Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine with unprecedented high interest.SOLUTION: A game machine includes specific notification control means capable of executing specific notification control to notify a player of an operation mode of operation means for winning a first winning combination when a lottery result of lottery means is the first winning combination, in a specific game state. The specific notification control means includes particular notification control means capable of executing particular notification control for not executing the specific notification control on the basis of the satisfaction of a predetermined condition when the lottery result of the lottery means is the first winning combination. The particular notification control means is capable of executing the particular notification control with a predetermined probability when the lottery result of the lottery means is a second winning combination. Specific privilege imparting control means capable of executing control to impart a specific privilege is configured to be controllable so that the probability of imparting a specific privilege is higher when the particular notification control is executed when the second winning combination is won than when the particular notification control is executed when the first winning combination is won.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] A pachinko game machine is known as a gaming machine having a variable display device capable of displaying a variable display game based on multiple identification information, and generating a specific game state advantageous to the player according to the result of the variable display game. Also, a slot machine is known that has multiple reels, executes a game by variably displaying the multiple reels based on the player's start operation, stops the multiple reels based on the player's stop operation, and generates a specific game state according to the stop display state of the multiple reels. Furthermore, in recent slot machines, when a specific game state occurs, an LED or the like is lit to notify the player of the reel stopping sequence required to achieve a winning combination, and when the player stops the reels in the notified stopping sequence, the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination is stopped (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-128566 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, there is room for improvement in such conventional gaming machines. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a gaming machine which executes a game based on a player's operation and is capable of granting a bonus to the player in connection with the execution of the game, the gaming machine comprising: lottery means capable of executing a lottery for a role based on the execution of the game; operation means operable by the player in connection with the execution of the game; specific gaming state control means capable of executing control of a specific gaming state advantageous to the player; specific notification control means which, when the lottery result of the lottery means in the specific gaming state is a winning first role, executes specific notification control for notifying an operation mode of the operation means for winning the first role; and, in the specific gaming state, granting a specific bonus based on the lottery result of the lottery means. and a specific bonus granting control means capable of executing control to grant the specific bonus, the specific bonus control means including a special notification control means capable of executing special notification control for not performing the specific notification control based on the establishment of a predetermined condition when the result of the lottery by the lottery means is a winning combination for a first role, the special notification control means being capable of executing the special notification control with a predetermined probability when the result of the lottery by the lottery means is a winning combination for a second role, and the specific bonus granting control means is configured to be controllable so that the probability of granting the specific bonus is higher when the special notification control is performed when the second role is won than when the special notification control is performed when the first role is won. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic front view showing the appearance of the gaming machine. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the internal configuration of the gaming machine. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of the gaming machine. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart showing a gaming method in the gaming machine. [Diagram 5] 11 is a diagram for explaining the transition of game states in a gaming machine. FIG. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart showing navigation lottery processing in a main control device of a gaming machine. [Figure 7]13 is a diagram showing a navigation lottery table used during navigation lottery processing in a main control device in a gaming machine. [Figure 8] A figure showing the image displayed on the main performance display when the push order bell role is won during the AT state of the gaming machine. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart showing navigation performance processing in a main control device of a gaming machine. [Figure 10] 13 is a diagram showing a navigation effect lottery table used during navigation effect processing in a main control device in a gaming machine. [Figure 11] This is a diagram showing an additional lottery table used when performing an additional lottery by the main control device in the gaming machine. [Figure 12] A figure showing the image displayed on the main performance display when a rare role is won during the AT state in a gaming machine. [Figure 13] A figure showing the image displayed on the main performance display when an irregular press occurs when the push order bell role is won during the normal game mode of the gaming machine. [Figure 14] This figure shows the image displayed on the main performance display when an irregular press occurs when the push order bell role is won during the AT state of the gaming machine. [Figure 15] A figure showing an image on the main effect display when an expectation level increase effect is executed during the AT state in variant example 1 of the gaming machine. [Figure 16] This figure shows an image on the main effect display when an irregular press occurs after an expectation level increase effect is executed during the AT state in variant example 2 of the gaming machine. [Figure 17] 13 is a timing chart showing a case where a pseudo game is executed when the navigation performance lottery is not won in variant example 2 of the gaming machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] A preferred embodiment of a gaming machine according to the present invention will now be described. The gaming machine of this embodiment is a gaming machine (hereinafter referred to as a medalless gaming machine) that does not use actual medals (gaming media), but manages medals as data, and plays using a pseudo gaming medium in that data format. Below, we will explain an example of applying the present invention to a No. 6 slot machine having an AT (ART) state as a medal-less gaming machine, but the present invention is not limited to this and can also be applied to, for example, normal type (so-called A type) slot machines that allow real bonus play. In addition, medals as data used in medalless gaming machines are called "game medals," and medals as data that have been deposited with the gaming store (management device, dedicated unit) and that have been won in previous games are called "owned medals."

[0008] The gaming machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing the appearance of a medal-less gaming machine (gaming machine). FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the internal configuration of the medalless gaming machine (gaming machine). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the medal-less gaming machine 1 includes a cabinet 1b and a front door 1a that opens and closes to cover an opening of the cabinet. A display window 6 through which the rear can be seen is formed in the center of the front door 1a, and through this display window 6, the symbols displayed on a reel 41 serving as a display means can be seen. Below the display window 6, a step is formed that protrudes forward, and around this step, operation means such as the bet button 2a, the MAX bet button 2b, the first performance button 2g, the count button 2c, the settlement button 2d, the start lever 3, the stop button 5, and notification means such as the game medal number display device 7, the count button lamp 2e, and the bet number lamp 2f are provided. The game medal number display device 7 may be provided on the upper surface side or the front side of the step. Above the display window 6, there is provided a navigation lamp 12 that guides the player through the operation sequence of the stop button 5. In addition, on the left side of the display window 6, there is provided a sub-effect display 18 that is made up of a liquid crystal display and acts as a notification means and an effect means. The upper part of the front door 1a is provided with a main effect display device 8 that functions as a notification means and an effect display means. The main effect display device 8 has a display section made up of a liquid crystal display with a predetermined display area, and is capable of displaying various effect images and the number of game medals.

[0010] To the side of the main performance display 8 are a second performance button 2h, a speaker 9 that produces sound effects and notifications, and a lamp 11 that produces light effects and notifications in response to the winning of each role or the effects displayed on the main performance display 8.

[0011] Inside the cabinet 1b, there is a main control device 10 equipped with a CPU that performs overall control of the game, and also a sub-control device 20 equipped with a CPU that performs control related to the game presentation, etc. under the control of the main control device 10. The housing 1b also includes a drum unit 4. The drum unit 4 includes three reels 41a to 41c arranged in parallel in the horizontal direction, and each of the reels 41 is configured to be rotatable by the drive of a stepping motor (not shown). A plurality of symbols (identification information) are displayed on the outer peripheral surface of each of the reels 41a to 41c in a predetermined arrangement, and when the reel 41 is in a stopped state, a predetermined number of consecutive symbols (e.g., three) can be seen through the display window 6 for each of the reels 41a to 41c. A power supply device 15 for supplying power to each device including the main control device 10 and the sub-control device 20 is provided inside the housing 1b. A game medal count clear button 14 and a probability setting device 16 are provided inside the cabinet 1b, and a dedicated unit 19, which is an inter-machine device, is located adjacent to the outside of the gaming machine in correspondence with each medalless gaming machine 1 (not shown).

[0012] As shown in Figure 3, various parts such as a bet button 2a, a MAX bet button 2b, a settlement button 2d, a start lever 3, a stop button 5, a dedicated unit 19, a drum unit 4, a counting button 2c, a game medal count display device 7, a game medal count clear button 14, a probability setting device 16, a power supply device 15, and a game equipment device 100 are connected to the main control device 10. In addition, the dashed lines in FIG. 3 (the dedicated unit 19, the gaming facility device 100) indicate that they are external devices. The main control unit 10 functions as a lottery means capable of executing lotteries related to games, and also detects and controls the operation of each of the above-mentioned parts, transitions the game state, and outputs predetermined commands (control information) to the sub-control unit 20 at predetermined timing. The main control device 10 also has a storage unit capable of storing game values ​​(game medals) owned by the player, and controls the execution of a game based on the game values ​​stored in the storage unit.

[0013] The sub-control device 20 is connected to various parts such as a navigation lamp 12, a counting button lamp 2e, a bet number lamp 2f, a main performance display 8, a sub-performance display 18, a speaker 9, a lamp 11, a first performance button 2g, and a second performance button 2h. The sub-controller 20 operates as a performance control means, and controls the operation of each of the above-mentioned parts in response to commands (control information) from the main controller 10. Either one or both of the main control device 10 and the sub-control device 20 constitute the lottery means, specific game state control means, specific notification control means, specific bonus granting control means, special notification control means, presentation display control means, first game control means, and second game control means in the present invention.

[0014] The operation of the main parts will now be described. The game medal number display device 7 is a game value display means, and displays the total number of game medals (game value) that can be used in a game. Therefore, the player can insert game medals within the range of the game medal number displayed on the game medal number display device 7 to play the game. The game medal count display device 7 includes a memory means (such as a RAM) and a game medal count display 7a (see FIG. 15) configured, for example, with a 7-segment LED. When game medals are lent or awarded, the main control device 10 adds up the number lent or awarded, and stores (records) the addition result (total) in the memory means as the "game medal count," and displays it on the game medal count display 7a. In addition, when game medals are inserted or counted, the main control device 10 subtracts the number of inserted medals or the number of counted medals from the “number of game medals” “stored and displayed” in the game medal number display device 7. The game medals are dispensed by operating a dedicated unit 19, which is an inter-machine device, and the game medals are inserted by operating the bet button 2a or the MAX bet button 2b. An upper limit (for example, 16,300) is set for the number of game medals (amount of game value) that can be stored and displayed in the game medal count display device 7, and if the total number of game medals awarded as a result of winning, for example, exceeds the upper limit, a "play not possible" control is executed so that play is not possible. In the "unplayable" state, operations of the start lever 3, the bet button 2a, the MAX bet button 2b, and the settlement button 2d are not accepted.

[0015] When game medals are loaned or awarded, the main control unit 10 adds up the number of medals loaned or awarded, and stores (records) the addition result (total) in the memory means as the "number of game medals," and transmits control information to the sub-control unit 20 that can identify the "number of game medals" at that time. In addition, when game medals are inserted or counted, the main control device 10 transmits to the sub-control device 20 control information capable of identifying the "number of game medals" that has been subtracted by the insertion or counting.

