation invalid period of one reel is different from the operation invalid period of the other reels.

In addition, the waiting period for the first reel to start spinning with the other reels when a bell is won (first delay counter TC1), and the waiting time for the first reel to start spinning with the second reel and the second reel to start spinning with the third reel when a fall replay is won (first delay counter TC1 and second delay counter TC2) are not limited to the above, and may be longer or shorter than the above lengths. Specifically, the values input to the first delay counter TC1 and the second delay counter TC2 are arbitrary. In addition, although the waiting periods for each delay counter TC1 and TC2 are the same length, different values may be input to each delay counter TC1 and TC2 so that the waiting periods are different lengths.

By inputting different values to each of the void counters MC1, MC2, MC3 and the delay counters TC1, TC2, it is possible to configure the reels not to start spinning after one reel starts spinning and before the corresponding stop button becomes active. For example, by inputting a value smaller than the value input to the first void counter MC1 than the value input to the delay counters TC1, TC2, it is possible to configure the second and third reels not to start spinning when the stop button corresponding to the first reel becomes active.

Here, the relationship between the rotation of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R and the valid and invalid periods of the stop buttons 42 to 44 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 53. FIG. 53(a) is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the rotation of the reel set as the first reel in the spin start order determination process and the valid and invalid periods of the corresponding stop buttons, FIG. 53(b) is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the rotation of the reel set as the second reel in the spin start order determination process and the valid and invalid periods of the corresponding stop buttons, and FIG. 53(c) is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the rotation of the reel set as the third reel in the spin start order determination process and the valid and invalid periods of the corresponding stop buttons. Note that in this explanation, a game in which the fall replay is won, that is, a game in which the spin start order of all reels is set to be different, will be explained, but in a game in which a bell is won, the spin of reels other than the first reel and the activation of the corresponding stop buttons will be controlled under the circumstances shown in FIG. 53(b).

As shown in FIG. 53(a), at time ta, the reel set as the first reel starts to rotate. After that, the first reel goes through an acceleration period, and at time td, which is the time after the first reel reaches a constant speed rotation, the first reel stop enable flag is stored, and the operation of the stop button corresponding to the first reel is switched from disabled to enabled.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 53(b), the second reel starts to rotate at timing tb when operation of the stop button corresponding to the first reel is invalid, and after an acceleration period similar to that of the first reel, at timing te when the constant speed rotation is reached, the second reel stop enable flag is stored and operation of the stop button corresponding to the second reel is switched from invalid to valid.

As shown in FIG. 53(c), the third reel starts to rotate at a timing tc when the operation of the stop button corresponding to the first and second reels is invalid, and after an acceleration period similar to the first and second reels, the third reel stop enable flag is stored at a timing tf when the constant speed rotation is reached, and the operation of the stop button corresponding to the third reel is switched from invalid to valid.

To explain the relationship with each counter set in the special rotation start process (Figure 51), the period from timing ta to timing td corresponds to the period corresponding to the first void counter MC1, the period from timing tb to timing te corresponds to the period corresponding to the second void counter MC2, and the period from timing tc to timing tf corresponds to the period corresponding to the third void counter MC3. In addition, the period from timing ta to timing tb corresponds to the period corresponding to the first delay counter TC1, and the period from timing tb to timing tc corresponds to the period corresponding to the second delay counter TC2.

Therefore, even if the operation of the stop button corresponding to the first reel becomes effective at time td, the reel will not stop even if the stop button corresponding to the second reel is operated until the operation of the stop button corresponding to the second reel becomes effective at time te. Also, during this period (the period from time td to time te), the reel will not stop even if the stop button corresponding to the third reel is operated. Furthermore, even if the stop button corresponding to the second reel becomes effective at time te, the reel will not stop even if the stop button corresponding to the third reel is operated until the operation of the stop button corresponding to the third reel becomes effective at time tf.

After the operation of the stop button corresponding to the third reel becomes valid at the timing of tf, the operation of the stop buttons corresponding to any of the first through third reels becomes valid.

The present embodiment described above provides the following excellent advantages:

In a game where a winning combination (bell or fall replay) that results in a different game outcome depending on the stopping order is won, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are configured to rotate separately at different times under a specified condition. This makes it possible to make the timing at which the stopping operation of each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R becomes effective different. Therefore, even if a player performs the stopping operation of one reel and the other reel in succession when performing the stopping operation of each of these reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, an event occurs in which the stopping operation of one reel becomes effective but the stopping operation of the other reel does not become effective. In this case, the stopping operation of the reel that was not effective must be performed again after the stopping operation of that reel becomes effective. In other words, the reels are stopped in the order in which the stopping operation of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R becomes effective, making it possible to suppress erroneous operations that stop the reels in an unintended order.

Even if a winning combination that results in a different game outcome depending on the stopping order is won, if the game is in normal play or the notification flag is not set, the above-mentioned control to change the timing at which the reel stopping operation is effective is not performed. This is because if the above-mentioned reel control is performed, even in a game in which the auxiliary display unit 65 does not notify the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44, the operation order that results in a favorable game outcome would be identifiable based on the reel spin order, and the payout rate would increase dramatically. On the other hand, by limiting the reel control as in this configuration, it is possible to suppress the increase in the payout rate and achieve the above-mentioned effects.

However, from the viewpoint of differentiating the timing at which the stop operation of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R becomes effective and preventing the player from operating the stop buttons 42-44 in an unintended order, the above reel control is not limited to being executed only in games in which the operation order of the stop buttons 42-44 is notified by the auxiliary display unit 65, and it is also possible to configure some or all of the games in which the operation order of the stop buttons 42-44 is notified by the auxiliary display unit 65, and to configure the operation order of the stop buttons 42-44 in the game to be notified by the rotation start order of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R. Even in this case, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of erroneous operations in the game.

Furthermore, as described above, in the slot machine 10, if the notification flag is not set and a reel other than the left reel 32L (the middle reel 32M or the right reel 32R) is stopped first, a penalty flag is stored. In such a situation, the left reel 32L may be configured to start spinning first as the first reel. In this case, there will be a discrepancy between the timing of the expiration of the invalid operation period of at least the stop button 42 and the timing of the expiration of the invalid operation period of the stop button 43 and the stop button 44, making it possible to suppress the occurrence of erroneous operations that unintentionally stop a reel other than the left reel 32L first.

