Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of increasing the versatility of parts relating to management of electronic game value.SOLUTION: A game token count display unit MDU has a game token count display MD that displays the number of game tokens, and a game token count display board main body 60 that is electrically connected to a game token count control board and to which the game token count display MD is inseparably attached. The game token count display MD performs display on the basis of a signal flowing from the game token count control board to a game token count display board main body 60. A count button KB has a count switch 126 that accepts a player's operation to cause the game token count control means to perform counting processing of transmitting at least a portion of the game token count to a dedicated unit. The count switch 126 is electrically connected to the game token count control board and is not attached to the game token count display board main body 60.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

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, for configurations that utilize electronic gaming media (gaming value) or non-magnetic gaming media instead of physical gaming media, there is a demand for increasing the versatility of components involved in managing the electronic gaming value, thereby making it easier to deploy such components across multiple models.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can enhance the versatility of components related to electronic management of gaming value. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention includes a main board having a function of a management control means for managing information regarding game values, a first component and a second component electrically connected to the main board; The first part is a game value display device that displays information about the game value; A substrate body on which the game value display device is inseparably attached, The game value display device performs display based on a signal flowing from the main board to the board body, the second part has a counting operation switch that receives an operation by a player to cause the management control means to perform a counting process for transmitting at least a part of the information regarding the game value to an external device; The counting operation switch is electrically connected to the main board and is not mounted on the board body. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can enhance the versatility of components related to electronic management of gaming value. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of an amusement machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating the functional blocks of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram showing winning areas that can be won by an internal lottery in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and winning roles 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 a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] A figure showing the game results for each batting order when a winning area including a small win is won in the RBB internal state in a gaming machine of an 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 a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing a process for setting an upper limit on the number of payouts in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 11 is a table summarizing the minor winning combinations that are awarded based on winnings for each game state in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] (A) is a schematic diagram showing the external configuration of the game medal count unit in an gaming machine of an embodiment of the present invention, (B) is a schematic front view of the game medal count unit and counting button, and (C) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the game medal number unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the embodiment described below does not unduly limit the contents of the present invention described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the 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 an embodiment of the present invention. The slot machine 1 of this embodiment is a so-called reel type gaming machine, and is configured as 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 has a configuration for lending and settling 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 can be used by a player. The slot machine 1 is configured to store information on the number of recorded electronic medals as the number of gaming medals (store information on gaming value as the number of gaming medals) and to transmit the stored number of gaming medals to the dedicated unit SU. The dedicated unit SU records the number of gaming medals received from the slot machine 1 on a recording medium such as an IC card and discharges it to settle the electronic medals.

[0012] The slot machine 1 of this embodiment is housed in a box-shaped housing consisting of a housing BX, a front upper door UD, and a front lower door DD, and houses a reel unit RU consisting of a left reel R1 to a right reel R3 as multiple reels. The housing of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment also houses a control board equipped with a CPU, a ROM (an example of an information storage medium), a RAM, etc., which 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 this embodiment, an upper, middle, and lower row are provided for each reel as display positions for observing the symbols through the display device 410, and an activated line L1 is set for an activated line according to a combination of the display positions of each reel. In the slot machine 1 of this 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 be inserted 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, and the like.

[0019] The effect display button PU is a substantially rectangular button with "PUSH" written inside. In the slot machine 1 of this 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 should 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 medal count display MD controlled by a medal count control CPU 31 (see FIG. 2). The medal count display MD is made up of a 7-segment display or the like, and functions as a conceptual receiver by displaying the number of 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] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment. The slot machine 1 of this embodiment has a main control board 10, a sub-control board 20, a medal count control board 30, and a lower relay board 50 as control boards. The main control board 10 has a main control CPU 11 (game control means) that controls the progress of the game by controlling the game played using the 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 the electronic medals and controls the number of game medals by being configured to be able to communicate with the dedicated unit SU. The lower relay board 50 is electrically connected to the main control board 10 and the medal count control board 30, and is configured as a relay terminal board for connecting the wiring inside the gaming machine to each other.

