Game board

Abstract

To provide a game board capable of improving maintainability.SOLUTION: A game board includes a first operation unit that is connected to a first board via a first harness and has at least a first operation section and a second operation section, first processing may be executed by operation of the first operation section, second processing may be executed by operation of the second operation section, the first processing may be executed when the first harness is changed from a non-connected state to a connected state in a state in which the first operation section is under operation, the second processing may be executed when the first harness is changed from a non-connected state to a connected state in a state in which the second operation section is under operation, and only the first processing from among the first processing and the second processing may be executed when the first harness is changed from a non-connected state to a connected state in a state in which the first operation section and the second operation section are at least under operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 194

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine represented by a pinball gaming machine (pachinko machine), a reel gaming machine (slot machine), an enclosed gaming machine, or a medal-less slot machine. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as one type of gaming machine, for example, a slot machine is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-296354 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In this type of gaming machine, improved maintainability is desired.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can be easily maintained. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The gaming machine according to the present invention comprises: A first substrate; a first operation unit connected to the first board via a first harness; A gaming machine equipped with the first operation unit has at least a first operation part and a second operation part, A first process may be executed by operating the first operation unit, A second process may be executed by operating the second operation unit, When the first harness is changed from a non-connected state to a connected state while the first operating unit is being operated, the first process may be executed, When the first harness is changed from a non-connected state to a connected state while the second operation unit is being operated, the second process may be executed, When the first harness is changed from a non-connected state to a connected state while at least the first operating unit and the second operating unit are being operated, only the first process out of the first process and the second process may be executed. It is characterized by: Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to improve maintainability. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a slot machine 100 as seen from the front side (player side). [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a winning line. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of a control unit. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on each reel laid out in a plane. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the types of winning roles (including activated roles), the symbol combinations corresponding to each winning role, and the payouts for each winning role. [Figure 6] 1 is a transition diagram of the game state (RT) of the slot machine 100. FIG. [Figure 7] A diagram showing the transition of the game state regarding advantageous and non-advantageous zones of the slot machine 100. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of main processing of a main control unit. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a main control unit timer interrupt process. [Figure 10](a) is a flowchart of main processing executed by CPU 404 of first sub-control unit 400, (b) is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of first sub-control unit 400, and (c) is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing of first sub-control unit 400. [Figure 11] (a) is a flowchart of main processing executed by CPU 504 of second sub-control unit 500, (b) is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of second sub-control unit 500, (c) is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing of second sub-control unit 500, and (d) is a flowchart of image control processing of second sub-control unit 500. [Figure 12] 13 is a diagram showing a time series of examples of notifications when a first operation instruction notification is made in a certain game. FIG. [Figure 13] 13A to 13C are diagrams showing examples of notifications in a time series when a second operation instruction notification is made in a certain game. [Figure 14] (a) is a front view of the slot machine 100 in a state where a setting key is turned from OFF to ON when the power is OFF, (b) is a front view showing an example where a first notification is executed in a first state, and (c) is a front view showing an example where a second notification is executed in a second state. [Figure 15] 1A is a diagram showing a time series of a setting change operation example 1. FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a time series of a setting change operation example 2. [Figure 16] 13A is a diagram showing a time series of a setting change operation example 3. FIG. 13B is a diagram showing a time series of a setting change operation example 4. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a slot machine 100 as seen from the front side (player side). [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a line. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a slot machine 100. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a reel unit 700. [Figure 21] 7A is a perspective view showing the structure of a backlight module 740, and FIG. 7B is a front view of the backlight module 740. FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a first selection switch 190 and the like shown in FIG. [Diagram 23] 11 is a diagram showing an example of selection of a setting value using a first selection switch 190 and a second selection switch 194. FIG. [Figure 24] 2 shows a circuit block diagram of a control unit. [Diagram 25] 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating examples of connections between each board and each unit. [Figure 26] This is a diagram showing a state in which the front door 102 of the slot machine 100 in a power-off state is opened and the left reel 110 is being manually spun. [Figure 27] 19. (a) is a perspective view of the hopper unit 180 shown in FIG. 19 seen obliquely from above, and (b) is a view showing a state in which a hopper disk 182 is being manually rotated. [Figure 28] 26 is a diagram showing an example in which a relay board is provided between main control board 300B shown in FIG. 25 and hopper unit 180 and reel unit 700 also shown in FIG. [Figure 29] (a) is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the slot machine of the second embodiment, (b) is a side view showing the field of view of a person H1 in a standing position, and (c) is a side view showing the field of view of a person H2 in a sitting position. [Diagram 30] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing the inside of a slot machine according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 31] 26 is a diagram showing a modified example of the connection between each board and each unit shown in FIG. 25. [Diagram 32] 13 is a diagram showing a specific example of a protection circuit provided between the reel motor driving IC 322i and the 24V power line. [Diagram 33] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a slot machine 100 as seen from the front side (player side). [Diagram 34] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a line. [Diagram 35] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a slot machine 100. [Diagram 36]A diagram for explaining the medal selector 170. [Figure 37] (a) is a table showing the display order of the setting values ​​displayed on the setting value display 293, (b) is a table summarizing the performance differences for each setting value, and (c) to (f) are figures showing examples of setting-related notifications (setting suggestion notifications, setting confirmation notifications). [Figure 38] FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of a control unit. [Figure 39] 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of main processing of a main control unit. [Diagram 40] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a main control unit timer interrupt process. [Diagram 41] 40 is a flowchart showing the process flow of the main control unit initial setting process (step S101) in FIG. 39. [Diagram 42] 42 is a flowchart showing the process of changing settings (step S1013) in FIG. 41. [Diagram 43] (a) is a flowchart of main processing executed by CPU 404 of first sub-control unit 400, (b) is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of first sub-control unit 400, and (c) is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing of first sub-control unit 400. [Diagram 44] (a) is a flowchart of main processing executed by CPU 504 of second sub-control unit 500, (b) is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of second sub-control unit 500, (c) is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing of second sub-control unit 500, and (d) is a flowchart of image control processing of second sub-control unit 500. [Diagram 45] 13 is a table summarizing the procedure for setting to setting b by changing the setting and the states of the related components. [Figure 46] 46 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the state of components at each stage from (a) to (f) in FIG. 45. [Figure 47](a) is a table summarizing the states of the related components when the front door 102 is repeatedly opened and closed with the setting value set to setting b, and (b) is a table summarizing the states of the related components when the settlement operation is performed immediately after the third stop with the setting value set to setting b. [Figure 48] FIG. 48 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the state of the components at each stage in FIG. 47. [Figure 49] (a) is a table summarizing the state of the relevant components when a setting check is performed when the device is set to the default setting value, Setting 1, and (b) is a table summarizing the state of the relevant components when a setting check is performed in power saving mode when the device is set to Setting 1. [Figure 50] FIG. 50 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the state of the components at each stage in FIG. 49. [Figure 51] (a) is a table summarizing the states of the relevant components when a setting check is performed when the device is set to setting b, and (b) is a table summarizing the states of the relevant components when a setting check is performed in power saving mode when the device is set to setting b. [Figure 52] FIG. 52 is a diagram showing the state of the components at each stage in FIG. 51. [Diagram 53] (a) is a diagram for explaining the transition of the game state in the slot machine in this modified example, (b) is a diagram for explaining some of the roles that are subject to role drawing in RT1 and the high and low probability of winning, and (c) is a diagram for explaining some of the roles that are subject to role drawing in RT2 and the high and low probability of winning. [Figure 54] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of payout rates of RT1 and RT2. [Figure 55] 13 is a table summarizing the states of related components when a first sound is output when the front door 102 is closed after the settings have been changed. [Figure 56] This is a table summarizing the states of the relevant components when the reels are spun before closing the front door 102 after changing the settings, and the first sound is output when the front door 102 is closed while the reels are spinning. [Figure 57] This is a table summarizing the states of the relevant components when the reels are spun before closing the front door 102 after a setting change, a power outage occurs while the reels are spinning, and the front door 102 is closed while the reels are spinning after power is restored. [Figure 58] This is a table summarizing the states of the relevant components when the front door 102 is closed while the inserted medals are being settled and dispensed before the front door 102 is closed after the settings are changed. [Figure 59] This table summarizes the status of the relevant components when a power outage occurs and is restored while the inserted medals are being settled and paid out before the front door 102 is closed after a setting change, and the front door 102 is closed during the payout after power is restored. [Figure 60] 11 is a table summarizing the states of the relevant components when the front door 102 is closed during setting confirmation after a setting change. [Figure 61] This is a table summarizing the states of the relevant components when the front door 102 is closed after the setting is changed and the game is transitioned to the second game state. [Figure 62] This table summarizes the states of the relevant components when a single setting confirmation is performed, the setting key switch 281 is turned on with the front door 102 in a pseudo-closed state, and the inserted medals are settled. [Figure 63] This is a table summarizing the states of the relevant components when a single setting check is performed, the setting key switch 281 is turned on with the front door 102 in a pseudo-closed state, and one game is played. [Figure 64] 13 is a table summarizing the states of the relevant components when the setting value display 293 displays a setting value even when the setting key switch 281 is in the OFF state. [Figure 65] This table summarizes the states of the relevant components when a setting confirmation is performed once, a medal is inserted while the front door 102 is in a pseudo-closed state, the setting key switch 281 is turned on, and the inserted medal is settled. [Figure 66]This table summarizes the states of the relevant components when a setting check is performed once, a medal is inserted while the front door 102 is in a pseudo-closed state, the setting key switch 281 is turned on, and play is performed. [Figure 67] 1 is a rear view of a pachinko machine to which the present invention can be applied; [Figure 68] 1 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a slot machine 100 and a lending machine 700 as viewed from the front side (player side). [Figure 69] FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of a control unit. [Figure 70] 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating examples of connections between each board and each unit. [Figure 71] 71 is a diagram showing an example in which a relay board is provided between the main control board 300B shown in FIG. 70 and the reel unit 109 also shown in FIG. [Figure 72] 69 is a configuration diagram of a gaming system including the slot machine 100 and the lending machine 700 shown in FIG. 68. [Figure 73] This is a table summarizing gaming machine status information, gaming machine performance information, and gaming machine installation information. [Figure 74] A diagram showing a communication sequence when a game control state command is transmitted from the game control unit 302 to the medal count control unit 350. [Figure 75] A diagram showing details of the communication between the medal count control unit 350 and the lending machine 700. [Figure 76] 13(a) is a diagram showing details of the hole control and fraud monitoring information, and FIG. 13(b) is a table showing error codes. [Figure 77] 13 is a table showing game control state commands. [Figure 78] 13 is a table showing medal count control state commands. [Figure 79] A diagram showing a communication sequence when a game control priority command is transmitted from the game control unit 302 to the medal count control unit 350. [Figure 80]13A is a diagram showing details of the game control priority command, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing details of the response command returned from the medal count control unit 350 to the game control unit 302. FIG. [Figure 81] 13 is a diagram showing a communication sequence when a game control priority command 2 is transmitted from the game control unit 302 to the medal count control unit 350. FIG. [Figure 82] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing of a game control unit. [Figure 83] 83 is a flowchart of a medal insertion / start lever reception process (step S102) in FIG. 82. [Figure 84] 84 is a flowchart of the medal insertion process (step S1011) in FIG. 83. [Figure 85] 85 is a flowchart of the settlement button process (step S1102) in FIG. 84. [Figure 86] This is a flowchart of the process of sending change information to the medal count control unit (steps S1111, S1205, and S1605) in Figures 84, 85, and 89. [Figure 87] 87 is a flowchart of the triple command transmission process (step S1307) in FIG. 86. [Figure 88] This is a flowchart of the medal count control unit priority command sending process (steps S1014, S1403, S1406, and step S1409) in Figures 83 and 87. [Figure 89] 83 is a flowchart of the medal awarding process (step S109) in FIG. 82. [Figure 90] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a game control unit timer interrupt process. [Figure 91] 91 is a flowchart of a disconnection determination process which is one of the error monitoring processes (step S203) in FIG. 90. [Figure 92] 91 is a flowchart of the medal count control command receiving process (step S206) in FIG. 90. [Figure 93] 91 is a flowchart of the game control command transmission process (step S207) in FIG. 90. [Figure 94] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a medal count control unit main process. [Figure 95] 95 is a flowchart of the RAM abnormality determination process (step S302) in FIG. 94. [Figure 96] 13 is a table showing the target range of the RAM clear process. [Figure 97] 96 is a flowchart of the error request setting process (step S3022) in FIG. 95 etc. [Figure 98] 95 is a flowchart of the preparation process (step S303) in FIG. 94. [Figure 99] 95 is a flowchart of the gaming machine information notification transmission process (step S304) in FIG. 94. [Figure 100] 99 is a flowchart of the gaming machine information type acquisition process (step S3305) in FIG. [Figure 101] 95 is a flowchart of the counting notification transmitting process (step S305) in FIG. 94. [Figure 102] 95 is a flowchart of the lending notification reception confirmation process (step S306) in FIG. 94. [Figure 103] 95 is a flowchart of the loan acceptance result response transmission process (step S308) in FIG. 94. [Figure 104] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of medal count control unit timer interrupt processing. [Figure 105] 105 is a flowchart of the lending notification receiving process (step S404) in FIG. [Fig. 106] 107 is a flowchart of the lending number determination process (step S4004) in FIG. 105. [Figure 107] 105 is a flowchart of a process for updating the number of coins to be counted (step S405) in FIG. [Figure 108] 105 is a flowchart of the game control unit command receiving process (step S406) in FIG. [Fig. 109]108 is a flowchart of the game control state command receiving process (step S4304). [Figure 110] 109 is a flowchart (first half) of the game control priority command receiving process (step S4305) in FIG. [Figure 111] 109 is a flowchart (second half) of the game control priority command receiving process (step S4305) in FIG. [Figure 112] 112 is a flowchart of the input command receiving process (step S4517) in FIG. 111. [Figure 113] 112 is a flowchart of the settlement command receiving process (step S4519) in FIG. [Fig. 114] 112 is a flowchart of a start lever acceptance command reception process (step S4521) in FIG. 111. [Figure 115] This is a flowchart of the game information setting process (steps S4806, S4A19) in Figures 114 and 116. [Fig. 116] 112 is a flowchart of the payout command receiving process (step S4523) in FIG. [Figure 117] 117 is a flowchart of the game medal number overflow confirmation process (step S4A11) in FIG. [Figure 118] 112 is a flowchart of the error occurrence command reception process (step S4524) in FIG. [Figure 119] 105 is a flowchart of the error monitoring process (step S407) in FIG. 104. [Figure 120] 108 is a flowchart of the process of sending a medal count control command to the game control unit (step S408) in FIG. [Figure 121] 105 is a flowchart of the display device display process (step S409) in FIG. 104. [Figure 122] 85 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the processing during medal insertion in FIG. 84. [Figure 123]88 is a flowchart showing a variation of the triple command transmission process of FIG. 87. [Figure 124] 113 is a flowchart showing a variation of the input command receiving process of FIG. [Fig. 125] 108 is a flowchart showing a variation of the scheduled counting number update process of FIG. [Fig. 126] 108 is a flowchart showing a variation of the scheduled counting number update process of FIG. [Figure 127] (a) is a flowchart of main processing executed by CPU 404 of first sub-control unit 400, (b) is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of first sub-control unit 400, (c) is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing of first sub-control unit 400, and (d) is a flowchart of command processing (step S307) in (a). [Figure 128] (a) is a flowchart of main processing executed by CPU 504 of second sub-control unit 500, (b) is a flowchart of command reception interrupt processing of second sub-control unit 500, (c) is a flowchart of timer interrupt processing of second sub-control unit 500, and (d) is a flowchart of image control processing of second sub-control unit 500. [Figure 129] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first example in which the count button 171 is operated. [Fig. 130] 13 is a timing chart showing a first example of a presentation when counting is being performed. [Fig. 131] 13 is a timing chart showing an example in which a bet operation has been performed before the operation of the count button 171 and the bet amount is not 0. [Fig. 132] 13 is a timing chart showing an example of a counting end presentation. [Fig. 133] 13 is a timing chart showing an example of a case where the settlement button 134 is operated. [Fig. 134] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example in which the number of counted sheets increases as the operation time of the count button 171 becomes longer. [Fig. 135]134(c) , and (b) is a timing chart showing an example of a continuation of the example shown in FIG. 134(c) in which a power outage occurs when the planned number of sheets to be counted is set to 30 sheets, and then power is restored in the example shown in FIG. 134(c). [Fig. 136] 127 is a timing chart showing an example in which the expected count number update process of FIG. 126 is adopted. [Fig. 137] (a) is a timing chart showing an example in which automatic counting ends when the value of the “number of game medals” stored in RAM 358 reaches a certain value, and (b) is a timing chart showing an example in which power is interrupted during automatic counting and then restored. [Figure 138] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a display indicating that automatic counting is in progress. [Figure 139] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a sound output indicating that automatic counting is in progress. [Fig. 140] 13 is a timing chart showing an example of a case where a power interruption occurs before 0.5 seconds, which is the determination time for a long press operation, has elapsed after the operation of the counting button 171 is started. [Fig. 141] 141 is a timing chart showing a modification of the example shown in FIG. 140. [Fig. 142] 141 is a timing chart showing another modified example of the example shown in FIG. 140. [Fig. 143] 13A is a diagram showing an example of a change display (subtraction) on the game medal count display device 170, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing an example of a change display (addition) on the game medal count display device 170. FIG. [Fig. 144] 13A to 13C are diagrams showing other examples of change display in the game medal count display device 170. [Fig. 145] 13 is a diagram showing an example in which the “game medal number” stored in the RAM 358 is displayed not only on the game medal number display device 170 but also on the performance image display device 157. FIG. [Fig. 146] FIG. 146 is a diagram showing a modified example of the example shown in FIG. 145. [Fig. 147] FIG. 146 is a diagram showing another example that is completely different from the example shown in FIG. 145. [Fig. 148]13A is a timing chart showing a case where a payout is attempted that exceeds the payout threshold, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing another example of an upper limit exceeding error notification. [Figure 149] FIG. 13A is a timing chart showing a case where a dispense is about to be made when the amount exceeds the second threshold for dispensing, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing another example of a notification that the upper limit is approaching. [Fig. 150] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example in which a notification urging a count overlaps with a highly urgent error notification. [Fig. 151] 13A is a diagram showing an example in which a notification prompting counting continues even after switching to a demonstration display, and FIG. 13B is a diagram showing an example of a notification after the count button 171 is operated during the demonstration. [Fig. 152] 1A is a diagram showing an example of a notification when the "number of game medals" exceeds a certain specified number, such as a payout threshold or a second payout threshold, and then falls below that specified number, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of a notification that prompts counting when the "number of game medals" exceeds the second payout threshold over multiple games. [Fig. 153] (a) is a diagram showing an example of a notification encouraging counting each time the "number of game medals" increases by a specified number, (b) is a diagram showing an example of a case where the counting button 171 is operated in a state advantageous to the player, and (c) is a diagram showing an example of a case where the counting button 171 is operated in a state disadvantageous to the player. [Fig. 154] FIG. 153(a) shows a modified example of the example shown in FIG. 153(b), FIG. 153(b) shows an example in which counting that was forcibly terminated is restarted, and FIG. 153(c) shows an example of the modified example described using (a) and (b) when the player is in a disadvantageous state (e.g., a normal state). [Fig. 155] 13 is a timing chart showing an example of when the VL signal from the rental machine 700 is turned off. [Fig. 156] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a second modified example in which the operation differs depending on whether the "number of game medals" is less than a certain threshold value. [Fig. 157] A timing chart showing another example of when the VL signal from the rental machine 700 is turned off. [Fig. 158] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the change in the number of game medals when the count button 171 is pressed and held. [Fig. 159] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an effect executed according to the number of game medals. [Fig. 160] A figure showing an example of a presentation executed depending on the number of medals won in the AT state. [Fig. 161] A figure showing an example of the operation when an overflow of the number of game medals occurs. [Fig. 162] A diagram showing an example of the operation when a medal count control wire break error (error code E0) occurs. [Fig. 163] This figure shows an example of the operation that occurs when an error in which the number of game medals exceeds the upper limit and an error in which the number of medals control is broken (error code E0) occur simultaneously. [Fig. 164] A diagram showing an example of operation when a medal number control unit disconnection error occurs. [Fig. 165] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of an operation in which, when a counting sound is output in response to a counting process, an output permission period for the sound is provided. [Fig. 166] FIG. 165(a) shows the state of the slot machine 100 during the operation shown in FIG. [Fig. 167] FIG. 165(b) shows the state of the slot machine 100 in the operation shown in FIG. [Fig. 168] (a) is a diagram showing an example of an update condition of the difference number counter (first counting means) and the virtual difference number counter (second counting means). (b) is a diagram showing an example of the difference number counter (first counting means) and the virtual difference number counter (second counting means), and various processes that refer to these counting means. [Fig. 169] 13 is a diagram showing an example of counting by a difference number counter (first counting means) and a virtual difference number counter (second counting means) in time series. FIG. [Fig. 170] 13 is a graph showing an example of the change in the difference in number of coins during a certain gaming period. [Fig. 171] This is a diagram showing an example of various presentations during a certain gaming period shown in Figure 171. [Fig. 172] This is a diagram showing an example of various presentations during a certain gaming period shown in Figure 171. [Fig. 173] 13 is a graph showing an example of the change in the difference in number of coins during a certain gaming period. [Fig. 174] This is a diagram showing an example of various presentations during a certain gaming period shown in Figure 173. [Fig. 175] This is a diagram showing an example of various presentations during a certain gaming period shown in Figure 173. [Fig. 176] (a) is a diagram showing an example of a complete function advance notification, (b) is a diagram showing an example of a complete upper limit reaching notification, (c) is a diagram showing an example of a game value display upper limit reaching advance notification, and (d) is a diagram showing an example of a game value display upper limit reaching notification. [Fig. 177] 13 is a graph showing an example of the change in the difference in number of coins during a certain gaming period. [Fig. 178] This is a diagram showing examples of various presentations and notifications during a certain game period shown in Figure 177. [Fig. 179] This is a diagram showing examples of various presentations and notifications during a certain game period shown in Figure 177. [Fig. 180] This is a diagram showing examples of various presentations and notifications during a certain game period shown in Figure 177. [Fig. 181] This figure shows modified examples of various presentations and notifications during a certain game period shown in Figure 177. [Fig. 182] This figure shows modified examples of various presentations and notifications during a certain game period shown in Figure 177. [Fig. 183] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a presentation by the shutter 163. [Fig. 184] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of position correction by the shutter 163 during execution of a complete function advance notification. [Fig. 185] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of position correction by the shutter 163 during execution of a complete upper limit reaching notification. [Fig. 186] 13 is a flowchart showing a flow of main processing of a main control unit. [Fig. 187]187 is a flowchart showing the process flow of the main control unit initial setting process (step S101) in FIG. 186. [Fig. 188] 187 is a flowchart showing the process of operating the complete function (step S119) in FIG. 186. [Fig. 189] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a connection of circuit boards inside a gaming machine. [Fig. 190] 13A is a diagram showing the flow of operations when the harness is normally connected, and FIGS. 13B and 13C are diagrams showing an example of operations when the lever unit harness HA1 is disconnected. [Fig. 191] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of an operation when the lever unit harness HA1 is disconnected. [Fig. 192] 13 is a diagram showing an example of an operation when a harness HB1 connecting a main control board 300B and a relay board RB1 is disconnected. FIG. [Fig. 193] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing an example of the operation when the lever unit harness HA1, the stop button unit harness HA2, and the bet button unit harness HA3 are each disconnected. [Fig. 194] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating an example of an operation when the menu button unit harness HC1 is disconnected and reconnected. [Figure 194-1] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of wiring of the menu button unit. [Fig. 195] A diagram showing an example of the operation when a harness connecting a main control board and a sub-control board is disconnected and reconnected. [Fig. 196] 1 is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open. [Figure 197] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the slot machine 100 as seen from the side. [Figure 198] 1 is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of a sub-substrate case 500a and a main substrate case 300a. [Figure 199] 1 is a diagram showing an example of air flow inside the slot machine 100. FIG. [Figure 200] 1 is a diagram showing an example of air flow inside the slot machine 100. FIG. [Figure 201] 13 is a diagram showing the airflow from the cooling fan 950 when the front door 102 is open. [Fig. 202] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Fig. 203] 13 is a diagram showing the relationship between the display area of ​​the symbol display window and the winning lines of the slot machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Fig. 204] 2 is a circuit block diagram of a control unit of the slot machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Fig. 205] 1A is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on each reel of the slot machine of this embodiment, with the arrangement shown superficially, and the relationship between the symbol number counter and the symbol interval counter; and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing the types of winning roles (including activated roles), the symbol combinations corresponding to each winning role, and the activation or payout of each winning role. [Fig. 206] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the appearance of a reel rotation device of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Fig. 207] 2 is an exploded perspective view of a reel drive unit that constitutes a reel rotation device of the slot machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Fig. 208] 1A and 1B are a schematic side view and a schematic front view showing an assembled state of a reel drive unit of the slot machine according to the present embodiment. [Fig. 209] 2 is an exploded perspective view of a stepping motor used in a reel of the slot machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Fig. 210] A diagram showing the magnetic pole arrangement of the stator of the stepping motor shown in Figure 209. [Fig. 211] 4 is a table showing the contents of an excitation table for exciting the stepping motor according to the present embodiment. [Fig. 212] 4 is a table showing the contents of a rotation control table according to the present embodiment. [Fig. 213] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing of a main control unit of the slot machine according to the present embodiment. [Fig. 214]214 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the internal lottery process for determining a winning combination in step S103 shown in FIG. [Fig. 215] 214 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the reel spin start process in step S105 shown in FIG. [Fig. 216] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of a main control unit timer interrupt process. [Fig. 217] 217 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the stop button display control process in step S207 shown in FIG. [Fig. 218] 217 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the reel rotation control process in step S208 shown in FIG. [Fig. 219] 219 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the reel control determination process in step S208g shown in FIG. [Fig. 220] 220 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the acceleration control process in step S306 shown in FIG. [Fig. 221] 220 is a flowchart showing in detail the first constant speed control process of step S308 shown in FIG. 219. [Fig. 222] 220 is a flowchart showing in detail the second constant speed control process of step S310 shown in FIG. 219. [Fig. 223] 219 is a flowchart showing in detail the stop button acceptance process in step S208d shown in FIG. 218. [Fig. 224] 224 is a flowchart showing in detail the pull-in counter setting process of step S208d5 shown in FIG. 223. [Fig. 225] 220 is a flowchart showing in detail the pull-in control process of step S313 shown in FIG. 219. [Fig. 226] 220 is a flowchart showing in detail the brake control process of step S312 shown in FIG. 219. [Fig. 227](a) is a flowchart showing the flow of the first sub-control unit main processing of the slot machine of this embodiment, (b) is a flowchart showing the flow of the first sub-control unit command input processing, (c) is a flowchart showing the flow of the first sub-control unit command reception interrupt processing, and (d) is a flowchart showing the flow of the first sub-control unit timer interrupt processing. [Fig. 228] This is a timing chart showing the changes in the states of three reels, the changes in the detection state of the light-shielding pieces provided on each reel by the index sensor, the changes in the operation acceptance state of the stop buttons corresponding to each reel, and the changes in the light emission mode of the light-emitting elements built into each stop button in a conventional manner. [Fig. 229] This is a timing chart showing the state changes of each reel 110-112, the changes in the detection state of each light-shielding piece, the changes in the operation acceptance state of each stop button 137-139, and the changes in the light emission mode of each stop button LED 137a-139a in this embodiment. [Fig. 230] 13 is a timing chart showing a case where a step-out occurs on the spinning right reel in the slot machine 100 according to the present embodiment. [Fig. 231] 13 is a timing chart showing a case where a step-out occurs in the slot machine 100 in this embodiment and the stop button is operated before re-acceleration. [Fig. 232] 13 is a timing chart showing a case where a power interruption and restoration occurs during execution of the second constant speed control in the slot machine 100 according to the present embodiment. [Fig. 233] 13 is a timing chart in the case where the operation of the stop button is accepted before the stop button LED changes to the second light emission mode in the slot machine 100 in this embodiment. [Fig. 234] 13 is a timing chart showing a case where the slot machine 100 according to the present embodiment stops the reels in the shortest number of frames after detecting a light-blocking piece. [Fig. 235] A diagram showing the state of the left reel at each timing. [Fig. 236]13 is a timing chart when an effect related to the reels is performed by the effect device in the slot machine 100 according to the present embodiment. [Fig. 237] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a first rendering in the rendering device. [Fig. 238] 13 is a timing chart showing a case where slide push operations are performed on the three stop buttons 137 to 139 in the slot machine 100 of this embodiment, but only some of the operations are accepted. [Fig. 239] 13 is a timing chart in the case where all slide push operations performed on the three stop buttons 137 to 139 are accepted in the slot machine 100 of this embodiment. [Fig. 240] 13 is a timing chart showing a case where a pseudo game is played and then a real game is played in the slot machine 100 according to the present embodiment. [Fig. 241] 13 is a timing chart showing a case where a main game is played after a reel action is performed in the slot machine 100 according to the present embodiment. [Fig. 242] This is a diagram showing the relative positional relationship of the symbols that make up a specific symbol combination, based on the symbol display window 113. [Fig. 243] 13 is a timing chart showing a case where three stop buttons 137 to 139 are pressed simultaneously in the slot machine 100 of this embodiment, but only some of the operations are accepted. [Fig. 244] 13 is a timing chart in the case where all of the three stop buttons 137 to 139 are simultaneously pressed in the slot machine 100 of this embodiment. [Fig. 245] 13 is a timing chart showing a case where simultaneous pushes are performed during a simulated game in the slot machine 100 of the present embodiment. [Fig. 246] This is a timing chart in which the notification timing by the notification means and the like are added to the timing chart shown in FIG. [Fig. 247]Like the timing chart shown in FIG. 246, this is a timing chart showing an example of a case where retraction control is performed as a result of performing a slide push operation in the order of pressing the three stop buttons 137 to 139. [Fig. 248] This is a timing chart showing an example of a case where a reverse slide push operation is performed before the light-blocking piece of the left reel 110 is detected. [Fig. 249] 13 is a timing chart showing an example in which only the right reel 112 of the three reels 110 to 112 automatically stops. [Fig. 250] This is a timing chart showing an example of a case where detection of the light-shielding piece of the right reel 112 is delayed and a forward slide push operation is performed before the three stop button LEDs 137a to 139a change to the second light-emitting state, resulting in retraction control being performed. [Fig. 251] This is a timing chart showing an example of a case where detection of the light-shielding piece of the center reel 111 is delayed and a forward slide push operation is performed before the three stop button LEDs 137a to 139a change to the second light-emitting state, resulting in retraction control being performed. [Fig. 252] This is a timing chart showing an example of a case where detection of the light-shielding piece of the left reel 110 is delayed and a forward slide push operation is performed before the three stop button LEDs 137a to 139a change to the second light-emitting state, resulting in retraction control being performed. [Fig. 253] This is a timing chart when sequential slide push operations are performed in a pseudo game and a main game that is started following the pseudo game. [Fig. 254] 13 is a timing chart showing an example of a case where retraction control is performed as a result of performing a sequential slide push operation in a pseudo game. [Figure 255] 13 is a timing chart showing an example of a case where a reverse slide push operation is performed before the light-shielding piece of the left reel 110 is detected in a pseudo game. [Fig. 256]13 is a timing chart showing an example in which only the right reel 112 of the three reels 110 to 112 automatically comes to a pseudo stop. [Fig. 257] This is a timing chart showing an example of a case where detection of the light-shielding piece of the right reel 112 is delayed in a simulated game, and retraction control is performed as a result of performing a sequential slide push operation before the three stop button LEDs 137a to 139a change to the second light-emitting state. [Fig. 258] This is a timing chart showing an example of a case where detection of the light-shielding piece of the center reel 111 is delayed in a simulated game, and retraction control is performed as a result of performing a sequential slide push operation before the three stop button LEDs 137a to 139a change to the second light-emitting state. [Fig. 259] This is a timing chart showing an example of a case where detection of the light-shielding piece of the left reel 110 is delayed in a simulated game, and retraction control is performed as a result of performing a sequential slide push operation before the three stop button LEDs 137a to 139a change to the second light-emitting state. [Fig. 260] 13 is a timing chart showing an example in which the left stop button 137 and the center stop button 138 are pressed simultaneously immediately before the lapse of a predetermined third period in a pseudo game. [Fig. 261] 1 is a side view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 in a closed state. [Fig. 262] 1A is a diagram showing the lock body 1401A from the side of the slot machine 100 when the lock mechanism 1401 is in an unlocked state, (b) is a diagram showing the lock body 1401A in (a) from the rear side of the slot machine 100, and (c) is a diagram showing the lock body 1401A from the side of the slot machine 100 when the lock mechanism 1401 is in a locked state. [Fig. 263] 14(a) to 14(d) are diagrams showing the operation of the lock main body 1401A and the locked shaft 1401B. [Fig. 264](a) is a side view showing the setting key SK inserted into the lock body 1401A, (b) is a side view showing the setting key SK in (a) in solid lines, (c) is a view of the lock body 1401A in (a) from the rear side, (d) is a diagram showing a state in which the locked shaft 1401B cannot enter along the entry path 1404ER, and (e) is a diagram showing a state in which the locked shaft 1401B cannot enter along the entry path 1404ER. [Fig. 265] 1A to 1D are diagrams showing an example of the positional relationship between a wiring pattern on a substrate and a sticker attached to the substrate. [Fig. 266] 1(a) and 1(b) are diagrams showing an example of the positional relationship between a wiring pattern on a substrate and a sticker attached to the substrate. [Fig. 267] 265(a) is a diagram showing an example in which the configuration of FIG. 265(c) has silk-screen printing SP indicating the attachment positions of the four corners of the sticker, and FIG. 265(b) is a diagram showing an example in which the configuration of FIG. 265(c) has silk-screen printing SP indicating the attachment positions of the two corners, the upper right and lower left, of the sticker. [Fig. 268] 1A is a diagram showing an example in which a sticker ST1 (facing upward) affixed to a substrate A and a sticker ST2 (facing right) affixed to a substrate B are different from the reference direction, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example in which a sticker ST1 (facing upward) affixed to a substrate A and a sticker ST3 (facing downward) affixed to the case of the substrate A are different from the reference direction. [Fig. 269] 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a power supply module PM. [Fig. 270] 13A is a diagram of the lower surface BT as viewed from below, FIG. 13B is a diagram showing a cross section taken along line AA in FIG. 13A, and FIG. 13C is a diagram showing a cross section taken along line BB in FIG. [Fig. 271] 1A is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a board and a board case, and FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing a configuration in which a crimp CL is provided in an unmounted land area NA. [Fig. 272] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the flow of operations in a normal game. [Fig. 273] 11A to 11C are diagrams illustrating an example of an operation according to a time lapse from a lever operation. [Fig. 274] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing an example of an operation when an abnormality occurs in the reel after a lever operation. [Fig. 275] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing an example of an operation when an abnormality occurs in the reel after a lever operation. [Fig. 276] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of an operation when an abnormality occurs in the stop button unit after a lever operation. [Fig. 277] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating an example of an operation when an abnormality occurs in the stop button unit after a lever operation. [Fig. 278] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an operation when a reel effect is executed. [Fig. 279] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the operation when a simulated game is executed. [Fig. 280] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the operation when a simulated game is executed. [Fig. 281] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the operation when a power outage occurs and is restored during play. [Fig. 282] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an operational flow when an abnormality occurs while a game is not being played. [Fig. 283] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of an operational flow when an abnormality occurs while a game is not being played. [Fig. 284] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control board 500B corresponding to the second sub-control unit 500 of the slot machine 100. FIG. [Fig. 285] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a first substrate CB1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] The slot machine according to the embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention will be described below. Note that the configurations of the embodiments in this specification can be freely combined as long as they are not inconsistent.