Fourth Embodiment
In the third embodiment described above, the timing at which the operation invalid period elapses is made different by making the rotation start timing of each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R different. However, in this embodiment, the length of the operation invalid period is made different for each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R, so that the timing at which the operation invalid period elapses is made different.

The following describes the configuration that differs from the third embodiment. Note that other than the different configuration, the configuration is the same as the third embodiment. Figure 54 is a flowchart showing the special rotation start process in this embodiment.

In the special rotation start process in this embodiment, in step S2401, the process of starting the rotation of all reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is executed. In detail, the rotation start information of all stepping motors 42c to 44c is stored in the motor control storage area. As a result, in the stepping motor control process (step S106) of the timer interrupt process, the acceleration process of the stepping motors 42c to 44c corresponding to all reels is started, and all reels 32L, 32M, and 32R start rotating. In other words, as in the first and second embodiments described above, all reels start rotating at the same time.

In the next step S2402, a process of inputting "671" into the first void counter MC1 is executed, and in the next step S2403, a process of inputting "839" into the second void counter MC2 is executed. After that, in step S2404, it is determined whether or not the game involved a win in the bell, and if the game involved a win in the bell, the special spin start process is terminated. If the game involved a win in the bell, i.e., if the game involved a win in the fall replay, then in step S2405, a process of inputting "1007" into the third void counter MC3 is executed, and the special spin start process is terminated.

In other words, in this embodiment, the rotation control of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is not performed separately, but rather, by varying only the length of the operation invalid period of the stop buttons 42 to 44 corresponding to each reel 32L, 32M, 32R, a lag is created in the timing of the passage of the operation invalid period, as in the third embodiment. Therefore, the spin start order determination process (FIG. 50) in this embodiment can be said to be a process that determines the order in which the operation invalid periods of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R will pass.

More specifically, the operation invalid period of the first reel is set to about 1 sec, whereas the operation invalid period of the second reel is set to about 1.25 sec. In other words, in the above third embodiment, about 0.25 sec is set as the difference in the timing of the start of rotation of the first reel and the second reel, whereas in this embodiment, it is set as the difference in the timing of the elapse of the operation invalid period of the stop buttons corresponding to the first reel and the second reel. Also, the operation invalid period of the second reel is about 1.25 sec, whereas the operation invalid period of the third reel is set to about 1.5 sec. In other words, in the above third embodiment, about 0.25 sec is set as the difference in the timing of the start of rotation of the second reel and the third reel, whereas in this embodiment, it is set as the difference in the timing of the elapse of the operation invalid period of the stop buttons corresponding to the second reel and the third reel.

It goes without saying that in this configuration, the values input to the first void counter MC1, the second void counter MC2, and the third void counter MC3 are not limited to those described above.

Figure 55 is an explanatory diagram showing the situation in which the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 changes from invalid to valid after each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R starts spinning. Note that this explanation will be about a game in which the fall replay is won, that is, a game in which the timing of the invalid operation period of the corresponding stop buttons for the first to third reels is set to be different, but in a game in which the bell is won, the invalid operation period of each stop button corresponding to the reels other than the first reel will have elapsed at the timing of the invalid operation period of the stop button corresponding to the second reel.

As shown in Figure 55, at timing ta, all reels 32L, 32M, and 32R begin to rotate, and after an acceleration period, at timing td, the operation of the stop button corresponding to the first reel switches from invalid to valid. After that, at timing te, the operation of the stop button corresponding to the second reel switches from invalid to valid, and further after that, at timing tf, the operation of the stop button corresponding to the third reel switches from invalid to valid.

To explain the relationship between each of the invalid counters MC1, MC2, and MC3 set in the special rotation start process (Figure 54), the period from timing ta to timing td corresponds to the period corresponding to the first invalid counter MC1, the period from timing ta to timing te corresponds to the period corresponding to the second invalid counter MC2, and the period from timing ta to timing tf corresponds to the period corresponding to the third invalid counter MC3.

Therefore, as in the third embodiment described above, even if the operation of the stop button corresponding to the first reel becomes effective at the timing of td, the reel will not stop even if the stop button corresponding to the second reel is operated until the operation of the stop button corresponding to the second reel becomes effective at the timing of te. Also, during this period (the period from the timing of td to the timing of te), the reel will not stop even if the stop button corresponding to the third reel is operated. Furthermore, even if the stop button corresponding to the second reel becomes effective at the timing of te, the reel will not stop even if the stop button corresponding to the third reel is operated until the operation of the stop button corresponding to the third reel becomes effective at the timing of tf.

After the operation of the stop button corresponding to the third reel becomes valid at the timing of tf, the operation of the stop buttons corresponding to any of the first through third reels becomes valid.

The present embodiment described above provides the following excellent advantages:

In the special spin start process (Fig. 54), the spin control of each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R is executed simultaneously, and the timing at which the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 corresponding to each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R becomes effective is differentiated. This makes it possible to achieve the effects described in the third embodiment above without complicating the spin control process.

<Other embodiments>
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be implemented as follows. Each of the following configurations may be applied to the above-described embodiments alone or in a predetermined combination.

(1) In the first embodiment, the operation invalid period is extended, and in the second embodiment, a predetermined value is set in the stop limit counter SC as the operation response process. However, from the viewpoint of suppressing the occurrence of erroneous operations, the present invention is not limited to these configurations, and any configuration may be used as long as it executes a predetermined process in response to the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 during the operation invalid period. For example, when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated during the operation invalid period, a loud warning sound may be emitted from the speaker 64 to prevent the player from operating the other stop buttons 42 to 44 in succession, the backlights of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R may be turned off (or turned on, blinking, etc.), the reciprocating motion of the stop buttons 42 to 44 may be made harder than normal, the stop buttons 42 to 44 may be vibrated, or a warning display may be displayed on the auxiliary display unit 65. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of preventing the player from stopping reels other than the reel that he intended to stop first, i.e., the reel corresponding to the stop button operated during the operation invalid period, the configuration may be such that the hardening makes it impossible to operate the stop button corresponding to the other reel in the forward direction. In either case, since a player normally performs the stop operation of each reel in succession, if a reel is stopped during the operation invalid period, the configuration may be such that a notification is issued to reflexively stop the successive stop operations so as not to proceed to the stop operation of the next reel, or such that even if successive stop operations have been performed, it is possible to recover from them. With these configurations, it is at least possible to suppress unintended erroneous operations by the player.