[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 this embodiment, when the setting change control is executed by the setting change means 100, 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 referred to 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 this 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 this 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 this embodiment, when two or more types of combinations are overlappingly won, the lottery flags corresponding to 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 this 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 this 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 is 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 this 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 this embodiment, when multiple types of small roles are won in the internal lottery, the priority of the candidate stop positions can be determined by either a method of determining the priority according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the pay line L1 (number priority control) or a method of determining the priority according to the number of electronic medals to be paid out based on the payout that is predetermined for the small role (number priority control). However, when the number priority control is executed, if the same payout is won twice for the small roles, the priority of the candidate stop positions that can win each small role 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 this 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 executed 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 executed to make the payout control means 150 execute the next game without consuming electronic medals when a replay is won, and a process is executed 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 this 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 start lever SL for the next game 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 even when the normal end condition is met. Details of the normal end condition set by the AT control means 170 in this 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 number control means 300 is configured to be able to transmit signals to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and is also configured to be able to receive signals transmitted from the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40. The medal number control CPU 31 manages information related to game value as the game medal number by storing the game medal number, which is the total number of electronic medals that can be used for games in the slot machine 1, using a medal number counter 311. The medal number control means 300 displays the game medal number stored in the medal number counter 311 on the game medal number display 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 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 this embodiment Next, the components of the slot machine 1 in this 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 this 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 this 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 the winning areas that are the subject of the internal lottery in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, and the winning numbers and winning combinations that correspond to each winning area. Note that the slot machine 1 of this embodiment has an RBB as a bonus, which is a device for continuously operating a special combination related to the first type of combination.

[0078] As shown in Fig. 3, in the slot machine 1 of this 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 this 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 this 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 this embodiment, the role associated with the carryover possible flag 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 this 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 this embodiment, the internal lottery table A is configured such 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", the winning area "RBB & 1 Coin Role", and the winning area "RBB", and is configured to win any 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 this embodiment is configured so that there is no loss in the internal lottery in any of the gaming states of 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 this 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 this 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 this embodiment, payouts are set for minor prizes 1 to 9 when the first specified number of three electronic medals are inserted to start playing (3-coin bet) and when the first specified number of two electronic medals are 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 this 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 process, the payout control means 150 of this embodiment 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 when a two-coin bet game is played, 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 in that game, and the number of game medals equivalent to the determined payout number is added to the medal number counter 311 to virtually pay 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 this 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 internal RBB 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 hand" or the winning area "RBB", and the RBB is set to the established state. In the internal 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 B in which the winning probability of replay is set to 8982 / 65536 (approx. 1 / 7.3). In the slot machine 1, when the game state is the internal RBB state, the game can be started by setting the first specified number (3) 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), 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) of electronic medals to the inserted state. Details of the gameplay in the RBB state will be described later.

[0103] <AT control means> Figure 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 present embodiment, and the production 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 this 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. In addition, 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 this 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 this 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 this 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, increasing the player's interest in the game.

[0124] <Overview of the figures> As described above, the medal count control means 300 of this 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 a 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 this 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.

[0125] 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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 receiving the electronic medals sent from the slot machine 1, and then counting is performed in the gaming system in which the electronic medals stored in the dedicated unit SU are transferred to a card medium by operating a return button (not shown) provided on the dedicated unit SU, allowing the player to settle the electronic medals via the storage medium.

[0128] <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 game medals are 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.

[0129] 3. Playability in each game state Next, the game characteristics in each game state of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0130] <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.

[0131] 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.

[0132] 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.

[0133] 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.

[0134] 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.

[0135] 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).

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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.

[0138] 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.

[0139] 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.

[0140] 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.

[0141] Here, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured to set an upper limit for the number of electronic medals that can be paid out when a game with two bets 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 set 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 game with two bets is played.

[0142] <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.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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.

[0145] 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 of 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.

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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.

[0148] 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.

[0149] 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.

[0150] <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.

[0151] 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.

[0152] 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%.

[0153] 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.

[0154] 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).

[0155] 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.

[0156] As described above, in the slot machine 1 of this 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.

[0157] Due to this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this 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 are set to a payout of 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.

[0158] 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.

[0159] That is, in the slot machine 1 of this 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 is less than the second prescribed number.

