Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of enhancing the marketability of a game machine when a configuration related to management of electronic game value is operated.SOLUTION: Token count control means can execute total count processing. The total count processing continues until all game values managed by the token count control means are transmitted to a dedicated unit. Performance control means can output a second counting sound and a cancellation sound. The second counting sound is output when the total count processing is being executed by the token count control means. The cancellation sound is output when the total count processing which is being executed by the token count control means is stopped.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 34

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, smart pachislot machines have been considered that maintain the playability of slot machines while allowing players to play without using actual medals (for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, smart pachinko machines have been considered that use a sealed circulation system to allow players to play without touching the game balls (for example, Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-134014 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2020-156551 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In such smart pachislots and smart pachinkos, it is no longer necessary to provide a path for distributing game media such as game balls and medals outside the gaming machine, and in smart pachislots, physical game media themselves are no longer necessary. In this way, smart pachislots do not use game media themselves, and smart pachinkos use non-magnetic game balls, making it possible to prevent cheating that assumes the use of metallic game media. In addition, since it is no longer necessary to provide a mechanism for inserting and paying out game media within the gaming machine, it is possible to reduce design costs and manufacturing costs. Furthermore, by centrally managing the lending of game media to players and the counting of acquired game media, it is possible to prevent fraud and suppress gambling.

[0005] On the other hand, in the case of smart pachislots and smart pachinkos, there is a demand to improve the marketability of the gaming machines when operating the configuration for utilizing electronic gaming media (gaming value) or non-magnetic gaming media, which were not provided in conventional slot machines and pachinko machines that used physical gaming media.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENTS Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can improve the marketability of the gaming machine when a configuration related to electronic management of gaming value is operated. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention includes a management and control means for managing game values; A performance control means for controlling the performance, The management control means is capable of performing all counting processes; The total counting process is a process that continues until all game values ​​managed by the management control means are transmitted to an external device, The performance control means is capable of outputting a first sound and a second sound, the first sound is output when the total counting process is being executed by the management control means; The second sound is output when all of the counting processes being executed by the management control means are stopped. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can improve the marketability of the gaming machine when a configuration related to electronic management of game value is operated. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 3]1 is a diagram showing winning areas which can be won by an internal lottery in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and winning combinations included in each winning area. FIG. [Figure 4] (A) is a state transition diagram of the game state in a gaming machine of an embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a transition diagram relating to the normal area and advantageous area controlled by the AT control means, and the presentation state during the advantageous area. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing game results for each batting order when a winning area including a small win is won in a non-RT state in the gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing game results for each batting order when a winning area including a small win is won in the RBB internal state in the gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing game results for each batting order when a winning area including a small win is won in the RBB state in the gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 5 is a flowchart showing an upper limit value setting process for the payout amount in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a table summarizing the minor winning combinations that are awarded based on winnings for each game state in the gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a timing chart that explains the case where the gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention and the dedicated unit are both powered off, the power is then turned on, and the counting button is started to be pressed from the point when the power to the gaming machine is cut off, and the gaming machine completes startup before the dedicated unit. [Figure 11] This is a timing chart that explains the case where the dedicated unit completes startup before the gaming machine in the first embodiment of the present invention when the power is turned on from a state in which both the gaming machine and the dedicated unit are powered off, and the counting button is started to be pressed from the point when the power to the gaming machine is cut off. [Figure 12]This is a timing chart that explains a case where, when both the gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention and the dedicated unit are powered on, the power of the dedicated unit is maintained on, the power of the gaming machine is turned off and on, and the counting button starts to be pressed from the point when the power of the gaming machine is off. [Figure 13] 13 is a timing chart for explaining the flow of the counting process when the counting switch is short-pressed in the gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 13 is a timing chart for explaining the flow of the counting process when the counting switch is pressed and held in the gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 13 is a timing chart for explaining another flow of the counting process when the counting switch is pressed and held in the gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 13 is a timing chart for explaining the flow of the counting process when the counting switch is operated for full counting in the gaming machine of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 13 is a timing chart for explaining another flow of the counting process when the counting switch is operated for full counting in the gaming machine according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of counting processing in a medal count control board according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the multiple counting process shown in FIG. 18. [Figure 20] 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the single-number counting process shown in FIG. 18. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a counting response process in a main control board according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a counting response process in a sub-control board of a second embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 23]13 is a timing chart for explaining the flow of the counting process when the counting switch is operated for full counting in the gaming machine of the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] 13 is a timing chart for explaining another flow of the counting process when the counting switch is operated for full counting in the gaming machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 25] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of counting processing in the medal count control board of the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] 26 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the multiple counting process shown in FIG. 25. [Figure 27] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of a counting response process in a sub-control board of the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] FIG. 13 is an external view for explaining the mechanical configuration of a game medal count display device in a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] 13 is a timing chart for explaining the flow of the counting process when the total counting switch is operated in the gaming machine of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 30] 13 is a timing chart for explaining another flow of the counting process when the total counting switch is operated in the gaming machine of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 31] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of counting processing in a medal count control board according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 32] 13(A) is a schematic front view of a game medal number display device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13(B) is a schematic sectional view of the game medal number display device. [Diagram 33] (A) is a diagram showing a demo effect displayed on a display device in a gaming machine of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, (B) is a diagram showing an operation display during the demo effect, and (C) is a diagram showing a possession count warning. [Diagram 34] 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between counting control and sound control executed in a gaming machine according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 35](A) is a diagram illustrating an example of an in-game presentation image displayed on a display device as the game progresses in a gaming machine of the fifth embodiment of the present invention; (B) is a diagram illustrating an example when the counting button is operated in the state shown in Figure 35(A); and (C) is a diagram illustrating an example when the total counting button is operated in the state shown in Figure 35(A). [Diagram 36] 13(A) to 13(C) are diagrams illustrating examples of the display contents of a total count specific display that progresses with the passage of time in a gaming machine according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 37] 13(A) to 13(C) are diagrams illustrating examples of effects that are displayed on a display device when all counting processes are completed in a gaming machine according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 38] (A) is a diagram illustrating an example of the presentation when the entire counting process is being executed in a gaming machine of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a diagram illustrating an example of the presentation executed when the entire counting process is canceled in the state shown in Figure 38 (A). [Figure 39] 39(A) is a diagram illustrating an example of the presentation when the full counting process is being executed with 560 game medals remaining in a gaming machine of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 39(B) is a diagram illustrating an example of the presentation executed when a door opening error occurs in the state shown in FIG. 39(A). [Diagram 40] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a state in which an administrator menu screen is displayed on a display device in a gaming machine according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 41] FIG. 11A is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which an error history display screen is displayed on a display device to show the history of errors that have occurred in an amusement machine of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11B is a diagram illustrating a state in which a counting / lending history display screen is displayed on a display device to show the history of counting and lending of electronic medals. [Diagram 42] 42(A) is a diagram illustrating a state in which a rental device connection error has occurred while the error history display screen shown in FIG. 41(A) is displayed in an gaming machine of the fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 42(B) is a diagram illustrating a state in which the rental device connection error has been cleared from the state shown in FIG. 42(A). [Diagram 43] 43(A) is a diagram illustrating an example of the counting and lending history display screen displayed on a gaming machine of the fifth embodiment of the present invention when the number of gaming medals is 13,529, and FIG. 43(B) is a diagram illustrating the state in which the full counting process has been executed from the state shown in FIG. 43(A) and all electronic medals stored in the gaming machine have been counted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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

[0011] 1. Overview of the gaming machine configuration FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a slot machine 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is a so-called reel type gaming machine, and is composed of a so-called medal-less gaming machine that records gaming value by electromagnetic means based on a lending signal output from an external device that is provided outside the slot machine 1 and that is configured to lend and settle electronic medals that become gaming value by electromagnetic means and a dedicated unit SU (see FIG. 2) as a specific unit, for gaming value that a player can use for playing. The slot machine 1 is configured to store information on the number of recorded electronic medals as the number of gaming medals and to be able to transmit the stored number of gaming medals to the dedicated unit SU. The dedicated unit SU settles the electronic medals by recording the number of gaming medals received from the slot machine 1 on a recording medium such as an IC card and discharging it.

[0012] The slot machine 1 of the first embodiment has a reel unit RU that includes a left reel R1 to a right reel R3 as multiple reels housed in a box-shaped housing that includes a housing BX, a front upper door UD, and a front lower door DD. The housing of the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment also contains a control board that includes a CPU, a ROM (an example of an information storage medium), a RAM, etc., and controls the operation of the slot machine 1.

[0013] The outer periphery of each of the left reel R1 to right reel R3 shown in Figure 1 is divided into 20 areas (hereinafter, each area will be referred to as a "frame") at regular intervals, and each frame has one of several types of patterns arranged on it.

[0014] The front upper door UD and the front lower door DD are provided so as to be able to be opened and closed separately. The front upper door UD is provided with a display device 410 as a display means for performing effects composed of various videos and images for assisting and livening up a game. In addition, the display device 410 is configured such that a specific area 410b facing the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 in a display area 410a for displaying images is composed of a transparent liquid crystal display, and the spinning state and stopped state of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 can be observed through the display device 410. When the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are stopped, three patterns (upper pattern, middle pattern, lower pattern) arranged consecutively on the outer periphery of each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 among a plurality of types of patterns arranged at regular intervals on the outer periphery of each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 can be observed through the display device 410 from the front of the slot machine 1.

[0015] In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, an upper, middle, and lower row are provided for each reel as display positions for observing symbols through the display device 410, and an activated line L1 is set for an activated line based on a combination of the display positions of each reel. In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the number of electronic medals required for one game, the so-called prescribed number (prescribed number), is set to three (first prescribed number) or two (second prescribed number), and when electronic medals equivalent to the prescribed number are inserted, the activated line L1 formed by the middle row of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 is activated.

[0016] The game result is determined by the symbol combination stopped and displayed on the pay line L1 (on the pay line), and if the symbol combination on the pay line L1 corresponds to a predetermined role, that role is deemed to have won, and control according to the winning role is executed.

[0017] The front lower door DD is formed at its upper part with an operation unit installation stand 112, on which various operation means are provided. The operation means include a max bet button MB as an insertion operation means for performing an operation to set the electronic medals stored in the slot machine 1 to an inserted state, a start lever SL as a game start operation means for allowing the player to perform a start operation which triggers the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 to spin and start a game, stop buttons B1 to B3 as stop operation means for allowing the player to perform a stop operation which triggers the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 which are rotated by a stepping motor, a count button KB as a count operation means for performing a count operation to transmit the number of game medals stored in the slot machine 1 to the dedicated unit SU, a settlement button AB for performing a settlement operation to release the inserted state and return the electronic medals set to the inserted state to the medal count counter 311 (see FIG. 2), a performance button EB used for performance, and a performance display button PU used for displaying a preset performance are also provided.

[0018] The effect button EB is an effect operation means for making the player execute an operation that triggers the display of the normal menu screen on the display device 410 when no medals are set to an inserted state and the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are stopped and no game is being played. The effect button EB has a plurality of selection buttons for selecting an object from the items displayed on the normal menu screen, and a decision button for deciding the selected object. The items displayed on the normal menu screen include an item for displaying a volume adjustment screen for adjusting the volume of the sound output from the slot machine 1, an item for displaying a brightness adjustment screen for adjusting the brightness of the display device 410, and the like.

[0019] The effect display button PU is a substantially rectangular button with "PUSH" written inside. In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when the effect display button PU is operated to activate an effect signal outputted to the effect control means 200 (see FIG. 2), an effect is executed on the display device 410 to notify the player that the effect display button PU will be operated, and an effect corresponding to the operation of the effect display button PU is displayed.

[0020] The lower front door DD is provided with a main control display device 10D controlled by the CPU of the main control board 10 (see FIG. 2). The main control display device 10D is made up of a 7-segment display or the like, and displays various game information such as information on the winning combination in the current game, and information (alert display) suggesting how to press the stop button B1, stop button B2, and stop button B3 related to the payout of electronic medals. The alert display displayed on the main control display device 10D corresponds to a winning combination command, which is a control signal created based on winning information, which is information on the winning combination in the current game, when a specified number of electronic medals are inserted and the start lever SL is operated.

[0021] In addition, the front lower door DD is provided with a game medal count display device MD controlled by a medal count control CPU 31 (see FIG. 2). The game medal count display device MD is made up of a 7-segment display or the like, and functions as a conceptual receiver by displaying the number of game medals stored in the slot machine 1.

[0022] The front lower door DD is provided with a plurality of sound devices 420 for producing effects using sound. The sound devices 420 output various sounds to assist or liven up the game.

[0023] 2 is a functional block diagram of the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment. The slot machine 1 of the first embodiment has a main control board 10, a sub-control board 20, and a medal count control board 30 as control boards. The main control board 10 has a main control CPU 11 (game control means) that controls the progress of a game by controlling a game played using a game value. The sub-control board 20 has a sub-control CPU 21 that controls the presentation related to the game. The medal count control board 30 has a medal count control CPU 31 that manages electronic medals and is configured to be able to communicate with a dedicated unit SU to perform control related to the number of game medals.

[0024] The main control CPU 11 functions as a setting change means 100, an input receiving means 105, a random number generation means 110, an internal lottery means 120, a reel control means 130, a winning determination means 140, a payout control means 150, a game state transition control means 160, an assist time control means (AT control means) 170, and a complete control means 180. Each means constituting the main control CPU 11 reads out and executes each control program prestored in the main storage means 190 when each control process is executed.

[0025] The setting change means 100 performs control (setting change control) to change the setting values ​​stored in the setting value storage means 191 of the main storage means 190. In the setting change means 100, a setting key is inserted into a setting key cylinder KC provided on the main control board 10, and a setting change switch SS provided inside the setting key cylinder KC is turned ON when the setting key is turned ON. When the power is turned on with the setting change switch SS in the ON state, the setting change means 100 transitions to a setting change permitted state in which a setting change is permitted. On the other hand, the setting change means 100 is configured not to transition to a setting change permitted state when the setting change switch SS is turned ON while the power is turned on.

[0026] In the setting change permission state, the setting change means 100 cyclically changes the setting value in the order of Setting 1 → Setting 2 →... → Setting 6 → Setting 1 →... each time it receives an input signal output by operating the setting change button BS provided on the power supply device, and determines the setting value based on receiving a start signal output by operating the start lever SL. In the slot machine 1, the winning probability of some of the winning areas that can be won in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 is changed according to the setting value determined in the setting value storage means 191. In other words, the setting change means 100 is configured to be able to change the setting value that is a value that can change the winning probability of a combination in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120.

[0027] In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when the setting change control by the setting change means 100 is executed, the control related to the game state executed by the game state transition control means 160 and the control related to the advantageous zone executed by the AT control means 170 are configured to be initialized, the game state is set to a non-replay time (hereinafter, replay time is also written as "RT") state described later, and the control related to the auxiliary game executed by the AT control means 170 before the setting change is also initialized and a normal zone is set. On the other hand, in the slot machine 1, when the supply of power to the main control CPU 11 is cut off (power interruption) and then the supply of power is resumed again, the control related to the game state executed by the game state transition control means 160 and the control related to the advantageous zone executed by the AT control means 170 are configured to be resumed from the state before the power interruption, and the control related to the auxiliary game executed by the AT control means 170 before the power interruption is also configured to be maintained in the state before the power interruption.

[0028] The deposit acceptance means 105 accepts an input signal output when the max bet button MB is operated (bet operation) while a number of game medals equal to or greater than a specified number is stored in the medal count counter 311 described below during a deposit acceptance period for accepting the deposit of electronic medals, and sets the electronic medals stored in the medal count counter 311 to an inserted state up to the specified number set for each game state, and performs processing to enable a game start operation on the start lever SL based on the fact that the electronic medals equivalent to the specified number have been set to the inserted state.

[0029] In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the first pressing operation of the start lever SL, which is enabled based on the setting of the inserted state of electronic medals equivalent to a prescribed number, is accepted as a game start operation by the player, which triggers the start of rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 and also triggers the internal lottery means 120, which will be described later, to execute an internal lottery. The prescribed number set for each game state will be described later in detail.

[0030] In addition, during the period when the electronic medals are set to the inserted state and until the start lever SL is operated to start, the deposit acceptance means 105 accepts an input signal outputted when the settlement button AB is operated, thereby cancelling the inserted state and adding the same number of electronic medals that were set to the inserted state to the number of game medals stored in the medal number counter 311, thereby settling the electronic medals that were set to the inserted state.

[0031] The random number generating means 110 is a means for generating random numbers for lotteries. In the first embodiment, the term "random number" includes not only values ​​that are generated randomly in a mathematical sense, but also values ​​that may function as random numbers substantially because the timing of acquisition is irregular, even if the generation itself is regular.

[0032] The internal lottery means 120 is a means for conducting an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination will be achieved based on a start signal output when the player executes a start operation on the start lever SL, and performs lottery table selection processing, random number determination processing, lottery flag setting processing, etc.

[0033] In the lottery table selection process, which internal lottery table is to be used for the internal lottery is selected based on the current game state from among the multiple internal lottery tables stored in the internal lottery table storage means 192 of the main storage means 190. In each internal lottery table, various roles such as replay, small role, and bonus, and non-win (miss) are associated with each of multiple random numbers (for example, 65536 random numbers from 0 to 65535).

[0034] In the following description, a bonus means a role that activates a reel or a device for continuously operating a reel when it is won, a bonus being activated means that a bonus is won and activates a reel or a device for continuously operating a reel, and a bonus state means that the reel or device for continuously operating a reel is activated.

[0035] In the random number determination process, a random number (random number for lottery) generated by the random number generation means 110 is obtained for each game based on the start signal output when the start lever SL is operated to start the game, and the obtained random number is compared with the internal lottery table selected in the lottery table selection process, and it is determined whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the comparison result.

[0036] 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-established state (first flag state, OFF state) to an established state (second flag state, ON state). In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when two or more types of combinations are overlappingly won, the lottery flags corresponding to each of the two or more types of combinations that are overlappingly won are set to an established state. In addition, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, there are provided a lottery flag (carry-over flag) that can carry over the established state to the next or subsequent games until a prize is won, and a lottery flag (non-carry-over flag) that is reset to an unestablished state without carrying over the established state to the next or subsequent games regardless of whether a prize is won. In addition, the setting information of the lottery flag is stored in the lottery flag storage means 193 of the main storage means 190.

[0037] The reel control means 130 executes reel rotation control to start the rotation drive of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 and control the rotation mode of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 based on the start operation of the start lever SL performed by the player and the output of a start signal. In addition, when the rotation state of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 becomes a steady rotation state at a predetermined speed (for example, about 80 rpm), the reel control means 130 executes control to validate a stop operation in which the stop button B1 to the stop button B3 corresponding to each reel is operated. Then, when the stop button B1 to the stop button B3 is operated to stop and a reel stop signal is output, the reel control means 130 executes control to stop each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 corresponding to the stop button B1 to the stop button B3 that has been operated to stop (reel stop control).

[0038] In the following description, when the reel control means 130 starts the rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 and the player operates each of the active stop buttons B1 to B3, the first operation will be referred to as the first stop operation, the second operation will be referred to as the second stop operation, and the third operation will be referred to as the third stop operation.

[0039] In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are stopped within a predetermined period of 190 ms (milliseconds, msec) from the time when the stop button B1 to the stop button B3 are pressed. In the following description, pressing the stop button B1 to the stop button B3 is also referred to as an operation. In addition, the slot machine 1 may be configured to output a stop signal not only when the stop button B1 to the stop button B3 are pressed, but also when an operation is performed in which the pressed stop button B1 to the stop button B3 are pressed and the pressed stop button B1 to the stop button B3 are released.

[0040] Here, when the reels are stopped within 190 ms from the time the stop button is pressed, the stop position of each reel can be rotated a maximum of four frames from the time the stop button is pressed until the reels stop, depending on the diameter and rotation speed of each reel. Therefore, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, for the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, a total of five frames from the frame displayed on the pay line L1 at the time the stop button is pressed until the reels stop four frames are the range in which the symbols can be pulled onto the pay line L1 (pulling-in range).

[0041] When executing reel stop control, the reel control means 130 performs a logic calculation process to determine the stop position of the spinning reel based on a preset priority order by logic calculation including a pull-in process to stop the spinning reel so that a combination with a lottery flag set to a hit state can be won as much as possible, and a kick-off process to stop the spinning reel so that a combination with a lottery flag set to a non-hit state cannot be won, and a table reference process to determine the stop position of the spinning reel by referring to a stop control table stored in the reel control data storage means 194 of the main storage means 190, thereby stopping the spinning reel and displaying a pattern on the pay line L1 (hereinafter, stopping the spinning reel by the reel stop control and displaying a pattern on the pay line L1 is also referred to as "stop display").

[0042] In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when multiple types of small winning combinations are won in the internal lottery, the priority of the candidate stop positions can be determined according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the pay line L1 (number priority control), or according to the number of electronic medals to be paid out based on the payouts that are predefined for the small winning combinations (number priority control). However, when the number priority control is executed, if the same payout is won twice for the small winning combinations, the priority of the candidate stop positions that can win the respective small winning combinations is treated as being the same.

[0043] The winning determination means 140 performs a winning determination process to determine whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the stopping state of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3. Specifically, while referring to the winning determination table stored in the winning determination table storage means 195 of the main storage means 190, it is determined whether or not the symbol combination displayed on the pay line L1 at the time when all of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 have stopped is a winning form of a predetermined winning combination. Then, the winning determination table is prepared so that the presence or absence of a bonus, replay, or small winning combination can be determined (hereinafter, referred to as "winning determination") based on the symbol combination displayed on the pay line L1 when each reel has stopped. In the following description, the symbol combination showing the winning form of a winning combination is also referred to as "winning symbol combination".

[0044] In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, each process is executed based on the judgment result of the winning judgment means 140 in the winning judgment process. As each process executed based on the judgment result of the winning combination, for example, when a small combination is won, a process is performed to determine the number of game medals to be paid out by the payout control means 150 of electronic medals when a replay is won, a process is performed to make the payout control means 150 execute the next game without consuming electronic medals when a replay is won, and a process is performed to make the game state transition control means 160 transition the game state when a combination that triggers a transition of the game state such as a bonus is won.

[0045] The payout control means 150 performs a payout process for paying out electronic medals according to game results. Specifically, when a small winning combination is won, the payout number of electronic medals in a game is determined based on a payout amount determined in advance for each combination, and the number of game medals corresponding to the determined payout number is added to the medal number counter 311 to virtually pay out the medals.

[0046] In addition, when the winning determination means 140 determines that a symbol combination indicating a winning replay among a plurality of types of replay roles described later is stopped and displayed on the pay line L1, and the replay wins, the payout control means 150 performs a replay process (replay process) for setting the machine in a ready state for the next game without the need to insert electronic medals. That is, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when the replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed for automatically inserting a specified number of electronic medals without using electronic medals held by the player, and the machine waits for the start operation of the next start lever SL with the same winning line L1 as that of the previous game set.

[0047] In addition, in the slot machine 1, during the period from a game in which a replay is won until the start of the next game, i.e., during the period during which a specified number of electronic medals are automatically inserted by the replay process but the game has not started, the number of game medals equal to the specified number is not added to the medal count counter 311 even if the settlement button AB is operated.

[0048] The game state transition control means 160 performs a process of transitioning the game state between a plurality of game states, and a process related to the activation and termination of a bonus. Here, the transition condition for each game state may be one condition or multiple conditions. When multiple conditions are defined, the game state can be transitioned to another game state based on the establishment of any one of the multiple predetermined conditions, or the establishment of all of the multiple predetermined conditions.

[0049] The AT control means 170 uses data stored in the AT control data storage means 196 to control the transition between an advantageous zone (advantageous period), which is a zone (period) during which control related to instruction functions including an auxiliary game in which a notification to assist in the winning of a specific role is displayed on the main control display device 10D, and a normal zone (non-advantageous period), which is a zone (period) during which control related to auxiliary games (control related to instruction functions) based on the results of an internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 cannot be executed, and constitutes an auxiliary game control means that performs control related to the normal zone, advantageous zone, and auxiliary game.

[0050] The AT control data storage means 196 stores data (various flags, counters, etc. that are set to ON or OFF by a specified control process) used in various controls related to multiple types of presentation states including the normal state and AT state that are executed within the advantageous zone.

[0051] The AT control means 170 sets the presentation state to the AT state (assist time state) under a predetermined condition in the advantageous zone, and displays information (an example of operation instruction information) corresponding to the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3 that enables the winning of the specific role that has been won on the main control display device 10D consisting of a 7-segment display, thereby performing an operation notification to assist the winning of the specific role. In addition, in the slot machine 1, when the operation notification by the AT control means 170 is executed, a navigation presentation is executed by the presentation control means 200 described later, which displays an indicator corresponding to the correct hitting order on the display device 410. In this way, in the slot machine 1, in the AT state, the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3 is notified by the winning assistance of the operation notification and the navigation presentation, so that an auxiliary game (AT game, notification game) that is advantageous to the player is executed.

[0052] More specifically, when a predetermined termination condition for terminating the advantageous zone, described later, is met, the AT control means 170 executes a predetermined termination process for terminating the advantageous zone and starting the normal zone from the next game, and a predetermined initialization process for initializing information regarding the advantageous zone, such as various flags and numerical values ​​set within the advantageous zone.

