Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of preventing an operation failure from occurring in operation means.SOLUTION: A game machine includes a performance button unit that can detect operation and can execute predetermined operation, and performance control means for controlling operation of the performance button unit. The performance control means stops control pertaining to opening / closing operation of a cover member when detecting operation of the performance button unit (YES for step S12 and YES for step S13) during execution of control pertaining to the opening / closing operation of the cover member for allowing the performance button unit to open and close the cover member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 14

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, gaming machines (rotary gaming machines, slot machines) equipped with a plurality of reels having symbols arranged on their outer peripheral surfaces have been known. This type of gaming machine assigns a certain gaming value to gaming media such as medals and pachinko balls, and conducts a game to acquire such gaming media. Further, this type of gaming machine performs an internal lottery and starts the rotation of a plurality of reels upon a rotation start operation by a player, and controls to stop the plurality of reels in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery upon a stop operation by the player. Then, the result of the game is determined by the symbol combination displayed on the winning determination line in the state where the plurality of reels have stopped, and payouts such as medals are made according to the result of the game.

[0003] In the above-described gaming machine, a configuration is known that enables checking the operations of various devices including the operation means operated by the player (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When checking the operations of various devices as in the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, if a device that is operating for operation confirmation is operated, unexpected behavior may occur in the gaming machine, which may cause a malfunction of the device.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of preventing a malfunction from occurring in an operation means.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present invention includes a specific operation means (for example, an effect button unit PU, paragraph

[0203] , FIG. 10) capable of detecting an operation and executing a predetermined operation (for example, the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc, paragraphs

[0198] -

[0200] , FIGS. 10 and 11), and a specific control means (for example, an effect control means 200, paragraphs

[0224] , FIGS. 2 and 14) for controlling the operation of the specific operation means. The specific control means is characterized in that, when the operation is detected during the execution of an operation process for causing the specific operation means to execute the predetermined operation, the operation process is stopped.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of preventing a malfunction from occurring in an operation means.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

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Figure 10

Figure 11

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Figure 13

Figure 14

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. Note that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Also, not all of the configurations described in this embodiment are essential constituent elements of the present invention. In the following description, the front (towards the player) is described as "front", and the opposite is described as "rear".

[0011] 1. Outline of the Configuration of the Gaming Machine FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment of the present invention. The slot machine 1 of the present embodiment is a so-called rotary drum type gaming machine, and also has an external device provided outside the slot machine 1 for lending and settling electronic medals that become game values by an electromagnetic method, and a lending signal output from a dedicated unit SU (see FIG. 2) as a specific unit. Based on this, it is composed of a so-called medal-less gaming machine that records game values by an electromagnetic method. The slot machine 1 stores information on the number of recorded electronic medals as the number of game medals, and is configured to be able to transmit the stored number of game medals to the dedicated unit SU. The dedicated unit SU settles the electronic medals by recording the number of game medals received from the slot machine 1 on a recording medium such as an IC card and discharging it.

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

[0013] The left reel R1 to the right reel R3 shown in FIG. 1 each have their outer peripheral surfaces partitioned into 20 regions (hereinafter, each region is referred to as a "frame") at regular intervals, and one of a plurality of types of symbols is arranged in each frame.

[0014] The front upper door UD and the front lower door DD are provided so as to be individually openable and closable. The front upper door UD is provided with a display device 410 as a display means for performing an effect composed of various videos and images for assisting the game and livening up the game. Further, in the display device 410, a specific area 410b facing the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 in the display area 410a for displaying an image is composed of a transmissive liquid crystal display, and the rotation state and the stop state of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 can be observed through the display device 410. In the stopped state of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, among a plurality of types of symbols arranged at regular intervals on the outer peripheral surface of each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, three symbols (upper-stage symbol, middle-stage symbol, lower-stage symbol) continuously arranged on the outer peripheral surface can be observed from the front of the slot machine 1 through the display device 410.

[0015] Also, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, for each reel, an upper stage, a middle stage, and a lower stage are provided as display positions for observing symbols through the display device 410, and an effective line L1 is set for the effective lines formed by combinations of the display positions of each reel. In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the number of electronic medals required for one game, so-called the specified number (specified number), is set to 3 (first specified number) or 2 (second specified number), and when the electronic medals corresponding to the specified number are inserted, the effective line L1 formed by the middle stages of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 is activated.

[0016] Then, the game result is determined by the symbol combination stopped and displayed on the effective line L1 (on the effective line), and when the symbol combination on the effective line L1 is a symbol combination corresponding to a predetermined role, control corresponding to the winning role is executed as if the role has won.

[0017] On the front lower door DD, various operating means are provided. As the operating means, there are 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 the inserted state, a start lever SL as a game start operation means for causing the player to execute a start operation that triggers the start of the game by rotating the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, stop buttons B1 to B3 as stop operation means for causing the player to execute a stop operation that triggers the stopping of each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 that is rotationally driven by a stepping motor, a count button KB as a count operation means for performing a counting operation to transmit the number of game medals stored in the slot machine 1 to the dedicated unit SU, a payback button AB for performing a payback operation to cancel the inserted state and return the electronic medals set to the inserted state to the medal number counter 311 (see FIG. 2), an item selection button unit EB used for selecting from various items displayed on the display device 410, and a production button unit PU used for improving the interest of the production are also provided.

[0018] The item selection button unit EB is used to display on the display device 410 which item will be selected when the selection button EBb is operated. It has an item display button EBa and a selection button EBb used to select the item selected by the item display button EBa. The item display button EBa and the selection button EBb are used as operating means when the player is made to execute an operation that triggers the display of the normal menu screen on the display device 410 in a state where no medal is set to the inserted state and the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are not stopped and no game is being played, and when the administrator of the slot machine 1 is made to execute various operations within the administrator menu screen when the administrator menu screen for referring to the history of setting and changing various information and the like is displayed on the display device 410. The items displayed on the normal menu screen include an item for displaying a volume adjustment screen for adjusting the volume of the sound output from the slot machine 1, an item for displaying a brightness adjustment screen for adjusting the brightness of the display device 410, and the like. Details of the administrator menu screen will be described later.

[0019] The effect button unit PU has a configuration in which a second effect button Pb (see FIG. 2) is included inside the first effect button Pa (see FIG. 2). The first effect button Pa is a push button and is composed of a substantially transparent cover member Pc (see FIG. 2) on the surface that is pressed when the player operates it. The second effect button Pb is a push button that becomes operable when the cover member Pc is opened.

[0020] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when an effect signal output to the effect control means 200 (see FIG. 2) is enabled by operating the first effect button Pa, an effect for notifying the player that the first effect button Pa is operated is executed on the display device 410, and an effect corresponding to the operation of the first effect button Pa is displayed. Further, in the slot machine 1, when an effect signal output to the effect control means 200 is enabled by operating the second effect button Pb, an effect for notifying the player that the second effect button Pb is operated is executed on the display device 410, and an effect corresponding to the operation of the second effect button Pb is displayed. Details of the effect button unit PU will be described later.

[0021] Further, on the front lower door DD, a main control display device 10D controlled by the CPU of the main control board 10 (see FIG. 2) is provided. The main control display device 10D is composed of a 7-segment display or the like, and various game information such as information on the winning combination in this game, information indicating how to press the stop buttons B1, B2, and B3 related to the payout of electronic medals (notification display) is displayed. The notification display displayed on the main control display device 10D is a display corresponding to a winning combination command, which is a control signal created based on the winning information, which is the information on the winning combination in this game, when a prescribed number of electronic medals are inserted and the start lever SL is operated.

[0022] Further, on the front lower door DD, a game medal number display device MD controlled by the medal number control CPU 31 (see FIG. 2) is provided. The game medal number display device MD is composed of a 7-segment display or the like, and functions as a conceptual tray by displaying the number of game medals stored in the slot machine 1.

[0023] And, a plurality of sound devices 420 for performing effects using sound are provided on the front lower door DD. Various sounds for assisting the game or livening up the game are output from the sound devices 420.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment. The slot machine 1 of the present embodiment has, as control boards, a main control board 10, a sub-control board 20, and a medal number control board 30. 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 performed using game values. The sub-control board 20 has a sub-control CPU 21 that controls the effects related to the game. The medal number control board 30 has a medal number control CPU 31 that manages the electronic medals and performs control related to the number of game medals by being configured to be communicable with the dedicated unit SU.

[0025] The main control CPU 11 functions as a setting change means 100, an input reception 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 and executes each control program stored in advance in the main storage means 190 when executing each control process.

[0026] The setting change means 100 performs control (setting change control) for changing the setting value stored in the setting value storage means 191 of the main storage means 190. In the setting change means 100, when a setting key is inserted into the setting key cylinder KC provided on the main control board 10 and the setting key is turned, the setting change switch SS provided inside the setting key cylinder KC becomes ON. The setting change means 100 shifts to a setting change permission state that permits setting changes when the power is turned on with the setting change switch SS in the ON state. On the other hand, the setting change means 100 is configured not to shift to the setting change permission state when the setting change switch SS becomes ON while the power is on.

[0027] The setting change means 100, in the setting change permission state, each time it receives an input signal output when a setting change button BS provided in the power supply device is operated, it cyclically varies the set value in the order of setting 1 → setting 2 → ··· → setting 6 → setting 1 → ···, and determines the set value based on receiving a start signal output when a start lever SL is operated. In the slot machine 1, according to the set value determined in the set value storage means 191, the winning probability of a part of the winning areas that can be won in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 is changed. That is, the setting change means 100 is configured to be able to change the set value, which is a value that can change the winning probability of roles in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120.

[0028] In addition, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the setting change control by the setting change means 100 is executed, the control related to the game state executed by the game state transition control means 160 and the control related to the advantageous section executed by the AT control means 170 are configured to be initialized, the game state is set to a non-replay time (hereinafter, the replay time is also referred to as "RT") state described later, and the control related to the auxiliary game that the AT control means 170 executed before the setting change is also configured to be initialized and the normal section is set. On the other hand, in the slot machine 1, when the power supply to the main control CPU 11 is cut off (power failure) and then the power supply is restarted, the control related to the game state executed by the game state transition control means 160 and the control related to the advantageous section executed by the AT control means 170 are configured to resume from the state before the power failure, and the control related to the auxiliary game that the AT control means 170 executed before the power failure is also configured to maintain the state before the power failure.

[0029] The input reception means 105 receives an input signal output when the max bet button MB is operated (bet operation) in a state where the medal number counter 311 described later stores a game medal number equal to or more than a specified number within an input reception period for receiving the input of electronic medals. By doing so, with the specified number set for each game state as a limit, the electronic medals stored in the medal number counter 311 are set to the input state, and based on the fact that the electronic medals corresponding to the specified number are set to the input state, a process is performed to enable the game start operation for the start lever SL.

[0030] In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the first pressing operation of the start lever SL enabled based on the fact that the electronic medals corresponding to the specified number are set to the input state is received as the game start operation by the player, and it serves as an opportunity to start the rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, and also serves as an opportunity for the internal lottery means 120 described later to execute an internal lottery. The details of the specified number set for each game state will be described later.

[0031] Also, the input reception means 105 receives an input signal output when the settlement button AB is operated during the period until the electronic medals are set to the input state and the start lever SL is started, and by canceling the input state and adding the same number as the electronic medals set to the input state to the game medal number stored in the medal number counter 311, the electronic medals set to the input state are settled.

[0032] The random number generation means 110 is means for generating a random number for lottery. In the present embodiment, the "random number" includes not only a value that randomly occurs in a mathematical sense, but also a value that can function as a random number in practice because, although the generation itself is regular, the acquisition timing or the like is irregular.

[0033] The internal lottery means 120 is a means for performing an internal lottery to determine the winning or losing of a combination based on a start signal output when a player executes a start operation on the start lever SL, and performs a lottery table selection process, a random number determination process, a lottery flag setting process, etc.

[0034] In the lottery table selection process, based on the current game state, it is selected which of the plurality of internal lottery tables stored in the internal lottery table storage means 192 of the main storage means 190 is used for the internal lottery. In each internal lottery table, various combinations such as replay, minor combinations, and bonuses, as well as non-winning (losing), are associated with each of a plurality of random numbers (for example, 65,536 random numbers from 0 to 65,535).

[0035] In the following description, "bonus" means a combination that activates a special device or a special device continuous operation device when winning, "activation of the bonus" means that the bonus wins and activates the special device or the special device continuous operation device, and "bonus state" means a state in which the special device or the special device continuous operation device is activated.

[0036] In the random number determination process, based on the start signal output when the start lever SL is started, a random number (lottery random number) generated by the random number generation means 110 for each game is acquired, and the acquired random number is compared with the internal lottery table selected in the lottery table selection process, and it is determined whether or not the combination has won based on the comparison result.

