Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of appropriately displaying information on a game value when managing an electronic game value.SOLUTION: A game machine includes: a game token count control CPU that manages information on a game value; a sub-control CPU that controls a performance; a game token count display device MD that is controlled by the game token count control CPU; and a display device 410 that is controlled by the sub-control CPU. The game token count display device MD can display information on the game value, in a display area MDa located on one side of the center in a right-left direction when the game machine is viewed from the front. The display device 410 can display information on the game value in a game token count display area 410c located on the other side of the center in the right-left direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, smart pachislots that can progress the game without the intervention of actual medals while maintaining the gaming properties of slot machines have been studied (for example, Patent Document 1). Also, smart pachinko machines that use an enclosed circulation system and allow the game to progress without the player touching the game balls have been studied (for example, Patent Document 2).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In such smart pachislots and smart pachinko machines, there is no need to provide a path outside the gaming machine for circulating game media such as game balls and medals, and in smart pachislots, the physical game media itself becomes unnecessary. In this way, in smart pachislots, the game media itself is not used, and in smart pachinko machines, by using non-magnetic game balls, it is possible to prevent cheating behaviors premised on the use of metallic game media. Also, since there is no need to provide a mechanism for inserting and paying out game media inside the gaming machine, design costs and manufacturing costs can be reduced. Furthermore, by centrally managing the lending of game media to players and the counting of acquired game media, it is possible to prevent fraud and suppress the element of chance.

[0005] On the other hand, with respect to a configuration for using an electronic game medium (game value) or a non-magnetic game medium instead of a physical game medium, it is required to be able to appropriately display game value information when managing the electronic game value.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of appropriately displaying game value information when managing an electronic game value.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present invention includes a first control unit for managing information related to game values (for example, medal number control CPU 31, medal number control means 300, paragraphs

[0068] ,

[0069] , FIG. 2), a second control unit for controlling effects (for example, sub-control CPU 21, effect control means 200, paragraphs

[0065] ,

[0066] , FIG. 2), a first display means controlled by the first control unit (for example, game medal number display device MD, paragraph

[0023] , FIGS. 1 and 8), a second display means controlled by the second control unit (for example, display device 410, paragraph

[0014] , FIGS. 1 and 8), and is characterized in that the first display means can display the information in a first area (for example, display area MDa, paragraph

[0023] , FIGS. 1 and 8) arranged on one side of the center in the left-right direction when the gaming machine is viewed from the front, the second display means can display the information in a second area (for example, game medal number display area 410c, paragraph

[0017] , FIGS. 1 and 8) arranged on the other side of the center in the left-right direction.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of appropriately displaying game value information when managing an electronic game value.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0017] In the display device 410 of the present embodiment, a game medal number display area 410c for displaying the number of game medals stored in the slot machine 1 is provided in the vicinity of the lower left end portion when viewed from the front in the display area 410a. Further, in the display device 410, a payout number display area 410d for displaying the number of paid-out digitalized medals generated in the game when one game is executed is provided in the vicinity of the lower right end portion when viewed from the front in the display area 410a.

[0018] Various operating means are provided on the front lower door DD. As the operating means, a max bet button MB as an input operation means for performing an operation of setting the digitalized medals stored in the slot machine 1 to the input state, a start lever SL as a game start operation means for causing the player to execute a start operation that triggers the rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 to start the game, stop buttons B1 to B3 as stop operation means for causing the player to execute a stop operation that triggers the stop of each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 that is rotationally driven by a stepping motor, a count button KB as a count operation means for performing a count operation of transmitting the number of game medals stored in the slot machine 1 to the dedicated unit SU, a settlement button AB for performing a settlement operation of canceling the input state and returning the digitalized medals set in the input state to the medal number counter 311 (see FIG. 2), an item selection button unit EB used for selecting from various items displayed on the display device 410, and an effect button unit PU used for improving the interest of the effect are also provided.

[0019] The item selection button unit EB is used to display on the display device 410 what item will be selected when the selection button EBb is operated, and includes an item display button EBa and a selection button EBb used to select the item selected by the item display button EBa. The item display button EBa and the selection button EBb are operating means used when causing the player to execute an operation that triggers the display device 410 to display the normal menu screen in a state where medals are not set to the inserted state and the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are stopped and no game is being played. The items displayed on the normal menu screen include screens that can change settings related to effects, such as an item that displays a volume adjustment screen for adjusting the volume of the sound output from the slot machine 1 and an item that displays a brightness adjustment screen for adjusting the brightness of the display device 410. In other words, in the slot machine 1, the settings related to effects can be changed by operating the item selection button unit EB in a state where no game is being played.

[0020] The effect button unit PU has a configuration in which a second effect button Pb (see FIG. 2) is included inside the first effect button Pa (see FIG. 2). The first effect button Pa is a push button and is composed of a substantially transparent cover member Pc (see FIG. 2) on the surface that is pressed when the player operates it. The second effect button Pb is a push button that becomes operable when the cover member Pc is opened.

[0021] In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the effect signal output to the effect control means 200 (see FIG. 2) is activated by operating the first effect button Pa, an effect is executed to notify the player to operate the first effect button Pa on the display device 410, and an effect corresponding to the operation of the first effect button Pa is displayed. Also, in the slot machine 1, when the effect signal output to the effect control means 200 is activated by operating the second effect button Pb, an effect is executed to notify the player to operate the second effect button Pb on the display device 410, and an effect corresponding to the operation of the second effect button Pb is displayed.

[0022] In addition, on the lower front door DD, there is provided a main control display device 10D controlled by the CPU of the main control board 10 (see FIG. 2). The main control display device 10D consists of a 7-segment display or the like, and various game information such as information on the winning combination in this game, information indicating how to press the stop buttons B1, B2, and B3 related to the payout of electronic medals (notification display), etc. is displayed. The notification display shown on the main control display device 10D is a display corresponding to a winning combination command, which is a control signal created based on the winning information, which is the information on the winning combination in this game, when a specified number of electronic medals are inserted and the start lever SL is operated.

[0023] In addition, on the lower front door DD, there is provided a game medal number display device MD controlled by a medal number control CPU 31 (see FIG. 2). The game medal number display device MD consists of a 7-segment display or the like, and functions as a conceptual tray by displaying the number of game medals stored in the slot machine 1 in a display area MDa (see FIG. 8).

[0024] And on the lower front door DD, a plurality of sound devices 420 for performing effects using sound are provided. Various sounds for assisting the game or livening up the game are output from the sound devices 420.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment. The slot machine 1 of the present embodiment has, as control boards, a main control board 10, a sub-control board 20, and a medal number control board 30. The main control board 10 has a main control CPU 11 (game control means) that controls the progress of the game by controlling the game performed using game values. The sub-control board 20 has a sub-control CPU 21 that controls the effects related to the game. The medal number control board 30 has a medal number control CPU 31 that manages electronic medals and performs control related to the number of game medals by being configured to be communicable with a dedicated unit SU.

[0026] The main control CPU 11 functions as a setting change means 100, an input reception means 105, a random number generation means 110, an internal lottery means 120, a reel control means 130, a winning determination means 140, a payout control means 150, a game state transition control means 160, an assist time control means (AT control means) 170, and a complete control means 180. Each means constituting the main control CPU 11 reads and executes each control program stored in advance in the main storage means 190 when executing each control process.

[0027] The setting change means 100 performs control (setting change control) to change the setting value stored in the setting value storage means 191 of the main storage means 190. When a setting key is inserted into the setting key cylinder KC provided on the main control board 10 and the setting key is turned, the setting change switch SS provided inside the setting key cylinder KC becomes ON. The setting change means 100 shifts to a setting change permission state that permits setting changes when the power is turned on with the setting change switch SS in the ON state. On the other hand, the setting change means 100 is configured not to shift to the setting change permission state when the setting change switch SS becomes ON while the power is on.

[0028] In the setting change permission state, each time the setting change means 100 receives an input signal output by operating the setting change button BS provided in the power supply device, it cyclically varies the setting value in the order of setting 1 → setting 2 → ··· → setting 6 → setting 1 → ···, and determines the setting value based on receiving a start signal output by operating the start lever SL. In the slot machine 1, according to the setting value determined in the setting value storage means 191, the winning probability of some of the winning areas that can be won in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 is changed. That is, the setting change means 100 is configured to be able to change the setting value, which is a value that can change the winning probability of the roles in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120.

[0029] In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the setting change control by the setting change means 100 is executed, the control related to the game state executed by the game state transition control means 160 and the control related to the advantageous section executed by the AT control means 170 are configured to be initialized. The game state is set to a non-replay time (hereinafter, the replay time is also referred to as "RT") state described later. Regarding the control related to the auxiliary game that the AT control means 170 executed before the setting change, it is also configured to be initialized and a normal section is set. On the other hand, in the slot machine 1, when the power supply to the main control CPU 11 is cut off (power failure) and then the power supply is resumed again, the control related to the game state executed by the game state transition control means 160 and the control related to the advantageous section executed by the AT control means 170 are configured to resume from the state before the power failure. Regarding the control related to the auxiliary game that the AT control means 170 executed before the power failure, it is also configured to maintain the state before the power failure.

[0030] During the input reception period in which the input reception means 105 receives the insertion of the electronic medals, when the input signal output by operating (bet operation) the max bet button MB in a state where the medal number counter 311 described later stores a game medal number equal to or more than the specified number is received, the electronic medals stored in the medal number counter 311 are set to the inserted state within the limit of the specified number set for each game state. Based on the fact that the electronic medals corresponding to the specified number are set to the inserted state, the process of enabling the game start operation for the start lever SL is performed.

[0031] In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the first pressing operation of the start lever SL enabled based on the fact that the electronic medals corresponding to the specified number are set to the inserted state is received as the game start operation by the player. It serves as an opportunity to start the rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 and also serves as an opportunity for the internal lottery means 120 described later to execute the internal lottery. The details of the specified number set for each game state will be described later.

[0032] In addition, the input acceptance means 105 receives an input signal that is output when the settlement button AB is operated during the period until the electronic medal is set to the inserted state and the start lever SL is operated for start, releases the inserted state, and adds the same number as the number of electronic medals set to the inserted state to the number of game medals stored in the medal number counter 311, thereby settling the electronic medals set to the inserted state.