[0160] 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.

[0161] In other words, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when a first specified number of game values ​​is inserted and play is started, it is possible to pay out game values ​​exceeding the first specified number, and when a second specified number of game values ​​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 less than the second specified number.

[0162] Due to this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of this 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.

[0163] 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%).

[0164] Due to this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment has a lower ball payout rate in the RBB state than in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state in which the RBB is not activated, and the performance of the RBB state does not deteriorate excessively, so the performance of the gaming machine can be fully guaranteed.

[0165] <Small prizes that can be won in each game state> Next, FIG. 9 is a table summarizing minor 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 this embodiment.

[0166] 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.

[0167] 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.

[0168] 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.

[0169] 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.

[0170] 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.

[0171] In other words, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that when each of small prize 1 and small 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 case in which three electronic medals are set to the inserted state and game play is started, and also configured so that when the game state is the RBB state for small prize 1 and small prize 2, a prize is won based on the fact that they have been won.

[0172] In other words, in the slot machine 1 of this 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 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.

[0173] In addition, in the slot machine 1 of this 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.

[0174] With this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of this 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.

[0175] 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.

[0176] In other words, in the slot machine 1 of this 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 a second specified number of game values ​​is inserted and a game is started, regardless of the operation mode of the multiple stop buttons.

[0177] With this configuration, in the RBB state in which 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 slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that 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. 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.

[0178] 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.

[0179] <Summary of gameplay in each game state> In this way, in the slot machine 1 of this 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 small role in the RBB state is higher than the probability of winning each small role in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state.

[0180] 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.

[0181] 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.

[0182] Due to this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment can reduce the ball payout rate in the RBB state to less than 100% (50% in this 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.

[0183] In other words, in the slot machine 1 of this 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.

[0184] Furthermore, in the slot machine 1 of this 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, the performance of small prize 1 and small prize 2 is prevented from deteriorating excessively, and the performance of the gaming machine can be fully guaranteed.

[0185] Furthermore, in the slot machine 1 of this 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 previously 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.

[0186] 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.

[0187] 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.

[0188] 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.

[0189] 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.

[0190] 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).

[0191] 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.

[0192] 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.

[0193] 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.

[0194] 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.

[0195] 4. Details of the electrical configuration of slot machines Next, the electrical configuration of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2 and FIG.

[0196] <Configuration relating to electrical connections of each board> 2, the main control board 10 of this embodiment is equipped with a switch built into the setting change button BS and a setting change switch SS built into the setting key cylinder KC, and is configured so that the signal output from the switch built into the setting change button BS and the signal output from the setting change switch SS can each be input to the main control CPU 11. In addition, the main control board 10 is electrically connected to a reel unit RU via a main reel board (not shown) serving as a relay terminal board, and reel index information output from the reel unit RU is input to the main control CPU 11, and rotation information of the stepping motors provided on each reel output from the main control CPU 11 is input to the reel unit RU.

[0197] The switches built into the max bet button MB, start lever SL, stop buttons B1 to B3, and settlement button AB, which are provided on the front lower door DD, are all electrically connected to the main control CPU 11 via the lower relay board 50, and are configured so that signals output from each switch can be input to the main control CPU 11 via the lower relay board 50. The main control display device 10D is also electrically connected to the main control CPU 11 via the lower relay board 50, and various game information output from the main control CPU 11 is input via the lower relay board 50 to control the display state of lighting and extinguishing each segment constituting the main control display device 10D, which is composed of a 7-segment display.

[0198] <Configuration of the gaming medal number unit> Next, a detailed configuration of the game medal count unit MU in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0199] Fig. 10(A) is an external view of the game medal count unit MU among the external views of the slot machine 1. As shown in Fig. 10(A), the game medal count unit MU includes a game medal count display MD composed of five 7-segment displays, a count button KB with a built-in count switch 126, and a housing 128 that accommodates the game medal count display MD and the count button KB. The housing 128 is provided with a transparent portion 128a composed of a transparent member that makes the game medal count display MD visible, and is configured such that when the game medal count unit MU is mounted on the slot machine 1 and the front upper door UD and front lower door DD are closed, the game medal count display MD is visible but cannot be touched directly.