[0053] The AT control means 170 executes an update process (advantageous zone difference number update process) for cumulatively recording in the advantageous zone counter 196a the difference value (difference in number of coins, number of coins won) obtained by subtracting the number of electronic medals paid out by the number of electronic medals inserted from the game that started the advantageous zone. When controlling in the advantageous zone, the AT control means 170 executes advantageous zone difference number update process for cumulatively updating the value equivalent to the difference in number of electronic medals to the stored value of the advantageous zone counter 196a, regardless of the game state.

[0054] In addition, in the advantageous zone difference number update process, when the stored value of the advantageous zone counter 196a is subtracted because the number of electronic medals paid out in the game is less than the specified number, the AT control means 170 also sets the subtracted result in the advantageous zone counter 196a if the stored value of the advantageous zone counter 196a is less than the value "0." In other words, the AT control means 170 is configured to be able to set a negative value in the advantageous zone counter 196a.

[0055] When more than 2400 electronic medals are acquired in the advantageous zone, that is, when the stored value of the advantageous zone counter 196a exceeds the value "2400", the AT control means 170 determines that a specific end condition is satisfied as a predetermined end condition for terminating the advantageous zone, and executes a predetermined end process for terminating the advantageous zone and starting the normal zone from the next game. For this reason, in the slot machine 1, for example, if the stored value of the advantageous zone counter 196a is a negative value of "-900" before the transition to a performance state in which electronic medals can be acquired, a total of 3301 electronic medals can be acquired in the performance state in which electronic medals can be acquired, including 900 medals until the stored value of the advantageous zone counter 196a becomes the value "0" and 2401 medals until the stored value of the advantageous zone counter 196a becomes the value "2401" or more.

[0056] In a predetermined initialization process, the AT control means 170 initializes all information used in various control processes in the advantageous zone, such as each flag set to the ON state in the advantageous zone and values ​​set in the advantageous zone. The AT control means 170 can also end the advantageous zone when a predetermined end condition (normal end condition) other than the specific end condition is met, and executes a predetermined initialization process and a predetermined end process when the normal end condition is met. Details of the normal end condition set by the AT control means 170 in the first embodiment will be described later.

[0057] The completion control means 180 performs control to activate a completion function as a function to stop the slot machine 1 when the cumulative value of the number of electronic medals acquired since the slot machine 1 was powered on reaches a predetermined value (for example, 19,000 medals). The completion control means 180 executes an update process (complete acquisition number update process) to cumulatively record a difference value (number of medals difference, number of medals acquired) obtained by subtracting the number of electronic medals paid out in each game by the number of electronic medals inserted after the slot machine 1 is powered on in the medal acquisition number counter 197a of the completion storage means 197. Note that the completion control means 180 does not update the stored value of the medal acquisition number counter 197a when a replay wins.

[0058] In a complete winning number update process for updating the stored value of the winning medal number counter 197a, if the stored value of the winning medal number counter 197a becomes less than the value "0" when the stored value of the winning medal number counter 197a is subtracted because the number of electronic medals paid out in the game is less than a specified number, the complete control means 180 sets the stored value of the winning medal number counter 197a to the value "0." This allows the complete control means 180 to fix the value when the stored value of the winning medal number counter 197a is at the lowest point to the value "0," so that in the control process using the stored value of the winning medal number counter 197a, it is not necessary to vary the value that serves as the judgment threshold according to the specific numerical value at the lowest point, and the load of the control process using the stored value of the winning medal number counter 197a can be reduced.

[0059] The complete control means 180 determines that the conditions for activating the complete function are met when the number of medals won from the lowest point of the number of electronic medals paid out after the slot machine 1 is turned on reaches 19,000, that is, when the stored value of the medal winning count counter 197a reaches the value "19,000."

[0060] When none of the Regular Bonus (RB) as a first type special feature, the Regular Big Bonus (RBB) as a feature continuous operation device related to the first type special feature, and the Challenge Big Bonus (CBB) as a feature continuous operation device related to the second type special feature are operating, the complete control means 180 operates the complete function based on the establishment of a condition for activating the complete function in a game in which the condition is established, after the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to stop and the left reel R1 to right reel R3 are stopped.

[0061] On the other hand, when any of RB, RBB or CBB is activated, the complete control means 180 activates the complete function after the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to stop and the left reel R1 to right reel R3 are stopped in a game in which the activated RB, RBB or CBB has ended.

[0062] When the complete function is activated, the complete control means 180 sets the complete function activation flag stored in the complete flag storage means 197b of the complete storage means 197 to the ON state. When the complete function activation flag is set to the ON state, the slot machine 1 enters a play-stop state, and the slot machine 1 is in a state where play cannot be performed thereafter until the complete function activation flag is set to the OFF state. The complete function activation flag that has been set to the ON state is initialized by opening the front upper door UD of the slot machine 1 and operating the setting change button BS provided inside, and is set to the OFF state. Due to this configuration, in the slot machine 1, when the complete function is activated, the complete function is not released by the player's operation.

[0063] The sub-control CPU 21 functions as a performance control means 200. Each means constituting the sub-control CPU 21 reads out and executes each control program pre-stored in the sub-storage means 210 when executing each control process.

[0064] The performance control means 200 performs control related to performances related to the game, such as image and video performances performed using the display device 410 and sound performances performed using the sound device 420, based on the performance data stored in the performance control data storage means 211 of the sub-storage means 210. Specifically, when the player operates each component of the slot machine 1 by operating the max bet button MB, the start lever SL, the stop buttons B1 to B3, the count button KB, and the performance display button PU, or when a game event such as a change in the game state occurs, the performance control means 200 performs execution control of performances that liven up the game, assist the game, and notify the player that an operation has been performed by executing performances using lighting or blinking of lamps and LEDs, and sound output from the sound device 420. In addition, the performance control means 200 causes each component constituting the performance device 400 to execute a performance based on each performance state.

[0065] Furthermore, when the performance control means 200 executes control related to images and videos, it draws them on the corresponding layers among the multiple layers provided in the sub-storage means 210. The performance control means 200 superimposes the images drawn on the multiple layers into a single image in the frame buffer 213 provided in the sub-storage means 210, and displays the superimposed image in the display area 410a of the display device 410. When drawing an image in the frame buffer 213, the performance control means 200 draws the image in the frame buffer 213 in order from the image drawn on the lower layer, thereby displaying the image drawn on the upper layer in the display area 410a in priority to the image drawn on the lower layer.

[0066] The medal count control CPU 31 functions as medal count control means 300. Each means constituting the medal count control CPU 31 reads out and executes each control program pre-stored in the medal count storage means 310 when executing each control process.

[0067] The medal count control means 300 is configured to be able to transmit a signal to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and is also configured to be able to receive a signal transmitted from the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40. The medal count control CPU 31 stores the game medal count, which is the total number of electronic medals that can be used for games in the slot machine 1, using a medal count counter 311, and displays the game medal count stored in the medal count counter 311 on the game medal number display device MD.

[0068] The medal count control means 300 mainly updates (adds or subtracts) the number of game medals stored (held) in the medal count counter 311 in response to commands received from the main control board 10, notifications received from the dedicated unit SU, or operations of the counting button KB, etc. The medal count control means 300 also displays the number of game medals thus updated on the game medal count display device MD.

[0069] Specifically, when the count button KB is operated while the game is available, the medal count control means 300 transmits a value corresponding to the game medal count stored in the medal count counter 311 to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and subtracts the medal count corresponding to the transmitted value from the medal count counter 311. Here, "while the game is available" means a state in which the gaming machine and the dedicated unit SU are electrically connected, both the gaming machine and the dedicated unit SU are powered on, the gaming machine or the dedicated unit SU is not undergoing maintenance, and no error that makes it impossible to play the game has occurred. In addition, when the slot machine 1 is not connected to the dedicated unit SU, the slot machine 1 controls the count button KB so that the stored value of the medal count counter 311 is not subtracted by the operation of the count button KB, thereby preventing a state in which a signal is not transmitted to the dedicated unit SU even if the stored value of the medal count counter 311 has been subtracted.

[0070] If the count button KB is pressed for less than 500 ms, the medal count control means 300 transmits a value "1" corresponding to one medal to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and subtracts the value stored in the medal count counter 311 by the value "1." If the count button KB is pressed for 500 ms or more, the medal count control means 300 transmits a value "50" corresponding to 50 medals to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40 at the timing of counting after 500 ms has elapsed, and subtracts the value stored in the medal count counter 311 by the value "50." Thereafter, every time 300 ms has elapsed while the count button KB is pressed, the medal count control means 300 transmits a value "50" corresponding to 50 medals to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and subtracts the value stored in the medal count counter 311 by the value "50." In addition, if the stored value of the medal count counter 311 is less than the value "50" when 500 ms or more has elapsed since the counting button KB was pressed, the medal count control means 300 transmits a value corresponding to the stored value of the medal count counter 311 to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and subtracts the stored value of the medal count counter 311 by the value corresponding to the stored value, thereby setting the stored value of the medal count counter 311 to the value "0".

[0071] When the stored value of the medal count counter 311 becomes equal to or greater than the value "16369", the medal count control means 300 determines that a medal overflow has occurred, in which the number of game medals stored exceeds 16368, which is the limit set for storage in the slot machine 1. In the slot machine 1, a medal overflow error occurs based on the determination that a medal overflow has occurred, and when the count button KB is operated to count the number of game medals stored in the medal count counter 311 and the stored value of the medal count counter 311 becomes equal to or less than the value "16368", the medal overflow error is released.

[0072] When the power is turned on while a medal count clear button CL provided inside the gaming machine is pressed, the medal count control means 300 initializes the medal count counter 311 and clears (initializes) the medal count to set the stored value of the medal count counter 311 to the value "0." This allows the slot machine 1 to initialize, when the power is turned on, the information on the medal count remaining in the medal count counter 311 before the power was turned off.

[0073] 2. Configuration of the gaming machine in the first embodiment Next, the components of the slot machine 1 in the first embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0074] <Control of the prescribed number by the input receiving means> In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, during a deposit acceptance period during which the deposit acceptance means 105 accepts the deposit of electronic medals, when the max bet button MB is operated (bet operation) with the medal number counter 311 storing a number of game medals equal to or greater than a specified number, input signals are output in the same number as the specified number set for each game state. The deposit acceptance means 105 adds a value of "1" corresponding to one electronic medal to the deposit number storage means 198 of the main storage means 190 each time an input signal is input, and adds a value to the deposit number storage means 198 up to the specified number set for each game state.

[0075] In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the specified number for the non-RT state and the RBB internal state is set to three coins (first specified number), and for the RBB state, the specified number is set to two coins (second specified number).

[0076] In other words, when the gaming state is a non-RT state or an RBB internal state, the input acceptance means 105 stores a value "3" in the input number storage means 198 based on the input signal being input three times by operating the max bet button MB with the medal count counter 311 storing three or more gaming medals. Also, when the gaming state is an RBB state, the input acceptance means 105 stores a value "2" in the input number storage means 198 based on the input signal being input two times by operating the max bet button MB with the medal count counter 311 storing two or more gaming medals.

[0077] <Winning areas subject to internal lottery> 3 is a diagram showing winning areas that are the subject of internal lottery in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, and winning numbers and winning combinations that correspond to each winning area. Note that the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment has an RBB as a bonus, which is a continuous operation device for a special first type bonus.

[0078] As shown in Fig. 3, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the winning areas that are the subject of the internal lottery include the winning area "all small roles", the winning area "all 1-coin roles", the winning area "replay 1", the winning area "replay 2", the winning area "batting order bell 1" to the winning area "batting order bell 4", the winning area "rare roles", the winning area "RBB & 1-coin roles", and the winning area "RBB", which are associated with the winning numbers 1 to 11, respectively. In addition, in the slot machine 1, the winning number 0 is associated with a non-win (miss) as a result of the internal lottery.

[0079] Here, the "batting order" refers to the order in which the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated. In the following description, the timing at which the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated is also referred to as the "operation timing."

[0080] In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the batting order, which is the order in which the three stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated, is composed of six types of batting orders, batting order 1 to batting order 6. Batting order 1 is a batting order in which the stop operation is performed in the order of stop button B1 → stop button B2 → stop button B3, which is called a so-called "scissors hit". Batting order 2 is a batting order in which the stop operation is performed in the order of stop button B1 → stop button B3 → stop button B2, which is called a "scissors hit". Batting order 3 is a batting order in which the stop operation is performed in the order of stop button B2 → stop button B1 → stop button B3. Batting order 4 is a batting order in which the stop operation is performed in the order of stop button B2 → stop button B3 → stop button B1. Batting order 5 is a batting order in which the stop operation is performed in the order of stop button B3 → stop button B1 → stop button B2. Batting order 6 is a batting order called reverse pressing, in which the stop operation is executed in the order of stop button B3 → stop button B2 → stop button B1.

[0081] In the random number determination process, the internal lottery means 120 determines whether each winning area is a winner in the order from the winning area corresponding to the winning number 11 to the non-winning area corresponding to the winning number 0.

[0082] In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, there are small roles 1 to 9 as small roles that can be won if the internal lottery is won, and there are Replay 1 and Replay 2 as replays that can be won in the internal lottery. Each small role and each replay is associated with each winning area by the combination shown in FIG. 3. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, in the slot machine 1, a winning area "RBB & 1 coin role" is set as a winning area including a bonus and a small role, and a winning area "RBB" is set as a winning area including only a bonus.

[0083] In the slot machine 1, the winning area "Replay 2" is set to a lower winning probability than the winning area "Replay 1". Also, in the slot machine 1, the winning area "Rare Role" is set to a lower winning probability than each winning area including the winning areas "Battle Order Bell 1" to "Battle Order Bell 4" and the small role of the winning area "RBB & 1 piece role".

[0084] Here, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the role to which the carryover possible flag is associated is RBB, and the small role and replay are associated with the non-carryover possible flag. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, when a winning area including RBB is won in the internal lottery, a process is performed to carry over the established state of the lottery flag of the winning RBB until the RBB wins. At this time, the internal lottery means 120 performs an internal lottery to determine whether or not the small role and replay are won, even in a game in which the established state of the lottery flag of RBB is carried over. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, when a small role or replay is won in a game in which the established state of the lottery flag of RBB is carried over, the lottery flag corresponding to two or more roles consisting of the lottery flag of the already won RBB and the lottery flag of the small role or replay won in the internal lottery is set to an established state.

[0085] <Internal lottery table> In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, as the internal lottery tables used in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120, an internal lottery table used in the non-RT state (normal state) (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table A), an internal lottery table used in the RBB internal state (internal state) (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table B), and an internal lottery table used in the RBB state (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table C) are stored in the internal lottery table storage means 192. In each of the internal lottery tables A to C, a lottery value number is associated with each winning area that is the subject of the lottery.

[0086] In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the internal lottery table A corresponds to 65,536 lottery values ​​in any one of the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4", the winning area "Rare Role", the winning area "Replay 1", the winning area "Replay 2", the winning area "RBB & 1 Coin Role", and the winning area "RBB", and is configured to win any one of the small roles, replays, or bonuses in the internal lottery.

[0087] In addition, the internal lottery table B is configured so that the 65,536 lottery values ​​correspond to any of the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4", the winning area "Rare Role", the winning area "Replay 1", the winning area "Replay 2", and the winning area "RBB & 1 Coin Role", and is configured to win any of the small roles, replays, or bonuses in the internal lottery.

[0088] In the internal lottery table A and the internal lottery table B, the number of lottery values ​​associated with the winning area "RBB" in the internal lottery table A is associated with the winning area "Replay 2" in the internal lottery table B. The winning probability of each winning area other than the winning area "Replay 2" and the winning area "RBB" in the internal lottery table A is the same as the winning probability of each winning area other than the winning area "Replay 2" in the internal lottery table B. Specifically, for example, the winning probability of the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Batting Order Bell 4" in the internal lottery table A is the same as the winning probability of the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Batting Order Bell 4" in the internal lottery table B.

[0089] The internal lottery table C is configured such that the number of lottery values ​​of 65536 corresponds to either the winning area "all small prizes" or the winning area "all 1-coin prizes" and wins a small prize in the internal lottery. Also, in the internal lottery using the internal lottery table C, the probability of winning each of the small prizes 1 to 9 is higher than the probability of winning each of the small prizes 1 to 9 in the internal lottery using the internal lottery table A and the internal lottery table B.

[0090] Due to this configuration, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is configured so that there is no loss in the internal lottery in any of the gaming states, namely the non-RT state, the RBB internal state, and the RBB state.

[0091] <Random number determination process> In the random number determination process, the internal lottery means 120 of the first embodiment sequentially subtracts the random number obtained from the random number generation means 110 by the lottery value numbers corresponding to each winning area in the internal lottery table obtained from the internal lottery table storage means 192, and when the result of the subtraction is a negative value, it determines that the winning area corresponding to the subtracted lottery value number has been won. Also, when the result of the subtraction is a positive value at the time when the internal lottery means 120 has finished subtracting all the lottery value numbers stored in the internal lottery table, it determines that none of the roles have been won.

[0092] <Reel control means> In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, in any game state, the priority order of the winning combinations to be stopped on the pay line L1 in the reel stop control is set in the order of "replay>small combination>bonus." In other words, when a bonus and a small combination or a bonus and a replay are won in combination, the reel control means 130 executes stop control to give priority to the bonus and win the small combination or the replay.

[0093] As described above, the reel control means 130 is configured to be capable of rotating the reels a maximum of four frames from the time the stop button is pressed until the reels stop, and is therefore configured to be capable of stopping and displaying the symbols arranged on the left reel R1 through the right reel R3 at intervals of four frames or less on the pay line L1 regardless of the timing of pressing the stop buttons B1 through B3.

[0094] <Small prize payout> In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, payouts are set for minor prizes 1 to 9 when the first specified number of three electronic medals is inserted to start playing (3-coin bet) and when the first specified number of two electronic medals is inserted to start playing (2-coin bet).

[0095] The payout for minor win 1 is the same when a 3-coin bet game is played and when a 2-coin bet game is played, and is set to 7, which is more than the first specified number. The payout for minor win 2 is the same when a 3-coin bet game is played and when a 2-coin bet game is played, and is set to 3, which is the same as the first specified number. The payout for minor win 3 to minor win 9 is the same when a 3-coin bet game is played and when a 2-coin bet game is played, and is set to 1, which is less than the first specified number.

[0096] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment sets the same payout for all minor roles, from minor role 1 to minor role 9, when a three-coin bet game is played and when a two-coin bet game is played. This eliminates the need to set a prescribed number of parameters for data related to payout setting, and also eliminates the need to separately set payouts for a three-coin bet game and a two-coin bet game. This makes it possible to reduce the data capacity of data related to minor roles in the area of ​​the main memory means 190 that stores various data.

[0097] <Setting the number of payments> In the payout process for paying out electronic medals according to the game result, when a small winning combination is won, the payout control means 150 stores a value corresponding to a payout predetermined for each winning combination in the payout number memory means 199 (see Figure 2) of the main memory means 190.

[0098] Furthermore, in the payout control means 150 of the first embodiment, when a two-coin bet game is played, in the payout process, the payout control means 150 compares the upper limit of the number of payouts that can be paid out with the value stored in the payout number storage means 199, and if the value stored in the payout number storage means 199 is greater than the upper limit, the payout number for that game is set to the upper limit, thereby determining the number of electronic medals to be paid out for that game, and the number of game medals equivalent to the determined payout number is added to the medal number counter 311, thereby virtually paying out the medals. Details of the process of referring to the upper limit of the number of payouts that can be paid out when a two-coin bet game is played will be described later.

[0099] <Game state transition control means> FIG. 4(A) is a state transition diagram showing game states to which a transition can be made from each game state in the control relating to the transition of the game state executed by the game state transition control means 160 of the first embodiment.

[0100] As shown in Fig. 4(A), the non-RT state is a gaming state (initial gaming state, normal gaming state) that corresponds to the initial state among a plurality of types of gaming states, and is a non-bonus state in which a bonus is not activated or established. In the non-RT state, the gaming state transition control means 160 causes the internal lottery means 120 to execute an internal lottery using the internal lottery table A in which the winning probability of a replay is set to 8978 / 65536 (approximately 1 / 7.3). In the slot machine 1, when the gaming state is the non-RT state, a first specified number (3) of electronic medals are set to an inserted state, so that a game can be started.

[0101] The RBB internal middle state is a gaming state that transitions when winning in the internal lottery in the non-RT state and winning in either the winning area "RBB & 1-card combination" or the winning area "RBB", and the RBB is set to the established state. In the RBB internal middle state, the game state transition control means 160 causes the internal lottery means 120 to execute an internal lottery using the internal lottery table B in which the winning probability of replay is set to 8982 / 65536 (about 1 / 7.3). In the slot machine 1, when the game state is the RBB internal middle state, the game can be started by setting the first specified number (3 pieces) of electronic medals to the inserted state.

[0102] The RBB state is a gaming state that transitions when the RBB wins and the RBB operates. In the RBB state, when the number of electronically paid-out medals exceeds a predetermined number of payouts (for example, 100 pieces), the game state transition control means 160 determines that the end condition of the RBB is satisfied, ends the operation of the RBB, and transitions the game state to the non-RT state. In the RBB state, the game state transition control means 160 causes the internal lottery means 120 to execute an internal lottery using the internal lottery table C. In the slot machine 1, when the game state is the RBB state, the game can be started by setting the second specified number (2 pieces) of electronic medals to the inserted state. Details of the gameplay in the RBB state will be described later.

[0103] <AT control means> FIG. 4(B) is a state transition diagram showing details of the normal section and the advantageous section controlled by the AT control means 170 of the first embodiment, and the effect state controlled during the advantageous section.

[0104] As described above, the normal section is a period in which control related to the auxiliary game based on the result of the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 is not executed. The AT control means 170 executes an advantageous section lottery, which is a lottery for determining whether to end the normal section and start the advantageous section based on the winning area won in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 during the game in the normal section.

[0105] In the advantageous zone lottery, the AT control means 170 first obtains an advantageous zone transition lottery table, which is a data table in which "start of advantageous zone" and "miss (no win)" are associated with each of a plurality of random numbers, from the AT control data storage means 196. Then, the AT control means 170 obtains a random number from the random number generation means 110, compares the obtained random number with the advantageous zone transition lottery table, and determines whether or not to start an advantageous zone based on the comparison result.

[0106] The AT control means 170 executes the advantageous zone lottery so that the probability obtained by multiplying the winning probability of the winning area selected in the internal lottery by the winning probability of the "start of the advantageous zone" in the advantageous zone lottery is 1 / 17500 or more.

[0107] The AT control means 170 of the first embodiment is configured to execute a favorable zone lottery when the winning area "batting order bell 1" to the winning area "batting order bell 4", the winning area "rare role", the winning area "RBB & 1 piece role", or the winning area "replay 1" is won in the internal lottery, and not to execute a favorable zone lottery when the winning area is won in another winning area. Also, the AT control means 170 executes a favorable zone lottery that wins the "start of the favorable zone" with a high probability of about 1 / 1.5.

[0108] In the advantageous zone, the AT control means 170 has a normal state, a CZ state, and an AT state as states (presentation states) related to the instruction function, and in the normal state, it is configured not to execute the winning assistance of the small role 1 when the winning area "batting order bell 1" to the winning area "batting order bell 4" are won, and in the CZ state and the AT state, it is configured to execute the winning assistance of the small role 1 when the winning area "batting order bell 1" to the winning area "batting order bell 4" are won. Also, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is configured so that the ratio of staying in the advantageous zone during the entire game can be 70% or more.

[0109] The normal state is a presentation state (normal presentation state) that corresponds to a normal state among multiple types of presentation states, and is set when there is no transition to another presentation state. When the presentation state transitions to the normal state, the AT control means 170 executes an incremental update to add a value "1" corresponding to one game to a normal game number counter (not shown) that counts the number of games played in the normal state each time a game is played. When the stored value of the normal game number counter becomes a value "700", the AT control means 170 determines that a transition condition to the CZ state (CZ transition condition) has been established, and transitions the presentation state from the normal state to the CZ state.

[0110] The AT control means 170 is configured to execute a CZ lottery to determine whether or not to transition to the CZ state in a game in which a winning area that does not include an RBB is won in an internal lottery in the normal state.

[0111] In addition, when the AT control means 170 wins the winning area "rare role" in the internal lottery, it executes a normal AT lottery to select whether or not to transition to the AT state, and when "transition to AT state" is won, it determines that the transition condition to the AT state (AT transition condition) is met, and transitions from the normal state to the AT state.

[0112] The CZ state is configured to be able to transition to the AT state with a higher probability than the normal state when control for determining whether or not to transition the presentation state to the AT state is executed as a control related to auxiliary games, and is a presentation state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state. At the start of the CZ state, the AT control means 170 sets a value corresponding to a predetermined number of games (for example, 10 games) to the CZ game number counter (not shown) of the AT control data storage means 196, and executes a decrement update that subtracts the stored value of the CZ game number counter by the value "1" corresponding to one game each time a game is executed.

[0113] The AT control means 170 is configured to execute a CZ AT lottery to determine whether or not to transition to the AT state during each game in the CZ state. If the "transition to the AT state" is selected in the CZ AT lottery, the AT control means 170 transitions the presentation state from the CZ state to the AT state after 10 games have been played since the start of the CZ state.

[0114] The AT control means 170 executes a CZ set number addition lottery to determine whether or not to add (add) to the number of times one set of the AT state is executed for the AT state to which the CZ state is transitioned during play until the CZ state ends after the "transition to AT state" has been won in the CZ AT lottery.

[0115] On the other hand, if 10 games are played in the CZ state without winning the ``transition to AT state'' in the AT lottery during the CZ, the AT control means 170 ends the CZ state and transitions the presentation state to the normal state.

