Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of suppressing memory usage.SOLUTION: A main control unit sets a performance control number En on the basis of the winning number obtained in an internal lottery that determines whether a winning combination is won or not and notifies a sub-control unit of the performance control number En. The sub-control unit performs execution control of a performance on the basis of the performance control number En notified from the main control unit. When specific winning numbers "5" to "12" are present as winning numbers obtained in the internal lottery and the specific winning numbers "5" to "12" are obtained in the internal lottery, operation instruction information which assists the winning of the winning combinations can be provided. When the main control unit determines whether the winning number obtained in the internal lottery is the specific winning numbers "5" to "12" and it is one of the specific winning numbers "5" to "12","5" which is a common performance control number En is set. When the winning number obtained in the internal lottery is the winning number other than the specific winning number ("0" to "4" and "13" to "36"), the winning number is set as the performance control number En.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, gaming machines (reel type gaming machines, slot machines) equipped with multiple reels with symbols arranged on the outer periphery are known. In this type of gaming machine, a game is played to win gaming value such as medals. In addition, in this type of gaming machine, an internal lottery is performed and the multiple reels start to rotate when the player operates to start the rotation, and when the player operates to stop the reels, the multiple reels are stopped in a manner according to the result of the internal lottery. The result of the game is determined by the combination of symbols displayed on the winning determination line when the multiple reels are stopped, and the payout of gaming value is performed according to the result of the game.

[0003] In recent years, gaming machines with instruction functions that change the probability of winning a small prize by providing operation instruction information that assists in winning a small prize, which pays out game value when the small prize is won, and make it easier to win game value in the AT state where operation instruction information can be provided, have been popular (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-108812 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, since the instruction function described above is based on the assumption that the player is not allowed to know the operation mode that can make the small role win by providing variations in the winning mode of the small role, it is not preferable that the winning information of the small role can be known. For example, if the winning information of the small role can be obtained by the information notified from the main control unit that controls the progress of the game to the sub-control unit that controls the execution of the performance, there is a risk of fraudulent acts being performed in which a fraudulent device is inserted between the main control unit and the sub-control unit to obtain the winning information of the small role and make it possible to win the small role without relying on the instruction function. For this reason, Patent Document 1 adopts a method of notifying the sub-control unit of winning information about the winning of the small role related to the provision of the operation instruction information so that the winning mode of the small role cannot be accurately known. Taking measures against such fraudulent acts leads to an increase in memory usage, and a technology that can reduce memory usage is desired, especially since there is a limit to the memory capacity that can be installed in the main control unit.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can reduce the amount of memory used. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to a gaming machine that includes a main control unit that controls the progress of a game and a sub-control unit that executes presentations in accordance with the progress of a game, in which the main control unit sets a presentation control number based on a winning number obtained in an internal lottery that determines whether a role will be won or lost, and notifies the sub-control unit of the presentation control number, the sub-control unit controls the execution of the presentation based on the presentation control number notified by the main control unit, there are a plurality of specific winning numbers among the winning numbers obtained in the internal lottery, and when a specific winning number is obtained in the internal lottery, it is capable of providing operation instruction information that assists in the winning of a role, the main control unit determines whether the winning number obtained in the internal lottery is the specific winning number, and if it is one of the multiple specific winning numbers, it sets a common presentation control number, and if the winning number is other than the multiple specific winning numbers, it sets the winning number as the presentation control number.

[0008] In the present invention, when the winning number is a specific winning number, the performance control number is made common to prevent fraudulent acts, while when the winning number is not a specific winning number, the winning number is set as the performance control number, simplifying the process of setting the performance control number. In this way, the present invention can reduce the memory usage of the main control unit while preventing fraudulent acts. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of an amusement machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a reel unit of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a gaming machine and a dedicated unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating the functional blocks of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 5] 13 is a diagram illustrating an internal lottery table in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating the winning patterns of minor prizes in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 13 is a diagram illustrating a replay winning mode in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] 1 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of symbols on a reel in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 13 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the operation sequence of the stop switch and the winning combination in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between winning roles and symbol combinations in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between winning roles and symbol combinations in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 12] 1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between winning roles and symbol combinations in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 13]1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between winning roles and symbol combinations in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 14] 1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between winning roles and symbol combinations in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 15] 2 is a transition diagram of a gaming state in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 16] A transition diagram of the presentation state in the gaming machine of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] A transition diagram of a game zone in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a diagram comparing a conventional method with a new method according to the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 1 is a diagram comparing a conventional method with a new method according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the embodiment described below does not unduly limit the contents of the present invention described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiment are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[0011] 1. Configuration FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] The gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is a so-called smart pachislot, which is a reel-type gaming machine in which games are played using electronic medals as game value.

[0013] The gaming machine 10 of this embodiment includes a box-shaped housing made up of a storage box 11 and a front door 12, and accommodates a first reel 13a, a second reel 13b, and a third reel 13c.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a reel unit 30 for a gaming machine in this embodiment.

[0015] In the reel unit 30 of this embodiment, the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c are each fixed to a metal (or resin) base unit 31 molded in an approximately U-shape via a metal (or resin) support unit 32 that supports a stepping motor 33 for driving each reel.

[0016] Each of the first reel 13a, second reel 13b, and third reel 13c housed in the base unit 31 is configured by winding a reel tape 35 made of a strip-shaped resin film around the outer periphery of a resin reel body 34 (reel drum) molded into an annular shape. The reel tape 35 is wound around the reel body 34 so that the front side forms the outer periphery of each reel and the back side forms the inner periphery of each reel, and the ends are fixed together with an adhesive or the like.

[0017] Each of the first reel 13a, second reel 13b, and third reel 13c is fixed to the drive shaft of a stepping motor 33 by bolting or the like at a position corresponding to the center of rotation of the reel body 34. The stepping motor 33 for each reel is also fixed to the support unit 32 by bolting or the like.

[0018] The reel tape 35 for each reel is divided into pattern arrangement areas of 20 frames at regular intervals, and one of a plurality of types of patterns is arranged on the surface of the reel tape 35 at each position corresponding to each frame.

[0019] The reel unit 30 of this embodiment includes a backlight unit 36 ​​(illumination means) that illuminates the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c from the back side of the reel tape 35 of each reel (the inner peripheral side of each reel). In the backlight unit 36 ​​for each reel, a light source such as an incandescent bulb or an LED bulb is disposed so as to illuminate each display position of three frames (upper, middle, and lower) observable through the display window 14 of the gaming machine, and in this embodiment, three light sources are provided corresponding to the display positions of each reel: an upper backlight 37a that illuminates the upper display position, a middle backlight 37b that illuminates the middle display position, and a lower backlight 37c that illuminates the lower display position.

[0020] A power supply unit and a setting change unit are built into the housing of the gaming machine 10, and various switches are provided, such as a power switch for starting up the gaming machine 10, a start-up mode change switch for performing operations related to setting changes, and a setting change switch. The setting change unit may be integrated with a main control board, which will be described later.

[0021] In addition, a main control board, a sub-control board, and a medal count control board are built into the housing of the gaming machine 10, and each of these control boards is equipped with a CPU as a calculation means, and a ROM and RAM as storage means, etc., so that the operation of the gaming machine can be controlled. The main control board and the sub-control board are connected in such a way that only one-way communication from the main control board to the sub-control board is possible, and the sub-control board cannot transmit information to the main control board. In addition, two-way communication is possible between the main control board and the medal count control board, and information can be transmitted from the main control board to the medal count control board, and information can be transmitted from the medal count control board to the main control board.

[0022] As described above, the outer periphery of each of the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c is divided into 20 regions (each region is called a "frame") at regular intervals, and one of a number of different patterns is arranged on each frame. Each of the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c is rotated around the axis of the stepping motor 33, and is provided so as to be able to be stopped in frame units (predetermined rotation angle units, predetermined rotation amount units) by controlling the number of pulses and pulse width of the drive pulse of the stepping motor 33. That is, in the gaming machine 10, the stepping motor 33 drives the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c to rotate in response to a drive pulse supplied from the control board, and when a full-phase excitation drive pulse is supplied from the control board, the rotation of the stepping motor 33 stops, causing the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c to stop.