[0033] The random number generation means 110 is means for generating a random number for lottery. In the present embodiment, the "random number" includes not only a value that randomly occurs in a mathematical sense, but also a value that can function as a random number substantially because the acquisition timing or the like is irregular even though the generation itself is regular.

[0034] The internal lottery means 120 is means for performing an internal lottery for determining the winning or losing of a combination based on a start signal output when the player performs a start operation on the start lever SL, and performs a lottery table selection process, a random number determination process, a lottery flag setting process, and the like.

[0035] In the lottery table selection process, among the plurality of internal lottery tables stored in the internal lottery table storage means 192 of the main storage means 190, which internal lottery table to use for the internal lottery is selected based on the current game state. In each internal lottery table, various combinations such as replay, small winning combinations, and bonuses, as well as non-winning (losing), are associated with each of a plurality of random numbers (for example, 65,536 random numbers from 0 to 65,535).

[0036] In the following description, "bonus" means a combination that operates a special device or a special device continuous operation device when winning, "bonus activation" means that the bonus wins and operates a special device or a special device continuous operation device, and "bonus state" means a state in which a special device or a special device continuous operation device is operating.

[0037] In the random number determination process, based on the start signal output when the start lever SL is operated to start, a random number (lottery random number) generated by the random number generation means 110 for each game is acquired, and the acquired random number is compared with the internal lottery table selected in the lottery table selection process, and it is determined whether or not a winning combination is obtained based on the comparison result.

[0038] In the lottery flag setting process, based on the result of the random number determination process, the lottery flag corresponding to the winning combination determined to be a winning is set from the non-established state (the first flag state, OFF state) to the established state (the second flag state, ON state). In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when two or more types of winning combinations overlap and win, the lottery flags corresponding to each of the two or more overlapping winning combinations are set to the established state. Note that in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, there are provided a lottery flag (carry-over possible flag) that can be carried over to subsequent games in the established state until winning, and a lottery flag (non-carry-over flag) that is reset to the non-established state without being carried over to subsequent games in the established state regardless of winning. Further, the setting information of the lottery flag is stored in the lottery flag storage means 193 of the main storage means 190.

[0039] The reel control means 130 executes reel rotation control to start the rotational drive of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 and control the rotation mode of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 based on the fact that the player has performed a start operation on the start lever SL and a start signal has been output. Further, when the rotation states of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 reach a steady rotation state at a predetermined speed (for example, about 80 rpm), the reel control means 130 executes control to enable the stop operation in which the stop buttons B1 to B3 corresponding to the respective reels are operated. Then, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to stop and a reel stop signal is output, the reel control means 130 performs control (reel stop control) to stop each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 corresponding to the operated stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0040] In the following description, regarding the rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 being started by the reel control means 130 and the player operating the valid stop buttons B1 to B3 respectively, the first operation is also described as the first stop operation, the second operation as the second stop operation, and the third operation as the third stop operation.

[0041] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, for the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button is stopped until 190 ms (milliseconds, msec), which is a predetermined period, elapses from the time when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed. In the following description, pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 is also described as an operation. Further, the slot machine 1 is not limited to the case where the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed. For example, it may be configured to output a stop signal at the timing when an operation of releasing the pressed and depressed stop buttons B1 to B3 is executed even when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed.

[0042] Here, when stopping the rotating reel within 190 ms from the time of pressing the stop button, the stop positions of the rotating reels are configured to be rotatable up to a maximum of 4 frames from the time of pressing the stop button until the reels stop, based on the diameters and rotation speeds of the respective reels. Therefore, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, for the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, a total of 5 frames from the frame displayed on the valid line L1 at the time of pressing the stop button to 4 frames of rotation are within the range (drawing-in range) where the symbols can be drawn onto the valid line L1.

[0043] When executing the reel stop control, the reel control means 130 performs a pull-in process of stopping the rotating reel so that the roles with the lottery flag set to the established state can win as much as possible, and a kick-out process of stopping the rotating reel so that the roles with the lottery flag set to the non-established state cannot win. Based on the preset priority order by the logical operation including these, it performs a logical operation process for obtaining the stop position of the rotating reel, and a table reference process for determining the stop position of the rotating reel by referring to the stop control table stored in the reel control data storage means 194 of the main storage means 190, and stops the rotating reel to display the symbols on the effective line L1 (hereinafter, stopping the rotating reel by the reel stop control and displaying the symbols on the effective line L1 is also described as "stop display").

[0044] In addition, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when multiple types of minor winning combinations are selected in the internal lottery, there are a method of obtaining the priority of the candidates for the stop position according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the effective line L1 (number priority control), and a method of obtaining the priority according to the number of paid-out electronic medals based on the payout predetermined for the minor winning combination (number of medals priority control). However, when executing the number of medals priority control, if minor winning combinations with the same payout are selected repeatedly, the priorities of the candidates for the stop positions that can win each minor winning combination are treated as the same.

[0045] The winning determination means 140 performs a winning determination process for determining whether or not a winning combination has won based on the stop modes of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3. Specifically, while referring to the winning determination table stored in the winning determination table storage means 195 of the main storage means 190, it is determined whether or not the symbol combination displayed on the active line L1 when all of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 have stopped is in a form of winning for each predetermined winning combination. And a winning determination table is prepared so that the presence or absence of winning of a bonus, a replay, or a small winning combination can be determined (hereinafter referred to as "winning determination") based on the symbol combination displayed on the active line L1 in the state where each reel has stopped. In the following description, the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the winning combination is also referred to as a "winning symbol combination".

[0046] In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, each process is executed based on the determination result of the winning determination means 140 in the winning determination process. As each process executed based on the determination result of the winning combination, for example, when a small winning combination wins, a process of determining the number of game medals to be paid out to cause the payout control means 150 to pay out electronic medals is performed, and when a replay wins, the payout control means 150 is caused to perform a process of executing the next game without consuming electronic medals, and when a winning combination that triggers a transition to a game state such as a bonus wins, a process of causing the game state transition control means 160 to transition the game state is performed.

[0047] The payout control means 150 performs a payout process regarding the payout of electronic medals according to the game result. Specifically, when a small winning combination wins, the number of electronic medals to be paid out in the game is determined based on the payout predetermined for each winning combination, and control is performed to virtually pay out the number of game medals corresponding to the determined payout number by adding it to the medal number counter 311.

[0048] Further, when the payout control means 150 determines that a symbol combination indicating the winning of any one of a plurality of types of replay roles described later has stopped being displayed on the effective line L1 by the winning determination means 140 and the replay has won, the payout control means 150 performs a replay process (re - game process) to set the game machine to a ready state where the game can be executed without requiring the insertion of electronic medals for the next game. That is, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed to automatically insert a prescribed number of electronic medals without using the electronic medals held by the player, and the game machine waits for a start operation on the next start lever SL in a state where the same effective line L1 as in the previous game is set.

[0049] In the slot machine 1, even if the settlement button AB is operated during the period from the game in which the replay wins to the start of the next game, that is, during the period when a prescribed number of electronic medals are automatically inserted by the replay process and the game has not started, the same number of game medal counts as the prescribed number is not added to the medal count counter 311.

[0050] The game state transition control means 160 performs a process of transitioning the game state among a plurality of game states and a process related to the activation and termination of the bonus. Here, for the transition conditions of each game state, one condition may be defined, or a plurality of conditions may be defined. When a plurality of conditions are defined, the game state can be transitioned to another game state based on the establishment of any one of the plurality of predefined conditions or the establishment of all of the plurality of predefined conditions.

[0051] The AT control means 170 executes control related to the transition between a favorable section (favorable period), which is a section (period) in which control related to an instruction function including an auxiliary game for assisting the winning of a specific role is displayed on the main control display device 10D, and a normal section (non-favorable period, non-favorable section), which is a section (period) in which control related to an auxiliary game (control related to the instruction function) based on the result of the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 cannot be executed, using the data stored in the AT control data storage means 196, and constitutes an auxiliary game control means for performing control related to the normal section, the favorable section, and the auxiliary game.

[0052] The AT control data storage means 196 stores data (various flags, counters, etc. that are set to the ON state or the OFF state in a predetermined control process) used in various controls related to a plurality of types of production states including the normal state and the AT state executed within the favorable section.

[0053] The AT control means 170 sets the production state to the AT state (assist time state) under predetermined conditions in the favorable section, and displays information (an example of operation instruction information) corresponding to the operation modes of the stop buttons B1 to B3 that enable the winning of the specific role selected on the main control display device 10D composed of a 7-segment display, thereby performing operation notification for assisting the winning of the specific role. Further, in the slot machine 1, when the operation notification by the AT control means 170 is executed, a navigation production for displaying an index corresponding to the correct hitting order on the display device 410 is executed by the production control means 200 described later. In this way, in the slot machine 1, in the AT state, the operation modes of the stop buttons B1 to B3 are notified by the operation notification and the winning assistance of the navigation production, and an auxiliary game (AT game, notification game) advantageous to the player is executed.

[0054] More specifically, when a predetermined end condition for ending the favorable section is satisfied, the AT control means 170 executes a predetermined end process for ending the favorable section and starting the normal section from the next game, and a predetermined initialization process for initializing various flags, numerical values, etc. set within the favorable section and information related to the favorable section.

[0055] The AT control means 170 executes an update process (advantageous section difference medal count update process) of cumulatively recording, in the advantageous section counter 196a, the value of the difference (difference medal count, number of winnings) obtained by subtracting the paid-out number of electronic medals from the inserted number of electronic medals in a game that has started an advantageous section. When the AT control means 170 is controlling an advantageous section, it executes an advantageous section difference medal count update process of cumulatively updating, in the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a, a value corresponding to the difference medal count of electronic medals, regardless of the game state.

[0056] Also, in the advantageous section difference medal count update process, when the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a is subtracted due to the paid-out number of electronic medals in the game being less than the specified number, and the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a becomes less than the value "0", the AT control means 170 sets the result of the subtraction in the advantageous section counter 196a. In other words, the AT control means 170 is configured to be able to set a negative value in the advantageous section counter 196a.