[0116] The AT control means 170 is configured to execute the lottery for the auxiliary game executed in the CZ state (AT lottery during CZ, set number addition lottery during CZ) regardless of the result of the internal lottery. Also, the AT control means 170 is configured to execute the lottery for the auxiliary game executed in the CZ state so that if the winning area "rare role" is won in the internal lottery, the probability of "not winning (missing)" is lower than when other winning areas are won, and the probability of a result advantageous to the player ("transition to AT state" in the case of AT lottery during CZ) is higher.

[0117] The AT state is a presentation state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state, because assistance for winning the small prize 1 is executed when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4" are won.

[0118] At the start of the AT state, the AT control means 170 sets an initial value (50 games) corresponding to a predetermined number of games in an AT game number counter (not shown) in the AT control data storage means 196, and performs a decrement update each time a game is played, subtracting the stored value of the AT game number counter by the value "1" corresponding to one game.

[0119] In addition, when the winning area ``rare role'' is won in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120, the AT control means 170 is configured to execute an add-on lottery to determine whether or not to add (add) to the period during which the AT state continues by determining whether or not to add a value determined by lottery to the stored value of the AT game number counter, and when the value determined by the add-on lottery is a value of 1 or more, execute an add-on process to add the determined value to the AT game number counter.

[0120] When the stored value of the AT game number counter becomes "0" due to a decrement update performed each time a game is played in the AT state, the AT control means 170 determines that the termination condition of the AT state (AT termination condition) has been met, terminates the AT state, and determines that the normal termination condition among the termination conditions of the advantageous zone has been met, and executes a predetermined initialization process which is a process of initializing information regarding the advantageous zone, and a predetermined termination process which ends the advantageous zone and starts the normal zone from the next game.

[0121] In addition, when the stored value of the advantageous zone counter 196a exceeds the value "2400" during the AT state, the AT control means 170 determines that the AT termination condition has been met, terminates the AT state, and determines that a specific termination condition among the advantageous zone termination conditions has been met, and executes a predetermined initialization process which is a process for initializing information related to the advantageous zone, and a predetermined termination process which ends the advantageous zone and starts the normal zone from the next game.

[0122] As shown in Fig. 4(B), the AT control means 170 is configured to set the presentation state at the start of the advantageous zone to the CZ state when the "start of advantageous zone" is selected in the advantageous zone lottery in the normal zone and the advantageous zone starts. Also, as described above, the AT control means 170 is configured to end the advantageous zone and start the normal zone when the AT state ends.

[0123] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is configured such that the CZ state starts when the AT state ends and the normal zone transitions to the advantageous zone, so that the probability of transitioning back to the AT state is higher than when the normal state is set at the start of the normal zone. As a result, once the AT state is started, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment can start the AT state again via the normal zone and CZ state, so that electronic medals can be acquired through multiple AT states, and the interest of the player in the game can be increased.

[0124] 3. Playability in each game state Next, gameplay in each game state of the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment will be described.

[0125] <Game results in each game state> Figure 5 is a diagram showing game results for each operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3 when a winning area including a small prize is won in an internal lottery in a non-RT state, Figure 6 is a diagram showing game results for each operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3 when a winning area including a small prize is won in an internal lottery in an RBB internal state, and Figure 7 is a diagram showing game results for each operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3 when a winning area including a small prize is won in an internal lottery in an RBB state.

[0126] As shown in FIG. 5, in the slot machine 1, when the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Batting Order Bell 4" are won in the non-RT state, any of the small winning symbols 3 to 8, which have a payout of 1 coin in a game with a bet of 3 coins, can be won, regardless of the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0127] In other words, in the slot machine 1, when in a non-RT state, even if the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4", which includes the small winning feature 1 with a payout set to 7 coins in a 3-coin bet game, is won, the small winning feature 1 cannot be won.

[0128] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, in the slot machine 1, when the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4" are won in the RBB internal state, the batting order (correct batting order) of the stop buttons B1 to B3 is set so that the payout for the minor prize 1, which is set to 7 coins in a 3-coin bet game, can be won with a 1 / 1 probability.

[0129] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4" are won in the non-RT state or the RBB internal state, small prize 3 and small prize 4 will be won with a 1 / 1 probability if stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a batting order that allows for a win, and small prize 5 to small prize 8 will be won with a 1 / 2 probability if stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a batting order that allows for a win.

[0130] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, when the winning area "rare role" is won in the non-RT state or the RBB internal state, the stop button B3 is stopped at the operation timing when the small role 2 can be won, and the small role 2 with a payout of 3 coins in a 3-coin bet game is won, and the winning probability is about 1 / 1.3. In the slot machine 1, when the winning area "rare role" is won and the small role 2 is not won, it is a missed opportunity (non-winning).

[0131] In addition, if the winning area "RBB & 1 coin role" is won in a non-RT state or an RBB internal state, regardless of the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3, one of the minor roles 9 with a payout set to 1 coin in a 3-coin bet game will win with a 1 / 1 probability.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 7, in the slot machine 1, when the winning area “all small symbols” is won in the RBB state, if the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 1 and batting order 2, either small symbol 2, which has a payout set to 3 coins in a game with two bets, or small symbol 9, which has a payout set to 1 coin in a game with two bets, will win with a probability of 1 / 1, and if the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 3 to batting order 6, small symbol 1, which has a payout set to 7 coins in a game with two bets, will win with a probability of 1 / 1.

[0133] The winning symbol combination of the small win 2 and the winning symbol combination of the small win 9 are configured to include symbols common to the symbols on the left reel R1 and the middle reel R2. The winning symbol combination of the small win 2 and the winning symbol combination of the small win 9 are configured to include different symbols on the right reel R3. The symbols on the right reel R3 that constitute the winning symbol combination of the small win 2 are symbols that have a pull-in range of 15 frames out of 20 frames on the right reel R3, and the symbols on the right reel R3 that constitute the winning symbol combination of the small win 9 are symbols that are arranged so that they can be stopped and displayed on the pay line L1 regardless of the operation timing of the stop button B3.

[0134] Due to this configuration, in the slot machine 1, when the winning area "all small prizes" is won and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 1 and batting order 2, if the stop button B3 is operated at a timing when the symbols on the right reel R3 that make up the winning pattern combination of small prize 2 can be stopped and displayed on the pay line L1, small prize 2 will be won, and if the stop button B3 is operated at a timing when the symbols on the right reel R3 that make up the winning pattern combination of small prize 2 cannot be stopped and displayed on the pay line L1, small prize 9 will be won.

[0135] In the slot machine 1, when the winning area “All 1 Coin Role” is won in the RBB state, regardless of the order of the stop buttons B1 to B3, the minor role 9, which has a payout of 1 coin in a 2-coin bet game, will be won with a probability of 1 / 1.

[0136] Here, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is configured to set an upper limit for the number of electronic medals that can be paid out when a two-coin bet game is played, and is configured to set the payout number to the upper limit and pay out electronic medals when a minor combination with a payout equal to or greater than the upper limit is won. Specifically, the slot machine 1 is configured to set the upper limit for the number of electronic medals that can be paid out to one medal when a two-coin bet game is played.

[0137] <Setting the upper limit of the payout amount> Fig. 8 is a flow chart showing the upper limit setting process in which the slot machine 1 sets the upper limit of the payout amount. The process shown in Fig. 8 is executed after the payout value set for the winning minor winning combination is stored in the payout amount storage means 199 in the payout process by the payout control means 150, which is executed when a minor winning combination is won.

[0138] 8, the payout control means 150 first obtains the payout amount stored in the payout amount storage means 199 (S1). In this process, the payout control means 150 obtains the stored value of the payout amount storage means 199 in which the payout value set for the small combination won in the current game is stored.

[0139] Next, the payout control means 150 checks the number of electronic medals set to the inserted state for the current game (S2). In this process, the payout control means 150 checks the value stored in the inserted number storage means 198, thereby making it possible to determine whether the current game is a two-coin bet game or a three-coin bet game.

[0140] Next, the payout control means 150 judges whether or not the number of electronic medals set to the inserted state in the current game is two (S3). In this process, the payout control means 150 judges whether or not the stored value in the inserted number storage means 198 confirmed in the process of step S2 is the value "2". By the payout control means 150 executing the process of step S3, the slot machine 1 can judge whether or not the current game has been executed in the RBB state in which the second specified number (two medals) is set.

[0141] In the process of step S3, when it is determined that the number of electronic medals set to the inserted state in the current game is two (YES), the payout control means 150 determines whether the number of payouts in the current game is two or more (S4). In this process, the payout control means 150 determines whether the number of payouts stored in the payout number storage means 199 obtained in the process of step S1 is a value of "2" or more.

[0142] In the process of step S4, when it is determined that the payout number in the current game is 2 or more (YES), the payout control means 150 sets the payout number to 1 (S5). In this process, the payout control means 150 changes the value of 2 or more stored in the payout number storage means 199 to the value "1", thereby setting the payout number in the current game to 1.

[0143] This processing in step S5 constitutes a process for setting the upper limit of the number of electronic medals that can be paid out to a specific number (1 medal) less than the second specified number when a second specified number (2 medals) less than the first specified number (3 medals) is inserted and game play is started.

[0144] After executing the process of step S5, if it is determined in the process of step S3 that the number of electronic medals set to the inserted state in the current game is three (NO), or if it is determined in the process of step S4 that the number of medals to be paid out in the current game is one (NO), the payout control means 150 executes a process to pay out the electronic medals (S6) and ends the payout process. In this process, the payout control means 150 determines the stored value in the payout number storage means 199 as the number of electronic medals to be paid out in the game, and adds the number of electronic medals corresponding to the determined number to be paid out to the medal number counter 311.

[0145] <Payout of digitalized medals in each game state> As shown in Fig. 5, the slot machine 1 is configured so that a prize is not awarded based on the winning of the minor winning combination 1, which is set to a payout greater than the first specified number, in the non-RT state. For this reason, the payout rate in the non-RT state is configured to be less than 50% regardless of the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0146] The payout rate is the ratio of the total number of electronic medals won during a specified number of games (e.g., 17,500 games) to the total number of electronic medals inserted during the specified number of games, when the game is played a sufficient number of games to sufficiently ignore the effects of temporary probability bias.

[0147] Also, as shown in FIG. 6, in the slot machine 1, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the batting order 1 or batting order 2 in the RBB internal state, the small prize 1 set to a payout greater than the first prescribed number does not win, and when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the batting order 3 to batting order 6, the small prize 1 can win. Therefore, the payout rate in the RBB internal state is configured to be less than 50% when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the batting order 1 or batting order 2, and is configured to exceed 50% when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in any of the batting orders 3 to 6. Also, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a random batting order in the RBB internal state, the payout rate is configured to be less than 50%.

[0148] As shown in FIG. 8, when a three-coin bet game is being played, the payout control means 150 is configured to skip steps S4 and S5 from step S3 and proceed to step S6, determine the stored value of the payout number storage means 199, which stores the value set as the payout for the minor winning combination in that game, as the payout number of electronic medals for that game, and add the number of electronic medals corresponding to the determined payout number to the medal number counter 311.

[0149] Due to this configuration, the slot machine 1 is configured to pay out electronic medals in the same number as the payout set for the winning minor role in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state. In other words, the slot machine 1 is configured to pay out more than the first specified number when the minor role 1 wins in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state where the specified number is set to the first specified number (3 medals).

[0150] On the other hand, the payout control means 150 is configured to execute the processing of step S5 and then proceed to step S6 when a two-coin bet game is played and a minor role with a payout of two or more coins set as the payout for the two-coin bet game is won, and determines the stored value of the payout number memory means 199, which is set to the value "1", as the payout number of electronic medals for that game, regardless of the value set as the payout for the minor role won in that game, and adds the number of electronic medals (1 medal) corresponding to the determined payout number to the medal number counter 311.

[0151] As described above, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, in the RBB state in which the specified number is set to two, the winning area "all small prizes" is won by an internal lottery, and small prize 2, which has a payout of three coins in a game in which two coins are bet, can be won by operating stop buttons B1 to B3 in batting order 1 and batting order 2, and small prize 1, which has a payout of seven coins in a game in which two coins are bet, can be won by operating stop buttons B1 to B3 in batting order 3 to 6. However, the payout control means 150 shown in FIG. 8 executes the upper limit value setting process for the payout number, so that the number of electronic medals paid out in a game in which small prize 1 is won is one.

[0152] Due to this configuration, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment has the same payout when a three-coin bet game is played and when a two-coin bet game is played, and when minor winning symbols 1 and 2, which have payouts set to more than one coin, are won in the RBB state in which a two-coin bet game is played, a payout of one coin is executed, which is less than the set payout and is less than the specified number (2 coins) in the RBB state.

[0153] As described above, when a two-coin bet game is executed, the payout for small winning combinations 3 to 9 is set to one coin.

[0154] That is, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when the prescribed number is set to 2 and the winning area including the small win is won, one coin is paid out regardless of which of all the small wins is won. In other words, in the slot machine 1, when the prescribed number is set to the second prescribed number (2) in the RBB state and the small win 1 is won, the payout of less than the second prescribed number is executed.

[0155] Also, as described above, in the slot machine 1, in the internal lottery in the RBB state in which the internal lottery table C is used, the winning area is configured to win either the "all small roles" winning area or the "all 1-coin roles" winning area.

[0156] In other words, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when a first specified number of game values ​​is inserted and play is started, it is possible to pay out game values ​​that exceed the first specified number, and when a second specified number of game values ​​that is less than the first specified number is inserted and play is started, the upper limit of the number of game values ​​that can be paid out is set to a specific number that is less than the second specified number.

[0157] Due to this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, in the RBB state, two electronic medals are set to the inserted state and a game is executed in which one electronic medal is paid out. Therefore, the payout rate in the RBB state can be reduced to 50%, and the performance of acquiring game value for the state in which the RBB is not operating can be designed, thereby dramatically improving the design freedom of the slot machine 1.

[0158] Furthermore, as described above, the slot machine 1 is configured so that the ball payout rate in the non-RT state and the inside RBB state when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a random order is less than 50%, and the ball payout rate in the non-RT state and the inside RBB state is lower than the ball payout rate in the RBB state (50%).

[0159] Due to this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the ball payout rate in the RBB state is lowered below that in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state in which the RBB is not operating, and the performance of the RBB state does not deteriorate excessively, so the performance of the gaming machine can be fully guaranteed.

[0160] <Small prizes that can be won in each game state> Next, FIG. 9 is a table showing small winning combinations that are awarded based on winning in each gaming state of the non-RT state, the RBB inside state, and the RBB state in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment.

[0161] As shown in FIG. 9, minor prize 1, which has a payout set to 7 coins when a 3-coin bet game is played and a payout set to 7 coins when a 2-coin bet game is played, is configured not to win if it is won in a non-RT state, but to win if it is won in an RBB internal state or in an RBB state.

[0162] In addition, minor prize 2, which has a payout set to three coins when a three-coin bet game is played and a payout set to three coins when a two-coin bet game is played, is configured to win based on winning in the non-RT state, the RBB inside state, and the RBB state.

[0163] Of small prizes 3 to 9, for which the payout when a three-coin bet game is executed and the payout when a two-coin bet game is executed are both set to one coin, small prize 9 is awarded based on winning in the non-RT state, the state inside the RBB, and the RBB state, and small prizes 3 to 8 are configured not to award a prize if they are won in the RBB state, but to award a prize based on winning in the non-RT state and the state inside the RBB.

[0164] As described above, in the slot machine 1, in the RBB state in which the second specified number (2) of electronic medals are set to the inserted state and play is started, even if a minor winning combination with a payout of 2 or more medals is won, the upper limit value setting process for the payout number shown in Figure 8 is executed, so that 1 medal is paid out.

[0165] In other words, in the slot machine 1, the payout when three electronic medals are inserted and play is started and the payout when two electronic medals are inserted and play is started are both set to a payout greater than one medal, and when minor prize 1 and minor prize 2 are won in the RBB state in which two electronic medals are inserted and play is started, the payout amount is configured to be different from the payout amount when three electronic medals are inserted and play is started.

[0166] In other words, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is configured so that when each of minor prize 1 and minor prize 2 is won in the RBB state in which two electronic medals are set to the inserted state and game play is started, the payout amount is different from the amount when three electronic medals are set to the inserted state and game play is started, and is configured so that minor prize 1 and minor prize 2 are won based on the fact that they have been won when the game state is the RBB state.

[0167] In other words, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, an internal lottery determines whether multiple types of roles will be won, and the multiple types of roles include minor roles included in a predetermined group, and the predetermined group is a group of minor roles that have different numbers of game value paid out based on winning when a game is started by inserting a first specified number of game values ​​and when a game is started by inserting a second specified number that is less than the first specified number, and each of the minor roles included in the predetermined group wins a prize based on winning the internal lottery in both a game started by inserting the first specified number of game values ​​and a game started by inserting the second specified number of game values.

[0168] In addition, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the minor roles included in the predetermined group include a first minor role (minor role 1) and a second minor role (minor role 2), and if the first minor role is won in an internal lottery in a game started after a second specified number of game values ​​is inserted, the first minor role can be won by operating the multiple stop buttons in a first operation mode (batting order 3 to batting order 6), and if the second minor role is won in an internal lottery in a game started after a second specified number of game values ​​is inserted, the second minor role can be won by operating the multiple stop buttons in a second operation mode (batting order 1, batting order 2) different from the first operation mode.

[0169] With this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, in the RBB state where the specified number is set to a second specified number, which is different from the non-RT state and the state inside the RBB, the number of electronic medals paid out when small prize 1 and small prize 2 are won is less than the number of electronic medals paid out when a prize is won in the non-RT state and the state inside the RBB; however, by winning based on both small prize 1 and small prize 2 being won in the RBB state, excessive degradation of the performance of small prize 1 and small prize 2 can be prevented, and the performance of the gaming machine can be fully guaranteed.

[0170] As shown in FIG. 9, in the slot machine 1, the payout when three electronic medals are inserted and play is started and the payout when two electronic medals are inserted and play is started are both set to one, and for small prizes 3 to 9, which have the same payout amount when winning in the RBB state in which two electronic medals are inserted and play is started and when three electronic medals are inserted and play is started, the slot machine is configured to win a prize based on winning in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state. However, in the RBB state, although small prize 9 is won based on winning, small prizes 3 to 8 will not be won if they are won regardless of the operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0171] In other words, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the internal lottery determines whether or not multiple types of roles will be won, and the multiple types of roles include minor roles included in a first group and minor roles included in a second group, and the first group is a group of minor roles that have the same number of game values ​​paid out based on winning when a first specified number of game values ​​is inserted and a game is started and a game is started and a second specified number of game values ​​that is less than the first specified number is inserted and a game is started, and the second group is a group of minor roles that have different numbers of game values ​​paid out based on winning when a first specified number of game values ​​is inserted and a game is started and a game is started and a game is started, and the minor roles included in the first group include minor roles that do not win when the second specified number of game values ​​is inserted and a game is started, regardless of the operation mode of the multiple stop buttons.

[0172] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is configured so that in the RBB state, where the specified number is set to a second specified number different from the non-RT state and the state inside the RBB, small prizes 3 to 8, which do not result in any change in the number of electronic medals paid out when won in the RBB state and when won in the non-RT state and the state inside the RBB, are not won in the RBB state, thereby eliminating the need to pre-store in the reel control data storage means 194 the stop control data related to the reel stop control that enables small prizes 3 to 8 to be won, and thus reducing the data capacity related to the stop control data in the RBB state.

[0173] The small winning combinations 1 and 2 constitute the second group of small winning combinations and the small winning combinations included in the specified group, which are made up of small winning combinations with different numbers of game values ​​paid out based on winning when a first specified number of game values ​​is inserted and a game is started, and when a second specified number of game values ​​is inserted and a game is started, and the small winning combinations 3 to 9 constitute the small winning combinations included in the first group of small winning combinations with the same payout set when a first specified number of game values ​​is inserted and a game is started, and when a second specified number of game values ​​less than the first specified number is inserted and a game is started.

[0174] <Summary of gameplay in each game state> In this way, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state as the first gaming state in which the RBB is not operating, the specified number is fixed to the first specified number (3 coins), and in the RBB state as the second gaming state in which the RBB is operating, the specified number is fixed to the second specified number (2 coins). Also, the slot machine 1 is configured so that the payout rate in the RBB state is higher than the payout rate in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state. Also, the slot machine 1 is configured so that the probability of winning each minor role in the RBB state is higher than the probability of winning each minor role in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state.

[0175] In addition, the slot machine 1 is configured such that when a prize is won in the RBB state in which a second specified number of electronic medals are set to the inserted state and play is started, the minor prize 1 and minor prize 2 are configured to have a different payout amount from when a first specified number of electronic medals are set to the inserted state and play is started, and when a prize is won ... prize is won in the RBB state in which a prize is won, and when a prize is won in the RBB state.

[0176] Then, in the RBB state in which the second specified number of electronic medals is set to an inserted state and play begins, the slot machine 1 executes a process for setting an upper limit on the number of payouts, so that the upper limit on the number of electronic medals that can be paid out in that game is set to a specific number (one medal) that is less than the second specified number, and therefore one medal is paid out even if small prize 1 and small prize 2 are won.

[0177] Due to this configuration, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment can reduce the ball payout rate in the RBB state to less than 100% (50% in the first embodiment), and the performance in the RBB state can be designed to obtain game value when the RBB is not in operation while complying with the performance required for a gaming machine, thereby dramatically improving the design freedom of the slot machine 1.

[0178] In other words, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the slot machine transitions to an RBB state in which the specified number is set to two coins, and when a winning area including a small win is won, an upper limit value setting process for the payout number (see FIG. 8) is executed, and one coin is paid out regardless of which of all small wins is won. Therefore, the payout rate in the RBB state can be reduced to 50%, and the performance of acquiring game value for the state in which the RBB is not activated can be designed, thereby dramatically improving the design freedom of the slot machine 1.

[0179] In addition, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, in the RBB state where the specified number is set to a second specified number, which is different from the specified number in the non-RT state and the state inside the RBB, the number of electronic medals paid out when small prize 1 and small prize 2 are won is less than the number of electronic medals paid out when a prize is won in the non-RT state and the state inside the RBB. However, by winning based on both small prize 1 and small prize 2 being won in the RBB state, excessive degradation of the performance of small prize 1 and small prize 2 can be prevented, and the performance of the gaming machine can be fully guaranteed.

[0180] Furthermore, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, in the RBB state in which the specified number is set to a second specified number different from the non-RT state and the state inside the RBB in which the specified number is set to a first specified number, small prizes 3 to 8, which do not result in any change in the number of electronic medals paid out when won in the RBB state and when won in the non-RT state and the state inside the RBB, are configured not to be won in the RBB state. This eliminates the need to pre-store in the reel control data storage means 194 the stop control data related to the reel stop control that enables small prizes 3 to 8 to be won, thereby reducing the data capacity related to the stop control data in the RBB state.

[0181] Furthermore, as described above, in the RBB state in which the specified number is set to a second specified number (2 coins) different from the first specified number (3 coins), the slot machine 1 is configured to set the payout rate to 50% by executing an upper limit value setting process for the payout number.

[0182] Here, as a gaming machine that suppresses the payout rate in a bonus state and enables medals to be won by executing an AT game in a gaming state different from the bonus state (for example, a non-bonus state in which a bonus is not operating such as a bonus establishment state), there has conventionally been a gaming machine that has multiple types of first winning modes in which multiple types of first specific minor roles set to a payout greater than the number of game values ​​inserted required to start a game are overlapped and won with a second specific minor role different from the first specific minor role without overlapping with each other, and a third winning mode in which multiple types of first specific minor roles are overlapped and won, and an internal lottery means is In one known configuration, an internal lottery is conducted in the bonus state so that a plurality of first winning modes are present, and in the bonus state so that a third winning mode is present, the probability of winning the third winning mode in the internal lottery in the bonus state being lower than the probability of winning any of the plurality of first winning modes in the internal lottery in the normal game state and the bonus establishment state, and the winning probability of each of all minor roles in the internal lottery in the bonus state being equal to or higher than the winning probability of each of all minor roles in the internal lottery in the normal game state and the bonus establishment state.

[0183] In a gaming machine configured in this manner, the probability of winning the first specific minor role in the bonus state is compressed to the inverse of the number of types of first specific minor roles (for example, 1 / 4 if the configuration has four types of first specific minor roles), while ensuring that the performance of the bonus state is sufficient as required of a gaming machine, and by executing winning assistance for the first specific minor role in the non-bonus state, the probability of winning the first specific minor role is increased compared to when winning assistance is not executed, making it possible to win medals in AT play; however, it is necessary to have multiple types of first specific minor roles.

[0184] In gaming machines, it is common for small winning symbols that can be used to win medals to be displayed as stopped symbols (e.g., a bell symbol) that are visible to the player. However, if the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are configured so that three frames each are visible in a specific area that makes the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 visible, the number of patterns in which the small winning symbols are displayed in a row is limited to five. Therefore, if the number of types of the first small winning symbols exceeds five, it becomes necessary to display them in the specific area in a display mode other than a display mode in which they are displayed in a row.

[0185] In addition, in gaming machines, when multiple types of minor roles are won in an internal lottery, there are two methods for determining the priority of the candidate stopping positions: a method for determining the priority based on the number of pattern combinations that can be displayed on the active line L1 (number priority control), and a method for determining the priority based on the number of medals paid out based on a predetermined payout for the minor role (number priority control).