[0016] The bet button 2a and the MAX bet button 2b are operating means used to insert (bet) game medals when starting a game. When pressed, the bet button 2a sets the number of bets to "1" (temporarily stored in the RAM), and when pressed, the MAX bet button 2b sets the maximum number of bets to "3" (temporarily stored in the RAM). In response to the pressing of the BET button 2 a or the MAX BET button 2 b, the main control device 10 subtracts the corresponding bet number from the number of game medals stored and displayed on the game medal number display device 7 .

[0017] The start lever 3 is an operating means that is operated by a player when starting a game after inserting a gaming medal. The stop button 5 is an operating means that is pressed to stop the reel 41 that rotates in response to the operation of the start lever 3.

[0018] The count button 2c is an operating means that is operated when the player performs a counting process on the game medals that he / she has acquired. Specifically, the count button 2c is a count operation means that is operated to output at least a part of the game medals (game value) displayed on the game medal number display 7a to a dedicated unit 19 (external) as count data. For this reason, the count button 2c is operated when the game is ended, but is not limited to this and can be operated at any time in principle (even during the game or when the game is not available). The count button 2c counts different amounts depending on how it is pressed. For example, when the count button 2c is "short pressed" (e.g., pressed for less than 500 milliseconds), the main control device 10 outputs count data that can identify that "1" game medal has been counted, that is, the counted amount "1", to the dedicated unit 19. In this case, the main control device 10 executes a process of subtracting the counted amount "1" from the game medal count stored and displayed in the game medal count display device 7.

[0019] When the count button 2c is "pressed and held" (for example, pressed for 500 milliseconds or longer), the main control device 10 outputs count data that indicates that the maximum number of game medals "50" has been counted, that is, the maximum count number "50", to the dedicated unit 19. In this case, the main control device 10 executes a process of subtracting the count number (maximum "50") from the number of game medals stored and displayed in the game medal number display device 7. For example, if the count button 2c is pressed and held down when the game medal count display 7a shows a game medal count of "50 or less," the maximum number of game medals that will be counted will be "50," and therefore all game medals will be counted. In this case, the main control device 10 outputs count data capable of identifying the counted number to the dedicated unit 19, and subtracts the counted number from the number of game medals stored and displayed in the game medal number display device 7. As a result, the number of game medals stored and displayed on the game medal number display device 7 is updated to "0." In addition, if the counting button 2c is pressed and held continuously while the game medal count display 7a shows a game medal count of "over 50", the game medal count will be "50" in response to the first detection of the long press, and a maximum of "50" game medals will be counted each time a long press is detected from the second time onwards (for example, every 300 milliseconds). In this case, the main control device 10 outputs count data capable of specifying the total count amount to the dedicated unit 19, and subtracts the total count amount from the number of game medals stored and displayed in the game medal number display device 7. In addition, the counting data output to the dedicated unit 19 based on the continued long press may be a lump-sum output of counting data that allows the total counting amount to be identified when the continued long press ends, or counting data that allows the counting amount (maximum 50) to be identified may be output individually each time a long press is detected. On the dedicated unit 19 side, for example, the total number of counted medals until a return button (not shown) provided on the dedicated unit 19 is operated is managed as the number of medals held. In addition to the normal count button 2c, separate count buttons may be provided, such as a button that can count 100 sheets with a short press, or a count button that stops at 500 sheets even if pressed for a long time.

[0020] In this manner, the number of game medals stored and displayed in the game medal number display device 7 can be subtracted by the counting process. Therefore, if the number of game medals exceeds the upper limit and the "unplayable" state occurs, as a countermeasure, the "unplayable" state can be lifted by operating the counting button 2c to reduce the number of game medals below the upper limit.

[0021] The game medal count clear button 14 is an operation means for a store clerk to reset (to 0) the game medal count stored and displayed in the game medal count display device 7. When the game medal number clear button 14 is operated, the main control device 10 updates the game medal number stored and displayed on the game medal number display device 7 to "0." Therefore, the “unplayable” state can also be released by a store clerk operating the game medal count clear button 14.

[0022] The settlement button 2d is an operation means that is operated when returning (transferring) the set bet number to the game medal number display device . For example, when the settlement button 2d is pressed and the bet number is set to "1", the main control device 10 clears the bet number and adds "1" to the number of game medals stored and displayed in the game medal number display device 7. When the settlement button 2d is pressed while the bet number is set to "2", the main control device 10 clears the bet number and adds "2" to the number of game medals displayed on the game medal number display 7a. When the settlement button 2d is pressed with the bet number set to "3", the main control device 10 clears the bet number and adds "3" to the number of game medals displayed on the game medal number display 7a. In other words, the settlement button 2d is a specific operating means that can be operated to add the game medals (game value) set as the bet number (number of bets) to the number of game medals (game value) displayed on the game medal number display 7a (game value display means). Therefore, when the player wishes to end the game, when he / she confirms that the number of bets has been set by checking that the number of bets lamp 2f is lit, he / she may press the settlement button 2d. As a result, the number of game medals corresponding to the set bet number is added to the number of game medals stored and displayed in the game medal number display device 7, and the bet number can then be returned together with the number of game medals by subsequently pressing the counting button 2c.

[0023] It should be noted that the function of the settlement button 2d can also be given to other operating means such as the bet button 2a. For example, when the bet button 2a is "short pressed", the bet number "1" is set, and when the bet button 2a is "long pressed", the operation of the settlement button 2d (the return operation described above) is performed.

[0024] The bet number lamp 2f is a notification means for notifying the player that the bet number has been set and the bet number (1 to 3 bets) by lighting an LED before the start of a game. Based on receiving control information from the main control unit 10, the sub-control unit 20 controls the following: when the bet number is set to "1", one lamp (for example, the "1 BET" lamp shown in FIG. 1) is turned on; when the bet number is set to "2", two lamps (for example, the "1 BET" and "2 BET" lamps shown in FIG. 1) are turned on; when the bet number is set to "3", three lamps (for example, the "1 BET", "2 BET", and "3 BET" lamps shown in FIG. 1) are turned on. That is, the bet number lamp 2f is a bet number display means, and displays the bet number (game value) set as the number of bets in a game at least before the start of a game. The sub-controller 20 performs control to turn off the bet number lamp 2f based on the reception of information specifying the start of a game (operation of the start lever 3) from the main controller 10.

[0025] Furthermore, based on the control information received from the main control device 10, the sub-control device 20 performs control to turn off the bet number lamp 2f when game medals corresponding to the bet number are inserted. In addition, based on the control information received from the main control device 10, the sub-control device 20 performs control to turn off the bet number lamp 2f when the settlement button 2d is operated and the bet number is transferred to the number of game medals. That is, the bet number lamp 2f is turned on when the bet number is set, and is turned off when game medals are inserted or when game medals are settled (returned). In addition, a display means for displaying the number of bets may be provided separately from the number-of-bet lamps 2f, and the display means may be directly controlled by the main control device 10.

[0026] Furthermore, the sub-controller 20 displays the "game medal number" at that time on the display unit 8a of the main performance display 8 based on the reception of control information capable of identifying the "game medal number" transmitted from the main controller 10. Therefore, the "game medal number" is displayed not only on the game medal number display 7a but also on the main performance display 8, and when the "game medal number" is increased or decreased by lending or granting game medals, or by inserting or counting game medals, the numerical information of both the game medal number display 7a and the main performance display 8 is updated. The “number of game medals” may be stored by the storage means of the sub-control device 20.

[0027] The probability setting device 16 can change the probability of winning the AT state into multiple stages (for example, six stages). The main control device 10 stores one of the set values ​​in the memory based on the probability setting operation of the probability setting device 16 by the arcade staff, and controls the winning probability of the AT state based on the stored set value. For example, setting 1 is the lowest winning probability, and the higher the number, the higher the winning probability.

[0028] The dedicated unit 19 is a lending device that lends out game medals. The dedicated unit 19 is provided outside the medal-less gaming machine 1, and is connected to the medal-less gaming machine 1 via a connection terminal board so as to be able to communicate data with the medal-less gaming machine 1. When a dispensing operation such as inserting cash (banknotes) is performed in the dedicated unit 19, the dedicated unit 19 outputs, to the medal-less gaming machine 1, dispensing data capable of specifying the number of gaming medals to be lent. In the medal-less gaming machine 1, the main control device 10 specifies the number of game medals to be lent based on the inputted lending data, and adds the specified number of lent medals to the number of game medals stored and displayed in the game medal number display device 7.

[0029] The dedicated unit 19 also serves as a return device for returning game medals. Specifically, the medal-less gaming machine 1 outputs to the dedicated unit 19 count data that can specify the counted number of gaming medals based on the operation of the count button 2c. The dedicated unit 19 receives the count data output from the medal-less gaming machine 1 and manages the counted number of gaming medals specified based on the count data as the number of held medals.

[0030] The dedicated unit 19 is provided with a medal count display (not shown) consisting of, for example, a 7-segment LED, and the number of medals held that is stored and managed is displayed on the medal count display. Moreover, the dedicated unit 19 includes a card unit (not shown), and the card unit (not shown) can store (record) the number of medals held in an IC card. The IC card can be ejected from the card unit by operating a return button provided on the dedicated unit 19 (return operation). The ejected IC card can be handed over to a prize exchange corner in the game center to exchange the number of medals held for a prize, or can be inserted into the card unit of another dedicated unit 19 to play again using the number of medals held. The dedicated unit 19 and the game medal count display device 7 are linked, so that if the number of game medals stored and displayed in the game medal count display device 7 is at least "1" or more, the IC card cannot be discharged by the return operation, and the IC card can be discharged by the return operation only when the number of game medals is "0". In other words, the player cannot obtain the IC card until all game medals have been counted. This prevents the player from failing to return any remaining game medals.

[0031] The dedicated unit 19 can be connected to a computer called a hall computer or a management computer either directly or via a relay device, and is capable of outputting game information such as out or safe, sales information, etc. to the computer. This makes it possible, for example, for the computer to tally up the number of outs, safes, prize balls, etc. for each gaming machine, and to calculate the error balls based on this gaming information.

[0032] In addition, the dedicated unit 19 can be connected to the gaming equipment 100 either directly or via a relay device, and is capable of outputting gaming information such as game execution information received from the medal-less gaming machine 1 and information on the occurrence of a specific gaming state (such as an AT state) to a calling device.