[0057] When more than 2400 electronic medals are won in the advantageous section, that is, when the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a exceeds the value "2400", the AT control means 170 determines that a specific end condition, which is a predetermined end condition for ending the advantageous section, is satisfied, and executes a predetermined end process of ending the advantageous section and starting a normal section from the next game. For this reason, in the slot machine 1, for example, if the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a is a negative value of "-900" until shifting to an effect state where electronic medals can be won, in the effect state where electronic medals can be won, a total of 3301 electronic medals, which is the sum of 900 medals until the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a becomes "0" and 2401 medals until the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a becomes "2401" or more, can be won.

[0058] In a predetermined initialization process, the AT control means 170 initializes all information used in various control processes in the advantageous section, such as each flag set to the ON state in the advantageous section and values set in the advantageous section. Note that the AT control means 170 can also end the advantageous section when a predetermined end condition (normal end condition) set in advance other than the specific end condition is satisfied, and executes a predetermined initialization process and a predetermined end process even when the normal end condition is satisfied. Details of the normal end condition set by the AT control means 170 of the present embodiment will be described later.

[0059] When the cumulative value of the number of acquired digital medals since the power-on of the slot machine 1 reaches a predetermined value (for example, 19,000 medals), the complete control means 180 performs control to activate the complete function as a function of stopping the slot machine 1. The complete control means 180 executes an update process (complete acquired number update process) of cumulatively recording, in the medal acquired number counter 197a of the complete storage means 197, the difference value (difference number of medals, acquired number) obtained by subtracting the number of paid-out digital medals in each game from the number of inserted digital medals since the power-on of the slot machine 1. Note that the complete control means 180 does not update the stored value of the medal acquired number counter 197a when a replay wins.

[0060] In the complete acquired number update process in which the complete control means 180 updates the stored value of the medal acquired number counter 197a, when the stored value of the medal acquired number counter 197a becomes less than the value "0" when the stored value of the medal acquired number counter 197a is subtracted because the number of paid-out digital medals in the game is less than the specified number, the complete control means 180 sets the stored value of the medal acquired number counter 197a to the value "0". As a result, the complete control means 180 can fix the value at the lowest point of the stored value of the medal acquired number counter 197a to the value "0", so that in the control process using the stored value of the medal acquired number counter 197a, it is not necessary to change the value that becomes the determination threshold according to the specific numerical value at the lowest point, and the load of the control process using the stored value of the medal acquired number counter 197a can be reduced.

[0061] When the number of medals obtained from the lowest point of the number of paid-out electronic medals after the power-on of the slot machine 1 reaches 19,000, that is, when the stored value of the medal acquisition number counter 197a reaches the value "19,000", the complete control means 180 determines that the condition for activating the complete function is satisfied.

[0062] When none of the regular bonus (RB) as the first type of special accessory, the regular big bonus (RBB) as the accessory continuous operation device related to the first type of special accessory, and the challenge big bonus (CBB) as the accessory continuous operation device related to the second type of special accessory is operating, based on the establishment of the condition for activating the complete function, after the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped and the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are stopped in the game where the condition is satisfied, the complete control means 180 activates the complete function.

[0063] On the other hand, when any of RB, RBB, or CBB is operating, after the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped and the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are stopped in the game where the operating RB, RBB, or CBB has ended, the complete control means 180 activates the complete function.

[0064] When the complete control means 180 activates the complete function, it sets the complete function activation flag stored in the complete flag storage means 197b of the complete storage means 197 to the ON state. When the complete function activation flag of the slot machine 1 is set to the ON state, it enters the pause state, and thereafter, it cannot execute the game until the complete function activation flag becomes the OFF state. The complete function activation flag set to the ON state is set to the OFF state by opening the front upper door UD of the slot machine 1 and operating the setting change button BS provided inside for initialization. Due to such a configuration, in the slot machine 1, when the complete function is activated, it is configured such that the complete function cannot be canceled by the operation of the player.

[0065] The sub-control CPU 21 functions as the production control means 200. Each means constituting the sub-control CPU 21 reads and executes each control program stored in advance in the auxiliary storage means 210 when executing each control process.

[0066] Based on the production data stored in the production control data storage means 211 of the auxiliary storage means 210, the production control means 200 performs control related to productions related to the game, such as image and video productions using the display device 410 and acoustic productions using the acoustic device 420. Specifically, when a player operates each component of the slot machine 1, such as an operation on the max bet button MB, start lever SL, stop buttons B1 to B3, count button KB, production button unit PU, or when a game event such as a change in the game state occurs, the production control means 200 executes a production using the lighting or blinking of lamps and LEDs and the output of sound from the acoustic device 420 to liven up the game, assist the game, and execute production control for notifying the player that an operation has been performed. Further, the production control means 200 causes each component constituting the production device 400 to execute a production based on each production state.

[0067] Also, when the production control means 200 executes control related to images and videos, it draws on the corresponding layer among the plurality of layers provided in the auxiliary storage means 210. The production control means 200 superimposes the images drawn on the plurality of layers into one image in the frame buffer 213 provided in the auxiliary storage means 210, and displays the superimposed image in the display area 410a of the display device 410. When the production control means 200 draws an image in the frame buffer 213, it draws the image in the frame buffer 213 in order from the image drawn on the lower layer, so that the image drawn on the upper layer is preferentially displayed in the display area 410a over the image drawn on the lower layer.

[0068] The medal count control CPU 31 functions as medal count control means 300. Each means constituting the medal count control CPU 31 reads and executes each control program stored in advance in the medal count storage means 310 when executing each control process.

[0069] The medal count control means 300 is configured to be able to transmit signals to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and is configured to be able to receive signals transmitted from the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40. The medal count control CPU 31 stores the number of game medals, which is the total number of electronic medals that can be used for gaming in the slot machine 1, using the medal count counter 311, and displays the number of game medals stored in the medal count counter 311 on the game medal number display device MD.

[0070] The medal count control means 300 mainly updates (adds or subtracts) the number of game medals stored (held) in the medal count counter 311 in response to a command received from the main control board 10, a notification received from the dedicated unit SU, or an operation of the count button KB incorporating the count switch 126. Further, the medal count control means 300 displays the number of game medals updated in this way on the game medal number display device MD.

[0071] Specifically, when the count button KB is operated during a playable game, the medal count control means 300 transmits a value corresponding to the number of game medals stored in the medal count counter 311 to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and subtracts the number of medals corresponding to the transmitted value from the medal count counter 311. Here, "during a playable game" means a state in which the gaming machine and the dedicated unit SU are electrically connected, power is supplied to both the gaming machine and the dedicated unit SU, the gaming machine or the dedicated unit SU is not under maintenance, and no error that makes the game unexecutable has occurred. Also, when the slot machine 1 is not connected to the dedicated unit SU, it controls so that the stored value of the medal count counter 311 is not subtracted by an operation on the count button KB, thereby preventing a state where a signal is not transmitted to the dedicated unit SU even though the stored value of the medal count counter 311 has been subtracted.

[0072] When the time for which the count button KB is pressed is less than 500 ms, the medal count control means 300 transmits the value "1" corresponding to one medal to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and subtracts the value "1" from the stored value of the medal count counter 311. Also, when the time for which the count button KB is pressed is 500 ms or more, the medal count control means 300 transmits the value "50" corresponding to 50 medals to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40 at the timing of counting after 500 ms has elapsed, subtracts the value "50" from the stored value of the medal count counter 311, and thereafter, every time 300 ms elapses while the count button KB is pressed, transmits the value "50" corresponding to 50 medals to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and subtracts the value "50" from the stored value of the medal count counter 311. Note that when the count button KB is pressed and 500 ms or more have elapsed, if the stored value of the medal count counter 311 is less than the value "50", the medal count control means 300 transmits the value corresponding to the stored value of the medal count counter 311 to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and subtracts the value corresponding to the stored value from the stored value of the medal count counter 311, thereby setting the stored value of the medal count counter 311 to the value "0".

[0073] When the stored value of the medal count counter 311 becomes "16369" or more, the medal count control means 300 determines that it is a medal overflow in which the number of game medals stored in the slot machine 1 exceeds 16368, which is the limit set for storage. In the slot machine 1, based on the determination that it is a medal overflow, a medal overflow error occurs, and when the counting button KB is operated and the number of game medals stored in the medal count counter 311 is counted so that the stored value of the medal count counter 311 becomes "16368" or less, the medal overflow error is cleared.

[0074] When the power is turned on while the medal count clear button CL provided inside the gaming machine is pressed, the medal count control means 300 initializes the medal count counter 311 and clears (initializes) the medal count so that the stored value of the medal count counter 311 becomes the value "0". As a result, the slot machine 1 can initialize the information on the number of medals remaining in the medal count counter 311 before turning off the power when the power is turned on.

[0075] 2. Configuration of the Gaming Machine in the Present Embodiment Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 to 8, the details of each configuration included in the slot machine 1 in the present embodiment will be described.

[0076] <Winning Area Subject to Internal Lottery> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the winning areas subject to internal lottery in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, and the winning numbers and winning roles associated with each winning area. Note that the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment has an RBB as a special effect continuous operation device related to the first type of special effect as a bonus.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 3, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, as winning areas subject to internal lottery, there are winning area "all small combinations", winning area "all single-coin combinations", winning area "replay 1", winning area "replay 2", winning areas "batter order bell 1" to "batter order bell 8", winning area "rare combination", winning area "RBB & single-coin combination", and winning area "RBB", and numbers from winning number 1 to winning number 15 are respectively associated with them. Further, in the slot machine 1, winning number 0 is associated with a non-winning (losing) result of the internal lottery.

[0078] Here, "batter order" means the order of performing operations on stop buttons B1 to B3. Also, in the following description, the timing at which stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated is also referred to as "operation timing".

[0079] In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the batter order, which is the order of operating the three stop buttons B1 to B3, is composed of six types of batter orders from batter order 1 to batter order 6. Batter order 1 is a batter order called "sequential pressing" in which stop operations are performed in the order of stop button B1 → stop button B2 → stop button B3. Also, batter order 2 is a batter order called "scissors pressing" in which stop operations are performed in the order of stop button B1 → stop button B3 → stop button B2. Also, batter order 3 is a batter order in which stop operations are performed in the order of stop button B2 → stop button B1 → stop button B3. Also, batter order 4 is a batter order in which stop operations are performed in the order of stop button B2 → stop button B3 → stop button B1. Also, batter order 5 is a batter order in which stop operations are performed in the order of stop button B3 → stop button B1 → stop button B2. Also, batter order 6 is a batter order called "reverse pressing" in which stop operations are performed in the order of stop button B3 → stop button B2 → stop button B1.

