Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine having a characteristic in updating the game value number.SOLUTION: When a first operation is performed in a first game, a first count value of first counting means is updated according to the result of the first game, and a second count value of second counting means is updated according to the result of the first game. When a second operation is performed in the first game, the first count value of the first counting means is updated according to the result of the first game, and the second count value of the second counting means is not updated according to the result of the first game. The first counting means is means for initializing the first count value when a section is changed from a second section to a first section. When a certain state that is more advantageous than a normal state ends, if the first count value is decreased from the initial value, the second section is maintained at a higher rate than that in a situation where the first count value is increased from the initial value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 168

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a game table represented by a pachinko machine, a spinning reel game machine (slot machine), an enclosed game machine, or a medal-less slot machine.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as one type of game table, for example, a slot machine is known. Some of such slot machines update the number of game values (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the conventional game table has room for improvement regarding the update of the number of game values.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a game table having features in updating the number of game values.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine including first counting means capable of updating a first count value, second counting means capable of updating a second count value, and determination means, having a first section that does not notify an advantageous operation mode of a stop switch and a second section that can notify an advantageous operation mode of the stop switch, transitioning to the second section based on the establishment of a transition condition in the first section, and transitioning to the first section based on the determination by the determination means that an end condition has been established in the second section. The first counting means is means capable of updating the first count value using the number of game values awarded as a result of the game and the number of game values used in the game in the second section. The determination means is means for determining that the end condition has been established when the amount of change from the initial value of the first count value reaches a first value. The first counting means is means capable of updating the first count value within a predetermined range. The predetermined range has a first range to which the sum of the initial value and the first value belongs with the initial value as a boundary, and a second range different from the first range. The first range is narrower than the second range. The second count value of the second counting means may be updated when the first count value of the first counting means is updated. When a first operation is performed in a first game, the first count value of the first counting means is updated according to the result of the first game, and the second count value of the second counting means is updated according to the result of the first game. When a second operation is performed in the first game, the first count value of the first counting means is updated according to the result of the first game, and the second count value of the second counting means is not updated according to the result of the first game. The first counting means is means for initializing the first count value when transitioning from the second section to the first section. When a certain state more advantageous than the normal state ends, if the first count value is in a situation where it has decreased from the initial value, the second section is maintained at a higher rate than in a situation where the first count value has increased from the initial value. This is a gaming machine characterized by the above. Further, the gaming machine according to the present invention is a gaming machine including first counting means capable of updating a first count value, second counting means capable of updating a second count value, and determination means, having a first section that does not notify an advantageous operation mode of a stop switch and a second section that can notify an advantageous operation mode of the stop switch, transitioning to the second section based on the establishment of a transition condition in the first section, and transitioning to the first section based on the determination by the determination means that an end condition has been established in the second section. The first counting means is means capable of updating, as the first count value, an acquisition difference number using the number of game values given as a result of the game and the number of game values used in the game in the second section. The second counting means is means capable of updating, as the second count value, an acquisition difference number using the number of game values given as a result of the game and the number of game values used in the game in the second section. The determination means is means for determining that the end condition has been established when the amount of change from the initial value of the first count value reaches a first value. The first counting means is means capable of updating the first count value within a predetermined range. The predetermined range has a first range to which the sum value of the initial value and the first value belongs with the initial value as a boundary, and a second range different from the first range. The first range is narrower than the second range. When the first count value of the first counting means is updated, the second count value of the second counting means may also be updated. When a first operation is performed in a first game, the first count value of the first counting means is updated according to the result of the first game, and the second count value of the second counting means is updated according to the result of the first game. When a second operation is performed in the first game, the first count value of the first counting means is updated according to the result of the first game, and the second count value of the second counting means is not updated according to the result of the first game. The second counting means is means for initializing the second count value when transitioning from the second section to the first section. When a certain state more advantageous than the normal state ends,If the second count value is in the negative range as the acquisition difference, the second interval is maintained at a higher rate than in the situation where it is not in the negative range as the acquisition difference. The gaming table is characterized by this.

Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the gaming table of the present invention, a gaming table with characteristics in updating the game value number can be provided.

Brief Explanation of Drawings

[0008]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, a slot machine according to an embodiment of the gaming table of the present invention will be described.

[0010] The slot machine of the present embodiment described below starts rotating when a predetermined amount of game value (such as medals, electronic medals, etc.) is inserted and a plurality of reels each having a plurality of types of symbols are given a predetermined rotation start instruction operation. Based on receiving the rotation start instruction operation, the winning or losing of the internal winning of a plurality of types of roles is determined by lottery. Each of the plurality of reels stops rotating individually by receiving a predetermined rotation stop instruction operation. If the conditions determined by the role based on the result of the lottery and the symbol combination when the plurality of reels stop match the predetermined payout conditions, the game value is paid out and the game ends. If they do not match, the game proceeds with a series of games that end without paying out the game value.

[0011] <Basic Configuration> First, the basic configuration of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 as seen from the front side (player side). FIG. 2 is a figure showing an example of a winning line.

[0012] The slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 corresponds to an example of the gaming table of the present invention and includes a main body 101 and a front door (door) 102 that is attached to the front side of the main body 101 and can be opened and closed with respect to the main body 101.

[0013] In this example, by inserting the key held by the manager of the game parlor into the door keyhole 140, the front door 102 locked in the closed state can be opened. Therefore, the manager can unlock the front door 102 (change it from the closed state to the open state), but a person other than the manager (for example, a player) cannot unlock the front door 102.

[0014] On the right side of the main body 101, an optical sensor (detection means, hereinafter also referred to as the "open / close sensor", not shown in the figure) composed of a light emitting part and a light receiving part is provided, and a light shielding piece of a certain length provided on the front door 102 is configured to pass between the light emitting part and the light receiving part of this open / close sensor.

[0015] The main control unit 300 monitors the states of various sensors 318 including this open / close sensor in the main control timer interrupt process described later. When the front door 102 is in the closed state and the light shielding piece of the front door 102 moves to a position where it shields the light from the light emitting part of the open / close sensor of the main body 101, the open / close sensor outputs a signal (for example, a low-level signal) indicating that it is in the closed detection state to the main control unit 300.

[0016] On the other hand, when the front door 102 is in the open state and the light shielding piece of the front door 102 moves to a position where it does not shield the light from the light emitting part of the open / close sensor of the main body 101, the open / close sensor outputs a signal (for example, a high-level signal) indicating that it is in the open detection state to the main control unit 300.

[0017] That is, the open / close sensor is a detection means capable of detecting the open / close state of the front door (door) 102. When the front door 102 is in the closed state, the detection state becomes the closed detection state, and when the front door 102 is in the open state, the detection state becomes the open detection state.

[0018] Note that the "detection means" according to the present invention is not limited to an optical sensor, and for example, a magnetic sensor, a proximity switch, a micro switch, a Hall element, etc. may be used. Further, it is not limited to a device in which the open detection state and the closed detection state are necessarily switched as the door is opened and closed. Even when the door is in the open state, it may be a device in which the detection state can be changed to the closed detection state, or conversely, even when the door is in the closed state, it may be a device in which the detection state can be changed to the open detection state.

[0019] Here, the opening / closing sensor according to this example is configured such that when a predetermined operation is performed, even when the front door 102 is in the open state, the detection state becomes the closed detection state. Specifically, when the front door 102 is in the open state, a light-shielding piece of a certain length is inserted between the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of the opening / closing sensor of the main body 101 and fixed with tape or the like, and by shielding the light from the light-emitting part of the opening / closing sensor of the main body 101, even when the front door 102 is in the open state, the detection state of the opening / closing sensor can be forcibly set to the closed detection state (hereinafter, this state may be referred to as "door pseudo-closed").

[0020] Note that the "predetermined operation" according to the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, a DIP switch for setting the opening / closing sensor to the closed detection state may be provided, and the operation of this DIP switch may be performed as the predetermined operation. Further, when the detection means is configured by a magnetic sensor, the detection state of the opening / closing sensor may be set to the closed detection state by bringing a magnet close.

[0021] Inside the center of the main body 101 (not shown in the figure), three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) having a plurality of types of patterns arranged on the outer peripheral surface are housed and configured to be rotatable inside the slot machine 100. These reels 110 to 112 are rotationally driven by a driving device such as a stepping motor.

[0022] In this embodiment, a suitable number of each symbol is printed at equal intervals on a strip-shaped member, and this strip-shaped member is attached to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame member to form each reel 110 to 112. When viewed from the player, the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are generally displayed in three rows vertically from the display window 113, and a total of nine symbols can be seen. Specifically explaining with reference to FIG. 2, the symbol displayed in the upper row (position 1 shown in the figure) of the left reel 110 is called the upper-row symbol of the left reel, the symbol displayed in the middle row (position 2 shown in the figure) of the left reel 110 is called the middle-row symbol of the left reel, the symbol displayed in the lower row (position 3 shown in the figure) of the left reel 110 is called the lower-row symbol of the left reel, the symbol displayed in the upper row (position 4 shown in the figure) of the middle reel 111 is called the upper-row symbol of the middle reel, the symbol displayed in the middle row (position 5 shown in the figure) of the left reel 111 is called the middle-row symbol of the middle reel, the symbol displayed in the lower row (position 6 shown in the figure) of the middle reel 111 is called the lower-row symbol of the middle reel, the symbol displayed in the upper row (position 7 shown in the figure) of the right reel 112 is called the upper-row symbol of the right reel, the symbol displayed in the middle row (position 8 shown in the figure) of the right reel 112 is called the middle-row symbol of the right reel, and the symbol displayed in the lower row (position 9 shown in the figure) of the right reel 112 is called the lower-row symbol of the right reel. Three symbols in the vertical direction of each of the reels 110 to 112, a total of nine symbols, are displayed through the display window 113 on each of the reels 110 to 112. By rotating each of the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols visible to the player will change. That is, each of the reels 110 to 112 functions as a display device that can variably display a plurality of types of symbol combinations. In addition to reels, an electronic image display device such as a liquid crystal display device can also be adopted as such a display device. Further, in this embodiment, three reels are provided inside the center of the slot machine 100, but the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.

[0023] On the back of each of the reels 110 to 112, a backlight for illuminating the individual symbols displayed in the display window 113 is arranged. It is desirable that the backlight be shielded for each individual symbol so that each individual symbol can be evenly irradiated. Inside the slot machine 100, an optical sensor (not shown) composed of a light projecting section and a light receiving section is provided in the vicinity of each of the reels 110 to 112, and a light shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel is configured to pass between the light projecting section and the light receiving section of this optical sensor. Based on the detection result of this optical sensor, the position of the symbol on the reel in the rotational direction is determined, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that the target symbol is displayed on the winning line.

[0024] The winning line display lamp 120 is a lamp that indicates the winning line that becomes valid. The winning line is a line on which it is determined whether or not a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination, which will be described with reference to FIG. 5 later, is displayed. In the present embodiment, only one middle winning line L1 composed of the middle symbols of the left reel, the middle symbols of the middle reel, and the middle symbols of the right reel is provided. This winning line L1 is shown in FIG. 2. The winning line that becomes valid (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the "valid line") is determined in advance according to the number of medals bet as a gaming medium. The slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 1 requires three medals. When the number of inserted medals is less than three, none of the winning lines become valid. When three medals are bet, the winning line L1 becomes valid. When the winning line becomes valid, the start lever 135 can be operated to start the game. Note that the number of winning lines is not limited to one. For example, in addition to the middle winning line L1, a total of three lines such as a downward-right winning line composed of the upper symbols of the left reel, the middle symbols of the middle reel, and the lower symbols of the right reel, and an upward-right winning line composed of the lower symbols of the left reel, the middle symbols of the middle reel, and the upper symbols of the right reel may be set as valid winning lines, or the number of winning lines corresponding to the bet number may be set as valid winning lines. The area on the winning line L1 (the area composed of numbers 2, 5, and 8 in FIG. 2) may be referred to as the valid line area S1. Also, the area other than the valid line area S1 of the symbol display window 113 (the area composed of numbers 1, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 9 in FIG. 2) may be referred to as the non-valid line area S2.