[0023] The front door 12 can be opened and closed freely, and is provided with a display window 14 that allows the rotation and stop states of the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c to be observed. When the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c are stopped, three patterns (upper pattern, middle pattern, and lower pattern) that are consecutively arranged on the outer periphery of each of the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c can be observed through the display window 14 from the front of the gaming machine, among a plurality of types of patterns arranged at regular intervals on the outer periphery of each of the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c.

[0024] In addition, in the gaming machine 10, an upper, middle, and lower section are provided for each reel as display positions for observing the symbols through the display window 14, and an active line is set by the combination of the display positions of each reel. In the gaming machine 10, the number of electronic medals required for one game, the so-called specified insertion number, is set to three, and when electronic medals equivalent to the specified insertion number are inserted, an active line 15 consisting of the lower section of the first reel 13a, the middle section of the second reel 13b, and the upper section of the third reel 13c is activated.

[0025] The game result is determined by the symbol combination that is stopped and displayed on the pay line 15 in the display window 14. If the symbol combination on the pay line 15 corresponds to a predetermined winning combination, that winning combination is deemed to have been won, and the medal control board pays out electronic medals, etc.

[0026] The front door 12 is also provided with a main display 16, a sub-display 18, and a game medal count display 27. The main display 16, the sub-display 18, and the game medal count display 27 are all seven-segment displays, with the main display 16 displaying the number of electronic medals paid out for each game, operation instruction information, and main error information, the sub-display 18 displaying the number of electronic medals acquired in a specified game section and sub-error information, and the game medal count display 27 displaying the number of electronic medals held.

[0027] The front door 12 is provided with an outer perimeter lamp 19 and a liquid crystal display 20 for performing game effects. The outer perimeter lamp 19 illuminates the front door 12 and plays a role in livening up the game by its lighting mode, notifying information that assists the game, notifying the status of the game machine, etc., and its exterior is made of translucent resin or glass and is formed to be able to transmit light from the built-in LED unit. The liquid crystal display 20 also displays various videos (or images) for assisting the game, livening up the game, and notifying the status of the game machine. In the game machine of this embodiment, a speaker 40 for performing game effects is provided on the front door 12. The speaker 40 outputs various sounds and background music for assisting the game, livening up the game, and notifying the status of the game machine.

[0028] In addition, various operating means are provided on the front door 12. The operating means include a bet switch 21 (insertion operating means) for inserting a digitalized medal, a start switch 22 (game start operating means) for rotating the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c to start a game, stop switches 23a to 23c (stop operating means) for stopping each of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c rotated by the stepping motor 33, a counting switch 26 for transferring the digitalized medal to an external device, and a settlement switch 28 for canceling the inserted state of the digitalized medal. In particular, in this embodiment, the exterior of the bet switch 21 and the stop switches 23a to 23c are made of translucent resin and are formed to be able to transmit light from a built-in LED unit, and it is possible to know that the insertion operation of the digitalized medal is enabled and the stop operation of the reel being rotated is enabled by the lighting of the LED unit.

[0029] In addition, the front door 12 is provided with a door key cylinder 24, and the front door 12 can be unlocked by inserting a door key into the door key cylinder 24. In addition, the front door 12 can be unlocked by rotating the door key inserted into the door key cylinder 24 90 degrees clockwise from the initial position.

[0030] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a player inserts an electronic medal by operating the bet switch 21, the machine is set to a ready state in which it is possible to start the rotation control of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c. Then, when the player operates the start switch 22, the control board starts rotating the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c by driving the stepping motor 33, and an internal lottery is performed using a random number value. On the condition that the rotation speed of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c has increased to a predetermined speed, the stop operation of the stop switches 23a to 23c is enabled.

[0031] Thereafter, when the player operates the stop switches 23a to 23c at any timing, the operation is detected by a sensor (stop signal output means: for example, a photosensor, a conductivity sensor, a pressure sensor, etc.) built into each of the stop switches 23a to 23c, and the reel stop signal input to the main control board is changed from the OFF state to the ON state.

[0032] In addition, when the player releases any of the stop switches 23a to 23c that are pressed down at any timing, the sensors corresponding to the stop switches 23a to 23c detect the end of the operation and change the reel stop signal input to the main control board from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0033] The main control board stops the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c at a stop position according to the result of the internal lottery based on the change from an OFF state to an ON state of the reel stop signal, whose signal state changes depending on the timing of pressing and releasing the stop switches 23a to 23c.

[0034] In addition, when electronic medals are paid out based on the results of a game, the number of medals equivalent to the number paid out is counted up to a predetermined upper limit, and the display value of the game medal count display 27 is changed in accordance with the change in the number of electronic medals owned.

[0035] In this embodiment, the electronic medals are managed by the gaming machine 10 and a dedicated unit 800 (an example of a specific unit) communicatively connected to the gaming machine 10. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a schematic mechanical configuration of the gaming machine 10 and the dedicated unit 800. The dedicated unit 800 has a built-in CPU as a computing means that functions as a lending control unit 801 that exchanges information with the gaming machine 10, controls inputs from various switches provided in the dedicated unit 800, and controls various displays provided in the dedicated unit 800.

[0036] When a player uses the gaming machine 10, he inserts cash into the cash insertion section 802 of the dedicated unit 800. When cash is inserted into the cash insertion section 802, the number of points corresponding to the inserted cash (for example, "10" for an insertion of 1000 yen) is displayed on the point display 807 of the dedicated unit 800. When the lending switch 804 is operated while points remain in the dedicated unit 800, electronic medals corresponding to the number of points held in the dedicated unit 800 (for example, "50") are transferred to the gaming machine 10 at once. In the gaming machine 10 to which the electronic medals have been transferred from the dedicated unit 800, the displayed value of the gaming machine medal count display 27 changes by an increment corresponding to the amount of electronic medals transferred.

[0037] When the bet switch 21 of the gaming machine 10 is operated to insert electronic medals, the displayed value of the gaming medal count display 27 changes by a decrement equivalent to the number of electronic medals inserted. Also, when electronic medals are paid out as a result of playing, the displayed value of the gaming medal count display 27 changes by an increment equivalent to the number of electronic medals paid out.

[0038] Furthermore, if the settlement switch 28 is operated after the bet switch 21 has been operated and electronic medals have been inserted, but before the start switch 21 is operated, the inserted state of the electronic medals is released, and the display value of the game medal display 27 changes by an increment equivalent to the number of medals inserted.

[0039] When the player finishes using the gaming machine 10, the counting switch 26 is operated, and the electronic medals managed in the gaming machine 10 are transferred to the dedicated unit 800. When the electronic medals are transferred to the dedicated unit 800, the display value of the acquired medal number display 808 of the dedicated unit 800 changes by an increase amount corresponding to the transferred electronic medals, and the display value of the game medal number display 27 of the gaming machine 10 changes by a decrease amount corresponding to the transferred electronic medals. When the player operates the return switch 805 of the dedicated unit 800, the electronic medals managed in the dedicated unit 800 are transferred to the card medium stored in the dedicated unit 800, and the card medium is pulled out of the dedicated unit 800 through the card insertion section 803. In this way, in this embodiment, the electronic medals acquired by using the gaming machine 10 can be stored in the card medium.

[0040] In this embodiment, the use of the gaming machine 10 can be resumed by using the card medium in which the electronic medals are stored. Specifically, when the player uses the gaming machine 10, the player inserts the card medium in which the electronic medals are stored into the card insertion section 803 instead of cash, and the electronic medals stored in the card medium are read into the dedicated unit 800, so that the player can play the game. In this case, the electronic medals stored in the card medium are transferred to the dedicated unit 800, and the total number of electronic medals stored in the card medium is displayed on the acquired medal number display 808. The player can transfer the electronic medals managed by the dedicated unit 800 to the gaming machine 10 by operating the game switch 806 of the dedicated unit 800 instead of the lending switch 804 of the dedicated unit 800.