[0080] In the internal lottery means 120, in the random number determination process, the winning or losing of each winning area is determined in the order from the winning area associated with the winning number 15 to the non-winning associated with the winning number 0.

[0081] In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, as small winning combinations that can be won in the internal lottery, there are small winning combinations 1 to 13, and as replays that can be won in the internal lottery, there are replay 1 and replay 2. Each small winning combination and each replay are associated with each winning area in the combination shown in FIG. 3. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, in the slot machine 1, a winning area "RBB&1 small winning combination" is set as a winning area including a bonus and a small winning combination, and a winning area "RBB" is set as a winning area including only a bonus.

[0082] In the slot machine 1, for the winning area "replay 2", it is set with a lower winning probability than the winning area "replay 1". Further, in the slot machine 1, for the winning area "rare winning combination", it is set with a lower winning probability than each winning area including the winning areas "batter's bell 1" to "batter's bell 8" and the small winning combinations of the winning area "RBB&1 small winning combination".

[0083] Here, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, as a winning combination to which a carry-over possible flag is associated, there is RBB, and small winning combinations and replays are associated with a non-carry-over flag. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, when winning in a winning area including RBB in the internal lottery, the establishment state of the lottery flag of the winning RBB is processed to be carried over until RBB wins. At this time, the internal lottery means 120 performs an internal lottery for determining the winning or losing of small winning combinations and replays even in a game in which the establishment state of the lottery flag of RBB is carried over. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, in a game in which the establishment state of the lottery flag of RBB is carried over, when a small winning combination or a replay wins, lottery flags corresponding to two or more types of winning combinations including the lottery flag of the already won RBB and the lottery flag of the small winning combination or replay won in the internal lottery are set to the established state.

[0084] <Internal lottery table> The slot machine 1 of this embodiment has, as an internal lottery table used in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120, an internal lottery table used in the non-RT state (general state) (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table A), an internal lottery table used in the RBB internal middle state (internal middle) (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table B), and an internal lottery table used in the RBB state (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table C), which are stored in the internal lottery table storage means 192. In each of the internal lottery tables A to C of the internal lottery table, the number of lottery values is associated with each winning area to be the target of the lottery.

[0085] In the internal lottery table A referred to when the game state of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is the non-RT state, the number of lottery values is associated with the winning areas associated with winning numbers 3 to 15. In the internal lottery table B referred to when the game state is the bonus establishment state, the number of lottery values is associated with the winning areas associated with winning numbers 3 to 14. In the internal lottery table C referred to when the game state is the bonus state, the number of lottery values is associated with the winning areas associated with winning numbers 0 to 2.

[0086] In the slot machine 1, when the game state is the non-RT state, it wins in any of the winning areas associated with winning numbers 3 to 15 in the internal lottery. When the game state is the RBB internal middle state, it wins in any of the winning areas associated with winning numbers 3 to 14 in the internal lottery. Also, in the slot machine 1, when the game state is the RBB state, if it does not win in any of the winning areas associated with winning numbers 1 and 2, it is a non-win (a miss).

[0087] <Random number determination process> In the internal lottery means 120 of this embodiment, in the random number determination process, the random number acquired from the random number generation means 110 is sequentially subtracted by the number of lottery values associated with each winning area in the internal lottery table acquired from the internal lottery table storage means 192. When the result of the subtraction becomes a negative value, it is determined that the winning area corresponding to the number of lottery values of the subtraction is won. Further, when the result of the subtraction is a positive value when all the lottery values stored in the internal lottery table have been subtracted, it is determined that there is no winning in any role, that is, a non-winning situation.

[0088] <Reel control means> In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, in any gaming state, the priority order of the roles to be stopped on the effective line L1 in the reel stop control is determined in the order of "Replay > Minor role > Bonus". That is, when the bonus and the minor role or the bonus and the replay overlap and win, the reel control means 130 executes a stop control that gives priority to the minor role or the replay to win over the bonus.

[0089] Further, as described above, since the reel control means 130 is configured to be able to rotate up to 4 frames from the time when the stop button is pressed until the reel stops, among the symbols arranged on the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, the symbols arranged at intervals within 4 frames can be stopped and displayed on the effective line L1 regardless of the pressing timing of the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0090] <Payout of minor roles> In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the minor roles 1 to 4 are set to 15 sheets, which is more than the specified number (3 sheets). The minor role 5 is set to 3 sheets, which is the same as the specified number. The minor roles 6 to 13 are set to 1 sheet, which is less than the specified number.

[0091] <Game state transition control means> FIG. 4(A) is a state transition diagram showing game states that can be transitioned from each game state in the control related to the transition of the game state executed by the game state transition control means 160 of the present embodiment.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 4(A), the non-RT state is a game state (initial game state, normal game state) corresponding to the initial state among a plurality of types of game states, and is a non-bonus state in which the bonus is not activated and established. In the non-RT state, the game state transition control means 160 causes the internal lottery means 120 to execute an internal lottery using the internal lottery table A in which the winning probability of replay is set to 8978 / 65536 (about 1 / 7.3).

[0093] The RBB internal middle state is a game state that transitions when winning in either the winning area "RBB & 1-card combination" or the winning area "RBB" in the internal lottery in the non-RT state and the RBB is set to the established state, and is a bonus established state in which the bonus is established. In the RBB internal middle state, the game state transition control means 160 causes the internal lottery means 120 to execute an internal lottery using the internal lottery table B in which the winning probability of replay is set to 8982 / 65536 (about 1 / 7.3).

[0094] The RBB state is a game state that is transitioned when the RBB wins and the RBB is activated, and is a bonus state in which the bonus is activated. In the RBB state, when the number of electronically converted medals exceeding a predetermined number of payouts (for example, 100 pieces) is paid out, the game state transition control means 160 determines that the end condition of the RBB is satisfied, ends the activation of the RBB, and transitions the game state to the non-RT state. In the RBB state, the game state transition control means 160 causes the internal lottery means 120 to execute an internal lottery using the internal lottery table C.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 3, in the internal lottery table C, a random number is associated with a winning area "all small combinations" that wins all small combinations from small combination 1 to small combination 13, and a winning area "all 1-card combinations" that wins all small combinations in which the payouts of small combinations 3 to 13 are set to 1 piece.

[0096] The RBB state will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3. In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, in the RBB state where the internal lottery table C is selected, the probability of winning in the winning area "all low hands" or the winning area "all single-card hands" is higher than the probability of winning in any of the winning areas including low hands in the internal lottery table A and the internal lottery table B. That is, the probability of winning a low hand in the RBB state is set to a probability higher than the probability of winning any low hand in a game state other than the RBB state. Further, in the internal lottery table C, the probability of winning in the winning area "all low hands" is set to the same probability as the sum of the probabilities of winning in any two of the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 8" in the internal lottery table A and the internal lottery table B.

[0097] Due to such a configuration, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is configured such that in the RBB state, the winning probability of all low hands increases, and the probability of winning any low hand is also the same or increases, compared to the non-RT state where the bonus is not activated and the RBB internal middle state.

[0098] Further, the slot machine 1 is configured such that in the RBB state, the probability of winning in the winning area "all low hands" is lower than the probability of winning in any of the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 8" and the winning area "common bell" (the winning probability obtained by summing the winning probabilities of each of the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 8").

[0099] As described above, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment has a plurality of types of specific winning combinations (minor winning combinations 1 to 4) set with a payout higher than the number of game values required to start the game, and the plurality of types of specific winning combinations do not overlap with each other and overlap and win with other minor winning combinations in a plurality of types of first winning modes (winning areas "batter bell 1" to "batter bell 8"), and a second winning mode in which a plurality of types of specific winning combinations overlap and win (winning area "all minor winning combinations"). The internal lottery means 120 is configured to perform an internal lottery so that a plurality of types of first winning modes exist in the normal game state (non-RT state) and the RBB internal state, and perform an internal lottery so that the second winning mode exists in the RBB state. Further, in the slot machine 1, the probability of winning the second winning mode in the internal lottery in the RBB state is lower than the probability of winning any of the plurality of types of first winning modes in the internal lottery in the normal game state and the RBB internal state, and the winning probability of each of all minor winning combinations in the internal lottery in the RBB state is configured to be equal to or higher than the winning probability of each of all minor winning combinations in the internal lottery in the normal game state and the RBB internal state.

[0100] Therefore, for the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, regarding the RBB state, the expected value of the medal acquisition rate is less than 100%.

[0101] Here, in the RBB internal state, although it will be described in more detail later, when winning in the winning areas "batter bell 1" to "batter bell 8", since it is configured that winning cannot be achieved unless the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the correct batting order composed of batting orders 3 to 6, the probability of any of the minor winning combinations 1 to 4 winning is limited to the case where the stop buttons B1 to B3 can be operated in the correct batting order from the four types of batting orders. On the other hand, when an auxiliary game in which winning assistance described later is executed is executed, since the correct batting order is notified by winning assistance when winning in the winning areas "batter bell 1" to "batter bell 8", the probability of any of the minor winning combinations 1 to 4 winning when winning in the winning areas "batter bell 1" to "batter bell 8" can be increased up to 8 times at most compared to the case where winning assistance is not executed.

[0102] As described above, in the first embodiment, four types of minor winning combinations (specific winning combinations), namely minor winning combination 1 to minor winning combination 4, are set as winning combinations that pay out more medals than the specified number of inserted medals for winning when stopping the operation in the correct batting order. Then, the probability of obtaining a winning pattern including a specific winning combination in the RBB state is compressed to approximately 1 / 4 of the probability of obtaining a winning pattern including a specific winning combination in a gaming state other than the RBB state. By configuring in this way, an internal lottery is performed by providing a mode in which N types of specific winning combinations are won without overlapping each other in a gaming state other than the RBB state, and an internal lottery is performed by providing a mode in which N types of specific winning combinations are won repeatedly in the RBB state. As a result, the probability of obtaining a winning pattern including a specific winning combination in the RBB state can be compressed to approximately 1 / N of the probability of obtaining a winning pattern including a specific winning combination in a gaming state other than the RBB state. Thereby, since the lower limit of the expected value of the medal acquisition rate in the RBB state can be lowered to less than 100% and then the medal acquisition performance regarding the auxiliary game can be designed, the degree of freedom in designing the slot machine 1 equipped with the AT function can be remarkably improved.