[0025] The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that notifies the player that, for example, it has internally won a specific winning combination (specifically, special combination 1 and special combination 2) in the internal lottery described later, or that it is in the special combination internal winning state or special game state described later. The game medal insertable lamp 124 is a lamp for notifying the player that the player can insert game medals. The replay lamp 122 is a lamp that notifies the player that the current game can be replayed (i.e., medal insertion is not required) when winning a replay combination, which is one of the winning combinations in the previous game (details will be described later). The reel panel lamp 128 is an effect lamp.

[0026] The bet buttons 130 and 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (referred to as credits) electronically stored in the slot machine 100. In the present embodiment, each time the bet button 130 is pressed, one medal is inserted, and when the bet button 132 is pressed, three medals are inserted (the upper limit is three). Hereinafter, the bet button 132 is also referred to as the MAX bet button. The game medal insert lamp 129 lights up a number of lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals, and when the specified number of medals is inserted, the game start lamp 121, which notifies that the game start operation is possible, lights up.

[0027] The chance button 190 is an effect button, also referred to as the effect button 190. The medal insertion slot 141 is an insertion slot for the player to insert medals when starting the game. That is, medals can be inserted electronically using the bet buttons 130 and 132, or actual medals can be inserted (insertion operation) through the medal insertion slot 141. The term "insertion" includes both of these.

[0028] The stored number display 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for numerically displaying various internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during a special game state). The paid-out number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals paid out to the player as a result of winning a prize in some winning combination. Hereinafter, in the same meaning as being paid out to the player, it may be expressed as being given to the player. In the present embodiment, the stored number display 125, the game information display 126, and the paid-out number display 127 are configured by 7-segment (SEG) displays.

[0029] The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. That is, when a desired number of medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 or the bet buttons 130 and 132 are operated to operate the start lever 135, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate. The operation on the start lever 135 is referred to as a game start operation.

[0030] The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons (stop operation means) 137 to 139 composed of a left stop button 137, a middle stop button 138, and a right stop button 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating by operating the start lever 135, and are associated with the respective reels 110 to 112. More specifically, the left reel 110 can be stopped by operating the left stop button 137, the middle reel 111 can be stopped by operating the middle stop button 138, and the right reel 112 can be stopped by operating the right stop button 139. Hereinafter, the operation on the stop buttons 137 to 139 is referred to as a stop operation, the first stop operation is called the first stop operation, the next stop operation is called the second stop operation, and the last stop operation is called the third stop operation. Also, the reels stopped corresponding to these stop operations are sequentially called the first stop reel, the second stop reel, and the third stop reel. Furthermore, the order of operating the stop buttons 137 to 139 to stop all of the rotating reels 110 to 112 is called the operation order or the pressing order. Furthermore, the operation order in which the first stop operation is the stop operation of the left reel 110 is called the "forward pressing operation order" or simply "forward pressing", and the stop operation in which the first stop operation is the stop operation of the right reel 112 is called the "reverse pressing operation order" or simply "reverse pressing". Note that a light emitter may be provided inside each of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and when the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be operated, the light emitter can be lit to notify the player.

[0031] The medal return button 133 is a button for pressing to remove the inserted medals when they are jammed. The settlement button 134 is a button for settling the medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and the bet medals and discharging them from the medal payout port 155. The door keyhole 140 is a hole into which a key for unlocking the front door 102 of the slot machine 100 is inserted.

[0032] Below the stop button unit 136, a title panel 162 for displaying the model name and attaching various certificates is provided. Below the title panel 162, a medal payout port 155 and a medal tray 161 are provided.

[0033] The sound hole 145 is a hole for outputting the sound of a speaker 277 (see FIG. 3) provided below the inside of the slot machine 100 to the outside. The side lamps 144 provided on the left and right sides of the front door 102 are decorative lamps for enlivening the game. An effect device 160 is disposed above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 for outputting the sound of a speaker 272 (see FIG. 3) provided above the inside of the slot machine 100 to the outside is provided above the effect device 160. This effect device 160 includes a shutter (shielding device) 163 composed of two right shutters 163a and left shutters 163b that can be opened and closed in the horizontal direction, and an effect image display device 157 (liquid crystal display device) disposed on the back side of this shutter 163. When the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b open outward in the horizontal direction in front of the effect image display device 157, the display screen of the effect image display device 157 appears in front of the slot machine 100 (on the player side, the front side).

[0034] Note that it may be any display device that can display various effect images and various game information, not necessarily a liquid crystal display device. For example, a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a reel (drum), or a display device composed of a projector and a screen may be used. Also, the display screen is rectangular, and the entire screen is configured to be visible to the player. In the case of this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but it may be square. Also, by providing a decoration (not shown) at the periphery of the display screen, a part of the periphery of the display screen is hidden by the decoration, and the display screen can be made to look irregular. In the case of this embodiment, the display screen is a flat surface, but it may be a curved surface.

[0035] Also, inside the main body 101, a setting key (first operating means) that can be switched between on and off by a rotational operation is provided. This setting key is an operating means for starting the setting change or setting confirmation of setting values (in this example, setting 1 to setting 6) described later. Also, inside the main body 101, a reset switch (hereinafter also referred to as "reset SW") that enables an operation (setting value change operation) for changing settings by a pressing operation is provided. This reset switch is also an operating means that functions as an error release switch that enables an operation (error elimination operation) for eliminating various errors described later.

[0036] These setting key and reset SW are operating means provided at positions where they can be operated only when the front door 102 (door) is in an open state, and it is difficult or impossible to operate when the front door 102 (door) is in a closed state. In other words, they are operating means that can be operated only by the administrator (such as a store clerk) of the game parlor and cannot be operated by the player.

[0037] Also, inside the main body 101, a setting value display device 101a (see FIG. 14) capable of displaying setting values is provided. In this example, the setting value display device 101a is composed of a 7-segment display. Although details will be described later, when a setting change operation is performed, a setting value (any one of setting 1 to setting 6) is displayed on the setting value display device 101a, and when the setting value is determined by the operation of the start lever 135, the setting value becomes non-displayed. On the other hand, when a setting confirmation operation is performed, a numerical value indicating the current setting value is displayed on the setting value display device 101a.

[0038] Also, on the inner wall of the main body 101, an external centralized terminal board (not shown) that is connected to the main control board constituting the main control unit 300 and outputs information of the slot machine 100 to an external device is attached. This external centralized terminal board is provided with an external cable connection part to which an external cable (not shown) extending from an information input circuit 652 (see FIG. 3) provided in a hall computer (not shown) or the like is connected, and an external centralized terminal board LED (not shown). The external cable is inserted into the inside of the main body 101 through a cable hole formed in the back surface of the main body 101 and is connected to the external cable connection part of the external centralized terminal board.

[0039] Also, on the inner wall of the main body 101, a medal payout device (not shown; a device that pays out medals accumulated in a bucket) is disposed, and on the right side of the medal payout device, a medal auxiliary storage (not shown) is disposed, and an overflow terminal is disposed behind this (not shown).

[0040] Also, on the left side of the medal payout device, a power supply box (not shown) having a power supply board is disposed, and a power switch (not shown) is disposed on the front surface of the power supply box. The power supply box converts the AC power supplied from the outside to the slot machine 100 into DC power, converts it to a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to each control unit such as the main control unit 300, sub-control units 400, and 500 and each device described later. Furthermore, it is provided with a power storage circuit (for example, a capacitor) for supplying power to a predetermined component (for example, the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300) for a predetermined period (for example, 10 days) even after the external power supply is cut off.

[0041] <Circuit Configuration of Control Unit> Next, with reference to FIG. 3, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail. Note that this figure shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

[0042] The control unit of the slot machine 100 is roughly composed of a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game, a first sub-control unit 400 that controls the main effects according to a command signal (hereinafter simply referred to as "command") transmitted by the main control unit 300, and a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on the command transmitted by the first sub-control unit 400. Here, regarding the main control unit 300, when the data capacity becomes large, it becomes difficult to check the program, and there is also a problem of security degradation such as becoming a breeding ground for illegal modification. Therefore, restrictions are imposed on the data capacities of the ROM 306 and RAM 308 of the main control unit 300.

[0043] <Main control unit> First, the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. This basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, a ROM 306 that stores control program data, lottery data used during the internal lottery of winning combinations, and the symbol arrangement and stop positions of the reels, a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 310 for controlling the input / output of various devices, a counter timer 312 for measuring time, number of times, etc., and a WDT (watchdog timer) 314. Note that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 306 and RAM 308, and the same applies to the first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500 described later. The CPU 304 of this basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal with a predetermined period output by the crystal oscillator 315b as a system clock. Furthermore, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits the frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 determines the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 304 at each interrupt time. The CPU 304 executes monitoring of each sensor, etc. and transmission of drive pulses in response to this interrupt request. For example, when the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1 / 256, and the frequency division data of the ROM 306 is set to 47, the reference time for the interrupt is 256 × 47 ÷ 8 MHz = 1.504 ms.

[0044] The main control unit 300 includes a random number generation circuit 316 that is used as a hardware random number counter that varies numerical values in the range of 0 to 65535 based on the clock signal input from the crystal oscillator 315a, and a start signal output circuit 338 that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When the CPU 304 receives the start signal from this start signal output circuit 338, it starts game control (starts the main control unit main process described later).

[0045] In addition, the main control unit 300 includes a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 monitors the states of various sensors 318 (bed button 130 sensor, bed button 132 sensor, medal reception sensor for medals inserted from the medal insertion port 141, start lever 135 sensor, left stop button 137 sensor, middle stop button 138 sensor, right stop button 139 sensor, settlement button 134 sensor, medal payout sensor for medals paid out from the medal payout device 180, optical sensors (index sensors 80) of the reels 110 to 112, etc.) at each interrupt time.

[0046] When the sensor circuit 320 detects the H level of the start lever sensor, it outputs a signal indicating this detection to the random number generation circuit 316. The random number generation circuit 316 that receives this signal latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores the random number value used for the lottery.

[0047] Two medal reception sensors are installed in the internal passage of the medal insertion port 141 to detect the passage of medals. Two start lever 135 sensors are installed inside the start lever 135 to detect the start operation by the player. The left stop button 137 sensor, the middle stop button 138 sensor, and the right stop button 139 sensor are installed on the corresponding stop buttons 137 to 139, respectively, to detect the operation of the stop buttons by the player.

[0048] The bet button 130 sensor and the bet button 132 sensor are installed on the corresponding bet buttons 130 and 132, respectively, to detect the insertion operation when inserting the medals electronically stored in the RAM 308 as medals for the game. The settlement button 134 sensor is provided on the settlement button 134. When the settlement button 134 is pressed once, the electronically stored medals are settled. The medal payout sensor is a sensor for detecting the medals paid out by the medal payout device 180. Note that each of the above sensors may be a non-contact sensor or a contact sensor.

[0049] The optical sensors (index sensors 80) of reels 110 to 112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting bases of the respective reels 110 to 112, and become at the L level each time the light-shielding piece (detection piece 50) provided on the reel frame passes by. The rotational position information indicating how much the reel has rotated from the reference position from the time it once becomes at the L level until it becomes at the L level next is calculated based on the value obtained by counting the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b. When the CPU 304 detects the above L-level signal, it determines that the reel has made one rotation and resets the rotational position information of the reel to zero. This rotational position information is stored in the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300.

[0050] The main control unit 300 includes a drive circuit 322 that drives the stepping motors provided on reels 110 to 112, a drive circuit 324 that drives the solenoid provided on the medal selector 170 that selects the inserted medals, a drive circuit 326 that drives the motor provided on the medal payout device 180, and a drive circuit 328 that drives various lamps 336 (the winning line display lamp 120, the notification lamp 123, the game medal insertable lamp 124, the replay lamp 122, the game medal insert lamp 129, the game start lamp 121, the stored number display 125, the game information display 126, the payout number display 127).

[0051] Also, an information output circuit 334 is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 outputs the game information (for example, information indicating the state of the game) of the slot machine 100 to the information input circuit 652 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) etc. via this information output circuit 334, and lights up the external centralized terminal board LED when outputting the game information.