[0186] For this reason, in a gaming machine, when setting an operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3 that makes it possible to win a first specific minor role, and an operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3 that makes it impossible to win the first specific minor role and makes it possible to win a second specific minor role, in order to make it possible to win the second specific minor role, it is necessary to make it possible to win the second specific minor role by using number priority control.

[0187] Due to such restrictions, in gaming machines, the more the types of first specific small roles are increased and the payout rate in the bonus state is compressed, the more the types of second specific small roles will also increase, and an arrangement of patterns that makes the second specific small roles winable is also required. Therefore, compressing the payout rate in the bonus state increases the data volume related to the small roles, and the design difficulty also tends to increase.

[0188] In contrast, in a slot machine 1 configured to have a payout rate of 50% by executing an upper limit payout value setting process in the RBB state in which the specified number is set to a second specified number (2 coins) different from the first specified number (3 coins), even if the slot machine 1 is configured to have one minor role with a payout greater than the first specified number as the payout when the first specified number of medals is set to the inserted state and play begins, the performance of the RBB state can be ensured as being sufficient performance required of a gaming machine, while still sufficiently reducing the payout rate in the RBB state.

[0189] By being configured in this manner, the slot machine 1 can reduce the payout rate in the RBB state and prevent an increase in the data capacity related to minor roles when designing the medal acquisition performance for a state in which the RBB is not activated. This reduces the data capacity related to minor roles and improves the design freedom related to the arrangement of patterns. Furthermore, by reducing the data capacity related to minor roles, data capacity can be allocated to various data used in other control processes executed by the main control CPU 11, improving the design freedom of the gaming machine.

[0190] 4. Quantitative Structure Next, a configuration for counting the number of game medals in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment will be described in detail.

[0191] <Overview of the figures> As described above, the medal count control means 300 of the first embodiment is configured to transmit a value corresponding to the game medal count stored in the medal count counter 311 to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40 when the count button KB is operated while the game is possible, and to subtract the game medal count stored in the medal count counter 311 according to the transmitted value. That is, in the first embodiment, the medal count control CPU 31 capable of functioning as the medal count control means 300 is configured as a management control means that manages electronic medals and can communicate with the dedicated unit SU. In addition, the count button KB is configured as a count operation means that accepts a player's operation to cause the medal count control means 300 to perform a counting process in which at least a part of the game medal count managed by the medal count control means 300 by storing it in the medal count counter 311 is transmitted (transferred) to the dedicated unit SU.

[0192] In other words, the medal count control means 300 is configured to perform a counting process in the slot machine 1, which transmits the number of game medals stored in the slot machine 1 to the dedicated unit SU provided outside the slot machine 1, when the counting button KB is operated while communication between the slot machine 1 and the dedicated unit SU is established.

[0193] When the dedicated unit SU receives an electronic medal transmitted by the medal count control means 300 through counting in the slot machine 1, it adds a value corresponding to the received electronic medal to a medal count storage means (not shown) of the dedicated unit SU, and is configured to perform counting in the dedicated unit SU so that the electronic medal stored in the slot machine 1 can be transmitted to a recording medium capable of accumulating the electronic medal.

[0194] In a gaming system including a slot machine 1 and a dedicated unit SU, counting is performed in the slot machine 1 by operating a counting button KB provided on the slot machine 1, counting is performed in the dedicated unit SU by the dedicated unit SU receiving the electronic medals sent from the slot machine 1, and then counting is performed in the gaming system by operating a return button (not shown) provided on the dedicated unit SU and sending the electronic medals stored in the dedicated unit SU to a card medium, allowing the player to settle the electronic medals via the storage medium.

[0195] <Details of counting buttons and counting operations> The counting button KB incorporates a counting switch 126 (see FIG. 2) that is a push switch. The counting switch 126 detects an operation to transmit a part or all of the number of game medals electronically held in the slot machine 1 to the dedicated unit SU (to subtract it from the number of game medals). Here, as an operation of the counting switch 126, an operation in which the switch is turned on for less than 500 ms is called a "short press operation" or "short press", and an operation in which the switch is turned on continuously for 500 ms or more is called a "long press operation" or "long press". In a short press operation of the counting switch 126, only one electronic medal is counted (transmitted) from the number of game medals for each operation, and in a long press operation, 50 electronic medals are counted from the number of game medals at the timing of the count notification every 300 ms after the ON time of 500 ms. Note that if the number of game medals is less than 50 while a long press operation is being performed, all the remaining number of game medals will be counted. Furthermore, if the counting switch 126 is operated while play is possible, the counting process is always executed regardless of the game state at that time.

[0196] <Details of slot machine counting> The medal count control CPU31 of the first embodiment is configured to notify (transmit) a gaming machine information notification to the dedicated unit SU at a cycle of 300 ms. The gaming machine information notification includes serial number information indicating the notification number and medal count information indicating the number of medals stored in the medal count counter 311.

[0197] The serial number information is updated every time a gaming machine information notification is transmitted, and is composed of any number in the range of 0 to 255. The serial number 0 is set for the first gaming machine information notification transmitted after the slot machine 1 is powered on. The serial number information is configured such that the number 255 is assigned, followed by the number 1, and thereafter the numbers 1 to 255 are looped. In this case, when updating the serial number, if the serial number before the update is 0 to 254, the slot machine 1 updates the serial number by adding 1 to the serial number, and if the serial number before the update is 255, the slot machine 1 updates the serial number by adding 2 to the serial number.

[0198] In other words, the slot machine 1 is configured so that the serial number of the gaming machine information notification sent first after the slot machine 1 is turned on is 0, and the dedicated unit SU is configured to be able to determine whether or not the slot machine 1 has just been powered on by receiving a gaming machine information notification with the serial number 0.

[0199] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 assigns a serial number of 0 to the gaming machine information notification that is periodically sent to the dedicated unit SU only when the power is turned on and sends it for the first time, and does not assign the number 0 when updating the serial number thereafter. This makes it possible to notify the dedicated unit SU that the power has just been turned on without using other data indicating whether or not the power has just been turned on, thereby reducing the amount of data required for the gaming machine information notification.

[0200] In addition, the medal count control CPU 31 is configured to notify (transmit) the counting notification to the dedicated unit SU 100 ms after notifying the gaming machine information notification. In other words, the counting notification is configured to be notified at 300 ms intervals in accordance with the gaming machine information notification being notified at 300 ms intervals.

[0201] The counting notification includes counting serial number information indicating the number of the counting notification, counted medal number information indicating the number of medals sent to the dedicated unit SU when the counting button KB is operated, and accumulated counted medal number information indicating the accumulated number of medals sent from the slot machine 1.

[0202] The counting serial number information is updated each time a counting notification is sent, and is composed of any number in the range of 0 to 255. The first counting notification sent after the slot machine 1 is powered on is set to a counting serial number of 0. The counting serial number information is configured such that after the number 255 is assigned, the number 1 is assigned, and thereafter the numbers 1 to 255 loop. In this case, when updating the counting serial number, if the counting serial number before the update is a number between 0 and 254, the slot machine 1 updates the counting serial number by adding 1 to the counting serial number, and if the counting serial number before the update is 255, it updates the counting serial number by adding 2 to the counting serial number.

[0203] In other words, the slot machine 1 is configured so that the counting notification sent first after the slot machine 1 is turned on has a counting serial number of 0, and the dedicated unit SU is configured to be able to determine whether or not the slot machine 1 has just been powered on by receiving a counting notification with a counting serial number of 0.

[0204] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 assigns a counting serial number of 0 to the counting notification that is periodically sent to the dedicated unit SU only for the first counting notification sent after the power is turned on, and does not assign the number 0 when updating the counting serial number thereafter.This makes it possible to notify the dedicated unit SU that the power has just been turned on without using additional data indicating whether or not the power has just been turned on, thereby reducing the amount of data required for the counting notification.

[0205] As described above, the slot machine 1 is configured such that, when the counting button KB is pressed continuously for 500 ms or more, i.e., a so-called long press is executed, the number of electronic medals up to 50 is set as the information on the counted medal number and a count notification is issued. When the counting button KB is pressed and held down and the stored value of the medal count counter 311 is a value of "50" or more, i.e., the number of game medals is 50 or more, the number of electronic medals set as the counted medal number is set to 50, and when the counting button KB is pressed and held down and the stored value of the medal count counter 311 is a value of "49" or less, i.e., the number of game medals is 49 or less, the same value as the stored value of the medal count counter 311 is set as the information to be set as the counted medal number.

[0206] When the counting button KB starts to be pressed, the medal count control means 300 starts measuring the time that the counting button KB is pressed using the timing counter 312 (see FIG. 2), and when the time measured by the timing counter 312 reaches 500 ms or more, sets the long press flag stored in the long press flag storage means 313 (see FIG. 2) to the ON state. When notifying the dedicated unit SU of a counting notification, the slot machine 1 refers to the ON / OFF state of the long press flag stored in the long press flag storage means 313, and when the long press flag is in the ON state, sets a value of up to 50 medals as information to be set for the counted medal number.

[0207] <Details when communication with the dedicated unit is not established> In the first embodiment, the dedicated unit SU is powered on and power is supplied, and the dedicated unit SU starts to start up, so that a VL connection signal (specific signal) is set to the ON state as a connection signal indicating that power is being supplied, and the VL connection signal is output to the medal count control board 30. When the slot machine 1 receives the VL connection signal output from the dedicated unit SU, it determines that communication with the dedicated unit SU has been normally established.

[0208] On the other hand, when the VL connection signal output from the dedicated unit SU is not input, the slot machine 1 determines that the dedicated unit SU is not connected and determines that a lending device connection error has occurred. In other words, when a lending device connection error has occurred, communication between the medal count control CPU31 and the dedicated unit SU has not been established. In other words, a lending device connection error occurs when the medal count control means 300 of the medal count control CPU31 does not detect the VL connection signal output from the dedicated unit SU.

[0209] When a rental device connection error occurs, the main control CPU 11 displays the error code "EL" on the main control display device 10D. When a rental device connection error occurs, the slot machine 1 cannot proceed with the game. In addition, when the slot machine 1 receives a VL connection signal output from the dedicated unit SU and determines that the dedicated unit SU is connected to the rental device connection terminal board 40, it cancels the rental device connection error.

[0210] <Details of communication and counting between slot machines and dedicated units> Next, a detailed description will be given of a case where the counting button KB is pressed and held in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment. The slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is configured so that, when the counting button KB is pressed and held in a state where counting is not possible, and the counting button KB is kept pressed and held until the state where counting is possible is reached, the computerized medals can be counted based on the counting button KB being pressed and held.

[0211] Here, states in which counting is not possible include a state in which the VL connection signal is not input from the dedicated unit SU described above and a lending device connection error occurs, and a state in which a VL connection signal is output from the dedicated unit SU but startup of the slot machine 1 has not been completed and it is not possible to determine whether or not a VL connection signal has been input.

[0212] The details of a case where the count button KB is pressed and held when counting is not possible and the count button KB is continued to be pressed and held until counting is possible will be described using the timing charts in Figures 10 to 12. Note that in Figures 10 to 12, time passes downwards.

[0213] Figure 10 is a timing chart that explains the case where the slot machine 1 completes startup before the dedicated unit SU when the power to both the slot machine 1 and the dedicated unit SU is turned on (ON) from a powered-off state and the counting button KB is pressed from the point when the power to the slot machine 1 is OFF.

[0214] As shown in Fig. 10, the power supply to the slot machine 1 and the dedicated unit SU is cut off, so the VL connection signal is in the OFF state. Then, in the slot machine 1, pressing of the counting button KB begins before the power supply is turned on. At the time the pressing begins, the slot machine 1 is not powered on and no power is being supplied to the medal count control board 30, so the timing of the time the counting button KB is pressed has not yet started.

[0215] When the slot machine 1 and the dedicated unit SU are powered on, they start up. As shown in Fig. 10, the VL connection signal is not output until the startup of the dedicated unit SU is completed, so when the slot machine 1 starts up and is running, the VL connection signal is in the OFF state.

[0216] 10, the slot machine 1 completes its startup earlier than the dedicated unit SU. In the first embodiment, the slot machine 1 completes its startup in about 10 seconds, and the dedicated unit SU completes its startup in about 1 minute.

[0217] The slot machine 1 determines that the dedicated unit SU is not connected and that a lending device connection error has occurred based on the fact that no VL connection signal is input and the medal count control means 300 does not detect a VL connection signal during the period from when the slot machine 1 has completed startup until when the dedicated unit SU has completed startup.

[0218] Based on the completion of startup, the medal count control CPU31 starts sending a gaming machine information notification with a serial number of 0 to the dedicated unit SU. In addition, 100 ms after sending the gaming machine information notification, the medal count control CPU31 sends a count notification with a count serial number of 0 to the dedicated unit SU. At this time, since a lending device connection error has occurred, the medal count control CPU31 sets the count medal number information included in the count notification to 0 regardless of the operation mode of the count button KB. The slot machine 1 sends the gaming machine information notification and the count notification in which the count medal number information has been set to 0 to the dedicated unit SU at a cycle of 300 ms.

[0219] In the slot machine 1, when startup is completed and the supply of power to the medal count control board 30 is stabilized, pressing of the count button KB is detected and measurement of the time that the count button KB is pressed and held down is started using the time counter 312. When the time counted by the time counter 312 reaches 500 ms or more, the medal count control means 300 sets the long press flag stored in the long press flag storage means 313 to the ON state.

[0220] When the startup of the dedicated unit SU is completed, a VL connection signal output from the dedicated unit SU is input to the slot machine 1. The slot machine 1 determines that the VL connection signal is in the ON state based on the detection of the VL connection signal by the medal count control means 300, and releases the lending device connection error.

[0221] Since the VL connection signal is in the ON state and the lending device connection error has been released, the medal count control CPU31 sends a gaming machine information notification having a serial number n to the dedicated unit SU, including the information on the number of gaming medals stored in the medal count counter 311. In the example shown in Fig. 10, when the start-up of the slot machine 1 is completed, the number of gaming medals stored in the medal count counter 311 is 150.

[0222] In the example shown in Figure 10, a long press of the counting button KB is started before the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on, and as the long press continues, the long press flag stored in the long press flag memory means 313 is set to the ON state, and the counting process is executed by the medal count control means 300 based on the long press.

[0223] In the counting process, the medal count control means 300 sets a value of 50 as information to be set for the counted medal count in the count notification of counting serial number m. Furthermore, the medal count control means 300 subtracts 50 from the number of game medals stored in the medal count counter 311 based on the count notification being notified from the slot machine 1. Furthermore, since counting in the slot machine 1 starts from the count notification of counting serial number m, the medal count control means 300 sets a value of 50 as information to be set for the accumulated counted medal count.

[0224] In the slot machine 1, by sending a counting notification, 50 digitized medals are transmitted from the slot machine 1 to the dedicated unit SU. In the dedicated unit SU, by receiving the counting notification in which a value of 50 is set as the counted medal number information, the value "50" is added to the medal number storage means of the dedicated unit SU, and 50 digitized medals can be transmitted to the storage medium.

[0225] In the example shown in Figure 10, since the counting button KB is continuously pressed, the slot machine 1 thereafter performs counting in the slot machine 1, counting 50 game medals stored in the slot machine 1 and transmitting the count to the dedicated unit SU at a cycle of 300 ms.

[0226] In this way, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when the slot machine 1 is powered on and power is supplied to the medal count control CPU 31, and when power is not supplied to the dedicated unit SU, causing a lending device connection error as a specific error, if the counting button KB is pressed and the medal count control means 300 detects a VL specific signal and the lending device connection error is released, and the counting process is continued by the medal count control means 300 based on the pressing of the counting button KB, the number of game medals stored in the medal count counter 311 is transmitted to the dedicated unit SU in units of 50 medals.

[0227] With this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, if the counting button KB is pressed and held before the lending device connection error is released, the number of gaming medals stored in the slot machine 1 can be counted without releasing the counting button KB once and then pressing it and holding it again, thereby improving operability regarding the management of electronic gaming value.

[0228] Figure 11 is a timing chart that explains the case where the power to both the slot machine 1 and the dedicated unit SU is turned on (ON) from a state in which the power is cut off (OFF) and the counting button KB is started to be pressed from the point when the power to the slot machine 1 is OFF, and the dedicated unit SU completes startup before the slot machine 1.

[0229] As shown in FIG. 11, the dedicated unit SU is powered on while the power to the slot machine 1 is cut off. The dedicated unit SU is configured not to output a VL connection signal until startup is complete, and the VL connection signal is in the OFF state. The dedicated unit SU starts outputting the VL connection signal once startup is complete. At this point, the dedicated unit SU outputs the VL connection signal in the ON state while waiting for the slot machine 1 to complete startup.

[0230] In the slot machine 1, pressing of the count button KB begins before the power is turned on. At the time when pressing begins, the slot machine 1 is not powered on and no power is being supplied to the medal count control board 30, so that the timing of the time that the count button KB is pressed has not yet started.

[0231] The slot machine 1 starts up when the power is turned on. As shown in Fig. 11, the startup of the dedicated unit SU is completed and the VL connection signal is output from the dedicated unit SU, but since the medal count control CPU 31 cannot determine the input VL connection signal while the slot machine 1 is running, the VL connection signal is in the OFF state in the slot machine 1.

[0232] The medal count control CPU 31 judges whether the VL connection signal is ON or not when it becomes possible to judge that the VL connection signal is input during startup. In the example shown in Fig. 11, the dedicated unit SU is started before the slot machine 1 is started, and the VL connection signal is output from the dedicated unit SU, so that the VL connection signal is judged to be ON before the startup of the slot machine 1 is completed and when it becomes possible to judge the input of the VL connection signal.

[0233] In the slot machine 1, when the startup is completed and the power supply to the medal count control board 30 is stabilized, pressing of the count button KB is detected and the timing counter 312 starts timing the time for which the count button KB is pressed and held. In addition, based on the completion of the startup, the medal count control CPU 31 starts notifying the dedicated unit SU of a gaming machine information notification with a serial number of 0, including information on the number of gaming medals stored in the medal count counter 311. In the example shown in FIG. 11, when the startup of the slot machine 1 is completed, the number of gaming medals stored in the medal count counter 311 is 150.

[0234] Furthermore, 100 ms after the gaming machine information notification, the medal count control CPU31 notifies the dedicated unit SU of a count notification with a count serial number of 0. At this time, because the count button KB is being pressed and held down and the time for which the count button KB is pressed and held down has not reached 500 ms, the medal count control CPU31 cannot determine the number of electronic medals counted by the medal count counter 311 from the operation mode of the count button KB, and therefore sets the information on the count medal number to be included in the count notification with the count number of 0 to 0.

[0235] The medal count control means 300 sets the long press flag stored in the long press flag storage means 313 to the ON state when the time measured by the timing counter 312 reaches 500 ms or more. In the example shown in Fig. 11, a long press of the counting button KB is started before the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on, and since the long press is continued, the long press flag stored in the long press flag storage means 313 is set to the ON state, and therefore the medal count control means 300 executes the counting process based on the long press.

[0236] In the counting process, the medal count control means 300 sets a value of 50 as information to be set for the counted medal count in the count notification of counting serial number 1. Furthermore, the medal count control means 300 subtracts 50 from the number of game medals stored in the medal count counter 311 based on the count notification from the medal count control CPU 31. Furthermore, since counting in the slot machine 1 begins from the count notification of counting serial number 1, the medal count control means 300 sets a value of 50 as information to be set for the accumulated counted medal count.

[0237] In the slot machine 1, by sending a counting notification, 50 digitized medals are transmitted from the slot machine 1 to the dedicated unit SU. In the dedicated unit SU, by receiving the counting notification in which a value of 50 is set as the counted medal number information, the value "50" is added to the medal number storage means of the dedicated unit SU, and 50 digitized medals can be transmitted to the storage medium.

[0238] In the example shown in Figure 11, since the counting button KB is continuously pressed, the slot machine 1 thereafter performs counting in the slot machine 1, counting 50 game medals stored in the slot machine 1 and transmitting the count to the dedicated unit SU at a cycle of 300 ms.

[0239] In this way, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when the counting button KB is pressed in a specific state in which power is being supplied to the dedicated unit SU, the power supply to the medal count control CPU 31 is cut off as a result of the power being cut off to the slot machine 1, and communication between the medal count control CPU 31 and the dedicated unit SU is not established even though a lending device connection error has not occurred, and when the counting button KB is continued to be pressed at the point when the slot machine 1 is turned on and power is being supplied to the medal count control CPU 31 so that the counting process can be executed by the medal count control means 300, the counting process is performed by the medal count control means 300 based on the pressing, and the number of game medals stored in the medal count counter 311 is transmitted to the dedicated unit SU in units of 50 medals.

[0240] With this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, if the counting button KB is pressed and held before the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on, the number of game medals stored in the slot machine 1 can be counted without releasing the counting button KB once and then pressing it and holding it again, thereby improving operability regarding the management of electronic game value.

[0241] Figure 12 is a timing chart that illustrates a case where the power to the slot machine 1 is turned off (OFF) and then turned on while the power to the dedicated unit SU is maintained on when both the slot machine 1 and the dedicated unit SU are turned on (ON), and the counting button KB starts to be pressed from the point when the power to the slot machine 1 is OFF.

[0242] 12, when the slot machine 1 and the dedicated unit SU are powered on and the power to the slot machine 1 is cut off, the VL connection signal is turned OFF in the slot machine 1 due to the power being cut off. The dedicated unit SU determines that normal communication with the slot machine 1 is not possible and sets the VL connection signal to the OFF state.

[0243] In the slot machine 1, pressing of the count button KB begins before the power is turned on. At the time when pressing begins, the slot machine 1 is not powered on and no power is being supplied to the medal count control board 30, so that the timing of the time that the count button KB is pressed has not yet started.

[0244] The slot machine 1 starts up when the power is turned on. As shown in Fig. 12, while the dedicated unit SU is outputting the VL connection signal, the dedicated unit SU sets the VL connection signal to the OFF state and stops outputting the signal based on the fact that the power to the slot machine 1 is cut off and communication with the slot machine 1 is cut off, so that the VL connection signal is kept in the OFF state while the slot machine 1 is running.

[0245] When the slot machine 1 completes startup, it determines that communication with the dedicated unit SU has not been established based on the fact that a VL connection signal has not been input from the dedicated unit SU, and determines that a rental device connection error has occurred.

[0246] Based on the completion of startup, the medal count control CPU31 starts sending a gaming machine information notification with a serial number of 0 to the dedicated unit SU. Furthermore, 100 ms after sending the gaming machine information notification, the medal count control CPU31 sends a count notification with a count serial number of 0 to the dedicated unit SU. At this time, since a lending device connection error has occurred, the medal count control CPU31 sets the count medal number information included in the count notification to 0 regardless of the operation mode of the count button KB. The medal count control CPU31 sends the gaming machine information notification and the count notification in which the count medal number information has been set to 0 to the dedicated unit SU at a cycle of 300 ms.

[0247] In the slot machine 1, when the startup is completed and the power supply to the medal count control board 30 is stabilized, pressing of the count button KB is detected and timing of the time that the count button KB is pressed and held down is started using the timing counter 312. When the time counted by the timing counter 312 reaches 500 ms or more, the medal count control means 300 sets the long press flag stored in the long press flag storage means 313 to the ON state.

[0248] The dedicated unit SU is reset to resume communication with the slot machine 1. Resetting the dedicated unit SU is initiated by the reception of an initialization signal output from a controller (not shown) after the game center staff member has confirmed the number of electronic medals stored in the dedicated unit SU. The controller is a transmitter that can be carried by the game center staff member, and is configured to be capable of transmitting various signals including the initialization signal to a receiving unit (not shown) provided in the dedicated unit SU.

[0249] In the dedicated unit SU, an initialization process is started by starting a reset. In the initialization process, the dedicated unit SU executes a process related to the initial settings of the dedicated unit SU in substantially the same manner as when the power is turned on.

[0250] When the dedicated unit SU is reset and initialized, the dedicated unit SU starts outputting a VL connection signal. The slot machine 1 determines that the VL connection signal is ON based on the detection of the VL connection signal by the medal count control means 300, and releases the lending device connection error. Since the VL connection signal is ON and the lending device connection error is released, the medal count control CPU 31 notifies the dedicated unit SU of a gaming machine information notification having a serial number n, including information on the number of gaming medals stored in the medal count counter 311. In the example shown in FIG. 12, when the start-up of the slot machine 1 is completed, the number of gaming medals stored in the medal count counter 311 is 150.

[0251] In the example shown in Figure 12, a long press of the counting button KB is started before the power of the slot machine 1 is turned on, and as the long press continues, the long press flag stored in the long press flag memory means 313 is set to the ON state, and the counting process is executed by the medal count control means 300 based on the long press.

[0252] In the counting process, the medal count control means 300 sets a value of 50 as information to be set for the counted medal count in the count notification of counting serial number m. Furthermore, the medal count control means 300 subtracts 50 from the number of game medals stored in the medal count counter 311 based on the count notification being notified from the slot machine 1. Furthermore, since counting in the slot machine 1 starts from the count notification of counting serial number m, the medal count control means 300 sets a value of 50 as information to be set for the accumulated counted medal count.

[0253] When the slot machine 1 notifies the counting notification, the slot machine 1 subtracts 50 from the number of game medals stored in the medal count counter 311. Also, when the slot machine 1 notifies the counting notification, 50 digitized medals are transmitted from the slot machine 1 to the dedicated unit SU. When the dedicated unit SU receives the counting notification in which a value of 50 is set as the information on the counted medal number, it adds a value of "50" to the medal number storage means of the dedicated unit SU, making it possible to transmit 50 digitized medals to the card medium.