[0041] In this way, the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment does not require actual medals, and therefore it is possible to prevent fraudulent acts such as inserting medals in a pseudo manner or using medals that have been illegally brought in. In addition, it is not necessary to provide a mechanism for inserting and paying out gaming media such as medals in the gaming machine 10, so that design and manufacturing costs can be reduced. Furthermore, by centrally managing the lending of gaming media to players and the counting of acquired gaming media, it is possible to prevent fraud. In addition, by centrally managing information on electronic medals in the gaming machine 10, it is possible to suppress gambling, and as a result, to strengthen measures against addiction.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of this embodiment.

[0043] The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a main control unit 100 (main control board), a sub-control unit 200 (sub-control board), and a medal count control unit 600 (medal count control board). The main control unit 100, the sub-control unit 200, and the medal count control unit 600 are started by power supplied from the power supply unit by operating the power switch. In this embodiment, the sub-control unit 20 starts up at an earlier stage than the main control unit 10 due to the relationship between the start-up voltages of the main control unit 10 and the sub-control unit 20. That is, when the power of the gaming machine 10 is turned on, the sub-control unit 20 starts up before the main control unit 10, creating a situation in which it waits for a command to be received from the main control unit 10. In addition, the start-up of the main control unit 10 is not completed until a predetermined waiting time has elapsed, so that the game can be played after the start-up of the liquid crystal display 20 managed by the sub-control unit 20 has been completed. In addition, the medal count control unit 600 receives a start-up command from the main control unit 10 and starts itself and establishes a communication connection with the dedicated unit 800.

[0044] The main control unit 100 receives input signals from the start mode change switch 301, the setting change switch 302, the door open / close switch 303, the bet switch 21, the start switch 22, the stop switches 23a-23b, the settlement switch 28, etc., and performs various calculations to set the gaming machine, manage main errors, or proceed with the game, and controls the operation of the reel unit 30, etc., based on the calculation results. The sub-control unit 200 also responds to commands from the main control unit 100, and controls the operation of the display unit 501, the speaker 40, the lamp unit 503, etc., and manages sub-errors. The medal count control unit 600 also responds to input signals from the counting switch 26 and commands from the main control unit 100, and manages electronic medals and medal errors, and transfers information about electronic medals to and from the dedicated unit 800. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the functions of the main control unit 100, the sub-control unit 200, and the medal count control unit 600 are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), ROM, or RAM, or by software consisting of a given program pre-stored in a ROM or the like.

[0045] The main control unit 100 includes a setting change means 101 , a game control means 102 , a random number generation means 103 , and a main memory means 105 .

[0046] The setting change means 101 controls changing the setting value stored in the main storage means 105. In this embodiment, the game mode and the setting change mode are switched depending on the state of the start mode change switch 301 when the power is turned on, and when the power is turned on to the gaming machine 10 with the start mode change switch 301 setting the start mode to the setting change mode, the setting change means 101 starts the gaming machine in the setting change mode. In this embodiment, the setting value can be selected from six setting values ​​from setting 1 to setting 6, and the winning probability of the internal lottery is changed so that the expected value of the ball payout rate increases from setting 1 to setting 6 in order. In this embodiment, the setting values ​​are expressed in the order of setting 1<setting 2<setting 3<setting 4<setting 5<setting 6.

[0047] Furthermore, when the setting change switch 302 is actuated in the setting change mode, the setting change means 101 changes the setting value in the order of Setting 1 → Setting 2 →... Setting 6 → Setting 1 →... each time it receives an input signal from the setting change switch 302, and when the start switch 22 is actuated, it confirms the setting value and performs control to store the confirmed setting value in the main storage means 105. In this embodiment, the main display 16 displays the selected setting value in the setting change mode.

[0048] In this embodiment, when the power supply to the gaming machine 10 is turned on with the start-up mode change switch 301 setting the start-up mode to the game mode, the gaming machine 10 is started up in the game mode. In this embodiment, in the game mode, a game can be played but the setting values ​​cannot be changed, and in the setting change mode, the setting values ​​can be changed but the game cannot be played.

[0049] In addition, in the setting change mode, the setting change means 101 performs an initialization process to initialize information stored in a read / write memory (RWM) which is a readable and writable storage area in the main storage means 105. Note that in the initialization process, not all information stored in the read / write memory is initialized, but some information is retained without being initialized.

[0050] The game control means 102 is a means for controlling the progress of the game, and when an electronic medal is inserted and a game is started, it determines whether or not a winning combination has been achieved by an internal lottery, spins the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c, and when a stop operation is performed on the stop switches 23a to 23c, it stops the reels being rotated according to the result of the internal lottery, determines whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the symbol combination displayed on the pay line, and performs a main loop process in which the game progresses by performing processing according to the determination result. Details of this process are described below.

[0051] First, the game control means 102 accepts the operation (insertion operation) of the bet switch 21 related to the insertion of electronic medals for each game, and performs a process of validating the game start operation for the start switch 22 (game start operation means) based on the insertion of electronic medals equivalent to the specified insertion number (3 medals). That is, the game control means 102 functions as an insertion acceptance means that accepts the insertion of electronic medals to be used for a game up to the specified insertion number based on the insertion operation. Note that in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the first operation of the start switch 22 that is enabled based on the insertion of electronic medals equivalent to the specified insertion number is accepted as a game start operation, and serves as an opportunity to start the rotation of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c and to execute an internal lottery.

[0052] The function of inserting electronic medals is realized by cooperation between the main control unit 100 and the medal count control unit 600. When the bet switch 21 is operated, the main control unit 100 transmits an insertion command specifying the specified number of electronic medals to be inserted to the medal count control unit 600, and when the medal count control unit 600 receives the insertion command and stores in the medal information storage means 603 the number of electronic medals to be inserted as the number of game medals equal to or greater than the specified number specified in the insertion command, the medal count control unit 600 returns a reply command to the main control unit 100. Furthermore, the counting control means 601 of the medal count control unit 600 reduces the number of game medals stored in the medal information storage means 603 by the specified number of electronic medals. When it is possible to insert electronic medals equivalent to the specified number of insertions by receiving the reply command, the game control means 102 in the main control unit 100 sets the electronic medals equivalent to the specified number of insertions to an inserted state.

[0053] In addition, the game control means 102 performs an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination is achieved based on a game start operation on the start switch 22 (the first operation on the activated start switch 22), and performs lottery table selection processing, random number determination processing, lottery flag setting processing, etc. In other words, the game control means 102 functions as an internal lottery means to determine whether a winning combination is achieved based on a game start operation.

[0054] In the lottery table selection process, it is determined which internal lottery table is used to perform the internal lottery among the multiple types of internal lottery tables stored in the main storage means 105. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, in each internal lottery table, various roles such as replay, small role, and bonus, and miss (non-winning) are associated with each of multiple random number values ​​(for example, 65536 random number values ​​from 0 to 65535). In this embodiment, for six levels of setting values, an internal lottery table corresponding to the game state is prepared for each setting value, and the probability of obtaining some winning modes in the internal lottery differs depending on the setting value, and the correspondence between the role and the random number value is set so that the higher the setting value, the higher the expected value of the ball payout rate.

[0055] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the game state can be set to a normal state, a bonus establishment state, and a bonus state, and in the lottery table selection process, one of multiple types of internal lottery tables is selected as the internal lottery table to be used in the internal lottery depending on the game state.

[0056] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing examples of three types of internal lottery tables corresponding to a normal state, a bonus establishment state, and a bonus state. Regarding internal lottery table 1 to internal lottery table 3 shown in Fig. 5, in the normal state, internal lottery table 1 is referred to, in the bonus establishment state, internal lottery table 2 is referred to, and in the bonus state, internal lottery table 3 is referred to.

[0057] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, minor roles 1 to 20 are provided as minor roles, and the winning patterns of the minor roles are set as shown in FIG. 6, including batting order bell group a (batting order bell a1 to batting order bell a4), batting order bell group b (batting order bell b1 to batting order bell b4), common bell a, common bell b, inhibitory role a to inhibitory role d, weak cherry a, weak cherry b, JAC1, and JAC2.