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

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

[0105] In the favorable section lottery, the AT control means 170 first obtains from the AT control data storage means 196 a favorable section transition lottery table, which is a data table in which "start of favorable section" and "loss (ineligible selection)" are associated with each of a plurality of random numbers. Then, the AT control means 170 obtains a random number from the random number generation means 110, compares the obtained random number with the favorable section transition lottery table, and determines whether to start the favorable section based on the comparison result.

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

[0107] The AT control means 170 of the first embodiment is configured to execute the favorable section lottery when winning in the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 8", the winning area "rare combination", the winning area "RBB & 1 - card combination", and the winning area "replay 1" in the internal lottery, and not to execute the favorable section lottery when winning in other winning areas. Also, the AT control means 170 executes the favorable section lottery with a high probability of approximately 1 / 1.5 of winning "start of favorable section".

[0108] In the favorable section, the AT control means 170 has, as states related to the instruction function (production state), a normal state, a CZ state, and an AT state. In the normal state, it is configured not to execute the winning assistance for minor combinations 1 to 4 when winning in the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 8". In the CZ state and the AT state, it is configured to be able to execute the winning assistance for minor combinations 1 to 4 when winning in the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 8". Also, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is configured such that the staying ratio of the favorable section in the entire game can be 70% or more.

[0109] The normal state is a performance state (normal performance state) corresponding to the normal state among multiple types of performance states, which is set when not transitioning to other performance states. When the performance state transitions to the normal state, the AT control means 170 executes an increment update to add the value "1" corresponding to 1 game to the memory value of the normal game count counter (not shown) that counts the number of game plays in the normal state each time a game is executed. When the memory value of the normal game count counter reaches the value "700", the AT control means 170 determines that the transition condition to the CZ state (CZ transition condition) is satisfied and transitions the performance state from the normal state to the CZ state.

[0110] The AT control means 170 is configured to execute a CZ lottery to determine whether to determine the transition to the CZ state in a game that wins in the winning area not including the RBB in the internal lottery in the normal state.

[0111] Also, when the AT control means 170 wins in the winning area "rare combination" in the internal lottery, it executes a normal AT lottery to determine whether to determine the transition to the AT state. When it wins in "transition to the AT state", it determines that the transition condition to the AT state (AT transition condition) is satisfied and transitions from the normal state to the AT state.

[0112] The CZ state is configured to be able to transition to the AT state with a higher probability than the normal state when control is executed to determine whether to transition the performance state to the AT state as control related to the auxiliary game, and it is a performance state more advantageous to the player than the normal state. At the start of the CZ state, the AT control means 170 sets a value corresponding to a predetermined number of game plays (for example, 10 games) in the CZ game count counter (not shown) of the AT control data storage means 196, and executes a decrement update to subtract the value "1" corresponding to 1 game from the memory value of the CZ game count counter each time a game is executed.

[0113] The AT control means 170 is configured to execute a CZ mid-AT lottery for determining whether or not to determine the transition to the AT state by lottery in each game in the CZ state. When winning the "transition to the AT state" in the CZ mid-AT lottery, the AT control means 170 changes the production state from the CZ state to the AT state after 10 games of play have been executed since the start of the CZ state.

[0114] The AT control means 170 executes a CZ mid-set number addition lottery for determining whether or not to add (carry over) the number of times of executing one set of the AT state for the AT state to be transitioned from the CZ state in the games until the CZ state ends when winning the "transition to the AT state" in the CZ mid-AT lottery.

[0115] On the other hand, when 10 games of play are executed in the CZ state without winning the "transition to the AT state" in the CZ mid-AT lottery, the AT control means 170 ends the CZ state and changes the production state to the normal state.

[0116] The AT control means 170 is configured to execute the lotteries related to the auxiliary games executed in the CZ state (CZ mid-AT lottery, CZ mid-set number addition lottery) regardless of the result of the internal lottery. Further, the AT control means 170 is configured such that when winning the winning area "rare combination" in the internal lottery for the lotteries related to the auxiliary games executed in the CZ state, the probability of "losing" is lower than when winning in other winning areas, resulting in a favorable result for the player (in the case of the CZ mid-AT lottery, the probability of "transition to the AT state" increases).

[0117] When the transition to the AT state is determined in the CZ state and 10 games are played in the CZ state, the effect control means 200 of the present embodiment executes a first effect button operation effect for prompting the operation of the first effect button Pa by displaying an image having a design similar to that of the first effect button Pa on the display device 410 and allowing the characters "PUSH" to be visible through the cover member Pc, and validates an effect signal output to the effect control means 200 when the first effect button Pa is operated. After executing the first effect button operation effect, when the first effect button Pa is operated between the execution of the first effect button operation effect and the start lever SL being operated after a specified number of electronic medals are set to the inserted state, the effect control means 200 executes an AT start effect for notifying that the AT state will start from the next game. In the slot machine 1, when a specified number of electronic medals are set to the inserted state and the start lever SL is operated before the first effect button operation effect is executed and the first effect button Pa is operated, the AT state starts without executing the AT start effect.

[0118] The AT state is an effect state more advantageous to the player than the normal state by executing the winning assistance of the minor roles 1 to 4 when the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 8" are won.

[0119] The AT control means 170 sets an initial value (50 games) corresponding to a predetermined number of game times to an AT game number counter (not shown) of the AT control data storage means 196 at the start of the AT state, and executes a decrement update for subtracting the stored value of the AT game number counter by a value "1" corresponding to 1 game each time the game is executed.

[0120] Also, when the AT control means 170 wins the winning area "rare role" in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120, the AT control means 170 determines whether to add the value determined by the lottery to the stored value of the AT game number counter, thereby executing an additional lottery to determine whether to add (overlay) the period during which the AT state continues. When the value determined by the additional lottery is a value of 1 or more, the AT control means 170 is configured to execute an overlay process of adding the determined value to the AT game number counter.

[0121] The effect control means 200 of the present embodiment determines that the opening / closing trigger of the cover member Pc is established when winning the winning area "rare role" in the internal lottery in the AT state and when it is determined in the additional lottery by the AT control means 170 to add (overlay) a value of "200" or more to the AT game number counter. When it is determined that an addition (overlay) of 200 games or more is executed to the AT game number counter, the effect control means 200 executes a second effect button operation effect and an additional game number notification effect.

[0122] In the second effect button operation effect, the effect control means 200 displays, on the display device 410, an image having a design similar to that of the second effect button Pb and an image prompting the pressing of the second effect button Pb, and outputs a pulse signal for rotationally driving the cover member Pc in the opening direction to the drive motor PM (see FIG. 2) composed of a stepping motor. In the effect button unit PU, when the drive motor PM rotates, the cover member Pc rotates via a drive mechanism Pd (see FIG. 2) composed of members capable of transmitting power such as gears, and the cover member Pc is opened. Further, when the cover member Pc is opened, the effect control means 200 validates an effect signal output toward the effect control means 200 when the second effect button Pb is operated.

[0123] The additional game number notification effect is an effect that is executed when the second effect button Pb is operated between the time when the effect control means 200 executes the second effect button operation effect and the time when a specified number of electronic medals are set to the inserted state and the start lever SL is operated. It is an effect that notifies the number of games added (additional) to the AT game number counter. When the effect control means 200 executes the additional game number notification effect and the pressing of the second effect button Pb ends and the second effect button Pb is released, the effect control means 200 outputs a pulse signal for rotationally driving the drive motor PM in the direction of closing the cover member Pc to close the cover member Pc.

[0124] In the slot machine 1, when a specified number of electronic medals are set to the inserted state and the start lever SL is operated before the second effect button operation effect is executed and the second effect button Pb is operated, the additional game number notification effect is executed based on the operation of the start lever SL, and the cover member Pc is closed.

[0125] Each time a game is executed in the AT state, the AT control means 170 performs a decrement update. When the stored value of the AT game number counter becomes the value "0", the AT control means 170 determines that the end condition of the AT state (AT end condition) is satisfied, ends the AT state, determines that the normal end condition among the end conditions of the advantageous section is satisfied, and executes a predetermined initialization process that is a process of initializing the information regarding the advantageous section, and a predetermined end process of ending the advantageous section and starting the normal section from the next game.

[0126] Also, when the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a in the AT state exceeds the value "2400", the AT control means 170 also determines that the AT end condition is satisfied, ends the AT state, determines that the specific end condition among the end conditions of the advantageous section is satisfied, and executes a predetermined initialization process that is a process of initializing the information regarding the advantageous section, and a predetermined end process of ending the advantageous section and starting the normal section from the next game.

[0127] As shown in FIG. 4(B), when the AT control means 170 wins the "start of the advantageous section" in the advantageous section extraction in the normal section and starts the advantageous section, the AT control means 170 is configured to set the effect state at the start of the advantageous section to the CZ state. Further, as described above, when the AT control means 170 ends the AT state, it is configured to end the advantageous section and start the normal section.

[0128] Due to such a configuration, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment ends the AT state and shifts from the normal section to the advantageous section, so that the CZ state is started. Therefore, the probability of shifting to the AT state again is higher than when it is set to the normal state at the start of the normal section. As a result, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment can start the AT state again through the normal section and the CZ state once the AT state is started. Therefore, electronic medals can be obtained by the AT state multiple times, and the interest of the player in the game can be enhanced.

[0129] <Game results in each game state> FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the game results for each operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3 when winning an area including a small winning combination in the internal lottery in the non-RT state, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the game results for each operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3 when winning an area including a small winning combination in the internal lottery in the RBB internal middle state.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 5, in the slot machine 1, when winning the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 8" in the non-RT state, any of the small winning combinations 6 to 12 with a payout set to 1 is configured to be winnable regardless of the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0131] In other words, in the slot machine 1, when in the non-RT state, even if a win occurs in the winning areas "Batter Bell 1" to "Batter Bell 8" which are winning areas including minor winning combinations 1 to 4 set to 15 sheets, the minor winning combinations 1 to 4 are configured to be non-winning.