[0254] In the example shown in Figure 12, since the counting button KB is continuously pressed, the slot machine 1 thereafter performs counting in the slot machine 1, counting 50 game medals stored in the slot machine 1 and transmitting the count to the dedicated unit SU at a cycle of 300 ms.

[0255] In this way, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when the slot machine 1 is powered on and power is supplied to the medal count control CPU 31 and to the dedicated unit SU, but a lending device connection error occurs because a VL connection signal is not output from the dedicated unit SU, if the counting button KB is pressed and the medal count control means 300 detects a VL identification signal and the lending device connection error is released, and the counting process is performed by the medal count control means 300 based on the pressing of the counting button KB, and the number of game medals stored in the medal count counter 311 is transmitted to the dedicated unit SU in units of 50 medals.

[0256] With this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, if the counting button KB is pressed and held before the lending device connection error is released, the number of gaming medals stored in the slot machine 1 can be counted without releasing the counting button KB once and then pressing it and holding it again, thereby improving operability regarding the management of electronic gaming value.

[0257] 5. Summary of the First Embodiment As described above, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when the counting button KB is pressed when communication between the medal count control CPU 31 and the dedicated unit SU has not been established, and the counting button KB remains pressed at the point when communication between the medal count control CPU 31 and the dedicated unit SU is established, a counting process is performed by the medal count control means 300 based on the pressing, and the number of game medals stored in the medal count counter 311 is transmitted to the dedicated unit SU in units of 50 medals.

[0258] With this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, if the counting button KB is pressed and held before communication is established between the medal count control CPU 31 and the dedicated unit SU, the number of game medals stored in the slot machine 1 can be counted without releasing the counting button KB once and then pressing and holding it again, thereby improving operability regarding the management of electronic game value.

[0259] [Second embodiment] Next, a slot machine 1 according to a second embodiment, which is a partial modification of the first embodiment, will be described.

[0260] A player can transmit some or all of the electronic medals (number of game medals) held in the slot machine 1 to the dedicated unit SU by operating the counting button KB, that is, by operating the counting switch 126 built into the counting button KB. The operation of the counting switch 126 includes a short press operation in which the ON time is less than 500 msec, and a long press operation in which the switch is continuously ON for 500 msec or more. With a short press operation of the counting switch 126, only one electronic medal is counted (transmitted) from the number of game medals for each operation, and with a long press operation, 50 electronic medals are counted from the number of game medals at the timing of the count notification every 300 msec after the ON time of 500 msec (hereinafter simply referred to as "counting timing"). Therefore, a player can transmit many electronic medals to the dedicated unit SU by performing a long press operation.

[0261] In such a long press operation, the number of electronic medals that can be sent per unit time is fixed. This is because if many electronic medals could be sent at once, the impact would be greater if some kind of malfunction occurred, and the damage would be greater if cheating (cheating) were to occur. In the counting process based on a long press operation, the number of game medals is divided into groups of 50 medals and counted repeatedly at intervals of 300 msec., so that the hall staff can easily know that the counting process is being performed, making it possible to prevent cheating.

[0262] However, if the number of electronic medals that can be transmitted per unit time is fixed in this way, the more game medals that are attempted to be transmitted, the longer the counting process will take. For example, if the number of game medals is 5,000, the counting notification will be repeated 100 times (5,000 medals / 50 medals) every 300 msec, so it will take 30 seconds to complete the counting process. In order to maintain the long press operation, the player must keep the counting switch 126 ON continuously during this time. If the counting switch 126 is turned OFF during the counting process based on the long press operation, the counting process itself will stop.

[0263] Therefore, in addition to the short press operation and the long press operation, a "total counting operation" is provided as an operation mode. The total counting operation has the same function as the long press operation in that the counting process is performed continuously at a predetermined cycle, but is more convenient than the long press operation in that the counting process can be continued without the need to keep operating the counting switch 126. The flow of the counting process based on each of the short press operation, the long press operation, and the total counting operation will be described below. Note that the counting process based on the short press operation is called the "single counting process," the counting process based on the long press operation is called the "continuous counting process," and the counting process based on the total counting operation is called the "total counting process." Also, the continuous counting process and the total counting process are sometimes collectively called the "multiple counting process" because they are capable of counting multiple sheets every 300 msec.

[0264] In the following description, components common to the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

[0265] <Counting process during short press operation> 13 is a timing chart for explaining the flow of the counting process when the counting switch 126 is pressed for a short time. The medal count control means 300 in the medal count control board 30 judges (monitors) the operation state of the counting switch 126 at a predetermined cycle (for example, at 1 msec intervals), and executes the counting process based on whether the counting switch 126 is ON or OFF and the time for which the ON state continues. In order to prevent chattering of the counting switch 126, if the counting switch 126 is in the OFF state, the medal count control means 300 judges that the counting switch 126 has turned ON (ON edge) only after the ON state has continued for 16 msec, and if the counting switch 126 is in the ON state, it judges that the counting switch 126 has turned OFF (OFF edge) only after the OFF state has continued for 16 msec. Here, the ON edge refers to the rising edge from OFF to ON, and the OFF edge refers to the falling edge from ON to OFF.

[0266] As shown in FIG. 13, when the player turns on the counting switch 126, the medal count control means 300 sets the operation state flag to 1 (short press) in response to the ON edge of the counting switch 126. Here, the operation state flag is a flag indicating the operation state of the counting switch 126 by the player, where 0 indicates that the operation state is "non-operation", 1 indicates that the operation state corresponds to "short press", 2 indicates that the operation state corresponds to "long press", 3 indicates that the operation state corresponds to "full count", and 4 indicates that the operation state corresponds to "full count release", which is an operation state in which the full count operation is released and the counting switch 126 is waiting to be turned OFF. In addition, the medal count control means 300 updates the counting process that is the target of the operation according to the change in the operation state. Here, for example, a counting process state management buffer is provided, and "single counting process" is assigned to bit 0 of the counting process state management buffer, "continuous counting process" is assigned to bit 1, and "full counting process" is assigned to bit 2. The medal count control means 300 sets the bit corresponding to the target counting process to 1. Therefore, in response to the counting switch 126 being ON, the medal count control means 300 sets bit 0 (single counting process) of the counting process status management buffer to 1, and sets the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 to 001b. For ease of explanation, only bits 2 to 0 of the counting process status management buffer will be mentioned below. Also, the medal count control means 300 measures the time from the ON edge of the counting switch 126 using a counting timer.

[0267] Then, when the player turns off the counting switch 126, the medal count control means 300 refers to the counting timer in response to the OFF edge of the counting switch 126, and if the time from the ON edge of the counting switch 126 has not reached 500 msec, it determines that the player's operation is a short-push operation and executes a single-number counting process. Specifically, the medal count control means 300 sets the counting reservation flag to 1 (single) in response to the OFF edge of the counting switch 126. Here, the counting reservation flag is a flag that reserves the first counting process for the first time, with 0 indicating that the counting process is not reserved, 1 indicating the reservation of the first single-number counting process, 2 indicating the reservation of the first continuous counting process, and 3 indicating the reservation of the first full counting process. In this way, by setting the counting reservation flag, the first counting process for the first time is executed in response to the arrival of the counting timing. Next, the medal count control means 300 sets the operation status flag to 0 (non-operation) to cancel the short-push operation.

[0268] As described later, in the second embodiment, the medal count control means 300 switches the operation status flag from 1 (short press) to 2 (long press) at the timing when the time from the ON edge of the counting switch 126 reaches 500 msec. Therefore, instead of referring to the counting timer, the medal count control means 300 can determine that the time from the ON edge of the counting switch 126 has not reached 500 msec by confirming that the operation status flag is 1 (short press).

[0269] When the counting timing arrives after the OFF edge of the counting switch 126 in such a short press operation by the player, the medal count control means 300 sets the count medal number in the counting notification to "1" based on the fact that the count reservation flag is set to 1 (single counting process), resets the count reservation flag to 0, and resets the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 of the counting process status management buffer to 000b. In addition, the medal count control means 300, for example, subtracts 1 from the current game medal number "171" and updates the game medal number to "170". Accordingly, the game medal number "170" is displayed on the game medal number display device MD. The medal count control CPU 31 transmits the counting notification in which the count medal number is set to the dedicated unit SU. In this way, the single counting process is executed.

[0270] Here, the timing of the OFF edge of the counting switch 126, which is determined as a short press operation, differs from the counting timing. Therefore, in a short press operation, the counting reservation flag is set to 1 in response to the OFF edge of the counting switch 126, and the transmission of one electronic medal is reserved. Then, when the counting timing arrives, the counting process for one medal is performed based on the counting reservation flag being 1. With this configuration, even if the timing of the OFF edge of the counting switch 126, which is determined as a short press operation, differs from the counting timing, it is possible to reliably execute the single counting process at the counting timing. Also, for example, even if multiple short press operations are detected between the counting timings due to chattering of the counting switch 126, the counting reservation flag does not change from 1, which was once set, so that it is possible to reliably execute the counting process for only one medal.

[0271] Also, here, the single counting process is executed at the counting timing after the OFF edge of the counting switch 126 in the short press operation. Therefore, not only when the short press operation is completed within 300 msec between the counting timings illustrated in Fig. 13, but also when the counting timing arrives during the short press operation, the single counting process is not executed at that counting timing, but is executed at the first counting timing that arrives after the OFF edge of the counting switch 126 in the short press operation.

[0272] In this way, when the single counting process is executed, the medal count control CPU31 transmits a command to the main control CPU11 indicating that the single counting process has been executed and the number of game medals after counting. Here, the medal count control CPU31 may notify the main control CPU11 that the single counting process has been executed by including the value (001b) of bits 2 to 0 of the counting process status management buffer directly in the command as data of the counting process status management buffer (hereinafter simply referred to as "counting process status management data"). The main control CPU11, which has received the command, attaches information that allows the sub-control CPU21 to recognize that the command has been sent from the medal count control board 30, and transmits a command indicating that the single counting process has been executed and the number of game medals after counting to the sub-control CPU21. Then, in response to receiving the command, the sub-control CPU21 notifies the player through the display device 410, the sound device 420, and the performance lamp 136 (see Figure 2), which serves as a light-emitting device whose lighting and extinguishing modes are controlled by the sub-control CPU21, that the electronic medal is being transmitted to the dedicated unit SU through single-number counting processing.

[0273] Specifically, in response to receiving a command, the performance control means 200 of the sub-control CPU 21 displays, for example, a message "Single counting completed" and the number of game medals after the single counting process is completed, "170", on the display device 410, and deletes the display after a predetermined time has elapsed since receiving the command, or in response to a switch operation by the player. In addition, in response to receiving a command, the performance control means 200 causes the sound device 420 to output a predetermined counting sound (for example, a short sound "beep") for a predetermined period of time, for example. In response to receiving a command, the performance control means 200 causes the performance lamp 136 to emit light in a predetermined light color for a predetermined period of time, for example.

[0274] Here, the medal count control means 300 determines whether or not a short press operation has occurred based on the OFF edge of the counting switch 126, not on the ON edge of the counting switch 126. Therefore, if the OFF edge of the counting switch 126 is not detected until the time from the ON edge of the counting switch 126 becomes 500 msec or more, the single counting process is not executed. However, this is not the only case, and the medal count control means 300 may determine whether or not a short press operation has occurred based on the ON edge of the counting switch 126. In this case, in response to the ON edge of the counting switch 126, first, the single counting process is executed based on the short press operation, and then, when the time from the ON edge of the counting switch 126 becomes 500 msec or more, the continuous counting process is executed based on the long press operation.

[0275] <Counting process during long press operation> FIG. 14 is a timing chart for explaining the flow of the counting process when the counting switch 126 is pressed and held.

[0276] 14, when a player turns on the count switch 126, the medal count control means 300 temporarily sets the operation state flag to 1 (short press) in response to the ON edge of the count switch 126, sets bit 0 (single count process) of the count process state management buffer to 1, and sets the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 to 001b. Also, the medal count control means 300 measures the time from the ON edge of the count switch 126 using a count timer.

[0277] Then, when the time from the ON edge of the counting switch 126 becomes 500 msec or more, the medal count control means 300 judges the player's operation to be a long press operation and executes the continuous counting process. Specifically, the medal count control means 300 switches the operation status flag from 1 (short press) to 2 (long press), resets bit 0 (single counting process) of the counting process status management buffer to 0, sets bit 1 (continuous counting process) to 1, and sets the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 to 010b. In addition, the medal count control means 300 sets the counting reservation flag to 2 (continuous counting process) to reserve the continuous counting process.

[0278] Then, the medal count control means 300 refers to the operation state flag at the counting timing, and if the operation state flag is set to 2, sets the count medal count of the counting notification to "50". Also, the medal count control means 300, for example, subtracts 50 from the current game medal count "170" and updates the game medal count to "120". Accordingly, the game medal count "120" is displayed on the game medal count display device MD. The medal count control CPU 31 transmits a counting notification in which the count medal count is set to the dedicated unit SU. Note that, when the initial continuous counting process is executed, it is no longer necessary to leave the count reservation flag, so the medal count control means 300 resets the count reservation flag to 0. After that, the medal count control means 300 executes the continuous counting process at each counting timing. Therefore, the game medal count is subtracted by 50, and changes from "70" to "20", for example. Then, when the number of game medals falls below 50, for example, becomes "20", the medal count control means 300 sets the number of count medals in the count notification at the counting timing to the number of all remaining game medals, "20". Therefore, the number of game medals becomes 0, and the continuous counting process by the long press operation ends.

[0279] Then, when the player turns off the counting switch 126 before the time from the ON edge of the counting switch 126 reaches 4000 msec, the medal count control means 300 sets the operation status flag to 0 (non-operation) in response to the OFF edge of the counting switch 126, and resets the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 of the counting processing status management buffer to 000b to release the long press operation.

[0280] Here, the timing at which it is determined that a long press operation has occurred (the time from the ON edge is 500 msec) is different from the counting timing. Therefore, the medal count control means 300 sets the operation status flag to 2 at the timing at which it determines that a long press operation has occurred, and performs a continuous counting process of 50 medals at each counting timing based on the operation status flag being 2. With this configuration, even if the timing at which it is determined that a long press operation has occurred is different from the counting timing, the medal count control means 300 can reliably execute the counting process at the counting timing.

[0281] Moreover, here, the medal count control means 300 sets the count reservation flag to 2 when 500 msec has elapsed since the ON edge of the count switch 126, reserving the continuous counting process of 50 medals. Then, when the counting timing arrives, the continuous counting process of 50 medals is performed based on the fact that the count reservation flag is 2. With this configuration, even if the counting switch 126 is turned OFF before the next counting timing arrives after 500 msec has elapsed since the ON edge, the continuous counting process is performed at least once at the subsequent counting timing, so it is possible to avoid an event in which the counting process is not performed even though the counting switch 126 is pressed and held.

[0282] In this way, when the continuous counting process is executed, the medal count control CPU31 transmits a command indicating that the continuous counting process has been executed and the number of game medals after counting to the main control CPU11. The main control CPU11, having received this command, transmits a command to that effect to the sub-control CPU21. The sub-control CPU21 then notifies the player through the display device 410, the audio device 420, and the performance lamp 136 that the electronic medals have been transmitted to the dedicated unit SU by the counting process.

[0283] Specifically, the presentation control means 200 of the sub-control CPU 21 displays, for example, a message "counting" and the number of game medals "120" after the first continuous counting process is completed on the display device 410 in response to the reception of a command, and updates the display of the number of game medals from "70" to "20" every time a command is received. In addition, when the number of game medals becomes 0 by the continuous counting process, the presentation control means 200 displays a message "counting completed" and the number of game medals "0" on the display device 410, and deletes the display after a predetermined time from the reception of the command or in response to the operation of a switch by the player. In addition, in response to the reception of a command, the presentation control means 200 causes the sound device 420 to output a predetermined counting sound, for example, until the number of game medals becomes 0 by the continuous counting process. In addition, when the number of game medals becomes 0 by the continuous counting process, the presentation control means 200 determines that the game has ended, and causes the sound device 420 to output an ending sound such as "Thank you for your hard work." In response to receiving the command, the performance control means 200 causes the performance lamp 136 to emit light in a predetermined color until the number of game medals reaches 0 through continuous counting processing, for example.

[0284] The presentation control means 200 can specify the number of game medals counted by subtracting the number of game medals after counting included in the current command from the number of game medals after counting included in the previous command. Therefore, the presentation control means 200 can determine that the counting process is being performed correctly by confirming, for example, that the subtracted value is 1 in the case of single counting process, and that the subtracted value is 50 in the case of continuous counting process or total counting process (however, this does not include the case where the number of game medals after counting is 0).

[0285] In the second embodiment, the medal count control means 300 ends the counting process when the number of game medals becomes 0 in the continuous counting process. In addition, when it is no longer "while play is possible", for example, when the VL connection signal is turned OFF (rental device connection error) as described above, the medal count control means 300 stops the counting process. In this case, the main control display device 10D displays the error code "EL", and the display device 410 displays a message indicating that a connection error with the dedicated unit SU has occurred. In addition, when the player turns OFF the counting switch 126 during the long press operation, the medal count control means 300 stops the continuous counting process, assuming that the player has intentionally interrupted the counting process. Below, the flow of the counting process when the player turns OFF the counting switch 126 while the continuous counting process is being executed by the long press operation will be described.

[0286] FIG. 15 is a timing chart for explaining another flow of the counting process when the counting switch 126 is pressed and held.

[0287] 15, when a player turns on the counting switch 126, the medal count control means 300 temporarily sets the operation state flag to 1 (short press) in response to the ON edge of the counting switch 126, and sets the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 of the counting process state management buffer to 001b. In addition, the medal count control means 300 measures the time from the ON edge of the counting switch 126 using a counting timer.

[0288] Then, when the time from the ON edge of the counting switch 126 becomes 500 msec or more, the medal count control means 300 judges the player's operation to be a long press operation and executes the continuous counting process. Specifically, the medal count control means 300 switches the operation status flag from 1 (short press) to 2 (long press) and sets the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 of the counting process status management buffer to 010b. In addition, the medal count control means 300 sets the count reservation flag to 2 (continuous counting process) to reserve the continuous counting process.

[0289] Then, the medal count control means 300 refers to the operation state flag at the counting timing, and if the operation state flag is set to 2, sets the count medal count of the counting notification to "50". Also, the medal count control means 300, for example, subtracts 50 from the current game medal count "170" and updates the game medal count to "120". Accordingly, the game medal count "120" is displayed on the game medal count display device MD. The medal count control CPU 31 transmits a counting notification in which the count medal count is set to the dedicated unit SU. Note that, when the initial continuous counting process is executed, it is no longer necessary to leave the count reservation flag, so the medal count control means 300 resets the count reservation flag to 0. Thereafter, the medal count control means 300 executes the continuous counting process at each counting timing. Therefore, the game medal count is subtracted by 50 and updated to "70". Accordingly, the game medal count is displayed on the game medal count display device MD to "70".

[0290] Here, if the player turns off the counting switch 126 before the time from the ON edge of the counting switch 126 reaches 4000 msec, the medal count control means 300 sets the operation status flag to 0 (non-operation) in response to the OFF edge of the counting switch 126, and resets the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 of the counting process status management buffer to 000b to release the long press operation. In this way, the continuous counting process stops.

[0291] In this way, when the continuous counting process is executed, the medal count control CPU31 transmits a command indicating that the continuous counting process has been executed and the number of game medals after counting to the main control CPU11. The main control CPU11, having received this command, transmits a command to that effect to the sub-control CPU21. The sub-control CPU21 then notifies the player through the display device 410, the audio device 420, and the performance lamp 136 that the electronic medals have been transmitted to the dedicated unit SU by the counting process.

[0292] Specifically, in response to receiving a command, the presentation control means 200 of the sub-control CPU 21 displays, for example, a message "Counting" and the number of game medals "120" after the first continuous counting process is completed on the display device 410, and in response to receiving the next command, updates the display of the number of game medals to "70", and deletes the display after a predetermined time has elapsed since receiving the command or in response to the player operating a switch. In addition, in response to receiving a command, the presentation control means 200 causes the sound device 420 to output a predetermined counting sound, for example, until the continuous counting process stops. In response to receiving a command, the presentation control means 200 causes the presentation lamp 136 to emit light in a predetermined light color, for example, until the continuous counting process stops.

[0293] Here, the performance control means 200 can determine that the continuous counting process has been interrupted (ended) based on the fact that the command indicating that the continuous counting process has been executed has not been received from the main control CPU11 at the timing when the command indicating that the continuous counting process has been executed is received (for example, the command has not been received for 400 msec). Note that, although the timing for determining that the command has not been received is set to the time when 400 msec has elapsed since the previous command reception, this is not limited to such a case, and the time can be set to the time when any value of 310 msec or more has elapsed, which is obtained by adding a transmission delay to 300 msec, which is the interval at which the medal count control CPU31 transmits a command to the main control CPU11. In addition, when the counting switch 126 is turned ON / OFF continuously, there is a possibility that a command indicating that the continuous counting process has been executed is received at an interval of 600 msec, so the timing for determining that the command has not been received may be set to less than 600 msec, for example, 590 msec, from the previous command reception. Furthermore, even if the counting switch 126 is turned ON / OFF consecutively, if the second operation is determined to be a short press operation, the command indicating that the continuous counting process has been executed is not received consecutively, so no problem occurs.

[0294] <Counting process during full counting operation> FIG. 16 is a timing chart for explaining the flow of the counting process when the counting switch 126 is operated for full counting in the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment.

[0295] 16, when a player turns on the counting switch 126, the medal count control means 300 temporarily sets the operation state flag to 1 (short press) in response to the ON edge of the counting switch 126, and sets the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 of the counting process state management buffer to 001b. In addition, the medal count control means 300 measures the time from the ON edge of the counting switch 126 using a counting timer.

[0296] Then, when the time from the ON edge of the counting switch 126 becomes 500 msec or more, the medal count control means 300 judges the player's operation to be a long press operation and executes the continuous counting process. Specifically, the medal count control means 300 switches the operation status flag from 1 (short press) to 2 (long press) and sets the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 of the counting process status management buffer to 010b. In addition, the medal count control means 300 sets the count reservation flag to 2 (continuous counting process) to reserve the continuous counting process.

[0297] Then, the medal count control means 300 refers to the operation state flag at the counting timing, and if the operation state flag is set to 2, sets the count medal count in the counting notification to "50". In addition, the medal count control means 300, for example, subtracts 50 from the current game medal count "1020" and updates the game medal count to "970". Accordingly, the game medal count "970" is displayed on the game medal count display device MD. The medal count control CPU 31 transmits a counting notification in which the count medal count is set to the dedicated unit SU. Note that, once the initial continuous counting process is executed, it is no longer necessary to leave the counting reservation flag, so the medal count control means 300 resets the counting reservation flag to 0. Thereafter, the medal count control means 300 executes the continuous counting process at each counting timing. Therefore, the number of game medals will be subtracted by 50 each time, and will change as follows: "920" → "870" → "820" → "770" → "720" → "670" → "620" → "570" → "520" → "470".

[0298] Then, when the player keeps the counting switch 126 ON and the time from the ON edge of the counting switch 126 reaches 4000 msec or more, the medal count control means 300 judges the player's operation as a full count operation and executes the full count process. Specifically, the medal count control means 300 switches the operation status flag from 2 (long press) to 3 (full count), resets bit 1 (continuous count process) of the count process status management buffer to 0, sets bit 2 (full count process) to 1, and sets the value of bits 2 to 0 to 100b. The medal count control CPU31 transmits a command to the main control CPU11 indicating that the full count process has been executed and the number of game medals after counting.

[0299] In this case, the condition for switching to the full counting operation is described as being 4000 msec or more from the ON edge of the counting switch 126, but the time is not limited to 4000 msec and can be determined arbitrarily as long as it is possible to determine that the counting switch 126 has been kept ON for a certain period of time. In addition, the medal count control means 300 may determine whether the condition for switching to the full counting operation is met based on another opportunity equivalent to 4000 msec (for example, the number of times the counting timing described below occurs, etc.).

[0300] Then, the medal count control means 300 refers to the operation state flag at the counting timing, and when the operation state flag is set to 3, it sets the count medal count of the counting notification to "50" in the same manner as when the operation state flag is set to 2. Also, the medal count control means 300, for example, subtracts 50 from the current game medal count "470" and updates the game medal count to "420". Accordingly, the game medal count "420" is displayed on the game medal count display device MD. The medal count control CPU 31 transmits a counting notification in which the count medal count is set to the dedicated unit SU. The medal count control means 300 executes the relevant counting process at each counting timing. Therefore, the game medal count is subtracted by 50, and changes as follows: "370" → "320" → "270" → "220" → "170" → "120" → "70" → "20". Then, when the number of game medals falls below 50, for example, becomes "20", the medal count control means 300 sets the count medal number to the total remaining number of game medals, "20", at the counting timing. Therefore, the number of game medals becomes 0, and the counting process by the total counting operation ends. When the counting process by the total counting operation ends, the medal count control means 300 sets the operation status flag to 0 (non-operation) and resets the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 of the counting process status management buffer to 000b to cancel the total counting operation.

[0301] In this way, when the operation state is determined to be a full count operation, the player can perform the same counting process as with a long press operation without continuing to operate the counting switch 126. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, even if the player turns off the counting switch 126 after the operation state flag switches to 3, the counting process continues without interruption, and continues to count until the number of game medals becomes 0.