[0058] In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, replays are provided as Replay 1 to Replay 23, and the winning modes of the replays are set as shown in Figure 7, including Strong Cherry Replay A, Strong Cherry Replay B, Watermelon Replay A, Watermelon Replay B, Chance Replay, a group of special replays (Special Replay Z1 to Special Replay Z9), and Normal Replay A to Normal Replay D.

[0059] In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the probability of winning a small role is the same on internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2, the probability of winning a replay is higher on internal lottery table 2 than on internal lottery table 1, replays are not included in the lottery on internal lottery table 3, and the method of drawing small roles on internal lottery table 3 is different from that on internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2, and the probability of winning a small role is higher than that on internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2.

[0060] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, a big bonus (BB: an example of a special role) is provided as a bonus, and the big bonus (BB) is a subject of a lottery in the internal lottery table 1 that is referred to in the normal state.

[0061] In this embodiment, the probability of winning bonuses and replays does not change depending on the setting value, but the probability of winning some of the minor winning patterns changes depending on the setting value, and the higher the setting value, the higher the probability of winning JAC1.

[0062] In the random number determination process, a random number value (random number for lottery) is obtained from the random number generating means 103 for each game based on the operation of the start switch 22, and the obtained random number value is used to determine whether or not it has resulted in a winning combination by referring to the internal lottery table stored in the main memory means 105.

[0063] The random number generating means 103 described above is a means for generating random numbers for lottery. The random numbers can be generated by, for example, a 16-bit random number circuit that generates 65536 random numbers from 0 to 65535 without duplication in one period. In this embodiment, the "random number" includes not only values ​​that are generated randomly in the mathematical sense, but also values ​​that may be generated regularly but may function as random numbers because the timing of acquisition is irregular.

[0064] In the lottery flag setting process, based on the result of the random number determination process, the lottery flag corresponding to the winning combination is set from a non-winning state (first flag state, off state) to a winning state (second flag state, on state). In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when two or more types of combinations are won in a overlapping manner, the lottery flags corresponding to the two or more types of combinations that are won in a overlapping manner are set to a winning state. The setting information of the lottery flag is stored in the main storage means 105.

[0065] In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a lottery flag (carry-over flag) that can carry over a winning state to the next game or later until a prize is won, and a lottery flag (non-carry-over flag) that is reset to a non-winning state without carrying over a winning state to the next game or later regardless of whether a prize is won are prepared. The former carry-over flag corresponds to a bonus, and the latter non-carry-over flag corresponds to a small win and a replay. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, for example, when a bonus is won in an internal lottery, a process is performed to carry over the winning state of the bonus lottery flag until the bonus is won. At this time, the game control means 102 performs an internal lottery to determine whether or not the small win and the replay are won, even in a game in which the winning state of the bonus lottery flag is carried over. In this way, in the lottery flag setting process, when a small win or replay is won in a game in which the winning state of the bonus lottery flag is carried over, the lottery flag corresponding to two or more types of roles consisting of the lottery flag of the already won bonus and the lottery flag of the small win or replay won in the internal lottery is set to a winning state.

[0066] Furthermore, the game control means 102 sets a performance control number corresponding to the result of the internal lottery, and performs control to transmit a command including the set performance control number to the sub-control unit 200. In this embodiment, a winning number is assigned to each result of the internal lottery, and the game control means 102 sets the performance control number based on the winning number corresponding to the result of the internal lottery.

[0067] The game control means 102 also controls the stepping motor to start rotating the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c based on a game start operation on the start switch 22, and validates a stop operation by pressing the stop buttons 23a to 23c (stop operation means) corresponding to the reels that are steadily rotating at a predetermined speed (about 80 rpm: a rotation speed of about 80 rotations per minute) of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c, and controls the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c that are rotated by the stepping motor to stop in a manner corresponding to the setting state of the lottery flag (result of the internal lottery). That is, the game control means 102 functions as a reel control means that rotates a plurality of reels based on a game start operation, and stops the rotating reels in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery when a stop operation is initiated.

[0068] When the player operates the stop switches 23a to 23c while the stop operation for the stop switches 23a to 23c is enabled, the game control means 102 controls the stopping of each of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c by stopping the supply of a drive pulse (motor drive signal) to the stepping motor of the reel unit 30 based on a signal from the operated stop switch.

[0069] That is, the game control means 102 determines the stop position of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch among the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c every time the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated, and controls the reel to stop at the determined stop position. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, operating the stop switch 23a corresponds to an operation for stopping the first reel 13a, operating the stop switch 23b corresponds to an operation for stopping the second reel 13b, and operating the stop switch 23c corresponds to an operation for stopping the third reel 13c. That is, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the operation order of the stop switches 23a to 23c is changed, the stop order of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c is changed.

[0070] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c are stopped within 190 ms from the time when the stop switch 23a to 23c is operated. When the reels are stopped within 190 ms from the time when the stop switch is operated, the stop position of each reel is determined by the number of frames required from the time when the stop switch is operated to the time when the reel stops within a range of 0 to 4 frames (a predetermined pull-in range). The game control means 102 controls the reel to stop, which corresponds to the reel that is selected by the internal lottery, so that the symbol corresponding to the role for which the lottery flag is set to a winning state is displayed at the display position on the pay line when the symbol corresponding to the role for which the lottery flag is set to a winning state is located within a range of 0 to 4 frames from the display position on the pay line on the outer circumferential surface of the reel that is rotating and corresponds to the stop switch 23a to 23c that is operated.

[0071] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the reel unit 30 is provided with a reel index 405 consisting of a photosensor, and the game control means 102 is capable of monitoring the current rotation state of the reel by determining the rotation angle (the number of rotation steps of the rotating shaft of the stepping motor) from the reference position of the reel (the frame detected by the reel index 405) based on the signal detected by the reel index 405 every time the reel rotates once. That is, the game control means 102 can obtain the position of the reel at the time of operation of the stop switch by determining the rotation angle from the reference position of the reel.

[0072] In this embodiment, a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer periphery of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c constituting the reel unit 30, and when symbols existing within four frames from the operation detection position are drawn onto an active line, the symbols arranged at intervals of four frames or less on the outer periphery of each reel can be displayed on the active line regardless of the operation detection position, which is the position of the reel at the time when the stop switch is actuated (the time when the operation of the stop switch is detected). Note that in this embodiment, the operation detection position is the upper display position of each reel.

[0073] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the symbol arrangement for the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, a red 7 symbol "red 7", a white 7 symbol "white 7", a bar symbol "BAR", a special symbol 1 "SP1", a special symbol 2 "SP2", a watermelon symbol 1 "WM1", a watermelon symbol 2 "WM2", a cherry symbol "CH", a bell symbol "BL", and a replay symbol "RP" are arranged on the outer periphery of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c.

[0074] The game control means 102 also refers to a stop control table stored in the main storage means 105 to determine the stop position of the reel during rotation. In the stop control table, a correspondence relationship between the operation detection position and the number of sliding symbols indicating the amount of rotation from the operation detection position to the actual stop position is set according to the setting state of the lottery flag. Note that in the stop control table, a correspondence relationship between the operation detection position and the actual stop position may be set according to the setting state of the lottery flag.

[0075] In the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the priority order for small wins, replays, and bonuses is set in the order of "replay > bonus" and then "small win > bonus", and the stop control table is set so that a stop position including a pattern that constitutes the winning form of a high priority win is selected according to the priority order associated with each win.