[0037] 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 the non-established state (the first flag state, OFF state) to the established state (the second flag state, ON state). In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when two or more types of winning combinations overlap, the lottery flags corresponding to each of the two or more overlapping winning combinations are set to the established state. Note that in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, there are two types of lottery flags: a lottery flag (carry-over possible flag) that can carry over the established state to subsequent games until winning, and a lottery flag (carry-over impossible flag) that is reset to the non-established state without carrying over the established state to subsequent games regardless of winning. Further, the setting information of the lottery flag is stored in the lottery flag storage means 193 of the main storage means 190.

[0038] The reel control means 130 executes reel rotation control to start the rotational 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 fact that the player has performed a start operation on the start lever SL and a start signal has been output. Further, when the rotation state of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 becomes a rotation state of steady rotation at a predetermined speed (for example, about 80 rpm), the reel control means 130 executes control to enable the stop operation in which the stop buttons B1 to B3 corresponding to the respective reels are operated. Then, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to stop and a reel stop signal is output, the reel control means 130 performs control (reel stop control) to stop the respective reels of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 corresponding to the operated stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0039] Note that in the following description, regarding the start of the rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 by the reel control means 130 and the player operating the valid stop buttons B1 to B3 respectively, the first operation is also described as the first stop operation, the second operation as the second stop operation, and the third operation as the third stop operation.

[0040] In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, for the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button is stopped until 190 ms (milliseconds, msec) elapses from the time when the stop button B1 to the stop button B3 are pressed. In the following description, pressing the stop button B1 to the stop button B3 is also described as an operation. Further, the slot machine 1 is not limited to the case where the stop button B1 to the stop button B3 are pressed. For example, the slot machine 1 may be configured to output a stop signal at the timing when an operation of releasing the pressed and depressed stop button B1 to the stop button B3 is executed.

[0041] Here, when stopping the rotating reel within 190 ms from the time of pressing the stop button, the stop position of each rotating reel is configured to be rotatable up to a maximum of 4 frames from the time of pressing the stop button until the reel stops, based on the diameter and rotation speed of each reel. Therefore, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, for the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, a total of 5 frames from the frame displayed on the active line L1 at the time of pressing the stop button to 4 frames of rotation are within the range (drawing range) where the symbol can be drawn on the active line L1.

[0042] When executing the reel stop control, the reel control means 130 performs a pulling-in process of stopping the rotating reel so as to allow the roles with the lottery flag set to the established state to win as much as possible, and a kicking-out process of stopping the rotating reel so as not to allow the roles with the lottery flag set to the non-established state to win. The reel control means 130 performs a logic operation process of obtaining the stop position of the rotating reel based on a preset priority order including these processes, and a table reference process of determining the stop position of the rotating reel by referring to the stop control table stored in the reel control data storage means 194 of the main storage means 190, and stops the rotating reel to display a symbol on the effective line L1 (hereinafter, stopping the rotating reel by reel stop control and displaying a symbol on the effective line L1 is also referred to as "stop display").

[0043] In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when a plurality of types of minor winning combinations are won in the internal lottery, there are a method of obtaining the priority of the candidates for the stop position according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the effective line L1 (number priority control), and a method of obtaining the priority according to the number of payout of electronic medals based on the payout predetermined for the minor winning combination (number of medals priority control). However, when executing the number of medals priority control, if minor winning combinations with the same payout are won repeatedly, the priorities of the candidates for the stop positions that can win each minor winning combination are treated as the same.

[0044] The winning determination means 140 performs a winning determination process for determining whether or not a winning combination has won based on the stop states 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, when all of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 have stopped, it is determined whether or not the symbol combination displayed on the effective line L1 is in a form of winning for each of the predetermined winning combinations. And, a winning determination table is prepared so that the presence or absence of winning of a bonus, replay, or minor winning combination can be determined (hereinafter referred to as "winning determination") based on the symbol combination displayed on the effective line L1 in the state where each reel has stopped. In the following description, the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the winning combination is also referred to as the "winning symbol combination".

[0045] In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, each process is executed based on the determination result of the winning determination means 140 in the winning determination process. As each process executed based on the determination result of the winning combination, for example, when a minor winning combination wins, a process for determining the number of game medals to be paid out to cause the payout control means 150 to pay out electronic medals is performed. When a replay wins, a process is performed to cause the payout control means 150 to execute the next game without consuming electronic medals. When a winning combination that triggers a transition to a game state such as a bonus wins, a process for causing the game state transition control means 160 to transition the game state is performed.

[0046] The payout control means 150 performs a payout process regarding the payout of electronic medals according to the game result. Specifically, when a minor winning combination wins, the number of electronic medals to be paid out in the game is determined based on the payout predetermined for each winning combination, and virtual payout control is performed by adding the number of game medals corresponding to the determined payout number to the medal number counter 311.

[0047] In addition, when the payout control means 150 determines, based on the winning determination means 140, that a symbol combination indicating the winning of any one of a plurality of types of replay roles described later has stopped being displayed on the effective line L1, and the replay has won, the replay process (replay game process) is performed to set the game machine to a ready state in which the game can be executed without inserting an electronic medal for the next game. That is, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed to automatically insert a prescribed number of electronic medals without using the electronic medals held by the player, and the game machine waits for the start operation of the next start lever SL in a state where the same effective line L1 as that of the previous game is set.

[0048] In the slot machine 1, even if the settlement button AB is operated during the period from the game in which the replay wins to the start of the next game, that is, during the period in which a prescribed number of electronic medals are automatically inserted by the replay process and the game has not started, the same number of game medals as the prescribed number is not added to the medal number counter 311.

[0049] The game state transition control means 160 performs a process of transitioning the game state among a plurality of game states and a process related to the activation and termination of the bonus. Here, the transition condition for each game state may be one condition or a plurality of conditions. When a plurality of conditions are defined, the game state can be transitioned to another game state based on the establishment of any one of the plurality of predefined conditions or the establishment of all of the plurality of predefined conditions.

[0050] The AT control means 170 executes control related to the transition between a favorable section (favorable period), which is a section (period) in which control related to an instruction function including an auxiliary game for assisting the winning of a specific role is displayed on the main control display device 10D, and a normal section (non-favorable period, non-favorable section), which is a section (period) in which control related to an auxiliary game (control related to an instruction function) based on the result of an internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 cannot be executed, using the data stored in the AT control data storage means 196, and constitutes an auxiliary game control means for performing control related to the normal section, the favorable section, and the auxiliary game.

[0051] The AT control data storage means 196 stores data (various flags, counters, etc. that are set to the ON state or the OFF state in a predetermined control process) used in various controls related to a plurality of types of production states including the normal state and the AT state executed within the favorable section.

[0052] The AT control means 170 sets the production state to the AT state (assist time state) under predetermined conditions in the favorable section, and displays information (an example of operation instruction information) corresponding to the operation modes of the stop buttons B1 to B3 that enable the winning of the specific role selected on the main control display device 10D composed of a 7-segment display, thereby performing operation notification for assisting the winning of the specific role. Further, in the slot machine 1, when the operation notification by the AT control means 170 is executed, a navigation production for displaying an index corresponding to the correct hitting order on the display device 410 is executed by the production control means 200 described later. In this way, in the slot machine 1, in the AT state, the operation modes of the stop buttons B1 to B3 are notified by the operation notification and the winning assistance of the navigation production, thereby executing an auxiliary game (AT game, notification game) advantageous to the player.

[0053] More specifically, when a predetermined end condition for ending the favorable section is satisfied, the AT control means 170 executes a predetermined end process for ending the favorable section and starting the normal section from the next game, and a predetermined initialization process for initializing various flags, numerical values, etc. set in the favorable section and information related to the favorable section.

[0054] The AT control means 170 executes an update process (advantageous section difference medal count update process) of cumulatively recording, in the advantageous section counter 196a, the value of the difference obtained by subtracting the paid-out number of electronic medals from the inserted number of electronic medals (difference medal count, number of acquired medals) starting from the game that has started the advantageous section. When the AT control means 170 is controlling the advantageous section, it executes the advantageous section difference medal count update process of cumulatively updating, in the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a, the value corresponding to the difference medal count of the electronic medals in any game state.

[0055] Also, in the advantageous section difference medal count update process, when the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a is subtracted due to the paid-out number of electronic medals in the game being less than the specified number, and the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a becomes less than the value "0", the AT control means 170 also sets the result of the subtraction in the advantageous section counter 196a. In other words, the AT control means 170 is configured to be able to set a negative value in the advantageous section counter 196a.

[0056] When more than 2400 electronic medals are acquired in the advantageous section, that is, when the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a exceeds the value "2400", the AT control means 170 determines that a specific end condition, which is a predetermined end condition for ending the advantageous section, is satisfied, and executes a predetermined end process of ending the advantageous section and starting the normal section from the next game. For this reason, in the slot machine 1, for example, when the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a is a negative value of "-900" until shifting to an effect state where electronic medals can be acquired, in the effect state where electronic medals can be acquired, a total of 3301 electronic medals, which is the sum of 900 medals until the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a becomes the value "0" and 2401 medals until the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a becomes the value "2401" or more, can be acquired.

[0057] In a predetermined initialization process, the AT control means 170 initializes all the information used in various control processes in the advantageous section, such as each flag set to the ON state in the advantageous section and the values set in the advantageous section. Note that the AT control means 170 can also end the advantageous section when a predetermined end condition (normal end condition) set in advance other than the specific end condition is satisfied, and executes a predetermined initialization process and a predetermined end process even when the normal end condition is satisfied. Details of the normal end condition set by the AT control means 170 of the present embodiment will be described later.

[0058] When the cumulative value of the number of electronically converted medals obtained since the power-on of the slot machine 1 reaches a predetermined value (for example, 19,000 medals), the complete control means 180 performs control to activate the complete function as a function of stopping the slot machine 1. The complete control means 180 executes an update process (complete number of medals obtained update process) of cumulatively recording, in the medal number of medals obtained counter 197a of the complete storage means 197, the difference value (difference number of medals, number of medals obtained) obtained by subtracting the number of electronically converted medals paid out in each game from the number of electronically converted medals inserted since the power-on of the slot machine 1. Note that the complete control means 180 does not update the stored value of the medal number of medals obtained counter 197a when a replay wins.

[0059] In the complete number of medals obtained update process in which the complete control means 180 updates the stored value of the medal number of medals obtained counter 197a, when the stored value of the medal number of medals obtained counter 197a becomes less than the value "0" when the stored value of the medal number of medals obtained counter 197a is subtracted because the number of electronically converted medals paid out in the game is less than the specified number, the complete control means 180 sets the stored value of the medal number of medals obtained counter 197a to the value "0". Thereby, the complete control means 180 can fix the value at the lowest point of the stored value of the medal number of medals obtained counter 197a to the value "0", so that in the control process using the stored value of the medal number of medals obtained counter 197a, it is not necessary to change the value serving as the determination threshold according to the specific numerical value at the lowest point, and the load of the control process using the stored value of the medal number of medals obtained counter 197a can be reduced.

[0060] When the number of medals obtained from the lowest point of the number of paid-out electronic medals after the slot machine 1 is powered on reaches 19,000, that is, when the stored value of the medal acquisition number counter 197a reaches the value "19,000", the complete control means 180 determines that the condition for activating the complete function is satisfied.

[0061] When none of the regular bonus (RB) as the first type of special accessory, the regular big bonus (RBB) as the accessory continuous operation device related to the first type of special accessory, and the challenge big bonus (CBB) as the accessory continuous operation device related to the second type of special accessory is operating, based on the establishment of the condition for activating the complete function, after the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped and the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 stop in the game where the condition is satisfied, the complete control means 180 activates the complete function.

[0062] On the other hand, when any of RB, RBB, or CBB is operating, after the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped and the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 stop in the game where the operating RB, RBB, or CBB has ended, the complete control means 180 activates the complete function.

[0063] When the complete control means 180 activates the complete function, it 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 of the slot machine 1 is set to the ON state, it enters the pause state, and thereafter, the game cannot be executed until the complete function activation flag becomes the OFF state. The complete function activation flag set to the ON state is set to the OFF state when the front upper door UD of the slot machine 1 is opened and the setting change button BS provided inside is operated and initialized. Due to such a configuration, in the slot machine 1, when the complete function is activated, it is configured such that the complete function cannot be canceled by the operation of the player.

[0064] The sub-control CPU 21 functions as the effect control means 200. Each means constituting the sub-control CPU 21 reads and executes each control program stored in advance in the auxiliary storage means 210 when executing each control process.