[0132] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, in the slot machine 1, when a win occurs in the winning areas "Batter Bell 1" to "Batter Bell 8" in the RBB internal middle state, the batting order (correct batting order) of the stop buttons B1 to B3 that enables the minor winning combinations 1 to 4 set to 15 sheets to win with a probability of 1 / 1 is set.

[0133] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, when a win occurs in the winning areas "Batter Bell 1" to "Batter Bell 8" in the non-RT state or the RBB internal middle state, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a batting order that enables winning for minor winning combinations 6, 7, and 10, they win with a probability of 1 / 1, and when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a batting order that enables winning for minor winning combinations 8, 9, 11, and 12, they win with a probability of 1 / 2.

[0134] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, when a win occurs in the winning area "Rare Winning Combination" in the non-RT state or the RBB internal middle state, when the stop button B3 is stopped at an operation timing that enables the minor winning combination 5 to win, the minor winning combination 5 set to 3 sheets is configured to win, and the winning probability is about 1 / 1.3. In the slot machine 1, when a win occurs in the winning area "Rare Winning Combination" and the minor winning combination 5 does not win, it is configured to be a miss (non-winning).

[0135] Also, when a win occurs in the winning area "RBB & Single Winning Combination" in the non-RT state or the RBB internal middle state, regardless of the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3, any of the minor winning combinations 13 set to 1 sheet for the payout in the 3-bet game wins with a probability of 1 / 1.

[0136] 3. Details of the Configuration Related to the Display of the Number of Game Medals Next, the details of the configuration related to the display of the number of gaming medals of the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0137] <Game medal number display area> As described above, since the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that medal overflow occurs when the number of gaming medals exceeds 16,368, it is configured to be able to store 0 to 16,383 gaming medals. For this reason, the slot machine 1 is configured such that five 7-segment displays are visible through a display area MDa for displaying the number of gaming medals in the gaming medal number display device MD.

[0138] In the gaming medal number display device MD, by controlling the lighting and extinguishing states of each of the five 7-segment displays according to the number of gaming medals stored in the medal number counter 311, a maximum of five-digit numbers can be made visible. Also, in the gaming medal number display device MD, for example, when the number of gaming medals is a one-digit number from 1 to 9, the lighting state of the 7-segment display disposed on the far right among the five 7-segment displays visible from the display area MDa is controlled, so that the one-digit number of gaming medals is displayed, and in the remaining four 7-segment displays, each segment is controlled to be extinguished.

[0139] That is, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the number of 7-segment displays corresponding to the number of digits of the gaming medal number is configured to light up. For example, when the number of gaming medals is 10, the lighting states of the five 7-segment displays are not controlled so that "00010" can be seen, but the lighting states of the two 7-segment displays are controlled so that "10" can be seen, and for the remaining three 7-segment displays, each segment is controlled to be extinguished.

[0140] The effect control means 200 displays in the vicinity of the lower left end of the display area 410a of the display device 410 and displays the number of gaming medals within the area of the gaming medal number display area 410c.

[0141] Using FIG. 7, the details of the display mode of the number of game medals using the game medal number display area 410c will be described. FIG. 7(A) is a diagram showing the display mode of the game medal number display area 410c when the number of game medals is within the range of 0 to 99 medals.

[0142] As shown in FIG. 7(A), when the number of game medals is a one-digit number, the effect control means 200 of the present embodiment displays "00" to "09" as the number of game medals in the game medal number display area 410c. The game medal number display area 410c is displayed at a position separated by a length of width W1 from the left end of the display area 410a. Among the game medal numbers displayed in the game medal number display area 410c, the most significant digit is displayed such that the position separated by a length of width W2 from the left end of the game medal number display area 410c is the center position in the left-right direction of the digit. In the example shown in FIG. 7(A), the distance from the left end of the game medal number display area 410c to the center position in the left-right direction of the digit "0" is the width W2.

[0143] When the number of game medals is within the range of 0 to 99 medals, among the game medal numbers displayed in the game medal number display area 410c, the least significant digit is displayed such that the position separated by a length of width W3a from the left end of the display area 410a is the center position of the digit. In the example shown in FIG. 7(A), the distance from the left end of the display area 410a to the center position in the left-right direction of the digit "0" is the width W3a. And when the number of game medals is within the range of 0 to 99 medals, the right end of the game medal number display area 410c is displayed at a position separated by a length of width W4a from the left end of the display area 410a.

[0144] FIG. 7(B) is a diagram showing the display mode of the game medal number display area 410c when the number of game medals is within the range of 100 to 999. As shown in FIGS. 7(A) and (B), the effect control means 200 of the present embodiment, when the number of digits of the value to be displayed as the number of game medals increases, while maintaining the position of the numbers displayed on the left side in the figure and the position of the game medal number display area 410c, adds the numbers displayed on the right side in the figure, and is configured to expand and display the range of the game medal number display area 410c.

[0145] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7(B), when the number of game medals is within the range of 100 to 999, the game medal number display area 410c is displayed at a position separated by a length of width W1 from the left end of the display area 410a, and is displayed at the same position as the position where the left end of the game medal number display area 410c is displayed when the number of game medals is within the range of 0 to 99. Also, among the digits of the game medal number displayed in the game medal number display area 410c, the most significant digit is displayed such that the position separated by a length of width W2 from the left end of the game medal number display area 410c is the center position in the left-right direction of the digit. In the example shown in FIG. 7(B), the distance from the left end of the game medal number display area 410c to the center position in the left-right direction of the digit "1" is the width W2, and is displayed at the same position as the position where the center position in the left-right direction of the most significant digit of the game medal number is displayed when the number of game medals is within the range of 0 to 99.

[0146] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7(B), when the number of game medals is within the range of 100 to 999, the rightmost digit of the number of game medals displayed in the game medal number display area 410c is displayed such that the position spaced by a length of width W3b from the left end of the display area 410a is the center position of the digit. In the example shown in FIG. 7(B), the distance from the left end of the display area 410a to the center position in the left-right direction of the digit "0" is the width W3b, and width W3b > width W3a. Also, when the number of game medals is within the range of 100 to 999, the right end of the game medal number display area 410c is displayed at a position spaced by a length of width W4b from the left end of the display area 410a, and width W4b > width W4a.

[0147] FIG. 7(C) is a diagram showing the display mode of the game medal number display area 410c when the number of game medals is within the range of 1000 to 9999. As shown in FIG. 7(C), when the number of game medals is within the range of 1000 to 9999, the game medal number display area 410c is displayed at a position spaced by a length of width W1 from the left end of the display area 410a, which is the same position as the position where the left end of the game medal number display area 410c is displayed when the number of game medals is within the range of 0 to 999. Also, for the leftmost digit of the number of game medals displayed in the game medal number display area 410c, the position spaced by a length of width W2 from the left end of the game medal number display area 410c is displayed such that it is the center position in the left-right direction of the digit. In the example shown in FIG. 7(C), the distance from the left end of the game medal number display area 410c to the center position in the left-right direction of the digit "1" is the width W2, which is the same position as the position where the center position in the left-right direction of the leftmost digit of the number of game medals is displayed when the number of game medals is within the range of 0 to 999.

[0148] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7(C), when the number of game medals is within the range of 1,000 to 9,999, the rightmost digit of the number of game medals displayed in the game medal number display area 410c is displayed such that the position spaced from the left end of the display area 410a by a length of width W3c is the center position of the digit. In the example shown in FIG. 7(C), the distance from the left end of the display area 410a to the center position of the digit "1" in the left-right direction is width W3c, and width W3c > width W3b. Also, when the number of game medals is within the range of 1,000 to 9,999, the right end of the game medal number display area 410c is displayed at a position spaced from the left end of the display area 410a by a length of width W4c, and width W4c > width W4b.

[0149] FIG. 7(D) is a diagram showing the display mode of the game medal number display area 410c when the number of game medals is within the range of 10,000 to 16,383. As shown in FIG. 7(D), when the number of game medals is within the range of 10,000 to 16,383, the game medal number display area 410c is displayed at a position spaced from the left end of the display area 410a by a length of width W1, and is displayed at the same position as the position where the left end of the game medal number display area 410c is displayed when the number of game medals is within the range of 0 to 9,999. Also, for the leftmost digit of the number of game medals displayed in the game medal number display area 410c, the position spaced from the left end of the game medal number display area 410c by a length of width W2 is displayed as the center position of the digit in the left-right direction. In the example shown in FIG. 7(D), the distance from the left end of the game medal number display area 410c to the center position of the digit "1" in the left-right direction is width W2, and is displayed at the same position as the position where the center position of the leftmost digit of the number of game medals in the left-right direction is displayed when the number of game medals is within the range of 0 to 9,999.

[0150] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7(D), when the number of game medals is within the range of 10,000 to 16,383, the lowest digit of the number of game medals displayed in the game medal number display area 410c is displayed such that the position spaced by a length of width W3d from the left end of the display area 410a is the center position of the digit. In the example shown in FIG. 7(D), the distance from the left end of the display area 410a to the center position in the left-right direction of the digit "1" is the width W3d, and the width W3d > the width W3c. Further, when the number of game medals is within the range of 10,000 to 16,383, the right end of the game medal number display area 410c is displayed at a position spaced by a length of width W4d from the left end of the display area 410a, and the width W4d > the width W4c.

[0151] As shown in FIGS. 7(A) to 7(D), the effect control means 200 of the present embodiment is configured such that the position of the left end of the game medal number display area 410c is a position spaced by a length of width W1 from the left end of the display area 410a regardless of the number of digits of the value displayed as the number of game medals, and the center position in the left-right direction of the most significant digit of the number of game medals is a position spaced by a length of width W2 from the left end of the game medal number display area 410c regardless of the number of digits of the value displayed as the number of game medals.