(2) As the operation response process, in the first embodiment, the process of extending the operation invalid period is performed, and in the second embodiment, the process of setting a predetermined value in the stop limit counter SC is performed. However, from the viewpoint of performing a predetermined process when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated during the operation invalid period, it is sufficient to have a means for identifying that the stop buttons 42 to 44 have been operated during the operation invalid period of the stop buttons 42 to 44, and is not limited to a configuration that performs each of the above processes. For example, when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated during the operation invalid period, a special effect may be performed on the auxiliary display unit 65. In particular, in a gaming machine that has an effect (so-called freeze effect) that extends the operation invalid period to teach the special role that has been won when the lottery result of each game is a win for a predetermined special role, if the auxiliary display unit 65 is configured to perform a special effect that is not performed or is difficult to perform in other games when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated during the operation invalid period, the rarity value of the special role can be further highlighted.

In addition, if the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated during the operation invalid period, a configuration may be adopted in which the auxiliary display unit 65 or the like executes a presentation informing the player of the winning combination in that game. In this case, the presentation configuration for informing the player of the winning combination in each game can be varied.

Furthermore, the content of the presentation during the invalid operation period or in the game thereafter may be different depending on the number of times the stop buttons 42-44 are operated during the invalid operation period or the period for which the stop buttons 42-44 are pressed. For example, a gauge indicating the length of the invalid operation period may be displayed on the auxiliary display unit 65, and the gauge may gradually fill up depending on the number of times the stop buttons 42-44 are operated or the period for which they are pressed during the invalid operation period, or the content of the presentation on the auxiliary display unit 65 thereafter may change depending on the degree to which the gauge is filled. In these cases, the content of the presentation changes based on the operation even during the invalid operation period, so that active participation in the game can be expected.

Therefore, by performing each of the above processes, it is possible to effectively increase attention during the invalid operation period.

(3) In each of the above embodiments, the game in which the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is notified is configured to perform operation response processing or special reel control processing, but the games in which these processes are performed are not limited to those described above. For example, the above processes may be performed when a bell or fall replay is won in a game after a predetermined number of games or a number determined by lottery has been played since a specific starting game, or may be performed every game.

In particular, even in games where the operation order is not announced, if a player intends to operate the left stop button 42 first, but the left reel 32L does not stop during the invalid operation period of the left stop button 42, and the player operates the middle stop button 43 or right stop button 44 without realizing this, the corresponding middle reel 32M or right reel 32R will stop, the penalty flag will be set, and a disadvantageous situation will arise for the player.

Furthermore, even if a player operates stop buttons 42-44 at the intended timing to stop a specific combination (watermelon, cherry, etc.), if the first stop button operated is during an invalid operation period and the second stop button operated is after the invalid operation period has elapsed, the reels may not stop as intended, and a situation may arise in which the specific combination cannot be stopped. From the perspective of preventing such erroneous operations, this configuration is effective as being implemented in any game.

The operation response process or special reel control process may be configured to be executed only when the player is in a specified game state. For example, the operation response process or special reel control process may be executed in a game in which the player is in the fifth RT state and the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is notified. In particular, from the perspective of preventing the occurrence of erroneous operations, the player's concentration is more likely to be interrupted when the game state has transitioned to the fifth RT state and the player is playing to play through the set number of notifications than when the game state is transitioning to the fifth RT state, and erroneous operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is more likely to occur. Therefore, by limiting the game in which the above process is executed to the fifth RT state, the processing load of other games can be reduced and the occurrence of erroneous operations can be more accurately prevented.

(4) In the first and second embodiments, the start of rotation of each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R and the enabling of the stop operation after the operation invalid period have elapsed are performed for all reels at once, but it is also possible to configure the start of rotation and the enabling of the stop operation to be performed separately, as in the third embodiment.

(5) In the first and second embodiments, the operation response process is executed when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated between the start of rotation of each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R and the lapse of a predetermined period of time. However, the configuration is not limited to the above, and may be such that the operation response process is executed when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated during a period in which the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is invalid. In other words, as shown in FIG. 39, the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 corresponding to other reels is invalid during the period from when the stop buttons 42 to 44 are operated until the corresponding reel finally stops with a slip (the period from timing t3 to timing t4), and the operation response process may be executed even if the stop buttons 42 to 44 corresponding to other reels are operated during that period. In this case, if the stopping order intended by the player is the first stop reel → second stop reel → third stop reel, it is possible to prevent erroneous operations such as the third stop reel stopping before the second stop reel, which can occur, for example, when a stop operation is performed on the second stop reel while stop control involving slippage is being performed on the first stop reel, and then a stop operation is performed on the third stop reel after the first stop reel has finally stopped.

In addition, even after one of the stop buttons 42-44 is operated forward and the corresponding reel finally stops, operation of the other stop buttons 42-44 is generally disabled until the stop button is operated backward, or operation of the stop buttons 42-44 is generally disabled when other operating parts such as the start lever 41 are operated. However, it is also possible to configure the above-mentioned operation response processing to be executed even during the period when operation of these stop buttons 42-44 is disabled.

(6) In the second embodiment described above, the decrement process of the stop limit counter SC is performed by operating the credit insertion buttons 56-58 in addition to operating the stop buttons 42-44, but this configuration may be applied to the first embodiment described above. In other words, the operation invalid period extended by the operation response process may be released (the invalid counter MC is set to "0") by operating any of the credit insertion buttons 56-58.