[0065] Based on the effect data stored in the effect control data storage means 211 of the auxiliary storage means 210, the effect control means 200 performs control related to effects for the game, such as image and video effects using the display device 410 and audio effects using the audio device 420. Specifically, when a player operates each component of the slot machine 1, such as an operation on the max bet button MB, start lever SL, stop buttons B1 to B3, count button KB, effect button unit PU, or when a game event such as a change in the game state occurs, the effect control means 200 executes effects such as lighting or blinking of lamps and LEDs and output of sound from the audio device 420 to liven up the game, assist the game, and execute control for notifying the player that an operation has been performed. Further, the effect control means 200 causes each component constituting the effect device 400 to execute effects based on each effect state.

[0066] Also, when the effect control means 200 executes control related to images and videos, it draws on the corresponding layer among the plurality of layers provided in the auxiliary storage means 210. The effect control means 200 superimposes the images drawn on the plurality of layers in the frame buffer 213 provided in the auxiliary storage means 210 to form one image, and displays the superimposed image in the display area 410a of the display device 410. When the effect control means 200 draws an image in the frame buffer 213, it draws the image in the frame buffer 213 in order from the images drawn on the lower layers, so that the image drawn on the upper layer is preferentially displayed in the display area 410a over the images drawn on the lower layers.

[0067] The medal number control CPU 31 functions as medal number control means 300. Each means constituting the medal number control CPU 31 reads and executes each control program stored in advance in the medal number storage means 310 when executing each control process.

[0068] 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 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 stores, using the medal number counter 311, the number of game medals, which is the total number of electronic medals that can be used for gaming in the slot machine 1, and displays the number of game medals stored in the medal number counter 311 on the game medal number display device MD.

[0069] The medal number control means 300 mainly updates (adds or subtracts) the number of game medals stored (held) in the medal number counter 311 in response to a command received from the main control board 10, a notification received from the dedicated unit SU, or an operation of the counting button KB incorporating the counting switch 126. Further, the medal number control means 300 displays the number of game medals updated in this way on the game medal number display device MD.

[0070] Specifically, when the count button KB is operated while the game is playable, the medal count control means 300 transmits a value corresponding to the number of game medals stored in the medal count counter 311 to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and subtracts the number of medals corresponding to the transmitted value from the medal count counter 311. Here, "while the game is playable" means a state in which the gaming machine and the dedicated unit SU are electrically connected, and power is supplied to both the gaming machine and the dedicated unit SU, the gaming machine or the dedicated unit SU is not under maintenance, and no error that makes the game unexecutable has occurred. Also, when the slot machine 1 is not connected to the dedicated unit SU, the slot machine 1 controls so that the stored value of the medal count counter 311 is not subtracted by an operation on the count button KB, thereby preventing a state in which a signal is not transmitted to the dedicated unit SU even though the stored value of the medal count counter 311 has been subtracted.

[0071] When the time for which the count button KB is pressed is less than 500 ms, the medal count control means 300 transmits the value "1" corresponding to one medal to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and subtracts the value "1" from the stored value of the medal count counter 311. Also, when the time for which the count button KB is pressed is 500 ms or more, the medal count control means 300 transmits the 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 "50" from the stored value of the medal count counter 311. Thereafter, every time 300 ms elapses while the count button KB is pressed, the medal count control means 300 transmits the value "50" corresponding to 50 medals to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and subtracts the value "50" from the stored value of the medal count counter 311. When the time for which the count button KB is pressed exceeds 500 ms and the stored value of the medal count counter 311 is less than the value "50", the medal count control means 300 transmits the 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 value corresponding to the stored value from the stored value of the medal count counter 311 to set the stored value of the medal count counter 311 to the value "0".

[0072] When the stored value of the medal count counter 311 becomes 16,369 or more, the medal count control means 300 determines that it is a medal overflow in which the number of game medals stored in the slot machine 1 exceeds 16,368, which is the limit set for storage. In the slot machine 1, based on the determination that it is a medal overflow, a medal overflow error occurs, and when the count button KB is operated and the number of game medals stored in the medal count counter 311 is counted and the stored value of the medal count counter 311 becomes 16,368 or less, the medal overflow error is cleared.

[0073] When the power is turned on while the 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 so that the stored value of the medal count counter 311 becomes the value "0". As a result, the slot machine 1 can initialize the information on the number of medals remaining in the medal count counter 311 before turning off the power when the power is turned on.

[0074] 2. Configuration of the Gaming Machine in the Present Embodiment Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 14, the details of each configuration of the slot machine 1 in the present embodiment will be described.

[0075] <Control Related to the Specified Number by the Input Reception Means> In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, during the input reception period in which the input reception means 105 receives the insertion of electronic medals, when the max bet button MB is operated (bet operation) in a state where the number of game medals stored in the medal count counter 311 is equal to or more than the specified number, the same number of input signals as the specified number set for each game state are output. Each time an input signal is input, the input reception means 105 adds the value "1" corresponding to one electronic medal to the input number storage means 198 of the main storage means 190, and adds the value to the input number storage means 198 up to the specified number set for each game state.

[0076] In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, for the non-RT state and the RBB internal middle state, the specified number is set to 3 (first specified number), and for the RBB state, the specified number is set to 2 (second specified number).

[0077] In other words, when the game state is the non-RT state or the RBB internal middle state, when the max bet button MB is operated in a state where 3 or more game medal numbers are stored in the medal number counter 311, based on the input signal being input 3 times, the input number storage means 198 is made to store the value "3". Further, when the game state is the RBB state, when the max bet button MB is operated in a state where 2 or more game medal numbers are stored in the medal number counter 311, based on the input signal being input 2 times, the input number storage means 198 is made to store the value "2".

[0078] <Winning area subject to internal lottery> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the winning areas subject to internal lottery in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, and the winning numbers and winning roles associated with each winning area. In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, as a bonus, it has an RBB as a special effect continuous operation device related to the first type of special effect.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 3, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, as the winning areas subject to internal lottery, there are a winning area "all small roles", a winning area "all 1-piece roles", a winning area "replay 1", a winning area "replay 2", winning areas "batter's bell 1" to "batter's bell 4", a winning area "rare role", a winning area "RBB & 1-piece role", and a winning area "RBB", and the numbers from winning number 1 to winning number 11 are respectively associated. Also, in the slot machine 1, winning number 0 is associated with a non-winning (losing) result of the internal lottery.

[0080] Here, the "order of operation" means the order in which operations are performed on the stop buttons B1 to B3. Also, in the following description, the timing at which the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated is also referred to as the "operation timing".

[0081] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the order of operation for the three stop buttons, stop button B1 to stop button B3, which is the order of operation, is composed of six types of operation sequences from operation sequence 1 to operation sequence 6. Operation sequence 1 is an operation sequence called so-called sequential pressing, in which stop operations are performed in the order of stop button B1 → stop button B2 → stop button B3. Also, operation sequence 2 is an operation sequence called so-called pincer pressing, in which stop operations are performed in the order of stop button B1 → stop button B3 → stop button B2. Also, operation sequence 3 is an operation sequence in which stop operations are performed in the order of stop button B2 → stop button B1 → stop button B3. Also, operation sequence 4 is an operation sequence in which stop operations are performed in the order of stop button B2 → stop button B3 → stop button B1. Also, operation sequence 5 is an operation sequence in which stop operations are performed in the order of stop button B3 → stop button B1 → stop button B2. Also, operation sequence 6 is an operation sequence called so-called reverse pressing, in which stop operations are performed in the order of stop button B3 → stop button B2 → stop button B1.

[0082] In the internal lottery means 120, in the random number determination process, the winning or losing of each winning area is determined in the order from the winning area associated with the winning number 11 to the non-winning associated with the winning number 0.

[0083] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, as small winning combinations that can be won in the internal lottery, it has small winning combinations 1 to 9, and as replays that can be won in the internal lottery, it has Replay 1 and Replay 2. Each small winning combination and each replay are respectively associated with each winning area in the combination shown in FIG. 3. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, in the slot machine 1, a winning area "RBB&1 small winning combination" is set as a winning area including a bonus and small winning combinations, and a winning area "RBB" is set as a winning area including only the bonus.

[0084] In the slot machine 1, for the winning area "Replay 2", it is set with a lower winning probability than the winning area "Replay 1". Also, in the slot machine 1, for the winning area "rare winning combination", it is set with a lower winning probability than each winning area including the winning areas "batter's bell 1" to "batter's bell 4" and the small winning combinations in the winning area "RBB&1 small winning combination".

[0085] Here, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the role associated with the carry-over possible flag is RBB, and the small winning combinations and replays are associated with the non-carry-over flag. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, when winning in a winning area including RBB in the internal lottery, the establishment state of the lottery flag of the winning RBB is processed to be carried over until RBB wins. At this time, the internal lottery means 120 performs an internal lottery to determine the winning or losing of small winning combinations and replays even in a game in which the establishment state of the lottery flag of RBB is carried over. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, in a game in which the establishment state of the lottery flag of RBB is carried over, if a small winning combination or replay wins, lottery flags corresponding to two or more roles including the lottery flag of the already winning RBB and the lottery flag of the small winning combination or replay won in the internal lottery are set to the established state.

[0086] <Internal lottery table> The slot machine 1 of the present embodiment stores, in the internal lottery table storage means 192, an internal lottery table which is a lottery table used in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120, namely, an internal lottery table used in the non-RT state (general state) (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table A), an internal lottery table used in the RBB internal medium state (internal medium) (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). In each of the internal lottery tables from internal lottery table A to internal lottery table C, the number of lottery values is associated with each winning area to be the subject of the lottery.

[0087] In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, for the internal lottery table A, 65,536 lottery values are associated with any one of the winning areas "batter bell 1" to "batter bell 4", the winning area "rare combination", the winning area "replay 1", the winning area "replay 2", the winning area "RBB & single combination", and the winning area "RBB". In the internal lottery, it is configured to win either a minor combination, a replay, or a bonus.

[0088] Also, for the internal lottery table B, 65,536 lottery values are associated with any one of the winning areas "batter bell 1" to "batter bell 4", the winning area "rare combination", the winning area "replay 1", the winning area "replay 2", and the winning area "RBB & single combination". In the internal lottery, it is configured to win either a minor combination, a replay, or a bonus.

[0089] The internal lottery table A and the internal lottery table B are such that 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 probabilities of each winning area other than the winning area "Replay 2" and the winning area "RBB" in the internal lottery table A and the winning probabilities of each winning area other than the winning area "Replay 2" in the internal lottery table B are the same probabilities. Specifically, for example, the winning probabilities of the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4" in the internal lottery table A and the winning probabilities of the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4" in the internal lottery table B are the same probabilities.

[0090] The internal lottery table C has 65,536 lottery values associated with either the winning area "All Low Hands" or the winning area "All Single Tile Hands" and is configured to win a low hand in the internal lottery. Also, in the internal lottery where the internal lottery table C is used, the probability of winning for each of Low Hands 1 to 9 is configured to be higher than the respective winning probabilities of Low Hands 1 to 9 in the internal lottery where the internal lottery table A and the internal lottery table B are used.

[0091] Due to such a configuration, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured so as not to result in a non-winning (loss) in the internal lottery in any of the game states of the non-RT state, the RBB internal middle state, and the RBB state.

[0092] <Random Number Judgment Process> In the internal lottery means 120 of the present embodiment, in the random number determination process, the random number obtained from the random number generation means 110 is sequentially subtracted by the number of lottery values associated with each winning area in the internal lottery table obtained from the internal lottery table storage means 192. When the result of the subtraction becomes a negative value, it is determined that the winning area corresponding to the subtracted number of lottery values has been won. Further, when the result of the subtraction is a positive value at the time when all the lottery values stored in the internal lottery table have been subtracted, it is determined that there is no winning in any role, that is, a non-winning situation.

[0093] <Reel control means> In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, in any gaming state, the priority order of the roles to be stopped on the effective line L1 in the reel stop control is defined in the order of "replay > small role > bonus". That is, when a bonus and a small role or a bonus and a replay overlap and win, the reel control means 130 executes a stop control that gives priority to the small role or the replay to win over the bonus.

[0094] Further, as described above, since the reel control means 130 is configured to be rotatable up to 4 frames from the time when the stop button is pressed until the reel stops, among the symbols arranged on the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, the symbols arranged at intervals within 4 frames can be stopped and displayed on the effective line L1 regardless of the pressing timing of the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0095] <Payout of small roles> In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, for small roles 1 to 9, payouts are set respectively when the game is started with 3 electronic medals as the first specified number (betting 3 medals) and when the game is started with 2 electronic medals as the first specified number (betting 2 medals).