[0052] The main control unit 300 also includes a voltage monitoring circuit 330 that monitors the voltage value of the power supply supplied from a power supply management unit (not shown) to the main control unit 300. The voltage monitoring circuit 330 outputs a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has dropped to the basic circuit 302 when the voltage value of the power supply is less than a predetermined value (9v in this embodiment).

[0053] In addition, the main control unit 300 is provided with an output interface for transmitting commands to the first sub-control unit 400, enabling communication with the first sub-control unit 400. Note that the information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 is one-way communication. The main control unit 300 is configured to be able to transmit signals such as commands to the first sub-control unit 400, while the first sub-control unit 400 is configured not to be able to transmit signals such as commands to the main control unit 300.

[0054] <Sub-control unit> Next, the first sub-control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 receives the control commands transmitted by the main control unit 300 via the input interface. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on this control command. This basic circuit 402 is equipped with a CPU 404, a RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 410 for controlling the input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time, number of times, etc. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by inputting a clock signal with a predetermined period output by the crystal oscillator 414 as the system clock. The ROM 406 stores a control program and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, data for controlling the lighting pattern of the backlight and various displays, etc.

[0055] The CPU 404 transmits the data for frequency division stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 406 to the counter timer 412 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 412 determines the interrupt time based on the received data for frequency division and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 404 controls each IC and each circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

[0056] In addition, the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a sound source IC 418, and speakers 272 and 277 are provided to the sound source IC 418 via an output interface. The sound source IC 418 controls the amplification and the sound output from the speakers 272 and 277 according to commands from the CPU 404. An S-ROM (Sound ROM) storing audio data is connected to the sound source IC 418, and the audio data obtained from this ROM is amplified by an amplifier and output from the speakers 272 and 277.

[0057] In addition, the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a drive circuit 422, and various lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 144, title panel lamp, bed button lamp, chance button lamp, reel backlight 94, etc.) are connected to the drive circuit 422 via an input / output interface.

[0058] In addition, the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a drive circuit 424 that drives the motor of the shutter 163, and the shutter 163 is provided to the drive circuit 424 via an output interface. This drive circuit 424 outputs a drive signal to a stepping motor (not shown) provided to the shutter 163 according to commands from the CPU 404.

[0059] In addition, the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a sensor circuit 426, and a shutter sensor 428 is connected to the sensor circuit 426 via an input interface. The CPU 404 monitors the state of the shutter sensor 428 at each interrupt time.

[0060] In addition, the CPU 404 transmits and receives signals to and from the second sub-control unit 500 via an output interface. The second sub-control unit 500 performs various controls of the effect device 160 including the display control of the effect image display device 157. Note that the second sub-control unit 500 may be composed of a plurality of control units, such as a control unit that controls the display of the effect image display device 157 and a control unit that controls various effect drive devices (for example, a control unit that controls the motor drive of the shutter 163).

[0061] The second sub-control unit 500 receives the control command transmitted by the first sub-control unit 400 via the input interface, and includes a basic circuit 502 that controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on this control command. This basic circuit 502 is equipped with a CPU 504, a RAM 508 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 510 for controlling the input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 512 for measuring time, number of times, etc. The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by inputting a clock signal with a predetermined period output by the crystal oscillator 514 as a system clock. In the ROM 506, a control program and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, data for image display, etc. are stored.

[0062] The CPU 504 transmits the frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 506 to the counter timer 512 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 512 determines the interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 404 every this interrupt time. The CPU 504 controls each IC and each circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

[0063] Also, a VDP 516 (Video Display Processor) is provided in the second sub-control unit 500, and the ROM 506 and the VRAM 518 are connected to the VDP 516 via a bus. The VDP 516 reads out image data and the like stored in the ROM 506 based on a signal from the CPU 504, generates a display image using the work area of the VRAM 518, and displays the image on the effect image display device 157.

[0064] <Symbol Arrangement> Next, with reference to FIG. 4, the symbol arrangements applied to each of the above-described reels 110 to 112 will be described. Note that this figure is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols applied to each reel (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) developed in a plane.

[0065] On each of the reels 110 to 112, a plurality of types (10 types in this embodiment) of symbols shown on the right side of the figure are arranged for a predetermined number of frames (20 frames numbered 0 to 19 in this embodiment). Also, the numbers 0 to 19 shown at the left end of the figure are numbers indicating the arrangement positions of the symbols on each of the reels 110 to 112. For example, in this embodiment, the "bell symbol" is arranged in the frame numbered 1 of the left reel 110, the "seven 1 symbol" is arranged in the frame numbered 2 of the middle reel 111, and the "seven 1B symbol" is arranged in the frame numbered 2 of the right reel 112.

[0066] In order to enhance the amusement of the game, the slot machine 100 in this embodiment is configured to stop the corresponding reels 110 to 112 within the maximum retraction range (less than 5 frames in this embodiment) from the position where the stop operation is performed.

[0067] <Type of winning combination> Next, with reference to FIG. 5, the types of winning combinations of the slot machine 100 will be described. This figure shows the types of winning combinations (including operating combinations), the symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, and the payouts (number of awards) for each winning combination.

[0068] The winning combinations of the slot machine 100 include a special combination 1, a replay combination, and small combinations 1 to 8. Note that the types of winning combinations are not limited to these combinations and can be arbitrarily adopted.

[0069] Among the winning combinations in this embodiment, the special combination 1 is a combination (operating combination) that transitions to a special game state in which a predetermined profit is given to the player upon winning. Also, the replay combination is a combination that enables replay without newly inserting medals. These special combination 1 and replay combination may be called "operating combinations". Also, in the "winning" in this embodiment, it includes the case where the symbol combination of the operating combination without medal payout (without medal payout) is displayed on the winning line. For example, it includes the winning of the special combination 1 and the replay combination. Note that the special combination 1 is a special combination carried over to the next game when it is not determined as a win, and the other combinations are general combinations that are not carried over to the next game when it is not determined as a win.

[0070] Special winning combination 1 is a winning combination (active combination) that transitions to a special game state (RT2) upon winning. However, no medals are paid out due to winning on these combinations themselves. The corresponding symbol combination is that Special winning combination 1 is "Seven 3 - Seven 1 - Replay". In the following explanations, Special winning combination 1 may be referred to as "RB1" or "RB".

[0071] When an internal win occurs on Special winning combination 1, the internal win flag corresponding to this internally won special winning combination is set to on (stored in a predetermined area of the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300). When the flag corresponding to Special winning combination 1 is set to on, the main control unit 300 transitions the game state to the special winning combination internal win state (RT1). This flag remains on until winning on the corresponding active combination, and in subsequent games, it becomes a state where it is easier to win on these active combinations. Specifically, even if there is no win on these combinations in the game where an internal win occurred on Special winning combination 1, in subsequent games, it becomes a state similar to the state where an internal win occurred on Special winning combination 1, and the corresponding symbol combination is likely to align for a win.

[0072] Although the special winning combination internal win state will be described in detail later, in the special winning combination internal win state, when there is an internal win on a combination other than the special winning combination, reel stop control is executed so that the symbols constituting this other combination are preferentially aligned.

[0073] The replay winning combination is a winning combination (active combination) that allows the game to be played in the next game without inserting medals (game media) upon winning, and no medals are paid out. That is, the game can be executed again with the same number of bets as the number of medals inserted in the previous game. The corresponding symbol combination is "Replay - Replay - Replay".

[0074] The above-mentioned replay winning combination may be a combination that allows the player to play the next game without inserting medals. Therefore, for example, even if winning the replay automatically resets the number of inserted medals (resetting the number of inserted medals in the medal insertion number storage area prepared in the RAM 308) for the next game, or even if the medals inserted in the game where the replay is won can be carried over and used in the next game as they are, it is acceptable.

[0075] The minor winning combinations 1 to 8 are winning combinations where a predetermined number of medals are paid out upon winning. The corresponding symbol combinations are as follows: minor winning combination 1 is "Watermelon - Watermelon - Watermelon", minor winning combination 2 is "Replay - Cherry - Replay", minor winning combination 3 is "Cherry - Cherry - Cherry", minor winning combination 4 is "Bell B - Bell - Bell", minor winning combination 5 is "Bell B - Bell (or Bell B) - Bell", minor winning combination 6 is "Seven 1 - Seven 1 - Seven 1", minor winning combination 7 is "Seven 2 - Seven 2 - Seven 2", and minor winning combination 8 is "Seven 3 - Seven 3 - Seven 3". Also, the corresponding payout numbers are as shown in FIG. 5.

[0076] Among the above-mentioned minor winning combinations, minor winning combination 1 may be referred to as "Watermelon", minor winning combination 2 as "Weak Cherry", minor winning combination 3 as "Strong Cherry", minor winning combination 4 as "Common Bell", minor winning combination 5 as "Pressed - order Bell", and minor winning combinations 6 to 8 as "One - medal winning combinations".

[0077] <Types of game states (RT)> Next, the types of game states of the slot machine 100 and their transitions will be described. FIG. 6 is a transition diagram of the game state (RT) of the slot machine 100.

[0078] The slot machine 100 is configured to be able to switch among a plurality of types of states with different degrees of advantage, namely, a replay low-probability state, a special combination internal winning state, and a special game state. By transitioning between these states, the degree of advantage is changed to enhance the interest of the game. In the following description, this game state may be referred to as RT, and the above-mentioned replay low-probability state, special combination internal winning state, and special game state may be referred to as RT0, RT1, and RT2, respectively, in order. Also, when switching between these RTs, the corresponding lottery table is changed (described later). RT is controlled by the main control unit 300.

[0079] Fig. 6 shows each RT described above, and the transition conditions are described above the arrows. When the transition conditions corresponding to each arrow are satisfied, the RT transitions in the direction of that arrow. These transition conditions include, for example, winning a predetermined combination, internally winning a predetermined combination, a specific combination of symbols stopping and being displayed on a specific winning line, a specified number of games being played, and a specified number of payouts being made.

[0080] Hereinafter, each RT will be described with appropriate reference to the drawings.

[0081] <Replay low-probability state (RT0)> RT0 has a lower internal winning probability for the replay combination than RT1 and is the most disadvantageous RT for the player.

[0082] The combinations that can be internally won in RT0 include special combination 1, replay combination, and minor combinations 1 to 8. If no combination is won, it is a loss, and the symbol combination corresponding to the combination is not displayed. In some cases, the situation where the symbol combination related to winning does not stop on the winning line may be referred to as "resulting in a loss". Also, in some cases, not winning a combination may be expressed as "winning a loss".

[0083] Fig. 6 shows that when special combination 1 is internally won in the state where RT0 is set, it transitions to the special combination internal winning state described later.

[0084] <Special role internal winning state (RT1)> RT1 is a state in which the internal winning flag corresponding to the special role 1 is set to ON. In addition, the probability of winning the replay role is higher than in RT0, and it is a more advantageous RT than RT0.

[0085] In RT1, the internal winning roles include the replay role and small roles 1 to 8.

[0086] FIG. 6 shows that when special combination 1 is won in RT1 (when the corresponding symbol combination is displayed), the game transitions to RT2.

[0087] <Special game state (RT2)> RT2 is an advantageous RT with a higher internal probability of winning the common bell (minor prize 4) than other RTs, making it easier to win medals.

[0088] In RT2, the only role that can be won internally is the common bell (small role 4). Figure 5 shows that in RT2, if a predetermined number of games (6 in this example) are played or if a predetermined number of wins (5 in this example) are won, the game transitions to RT0.

[0089] The conditions for ending RT2 are not particularly limited, and may be, for example, one in which RT2 ends when a payout of a prescribed number of coins or more is made, or when a prescribed combination is won.

[0090] <Non-advantageous and advantageous sections> In the slot machine 100 of the present embodiment, apart from the RT described above, the game state is managed by dividing it into a non - advantageous section and an advantageous section. Among these, in the advantageous section, notification of the stop operation order for the internally - selected combination (hereinafter, may be referred to as "operation navigation" or "operation instruction notification") is permitted, and in the non - advantageous section, this operation navigation is not displayed. Note that in the advantageous section, the operation navigation is displayed according to conditions, but there may be cases where the operation navigation is not displayed even if the push - order bell is internally selected. Hereinafter, these states will be described with reference to FIG. 7. This figure is a diagram showing the transition of the game state regarding the advantageous section and non - advantageous section of the slot machine 100.