(7) In the first embodiment, in addition to extending the operation invalid period as an operation response process, the stop limit counter SC in the second embodiment may be set. In this case, operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 remains invalid until the stop limit counter SC becomes "0" even after the extended operation invalid period has elapsed, making it possible to more reliably prevent erroneous operation. Also, in this configuration, by adding a process to set the invalid counter MC to "0" when the stop limit counter SC becomes "0" based on the operation of the stop buttons 42 to 44 or the credit insertion buttons 56 to 58, the player can cancel the operation invalid period even if it is extended, making it possible to smooth the game.

(8) In each of the above embodiments, a configuration may be adopted in which a player can select whether or not to execute an operation response process or a special reel control process in a given game. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which a player or an amusement hall manager can operate an operable operation unit to determine whether or not to execute the operation response process or the special reel control process.

(9) In each of the above embodiments, the game state is set to a normal game state and a first through fifth RT states, and transitions between each game state are made by transition results, promotion replays, and fall replays. However, it goes without saying that the types and number of game states and the manner in which they are transitioned are not limited to those described above and are arbitrary.

In particular, from the perspective of preventing unintended reel stopping erroneous operations by the player, there may be only one type of game state if the erroneous operation can cause a disadvantageous situation for the player, such as a reel pattern arrangement that causes the player to miss a winning combination that was achieved due to the timing of the reels stopping, or a configuration in which the penalty flag in each of the above embodiments is set depending on the order in which the reels stop.

(10) In each of the above embodiments, the auxiliary display unit 65 is configured to notify the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and any configuration may be used as long as it indicates the operation order of the stop buttons 42 to 44 in a manner that is recognizable to the player. For example, the operation order may be indicated by outputting a sound from the speaker 64, the operation order may be indicated by lighting the lamp of the stop button to be operated next in a different color from the other stop buttons, the backlight of each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R may be turned on or off to indicate the next reel to be stopped, or other display devices or role-playing devices may be provided to notify the operation order from the devices.

(11) In the first and second embodiments, the auxiliary display unit 65 is configured to display each special notification and the value of the stop limit counter SC. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the display corresponding to each special notification may be displayed on a display unit that is arranged to cover the entire display window 26L, 26M, 26R while allowing each reel 32L, 32M, 32R to be visible. It is expected that the player will be concentrating on each reel 32L, 32M, 32R during play. Therefore, it is considered that the effect of making the player aware of the content of the special notification is further improved by displaying the special notification on a display unit that is directly within the player's field of vision even when the player is concentrating on each reel 32L, 32M, 32R.

(12) In each of the above embodiments, if the main control device 101 can at least identify that the game is one in which the operation response process or the special reel control process should be executed, the display control device 81 may be configured to execute each process executed by the main control device 101. In this case, in order for the main control device 101 to identify that the game is one in which the operation response process or the special reel control process should be executed, it is sufficient for the main control device 101 to identify that the situation is one in which the operation sequence of the stop buttons 42 to 44 is notified, that is, that the notification flag is set. Specifically, at least the notification lottery process (FIG. 35), the process of steps S1001 to S1003 in the winning result response process (FIG. 36), and the process during notification (FIG. 37) may be executed by the main control device 101, and the results of each process of the main control device 101 may be sequentially transmitted to the display control device 81 as commands.

(13) In each of the above embodiments, a slot machine with a BB state has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the slot machine may not have a BB state, or may have other game states such as an RB state or an SB state.

(14) In each of the above embodiments, the configuration is such that it is determined whether or not a start command has occurred after three medals have been bet, but it goes without saying that it may also be configured to determine whether or not a start command has occurred after one medal has been bet or two medals have been bet.

(15) In each of the above embodiments, the bonuses granted include a bonus of changing the game state, a bonus of replay, and a bonus of paying out medals. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and any bonus may be granted to the player. For example, instead of a bonus of paying out medals, a prize other than medals may be paid out. In addition, in a slot machine that does not have a function for inserting actual medals or paying out medals, and that manages medals owned by the player by credit, an increase in the number of credited medals corresponds to the granting of a bonus.

(16) In each of the above embodiments, a slot machine is described that has three reels and corresponding stop buttons arranged in parallel and four active lines, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the present invention may be a slot machine that has five reels and corresponding stop buttons arranged in parallel, or a slot machine that has seven active lines. From the viewpoint of preventing erroneous operations when stopping the reels, at least two reels and corresponding stop buttons are sufficient.

(17) In the above embodiments, a specific example of a slot machine 10 is shown, but the present invention may be applied to a gaming machine that combines a slot machine and a pachinko machine. That is, instead of the medal insertion and medal payout functions of a slot machine, a gaming machine may have a ball insertion and ball payout function like a pachinko machine. If such a gaming machine is used in place of a slot machine, the gaming hall can handle only balls as gaming value, which can eliminate problems seen in current gaming halls where pachinko machines and slot machines are mixed, such as the burden on facilities due to the separate handling of medals and balls as gaming value, and restrictions on the location of gaming machines.

<Inventions extracted from the above embodiments>
The following describes the features of the inventions extracted from each of the above-mentioned embodiments, while indicating, as necessary, the effects, etc. In the following, for ease of understanding, the corresponding configurations in each of the above-mentioned embodiments are appropriately indicated in parentheses, but the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations indicated in parentheses.