[0010] The slot machine of this embodiment, which will be described below, is a gaming machine in which a predetermined amount of game value (medals, electronic medals, etc.) is inserted, and multiple reels, each decorated with multiple types of patterns, begin to spin when a predetermined operation to start rotation is received. Based on the reception of the operation to start rotation, a lottery is held to determine whether or not multiple types of roles have been internally won, and each of the multiple reels stops spinning individually when a predetermined operation to stop rotation is received. If the conditions determined by the role based on the result of the lottery and the combination of patterns when the multiple reels stop meet predetermined payout conditions, the game value is paid out and the game ends, but if they do not meet, the game ends without paying out any game value.

[0011] <Basic configuration> First, the basic configuration of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 as seen from the front side (player side). Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of a winning line.

[0012] The slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to an example of a gaming machine of the present invention, and comprises a main body 101 and a front door (door) 102 that is attached to the front side of the main body 101 and can be opened and closed relative to the main body 101.

[0013] In this example, the front door 102 that is locked in a closed state can be opened by inserting a key held by the manager of the gaming facility into the door key hole 140. Therefore, the manager can unlock the front door 102 (change it from a closed state to an open state), but anyone other than the manager (for example, a player) cannot unlock the front door 102.

[0014] An optical sensor (detection means; hereinafter also referred to as the "open / close sensor"; not shown) consisting of a light-projecting section and a light-receiving section is provided on the right side of the main body 101, and is configured so that a light-shielding piece of a certain length provided on the front door 102 passes between the light-projecting section and the light-receiving section of this open / close sensor.

[0015] The main control unit 300 monitors the states of various sensors 318 including the open / close sensor in a main control timer interrupt process described later. When the front door 102 is closed and the light blocking piece of the front door 102 moves to a position where it blocks light from the light projector of the open / close sensor of the main body 101, the open / close sensor outputs a signal (for example, a low-level signal) indicating a closed detection state to the main control unit 300.

[0016] On the other hand, when the front door 102 is opened and the light-shielding piece of the front door 102 moves to a position where it does not block the light from the light-projecting part of the opening / closing sensor of the main body 101, the opening / closing sensor outputs a signal (e.g., a high-level signal) indicating that it is in an open detection state to the main control unit 300.

[0017] In other words, the open / close sensor is a detection means capable of detecting the open / closed state of the front door (door) 102, and when the front door 102 is in a closed state, the detection state becomes a closed detection state, and when the front door 102 is in an open state, the detection state becomes an open detection state.

[0018] The "detection means" according to the present invention is not limited to an optical sensor, but may be, for example, a magnetic sensor, a proximity switch, a micro switch, a Hall element, etc. Also, it is not limited to a sensor that always switches between an open detection state and a closed detection state when the door is opened or closed, but may be a sensor that can change the detection state to a closed detection state even when the door is open, or conversely, a sensor that can change the detection state to an open detection state even when the door is closed.

[0019] Here, the opening / closing sensor according to this example is configured so that the detection state becomes a closed detection state when a predetermined operation is performed, even when the front door 102 is in an open state. Specifically, when the front door 102 is in an open state, a light-shielding piece of a certain length is inserted between the light-emitting section and the light-receiving section of the opening / closing sensor of the main body 101 and fixed with tape or the like to block the light from the light-emitting section of the opening / closing sensor of the main body 101, so that the detection state of the opening / closing sensor can be forcibly changed to a closed detection state (hereinafter, this state may be referred to as a "pseudo-closed door") even when the front door 102 is in an open state.

[0020] The "predetermined operation" according to the present invention is not limited to this example, and for example, a DIP switch may be provided to set the open / close sensor to the closed detection state, and the predetermined operation may be to operate the DIP switch. Also, if the detection means is a magnetic sensor, the detection state of the open / close sensor may be set to the closed detection state by bringing a magnet close to the sensor.

[0021] Three reels (left reel 110, center reel 111, right reel 112) with multiple types of symbols arranged on the outer periphery are housed inside the center of main body 101 (not shown), and are configured to rotate inside slot machine 100. These reels 110 to 112 are rotated by a driving device such as a stepping motor.

[0022] In this embodiment, each symbol is printed on a strip-shaped member at equal intervals in appropriate numbers, and the strip-shaped member is attached to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame material to form each of the reels 110-112. When viewed from the player, the symbols on the reels 110-112 are displayed vertically in roughly three rows through a display window 113, so that a total of nine symbols can be seen. To explain this in detail using FIG. 2, the symbol displayed on the top row of the left reel 110 (position 1 in the figure) is the left reel top row symbol, the symbol displayed on the middle row of the left reel 110 (position 2 in the figure) is the left reel middle row symbol, the symbol displayed on the bottom row of the left reel 110 (position 3 in the figure) is the left reel bottom row symbol, the symbol displayed on the top row of the center reel 111 (position 4 in the figure) is the middle reel top row symbol, the symbol displayed on the middle row of the left reel 111 (position 5 in the figure) is the middle reel middle row symbol, and the symbol displayed on the bottom row of the center reel 111 (position 6 in the figure) is the middle reel middle row symbol. The symbols displayed in the lower row (position 6 in the figure) are called the middle reel lower row symbols, the symbols displayed in the upper row of the right reel 112 (position 7 in the figure) are called the right reel upper row symbols, the symbols displayed in the middle row of the right reel 112 (position 8 in the figure) are called the right reel middle row symbols, and the symbols displayed in the lower row of the right reel 112 (position 9 in the figure) are called the right reel lower row symbols, and each of the symbols on each of the reels 110 to 112 is displayed three vertically on each of the reels 110 to 112 through the display window 113, for a total of nine symbols. Then, by rotating each of the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols seen by the player changes. In other words, each of the reels 110 to 112 functions as a display device that variably displays a combination of multiple types of symbols. In addition to reels, electronic image display devices such as liquid crystal display devices can also be used as such display devices. In addition, in this embodiment, three reels are provided inside and at the center of the slot machine 100, but the number of reels and the installation positions of the reels are not limited to this.

[0023] A backlight is provided on the back of each of the reels 110-112 to illuminate each symbol displayed in the display window 113. It is preferable that the backlight is shielded for each symbol so that each symbol can be evenly illuminated. An optical sensor (not shown) consisting of a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section is provided near each of the reels 110-112 inside the slot machine 100, and a light-shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between the light-emitting section and the light-receiving section of the optical sensor. Based on the detection result of the optical sensor, the position of the symbol on the reel in the rotation direction is determined, and the reels 110-112 are stopped so that the target symbol is displayed on the winning line.

[0024] The winning line indicator lamp 120 is a lamp that indicates an effective winning line. The winning line is a line that is used to determine whether or not a symbol combination corresponding to a winning role, which will be described later in FIG. 5, is displayed. In this embodiment, only one line, a middle winning line L1 consisting of a middle symbol of the left reel, a middle symbol of the middle reel, and a middle symbol of the right reel, is provided. This winning line L1 is shown in FIG. 2. The effective winning lines (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as "effective lines") are determined in advance by the number of medals bet as game media. The slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 requires three medals, and when the number of medals inserted is less than three, none of the winning lines are effective. When three medals are bet, the winning line L1 is effective. When the winning line is effective, the start lever 135 can be operated to start the game. The number of winning lines is not limited to one. For example, in addition to the middle winning line L1, a right-down winning line consisting of the upper symbols of the left reel, the middle symbols of the middle reel, and the lower symbols of the right reel, and a right-up winning line consisting of the lower symbols of the left reel, the middle symbols of the middle reel, and the upper symbols of the right reel, totaling three lines, may be set as valid winning lines, and a number of winning lines according to the number of bets may be set as valid winning lines. The area on the winning line L1 (the area consisting of numbers 2, 5, and 8 in FIG. 2) may be referred to as the activated line area S1. The area of ​​the symbol display window 113 other than the activated line area S1 (the area consisting of numbers 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 9 in FIG. 2) may be referred to as the inactivated line area S2.

[0025] The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that notifies the player that, for example, a specific winning combination (specifically, special combination 1 or special combination 2) has been internally won in an internal lottery described later, or that the player is in a state in which a special combination has been internally won or in a special game state described later. The game medal insertion possible lamp 124 is a lamp that notifies the player that a game medal can be inserted. The replay lamp 122 is a lamp that notifies the player that the current game can be replayed (no medal insertion is required) if a replay combination (details will be described later), which is one of the winning combinations, was won in the previous game. The reel panel lamp 128 is a lamp for presentation purposes.

[0026] The bet buttons 130 and 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (called credits) electronically stored in the slot machine 100. In this embodiment, one medal is inserted each time the bet button 130 is pressed, and three medals are inserted when the bet button 132 is pressed (up to a maximum of three medals). Hereinafter, the bet button 132 is also referred to as the MAX bet button. The game medal insertion lamp 129 lights up lamps in a number corresponding to the number of medals inserted, and when a specified number of medals have been inserted, the game start lamp 121 lights up to indicate that a game can be started.

[0027] The chance button 190 is a button for effects, and is also called the effect button 190. The medal insertion slot 141 is an insertion slot through which the player inserts medals when starting a game. That is, medals can be inserted electronically using the bet buttons 130 and 132, or actual medals can be inserted (insertion operation) from the medal insertion slot 141, and the term "insertion" includes both.

[0028] The reserved number display 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals electronically reserved in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for displaying various internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during a special game state) in numerical form. The payout number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals paid out to a player as a result of winning some winning combination. In the following, the expression "granted to the player" may be used in the same sense as "paid out to the player." In this embodiment, the reserved number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127 are configured as seven-segment (SEG) displays.

[0029] The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. That is, when the desired number of medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 or the bet buttons 130 and 132 are operated to operate the start lever 135, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate. The operation of the start lever 135 is called a game start operation.

[0030] The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons (stop operation means) 137-139 consisting of a left stop button 137, a center stop button 138, and a right stop button 139. The stop buttons 137-139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110-112 that have started to rotate by operating the start lever 135, and are associated with each of the reels 110-112. More specifically, the left reel 110 can be stopped by operating the left stop button 137, the center reel 111 can be stopped by operating the center stop button 138, and the right reel 112 can be stopped by operating the right stop button 139. Hereinafter, the operation of the stop buttons 137-139 is referred to as a stop operation, the first stop operation is referred to as a first stop operation, the next stop operation is referred to as a second stop operation, and the last stop operation is referred to as a third stop operation. The reels that are stopped in response to these stop operations are referred to as the first stop reel, the second stop reel, and the third stop reel, respectively. Furthermore, the order in which the stop buttons 137-139 are operated to stop all of the reels 110-112 that are spinning is called the operation order or push order. Furthermore, the operation order in which the first stop operation is an operation to stop the left reel 110 is called the "forward push operation order" or simply "forward push", and the stop operation in which the first stop operation is an operation to stop the right reel 112 is called the "reverse push operation order" or simply "reverse push". Note that light-emitting bodies may be provided inside each of the stop buttons 137-139, and when the stop buttons 137-139 can be operated, the light-emitting bodies can be lit to notify the player.

[0031] The medal return button 133 is a button for removing medals that have been inserted and become clogged by pressing it. The settlement button 134 is a button for settling medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and medals that have been bet, and discharging them from the medal payout outlet 155. The door key hole 140 is a hole for inserting a key for unlocking the front door 102 of the slot machine 100.

[0032] A title panel 162 for displaying the model name and attaching various certificate stamps is provided below the stop button unit 136. Below the title panel 162, a medal payout opening 155 and a medal receiving tray 161 are provided.

[0033] The sound hole 145 is a hole for outputting to the outside the sound of a speaker 277 (see FIG. 3) provided at the bottom inside the slot machine 100. The side lamps 144 provided on the left and right sides of the front door 102 are decorative lamps for livening up the game. The performance device 160 is disposed at the top of the front door 102, and the performance device 160 has a sound hole 143 provided at the top thereof for outputting to the outside the sound of a speaker 272 (see FIG. 3) provided at the top inside the slot machine 100. This performance device 160 is equipped with a shutter (shielding device) 163 consisting of two shutters, a right shutter 163a and a left shutter 163b, which can be opened and closed horizontally, and a performance image display device 157 (liquid crystal display device) arranged at the rear of this shutter 163, and is configured so that when the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened horizontally outward in front of the performance image display device 157, the display screen of the performance image display device 157 appears in front of the slot machine 100 (the player's side, front side).

[0034] It should be noted that the display device does not have to be a liquid crystal display device, and may be any display device capable of displaying various performance images and various game information, such as a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a reel (drum), or a display device consisting of a projector and a screen. The display screen is rectangular and configured so that the player can view the entire screen. In this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but it may be square. Also, a decoration (not shown) may be provided on the periphery of the display screen, so that part of the periphery of the display screen is hidden by the decoration, making the display screen look irregular. In this embodiment, the display screen is flat, but it may be curved.

[0035] Also provided inside main body 101 is a setting key (first operating means) that can be switched on and off by a rotation operation. This setting key is an operating means for starting to change or check the setting values ​​(in this example, settings 1 to 6) described below. Also provided inside main body 101 is a reset switch (hereinafter also referred to as a "reset SW") that can be pressed to change the settings (setting value change operation). This reset SW is an operating means that also functions as an error release switch that can be used to resolve various errors (error resolution operation) described below.

[0036] These setting keys and reset switches are operation means provided in a position that allows them to be operated only when the front door 102 (door) is open, and are difficult or impossible to operate when the front door 102 (door) is closed. In other words, they are operation means that can only be operated by the manager of the gaming establishment (e.g., store clerk), and cannot be operated by players.

[0037] Furthermore, inside the main body 101, there is provided a set value display device 101a (see FIG. 14) capable of displaying a set value. In this example, the set value display device 101a is configured with a 7-segment display. Although details will be described later, when a setting change operation is performed, the set value display device 101a displays a set value (one of settings 1 to 6), and when the set value is confirmed by operating the start lever 135, the set value becomes hidden. On the other hand, when a setting confirmation operation is performed, a numerical value indicating the current set value is displayed on the set value display device 101a.

[0038] Also, an external centralized terminal board (not shown) is attached to the inner wall of the main body 101, which is connected to the main control board constituting the main control unit 300 and outputs information of the slot machine 100 to an external device. This external centralized terminal board is provided with an external cable connection part for connecting an external cable (not shown) extending from an information input circuit 652 (see FIG. 3) provided in a hall computer (not shown) or the like, and an external centralized terminal board LED (not shown). The external cable is inserted into the inside of the main body 101 through a cable hole opened on the back surface of the main body 101, and is connected to the external cable connection part of the external centralized terminal board.

[0039] In addition, a medal payout device (not shown; a device that pays out medals accumulated in a bucket) is arranged on the inner wall of the main body 101, and an auxiliary medal storage cabinet (not shown) is arranged to the right of the medal payout device, with an overflow terminal arranged behind this (not shown).

[0040] A power supply box (not shown) having a power supply board is provided on the left side of the medal payout device, and a power switch (not shown) is provided on the front side of the power supply box. The power supply box converts AC power supplied from the outside to the slot machine 100 into DC, converts it to a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to each control unit and each device, such as the main control unit 300, sub control units 400, 500, etc., which will be described later. Furthermore, it is provided with a storage circuit (e.g., a capacitor) for supplying power to predetermined parts (e.g., the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300, etc.) for a predetermined period (e.g., 10 days) even after the power supply from the outside is cut off.

[0041] <Circuit configuration of control unit> Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 3. Note that Fig. 3 shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

[0042] The control section of the slot machine 100 is broadly composed of a main control section 300 that controls the progress of the game, a first sub-control section 400 that controls the main presentation in response to command signals (hereinafter simply referred to as "commands") sent by the main control section 300, and a second sub-control section 500 that controls various devices based on the commands sent by the first sub-control section 400. Here, with regard to the main control section 300, as a large data capacity makes it difficult to verify the program and also creates a breeding ground for illegal tampering, there is a problem of reduced security, so there is a limit to the data capacity of the ROM 306 and RAM 308 of the main control section 300.

[0043] <Main control unit> First, the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 for controlling the entire main control unit 300. The basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, a ROM 306 for storing control program data, lottery data used in the internal lottery of winning combinations, a reel pattern arrangement and stop positions, etc., a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 310 for controlling input and output of various devices, a counter timer 312 for measuring time and number of times, etc., and a WDT (watchdog timer) 314. Note that, for the RAM 308, the description RAM (random access memory) is used as an example indicating that it is a storage medium that can be read and written, but the description RWM (read write memory) or the description "ram" may also be used. In addition, the name of the process related to the RAM may also be the name using the description RWM (read write memory) or the description "ram". In this specification, the description RAM is mainly used. It should be noted that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 306 and the RAM 308, and this also applies to the first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500 described later. The CPU 304 of this basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal with a predetermined period output by the crystal oscillator 315b as a system clock. Furthermore, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits data for frequency division stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312, and the counter timer 312 determines an interrupt time based on the received data for frequency division, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 304 for each interrupt time. The CPU 304 monitors each sensor and transmits a drive pulse in response to this interrupt request. For example, if the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1 / 256, and the frequency division data of the ROM 306 is set to 47, the reference time for interruption is 256×47÷8 MHz=1.504 ms.

[0044] The main control unit 300 is equipped with a random number generating circuit 316 which is used as a hardware random number counter that varies the numerical value within the range of 0 to 65535 based on a clock signal input from a crystal oscillator 315a, and a start-up signal output circuit 338 which outputs a start-up signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When a start-up signal is input from this start-up signal output circuit 338, the CPU 304 starts game control (starts the main control unit main processing described later).