[0091] In the present embodiment, the initial state (for example, the state at the time of factory shipment) is set to the non - advantageous section. Also, when there is a RAM clear (setting change), this non - advantageous section is set. Note that the state of the non - advantageous section is referred to as the normal state A. In the present embodiment, as the states of the advantageous section, three types are provided: the normal state B, the chance state, and the AT state (including the super AT state). FIG. 7 shows the transition of four states: the normal state A, the normal state B, the chance state, and the AT state. In the present embodiment, the advantageous section flag is set to off for the non - advantageous section and on for the advantageous section, and this advantageous section flag is used to distinguish between the non - advantageous section and the advantageous section. Note that in order to prevent the arousal of gambling mentality, when the advantageous section continues for a predetermined number of games (for example, 1500 games) or exceeds a predetermined net increase number of coins (for example, 2400 coins), it is configured to be in the non - advantageous section.

[0092] Note that regarding the state of the advantageous section, it may be only the AT state, or for example, a precursor state before transitioning to the AT state may be further provided, and it is not limited to the configuration of the present embodiment. Similarly, regarding the state of the non - advantageous section, there may be multiple types of states.

[0093] Note that since the non - advantageous section and the advantageous section are set separately from RT, for example, there may be a case of shifting to RT2 during the advantageous section. However, since RT2 is configured not to internally win the push - order bell and not to display the operation navigator, for RT2, a non - advantageous section may be set once, and it may be configured to return to the advantageous section after the end of RT2. Also, not limited to the above configuration, RT2 may be configured to internally win the push - order bell and to display the operation navigator.

[0094] Hereinafter, each state of the non - advantageous section and the advantageous section will be described.

[0095] <Normal state A> In the non - advantageous section (Normal state A), a lottery for shifting to the advantageous section is executed based on the internally - won combination. If winning this lottery, it shifts to Normal state B in the advantageous section.

[0096] <Normal state B> In Normal state B, when the condition for shifting to the chance state is satisfied, it shifts to the chance state. Also, when the shift condition is satisfied, the number of games in the chance state is set. Regarding this shift condition, for example, a condition that is satisfied by executing a predetermined number of games in Normal state B, a condition that is satisfied when winning the lottery for shifting to the chance state in each game in Normal state B, a condition that is satisfied when the points (any one of 1 - 3) added according to the result of one game in Normal state B accumulate to the specified number (100 points), and so on. Any condition can be adopted.

[0097] <Chance state> In the chance state, when a specific combination (in this example, a single - card combination (minor combination 6 - 8)) is internally won, an AT lottery may be conducted. And if not winning the AT lottery (AT set number is 0) until the set number of games has elapsed, it shifts to Normal state B, and if the AT set number is not 0, it shifts to the AT state. When shifting to the AT state, the AT set number is decremented by 1, and a predetermined number of game times (for example, 50) is set for the remaining AT games.

[0098] In the slot machine 100 of this embodiment, an AT lottery is executed in the chance state. For example, an AT lottery (addition of the number of AT sets) may be performed when shifting from a non-favorable section to a favorable section, and the timing and execution conditions of the AT lottery can be arbitrarily adopted.

[0099] In addition, when winning the AT lottery, there may be a case where a notification (operation instruction notification) including a suggestion of a symbol aimed at stopping is executed (details will be described later). Note that the operation instruction notification is not limited to a notification including a suggestion of a symbol aimed at stopping, and may be, for example, a notification including a pressing order (for example, "center → right → left", "press the center", etc.).

[0100] <AT state> Next, the AT state will be described. Hereinafter, the AT state may be simply referred to as AT.

[0101] In the AT state, when an internal winning occurs in the pressing order bell (minor winning 5), an operation navigator indicating the correct pressing order corresponding to each is displayed. Note that this operation navigator is not limited to indicating the pressing order, and may be, for example, a display such as "aim at ···" that indicates the timing of the stop operation, or may indicate both the pressing order and the timing. Also, in the payout number display 127, seven segments light up in a manner corresponding to the correct pressing order (hereinafter, may be referred to as navigator lighting). The display on this payout number display 127 may also light up in a manner corresponding to the timing of the stop operation, or may light up in a manner corresponding to both the pressing order and the timing.

[0102] In this embodiment, as the game progresses in the AT state, the remaining number of AT games is subtracted. When the remaining number of AT games reaches 0, if the number of AT sets is greater than 0, a predetermined value (for example, 50) is set again for the remaining number of AT games. If the number of AT sets is 0, a lottery for the chance state is executed. If the player wins this lottery, the player transitions to the chance state. If the player loses, the player transitions from the advantageous section to the non-advantageous section (the parameters related to the advantageous section are initialized). When the special game state (RT2) is entered during the AT state, the subtraction of the remaining number of AT games stops and resumes when the state returns to RT0. Note that the remaining number of AT games may be incremented by winning an additional lottery (executed during the internal lottery in this embodiment).

[0103] Note that the present invention is not limited to the configuration using the number of AT sets and the remaining number of AT games, and the AT state may be started and ended according to predetermined conditions (for example, when a specific game state is entered).

[0104] <Overview of processing> Hereinafter, the processing of the main control unit 300, the first sub-control unit 400, and the second sub-control unit 500 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0105] <Main control unit main processing> First, with reference to FIG. 8, the main control unit main processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described. The figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit main processing.

[0106] As described above, the main control unit 300 is provided with a start signal output circuit (reset signal output circuit) 338 that outputs a start signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 that receives this start signal starts reset by a reset interrupt and executes the main control unit main processing shown in FIG. 8 according to the control program stored in advance in the ROM 306.

[0107] When the power is turned on, first, in step S101, the main control unit performs initial setting processing. In this main control unit initial setting processing, setting the stack initial value to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304, setting interrupt prohibition, initial setting of the I / O 310, initial setting of various variables stored in the RAM 308, enabling operation and setting the initial value to the WDT 314, etc. are performed.

[0108] In step S103, game start processing is executed. In this processing, it is checked whether medals are inserted (manual insertion or operation of the bet buttons 130, 132), and the winning line display lamp 120 is lit according to the insertion of medals. Also, when medals are inserted, preparation is made to send an insertion command indicating that medals have been inserted to the first sub-control unit 400. In addition, if a replay win occurred in the previous game, since processing is performed to insert the same number of medals as the number of medals inserted in the previous game, it becomes unnecessary for the player to insert medals. Further, it is checked whether the start lever 135 has been operated in a state where the specified number (3 pieces) of medals have been used, and if there is an operation of the start lever 135, the number of inserted medals and the valid winning lines are determined, and the game is started.

[0109] In step S105, various lottery processes including the internal winning role lottery process are executed. In this process, the internal winning role lottery table stored in the ROM 306 is read according to the current RT, and an internal lottery (role lottery) is performed using this and the random number value obtained from the random number generation circuit 316 to determine the internal winning role. As a result of the internal lottery, if a win is obtained for any role (including the active role), the flag for that role is turned on. Also, in this step S105, preparations are made to send an internal lottery command including internal winning information indicating the result of the winning role internal lottery to the first sub-control unit 400. For example, when winning the replay role internally, preparations are made to send an internal lottery command indicating that the replay role has been won internally to the first sub-control unit 400. When the result of the winning role internal lottery is a loss (non-winning of the role), preparations are made to send an internal lottery command indicating the loss to the first sub-control unit 400. Note that the internal winning command includes, in addition to the information of the internal winning role, information regarding the current advantageous section (when the period is finite, it includes information such as the remaining game count like the AT remaining game count), and information that can identify the results of the AT lottery and the AT bonus lottery. Among the above information, regarding the information on the AT remaining game count, it may not be included in the internal winning command in the non-AT state and may be included in the internal winning command only in the AT state. Further, in the AT state, the internal winning command including winning the push order bell (minor role 5) internally also includes operation instruction information representing the correct operation order of the operation order (push order) of the stop buttons 137 to 139.

[0110] In step S111, based on the result of the internal winning role lottery, reel stop data corresponding to the first stop operation is prepared. This reel stop data is stored in the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300.

[0111] In step S113, the reel rotation start process is executed on the condition that the game interval timer (subtracted in the timer update process described later) is 0, and the rotation of reels 110 to 112 is started. Also, when starting the rotation of reels 110 to 112, preparations are made to send a reel rotation start command to the first sub-control unit 400. After that, when reels 110 to 112 reach a predetermined rotation speed and the optical sensors provided on each reel are detected to grasp the symbol positions of each reel, the stop operation for stop buttons 137 to 139 becomes effective. Note that the above game interval counter ensures the minimum time required for one game (4.1 s in this embodiment) and suppresses the probability of winning.

[0112] Step S115 executes the reel stop control process. In this process, after the stop operation becomes effective, when any of stop buttons 137 to 139 is pressed, the corresponding reels 110 to 112 are stopped. Specifically, each time a stop operation is performed, the stop table of the reel stop data is referred to, and reels 110 to 112 corresponding to the stop operation are stopped according to the number of retraction commands set in the stop table. Also, for the first stop operation, the reel stop data corresponding to the second stop operation is prepared, and for the second stop operation, the reel stop data corresponding to the third stop operation is prepared. Note that for each stop operation, preparations are made to send the corresponding command (first to third press commands) to the first sub-control unit 400, and for each time reels 110 to 112 stop, preparations are made to send the corresponding command (first to third stop commands) to the first sub-control unit 400. When all reels 110 to 112 stop, the process proceeds to step S117.

[0113] In step S117, a winning determination process is performed. Here, when a symbol combination corresponding to any winning combination is displayed on the activated winning line, it is determined that the winning combination has been won. For example, if "Watermelon - Watermelon - Watermelon" is aligned on the activated winning line, it is determined that the small winning combination 1 has been won. Note that after determining the winning combination, preparations are made to send a winning command to the first sub-control unit 400.

[0114] In step S119, if a winning combination with a payout is won, medals corresponding to the number of that winning combination are awarded (payout), and the number of awarded medals is displayed using the payout number display 127.

[0115] In step S121, RT update processing is performed. In this processing, RT is transitioned based on the conditions shown in the state transition diagram shown in FIG. 6.

[0116] In step S123, game state update processing is performed. Here, based on the result of the game, the status regarding the non - advantageous section and the advantageous section described in FIG. 7 is updated. For example, when transitioning from the normal state A to the normal state B, the advantageous section flag is set to on, and when transitioning from the AT state to the normal state A, the advantageous section flag is set to off. Also, preparation for transmitting a game state update command is performed. This command includes information regarding RT, information regarding the non - advantageous section and the advantageous section (for example, the advantageous section flag, the number of AT sets, and the remaining number of AT games).

[0117] Thus, one game ends. Thereafter, the process returns to step S103 and the game progresses by repeating the above - described processing.

[0118] <Main control unit 300 timer interrupt processing> Next, with reference to FIG. 9, the main control unit timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described. Note that this figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt processing.

[0119] The main control unit 300 includes a counter timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined period (once every approximately 2 ms in this embodiment), and starts the main control unit timer interrupt processing at a predetermined period using this timer interrupt signal as a trigger.

[0120] In step S201, timer interrupt start processing is performed. In this timer interrupt start processing, processing such as temporarily saving the values of each register of the CPU 304 in the stack area is performed.

[0121] In step S203, the watchdog timer 314 is restarted periodically (once every approximately 2 ms, which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt in this embodiment) so that the count value of the watchdog timer 314 does not exceed the initial setting value (32.8 ms in this embodiment) and no watchdog interrupt occurs (so as not to detect an abnormality in the process).

[0122] In step S205, an input port status update process is performed. In this input port status update process, detection signals from the sensor circuits 320 of the various sensors 318 are input via the input ports of the I / O 310, the presence or absence of the detection signals is monitored, and the signals are stored in the signal status storage areas provided in the RAM 308 partitioned for each of the various sensors 318. Note that the status of the optical sensor is confirmed in this process.