<Features Group A>
Feature A1. A plurality of rotating bodies (reels 32L, 32M, and 32R) that rotate in a circumferential direction and have a plurality of types of pictures arranged in the circumferential direction;
A display window portion (display windows 26L, 26M, 26R) that allows some of the patterns of each of the rotating bodies to be visually recognized;
A start operation means (start lever 41) that is operated to start the rotation of each of the rotating bodies;
Driving means (stepping motors 42c to 44c) provided on each of the rotating bodies for rotating the respective rotating bodies;
a start drive control means (a function of executing a rotation start process in the CPU 102 of the main control device 101) for controlling the start drive of the drive means so as to start rotation of each of the rotating bodies based on the operation of the start operation means;
A plurality of stop operation means (stop buttons 42 to 44) that are operated to individually stop the rotation of each of the rotating bodies;
a stop drive control means for controlling the drive means to stop the rotation of the rotating body corresponding to the operated stop operation means based on the operation of each of the stop operation means (in the first embodiment, this is a function for executing the processing of steps S402 to S412 in the CPU 102 of the main control device 101, and in the second embodiment, this is a function for executing the processing of steps S1603 to S1617 in the CPU 102 of the main control device 101);
an identification means for identifying that the stop operation means corresponding to the rotating body has been operated during a predetermined invalid period during which the operation of the stop operation means corresponding to the rotating body is invalidated while the rotating body is rotating (in the first embodiment, this is a function for executing the process of step S1307 in the CPU 102 of the main control device 101, and in the second embodiment, this is a function for executing the process of step S1707);
A gaming machine comprising:

According to feature A1, it is possible for the identification means to identify that the stop operation means has been operated during a specified invalid period while the rotating body is rotating. This makes it possible to execute other processing based on the operation of the stop operation means even if the stop operation means is operated during an invalid period.

Other possible processes include a process in which a special effect is executed using a notification means provided in the gaming machine based on the fact that the stop operation means is operated during an invalid period, and a process to suppress the occurrence of erroneous operations due to the fact that the stop control of the corresponding rotating body is not performed. By providing a determination means, it becomes possible to execute these processes.

Feature A2. The gaming machine described in Feature A1 is characterized by having a special control means (a function of executing operation response processing in the CPU 102 of the main control device 101) that executes special control to disable operation of at least one stop operation means corresponding to a rotating body during rotation when the identification means identifies that the stop operation means has been operated during the specified invalid period, or to prevent stop drive control from being executed when the stop operation means is subsequently operated.

According to feature A2, if the stop operation means is operated during a specified invalid period, special control prevents the player from operating the stop operation means thereafter, or the rotating body will not stop even if the player operates the stop operation means. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of erroneous operation caused by operating the stop operation means over a period during which the operation of the stop operation means is invalid and a period during which it is valid.

Feature A3. The gaming machine described in Feature A2, characterized in that the special control means executes the special control on at least one of the rotating bodies that is different from the rotating body that corresponds to the stop operation means operated during the predetermined invalid period.

According to feature A3, by operating different stop operation means over periods when the operation of the stop operation means is invalid and periods when the operation of the stop operation means is valid, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of erroneous operation that stops the rotating body at an unintended timing or stopping order.

Feature A4. The gaming machine described in Feature A3, characterized in that the special control means executes the special control for all of the orbiting bodies, including the orbiting body corresponding to the stop operation means operated during the specified invalid period.

Feature A4 makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of erroneous operations described in feature A3 while executing special control for all rotating bodies, thereby reducing the processing load compared to a configuration in which special control for each rotating body is executed individually.

Feature A5. The gaming machine according to any one of Features A2 to A4, wherein the special control means extends the predetermined invalid period as the special control.

According to feature A5, the invalid state continues even after a predetermined invalid period, and the invalid period during which the stop drive control is not executed even if the stop operation means is operated is effectively lengthened. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of erroneous operation. In particular, this configuration makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of erroneous operation with a simple processing configuration compared to a configuration in which other judgment elements are added to suppress erroneous operation.

Feature A6. The gaming machine according to any one of Features A2 to A5, characterized in that the special control means does not execute the stop drive control a predetermined number of times as the special control even if the stop operation means is operated after the predetermined invalid period has elapsed.

According to feature A6, if the stop operation means is operated during a specified invalid period, the stop drive control of the revolving body is not performed a specified number of times even if the stop operation means is operated after the specified invalid period has elapsed, thereby suppressing the occurrence of erroneous operation. In particular, with this configuration, even in a situation where specific control is being performed, the player can operate the stop operation means a specified number of times and thereafter perform the stop operation of the revolving body. Therefore, it is possible to smoothly progress the game while suppressing the occurrence of erroneous operation.

Feature A7. The gaming machine according to any one of Features A2 to A6, characterized in that the predetermined invalid period includes at least the period from when each of the rotating bodies starts rotating to when the rotation speed of each of the rotating bodies reaches a constant speed.

According to feature A7, it is possible to suppress erroneous operation caused by operating multiple stop operation means from the time when each rotating body starts to rotate until the rotation speed reaches a constant speed, and in particular, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of erroneous operation that stops a rotating body other than the one that was intended to be stopped first among the multiple rotating bodies.

Feature A8. The gaming machine described in Feature A7, characterized in that the special control means executes the stop drive control of the rotating body corresponding to the operated stop operation means from the time the stop operation means is operated until the rotation of the rotating body is finally stopped, and does not execute the special control even if the stop operation means is operated.

According to feature A8, the period during which special control is executed is more limited. In particular, the period from when the stop operation means is operated until the rotating body finally stops is shorter than the period from when the rotating body starts to rotate until it reaches a constant speed, and the possibility of an erroneous operation is low, so executing special control during such a period may lead to an increase in the processing load. Furthermore, there is a possibility that one stop operation means will continue to be operated continuously even after the start of the stop drive control of the corresponding rotating body, and such a player's operation is intended to ensure that the stop drive control of the rotating body is performed, so executing special control based on that operation is not desirable from the perspective of smooth progress of the game. Therefore, by configuring in such a way that special control is not executed during that period, the effect of feature A7 can be preferably achieved.

Feature A9. The gaming machine described in any one of Features A2 to A8, characterized in that the special control means is configured to execute the special control for a predetermined specific number of operations of the stop operation means during the specified invalid period (in the first embodiment, the operation invalid period is extended up to two times, and in the second embodiment, the stop limit counter SC is set only once).

According to feature A9, since the special control is performed only a specific number of times, after the special control is released, the player can stop the corresponding rotating body by operating the stop operation means. This prevents the occurrence of a situation where the stop drive control is not performed indefinitely, and allows for smooth gameplay.

Feature A10. A gaming machine according to any one of features A2 to A9, characterized in that it is provided with a specific release means for releasing the special control (a function for executing the processing of steps S1602 and S1606 in the CPU 102 of the main control device 101 in the second embodiment).