[0045] In addition, the main control unit 300 is equipped with a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 monitors the status of various sensors 318 (bet button 130 sensor, bet button 132 sensor, medal acceptance sensor for medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 141, start lever 135 sensor, left stop button 137 sensor, middle stop button 138 sensor, right stop button 139 sensor, settlement button 134 sensor, medal payout sensor for medals paid out from the medal payout device 180, optical sensors (index sensor 80) of the reels 110 to 112, etc.) at each interrupt time.

[0046] When the sensor circuit 320 detects the H level of the start lever sensor, it outputs a signal indicating this detection to the random number generation circuit 316. The random number generation circuit 316 that receives this signal latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores random numbers to be used in the lottery.

[0047] Two medal acceptance sensors are installed in the internal passage of the medal insertion port 141, and detect whether a medal has passed through. Two start lever 135 sensors are installed inside the start lever 135, and detect the start operation by the player. The left stop button 137 sensor, the middle stop button 138 sensor, and the right stop button 139 sensor are installed on the corresponding stop buttons 137 to 139, and detect the operation of the stop buttons by the player.

[0048] The bet button 130 sensor and the bet button 132 sensor are provided on the corresponding bet buttons 130, 132, respectively, and detect the insertion operation when medals electronically stored in the RAM 308 are inserted as medals to be inserted into a game. The settlement button 134 sensor is provided on the settlement button 134. When the settlement button 134 is pressed once, the medals electronically stored are settled. The medal payout sensor is a sensor for detecting medals paid out by the medal payout device 180. Each of the above sensors may be a non-contact sensor or a contact sensor.

[0049] The optical sensors (index sensors 80) of the reels 110-112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting bases of the reels 110-112, and go to L level every time a light-shielding piece (detection piece 50) provided on the reel frame passes by. Rotational position information indicating how far the reel has rotated from the reference position from when it goes to L level until it goes to L level again is calculated based on the count value of the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b. When the CPU 304 detects the L level signal, it determines that the reel has made one rotation, and resets the rotational position information of the reel to zero. This rotational position information is stored in the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300.

[0050] The main control unit 300 is equipped with a drive circuit 322 that drives the stepping motors provided on the reels 110 to 112, a drive circuit 324 that drives a solenoid provided in the medal selector 170 that selects the inserted medals, a drive circuit 326 that drives a motor provided in the medal payout device 180, and a drive circuit 328 that drives various lamps 336 (winning line indicator lamp 120, notification lamp 123, medal insertion possible lamp 124, replay lamp 122, medal insertion lamp 129, game start lamp 121, number of stored medals indicator 125, game information indicator 126, payout number indicator 127).

[0051] In addition, an information output circuit 334 is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 outputs game information (e.g., information indicating the game status) of the slot machine 100 to an information input circuit 652 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via this information output circuit 334, and lights up the external centralized terminal board LED when the game information is output.

[0052] The main control unit 300 also includes a voltage monitoring circuit 330 that monitors the voltage value of the power supply supplied to the main control unit 300 from a power supply management unit (not shown), and the voltage monitoring circuit 330 outputs a low voltage signal to the basic circuit 302 indicating that the voltage has dropped when the voltage value of the power supply is below a predetermined value (9V in this embodiment).

[0053] The main control unit 300 also has an output interface for sending commands to the first sub-control unit 400, enabling communication with the first sub-control unit 400. Note that information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 is one-way communication, and the main control unit 300 is configured to be able to send signals such as commands to the first sub-control unit 400, but is configured such that signals such as commands cannot be sent from the first sub-control unit 400 to the main control unit 300.

[0054] <Sub-control section> Next, the first sub-control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 receives the control command transmitted by the main control unit 300 via the input interface. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on the control command, and the basic circuit 402 includes a CPU 404, a RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 410 for controlling input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time, number of times, etc. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock. The ROM 406 stores control programs and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, data for controlling the backlight lighting pattern and various displays, etc.

[0055] The CPU 404 transmits the frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 406 to the counter timer 412 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 412 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 404 for each interrupt time. The CPU 404 controls each IC and each circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

[0056] The first sub-control unit 400 is also provided with a sound source IC 418, which is provided with speakers 272, 277 via an output interface. The sound source IC 418 controls the amplifier and the sound output from the speakers 272, 277 in response to commands from the CPU 404. An S-ROM (sound ROM) in which sound data is stored is connected to the sound source IC 418, and sound data acquired from this ROM is amplified by the amplifier and output from the speakers 272, 277.

[0057] In addition, the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a drive circuit 422, and various lamps 420 (upper lamps, lower lamps, side lamps 144, title panel lamps, bet button lamps, chance button lamps, reel backlights 94, etc.) are connected to the drive circuit 422 via an input / output interface.

[0058] The first sub-controller 400 is also provided with a drive circuit 424 that drives the motor of the shutter 163, and the drive circuit 424 is connected to the shutter 163 via an output interface. The drive circuit 424 outputs a drive signal to a stepping motor (not shown) provided in the shutter 163 in response to a command from the CPU 404.

[0059] Furthermore, the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a sensor circuit 426, and a shutter sensor 428 is connected to the sensor circuit 426 via an input interface. The CPU 404 monitors the state of the shutter sensor 428 at each interrupt time.

[0060] Furthermore, the CPU 404 transmits and receives signals to the second sub-control unit 500 via the output interface. The second sub-control unit 500 performs various controls of the performance device 160, including display control of the performance image display device 157. Note that the second sub-control unit 500 may be configured with multiple control units, such as a control unit that controls the display of the performance image display device 157, and a control unit that controls various performance drive devices (for example, a control unit that controls the motor drive of the shutter 163).

[0061] The second sub-control unit 500 is equipped with a basic circuit 502 that receives control commands sent by the first sub-control unit 400 via an input interface and controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on these control commands, and this basic circuit 502 is equipped with a CPU 504, a RAM 508 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 510 for controlling input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 512 for measuring time, number of times, etc. The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by inputting a clock signal of a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 514 as a system clock. The ROM 506 stores control programs and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, data for image display, etc.

[0062] The CPU 504 transmits the frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 506 to the counter timer 512 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 512 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 404 for each interrupt time. The CPU 504 controls each IC and each circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

[0063] The second sub-control unit 500 is also provided with a VDP 516 (video display processor), which is connected to the ROM 506 and the VRAM 518 via a bus. The VDP 516 reads out image data and the like stored in the ROM 506 based on a signal from the CPU 504, generates a display image using the work area of ​​the VRAM 518, and displays the image on the performance image display device 157.

[0064] <Pattern Arrangement> Next, the arrangement of symbols on each of the reels 110 to 112 will be described with reference to Figure 4. Note that Figure 4 shows the arrangement of symbols on each of the reels (left reel 110, center reel 111, right reel 112) in a two-dimensional development.

[0065] On each of the reels 110-112, a predetermined number of symbols (20 symbols numbered 0-19 in this embodiment) of symbols of multiple types (10 symbols in this embodiment) shown on the right side of the figure are arranged. The numbers 0-19 shown on the left side of the figure are numbers indicating the arrangement positions of the symbols on each of the reels 110-112. For example, in this embodiment, a "bell symbol" is arranged on the number 1 frame of the left reel 110, a "Seven 1 symbol" is arranged on the number 2 frame of the center reel 111, and a "Seven 1B symbol" is arranged on the number 2 frame of the right reel 112.

[0066] In order to enhance the entertainment value of the game, the slot machine 100 in this embodiment is configured to stop the corresponding reel 110-112 within the maximum retraction range (in this embodiment, less than 5 frames) from the position where the reel is stopped.

[0067] <Types of winning roles> Next, the types of winning combinations of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. This figure shows the types of winning combinations (including activated combinations), the symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, and the payouts (amounts awarded) of each winning combination.

[0068] The winning combinations of the slot machine 100 include a special combination 1, a replay combination, and small combinations 1 to 8. The types of winning combinations are not limited to these combinations, and any combination may be adopted.

[0069] Among the winning roles in this embodiment, the special role 1 is a role (operating role) that transitions to a special game state in which a player is given a predetermined benefit by winning. The replay role is a role that allows replay without inserting new medals. These special roles 1 and replay roles may be called "operating roles." In addition, "winning" in this embodiment also includes a case in which a symbol combination of an operating role that does not involve a medal payout (does not involve the payment of medals) is displayed on an active line, and includes, for example, winning of the special role 1 and the replay role. Note that the special role 1 is a special role that is carried over to the next game if it is not determined to be a winning role, and the other roles are general roles that are not carried over to the next game if it is not determined to be a winning role.

[0070] Special Role 1 is a role (operating role) that transitions to a special game state (RT2) when won. However, medals are not paid out for winning these roles themselves. The corresponding symbol combination for Special Role 1 is "Seven 3-Seven 1-Replay." In the following explanation, Special Role 1 may be referred to as "RB1" or "RB."

[0071] When the special role 1 is internally won, the internal win flag corresponding to this internally won special role is set to ON (stored in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300). When the flag corresponding to the special role 1 is set to ON, the main control unit 300 transitions the game state to the special role internal win state (RT1). This flag is maintained in the ON state until the corresponding actuating role is won, and the game state becomes one in which it is easy to win these actuating roles in the next and subsequent games. Specifically, even if the role is not won in the game in which the special role 1 is internally won, the game state becomes the same as the state in which the special role 1 is internally won in the next and subsequent games, and the game state becomes one in which it is easy to win the corresponding pattern combination.

[0072] The special role internal winning state will be described in detail later, but in the special role internal winning state, if a role other than the special role is internally won, reel stopping control is executed so that the symbols that make up this other role are aligned preferentially.

[0073] The replay role is a winning role (operating role) that allows you to play the next game without inserting medals (game media), and medals are not paid out. In other words, you can play again with the same number of bets as the number of medals inserted last time. The corresponding symbol combination is "Replay-Replay-Replay".

[0074] The replay role may be any role that allows the player to play the next game without inserting a medal. Therefore, for example, when a replay is won, medals may be automatically inserted in the next game (the number of inserted medals is reset in the medal insertion number storage area prepared in the RAM 308), or the medals inserted in the game in which the replay was won may be carried over and used in the next game.

[0075] Small prizes 1 to 8 are winning prizes that pay out a predetermined number of medals upon winning. The corresponding symbol combinations are: Small prize 1 is "watermelon-watermelon-watermelon", Small prize 2 is "replay-cherry-replay", Small prize 3 is "cherry-cherry-cherry", Small prize 4 is "bell B-bell-bell", Small prize 5 is "bell B-bell (or bell B)-bell", Small prize 6 is "seven 1-seven 1-seven 1", Small prize 7 is "seven 2-seven 2-seven 2", and Small prize 8 is "seven 3-seven 3-seven 3". The corresponding payout numbers are as shown in FIG. 5.

[0076] Of the above small prizes, small prize 1 is sometimes called "watermelon", small prize 2 is called "weak cherry", small prize 3 is called "strong cherry", small prize 4 is called "common bell", small prize 5 is called "push order bell", and small prizes 6 to 8 are sometimes called "1-coin prizes".

[0077] <Types of game states (RT)> Next, a description will be given of the types of game states of the slot machine 100 and their transitions. FIG.

[0078] The slot machine 100 is configured to be able to switch between a total of three states with different degrees of advantage: a low replay probability state, a special role internal winning state, and a special game state. The degree of advantage is changed by transitioning between these states, improving the interest of the game. In the following explanation, this game state may be referred to as RT, and the above-mentioned low replay probability state, special role internal winning state, and special game state may be referred to as RT0, RT1, and RT2, respectively. When switching between these RTs, the corresponding lottery table is changed (described later). The RT is controlled by the main control unit 300.

[0079] In FIG. 6, each RT described above is shown, and the transition conditions are written on the arrows. When the transition condition corresponding to each arrow is met, the RT transitions in the direction of the arrow. These transition conditions include, for example, winning a predetermined combination, winning an internal prize for a predetermined combination, a specific symbol combination being displayed on a specific winning line, a specified number of plays being played, and a specified number of coins being paid out.

[0080] Hereinafter, each RT will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

[0081] <Low probability of replay (RT0)> RT0 has a lower internal probability of winning the replay role than RT1, and is the most disadvantageous RT for the player.

[0082] The internal winning combinations in RT0 are Special 1, Replay, and Small 1-8. If the winning combination is not won, it is a miss, and the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is not displayed. If the symbol combination related to the winning combination does not stop on the winning line, it is sometimes called a "miss." If the winning combination is not won, it is sometimes called a "miss."

[0083] FIG. 6 shows that when RT0 is set and special role 1 is internally won, the state transitions to the special role internal win state described below.

[0084] <Special role internal winning state (RT1)> RT1 is a state in which the internal winning flag corresponding to the special role 1 is set to ON. In addition, the probability of winning the replay role is higher than in RT0, and it is a more advantageous RT than RT0.

[0085] In RT1, the internal winning roles include the replay role and small roles 1 to 8.

[0086] FIG. 6 shows that when special combination 1 is won in RT1 (when the corresponding symbol combination is displayed), the game transitions to RT2.

[0087] <Special game state (RT2)> RT2 is an advantageous RT with a higher internal probability of winning the common bell (minor prize 4) than other RTs, making it easier to win medals.

[0088] In RT2, the only role that can be won internally is the common bell (small role 4). Figure 5 shows that in RT2, if a predetermined number of games (6 in this example) are played or if a predetermined number of wins (5 in this example) are won, the game transitions to RT0.

[0089] The conditions for ending RT2 are not particularly limited, and may be, for example, one in which RT2 ends when a payout of a prescribed number of coins or more is executed, or when a prescribed combination is won.

[0090] <Non-advantageous and advantageous sections> In the slot machine 100 of this embodiment, apart from the RT described above, the game state is managed by dividing it into a non-advantageous zone and an advantageous zone. In the advantageous zone, notification of the stop operation sequence for the internally won role (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "operation navigation" or "operation instruction notification") is permitted, and this operation navigation is not displayed in the non-advantageous zone. Note that, in the advantageous zone, operation navigation is displayed according to conditions, but there are cases where operation navigation is not displayed even if the push order bell is an internal win. These states will be explained below with reference to FIG. 7. This figure shows the transition of the game state regarding the advantageous zone and non-advantageous zone of the slot machine 100.

[0091] In this embodiment, the initial state (for example, the state at the time of shipment from the factory) is set to a non-advantageous zone. In addition, when the RAM is cleared (settings are changed), this non-advantageous zone is set. The state of the non-advantageous zone is called the normal state A. In this embodiment, three types of advantageous zone states are provided: normal state B, chance state, and AT state (including super AT state). FIG. 7 shows that four states, normal state A, normal state B, chance state, and AT state, transition. In this embodiment, the advantageous zone flag is set to off if it is a non-advantageous zone, and the advantageous zone flag is set to on if it is an advantageous zone, and the non-advantageous zone and the advantageous zone are distinguished using this advantageous zone flag. In addition, in order to prevent incitement of gambling, it is configured to become a non-advantageous zone when the advantageous zone continues for a predetermined number of games (for example, 1500 games) or exceeds a predetermined net increase number (for example, 2400).

[0092] In addition, the state of the advantageous zone may be only the AT state, or, for example, a precursor state before the transition to the AT state may be further provided, and is not limited to the configuration of this embodiment. Similarly, there may be multiple types of states for the non-advantageous zone.

[0093] In addition, since the non-advantageous zone and the advantageous zone are set separately from RT, for example, there may be cases where the game transitions to RT2 during an advantageous zone. However, since the push order bell does not win internally in RT2 and the operation navigation is not displayed, a non-advantageous zone may be set for RT2, and the game may return to the advantageous zone after RT2 ends. In addition, the game may be configured to win internally in RT2 and to display the operation navigation, without being limited to the above configuration.

[0094] Below, we will explain each state of the non-favorable zone and the favorable zone.

[0095] <Normal state A> In the non-advantageous zone (normal state A), a lottery for moving to the advantageous zone is held based on the internal winning combination. If you win this lottery, you will move to normal state B of the advantageous zone.

[0096] <Normal state B> In the normal state B, the state transitions to the chance state when the transition condition to the chance state is met. When the transition condition is met, the number of games in the chance state is set. This transition condition can be any condition, such as a condition that is met by playing a predetermined number of games in the normal state B, a condition that is met when a lottery for transitioning to the chance state is played every time in the normal state B and the lottery is won, or a condition that is met when points (any of 1 to 3) added according to the result of one game in the normal state B are accumulated to a specified number (100 points).

[0097] <Chance state> In the chance state, when a specific role (in this example, a 1-coin role (minor role 6-8)) is internally won, an AT lottery may be held. If the AT lottery is not won (AT set number is 0) before the set number of games has elapsed, the game transitions to normal state B, and if the AT set number is not 0, the game transitions to the AT state. When transitioning to the AT state, the AT set number is subtracted by 1, and a specified number of plays (for example, 50) is set to the number of remaining AT games.

[0098] In the slot machine 100 of this embodiment, an AT lottery is executed in the chance state. For example, an AT lottery (addition of the number of AT sets) may be performed when shifting from a non-favorable section to a favorable section, and the timing and execution conditions of the AT lottery can be arbitrarily adopted.

[0099] Also, when winning the AT lottery, there may be a case where a notification (operation instruction notification) including a suggestion of a symbol aimed at stopping is executed (details will be described later). Note that the operation instruction notification is not limited to a notification including a suggestion of a symbol aimed at stopping, and may be, for example, a notification including a pressing order (e.g., "center → right → left", "press the center", etc.).

[0100] <AT state> Next, the AT state will be described. Hereinafter, the AT state may be simply referred to as AT.

[0101] In the AT state, when an internal winning occurs in the pressing order bell (minor winning 5), an operation navigator indicating the correct pressing order corresponding to each is displayed. Note that this operation navigator is not limited to indicating the pressing order, and may be, for example, a display such as "aim at ···" that indicates the timing of the stop operation, or may indicate both the pressing order and the timing. Also, in the payout number display 127, seven segments light up in a manner corresponding to the correct pressing order (hereinafter, may be referred to as navigator lighting). The display on this payout number display 127 may also light up in a manner corresponding to the timing of the stop operation, or may light up in a manner corresponding to both the pressing order and the timing.

[0102] In this embodiment, the number of remaining AT games is subtracted as the game progresses in the AT state. Then, if the number of AT sets is greater than 0 when the number of remaining AT games becomes 0, a predetermined value (for example, 50) is set again to the number of remaining AT games, and if the number of AT sets is 0, a lottery is executed to enter the chance state. If the lottery is won, the game moves to the chance state, and if the lottery is not won, the game moves from the advantageous zone to the non-advantageous zone (parameters related to the advantageous zone are initialized). If the special game state (RT2) is entered during the AT state, the subtraction of the number of remaining AT games stops, and the subtraction resumes when the RT becomes 0. The number of remaining AT games may be added by winning an additional lottery (executed during an internal lottery in this embodiment).

[0103] In addition, the AT state may be started and ended according to a predetermined condition (for example, when a specific gaming state is reached) without being limited to a configuration using the number of AT sets or the number of remaining AT games.

[0104] <Processing Overview> The processing of the main control unit 300, the first sub-control unit 400, and the second sub-control unit 500 will be explained below with reference to the drawings.

[0105] <Main processing in main control section> First, the main control unit main processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Note that Fig. 8 is a flow chart showing the flow of the main control unit main processing.

[0106] As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with a start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 338 that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when power is turned on. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 that receives this start signal is reset and started by a reset interrupt, and executes the main control unit main processing shown in FIG. 8 according to a control program previously stored in the ROM 306.

[0107] When the power is turned on, first, in step S101, a main control unit initial setting process is performed. In this main control unit initial setting process, a stack initial value is set in the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, interrupt prohibition is set, the I / O 310 is initialized, various variables stored in the RAM 308 are initialized, and the WDT 314 is permitted to operate and has an initial value set.

[0108] In step S103, a game start process is executed. In this process, the presence or absence of medal insertion (manual insertion or operation of the bet buttons 130, 132) is checked, and the winning line indicator lamp 120 is turned on in response to the insertion of medals. In addition, when medals are inserted, preparations are made to send an insertion command indicating that medals have been inserted to the first sub-control unit 400. Note that, when a replay has been won in the previous game, a process is performed to insert the same number of medals as the number of medals inserted in the previous game, so that the player does not need to insert medals. In addition, a check is made as to whether the start lever 135 has been operated when the specified number (3 medals) of medals have been used, and if the start lever 135 has been operated, the number of inserted medals and the valid winning lines are confirmed, and the game is started.

[0109] In step S105, various lottery processes including internal winning role lottery process are executed. In this process, the lottery table of the internal winning role stored in the ROM 306 is read according to the current RT, and an internal lottery (lottery for a role) is performed using this and the random number value obtained from the random number generating circuit 316 to determine the internal winning role. If any role (including an operating role) is internally won as a result of the internal lottery, the flag of that role is turned on. In addition, in this step S105, preparation is made to send an internal lottery command including internal winning information indicating the result of the winning role internal lottery to the first sub-control unit 400. For example, if a replay role (replay) is internally won, preparation is made to send an internal lottery command indicating that the replay role (replay) has been internally won to the first sub-control unit 400, and if the result of the winning role internal lottery is a loss (non-winning role), preparation is made to send an internal lottery command indicating a loss to the first sub-control unit 400. In addition to the information on the internal winning role, the internal winning command includes information on the current advantageous zone (including information on the number of remaining games such as the number of remaining AT games if the period is finite), and information that can identify the results of the AT lottery and the AT addition lottery. Of the above information, the information on the number of remaining AT games may not be included in the internal winning command in the non-AT state, but may be included in the internal winning command only in the AT state. Furthermore, in the AT state, the internal winning command including the internal winning of the push order bell (minor role 5) also includes operation instruction information indicating the correct operation order (push order) of the stop buttons 137 to 139.

[0110] In step S111, reel stop data corresponding to the first stop operation is prepared based on the result of the internal winning combination lottery. This reel stop data is stored in the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300.

[0111] In step S113, a reel rotation start process is executed on the condition that the game interval timer (subtracted in a timer update process described later) is 0, and the reels 110 to 112 start rotating. When the reels 110 to 112 start rotating, a reel rotation start command is prepared to be sent to the first sub-control unit 400. After that, when the reels 110 to 112 reach a predetermined rotation speed and the optical sensors provided on each reel detect the positions of the symbols on each reel, the stop operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is enabled. The game interval counter ensures the minimum time required for one game (4.1 s in this embodiment), thereby reducing gambling.

[0112] In step S115, a reel stop control process is executed. In this process, when any of the stop buttons 137-139 is pressed after the stop operation is enabled, the reels 110-112 corresponding to the pressed stop button 137-139 are stopped. Specifically, each time a stop operation is performed, a stop table of reel stop data is referenced, and the reels 110-112 corresponding to the stop operation are stopped according to the number of pull-in frames set in the stop table. In addition, for the first stop operation, reel stop data corresponding to the second stop operation is prepared, and for the second stop operation, reel stop data corresponding to the third stop operation is prepared. In addition, for each stop operation, preparation is made to send the corresponding command (first to third press commands) to the first sub control unit 400, and each time the reels 110-112 stop, preparation is made to send the corresponding command (first to third stop commands) to the first sub control unit 400. When all the reels 110-112 stop, the process proceeds to step S117.

[0113] In step S117, a winning determination process is performed. Here, if a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination is displayed on an activated winning line, it is determined that the winning combination has been won. For example, if "watermelon-watermelon-watermelon" is lined up on an activated winning line, it is determined that minor combination 1 has been won. After determining the winning combination, preparations are made to send a winning command to the first sub-control unit 400.

[0114] In step S119, if any winning combination with a payout has been achieved, the number of medals corresponding to the winning combination is awarded (paid out), and the number of medals awarded is displayed using the payout number display 127.

[0115] In step S121, an RT update process is performed, in which the RT is changed based on the conditions shown in the state transition diagram in FIG.

[0116] In step S123, a game status update process is performed. Here, the status regarding the non-advantageous zone and advantageous zone described in FIG. 7 is updated based on the result of the game. For example, when there is a transition from normal state A to normal state B, the advantageous zone flag is set to ON, and when there is a transition from the AT state to normal state A, the advantageous zone flag is set to OFF. In addition, preparations are made to send a game status update command. This command includes information regarding RT, and information regarding the non-advantageous zone and advantageous zone (for example, the advantageous zone flag, the number of AT sets, and the number of games remaining in the AT).

[0117] After that, the process returns to step S103 and the above-mentioned processing is repeated to progress the game.

[0118] <Main control unit 300 timer interrupt processing> Next, a main control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. Note that Fig. 9 is a flow chart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt process.

[0119] The main control unit 300 is equipped with a counter timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined period (approximately once every 2 ms in this embodiment), and this timer interrupt signal is used as a trigger to start main control unit timer interrupt processing at the predetermined period.

[0120] In step S201, a timer interrupt start process is performed, which includes processes such as temporarily saving the values ​​of each register of the CPU 304 in a stack area.

[0121] In step S203, the WDT 314 is restarted periodically (in this embodiment, once every approximately 2 ms, which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt) so that the count value of the WDT 314 does not exceed the initial setting value (32.8 ms in this embodiment) and a WDT interrupt does not occur (so that a processing abnormality is not detected).

[0122] In step S205, an input port status update process is performed. In this input port status update process, the presence or absence of a detection signal is monitored by inputting a detection signal from the sensor circuit 320 of each of the sensors 318 via the input port of the I / O 310, and the result is stored in a signal status storage area partitioned for each of the sensors 318 in the RAM 308. The status of the optical sensor is confirmed in this process.

[0123] In step S207, various game processes are executed, and processes are executed according to the interrupt status (various interrupt statuses are acquired based on signals from various sensors 318). For example, if the interrupt status is during medal insertion processing, medal insertion acceptance processing is performed, and if the interrupt status is during payout processing, medal payout processing is performed.

[0124] In step S209, a timer update process is performed. For example, a process of updating various timers by their respective time units, such as subtracting a game interval timer, is executed.

[0125] In step S211, a command setting and sending process is performed, and various commands that have been prepared for sending by the main processing of the main control unit 300, timer interrupt processing, etc., are sent to the first sub-control unit 400. The output schedule information sent to the first sub-control unit 400 is composed of strobe information (when on, it indicates that data is set), command type (in this embodiment, basic command, throw-in command, start lever acceptance command, internal winning command, performance command associated with performance lottery processing, reel rotation start command associated with the start of rotation of the reels 110-112, first to third press commands associated with acceptance of operation of the stop buttons 137-139, first to third stop commands associated with stopping the reels 110-112, winning command, payout number command and payout end command associated with medal payout processing, status update command), and command data (predetermined information corresponding to the command type).