[0302] Here, the timing at which it is determined that a full count operation has occurred (the time from the ON edge is 4000 msec) is different from the counting timing. Therefore, the medal count control means 300 sets the operation status flag to 3 at the timing at which it determines that a full count operation has occurred, and at each counting timing, it performs a counting process of 50 medals based on the operation status flag being 3. With this configuration, even if the timing at which it is determined that a full count operation has occurred is different from the counting timing, the medal count control means 300 can reliably execute the counting process at the counting timing.

[0303] In this way, when the total counting process is executed, the medal count control CPU31 transmits a command indicating that the total counting process has been executed and the number of game medals after counting to the main control CPU11. The main control CPU11, which receives this command, transmits a command to that effect to the sub-control CPU21. The sub-control CPU21 then notifies the player through the display device 410, the audio device 420, and the performance lamp 136 that the electronic medals have been transmitted to the dedicated unit SU by the counting process.

[0304] Specifically, the medal count control means 300 switches the operation state flag to 3 and sets bit 2 (full count process) of the counting process state management buffer to 1 when the time from the ON edge of the counting switch 126 becomes 4000 msec or more. Then, the medal count control CPU31 refers to the counting process state management buffer and transmits a command indicating that the full count process has been executed to the main control CPU11. At this time, the medal count control CPU31 may transmit the counting process state management data as it is to the main control CPU11 as part of the command, thereby communicating that the full count process has been executed. The main control CPU11, which has received the command, refers to the command and transmits a command indicating that the full count process has been executed to the sub-control CPU21. At this time, the main control CPU11 may transmit at least the counting process state management data of the command transmitted from the medal count control board 30 as part of the command, thereby communicating that the full count process has been executed. In addition, the main control CPU11 may send a command to the sub-control CPU21 only when the command sent from the medal count control board 30 changes, for example, when bit 2 (full counting processing) of the counting processing status management data changes from OFF to ON.

[0305] In response to receiving a command, the presentation control means 200 of the sub-control CPU 21 displays, for example, a message "Counting" and the number of game medals "970" after the first continuous counting process is completed on the display device 410, and updates the display of the number of game medals as follows each time a command is received: "920" → "870" → "820" → "770" → "720" → "670" → "620" → "570" → "520" → "470". In addition, in response to receiving a command in which bit 2 (total counting process) of the counting process status management data becomes 1, the presentation control means 200 updates the display of the message "Counting" to the message "Total counting" (it is also possible to display an additional message such as "Counting switch can be turned off"). The performance control means 200 continues to update the display of the number of game medals as follows, "420" → "370" → "320" → "270" → "220" → "170" → "120" → "70" → "20" every time a command is received. When the number of game medals becomes 0 as a result of the total counting process, the performance control means 200 displays a message "Total counting completed" and the number of game medals "0" on the display device 410, and deletes the display after a predetermined time from the reception of the command or in response to the operation of a switch by the player. In response to the reception of a command, the performance control means 200 causes the sound device 420 to output a predetermined counting sound until the number of game medals becomes 0 as a result of the continuous counting process. When the number of game medals becomes 0 as a result of the continuous counting process, the performance control means 200 determines that the game has ended, and causes the sound device 420 to output an ending sound such as "Thank you for your hard work." Here, the performance control means 200 may change the sound output from the sound device 420 or execute a specific performance that outputs a specific sound notifying that the game has moved to the full counting process in response to bit 2 (full counting process) of the counting process state management data in the command becoming 1. In addition, in response to receiving a command, the performance control means 200 may, for example, cause the performance lamp 136 to emit light in a predetermined light color until the number of game medals becomes 0 through the continuous counting process.Here, in response to bit 2 (full counting processing) of the counting processing status management data in the command becoming 1, the performance control means 200 may change the color of light emitted by the performance lamp 136, output a specific light color to indicate that full counting processing has been started, or execute a specific performance that indicates that full counting processing has been started by a change in the lighting pattern.

[0306] In order to inform the player of the progress of the multiple counting process, the performance control means 200 may change the counting sound output from the sound device 420, for example, every time a command is received, or every time a command is received a predetermined number of times (for example, twice). For example, the performance control means 200 can appeal to the player that many electronic medals are being counted by repeating step-by-step counting sounds such as "Do", "Re", "Mi", "Fa", "So", "La", "Si", and "Do".

[0307] The player can understand from these changes in the display on the display device 410, the changes in the sound output from the audio device 420, and the changes in the lighting state of the performance lamp 136 that the full counting process has begun and that the counting process can continue even if the counting switch 126 is turned off.

[0308] In the second embodiment, the counting process is terminated when the number of game medals in the entire counting process becomes 0. Also, as described above, when the VL connection signal is turned OFF, or when the "game is no longer possible", the medal count control means 300 stops the counting process.

[0309] As described above, the total counting operation is an operation in which the total counting process continues even if the counting switch 126 is turned OFF, and unlike the long press operation, the counting process is not stopped by turning the counting switch 126 OFF. However, if the continuous counting process can be stopped with the long press operation, but the total counting process cannot be stopped with the total counting process, this would be less convenient. Therefore, in the total counting process, a function is added in which the player turns the counting switch 126 OFF once, and then turns the counting switch 126 ON again, stopping the total counting process at the ON edge. Below, the flow of the counting process when the player turns the counting switch 126 ON again while the total counting process is being executed by the total counting operation will be described.

[0310] FIG. 17 is a timing chart for explaining another flow of the counting process when the counting switch 126 is operated for full counting.

[0311] 17, when a player turns on the counting switch 126, the medal count control means 300 temporarily sets the operation state flag to 1 (short press) in response to the ON edge of the counting switch 126, and sets the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 of the counting process state management buffer to 001b. In addition, the medal count control means 300 measures the time from the ON edge of the counting switch 126 using a counting timer.

[0312] Then, when the time from the ON edge of the counting switch 126 becomes 500 msec or more, the medal count control means 300 judges the player's operation as a long press operation and executes the continuous counting process. Specifically, the medal count control means 300 switches the operation status flag from 1 (short press) to 2 (long press) and sets the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 of the counting process status management buffer to 010b. In addition, the medal count control means 300 sets the count reservation flag to 2 to reserve the continuous counting process.

[0313] Then, the medal count control means 300 refers to the operation state flag at the counting timing, and if the operation state flag is set to 2, sets the count medal count in the counting notification to "50". Also, the medal count control means 300, for example, subtracts 50 from the current game medal count "1020" and updates the game medal count to "970". Accordingly, the game medal count "970" is displayed on the game medal count display device MD. The medal count control CPU 31 transmits a counting notification in which the count medal count is set to the dedicated unit SU. Note that, once the initial continuous counting process is executed, it is no longer necessary to leave the counting reservation flag, so the medal count control means 300 resets the counting reservation flag to 0. Thereafter, the medal count control means 300 executes the continuous counting process at each counting timing. Therefore, the number of game medals will be subtracted by 50 each time, and will change as follows: "920" → "870" → "820" → "770" → "720" → "670" → "620" → "570" → "520" → "470".

[0314] Then, when the player keeps the counting switch 126 ON and the time from the ON edge of the counting switch 126 reaches 4000 msec or more, the medal count control means 300 judges the player's operation as a full count operation and executes the full count process. Specifically, the medal count control means 300 switches the operation status flag from 2 (long press) to 3 (full count) and sets the value of bits 2 to 0 of the counting process status management buffer to 100b. The medal count control CPU31 transmits a command to the main control CPU11 indicating that the full count process has been executed and the number of game medals after counting.

[0315] Then, the medal count control means 300 refers to the operation state flag at the counting timing, and if the operation state flag is set to 3, sets the count medal count in the counting notification to "50". Also, the medal count control means 300, for example, subtracts 50 from the current game medal count "470" and updates the game medal count to "420". Accordingly, the game medal count "420" is displayed on the game medal count display device MD. The medal count control CPU 31 transmits a counting notification in which the count medal count is set to the dedicated unit SU. The medal count control means 300 executes the relevant counting process at each counting timing. Therefore, the game medal count is subtracted by 50 at a time, changing from "370" → "320" → "270" → "220" and so on.

[0316] In this way, when the operation state is determined to be a full count operation, the player can perform the same counting process as with a long press operation without continuing to operate the counting switch 126. For example, as shown in FIG. 17, even if the player turns off the counting switch 126 after the operation state flag has switched to 3, the counting process continues without interruption, and continues to count until the number of game medals becomes 0.

[0317] Here, suppose that the player turns the counting switch 126 OFF and then turns the counting switch 126 ON again. In response to the ON edge of the counting switch 126, the medal count control means 300 sets the operation status flag to 4 (all counts canceled) and resets the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 of the counting process status management buffer to 000b to cancel all counting operations. Therefore, the counting process stops at the ON edge of the counting switch 126, and the number of game medals stops at "220" at the counting timing before the ON edge of the counting switch 126. The medal count control CPU31 transmits a command to the main control CPU11 indicating that the all counting process has stopped and the number of game medals after counting.

[0318] In such a total counting process, when the counting switch 126 is turned ON again, it is only necessary that the total counting process is stopped in response to the operation of the counting switch 126. Therefore, it is not necessary to judge the re-ON of the counting switch 126 as a short push operation, a long push operation, or a new total counting operation. Here, in the total counting process, when the counting switch 126 is turned ON to stop the counting process, the medal count control means 300 does not judge it as a short push operation, a long push operation, or a new total counting operation even if the ON state of the counting switch 126 continues. Therefore, even if the time from the ON edge of the counting switch 126 becomes 500 msec or more, the continuous counting process is not started, and even if the counting switch 126 is turned OFF thereafter, the single counting process is not executed in response to the OFF edge.

[0319] In this way, when the total counting process is executed, the medal count control CPU31 transmits a command indicating that the total counting process has been executed and the number of game medals after counting to the main control CPU11. The main control CPU11, which receives this command, transmits a command to that effect to the sub-control CPU21. The sub-control CPU21 then notifies the player through the display device 410, the audio device 420, and the performance lamp 136 that the electronic medals have been transmitted to the dedicated unit SU by the counting process.

[0320] Specifically, when the time from the ON edge of the counting switch 126 becomes 4000 msec or more, the medal count control means 300 switches the operation status flag to 3 and sets bit 2 (full counting process) of the counting process status management buffer to 1. Then, the medal count control CPU31 refers to the counting process status management buffer and sends a command indicating that the full counting process has been executed to the main control CPU11. The main control CPU11, which has received the command, refers to the command and sends a command indicating that the full counting process has been executed to the sub-control CPU21. Also, here, when the full counting process stops, this is communicated to the main control CPU11 and the sub-control CPU21. When the full counting process stops, the medal count control means 300 switches the operation status flag to 4 and resets bit 2 (full counting process) of the counting process status management buffer to 0. Then, the medal count control CPU31 refers to the counting process status management buffer, and transmits a command indicating that all counting processes have been stopped to the main control CPU11. The main control CPU11, which has received the command, refers to the command, and transmits a command indicating that all counting processes have been stopped to the sub-control CPU21.

[0321] In response to receiving a command, the presentation control means 200 of the sub-control CPU 21 displays, for example, a message "Counting" and the number of game medals "970" after the first continuous counting process is completed on the display device 410, and updates the display of the number of game medals as follows: "920" → "870" → "820" → "770" → "720" → "670" → "620" → "570" → "520" → "470" every time a command is received. In addition, in response to receiving a command in which bit 2 (all counting processes) of the counting process status management data becomes 1, the presentation control means 200 updates the display of the message "Counting" to the message "All counting". The presentation control means 200 continues to update the display of the number of game medals as follows: "420" → "370" → "320" → "270" → "220" every time a command is received. In addition, the performance control means 200 updates the display of the message "all counting in progress" to the message "all counting completed" in response to receiving a command in which bit 2 (all counting) of the counting processing state management data becomes 0, and deletes the display after a predetermined time from receiving the command or in response to the operation of a switch by the player. In addition, in response to receiving a command, the performance control means 200 causes the sound device 420 to output a predetermined counting sound, for example, until the all counting processing stops. Here, in response to bit 2 (all counting) of the counting processing state management data in the command becoming 1, the performance control means 200 may change the sound output from the sound device 420 or execute a specific performance in which a specific sound is output to notify that the all counting processing has been started. In addition, in response to bit 2 (all counting) of the counting processing state management data in the command becoming 0, the performance control means 200 may change the sound output from the sound device 420 or execute an end performance in which a specific sound is output to notify that the all counting processing has been stopped. In response to receiving the command, the performance control means 200 causes the performance lamp 136 to emit light in a predetermined emission color, for example, until the full counting process stops. Here, in response to bit 2 (full counting process) of the counting process state management data in the command becoming 1, the performance control means 200 may change the emission color emitted by the performance lamp 136, output a specific emission color notifying that the full counting process has been started, or execute a specific performance that notifies that the full counting process has been started by blinking.In addition, in response to bit 2 (all counting processes) of the counting process status management data in the command becoming 0, the performance control means 200 may change the color of light emitted by the performance lamp 136, output a specific color of light to indicate that all counting processes have stopped, or execute an end performance that flashes to indicate that all counting processes have stopped.

[0322] The player can understand that the process has shifted to the full counting process and that the counting process can be continued even if the counting switch 126 is turned OFF, by such a change in the display of the display device 410, the change in the sound output from the audio device 420, and the change in the light emission mode of the performance lamp 136. In addition, the player can understand that the process has shifted to the full counting process, and that the full counting process can be stopped by turning the counting switch 126 OFF and then ON again.

[0323] In addition, since the timing at which it is determined that the total counting operation is performed (the time from the ON edge is 4000 msec) is independent of the counting timing, the possibility that the timing at which the command at which bit 2 (total counting) of the counting processing state management data becomes 1 and the timing at which the command is received according to the counting timing overlap is low. However, if the timing at which both commands are received is close, the notification that the total counting processing has started and the notification that the counting processing has been executed may overlap, making it difficult for the player to recognize one notification. Therefore, here, the notification that the total counting processing has started is executed in priority over the notification that the counting processing has been executed. For example, in the display device 410, the message "total counting" is placed in a layer above the display of the number of game medals, a sound indicating that the total counting processing has started is output from the audio device 420 at a higher volume than a sound indicating that the counting processing has been executed, or the performance lamp 136 is illuminated in a light-emitting manner indicating that the total counting processing has started. With this configuration, the player can be sure that the entire counting process has started, and the counting process can be continued even if the counting switch 126 is turned OFF.

[0324] <Details of counting processing> 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the counting process in the medal count control board 30. The counting process is executed at a predetermined timer interrupt period (for example, at 1 msec intervals).

[0325] (Step S400) The medal count control means 300 refers to the operation status flag and determines whether the operation status flag is 3 (total count). If the operation status flag is not 3, the process proceeds to step S401, and if the operation status flag is 3, the process proceeds to step S425.

[0326] (Step S401) The medal count control means 300 judges whether or not the count switch 126 is ON. As a result, if the count switch 126 is ON, the process proceeds to step S402, and if the count switch 126 is not ON, the process proceeds to step S415.

[0327] (Step S402) The medal count control means 300 judges whether or not the count switch 126 is on edge. If the count switch 126 is on edge, the process proceeds to step S403. If the count switch 126 is not on edge, the process proceeds to step S404.

[0328] (Step S403) If the counting switch 126 is at the ON edge, the medal count control means 300 first sets the operation status flag to 1, determining that the player's operation is a short press operation, sets the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 of the counting process status management buffer to 001b, and terminates the counting process.

[0329] (Step S404) When the counting switch 126 is ON but is determined not to be an ON edge in step S402, the medal count control means 300 determines whether the operation status flag is 4 (all counts released). If the operation status flag is not 4, the process proceeds to step S405, and if the operation status flag is 4, the counting process is terminated so that no counting process is performed, assuming that all counting operations have been released.

[0330] (Step S405) Next, the medal count control means 300 judges whether the operation state flag is 2 (long press) or not. As a result, if the operation state flag is not 2, the process proceeds to step S406, and if the operation state flag is 2, the process proceeds to step S410.

[0331] (Step S406) The medal count control means 300 refers to the count timer and judges whether or not 500 msec has elapsed since the ON edge of the count switch 126. If 500 msec has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S407, and if 500 msec has not elapsed, the operation is judged to still correspond to a short press operation, and the process proceeds to step S409 without changing the operation status flag.

[0332] (Step S407) If 500 msec has elapsed since the ON edge of the counting switch 126, the medal count control means 300 determines that the operation is a long press operation, sets the operation status flag to 2 (long press), and sets the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 of the counting processing status management buffer to 010b.

[0333] (Step S408) Next, the medal count control means 300 sets the counting reservation flag to 2 (continuous counting process) in order to execute the continuous counting process at least once.

[0334] (Step S409) The medal count control means 300 increments the count timer by 1 to count the time from the ON edge of the count switch 126. Here, since the timer interrupt period is set to 1 msec, incrementing by 1 counts 1 msec.

[0335] (Step S410) When 500 msec has elapsed since the ON edge of the counting switch 126 and it is determined in step S405 that the operation status flag is 2 (long press), the medal count control means 300 refers to the counting timer and determines whether 4000 msec has elapsed since the ON edge of the counting switch 126. If 4000 msec has elapsed, the process proceeds to step S411, and if 4000 msec has not elapsed, it is determined that the operation still corresponds to a long press operation, and the process proceeds to step S412 without changing the operation status flag.

[0336] (Step S411) If 4000 msec has passed since the ON edge of the count switch 126, the medal count control means 300 determines that the operation is a full count operation, sets the operation status flag to 3 (full count), and sets the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 of the counting process status management buffer to 100b. The medal count control CPU31 transmits a command indicating that the full counting process has been executed (bit 2 of the counting process status management data = 1) to the main control CPU11 to communicate that the full counting process has started.

[0337] (Step S412) Next, the medal count control means 300 judges whether or not it is counting time. If it is counting time, the process proceeds to step S413, and if it is not counting time, the process proceeds to step S409 without performing counting process.

[0338] (Step S413) If it is the counting timing, the medal count control means 300 performs multiple counting processing (continuous counting processing) based on the long press operation. Such multiple counting processing will be described in detail later.

[0339] (Step S414) The medal count control means 300 resets the count reservation flag to 0 (no reservation) assuming that the continuous count process based on the long press operation has been executed at least once.

[0340] (Step S415) When it is determined in step S401 that the counting switch 126 is OFF, the medal count control means 300 determines whether the counting reservation flag is 1 (reservation of single-item counting process) and whether it is time to count. If the counting reservation flag is 1 and it is time to count, the process proceeds to step S416, and if the counting reservation flag is not 1 or it is not time to count, the process proceeds to step S418 without performing single-item counting process.

[0341] (Step S416) If the count reservation flag is 1 and it is counting time, the medal count control means 300 performs single medal count processing based on the short push operation. The single medal count processing will be described in detail later.

[0342] (Step S417) The medal count control means 300 resets the count reservation flag to 0 (no reservation) and resets the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 of the counting process status management buffer to 000b, assuming that single-number counting process based on the short push operation has been executed.

[0343] (Step S418) Next, the medal count control means 300 judges whether the count reservation flag is 2 (a long press operation was performed, but the count switch 126 was turned OFF before the count timing arrived) and whether the count timing has arrived. If the count reservation flag is 2 and it is the count timing, the multiple count processing of step S413 is executed, and if the count reservation flag is not 2 or it is not the count timing, the multiple count processing is not executed and the process proceeds to step S420. The multiple count processing of step S413 will be described in detail later.

[0344] (Step S419) The medal count control means 300 resets the count reservation flag to 0 (no reservation) and resets the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 of the counting process status management buffer to 000b, assuming that multiple counting process based on a long press operation has been executed.

[0345] (Step S420) The medal count control means 300 judges whether or not the count switch 126 is at the OFF edge. If the count switch 126 is at the OFF edge, the process proceeds to step S421. If the count switch 126 is not at the OFF edge, the count process is terminated.

[0346] (Step S421) If the counting switch 126 is turned off and is at the OFF edge, the medal count control means 300 judges whether the operation state flag is 1 (short press) or not. If the operation state flag is 1, the process proceeds to step S422, and if the operation state flag is not 1, the process proceeds to step S423.

[0347] (Step S422) Next, the medal count control means 300 sets the counting reservation flag to 1 (single counting process) in order to execute the single counting process. Thus, in step S415, when the counting reservation flag is 1 and the counting timing arrives, the single counting process in step S416 is executed.

[0348] (Step S423) The medal count control means 300 sets the operation status flag to 0 (non-operation) in order to reset the short press operation or long press operation in response to the OFF edge of the counting switch 126, and resets the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 of the counting process status management buffer to 000b. However, if the counting reservation flag is 1 or 2, the medal count control means 300 sets the operation status flag to 0 (non-operation), but does not reset the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 of the counting process status management buffer to 000b in order to maintain the value of the counting process status management buffer.

[0349] (Step S424) The medal count control means 300 resets the count timer to 0 in response to the OFF edge of the count switch 126. The medal count control means 300 also resets the multiple count number counter to 0. The multiple count number counter is a counter that counts the number of times the multiple count process has been executed.

[0350] (Step S425) When it is determined in step S400 that the operation status flag is 3, that is, when it is determined that all counting operations have been performed, the medal count control means 300 determines whether or not it is counting time without determining the ON / OFF state of the counting switch 126 in step S401. If it is counting time, the multiple counting process of step S413 is executed, and if it is not counting time, the process proceeds to step S426 without executing the counting process.

[0351] (Step S426) The medal count control means 300 judges whether or not the count switch 126 is on edge. If the count switch 126 is on edge, the process proceeds to step S427. If the count switch 126 is not on edge, the count process is terminated.

[0352] (Step S427) If the counting switch 126 is at an ON edge, the medal count control means 300 determines that all counting operations have been released, sets the operation status flag to 4 (all counting released), and resets the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 of the counting process status management buffer to 000b. In order to communicate that all counting processes have been stopped, the medal count control CPU 31 sends a command indicating that all counting processes have been stopped (bit 2 of the counting process status management data = 0) to the main control CPU 11. Here, even if the counting switch 126 is turned ON to release all counting processes by setting the operation status flag to 4, the counting response process is terminated in step S404, so that the operation of the counting switch 126 is not determined to be, for example, a short press operation.

[0353] (Step S428) The medal count control means 300 resets the count timer to 0 in response to the OFF edge of the count switch 126. The medal count control means 300 also resets the multiple count counter to 0, and ends the count processing.

[0354] <Details of multiple counting process> FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the multiple counting process (S413).

[0355] (Step S413-1) The medal count control means 300 determines whether the number of game medals at that time is 50 or more. If the number of game medals is 50 or more, the process proceeds to step S413-2. If the number of game medals is less than 50, the process proceeds to step S413-4.

[0356] (Step S413-2) If the number of game medals is 50 or more, the medal number control means 300 sets the count notification to 50 medals.

[0357] (Step S413-3) The medal count control means 300 increments the multiple count counter by 1. The value of the multiple count counter can be used to change the display of the display device 410, the sound output from the audio device 420, and the light color of the performance lamp 136, for example, depending on the number of counting processes.

[0358] (Step S413-4) If the number of game medals is less than 50, the medal count control means 300 sets the entire number of game medals at that time in the count notification.

[0359] (Step S413-5) The medal count control means 300 judges whether the operation status flag is 3 (total count) and the count switch 126 is OFF or not. If the operation status flag is 3 and the count switch 126 is OFF, the process proceeds to step S413-6, and if the operation status flag is not 3 or the count switch 126 is ON, the process proceeds to step S413-7.

[0360] (Step S413-6) If the operation status flag is 3 and the counting switch 126 is OFF, the medal count control means 300 assumes that all counting processes have been completed, resets the operation status flag to 0 (non-operation), and resets the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 of the counting process status management buffer to 000b.

[0361] (Step S413-7) The medal count control CPU31 transmits a count notification in which the count medal count is set to the dedicated unit SU.

[0362] (Step S413-8) Next, the medal count control CPU31 transmits a command to the main control CPU11 indicating that multiple counting processing (continuous counting processing or total counting processing) has been performed and the number of game medals after counting, and ends the multiple counting processing.

[0363] <Details of single counting process> FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the single-number counting process (S415).

[0364] (Step S415-1) The medal count control means 300 judges whether the number of game medals at that time is 1 or more. If the number of game medals is 1 or more, the process proceeds to step S415-2. If the number of game medals is less than 1, i.e., 0, the single medal counting process is terminated.

[0365] (Step S415-2) If the number of game medals is one or more, the medal count control means 300 sets the count notification to one.

[0366] (Step S415-3) The medal count control CPU31 transmits a count notification in which the count medal count is set to the dedicated unit SU.

[0367] (Step S415-4) Next, the medal count control CPU31 transmits a command indicating that the single medal counting process has been executed and the number of game medals after counting to the main control CPU11, and ends the single medal counting process.

[0368] <Details of the counting process on the main control board> FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the counting response process in the main control board 10.

[0369] (Step S450) The main control CPU 11 judges whether or not a command indicating that the counting process has been executed and the number of game medals after counting has been received from the medal count control CPU 31. As a result, if a command has been received, the process proceeds to step S451, and if a command has not been received, the counting process is terminated.

[0370] (Step S451) The main control CPU 11 determines whether the command received this time is different from the command it has stored. If the command is different, the process proceeds to step S452. If the command is not different, the counting process is terminated.

[0371] (Step S452) If the commands are different, the main control CPU 11 transmits at least the counting process status management data of the received command as is to the sub-control CPU 21. In this way, the sub-control CPU 21 can notify the player through the display device 410, the audio device 420, and the performance lamp 136 that the electronic medals are being transmitted to the dedicated unit SU by the counting process.