According to feature A10, after the player recognizes that the special control has been set by the special control means, the player can cancel the special control by the specific cancel means and resume playing. This makes it possible to play smoothly while suppressing erroneous operations.

Feature A11. The gaming machine described in Feature A10, wherein the specific release means is provided separately from the stop operation means and is operable by the player.

According to feature A11, it is not necessary to operate the stop operation means to release the special control. This makes it possible to prevent the occurrence of a secondary erroneous operation in which the player further operates the stop operation means without realizing that the special control has already been released.

Feature A12. Equipped with a notification means (speaker 64 or auxiliary display unit 65),
A gaming machine described in any one of features A1 to A11, characterized in that it is equipped with a special notification means that executes a special notification by the notification means when the identification means identifies that the stop operation means has been operated during the specified invalid period.

According to feature A12, if the stop operation means is operated during a specified invalid period, a special notification is issued. This makes it possible to prevent a decrease in attention to the game even during a period when operation of the stop operation means is invalid.

In particular, the special notification allows the player to recognize that he or she has operated the stop operation means during the invalid period, which can prevent the player from erroneously operating the stop operation means again.

Feature A13. A lottery means (a function for executing lottery processing in the CPU 102 of the main control device 101) for drawing a winning combination based on the operation of the start operation means;
A bonus awarding means (a function for executing the process of step S211 in the CPU 102 of the main control device 101) for awarding a bonus to a player as a winning combination based on the winning combination and the winning pattern corresponding to the winning combination being selected in the lottery for the winning combination being stopped in a valid position visible through the display window portion,
Equipped with
The stop drive control means is provided with a special stop drive control means (a function of executing the process of step S412 in the CPU 102 of the main control device 101) for executing the stop drive control of each of the revolving bodies to stop a first specific pattern (a bell winning or a sixth re-play winning) at the valid position when the lottery result of the role is a specific result (a bell or a fall re-play) and the stop operation means are operated in a first specific order, and for executing the stop drive control of each of the revolving bodies to stop a second specific pattern (a transition result or a fall re-play winning) at the valid position when the lottery result of the role is a specific result and the stop operation means are operated in a second specific order,
The benefit awarding means is provided with a special benefit awarding means (a function of executing RT state processing in the CPU 102 of the main control device 101) for awarding a first special benefit (a right to pay out nine medals or to play the next game free of charge) advantageous to the player based on the first specific pattern stopping at the valid position, and for awarding a second special benefit (a game state transitioning to a first RT state or a normal game state) disadvantageous to the player than the first special benefit based on the second specific pattern stopping at the valid position,
a special control means for executing a special control for disabling the operation of at least one stop operation means corresponding to the rotating body during rotation when the identification means identifies that the stop operation means has been operated during the predetermined invalid period, or for preventing the stop drive control from being executed when the stop operation means is subsequently operated;
An operation notification means (a function of causing the auxiliary display unit 65 to execute a push order notification effect based on receiving a notification command in the CPU 82 of the display control device 81) for notifying the player of the first specific order in a recognizable manner when the lottery result of the lottery means is the specific result;
A gaming machine according to any one of features A1 to A12, characterized in that it comprises:

According to feature A13, when a specific result is obtained, different benefits are awarded depending on the operation of the stop operation means. Specifically, when operations are performed in the first specific order, a first special benefit is awarded, whereas when operations are performed in the second specific order, a second special benefit is awarded. Since the second special benefit is more disadvantageous to the player than the first special benefit, it is more advantageous for the player to perform operations in the first specific order when a specific result is obtained. Then, when the result of the lottery for the role is a specific result, the first specific order is notified by the operation notification means. As a result, the player operates the stop operation means in the first specific order based on the notification, and erroneous operations are suppressed by the special control means, so that the player can more reliably perform the operations in the first specific order.

Feature A14: A special game state transition means (a function for executing the processes of steps S507 to S514 in the CPU 102 of the main control device 101) for transitioning the game state to a special game state (each RT state) advantageous to the player or maintaining the special game state based on the first specific pattern being stopped at the effective position;
The gaming machine described in feature A13 is characterized in that it is equipped with a special game state ending means (a function of executing the processing of steps S501 to S506 in the CPU 102 of the main control device 101) that ends the special game state based on the second specific pattern stopping at the valid position.

According to feature A14, when an operation is performed in a first specific order in which a first specific pattern stops, the player transitions to a special game state, whereas when an operation is performed in a second specific order in which a second specific pattern stops, the special game state ends. Therefore, when a specific result is obtained, the subsequent game state differs depending on whether the operation is performed in the first specific order or the second specific order, and more careful operation of the stop operation means is required. However, since the occurrence of erroneous operation is suppressed, the game can be played smoothly.

Feature A15. The special gaming state includes at least a plurality of transitional special gaming states (each RT state) which are more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state and have different advantageous degrees;
The gaming machine described in feature A14 is characterized in that the special game state ending means ends the transitional special game state and transitions to the normal game state based on the second specific pattern stopping at the valid position, even if the player is in the most advantageous transitional special game state (fifth RT state) among the transitional special game states.

According to feature A15, even if the player is in the most advantageous transition special game state, the game state will transition to the normal game state when the second specific symbol stops. This makes it possible to further enhance the effect of feature A14.

The above feature group A is effective when applied to the following problems:

An example of an amusement machine that stops multiple reels after they have been spun is a slot machine. In a slot machine, multiple symbols are attached to the outer periphery of each reel, and some of the symbols attached to each reel can be seen through a display window. The player inserts a medal and operates the start lever to start the reels spinning, and after each reel has started spinning, the reels stop sequentially by operating the stop button. Inside the slot machine, a lottery is held on the condition that a medal is inserted and the start lever is operated, and if the lottery results in a win and the player stops the winning symbol on a pre-set pay line, a certain number of medals will be paid out or a special game (special game state) that is advantageous to the player will be played.

In this slot machine, even if the stop button is operated between the start of rotation of each reel and the time when the rotation speed reaches a constant speed, or if a stop button corresponding to another reel is operated while one reel is being controlled to stop (see, for example, Patent Document 1), the reel is not generally controlled to stop (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This is because during the period until the reels reach a constant speed or while one reel is being controlled to stop, it is not possible to stably control the stop of each reel or the other reels.