[0126] In the first sub-control unit 400, the command type contained in the received output schedule information makes it possible to determine presentation control in response to changes in game control in the main control unit 300, and it becomes possible to determine the content of presentation control based on the command data information contained in the output schedule information.

[0127] In step S213, an external signal setting process is performed. In this external signal setting process, the game information stored in the RAM 308 is output to the information input circuit 652, which is separate from the slot machine 100, via the information output circuit 334.

[0128] In step S215, device monitoring processing is performed. In this device monitoring processing, first, the signal states of the various sensors 318 stored in the signal state storage area in step S205 are read out to monitor for errors related to medal insertion abnormalities, medal payout abnormalities, etc., and if an error is detected (not shown), error processing is executed. Furthermore, depending on the current game state, settings are made for the medal selector 170 (a medal blocker operated by a solenoid provided in the medal selector 170), various lamps 339, and various seven-segment (SEG) displays.

[0129] In step S217, it is monitored whether the low voltage signal is on or not, and if a low voltage signal is received (if a power cutoff is detected), the process proceeds to step S221, and if a low voltage signal is not received (if a power cutoff is not detected), the process proceeds to step S219.

[0130] In step S219, a timer interrupt end process is performed. In this timer interrupt end process, the values ​​of each register temporarily saved in step S201 are set back to the original values ​​in each register. After that, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG.

[0131] On the other hand, in step S221, information that needs to be saved, such as specific variables and stack pointers in order to return to the state at the time of power outage when power is restored, is saved in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 308, a checksum value for a predetermined area that includes at least the used area of ​​RAM 308 is derived and stored in RAM 308, and a power flag indicating that power outage processing has been performed is set to ON.

[0132] <Processing of the first sub-control unit 400> Next, the processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be explained using Figure 10. Figure 10(a) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400. Figure 10(b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400. Figure 10(c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400.

[0133] First, in step S301, various initial settings are performed. This initial setting is executed when the power is turned on. In this process, the initial setting of the input / output ports and the initialization process of the storage area in the RAM 408 are performed. In this process, an area for storing the internal winning information, which is information representing the result of the internal winning, and an area for storing the RT update information, which is information representing the game status, are provided in the RAM 408.

[0134] In step S303, it is determined whether the timer variable is 10 or more, and this process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step S305.

[0135] In step S305, the timer variable is set to 0. In step S307, command processing, which is processing corresponding to each command received from main control unit 300, is executed.

[0136] In step S309, a performance control process is performed. Here, the performance data is expanded, and device data is set in a performance execution area provided in RAM 408, and performance data is set in a performance reservation area provided in RAM 408. Furthermore, based on a received command and the information contained in that command, performance data is set and control processing is executed. Note that the performance data set in the performance reservation area and the device data set in the performance execution area may be updated (overwritten) with other data. In this case, the performance content is changed based on the overwritten data.

[0137] In step S311, sound control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S309. For example, control data is obtained from the device data set in the performance execution area corresponding to the speakers 272 and 277, and the obtained control data is output to the sound source IC 418 to execute a performance using sound.

[0138] In step S313, lamp control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S309. For example, control data is obtained from device data set in the performance execution areas corresponding to the various lamps 420, and the obtained control data is output to the drive circuit 422 to perform a performance using the lamps.

[0139] In step S315, a shutter control process is performed based on the process result of step S309. For example, control data is obtained from the device data set in the performance execution area corresponding to the shutter 163, and the obtained control data is output to the drive circuit 424, thereby causing the shutter 163 to perform a performance.

[0140] In step S317, an information output process is performed to set up sending a control command to the second sub-control unit 500 based on the processing result of step S309. For example, if there is device data set in the performance execution area corresponding to the performance image display device 157, preparations are made to send this device data to the second sub-control unit 500, and the process returns to step S303.

[0141] Next, the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be explained using Figure 10 (b). This command reception interrupt processing is processing executed by the first sub-control unit 400 when it detects a strobe signal output by the main control unit 300. In step S321 of the command reception interrupt processing, the command output by the main control unit 300 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command memory area provided in RAM 408.

[0142] Next, using Figure 10 (c), we will explain the first sub-control unit timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400. The first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined period (once every 2 ms in this embodiment), and executes timer interrupt processing at a predetermined period in response to this timer interrupt.

[0143] In step S331, 1 is added to the value in the timer variable storage area of ​​RAM 408 described in step S303 in the first sub-control unit main processing shown in Figure 10(a) and the result is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S303, the timer variable value is determined to be 10 or greater every 20 ms (2 ms x 10).

[0144] In step S333, the device data set in step S315 is sent to the second sub-control unit 500, and the random number values ​​for performance are updated.

[0145] <Processing of the second sub-control unit 500> Next, the processing of the second sub-control unit 500 will be explained using Figure 11. Figure 11(a) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. Figure 11(b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500. Figure 11(c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500. Figure 11(d) is a flowchart of the image control processing of the second sub-control unit 500.

[0146] First, in step S401 in Fig. 11(a), various initial settings are performed. When the power is turned on, an initialization process is first executed in step S401. In this initialization process, input / output port initial settings, initialization process of the storage area in the RAM 508, etc. are performed.

[0147] In step S403, it is determined whether the timer variable is 10 or more, and this process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step S405.

[0148] In step S405, 0 is assigned to the timer variable. In step S407, command processing is performed. In the command processing, the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500 determines whether or not a command has been received from the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400.

[0149] In step S409, a performance control process is performed. Specifically, if a new command is received in step S407, a process corresponding to this command is performed. For example, a process is executed to read performance data for performing image control related to the background image from ROM 506. In addition, a process is executed to read other performance data from ROM 506, and if the performance data needs to be updated, a process to update the performance data is performed.

[0150] In step S411, image control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S409. For example, if there is an image control command in the performance data read out in step S409, image control corresponding to this command is performed. For example, image control related to the display image (notification image, background image) is executed. This image control processing will be described later with reference to FIG. 11(d). When this image control processing ends, the process returns to step S403.

[0151] Next, the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500 will be explained using Figure 11 (b). This command reception interrupt processing is processing executed by the second sub-control unit 500 when it detects a strobe signal output by the first sub-control unit 400. In step S415 of the command reception interrupt processing, the command output by the first sub-control unit 400 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command memory area provided in RAM 508.

[0152] Next, using Figure 11 (c), we will explain the second sub-control unit timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. The second sub-control unit 500 is equipped with a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined period (once every 2 ms in this embodiment), and executes the timer interrupt processing at a predetermined period in response to this timer interrupt.

[0153] In step S417, 1 is added to the value in the timer variable storage area of ​​RAM 508 described in step S403 in the second sub-control unit main processing shown in Figure 11 (a) and stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S403, the timer variable value is determined to be 10 or greater every 20 ms (2 ms x 10).

[0154] In step S419, the random number values ​​for effect are updated.

[0155] Next, the image control processing of step S411 in the main processing of the second sub-control unit 500 will be described with reference to Fig. 11(d). This figure is a diagram showing a flowchart illustrating the flow of the image control processing.

[0156] In step S421, an instruction to transfer image data is issued. Here, the CPU 504 first swaps the designation of the drawing area between the display area A and the display area B of the VRAM 518. As a result, one frame of image stored in the display area not designated as the drawing area is displayed on the performance image display device 157. Next, the CPU 504 sets the ROM coordinates (the transfer source address of the ROM 506), the VRAM coordinates (the transfer destination address of the VRAM 518), and the like in the attribute register of the VDP 516 based on the position information table, and then sets a command to start transferring image data from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 518. The VDP 516 transfers the image data from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 518 based on the command set in the attribute register. Thereafter, the VDP 516 outputs a transfer end interrupt signal to the CPU 504.

[0157] In step S423, it is determined whether or not a transfer end interrupt signal has been input from the VDP 516. If a transfer end interrupt signal has been input, the process proceeds to step S425; if not, the process waits for the transfer end interrupt signal to be input.

[0158] In step S425, parameters are set based on the rendering scenario configuration table and attribute data, etc. Here, CPU 504 instructs VDP 516 on information about image data constituting the display image (coordinate axes of VRAM 518, image size, VRAM coordinates (layout coordinates), image overlay and transparency, etc.) in order to form a display image in display area A or B of VRAM 518 based on the image data transferred to VRAM 518 in step S421. VDP 516 sets parameters in accordance with the attributes based on the command stored in the attribute register.

[0159] In step S427, a drawing instruction is issued. In this drawing instruction, the CPU 504 instructs the VDP 516 to start drawing an image. The VDP 516 starts drawing an image in the frame buffer in accordance with the instruction from the CPU 504.

[0160] In step S429, it is determined whether or not a generation end interrupt signal has been input from VDP 516 based on the end of image drawing. If a generation end interrupt signal has been input, proceed to step S431; if not, wait for the generation end interrupt signal to be input.

[0161] In step S431, a scene display counter, which is set in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 508 and counts how many scene images have been generated, is incremented (+1), and the process ends.

[0162] <<Embodiment C>> Next, a gaming machine (slot machine) according to embodiment C will be described with reference to Figs. 12-13. Note that, for terms that overlap with other embodiments, the terms of this embodiment take precedence, and for descriptions that overlap with drawings other than Figs. 12-13, the descriptions of Figs. 12-13 take precedence.

[0163] <Notification means> Next, prior to the description of various notifications, a notification means provided in the slot machine 100 will be described.

[0164] <Notification means (display means)> The slot machine 100 is provided with a display means capable of displaying information as one of the notification means. Examples of the display means provided in the slot machine 100 include the liquid crystal display device (performance image display device) 157 described with reference to Fig. 1, the payout number display device 127, the reserved number display device 125, and the game information display device 126, and in this example, these display means are composed of a liquid crystal display device, an LED, a segment display device, and the like.

[0165] <Notification Means (Sound Output Means)> The slot machine 100 includes a sound output means capable of outputting sound as one of the notification means. Examples of the sound output means included in the slot machine 100 include the speakers 272 and 277 described with reference to FIG.

[0166] <Notification Means (Light Emitting Means)> The slot machine 100 is provided with a light emitting means capable of emitting (outputting) light as one of the notification means. Examples of the light emitting means provided in the slot machine 100 include the side lamp 144, the title panel (lamp) 162, the performance button 190, the stop buttons 137-139, and the start lever 135 described with reference to Fig. 1, as well as the upper lamp 142 (see Fig. 14) and the reel backlights (not shown) of the reels 110-112. In this example, all of these light emitting means are formed of LEDs.

[0167] The effect button 190, the stop buttons (stop operation means) 137 to 139, and the start lever 135 also function as operation means that can be operated by the player. The present invention is also applicable to pachinko machines, and examples of the light-emitting means that pachinko machines are equipped with include frame lamps, effect buttons, and gadgets.

[0168] <Stop instruction notification> Next, the stop instruction notification will be described. Here, the stop instruction notification is a notification (for example, operation navigation) including a suggestion of a symbol to be stopped, and the notification means of the gaming machine according to this embodiment may execute a first operation instruction notification including a suggestion of a first symbol to be stopped and a second operation instruction notification including a suggestion of a second symbol to be stopped.

[0169] <First stop instruction notification> FIG. 12 is a time-series diagram showing an example of notification when a first operation instruction notification is made in a certain game, and the state shown in FIG. 12(a) is the state when the first operation instruction notification is executed in a certain game.

[0170] In this example, pressing the start lever 135 triggers the rotation of the reels 110 to 112, and a first operation instruction notification ID1 is executed in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157 in response to a winning AT lottery in the chance state.

[0171] The first operation instruction notification is a notification including a suggestion of the first pattern that is the target to be stopped, and in this example, as the first operation instruction notification ID1, a target pattern notification ID1a (in this example, a display including an image of the seven-one symbol and the string of characters "Aim!") that urges the player to perform a stopping operation of the stop buttons 137-139 so that the seven-one symbol (first pattern) is stopped and displayed on the winning line L1, and a push order notification ID1b that suggests the order in which to press the stop buttons 137-139 (in this example, a display suggesting that the stopping operation should be performed in the order of middle stop button 138 → right stop button 139 → left stop button 137) are executed.

[0172] The first operation instruction notification is not limited to this example, and may be any notification including a notification that includes a suggestion of the first pattern to be stopped. For example, it may be a notification that does not include the push order notification ID1b that suggests the order in which to press the stop buttons 137 to 139, or it may be a notification consisting of only a string of characters such as "Aim for the blue 7". In addition to (or instead of) a notification by a display means, a notification by a sound output means such as speakers 272, 277 (for example, outputting a sound such as "Aim for the blue 7") may be applied.

[0173] Furthermore, the conditions for executing the first operation instruction notification are not limited to this example, and may be, for example, when a predetermined internal winning role is won (or a prize is awarded), when a specific game state is reached, when a specified number of points are accumulated (for example, 100 points), etc.

[0174] <First stop instruction notification -> First stop mode -> Execution of first notification> The state shown in FIG. 12(b-1) is a state in which the reels 110 to 112 are stopped in the first stopping pattern in a game in which the first operation instruction notification is executed.

[0175] The notification means of the gaming machine in this embodiment is configured to execute the first notification at least in a game when the reels stop in a first stopping pattern (in this example, the pattern combination of "Seven 1-Seven 1-Seven 1") in a game in which a first operation instruction notification (in this example, first operation instruction notification ID1) is executed.

[0176] In the state shown in Figure 12 (b-1), in a game in which the first operation instruction notification ID1 (first operation instruction notification) is executed, the player follows the first operation instruction notification ID1 and performs the stopping operation in the order of the middle stop button 138, right stop button 139, and left stop button 137, aiming for the Seven 1 symbol, and the reels 110 to 112 stop in the symbol combination (first stopping mode) of "Seven 1-Seven 1-Seven 1" (the symbol combination (first stopping mode) of "Seven 1-Seven 1-Seven 1" is aligned on the winning line L1), so a first notification RD1 (first notification; in this example, a display including an image of the Seven 1 symbol, the string of characters "Get!", and an effect image) is executed.

[0177] In addition, in a game in which the first operation instruction notification is executed as a result of winning the AT lottery, the next game after the reels 110 to 112 stop in the first stopping pattern (in this example, the pattern combination of "Seven 1-Seven 1-Seven 1") will transition to the AT state as shown in Figure 12 (d), and the AT game will begin.

[0178] In this example, the first stopping pattern is a pattern in which the first symbol (in this example, the seven-one symbol) is stopped on all reels, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be other pattern combinations including the first symbol that is the target to be stopped.

[0179] Furthermore, the first notification is not limited to this example, and may be, for example, a notification consisting of only a string of characters such as "Congratulations on the Blue 7", and in addition to (or instead of) the notification by the display means, a notification by sound output means such as speakers 272, 277 (for example, outputting the voice "Congratulations on the Blue 7") or a notification by light-emitting means such as upper lamp 142 or side lamp 144 (for example, flashing red light) may be applied.

[0180] In addition, the timing of executing the first notification may be to execute the first operation instruction notification ID1 (first operation instruction notification) and only in the game in which the reel stops in the first stopping pattern, or in addition to that game, it may be executed in any game after that game.

[0181] <First stop instruction notification→Second stop mode→No execution of first notification> The state shown in FIG. 12(b-4) is a state in which the reels 110 to 112 are stopped in the second stopping pattern in a game in which the first operation instruction notification is executed.

[0182] The notification means of the gaming machine in this embodiment is configured so that when the reels stop in a second stopping pattern (in this example, the pattern combination of "Seven 3-Seven 3-Seven 3") in a game in which a first operation instruction notification (in this example, first operation instruction notification ID1) is executed, the first notification is not executed at least in that game.

[0183] In the state shown in Figure 12 (b-4), in a game in which the first operation instruction notification ID1 (first operation instruction notification) is executed, the player does not follow the first operation instruction notification ID1, but instead aims for the Seven 3 symbol and performs the stopping operation in the order of the middle stop button 138 → right stop button 139 → left stop button 137, and the reels 110 to 112 stop with the symbol combination of "Seven 3-Seven 3-Seven 3" (second stopping mode) (the symbol combination (second stopping mode) of "Seven 3-Seven 3-Seven 3" is aligned on the winning line L1), so the first notification RD1 (first notification; in this example, a display including an image of the Seven 1 symbol, the string of characters "Get!", and an effect image) shown in Figure 12 (b-1) is not executed.

[0184] According to this example, when the reels stop in a first stopping pattern (in this example, the pattern combination "Seven 1-Seven 1-Seven 1") in a game in which the first operation instruction notification (in this example, the first operation instruction notification ID1 shown in Figure 12(a)) is executed, the first notification (in this example, the first notification RD1 shown in Figure 12(b-1)) is executed at least in that game, whereas when the reels stop in a second stopping pattern (in this example, the pattern combination "Seven 3-Seven 3-Seven 3") in a game in which the first operation instruction notification is executed, the first notification is not executed at least in that game. Therefore, the notification can be executed in a way that does not mislead the player, the player will not misunderstand, and a decline in the player's motivation to play can be prevented in advance.

[0185] Furthermore, the first stopping mode is a mode in which a first symbol (in this example, the seven 1 symbol) has stopped on all reels, and the second stopping mode is a mode in which a second symbol (in this example, the seven 3 symbol) has stopped on all reels, so that the symbol suggested by the first operation instruction notification can be stopped and displayed, and the player will not be confused.

[0186] In this example, the second stopping pattern is a pattern in which the second symbol (in this example, the seven 3 symbol) stops on all reels, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be another symbol combination that does not include the first symbol that is the target to stop.

[0187] In addition, the timing of non-execution of the first notification may be only for the game in which the first operation instruction notification ID1 (first operation instruction notification) is executed and the reels stop in the second stopping pattern, or it may be non-executed in addition to that game, and in any game after that game.

[0188] <First stop instruction notification→fourth stop mode→non-execution of first notification> The state shown in FIG. 12(b-2) is a state in which the reels 110 to 112 are stopped in the fourth stop pattern in a game in which the first operation instruction notification is executed.

[0189] The notification means of the gaming machine in this embodiment is configured so that when the reel stops in a fourth stop pattern (in this example, a stop pattern other than the first stop pattern, the second stop pattern, and the third stop pattern (so-called scattered patterns)) in a game in which a first operation instruction notification (in this example, first operation instruction notification ID1) is executed, the first notification is not executed at least in that game.

[0190] In the state shown in FIG. 12(b-2), in a game in which the first operation instruction notification ID1 (first operation instruction notification) is executed, the player follows the first operation instruction notification ID1 and performs the stop operation in the order of the middle stop button 138, right stop button 139, and left stop button 137, aiming for the Seven 1 symbol (or performs the stop operation of the stop buttons 137-139 without following the first operation instruction notification ID1), and the reels 110-112 stop with the symbol combination of "Bell-Seven 1-Replay" (fourth stop mode) (the symbol combination of "Bell-Seven 1-Replay" (fourth stop mode) is aligned on the winning line L1), so the first notification RD1 (first notification; in this example, a display including an image of the Seven 1 symbol, the string of characters "GET!", and an effect image) shown in FIG. 12(b-1) is not executed.

[0191] According to this example, when the reels stop in a fourth stop pattern (in this example, a stop pattern other than the first, second, and third stop patterns (so-called scattered patterns)) in which specific patterns are not lined up on all reels in a game in which the first operation instruction notification (in this example, the first operation instruction notification ID1 shown in Figure 12(a)) is executed, at least in that game, the first notification (in this example, the first notification RD1 shown in Figure 12(b-1)) is not executed, so that the notification can be made in a way that does not mislead the player, the player will not misunderstand, and a decline in the player's motivation to play can be prevented in advance.

[0192] In this example, the fourth stopping mode is a mode in which all reels stop without a specific pattern (in this example, any one of the seven-one, seven-two, and seven-three patterns) being lined up, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the fourth stopping mode may be a mode in which other specific patterns are not lined up.

[0193] In addition, the timing of not executing the first notification may be only for the game in which the first operation instruction notification ID1 (first operation instruction notification) is executed and the reels stop in the fourth stopping pattern, or it may be non-executed in addition to that game, as well as in any game after that game.

[0194] <First stop instruction notification → Third stop mode → Execution of third notification> The state shown in FIG. 12(b-3) is a state in which the reels 110 to 112 are stopped in the third stopping pattern in a game in which the first operation instruction notification is executed.

[0195] The notification means of the gaming machine in this embodiment is configured to execute a third notification at least in a game when the reels stop in a third stopping pattern (in this example, the pattern combination of "Seven 2-Seven 2-Seven 2") in a game in which a first operation instruction notification (in this example, first operation instruction notification ID1) is executed.

[0196] In the state shown in Figure 12 (b-3), in a game in which the first operation instruction notification ID1 (first operation instruction notification) is executed, the player does not follow the first operation instruction notification ID1, but instead aims for the Seven 2 symbol, performing the stopping operation in the order of the middle stop button 138 → right stop button 139 → left stop button 137, and the reels 110 to 112 stop with the symbol combination of "Seven 2-Seven 2-Seven 2" (third stopping mode) (the symbol combination of "Seven 2-Seven 2-Seven 2" (third stopping mode) is aligned on the winning line L1), so a third notification RD3 (third notification. In this example, a display including an image of the Seven 2 symbol, the string of characters "Get!", and an effect image) is executed.

[0197] In addition, in a game in which the first operation instruction notification is executed as a result of winning the AT lottery, the next game after the reels 110 to 112 stop in the third stopping pattern (in this example, the pattern combination of "Seven 2-Seven 2-Seven 2") will transition to the AT state and the AT game will begin, as shown in Figure 12 (d).

[0198] According to this example, when the reels stop in a third stop pattern (in this example, the pattern combination of "Seven 2-Seven 2-Seven 2") in which the third pattern (in this example, the pattern 2 Seven) is stopped on all reels in a game in which a first operation instruction notification (in this example, the first operation instruction notification ID1 shown in Figure 12(a)) is executed, at least in that game, a third notification (in this example, the third notification RD3 shown in Figure 12(b-3)) is executed, so that the player can believe that the reels have stopped in the first stop pattern in which the first notification is executed, thereby increasing the player's interest.

[0199] In this example, the third stopping pattern is a pattern in which the third symbol (in this example, two seven symbols) stops on all reels, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be another pattern combination that does not include the first symbol that is the target to stop.

[0200] Furthermore, the third notification is not limited to this example, and may be, for example, a notification consisting of only a string of characters such as "Congratulations on the red 7", or in addition to (or instead of) the notification by the display means, a notification by sound output means such as speakers 272, 277 (for example, outputting a voice saying "Congratulations on the red 7") or a notification by light-emitting means such as upper lamp 142 or side lamp 144 (for example, flashing yellow light) may be applied.

[0201] In addition, the timing of executing the third notification may be only when the first operation instruction notification ID1 (first operation instruction notification) is executed and the reel stops in the third stopping pattern, or it may be executed in addition to that game, or in any game after that game.

[0202] <Provisional suspension of the first suspension mode> The state shown in Figure 12 (c-2) is the state in which reel presentation is being executed in the next game after the reels 110 to 112 stop in the second stopping pattern in a game in which the first operation instruction notification is executed, and Figure 12 (c-1) is the state in which reel presentation is being executed in the next game after the reels 110 to 112 stop in the fourth stopping pattern in a game in which the first operation instruction notification is executed.

[0203] The gaming machine of this embodiment is configured so that after the reels stop in the second stopping pattern (or after the reels stop in the fourth stopping pattern), they stop in the first stopping pattern (in this example, the pattern combination of "Seven 1-Seven 1-Seven 1") as a reel presentation.

[0204] In the state shown in Figure 12 (c-2), as shown in Figure 12 (a), after the first operation instruction notification ID1 is executed in a certain game, as shown in Figure 12 (b-4), the reels 110-112 stop in the pattern combination of "Seven 3-Seven 3-Seven 3" (second stop mode) instead of the first stop mode (in this example, the pattern combination of "Seven 1-Seven 1-Seven 1"), as shown in Figure 12 (b-4), so the first notification RD1 shown in Figure 12 (b-1) is not executed. However, in the next game of the certain game, the reel presentation is started in response to the pressing of the start lever 135, and the reel presentation stops (temporarily stops) in the first stop mode (in this example, the pattern combination of "Seven 1-Seven 1-Seven 1"), and after the first notification RD1 is executed, the AT game is started.

[0205] According to this example, the reels can be stopped in the first stopping mode after stopping in the second stopping mode, which enhances the interest of the player. Also, even if the reels stop in the second stopping mode in a certain game, the first notification can be executed in the next or subsequent games of the certain game, which can surprise the player.

[0206] Also, in the state shown in Figure 12 (c-1), as shown in Figure 12 (a), after the first operation instruction notification ID1 is executed in a certain game, as shown in Figure 12 (b-2), the reels 110 to 112 stop in the "Bell-Seven 1-Replay" pattern combination (fourth stop mode) rather than the first stop mode (in this example, the pattern combination of "Seven 1-Seven 1-Seven 1"), as shown in Figure 12 (b-2), so the first notification RD1 shown in Figure 12 (b-1) is not executed. However, in the next game of the certain game, the reel presentation is started in response to the pressing of the start lever 135, and the reel presentation stops (temporarily stops) in the first stop mode (in this example, the pattern combination of "Seven 1-Seven 1-Seven 1"), and after the first notification RD1 is executed, the AT game is started.

[0207] According to this example, the reel can be stopped in the first stopping mode after being stopped in the fourth stopping mode, which enhances the interest of the player. Also, even if the reel has stopped in the fourth stopping mode in a certain game, the first notification can be executed in the next or subsequent games of the certain game, which gives the player a surprise.

[0208] <Second stop instruction notification> FIG. 13 is a time-series diagram showing an example of a notification when a second operation instruction is issued in a certain game, and the state shown in FIG. 13(a) is the state when the second operation instruction is issued in a certain game.

[0209] In this example, pressing the start lever 135 triggers the rotation of the reels 110 to 112, and in response to a win in the super AT lottery during the chance state, a second operation instruction notification ID2 is executed in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157.

[0210] The second operation instruction notification is a notification including a suggestion of the second symbol that is the target to be stopped. In this example, the second operation instruction notification ID2 includes a target symbol notification ID2a (in this example, a display including an image of the Seven 3 symbol and the string of characters "Aim!") that urges the player to perform a stopping operation of the stop buttons 137-139 so that the Seven 3 symbol (second symbol) is stopped and displayed on the winning line L1, and a push order notification ID2b that suggests the order in which to press the stop buttons 137-139 (in this example, a display suggesting that the stopping operation should be performed in the order of middle stop button 138 → right stop button 139 → left stop button 137).