[0096] The minor combination 1 is set to 15 sheets, which is the same payout for the case where a three-coin bet game is executed and the case where a two-coin bet game is executed, and is more than the first specified number. The minor combination 2 is set to 3 sheets, which is the same payout for the case where a three-coin bet game is executed and the case where a two-coin bet game is executed, and is the same as the first specified number. The minor combinations 3 to 9 are set to 1 sheet, which is the same payout for the case where a three-coin bet game is executed and the case where a two-coin bet game is executed, and is less than the first specified number.

[0097] With such a configuration, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, for all minor combinations from minor combination 1 to minor combination 9, the payout for the case where a three-coin bet game is executed and the payout for the case where a two-coin bet game is executed are set to the same payout. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide parameters of the specified number for the data related to the payout setting, and it is not necessary to separately set the payout for the case where a three-coin bet game is executed and the payout for the case where a two-coin bet game is executed. Thus, in the area of the main storage means 190 that stores various data, the data capacity of the data related to the minor combinations can be reduced.

[0098] <Setting of Payout Number> In the payout process regarding the payout of the electronically converted medals according to the game result, when a minor combination wins, the payout control means 150 causes the payout number storage means 199 (see FIG. 2) of the main storage means 190 to store a value corresponding to the payout predetermined for each combination.

[0099] In addition, when a two-bet game is played, the payout control means 150 of the present embodiment compares, in the payout process, the upper limit value of the number of payouts that can be made with the value stored in the payout number storage means 199. When the value stored in the payout number storage means 199 is greater than the upper limit value, the number of payouts in the game is set to the upper limit value to determine the number of electronic medals paid out in the game, and virtual payout control is performed by adding the number of game medals corresponding to the determined number of payouts to the medal number counter 311. Details of the process of referring to the upper limit value of the number of payouts that can be made when a two-bet game is played will be described later.

[0100] <Game state transition control means> FIG. 4(A) is a state transition diagram showing game states that can be transitioned from each game state in the control related to the transition of the game state executed by the game state transition control means 160 of the present embodiment.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 4(A), the non-RT state is a game state (initial game state, normal game state) corresponding to the initial state among a plurality of types of game states, and is a non-bonus state in which the bonus is not activated and established. In the non-RT state, the game state transition control means 160 causes the internal lottery means 120 to perform an internal lottery using the internal lottery table A in which the winning probability of replay is set to 8978 / 65536 (about 1 / 7.3). In the slot machine 1, when the game state is the non-RT state, the game can be started by setting the first specified number (three) of electronic medals to the inserted state.

[0102] The internal state within RBB is a gaming state that transitions when winning in the internal lottery in the non-RT state and winning in either the winning area "RBB & 1 card combination" or the winning area "RBB", and when RBB is set to the established state. It is in the bonus established state where the bonus is established. In the internal state within RBB, the gaming 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 gaming state is the internal state within RBB, the game can be started by setting the first specified number (3 pieces) of electronic medals to the inserted state.

[0103] The RBB state is a gaming state that transitions when RBB wins and RBB operates. In the RBB state, when the number of electronically paid-out medals exceeds a predetermined specified number (for example, 100 pieces), the gaming state transition control means 160 determines that the end condition of RBB is satisfied, terminates the operation of RBB, and transitions the gaming state to the non-RT state. In the RBB state, the gaming 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 gaming state is the RBB state, the game can be started by setting the second specified number (2 pieces) of electronic medals to the inserted state. Details of the gameplay in the RBB state will be described later.

[0104] <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 first embodiment, and the effect state controlled during the advantageous section.

[0105] As described above, the normal section is a period during 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 to determine 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.

[0106] In the favorable section lottery, the AT control means 170 first obtains from the AT control data storage means 196 a favorable section transition lottery table which is a data table in which "start of favorable section" and "miss (ineligible selection)" are associated with each of a plurality of random numbers. Then, the AT control means 170 obtains a random number from the random number generation means 110, compares the obtained random number with the favorable section transition lottery table, and determines whether to start the favorable section based on the comparison result.

[0107] The AT control means 170 executes the favorable section lottery so that the probability obtained by multiplying the winning probability of the winning area selected by the internal lottery and the winning probability of "start of favorable section" in the favorable section lottery is 1 / 17500 or more.

[0108] The AT control means 170 of the first embodiment is configured to execute the favorable section lottery when winning in the winning areas "batter bell 1" to "batter bell 4", the winning area "rare combination", the winning area "RBB & 1 - card combination", and the winning area "replay 1" in the internal lottery, and not to execute the favorable section lottery when winning in other winning areas. Also, the AT control means 170 executes the favorable section lottery with a high probability of about 1 / 1.5 of winning "start of favorable section".

[0109] In the favorable section, the AT control means 170 has, as states related to the instruction function (production state), a normal state, a CZ state, and an AT state. In the normal state, it is configured not to execute the winning assistance for minor combination 1 when winning in the winning areas "batter bell 1" to "batter bell 4", and in the CZ state and the AT state, it is configured to be able to execute the winning assistance for minor combination 1 when winning in the winning areas "batter bell 1" to "batter bell 4". Also, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is configured such that the staying ratio of the favorable section in the entire game can be 70% or more.

[0110] The normal state is a performance state (normal performance state) corresponding to the normal state among multiple types of performance states, which is set when not transitioning to other performance states. When the performance state transitions to the normal state, the AT control means 170 executes an increment update to add the value "1" corresponding to 1 game to the memory value of the normal game count counter (not shown) that counts the number of games in the normal state each time a game is executed. When the memory value of the normal game count counter becomes the value "700", the AT control means 170 determines that the transition condition to the CZ state (CZ transition condition) is satisfied and transitions the performance state from the normal state to the CZ state.

[0111] The AT control means 170 is configured to execute a CZ lottery to determine whether to determine the transition to the CZ state in a game that wins in the winning area not including the RBB in the internal lottery in the normal state.

[0112] Also, when the AT control means 170 wins in the winning area "rare combination" in the internal lottery, it executes a normal mid-AT lottery to determine whether to determine the transition to the AT state. When winning the "transition to the AT state", it determines that the transition condition to the AT state (AT transition condition) is satisfied and transitions from the normal state to the AT state.

[0113] The CZ state is configured to be able to transition to the AT state with a higher probability than the normal state when control is executed to determine whether to transition the performance state to the AT state as control related to the auxiliary game, and it is a performance state more advantageous to the player than the normal state. When starting the CZ state, the AT control means 170 sets a value corresponding to a predetermined number of games (for example, 10 games) in the CZ game count counter (not shown) of the AT control data storage means 196, and executes a decrement update to subtract the value "1" corresponding to 1 game from the memory value of the CZ game count counter each time a game is executed.

[0114] The AT control means 170 is configured to execute a CZ middle AT lottery for determining whether to determine the transition to the AT state by lottery in each game in the CZ state. When winning the "transition to the AT state" in the CZ middle AT lottery, the AT control means 170 changes the production state from the CZ state to the AT state after 10 games of play have been executed since the start of the CZ state.

[0115] The AT control means 170 executes a CZ middle set number addition lottery for determining whether to add (carry over) the number of times of executing one set of the AT state for the AT state to be transitioned from the CZ state in the game until the CZ state ends when winning the "transition to the AT state" in the CZ middle AT lottery.

[0116] On the other hand, when 10 games of play are executed in the CZ state without winning the "transition to the AT state" in the CZ middle AT lottery, the AT control means 170 ends the CZ state and changes the production state to the normal state.

[0117] The AT control means 170 is configured to execute the lottery related to the auxiliary game executed in the CZ state (CZ middle AT lottery, CZ middle set number addition lottery) regardless of the result of the internal lottery. Further, regarding the lottery related to the auxiliary game executed in the CZ state, when winning the winning area "rare combination" in the internal lottery, the probability of "losing" is lower than when winning in other winning areas, and it is configured so that the probability of a favorable result for the player (the probability of "transition to the AT state" in the case of the CZ middle AT lottery) becomes higher.

[0118] When the transition to the AT state is determined in the CZ state and 10 games are played in the CZ state, the effect control means 200 of this embodiment executes a first effect button operation effect that prompts the operation of the first effect button Pa by displaying an image on the display device 410 that has a design similar to the first effect button Pa and through which the characters "PUSH" can be visually recognized via the cover member Pc, and enables the effect signal output to the effect control means 200 when the first effect button Pa is operated. After executing the first effect button operation effect, when the first effect button Pa is operated between the time when a specified number of electronic medals are set to the inserted state and the start lever SL is operated, the effect control means 200 executes an AT start effect that notifies that the AT state will start from the next game. In the slot machine 1, when a specified number of electronic medals are set to the inserted state and the start lever SL is operated before the first effect button operation effect is executed and the first effect button Pa is operated, the AT state starts without executing the AT start effect.

[0119] The AT state is an effect state that is more advantageous for the player than the normal state by executing the winning assistance of the small winning combination 1 when winning in the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 4".

[0120] When starting the AT state, the AT control means 170 sets an initial value (50 games) corresponding to a predetermined number of games to the AT 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 AT game number counter by a value "1" corresponding to 1 game each time a game is executed.

[0121] In addition, when winning in the winning area "rare winning combination" in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120, the AT control means 170 executes a bonus lottery that determines whether to add the value determined by the lottery to the stored value of the AT game number counter, thereby determining whether to add (bonus) the period during which the AT state continues. When the value determined by the bonus lottery is 1 or more, it is configured to execute a bonus process of adding the determined value to the AT game number counter.

[0122] The effect control means 200 of the present embodiment is configured to be capable of executing a bonus notification effect for notifying the number of AT games to be added (bonus) after the player operates the second effect button Pb when winning the "rare combination" in the internal lottery in the AT state and when it is determined that a value of "200" or more is added to the AT game number counter in the additional lottery by the AT control means 170. Details of the bonus notification effect will be described later.

[0123] Each time a game is executed in the AT state, the AT control means 170 determines that the end condition of the AT state (AT end condition) is satisfied when the stored value of the AT game number counter becomes the value "0" by the decrement update executed each time, ends the AT state, determines that the normal end condition among the end conditions of the advantageous section is satisfied, and executes a predetermined initialization process that is a process of initializing information related to the advantageous section and a predetermined end process of ending the advantageous section and starting the normal section from the next game.

[0124] Further, the AT control means 170 also determines that the AT end condition is satisfied when the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a exceeds the value "2400" in the AT state, ends the AT state, determines that the specific end condition among the end conditions of the advantageous section is satisfied, and executes a predetermined initialization process that is a process of initializing information related to the advantageous section and a predetermined end process of ending the advantageous section and starting the normal section from the next game.

[0125] As shown in FIG. 4(B), the AT control means 170 is configured to set the effect state at the start of the advantageous section to the CZ state when winning the "start of the advantageous section" in the advantageous section lottery in the normal section and starting the advantageous section. Further, as described above, the AT control means 170 is configured to end the advantageous section and start the normal section when ending the AT state.

[0126] With such a configuration, since the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment ends the AT state and shifts from the normal section to the advantageous section, the CZ state is started. Therefore, the probability of shifting to the AT state again is higher than when it is set to the normal state at the start of the normal section. As a result, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment can start the AT state again via the normal section and the CZ state once the AT state is started. Thus, it is possible to obtain electronic medals through multiple AT states, enhancing the player's interest in the game.

[0127] 3. Gameplay in Each Gaming State Next, the gameplay in each gaming state of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0128] <Game Results in Each Gaming State> FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the game results for each operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3 when winning in a winning area including a minor winning combination in the internal lottery in the non - RT state. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the game results for each operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3 when winning in a winning area including a minor winning combination in the internal lottery in the RBB internal middle state. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the game results for each operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3 when winning in a winning area including a minor winning combination in the internal lottery in the RBB state.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 5, in the slot machine 1, when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4" in the non - RT state, regardless of the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3, any of the minor winning combinations 3 to 8 with a payout of 1 in a 3 - coin bet game can be a winning combination.

[0130] In other words, in the slot machine 1, in the non - RT state, even when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4", which are winning areas including the minor winning combination 1 with a payout of 15 in a 3 - coin bet game, the minor winning combination 1 is configured to be non - winning.

[0131] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, in the slot machine 1, when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4" in the RBB internal middle state, the payout in the three-coin bet game is set to 15 coins, and the winning probability of the minor combination 1 that can be won with a probability of 1 / 1 is made possible by setting the batting order (correct batting order) of the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0132] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4" in the non-RT state or the RBB internal middle state, for the minor combinations 3 and 4, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the batting order that allows winning, they win with a probability of 1 / 1, and for the minor combinations 5 to 8, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the batting order that allows winning, they win with a probability of 1 / 2.