[0200] The game medal number unit MU 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 unit MU is provided at a position corresponding to the position where the medal insertion slot is disposed in a slot machine in which a game proceeds using actual medals. This allows for effective use of the space of the medal insertion slot that becomes unnecessary by introducing the slot machine 1. In addition, since the game medal number unit MU displays the number of game medals through the game medal number display MD, it has a common use in that it handles medals (digitized medals) and a medal insertion slot used for adding medals, and the player does not feel uncomfortable with the presence of the game medal number unit MU.

[0201] The count button KB is composed of a substantially circular push button, and has a built-in count switch 126 that is turned on when the count button KB is pressed. In addition, in the gaming medal count unit MU, a name notation consisting of the word "Count" that indicates the name of the count button KB to the player and a line that guides the word "Count" is written on the housing 128.

[0202] Fig. 10(B) is a schematic front view showing the medal count display unit MDU and the count button KB housed in the housing 128 of the medal count unit MU, and Fig. 10(C) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the medal count display unit MDU. As shown in Fig. 10(B) and Fig. 10(C), the medal count display unit MDU is configured as a single component that combines the medal count display MD, the medal count display board main body 60, and the cover member 61 into a unit.

[0203] The medal count display unit MDU is detachably mounted to a mounting unit for mounting to the operation unit installation stand 112 of the lower front door DD via a bracket (not shown) and a detachable connecting member such as a screw. The count button KB is detachably mounted to the mounting unit via a bracket (not shown) and a detachable connecting member such as a screw.

[0204] The medal number display board main body 60 is composed of a plate-shaped member that is the main body of a printed circuit board, with the medal number display MD attached to the front surface 60a and the electronic circuit 60c printed on the back surface 60b of the medal number display board main body 60. The medal number display MD is attached to the front surface 60a of the medal number display board main body 60, and the terminal MDa inserted from the front surface 60a to the back surface 60b is soldered to the back surface 60b, so that the terminal MDa is joined to the electronic circuit 60c. A connector 60d configured to be able to connect a wiring 60e perpendicularly to the back surface 60b is disposed on the back surface 60b of the medal number display board main body 60. The medal number display unit MDU is electrically connected to the lower relay board 50 by connecting the wiring 60e connected to the connector 60d to the lower relay board 50 (see FIG. 2), and is able to receive signals flowing out from the lower relay board 50.

[0205] As shown in FIG. 2, in the slot machine 1, the medal count control board 30 on which the medal count control CPU 31 having the function of medal count control means 300 is mounted is electrically connected to the lower relay board 50. That is, in the slot machine 1, the medal count control board 30 and the game medal count display board main body 60 are electrically connected via the lower relay board 50. In addition, in the slot machine 1, the medal count display MD displays the number of game medals based on the signals output from the medal count control board 30, such as a segment signal output to turn on a predetermined segment among the segments of the game medal count display MD and a segment signal output to turn off a predetermined segment among the segments of the game medal count display MD, which flow into the game medal count display board main body 60 via the lower relay board 50. In the example shown in FIG. 10(A), the game medal count display MD turns on and off to display that the number of game medals is 716.

[0206] The cover member 61 is configured as a cover that covers the back surface 60b of the game medal number display board main body 60. The cover member 61 is made of, for example, a resin material, and has a cover surface 61a that covers the back surface 60b, and a plurality of protrusions 61b that are formed integrally with the cover surface 61a. The protrusions 61b are configured such that, when inserted into holes 60f provided in the game medal number display board main body 60, the tip portions 61c protrude from the front surface 60a. The cover member 61 is attached to the game medal number display board main body 60 so that the tip portions 61c are overheated and melted to deform and become larger than the diameter of the holes 60f, making the cover member 61 inseparable from the game medal number display board main body 60, and when the cover member 61 is opened, the protrusions 61b are broken, or the like, leaving a trace.

[0207] In addition, in Figure 10 (C), the electronic circuit 60c is described as having a certain thickness, but this is a description to clarify the electronic circuit 60c, and in reality, the back surface 60b of the game medal number display board main body 60 and the cover member 61 are configured to be approximately in close contact with each other.