[0211] The second operation instruction notification is not limited to this example, and may be any notification including a notification that includes a suggestion of the second pattern that is the target to be stopped. For example, it may be a notification that does not include the push order notification ID2b that suggests the order in which to press the stop buttons 137 to 139, or it may be a notification consisting of only a string of characters such as "Aim for the gold 7". In addition to (or instead of) a notification by a display means, a notification by a sound output means such as speakers 272, 277 (for example, outputting a sound such as "Aim for the gold 7") may be applied.

[0212] Furthermore, the conditions for executing the second operation instruction notification are not limited to this example, and may be, for example, when a specified internal winning role is won (or a prize is awarded), when a specific game state is reached, when a specified number of points are accumulated (for example, 100 points), etc.

[0213] <Second stop instruction notification -> Second stop mode -> Execution of second notification> The state shown in FIG. 13(b-4) is a state in which the reels 110 to 112 are stopped in the second stopping pattern in a game in which the second operation instruction notification is executed.

[0214] The notification means of the gaming machine in this embodiment is configured to execute the second notification at least in a game when the reels stop in a second stopping pattern (in this example, the pattern combination of "Seven 3-Seven 3-Seven 3") in a game in which a second operation instruction notification (in this example, second operation instruction notification ID2) is executed.

[0215] In the state shown in Figure 13 (b-4), in a game in which the second operation instruction notification ID2 (second operation instruction notification) is executed, the player follows the second operation instruction notification ID2 and performs the stopping operation in the order of the middle stop button 138, right stop button 139, and left stop button 137, aiming for the Seven 3 symbol, and the reels 110 to 112 stop with the symbol combination (second stopping pattern) of "Seven 3-Seven 3-Seven 3" (the symbol combination (second stopping pattern) of "Seven 3-Seven 3-Seven 3" is aligned on the winning line L1), so a second notification RD2 (second notification. In this example, a display including an image of the Seven 3 symbol, the string of characters "Get!", and an effect image) is executed.

[0216] In addition, in a game in which the second operation instruction notification is executed as a result of winning the super AT lottery, the next game after the reels 110 to 112 stop in the second stopping pattern (in this example, the pattern combination of "Seven 3-Seven 3-Seven 3") will transition to the super AT state, which is more advantageous to the player than the AT state, as shown in Figure 13 (d), and the super AT game will begin.

[0217] As mentioned above, the next game after the reel stops in the first stopping mode (in this example, the symbol combination "Seven 1-Seven 1-Seven 1") will transition to an AT state, whereas the next game after the reel stops in the second stopping mode (in this example, the symbol combination "Seven 3-Seven 3-Seven 3") will transition to a super AT state which is more advantageous to the player than the AT state. Therefore, the second stopping mode (in this example, the symbol combination "Seven 3-Seven 3-Seven 3") has a higher value as a symbol combination than the first stopping mode (in this example, the symbol combination "Seven 1-Seven 1-Seven 1").

[0218] Furthermore, since the next play after the reel stops in the third stopping pattern (in this example, the pattern combination of "Seven 2-Seven 2-Seven 2") will transition to the AT state, the first stopping pattern (in this example, the pattern combination of "Seven 1-Seven 1-Seven 1") and the third stopping pattern (in this example, the pattern combination of "Seven 2-Seven 2-Seven 2") have the same value as pattern combinations.

[0219] In this example, the second stopping pattern is a pattern in which the second symbol (in this example, the seven 3 symbol) stops on all reels, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be other pattern combinations including the second symbol that is the target to stop.

[0220] Furthermore, the second notification is not limited to this example, and may be, for example, a notification consisting of only a string of characters such as "Congratulations on Friday 7", or in addition to (or instead of) the notification by the display means, a notification by sound output means such as speakers 272, 277 (for example, outputting the voice "Congratulations on Friday 7") or a notification by light-emitting means such as upper lamp 142 or side lamp 144 (for example, flashing red light) may be applied.

[0221] In addition, the timing of executing the second notification may be to execute the second operation instruction notification ID2 (second operation instruction notification) only in the game in which the reels stop in the second stopping pattern, or in addition to that game, it may be executed in any game after that game.

[0222] <Second stop instruction notification→first stop mode→non-execution of second notification> The state shown in FIG. 13(b-1) is a state in which the reels 110 to 112 are stopped in the first stopping pattern in a game in which the second operation instruction notification is executed.

[0223] The notification means of the gaming machine in this embodiment is configured so that when the reels stop in a first stopping pattern (in this example, the pattern combination of "Seven 1-Seven 1-Seven 1") in a game in which a second operation instruction notification (in this example, second operation instruction notification ID2) is executed, the second notification is not executed at least in that game.

[0224] In the state shown in Figure 12 (b-1), in a game in which the second operation instruction notification ID2 (second operation instruction notification) is executed, the player does not follow the second operation instruction notification ID2, but instead aims for the Seven 1 symbol and performs the stopping operation in the order of the middle stop button 138 → right stop button 139 → left stop button 137, and the reels 110 to 112 stop with the symbol combination (first stopping mode) of "Seven 1-Seven 1-Seven 1" (the symbol combination (first stopping mode) of "Seven 1-Seven 1-Seven 1" is aligned on the winning line L1), so the second notification RD2 (second notification; in this example, a display including an image of the Seven 3 symbol, the string of characters "Get!", and an effect image) shown in Figure 13 (b-4) is not executed.

[0225] According to this example, when the reels stop in the second stopping pattern (in this example, the pattern combination of "Seven 3-Seven 3-Seven 3") in a game in which the second operation instruction notification (in this example, the second operation instruction notification ID2 shown in Figure 13(a)) is executed, the second notification (in this example, the second notification RD2 shown in Figure 12(b-4)) is executed at least in that game, whereas when the reels stop in the first stopping pattern (in this example, the pattern combination of "Seven 1-Seven 1-Seven 1") in a game in which the second operation instruction notification is executed, the second notification is not executed at least in that game. Therefore, the notification can be executed in a way that does not mislead the player, the player will not misunderstand, and a decline in the player's motivation to play can be prevented in advance.

[0226] Furthermore, the first stopping mode is a mode in which a first symbol (in this example, the seven 1 symbol) has stopped on all reels, and the second stopping mode is a mode in which a second symbol (in this example, the seven 3 symbol) has stopped on all reels, so that the symbol suggested by the second operation instruction notification can be stopped and displayed, and the player will not be confused.

[0227] In this example, the first stopping pattern is a pattern in which the first symbol (in this example, the seven-one symbol) stops on all reels, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be other pattern combinations that do not include the first symbol that is the target to stop.

[0228] In addition, the timing of not executing the second notification may be only for the game in which the second operation instruction notification ID2 (second operation instruction notification) is executed and the reels stop in the first stopping pattern, or it may be non-executed in addition to that game, as well as in any game after that game.

[0229] <Second stop instruction notification -> Fourth stop mode -> Non-execution of second notification> The state shown in FIG. 13(b-2) is a state in which the reels 110 to 112 are stopped in the fourth stop pattern in a game in which the second operation instruction notification is executed.

[0230] The notification means of the gaming machine in this embodiment is configured so that when the reel stops in a fourth stop pattern (in this example, a stop pattern other than the first stop pattern, the second stop pattern, and the third stop pattern (so-called scattered patterns)) in a game in which a second operation instruction notification (in this example, second operation instruction notification ID2) is executed, the second notification is not executed at least in that game.

[0231] In the state shown in FIG. 13(b-2), in a game in which the second operation instruction notification ID2 (second operation instruction notification) is executed, the player follows the second operation instruction notification ID2 and performs the stop operation in the order of the middle stop button 138, right stop button 139, and left stop button 137, aiming for the Seven3 symbol (or performs the stop operation of the stop buttons 137-139 without following the second operation instruction notification ID2), and the reels 110-112 stop with the symbol combination of "Bell-Seven1-Replay" (fourth stop mode) (the symbol combination of "Bell-Seven1-Replay" (fourth stop mode) is aligned on the winning line L1), so the second notification RD2 (second notification; in this example, a display including an image of the Seven3 symbol, the string of characters "GET!", and an effect image) shown in FIG. 13(b-4) is not executed.

[0232] According to this example, when the reels stop in a fourth stop pattern (in this example, a stop pattern other than the first, second, and third stop patterns (so-called scattered patterns)) in which a specific pattern is not lined up on all reels in a game in which the second operation instruction notification (in this example, the second operation instruction notification ID2 shown in Figure 13(a)) is executed, at least in that game, the second notification (in this example, the second notification RD2 shown in Figure 13(b-4)) is not executed, so that the notification can be made in a way that does not mislead the player, the player will not misunderstand, and a decline in the player's motivation to play can be prevented in advance.

[0233] In this example, the fourth stopping mode is a mode in which all reels stop without a specific pattern (in this example, any one of the seven-one, seven-two, and seven-three patterns) being lined up, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the fourth stopping mode may be a mode in which other specific patterns are not lined up.

[0234] In addition, the timing of not executing the second notification may be only when the second operation instruction notification ID2 (second operation instruction notification) is executed and the reel stops in the fourth stopping pattern, or it may be non-executed in addition to that game, and in any game after that game.

[0235] <Second stop instruction notification→third stop mode→non-execution of second notification> The state shown in FIG. 13(b-3) is a state in which the reels 110 to 112 are stopped in the third stopping pattern in a game in which the second operation instruction notification is executed.

[0236] The notification means of the gaming machine in this embodiment is configured so that when the reels stop in a third stopping pattern (in this example, the pattern combination of "Seven 2-Seven 2-Seven 2") in a game in which a second operation instruction notification (in this example, second operation instruction notification ID2) is executed, the second notification is not executed at least in that game.

[0237] In the state shown in Figure 13 (b-3), in a game in which the second operation instruction notification ID2 (second operation instruction notification) is executed, the player does not follow the second operation instruction notification ID2, but instead aims for the Seven 2 symbol, performing the stopping operation in the order of the middle stop button 138 → right stop button 139 → left stop button 137, and the reels 110 to 112 stop with the symbol combination of "Seven 2-Seven 2-Seven 2" (third stopping pattern) (the symbol combination of "Seven 2-Seven 2-Seven 2" (third stopping pattern) is aligned on the winning line L1), so the second notification RD2 (second notification; in this example, a display including an image of the Seven 3 symbol, the string of characters "Get!", and an effect image) shown in Figure 13 (b-4) is not executed.

[0238] According to this example, when the reels stop in a third stopping mode (in this example, the pattern combination of "Seven 2-Seven 2-Seven 2") in which a specific pattern does not line up on all reels during a game in which the second operation instruction notification (in this example, the second operation instruction notification ID2 shown in Figure 13(a)) is executed, at least during that game, the second notification (in this example, the second notification RD2 shown in Figure 13(b-4)) is not executed, so that the notification can be made in a way that does not mislead the player, the player will not misunderstand, and a decline in the player's motivation to play can be prevented in advance.

[0239] In this example, the third stopping pattern is a pattern in which the third symbol (in this example, two seven symbols) stops on all reels, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be another pattern combination that does not include the first symbol that is the target to stop.

[0240] In addition, the timing of not executing the second notification may be only for the game in which the second operation instruction notification ID2 (second operation instruction notification) is executed and the reels stop in the third stopping pattern, or it may be non-executed in addition to that game, as well as in any game after that game.

[0241] <Provisional suspension of the second suspension mode> The state shown in Figure 13 (c) is a state in which reel presentation is being executed in the next game after the reels 110 to 112 stop in a stopping pattern other than the second stopping pattern (in this example, any of the first, third, or fourth stopping patterns) in a game in which the second operation instruction notification is executed.

[0242] The gaming machine of this embodiment is configured so that after the reels stop in a stopping pattern other than the second stopping pattern, they stop in the second stopping pattern (in this example, the pattern combination of "Seven 3-Seven 3-Seven 3") as a reel presentation.

[0243] For example, as shown in FIG. 13(a), after executing the second operation instruction notification ID2 in a certain game, if the reels 110-112 stop in the pattern combination of "Seven 1-Seven 1-Seven 1" (first stop mode) instead of the second stop mode (in this example, the pattern combination of "Seven 3-Seven 3-Seven 3") as shown in FIG. 13(b-1), the second notification RD2 shown in FIG. 13(b-4) is not executed, but as shown in FIG. 13(c), in the next game of a certain game, the reel presentation is started in response to the pressing of the start lever 135, and the reel presentation is stopped (temporarily stopped) in the second stop mode (in this example, the pattern combination of "Seven 3-Seven 3-Seven 3"), and the second notification RD2 is executed, and then the super AT game is started.

[0244] According to this example, the reels can be stopped in the second stop mode after stopping in a stop mode other than the second stop mode, which enhances the interest of the player. Also, even if the reels stop in a stop mode other than the second stop mode in a certain game, the second notification can be executed in the next or subsequent games of the certain game, which gives the player a surprise.

[0245] As described above, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming machine equipped with reels (for example, the reels 110 to 112 shown in FIG. 1), stop operation means (for example, the stop buttons 137 to 139 shown in FIG. 1), and notification means (for example, the liquid crystal display device 157 shown in FIG. 1, the speakers 272 and 277 shown in FIG. 3, and various lamps), and the notification means is a means for sometimes executing a first operation instruction notification (for example, the first operation instruction notification ID1 shown in FIG. 12(a)), and the first operation instruction notification is a means for suggesting a first symbol (for example, the seven-one symbol) to be stopped. the notification means being a means for executing a first notification (e.g., a first notification RD1 shown in FIG. 12(b-1)) at least in a game when the reels stop in a first stopping pattern (e.g., a pattern combination of "seven 1-seven 1-seven 1") in a game in which the first operation instruction notification is executed, and the notification means being a means for not executing the first notification at least in a game when the reels stop in a second stopping pattern (e.g., a pattern combination of "seven 3-seven 3-seven 3") in a game in which the first operation instruction notification is executed.

[0246] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the reels stop in a first stopping pattern in a game in which a first operation instruction notification is executed, the first notification is executed at least in that game, whereas when the reels stop in a second stopping pattern in a game in which the first operation instruction notification is executed, the first notification is not executed at least in that game. Therefore, the notification can be made in a manner that does not mislead the player, the player will not be confused, and a decline in the player's motivation to play can be prevented in advance.

[0247] In addition, the first stopping pattern may be a pattern in which the first symbol (e.g., a Seven 1 symbol) stops on all reels, and the second stopping pattern may be a pattern in which the second symbol (e.g., a Seven 3 symbol) stops on all reels.

[0248] With this configuration, the symbol suggested by the first operation instruction notification can be statically displayed, and the player will not be confused.

[0249] In addition, the notification means is a means for executing a third notification (for example, a third notification RD3 shown in Figure 12 (b-3)) at least in a game when the reels stop in a third stopping pattern (for example, a pattern combination of ``Seven 2-Seven 2-Seven 2'') in a game in which the first operation instruction notification is executed, and the third stopping pattern may be a pattern in which a third pattern (for example, a Seven 2 pattern) has stopped on all reels.

[0250] With this configuration, the player can believe that the reels have stopped in the first stopping pattern in which the first notification is executed, thereby enhancing the player's interest.

[0251] In addition, the notification means is a means for not executing the first notification at least in a game when the reels stop in a fourth stop pattern (for example, a stop pattern other than the first stop pattern, the second stop pattern, and the third stop pattern (so-called a scattered pattern)) in a game in which the first operation instruction notification is executed, and the fourth stop pattern may be a pattern in which all reels stop without a specific pattern (for example, any one of the seven1 pattern, seven2 pattern, and seven3 pattern) being lined up.

[0252] With this configuration, the notification can be made in a way that does not mislead the player, the player will not misunderstand, and a decline in the player's motivation to play can be prevented.

[0253] In addition, after the reels have stopped in the second stopping pattern, the reels may stop in the first stopping pattern as a reel effect.

[0254] With this configuration, the reels can be stopped in the first stopping mode after having been stopped in the second stopping mode, thereby enhancing the interest of the player.

[0255] In addition, the notification means may be a means that may execute a second operation instruction notification (for example, second operation instruction notification ID2 shown in Figure 13(a)), the second operation instruction notification being a notification including an indication of the second pattern to be stopped, and the notification means may be a means that executes a second notification (for example, second notification RD2 shown in Figure 13(b-4)) at least in a game in which the second operation instruction notification is executed when the reel stops in the second stopping pattern (for example, the pattern combination of "Seven 3-Seven 3-Seven 3"), and the notification means may be a means that does not execute the second notification at least in a game in which the second operation instruction notification is executed when the reel stops in the first stopping pattern (for example, the pattern combination of "Seven 1-Seven 1-Seven 1").

[0256] With this configuration, the notification can be made in a way that does not mislead the player, the player will not misunderstand, and a decline in the player's motivation to play can be prevented.

[0257] In addition, the first operation instruction notification and the second operation instruction notification are not limited to notifications including a suggestion of the pattern to be stopped, and may be notifications including, for example, the order in which the stop operation means is pressed (for example, "Middle → Right → Left", "Middle!!", "Press middle", etc.).

[0258] In addition, the third stop mode or the fourth stop mode may be a mode in which the first symbol (e.g., a Seven 1 symbol) and the second symbol (e.g., a Seven 3 symbol) do not stop on all of the reels.

[0259] In addition, all, multiple, or one of the first stop mode, the second stop mode, the third stop mode, and the fourth stop mode may be configured to include a specific letter, number, or figure (for example, the number 7).

[0260] With such a configuration, the stopping patterns are similar, which may increase the player's sense of expectation.

[0261] In addition, the reels may be configured to be stopped in the first stopping pattern (for example, the symbol combination of "Seven 1-Seven 1-Seven 1") when (or only when) a stop operation of the stop operation means is performed in accordance with the first operation instruction notification (for example, first operation instruction notification ID1 shown in Figure 12(a)) and a first role (for example, a 1-coin role (minor role 6)) is won, including a lottery means for performing an internal lottery.

[0262] In addition, in a game in which a second role (e.g., a 1-coin role (minor role 8)) is won, the reels may be configured to be able to stop in the second stopping pattern (e.g., a pattern combination of "Seven 3-Seven 3-Seven 3") when (or only when) a stop operation of the stop operation means is performed in accordance with the second operation instruction notification (e.g., second operation instruction notification ID2 shown in Figure 13(a)).

[0263] In addition, in a game in which a third role (for example, a 1-coin role (minor role 7)) is won, the reels may be configured to be able to stop in the third stopping pattern (for example, a pattern combination of "Seven 2-Seven 2-Seven 2") if (or only if) a stop operation of the stop operation means is performed without following the first operation instruction notification (for example, first operation instruction notification ID1 shown in Figure 12(a)).

[0264] <<Embodiment D>> Next, a gaming machine (slot machine) according to embodiment D will be described with reference to Figs. 14 to 16. Note that, for terms that overlap with other embodiments, the terms of this embodiment take precedence, and for descriptions that overlap with drawings other than Figs. 14 to 16, the descriptions of Figs. 14 to 16 take precedence.

[0265] <Notification means> Prior to describing various notifications, a description will now be given of notification means provided in the slot machine 100. Fig. 14(a) is a front view of the slot machine 100 in a state in which the setting key is turned from OFF to ON while the power is OFF.

[0266] <Notification means (display means)> The slot machine 100 is provided with a display means capable of displaying information as one of the notification means. Examples of the display means provided in the slot machine 100 include a liquid crystal display device (performance image display device) 157 shown in Fig. 14(a), a setting value display device 101a, a payout number display device 127, a reserved number display device 125, a game information display device 126, and the like described with reference to Fig. 1, and these display means are composed of a liquid crystal display device, an LED, a segment display device, and the like in this example.

[0267] <Notification Means (Sound Output Means)> The slot machine 100 includes a sound output means capable of outputting sound as one of the notification means. Examples of the sound output means included in the slot machine 100 include speakers 272 and 277 shown in FIG.

[0268] <Notification Means (Light Emitting Means)> The slot machine 100 is provided with a light emitting means capable of emitting (outputting) light as one of the notification means. Examples of the light emitting means provided in the slot machine 100 include the upper lamp 142, side lamp 144, and title panel (lamp) 162 shown in Fig. 14(a), as well as the performance button 190, stop buttons 137-139, start lever 135, and reel backlights (not shown) of the reels 110-112 described with reference to Fig. 1, and in this example, all of these light emitting means are formed of LEDs.

[0269] The effect button 190, the stop buttons (stop operation means) 137 to 139, and the start lever 135 also function as operation means that can be operated by the player. The present invention is also applicable to pachinko machines, and examples of the light-emitting means that pachinko machines are equipped with include frame lamps, effect buttons, and gadgets.

[0270] <Settings change / checking mode> Next, prior to describing various notifications, the setting change / setting confirmation mode will be described.

[0271] The gaming machine of this embodiment can transition to a state (setting change mode) in which the setting value can be changed (setting change) when the front door 102 (door body) is opened and a certain operation (turning from off to on) is performed using a setting key provided inside the main body 101 and the power is turned on (or when the setting key is turned from off to on before a predetermined time has elapsed after the power is turned on (before the control unit checks the on / off state of the setting key)).

[0272] Here, changing the setting means changing the setting value of the gaming machine. In this example, the setting value (any of settings 1 to 6) is displayed on the setting value display device 101a, and each time a press operation of the operating means (setting switch) is detected, the currently set setting value 1 to 6 is incremented by 1, and when the setting value exceeds 6, it returns to 1, and the setting value can be changed by repeating this process.

[0273] Furthermore, in the setting change mode, when a pressing operation is received using the operating means (in this example, start lever 135), the setting value is confirmed, and when a certain operation using the setting key is released (in this example, when the setting key is removed after an operation to change it from on to off is performed), the state in which the setting value can be changed (setting change mode) ends, and the game transitions to a normal game state in which normal play is possible. Note that "release of a certain operation" is not limited to "an operation of removing the setting key after performing an operation to change the setting key from on to off", but may also be "an operation to change the setting key from on to off".

[0274] It should be noted that if the operation means (start lever 135) is operated without pressing the operation means (setting switch), or if the operation means (start lever 135) is operated by repeatedly pressing the operation means (setting switch) so that the setting value goes through one cycle (for example, setting 5 → setting 6 → setting 1 → ... → setting 5), the setting will be the same as the previous setting.

[0275] The gaming machine of this embodiment can transition to a state (setting confirmation mode) in which the setting values ​​can be confirmed (setting confirmation) when the front door 102 (door body) is opened, the power is turned on, and then a certain operation (turning from off to on) is performed using a setting key provided inside the main body 101.

[0276] Here, setting confirmation means checking the setting value of the gaming machine. In this example, the setting value can be confirmed by pressing the operating means (setting switch) to display the initially set setting value (for example, setting 1) or the setting value set by changing the setting (any of settings 1 to 6) on the setting value display device 101a.

[0277] Furthermore, in the setting confirmation mode, when a certain operation using the setting key is released (in this example, the setting key is removed after the operation to change it from on to off) and the front door 102 is closed, the state in which the setting values ​​can be confirmed (setting confirmation mode) ends and the game moves to a normal game state in which normal game play is possible. Note that "release of a certain operation" is not limited to "the operation of removing the setting key after performing the operation to change the setting key from on to off" and may also be "the operation of changing the setting key from on to off".

[0278] In this specification, the setting change mode in which settings can be changed and the setting confirmation mode in which settings can be confirmed are sometimes collectively referred to as the setting change / setting confirmation mode, and the setting change / setting confirmation mode includes a setting change mode in which only settings can be changed, a setting confirmation mode in which only settings can be confirmed, and a mode in which both settings can be changed and confirmed.

[0279] <Various notifications> Next, various notifications that can be performed by the gaming machine according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs.

[0280] <Various notifications / First status, First notification> The notification means of the gaming machine in this embodiment is configured to execute a first notification in a first state in which operations related to setting changes (in this example, operation of the setting switch or operation of the start lever 135) can be accepted.

[0281] Here, the first state is a state in which a detection means (in this example, an open / close sensor) detects that a door (in this example, the front door 102) is open.

[0282] FIG. 14(b) is a front view showing an example in which the first notification is executed in the first state.

[0283] In this example, when a certain operation (turning from off to on) is performed using the setting key, the power is turned from off to on, and the state in which settings can be changed (setting change mode) is entered, resulting in a first state in which operations related to setting changes (in this example, operation of the setting switch or operation of the start lever 135) can be accepted (in this example, a state in which the front door 102 is open and the opening / closing sensor detects that the front door 102 is open), and a first alert is issued in this first state.

[0284] The notification mode of the first notification is not particularly limited, but in the first notification IF1 of this example, a first display notification IF1a is executed by displaying a message including the string "Settings changing" in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157, a first voice notification IF1b is executed by outputting a voice saying "Settings changing" from the speakers 272, 277, and a first light emission notification IF1c is executed by turning on all the upper lamps 142 and side lamps 144 to emit white light and turning on the title panel (lamp) 162 in white.

[0285] Also, since the state has shifted to one in which the setting can be changed, the setting value display device 101a displays a numerical value (1 in this example) indicating the current setting value (setting 1 in this example).

[0286] The notification mode of the first notification is not limited to this example, and may be one, more or all of the following: notification by a display means (liquid crystal display device), notification by a sound output means (speaker), and notification by a light emitting means (lamp), and in addition to (or instead of) these, notification by a movable body may also be performed.

[0287] Furthermore, the first notification is not limited to a notification suggesting that a setting change is being made, but may be, for example, a display suggesting that operations related to the setting change are possible (for example, a display including a string such as "Setting change operations are possible" or a display including a string such as "Setting switch operations are valid").

[0288] <Various notifications / Second state, second notification> The notification means of the gaming machine in this embodiment is configured to execute a second notification in a second state in which operations related to setting changes (in this example, operation of the setting switch or operation of the start lever 135) can be accepted.

[0289] Here, the second state is a state in which the detection means (in this example, an open / close sensor) detects that the door (in this example, the front door 102) is closed.

[0290] FIG. 14(c) is a front view showing an example in which the second notification is executed in the second state.

[0291] In this example, after a certain operation (turning from off to on) is performed using the setting key and the power is turned from off to on, transitioning to a state in which settings can be changed (setting change mode), the front door 102 is closed, resulting in a second state in which operations related to setting changes (in this example, operation of the setting switch or operation of the start lever 135) can be accepted (in this example, a state in which the front door 102 is closed and the opening / closing sensor detects that the front door 102 is closed), and a second alert is issued in this second state.

[0292] The notification mode of the second notification is not particularly limited, but in the second notification IF2 of this example, a second display notification IF2a is executed by displaying a message including the character string "Please make settings changes with the door open with the door key" in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157, a second voice notification IF2b is executed by outputting a voice saying "Please make settings changes with the door open with the door key" from the speakers 272, 277, and a second light emission notification IF2c is executed by turning on all the upper lamps 142 and side lamps 144 to emit white light and turning on the title panel (lamp) 162 in white.