[0133] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, when winning in the winning area "Rare Combination" in the non-RT state or the RBB internal middle state, when the stop button B3 is stopped at the operation timing that allows the minor combination 2 to win, the minor combination 2 with a payout of 3 coins set in the three-coin bet game is configured to win, and the winning probability is about 1 / 1.3. In the slot machine 1, when winning in the winning area "Rare Combination" and the minor combination 2 does not win, it is configured to be a miss (non-winning).

[0134] Also, when winning in the winning area "RBB & Single Coin Combination" in the non-RT state or the RBB internal middle state, regardless of the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3, any of the minor combinations 9 with a payout of 1 coin set in the three-coin bet game wins with a probability of 1 / 1.

[0135] As shown in FIG. 7, in the slot machine 1, when winning in the winning area "all small winning combinations" in the RBB state, if the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 1 and batting order 2, the payout in the two-coin bet game is set to 3 coins, and the small winning combination 2, and the small winning combination 9 with a payout of 1 coin in the two-coin bet game, either one wins with a probability of 1 / 1. If the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 3 to batting order 6, the small winning combination 1 with a payout of 15 coins in the two-coin bet game wins with a probability of 1 / 1.

[0136] The winning symbol combination of the small winning combination 2 and the winning symbol combination of the small winning combination 9 are configured to include symbols common to the symbols of the left reel R1 and the symbols of the middle reel R2. Further, the winning symbol combination of the small winning combination 2 and the winning symbol combination of the small winning combination 9 are composed of different symbols on the right reel R3. The symbol of the right reel R3 that constitutes the winning symbol combination of the small winning combination 2 is a symbol having a draw range of 15 out of 20 frames on the right reel R3, and the symbol of the right reel R3 that constitutes the winning symbol combination of the small winning combination 9 is arranged so as to be stoppable and displayed on the effective line L1 regardless of the operation timing of the stop button B3.

[0137] Due to such a configuration, in the slot machine 1, when winning in the winning area "all small winning combinations" 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 symbol of the right reel R3 that constitutes the winning symbol combination of the small winning combination 2 can be stopped and displayed on the effective line L1, the small winning combination 2 wins. If the stop button B3 is operated at a timing when the symbol of the right reel R3 that constitutes the winning symbol combination of the small winning combination 2 cannot be stopped and displayed on the effective line L1, the small winning combination 9 wins.

[0138] In the slot machine 1, when winning in the winning area "all single-coin winning combinations" in the RBB state, regardless of the batting order of the stop buttons B1 to B3, the small winning combination 9 with a payout of 1 coin in the two-coin bet game wins with a probability of 1 / 1.

[0139] Here, when a two-coin bet game is played, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured to set an upper limit value for the number of electronic medals that can be paid out. When a minor winning combination with a payout set above the upper limit value wins, the number of payouts is set to the upper limit value and electronic medals are paid out. Specifically, when a two-coin bet game is played, the slot machine 1 is configured to set the upper limit value for the number of electronic medals that can be paid out to 1 medal.

[0140] <Upper Limit Value Setting Process for Payout Number> FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an upper limit value setting process in which the slot machine 1 sets the upper limit value for the payout number. The process shown in FIG. 8 is executed after the value of the payout set for the winning minor winning combination is stored in the payout number storage means 199 in the payout control means 150 executed when the minor winning combination wins.

[0141] As shown in FIG. 8, the payout control means 150 first acquires the payout number stored in the payout number storage means 199 (S1). In this process, the payout control means 150 acquires the stored value of the payout number storage means 199 in which the value of the payout set for the minor winning combination that won in the current game is stored.

[0142] Next, the payout control means 150 checks the number of electronic medals set in the inserted state in the current game (S2). In this process, the payout control means 150 can determine whether the current game is a two-coin bet game or a three-coin bet game by checking the value stored in the inserted number storage means 198.

[0143] Next, the payout control means 150 determines whether the number of electronic medals set in the inserted state in the current game is 2 (S3). In this process, the payout control means 150 determines whether the stored value of the inserted number storage means 198 checked in the process of step S2 is the value "2". By the payout control means 150 executing the process of step S3, it is possible to determine whether the current game has been executed in the RBB state in which the second specified number (2 coins) is set in the slot machine 1.

[0144] 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 2 (YES), the payout control means 150 determines whether the payout number in the current game is 2 or more (S4). In this process, the payout control means 150 determines whether the payout number stored in the payout number storage means 199 acquired in the process of step S1 is a value of "2" or more.

[0145] 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 sets the payout number in the current game to 1 by changing the value of 2 or more stored in the payout number storage means 199 to the value "1".

[0146] This process of step S5 constitutes a process of setting the upper limit of the number of electronic medals that can be paid out to a specific number (1) less than the second specified number when a game is started with the insertion of the second specified number (2) of electronic medals, which is less than the first specified number (3).

[0147] After executing the process of step S5, 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 3 (NO), or in the process of step S4, when it is determined that the payout number in the current game is 1 (NO), the payout control means 150 executes a process of paying out electronic medals (S6) and ends the payout process. In this process, the payout control means 150 determines the stored value of the payout number storage means 199 as the payout number of electronic medals in the game, and adds the number of electronic medals corresponding to the determined payout number to the medal number counter 311.

[0148] <Payout of Electronic Medals in Each Game State> As shown in FIG. 5, in the slot machine 1, in a non-RT state, it is configured not to win based on the winning of a minor combination 1 set with a payout more than the first specified number. 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.

[0149] Note that the payout rate is the ratio of the total number of electronically paid-out medals obtained during a predetermined number of games (for example, 17,500 games), which is a number of games sufficient to sufficiently ignore the influence of a temporary probability bias, to the total number of electronically inserted medals inserted during the predetermined number of games.

[0150] Also, as shown in FIG. 6, in the slot machine 1, in the RBB internal middle state, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 1 or batting order 2, the minor combination 1 set with a payout more than the first specified number does not win, and when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 3 to batting order 6, the minor combination 1 can win. For this reason, the payout rate in the RBB internal middle state is configured to be less than 50% when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 1 or batting order 2, and is configured to exceed 50% when operated in any of batting orders 3 to 6. Also, in the RBB internal middle state, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a random batting order, it is configured to be less than 50%.

[0151] As shown in FIG. 8, when a three-coin bet game is executed, the payout control means 150 is configured to skip the processes of step S4 and step S5 from the process of step S3 and proceed to the process of step S6, and determines the stored value of the payout number storage means 199, in which the value set as the payout of the winning minor combination in the game is stored, as the number of electronically paid-out medals in the game, and adds the number of electronically paid-out medals corresponding to the determined payout number to the medal number counter 311.

[0152] Due to such a configuration, in the slot machine 1, in the non-RT state and the RBB internal middle state, the same number of electronic medals as the payout set for the winning minor combination are configured to be paid out. In other words, in the slot machine 1, in the non-RT state and the RBB internal middle state where the specified number is set to the first specified number (3 pieces), when the minor combination 1 wins, a payout exceeding the first specified number is executed.

[0153] On the other hand, the payout control means 150 is configured to proceed to step S6 after executing the process of step S5 when a game with a bet of 2 pieces is executed and a minor combination with a payout of 2 or more pieces set as the payout in the game with a bet of 2 pieces wins. Regardless of the value set as the payout of the minor combination that won in the game, the stored value of the payout number storage means 199 set to the value "1" is determined as the number of electronic medals to be paid out in the game, and the number of electronic medals corresponding to the determined payout number (1 piece) is added to the medal number counter 311.

[0154] As described above, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, in the RBB state where the specified number is set to 2 pieces, when winning the winning area "all minor combinations" in the internal lottery and operating the stop buttons B1 to B3 in batting order 1 and batting order 2, the minor combination 2 with a payout of 3 pieces set in the game with a bet of 2 pieces can win. When the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 3 to batting order 6, the minor combination 1 with a payout of 15 pieces set in the game with a bet of 2 pieces wins. However, by executing the upper limit value setting process of the payout number by the payout control means 150 shown in FIG. 8, the number of electronic medals paid out in the game where the minor combination 1 wins is configured to be 1 piece.

[0155] Due to such a configuration, when the three-coin bet game is executed and when the two-coin bet game is executed, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment has the same payout for small winning combinations 1 and 2 where a payout more than one coin is set. When winning in the RBB state where the two-coin bet game is executed, the payout is less than the set payout and a payout of less than the specified number (two coins) in the RBB state, specifically one coin, is executed.

[0156] Also, as described above, the payouts for small winning combinations 3 to 9 when the two-coin bet game is executed are set for one coin.

[0157] That is, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when it shifts to the RBB state where the specified number is set to two coins and wins in the winning area including small winning combinations, regardless of which small winning combination wins among all small winning combinations, a payout of one coin is executed. In other words, in the slot machine 1, in the RBB state where the specified number is set to the second specified number (two coins), when small winning combination 1 wins, a payout less than the second specified number is executed.

[0158] Also, as described above, in the slot machine 1, in the internal lottery in the RBB state where the internal lottery table C is used, it is configured to win in either the winning area "all small winning combinations" or the winning area "all one-coin winning combinations".

[0159] That is, when the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment starts a game with the input of the game value of the first specified number, it can execute a payout of the game value exceeding the first specified number. When a game is started with the input of the game value of the second specified number, which is less than the first specified number, the upper limit of the number of payable game values is set to a specific number less than the second specified number.

[0160] With such a configuration, in the RBB state, since the slot machine 1 of this embodiment executes a game in which two digitized medals are set to the inserted state and one digitized medal is paid out, after reducing the payout rate in the RBB state to 50%, it is possible to design the performance of acquiring game value in a state where the RBB is not operating, so that the degree of freedom in designing the slot machine 1 can be dramatically improved.

[0161] Also, as described above, the slot machine 1 is configured such that for the non-RT state and the RBB internal middle state, the payout rate when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a random order is less than 50%, and the payout rates in the non-RT state and the RBB internal middle state are lower than the payout rate in the RBB state (50%).

[0162] With such a configuration, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the payout rate in the RBB state is lowered compared to the non-RT state and the RBB internal middle state where the RBB is not operating, and the performance of the RBB state will not be excessively degraded, so that the performance of the gaming machine can be sufficiently ensured.

[0163] <Small winning combinations that can be won in each game state> Next, using FIG. 9, it is a table summarizing the small winning combinations that win based on winning in each game state of the non-RT state, the RBB internal middle state, and the RBB state in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment.

[0164] As shown in FIG. 9, the winning combination 1, for which the payout is set to 15 in both the case where a three-coin bet game is executed and the case where a two-coin bet game is executed, does not win when winning in the non-RT state, and is configured to win based on winning in the RBB internal middle state and the RBB state.

[0165] In addition, among the payouts for the three-coin bet game and the payouts for the two-coin bet game, the minor winning combination 2 with payouts set for three coins is configured to win based on winning in the non-RT state, the RBB internal middle state, and the RBB state.

[0166] And among the minor winning combinations 3 to 9 with payouts set for one coin for both the payouts for the three-coin bet game and the payouts for the two-coin bet game, the minor winning combination 9 wins based on winning in the non-RT state, the RBB internal middle state, and the RBB state, and the minor winning combinations 3 to 8 are configured not to win when winning in the RBB state and to win based on winning in the non-RT state and the RBB internal middle state.

[0167] As described above, in the slot machine 1, even when a minor winning combination with two or more payouts wins in the RBB state where the game starts with the second specified number (two) of electrified medals set in the inserted state, the upper limit value setting process for the payout number shown in FIG. 8 is executed, and it is configured to execute one payout.

[0168] That is, in the slot machine 1, when the minor winning combinations 1 and 2, for which the payouts when the game starts with three electrified medals set in the inserted state and the payouts when the game starts with two electrified medals set in the inserted state are both set to more than one coin, win in the RBB state where the game starts with two electrified medals set in the inserted state, they are configured to have a payout number different from that when the game starts with three electrified medals set in the inserted state.

[0169] That is, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when each of the small winning combination 1 and the small winning combination 2 wins in the RBB state where two electronic medals are set to the inserted state and the game starts, the payout number is different from the case where three electronic medals are set to the inserted state and the game starts. Also, for the small winning combination 1 and the small winning combination 2, when the game state is the RBB state, they are configured to win based on winning the lottery.

[0170] In other words, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, in the internal lottery, the winning or losing of multiple types of winning combinations is determined. The multiple types of winning combinations include small winning combinations included in a predetermined group. The predetermined group is a group consisting of small winning combinations in which the number of game values paid out based on winning is different between the case where the game starts with the first specified number of game values inserted and the case where the game starts with the second specified number of game values, which is less than the first specified number, inserted. Each of the small winning combinations included in the predetermined group wins based on winning the internal lottery in either the game started with the first specified number of game values inserted or the game started with the second specified number of game values inserted.