[0123] In step S207, various game processes are executed, and processes corresponding to the interrupt status (acquiring various interrupt statuses based on signals from the various sensors 318) are executed. For example, if the interrupt status is during medal insertion, medal insertion acceptance processing is performed, and if the interrupt status is during payout processing, medal payout processing is performed.

[0124] In step S209, a timer update process is performed. For example, a process of updating various timers in their respective time units, such as subtracting the game interval timer, is executed.

[0125] In step S211, command setting transmission processing is performed, and various commands prepared for transmission in the main processing of the main control unit 300, timer interrupt processing, etc. are transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400. Note that the output schedule information to be transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400 includes strobe information (when on, indicating that data is being set), command type (in this embodiment, basic command, input command, start lever reception command, internal winning command, effect command associated with effect lottery processing, reel rotation start command associated with the start of rotation of reels 110 to 112, first to third press commands associated with the reception of operations of stop buttons 137 to 139, first to third stop commands associated with the stop of reels 110 to 112, winning command, payout number command and payout end command associated with medal payout processing, status update command), and command data (predetermined information corresponding to the command type).

[0126] In the first sub-control unit 400, according to the command type included in the received output schedule information, it becomes possible to determine the effect control according to the change in game control in the main control unit 300, and based on the information of the command data included in the output schedule information, the effect control content can be determined.

[0127] In step S213, external signal setting processing is performed. In this external signal setting processing, the game information stored in the RAM 308 is output to the information input circuit 652 separate from the slot machine 100 via the information output circuit 334.

[0128] In step S215, device monitoring processing is performed. In this device monitoring processing, first, the signal states of various sensors 318 stored in the signal state storage area in step S205 are read out to monitor the presence or absence of errors related to medal input abnormalities and medal payout abnormalities, etc., and when an error is detected (not shown), error processing is executed. Further, according to the current game state, settings are made for the medal selector 170 (medal blocker in which the solenoid provided in the medal selector 170 operates), various lamps 339, and various 7-segment (SEG) displays.

[0129] In step S217, it is monitored whether the low voltage signal is on. When the low voltage signal is received (when power-off is detected), the process proceeds to step S221. When the low voltage signal is not received (when power-off is not detected), the process proceeds to step S219.

[0130] In step S219, timer interrupt end processing is performed. In this timer interrupt end processing, processes such as setting the values of the respective registers temporarily saved in step S201 to the original respective registers are performed. Then, the process returns to the main control unit main processing shown in FIG. 8.

[0131] On the other hand, in step S221, information such as specific variables and stack pointers that need to be saved for returning to the power-off state at the time of power restoration is saved in a predetermined area of the RAM 308. A checksum value for a predetermined area including at least the used area of the RAM 308 is derived and stored in the RAM 308, and a power flag indicating that the power-off process has been performed is set to on.

[0132] <Processing of the First Sub-Control Unit 400> Next, with reference to FIG. 10, the processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described. Note that FIG. 10(a) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400. FIG. 10(b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400. FIG. 10(c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400.

[0133] First, in step S301, various initial settings are performed. This initial setting is executed when power is turned on. In this process, initial settings of input / output ports, initialization processing of storage areas in the RAM 408, etc. are performed. In this process, an area for storing internal winning information, which is information representing the result of internal winning, and an area for storing RT update information, which is information representing the game state, are respectively provided in the RAM 408.

[0134] In step S303, it is determined whether the timer variable is 10 or more. This process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to the process of step S305.

[0135] In step S305, 0 is substituted into the timer variable. In step S307, command processing, which is processing corresponding to each command received from the main control unit 300, is executed.

[0136] In step S309, effect control processing is performed. Here, processes such as expanding effect data, setting device data in the effect execution area provided in the RAM 408, setting effect data in the effect reservation area provided in the RAM 408, and further setting effect data or executing control processing based on the received command and the information included in the command are performed. Note that the effect data set in the effect reservation area and the device data set in the effect execution area may be updated (overwritten) with other data. In this case, the effect content is changed based on the overwritten data.

[0137] In step S311, sound control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S309. For example, control data is acquired from the device data set in the effect execution area corresponding to the speakers 272 and 277, and the acquired control data is output to the sound source IC 418 to execute an effect by sound.

[0138] In step S313, lamp control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S309. For example, control data is acquired from the device data set in the effect execution area corresponding to various lamps 420, and the acquired control data is output to the drive circuit 422 to execute an effect by the lamp.

[0139] In step S315, shutter control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S309. For example, control data is acquired from the device data set in the effect execution area corresponding to the shutter 163, and the acquired control data is output to the drive circuit 424, thereby executing the effect by the shutter 163.

[0140] In step S317, information output processing for performing setting to transmit a control command to the second sub-control unit 500 based on the processing result of step S309 is performed. For example, if there is device data set in the effect execution area corresponding to the effect image display device 157, preparation is made to transmit this device data to the second sub-control unit 500, and the process returns to step S303.

[0141] Next, with reference to FIG. 10(b), the command reception interrupt process of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described. This command reception interrupt process is a process executed when the first sub-control unit 400 detects a strobe signal output by the main control unit 300. In step S321 of the command reception interrupt process, the command output by the main control unit 300 is stored as an unprocessed command in the command storage area provided in the RAM 408.

[0142] Next, with reference to FIG. 10(c), the first sub-control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined period (once every 2 ms in this embodiment), and based on this timer interrupt, the timer interrupt process is executed at a predetermined period.

[0143] In step S331, 1 is added to the value in the timer variable storage area of the RAM 408 described in step S303 in the first sub-control unit main process shown in FIG. 10(a), and the result is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S303, it is determined that the value of the timer variable is 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10).

[0144] In step S333, the device data is transmitted to the second sub-control unit 500 set in step S315, and the update process of the rendering random value is performed, etc.

[0145] <Processing of the second sub-control unit 500> Next, with reference to FIG. 11, the processing of the second sub-control unit 500 will be described. Note that FIG. 11(a) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500. FIG. 11(b) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500. FIG. 11(c) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500. FIG. 11(d) is a flowchart of the image control processing of the second sub-control unit 500.

[0146] First, in step S401 of FIG. 11(a), various initial settings are performed. When the power is turned on, the initialization process is first executed in step S401. In this initialization process, input / output port initial settings, initialization processing of the storage area in the RAM 508, etc. are performed.

[0147] In step S403, it is determined whether the timer variable is 10 or more, and this process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or more, the process proceeds to step S405.

[0148] In step S405, 0 is assigned to the timer variable. In step S407, command processing is performed. In the command processing, the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500 determines whether a command has been received from the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400.

[0149] In step S409, rendering control processing is performed. Specifically, when there is a new command in step S407, the process corresponding to this command is performed. For example, a process of reading rendering data for performing image control related to the background image from the ROM 506 is executed. Also, processes such as reading other rendering data from the ROM 506 are performed, and when the update of the rendering data is necessary, the update process of the rendering data is included.

[0150] In step S411, image control processing is performed based on the processing result of step S409. For example, if there is an image control instruction in the effect data read in step S409, image control corresponding to this instruction is performed. For example, image control regarding the display image (notification image, background image) is executed. This image control processing will be described later with reference to FIG. 11(d). When this image control processing ends, the process returns to step S403.

[0151] Next, with reference to FIG. 11(b), the command reception interrupt processing of the second sub-control unit 500 will be described. This command reception interrupt processing is a process executed when the second sub-control unit 500 detects a strobe signal output by the first sub-control unit 400. In step S415 of the command reception interrupt processing, the command output by the first sub-control unit 400 is stored in the command storage area provided in the RAM 508 as an unprocessed command.

[0152] Next, with reference to FIG. 11(c), the second sub-control unit timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 504 of the second sub-control unit 500 will be described. The second sub-control unit 500 is provided with a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined period (once every 2 ms in this embodiment), and based on this timer interrupt, the timer interrupt processing is executed at a predetermined period.

[0153] In step S417, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of the RAM 508 described in step S403 in the second sub-control unit main processing shown in FIG. 11(a), and the result is stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S403, it is determined that the value of the timer variable is 10 or more every 20 ms (2 ms × 10).

[0154] In step S419, update processing of the random number value for effect and the like is performed.

[0155] Next, with reference to FIG. 11(d), the image control processing in step S411 in the main processing of the second sub-control unit 500 will be described. This figure is a diagram showing a flowchart indicating the flow of the image control processing.

[0156] In step S421, an instruction to transfer image data is issued. Here, the CPU 504 first swaps the designations of the drawing areas of the display areas A and B in the VRAM 518. As a result, one frame of the image stored in the display area not designated as the drawing area is displayed on the effect image display device 157. Next, the CPU 504 sets, in the attribute register of the VDP 516, the ROM coordinates (transfer source address of the ROM 506), VRAM coordinates (transfer destination address of the VRAM 518), etc. based on the position information table, etc., and then sets an instruction to start transferring the image data from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 518. The VDP 516 transfers the image data from the ROM 506 to the VRAM 518 based on the instruction set in the attribute register. After that, the VDP 516 outputs a transfer end interrupt signal to the CPU 504.

[0157] In step S423, it is determined whether a transfer end interrupt signal from the VDP 516 has been input. If the transfer end interrupt signal has been input, the process proceeds to step S425; otherwise, it waits for the transfer end interrupt signal to be input.

[0158] In step S425, parameter settings are performed based on the effect scenario configuration table, attribute data, etc. Here, the CPU 504 instructs the VDP 516 about the information of the image data constituting the display image (coordinate axes of the VRAM 518, image size, VRAM coordinates (placement coordinates), image overlay and transparency, etc.) in order to form a display image in the display area A or B of the VRAM 518 based on the image data transferred to the VRAM 518 in step S421. The VDP 516 performs parameter settings according to the attribute based on the instruction stored in the attribute register.

[0159] In step S427, a drawing instruction is issued. In this drawing instruction, the CPU 504 instructs the VDP 516 to start drawing an image. The VDP 516 starts drawing the image in the frame buffer according to the instruction of the CPU 504.

[0160] In step S429, it is determined whether or not an end-of-generation interrupt signal from the VDP516 based on the end of image drawing has been input. If the end-of-generation interrupt signal has been input, the process proceeds to step S431. Otherwise, it waits for the end-of-generation interrupt signal to be input.

[0161] In step S431, the scene display counter that is set in a predetermined area of the RAM508 and counts which scene's image has been generated is incremented (+1), and the process ends.

[0162] <<Embodiment C>> Next, with reference to FIGS. 12 to 13, a gaming table (slot machine) according to Embodiment C will be described. For the terms that overlap with other embodiments, the terms of this embodiment are given priority. For the descriptions that overlap with the drawings other than FIGS. 12 to 13, the descriptions of FIGS. 12 to 13 are given priority.

[0163] <Notification means> Next, prior to the description of various notifications, the notification means provided in the slot machine 100 will be described.

[0164] <Notification means (display means)> The slot machine 100 includes, as one of the notification means, a display means capable of displaying. Examples of the display means included in the slot machine 100 include, for example, the liquid crystal display device (effect image display device) 157 described with reference to FIG. 1, the payout number display 127, the stored number display 125, the game information display 126, etc. In this example, these display means are composed of a liquid crystal display device, an LED, a segment display, etc.

[0165] <Notification means (sound output means)> The slot machine 100 includes, as one of the notification means, a sound output means capable of outputting sound. Examples of the sound output means included in the slot machine 100 include, for example, the speakers 272, 277 described with reference to FIG. 3.

[0166] <Notification means (light emitting means)> The slot machine 100 includes, as one of the notification means, a light-emitting means capable of emitting (outputting) light. Examples of the light-emitting means included in the slot machine 100 include the side lamp 144, title panel (lamp) 162, effect button 190, stop buttons 137 to 139, start lever 135 described with reference to FIG. 1, upper lamp 142 (see FIG. 14), reel backlights of each reel 110 to 112 (not shown), etc. In this example, all of these light-emitting means are composed of LEDs.

[0167] Note that the effect button 190, stop buttons (stop operation means) 137 to 139, and start lever 135 also function as operation means that can be operated by a player. Further, the present invention is also applicable to a pachinko machine, and examples of the light-emitting means included in the pachinko machine include a frame lamp, an effect button, a device, etc.