[0208] 2 and 10(B), the count switch 126 of the count button KB is not mounted on the game medal count display board main body 60, but is mounted on a count button board (not shown), and a wiring 126a connected to a connector provided on the board is connected to the lower relay board 50, thereby electrically connecting with the lower relay board 50. In other words, in the slot machine 1, the medal count control board 30 and the count switch 126 are electrically connected via the lower relay board 50.

[0209] In addition, the game medal count display board main body 60 equipped in the game medal count display unit MDU is not equipped with electronic components that enable the generation and output of signals, such as the counting switch 126, but is equipped with only electronic components that are used to interconnect the wiring between the game medal count display MD, which is composed of a 7-segment LED, and the connector 60d, and are not used for operations other than controlling the inflow and outflow of signals based on the performance of each electronic component, and is configured to have only one function of displaying the game medal count.

[0210] Furthermore, in the game medal count display board main body 60, the back surface 60b on which an electronic circuit 60c to which the terminals of the game medal count display device MD are soldered is covered by the cover member 61, and the tip portion 61c of the protrusion portion 61b formed integrally with the cover surface 61a of the cover member 61 is deformed, so that the cover member 61 is attached inseparably to the game medal count display board main body 60, and a new electronic component cannot be installed or the game medal count display device MD cannot be removed unless at least a part of the cover member 61 is broken.

[0211] In other words, the game medal count display unit MDU of this embodiment is an integrated unit consisting of the game medal count display device MD, the game medal count display board main body 60, and the cover member 61, the game medal count display device MD is attached inseparably to the game medal count display board main body 60, and it is configured in such a way that no electronic components other than the game medal count display device MD and the connector 60d can be added to the game medal count display board main body 60, and the unit is configured as an integrated component having only one function of displaying the game medal count.

[0212] Generally, in a gaming machine, when a gaming medal number display and a counting switch are mounted on one gaming medal number display board, the board is classified as a sub-board as described in the Rules Concerning the Certification and Inspection of Gaming Machines, Appendix 2, Meanings of Terms in Technical Standards (Article 6), and therefore, the name or title of the manufacturer or importer of the gaming machine, and numbers, symbols, and other codes for identifying the type of the board, must be printed on the gaming medal number display board. Also, the name or title of the manufacturer or importer of the gaming machine, and numbers, symbols, and other codes for identifying the type of the board must be printed on the boards that correspond to the main boards as described in the Rules Concerning the Certification and Inspection of Gaming Machines, Appendix 2, Meanings of Terms in Technical Standards (Article 6), such as the medal number control board 30, main control board 10, and sub control board 20.

[0213] In contrast, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the counting switch 126 is not attached to the game medal count display board main body 60 of the game medal count display unit MDU, and the game medal count display unit MDU and the counting button KB incorporating the counting switch 126 can be separated by removing the game medal count display unit MDU from the front lower door DD, and the game medal count display unit MDU and the counting button KB incorporating the counting switch 126 are each separate parts.

[0214] As a result, the gaming medal count display board main body 60 of this embodiment is an electronic component that does not fall under any of the boards such as a main board, sub-board, peripheral board, gaming machine terminal board, etc. as described in the Meaning of Terms in Technical Standards in Appendix 2 of the Regulations Concerning Certification and Model Inspection of Gaming Machines (related to Article 6), and therefore it is not necessary to print on the surface of the gaming medal count display board main body 60 the name or title of the manufacturer or importer of the gaming machine, or numbers, symbols or other codes to identify the model of the board.

[0215] Because of this configuration, the gaming medal count display unit MDU of this embodiment does not require printing of the name or title of the gaming machine manufacturer or importer, or numbers, symbols or other codes to identify the model of the board, and can be equipped with a highly versatile gaming medal count display board main body 60 that can be deployed to multiple models.It is attached to one slot machine and shipped, and when the shipped slot machine is replaced with another slot machine made by a different manufacturer, it can be replaced from the shipped slot machine to the other slot machine without processing the plate surface of the gaming medal count display board main body 60, thereby reducing the labor required for replacement and improving reusability.