[0171] Also, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the small winning combinations included in the predetermined group include a first small winning combination (small winning combination 1) and a second small winning combination (small winning combination 2). When the first small winning combination wins the internal lottery in the game started with the second specified number of game values inserted, it can win when a plurality of stop buttons are operated in the first operation mode (batting order 3 to batting order 6). When the second small winning combination wins the internal lottery in the game started with the second specified number of game values inserted, it can win when a plurality of stop buttons are operated in a second operation mode (batting order 1, batting order 2), which is different from the first operation mode.

[0172] With this configuration, in the RBB state where the specified number is set to the second specified number, which is different from the non-RT state and the RBB internal middle state where the specified number is set to the first specified number, when the minor winning combination 1 and the minor winning combination 2 win, the number of electronically converted medals paid out is less than the number of electronically converted medals paid out when winning in the non-RT state and the RBB internal middle state. However, by winning based on the fact that both the minor winning combination 1 and the minor winning combination 2 have won in the RBB state, it is possible to prevent the performance of the minor winning combination 1 and the minor winning combination 2 from excessively deteriorating and to sufficiently ensure the performance of the gaming machine.

[0173] Also, as shown in FIG. 9, in the slot machine 1, both the payout when the game is started with three electronically converted medals set to the inserted state and the payout when the game is started with two electronically converted medals set to the inserted state are set to one. For the minor winning combinations 3 to 9 where the payout number is the same when winning in the RBB state where the game is started with two electronically converted medals set to the inserted state and when the game is started with three electronically converted medals set to the inserted state, in the non-RT state and the RBB internal middle state, they are configured to win based on winning. However, in the RBB state, for the minor winning combination 9, it wins based on winning, but for the minor winning combinations 3 to 8, when winning, it is configured not to win regardless of the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0174] In other words, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, in the internal lottery, the winning or losing of a plurality of types of winning combinations is determined. The plurality of types of winning combinations include minor winning combinations included in the first group and minor winning combinations included in the second group. The first group is a group consisting of minor winning combinations in which the number of game values paid out based on winning when the game is started with the first specified number of game values input and when the game is started with a second specified number of game values less than the first specified number is the same. The second group is a group consisting of minor winning combinations in which the number of game values paid out based on winning when the game is started with the first specified number of game values and when the game is started with the second specified number of game values is different. The minor winning combinations included in the first group include minor winning combinations that do not win regardless of the operation mode of the plurality of stop buttons when the game is started with the second specified number of game values input.

[0175] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, in the RBB state where the specified number is set to the second specified number, which is different from the non-RT state and the RBB internal state where the specified number is set to the first specified number, for minor winning combinations 3 to 8 for which the number of electronic medals paid out does not change when winning in the RBB state and when winning in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state, by configuring not to win in the RBB state, it becomes unnecessary to previously store in the reel control data storage means 194 the stop control data related to the reel stop control that enables minor winning combinations 3 to 8 to win, and the data capacity related to the stop control data in the RBB state can be reduced.

[0176] A second group consisting of minor roles where the number of game values paid out based on winning when minor role 1 and minor role 2 start the game with the first specified number of game values input and when the game starts with the second specified number of game values input is different, and minor roles included in a predetermined group. Minor roles 3 to 9 constitute minor roles included in a first group consisting of minor roles where the same payout is set when the game starts with the first specified number of game values input and when the game starts with the second specified number of game values input, which is less than the first specified number.

[0177] <Summary of game playability in each game state> In this way, in the non-RT state as the first game state where the RBB is not operating and in the RBB internal middle state, the specified number is fixed at the first specified number (3 sheets), and in the RBB state as the second game state where the RBB is operating, the specified number is fixed at the second specified number (2 sheets). Also, the pachinko machine 1 is configured such that the pachinko ball payout rate in the RBB state is higher than the pachinko ball payout rate in the non-RT state and the RBB internal middle state. Further, the pachinko machine 1 is configured such that the winning probability of each minor role in the RBB state is higher than the winning probability of each minor role in the non-RT state and the RBB internal middle state.

[0178] Also, for minor role 1 and minor role 2, which are configured such that when winning in the RBB state where the game starts with the second specified number of electronic medals set to the input state, the payout number is different from when the game starts with the first specified number of electronic medals set to the input state, when the game state is the RBB state, they are configured to win based on being selected.

[0179] And when the slot machine 1 is in the RBB state where the game starts with the second specified number of electronic medals set to the inserted state, the upper limit value setting process for the payout number is executed, so that the upper limit of the number of electronic medals that can be paid out in the game is set to a specific number (1 piece) less than the second specified number. Therefore, even when the small winning combination 1 or the small winning combination 2 wins, only 1 payout is executed.

[0180] With such a configuration, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment can reduce the payout rate in the RBB state to less than 100% (50% in this embodiment), and regarding the performance of the RBB state, it is possible to design the performance of acquiring game value in a state where the RBB is not operating while complying with the performance required for a gaming machine. Therefore, the degree of freedom in designing the slot machine 1 can be significantly improved.

[0181] In other words, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when it shifts to the RBB state where the specified number is set to 2 pieces and wins in the winning area including the small winning combination, the upper limit value setting process for the payout number (see FIG. 8) is executed, so that regardless of which small winning combination wins among all the small winning combinations, only 1 payout is executed. Therefore, after reducing the payout rate in the RBB state to 50%, it is possible to design the performance of acquiring game value in a state where the RBB is not operating. Therefore, the degree of freedom in designing the slot machine 1 can be significantly improved.

[0182] Also, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment has a different specified number from the non-RT state and the RBB internal middle state where the specified number is set to the first specified number. In the RBB state where the specified number is set to the second specified number, when the small winning combination 1 or the small winning combination 2 wins, the number of electronic medals paid out is less than the number of electronic medals paid out when winning in the non-RT state and the RBB internal middle state. However, by winning based on the fact that both the small winning combination 1 and the small winning combination 2 are won in the RBB state, it is possible to prevent the performance of the small winning combination 1 and the small winning combination 2 from excessively deteriorating and sufficiently ensure the performance of the gaming machine.

[0183] In addition, in the RBB state where the specified number is set to the second specified number, which is different from the non-RT state and the RBB internal middle state where the specified number is set to the first specified number, for the minor winning combinations 3 to 8 in which the number of paid-out electronic medals does not change whether winning occurs in the RBB state or in the non-RT state and the RBB internal middle state, by configuring so as not to win in the RBB state, it becomes unnecessary to previously store in the reel control data storage means 194 the stop control data related to the reel stop control that enables the minor winning combinations 3 to 8 to win, and the data capacity related to the stop control data in the RBB state can be reduced.

[0184] Also, as described above, in the RBB state where the slot machine 1 is set to the second specified number (2 sheets), which is different from the first specified number (3 sheets) as the specified number, the upper limit value setting process of the payout number is executed, and thus the payout rate is configured to be 50%.

[0185] Here, as a gaming machine that suppresses the payout rate in the bonus state and enables medals to be obtained by executing an AT game in a gaming state different from the bonus state (for example, a non-bonus state where a bonus such as a bonus establishment state is not operating), conventionally, there are a plurality of types of first specific winning combinations set to a payout larger than the number of game value inputs required when starting the game, and the first specific winning combinations do not overlap with each other and overlap and win with a second specific winning combination different from the first specific winning combination, and a third winning mode in which a plurality of types of first specific winning combinations overlap and win. The internal lottery means is configured to perform an internal lottery so that a plurality of types of first winning modes exist in the normal gaming state and the bonus establishment state, and perform an internal lottery so that the third winning mode exists in the bonus state. The probability of winning the third winning mode in the internal lottery in the bonus state is lower than the probability of winning any of the plurality of types of first winning modes in the internal lottery in the normal gaming state and the bonus establishment state, and the winning probability of each of all the winning combinations in the internal lottery in the bonus state is configured to be equal to or higher than the winning probability of each of all the winning combinations in the internal lottery in the normal gaming state and the bonus establishment state.

[0186] In a gaming machine with such a configuration, while compressing the probability of winning the first specific minor winning combination in the bonus state to the reciprocal of the number of types of the first specific minor winning combination (for example, 1 / 4 if there are 4 types of the first specific minor winning combination), ensuring that the performance in the bonus state is sufficient performance required for the gaming machine, and in the non-bonus state, by executing the winning assistance for the first specific minor winning combination, increasing the winning probability of the first specific minor winning combination compared to the case where the winning assistance is not executed, and enabling the acquisition of medals in the AT game, it is necessary to have a plurality of types of the first specific minor winning combination.

[0187] In a gaming machine, for a minor winning combination that can obtain medals by winning, it is common to stop and display a specific symbol (for example, a bell symbol) in a visible form for the player. However, when each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 is configured to be visible in three frames in a specific area where the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 can be made visible, since the number of patterns for displaying a specific symbol in a row is limited to 5 patterns, when the number of types of the first specific minor winning combination exceeds 5 types, it is necessary to display it in a display mode different from the display mode for displaying in a row within the specific area.

[0188] Also, in a gaming machine, regarding how to determine the priority of stop position candidates when a plurality of types of minor winning combinations are won in an internal lottery, there are a method of determining the priority according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the effective line L1 (number priority control) and a method of determining the priority according to the number of medals paid out based on the payout predetermined for the minor winning combination (number of medals priority control).

[0189] Therefore, in a gaming machine, when setting the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3 that enable the first specific minor winning combination to win and the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3 that disable the first specific minor winning combination and enable the second specific minor winning combination to win, in order to enable the second specific minor winning combination to win, it is necessary to enable the second specific minor winning combination by number priority control.

[0190] Due to such limitations, in a gaming machine, as the number of types of the first specific minor winning combinations is increased and the payout rate in the bonus state is compressed, the number of types of the second specific minor winning combinations also increases. Also, since an arrangement of symbols that enables winning of the second specific minor winning combination is required, the data capacity related to the minor winning combinations increases due to the compression of the payout rate in the bonus state, and the design difficulty tends to increase.

[0191] On the other hand, in the RBB state set to a second specified number (2 pieces) different from the first specified number (3 pieces) as the specified number, in the slot machine 1 configured such that the payout rate becomes 50% by executing the upper limit value setting process of the payout number, even when configured to have one minor winning combination with a payout set to be more than the first specified number as a payout when the game is started with the first specified number of medals set to the inserted state, it is possible to sufficiently lower the payout rate in the RBB state while ensuring the performance of the RBB state as sufficient performance required for the gaming machine.

[0192] With such a configuration, the slot machine 1 can prevent an increase in the data capacity related to the minor winning combinations when designing the medal acquisition performance in a state where the RBB is not operating after lowering the payout rate in the RBB state, can reduce the data capacity related to the minor winning combinations and improve the design freedom related to the symbol arrangement, and can allocate the data capacity to various data used in other control processes executed by the main control CPU 11 due to the reduction of the data capacity related to the minor winning combinations, thereby improving the design freedom of the gaming machine.

[0193] 4. Details of the effect button unit Next, details of the effect button unit PU included in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0194] <Configuration of the effect button unit> FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of the front lower door DD including the effect button unit PU. As shown in FIG. 10, the effect button unit PU is disposed so as to be surrounded by an effect button frame portion 112a provided substantially at the center of an operation unit installation base 112 where various operation means are provided at the upper part of the front lower door DD.

[0195] A gap is provided between the effect button unit PU and the effect button frame portion 112a, and when the first effect button Pa is pressed and pushed in by the player or when the cover member Pc opens and closes under the control of the effect control means 200, interference between the effect button unit PU and the effect button frame portion 112a can be prevented.

[0196] In the effect button unit PU, a cover member Pc is disposed on the upper part of a base member Pa1. Also, a second effect button Pb is disposed on the base member Pa1. In the effect button unit PU, when the transparent cover Pc1 of the cover member Pc is pressed by the player and the first effect button Pa is pressed, the base member Pa1 is pushed in, and the second effect button Pb and the cover member Pc disposed on the base member Pa1 are also pushed in following the transition of the base member Pa1.

[0197] The first effect button Pa also has a first effect button press sensor Pa2 that detects that the first effect button Pa is being pressed as an operation to the first effect button Pa. The first effect button press sensor Pa2 becomes ON when the first effect button Pa is pressed and becomes OFF when the first effect button Pa is released.

[0198] The cover member Pc has a substantially transparent cover-shaped transparent cover Pc1 and a base member Pc2 on which the transparent cover Pc1 is disposed. The transparent cover Pc1 is configured to enable visual recognition of the second effect button Pb. The base member Pc2 has a rotation shaft Pc3 on the rear side in the front view, to which power from a drive motor PM (see FIG. 2) is transmitted via a drive mechanism Pd (see FIG. 2).