[0372] (Step S453) The main control CPU 11 stores the received command in the main RAM 200c for use in the next comparison, and ends the counting response process.

[0373] <Details of the counting process on the sub-control board> FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of the counting response process in the sub-control board 20.

[0374] (Step S470) The sub-control CPU 21 judges whether or not it has received a command indicating that the counting process has been executed and the number of game medals after counting from the main control CPU 11. As a result, if it has received a command, it shifts the process to step S471, and if it has not received a command, it shifts the process to step S478.

[0375] (Step S471) The presentation control means 200 of the sub-control CPU 21 judges whether or not the number of game medals after counting indicated in the received command is 0. As a result, if the number of game medals after counting is not 0, the process proceeds to step S472, and if the number of game medals after counting is 0, the process proceeds to step S477.

[0376] (Step S472) The performance control means 200 judges whether or not bit 2 of the counting processing state management data in the received command is 1. As a result, if bit 2 of the counting processing state management data is 1, the process proceeds to step S473, and if bit 2 of the counting processing state management data is not 1, the process proceeds to step S474.

[0377] (Step S473) If bit 2 of the counting process status management data is 1, the performance control means 200 determines that the entire counting process has started, and performs the performance of the entire counting process, for example, by displaying the message "All counting in progress" on the display device 410, changing the sound output from the audio device 420, or changing the color of the light emitted by the performance lamp 136.

[0378] (Step S474) The performance control means 200 judges whether or not bit 2 of the counting processing state management data in the received command is 0. As a result, if bit 2 of the counting processing state management data is 0, the process proceeds to step S475, and if bit 2 of the counting processing state management data is not 0, the process proceeds to step S476.

[0379] (Step S475) If bit 2 of the counting process status management data is 0, the performance control means 200 determines that all counting processes have been completed (stopped), and performs a performance to indicate the end of all counting processes, for example, by displaying the message "All counting completed" on the display device 410, changing the sound output from the audio device 420, or changing the color of the light emitted by the performance lamp 136.

[0380] (Step S476) The performance control means 200 displays the number of game medals after counting on the display device 410, and ends the counting process.

[0381] (Step S477) In step S471, when it is determined that the number of game medals after counting is 0, the presentation control means 200 ends the presentation related to the counting process, and ends the counting corresponding process.

[0382] (Step S478) In step S470, if it is determined that no command has been received, the performance control means 200 determines whether or not 400 msec or more has passed since the previous command was received. If 400 msec or more has passed, the process proceeds to step S479, and if 400 msec has not been reached, the counting process is terminated.

[0383] (Step S479) If it is determined in step S478 that 400 msec or more has elapsed since the previous command was received, the performance control means 200 ends the performance related to the counting process, and ends the counting response process.

[0384] As described above, the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment includes a game control means (e.g., the main control CPU 11) for controlling a game played using a game value (e.g., an electronic medal), a management control means (e.g., a medal count control CPU 31, a medal count control means 300) for managing the game value, for example, as the number of game medals (managing information related to the game value as the number of game medals), and a counting process that receives a player's operation to transmit at least a part of the game value managed by the management control means to an external device (e.g., a dedicated unit SU). The management control means is configured to execute a multiple counting process which is a counting process that transmits a predetermined number (e.g., 50) of game values ​​at a predetermined period (e.g., 300 msec period) when the time during which the counting operation means is continuously ON reaches or exceeds a first time (e.g., 500 msec), and is capable of executing the multiple counting process even if the counting operation means is turned OFF when the time during which the counting operation means is continuously ON reaches or exceeds a second time (e.g., 4000 msec) which is longer than the first time.

[0385] With this configuration, if the player keeps the counting switch 126 ON for a predetermined period of time, the counting process continues even if the player later turns OFF the counting switch 126. This reduces the operational burden of counting electronic medals, and improves convenience for the player.

[0386] [Third embodiment] Next, a slot machine 1 according to a third embodiment, which is a partial modification of the second embodiment, will be described.

[0387] In the second embodiment, an example was described in which the medal count control means 300 executes the full count process when the player keeps the count switch 126 ON and the time from the ON edge of the count switch 126 becomes 4000 msec or more. However, in such a configuration, it is necessary to refer to the count timer and determine whether the value is 4000 msec or more. Meanwhile, in step S413-3 of the multiple count process in FIG. 19, the multiple count counter is counted. Therefore, in the third embodiment, the transition to the full count process is realized using the value of the multiple count counter that is being counted. For example, instead of determining whether the value of the count timer is 4000 msec or more, the medal count control means 300 determines whether the multiple count counter is a predetermined value or more and executes the full count process according to the result.

[0388] Here, a predetermined value to be compared with the value of the multiple count counter is determined. The timing when the player turns on the count switch 126 is different from the count timing. The timing when a full count operation is determined (the time from the ON edge is 4000 msec) is also different from the count timing. Therefore, the timing when the value of the multiple count counter is updated, i.e., the count timing, is almost never the same as the time 4000 msec has elapsed since the ON edge. Therefore, a value that can ensure a time of 4000 msec or more from the ON edge of the count switch 126 is set as the predetermined value.

[0389] When the number of counting timings (value of the multiple counting counter) is an arbitrary value, the time from the ON edge of the counting switch 126 to the number of counting timings reaching the arbitrary value is the shortest when the timing of 500 msec from the ON edge of the counting switch 126 occurs immediately before (or simultaneously with) the counting timing. In this way, when the timing of 500 msec from the ON edge of the counting switch 126 occurs immediately before the counting timing, the time from the ON edge of the counting switch 126 approaches 4000 msec when the number of counting timings is 12, 3800 msec (500+300×11), and 13, 4100 msec (500+300×12). Here, since it is desired that the multiple counting counter is updated when 4000 msec has certainly elapsed from the ON edge of the counting switch 126, the medal count control means 300 determines that the counting operation is complete when the number of counting timings is 13, i.e., when the value of the multiple counting counter is 13. Then, even if the timing of 500 msec from the ON edge of the counting switch 126, which is the maximum time from the ON edge of the counting switch 126 until the number of counting timings reaches a predetermined value, is immediately after the counting timing, the number of counting timings will be 4400 msec from the ON edge of the counting switch 126 at the time when the number of counting timings is 13. In this way, the timing when the number of counting timings is 13 falls within the range of 4100 msec to 4400 msec from the ON edge of the counting switch 126, which fully satisfies the condition of 4000 msec or more from the ON edge of the counting switch 126.

[0390] In this example, the specified value is set to 13 times, which is the smallest value that satisfies the condition of 4000 msec or more from the ON edge of the counting switch 126. However, this is not limited to this case, and the specified value can also be set to 14 times or more as long as the condition of 4000 msec or more from the ON edge of the counting switch 126 is satisfied.

[0391] Hereinafter, an example will be described in which the medal count control means 300 determines whether the multiple count counter is equal to or greater than 13, instead of determining whether the count timer value is equal to or greater than 4000 msec.

[0392] <Counting process during full counting operation> FIG. 23 is a timing chart for explaining the flow of the counting process when the counting switch 126 is operated for full counting in the slot machine 1 of the third embodiment.

[0393] 23, when a player turns on the counting switch 126, the medal count control means 300 temporarily sets the operation state flag to 1 (short press) in response to the ON edge of the counting switch 126, and sets the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 of the counting process state management buffer to 001b. In addition, the medal count control means 300 measures the time from the ON edge of the counting switch 126 using a counting timer.

[0394] Then, when the time from the ON edge of the counting switch 126 becomes 500 msec or more, the medal count control means 300 judges the player's operation to be a long press operation and executes the continuous counting process. Specifically, the medal count control means 300 switches the operation status flag from 1 (short press) to 2 (long press) and sets the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 of the counting process status management buffer to 010b. In addition, the medal count control means 300 sets the count reservation flag to 2 (continuous counting process) to reserve the continuous counting process.

[0395] Then, the medal count control means 300 refers to the operation state flag at the counting timing, and if the operation state flag is set to 2, sets the count medal count of the counting notification to "50". At this time, the medal count control means 300 increments the multiple counting counter by 1 and updates it to "1". Also, the medal count control means 300, for example, subtracts 50 from the current game medal count "1020" and updates the game medal count to "970". Accordingly, the game medal count "970" is displayed on the game medal count display device MD. The medal count control CPU 31 transmits a counting notification in which the count medal count is set to the dedicated unit SU. Note that, once the initial continuous counting process is executed, it is no longer necessary to leave the counting reservation flag, so the medal count control means 300 resets the counting reservation flag to 0. Thereafter, the medal count control means 300 executes the continuous counting process at each counting timing. Therefore, the multiple counting counter is incremented by 1, changing from "2" → "3" → "4" → "5" → "6" → "7" → "8" → "9" → "10" → "11" → "12", and the number of game medals is subtracted by 50, changing from "920" → "870" → "820" → "770" → "720" → "670" → "620" → "570" → "520" → "470" → "420".

[0396] Then, when the player keeps the count switch 126 ON and the value of the multiple count counter reaches "13", the medal count control means 300 judges the player's operation to be a full count operation and executes the full count process. Specifically, the medal count control means 300 switches the operation status flag from 2 (long press) to 3 (full count). In the third embodiment, the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 of the counting process status management buffer are not set to 100b, but are maintained at 010b. Here, because bit 2 is not used, an area for adding information can be secured in the counting process status management data.

[0397] Then, the medal count control means 300 refers to the operation state flag at the counting timing, and when the operation state flag is set to 3, it sets the counted medal count in the counting notification to "50" in the same manner as when the operation state flag is set to 2. Furthermore, the medal count control means 300, for example, subtracts 50 from the current game medal count of "420" and updates the game medal count to "370". Accordingly, the game medal count "370" is displayed on the game medal count display device MD. The medal count control CPU 31 transmits a counting notification in which the counted medal count has been set to the dedicated unit SU. The medal count control means 300 executes the relevant counting process at each counting timing. Therefore, the multiple counting counter is incremented by 1, changing from "14" to "15" to "16" to "17" to "18" to "19" to "20", and the number of game medals is subtracted by 50, changing from "320" to "270" to "220" to "170" to "120" to "70" to "20". When the number of game medals is less than 50, for example, when it becomes "20", the medal number control means 300 sets the number of all remaining game medals "20" to the count medal number at the counting timing. Therefore, the number of game medals becomes 0, and the counting process by the total counting operation is completed. When the counting process by the total counting operation is completed, the medal number control means 300 sets the operation state flag to 0 (non-operation) and resets the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 of the counting process state management buffer to 000b to cancel the total counting operation. In addition, the medal count control means 300 resets the multiple counting frequency counter to zero.

[0398] In this way, when the operation state is determined to be a full count operation, the player can perform the same counting process as with a long press operation without continuing to operate the counting switch 126. For example, as shown in Fig. 23, even if the player turns off the counting switch 126 after the operation state flag switches to 3, the counting process continues without interruption, and continues to count until the number of game medals becomes 0.

[0399] In this way, when the total counting process is executed, the medal count control CPU31 transmits a command indicating that the counting process has been executed and the number of game medals after counting to the main control CPU11. The main control CPU11, having received this command, transmits a command to that effect to the sub-control CPU21. The sub-control CPU21 then notifies the player through the display device 410, the audio device 420, and the performance lamp 136 that the electronic medals have been transmitted to the dedicated unit SU by the counting process.

[0400] Specifically, the medal count control means 300 switches the operation state flag to 2 and sets bit 1 (continuous count process) of the count process state management buffer to 1 when the time from the ON edge of the count switch 126 becomes 500 msec or more. Then, the medal count control CPU31 refers to the count process state management buffer and transmits a command indicating that all count processes have been executed to the main control CPU11. At this time, the medal count control CPU31 may transmit the count process state management data as it is to the main control CPU11 as a part of the command, thereby communicating that the continuous count process has been executed. The main control CPU11, which has received the command, refers to the command and transmits a command indicating that the continuous count process has been executed to the sub-control CPU21. At this time, the main control CPU11 may transmit at least the count process state management data of the command transmitted from the medal count control board 30 as a part of the command, thereby communicating that the continuous count process has been executed. In addition, the main control CPU11 may send a command to the sub-control CPU21 only when the command sent from the medal count control board 30 changes, for example, when bit 1 (continuous counting processing) of the counting processing status management data changes from OFF to ON.

[0401] In response to receiving a command in which bit 1 of the counting process status management data is 1, the presentation control means 200 of the sub-control CPU 21, for example, increments the sub-counting number counter by 1 to update it to "1", and displays the message "Counting" and the number of game medals "970" after the first continuous counting process is completed on the display device 410. Here, the sub-counting number counter is a counter that counts the number of times a command indicating the execution of multiple counting processes has been received. Next, the performance control means 200 updates the sub-counting number counter from "2" to "3" to "4" to "5" to "6" to "7" to "8" to "9" to "10" to "11" to "12" each time it receives a command, and updates the display of the number of game medals from "920" to "870" to "820" to "770" to "720" to "670" to "620" to "570" to "520" to "470" to "420". In addition, in response to receiving a command, the performance control means 200 determines that the total counting process has started in response to the sub-counting number counter becoming "13", and updates the display of the message "Counting" to the message "Total counting" (it is also possible to display "Counting switch can be turned off", etc.). The performance control means 200 continues to update the display of the number of game medals as follows, "370" → "320" → "270" → "220" → "170" → "120" → "70" → "20", every time the command is received. When the number of game medals becomes 0 as a result of the total counting process, the performance control means 200 displays a message "Total counting completed" and the number of game medals "0" on the display device 410, and deletes the display after a predetermined time from the reception of the command or in response to the operation of a switch by the player. In response to the reception of the command, the performance control means 200 causes the sound device 420 to output a predetermined counting sound until the number of game medals becomes 0 as a result of the continuous counting process. When the number of game medals becomes 0 as a result of the continuous counting process, the performance control means 200 determines that the game has ended, and causes the sound device 420 to output an ending sound such as "Thank you for your hard work." Here, the performance control means 200 may, in response to the sub-counting number counter reaching "13", change the sound being output from the sound device 420, or execute a specific performance that outputs a specific sound to notify that the process has moved to full counting processing.Furthermore, in response to receiving a command, the performance control means 200 causes the performance lamp 136 to emit light in a predetermined light color, for example, until the number of game medals reaches 0 through the continuous counting process. Here, in response to the sub-counting number counter reaching "13", the performance control means 200 may change the light color emitted by the performance lamp 136, output a specific light color indicating that the game has moved to the full counting process, or execute a specific performance indicating that the game has moved to the full counting process by blinking.

[0402] Here, the performance control means 200 uses the sub-counting number counter to self-containedly determine the timing of full counting processing. Therefore, as long as it is known that multiple counting processes are being executed (bit 1 of the counting processing state management data = 1), it is not necessary to know that full counting processes are being executed (bit 2 of the counting processing state management data = 1) as explained using Figures 16 to 22. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the design load associated with changes to commands and programs.

[0403] Although there is a communication transmission delay, the multiple counting number counter in the medal count control CPU 31 and the sub counting number counter in the performance control means 200 become 13 at almost the same time. Therefore, the timing when the medal counting process starts in the medal count control board 30 and when the player recognizes the start of the full counting process are the same. Therefore, the player can understand that the process has moved to the full counting process and that the counting process can be continued even if the counting switch 126 is turned OFF, by such changes in the display on the display device 410, the changes in the sound output from the audio device 420, and the changes in the light emission mode of the performance lamp 136.

[0404] From the viewpoint of reliability, the medal count control CPU 31 may change bit 2 of the counting process status management data in the command. With this configuration, the performance control means 200 can determine that the full counting process has started by checking not only that the sub counting number counter is 13 or more, but also that bit 2 of the counting process status management data is 1, making it possible to reliably grasp the transition of the full counting process. Also, from the viewpoint of reliability, the medal count control CPU 31 may include in the command the number of times that multiple counting processes (continuous counting processes and full counting processes) are executed. With this configuration, the performance control means 200 can compare the value of the sub counting number counter with the number of times that multiple counting processes are executed as indicated in the command, and ensure their consistency.

[0405] It is practically impossible for a player to perform 13 consecutive short presses during the counting timing. Therefore, the performance control means 200 can determine that the full counting process has started by receiving the command 13 times in succession, even if it does not know that multiple counting processes are being executed (bit 1 or bit 2 of the counting process status management data = 1). With this configuration, the performance control means 200 can know the transition to the full counting process with simple processing, which further reduces the design load.

[0406] FIG. 24 is a timing chart for explaining another flow of the counting process when the counting switch 126 is operated for full counting.

[0407] 24, when a player turns on the counting switch 126, the medal count control means 300 temporarily sets the operation state flag to 1 (short press) in response to the ON edge of the counting switch 126, and sets the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 of the counting process state management buffer to 001b. In addition, the medal count control means 300 measures the time from the ON edge of the counting switch 126 using a count timer.

[0408] Then, when the time from the ON edge of the counting switch 126 becomes 500 msec or more, the medal count control means 300 judges the player's operation as a long press operation and executes the continuous counting process. Specifically, the medal count control means 300 switches the operation status flag from 1 (short press) to 2 (long press) and sets the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 of the counting process status management buffer to 010b. In addition, the medal count control means 300 sets the count reservation flag to 2 to reserve the continuous counting process.

[0409] Then, the medal count control means 300 refers to the operation state flag at the counting timing, and if the operation state flag is set to 2, sets the count medal count of the counting notification to "50". At this time, the medal count control means 300 increments the multiple counting counter by 1 and updates it to "1". Also, the medal count control means 300, for example, subtracts 50 from the current game medal count "1020" and updates the game medal count to "970". Accordingly, the game medal count "970" is displayed on the game medal count display device MD. The medal count control CPU 31 transmits a counting notification in which the count medal count is set to the dedicated unit SU. Note that, once the initial continuous counting process is executed, it is no longer necessary to leave the counting reservation flag, so the medal count control means 300 resets the counting reservation flag to 0. Thereafter, the medal count control means 300 executes the continuous counting process at each counting timing. Therefore, the multiple counting counter is incremented by 1, changing from "2" → "3" → "4" → "5" → "6" → "7" → "8" → "9" → "10" → "11" → "12", and the number of game medals is subtracted by 50, changing from "920" → "870" → "820" → "770" → "720" → "670" → "620" → "570" → "520" → "470" → "420".

[0410] Then, when the player keeps the count switch 126 ON and the value of the multiple count counter reaches "13", the medal count control means 300 judges the player's operation to be a full count operation and executes the full count process. Specifically, the medal count control means 300 switches the operation status flag from 2 (long press) to 3 (full count). Note that in the third embodiment, the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 of the count process status management buffer are not set to 100b, but are maintained at 010b. Here, bit 2 is not used, so an area for adding information can be secured.

[0411] Then, the medal count control means 300 refers to the operation state flag at the counting timing, and if the operation state flag is set to 3, sets the count medal count of the counting notification to "50". Also, the medal count control means 300, for example, subtracts 50 from the current game medal count "420" and updates the game medal count to "370". Accordingly, the game medal count "370" is displayed on the game medal count display device MD. The medal count control CPU 31 transmits a counting notification in which the count medal count is set to the dedicated unit SU. The medal count control means 300 executes the relevant counting process at each counting timing. Therefore, the multiple counting counter is incremented by 1, changing from "14" to "15" to "16", and the game medal count is subtracted by 50, changing from "320" to "270" to "220".

[0412] In this way, when the operation state is determined to be a full count operation, the player can perform the same counting process as with a long press operation without continuing to operate the counting switch 126. For example, as shown in FIG. 24, even if the player turns off the counting switch 126 after the operation state flag switches to 3, the counting process continues without interruption, and continues to count until the number of game medals becomes 0.

[0413] Here, suppose that the player turns the counting switch 126 OFF and then turns the counting switch 126 ON again. In response to the ON edge of the counting switch 126, the medal count control means 300 sets the operation status flag to 4 (all counts canceled) and resets the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 of the counting process status management buffer to 000b to cancel all counting operations. The medal count control means 300 also resets the multiple count counter to 0. Therefore, the counting process stops at the ON edge of the counting switch 126, and the number of game medals stops at "220" at the counting timing before the ON edge of the counting switch 126.

[0414] In such a total counting process, when the counting switch 126 is turned ON again, it is only necessary that the total counting process is stopped in response to the operation of the counting switch 126. Therefore, it is not necessary to judge the re-ON of the counting switch 126 as a short push operation, a long push operation, or a new total counting operation. Here, in the total counting process, when the counting switch 126 is turned ON to stop the counting process, the medal count control means 300 does not judge it as a short push operation, a long push operation, or a new total counting operation even if the ON state of the counting switch 126 continues. Therefore, even if the time from the ON edge of the counting switch 126 becomes 500 msec or more, the continuous counting process is not started, and even if the counting switch 126 is turned OFF thereafter, the single counting process is not executed in response to the OFF edge.

[0415] In this way, when the total counting process is executed, the medal count control CPU31 transmits a command indicating that the counting process has been executed and the number of game medals after counting to the main control CPU11. The main control CPU11, having received this command, transmits a command to that effect to the sub-control CPU21. The sub-control CPU21 then notifies the player through the display device 410, the audio device 420, and the performance lamp 136 that the electronic medals have been transmitted to the dedicated unit SU by the counting process.

[0416] Specifically, the medal count control means 300 switches the operation status flag to 2 and sets bit 1 (continuous counting process) of the counting process status management buffer to 1 when the time from the ON edge of the counting switch 126 becomes 500 msec or more. Then, the medal count control CPU31 refers to the counting process status management buffer and transmits a command indicating that all counting processes have been executed to the main control CPU11. Having received the command, the main control CPU11 refers to the command and transmits a command indicating that the continuous counting process has been executed to the sub-control CPU21. Note that the main control CPU11 may transmit a command to the sub-control CPU21 only when the command transmitted from the medal count control board 30 has changed, for example, only when bit 1 (continuous counting process) of the counting process status management data has changed from OFF to ON.

[0417] Also, here, when the continuous counting process stops, this fact is communicated to the main control CPU11 and the sub-control CPU21. When the continuous counting process stops, the medal count control means 300 switches the operation status flag to 4, and resets bit 1 (continuous counting process) of the counting process status management buffer to 0. Then, the medal count control CPU31 refers to the counting process status management buffer, and sends a command to the main control CPU11 indicating that all counting processes have stopped. Having received this command, the main control CPU11 refers to the command, and sends a command to the sub-control CPU21 indicating that all counting processes have stopped.

[0418] In response to receiving a command in which bit 1 of the counting process status management data is 1, the presentation control means 200 of the sub-control CPU 21, for example, increments the sub-counting number counter by 1 to update it to "1", and displays the message "Counting" and the number of game medals "970" after the first continuous counting process is completed on the display device 410. Here, the sub-counting number counter is a counter that counts the number of times a command indicating the execution of multiple counting processes has been received. Next, the performance control means 200 updates the sub-counting number counter from "2" to "3" to "4" to "5" to "6" to "7" to "8" to "9" to "10" to "11" to "12" each time it receives a command, and updates the display of the number of game medals from "920" to "870" to "820" to "770" to "720" to "670" to "620" to "570" to "520" to "470" to "420". In addition, in response to receiving a command, the performance control means 200 determines that the total counting process has started in response to the sub-counting number counter becoming "13", and updates the display of the message "Counting" to the message "Total counting" (it is also possible to display "Counting switch can be turned off", etc.). The performance control means 200 continues to update the display of the number of game medals from "370" to "320" to "270" to "220" each time a command is received, and deletes the display after a predetermined time from the reception of the command or in response to the operation of a switch by the player. In addition, in response to the reception of a command, the performance control means 200 causes the sound device 420 to output a predetermined counting sound, for example, until the number of game medals becomes 0 by the continuous counting process. In addition, when the number of game medals becomes 0 by the continuous counting process, the performance control means 200 determines that the game has ended, and causes the sound device 420 to output an end sound such as "Thank you for your hard work." Here, the performance control means 200 may change the sound output from the sound device 420 in response to the sub-counting number counter becoming "13", or execute a specific performance that outputs a specific sound informing that the game has moved to the full counting process. In response to receiving the command, the performance control means 200 causes the performance lamp 136 to emit light in a predetermined color until the number of game medals reaches 0 through continuous counting processing, for example.Here, the performance control means 200 may change the color of light emitted by the performance lamp 136 in response to the sub-counting number counter reaching "13", output a specific color of light to notify that the process has been moved to the full counting process, or execute a specific performance to notify that the process has been moved to the full counting process by blinking. Also, the performance control means 200 may determine that the full counting process has been interrupted (ended) based on the fact that a command has not been received from the main control CPU 11 at the timing when the command should have been received due to the execution of the continuous counting process (for example, no command has been received for 400 msec). Here, the timing for determining that a command has not been received is not limited to 400 msec, and may be 310 msec to 590 msec.

[0419] The player can understand that the process has shifted to the full counting process and that the counting process can be continued even if the counting switch 126 is turned OFF, by such a change in the display of the display device 410, the change in the sound output from the audio device 420, and the change in the light emission mode of the performance lamp 136. In addition, the player can understand that the process has shifted to the full counting process, and that the full counting process can be stopped by turning the counting switch 126 OFF and then ON again.

[0420] Here, instead of determining whether the count timer value is 4000 msec or more, the transition to the full count process is identified by determining whether the multiple count counter is 13 or more. Therefore, the flowcharts shown in Figures 18, 19, and 22 are also partially different. Below, the processes different from those in Figures 18, 19, and 22 will be described in detail using Figure 25 corresponding to Figure 18, Figure 26 corresponding to Figure 19, and Figure 27 corresponding to Figure 22, and explanations of other processes that are substantially the same in function will be omitted.