[0216] In addition, since the slot machine 1 of this embodiment does not require space to be provided on the game medal count display board main body 60 for printing the manufacturer, etc., the design freedom of the shape of the game medal count display board main body 60 can be improved.

[0217] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10(A), in the slot machine 1, in the game medal count unit MU, a game medal count display unit MDU and a counting button KB are assembled to a housing 128. However, since the game medal count display unit MDU and the counting button KB are configured to be separable from each other, when designing the housing 128, the position of the transparent portion 128a that makes the game medal count display MD of the game medal count display unit MDU visible and the position at which the counting button KB is exposed can be freely designed, thereby improving the design freedom of the game medal count unit MU.

[0218] The medal count control CPU31 functioning as the medal count control means 300 for managing the electronic medals as the number of game medals constitutes the management control means in this embodiment, and the medal count control board 30 on which the medal count control CPU31 is mounted constitutes the main board in this embodiment. Also, the game medal count display device MD that displays the number of game medals constitutes the game value display device in this embodiment, the game medal count display board main body 60 on which the game medal count display device MD is inseparably mounted constitutes the board main body in this embodiment, and the game medal count display unit MDU having the game medal count display device MD and the game medal number display board main body 60 constitutes the first part in this embodiment. In addition, the counting switch 126, which accepts a player's operation to cause the medal count control means 300 to perform a counting process of transmitting at least a portion of the game medal count to a dedicated unit SU as an external device, constitutes the counting operation switch in this embodiment, and the counting button KB, which is electrically connected to the medal count control board 30 and incorporates the counting switch 126 that is not attached to the game medal count display board main body 60, constitutes the second component in this embodiment.

[0219] 5. Summary of this embodiment As described above, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the game medal count display MD, the game medal count display board main body 60, and the cover member 61 are integrated together, the game medal count display MD is attached inseparably to the game medal count display board main body 60, and it is configured such that no electronic components other than the game medal count display MD and the connector 60d can be added to the game medal count display board main body 60, and the game medal count display unit MDU is configured as a unitized, integrated component having only one function of displaying the game medal count.

[0220] In addition, the slot machine 1 is equipped with a counting button KB that incorporates a counting switch 126 that is electrically connected to the lower relay board 50 as a component separate from the game medal count display unit MDU, and is not attached to the game medal count display board main body 60 but is attached to a counting button board separate from the game medal count display board main body 60, and is configured so that the game medal count display unit MDU and the counting button KB that incorporates the counting switch 126 are separable.

[0221] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment does not require printing of the name or title of the manufacturer or importer of the gaming machine, or numbers, symbols or other codes to identify the model of the board, and therefore the name or title of the manufacturer or importer of the gaming machine, or numbers, symbols or other codes to identify the model of the board are not printed on it, and a highly versatile gaming medal count display board main body 60 that can be deployed to a plurality of models can be mounted on the gaming medal count display unit MDU.When the gaming medal count display unit MDU is replaced from the slot machine 1 to another slot machine made by a different manufacturer, it can be replaced without processing the plate surface of the gaming medal count display board main body 60, which reduces the labor required for replacement and improves the reusability of the gaming medal count display unit MDU.

[0222] 6. Variations In this embodiment, the slot machine 1 has one minor role with a payout greater than the first specified number as a payout when the first specified number of medals is set to the inserted state and a game is started, but is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 only needs to have at least one minor role with a payout greater than the first specified number as a payout when the first specified number of medals is set to the inserted state and a game is started, and may be configured to have multiple types, for example.

[0223] In the present embodiment, the payouts for the small roles 1 to 9 in a three-coin bet game and the payouts for the small roles 1 to 9 in a two-coin bet game are set to the same payouts, but are not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured such that, for example, when a two-coin bet game is played, the payouts for the small roles 1 to 9 are set to one for each of the small roles.

[0224] By being configured in this manner, the slot machine 1 does not need to store in the main memory means 190 the upper limit value setting process for the payout number that was executed to set the payout rate to 50% in the RBB state in which a two-coin bet game is played, and therefore the data capacity of the program code required for the upper limit value setting process for the payout number can be reduced in the area of ​​the main memory means 190 that stores various program codes.