[0076] In addition, in the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, in the stop control table that is referenced when the lottery flags related to multiple types of minor roles are set to a winning state in the internal lottery, there are cases where the stop position is set according to the number of pattern combinations that indicate winning forms that can be displayed on the valid line (number priority control) and cases where the stop position is set according to the number of electronic medals paid out based on a predetermined payout for the minor role (payout number priority control). When the stop position is set according to the number of pattern combinations that indicate winning forms that can be displayed on the valid line, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that the stop position with a greater number of pattern combinations that indicate winning forms that can be displayed on the valid line is given priority, and when the stop position is set according to the number of electronic medals paid out, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that the stop position with a greater number of electronic medals paid out based on the payout of the minor role corresponding to the pattern displayed at the display position on the valid line (the stop position that can win a minor role with a greater payout) is given priority. However, when the stop positions are set according to the number of electronic medals paid out, for multiple stop positions where the number of electronic medals paid out is the same, the priority of each stop position is treated as being the same and a stop position relative to the operation detection position is set, and when the stop positions are set according to the number of pattern combinations that indicate winning forms that can be displayed on an active line, for multiple stop positions where the number of pattern combinations that indicate winning forms that can be displayed on an active line is the same, the priority of each stop position is treated as being the same and a stop position relative to the operation detection position is set.

[0077] In this embodiment, the stop positions of the reels are set in each stop control table with respect to the operation detection positions so that so-called pull-in control and kick-off control can be realized. The pull-in control is a control that determines the stop positions of the reels so that the combination with the lottery flag set to the winning state can win as much as possible. On the other hand, the kick-off control is a control that determines the stop positions of the reels so that the combination with the lottery flag set to the non-winning state cannot win. In this way, the game control means 102 determines the stop positions of the reels so that the symbols of the combination with the lottery flag set to the winning state can be stopped in a winning form, while the symbols of the combination with the lottery flag set to the non-winning state do not stop in a winning form.

[0078] In this embodiment, as the winning modes of the small prize in the normal state and the bonus establishment state, there are a plurality of types of specific winning modes in which a specific small prize in which the number of electronic medals paid out due to winning is greater than the number of electronic medals inserted, and a non-specific small prize in which the number of electronic medals paid out due to winning is less than the number of electronic medals inserted are overlappingly won, and a correct operation mode that allows the specific small prize to be won is set for each of the specific winning modes. In a game in which a specific winning mode is obtained in the bonus establishment state, the stop position of the reel being rotated is determined so that the winning of a specific small prize is prioritized when a stop operation is performed according to a correct operation mode, and the winning of a non-specific small prize is prioritized while avoiding the winning of a specific small prize when a stop operation is performed according to a failed operation mode, which is an operation mode that is not a correct operation mode. On the other hand, in a game in which a specific winning mode is obtained in the normal state, all operation modes become failed operation modes for some of the specific winning modes, and the stop position of the reel being rotated is determined so that the winning of a non-specific small prize is prioritized while avoiding the winning of a specific small prize no matter what mode the stop operation is performed in.

[0079] In this embodiment, as specific winning modes, batting order bells a1 to a4 and batting order bells b1 to b4 are provided. Hereinafter, these winning modes are collectively referred to as batting order bells. Each batting order bell is a winning mode in which an 8-piece minor role and a 1-piece minor role overlap and win, and the 8-piece minor role corresponds to a specific minor role, and the 1-piece minor role corresponds to a non-specific minor role. In the stop control table that is referenced when the batting order bell is won by the internal lottery, as shown in FIG. 9, a correct batting order that is a correct operation mode is set for each batting order bell.

[0080] In the stop control table that is referred to when any of the batting order bells is won, the stop position for the operation detection position is set so that when the stop switches 23a to 23c are pressed in the correct batting order, an 8-coin small combination is won, and when the stop switches 23a to 23c are pressed in an operation order different from the correct batting order, the stop position for the operation detection position is set so that there are cases where a 1-coin small combination is won and cases where no combination is won (a combination is missed). In FIG. 9, "1-coin small combination (1 / 2)" means that in that operation order, a 1-coin small combination is won with a 1 / 2 probability, and a combination is missed with a 1 / 2 probability.

[0081] In addition, when each batting order bell is won, the stop position for the operation detection position is set in each stop control table so that in the correct batting order, the symbols constituting the winning form of the 8-coin small prize are preferentially displayed on the valid line by the payout number priority control, and in an operation order different from the correct batting order, the symbols constituting the winning form of the 1-coin small prize are preferentially displayed on the valid line by the number priority control. In this embodiment, by using the payout number priority control and the number priority control according to the operation order, in the correct batting order, it is possible to win an 8-coin small prize while avoiding the winning of a 1-coin small prize, and in an operation order different from the correct batting order, it is possible to win a 1-coin small prize while avoiding the winning of an 8-coin small prize.

[0082] In this embodiment, for the batting order bell group a, the correct batting order is valid only when the bonus is established, and in the normal state, when a batting order bell belonging to the batting order bell group a is won, even if the stop operation is performed according to the correct batting order, a 1-coin small prize will be won. That is, in the normal state, for the batting order bell group a, even if the stop operation is performed in a manner that allows the 8-coin small prize to be won in the bonus state, the stop position is determined so as to avoid the winning of the 8-coin small prize by the number priority control. On the other hand, for the batting order bell group b, the correct batting order is valid in both the normal state and the bonus state, and the stop position is determined so that the winning of the 8-coin small prize is prioritized in the correct batting order in both game states by the payout number priority control.

[0083] In addition, in the stop control table that is referenced when common bell a or common bell b is won in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that an 8-coin small prize will be awarded. However, for common bell a, a 1-coin small prize will be awarded in the normal state, and an 8-coin small prize will be awarded in the bonus state. In other words, in the normal state, for common bell a, the stop position is determined so as to avoid the winning of an 8-coin small prize by number-priority control, regardless of the manner of the stop operation. On the other hand, for common bell b, the stop position is determined so that an 8-coin small prize will be awarded in both the normal state and the bonus state, regardless of the manner of the stop operation.

[0084] In addition, in the stop control table which is referenced when any of the inhibitor roles a to d is won in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that the 1-coin small role is always won, and under normal conditions, inhibitor roles a to d overlap with the big bonus (BB) and are won, preventing the winning of the big bonus (BB) in the process of winning the 1-coin small role.

[0085] In addition, in the stop control table which is referenced when a weak cherry a is won in the internal lottery, the stop position for the operation detection position is set so that there are cases where a 3-coin small win is won and cases where neither win is won, and in the stop control table which is referenced when a weak cherry b is won in the internal lottery, the stop position for the operation detection position is set so that a 3-coin small win is always won.

[0086] In addition, in the stop control table which is referenced when JAC1 is won in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that an 8-coin small win is always won, and in the stop control table which is referenced when JAC2 is won in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that a 1-coin small win is always won.

[0087] In addition, for the winning patterns of various replays such as normal replay a to normal replay d, special replay group (special replay z1 to special replay z9), strong cherry replay a, strong cherry replay b, watermelon replay a, watermelon replay b, and chance replay, the stop positions relative to the operation detection position are set so that any of the replays included in the winning patterns will always win regardless of the manner of the stop operation.

[0088] As for the Big Bonus (BB), in the normal state, it can only be won if the Big Bonus (BB) is won alone; there are no misses when the bonus is established, and since there are always overlapping wins of small prizes or replays, which have a higher priority than the Big Bonus (BB), the stop position for the operation detection position is set in the stop control table so that the Big Bonus (BB) is not won.

[0089] The game control means 102 also performs a winning judgment process to judge whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the stopping state of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c. That is, the game control means 102 functions as a winning judgment means for judging whether or not a winning combination has been achieved. Specifically, while referring to a winning judgment table stored in the main storage means 105, it judges whether or not a symbol combination displayed on an active line at the time when all of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c have stopped is a winning form of a predetermined winning combination. In this embodiment, a winning judgment table is prepared so that the presence or absence of winning of a big bonus (BB), replay 1 to replay 23, and small win 1 to small win 20 can be judged based on the symbol combination displayed on an active line when each reel has stopped, as shown in FIG. 10 to FIG. 14.

[0090] In the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the game control means 102 executes a winning process when a winning combination is achieved based on the result of the winning determination process. As the winning process, for example, a payout process of electronic medals is performed when a small combination is achieved, a replay process is performed when a replay is achieved, and a game state transition process for transitioning the game state is performed when a bonus is achieved.