[0033] The gaming facility device 100 is a device that is installed above the medal-less gaming machine 1 in an island facility (not shown) on which the medal-less gaming machine 1 is installed. The main control device 10 transmits various game data to the gaming equipment device 100 via a dedicated unit 19, which can identify the number of games played, the number of times a pseudo bonus state or an AT state has occurred, the number of medals spent on a game, the number of medals awarded (paid out), etc. In addition, the gaming equipment device 100 is equipped with a call button (not shown) that a player operates to call an attendant at the gaming facility, a call lamp (not shown) that notifies the player that a call has been made, and an information display device (not shown) consisting of an LCD display or the like. Then, in the gaming equipment device 100, based on various gaming data transmitted from the corresponding medalless gaming machine 1, information such as the number of games played in normal gaming state from the time of power-on or the previous pseudo bonus state to the present, the number of times the pseudo bonus state or AT state has occurred on that day, the probability of occurrence of the pseudo bonus state or AT state, the difference in number of coins, etc. calculated based on the gaming data in the control unit of the gaming equipment device 100 are displayed on an information display device. That is, the main control device 10 includes an external information transmitting means capable of transmitting information relating to the progress of the game to the gaming facility devices 100 installed around the medalless gaming machine 1. Various game data from the medal-less gaming machine 1 is also transmitted to a management device (not shown), but the various game data is transmitted to the management device via a dedicated unit 19.

[0034] A game in the medal-less gaming machine 1 (also called medal-less game) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, in step S1, a game start process is executed. In the game start process, first, the medal-less gaming machine 1 inputs the lending data output from the dedicated unit 19. Specifically, when a player performs an operation to lend gaming medals in the dedicated unit 19, lending data capable of specifying the number of medals to be lent is output from the dedicated unit 19, and the medal-less gaming machine 1 inputs this lending data. When loan data is input into the medalless gaming machine 1, the main control unit 10 identifies the number of game medals to be loaned based on the loan data and stores and displays the number of game medals corresponding to the loaned number in the game medal number display device 7, and also transmits control information capable of identifying the number of game medals corresponding to the loaned number to the sub-control unit 20, causing the number of game medals to be displayed on the main performance display device 8. When the "number loaned" is "100", the initial number of game medals displayed on the game medal count display device 7 (game medal count display device 7a) and the main performance display device 8 is "0", so it is updated from "0" to "100" (=0+100). In the game start process, next, game medals are inserted in response to an operation by the player. Specifically, the bet number is set as the number of game medals to be used in one game in response to the operation of the bet button 2a or the MAX bet button 2b. When the bet number "3" is set while the game medal number display device 7 (game medal number display device 7a) and the main performance display device 8 are displaying the game medal number "100", the main control device 10 updates the game medal number stored and displayed in the game medal number display device 7 from "100" to "97" (=100-3), and the sub-control device 20 turns on the "3 BET" lamp in the bet number lamp 2f and updates the game medal number displayed in the main performance display device 8 from "100" to "97" (=100-3). When the bet number (for example, 3 bets) is set as the number of game medals to be used in one game, the game is ready to start, and the operation of the start lever 3 is valid. The medal-less gaming machine 1 may be configured to allow games to be played only with a bet number of "3."

[0035] Next, in step S2, a lottery process is executed. When the start lever 3 is tilted in a state ready for game start, the game starts, and the main control device 10 executes an internal lottery process for determining a winning combination for the current game from among a plurality of winning combinations. In other words, the main control device 10 functions as a lottery means capable of executing lottery for a winning combination based on the execution of a game. There are small winning combinations (bell, chance A, B, special chance), replay and chance replay, and the winning combination and the number of medals to be awarded are set for each winning combination. Chance A, B, special chance and chance replay are so-called rare combinations with a lower winning probability than other winning combinations, and rare combinations with a relatively higher winning probability are weak rare combinations (chance A, B, chance replay), and those with a relatively higher winning probability are strong rare combinations (special chance). In addition, there are six types of push order bell roles that can be won only when the stop buttons 5 are operated in a specific order, and a common bell role that can be won in any operation order. In response to the tilting operation of the start lever 3, the sub-controller 20 performs control to turn off the bet number lamp 2f. When the bet number lamp 2f goes out, it indicates that the number of game medals inserted (bet) has been used.

[0036] Next, in step S3, a reel spinning process is executed. Specifically, main control device 10 starts the movement of reels 41a-41c on which a plurality of symbols are displayed. After gradually increasing the rotation speed from a stopped state, reels 41a-41c reach a steady rotation at a constant speed, and stop buttons 5a-5c provided corresponding to reels 41a-41c become operable by pressing them.

[0037] Next, in step S4, a reel stopping process is executed. When each of the stop buttons 5a to 5c is pressed, the main controller 10 controls the stop of each of the reels 41a to 41c so that a combination of symbols permitted by the operation timing and the lottery result of the internal lottery process is displayed.

[0038] Next, in step S5, a prize-winning process is executed. The main control device 10 controls the stopping of the reel 41 so that it stops with a combination of symbols that corresponds to the winning result of the internal lottery process, based on the timing of the operation of the stop button 5. After the third stop operation, the main control device 10 judges the combination of symbols that has stopped on the winning line to be a predetermined combination, and determines that a winning combination has been achieved. Incidentally, "after the third stop operation" refers to the point after the player releases his / her finger or the like from the stop button 5 that was used to stop the third reel, and the third reel refers to the reel that is stopped in the third and final operation (third stop operation) when the stop operations for each of the three reels 41a to 41c are performed once each for a total of three times.

[0039] Next, in step S6, a payout process (a grant process) is executed. When it is determined that a specific small combination has been won, a process of awarding (paying out) a corresponding number of game medals as a bonus is executed. For example, when the main control device 10 determines that a 10-coin combination has been won, it adds the awarded number "10" to the number of game medals stored and displayed on the game medal number display device 7.

[0040] Next, in step S7, a game ending process is executed. In the game end process, a counting process of game medals is executed. Specifically, when the player operates the count button 2c, the main control device 10 counts the number of game medals stored and displayed in the game medal number display device 7, and updates and displays the number of game medals displayed on the main performance display device 8. More specifically, when the count button 2c is pressed briefly, the counting amount "1" is subtracted from the number of game medals stored and displayed in the game medal number display device 7, and "1" is subtracted from the number of game medals displayed on the main performance display device 8. When the count button 2c is pressed and held, the maximum count amount "50" is subtracted from the number of game medals stored and displayed in the game medal number display device 7, and the number of game medals displayed in the main performance display device 8 is updated and displayed. If the count button 2c is pressed and held for a long time, the maximum count amount "50" is continuously subtracted from the number of game medals stored and displayed in the game medal number display device 7, and "50" is subtracted and displayed from the number of game medals displayed in the main performance display device 8. As a result, count data that can identify the counted amount is output to the dedicated unit 19. The dedicated unit 19 stores the total number of the counted amounts based on the input count data as the number of medals held. In the dedicated unit 19, in response to a return operation, the number of medals held is stored in the IC card in the card unit, and then the IC card is ejected from the card unit. The IC card can be dispensed only when the number of game medals stored and displayed in the game medal number display device 7 is "0". Therefore, the player needs to operate the count button 2c to execute the counting process until the number of game medals displayed on the game medal number display device 7 becomes "0". The player can play again or exchange the prize based on the dispensed IC card. To play again, an IC card is inserted into the card unit instead of inserting cash at S1. As a result, a game start process (S1) can be executed in response to a lending operation or the like in the dedicated unit 19, and then the lottery process (S2) to the payout process (S6) can be executed. In addition, the game end process erases the winning rights of winning combinations other than those that maintain the winning state among the winning combinations. The medal-less gaming machine 1 according to the present invention has the following characteristic configurations in addition to the configurations described above. Each of the configuration items may be installed independently or in combination.

[0041] [Game state transition] Next, with reference to FIG. 5, a transition of the game state in the medal-less gaming machine 1 according to the present invention will be described. The game of the medal-less gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is executed in a plurality of game states, including a normal game state, a pseudo bonus state, and an AT state. The main control device 10 is capable of controlling the transition from one game state to another game state based on the establishment of a predetermined transition condition.

[0042] In the medal-less gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, a number of symbols (e.g., "Bell," "Replay," "Cherry," "Watermelon," "BAR," "7," and "Blank") are provided on the reel 41, making it possible to form symbol combinations according to the results of lottery draws when the game is played. The roles that are the subject of the lottery in the main control device 10 as a lottery means include minor roles (bell role, weak cherry role, strong cherry role, watermelon role, chance role) and replay role, and the pattern combination that will be awarded when each role is won is set, as well as the special benefit (such as the award of a predetermined number of game medals) that will be awarded.

[0043] In addition, there are six types of push order bell roles that can be won only when the stop button 5 as an operating means is operated in a specific order, and a common bell role that can be won in any operating order. There are six push order bell roles, 1 to 6, and each role has a different operation sequence (specific push order) of the stop button 5 to win (for example, six specific push orders are "left → center → right," "left → right → center," "center → left → right," "center → right → left," "right → left → center," and "right → center → left"). In this embodiment, the probability of winning the push order bell role, which is a winning combination when the left reel 41a is stopped first, is set lower than the probability of winning other push order bell roles. The watermelon role is a minor role where the corresponding symbol combination is "watermelon, watermelon, watermelon". The cherry role is a minor role in which the corresponding symbol combination is "Cherry-ANY-ANY", and there are two types: a weak cherry role in which "Cherry" stops on the top or bottom row of the left reel 41a, and a strong cherry role in which "Cherry" stops on the middle row of the left reel 41a. The chance role is a small role that results in the corresponding symbol combination being "Replay, Replay, Bell." In addition, the replay role is a role in which the corresponding symbol combination is "replay replay replay." In addition, the strong and weak cherry roles, watermelon roles, and chance roles are so-called rare roles with a lower winning probability than other winning roles, and among the rare roles, those with a relatively higher winning probability are weak rare roles (weak cherry role, watermelon role), and those with a relatively higher winning probability are strong rare roles (strong cherry role, chance role).

[0044] When a bell role (common bell role, push order bell role) is won, if the corresponding symbol combination is displayed in a stopped state and the bell role is won, eight game medals are awarded. In addition, when the push order bell role is won, if the stop buttons 5a to 5c are operated in a push order other than the specific push order (five push orders) and the push order bell role is not won, no game medals will be awarded. In addition, the probability of winning the bell role is set so that the number of game medals held by the player increases during the pseudo bonus state and AT state described below. In addition, when a combination of symbols corresponding to a weak watermelon role and a strong watermelon role is stopped and displayed, and the watermelon role wins, two game medals are awarded. In addition, when a combination of symbols corresponding to a weak cherry role and a strong cherry role is displayed in a stopped state and the cherry role wins, one game medal is awarded. In addition, when a chance combination is won, no game medals are awarded even if the corresponding symbol combination stops. In addition, when a combination of symbols corresponding to a replay role is displayed, the player can play the next game with the same number of bets as that set in the previous game without inserting game medals (without setting the number of bets). The types of symbols on the reels 41, the types of winning combinations and corresponding symbol combinations, and the benefits (number of game medals, etc.) awarded when each winning combination is achieved may be other than those described above.