[0293] In addition, after the state transitioned to one in which the setting could be changed, the setting value was changed from setting 1 to setting 2, and therefore the setting value display device 101a displays a numerical value (in this example, 2) indicating the current setting value (in this example, setting 2).

[0294] According to this example, the notification means executes a first notification in a first state in which an operation related to a setting change can be accepted (in this example, a state in which the front door 102 is open and the opening / closing sensor detects that the front door 102 is open), and executes a second notification different from the first notification in a second state in which an operation related to a setting change can be accepted (in this example, a state in which the front door 102 is closed and the opening / closing sensor detects that the front door 102 is closed).Therefore, based on the notification mode by the notification means, a store clerk at the gaming facility can understand the state of the gaming machine at the time of the setting change and can appropriately execute the setting change.

[0295] Moreover, the first state is a state in which the detection means (in this example, an open / close sensor) detects the open state of the door (in this example, the front door 102), and the second state is a state in which the detection means detects the closed state of the door, and since the notification differs depending on whether the door is open or closed, a staff member of the game establishment can appropriately change the settings. Also, since the notification differs depending on whether the door is open or closed while the game establishment is open, there are cases in which a staff member of the game establishment can notice a fraudulent act by a fraudster.

[0296] In addition, the second state is not limited to a state in which the front door 102 is in a closed state and the opening / closing sensor detects the closed state of the front door 102, but may also be a state in which the front door 102 is in an open state and the opening / closing sensor detects the closed state of the front door 102.

[0297] According to this example, in the second state (in this example, a state in which the opening / closing sensor detects that the front door 102 is closed), the door (in this example, the front door 102) may be closed or open, and even if the door is artificially closed by a fraudster while the amusement establishment is open, the second alert is issued, so that a staff member at the amusement establishment may become aware of the fraudulent activity of the fraudster.

[0298] Furthermore, the notification mode of the second notification is not limited to this example, and may be one, more than one, or all of the following: notification by a display means (liquid crystal display device), notification by a sound output means (speaker), and notification by a light emitting means (lamp), and in addition to (or instead of) these, notification by a movable body may also be performed.

[0299] Furthermore, the second notification is not limited to a notification that warns about the setting change, but may be, for example, a display suggesting that operations related to the setting change are not possible (for example, a display including the string "Setting change operations are not possible" or "Operation of the setting switch is invalid"), or a notification that encourages operations that allow the setting change (for example, a display including the string "Please close the door").

[0300] <Settings change operations> Next, a specific example of a setting change operation will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0301] Here, to explain the terms used in the figure, "power switch" is the "power switch" described using FIG. 2, "door state" indicates the state (closed or open) of the door (front door 102), and "door sensor" is the "open / close sensor (detection means)" described using FIG. 1.

[0302] In addition, the "setting key" is the "setting key" described using Figure 1, the "setting value display means" is the "setting value display device 101a" described using Figures 1 and 14, and the external centralized terminal board LED is the "external centralized terminal board LED" described using Figure 1.

[0303] Furthermore, the "liquid crystal display device" is the "liquid crystal display device 157 (display means)" described using FIG. 1, the title panel lamp is the title panel lamp 162 (light-emitting means) described using FIG. 14, the upper and side lamps are the upper lamp 142 (light-emitting means) and the side lamp 144 (light-emitting means) described using FIG. 14, and the speaker is the speakers 272, 277 (sound output means) described using FIG. 3 and FIG. 14.

[0304] <Example 1 of setting change operation> FIG. 15(a) is a diagram showing a first example of a setting change operation in time series.

[0305] <Example of setting change operation 1 / Power OFF, Door Closed> The state shown in FIG. 15(a)(1) is when the power switch is OFF (power OFF), the front door 102 is closed, and the setting key is OFF.

[0306] In this state, since no power is supplied to the slot machine 100, the setting value display means is not displayed, the external centralized terminal board LED, LCD display device, title panel lamp, and upper and side lamps are all turned off, and the speaker has stopped outputting sound.

[0307] <Example of setting change operation 1 / Power OFF, door closed → door open, setting key ON> The state shown in Figure 15(a)(2) is the state in which, in the state shown in Figure 15(a)(1) where the power is OFF, the door is closed, and the setting key is OFF, the front door 102 is opened, and the setting key inside the main body 101 is turned from OFF to ON.

[0308] In this state, the front door 102 changes from a closed state to an open state, and the setting key changes from OFF to ON, so that the power switch is OFF (power OFF), the front door 102 is in an open state, and the setting key changes to the ON state; however, since no power is supplied to the slot machine 100, the setting value display means is not displayed, the external centralized terminal board LED, LCD display device, title panel lamp, and upper and side lamps are all turned off, and the speaker stops outputting sound.

[0309] <Example 1 of setting change operation / Power OFF → Power ON, first notification> The state shown in FIG. 15(a)(3) is the state in which the power switch is turned from OFF to ON in the state shown in FIG. 15(a)(2) with the power OFF, the door open, and the setting key ON.

[0310] In this state, the power switch changes from ON to OFF, and as the power changes from OFF to ON, the door sensor detects the door being opened and changes to ON, the setting value display means displays a number indicating the current setting value (in this example, 1 indicating setting 1), and the external centralized terminal board LED lights up to indicate that a control signal (in this example, information indicating that the setting is being changed) is being output from the external centralized terminal board.

[0311] In addition, since the first state (in this example, a state in which the front door 102 is open and the opening / closing sensor has detected that the front door 102 is open) has been reached in which operations related to setting changes (in this example, operation of the setting switch or operation of the start lever 135) can be accepted, a first notification is executed in this first state.

[0312] Specifically, similar to the first notification IF1 described using Figure 14 (b), the first display notification IF1a is executed by displaying a message including the string "Settings are being changed" in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157, the first voice notification IF1b is executed by outputting a voice saying "Settings are being changed" from the speakers 272, 277, and the first light emission notification IF1c is executed by turning on all the upper lamps 142 and side lamps 144 to emit white light and turning on the title panel (lamp) 162 in white.

[0313] <Example of setting change operation 1 / Door open, first alarm → Door close, second alarm> The state shown in FIG. 15(a)(4) is a state in which the front door 102 is closed in the state shown in FIG. 15(a)(3) where the door is open, the setting key is ON, and the first notification is being executed.

[0314] In this state, since the front door 102 has changed from an open state to a closed state, the door sensor detects the door closure and changes from ON to OFF, but the setting value display means continues to display and the external centralized terminal board LED continues to light up.

[0315] In addition, since the state has changed from a first state (in this example, a state in which the front door 102 is open and the opening / closing sensor has detected the open state of the front door 102) in which operations related to setting changes (in this example, operation of the setting switch or operation of the start lever 135) can be accepted to a second state (in this example, a state in which the front door 102 is closed and the opening / closing sensor has detected the closed state of the front door 102), a second alert is executed in the second state.

[0316] Specifically, in this example, similar to the second notification IF2 described using Figure 14 (c), the second display notification IF2a is executed by displaying a message including the string "Please make settings changes with the door open with the door key" in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157, and the second voice notification IF2b is executed by outputting a voice saying "Please make settings changes with the door open with the door key" from the speakers 272, 277. The second light emission notification IF2c is executed by turning on all the upper lamps 142 and side lamps 144 to emit white light and turning on the title panel (lamp) 162 in white.

[0317] <Example of setting change operation 1 / Door closed, second alarm → Door open, first alarm> The state shown in FIG. 15(a)(5) is a state in which the front door 102 is open in the state shown in FIG. 15(a)(4) where the door is closed, the setting key is ON, and the second notification is being executed.

[0318] In this state, the front door 102 changes from a closed state to an open state, and the state changes from a second state (in this example, a state in which the front door 102 is closed and the opening / closing sensor has detected the closed state of the front door 102) in which operations related to setting changes (in this example, operation of the setting switch or operation of the start lever 135) can be accepted to a first state (in this example, a state in which the front door 102 is open and the opening / closing sensor has detected the open state of the front door 102), and therefore a first alert is executed in the first state.

[0319] Specifically, similar to the first notification IF1 described using Figure 14 (b), the first display notification IF1a is executed by displaying a message including the string "Settings are being changed" in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157, the first voice notification IF1b is executed by outputting a voice saying "Settings are being changed" from the speakers 272, 277, and the first light emission notification IF1c is executed by turning on all the upper lamps 142 and side lamps 144 to emit white light and turning on the title panel (lamp) 162 in white.

[0320] <Example 1 of setting change operation / Setting change operation while door is open and first alarm is being issued> The state shown in FIG. 15(a)(6) is a state in which a setting change operation is performed in the state shown in FIG. 15(a)(5) with the door open, the setting key ON, and the first alarm being issued.

[0321] In this state, since an operation (setting change operation) of the first operating means (in this example, the setting switch) is performed in the first state (in this example, a state in which the front door 102 is open and the opening / closing sensor detects that the front door 102 is open) in which operations related to setting changes (in this example, operation of the setting switch or operation of the start lever 135) can be accepted, the first notification is continued, and the setting value is changed from setting 1 to setting 2, and a numerical value indicating the changed setting value (in this example, 2 indicating setting 2) is displayed on the setting value display means.

[0322] <Example 1 of setting change operation / Door open, setting key ON, lever operation during first alarm> The state shown in FIG. 15(a)(7) is the state in which the start lever 135 is pressed after the setting change operation shown in FIG. 15(a)(6).

[0323] In this state, since an operation of the first operating means (in this example, an operation to confirm the setting value using start lever 135) has been performed in a first state (in this example, a state in which the front door 102 is open and the opening / closing sensor has detected that the front door 102 is open) in which an operation related to a setting change (in this example, operation of the setting switch or operation of start lever 135) can be accepted, the first notification is continued, and the setting value is confirmed to setting 2, and a numerical value (in this example, 0) indicating that the setting value has been confirmed is displayed on the setting value display means.

[0324] <Example 1 of setting change operation / Door open, setting key ON, setting key OFF during first alarm> The state shown in FIG. 15(a)(8) is the state in which the setting key is turned from ON to OFF after the lever operation shown in FIG. 15(a)(7).

[0325] In this state, the setting key has changed from ON to OFF (a certain operation using the setting key has been released), so the first state (in this example, a state in which the front door 102 is open and the opening / closing sensor has detected that the front door 102 is open) in which operations related to setting changes (in this example, operation of the setting switch or operation of the start lever 135) can be accepted is ended, and the game transitions to a normal game state in which normal play is possible, the first notification is ended, and a notification of the completion of the setting change and a demo performance are started.

[0326] Specifically, the speaker 272, 277 outputs a voice message saying "Settings have been changed" to notify that the setting change mode has ended, a demo animation is displayed in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157, the upper lamp 142 and the side lamp 144 are lit in a demo pattern corresponding to the demo performance, and the title panel (lamp) 162 is lit in white.

[0327] <Example of setting change operation 1 / Door open, setting key OFF → setting key ON> The state shown in FIG. 15(a)(9) is the state where the setting key is turned ON in the setting key OFF state shown in FIG. 15(a)(8).

[0328] In this state, since the setting key has changed from OFF to ON while the power is ON (a certain operation has been performed using the setting key), the state becomes a third state (in this example, a state in which the front door 102 is open and the opening / closing sensor has detected that the front door 102 is open) in which operations related to setting confirmation (in this example, operation of the setting switch or operation of the start lever 135) can be accepted, and a setting confirmation notification is executed in the first state.

[0329] Specifically, a setting confirmation notification display indicating that the settings can be checked is executed by displaying a message including the string "Checking settings" in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157, a setting confirmation audio notification indicating that the settings can be checked is executed by outputting a voice saying "Checking settings" from speakers 272, 277, and a setting confirmation light notification indicating that the settings can be checked is executed by turning on all upper lamps 142 and side lamps 144 to emit blue light and turning on title panel (lamp) 162 in blue.

[0330] <Example 2 of setting change operation> Fig. 15(b) is a timeline of Example 2 of the setting change operation. Note that Fig. 15(b)(1) to Fig. 15(b)(3), Fig. 15(b)(8), and Fig. 15(b)(9) are in the same state as Fig. 15(a)(1) to Fig. 15(a)(3), Fig. 15(a)(8), and Fig. 15(a)(9), so their explanation will be omitted.

[0331] <Example 2 of setting change operation / Door open, setting key ON, setting change operation during first alarm> The state shown in FIG. 15(b)(4) is a state in which a setting change operation is performed in the state shown in FIG. 15(b)(3) with the door open, the setting key ON, and the first notification being issued.

[0332] In this state, since an operation (setting change operation) of the first operating means (in this example, the setting switch) is performed in the first state (in this example, a state in which the front door 102 is open and the opening / closing sensor detects that the front door 102 is open) in which operations related to setting changes (in this example, operation of the setting switch or operation of the start lever 135) can be accepted, the first notification is continued, and the setting value is changed from setting 1 to setting 2, and a numerical value indicating the changed setting value (in this example, 2 indicating setting 2) is displayed on the setting value display means.

[0333] <Example 2 of setting change operation / Door open, first alarm → Door close, second alarm> The state shown in FIG. 15(b)(5) is a state in which the front door 102 is closed in the state shown in FIG. 15(b)(4) with the door open and the setting key ON.

[0334] In this state, since the front door 102 has changed from an open state to a closed state, the door sensor detects the door closure and changes from ON to OFF, but the setting value display means continues to display and the external centralized terminal board LED continues to light up.

[0335] In addition, since the state has changed from a first state (in this example, a state in which the front door 102 is open and the opening / closing sensor has detected the open state of the front door 102) in which operations related to setting changes (in this example, operation of the setting switch or operation of the start lever 135) can be accepted to a second state (in this example, a state in which the front door 102 is closed and the opening / closing sensor has detected the closed state of the front door 102), a second alert is executed in the second state.

[0336] Specifically, in this example, similar to the second notification IF2 described using Figure 14 (c), the second display notification IF2a is executed by displaying a message including the string "Please make settings changes with the door open with the door key" in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157, and the second voice notification IF2b is executed by outputting a voice saying "Please make settings changes with the door open with the door key" from the speakers 272, 277. The second light emission notification IF2c is executed by turning on all the upper lamps 142 and side lamps 144 to emit white light and turning on the title panel (lamp) 162 in white.

[0337] <Example 2 of setting change operation / Door closed, setting key ON, lever operation during second alarm> The state shown in FIG. 15(b)(6) is a state in which the start lever 135 is pressed down while the door is closed, the setting key is ON, and the second notification is being given as shown in FIG. 15(b)(5).

[0338] In this state, since an operation of the first operating means (in this example, an operation to confirm the setting value using start lever 135) has been performed in a second state (in this example, a state in which the front door 102 is closed and the opening / closing sensor has detected that the front door 102 is closed) in which an operation related to a setting change (in this example, operation of the setting switch or operation of start lever 135) can be accepted, the second notification is continued, and the setting value is confirmed to setting 2, and a numerical value (in this example, 0) indicating that the setting value has been confirmed is displayed on the setting value display means.

[0339] In this example, when an operation of the first operating means (in this example, an operation to confirm the set value using start lever 135) is performed in a first state (in this example, a state in which the opening / closing sensor detects that the front door 102 is open), the operation is accepted, and when an operation of the first operating means (in this example, an operation to confirm the set value using start lever 135) is performed in a second state (in this example, a state in which the opening / closing sensor detects that the front door 102 is closed), the operation is accepted.

[0340] According to this example, operation by the first operating means is accepted in either the first state or the second state, thereby improving convenience for staff at the gaming establishment.

[0341] In addition, in this example, a first notification (in this example, first notification IF1 shown in Figure 14(b)) is executed before and after the operation of the first operating means is executed in the first state (in this example, the state in which the opening / closing sensor detects the open state of the front door 102), and a second notification (in this example, second notification IF2 shown in Figure 14(c)) is executed before and after the operation of the first operating means is executed in the first state.

[0342] According to this example, the same notification is given before and after the operation of the first operating means is performed, so that the gaming store staff can grasp the state of the gaming machine and appropriately change the settings.

[0343] <Example 2 of setting change operation / Door closed, second alarm → Door open, first alarm> The state shown in FIG. 15(b)(7) is the state in which the front door 102 is opened after the lever operation shown in FIG. 15(b)(6).

[0344] In this state, the front door 102 changes from a closed state to an open state, and the state changes from a second state (in this example, a state in which the front door 102 is closed and the opening / closing sensor has detected the closed state of the front door 102) in which operations related to setting changes (in this example, operation of the setting switch or operation of the start lever 135) can be accepted to a first state (in this example, a state in which the front door 102 is open and the opening / closing sensor has detected the open state of the front door 102), and therefore a first alert is executed in the first state.

[0345] Specifically, similar to the first notification IF1 described using Figure 14 (b), the first display notification IF1a is executed by displaying a message including the string "Settings are being changed" in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157, the first voice notification IF1b is executed by outputting a voice saying "Settings are being changed" from the speakers 272, 277, and the first light emission notification IF1c is executed by turning on all the upper lamps 142 and side lamps 144 to emit white light and turning on the title panel (lamp) 162 in white.

[0346] <Example 3 of setting change operation> Fig. 16(a) is a diagram showing a time series of Example 3 of the setting change operation. Note that Fig. 16(a)(3), Fig. 16(a)(10) to Fig. 16(a)(11) are in the same state as Fig. 15(b)(3), Fig. 15(b)(8) to Fig. 15(b)(9), and so their explanation will be omitted.

[0347] <Example 3 of setting change operation / Door open, door sensor ON → Door sensor OFF, second alarm> The state shown in FIG. 16(a)(4) is a state in which, in the state shown in FIG. 16(a)(3) where the door is open and the setting key is ON, the door sensor is forcibly turned OFF with the front door 102 left open.

[0348] In this state, when the front door 102 is in the open state, a light-blocking piece of a certain length is inserted between the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of the door sensor of the main body 101 and fixed with tape or the like to block the light from the light-emitting part of the door sensor of the main body 101. As a result, even if the front door 102 is in the open state, the detection state of the door sensor is forcibly changed to a closed detection state (pseudo-closed door), so that the door sensor detects that the door is closed and changes from ON to OFF, but the setting value display means continues to display and the external centralized terminal board LED continues to light up.

[0349] In addition, since the state has changed from a first state (in this example, a state in which the front door 102 is open and the opening / closing sensor has detected that the front door 102 is open) in which operations related to setting changes (in this example, operation of the setting switch or operation of the start lever 135) can be accepted to a second state (in this example, a state in which the front door 102 is open and the opening / closing sensor has detected that the front door 102 is closed), a second notification is executed in the second state.

[0350] Specifically, in this example, similar to the second notification IF2 described using Figure 14 (c), the second display notification IF2a is executed by displaying a message including the string "Please make settings changes with the door open with the door key" in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157, and the second voice notification IF2b is executed by outputting a voice saying "Please make settings changes with the door open with the door key" from the speakers 272, 277. The second light emission notification IF2c is executed by turning on all the upper lamps 142 and side lamps 144 to emit white light and turning on the title panel (lamp) 162 in white.

[0351] <Example 3 of setting change operation / Door pseudo-closing, setting change operation during second alarm> The state shown in FIG. 16(a)(5) is a state in which a setting change operation is performed during the door pseudo-close and second notification shown in FIG. 16(a)(4).

[0352] In this state, since an operation (setting change operation) of the first operating means (in this example, the setting switch) is performed in a second state (in this example, a state in which the front door 102 is open and the opening / closing sensor detects that the front door 102 is closed) in which operations related to setting changes (in this example, operation of the setting switch or operation of the start lever 135) can be accepted, the second notification is continued while the setting value is changed from setting 1 to setting 2, and a numerical value indicating the changed setting value (in this example, 2 indicating setting 2) is displayed on the setting value display means.

[0353] <Example 3 of setting change operation / Door pseudo-close, lever operation during second alarm> The state shown in FIG. 16(a)(6) is the state in which the start lever 135 is pressed after the setting change operation shown in FIG. 16(a)(5).

[0354] In this state, since an operation (operation to confirm the setting change) of the first operating means (in this example, start lever 135) is performed in a second state (in this example, a state in which the front door 102 is open and the opening / closing sensor detects that the front door 102 is closed) in which an operation related to a setting change (in this example, operation of the setting switch or operation of the start lever 135) can be accepted, the second notification is continued, and the setting value is confirmed to setting 2, and a numerical value (in this example, 0) indicating that the setting value has been confirmed is displayed on the setting value display means.

[0355] <Example 3 of setting change operation / Door pseudo-close, setting key OFF during second alarm> The state shown in FIG. 16(a)(7) is the state in which the setting key is turned from ON to OFF after the lever operation shown in FIG. 16(a)(6).

[0356] In this state, in the second state (in this example, the front door 102 is open and the opening / closing sensor detects that the front door 102 is closed), an operation of the first operating means (in this example, the start lever 135) (an operation to confirm the setting change) is performed, and then an operation of the second operating means (in this example, an operation to turn the setting key from ON to OFF) is performed, so the operation of the second operating means is not accepted, and the setting change mode is maintained while the second notification continues (the setting change mode cannot be terminated).

[0357] In this example, when an operation of the first operating means (in this example, an operation to confirm the setting value using the start lever 135) is performed in a first state (in this example, a state where the opening / closing sensor detects the open state of the front door 102) and then an operation of the second operating means (in this example, an operation to turn the setting key from ON to OFF) is performed, the operation of the second operating means is accepted, whereas when an operation of the first operating means (in this example, an operation to confirm the setting value using the start lever 135) is performed in a second state (in this example, a state where the opening / closing sensor detects the closed state of the front door 102) and then an operation of the second operating means (in this example, an operation to turn the setting key from ON to OFF) is performed, the operation of the second operating means is not accepted.

[0358] According to this example, since operation of the second operating means is not accepted in the second state, the amusement facility staff can understand that operation of the second operating means is not accepted in the second state, and can also understand the current state based on whether or not operation of the second operating means is accepted.

[0359] In addition, the notification means may continue to execute the second notification even if the second operation means is operated (the setting key is turned from ON to OFF) during execution of the second notification. According to this example, even if a fraudster operates the setting key while the gaming establishment is open, the second notification is executed, so that a staff member of the gaming establishment may be able to notice the fraudster's fraudulent behavior.

[0360] Furthermore, the notification means may continue to execute the second notification even if the second operating means is operated (the setting key is removed) during execution of the second notification. According to this example, even if the setting key is removed by a fraudster while the gaming establishment is open, the second notification is executed, so that a staff member of the gaming establishment may be able to notice the fraudulent act of the fraudster.

[0361] <Example 3 of setting change operation / Door pseudo-close, setting key OFF → setting key ON during second alarm> The state shown in FIG. 16(a)(8) is the state where the setting key is turned ON in the OFF state shown in FIG. 16(a)(7).

[0362] In this state, in the second state (in this example, the front door 102 is open and the opening / closing sensor detects the front door 102 being closed), an operation of the first operating means (in this example, the start lever 135) (an operation to confirm the setting change) is performed, and then an operation of the second operating means (in this example, an operation to turn the setting key from OFF to ON) is performed, so that the operation of the second operating means is not accepted, and the setting change mode is maintained while the second notification continues.

[0363] <Example 3 of setting change operation / Door pseudo-close, second alarm → Door open, first alarm> The state shown in FIG. 16(a)(9) is a state in which the front door 102 is open during the door pseudo-close and second notification shown in FIG. 16(a)(8).

[0364] In this state, the front door 102 changes from a closed state to an open state, and the state changes from a second state (in this example, a state in which the front door 102 is in an open state and the opening / closing sensor has detected the closed state of the front door 102) in which operations related to setting changes (in this example, operation of the setting switch or operation of the start lever 135) can be accepted to a first state (in this example, a state in which the front door 102 is in an open state and the opening / closing sensor has detected the open state of the front door 102), and therefore a first alert is executed in the first state.

[0365] Specifically, similar to the first notification IF1 described using Figure 14 (b), the first display notification IF1a is executed by displaying a message including the string "Settings are being changed" in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157, the first voice notification IF1b is executed by outputting a voice saying "Settings are being changed" from the speakers 272, 277, and the first light emission notification IF1c is executed by turning on all the upper lamps 142 and side lamps 144 to emit white light and turning on the title panel (lamp) 162 in white.

[0366] <Example 4 of setting change operation> Fig. 16(b) is a diagram showing a time series of setting change operation example 4. Note that Fig. 16(b)(1) to Fig. 16(b)(7) are the same as Fig. 15(a)(1) to Fig. 15(a)(7), so their explanation will be omitted.

[0367] <Example 4 of setting change operation / Error occurs> The state shown in FIG. 16(b)(0) is a state in which an error (first error) has occurred.

[0368] In this state, since an error has occurred with the power on, the door open, and the setting key off, an error notification is issued to indicate that an error has occurred.

[0369] Specifically, an error display (in this example, a display including the string "A first error has occurred") is displayed in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157, an error sound (in this example, a sound saying "A first error has occurred") is output from speakers 272, 277 indicating that a first error has occurred, the upper lamp 142 and the side lamp 144 are lit in an error notification mode (in this example, flashing red) indicating that a first error has occurred, and an error code is displayed on the number of coins dispensed display 127, thereby executing the error notification.

[0370] Here, examples of errors (first errors) that may occur in the slot machine 100 include medal insertion abnormalities 1 to 4, medal payout abnormalities 1 to 3, overflow abnormality, RAM failure, winning abnormality, and the like.

[0371] Medal insertion error 1 occurs when an inserted medal gets stuck, and the corresponding error code is, for example, E1. Medal insertion error 1 is resolved when the cause of the error is removed and the error release switch (setting switch in this example) is operated. Medal insertion error 2 occurs when the number of medals inserted is equal to or exceeds a specified number, and the corresponding error code is, for example, E2. Medal insertion error 2 is resolved by changing the setting value or clearing the RAM (or clearing the RAM, clearing the RWM, or initializing the RWM).

[0372] Medal insertion error 3 occurs when either insertion sensor 1 or insertion sensor 2 turns on except when the medal insertion process is in progress, and the corresponding error code is, for example, E3. Medal insertion error 4 occurs when the inserted medal does not pass through insertion sensor 1 and insertion sensor 2 normally, and the corresponding error code is, for example, EA. Medal insertion error 3 and medal insertion error 4 are resolved when the cause of the error is removed and operation of the error release switch (setting switch in this example) is accepted.

[0373] Medal payout error 1 occurs when no medals are paid out for a certain period of time while the medal payout device is in operation, and the corresponding error code is, for example, E4. Medal payout error 2 occurs when medals are stuck when the medal payout device is in operation, and the corresponding error code is, for example, E5. Medal payout error 3 occurs when either payout sensor 1 or payout sensor 2 turns on except when a medal payout process is in progress, and the corresponding error code is, for example, E5. All of medal payout errors 1 to 3 are resolved when the cause of the error is removed and operation of the error release switch (the setting switch in this example) is accepted.