However, in this configuration, for example, if a stop button is operated during an invalid period, the corresponding reel will not stop, and the game will not progress, which may reduce the player's attention. Also, for example, if multiple stop buttons are operated over a period when the stop button operation is invalid and a period when it is valid, the reel operated during the invalid period will not stop, while the reel operated during the valid period will stop. In this case, a so-called erroneous operation may occur, in which the player is unable to stop the reels in the intended stopping order or timing.

The above problem is not limited to the slot machines exemplified above, but also applies to other gaming machines that display multiple types of pictures in a cyclical manner and then end the cyclical display based on the operation of a stop operation means.

<Characteristics Group B>
Feature B1. A plurality of rotating bodies (reels 32L, 32M, and 32R) that rotate in a circumferential direction and have a plurality of types of pictures arranged in the circumferential direction;
A display window portion (display windows 26L, 26M, 26R) that allows some of the patterns of each of the rotating bodies to be visually recognized;
A start operation means (start lever 41) that is operated to start the rotation of each of the rotating bodies;
A lottery means for drawing a winning combination based on the operation of the start operation means (a function for executing a lottery process in the CPU 102 of the main control device 101);
A driving means (stepping motors 42c to 44c) is provided for each of the rotating bodies, and drives the rotating bodies;
a start drive control means (a function of executing a rotation start process in the CPU 102 of the main control device 101) for controlling the start drive of the drive means so as to start rotation of each of the rotating bodies based on the operation of the start operation means;
A plurality of stop operation means (stop buttons 42 to 44) that are operated to individually stop the rotation of each of the rotating bodies;
a stop drive control means (a function of executing the processes of steps S1913 and S1914 in the CPU 102 of the main control device 101) for controlling the stop drive of each of the drive means so as to stop the rotation of the rotating body corresponding to the operated stop operation means based on the operation of each of the stop operation means;
A bonus awarding means (a function for executing the process of step S1915 in the CPU 102 of the main control device 101) for awarding a bonus to a player as a winning combination based on the winning combination and the winning pattern corresponding to the winning combination being selected in the lottery for the winning combination being stopped in a valid position visible through the display window,
Equipped with
The stop drive control means is provided with a special stop drive control means (a function of executing the process of step S2017 in the CPU 102 of the main control device 101) for executing the stop drive control of each of the revolving bodies to stop a first specific pattern (a bell winning or a sixth re-play winning) at the valid position when the lottery result of the role is a specific result (a bell or a fall re-play) and the stop operation means are operated in a first specific order, and for executing the stop drive control of each of the revolving bodies to stop a second specific pattern (a transition result or a fall re-play winning) at the valid position when the lottery result of the role is a specific result and the stop operation means are operated in a second specific order,
The benefit awarding means is provided with a special benefit awarding means (a function of executing RT state processing in the CPU 102 of the main control device 101) for awarding a first special benefit (a right to pay out nine medals or to play the next game free of charge) advantageous to the player based on the first specific pattern stopping at the valid position, and for awarding a second special benefit (a game state transitioning to a first RT state or a normal game state) disadvantageous to the player than the first special benefit based on the second specific pattern stopping at the valid position,
After the rotation of the rotating body starts, an invalid period is set during which the operation of the corresponding stop operation means is invalidated,
The gaming machine is characterized in that it is equipped with a special control means (a function of executing special reel control processing in the CPU 102 of the main control unit 101) that executes special control so that the timing of the elapse of the invalid period becomes different in accordance with the first specific order, with at least one condition being that the result of the lottery for the role is the specific result.

According to feature B1, when the lottery result of the role is a specific result, if the stop operation means are operated in a first specific order, a first special benefit is awarded, whereas if the operation is performed in a second specific order, a second special benefit that is less favorable to the player than the first special benefit is awarded. The special control means controls the invalid period to pass in accordance with the first specific order. In other words, if the stop operation means are operated in an order other than the first specific order, an event occurs in which the invalid period of the stop operation means that performed the operation has not passed at that timing, in which case the stop drive control of the corresponding revolving body is not performed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of erroneous operation in which the player operates in the second specific order.

Feature B2: A notification means (display control device 81) is provided for notifying a player of the first specific order in a recognizable manner when the lottery result of the lottery means is the specific result;
The gaming machine according to feature B1, wherein the special control means executes the special control under at least one condition that the first specific sequence is notified by the notification means.

According to feature B2, the player can operate each stop operation means in the first specific order according to the notification, and erroneous operation is suppressed as described in feature B1. Furthermore, according to this configuration, since the notification of the first specific order is added as a condition, it is possible that special control by the special control means will not be performed even if the result of the lottery for the role is a specific result. This makes it possible to make the game more suitable without unnecessarily increasing the advantage given to the player.

Feature B3. The gaming machine according to Feature B1 or Feature B2, characterized in that the special control means executes the special control so that the rotations of the rotating bodies start at the same timing based on the operation of the start operation means.

According to feature B3, while the rotation of each rotating body starts at the same timing, the inactive period of each stop operation means elapses at different timings in accordance with the first specific sequence by the special control means. Therefore, it is possible to achieve the effect of feature B1 by changing the settings of the inactive period without applying special control to the drive control of each rotating body, and no complex processing is required.

Feature B4. The gaming machine described in Feature B1 or Feature B2, characterized in that the special control means executes the special control to start the rotation of each of the orbiting bodies at different timings in accordance with the first specific sequence based on the operation of the start operation means.

According to feature B4, the rotation of each rotating body is started in accordance with the first specific order. This allows the player to recognize that the result of the lottery for the winning combination is a specific result and the first specific order, and allows the player to more reliably operate each stop operation means in the first specific order.

Feature B5. The gaming machine described in Feature B4, wherein the special control means executes the special control to cause all of the orbiting bodies to start orbiting at a timing before the predetermined invalid period of the orbiting body that first started orbiting has elapsed.