[0091] First, the game control means 102 performs a payout process for paying out electronic medals according to game results. In this embodiment, the payout function of electronic medals is realized by the cooperation of the main control unit 100 and the medal count control unit 600. Specifically, when a small winning combination is won, the game control means 102 of the main control unit 100 determines the number of electronic medals to be paid out in a game based on the payout amount predetermined for each combination, and transmits a payout command specifying the number of electronic medals to be paid out to the medal count control unit 600. In the medal count control unit 600 that has received the payout command, the counting control means 601 increases the number of game medals stored in the medal information storage means 603 by the payout number specified by the payout command as the increase in the number of game medals. In the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, when electronic medals are paid out in each game, the number of electronic medals to be paid out is displayed on the main display 16. That is, when electronic medals are paid out as a result of a small winning combination, the game control means 102 performs control to display the number of electronic medals to be paid out in response to the winning of the small winning combination on the main display 16. In this way, the game control means 102 functions as a payout control means for paying out the number of electronic medals according to the payout of the winning small winning combination when a small winning combination is won.

[0092] Furthermore, when a replay wins, the game control means 102 performs a replay process (replay process) for setting the next game to the same preparation state as the previous game without requiring the player to insert electronic medals owned by the player. That is, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed for automatically inserting the same number of electronic medals as in the previous game without using the electronic medals owned by the player, and the machine waits for the next game start operation on the start switch 22 with the same effective lines as in the previous game set. In this way, the game control means 102 functions as a replay processing means for providing the next game free of charge when a replay wins.

[0093] In addition, the game control means 102 performs a game state transition process for transitioning the game state between the normal state, the bonus establishment state, and the bonus state, as shown in FIG. 15. That is, the game control means 102 functions as a game state control means that can set the normal state, the bonus establishment state, and the bonus state. In this embodiment, information indicating the game state in which the player is staying is stored in the main storage means 105. As the transition condition of the game state, one condition may be set, or multiple conditions may be set. When multiple conditions are set, the game state can be transitioned to another game state based on the establishment of one of the multiple predetermined conditions, or the establishment of all of the multiple predetermined conditions.

[0094] The normal state is a game state corresponding to the initial state among a plurality of game states, and it is possible to transition from the normal state to the bonus establishment state. Specifically, when a bonus is won in the normal state, the state transitions to the bonus establishment state. In the normal state, an internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which small winning combinations, replays, and bonuses are set as the lottery objects, among a plurality of types of internal lottery tables stored in the main storage means 105. In this embodiment, in the normal state, an internal lottery is performed by referring to the internal lottery table 1 among the internal lottery tables 1 to 3 shown in FIG. 5.

[0095] The bonus establishment state is a game state to which the game is transitioned when a bonus is won in an internal lottery. In the bonus establishment state, among the multiple types of internal lottery tables stored in the main storage means 105, the win or loss of a minor role is determined with the same probability as in the normal state, and an internal lottery is performed with reference to an internal lottery table in which the bonus is excluded from the lottery object. Note that the replay is set as a lottery object even in the bonus establishment state, but the winning probability and winning mode of the replay may be different from or the same as in the normal state. In this embodiment, in the bonus establishment state, an internal lottery is performed with reference to the internal lottery table 2 among the internal lottery tables 1 to 3 shown in FIG. 5.

[0096] In addition, in the bonus established state, the lottery flag corresponding to the bonus is maintained in a winning state until the bonus is won, and the winning or losing of minor winning combinations and replays is determined, and when a symbol combination showing the winning form of the bonus is displayed on an active line, the game control means 102 transitions the game state from the bonus established state to the bonus state based on the winning of the bonus.

[0097] The bonus state is a game state to which the player is shifted when a symbol combination indicating a bonus winning form is displayed on an active line. In the bonus state, among the multiple types of internal lottery tables stored in the main storage means 105, the winning probability of a small role is set higher than in the normal state and the bonus establishment state, and an internal lottery is performed with reference to an internal lottery table in which replays are excluded from the lottery target. That is, in the bonus state, the player is more advantageous than the normal state and the bonus establishment state in that small roles are more frequently won in the bonus state than in the normal state and the bonus establishment state. In this embodiment, in the bonus state, an internal lottery is performed with reference to the internal lottery table 3 among the internal lottery tables 1 to 3 shown in FIG. 5.

[0098] In the bonus state, the game control means 102 judges whether or not the end condition is met based on the total number of electronic medals paid out by the bonus game in the bonus state, and when the number of electronic medals paid out exceeds a predetermined number to be paid out until the end (for example, 90 medals), the game control means 102 ends the bonus state and returns the game state to the normal state. Note that in this embodiment, the count information on the number of payouts in the bonus state is accumulated and stored in the main storage means 105.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 16, the game control means 102 changes the presentation state between a plurality of presentation states including an initial presentation state, a normal presentation state, and an AT state, sets the presentation state to an AT state under a predetermined condition, and controls to end the AT state when the end condition of the AT state is met. In this embodiment, information indicating the presentation state in which the player is staying is stored in the main storage means 105. In this embodiment, when the player is staying in the AT state, the game control means 102 displays information (operation instruction information) corresponding to the correct operation mode on the main display 16 consisting of a 7-segment display when a specific winning mode is won, thereby performing a correct operation notification to assist the winning of a specific minor role, and the player can play an assist time game in which it is easier to win medals than a game in which the player is staying in the initial presentation state or the normal presentation state. In this embodiment, the function of executing the assist time game in the advantageous zone is the instruction function, and the process that affects the execution of the assist time game is the process related to the instruction function.

[0100] 17, the game control means 102 can set a normal zone (non-advantageous zone) and an advantageous zone, fixes the presentation state to an initial presentation state in the normal zone, which is an initial state, and draws a lottery for transition to an advantageous zone, and starts the advantageous zone by winning the lottery for transition to an advantageous zone, and can set the presentation state to an AT state on condition that the advantageous zone is in the advantageous zone. In other words, the game control means 102 functions as a zone control means that can set a normal zone and an advantageous zone, and can provide operation instruction information in the advantageous zone.

[0101] The game control means 102 performs a lottery for shifting to an advantageous zone in which whether or not the player has won the advantageous zone is determined according to the result of the internal lottery during each game in the normal zone. In this embodiment, the winning of the advantageous zone is determined by linking it to the winning pattern obtained in the normal state or the bonus establishment state, and the player wins the advantageous zone except for a very small number of winning patterns.

[0102] When the game control means 102 wins the advantageous zone in the normal zone, it performs advantageous zone transition processing based on the fact that the advantageous zone has been won, starts the advantageous zone from the next game of the game in which the advantageous zone has been won, and sets the presentation state to the normal presentation state or the AT state. In this embodiment, a fixed role is provided as a winning mode of the replay in the normal state and the bonus establishment state, and in the advantageous zone win triggered by a winning mode other than the fixed role, the presentation state is set to the normal presentation state in the advantageous zone transition processing, and in the advantageous zone win triggered by the fixed role, the presentation state is set to the AT state in the advantageous zone transition processing. In this embodiment, the special replay z8 corresponds to the fixed role.

[0103] In this embodiment, a low probability mode and a high probability mode can be set as the selection mode of the AT selection in the normal presentation state, and when the normal presentation state is in the normal presentation state, the game remains in one of the selection modes, and when the presentation state is to be shifted to the normal presentation state, a mode selection selection is performed, and the selection mode is determined according to the result of the mode selection selection. The mode selection selection is performed by acquiring a random number value associated with a stop operation corresponding to the third stop of the game that shifts the presentation state to the normal presentation state, and obtaining either the low probability mode or the high probability mode associated with the acquired random number value as the selection result. In this embodiment, the mode selection selection is performed in such a manner that the low probability mode is more likely to be selected than the high probability mode. Note that the game that shifts the presentation state to the normal presentation state refers to a game in which a favorable zone is won, or a game in which the AT state has ended in the favorable zone, and in a game in which a favorable zone is won, a mode selection selection is performed as part of the favorable zone transition process, and in a game in which the AT state has ended in the favorable zone, a mode selection selection is performed as part of the process of returning the presentation state to the normal presentation state. In addition, the winning mode of the advantageous zone transition lottery may be, for example, two types, low probability winning and high probability winning, and the lottery mode to be shifted to in the advantageous zone transition process may be determined to be the low probability mode or the high probability mode. In this case, if the result of the advantageous zone transition lottery is a low probability win, the lottery mode can be set to the low probability mode in the advantageous zone transition process, and if the result of the advantageous zone transition lottery is a high probability win, the lottery mode can be set to the high probability mode in the advantageous zone transition process.