[0045] Of the symbols on reel 41, the "Bell" and "Replay" symbols are always positioned on the number of frames (e.g., 4 frames) within the range of pull-in reel control, while the "Cherry", "Watermelon", "7", and "BAR" symbols are not necessarily positioned on the number of frames (e.g., 4 frames) within the range of pull-in reel control.

[0046] FIG. 5 shows a gaming state that can be controlled by the medal-less gaming machine 1 of this embodiment. The normal gaming state is a gaming state that is disadvantageous to the player, and is basically a gaming state for generating a pseudo bonus state. In this embodiment, the number of games played during the normal game state is counted, and when the counting result reaches a predetermined ceiling game number, the transition condition to the pseudo-bonus state is met, and the game state is transitioned to the pseudo-bonus state as a specific benefit is awarded (arrow a in Figure 5). The ceiling number of games is determined according to the probability setting value, for example, when the conditions for transition to the advantageous zone described below are met, when the next game starts after the pseudo-bonus state ends, or when the next game starts after the AT state ends, and the ceiling number of games for the next pseudo-bonus state is determined.

[0047] In addition, the transition condition to the pseudo bonus state during the normal game state can be established even when the number of games does not reach the ceiling number of games. For example, the transition condition to the pseudo bonus state is established with a predetermined probability (e.g., 20%) when the result of the lottery for the role during game execution is a predetermined rare role (a strong cherry role or a chance role as a special lottery result). In addition, when a specified rare role is won in a game during normal game mode, for example, a winning performance or a match performance is executed on the main performance display 8 to notify the player that the specified rare role has been won, or to heighten the anticipation of a transition to a pseudo bonus state. The winning effect is basically an effect that is executed so as to be completed in one game, and the match effect is an effect that continues for a predetermined number of games (for example, two games, three games).

[0048] In addition, when a predetermined rare combination is won and the transition lottery for the pseudo bonus state is won, the transition to the pseudo bonus state is not immediately made, but a premonition period (main premonition period: 32 games) is provided in which the transition to the pseudo bonus state is delayed for a predetermined period, and in the first half (e.g., 16 games) of this main premonition period, for example, in each game, the control is performed to change the content of the performance, such as increasing the probability that a predetermined character appears on the main performance display device 8 or executing a performance that occurs only during this period, and in the second half (e.g., 16 games) of this premonition period, for example, a premonition performance (main premonition performance) is performed in which the main performance display device 8 prepares for a battle, thereby increasing the expectation for the pseudo bonus state. Then, in the predetermined number of games (e.g., 3 games) at the end of the premonition performance (main premonition performance), for example, a battle performance between the main character and an enemy character is executed, and the transition to the pseudo bonus state is notified by executing a performance in which the main character wins the battle in the final game.

[0049] In addition, even if the player does not win the lottery for transition to the pseudo bonus state when a predetermined rare combination is won, a premonition period (fake premonition period) is set for a predetermined number of games (for example, 32 games), and during this period, the same performance control as when the lottery for transition to the pseudo bonus state is won is performed. However, in the fake premonition performance that is executed when the lottery for transition to the pseudo bonus state is not won, a battle performance (battle performance in which the enemy character wins) is executed, which notifies the player that the pseudo bonus state will not be transitioned to the pseudo bonus state. In addition, in some cases when a specified rare role is won, the above-mentioned premonition period (main premonition period, fake premonition period) is not set and a battle performance is executed immediately. In this case, immediately after the specified rare role is won, a battle performance is executed for a specified number of games (e.g., 3 games) and the result of the lottery for transitioning to the pseudo bonus state is announced.

[0050] It should be noted that immediately before the number of games in the normal gaming state reaches the ceiling number of games (for example, 16 games before), a premonition period (main premonition period) similar to the above is set and the same presentation control as the above is performed. In addition, even when the game in the normal game state is not about to reach the ceiling game number, a premonition period (fake premonition period) similar to the above is set at a predetermined cycle and the same presentation control as the above is performed. In addition, the gaming state may be a gaming state other than those described above. For example, a CZ state (a so-called chance zone) in which the transition conditions to a pseudo bonus state are more likely to be established than in the normal gaming state may be generated for a predetermined period of time.

[0051] The pseudo bonus state is a game state in which, during a game in the pseudo bonus state, a push order navigation (push order notification) is executed to notify the player of an operation mode advantageous to the player that is not performed during the normal game state, and to notify the player of the operation sequence (specific push order) of the stop button 5 as the operating means for winning the winning push order bell role, making it extremely easy to win game medals by making it easier to win the winning push order bell role. In other words, the main control device 10 as a lottery means has a function capable of executing a lottery for a plurality of specific roles (push order bell roles) with different stopping patterns of the display means (reel 41) for awarding a specified bonus, and a function capable of executing control to notify operation information related to the operation of the operation means (stop button 5). When push order navigation is executed as operation information in a game in which a specific role (push order bell role) is won, if the reel 41 is stopped in accordance with the push order navigation, the winning push order bell role will be awarded as the specified bonus, and a specified number of game medals will be awarded. Although details will be given later, during the pseudo bonus state, push order navigation is not executed every time the push order bell role is won; rather, a navigation lottery is held when the push order bell role is won, and push order navigation is executed only if this navigation lottery is won. In addition, the conditions for transitioning to the pseudo-bonus state during the normal game state may be other than those described above. For example, a predetermined number of points may be added based on winning or placing a predetermined role (e.g., a push order bell role) in a game during the normal game state, and the conditions for transitioning to the pseudo-bonus state may be established when the total number of points reaches a predetermined number.

[0052] In addition, in some pseudo-bonus states, the game will transition to an AT state after the pseudo-bonus state ends. The conditions for transitioning to the AT state are met with a specified probability (e.g., 20%) when the lottery at the time of transition to the pseudo bonus state is won, or when a specified rare role (e.g., strong cherry role, chance role) is won in a game during the pseudo bonus state. In other words, the main control device 10 is equipped with a specific game state control means capable of executing control of the AT state as a specific game state advantageous to the player based on the establishment of the transition condition for the AT state. In addition, the main control device 10 as a specific game state control means can control the specific game state (AT state) based on the lottery result of the lottery means (main control device 10) being a winning combination of the second role (rare role).

[0053] The conditions for transitioning to the AT state may be met in a manner other than that described above, and may be met, for example, based on the results of a game lottery during a specified period during the pseudo bonus state (for example, the final three games). In addition, the condition for transitioning to the AT state may be established with a predetermined probability (e.g., 20%) when a predetermined rare role (e.g., a strong cherry role, a chance role) is won during a game in the normal game state. In addition, it is possible to set it so that a specific symbol combination (for example, "7-7-7") stops when a specific symbol combination (for example, "7-7-7") is stopped by performing a reverse push ("right → center → left") operation when a specific symbol combination (for example, a replay symbol) is won, and in a game during a pseudo bonus state, reverse push navigation is performed during a part of the time when a specific symbol combination is won, so that the conditions for transitioning to the AT state are met even if a specific symbol combination stops due to this reverse push navigation. In this embodiment, the pseudo bonus state is executed for a predetermined period (for example, 20 games).

[0054] When the push order bell role is won, if the reel 41 is stopped in the operation sequence (specific push order) corresponding to the won push order bell role, a predetermined number (e.g., 8) of game medals will be awarded, and if the reel 41 is stopped in an operation sequence other than the specific push order, no game medals will be awarded. However, even in the case of an operation sequence other than the specific push order, a number of game medals less than the predetermined number (e.g., 1) may be awarded. Therefore, the winning of the Push Order Bell role to award a specified benefit refers to the awarding of a specified number of game medals, but if a relatively small number of game medals (e.g., 1) are awarded even when a push order other than the specific push order is performed, the winning of the Push Order Bell role refers to the awarding of a relatively large number of game medals (e.g., 8) or the formation of a pattern combination corresponding to the Push Order Bell role (for example, a pattern combination in which "Bell Bell Bell" lines up on a specified line). In this embodiment, the probability of winning the push order bell role that is a winning combination when the left reel 41a is stopped first is set to be lower than the probability of winning the other push order bell roles, but the probability of winning each push order bell role may be set to be the same. Also, the number of game medals awarded when the push order bell role that is a winning combination when the left reel 41a is stopped first may be set to be lower than the number of game medals awarded when the other push order bell roles are won.

[0055] During the pseudo bonus state, push order navigation is executed, and the probability of winning the push order bell role is set to a value that increases the number of game medals if the player plays the game according to the push order navigation. Therefore, if the transition condition for the AT state is met during the pseudo bonus state in which a large number of game medals can be acquired, the AT state will occur after the pseudo bonus state ends, so when the pseudo bonus state occurs, the player can acquire a certain number of game medals while executing a game to generate the AT state, which creates a synergistically advantageous state for the player. If the conditions for transitioning to the AT state have not been met when the pseudo-bonus state ends, the game state will transition to the normal game state (arrow b in Figure 5).

[0056] On the other hand, if the conditions for transitioning to the AT state are met when the pseudo-bonus state ends, the game state will transition to the AT state after the pseudo-bonus state ends as a special bonus (arrow c in Figure 5). In addition, the establishment of the condition for transitioning to the AT state may be any one that results in a transition to the AT state as part of the pseudo-bonus state. A lottery for transitioning to the AT state may be held with a fixed probability for each game, and the transition to the AT state may be established based on the result, or, when a rare role is won, a lottery for transitioning to the AT state may be held with a higher probability than when a non-rare role is won.

[0057] The AT state is a game state in which it is easy to win game medals, as push order navigation for the winning push order bell role is performed in the same way as in the pseudo bonus state, as a notification of an operation mode that is advantageous to the player during the game in the AT state. In addition, during the AT state, just like during the pseudo bonus state, the push order navigation is not executed every time the push order bell role is won. Instead, a navigation lottery is held when the push order bell role is won, and the push order navigation is executed only if this navigation lottery is won.