[0421] <Details of counting processing> Fig. 25 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of the counting process in the medal count control board 30. In the counting process in Fig. 25, unlike Fig. 18, it is not determined whether the value of the counting timer is 4000 msec or more. Therefore, the determination in step S410 in Fig. 18 of whether 4000 msec has elapsed since the ON edge of the counting switch 126 and the process in step S411 of setting bit 2 of the counting process status management buffer to 1 if 4000 msec has elapsed since the ON edge of the counting switch 126 are not executed in Fig. 25.

[0422] <Details of multiple counting process> Fig. 26 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of the multiple counting process (S413). The multiple counting process (S413) in Fig. 26 is executed at the counting timing, and the multiple counting number counter is updated. Therefore, here, as described above, instead of steps S410 and S411 in Fig. 18, processes (S413-11, S413-12) for starting the entire counting process according to the value of the multiple counting number counter are added to the multiple counting process (S413).

[0423] (Step S413-11) The medal count control means 300 judges whether the multiple count counter is equal to or greater than 13. As a result, if the multiple count counter is equal to or greater than 13, the process proceeds to step S413-12, and if the multiple count counter is less than 13, the operation is judged to still correspond to a long press operation, and the process proceeds to step S413-7 without changing the operation status flag.

[0424] (Step S413-12) If the multiple counting counter is 13 or more, the medal count control means 300 determines that the operation is a full counting operation and sets the operation status flag to 3 (full counting). However, in the third embodiment, the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 of the counting process status management buffer are not set to 100b, but are maintained at 010b.

[0425] <Details of the counting process on the sub-control board> Fig. 27 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of the counting response process in the sub-control board 20. Unlike Fig. 22, the counting response process in Fig. 27 does not use bit 2 of the counting process state management data of the command, but uses a sub-counting number counter in the sub-control CPU 21 to self-containedly identify the timing to transition to full counting process.

[0426] (Step S480) The sub-control CPU 21 judges whether or not it has received a command indicating that the counting process has been executed and the number of game medals after counting from the main control CPU 11. As a result, if a command has been received, the process proceeds to step S481, and if a command has not been received, the process proceeds to step S488.

[0427] (Step S481) The presentation control means 200 of the sub-control CPU 21 judges whether or not the number of game medals after counting indicated in the received command is 0. As a result, if the number of game medals after counting is not 0, the process proceeds to step S482, and if the number of game medals after counting is 0, the process proceeds to step S486.

[0428] (Step S482) The performance control means 200 judges whether the sub-counting number counter is equal to or greater than 13. As a result, if the sub-counting number counter is equal to or greater than 13, the process proceeds to step S483, and if the sub-counting number counter is less than 13, the process proceeds to step S484, judging that the operation still corresponds to a long press operation.

[0429] (Step S483) If the sub-counting number counter is 13 or more, the performance control means 200 determines that the full counting process has started, and performs the performance of the full counting process, for example, by displaying the message "Full counting in progress" on the display device 410, changing the sound output from the audio device 420, or changing the color of the light emitted by the performance lamp 136.

[0430] (Step S484) The performance control means 200 increments the sub-counting number counter by one.

[0431] (Step S485) The performance control means 200 displays the number of game medals after counting on the display device 410, and ends the counting process.

[0432] (Step S486) In step S481, when it is determined that the number of game medals after counting is 0, the presentation control means 200 ends the presentation related to the counting process.

[0433] (Step S487) The performance control means 200 resets the sub-counting number counter to 0, and ends the counting process.

[0434] (Step S488) In step S480, if it is determined that no command has been received, the performance control means 200 determines whether or not 400 msec or more has passed since the previous command was received. If 400 msec or more has passed, the process proceeds to step S489, and if 400 msec has not been reached, the counting process is terminated.

[0435] (Step S489) If it is determined in step S488 that 400 msec or more has elapsed since the previous command was received, the performance control means 200 ends the performance related to the counting process.

[0436] (Step S490) The performance control means 200 resets the sub-counting number counter to 0, and ends the counting process.

[0437] As described above, the slot machine 1 of the third embodiment includes a game control means (e.g., main control CPU 11) that controls a game played using a game value (e.g., electronic medals), a management control means (e.g., medal number control CPU 31, medal number control means 300) that manages the game value, for example, as the number of game medals (manages information related to the game value as the number of game medals), and a counting operation means (e.g., counting switch 126) that accepts a player's operation to perform a counting process in which at least a part of the game value managed by the management control means is transmitted to an external device (e.g., dedicated unit SU). When the time for which the counting operation means is continuously ON reaches or exceeds a predetermined time (e.g., 500 msec), the management control means executes a multiple counting process that repeats a unit counting process (e.g., a counting process in units of 50 coins) that transmits a predetermined number (e.g., 50) of game values ​​at a predetermined period (e.g., 300 msec period), counts the number of times that the unit counting process is executed under the condition that the counting operation means is continuously ON (e.g., a multiple counting number counter), and when the number of times that the unit counting process is executed reaches or exceeds a predetermined value (e.g., 13), the multiple counting process can be executed even if the counting operation means is turned OFF.

[0438] The management control means also includes a presentation control means (e.g., presentation control means 200) that controls the presentation related to the counting process executed by the management control means, and the presentation control means counts the number of times the unit counting process is executed (e.g., a sub-counting number counter) under the condition that the unit counting process is repeated at a predetermined cycle (e.g., a 300 msec cycle), and executes a specific presentation (e.g., a specific audio output notifying that the process has moved to the full counting process) when the number of times the unit counting process is executed reaches a predetermined value (e.g., 13) or more.

[0439] The slot machine 1 also includes a game control means (e.g., main control CPU 11) for controlling a game played using a game value (e.g., electronic medals), a management control means (e.g., medal number control CPU 31, medal number control means 300) for managing the game value, for example, as the number of game medals (managing information related to the game value as the number of game medals), a counting operation means (e.g., counting switch 126) for receiving a player's operation for performing a counting process in which at least a part of the game value managed by the management control means is transmitted to an external device (e.g., dedicated unit SU), and a presentation control means (e.g., presentation control means 200) for controlling presentation related to the counting process executed by the management control means, and the management control means determines whether the time during which the counting operation means is continuously ON is longer than a first time. When the time period (e.g., 500 msec) is reached, a multiple counting process is executed in which a unit counting process (e.g., counting process in units of 50 coins) that transmits a predetermined number (e.g., 50) of game values ​​is repeated at a predetermined cycle (e.g., 300 msec cycle), and when the time period during which the counting operation means is continuously ON is reached or exceeds a second time (e.g., 4000 msec) that is longer than the first time, multiple counting processes can be executed even if the counting operation means is turned OFF, and the presentation control means counts the number of times the unit counting process is executed under the condition that the unit counting process is repeated at the predetermined cycle (e.g., a sub-counting number counter), and when the number of times the unit counting process is executed reaches or exceeds a predetermined value (e.g., 13), a specific presentation (e.g., a specific audio output notifying that the process has moved to the full counting process) is executed.

[0440] With this configuration, if the player keeps the counting switch 126 ON for a predetermined period of time, the counting process continues even if the player later turns OFF the counting switch 126. This reduces the operational burden of counting electronic medals, and improves convenience for the player.

[0441] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a slot machine 1 according to a fourth embodiment, which is a partial modification of the first to third embodiments, will be described.

[0442] In the above-described first to third embodiments, a short press operation, a long press operation, and a full count operation are realized according to the operation mode of one count switch 126. However, according to such an operation mode, for example, a time of 4000 msec is required to continue the counting process (full counting process) without turning on the count switch 126. Therefore, a full count switch 142 (see FIG. 28) is provided in addition to the count switch 126, and the full counting process is realized with a simple operation.

[0443] In the following description, components common to the first to third embodiments are given the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

[0444] <Configuration of all counting switches> 28 is an external view for explaining the mechanical configuration of the game medal count display device MD. In FIG. 28, the arrow F direction indicates the front direction of the slot machine 1, and the arrow B direction indicates the rear direction of the slot machine 1.

[0445] As shown in FIG. 28, the game medal number display device MD accommodates the collective light emitters MD1 to MD5, the count button KB incorporating the count switch 126, and the total count button ZB incorporating the total count switch 142 in a housing 128a. The housing 128a is disposed in the upper right portion of the operation unit installation stand 112 of the slot machine 1 shown in FIG. 1. That is, the game medal number display device MD is provided at a position corresponding to the position where the medal insertion slot is disposed in the slot machine in which the game proceeds using real medals. This allows the effective use of the space of the medal insertion slot that becomes unnecessary by introducing the slot machine 1. In addition, the game medal number display device MD displays the game medal number through the collective light emitters MD1 to MD5, which are 7-segment LEDs having seven light-emitting elements, and therefore has a common use in that it handles medals (electronic medals) as well as the medal insertion slot used for adding medals, and the player does not feel uncomfortable with the presence of the game medal number display device MD.

[0446] The counting switch 126 and the total counting switch 142 detect the player's operations to perform the counting process. The player can perform the above-mentioned short press operation, long press operation, and total counting process through the counting switch 126. The player can also perform the total counting operation through the total counting switch 142. Here, it is assumed that the total counting operation can be realized with either the counting switch 126 or the total counting switch 142. However, when the total counting switch 142 is provided and the total counting operation is realized with the total counting switch 142, the total counting operation may be restricted depending on the counting switch 126, and only the short press operation and the long press operation may be realized.

[0447] As described above, when performing the total counting process, the counting switch 126 must be kept ON for 4000 msec or more, but the total counting switch 142 only needs to be ON for a short time. It is highly likely that the player will operate the total counting switch 142 when counting many game medals, such as at the end of a game. Therefore, as in the example of FIG. 28, the area of ​​the part where the total counting switch 142 is pressed may be made larger so that it is easier to press the total counting switch 142 than the counting switch 126. Also, the total counting switch 142 may be easily turned ON with a relatively shallow press, and the counting switch 126 may not be turned ON unless it is pressed deeper than the total counting switch 142. Also, in the example of FIG. 28, both the total counting switch 142 and the counting switch 126 are labeled with the names of the switches ("total counting", "counting"), but this is not limited to the above case, and only the name of the total counting switch 142 ("total counting") may be labeled, and the name of the counting switch 126 may not be labeled. 28, neither the total counting switch 142 nor the counting switch 126 indicates how to operate the switch, but this is not limited to the above case, and only the total counting switch 142 may indicate how to operate it, and the counting switch 126 may only be understood through a demo screen or a menu screen. Also, the sound (SE) when the total counting switch 142 is turned ON may be different from the sound (SE) when the counting switch 126 is turned ON, and the sound when the total counting switch 142 is turned ON may be emphasized, for example by being louder, than the sound when the counting switch 126 is turned ON.

[0448] The operation of the count switch 126 has already been described in detail, so here, the flow of the counting process by the total counting operation using the total count switch 142 will be described.

[0449] FIG. 29 is a timing chart for explaining the flow of the counting process when the total counting switch 142 is operated.

[0450] As shown in FIG. 29, when a player turns on the total count switch 142, the medal count control means 300 judges the player's operation as a total count operation and executes the total count process. Specifically, the medal count control means 300 sets the operation status flag to 3 (total count) in response to the ON edge of the total count switch 142, and sets the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 of the count process status management buffer to 100b. The medal count control CPU31 transmits a command indicating that the total count process has been executed and the number of game medals after counting to the main control CPU11. In addition, the medal count control means 300 sets the count reservation flag to 3 (total count process) to reserve the total count process.

[0451] Then, the medal count control means 300 refers to the operation state flag at the counting timing, and if the operation state flag is set to 3, sets the count medal count in the counting notification to "50". Also, the medal count control means 300, for example, subtracts 50 from the current game medal count "1020" and updates the game medal count to "970". Accordingly, the game medal count "970" is displayed on the game medal count display device MD. The medal count control CPU 31 transmits a counting notification in which the count medal count is set to the dedicated unit SU. Note that, once the first full counting process is executed, it is no longer necessary to leave the counting reservation flag, so the medal count control means 300 resets the counting reservation flag to 0. Thereafter, the medal count control means 300 executes the full counting process at each counting timing. Therefore, the number of game medals is subtracted by 50 each time, and changes as follows: "920" → "870" → "820" → "770" → "720" → "670" → "620" → "570" → "520" → "470" → "420" → "370" → "320" → "270" → "220" → "170" → "120" → "70" → "20". When the number of game medals falls short of 50, for example, becomes "20", the medal number control means 300 sets the number of all remaining game medals, "20", to the count medal number at the counting timing. Therefore, the number of game medals becomes 0, and the counting process by the full counting operation ends. When the counting process by all counting operations is completed, the medal count control means 300 sets the operation status flag to 0 (non-operation) and resets the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 of the counting process status management buffer to 000b to cancel all counting operations.

[0452] In this way, when the operation state is determined to be a total count operation, the player can perform the same counting process as a long press operation without continuing to operate the total count switch 142. For example, as shown in FIG. 29, even if the player turns off the total count switch 142 after the operation state flag switches to 3, the counting process continues without interruption, and continues to count until the number of game medals becomes 0.

[0453] Here, the timing at which it is determined that a total count operation has occurred (the ON edge of the total count switch 142) is different from the count timing. Therefore, the medal count control means 300 sets the operation status flag to 3 at the timing at which it determines that a total count operation has occurred, and at each count timing, performs counting processing for 50 medals based on the operation status flag being 3. With this configuration, even if the timing at which it is determined that a total count operation has occurred is different from the count timing, the medal count control means 300 can reliably execute counting processing at the count timing.

[0454] In addition, the medal count control means 300 sets the count reservation flag to 3 (full count processing) at the ON edge of the total count switch 142, reserving the total count processing of 50 medals. Then, when the counting timing arrives, the total counting processing of 50 medals is performed based on the fact that the count reservation flag is 3. With this configuration, even if the total counting switch 142 is turned OFF and ON before the next counting timing arrives after the ON edge, the total counting processing is performed at least once at the subsequent counting timing, so that it is possible to avoid an event in which the total counting processing is not performed even though the total counting switch 142 is operated. Also, for example, even if multiple ON / OFFs are detected between counting timings due to chattering of the total counting switch 142, the count reservation flag does not change from the once set 3, so that the total counting processing can be performed reliably once.

[0455] In this way, when the total counting process is executed, the medal count control CPU31 transmits a command indicating that the total counting process has been executed and the number of game medals after counting to the main control CPU11. The main control CPU11, which receives this command, transmits a command to that effect to the sub-control CPU21. The sub-control CPU21 then notifies the player through the display device 410, the audio device 420, and the performance lamp 136 that the electronic medals have been transmitted to the dedicated unit SU by the counting process.

[0456] Specifically, the medal count control means 300 switches the operation status flag to 3 at the timing of the ON edge of the total count switch 142, and sets bit 2 (total count process) of the counting process status management buffer to 1. Then, the medal count control CPU31 refers to the counting process status management buffer and transmits a command indicating that the total counting process has been executed to the main control CPU11. At this time, the medal count control CPU31 may transmit the counting process status management data as it is to the main control CPU11 as part of the command, thereby communicating that the total counting process has been executed. The main control CPU11, which has received the command, refers to the command and transmits a command indicating that the total counting process has been executed to the sub-control CPU21. At this time, the main control CPU11 may transmit at least the counting process status management data of the command transmitted from the medal count control board 30 as part of the command, thereby communicating that the total counting process has been executed. In addition, the main control CPU11 may send a command to the sub-control CPU21 only when the command sent from the medal count control board 30 changes, for example, when bit 2 (full counting processing) of the counting processing status management data changes from OFF to ON.

[0457] In response to receiving a command in which bit 2 (total counting process) of the counting process status management data has become 1, the presentation control means 200 of the sub-control CPU 21 displays, for example, a message "Total counting in progress" and the current number of game medals "1020" on the display device 410. Then, each time the presentation control means 200 receives a command, it updates the display of the number of game medals as follows: "970" → "920" → "870" → "820" → "770" → "720" → "670" → "620" → "570" → "520" → "470" → "420" → "370" → "320" → "270" → "220" → "170" → "120" → "70" → "20". Furthermore, when the number of game medals becomes 0 as a result of the total counting process, the performance control means 200 displays the message "Total counting completed" and the number of game medals "0" on the display device 410, and deletes the display after a predetermined time from the reception of the command or in response to the operation of a switch by the player. Furthermore, in response to the reception of the command, the performance control means 200 causes the sound device 420 to output a predetermined counting sound, for example, until the number of game medals becomes 0 as a result of the total counting process. Furthermore, when the number of game medals becomes 0 as a result of the total counting process, the performance control means 200 determines that the game has ended, and causes the sound device 420 to output an end sound such as "Thank you for your hard work." Furthermore, in response to the reception of the command, the performance control means 200 causes the performance lamp 136 to emit light in a predetermined light emission color, for example, until the number of game medals becomes 0 as a result of the total counting process.

[0458] The player can understand from the display on the display device 410, the sound output from the audio device 420, and the lighting state of the performance lamp 136 that the total counting process is being carried out and that the counting process can continue even if the total counting switch 142 is turned OFF.

[0459] In the above embodiment, the counting process is terminated when the number of game medals in the entire counting process becomes 0. In addition, for example, when the VL connection signal is turned OFF as described above, or when the "game is not possible", the medal count control means 300 stops the counting process.

[0460] In addition, in the total counting process, a function is added in which the player turns off the total counting switch 142 once, and then turns on the total counting switch 142, and the ON edge of the switch stops the total counting process. Below, the flow of the counting process when the player turns on the total counting switch 142 again while the total counting process is being executed by the total counting operation will be described.

[0461] FIG. 30 is a timing chart for explaining another flow of the counting process when the total counting switch 142 is operated.

[0462] As shown in Fig. 30, when a player turns on the total count switch 142, the medal count control means 300 judges the player's operation as a total count operation and executes the total count process. Specifically, the medal count control means 300 sets the operation status flag to 3 (total count) in response to the ON edge of the total count switch 142, and sets the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 of the count process status management buffer to 100b. The medal count control CPU31 transmits a command indicating that the total count process has been executed and the number of game medals after counting to the main control CPU11. In addition, the medal count control means 300 sets the count reservation flag to 3 (total count process) to reserve the total count process.

[0463] Then, the medal count control means 300 refers to the operation state flag at the counting timing, and if the operation state flag is set to 3, sets the count medal count in the counting notification to "50". Also, the medal count control means 300, for example, subtracts 50 from the current game medal count "1020" and updates the game medal count to "970". Accordingly, the game medal count "970" is displayed on the game medal count display device MD. The medal count control CPU 31 transmits a counting notification in which the count medal count is set to the dedicated unit SU. Note that, once the first full counting process is executed, it is no longer necessary to leave the counting reservation flag, so the medal count control means 300 resets the counting reservation flag to 0. Thereafter, the medal count control means 300 executes the full counting process at each counting timing. Therefore, the number of play medals will be subtracted by 50 each time, and will change as follows: "920" → "870" → "820" → "770" → "720" → "670" → "620" → "570" → "520" → "470" → "420" → "370" → "320" → "270" → "220".

[0464] In this way, when the operation state is determined to be a total count operation, the player can perform the same counting process as a long press operation without continuing to operate the total count switch 142. For example, as shown in FIG. 30, even if the player turns off the total count switch 142 after the operation state flag switches to 3, the counting process continues without interruption, and continues to count until the number of game medals becomes 0.

[0465] Here, it is assumed that the player turns the total counting switch 142 OFF and then turns the total counting switch 142 ON again. The medal count control means 300 sets the operation state flag to 4 (total count release) in response to the ON edge of the total counting switch 142, resets the values ​​of bits 2 to 0 of the counting process state management buffer to 000b, and releases the total counting operation. Therefore, the counting process stops at the ON edge of the total counting switch 142, and the number of game medals stops at "220" at the counting timing before the ON edge of the total counting switch 142. The medal count control CPU31 transmits a command indicating that the total counting process has stopped and the number of game medals after counting to the main control CPU11. Note that even if the counting switch 126 is turned ON instead of the total counting switch 142 during the total counting process, the total counting process stops at that ON edge, similar to when the total counting switch 142 is turned ON.

[0466] In such a total counting process, when the total counting switch 142 is turned ON again, it is only necessary that the total counting process is stopped in response to the operation of the total counting switch 142. Therefore, it is not necessary to judge the re-ON of the total counting switch 142 as a new total counting operation. Here, in the total counting process, when the total counting switch 142 is turned ON to stop the counting process, the medal count control means 300 does not judge this as a new total counting operation even if the ON state of the total counting switch 142 continues.

[0467] In this way, when the total counting process is executed, the medal count control CPU31 transmits a command indicating that the total counting process has been executed and the number of game medals after counting to the main control CPU11. The main control CPU11, which receives this command, transmits a command to that effect to the sub-control CPU21. The sub-control CPU21 then notifies the player through the display device 410, the audio device 420, and the performance lamp 136 that the electronic medals have been transmitted to the dedicated unit SU by the counting process.

[0468] Specifically, the medal count control means 300 switches the operation status flag to 3 at the timing of the ON edge of the total count switch 142, and sets bit 2 (total count processing) of the counting process status management buffer to 1. Then, the medal count control CPU31 refers to the counting process status management buffer, and transmits a command indicating that the total counting process has been executed to the main control CPU11. Having received the command, the main control CPU11 refers to the command, and transmits a command indicating that the total counting process has been executed to the sub-control CPU21. Note that the main control CPU11 may transmit a command to the sub-control CPU21 only when the command transmitted from the medal count control board 30 has changed, for example, only when bit 2 (total count processing) of the counting process status management data has changed from OFF to ON.

[0469] Also, here, when all counting processes have stopped, this fact is communicated to the main control CPU11 and the sub-control CPU21. When all counting processes have stopped, the medal count control means 300 switches the operation status flag to 4, and resets bit 2 (all counting processes) of the counting process status management buffer to 0. Then, the medal count control CPU31 refers to the counting process status management buffer, and sends a command to the main control CPU11 indicating that all counting processes have stopped. Having received this command, the main control CPU11 refers to the command, and sends a command to the sub-control CPU21 indicating that all counting processes have stopped.

[0470] In response to receiving a command in which bit 2 (total counting process) of the counting process status management data has become 1, the presentation control means 200 of the sub-control CPU 21 displays, for example, a message "Total counting in progress" and the current number of game medals "1020" on the display device 410. Then, each time the presentation control means 200 receives a command, it updates the display of the number of game medals as follows: "970" → "920" → "870" → "820" → "770" → "720" → "670" → "620" → "570" → "520" → "470" → "420" → "370" → "320" → "270" → "220". In addition, the performance control means 200 updates the display of the message "all counting in progress" to the message "all counting completed" in response to receiving a command in which bit 2 (all counting) of the counting processing state management data has become 0, and deletes the display after a predetermined time from receiving the command or in response to the operation of a switch by the player. In addition, in response to receiving a command, the performance control means 200 causes the sound device 420 to output a predetermined counting sound, for example, until the all counting processing stops. Here, in response to bit 2 (all counting) of the counting processing state management data in the command becoming 1, the performance control means 200 may change the sound output from the sound device 420 or execute a specific performance in which a specific sound is output to notify that the all counting processing has started. In addition, in response to bit 2 (all counting) of the counting processing state management data in the command becoming 0, the performance control means 200 may change the sound output from the sound device 420 or execute an end performance in which a specific sound is output to notify that the all counting processing has stopped. In response to receiving the command, the performance control means 200 causes the performance lamp 136 to emit light in a predetermined emission color, for example, until all counting processes are stopped. Here, in response to bit 2 (all counting processes) of the counting process status management data in the command becoming 1, the performance control means 200 may change the emission color emitted by the performance lamp 136, output a specific emission color that notifies that all counting processes have started, or execute a specific performance that notifies that all counting processes have started by blinking.In addition, in response to bit 2 (all counting processes) of the counting process status management data in the command becoming 0, the performance control means 200 may change the color of light emitted by the performance lamp 136, output a specific color of light to indicate that all counting processes have stopped, or execute an end performance that flashes to indicate that all counting processes have stopped.

[0471] The player can understand that the total counting process is being executed and that the counting process can be continued even if the total counting switch 142 is turned OFF, by the display of the display device 410, the sound output from the audio device 420, and the light emission state of the performance lamp 136. In addition, the player can understand that the total counting process will be stopped by turning the total counting switch 142 OFF and then ON again, as the total counting process has started.

[0472] FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the counting process in the medal count control board 30.

[0473] (Step S500) The medal count control means 300 judges whether the total count switch 142 is on edge or not. If the total count switch 142 is on edge, the process proceeds to step S501. If the total count switch 142 is not on edge, the process proceeds to step S504 without changing the operation state flag.

[0474] (Step S501) The medal count control means 300 refers to the operation status flag and determines whether the operation status flag is 3 (total count). If the operation status flag is not 3, the process proceeds to step S502, and if the operation status flag is 3, the process proceeds to step S508.

[0475] (...

Claims

1. A management and control means for managing game values; A performance control means for controlling the performance, The management control means is capable of performing all counting processes; The total counting process is a process that continues until all game values ​​managed by the management control means are transmitted to an external device, The performance control means is capable of outputting a first sound and a second sound, the first sound is output when the total counting process is being executed by the management control means, the second sound is output when the entire counting process being executed by the management control means is stopped. A gaming machine characterized by:

2. the second sound is output when the total counting process is executed by the management control means and the total counting process is stopped before the total counting process is completed; When the entire counting process being executed by the management control means is stopped, the performance control means does not display an image regarding the stop of the entire counting process.

2. The gaming machine according to claim 1 .

Images