[0374] An overflow abnormality occurs when the overflow terminal of the auxiliary medal storage becomes ON, and the corresponding error code is, for example, E7. The overflow abnormality is resolved when the operation of the error reset switch (the setting switch in this example) is accepted after the cause of the error is removed. A RAM failure occurs when an abnormality is detected by checking the RAM 308, and the corresponding error code is, for example, E8. The RAM failure is resolved when the operation of the error reset switch (the setting key in this example) is accepted. A winning abnormality occurs when a winning symbol different from the winning symbol determined by the internal lottery is won after the reels 110 to 112 have stopped, and the corresponding error code is, for example, E9. The winning abnormality is resolved when the operation of the error reset switch (the setting switch in this example) is accepted.

[0375] The gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to the slot machine 100, but can also be applied to a pachinko machine. Examples of errors (first errors) that may occur in a pachinko machine include a lower tray full error, a payout device error, an overpayout error, an illegal payout error, a main control unit communication error, a magnetic anomaly error, a magnetic field anomaly error, a frame open error, a RAM clear error, and an impact sensor error. These errors are also cleared when the operation of the error release switch is accepted after the cause of the error is removed.

[0376] <Example 4 of setting change operation / Error occurs, setting key ON, setting key OFF during first alarm> The state shown in FIG. 16(b)(8) is the state in which the setting key is turned from ON to OFF after the lever operation shown in FIG. 16(b)(7).

[0377] In this state, since the setting key has changed from ON to OFF (a certain operation using the setting key has been released), the first state (in this example, a state in which the front door 102 is open and the opening / closing sensor has detected that the front door 102 is open) in which operations related to setting changes (in this example, operation of the setting switch or operation of the start lever 135) can be accepted is ended, and the game transitions to a normal game state in which normal play is possible, the first notification is ended, and the error notification that was suspended in the setting change mode is resumed.

[0378] Specifically, an error display (in this example, a display including the string "A first error has occurred") is displayed in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157, an error sound (in this example, a sound saying "A first error has occurred") is output from speakers 272, 277 indicating that a first error has occurred, the upper lamp 142 and the side lamp 144 are lit in an error notification mode (in this example, flashing red) indicating that a first error has occurred, and an error code is displayed on the number of coins dispensed display 127, thereby executing the error notification.

[0379] <Example 4 of setting change operation / Error occurs, setting key OFF → Error resolved> The state shown in FIG. 16(b)(9) is the state in which, when the error shown in FIG. 16(b)(8) occurs and the setting key is OFF, the error is eliminated and the reset switch is turned ON.

[0380] In this state, the error is resolved and the reset SW has changed from OFF to ON, so that the first state (in this example, a state in which the front door 102 is open and the opening / closing sensor detects that the front door 102 is open) in which operations related to setting changes (in this example, operation of the setting switch or operation of the start lever 135) can be accepted is ended, and the machine transitions to a normal game state in which normal play is possible. The error notification is ended, and a notification of the completion of the setting change and a demo performance are started.

[0381] Specifically, the speaker 272, 277 outputs a voice message saying "Settings have been changed" to notify that the setting change mode has ended, a demo animation is displayed in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display device 157, the upper lamp 142 and the side lamp 144 are lit in a demo pattern, and the title panel (lamp) 162 is lit in white.

[0382] As described above, the gaming machine according to this embodiment (for example, the slot machine shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming machine equipped with a notification means (for example, the liquid crystal display device 157 shown in FIG. 1, the speakers 272 and 277 shown in FIG. 3, and various lamps), and the notification means issues a first notification (for example, a warning light (not shown in FIG. 14(b)) in a first state (for example, a state in which the front door 102 is open and the opening / closing sensor detects that the front door 102 is open) in which an operation related to a setting change (for example, an operation of the setting switch or an operation of the start lever 135) can be accepted. The gaming machine may be characterized in that the notification means is a means for executing a first notification IF1 shown in FIG. 14(c) in a second state in which an operation related to a setting change can be accepted (for example, a state in which the front door 102 is closed and the opening / closing sensor has detected the closed state of the front door 102, or a state in which the front door 102 is open and the opening / closing sensor has detected the closed state of the front door 102), and the second notification is different from the first notification.

[0383] According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, the gaming facility staff can understand the state of the gaming machine at the time of the setting change based on the notification mode of the notification means, and can appropriately execute the setting change.

[0384] Also, a first operating means (e.g., start lever 135) may be provided, and when an operation of the first operating means (e.g., an operation to confirm a set value using start lever 135) is executed in the first state, the operation is accepted, and when an operation of the first operating means is executed in the second state, the operation is accepted.

[0385] With this configuration, operation by the first operating means is accepted in either the first state or the second state, thereby improving convenience for staff at the gaming facility.

[0386] Also, the device may be provided with a second operating means (e.g., a setting key), and when the first operating means (e.g., an operation to confirm a setting value using start lever 135) is operated in the first state and then the second operating means (e.g., an operation to turn the setting key from ON to OFF) is performed, the operation of the second operating means is accepted, and when the second operating means is operated in the second state and then the operation of the first operating means is performed, the operation of the second operating means is not accepted.

[0387] With this configuration, operation of the second operating means is not accepted in the second state, so that the arcade staff can understand that operation of the second operating means is not accepted in the second state, and can also understand the current state based on whether or not operation of the second operating means is accepted.

[0388] In addition, the notification means may be a means for executing the first notification before and after an operation of the first operating means (for example, an operation to confirm a set value using start lever 135) is performed in the first state, and the notification means may be a means for executing the second notification before and after an operation of the first operating means is performed in the first state.

[0389] With this configuration, the same notification is given before and after the operation of the first operating means is performed, allowing game store staff to grasp the state of the gaming machine and appropriately change the settings.

[0390] The device may also be provided with a detection means (e.g., an open / close sensor) for detecting the open / closed state of a door (e.g., the front door 102), and the first state may be a state in which the detection means detects that the door is open, and the second state may be a state in which the detection means detects that the door is closed.

[0391] With this configuration, since the notification differs depending on whether the door is open or closed, the staff of the game establishment can appropriately change the settings. Also, since the notification differs depending on whether the door is open or closed while the game establishment is open, the staff of the game establishment may be able to notice the fraudulent behavior of a fraudster.

[0392] In addition, in the second state, the door may be closed in some cases, and in the second state, the door may be open in some cases.

[0393] With this configuration, even if the door is artificially closed by an unauthorized person while the gaming establishment is open, the second notification is made, so that a staff member of the gaming establishment may become aware of the unauthorized person's illegal activity.

[0394] Furthermore, the first notification is not limited to a notification suggesting that a setting change is being made, but may be, for example, a display suggesting that operations related to the setting change are possible (for example, a display including a string such as "Setting change operations are possible" or a display including a string such as "Setting switch operations are valid").

[0395] In addition, the first notification may be, in addition to (or instead of) a notification indicating that the settings are being changed, a notification indicating that the opening / closing sensor is detecting that the door is open (for example, a display including a string such as "Door is open", a voice output such as "Door is open", flashing of various lamps, etc.).

[0396] Furthermore, the second notification is not limited to a notification that warns about the setting change, but may be, for example, a display suggesting that operations related to the setting change are not possible (for example, a display including the string "Setting change operations are not possible" or "Operation of the setting switch is invalid"), or a notification that encourages operations that allow the setting change (for example, a display including the string "Please close the door").

[0397] In addition to (or instead of) an alert to warn about the setting change, the second alert may be an alert indicating that the opening / closing sensor has detected the door is closed (for example, a display including strings such as "Door is closed" or "Door is pseudo-closed", an audio output such as "Door is closed" or "Door is pseudo-closed", flashing of various lamps, etc.).

[0398] Furthermore, the first operating means is not limited to the start lever 135 or a setting switch, but may be other operating means such as a performance button, and the second operating means is not limited to the setting key, but may be other operating means such as a reset SW.

[0399] Furthermore, even if an error (e.g., medal insertion abnormalities 1 to 4, medal payout abnormalities 1 to 3, overflow abnormality, RAM failure, winning abnormality, etc.) occurs in the gaming machine, the notification means may execute the first notification (e.g., first notification IF1 shown in Figure 14(b)) without executing an error notification in a first state (e.g., a state in which the front door 102 is open and the opening / closing sensor detects the open state of the front door 102) in which operations related to setting changes (e.g., operation of a setting switch or operation of the start lever 135) can be accepted.

[0400] With this configuration, the first notification can be given priority over the error notification, thereby improving convenience for the staff of the gaming establishment.

[0401] Furthermore, even if a certain error (e.g., medal insertion abnormalities 1 to 4, medal payout abnormalities 1 to 3, overflow abnormality, RAM failure, winning abnormality, etc.) occurs in the gaming machine, the notification means may execute the second notification (e.g., second notification IF2 shown in Figure 14(c)) in a second state in which an operation related to a setting change can be accepted (e.g., a state in which the front door 102 is closed and the opening / closing sensor has detected the closed state of the front door 102, or a state in which the front door 102 is open and the opening / closing sensor has detected the closed state of the front door 102).

[0402] With this configuration, the first notification can be given priority over the error notification, thereby improving convenience for the staff of the gaming establishment.

[0403] In addition, when a certain error occurs, the state transitions to the first state (for example, a state in which the front door 102 is open and the opening / closing sensor detects the open state of the front door 102) or the second state (for example, a state in which the front door 102 is closed and the opening / closing sensor detects the closed state of the front door 102, or a state in which the front door 102 is open and the opening / closing sensor detects the closed state of the front door 102), and then, when the first state or the second state ends and the certain error continues, the notification means may execute an error notification indicating that the certain error has occurred (for example, an error display indicating that a certain error has occurred, outputting an error sound indicating that a certain error has occurred, or lighting a lamp in an error notification mode indicating that a certain error has occurred) instead of the first notification or the second notification.

[0404] With this configuration, it is possible to reliably deal with errors after a setting change operation is performed.

[0405] <<Other embodiments>> Hereinafter, a gaming machine to which the present invention can be applied (for example, a reel gaming machine such as a slot machine 100, or a pinball gaming machine such as a pachinko machine) will be described in detail with reference to Figures 17 to 32. Note that the reference numerals shown in Figures 17 to 32 are used in principle only in the description using Figures 17 to 32, and even if the same reference numerals are shown in other drawings, the reference numerals shown in Figures 17 to 32 take precedence in the description using Figures 17 to 32.

[0406] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the appearance of the slot machine 100 as seen from the front side (player side).

[0407] The slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 17 is a gaming machine in which a predetermined number of gaming media are inserted, and multiple reels each having multiple types of symbols start to rotate when a predetermined rotation start instruction operation is received, and whether or not multiple types of internal winning combinations have been won is determined by lottery based on the reception of the rotation start instruction operation, and each of the multiple reels stops rotating individually when a predetermined rotation stop instruction operation is received, and if the conditions determined by the combination of symbols when the multiple reels stop based on the result of the lottery match a predetermined payout condition, the gaming media is paid out and the game ends, and if they do not match, the game ends without paying out the gaming media. The payout of the gaming media may be called a profit. Also, something that makes it easier to obtain this profit may be called a privilege.

[0408] This slot machine 100 includes a main body 101 and a front door 102 that is attached to the front of the main body 101 and can be opened and closed relative to the main body 101. The front door 102 is a door member that is rotatably attached to the main body 101. The front door 102 is provided with a locking function so that the front door 102 cannot be opened by anyone other than a staff member of the gaming establishment.

[0409] Three reels (left reel 110, center reel 111, right reel 112) with multiple types of symbols arranged on the outer periphery are housed inside the center of main body 101 (not shown), and are configured to rotate inside slot machine 100. These reels 110 to 112 are rotated by a driving device such as a stepping motor.

[0410] An appropriate number of each symbol are printed at equal intervals on a belt-shaped member, and this belt-shaped member is attached to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame material to form each reel 110 to 112. When viewed by a player, the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are displayed vertically in roughly three rows through a symbol display window 113, making a total of nine symbols visible.

[0411] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a line.

[0412] To explain this in more detail using FIG. 18, the symbol displayed on the top row of the left reel 110 (position 1 in the figure) is the left reel top row symbol, the symbol displayed on the middle row of the left reel 110 (position 4 in the figure) is the left reel middle row symbol, the symbol displayed on the bottom row of the left reel 110 (position 7 in the figure) is the left reel bottom row symbol, the symbol displayed on the top row of the center reel 111 (position 2 in the figure) is the center reel top row symbol, the symbol displayed on the middle row of the left reel 111 (position 5 in the figure) is the center reel middle row symbol, The symbols displayed in the lower row (position 8 in the figure) are called the middle reel lower row symbols, the symbols displayed in the upper row of the right reel 112 (position 3 in the figure) are called the right reel upper row symbols, the symbols displayed in the middle row of the right reel 112 (position 6 in the figure) are called the right reel middle row symbols, and the symbols displayed in the lower row of the right reel 112 (position 9 in the figure) are called the right reel lower row symbols, and each of the symbols on each of the reels 110 to 112 is displayed three vertically on each of the reels 110 to 112 through the symbol display window 113, for a total of nine symbols. Then, by rotating each of the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols that the player can see changes. In other words, each of the reels 110 to 112 functions as a display device that variably displays a combination of multiple types of symbols. In addition to reels, electronic image display devices such as liquid crystal display devices can also be used as such display devices. In addition, the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 17 has three reels located inside and at the center of the slot machine 100, but the number of reels and the installation positions of the reels are not limited to this.

[0413] A backlight (not shown) is disposed on the back of each of the reels 110 to 112 to illuminate each symbol displayed in the symbol display window 113. The backlight is configured so that each symbol is shielded so that each symbol can be evenly illuminated. An optical sensor (not shown) consisting of a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section is provided near each of the reels 110 to 112 inside the slot machine 100, and a light-shielding piece (not shown) of a certain length provided on the reel passes between the light-emitting section and the light-receiving section of this optical sensor (index sensor 730 shown in FIG. 20). The position of the symbols on the reels is determined based on the detection result of this sensor, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that the target symbol is displayed on the pay line.

[0414] The active line indicator lamp 120 is a lamp that indicates the active line 114. An active line is a line (a line for which a winning judgment is made) for judging whether or not a symbol combination corresponding to a winning role described later in FIG. 17 is displayed, and a winning role is judged when a symbol corresponding to an internal winning role stops on this active line. Here, the line is an area of ​​one symbol for each of the reels 110 to 112 within the display window 113. Note that a line other than the active line for which a winning judgment is not made is called an inactive line.

[0415] In FIG. 18, five lines are shown: a middle line L1 consisting of a left reel middle pattern, a middle reel middle pattern, and a right reel middle pattern; a right-downward line L2 consisting of a left reel upper pattern, a middle reel middle pattern, and a right reel lower pattern; a right-upward line L3 consisting of a left reel lower pattern, a middle reel middle pattern, and a right reel upper pattern; an upper line L4 consisting of a left reel upper pattern, a middle reel upper pattern, and a right reel upper pattern; and a lower line L5 consisting of a left reel lower pattern, a middle reel lower pattern, and a right reel lower pattern. These lines are merely examples, and may be lines each having a pattern area defined for each of the reels 110 to 112, such as a line consisting of a left reel upper pattern, a middle reel lower pattern, and a right reel upper pattern. Of the lines shown in FIG. 18, the upper line L4 is used as an active line in this embodiment. The effective lines are determined in advance by the number of medals bet as game media. The slot machine 100 of this embodiment is a three-coin bet-only machine, and when the number of medals inserted is less than three, no line is effective. When three medals are bet, the line L4 is effective (used as an effective line). When the line is effective, the start lever 135 can be operated to start the game. The number of effective lines is not limited to one. For example, three lines, the middle line L1, the right-downward line L2, and the right-upward line L3, may be used as effective lines, or the number of effective lines may be determined according to the number of bets.

[0416] The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that notifies the player that, for example, a specific winning combination (specifically, a special combination) has been internally won in an internal lottery described later, or that a special game state described later is in progress. The game medal insertion possible lamp 124 is a lamp that notifies the player that a game medal can be inserted. The replay lamp 122 is a lamp that notifies the player that the current game can be replayed (no medal insertion is required) if a replay combination (details of which will be described later) which is one of the winning combinations was won in the previous game. The reel panel lamp 128 is a lamp for presentation purposes.

[0417] The bet buttons 130 to 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (called credits) electronically stored in the slot machine 100. In this embodiment, one medal is inserted each time the bet button 130 is pressed, two medals are inserted when the bet button 131 is pressed, and three medals are inserted when the bet button 132 is pressed. Hereinafter, the bet button 132 is also referred to as the MAX bet button. The game medal insertion lamp 129 lights up lamps in a number corresponding to the number of medals inserted, and when a specified number of medals have been inserted, the game start lamp 121 lights up to indicate that a game start operation is possible.

[0418] The medal insertion slot 141 is an insertion slot through which a player inserts medals when starting a game. That is, medals can be inserted electronically using the bet buttons 130 to 132, or actual medals can be inserted (insertion operation) from the medal insertion slot 141, and the term "insertion" includes both.

[0419] The stored number display 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for displaying various internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during a bonus game) as numerical values. The payout number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals paid out to a player as a result of winning some kind of winning combination. The stored number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127 are seven-segment (SEG) displays.

[0420] The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. That is, when the desired number of medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 or the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated and the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate. The operation of the start lever 135 is called the game start operation.

[0421] The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137 to 139, which are composed of a left stop button 137, a center stop button 138, and a right stop button 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started to rotate by operating the start lever 135, and are associated with each of the reels 110 to 112. More specifically, the left reel 110 can be stopped by operating the left stop button 137, the center reel 111 can be stopped by operating the center stop button 138, and the right reel 112 can be stopped by operating the right stop button 139. Hereinafter, the operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is referred to as a stop operation, the first stop operation is referred to as a first stop operation, the next stop operation is referred to as a second stop operation, and the last stop operation is referred to as a third stop operation. The reels that are stopped in response to these stop operations are referred to as the first stop reel, the second stop reel, and the third stop reel, respectively. Furthermore, the order in which the stop buttons 137-139 are operated to stop all of the reels 110-112 that are spinning is called the operation order or push order. Furthermore, the operation order in which the first stop operation is an operation to stop the left reel 110 is called the "forward push operation order" or simply "forward push", and the stop operation in which the first stop operation is an operation to stop the right reel 112 is called the "reverse push operation order" or simply "reverse push". Incidentally, light-emitting elements may be provided inside each of the stop buttons 137-139, and when the stop buttons 137-139 can be operated, the light-emitting elements can be lit up to notify the player.

[0422] The medal return button 133 is a button for removing medals that have been inserted and become stuck. The settlement button 134 is a button for settling medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and medals that have been bet, and discharging them from the medal payout outlet 155.

[0423] The front door 102 is also provided with a key hole 140, into which a key is inserted and turned clockwise to unlock and counterclockwise to lock. The slot machine 100 is provided with an opening sensor 294 (see FIG. 19(a)) that detects that the front door 102 is open. The opening sensor 294 detects that the front door 102 is open by detecting an opening / closing piece that protrudes when the front door 102 is open.

[0424] In addition, a first chance button 165 and a second chance button 166 are provided between the bet button 132 and the medal insertion slot 141. A first effect lamp is built into the first chance button 165, and a second effect lamp is built into the second chance button 166. Both the first chance button 165 and the second chance button 166 are operation means operated by the player during the effect. In addition, a left button 167 is provided on the left side of the second chance button 166, and a right button 168 is provided on the right side. By operating the left button 167 and the right button 168, it may be possible to move a cursor displayed on the effect image display device 157, and in such a case, the second chance button 166 may function as a confirmation button.

[0425] A title panel 162 for displaying the model name and attaching various certificate stamps is provided below the stop button unit 136. The title panel 162 is illuminated from behind by a title panel lamp 164. Below the title panel 162, a medal payout opening 155 and a medal receiving tray 161 are provided.

[0426] A sound hole 145 provided at the lower part is a hole for outputting sound from a woofer 277 (see FIG. 19) to the outside. A left side lamp 144L provided on the left side of the front door 102 and a right side lamp 144R provided on the right side are decorative lamps for livening up the game. A performance device 160 is disposed at the upper part of the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is also provided at the upper part of the performance device 160. This sound hole 143 is a hole for outputting sound from an upper speaker 272 (see FIG. 19) to the outside. The effect device 160 includes a shutter (shielding device) 163 consisting of two right shutters 163a and left shutters 163b that can be opened and closed horizontally, and an effect image display device 157 disposed behind the shutter 163. When the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened horizontally outward in front of the effect image display device 157, the display screen of the effect image display device 157 appears in front of the slot machine 100 (on the player's side). The effect image display device 157 is a liquid crystal display device, but it may be any display device that can display various effect images and various game information, and may be, for example, a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a reel (drum), or a display device consisting of a projector and a screen. The display screen is rectangular and configured so that the player can view the entire screen. In the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 17, the display screen is rectangular, but it may be square. In addition, a decoration (not shown) may be provided around the periphery of the display screen, so that part of the periphery of the display screen is hidden by the decoration, making the display screen look irregular. Furthermore, the display screen is a flat surface, but may also be a curved surface.

[0427] What has been referred to as a lamp up until now is an example of a light-emitting means, and in this specification, a lamp may also be referred to as an LED light source, and any other light-emitting device such as a fluorescent lamp or cold cathode fluorescent tube may also be referred to as a lamp, and any device that emits light corresponds to an example of a light-emitting means.

[0428] Figure 19 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the slot machine 100, where (a) is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open, and (b) is an enlarged view of the door relay board 290 arranged on the front door 102.

[0429] The main body 101 is a box body surrounded by an upper panel 261, a left side panel 260, a right side panel 260, a lower panel 264, and a rear panel 242, and is open to the front. Inside the main body 101, a main control board storage case 210 is disposed in a position not overlapping with a ventilation hole 249 provided in the upper part of the rear panel 242, and a reel unit 700 equipped with three reels 110 to 112 is disposed below the main control board storage case 210. To the side of the main control board storage case 210 and the reel unit 700, i.e., on the left side panel 260 as viewed from the front, a sub-control board storage case 220 is disposed in which a sub-control board 400B (see FIG. 25) is stored. A first selection switch 190 is provided in the sub-control board storage case 220. Since the first selection switch 190 is provided inside the main body 101, a person who can unlock the front door 102 (e.g., a store clerk at a gaming establishment) can operate it by opening the front door 102, but a person who cannot unlock the front door 102 (e.g., a player) cannot operate it. In other words, the first selection switch 190 is provided at a position where the player cannot operate it. The details of the first selection switch 190 will be described later. In addition, an external centralized terminal board 248 that is connected to the main control board 300B (see FIG. 25) and outputs information of the slot machine 100 to an external device is attached to the side panel 260 on the right side.

[0430] Further, on the right side of the reel unit 700, a setting key switch 281 is provided for changing the game mode (also called a setting value) of the slot machine 100 and for confirming the changed setting value. Here, the setting value is a value for adjusting the ratio of the total number of game media paid out by the game machine to the total number of game media used by the player as the number of bets on the game machine when playing for a predetermined period of time, and is so-called a "payout rate", and can be set to multiple setting levels, for example, from setting "1" to setting "6".

[0431] The setting key switch 281 is a key switch that is electrically turned ON / OFF by inserting and rotating a predetermined setting key (not shown). Specifically, when a predetermined setting key is inserted into the setting key switch 281 and rotated clockwise, a setting key switch sensor provided in the setting key switch 281 detects the ON state, and when rotated counterclockwise, the setting key switch sensor detects the OFF state.

[0432] The lower panel 264 is provided with a hopper unit 180 (a device for paying out medals accumulated in a bucket), and above the hopper unit 180, i.e., below the reel unit 700, a power supply device 252 having a power supply control board 252B (see FIG. 25) is provided, and a power switch 244 is provided on the front side of the power supply device 252. The power switch 244 is a toggle switch electrically connected to the power supply device 252. The power switch 244 can be used to turn on (power ON) or cut off (power OFF) the power to the slot machine 100. The power supply device 252 converts AC power supplied from the outside to the slot machine 100 into DC, converts it to a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to each control unit such as the main control unit 300 and the first sub control unit 400, and each device. Furthermore, it is provided with a storage circuit (e.g., a capacitor) for supplying power to a predetermined component (e.g., the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300) for a predetermined period (e.g., 10 days) even after the power from the outside is cut off.

[0433] An auxiliary medal storage 240 for storing medals overflowing from the hopper unit 180 is provided on the right side of the hopper unit 180, and an overflow terminal is provided behind this (not shown). The power supply unit 252 is provided with a power cord connection section for connecting a power cord 265, and the power cord 265 connected to this section extends to the outside through a power cord hole 262 opened in a back panel 242 of the main body 101.

[0434] The front door 102 is hinged to the left side panel 260 of the main body 101 via a hinge device 276, and above the pattern display window 113, there are provided the performance device 160, a performance control board (not shown) that controls the performance device 160, and an upper speaker 272. Below the pattern display window 113, there are provided a medal selector 170 for selecting inserted medals, a passage 266 through which medals pass when the medal selector 170 drops illegal medals and the like into the medal tray 161, and the like. Furthermore, a low-frequency speaker 277 is provided at a position corresponding to the sound hole 145. An open sensor 294 is provided on the back of the front door 102. The open sensor 294 is configured to be L (OFF) when the front door 102 is closed and H (ON) when the front door 102 is open.

[0435] A door relay board 290 is disposed on the rear surface of the front door 102 below the pattern display window 113. This door relay board 290 is provided with a reset switch 291, a setting change button 292, and a setting value display 293, as shown in FIG.

[0436] The reset switch 291 is a push button switch, and an error in the slot machine 100 can be cleared by pressing this reset switch 291 (for a short period of time).

[0437] The setting change button 292 is a push button switch similar to the reset switch 291. The operating procedure for changing the setting value using this setting change button 292 will be described later.

[0438] The setting value display 293 is a display such as a 7-segment LED, etc. This setting value display 293 can display the game modes (setting values) 1 to 6 set by the setting change button 292 in numbers.

[0439] In addition, when the setting key is inserted into the setting key switch 281 in the power-on state (power ON) and turned right (setting key OFF → ON), the setting value display 293 displays the currently set game mode (setting value) in numbers, so it can be used to check the currently set game mode. In other words, when the setting key is inserted into the setting key switch 281 in the power-on state (power ON) and turned right (setting key OFF → ON), a setting value check process that allows the setting value to be checked is started, and when the setting key is inserted into the setting key switch 281 and turned left (setting key ON → OFF), the setting value check process is ended.