[0058] In addition, when the AT state is first entered (for example, when entering from a pseudo bonus state), a predetermined number of games (for example, 50 games) is granted as the remaining number of games, and the remaining number of games is subtracted as games are played during the AT state, continuing until the remaining number of games becomes "0" (the so-called game number management type). Also, during the AT state, for example, based on the winning of a predetermined rare role (e.g., chance role), a lottery for adding to the remaining number of games is held, and if the lottery for adding is won, a predetermined number of games (e.g., 20 games) is added to the remaining number of games. Therefore, the duration of the AT state is extended by adding the remaining number of games. The added remaining number of games may be notified to the player in its entirety or only in part when it is added. In addition, the AT state may be controlled so that it continues until the number of game medals actually acquired by the player during the AT state (net increase in number of game medals) or the number of game medals paid out during the AT state reaches a predetermined number (e.g., 100 medals). In addition, multiple types of AT states with different termination conditions may be provided, and one of the AT states may be selectively generated when the right to transition to the AT state is acquired. In addition, during the AT state, it is possible to set up a state in which push order navigation is executed some of the time when the push order bell role is won, and a state in which push order navigation is executed all of the time when the push order bell role is won, and to make it possible to switch between the two states. If the number of remaining games becomes "0" during the AT state, the condition for ending the AT state is met and the gaming state transitions to the normal gaming state (arrow f in Figure 5).

[0059] In addition, the AT state is divided into a normal AT state and a specialized zone as shown in the figure, but basically the player remains in the normal AT state in which the subtraction process of the remaining number of games is performed, and if the specialized zone transition condition is met in a game during the normal AT state, the player will transition to the specialized zone (so-called added specialized zone) for a predetermined period of time (for example, 10 games) (arrow e in Figure 5). In the specialized zone, the subtraction process of the remaining number of games stops and the lottery for the remaining number of games in the games executed during that period is more favorable for the player than in the normal AT state. For example, if you win a strong cherry role during the normal AT state, 20 games will be added to the remaining number of games with a 20% probability, but if you win a strong cherry role during the specialized zone, 30 games will be added to the remaining number of games with a 100% probability. The condition for transitioning to the specialized zone may be met with a specified probability of winning a specified rare role, or may be met when a lottery is held when a specified number of games are played during the AT state, and the lottery is won. When a predetermined number of games (for example, 10 games) have been played in the specialized zone, the gaming state transitions to the normal AT state (arrow d in FIG. 5).

[0060] Furthermore, the main control device 10 of this embodiment is provided with a zone control means capable of controlling the game zone to either a normal zone (non-advantageous zone) or an advantageous zone, separately from the above-mentioned game state. The normal area is a play area in which push order navigation is not executed, i.e., a play area that cannot be controlled to a pseudo bonus state or AT state. It begins when the next game is started after the favorable area end condition is met, and ends when the favorable area transition condition is met.

[0061] In addition, in the normal zone, when the conditions for transition to the advantageous zone are met, for example, when a predetermined role (for example, a replay role or a push order bell role) is won in an internal lottery, it is determined that the player will transition to the advantageous zone. In the normal section, the push order navigation is not executed. Furthermore, when the main control device 10 is reset, it is controlled in the normal section. The timing of the transition to the advantageous zone may be other than the above, for example, the end of the game in which the advantageous zone transition condition is met (the moment when the last operation of pressing the stop button 5 is completed, etc.). In this case, the transition to the advantageous zone will occur before the start of the next game.

[0062] An advantageous area is a play area where push order navigation can be executed, that is, a play area that can be controlled to a pseudo bonus state or an AT state, and is a play area that is more advantageous to the player than a normal area because push order navigation can be executed. In addition, the advantageous zone begins when the next game is started after the advantageous zone transition condition is satisfied in the normal zone, and ends when a predetermined advantageous zone end condition is satisfied.

[0063] In addition, the advantageous zone transitions to the normal zone based on the establishment of the advantageous zone termination condition within the advantageous zone. An example of an end condition of the advantageous zone is when the medal-less gaming machine 1 (main control device 10) is reset (including when the settings are changed). In principle, the advantageous period continues when the AT state ends, but the conditions for ending the advantageous period may be met at a part of the time when the AT state ends, or it may be decided whether or not to end the advantageous period depending on the difference in number of coins at the time when the AT state ends. In addition, a favorable zone lamp may be provided that can indicate that the vehicle is in a favorable zone by lighting it up, and the lighting may be controlled by the main control device 10. In addition, if a favorable zone lamp is provided, it may be set to light up during the favorable zone and during a game state in which the number of game medals is increasing (pseudo bonus state, AT state, etc.).

[0064] Furthermore, the medalless gaming machine 1 is provided with a limiter function (hereinafter simply referred to as the limiter) for limiting the number of gaming medals that a player can acquire, and the conditions for ending the advantageous zone are met even when the limiter is activated. For example, the limiter is activated when the difference in the number of coins (the number of coins paid out - the number of coins inserted) during one advantageous period reaches the upper limit (for example, +2400 coins). The advantageous zone ends when any of the above-mentioned conditions for ending the advantageous zone (such as reset or limiter activation) are met. In addition, as a condition for activating the limiter, in addition to when the difference in number of coins reaches the upper limit number, the condition may also be set to when the number of games in one advantageous period (number of advantageous period games) reaches the upper limit number of games (for example, 4,000 games).

[0065] In addition to the above-mentioned limiter function as a function for limiting the number of gaming medals acquired by a player, the medalless gaming machine 1 of this embodiment is also provided with a so-called complete function (also simply called complete) that limits the number of gaming medals actually acquired by the player from when the medalless gaming machine 1 is turned on to when it is turned off (net increase in number of medals: so-called MY), and when the net increase in number of medals from when the medalless gaming machine 1 is turned on to when it is turned off reaches a predetermined number (the complete value of +19,000 medals), the game is placed in an unplayable state and a game is stopped in which no further games can be played. Therefore, the number of medals that a player can win is limited while the gaming establishment is open. Furthermore, even if the difference in the number of coins during one advantageous period during business hours of the gaming establishment is an extremely small value and the player is able to win an extremely large number of gaming medals before the limiter function is activated, the complete function will be activated before the limiter function is activated, so that even if the difference in the number of coins is an extremely small value, it is possible to prevent the gaming establishment from suffering an extremely large disadvantage.

[0066] [Push order navigation] Next, the push order navigation in the medal-less gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs.

[0067] First, the navigation lottery executed under the control of the main control device will be described with reference to Figs. As described above, in the medalless gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, when the push order bell role is won during the pseudo bonus state or the AT state, a push order navigation is executed on the main performance display device 8, etc., to notify the user of the operation sequence (push order) of the stop buttons 5 corresponding to the won push order bell role. However, in this embodiment, push order navigation is not executed in all cases where the push order bell role is won during the pseudo bonus state and AT state, but rather, push order navigation is executed with a predetermined probability when the push order bell role is won. Therefore, if you win the push order bell role during the pseudo bonus state or AT state, the push order navigation will be executed as part of it.

[0068] The flowchart in FIG. 6 shows the navigation lottery process performed by the main control device 10. The navigation lottery process may be executed during the lottery process in step S2 described above, but may also be executed during other processes. As shown in FIG. 6, when the navigation lottery process is started, in step S10, it is determined whether or not the push order navigation conditions are met. This determines whether the current state is a pseudo bonus state or an AT state and a game has been executed. If the conditions for push order navigation are met, that is, if a game has been executed during a pseudo bonus state or an AT state, the process proceeds to step S11; if the current state is neither a pseudo bonus state nor an AT state, or if a game is not being executed, the navigation lottery process is terminated.

[0069] Next, in step S11, it is determined whether or not the push order bell role has been won. In step S11, if any of the push order bell roles is won, the process proceeds to step S12, and if none of the push order bell roles is won, the navigation lottery process is terminated.

[0070] Next, in step S12, a navigation lottery process is carried out. The navigation lottery process is performed using the random number value extracted when the Push Order Bell role is won and the navigation lottery table shown in Figure 7. When the Push Order Bell role is won, a lottery is performed so that there is a 226 / 256 probability that the Push Order Navigation will be executed and a 30 / 256 probability that the Push Order Navigation will not be executed. If the navigation lottery is won, the process proceeds to step S14, where push-order navigation is executed and the navigation lottery process is terminated, and if the navigation lottery is not won, the process proceeds to step S15, where the navigation lottery process is terminated without executing push-order navigation.

[0071] Therefore, if you win the push order bell role during a game in pseudo bonus state or AT state, there is a 226 / 256 chance that the push order navigation will be executed. In other words, the main control unit 10 is equipped with a specific notification control means capable of executing specific notification control to notify the operation mode of the operating means for winning the push order bell role when the lottery result of the lottery means (main control unit 10) is a winning push order bell role as the first role in the AT state as a specific game state. On the other hand, even if you win the push order bell role during a game in the pseudo bonus state or AT state, the push order navigation will not be executed in all cases, and there is a 30 / 256 probability that the push order navigation will not be executed. In other words, the main control unit 10 as a specific notification control means is equipped with a special notification control means that can execute special notification control that does not perform specific notification control based on the establishment of a predetermined condition (non-winning the navigation lottery) when the lottery result of the lottery means (main control unit 10) is a winning combination for the first role (push order bell role). In addition, the push order navigation may be any type that is executed in some cases when the push order bell role is won in a pseudo bonus state or an AT state game, and the execution probability of the push order navigation may be other than the above. In addition, the execution probability of the push order navigation may be different between the pseudo bonus state and the AT state, and for example, the probability of the push order navigation being executed may be higher in the AT state than in the pseudo bonus state.

[0072] Next, referring to FIG. 8, the push order navigation executed by the main performance display device 8 will be described. As mentioned above, in this embodiment, if the push order bell role is won in a game during a pseudo bonus state or an AT state, and the navigation lottery is also won, push order navigation will be executed. The push order navigation is executed by specific notification control in the main control unit 10, and is executed on the main performance display 8 as a display means by control of the sub-control unit 20 based on this specific notification control. On the other hand, if the push order bell role is won during a game in the pseudo bonus state or AT state, but the navigation lottery is not won, special notification control is executed in the main control unit 10, and the image related to the push order navigation is hidden on the main performance display 8 by control of the sub-control unit 20 based on this special notification control. When the push order navigation is executed, the push order of the winning push order bell role is announced by voice synthesis from the speaker 9 and the lighting state of the navigation lamp 12 in addition to the main performance display 8. Also, under the control of the main control device 10, a symbol or the like that can identify the winning push order bell role may be displayed on a specified display.

[0073] Figure 8(a) shows the display image of the main performance display 8 when the push order bell role is won during the AT state, and the push order navigation is executed by winning the navigation lottery. In addition, the same display image is displayed during the pseudo bonus state during push order navigation. As shown in FIG. 8(a), during the AT state, an AT state image 30 is displayed in the main part of the screen of the main performance display device 8 to notify that the AT state is in progress. The AT state image 30 is composed of a moving image including predetermined characters and backgrounds, but may also be a still image. In addition, based on the specific notification control, a navigation image 31 is displayed in the lower part of the screen of the main performance display 8 as a specific image consisting of a left navigation image 31a that notifies the operation order of the left stop button 5a, a middle navigation image 31b that notifies the operation order of the middle stop button 5b, and a right navigation image 31c that notifies the operation order of the right stop button 5c, lined up in the left-right direction.