According to feature B5, all of the orbiting bodies start to rotate before the invalid period of the orbiting body that started rotating first has elapsed. Therefore, an event does not occur in which there is an orbiting body that has not yet started rotating after the invalid period of the orbiting body that started rotating first has elapsed. More specifically, an event does not occur in which the invalid period of the orbiting body that started rotating first has elapsed, the stop operation means corresponding to the orbiting body is operated to stop the orbiting body, and there is an orbiting body that has not yet started rotating. In a gaming machine, the winning result of a role and the benefit to be granted can be predicted depending on the stopping state of a single orbiting body, and if these orbiting bodies that have finished rotating and those that have not started rotating are mixed at the same time, the attention of the orbiting body that has not started rotating may decrease depending on the predicted winning result and the benefit to be granted. In contrast, according to this configuration, since a orbiting body that has finished rotating and a orbiting body that has not started rotating cannot be mixed at the same time, the effect of feature B1 can be achieved without decreasing the attention of each orbiting body.

Feature B6: A special game state transition means (a function for executing the processes of steps S507 to S514 in the CPU 102 of the main control device 101) for transitioning the game state to a special game state (each RT state) advantageous to the player or maintaining the special game state based on the first specific pattern being stopped at the effective position;
A gaming machine described in any one of features B1 to B5, characterized in that it is equipped with a special game state ending means (a function of executing the processing of steps S501 to S506 in the CPU 102 of the main control device 101) that ends the special game state based on the second specific pattern stopping at the valid position.

According to feature B6, when an operation is performed in a first specific order in which a first specific pattern stops, the player transitions to a special game state, whereas when an operation is performed in a second specific order in which a second specific pattern stops, the special game state ends. Therefore, in the case of a specific result, the subsequent game state differs depending on whether the stop operation means are operated in the first specific order or the second specific order, and more careful operation of the stop operation means is required. However, since the occurrence of erroneous operations described in feature B1 is suppressed, the game can be played in a favorable manner.

Feature B7: The special gaming state includes at least a plurality of transitional special gaming states that are more advantageous to the player than the normal gaming state and have different degrees of advantage;
The gaming machine described in feature B6 is characterized in that the special game state ending means ends the transitional special game state and transitions to the normal game state based on the second specific pattern stopping at the valid position, even if the player is in the most advantageous transitional special game state (fifth RT state) among the transitional special game states.

According to feature B7, even if the player is in the most advantageous transition special game state, the game state will transition to the normal game state when the second specific symbol stops. This makes it possible to further enhance the effect of feature B5.

The above feature group B is effective when applied to the following problems:

An example of an amusement machine that stops multiple reels after they have been spun is a slot machine. In a slot machine, multiple symbols are attached to the outer periphery of each reel, and some of the symbols attached to each reel can be seen through a display window. The player inserts a medal and operates the start lever to start the reels spinning, and after each reel has started spinning, the reels stop sequentially by operating the stop button. Inside the slot machine, a lottery is held on the condition that a medal is inserted and the start lever is operated, and if the lottery results in a win and the player stops the winning symbol on a pre-set pay line, a certain number of medals will be paid out or a special game (special game state) that is advantageous to the player will be played.

In this slot machine, even if the stop button is operated between the start of rotation of each reel and the time when the rotation speed reaches a constant speed, or if a stop button corresponding to another reel is operated during the period when one reel is being controlled to stop (see, for example, Patent Document 1), the reels are not generally controlled to stop (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This is because during the period until the reels reach a constant speed or during the period when one reel is being controlled to stop, it is not possible to stably control the stop of each reel or the other reels. For this reason, in slot machines, after each reel starts to spin, there are periods during which the operation of the stop button is invalid and periods during which it is valid.

However, in this configuration, if multiple stop buttons are operated across periods when the operation of the stop buttons is valid and invalid, the reels operated during the invalid period will not stop, while the reels operated during the valid period will stop. In this case, a so-called erroneous operation may occur, in which the player is unable to stop the reels in the order or at the timing intended by the player.

The above problem is not limited to the slot machines exemplified above, but also applies to other gaming machines that display multiple types of pictures in a cyclical manner and then end the cyclical display based on the operation of a stop operation means.

10... slot machine as a gaming machine, 32... reels as a rotating body, 41... start lever as a start operation means, 42-44... stop buttons as a stop operation means, 64... speaker constituting the auxiliary performance section, 65... auxiliary display section constituting the auxiliary performance section, 81... display control device as a sub-control board, 101... main control device as a main control board, 102... CPU constituting various control means such as lottery means and main control means.

Claims (1)

A plurality of rotating bodies that rotate in a circumferential direction and have a plurality of patterns arranged in the circumferential direction;
A display unit that allows some of the patterns of each of the rotating bodies to be viewed;
A start operation means that is operated to start rotation of each of the rotating bodies;
a lottery means for holding a lottery for awarding a privilege to a player based on an operation of the start operation means;
A driving means provided on each of the rotating bodies to rotate each of the rotating bodies;
a start drive control means for controlling the drive means to start rotation of each of the rotating bodies based on an operation of the start operation means;
A plurality of stop operation means that are operated to individually stop the rotation of each of the rotating bodies;
a stop drive control means for controlling the drive means to stop the rotation of the rotating body corresponding to the operated stop operation means based on the operation of each of the stop operation means;
a bonus awarding means for awarding a bonus corresponding to a predetermined result when a lottery result by the lottery means is a predetermined result and a predetermined pattern combination corresponding to the predetermined result stops based on the stop drive control at an effective position set at a position visible through the display unit;
a determining unit that determines that the stop operation unit corresponding to the rotating body has been operated during a specific period during which the stop drive control based on the operation of the stop operation unit corresponding to the rotating body is not being executed while the rotating body is rotating;
a specific control means capable of executing a specific control different from the stop drive control for at least one stop operation means corresponding to the rotating body during rotation when the specific control means identifies that the stop operation means has been operated during the specific period;
A means capable of issuing a notification corresponding to the specific control;
Equipped with
The gaming machine is characterized in that the specific control means is equipped with a special control means that executes special control to prevent the stop drive control from being executed when the stop operation means identified by the identification means is operated until a predetermined condition is met, including the operation of an operation means other than the stop operation means identified by the identification means.

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