[0168] <Stop instruction notification> Next, the stop instruction notification will be described. Here, the stop instruction notification is a notification (for example, an operation guide) including a suggestion of a symbol aimed at being stopped, and the notification means of the game table according to the present embodiment may execute a first operation instruction notification including a suggestion of a first symbol aimed at being stopped and a second operation instruction notification including a suggestion of a second symbol aimed at being stopped.

[0169] <First stop instruction notification> FIG. 12 is a diagram showing, in time series, a notification example when a first operation instruction notification is performed in a certain game, and the state shown in FIG. 12(a) is a state where a first operation instruction notification is executed in a certain game.

[0170] In this example, upon pressing the start lever 135, the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 is started, and upon winning the AT lottery in the chance state, the first operation instruction notification ID1 is executed in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157.

[0171] The first operation instruction notification is a notification including a suggestion of a first symbol aimed at stopping. In this example, as the first operation instruction notification ID1, a target symbol notification ID1a (in this example, a display including an image of the seven 1 symbol and a string "Aim!") is executed to prompt to perform a stop operation of stop buttons 137 to 139 so that the seven 1 symbol (the first symbol) stops and is displayed on the winning line L1, and a push order notification ID1b (in this example, a display suggesting to perform a stop operation in the order of the middle stop button 138 → the right stop button 139 → the left stop button 137) that suggests the push order of the stop buttons 137 to 139 is executed.

[0172] Note that the first operation instruction notification is not limited to this example, and any notification including a suggestion of a first symbol aimed at stopping is sufficient. For example, it may be a notification that does not include the push order notification ID1b that suggests the push order of the stop buttons 137 to 139, or it may be a notification composed only of a string such as "Aim at the blue 7", or in addition to (or instead of) the notification by the display means, a notification by a sound output means such as speakers 272 and 277 (for example, output of a voice "Aim at the blue 7") may be applied.

[0173] Also, the execution conditions of the first operation instruction notification are not limited to this example, and for example, it may be when winning (or hitting) a predetermined internal winning combination, when a specific game state is reached, when points accumulate to a specified number (for example, 100 points), etc.

[0174] <First stop instruction notification → First stop mode → Execution of first notification> The state shown in FIG. 12(b-1) is a state in which reels 110 to 112 have stopped in the first stop mode in the game in which the first operation instruction notification is executed.

[0175] The notification means of the game machine according to the present embodiment is configured to execute at least the first notification when the reel stops in the first stop mode (in this example, a symbol combination of "seven 1 - seven 1 - seven 1") in the game in which the first operation instruction notification (in this example, the first operation instruction notification ID1) is executed.

[0176] In the state shown in FIG. 12(b-1), in the game where the first operation instruction notification ID1 (first operation instruction notification) is executed, the player aims at the seven 1 symbols according to the first operation instruction notification ID1 and performs stop operations in the order of the middle stop button 138 → the right stop button 139 → the left stop button 137. Since the reels 110 to 112 stopped in the symbol combination of "seven 1 - seven 1 - seven 1" (first stop mode) (the symbol combination of "seven 1 - seven 1 - seven 1" (first stop mode) was aligned on the winning line L1), the first notification RD1 (first notification. In this example, the display including the image of the seven 1 symbol, the string "GET!", And the effect image) is being executed.

[0177] Also, in the game where the first operation instruction notification was executed triggered by winning the AT lottery, in the next game after the reels 110 to 112 stopped in the first stop mode (in this example, the symbol combination of "seven 1 - seven 1 - seven 1"), as shown in FIG. 12(d), it shifts to the AT state and starts the AT game.

[0178] Note that in this example, the first stop mode is set to the mode where the first symbol (in this example, the seven 1 symbol) stops on all the reels. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other symbol combinations including the first symbol targeted to be stopped may be used.

[0179] Also, the first notification is not limited to this example. For example, it may be a notification composed only of a string such as "Congratulations on blue 7". In addition to (or instead of) the notification by the display means, a notification by a sound output means such as the speakers 272, 277 (for example, output of the voice "Congratulations on blue 7") or a notification by a light emitting means such as the upper lamp 142 and the side lamp 144 (for example, red blinking) may be applied.

[0180] Also, the execution timing of the first notification may be only for the game in which the first operation instruction notification ID1 (first operation instruction notification) is executed and the reel has stopped in the first stop mode, or in addition to the game, it may be executed in any game after the game.

[0181] <First stop instruction notification → Second stop mode → Non-execution of the first notification> The state shown in FIG. 12(b-4) is a state in which the reels 110 to 112 have stopped in the second stop mode in the game in which the first operation instruction notification was executed.

[0182] The notification means of the gaming table according to the present embodiment is configured such that when the reel stops in the second stop mode (in this example, the symbol combination of "Seven 3 - Seven 3 - Seven 3") in the game in which the first operation instruction notification (in this example, the first operation instruction notification ID1) is executed, the first notification is not executed at least in the game.

[0183] In the state shown in FIG. 12(b-4), in the game in which the first operation instruction notification ID1 (first operation instruction notification) was executed, the player did not follow the first operation instruction notification ID1, aimed at the Seven 3 symbol, and performed stop operations in the order of the middle stop button 138 → the right stop button 139 → the left stop button 137, and the reels 110 to 112 stopped in the symbol combination of "Seven 3 - Seven 3 - Seven 3" (second stop mode) (the symbol combination of "Seven 3 - Seven 3 - Seven 3" (second stop mode) was aligned on the winning line L1). Therefore, the first notification RD1 (first notification. In this example, the display including the image of the Seven 1 symbol, the character string "Get!", and the effect image) shown in FIG. 12(b-1) was not executed.

[0184] According to this example, in a game where a first operation instruction notification (in this example, the first operation instruction notification ID1 shown in FIG. 12(a)) is executed, when the reels stop in a first stop mode (in this example, the symbol combination of "Seven 1 - Seven 1 - Seven 1"), at least the first notification (in this example, the first notification RD1 shown in FIG. 12(b-1)) is executed in the game. On the other hand, in a game where a first operation instruction notification is executed and the reels stop in a second stop mode (in this example, the symbol combination of "Seven 3 - Seven 3 - Seven 3"), since at least the first notification is not executed in the game, notification can be made so as not to give the player a misunderstanding, the player will not make a misinterpretation, and a decline in the player's gaming motivation can be prevented beforehand.

[0185] Also, since the first stop mode is a mode in which the first symbol (in this example, the Seven 1 symbol) stops on all the reels, and the second stop mode is a mode in which the second symbol (in this example, the Seven 3 symbol) stops on all the reels, the symbol suggested by the first operation instruction notification can be stopped and displayed, and the player will not make a misinterpretation.

[0186] Note that in this example, the second stop mode is set as a mode in which the second symbol (in this example, the Seven 3 symbol) stops on all the reels. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other symbol combinations that do not include the first symbol targeted for stopping may be used.

[0187] Also, the non-execution timing of the first notification may be only in the game where the first operation instruction notification ID1 (first operation instruction notification) is executed and the reels stop in the second stop mode, or in addition to the game, it may be non-executed in any game after the game.

[0188] <First stop instruction notification → Fourth stop mode → Non-execution of the first notification> The state shown in FIG. 12(b-2) is a state where the reels 110 to 112 stop in the fourth stop mode in the game where the first operation instruction notification is executed.

[0189] In the gaming machine according to this embodiment, when the reels stop in a fourth stop mode (in this example, a stop mode other than the first stop mode, the second stop mode, and the third stop mode (so-called scatter)) in a game that executes a first operation instruction notification (in this example, the first operation instruction notification ID1), at least the first notification in the game is not executed.

[0190] In the state shown in FIG. 12(b-2), in a game that executed the first operation instruction notification ID1 (the first operation instruction notification), the player aimed at the seven 1 symbols in accordance with the first operation instruction notification ID1 and performed stop operations in the order of the middle stop button 138 → the right stop button 139 → the left stop button 137 (or the player performed stop operations on the stop buttons 137 to 139 without following the first operation instruction notification ID1), and the reels 110 to 112 stopped in the symbol combination of "bell - seven 1 - replay" (the fourth stop mode) (the symbol combination of "bell - seven 1 - replay" (the fourth stop mode) aligned on the winning line L1). Therefore, the first notification RD1 (the first notification. In this example, the display including the image of the seven 1 symbols, the character string "GET!", and the effect image) shown in FIG. 12(b-1) is not executed.

[0191] According to this example, when the reels stop in a fourth stop mode (in this example, a stop mode other than the first stop mode, the second stop mode, and the third stop mode (so-called scatter)), which is a mode in which specific symbols are not aligned on all the reels, in a game that executes a first operation instruction notification (in this example, the first operation instruction notification ID1 shown in FIG. 12(a)), at least the first notification (in this example, the first notification RD1 shown in FIG. 12(b-1)) is not executed in the game. Therefore, the notification can be made so as not to give the player a misunderstanding, the player will not make a misjudgment, and a decrease in the player's gaming motivation can be prevented.

[0192] In this example, the fourth stop mode is defined as the mode in which all reels stop without all specific symbols (in this example, any one of the Seven 1 symbol, Seven 2 symbol, and Seven 3 symbol) being aligned. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it may be a mode in which other specific symbols stop without being aligned.

[0193] Also, the non-execution timing of the first notification may be only in the game in which the first operation instruction notification ID1 (first operation instruction notification) is executed and the reels stop in the fourth stop mode, or in addition to the said game, it may be non-executed in any game after the said game.

[0194] <First stop instruction notification → Third stop mode → Execution of third notification> The state shown in FIG. 12(b-3) is a state in which reels 110 to 112 stop in the third stop mode in the game in which the first operation instruction notification is executed.

[0195] The notification means of the gaming table according to the present embodiment is configured to execute at least the third notification in the game in which the first operation instruction notification (in this example, the first operation instruction notification ID1) is executed and the reels stop in the third stop mode (in this example, the symbol combination of "Seven 2 - Seven 2 - Seven 2").

[0196] In the state shown in FIG. 12(b-3), in the game in which the first operation instruction notification ID1 (first operation instruction notification) is executed, the player does not follow the first operation instruction notification ID1, aims at the Seven 2 symbol, and performs stop operations in the order of the middle stop button 138 → right stop button 139 → left stop button 137. Since reels 110 to 112 stop in the symbol combination of "Seven 2 - Seven 2 - Seven 2" (third stop mode) (the symbol combination of "Seven 2 - Seven 2 - Seven 2" (third stop mode) is aligned on the winning line L1), the third notification RD3 (third notification. In this example, the display including the image of the Seven 2 symbol, the character string "GET!", and the effect image) is executed.

[0197] Also, in a game where the first operation instruction notification is executed triggered by winning the AT lottery, after the reels 110 to 112 stop in the third stop mode (in this example, the symbol combination of "Seven 2 - Seven 2 - Seven 2"), in the next game, as shown in FIG. 12(d), it shifts to the AT state and starts the AT game.

[0198] According to this example, in a game where the first operation instruction notification (in this example, the first operation instruction notification ID1 shown in FIG. 12(a)) is executed, when the reels stop in the third stop mode (in this example, the symbol combination of "Seven 2 - Seven 2 - Seven 2") where the third symbol (in this example, the Seven 2 symbol) stops on all the reels, at least in this game, the third notification (in this example, the third notification RD3 shown in FIG. 12(b - 3)) is executed, so that it can be made to seem that the reels stopped in the first stop mode where the first notification is executed, and the interest of the player can be enhanced.

[0199] Note that in this example, the third stop mode is set as the mode where the third symbol (in this example, the Seven 2 symbol) stops on all the reels, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other symbol combinations that do not include the first symbol targeted for stopping may be used.

[0200] Also, the third notification is not limited to this example, and for example, it may be a notification composed only of a character string such as "Congratulations on Red 7", or in addition to (or instead of) the notification by the display means, a notification by a sound output means such as speakers 272, 277 (for example, output of the voice "Congratulations on Red 7") or a notification by a light emitting means such as the upper lamp 142 and the side lamp 144 (for example, yellow blinking) may be applied.