[0199] The drive motor PM is composed of, for example, a stepping motor, and is rotationally driven by inputting a pulse signal output from the effect control means 200. The drive mechanism Pd is composed of members capable of transmitting power such as gears, etc., transmits the power of the drive motor PM to the rotation shaft Pc3, and rotates the rotation shaft Pc3 to rotate the transparent cover Pc1 and the base member Pc2.

[0200] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view showing the effect button unit PU in a state where the cover member Pc is opened. In the effect button unit PU, when the cover member Pc is opened, the transparent cover Pc1 and the base member Pc2 rotate about the rotation shaft Pc3. Since the rotation shaft Pc3 of the cover member Pc is located behind the center in the front-rear direction, it separates from the base member Pa1 of the first effect button Pa from the front side of the cover member Pc.

[0201] The second effect button Pb is composed of a push button protruding from the base member Pa1 of the first effect button Pa, and is configured such that it cannot be operated by the player when it is closed by the cover member Pc. In the effect button unit PU, when the second effect button Pb is pressed, since the base member Pa1 of the first effect button Pa is substantially fixed in position without following the transition of the second effect button Pb, it is configured such that the second effect button Pb can be pressed without detecting the pressing of the first effect button Pa.

[0202] Further, the second effect button Pb has a second effect button press sensor Pb1 that detects that it is being pressed as an operation to the second effect button Pb. The second effect button press sensor Pb1 becomes ON when the second effect button Pb is pressed, and becomes OFF when the second effect button Pb is released. Also, the second effect button press sensor Pb1 is configured to maintain the OFF state when the first effect button Pa is pressed and the second effect button Pb is not pressed, and is configured as a separate sensor independent of the first effect button press sensor Pa2.

[0203] As described above, the effect button unit PU of the present embodiment is configured such that an operation on the first effect button Pa can be detected by the first effect button press sensor Pa2, and an operation on the second effect button Pb can be detected by the second effect button press sensor Pb1. Further, the effect button unit PU is configured to be able to execute an opening / closing operation of the cover member Pc as a predetermined operation. This effect button unit PU constitutes a specific operation means in the present embodiment.

[0204] <Timing of opening and closing of the cover member> Next, the timing at which the cover member Pc of the effect button unit PU opens and closes will be described. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the timing of opening and closing of the cover member Pc and the content of control related to the opening and closing of the cover member Pc executed when each timing is established.

[0205] As shown in FIG. 12, the effect control means 200 of the present embodiment determines that the timing of opening and closing of the cover member Pc is established when an additional 200 games or more are executed on the AT game number counter. When it is determined that an addition (overwrite) of 200 games or more is to be executed on the AT game number counter, the effect control means 200 displays an image having a design similar to that of the second effect button Pb and an image prompting pressing of the second effect button Pb on the display device 410, thereby executing a second effect button operation effect for prompting an operation of the second effect button Pb, and outputs a pulse signal for rotationally driving the drive motor PM (see FIG. 2) in a direction to open the cover member Pc, and opens the cover member Pc. Further, when the cover member Pc is opened, the effect control means 200 validates an effect signal output toward the effect control means 200 by operating the second effect button Pb.

[0206] The performance control means 200 executes an additional game number notification performance for notifying the number of games to be added (added on) to the AT game number counter when the second performance button Pb is operated between the execution of the second performance button operation performance and the start lever SL being operated after a specified number of electronic medals are set to the inserted state. When the performance control means 200 executes the additional game number notification performance and the pressing of the second performance button Pb ends and the second performance button Pb is released, the performance control means 200 outputs a pulse signal for rotationally driving the drive motor PM in the direction of closing the cover member Pc to close the cover member Pc.

[0207] In the slot machine 1, when a specified number of electronic medals are set to the inserted state and the start lever SL is operated before the execution of the second performance button operation performance and the operation of the second performance button Pb, an additional game number notification performance is executed based on the operation of the start lever SL, and the cover member Pc is closed.

[0208] Also, as shown in FIG. 12, when a device check mode for checking the operations of various operation means, the display device 410, the audio device 420, etc. of the slot machine 1 is selected, the performance control means 200 determines that the opportunity for opening and closing the cover member Pc has been established. In the device check mode, when checking the operations of various devices, the operating devices are notified by the audio device 420.

[0209] The slot machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured to be able to display an administrator menu screen when the front upper door UD (see FIG. 1) is opened and the maintenance switch MS (see FIG. 2) provided on the sub-control board 20 is operated while the setting change switch SS (see FIG. 2) is in the ON state. In the slot machine 1, the device check mode can be selected on the administrator menu screen.

[0210] The details of the administrator menu screen will be described with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the administrator menu screen 414 is displayed on the display device 410. As shown in FIG. 13, on the administrator menu screen 414, "Administrator Menu" is displayed at the upper part of the display area 410a. A setting change history confirmation icon 414a for displaying the history of setting values changed when the display is determined is displayed on the display device 410, an error history confirmation icon 414b for displaying the history of errors that occurred when the display is determined is displayed on the display device 410, and a device check mode start icon 414c for starting the device check mode when determined are included, and a plurality of buttons are displayed. In the slot machine 1, by operating the item display button EBa, it is possible to display which item among the items displayed on the administrator menu screen 414 is selected when the selection button EBb is operated. By operating the selection button EBb, various displayed items can be selected, and execution of control corresponding to the selected various items can be determined.

[0211] In the effect control means 200 of the present embodiment, when the device check mode start icon 414c is selected and the selection button EBb is operated, based on the fact that the device check mode is started, it is determined that the opening / closing trigger of the cover member Pc is established. In the device check mode, the effect control means 200 alternately executes opening of the cover member Pc that is closed at a certain cycle (for example, every about 3 seconds) and closing of the cover member Pc that is open, and repeats opening and closing of the cover member Pc until the device check mode ends.

[0212] Here, the effect control means 200 of the present embodiment is configured not to execute the opening / closing operation of the cover member Pc when at least one of the first effect button press sensor Pa2 and the second effect button press sensor Pb1 is in the ON state in a state where the opening / closing trigger of the cover member Pc is established.

[0213] FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing control related to the opening and closing of the cover member Pc executed by the production control means 200. As shown in FIG. 14, the production control means 200 first determines whether or not a trigger for opening and closing the cover member Pc has occurred (S11). In this process, the production control means 200 determines whether or not any of the opening and closing triggers of the cover member Pc shown in FIG. 12 has occurred. If it is determined that the opening and closing trigger of the cover member Pc has not occurred (NO), the control related to the opening and closing of the cover member Pc is terminated.

[0214] In the process of step S11, if it is determined that the trigger for opening and closing the cover member Pc has occurred (YES), the production control means 200 determines whether or not the first production button Pa is pressed (S12). In this process, the production control means 200 determines whether or not the first production button Pa is pressed by determining whether or not the first production button press sensor Pa2 is in the ON state. If it is determined that the first production button Pa is pressed (YES), the process of step S12 is repeated until the first production button Pa is released, and the processes after step S13 are not executed.

[0215] In the process of step S12, if it is determined that the first production button Pa is not pressed (NO), the production control means 200 determines whether or not the second production button Pb is pressed (S13). In this process, the production control means 200 determines whether or not the second production button Pb is pressed by determining whether or not the second production button press sensor Pb1 is in the ON state. If it is determined that the second production button Pb is pressed (YES), the process returns to step S12.

[0216] By executing the processes of steps S12 and S13, when at least one of the first effect button Pa and the second effect button Pb is pressed, the effect control means 200 of the present embodiment does not execute the process related to driving the drive motor PM that is executed in the processes after step S14 to open and close the cover member Pc. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the cover member Pc from opening and closing while at least one of the first effect button Pa and the second effect button Pb is pressed, which would cause an excessive load on the drive motor PM and the drive mechanism Pd and result in a malfunction of the effect button unit PU.

[0217] In the process of step S13, when it is determined that the second effect button Pb is not pressed (NO), the effect control means 200 outputs a pulse signal corresponding to the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc to the drive motor PM (S14). In this process, the effect control means 200 outputs a pulse signal corresponding to the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc executed based on the establishment of the opening and closing trigger to the drive motor PM.

[0218] Next, the effect control means 200 determines whether or not the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc has ended (S15). In this process, the effect control means 200 determines whether or not the state of operating the cover member Pc to open and close has ended.

[0219] If the effect control means 200 starts opening and closing the cover member Pc when the stored value of the AT game number counter is incremented (added), when the cover member Pc is completely closed based on the pressing and releasing of the second effect button Pb, and when the cover member Pc is completely closed based on the start lever SL being started without the second effect button Pb being pressed, the effect control means 200 determines that the state of operating the cover member Pc to open and close has ended. Also, if the effect control means 200 starts opening and closing the cover member Pc when the device check mode is started, when the device check mode ends and the cover member Pc is completely closed, the effect control means 200 determines that the state of operating the cover member Pc to open and close has ended.

[0220] In the process of step S15, when it is determined that the opening / closing operation of the cover member Pc has ended (YES), the effect control means 200 ends the control related to the opening / closing operation of the cover member Pc. On the other hand, in the process of step S15, when it is determined that the opening / closing operation of the cover member Pc has not ended (NO), the effect control means 200 returns the process to step S12.

[0221] As described above, the effect control means 200 of the present embodiment is configured not to execute the opening / closing operation of the cover member Pc when the opening / closing trigger of the cover member Pc is established and at least one of the first effect button Pa and the second effect button Pb is pressed. Further, the effect control means 200 is configured to promptly start the opening / closing operation of the cover member Pc when the first effect button Pa and the second effect button Pb are released from the state where the opening / closing trigger of the cover member Pc is established and at least one of the first effect button Pa and the second effect button Pb is pressed.

[0222] In other words, when the opening / closing trigger of the cover member Pc is established, the effect control means 200, even if at least one of the first effect button Pa and the second effect button Pb is pressed, returns the process to step S12 without executing the processes after the process of step S12 or step S13, thereby stopping the progress of the process related to the opening / closing operation of the cover member Pc without ending the control related to the opening / closing operation of the cover member Pc, and is configured to limit the opening / closing operation of the cover member Pc.

[0223] With this configuration, when the cover member Pc of the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment is opened and closed, even if the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc is restricted based on at least one of the first effect button Pa and the second effect button Pb being pressed, when the first effect button Pa and the second effect button Pb are released, the restriction on the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc is released, and the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc can be started promptly. After the restriction on the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc, the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc can be resumed without re-establishing the trigger for the opening and closing of the cover member Pc, and the interest in the effect of the slot machine 1 using the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc can be improved.

[0224] This effect control means 200 constitutes specific control means for controlling the operation of the effect button unit PU in the present embodiment, and the control related to the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc shown in FIG. 14 constitutes an operation process for causing the effect button unit PU in the present embodiment to execute a predetermined operation.

[0225] <Summary of the opening and closing operation of the cover member> Thus, when the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment executes the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc of the effect button unit PU, if it is detected that at least one of the first effect button Pa and the second effect button Pb is pressed, by not executing the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc, it is possible to prevent the cover member Pc from opening and closing while at least one of the first effect button Pa and the second effect button Pb is pressed, which may cause an excessive load on the drive motor PM and the drive mechanism Pd and result in a malfunction of the effect button unit PU.

[0226] Further, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, based on the fact that the device check mode start icon 414c is selected from the administrator menu displayed on the display device 410 by the item selection button unit EB and the device check mode is started, the effect button unit PU is configured to be able to execute the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc. When the effect button unit PU is operated, the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc is configured not to be executed based on the selection of the device check mode start icon 414c.

[0227] That is, the slot machine 1 includes a display means (for example, the display device 410), a first operation means (for example, the item selection button unit EB) capable of selecting a predetermined item (for example, the device check mode start icon 414c) displayed on the display means, and a second operation means (for example, the effect button unit PU) capable of executing a predetermined operation based on the selection of the predetermined item by the first operation means. When the second operation means is operated, the predetermined operation based on the selection of the predetermined item is configured not to be executed.

[0228] In other words, in the slot machine 1, the specific operation means is the second operation means, and includes a display means and a first operation means capable of selecting a predetermined item displayed on the display means. The specific control means is configured to be able to execute an operation process based on the selection of the predetermined item by the first operation means.

[0229] With this configuration, when the cover member Pc of the effect button unit PU performs an opening / closing operation based on the start of the device check mode by selecting the device check mode start icon 414c, in the case where at least one of the first effect button Pa and the second effect button Pb is pressed, that is, when the effect button unit PU is being operated, the cover member Pc does not perform the opening / closing operation, thereby preventing the cover member Pc from performing the opening / closing operation while at least one of the first effect button Pa and the second effect button Pb is pressed, which could cause an excessive load on the drive motor PM and the drive mechanism Pd and result in a malfunction of the effect button unit PU.