[0074] Each navigation image 31 is composed of a circular frame and numerical information indicating the operation sequence inside the frame, and the operation sequence of each stop button 5 is notified by the numerical information. For example, if the stop button 5 is operated in the order of "center → right → left," when the winning push order bell role 4 is won, as shown in the figure, "3" is displayed on the left navigation image 31a, "1" on the center navigation image 31b, and "2" on the right navigation image 31c.

[0075] On the other hand, if the push order bell role is won during the AT state but the navigation lottery is not won, the navigation image 31 will not be displayed on the screen of the main performance display device 8 based on the special notification control, and only the AT state image 30 will be displayed, as shown in Fig. 8(b). The special notification control is executed from the start of the game and continues to be executed until the end of the game. In this way, if the push order bell role is won during the AT state (or pseudo bonus state) and the navigation lottery is won, the navigation image 31 will be displayed and the push order corresponding to the won push order bell role will be announced. However, if the push order bell role is won during the AT state (or pseudo bonus state) but the navigation lottery is not won, the push order navigation will not be executed and the navigation image 31 will not be displayed, making it difficult to win game medals. In other words, the main control unit 10, as a specific notification control means, enables a specific image (navigation image 31) to be displayed on the display means (main performance display device 8) through specific notification control, and the main control unit 10, as a special notification control means, disables the display of a specific image on the display means through special notification control. Therefore, it is possible to execute the specific notification control and the special notification control reliably and efficiently. In addition, if the Push Order Bell role is won during a game in the AT state, no additional game number will be drawn, so if the Push Order Bell role is won, the probability of receiving a specific bonus is 0%.

[0076] [Navigation direction] Next, the navigation effect in the medal-less gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. As described above, in the medalless gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, during the AT state, a lottery is held to add to the remaining number of games in the AT state based on the winning of a rare role, and if the additional lottery is won, a specified number of games is added to the remaining number of games as a special bonus. In other words, the main control unit 10 is equipped with a specific benefit granting control means capable of executing control to grant a specific benefit (addition to the number of games) based on the lottery results of the lottery means (main control unit 10) in a specific gaming state (AT state). In addition, the probability of winning the add-on lottery may be varied depending on the type of rare role won, such as making it easier to add on to a rare role with a lower winning probability, or the number of games added if the add-on lottery is won may be increased for rare roles with a lower winning probability.

[0077] In addition, when a rare combination is won in a game during the AT state, a navigation effect using the navigation image 31 (see FIG. 8) is executed. The navigation effect, which will be described in detail later, is performed by displaying symbols or the like within the navigation image 31 that can notify the player that a rare role has been won.

[0078] The flowchart in FIG. 9 shows the navigation performance processing performed by the main control device 10. The navigation performance processing is performed in the main control device 10, while the sub-control device 20 receives control information related to the navigation performance from the main control device 10 and executes the navigation performance using the main performance display device 8, etc. In addition, the navigation performance processing may be performed in the sub-controller 20. In this case, the sub-controller 20 may perform the navigation performance processing by receiving control information from the main controller 10 that can identify that a rare role has been won. Further, the navigation performance process is executed, for example, during the lottery process in step S2 described above, but may be executed during other processes.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 9, when the navigation performance process is started, it is determined in step S20 whether or not the vehicle is in the AT state. If the vehicle is in the AT state, the process proceeds to step S21; if the vehicle is not in the AT state, the navigation performance process is terminated.

[0080] Next, in step S21, it is determined whether or not a rare combination has been won. If a rare combination is won, the process proceeds to step S22, and if a rare combination is not won, the navigation effect process ends. Next, if a rare combination is won, a navigation performance lottery process is executed in step S22. The navigation effect lottery process is performed using the random number value extracted when a rare combination is won and the navigation effect lottery table shown in FIG. In addition, the navigation effect lottery has a different navigation effect lottery table depending on whether or not an additional bonus is added when the rare role is won, and a corresponding navigation effect lottery table is used based on whether or not an additional bonus is added when the rare role is won.

[0081] Here, the additional lottery performed by the main control device 10 will be described with reference to FIG. The main control device 10 performs the add-on lottery using the random number value extracted when a rare combination is won and the add-on lottery table shown in FIG. As shown in Figure 11, when a rare role is won, a lottery is held to determine the number of additional games to be "0" (no additional games) with a probability of 136 / 256, the number of additional games to be "30" with a probability of 100 / 256, and the number of additional games to be "50" with a probability of 20 / 256. Based on the results derived from such a lottery, a navigation performance lottery will be held.

[0082] Therefore, if the result of the above-mentioned additional lottery is that no additional bonus is added, a lottery will be held in which there is a 256 / 256 probability of winning the navigation performance (shown as ``Yes'') and a 0 / 256 probability of not winning the navigation performance (shown as ``No''), as shown in Figure 10(a). On the other hand, if there is an additional bonus, as shown in Figure 10(b), a lottery is held in which there is a 236 / 256 probability of winning the navigation performance (shown as ``Yes'') and a 20 / 256 probability of not winning the navigation performance (shown as ``No'').

[0083] If the navigation performance lottery is won, the process proceeds to step S24 and the navigation performance is executed, i.e., the sub-control unit 20 is instructed to execute the navigation performance, and then the navigation lottery process is terminated.If the navigation performance lottery is not won, the process proceeds to step S25 and the navigation performance is not executed, i.e., the sub-control unit 20 is instructed not to execute the navigation performance, and then the navigation lottery process is terminated.

[0084] Therefore, if a rare role is won during a game in the AT state and the number of games is increased, the navigation effect will be executed with a probability of 256 / 256, and if the number of games is not increased, the navigation effect will be executed with a probability of 236 / 256. In addition, if the number of games is not added, there is a 20 / 256 probability that the navigation performance will not be executed. At this time, the main control unit 10 executes special notification control, and the navigation image 31 will not be displayed on the main performance display unit 8, just as in the case where the push order bell role described above is won but the navigation lottery is not won. In other words, the main control device 10 as a special notification control means can execute special notification control with a predetermined probability when the lottery result of the lottery means (main control device 10) is a winning combination of the second role (rare role).

[0085] In addition, while the navigation effect is selected during the AT state, the navigation effect may also be selected during the pseudo bonus state, and the navigation effect may be executed if the navigation effect is selected. In this case, if the navigation effect is not selected, special notification control is executed during the pseudo bonus state, and the navigation image 31 is not displayed. In addition, when a rare combination is selected during the pseudo bonus state, a selection for transition to the AT state may be performed, and if the selection for transition is selected, the right to transition to the AT state may be granted as a special privilege. In addition, the probability of winning the additional lottery when a rare role is won or the number of games added may be different for each type of rare role. In addition, the probability that special notification control is performed when a rare role is won may be other than the above, and any probability is acceptable as long as the special notification control is performed with a higher probability when there is no added bonus than when there is. In addition, when special notification control is performed, the navigation image 31 itself is hidden, but other methods are also possible. For example, only a circular frame in the navigation image 31 may be displayed, without displaying the symbols and numbers inside.

[0086] Next, with reference to FIG. 12, a navigation effect executed by the main effect display device 8 when a rare combination is won will be described. As described above, in this embodiment, if a rare role is won in a game during the AT state and the navigation performance lottery is also won, the navigation performance will be executed. Based on control information from the main control unit 10, the navigation performance is executed on the main performance display unit 8 under the control of the sub-control unit 20 using images related to push order navigation. On the other hand, if a rare role is won in a game during the AT state, but the navigation performance lottery is not won, special notification control is executed in the main control unit 10, and based on this special notification control, the sub-control unit 20 controls the main performance display device 8 to not display images related to the push order navigation. When a navigation performance is being executed, in addition to the main performance display device 8, a corresponding performance is executed by sound effects from the speaker 9 and the lighting mode of the lamp 11.

[0087] FIG. 12(a) shows the display image on the main effect display device 8 when a rare role is won during the AT state, and the navigation effect lottery is also won, resulting in the navigation effect being executed. As shown in FIG. 12(a), during the AT state, an AT state image 30 is displayed in the main part of the screen of the main performance display device 8 to notify that the AT state is in progress. In addition, navigation images 31 are displayed at the bottom of the screen of the main performance display 8, but inside the frame of each navigation image 31, symbol information such as "!" (exclamation mark) is displayed instead of the numerical information that should normally be displayed, and the navigation performance is executed. Therefore, the symbol information in each navigation image 31 notifies the player that a rare combination has been won. In addition, during part or all of the execution of the navigation effect, in addition to the navigation image 31, an image notifying the winning of a rare role using a predetermined character or text information, etc. may be displayed on the main effect display device 8.

[0088] On the other hand, if a rare combination is won during the AT state but the navigation effect lottery is not won, the navigation image 31 is not displayed on the screen of the main effect display device 8 based on the special notification control, and only the AT state image 30 is displayed, as shown in Fig. 12(b). The special notification control is executed from the start of the game and continues to be executed until the end of the game. Therefore, even if a rare role is won during the AT state, if the player does not win the navigation performance lottery, an image similar to that shown when the player wins the push order bell role but does not win the navigation lottery (see Figure 8(b)) will be displayed on the main performance display 8.

[0089] Furthermore, if a rare role is won during a game in the AT state and an increase in the number of games is determined, there is a 20 / 256 probability that the navigation effect will not be executed, as mentioned above. Therefore, if a rare role is won and the navigation effect is not executed, a specific bonus will be awarded with a certain probability. On the other hand, as mentioned above, if you win the push order bell role in a game during the AT state, the number of games will not be added as a special bonus. Therefore, when special notification control is performed during the AT state and the navigation image 31 is not displayed on the main performance display 8, the probability of a specific benefit being awarded is higher if the result of the lottery for the role at that time is a rare role than if the push order bell role is a push order bell role. In other words, the main control device 10, which serves as a specific bonus awarding control means, is capable of controlling so that the probability of a specific bonus being awarded is higher when special notification control is performed when the second role (rare role) is won than when special notification control is performed when the first role (push order bell role) is won.

[0090] As a result, if the navigation image 31 is not displayed on the main performance display 8 during the AT state, there is a possibility that a specific bonus will be awarded, thereby increasing the player's sense of anticipation. Also, if the navigation image 31 is not displayed during the AT state, the player will feel disappointed that he or she cannot win the push order bell role, but since there is a possibility of a specific bonus being awarded, it is possible to play a highly entertaining game that allows the player to concentrate on the game until the end. In addition, when special notification control is performed during the AT state and the navigation image 31 is not displayed on the main performance display 8, if the result of the lottery for the role at that time is a winning push order bell role, the probability of a specific bonus being awarded is set to 0%, but any probability may be used as long as it is lower than the probability of a specific bonus being awarded when special notification control is performed when a rare role is won.