[0152] On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 7(A) to 7(D), the effect control means 200 of the present embodiment is configured such that as the number of digits of the number of game medals increases, the distance from the left end of the game medal number display area 410c to the center position in the left-right direction of the lowest digit of the number of game medals becomes longer, and the distance from the left end of the game medal number display area 410c to the right end of the game medal number display area 410c becomes longer. When the number of game medals is 10,000 or more and a five-digit number is displayed, the center position in the left-right direction of the lowest digit and the position of the right end of the game medal number display area 410c are each configured to be the most spaced from the left end of the display area 410a.

[0153] <Payout number display area> Next, the payout number display area 410d will be described. The effect control means 200 of the present embodiment displays the payout number display area 410d near the lower right end in the display area 410a of the display device 410, and displays the payout number in the game within the area of the payout number display area 410d.

[0154] As shown in FIGS. 7(A) to 7(D), when the payout number is a single-digit number, the effect control means 200 can display "00" to "09" as the payout number in the game in the payout number display area 410d. When the payout number is a two-digit number, the payout number display area 410d is configured to be able to display "10" to "15" as the payout number in the game.

[0155] As described above, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when minor winning combination 1 to minor winning combination 4 win, 15 payouts are executed. When minor winning combination 5 wins, 3 payouts are executed. When any of minor winning combination 6 to minor winning combination 13 wins, 1 payout is executed.

[0156] Therefore, in the slot machine 1, in the payout number display area 410d, when a minor winning combination wins, it is possible to display the value corresponding to the payout set for the winning minor winning combination among the values "15", "03", and "01". When a replay or bonus wins, or when there is a miss (non-winning) where no winning combination wins, the value "00" can be displayed.

[0157] Also, as shown in FIGS. 7(A) to 7(D), the payout number display area 410d is configured such that the size of the area does not change regardless of the number of electronic medals paid out in the game when the payout number is a single-digit value or a two-digit value.

[0158] With such a configuration, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent the size of the payout number display area 410d, where a single-digit or two-digit payout number is displayed in each game, from changing each time the game is played and giving a complicated impression when it comes into the player's field of vision, and it is possible to make the player concentrate on the game.

[0159] <Relationship between the operation means provided in the slot machine and the configuration related to the display of the number of game medals> FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the operation means provided in the slot machine 1, the display area MDa of the game medal number display device MD for displaying the number of game medals, and the game medal number display area 410c. In the slot machine 1, when viewed from the front, although the side surfaces of the max bet button MB, the effect button unit PU, and the count button KB are visible, in order to simplify the explanation of the left-right positional relationship in the front view with respect to the configuration related to the display of the number of game medals, the state viewed from above is illustrated in FIG. 8. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 8, a state in which 15,000 electronic medals as the number of game medals are stored in the medal number counter 311 is illustrated.

[0160] As shown in FIG. 8, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the effect button unit PU is disposed such that the center in the left-right direction of the effect button unit PU is located on the center line C1 in the left-right direction when the slot machine 1 is viewed from the front. Further, the display area MDa for displaying the number of game medals on the game medal number display device MD is disposed on the right side (one side) of the center line C1 in the left-right direction when the slot machine 1 is viewed from the front. Further, the game medal number display area 410c for displaying the number of game medals on the display device 410 is disposed on the left side (the other side) of the center line C1 in the left-right direction when the slot machine 1 is viewed from the front.

[0161] In other words, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a first control unit (for example, medal number control CPU 31, medal number control means 300) that manages information regarding game values, a second control unit (for example, sub-control CPU 21, effect control means 200) that controls effects, a first display means (for example, game medal number display device MD) controlled by the first control unit, and a second display means (for example, display device 410) controlled by the second control unit. The first display means can display information in a first area (for example, display area MDa) arranged on one side of the center in the left-right direction when viewing the gaming machine from the front. The second display means can display information in a second area (for example, game medal number display area 410c) arranged on the other side of the center in the left-right direction.

[0162] With such a configuration, when the player wants to check the number of game medals, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when viewing the right side of the center in the left-right direction when viewing the slot machine 1 from the front, the player can check the number of game medals displayed in the display area MDa of the game medal number display device MD. When viewing the left side of the center in the left-right direction, the player can check the number of game medals displayed in the game medal number display area 410c of the display device 410. Therefore, when managing electronic medals, the information on the number of game medals can be appropriately displayed, and the occurrence of stress when the player checks the number of game medals can be suppressed.

[0163] In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when displaying the number of game medals in the display area MDa of the game medal number display device MD, the right end in the left-right direction of the value displayed in the lowest digit in the total number of game medals and the left end in the left-right direction of the value displayed in the highest digit of the payout number displayed in the payout number display area 410d of the display device 410 are configured to be separated by a length of width W5.

[0164] In other words, in the slot machine 1, the second display means can display information on the number of payouts in one game in a third area (for example, the payout number display area 410d) arranged on one side of the center in the left-right direction, and the value displayed in the least significant digit of the information on the game value displayed in the first area (for example, the display area MDa) and the value displayed in the most significant digit of the information on the payout number displayed in the third area do not overlap in the left-right direction.

[0165] With such a configuration, when the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment views the number of game medals displayed in the display area MDa of the game medal number display device MD arranged on one side of the center in the left-right direction when the slot machine 1 is viewed from the front, the display position of the payout number in the game displayed in the payout number display area 410d does not overlap with the display position of the number of game medals displayed in the display area MDa in the left-right direction, thereby suppressing the complication of the numerical information that enters the player's field of vision.

[0166] Also, the numerical value of the number of game medals displayed in the display area MDa overlaps with the payout number display area 410d in the left-right range when viewed from the front in the range A1, and the numerical value of the payout number in the game displayed in the payout number display area 410d is configured to overlap with the display area MDa in the left-right range when viewed from the front in the range A2.

[0167] In other words, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the information on the game value displayed in the first area overlaps with the third area in the left-right direction when the slot machine 1 is viewed from the front in the first range (for example, the range A1), and the information on the payout number in one game displayed in the third area overlaps with the first area in the left-right direction when the slot machine 1 is viewed from the front in the second range (for example, the range A2).

[0168] With such a configuration, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the display area MDa in which the number of game medals is displayed on the game medal number display device MD and the payout number display area 410d in which the payout number in the game is displayed on the display device 410 partially overlap in the left - right direction in the front view of the slot machine 1. When arranging the display area MDa and the payout number display area 410d respectively, it is possible to prevent the left - right space required to avoid the display positions of the number of game medals displayed in the display area MDa and the payout number in the game displayed in the payout number display area 410d from overlapping in the left - right direction from becoming excessively large, and to prevent the information of the numbers that come into the player's field of vision from becoming complicated.

[0169] In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when displaying a 5 - digit number of game medals in the game medal number display area 410c of the display device 410, the right - end in the left - right direction of the value displayed in the lowest digit in the total number of game medals and the left - end in the left - right direction of the max bet button MB are configured to be separated by a length of width W6.

[0170] In other words, the slot machine 1 is provided with a bet button (for example, the max bet button MB), and the value displayed in the lowest digit of the information regarding the game value displayed in the second area and the bet button do not overlap in the left - right direction.

[0171] With such a configuration, when the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment views the number of game medals displayed in the game medal number display area 410c of the display device 410 disposed on the other side of the center in the left-right direction when the slot machine 1 is viewed from the front, the maximum bet button MB, which is an operation means provided at the position closest to the game medal number display area 410c, does not overlap with the display position of the game medal number displayed in the game medal number display area 410c in the left-right direction. Thus, when the maximum bet button MB is operated, the game medal number displayed in the game medal number display area 410c does not enter the player's field of vision, and it is possible to prevent the player from feeling annoyance due to the numerical information.

[0172] In addition, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when displaying a 5-digit game medal number in the game medal number display area 410c of the display device 410, the right end in the left-right direction of the value displayed in the rightmost digit in the total number of game medals and the right end in the left-right direction of the start lever SL are configured to be separated by a length of width W7, and the game medal number displayed in the game medal number display area 410c and the start lever SL are configured to overlap in the left-right direction within a range A3.

[0173] As described above, the display positions of the most significant digit and the second digit from the most significant digit of the game medal number displayed in the game medal number display area 410c are fixed. Even when the game medal number is a single-digit value, it is configured to be displayed in the game medal number display area 410c as a two-digit value from the value "00" to the value "09". Further, in the slot machine 1, since the position in the left-right direction of the second digit from the most significant digit of the numerical value of the game medal number displayed in the game medal number display area 410c and the left end in the left-right direction of the start lever SL overlap, regardless of the value of the game medal number displayed in the game medal number display area 410c, the game medal number displayed in the game medal number display area 410c and the start lever SL are configured to overlap at least within a range A4 in the left-right direction.

[0174] In other words, the slot machine 1 includes a start lever (e.g., start lever SL), and the value displayed in the least significant digit of the information regarding the game value displayed in the second area and the start lever overlap in the left-right direction when the slot machine 1 is viewed from the front, at least in the third range (e.g., range A4).

[0175] With such a configuration, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment is positioned at a position farther from the max bet button MB than the game medal number display area 410c. By doing so, the start lever SL, for which the game medal number displayed in the game medal number display area 410c is less likely to come into the field of view during operation than during the operation of the max bet button MB, is disposed at a position where it overlaps at least partially with the game medal number displayed in the game medal number display area 410c in the left-right direction. Thus, the start lever SL can be disposed at a position independent of the display position of the game medal number displayed in the game medal number display area 410c, and the degree of freedom in the design of the slot machine 1 can be maintained.

[0176] As described above, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the number of electronic medals exceeding 16,368 is stored in the medal counter 311 as the number of game medals, a medal overflow error occurs, and the progress of the game is stopped until the count button KB is operated and the number of game medals becomes 16,368 or less. Further, in the slot machine 1, when the number of electronic medals of 15,000 or more is stored in the medal counter 311 as the number of game medals, a holding number warning occurs, and the lending of the electronic medals is configured not to be performed.

[0177] In the slot machine 1, when the counting process is executed by operating the counting button KB, the number of game medals stored in the medal counter 311 becomes less than 15,000, and when electronic medals are bet by executing the game, the number of game medals stored in the medal counter 311 becomes less than 15,000, the possession number warning is configured to be canceled, and the game can be continuously executed even in a state where the possession number warning has occurred.

[0178] Also, as shown in FIG. 8, the effect control means 200 is configured to display a possession number warning image 411 for prompting the player to count by notifying that the possession number warning has occurred on the display device 410 when the possession number warning has occurred.