[0104] The game control means 102 performs an AT lottery (an example of processing related to the instruction function) when the game state is a bonus establishment state and the presentation state is a normal presentation state in the advantageous zone. In this embodiment, the AT lottery is performed regardless of which winning mode is obtained in the internal lottery, and the AT lottery is performed so that the AT winning result is obtained with a predetermined probability according to the winning mode. In this embodiment, the AT winning result is obtained with a higher probability in the high probability mode than in the low probability mode. In addition, for the fixed role (special replay z8), the lottery result of the AT winning is always obtained in the AT lottery in both the low probability mode and the high probability mode. Then, the game control means 102 performs control to transition the presentation state from the normal presentation state to the AT state based on the result of the AT lottery being an AT winning.

[0105] In the normal performance state, the management of the lottery mode that transitions between the low probability mode and the high probability mode can be determined by lottery. For example, in the low probability mode, a promotion lottery is performed every time a game is played, and if the promotion lottery is won, it is determined that the promotion condition is established and a transition to the high probability mode is made, and in the high probability mode, a fall lottery is performed every time a game is played, and if the fall lottery is won, it is determined that the fall condition is established and a transition to the low probability mode is made.

[0106] The game control means 102 causes an assist time game to be played based on the fact that the presentation state is the AT state, and updates the count information of the number of AT games by an update amount equivalent to one game each time the assist time game is played. In this embodiment, the count information of the number of AT games is stored in the main storage means 105. In this embodiment, when any of a plurality of specific winning patterns is won in the AT state, the game control means 102 executes a correct operation notification to notify the correct operation pattern corresponding to the specific winning pattern that has been won. In this embodiment, when the game control means 102 executes a correct operation notification regarding the specific winning pattern, an operation instruction number corresponding to the correct batting order corresponding to the specific winning pattern that has been won is displayed on the main display 16.

[0107] When the game control means 102 determines that the condition for terminating the AT state is met based on the count information of the number of AT games stored in the main memory means 105, it performs control to return the presentation state to the normal presentation state.

[0108] In this embodiment, the game control means 102 updates the count information of the difference in number in the advantageous zone based on the number of medals inserted and the number of medals paid out, and when it determines that the end condition of the advantageous zone is met based on the count information of the difference in number, it performs control to end the advantageous zone. The count information of the difference in number is stored in the main storage means 105, and as long as the end condition of the advantageous zone is not met in the advantageous zone, the count information of the difference in number is updated even if a transition in the game state or the presentation state occurs.

[0109] The game control means 102 also performs an initialization process to initialize predetermined information stored in the main storage means 105 based on the end of the advantageous zone. In particular, in this embodiment, among various information stored in the main storage means 105, information on the presentation state, count information on the number of AT games, and information on the difference in number of coins in the advantageous zone are initialized by the initialization process associated with the end of the advantageous zone. Therefore, when the initialization process associated with the end of the advantageous zone is performed, unlike the case where the initialization process is performed when the setting is changed, information on the lottery flag of the internal lottery and information on the game state are retained without being initialized by the initialization process associated with the end of the advantageous zone. Then, when the initialization process associated with the end of the advantageous zone is performed, the presentation state is initialized to the initial presentation state, and the count information on the number of AT games and the information on the difference in number of coins in the advantageous zone are initialized to initial values ​​(for example, 0) to return to the normal zone.

[0110] In this embodiment, an initialization process is executed at the end of the favorable zone to return to the normal zone, so if a termination condition based on the count information of the difference in the number of coins is met while remaining in the AT state, the initialization process at the end of the favorable zone will forcibly terminate the AT state.

[0111] Next, a description will be given of the sub-control unit 200. The sub-control unit 200 includes a performance control means 201 and a sub-storage means 203.

[0112] The performance control means 201 controls performances using the display unit 501 (e.g., liquid crystal display 20), the speaker 40, and the lamp unit 503 (e.g., outer perimeter lamp 19, etc.) based on the performance data stored in the sub-storage means 202. For example, by lighting or blinking lamps or LEDs in response to the occurrence of game events such as the operation of the bet switch 21, the operation of the start switch 22, the stop switches 23a to 23c, and changes in the game state, changing the display content of the liquid crystal display 20, and outputting sounds from the speaker 40, the performance control means 201 controls the execution of performances to liven up the game or to assist the game in response to the progress of the game.

[0113] When the presentation state is the AT state, the presentation control means 201 controls the liquid crystal display 20 and the speaker 40 to execute a winning assistance presentation that notifies the player of a correct operation mode when a specific winning mode is won and assists in the winning of a specific minor role.

[0114] Furthermore, when a game is being played in the AT state, the presentation control means 201 controls to execute a remaining number display presentation that displays the remaining number of games until the AT state ends on the liquid crystal display 20. In the remaining number display presentation, when the count information of the number of AT games is updated by playing a game, the display content is changed so that the remaining number of games decreases to reflect the update of the count information.

[0115] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the main loop processing of the main control unit 100, at least when the reels are spinning, the backlight unit 36 ​​illuminates the pattern display position of each reel to ensure visibility of the patterns arranged on each reel, and the backlight unit 36 ​​is controlled to turn off or blink at predetermined triggers such as when the reels stop or when a winning combination is achieved.

[0116] The content of the effects executed in the game is determined according to a command sent from the main control unit 100 in response to the game state, the effect state, the result of the internal lottery, etc., by using the effect lottery table stored in the sub-storage means 203. For example, when the main control unit 100 performs an internal lottery, a sub-command including an effect control number corresponding to the result of the internal lottery is sent from the main control unit 100, and in the sub-control unit 200 that receives the sub-command, the effect control means 201 determines the effect to be executed by referring to the effect lottery table stored in the sub-storage means 203 based on the effect control number included in the received sub-command. In this embodiment, image data stored in the ROM area of ​​the sub-storage means 203 is read into an image buffer provided in the sub-storage means 203, an image based on the image data read into the image buffer is output to the liquid crystal display 20, and sound data stored in the ROM area of ​​the sub-storage means 203 is read into a sound buffer provided in the sub-storage means 203, and a sound based on the sound data read into the sound buffer is output from the speaker 40.

[0117] The functional block configuration of this embodiment can also be applied to computer systems (including game systems). In these systems, the functions of the game control means 100 of this embodiment can be realized by downloading a program that causes a computer to function as the game control means 100 of this embodiment from an information storage medium such as a CD or DVD or a Web server on the Internet via a network. In the above computer system, the bet switch 21, the start switch 22, the stop switches 23a to 23c, etc. can be realized by virtually allocating their functions to operation means such as a keyboard, a pointing device (such as a mouse), a touch panel, or a controller. In the above computer system, the main display 16, the game medal number display 27, the reel unit 30, etc. are not essential components, and these units can virtually realize their functions by controlling the images displayed and output on the display.

[0118] 2. Method of the Present Invention In this embodiment, the main control unit 100 notifies the sub-control unit 200 of the performance control number set based on the winning number obtained by internal lottery, and the sub-control unit 200 controls the execution of the performance based on the performance control number notified from the main control unit 100. In particular, this embodiment employs a method different from the conventional method for setting the performance control number based on the winning number. Below, the new method will be explained while comparing the conventional method with the method of this embodiment (hereinafter referred to as the new method).

[0119] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the correspondence between the winning numbers and the performance control numbers in the conventional method and the new method.

[0120] In this embodiment, winning numbers from "0" to "36" are sequentially assigned to the results of the internal lottery, including losses (non-winners). Each winning number is a number unique to each result of the internal lottery, and the result of the internal lottery can be identified by the winning number.