[0201] Also, the execution timing of the third notification may be only in the game where the first operation instruction notification ID1 (the first operation instruction notification) is executed and the reels stop in the third stop mode, or in addition to that game, it may be executed in any game after that game.

[0202] <Temporary Stop of the First Stop Mode> The state shown in FIG. 12(c-2) is a state in which the reel effects are being executed in the next game after the reels 110 to 112 have stopped in the second stop mode in the game in which the first operation instruction notification was executed. FIG. (c-1) of the same figure is a state in which the reel effects are being executed in the next game after the reels 110 to 112 have stopped in the fourth stop mode in the game in which the first operation instruction notification was executed.

[0203] The gaming table according to the present embodiment is configured to stop in the first stop mode (in this example, the symbol combination of "Seven 1 - Seven 1 - Seven 1") as a reel effect after the reel has stopped in the second stop mode (or after the reel has stopped in the fourth stop mode).

[0204] In the state shown in FIG. 12(c-2), as shown in FIG. (a) of the same figure, after the first operation instruction notification ID1 was executed in a certain game, as shown in FIG. (b-4) of the same figure, the reels 110 to 112 did not stop in the first stop mode (in this example, the symbol combination of "Seven 1 - Seven 1 - Seven 1") but stopped in the symbol combination of "Seven 3 - Seven 3 - Seven 3" (the second stop mode). Therefore, the first notification RD1 shown in FIG. 12(b-1) was not executed. However, in the next game of a certain game, the reel effect is started upon pressing the start lever 135, and as the reel effect, it stops (temporarily stops) in the first stop mode (in this example, the symbol combination of "Seven 1 - Seven 1 - Seven 1"), and after executing the first notification RD1, the AT game is started.

[0205] According to this example, since the reel can be stopped in the first stop mode after being stopped in the second stop mode, the interest of the player can be enhanced. Also, even when the reel stops in the second stop mode in a certain game, the first notification can be executed in the games after the next game of a certain game, so that the player can be surprised.

[0206] Also, in the state shown in FIG. 12(c-1), as shown in FIG. (a) of the same figure, after executing the first operation instruction notification ID1 in a certain game, as shown in FIG. (b-2) of the same figure, the reels 110 to 112 stopped in a combination of symbols of "bell-seven 1-replay" (the fourth stop mode) instead of the first stop mode (in this example, the symbol combination of "seven 1-seven 1-seven 1"). Therefore, the first notification RD1 shown in FIG. 12(b-1) was not executed. However, in the next game of a certain game, starting from the pressing operation of the start lever 135, a reel effect was started, and as the reel effect, it stopped (temporarily stopped) in the first stop mode (in this example, the symbol combination of "seven 1-seven 1-seven 1"), and after executing the first notification RD1, the AT game was started.

[0207] According to this example, after stopping the reel in the fourth stop mode, it can be stopped in the first stop mode, so the interest of the player can be enhanced. Also, even when the reel stops in the fourth stop mode in a certain game, in the games after the next game of a certain game, the first notification can be executed, so the player can be surprised.

[0208] <Second stop instruction notification> FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of notification in chronological order when a second operation instruction notification is given in a certain game. The state shown in FIG. (a) of the same figure is a state in which a second operation instruction notification is executed in a certain game.

[0209] In this example, starting from the pressing operation of the start lever 135, the rotation of the reels 110 to 112 is started, and starting from the winning of the super AT lottery in the chance state, the second operation instruction notification ID2 is executed in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157.

[0210] The second operation instruction notification is a notification including a suggestion of a second symbol aimed at stopping. In this example, as the second operation instruction notification ID2, a target symbol notification ID2a (in this example, a display including an image of the seven-3 symbol and a string "Aim!") that prompts to perform a stop operation of stop buttons 137 to 139 so that the seven-3 symbol (second symbol) stops and is displayed on the winning line L1, and a push order notification ID2b (in this example, a display suggesting to perform a stop operation in the order of the middle stop button 138 → the right stop button 139 → the left stop button 137) that suggests the push order of the stop buttons 137 to 139 are executed.

[0211] Note that the second operation instruction notification is not limited to this example, and any notification including a suggestion of a second symbol aimed at stopping is sufficient. For example, it may be a notification that does not include the push order notification ID2b that suggests the push order of the stop buttons 137 to 139, or it may be a notification composed only of a string such as "Aim for the seven of gold", or in addition to (or instead of) the notification by the display means, a notification by a sound output means such as speakers 272 and 277 (for example, output of a voice "Aim for the seven of gold") may be applied.

[0212] Also, the execution conditions of the second operation instruction notification are not limited to this example, and for example, it may be when winning (or hitting) a predetermined internal winning combination, when a specific gaming state is reached, when points accumulate to a specified number (for example, 100 points), etc.

[0213] <Second stop instruction notification → Second stop mode → Execution of second notification> The state shown in FIG. 13(b-4) is a state in which reels 110 to 112 have stopped in the second stop mode in a game in which the second operation instruction notification is executed.

[0214] The notification means of the gaming table according to this embodiment is configured to execute at least a second notification when the reel stops in the second stop mode (in this example, a symbol combination of "seven-3 - seven-3 - seven-3") in a game in which the second operation instruction notification (in this example, the second operation instruction notification ID2) is executed.

[0215] In the state shown in FIG. 13(b-4), in the game in which the second operation instruction notification ID2 (second operation instruction notification) is executed, the player follows the second operation instruction notification ID2, aims at the seven 3 symbols, and performs a stop operation in the order of the middle stop button 138 → the right stop button 139 → the left stop button 137. Since the reels 110 to 112 stopped in the symbol combination of "seven 3 - seven 3 - seven 3" (second stop mode) (the symbol combination of "seven 3 - seven 3 - seven 3" (second stop mode) was aligned on the winning line L1), the second notification RD2 (second notification. In this example, the display including the image of the seven 3 symbols, the character string "GET!", And the effect image) is being executed.

[0216] Also, in the game in which the second operation instruction notification is executed triggered by winning the super AT lottery, in the next game after the reels 110 to 112 stopped in the second stop mode (in this example, the symbol combination of "seven 3 - seven 3 - seven 3"), as shown in FIG. 13(d), it shifts to a super AT state more advantageous to the player than the AT state, and starts a super AT game.

[0217] As described above, in the next game after stopping in the first stop mode (in this example, the symbol combination of "seven 1 - seven 1 - seven 1"), it shifts to the AT state, while in the next game after stopping in the second stop mode (in this example, the symbol combination of "seven 3 - seven 3 - seven 3"), it shifts to a super AT state more advantageous to the player than the AT state. Therefore, the second stop mode (in this example, the symbol combination of "seven 3 - seven 3 - seven 3") has a higher value as a symbol combination than the first stop mode (in this example, the symbol combination of "seven 1 - seven 1 - seven 1").

[0218] Also, in the next game after stopping in the third stop mode (in this example, the symbol combination of "Seven 2 - Seven 2 - Seven 2"), since it shifts to the AT state, the first stop mode (in this example, the symbol combination of "Seven 1 - Seven 1 - Seven 1") and the third stop mode (in this example, the symbol combination of "Seven 2 - Seven 2 - Seven 2") have the same value as symbol combinations.

[0219] Note that in this example, the second stop mode is set as the mode where the second symbol (in this example, the Seven 3 symbol) stops on all the reels. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other symbol combinations including the second symbol aimed to be stopped may be used.

[0220] Also, the second notification is not limited to this example. For example, it may be a notification composed only of a character string such as "Congratulations on getting a Golden Seven". In addition to (or instead of) the notification by the display means, a notification by a sound output means such as speakers 272 and 277 (for example, output of the voice "Congratulations on getting a Golden Seven") or a notification by a light emitting means such as the upper lamp 142 and the side lamp 144 (for example, red blinking) may be applied.

[0221] Also, the execution timing of the second notification may be only in the game where the second operation instruction notification ID2 (second operation instruction notification) is executed and the reels stop in the second stop mode, or in addition to the game, it may be executed in any game after the game.

[0222] <Second stop instruction notification → First stop mode → Non - execution of second notification> The state shown in Fig. 13(b - 1) is the state where the reels 110 to 112 stop in the first stop mode in the game where the second operation instruction notification is executed.

[0223] The notification means of the game machine according to the present embodiment is configured such that when the reels stop in the first stop mode (in this example, the symbol combination of "Seven 1 - Seven 1 - Seven 1") in the game where the second operation instruction notification (in this example, the second operation instruction notification ID2) is executed, at least the second notification is not executed in the game.

[0224] In the state shown in FIG. 12(b-1), in the game where the second operation instruction notification ID2 (second operation instruction notification) is executed, the player aimed at the seven 1 symbols and performed stop operations in the order of the middle stop button 138 → the right stop button 139 → the left stop button 137 without following the second operation instruction notification ID2, and the reels 110 to 112 stopped in the symbol combination of "seven 1 - seven 1 - seven 1" (first stop mode) (the symbol combination of "seven 1 - seven 1 - seven 1" (first stop mode) was aligned on the winning line L1). Therefore, the second notification RD2 (second notification. In this example, the display including the image of the seven 3 symbols, the character string "GET!", and the effect image) shown in FIG. 13(b-4) was not executed.

[0225] According to this example, when the reels stop in the second stop mode (in this example, the symbol combination of "seven 3 - seven 3 - seven 3") in the game where the second operation instruction notification (in this example, the second operation instruction notification ID2 shown in FIG. 13(a)) is executed, at least the second notification (in this example, the second notification RD2 shown in FIG. 12(b-4)) is executed in that game. On the other hand, when the reels stop in the first stop mode (in this example, the symbol combination of "seven 1 - seven 1 - seven 1") in the game where the second operation instruction notification is executed, at least the second notification is not executed in that game. Therefore, it is possible to notify the player without giving a misunderstanding, the player will not make a misjudgment, and it is possible to prevent the player's gaming motivation from decreasing.

[0226] Also, since the first stop mode is the mode in which the first symbol (in this example, the seven 1 symbol) stops on all the reels, and the second stop mode is the mode in which the second symbol (in this example, the seven 3 symbol) stops on all the reels, it is possible to stop and display the symbol suggested by the second operation instruction notification, and the player will not make a misjudgment.

[0227] In this example, the first stop mode is the mode in which the first symbol (in this example, the seven 1 symbol) stops on all reels. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other symbol combinations that do not include the first symbol targeted for stopping may be used.

[0228] Also, the non-execution timing of the second notification may be only in the game in which the second operation instruction notification ID2 (second operation instruction notification) is executed and the reels stop in the first stop mode, or in addition to the said game, it may be non-executed in any game after the said game.

[0229] <Second stop instruction notification → Fourth stop mode → Non-execution of second notification> The state shown in FIG. 13(b-2) is a state in which reels 110 to 112 stop in the fourth stop mode in the game in which the second operation instruction notification is executed.

[0230] The notification means of the game machine according to the present embodiment is configured such that when the reels stop in the fourth stop mode (in this example, a stop mode other than the first stop mode, the second stop mode, and the third stop mode (so-called scattered state)) in the game in which the second operation instruction notification (in this example, the second operation instruction notification ID2) is executed, the second notification is not executed at least in the said game.

[0231] In the state shown in FIG. 13(b-2), in the game in which the second operation instruction notification ID2 (second operation instruction notification) is executed, the player aimed at the seven 3 symbol in accordance with the second operation instruction notification ID2 and performed stop operations in the order of the middle stop button 138 → the right stop button 139 → the left stop button 137 (or the player performed stop operations of the stop buttons 137 to 139 without following the second operation instruction notification ID2), and since reels 110 to 112 stopped in the symbol combination of "bell - seven 1 - replay" (fourth stop mode) (the symbol combination of "bell - seven 1 - replay" (fourth stop mode) aligned on the winning line L1), the second notification RD2 (second notification. In this example, a display including an image of the seven 3 symbol, the character string "GET!", and an effect image) shown in FIG. 13(b-4) is not executed.