[0179] In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when displaying a 5-digit number of game medals in the display area MDa of the game medal number display device MD, the number of game medals displayed in the display area MDa and the possession number warning image 411 are configured to overlap in the left-right direction within a range A5. Further, in the slot machine 1, when displaying a 5-digit number of game medals in the game medal number display area 410c of the display device 410, the number of game medals displayed in the game medal number display area 410c and the possession number warning image 411 are configured to overlap in the left-right direction within a range A6.

[0180] In other words, in the slot machine 1, when the information regarding the game value managed by the first control unit becomes a predetermined number (for example, 15,000 or more), the second control unit displays a predetermined image (for example, the possession number warning image 411) on the second display means, and the information regarding the game value displayed in the first area overlaps with the predetermined image in the left-right direction when the slot machine 1 is viewed from the front within a fourth range (for example, range A5), and the information regarding the game value displayed in the second area overlaps with the predetermined image in the left-right direction when the slot machine 1 is viewed from the front within a fifth range (for example, range A6).

[0181] With such a configuration, when the number of game medals stored in the medal number counter 311 of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment reaches 15,000 or more, the possession number warning image 411 to be displayed is displayed in the display area MDa of the game medal display device MD and the game medal number displayed in the game medal number display area 410c of the display device 410. By being displayed so as to overlap in the left-right direction with either of them, no matter which of the game medal number displayed in the display area MDa of the game medal display device MD and the game medal number displayed in the game medal number display area 410c of the display device 410 the player visually recognizes, the possession number warning image 411 can be brought into the player's field of vision, and the player can be prompted to count.

[0182] The game medal display device MD is provided with a counting button KB that is operated to count the electronic medals stored in the medal number counter 311. In the slot machine 1, the counting button KB and the item selection button unit EB are configured to overlap in the left-right direction within a range A7. Specifically, it is configured such that the left end of the counting button KB and the item display button EBa overlap in the left-right direction, and the right end of the counting button KB and the selection button EBb overlap in the left-right direction.

[0183] In other words, the slot machine 1 includes a first operation means (for example, the counting button KB) for receiving an operation by the player to cause the first control unit to perform a counting process of transmitting at least a part of the information on the game value managed thereby to an external device (for example, the dedicated unit SU), and a second operation means (for example, the item selection button unit EB) for receiving an operation by the player to change the settings related to the effect. The first operation means is provided on the first display means, and the first operation means and the second operation means are configured to overlap in the left-right direction when the slot machine 1 is viewed from the front in the sixth range.

[0184] With such a configuration, when counting the electronic medals by operating the counting button KB provided in the game medal number display device MD that displays the number of game medals in the display area MDa, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment can operate the counting button KB and the item selection button unit EB whose position in the left - right direction overlaps with that of the counting button KB with one hand. While counting the electronic medals by operating the counting button KB, the settings related to the effect can be changed, and the operability of each operation means in the slot machine 1 can be improved. 4. Summary of this embodiment

[0185] As described above, when the player wants to check the number of game medals, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when viewing the right - hand side of the center in the left - right direction when viewing the slot machine 1 from the front, the number of game medals displayed in the display area MDa of the game medal number display device MD can be checked. When viewing the left - hand side of the center in the left - right direction, the number of game medals displayed in the game medal number display area 410c of the display device 410 can be checked. Therefore, when managing the electronic medals, the information on the number of game medals can be appropriately displayed, and the occurrence of stress when the player checks the number of game medals can be suppressed.

[0186] 5. Modification example In addition, in the present embodiment, the slot machine 1 has a display area MDa for displaying the number of game medals in the game medal number display device MD on the right side in the left - right direction when the slot machine 1 is viewed from the front, and has a game medal number display area 410c for displaying the number of game medals in the display device 410 on the left side in the left - right direction when the slot machine 1 is viewed from the front. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may have a display area MDa for displaying the number of game medals in the game medal number display device MD on the left side in the left - right direction when the slot machine 1 is viewed from the front, and have a game medal number display area 410c for displaying the number of game medals in the display device 410 on the right side in the left - right direction when the slot machine 1 is viewed from the front. As long as the slot machine 1 has a display area MDa for displaying the number of game medals in the game medal number display device MD on one side in the left - right direction when the slot machine 1 is viewed from the front, and has a game medal number display area 410c for displaying the number of game medals in the display device 410 on the other side in the left - right direction when the slot machine 1 is viewed from the front, there is no particular limitation as to which of the display area MDa and the game medal number display area 410c is on the right side and which is on the left side.

[0187] Also, in the present embodiment, the slot machine 1 has a display area MDa for displaying the number of game medals in the game medal number display device MD on the right side of the center in the left - right direction when the slot machine 1 is viewed from the front, and has a game medal number display area 410c for displaying the number of game medals in the display device 410 on the left side of the center. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the slot machine 1 may have a display area MDa for displaying the number of game medals in the game medal number display device MD on one side of the effect button unit PU in the left - right direction when the slot machine 1 is viewed from the front, and have a game medal number display area 410c for displaying the number of game medals in the display device 410 on the other side of the effect button unit PU.

[0188] Also, in the present embodiment, the game medal number display area 410c is configured such that the size of the area displayed varies according to the number of digits of the game medal number, but it is not limited thereto. The game medal number display area 410c may be configured with an area of a fixed size regardless of the number of digits of the game medal number.

[0189] Also, in the present embodiment, the effect control means 200 is configured to display the game medal number display area 410c and the payout number display area 410d on the display device 410 regardless of the progress of the game, but it is not limited thereto. For example, when executing an effect using the entire area of the display area 410a, such as when transitioning from the CZ state to the AT state, the effect control means 200 may display the image to be displayed in this effect on the display area 410a, giving priority to the game medal number display area 410c and the payout number display area 410d, so that the game medal number display area 410c and the payout number display area 410d are not temporarily displayed.

[0190] In such a configuration, the effect control means 200 may be configured to continue the display of the other when temporarily suspending the display of one of the game medal number display area 410c and the payout number display area 410d.

[0191] Also, in the present embodiment, the slot machine 1 includes medal number control means 300 of the medal number control CPU 31 as management control means for managing the electronic medals and being communicable with the dedicated unit SU, and is configured to include the main control CPU 11 as game control means for controlling games performed using the electronic medals, but it is not limited thereto. The slot machine 1 may be configured not to include the medal number control board 30, and by configuring various functions mounted on the medal number control board 30 to be realized by various functions mounted on the main control board 10, the main control CPU 11 may be configured to function as management control means for managing the electronic medals and being communicable with the dedicated unit SU. In such a configuration, the main control CPU 11 constitutes the first control unit.

[0192] Also, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured not to notify whether it is an advantageous section, but is not limited thereto. For example, the slot machine 1 may be configured to notify that it is an advantageous section when the expected value of obtaining electronic medals becomes 1 or more by assisting the winning of small winning combinations.

[0193] Also, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 has left reels R1 to right reels R3 as a plurality of reels, and stop buttons B1 to stop buttons B3 corresponding to the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 as a plurality of stop buttons, but is not limited thereto. For example, it may have a fourth reel and a stop button corresponding to the fourth reel.

[0194] Also, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 has a max bet button MB for inserting a prescribed number of electronic medals, but is not limited thereto. For example, in addition to the max bet button MB, it may be configured to have a single bet button for inserting one electronic medal.

[0195] Also, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to set a value as an initial value in each counter and the stored value of the storage means, and execute a decrement update that subtracts 1 each time a game is executed, or an increment update that adds 1 each time a game is executed, but is not limited thereto. The update method of each counter and the storage means may be configured to execute multiplication, division, etc., and is not particularly limited.

[0196] In addition, in the present embodiment, a rotary gaming machine is exemplified as the gaming machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a symbol determination means for determining any one of a plurality of types of symbols including a jackpot symbol, a symbol display means for displaying a symbol on a symbol display unit when a predetermined fluctuation time has elapsed after the symbol is determined, and when a jackpot symbol is displayed on the symbol display unit, a major winning game execution means for executing a major winning game composed of a plurality of rounds of round games, and a game benefit giving means for giving a predetermined game benefit when a game ball that has entered a large winning opening enters a specific area during a preset specific round game among the round games in the major winning game, and an effect execution means for executing an effect during the major winning game. The present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine capable of a so-called first type of game including these components, or a pachinko machine capable of a second type of game in which a major winning game can be started when a game ball enters a predetermined area during a minor winning game. When the gaming machine is composed of a pachinko machine, the gaming machine may be configured to circulate game balls inside the gaming machine and record the game value used for the game by an electromagnetic method.

[0197] When the gaming machine is composed of a pachinko machine, the first display means controlled by the first control unit that manages information regarding the game value can display information regarding the game value in a first area disposed on one side rather than the center in the left-right direction when the gaming machine is viewed from the front. The second display means controlled by the second control unit that controls the effect may be configured to be able to display information in a second area disposed on the other side rather than the center in the left-right direction.

[0198] Also, when the gaming machine is composed of a pachinko machine, the gaming machine has an effect operation means for receiving an operation of the player for the effect. The first display means can display information regarding the game value in a first area disposed on one side rather than the effect operation means in the left-right direction when the gaming machine is viewed from the front. The second display means controlled by the second control unit that controls the effect may be configured to be able to display information in a second area disposed on the other side rather than the effect operation means in the left-right direction.

Explanation of Signs

[0199] 1 Slot machine (gaming machine) 11 Main control CPU (first control unit) 21 Sub-control CPU (second control unit) 31 Medal number control CPU (first control unit) 200 Effect control means (second control unit) 300 Medal number control means (first control unit) 400 Display device (second display means) 410c Gaming medal number display area (second area) MD Gaming medal number display device (first display means) MDa Display area (first area)

Claims

Claim 1 a first control unit that manages information related to game value; a second control unit that controls effects; first display means controlled by the first control unit; second display means controlled by the second control unit, and the first display means is capable of displaying the information in a first area arranged on one side of the center in the left - right direction when the gaming machine is viewed from the front; the second display means is capable of displaying the information in a second area arranged on the other side of the center in the left - right direction, wherein the gaming machine is characterized by the above.

Images