[0440] Here, the operation procedure for changing the set value will be described. The set value change is enabled (the set value change process is started) by inserting a set key (not shown) into the set key switch 281 and turning it right (setting key OFF→ON) and changing the power switch 244 from the power-off state (power OFF) to the power-on state (power ON). Each time the set change button 292 is pressed, the game mode (set value) changes in order from 1 to 6, allowing the player to select the desired game mode. The game mode (set value) selected at that time is confirmed by operating the start lever 135. Finally, the set key is turned left (setting key ON→OFF) to end the set value change process.

[0441] In the following, the period of the setting value change operation, i.e., the period from the first clockwise operation of the setting key in the setting value change operation to the last counterclockwise operation of the setting key, is also referred to as the setting value change mode, and the period of the setting value confirmation operation, i.e., the period from the first clockwise operation of the setting key in the setting value confirmation operation to the last counterclockwise operation of the setting value confirmation mode.

[0442] Here, the start conditions and end conditions of the setting value change mode and the setting value confirmation mode will be described in detail. In this embodiment, the start condition of the setting value change mode is (1) the power-on state with the setting key switch 281 in the ON state, and other conditions (2) that the front door 102 is in the open state are not set. Also, the end condition of the setting value change mode is (1) the setting key switch 281 changing from the ON state to the OFF state, and in addition, (2) that the front door 102 is in the open state. Similarly, in this embodiment, the start condition of the setting value confirmation mode is (1) the setting key switch 281 changing from the ON state to the OFF state, and in addition, (2) that the front door 102 is in the open state are not set. Also, the end condition of the setting value confirmation mode is (1) the setting key switch 281 changing from the ON state to the OFF state, and in addition, (2) that the front door 102 is in the open state are set. That is, in this embodiment, the start condition of the set value change mode (set value confirmation mode) does not require the front door 102 to be in an open state, while the end condition of the set value change mode (set value confirmation mode) requires the front door 102 to be in an open state. If an attempt is made to start the set value change process (set value confirmation process) when the front door 102 is in a closed state, the start condition is cleared, so it is possible to start the set value change process (set value confirmation process) based on a fraudulent act. However, since the end condition cannot be cleared, the fraudster cannot end the set value change process (set value confirmation process). This makes it easier to catch the fraudster on the spot.

[0443] In the setting value change mode, presentation devices such as the presentation image display device 157, the left side lamp 144L, the right side lamp 144R, the title panel lamp 164, and the speakers 272 and 277 are used to give a notification that the setting value is being changed (hereinafter also referred to as a "setting value being changed" notification), and in the setting value confirmation mode, the above presentation devices are used to give a notification that the setting value is being confirmed (hereinafter also referred to as a "setting value being confirmed" notification).

[0444] Next, the structure of the reel unit 700 will be described with reference to Figure 20. Figure 20 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the reel unit 700.

[0445] As shown in FIG. 20, the reel unit 700 includes a left reel unit 700L, a center reel unit 700C, and a right reel unit 700R in a reel case 702 made of a box-shaped metal plate. Connectors 7030, 7031, and 7032 are provided on the top of the reel case 702 for connecting to the main control board 300B (see FIG. 25) via harnesses MR1 ​​to MR3 (see FIG. 25). The left reel unit 700L includes a left reel 110, the center reel unit 700C includes a center reel 111, and the right reel unit 700R includes a right reel 112. These reels 110 to 112 are rotated by motors 110m, 111m, and 112m (see FIG. 25) provided for each reel. Each of the motors 110m to 112m is a stepping motor. The following description will be given taking the left reel unit 700L as an example, but the same applies to the center reel unit 700C and the right reel unit 700R. In the left reel unit 700L, a motor 110m, an index sensor 730 for detecting the rotational position of the reel 110, and a backlight module 740 for irradiating light from the back surface to the front surface of the band-shaped member 710 of the reel 110 are attached to an attachment base 732.

[0446] The replacement work can be performed separately for the reel units 700L, 700C, and 700R. For example, if the left reel unit 700L breaks down, only the left reel unit 700L can be replaced with a new reel unit.

[0447] FIG. 21(a) is a perspective view showing the structure of a backlight module 740, and FIG. 21(b) is a front view of the backlight module 740. As shown in FIG.

[0448] The backlight module 740 is composed of a reflector 742 and an illumination board 744 that is detachably attached to the back surface of the reflector 742. The reflector 742 has three openings BK1 to BK3 that are aligned vertically and connect from the front surface to the back surface. The illumination board 744 has two LEDs 745 arranged at positions corresponding to the openings BK1 to BK3.

[0449] The openings BK1 to BK3 and the LEDs 745 are provided at positions corresponding to the symbol positions (positions No. 1 to 9 shown in FIG. 18) that are stopped and displayed on the display window 113 when the openings BK1 to BK3 are installed. As described above, by providing the LEDs 745 at each of the openings BK1 to BK3, the light is configured not to interfere with the light that is irradiated at other positions. This allows the light to be irradiated at each of the positions No. 1 to 9 shown in FIG. 18. For example, by turning on all the LEDs 745, all the symbols visible to the player can be illuminated from behind. Also, by turning on some of them, some of the symbols visible to the player can be illuminated from behind. The number and positions of the openings and LEDs are not limited to this configuration.

[0450] Next, a detailed description will be given of the first selection switch 190 etc. shown in Fig. 19. Fig. 22 is a diagram showing the first selection switch 190 etc. shown in Fig. 3.

[0451] Fig. 22(a) is an enlarged view of the first selection switch 190. The first selection switch 190 shown in Fig. 22(a) has 16 contacts and a circular rotating part 190a configured to be rotatable, and a pointer part 190b formed to protrude outward from the rotating part 190a as a base end. In addition, 16 numbers (0 to F in hexadecimal) are inscribed around the periphery of the first selection switch 190, each corresponding to the 16 contacts of the rotating part 190a. The first selection switch 190 is an operating means for selecting one number from the 16 numbers.

[0452] These 16 numbers are treated as values ​​(set values) that represent the settings. That is, the first selection switch 190 is configured to be able to output information on the value indicated by the indicator 190b as a detection signal to the outside. For example, as shown in FIG. 2(a), when the indicator 190b indicates "B", the hexadecimal value "B" is selected, and the information on the value can be output as a 4-bit binary detection signal (0b1011). Therefore, the first sub-controller 400 (see FIG. 24), which will be described later, is configured to be able to detect the value selected by the first selection switch 190 (any of the hexadecimal values ​​0 to F), by inputting this detection signal, and the first sub-controller 400 treats the value indicated by the indicator 190b as the selected set value.

[0453] In addition, instead of the first selection switch 190 shown in FIG. 22(a), for example, a rotary switch 191 as shown in FIG. 22(b) may be applied, or a slide switch 192 as shown in FIG. 22(c) may be applied.

[0454] 22(b) has a ring-shaped rotating part 191a having 16 contacts and configured to be rotatable, and a notched window 191b formed in the rotating part 191a. Also, 16 numbers (0 to F in hexadecimal) are inscribed on the bottom of the rotating part 191a of the rotary switch 191, each corresponding to the 16 contacts of the rotating part 191a.

[0455] In this rotary switch 191, a numerical value seen through the notched window 191b is selected, and the information on that numerical value can be output to the outside as a detection signal. As shown in FIG. 22(b), when the numerical value seen through the notched portion 191b is "F", the numerical value F in hexadecimal is selected, and the information on that numerical value can be output as a 4-bit binary detection signal (0b1111). Therefore, the first sub-control unit 400 (see FIG. 24), which will be described later, is configured to be able to detect the selected numerical value seen through the notched portion 191b of the rotary switch 191 (in this example, any of the numerical values ​​0 to F in hexadecimal) by inputting this detection signal.

[0456] 22(c) has a rectangular guide groove 192a, and a slide portion 192b that has 16 contacts and is slidable along the guide groove 192a. Also, 16 numbers (0 to F in hexadecimal in this example) are inscribed on the upper part of the slide switch 192, each corresponding to one of the 16 contacts of the slide portion 192b.

[0457] In this slide switch 192, the numerical value at which the slide portion 192b is positioned is selected, and the information on the numerical value is configured to be able to be output to the outside as a detection signal. As shown in FIG. 22(c), when the slide portion 192b is positioned at the numerical value "0", the numerical value 0 in hexadecimal is selected, and the information on the numerical value can be output as a 4-bit binary detection signal (0b0000). Therefore, the first sub-controller 400 (see FIG. 24), which will be described later, is configured to be able to detect the selected numerical value (any of the numerical values ​​0 to F in hexadecimal) at which the slide portion 192b of the slide switch 192 is positioned by inputting this detection signal.

[0458] The first selection switch 190 described above using Figures 22(a) to 22(c) is a mechanical switch, so it can operate even when not energized, and can retain the selected value (set value) even if the power is cut off due to a power outage or the like. Therefore, once a selection is made, the selected value can be retained even if the power is turned off, making it easy to set the value to the set value intended by the gaming establishment, for example. In addition, since it is provided with numbers (display means) that allow the selected value to be confirmed, it is easy to check the set value, making it highly convenient.

[0459] FIG. 22(d) is an enlarged view of the second selection switch 194. The second selection switch 194 shown in FIG. 22(d) is composed of the left button 167, the right button 168, and the second chance button 166 functioning as a confirmation button, as shown in FIG. 17. The first selection switch 190 shown in FIG. 22(a) is an operation means provided in a position where the player cannot operate it, whereas the second selection switch 194 is an operation means provided in a position where the player can operate it. That is, the second selection switch 194 is a switch that can be operated by the player, and for example, a numerical value (setting value) representing a setting can be selected by pressing the left button 167 and the right button 168, and the selected setting value is confirmed by pressing the second chance button 166. Alternatively, the setting value can be selected by pressing the left button 167 and the right button 168, and the selected setting value may be confirmed after a predetermined time has elapsed without pressing the second chance button 166.

[0460] This second selection switch 194 is capable of outputting a detection signal corresponding to each button when any of the second chance button 166, the left button 167, or the right button 168 is operated. Therefore, the first sub-control unit 400 (see FIG. 24), which will be described later, is configured to be able to detect whether the second chance button 166, the left button 167, or the right button 168 has been operated by inputting this detection signal.

[0461] 22(d), for example, as shown in FIG. 22(e), a cross key 195 having up, down, left, right and a confirmation button may be provided in addition to the second chance button 166, and this cross key 195 may be used as the second selection switch 194. Also, two types of operation means may be provided, one of which may double as the chance button, or only one of the operation means may be the second selection switch 194.

[0462] Since the second selection switch 194 is not a mechanical switch, it cannot operate without being energized and cannot hold the selected value (set value) by itself. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a separate storage means for storing the set value. The slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 17 is configured not to back up the value selected by the second selection switch 194, but it may be configured to back it up.

[0463] Figure 22(f) is a diagram comparing the size of the second chance button 166 with the first chance button 165 shown in Figure 17. Figure 22(f) also shows a left button 167 and a right button 168. The first chance button 165 is about three times the size of the second chance button 166.

[0464] Also, a cut-in display may be performed on the condition that the second chance button 166 or the first chance button 165 is operated, or one of the chance buttons may be used for a rapid-fire effect, etc., and the other chance button may be used as a hidden button. Here, a hidden button refers to a button that does not suggest or encourage the operation of the operating means (for example, at least one or both of the following: no operation suggestion display or operation encouragement display is displayed on the effect image display device 157, and / or the built-in effect lamp is not lit), but which still produces some effect when the operating means is operated.

[0465] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of selection of a setting value using the first selection switch 190 and the second selection switch 194. As shown in FIG.

[0466] In the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 17, the setting value that can be selected by the first selection switch 190 and the second selection switch 194 is the volume value of the sound (for example, BGM, sound effects, error sound, etc.) output from the bass speaker 277 and the upper speaker 272. As described above, the first selection switch 190 is an operating means provided at a position where the player cannot operate it, and is a switch used by a store clerk when selecting a setting value. In addition, only the first selection switch 190 out of the first selection switch 190 and the second selection switch 194 can select whether to set the slot machine 100 to a power saving mode or a non-power saving mode (normal mode). In the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 17, the power saving mode is set only when a demonstration effect is being executed. Hereinafter, the demonstration is abbreviated to demonstration. The demonstration effect is an effect that starts when a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds) has passed since one game ended without the game being resumed. In the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 17, if the demo effect is started in a state in which the power saving mode has been selected, the power saving mode is set.

[0467] When the slot machine 100 is set to the power saving mode, the animation (demo animation) displayed on the effect image display device 157 is played in a dark state, thereby reducing the power consumption of the effect image display device 157 and saving power. In addition, the first effect lamp, the left side lamp 144L, the right side lamp 144R built into the first chance button 165, and the backlight module 740 shown in FIG. 22 are turned off, thereby reducing the power consumption of these light-emitting means and saving power. When these light-emitting means are turned off, the power consumption becomes 0, and the power saving effect of these light-emitting means is greater than the power saving effect of the effect image display device 157.

[0468] Furthermore, when the first selection switch 190 is operated, the first volume selection icon SI1 or the second volume selection icon SI2 is displayed on the performance image display device 157. When selecting the volume using the first selection switch 190, one volume level is selected from seven volume levels. In addition, in the non-power saving mode, mute can also be selected.

[0469] FIG. 23(A) is a diagram showing the display screen of performance image display device 157 when indicator 190b of first selection switch 190 is set to "0" shown in FIG. 22(a).

[0470] The first volume selection icon SI1 is displayed on the performance image display device 157. This first volume selection icon SI1 displays a selected value of 7 volume levels and a 7-level horizontal level display (indicator display). The first volume selection icon SI1 shown in FIG. 23(A) displays that the selected value of the 7 volume levels is 0 (0 / 7) and the word "Mute". Furthermore, none of the 7-level horizontal level displays are lit. When mute is selected by the first selection switch 190, the output sound from the woofer 277 and the upper speaker 272 cannot be heard at all.

[0471] FIG. 23(B) is a diagram showing the display screen of performance image display device 157 when indicator 190b of first selection switch 190 is set to "1" shown in FIG. 22(a).

[0472] The first volume selection icon SI1 shown in Fig. 23(B) displays the characters "Volume 1 / 7" indicating that the selected volume level of the 7 levels is 1. In addition, in the 7-level horizontal level display, only the first level on the far left is lit in a first color (e.g., yellow).

[0473] FIG. 23(C) is a diagram showing the display screen of performance image display device 157 when indicator 190b of first selection switch 190 is set to "7" shown in FIG. 22(a).

[0474] 23(C) displays the characters "VOLUME 7 / 7" indicating that the selected value of the seven volume levels is 7. In addition, in the seven-level horizontal level display, all levels from the first to the seventh are lit in a first color (e.g., yellow). When the seventh volume level is selected by the first selection switch 190, the output sound from the woofer 277 and the upper speaker 272 becomes maximum volume.

[0475] FIG. 23(D) is a diagram showing the display screen of performance image display device 157 when indicator portion 190b of first selection switch 190 is set to "8" shown in FIG. 22(a).

[0476] The first volume selection icon SI1 shown in FIG. 23(D) displays characters indicating that the selected volume is the exhibition volume. This exhibition volume is a volume suitable for a presentation of the slot machine 100 at an exhibition or the like, and is, for example, a volume between the fourth volume level and the fifth volume level. In addition, in the seven-level horizontal level display, all levels from the first level to the seventh level are lit in a second color (for example, red). In place of the exhibition volume, a special volume that cannot be selected by the second selection switch 194 and can be selected only by the first selection switch 190 may be selected. For example, a step tone in which the volume increases by one level every time a predetermined time elapses may be selected.

[0477] The first volume selection icon SI1 displayed on the performance image display device 157 disappears if the first selection switch 190 is not operated for a predetermined time.

[0478] FIG. 23(a) is a diagram showing the display screen of the performance image display device 157 when the indicator 190b of the first selection switch 190 is set to "9" shown in FIG. 22(a).

[0479] The second volume selection icon SI2 is displayed on the performance image display device 157 shown in Fig. 23(a). The background color of this second volume selection icon SI2 is different from the background color of the first volume selection icon SI1. In addition, the second volume selection icon SI2 displays the characters "power saving mode", a selected value of the seven volume levels, and a seven-level horizontal level display (indicator display). The second volume selection icon SI2 shown in Fig. 23(a) displays the characters "power saving mode" and "volume 7 / 7", which indicates that the selected value of the seven volume levels is 7. In addition, in the seven-level horizontal level display, all levels from the first level to the seventh level are lit in a third color (for example, blue).

[0480] FIG. 23(b) is a diagram showing the display screen of the performance image display device 157 when the indicator 190b of the first selection switch 190 is set to "F" shown in FIG. 22(a).

[0481] The second volume selection icon SI2 shown in Fig. 23(b) displays the words "power saving mode" and "volume 1 / 7," which indicates that the selected volume level of the seven levels is 1. In addition, in the seven-level horizontal level display, only the first level on the left side is lit in a third color (e.g., blue).

[0482] The second volume selection icon SI2 displayed on the performance image display device 157 also disappears if the first selection switch 190 is not operated for a predetermined period of time.

[0483] In the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 17, when the indicator 190b of the first selection switch 190 is set to "9" or any one of "A" to "F" shown in FIG. 22(a), the slot machine 100 is selected to be set in the power saving mode. Note that even if the power saving mode is selected, the slot machine 100 is not set to the power saving mode, and as described above, the power saving mode is set on the condition that the demo state is in effect. On the other hand, when the indicator 190b is set to any one of "0" to "8" shown in FIG. 22(a), the slot machine 100 is selected to be set in the non-power saving mode. When the non-power saving mode is selected, the slot machine 100 is not set to the power saving mode even if the demo state is in effect. Also, when a game is being played, the slot machine 100 is set to the non-power saving mode (normal mode).

[0484] Incidentally, whether the slot machine 100 is set to the power saving mode or the non-power saving mode, the volume output from the upper speaker 272 and the bass speaker 277 is the same. Therefore, the volume output by the selection value selected in FIG. 23(B) is the same as the volume output by the selection value selected in FIG. 23(b), and the volume output by the selection value selected in FIG. 23(C) is also the same as the volume output by the selection value selected in FIG. 23(a).

[0485] FIG. 23(A) is a diagram showing the display screen of the performance image display device 157 when the second selection switch 194 is operated.

[0486] When the second selection switch 194, which can be operated by the player, is operated while the first guide display icon GI1 described later is displayed on the effect image display device 157, the third volume selection icon SI3 is displayed on the effect image display device 157. The third volume selection icon SI3 displays the selected value of the five volume levels and the five vertical level display (indicator display). The third volume selection icon SI3 shown in FIG. 23(A) displays the characters "Volume 1 / 5" indicating that the selected value of the five volume levels is 1. In addition, in the five-level level display, only the lowest level, the first level, is lit in the fourth color (for example, green). Pressing the right button 168 of the second selection switch 194 once increases the level by one level, and pressing the left button 167 once decreases the level by one level. However, even if the left button 167 is pressed once in the state shown in FIG. 23(A), the level does not decrease any further. In other words, mute cannot be selected by operating the second selection switch 194. Note that the second selection switch 194 may also be operated to select mute.

[0487] FIG. 23(b) is a diagram showing the display screen of performance image display device 157 when right button 168 is pressed four times from the state shown in FIG. 23(a).

[0488] The third volume selection icon SI3 shown in Fig. 23(a) displays the characters "Volume 5 / 5" indicating that the selected volume level of the five levels is 5. In addition, in the five-level vertical level display, all levels from the first level to the fifth level are lit in a fourth color (e.g., green).

[0489] The third volume selection icon SI3 displayed on the performance image display device 157 disappears if the left button 167 and the right button 168 are not operated for a predetermined time.

[0490] The volume can be selected by operating the first selection switch 190 in seven steps, whereas the volume can be selected by operating the second selection switch 194 in five steps. In the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 17, the volume can be set in the range of 0 to 127, and the set values ​​in the seven steps are 18 for the first step, 36 for the second step, 54 for the third step, 73 for the fourth step, 91 for the fifth step, 109 for the sixth step, and 127 for the seventh step. On the other hand, in the five steps, the second step to the sixth step are the remaining steps except for the first and seventh steps of the seven steps. That is, the second step (36) of the seven steps is the first step of the five steps, and the sixth step (109) of the seven steps is the fifth step of the five steps. Therefore, only the staff of the gaming establishment can select the set value (18) of the first step of the seven steps and the set value (127) of the seventh step. The first step (18) of the seven steps may become the first step of the five steps, and the fifth step (91) of the seven steps may become the fifth step of the five steps, or the third step (54) of the seven steps may become the first step of the five steps, and the seventh step (127) of the seven steps may become the fifth step of the five steps. Alternatively, the set values ​​in the five steps may be 26 for the first step, 51 for the second step, 76 for the third step, 102 for the fourth step, and 127 for the fifth step.

[0491] When the left button 167 of the second selection switch 194 is pressed once while the first volume selection icon SI1 or the second volume selection icon SI2 and the first guidance display icon GI1 described later are displayed on the performance image display device 157, the first volume selection icon SI1 or the second volume selection icon SI2 that had been displayed until then is replaced by the third volume selection icon SI3, and a display is displayed indicating that the selected value of the volume level is the second stage. On the other hand, when the right button 167 is pressed once instead of the left button 167 in the same state, the first volume selection icon SI1 or the second volume selection icon SI2 that had been displayed until then is replaced by the third volume selection icon SI3, and a display is displayed indicating that the selected value of the volume is the fourth stage. These displays are displayed regardless of the selected value displayed by the first volume selection icon SI1 or the second volume selection icon SI2. In other words, even if the selected value is 1 / 7 or 7 / 7, pressing the left button 167 once will display the selected value of 2 / 5. Moreover, even if the selected value is 1 / 7 or 7 / 7, pressing the right button 168 once will display the selected value of 4 / 5. This is because, when the third volume selection icon SI3 is selected, the selected value up to that point is discarded, and the volume level value of 3 / 5, which is the initial value of the third volume selection icon SI3, is selected again, and the initial value (3 / 5) is changed by operating the left button 167 or the right button 168. That is, when the operation of the second selection switch 194 is accepted, the initial value of the third volume selection icon SI3 is set, and the value changed from the initial value by operating the second selection switch 194 is displayed on the third volume selection icon SI3. The first selection switch 190 is designed to be operated by a store clerk, and the second selection switch 194 is designed to be operated by a player, so that the player's intention can be prioritized. Conversely, when the first selection switch 190 is operated while the third volume selection icon SI3 is displayed, the selected value displayed in the third volume selection icon SI3 is inherited, and the value resulting from the change made to the previously selected value by the operation of the first selection switch 190 is displayed in the first volume selection icon SI1 or the second volume selection icon SI2.However, even here, the selected value may not be carried over, and the initial value (for example, 4 / 7) of the first volume selection icon SI1 or the second volume selection icon SI2 may be set.

[0492] Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 24. Note that Figure 24 shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

[0493] The control unit of the slot machine 100 is broadly composed of a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game, a first sub-control unit 400 that controls the main presentation in response to command signals (hereinafter simply referred to as "commands") sent by the main control unit 300, and a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on the commands sent from the first sub-control unit 400.

[0494] <Main control unit> First, the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 for controlling the entire main control unit 300. The basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, a ROM 306 for storing control program data, lottery data used in the internal lottery of winning combinations, and a reel pattern arrangement, a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 310 for controlling input and output of various devices, a counter timer 312 for measuring time and number of times, and a WDT (watchdog timer) 314. Note that, for the RAM 308, the description of RAM (random access memory) is used as an example indicating that it is a storage medium that can be read and written, but the description of RWM (read write memory) or the description of "RAM" may also be used. In addition, the name of the process related to the RAM may also be the name using the description of RWM (read write memory) or the description of "RAM". In this specification, the description of RAM is mainly used. It should be noted that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 306 and RAM 308, and this also applies to the first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500 described below. The CPU 304 of this basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal with a predetermined period output by the crystal oscillator 315b as a system clock. Furthermore, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits data for frequency division stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312, and the counter timer 312 determines an interrupt time based on the received data for frequency division and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 304 for each interrupt time. The CPU 304 monitors each sensor and transmits a drive pulse in response to this interrupt request.

[0495] The main control unit 300 is equipped with a random number generating circuit 316 which is used as a hardware random number counter that varies the numerical value within the range of 0 to 65535 based on a clock signal input from a crystal oscillator 315a, and a start-up signal output circuit 338 which outputs a start-up signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When a start-up signal is input from this start-up signal output circuit 338, the CPU 304 starts game control (starts the main control unit main processing described later).

[0496] In addition, the main control unit 300 is equipped with a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 monitors the status of various sensors 318 (bet button 130 sensor, bet button 131 sensor, bet button 132 sensor, medal acceptance sensor for medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 141, start lever 135 sensor, left stop button 137 sensor, middle stop button 138 sensor, right stop button 139 sensor, settlement button 134 sensor, medal payout sensor for medals paid out from the hopper unit 180, left reel 110 index sensor, middle reel 111 index sensor, right reel 112 index sensor, etc.) at each interrupt time.

[0497] When the sensor circuit 320 detects the H level of the start lever sensor, it outputs a signal indicating this detection to the random number generation circuit 316. The random number generation circuit 316 that receives this signal latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores random numbers to be used in the lottery.

[0498] Two medal acceptance sensors are installed in the internal passage of the medal insertion port 141, and detect whether a medal has passed through. Two start lever 135 sensors are installed inside the start lever 135, and detect the start operation by the player. The left stop button 137 sensor, the middle stop button 138 sensor, and the right stop button 139 sensor are installed on the corresponding stop buttons 137 to 139, respectivel...

Claims

1. a first substrate; a first operation unit connected to the first board via a first harness; a sound output control means capable of executing sound output processing of a speaker; A gaming machine equipped with the first operation unit has a first operation part and a second operation part, A first process may be executed by operating the first operation unit, A second process may be executed by operating the second operation unit, the first processing is a sound output processing corresponding to an operation of the first operation unit, the second processing is a sound output processing corresponding to an operation of the second operation unit, When the first harness changes from a disconnected state to a connected state while the first operating unit is being operated, the first process may be executed. When the first harness changes from a disconnected state to a connected state while the second operating unit is being operated, the second process may be executed. When the first harness changes from a disconnected state to a connected state while both the first operating unit and the second operating unit are being operated, there is a case where only the first process of the first process and the second process is executed (hereinafter referred to as the "first case"); After the first case, in a situation where the first harness changes from a connected state to a disconnected state without any operation being performed on any part other than the first operating unit and the second operating unit, and then the first case is resumed, there may be a case where an output result by the first processing in the previous first case differs from an output result by the first processing in the later first case, When the second process is executed after the first process is executed, the state before the first process is executed may be restored. When the first process is executed after the second process is executed, the state before the second process is executed may be restored. A gaming machine characterized by the above.

2. A gaming machine as described in claim 1, the first operation unit has at least a third operation part and a fourth operation part; A gaming machine characterized by the above.

Images