[0091] [Control when pressing irregular buttons] Next, control during irregular pressing in the medal-less gaming machine 1 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. In the medal-less gaming machine 1 of this embodiment, the probability of winning the push order bell role, which is a winning combination when the left reel 41a is stopped first, is set to be lower than the probability of winning other push order bell roles. Therefore, in order to reduce the number of game medals awarded during the normal gaming state, the recommended operating mode for games in the normal gaming state is the operating mode in which the left reel 41a is stopped first ("left → center → right" or "left → right → center"). Since such recommended operation modes are set, a warning is issued when an operation mode other than the recommended operation mode is executed during normal gaming.

[0092] FIG. 13 shows a display image on the main effect display device 8 when irregular button presses are performed during normal gaming mode. As shown in FIG. 13(a), during the normal gaming state, a normal gaming state image 32 is displayed in the main part of the screen of the main effect display device 8 to notify that the game is in the normal gaming state. In this game, if a so-called irregular press occurs in which a reel 41 other than the left reel 41a is stopped first, the sub-controller 20, based on control information from the main controller 10, controls the display of a warning image 33 consisting of text information "Please press from the left" at the bottom of the screen, as shown in Figure 13(b), encouraging the player to stop the left reel 41a first, and issues a warning that the current operation mode is not the recommended operation mode. In addition, if an operation mode other than the recommended operation mode is performed, or if an operation mode other than the recommended operation mode is performed a predetermined number of times within a predetermined period, penalty control may be performed, such as, for example, canceling the lottery for transitioning to the pseudo bonus state for a predetermined period. The warning notification may be for all games during the normal gaming state, or for games that have won the push order bell role. In addition, when a warning is issued, in addition to displaying a warning image 33 on the main performance display device 8, the warning is issued by a warning sound from the speaker 9 and the lighting pattern of the lamp 11.

[0093] Next, FIG. 14 shows the display image on the main performance display device 8 when irregular buttons are pressed during the AT state. As shown in FIG. 14(a), during the AT state, an AT state image 30 is displayed in the main part of the screen of the main performance display device 8 to notify that the AT state is in progress. In this embodiment, even during the pseudo bonus state or AT state, if the push order bell role is won but the navigation lottery is not won, the push order navigation will not be executed. If irregular push orders were executed at this time, there is a risk that the award rate of the number of game medals during the pseudo bonus state or AT state will be too high, so it is desirable not to execute irregular push orders. However, during the pseudo bonus state or AT state, various presentation images to increase the player's sense of anticipation are displayed on the main presentation display device 8, so if a warning is issued on the main presentation display device 8, there is a risk that the visibility of these presentation images will be hindered. For this reason, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 14(b), when an irregular push order is performed during the AT state (or pseudo bonus state) in a game in which push order navigation is not executed, including games under special notification control, no warning notification is issued on the main performance display 8. In other words, under the same conditions, such as not performing push order navigation when the push order bell role is won, the warning notification control when irregular pushes are performed is changed according to the game status. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the visibility of various performance images executed during the AT state from being impaired by a warning notification. In addition, if an irregular button press is performed during a pseudo bonus state or an AT state, a warning may not be issued by the main performance display device 8, and a warning may be issued only by the speaker 9 or lamp 11.

[0094] [Variation 1] Next, a first modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this modified example 1, when special notification control is performed during the pseudo bonus state or AT state, the display mode of the image on the main performance display device 8 is made different from that of the previously described embodiment. In this variant example 1, only the display mode of the image on the main performance display device 8 when special notification control is performed differs from the previously described embodiment; the rest is the same as the previously described embodiment, so only the differences will be explained.

[0095] FIG. 15 shows the display image on the main performance display device 8 when special notification control is performed during the AT state. As shown in Figure 15, during the AT state, if the push order bell role is won but the navigation lottery is not won, or if a rare role is won but the navigation performance lottery is not won, based on the special notification control, the navigation image 31 will not be displayed on the screen of the main performance display device 8, and the AT state image 30 will be displayed in the main part of the screen. However, in the present modified example 1, an expectation level increasing image 34 is displayed at a location where the navigation image 31 is normally displayed with a predetermined probability when the special notification control is performed. The expectation level increasing image 34 is displayed under the control of the sub-controller 20 based on control information from the main controller 10, and is displayed from the start to the end of the game. The expectation level increasing image 34 may be any image that increases the player's expectation for the granting of a specific benefit, and may be composed of, for example, a predetermined character, a line, etc. Also, a button effect may be executed to display a predetermined character, a line, etc., by the player operating the first effect button 2g.

[0096] As mentioned above, when the special notification control is performed, it means that a rare role has been won with a predetermined probability, so when the expectation increase image 34 is displayed, there is a possibility that a specific bonus will be awarded. Moreover, the expectation level increasing image 34 is displayed in the place where the navigation image 31 is normally displayed. In other words, the sub-controller 20 is equipped with a performance display control means capable of displaying a specific performance image (expectation level increasing image 34) on the display means (main performance display device 8) in connection with the granting of a specific benefit, and the performance display control means enables the specific performance image to be displayed in the location where the specific notification control means (main controller 10) displays a specific image (navigation image 31) on the display means. This makes it possible to further increase the player's sense of expectation. In addition, since the expectation-up image 34 is displayed by utilizing the location where the navigation image 31 is normally displayed, images can be displayed efficiently within a limited screen area, and the expectation-up image 34 can be displayed at the location where the player is paying attention, so that the player's sense of expectation can be reliably increased.

[0097] When special notification control is performed, the expectation-up image 34 is displayed with a predetermined probability. When a rare role is won and special notification control is performed, the expectation-up image 34 is displayed with a probability of, for example, 50%, and when a push-order bell role is won and special notification control is performed, the expectation-up image 34 is displayed with a probability of, for example, 10%. In other words, when the expectation-up image 34 is displayed, the possibility of winning a rare role with a high expectation that will grant a specific benefit increases. In addition, when an additional number of games to be played as a specific bonus is to be announced, the expectation level increase image 34 may be erased at the end of the game and the additional number of games may be displayed. In addition, the specific benefit to be granted may be something other than an additional number of games, for example, a right to transition to an AT state, a right to transition to a pseudo-bonus state, or a right to transition to a specialized zone.

[0098] [Variation 2] Next, a second modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this variant example 2, when special notification control is performed during the pseudo bonus state or AT state, the display mode of the image on the main performance display device 8 is the same as in the previously described variant example 1, but the display mode when an irregular button press is performed while special notification control is being executed is made different from that of variant example 1. In this variant example 2, only the display mode when an irregular button press is performed while special notification control is being executed differs from variant example 1; the rest is the same as variant example 1 described above, so only the differences will be explained.

[0099] As shown in Figure 16(a), in this variant example 2, similar to the aforementioned variant example 1, when special notification control is performed, an expectation level-up image 34 is displayed at the location on the main performance display 8 where the navigation image 31 would normally be displayed, with a predetermined probability. In the present modified example 2, when an irregular button press is performed in a game in which the expectation level-up image 34 is displayed, the expectation level-up image 34 is erased at that point in time.

[0100] In this way, in variant example 2, in a game in which the expectation-up image 34 is displayed (a game in which push order navigation is not being executed), if the stop button 5 is operated by an irregular push, which is an operation mode other than the recommended operation mode in which the left reel 41a is stopped first, the displayed expectation-up image 34 is erased. In other words, the sub-control device 20, which serves as a performance display control means, makes it possible to erase a specific performance image (expectation level increase image 34) based on the fact that the operation means (stop button 5) is operated in a special operation manner (recommended operation manner) different from the operation manner predetermined by the player. As described above, when the expectation-increasing image 34 is displayed, there is a possibility that a specific bonus will be awarded, so by erasing this expectation-increasing image 34, the player is given the impression that the irregular button press has invalidated the award of the specific bonus. Therefore, in subsequent games, the player will be careful to avoid irregular button presses as much as possible, making it possible to reduce the payout rate of game medals, etc. In addition, in this modified example 2, when an irregular button press is performed, penalty control such as invalidating the awarding of a specific bonus is not performed. Therefore, if the awarding of a specific bonus has been determined in advance, the additional number of games will be awarded after the end of the game even if the expectation level increase image 34 is erased. However, if an operation mode other than the recommended operation mode is performed, or if an operation mode other than the recommended operation mode is performed a specified number of times within a specified period, the awarding of the specific bonus may be invalidated.

[0101] [Variation 3] Next, a third modified example of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In this modified example 3, the manner in which the game is executed when special notification control is performed during the AT state is made different from the previously described embodiment. In this variant example 3, only the game execution mode when special notification control is performed during the AT state differs from the previously described embodiment; the rest is the same as the previously described embodiment, so only the differences will be explained.

[0102] In the present modified example 3, a pseudo game can be executed when a game is executed. A pseudo game is one of the modes of game execution executed under the control of the main control device 10. Specifically, in a normal game, the reel 41 is rotated by operating the start lever 3, and the result of one game is derived by stopping the rotating reel 41 by operating the stop button 5. However, in a game in which a pseudo game is executed, the reel 41 is pseudo-stopped before the final game result is derived in the same way as in a normal game, so that a pseudo game result (pseudo game result) can be derived even in the middle of the game. In other words, when a pseudo game is executed, multiple game results are derived by consuming game medals (betting input) for executing one game.

[0103] In this third variant, special notification control is executed during simulated play when the aforementioned push order bell role is won but the navigation lottery is not won, and when a rare role is won but the navigation performance lottery is not won. Therefore, when the main control device 10 determines to execute the special notification control, it executes a pseudo game in the game, and executes the special notification control during this pseudo game.

[0104] FIG. 17 shows a timing chart when the special notification control is executed during a pseudo game in the present modified example 3. In FIG. As shown in Figure 17, when the game is started (timing t0) during the AT state, if the push order bell role is won but the navigation lottery is not won, or if the rare role is won but the navigation performance lottery is not won, a pseudo-game is executed in the game. Therefore, when the first player operates each stop button 5 to stop (timing t1), the reels 41 do not stop properly but pseudo-stop, and a predetermined symbol combination is pseudo-stopped on the reels 41.