[0230] Also, the effect control means 200 of the present embodiment is configured to detect whether the first effect button Pa is pressed by a first effect button press sensor Pa2 that becomes ON when the first effect button Pa is pressed, and to detect whether the second effect button Pb is pressed by a second effect button press sensor Pb1 that becomes ON when the second effect button Pb is pressed. When an object such as a player's hand contacts the cover member Pc and the first effect button Pa and the second effect button Pb are not pressed, it is configured to output a pulse signal to the drive motor PM to perform the opening / closing operation of the cover member Pc.

[0231] That is, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment has a drive member (for example, drive motor PM, drive mechanism Pd) that supplies power to cause a specific operation means to perform a predetermined operation, and is configured to drive the drive member when the specific operation means is not operated and a predetermined operation is restricted when the specific operation means contacts an object different from the specific operation means.

[0232] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment restricts the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc only when a load equal to or greater than a certain level is applied to the drive motor PM and the drive mechanism Pd by performing the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc, such as pressing the first effect button Pa or the second effect button Pb. When the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc is performed without the first effect button Pa and the second effect button Pb being pressed and the load applied to the drive motor PM and the drive mechanism Pd is small, in order to rotationally drive the drive motor PM, it is possible to prevent an increase in the processing required to determine the presence or absence of the restriction of the opening and closing operation in the control process related to the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc, and the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc can be realized by a simple program, and it is possible to prevent an excessive increase in the program capacity.

[0233] Moreover, the effect button unit PU of the present embodiment is configured such that when the first effect button Pa is pressed, the second effect button Pb and the cover member Pc disposed on the base member Pa1 are also pushed in following the transition of the base member Pa1. When the first effect button Pa is pressed, the position of the rotation axis Pc3, which is the rotation center when the cover member Pc performs the opening and closing operation, is also configured to move following the transition of the base member Pa1.

[0234] That is, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the specific operation means includes a rotating member (for example, the cover member Pc) and a driving member that applies power to the rotating member, and the predetermined operation is an operation of rotating the rotating member about a rotation axis (for example, the rotation axis Pc3). When the specific operation means is operated, the rotation axis of the rotating member moves according to the operation of the specific operation means.

[0235] With this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the rotation axis Pc3 that is the rotation center of the cover member Pc moves in response to the pressing of the first effect button Pa, there is a risk that the transmission of power from the drive motor PM to the cover member Pc via the drive mechanism Pd becomes unstable. In such a case, by not performing the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc, it is possible to prevent the situation where the first effect button Pa is pressed and the cover member Pc performs the opening and closing operation with the position of the rotation axis Pc3 being indefinite, which would cause an excessive load on the drive motor PM and the drive mechanism Pd and result in a malfunction of the effect button unit PU.

[0236] 5. Summary of the present embodiment As described above, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when performing the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc of the effect button unit PU, when at least one of the first effect button Pa and the second effect button Pb is pressed, that is, when the effect button unit PU is being operated, by not performing the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc, it is possible to prevent the situation where the cover member Pc performs the opening and closing operation while at least one of the first effect button Pa and the second effect button Pb is pressed, which would cause an excessive load on the drive motor PM and the drive mechanism Pd and result in a malfunction of the effect button unit PU.

[0237] 6. Modification example In the present embodiment, the slot machine 1 has one minor combination with a payout set to be more than the first specified number as a payout when the game starts with the first specified number of medals set to be inserted, but it is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 only needs to have at least one minor combination with a payout set to be more than the first specified number as a payout when the game starts with the first specified number of medals set to be inserted. For example, it may be configured to have multiple types.

[0238] Also, in the present embodiment, although the payout rates of minor winning combinations 1 to 9 in the case where a three-coin bet game is executed and the payout rates of minor winning combinations 1 to 9 in the case where a two-coin bet game is executed are set to the same payout rate, it is not limited thereto. For example, the slot machine 1 may be configured such that for the payout rates of minor winning combinations 1 to 9 in the case where a two-coin bet game is executed, any minor winning combination is set to a single-coin payout rate.

[0239] With such a configuration, the slot machine 1 does not need to store in the main storage means 190 the upper limit value setting process of the payout number that was executed to make the payout rate in the RBB state where a two-coin bet game is executed 50%. Therefore, in the area of the main storage means 190 that stores various program codes, the data capacity of the program code required for the upper limit value setting process of the payout number can be reduced.

[0240] Also, in the present embodiment, when the slot machine 1 wins in the winning area "all minor winning combinations", it is configured to switch the minor winning combinations that can be won depending on the order of pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3. The first operation mode is composed of pressing order 3 to pressing order 6, and the second operation mode is composed of pressing order 1 and pressing order 2, but it is not limited thereto. When the slot machine 1 wins in the winning area "all minor winning combinations", it only needs to be configured to switch the minor winning combinations that can be won depending on the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3. For example, the first operation mode and the second operation mode may be composed of the same pressing order and different operation timings.

[0241] Also, in the present embodiment, the effect button unit PU is configured to be able to execute the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc as a predetermined operation, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the effect button unit PU may be configured to be able to execute an operation other than the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc, such as vibration, as a predetermined operation.

[0242] Further, the effect display button unit PU may be configured to be capable of performing, for example, an opening / closing operation of the cover member Pc as a first operation and an oscillation of the effect display button unit PU as a second operation.

[0243] When configured in this way, the effect control means 200 restricts the execution of the oscillation of the effect display button unit PU as the second operation during the execution of the opening / closing operation of the cover member Pc as the first operation when both the start timing of the first operation and the start timing of the second operation are satisfied, and releases the restriction on the oscillation of the effect display button unit PU after the opening or closing of the cover member Pc is completed and the operation of the cover member Pc stops, and may be configured to start the oscillation of the effect display button unit PU.

[0244] That is, in the slot machine 1, the specific operation means may be configured to be capable of performing a first operation and a second operation, the predetermined operation is the first operation, and when the execution of the first operation and the second operation is determined, the second operation is performed after the first operation is completed.

[0245] By being configured in this way, when the slot machine 1 performs the opening / closing operation of the cover member Pc of the effect display button unit PU and the oscillation of the effect display button unit PU, the effect display button unit PU is not oscillated during the execution of the opening / closing operation of the cover member Pc, so that the effect display button unit PU oscillates while the drive motor PM and the drive mechanism Pd are operating to open / close the cover member Pc, which may cause an excessive load on the drive motor PM and the drive mechanism Pd and result in a malfunction of the effect display button unit PU.

[0246] Also, in the present embodiment, the slot machine 1 includes an effect button unit PU having a first effect button Pa and a second effect button Pb included in the first effect button Pa, but is not limited thereto. The slot machine 1 may be configured to include, for example, an effect button composed of one pressing button as the effect button unit PU, as long as it is composed of operation means capable of detecting at least one operation.

[0247] Also, in the present embodiment, when the device check mode is started and at least one of the first effect button Pa and the second effect button Pb is pressed, the effect control means 200 continues the device check mode without performing the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc, and when the first effect button Pa and the second effect button Pb are released, the restriction on the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc is released and the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc is started, but is not limited thereto. For example, when the device check mode is started and at least one of the first effect button Pa and the second effect button Pb is pressed, the effect control means 200 may be configured to end the device check mode so as not to perform the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc.

[0248] That is, in the slot machine 1, when an operation of the effect button unit PU is detected during the execution of the control related to the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc that causes the effect button unit PU to perform the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc, the effect control means 200 may be configured to stop the control related to the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc by ending the control related to the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc.

[0249] In other words, the slot machine 1 can execute the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc of the effect button unit PU based on the selection of the device check mode start icon 414c by the item selection button unit EB. When the effect button unit PU is operated, the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc based on the selection of the device check mode start icon 414c is not executed by ending the device check mode. It may be configured like this.

[0250] With this configuration, when the slot machine 1 starts the device check mode, it can end the device check mode by operating the effect button unit PU that is performing the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc. It can realize an intuitive operability of ending the device check mode by operating the device that was the target of operation in the device check mode, and can improve the operability of the slot machine 1.

[0251] Also, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured such that when the item selection button unit EB is operated on the administrator menu screen and the device check mode start icon 414c is selected, the device check mode is started and the effect control means 200 determines that the trigger for opening and closing the cover member Pc has been established, but it is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured to display a plurality of items in the device check mode and execute the operation of the device corresponding to the selected item when each item is selected.

[0252] Specifically, when the device check mode is selected, the slot machine 1 displays 10 items of operation patterns 1 to 10. When operation pattern 1 is selected, the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc of the effect button unit PU is executed. When operation pattern 2 is selected, the vibration of the effect button unit PU is executed, and each device may be configured to operate according to the items of each operation pattern.

[0253] When configured in this way, when the effect button unit PU selects the operation pattern 1 that is displayed based on the selection of the device check mode as a predetermined item, it executes the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc as a predetermined operation. If the operation pattern 1 is not selected, even when the device check mode is selected, the opening and closing operation of the cover member Pc will not be executed.

[0254] By being configured in this way, the slot machine 1 can select a device for confirming an operation and the content of the operation of the device in the device check mode. Therefore, it is possible to quickly operate the device that requires operation confirmation and confirm the operation of the device.

[0255] Also, when configured in this way, for each operation pattern displayed in the device check mode of the slot machine 1, when the display of any one of the operation patterns 1 to 10 is emphasized by operating the item display button EBa, it may be configured such that the operation of the device corresponding to the emphasized operation pattern is executed.

[0256] Also, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 includes the medal number control means 300 of the medal number control CPU 31 as management control means for managing electronic medals and being communicable with the dedicated unit SU, and includes the main control CPU 11 as game control means for controlling games performed using electronic medals. However, it is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured not to include the medal number control board 30, and by being configured such that various functions mounted on the medal number control board 30 are realized by various functions mounted on the main control board 10, the main control CPU 11 may be configured to function as management control means for managing electronic medals and being communicable with the dedicated unit SU.

[0257] Also, in the present embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured not to notify whether it is an advantageous section, but is not limited thereto. For example, the slot machine 1 may be configured to notify that it is an advantageous section when the expected value of obtaining electronic medals becomes 1 or more by assisting the winning of small winning combinations.

[0258] Also, in the present embodiment, the slot machine 1 has left reels R1 to right reels R3 as a plurality of reels, and stop buttons B1 to stop buttons B3 corresponding to the left reels R1 to right reels R3 as a plurality of stop buttons, but is not limited thereto. For example, it may have a fourth reel and a stop button corresponding to the fourth reel.

[0259] Also, in the present embodiment, the slot machine 1 has a max bet button MB for inserting a specified number of electronic medals, but is not limited thereto. For example, in addition to the max bet button MB, it may be configured to have a single bet button for inserting one electronic medal.

[0260] 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 are set to the inserted state for the specified number in the non-RT state and the RBB internal middle state. When configured in this way, when the game state is the non-RT state or the RBB internal middle state, if the max bet button MB is operated, the slot machine 1 may be configured to set the first specified number of electronic medals to the inserted state, and if the single bet button is operated twice, to set the second specified number of electronic medals to the inserted state.

[0261] Also, in the present embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to set a value as an initial value in each counter and the stored value of the storage means, and perform a decrement update that subtracts 1 each time a game is executed, or an increment update that adds 1 each time a game is executed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the update method of each counter and storage means may be configured to perform multiplication, division, etc., and is not particularly limited.

[0262] Also, in the present embodiment, a rotary gaming machine is exemplified as the gaming machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a symbol determination means for determining any one of a plurality of types of symbols including a jackpot symbol, a symbol display means for displaying a symbol on the symbol display unit when a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed after the symbol is determined, a big winning game execution means for executing a big winning game composed of a plurality of rounds of games when a jackpot symbol is displayed on the symbol display unit, a game profit giving means for giving a predetermined game profit when a game ball that has entered the big winning opening enters a specific area during a preset specific round game among the round games in the big winning game, and an effect execution means for executing an effect during the big winning game. The present invention can also be applied to a so-called first type of pachinko machine having these means, or a pachinko machine capable of a second type of game in which a big winning game can be started when a game ball enters a predetermined area during a small winning game. When configured from a pachinko machine, the gaming machine may be configured to circulate game balls inside the gaming machine and record the game value used for the game by an electromagnetic method.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0263] 1 Slot machine (gaming machine) 200 Effect control means (specific control means) PU Effect button unit (specific operation means)

Claims

Claim 1 specific operation means capable of detecting an operation and executing a predetermined operation, specific control means for controlling the operation of the specific operation means, and when the operation is detected during execution of an operation process for causing the specific operation means to execute the predetermined operation, the specific control means stops the operation process. A gaming machine characterized by the above.

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