[0121] In this embodiment, when the batting order bell group a and the batting order bell group b correspond to a specific winning number, and any of the winning numbers "5" to "12" corresponding to the batting order bell group a and the batting order bell group b is obtained by the internal lottery, a common performance control number "5" is assigned. In addition, for the losing (winning number "0"), JAC1 (winning number "1"), JAC2 (winning number "2"), weak cherry a (winning number "3"), and weak cherry b (winning number "4") in the internal lottery, the same number as the winning number is assigned as the performance control number. As shown in Figures 18(A) and 18(B), the correspondence relationship between the performance control number and the winning numbers "0" to "12" is consistent between the conventional method and the new method.

[0122] As shown in FIG. 18(A), in the conventional method, the production control numbers are assigned sequentially starting from "0", and the production control numbers "6" to "29" are assigned to the winning numbers "13" to "36". On the other hand, in the new method shown in FIG. 18(B), the production control numbers "6" to "12" are omitted, and the same numbers are assigned to the winning numbers "13" to "36". In this way, in the new method, one of the specific winning numbers "5" to "12", the number "5", is used as the production control number linked to the specific winning numbers "5" to "12", and the remaining numbers "6" to "12" are omitted, and the same numbers as the winning numbers are assigned as the production control numbers to the winning numbers "0" to "4" and "13" to "36" that are different from the specific winning numbers.

[0123] Due to the difference in the correspondence between the winning number and the effect control number described above, there is a difference between the conventional method and the new method in the process of setting the effect control number for the winning number obtained by internal lottery.

[0124] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the process for setting the performance control number in the conventional method and the new method.

[0125] In the conventional method shown in Fig. 19(A), when an internal lottery is performed, the winning number obtained by the internal lottery is set to the effect control number (En) (step S100), and then the effect control number (En) is adjusted as necessary. Specifically, it is determined whether the effect control number (En) set in step S100 corresponds to the specific winning number "5" to "12" (step S101), and if the effect control number (En) set in step S100 is the specific winning number "5" to "12" (Y in step S101), a process of rewriting the effect control number (En) to "5" is performed (step S102). Furthermore, if the performance control number (En) set in step S100 is "13" or more ("13" to "36") (Y in step S102), a process is performed to adjust the deviation caused by the commonality of the performance control number (En) for the specific winning numbers "5" to "12" (a process to adjust "13" to "36" to "6" to "29") (step S104). Note that if the performance control number (En) set in step S100 is in the range of "0" to "4", the performance control number (En) is maintained as is. When the performance control number (En) is set in this manner, a sub-command including the set performance control number (En) is sent to the sub-control unit 200, and the winning information of the internal lottery is notified to the sub-control unit 200.

[0126] On the other hand, in the new method shown in Figure 19 (B), if the performance control number (En) set in step S100 corresponds to a specific winning number "5" to "12" (Y in step S101), a process is performed in step S102 to rewrite the performance control number (En) to "5", but in other cases, the performance control number (En) set in step S100 is maintained as it is and sent to the sub-control unit 200 as a sub-command.

[0127] As described above, in the conventional method, for some winning numbers "13" to "36", a process (step S104) is required to adjust the discrepancy between the winning number and the performance control number (En); however, in the new method proposed in this embodiment, this process can be omitted.

[0128] The new method proposed in this embodiment described above can simplify the process of setting the performance control number by making the performance control number common when the winning number is a specific winning number, and by making the winning number the performance control number when the winning number is not a specific winning number. In this way, the new method proposed in this embodiment can reduce the memory usage of the main control unit 100 while preventing fraudulent acts.

[0129] In this embodiment, the case where some of the winning numbers corresponding to small wins are specific winning numbers has been described as an example, but the new method of this embodiment can be equally applied to the case where some of the winning numbers corresponding to replay wins are specific winning numbers.

[0130] Also, the specific winning numbers may be not only one group, but two or more groups. For example, in this embodiment, the batting order bell a group and the batting order bell b group are treated as one group and are treated as specific winning numbers, but the special replay z group may be treated as another group and be assigned the same production control number. In this case, one number of the winning numbers corresponding to the special replay z group may be set as a production control number common to the special replay z group, and the remaining numbers may be omitted, and the same number as the winning number may be set as the production control number for the other winning numbers.

[0131] In this embodiment, a gaming machine is provided with a plurality of reels having a plurality of types of patterns arranged on the outer peripheral surface, and includes an internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery for determining whether a plurality of types of roles including a small role will be won or not, a reel control means for rotating the plurality of reels and controlling the reels to stop being rotated in a manner according to the result of the internal lottery when a stop operation is triggered, a winning determination means for determining whether a role has been won, a payout control means for controlling the payout of a game value when the small role has been won, a main control unit 100 having a game control means 102 that functions as an interval control means capable of providing operation instruction information to assist the winning of the small role won in the internal lottery, and a sub-control unit 200 having a performance control means 201 that controls the execution of a performance according to the result of the internal lottery, and a plurality of specific winning modes in which a specific small role and a non-specific small role are won in combination as winning modes of the small role, The reel control means performs control to allow the specific minor role to be won when a stopping operation is performed in a correct operation mode when the specific winning mode is obtained in the internal lottery, and to prevent the specific minor role from being won when a stopping operation is performed in an incorrect operation mode different from the correct operation mode, a unique winning number is assigned to each of the winning modes obtained in the internal lottery, the game control means 102 sets the same presentation control number when the winning number corresponding to the multiple specific winning modes is obtained, sets the same presentation control number as the winning number when the winning number corresponding to a winning mode other than the multiple specific winning modes is obtained, and performs control to notify the sub-control unit 200 of the presentation control number set based on the winning number, and in the sub-control unit 200 that receives the presentation control number, the presentation control means 201 performs presentation control based on the presentation control number. In addition, in the gaming machine, one of the winning numbers corresponding to the plurality of specific winning modes may be designated as the presentation control number common to the plurality of specific winning modes, and the remaining numbers may be left as missing numbers and the presentation control numbers may be assigned to the winning numbers corresponding to winning modes other than the plurality of specific winning modes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0132] 10 gaming machines, 11 Storage box, 12 Front door, 13a first reel, 13b second reel, 13c third reel, 14 display window, 15 Effective line, 16 Main display, 18 Sub display, 19 Outer circumference lamp, 20 LCD display, 21 bet switch, 22 start switch, 23a, 23b, 23c stop switch, 24 door key cylinder, 25 Error release switch, 26 Counting switch, 27 Game medal number display, 28 settlement switch, 30 reel unit, 31 base unit, 32 support unit, 33 stepping motor, 34 reel body, 35 reel tape, 36 backlight unit, 37a upper backlight, 37b middle backlight, 37c lower backlight, 40 speakers, 100 Main control unit, 101 setting change means, 102 game control means, 103 random number generation means, 105 Main memory means, 200 Sub-control section, 201 performance control means, 203 auxiliary storage means, 301 Startup mode change switch, 302 Setting change switch, 303 Door opening / closing switch, 405 Reel index, 501 Display unit, 503 Lamp unit, 600 Medal count control unit, 601 counting control means, 602 medal error management means, 603 medal information storage means, 700 Rental equipment connection terminal board, 800 dedicated units, 801 lending control unit, 802 cash insertion unit, 803 card insertion unit, 804 Lending switch, 805 Return switch, 806 Game switch, 807 Degree Indicator, 808 Medal Count Indicator

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine having a main control unit that controls the progress of a game and a sub-control unit that executes a performance along with the progress of the game, The main control unit, A performance control number is set based on a winning number obtained by an internal lottery that determines whether the winning combination is a winning combination, and the performance control number is notified to the sub-control unit. The sub-control unit: Controlling the execution of the performance based on the performance control number notified from the main control unit; There are a plurality of specific winning numbers as the winning numbers obtained in the internal lottery, and when the specific winning number is obtained in the internal lottery, operation instruction information for assisting the winning of a hand can be provided; The main control unit, determining whether the winning number obtained in the internal lottery is the specific winning number; If the winning number is any of the plurality of specific winning numbers, a common performance control number is set; When the winning number is other than the plurality of specific winning numbers, the gaming machine sets the winning number as the performance control number.

Images