[0105] Then, during the pseudo game from when the game is started until the reels 41 are pseudo-stopped and the first symbol combination is derived (from timing t0 to timing t1), the special notification control is performed. In this case, the symbol combination that is pseudo-stopped may be any combination, and may be a simple losing symbol combination, or may be a so-called chance combination that increases the player's expectations. In addition, the display of various images while special notification control is being performed, and the control related to the awarding of benefits when special notification control is being performed, are the same as in the previously described embodiment, so descriptions thereof will be omitted here. After the pseudo game is over, the player operates the start lever 3 to resume rotation of the reel 41 (timing t2), and the actual game begins. Then, when the player performs the final stop operation of each stop button 5 (timing t3), the reel 41 comes to a proper stop, and the final pattern combination is displayed on the reel 41, thereby completing one game.

[0106] In this manner, in the present modified example 3, when the main control device 10 executes the special notification control, it executes a pseudo game in the game, and executes the special notification control during this pseudo game. In other words, the main control device 10 comprises a first game control means capable of executing a first game (simulated game) in which a symbol combination formed by a plurality of reels (41) is derived based on the end of the game, and a second game control means capable of executing a second game (main game) in which a symbol combination formed by a plurality of reels (41) is derived in a specified game in addition to the symbol combination derived in the first game, and the special notification control means is capable of executing special notification control based on the second game being executed by the second game control means. Therefore, it becomes possible to execute special notification control in an unprecedented and innovative manner, thereby making the game more entertaining. In addition, the symbol combinations that stop during simulated play can be formed regardless of the results of the lottery, so if a symbol combination with high expectations can be derived through simulated play, it is possible to more efficiently increase the player's sense of expectation. The pseudo game may be executed in all cases where the special notification control is executed, or may be executed with a predetermined probability. In addition, when the actual game is played, special notification control may be performed in the same manner as during a pseudo game, or if the push order bell role is won, push order navigation may be performed, or if a rare role is won, a performance other than the navigation performance may be performed.

[0107] As described above, the present invention relates to a gaming machine (medalless gaming machine 1) that executes a game based on the operation of a player and is capable of granting a bonus to the player in connection with the execution of the game, the gaming machine comprising: lottery means (main control device 10) capable of executing a lottery for a role based on the execution of the game; operation means (stop button 5) operable by the player in connection with the execution of the game; specific gaming state control means (main control device 10) capable of executing control of a specific gaming state advantageous to the player; specific notification control means (main control device 10) capable of executing specific notification control for notifying an operation mode of the operation means for winning the first role when the lottery result of the lottery means is a winning role in the specific gaming state; and a specific benefit granting control means (main control unit 10) capable of executing control to grant a specific benefit based on the lottery result, wherein the specific notification control means includes a special notification control means (main control unit 10) capable of executing special notification control that does not perform the specific notification control based on the establishment of a predetermined condition when the lottery result of the lottery means is a winning first role, and the special notification control means is capable of executing the special notification control with a predetermined probability when the lottery result of the lottery means is a winning second role, and the specific benefit granting control means is configured to be controllable so that the probability of granting the specific benefit is higher when the special notification control is performed when the second role is won than when the special notification control is performed when the first role is won.

[0108] Therefore, if specific notification control for notifying the operation mode of the operating means in a specific game state is not performed, there is a possibility that a specific benefit will be awarded, which makes it possible to increase the player's sense of expectation. Furthermore, if the specific notification control is not executed during the specific game state, the player will feel disappointed that he or she will not be able to win the first winning combination. However, since there is a possibility of receiving a specific bonus, it is possible to execute a highly entertaining game that allows the player to concentrate on the game until the end.

[0109] It also has a display means (main performance display 8) capable of displaying multiple pieces of information, and the specific notification control means enables a specific image (navigation image 31) to be displayed on the display means by controlling the specific notification, and the special notification control means is configured to prevent the specific image from being displayed on the display means by controlling the special notification. Therefore, it is possible to execute the specific notification control and the special notification control reliably and efficiently.

[0110] The specific game state control means is configured to be capable of controlling to the specific game state based on the lottery result of the lottery means being a winning combination of the second role. Therefore, when special notification control is performed, it is possible to further increase the player's sense of anticipation.

[0111] In addition, in relation to the granting of the specific benefit, a performance display control means (sub-control device 20) is provided that is capable of displaying a specific performance image (expectation level increasing image 34) on the display means, and the performance display control means is configured to be capable of displaying the specific performance image at the location where the specific notification control means displays the specific image on the display means. This can further increase the player's sense of expectation. In addition, the specific performance image is displayed by utilizing the location where the specific image is normally displayed, so that the image can be displayed efficiently, and the specific performance image can be displayed at the location where the player is paying attention, so that the player's sense of expectation can be reliably improved.

[0112] In addition, the performance display control means is configured to be able to erase the specific performance image based on the operation of the operation means by the player in a special operation manner (irregular pressing) that differs from the operation manner predetermined by the player. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the execution of games using peculiar operation patterns that may be disadvantageous to the gaming establishment.

[0113] The system further comprises a plurality of reels (41) which can be variably displayed in relation to the execution of the game and each of which displays a plurality of symbols; a first game control means (main control device 10) capable of executing a first game (main game) in which a symbol combination formed by the plurality of reels is derived based on the end of the game; and a second game control means (main control device 10) capable of executing a second game (simulated game) in which, in a specified game, a symbol combination formed by the plurality of reels is derived in addition to the symbol combination derived in the first game, and the special notification control means is configured to be capable of executing the special notification control based on the second game being executed by the second game control means. Therefore, it becomes possible to execute special notification control in an unprecedented and innovative manner, thereby making the game more entertaining.

[0114] The lottery means, the specific game state control means, the specific notification control means, the specific bonus granting control means, the special notification control means, the performance display control means, the first game control means, and the second game control means may be provided in the main control device 10 or in the sub-control device 20. Also, they may be configured by the main control device 10 and the sub-control device 20 working together.

[0115] On the other hand, as a conventional gaming machine, Patent Document (JP 2015-128566 A) discloses a slot machine that notifies the player of the stopping sequence of the reels to achieve a winning combination by lighting up LEDs or the like. However, such conventional gaming machines are not sufficient in improving the informing ability. According to the gaming machine of this embodiment, it is possible to solve all or part of the above-mentioned problems that need to be improved in conventional gaming machines.

[0116] The above describes a preferred embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention. However, it goes without saying that the gaming machine of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention. For example, main control device 10 may have two main boards each equipped with a CPU. In this case, the main control device 10 can be composed of a main control board on which a main control CPU is mounted, and a medal count control board on which a medal count control CPU is mounted. Specifically, the medal count control CPU can be responsible for controlling the game medal count display device 7 and for controlling the operation of the counting button 2c, the game medal count clear button 14, and the dedicated unit 19, while the main control CPU can be responsible for the overall control of all other games. The gaming machine may also be of a type in which actual medals are physically inserted into the gaming machine to play the game.

[0117] In addition, the sub-controller 20 may be configured to perform some or all of the operations performed by the main control unit 10, or the main control unit 10 may be configured to perform some or all of the operations performed by the sub-controller 20. For example, the sub-controller 20 may control the game medal count display device 7, and the sub-controller 20 may be responsible for control in response to the operation of the count button 2c, the game medal count clear button 14, and the dedicated unit 19. Furthermore, the main control device 10 may control the operation of the counting button lamp 2e and the bet number lamp 2f. In addition, in this embodiment, when it is expressed that "one is more likely than the other" or "one is less likely than the other", the probability of one includes 0% and the probability of the other includes 100%. In addition, in this embodiment, the numerical values ​​stipulated at the time of various lotteries are merely examples, and may be numerical values ​​with a range (2 or more) or numerical values ​​without a range (1).

[0118] In addition, in the present embodiment, the gaming machine is a slot machine by way of example, but it may also be a pachinko machine. In other words, the gaming machine may be a so-called enclosed gaming machine in which gaming media such as gaming balls are not paid out to the outside, but are circulated internally to play a game. In this case, the gaming machine can be provided with a gaming ball number display device corresponding to the gaming medal number display device 7. In addition, for example, the notification mode may be changed depending on the number of game balls stored and displayed in the game ball number display device, and when the counting button is pressed and held down, the amount of counting may be greater than when the counting button is pressed and held down, and when a game ball is acquired by continuing to press and hold the button after the number of game balls stored and displayed in the game ball number display device reaches zero, that game ball may be counted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1. Medalless gaming machines 2a Bet Button 2b MAX BET button 5 Stop button 8 Main performance display 10. Main Control Unit 18 Sub-performance display 20 Sub-controller 41 Reel

Claims

1. A gaming machine that executes a game based on a player's operation and can grant a bonus to the player in connection with the execution of the game, A lottery means capable of executing a lottery for a winning combination based on execution of the game; An operation means operable by a player in relation to execution of the game; A specific game state control means capable of controlling a specific game state advantageous to a player; a specific notification control means capable of executing a specific notification control for notifying a user of an operation mode of the operation means for winning the first winning combination when the lottery result of the lottery means is a winning combination in the specific game state; a specific benefit awarding control means capable of executing control for awarding a specific benefit based on a lottery result of the lottery means in the specific gaming state; Equipped with The specific notification control means a special notification control means for executing a special notification control not to execute the specific notification control based on establishment of a predetermined condition when the lottery result of the lottery means is a winning combination of a first role; The special notification control means When the lottery result of the lottery means is a winning combination of the second combination, the special notification control can be executed with a predetermined probability; The specific benefit granting control means The probability of the specific benefit being awarded is controlled to be higher when the special notification control is performed when the second winning combination is won than when the special notification control is performed when the first winning combination is won. A gaming machine characterized by:

2. A display means capable of displaying a plurality of pieces of information is provided, The specific notification control means The specific notification control allows a specific image to be displayed on the display means; The special notification control means The special notification control makes it impossible to display the specific image on the display means.

2. The gaming machine according to claim 1 .

3. The specific game state control means Based on the result of the lottery by the lottery means being the winning combination of the second combination, the specific game state can be controlled.

3. The gaming machine according to claim 2 .

4. A performance display control means for displaying a specific performance image on the display means in relation to the provision of the specific benefit, The performance display control means The specific notification control means is capable of displaying the specific performance image at a location where the specific image is displayed on the display means.

3. The gaming machine according to claim 2 .

5. The performance display control means The specific effect image can be erased based on the fact that the player operates the operation means in a specific operation manner different from a predetermined operation manner.

5. The gaming machine according to claim 4.

6. a plurality of reels each showing a plurality of symbols, the reels being capable of being variably displayed in association with the execution of the game; a first game control means for executing a first game in which a symbol combination formed by the plurality of reels is derived based on an end of the first game; a second game control means for executing a second game in which a symbol combination formed by the plurality of reels is derived in addition to the symbol combination in the first game in a predetermined game; Equipped with The special notification control means The special notification control is executable based on the execution of the second game by the second game control means.

6. The gaming machine according to claim 1, wherein the first and second components are arranged in a first and second rows.

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