[0225] In addition, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to switch the small winning combination that can be won depending on the batting order of the stop buttons B1 to B3 when the winning area "all small winning combination" is won, and the first operation mode is configured from batting order 3 to batting order 6, and the second operation mode is configured from batting order 1 and batting order 2, but is not limited thereto. The slot machine 1 only needs to be configured to switch the small winning combination that can be won depending on the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3 when the winning area "all small winning combination" is won, and for example, the first operation mode and the second operation mode may be configured from the same batting order and different operation timings.

[0226] In this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to include a medal count control means 300 of the medal count control CPU 31 as a management control means capable of managing the digitized medals and communicating with the dedicated unit SU, and a main control CPU 11 as a game control means for controlling games played using the digitized medals, but is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured not to include the medal count control board 30, and various functions mounted on the medal count control board 30 are realized by various functions mounted on the main control board 10, so that the main control CPU 11 functions as a management control means for managing the digitized medals and communicating with the dedicated unit SU.

[0227] When configured in this manner, the main control CPU 11, which functions as a medal count control means for managing the electronic medals as the number of game medals, constitutes the management control means, and the main control board 10 on which the main control CPU 11 is mounted constitutes the main board.

[0228] In the present embodiment, the cover member 61 is made of a resin material, and is attached to the game medal number display board main body 60 in an inseparable manner by melting and deforming the tip 61c of the protrusion 61b formed integrally with the cover surface 61a by heat, but is not limited thereto. The cover member 61 may be attached to the game medal number display board main body 60 in an inseparable manner by a joining member separate from the cover member 61, such as a member that joins by plastic deformation such as a rivet, or a member that joins by being configured to be rotatable in the mounting direction and not rotatable in the removal direction such as a one-way screw. When the cover member 61 is crimped to the game medal number display board main body 60 in an inseparable manner by a member that joins by plastic deformation such as a rivet, the cover member 61 that has a member that joins by plastic deformation such as a rivet and is crimped to the game medal number display board main body 60 constitutes a crimping member.

[0229] In the present embodiment, the game medal count display board main body 60 is electrically connected to the medal count control board 30 via the lower relay board 50, but is not limited thereto. The game medal count display board main body 60 may be electrically connected to the medal count control board 30 without going through the lower relay board 50 by connecting the wiring 60e to the medal count control board 30. Similarly, the count button board on which the count switch 126 is mounted may be electrically connected to the medal count control board 30 without going through the lower relay board 50 by connecting the wiring 126a to the medal count control board 30.

[0230] In this embodiment, the slot machine 1 includes a counting button KB as the second component, but is not limited to this. For example, the slot machine 1 may include, as the second component, a total counting button incorporating a total counting switch that accepts a player's operation to make the medal count control means 300 perform a total counting process that continues until all game medal counts managed by the medal count control means 300 are transferred to the dedicated unit SU.

[0231] In a configuration having a total count button, the slot machine 1 may also have a count button KB. In addition, in a configuration having both the count button KB and the total count button, the slot machine 1 is configured so that both the count switch 126 built into the count button KB and the total count switch built into the total count button are electrically connected to the medal count control board 30 and are not attached to the game medal count display board main body 60, and the game medal count display unit MDU, the total count button, and the count button KB are separable.

[0232] In this embodiment, the medal count display unit MDU has a medal count display MD consisting of five 7-segment displays, a medal count display board main body 60, and a cover member 61, and an electronic circuit 60c is printed on the back surface 60b of the medal count display board main body 60, and the back surface 60b of the medal count display board main body 60 is covered with the cover member 61, so that new electronic components cannot be attached, but is not limited to this. The medal count display unit MDU may be configured such that, for example, the electronic circuit 60c is printed on the back surface 60b of the medal count display board main body 60 so that one 7-segment display can be added adjacent to the medal count display MD consisting of five 7-segment displays, and the portion of the electronic circuit 60c to which the terminal of the added 7-segment display is soldered is not covered by the cover member 61.

[0233] Even when configured in this manner, the gaming medal count display unit MDU is configured as a unitized, integrated component having only one function, that of displaying the number of gaming medals, and therefore the gaming medal count display board main body 60 can be mounted on the gaming medal count display unit MDU without printing on the gaming medal count display board main body 60 the name or title of the manufacturer or importer of the gaming machine, or any number, symbol or other code for identifying the model of the board.

[0234] Furthermore, by configuring a gaming value display device from six 7-segment displays, the present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine that is configured as a gaming machine in which gaming balls are circulated within the gaming machine and the gaming value used for gaming is recorded by electromagnetic means.

[0235] In other words, in the gaming machine, the gaming value display device may be a first gaming value display device, and the first part may be capable of mounting a second gaming value display device to the display board when the first gaming value display device is mounted on the display board.

[0236] By configuring the gaming machine in this manner, the first component can be converted from a slot machine to a pachinko machine, thereby improving the reusability of the first component.

[0237] In addition, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured not to notify whether or not it is in an advantageous zone, but is not limited to this. For example, the slot machine 1 may be configured to notify that it is in an advantageous zone when the expected value of winning electronic medals is 1 or more due to the assistance of winning a small prize.

[0238] In addition, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 has a left reel R1 to a right reel R3 as a plurality of reels, and a stop button B1 to a stop button B3 corresponding to the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 as a plurality of stop buttons, but is not limited to this and may have, for example, a fourth reel and a stop button corresponding to the fourth reel.

[0239] In addition, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 has a max bet button MB for inserting a specified number of electronic medals, but is not limited to this, and may be configured to have, for example, in addition to the max bet button MB, a single bet button for inserting one electronic medal.

[0240] When configured in this way, the slot machine 1 may be configured to be able to start a game when either the first specified number or the second specified number of electronic medals is set to the inserted state with respect to the specified number in the non-RT state or the RBB internal state. When configured in this way, the slot machine 1 may be configured to set the first specified number of electronic medals to the inserted state when the max bet button MB is operated when the game state is the non-RT state or the RBB internal state, and set the second specified number of electronic medals to the inserted state when the single bet button is operated twice.

[0241] Also, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to set the stored value of each counter or memory means as an initial value, and perform a decrement update in which one is subtracted each time a game is played, or an increment update in which one is added each time a game is played, but this is not limited, and the method of updating each counter or memory means may be configured to perform multiplication, division, etc., and is not particularly limited.

[0242] In addition, in this embodiment, a reel-type gaming machine is exemplified as the gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention can be applied to a pachinko machine capable of so-called first type gaming, which includes a pattern determination means for determining one of a plurality of types of patterns including a jackpot pattern, a pattern display means for displaying a pattern on the pattern display unit when a predetermined change time has elapsed since the pattern was determined, a big prize game execution means for executing a big prize game consisting of a plurality of round games when the jackpot pattern is displayed on the pattern display unit, a game profit awarding means for awarding a predetermined game profit when a game ball that has entered a big prize opening enters a specific area during a predetermined specific round game in the big prize game, and a performance execution means for executing a performance during the big prize game, or a pachinko machine capable of a second type game in which a big prize game can be started when a game ball enters a specific area during a small prize game. When the gaming machine is a pachinko machine, the gaming machine may be configured to circulate gaming balls within the gaming machine and record the gaming value used for gaming by an electromagnetic method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0243] 1. Slot machines (amusement machines) 10 Main control board (main board) 11 Main control CPU (management control means) 30 Medal count control board (main board) 31 Medal count control CPU (management control means) 60 Game medal count display board (board body) 126 Counting switch (counting operation switch) 300 Medal count control means (management control means) KB Counting button (2nd part) MD Game medal count display (game value display device) MDU Medal Count Display Unit (Part 1) SU dedicated unit (external device)

Claims

[Claim 1] A main board having a function of a management control means for managing information related to game values; a first component and a second component electrically connected to the main board; The first part is a game value display device that displays information about the game value; A substrate body on which the game value display device is inseparably attached, The game value display device performs display based on a signal flowing from the main board to the board body, the second part has a counting operation switch that receives an operation by a player to cause the management control means to perform a counting process for transmitting at least a part of the information regarding the game value to an external device; The counting operation switch is electrically connected to the main board and is not attached to the board body.

Images