[0232] According to this example, in a game where a second operation instruction notification (in this example, the second operation instruction notification ID2 shown in FIG. 13(a)) is executed, when the reels stop in a fourth stop mode (in this example, a stop mode other than the first stop mode, the second stop mode, and the third stop mode (so-called scattered state)) in which specific symbols are not aligned on all the reels, at least the second notification (in this example, the second notification RD2 shown in FIG. 13(b-4)) is not executed in the game. Therefore, it is possible to give a notification so as not to mislead the player, prevent the player from misunderstanding, and prevent a decrease in the player's gaming motivation.

[0233] In this example, the fourth stop mode is a mode in which specific symbols (in this example, any one of the seven 1 symbols, the seven 2 symbols, and the seven 3 symbols) are not aligned on all the reels. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other modes in which specific symbols are not aligned may be used.

[0234] Also, the non-execution timing of the second notification may be only in a game where the second operation instruction notification ID2 (second operation instruction notification) is executed and the reels stop in the fourth stop mode, or in addition to the game, it may be non-executed in any game after the game.

[0235] <Second stop instruction notification → Third stop mode → Non-execution of second notification> The state shown in FIG. 13(b-3) is a state in which the reels 110 to 112 stop in the third stop mode in a game where the second operation instruction notification is executed.

[0236] The notification means of the gaming table according to the present embodiment is configured such that when the reels stop in the third stop mode (in this example, the symbol combination of "seven 2 - seven 2 - seven 2") in a game where the second operation instruction notification (in this example, the second operation instruction notification ID2) is executed, at least the second notification is not executed in the game.

[0237] In the state shown in FIG. 13(b-3), in the game in which the second operation instruction notification ID2 (second operation instruction notification) is executed, the player aimed at the seven-2 symbols without following the second operation instruction notification ID2, and performed stop operations in the order of the middle stop button 138 → the right stop button 139 → the left stop button 137. Since the reels 110 to 112 stopped in the symbol combination of "seven-2 - seven-2 - seven-2" (third stop mode) (the symbol combination of "seven-2 - seven-2 - seven-2" (third stop mode) was aligned on the winning line L1), the second notification RD2 (second notification. In this example, the display including the image of the seven-3 symbols, the character string "GET!", And the effect image) shown in FIG. 13(b-4) is not executed.

[0238] According to this example, in the game in which the second operation instruction notification (in this example, the second operation instruction notification ID2 shown in FIG. 13(a)) is executed, when the reels stop in the third stop mode (in this example, the symbol combination of "seven-2 - seven-2 - seven-2"), which is a mode in which specific symbols are not aligned on all the reels, at least the second notification (in this example, the second notification RD2 shown in FIG. 13(b-4)) is not executed in the game. Therefore, it is possible to give a notification so as not to give the player a misunderstanding, the player will not be misjudged, and it is possible to prevent the player's gaming motivation from decreasing.

[0239] In this example, the third stop mode is set to a mode in which the third symbol (in this example, the seven-2 symbol) stops on all the reels. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other symbol combinations that do not include the first symbol targeted for stopping may be used.

[0240] Also, the non-execution timing of the second notification may be only in the game in which the second operation instruction notification ID2 (second operation instruction notification) is executed and the reels stop in the third stop mode, or in addition to the game, it may be non-executed in any game after the game.

[0241] <Temporary stop of the second stop mode> The state shown in FIG. 13(c) is a state in which a reel effect is being executed in the next game after the reels 110 to 112 have stopped in a stop mode other than the second stop mode (in this example, any one of the first, third, and fourth stop modes) in a game in which the second operation instruction notification has been executed.

[0242] The gaming table according to the present embodiment is configured to stop in the second stop mode (in this example, the symbol combination of "seven 3 - seven 3 - seven 3") as a reel effect after the reel has stopped in a stop mode other than the second stop mode.

[0243] For example, as shown in FIG. 13(a), after executing the second operation instruction notification ID2 in a certain game, as shown in FIG. 13(b - 1), if the reels 110 to 112 stop in a symbol combination of "seven 1 - seven 1 - seven 1" (the first stop mode) instead of the second stop mode (in this example, the symbol combination of "seven 3 - seven 3 - seven 3"), the second notification RD2 shown in FIG. 13(b - 4) is not executed. However, as shown in FIG. 13(c), in the next game of a certain game, a reel effect is started upon pressing the start lever 135, and the reel effect stops (temporarily stops) in the second stop mode (in this example, the symbol combination of "seven 3 - seven 3 - seven 3"), and after executing the second notification RD2, a super AT game is started.

[0244] According to this example, since the reel can be stopped in the second stop mode after being stopped in a stop mode other than the second stop mode, the interest of the player can be enhanced. Also, even when the reel stops in a stop mode other than the second stop mode in a certain game, the second notification can be executed in the games after the next game of a certain game, so that the player can be surprised.

[0245] As described above, the gaming machine according to the present embodiment (for example, the slot machine shown in FIG. 1) includes reels (for example, reels 110 to 112 shown in FIG. 1), stop operation means (for example, stop buttons 137 to 139 shown in FIG. 1), and notification means (for example, the liquid crystal display device 157 shown in FIG. 1, speakers 272 and 277 shown in FIG. 3, and various lamps). The notification means is means that may execute a first operation instruction notification (for example, the first operation instruction notification ID1 shown in FIG. 12(a)). The first operation instruction notification is a notification including a suggestion of a first symbol (for example, the seven 1 symbol) to be stopped. When the reels stop in a first stop mode (for example, the symbol combination of "seven 1 - seven 1 - seven 1") in the game in which the notification means executes the first operation instruction notification, the notification means is means that executes at least a first notification (for example, the first notification RD1 shown in FIG. 12(b-1)) in at least that game. When the reels stop in a second stop mode (for example, the symbol combination of "seven 3 - seven 3 - seven 3") in the game in which the notification means executes the first operation instruction notification, the notification means is means that does not execute the first notification in at least that game. The gaming machine is characterized by comprising the above.

[0246] According to the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when the reels stop in the first stop mode in the game in which the first operation instruction notification is executed, at least the first notification is executed in that game. On the other hand, when the reels stop in the second stop mode in the game in which the first operation instruction notification is executed, at least the first notification is not executed in that game. Therefore, it is possible to give notifications so as not to give misunderstandings to the player, the player will not make mistakes, and it is possible to prevent the player's gaming motivation from decreasing.

[0247] Further, the first stop mode may be a mode in which the first symbol (for example, the seven 1 symbol) stops on all the reels, and the second stop mode may be a mode in which a second symbol (for example, the seven 3 symbol) stops on all the reels.

[0248] With such a configuration, it is possible to stop displaying the symbols suggested by the first operation instruction notification, and the player will not be misled.

[0249] Further, when the reels stop in a third stop mode (for example, a symbol combination of "Seven 2 - Seven 2 - Seven 2") in the game in which the first operation instruction notification is executed, the notification means is means for executing at least a third notification (for example, the third notification RD3 shown in FIG. 12(b - 3)) in the game, and the third stop mode may be a mode in which a third symbol (for example, the Seven 2 symbol) stops on all the reels.

[0250] With such a configuration, it is possible to make it seem that the reels have stopped in the first stop mode in which the first notification is executed, and the player's interest can be enhanced.

[0251] Further, when the reels stop in a fourth stop mode (for example, a stop mode other than the first stop mode, the second stop mode, and the third stop mode (so - called scattered state)) in the game in which the first operation instruction notification is executed, the notification means is means for not executing at least the first notification in the game, and the fourth stop mode may be a mode in which specific symbols (for example, any one of the Seven 1 symbol, the Seven 2 symbol, and the Seven 3 symbol) do not align and stop on all the reels.

[0252] With such a configuration, it is possible to give notifications so as not to mislead the player, the player will not be misled, and it is possible to prevent a decline in the player's gaming motivation.

[0253] Further, after the reels stop in the second stop mode, they may stop in the first stop mode as a reel effect.

[0254] With such a configuration, after the reels stop in the second stop mode, they can be stopped in the first stop mode, so the player's interest can be enhanced.

[0255] Further, the notification means is a means that may execute a second operation instruction notification (for example, the second operation instruction notification ID2 shown in FIG. 13(a)), and the second operation instruction notification is a notification including a suggestion of the second symbol aimed at being stopped. When the reel stops in the second stop mode (for example, the symbol combination of "Seven 3 - Seven 3 - Seven 3") in the game where the notification means executes the second operation instruction notification, the notification means is a means that executes at least a second notification (for example, the second notification RD2 shown in FIG. 13(b-4)) in at least that game. When the reel stops in the first stop mode (for example, the symbol combination of "Seven 1 - Seven 1 - Seven 1") in the game where the notification means executes the second operation instruction notification, the notification means may be a means that does not execute at least the second notification in at least that game.

[0256] With such a configuration, it is possible to perform notifications so as not to give misunderstandings to the player, prevent the player from making mistakes, and prevent the decline of the player's gaming motivation.

[0257] Note that the first operation instruction notification and the second operation instruction notification are not limited to notifications including suggestions of symbols aimed at being stopped. For example, they may be notifications including the pressing order of the stop operation means (for example, "center → right → left", "center!!", "press the center", etc.).

[0258] Further, the third stop mode or the fourth stop mode may be a mode in which the first symbol (for example, the Seven 1 symbol) and the second symbol (for example, the Seven 3 symbol) do not stop on all the reels.

[0259] Further, all, a plurality, or one of the first stop mode, the second stop mode, the third stop mode, and the fourth stop mode may be configured to include a specific character, number, or figure (for example, the number 7).

[0260] With such a configuration, since the stop modes are similar, it may be possible to improve the player's sense of expectation.

[0261] Further, it is provided with lottery means capable of internal lottery, and in a game in which the first role (for example, a single-role (minor role 6)) wins, when (or only when) the stop operation of the stop operation means is performed according to the first operation instruction notification (for example, the first operation instruction notification ID1 shown in FIG. 12(a)), the reel may be configured to be stoppable in the first stop mode (for example, the symbol combination of "Seven 1 - Seven 1 - Seven 1").

[0262] Also, in a game in which the second role (for example, a single-role (minor role 8)) wins, when (or only when) the stop operation of the stop operation means is performed according to the second operation instruction notification (for example, the second operation instruction notification ID2 shown in FIG. 13(a)), the reel may be configured to be stoppable in the second stop mode (for example, the symbol combination of "Seven 3 - Seven 3 - Seven 3").

[0263] Also, in a game in which the third role (for example, a single-role (minor role 7)) wins, when (or only when) the stop operation of the stop operation means is performed without following the first operation instruction notification (for example, the first operation instruction notification ID1 shown in FIG. 12(a)), the reel may be configured to be stoppable in the third stop mode (for example, the symbol combination of "Seven 2 - Seven 2 - Seven 2").

[0264] <<Embodiment D>> Next, with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16, a gaming table (slot machine) according to Embodiment D will be described. For the terms overlapping with other embodiments, the terms of this embodiment shall take precedence, and for the descriptions overlapping with the drawings other than FIGS. 14 to 16, the descriptions of FIGS. 14 to 16 shall take precedence.

[0265] <Notification means> Next, prior to the description of various notifications, the notification means provided in the slot machine 100 will be described. FIG. 14(a) is a front view of the slot machine 100 in a state where the power is OFF and the setting key is turned from OFF to ON.

[0266] <Notification means (display means)> The slot machine 100 includes a display means capable of displaying as one of the notification means. Examples of the display means included in the slot machine 100 include, for example, the liquid crystal display device (production image display device) 157 shown in FIG. 14(a), the setting value display device 101a, and in addition, the payout number display 127, the stored number display 125, the game information display 126, etc. described with reference to FIG. 1. These display means are composed of, for example, a liquid crystal display device, an LED, a segment display, etc. in this example.

[0267] <Notification means (sound output means)> The slot machine 100 includes a sound output means capable of outputting sound as one of the notification means. Examples of the sound output means included in the slot machine 100 include, for example, the speakers 272, 277 shown in FIG. 14(a).

[0268] <Notification means (light emitting means)> The slot machine 100 includes a light emitting means capable of emitting (outputting) light as one of the notification means. Examples of the light emitting means included in the slot machine 100 include, for example, the upper lamp 142, the side lamp 144, the title panel (lamp) 162 shown in FIG. 14(a), and in addition, the production button 190, the stop buttons 137 to 139, the start lever 135, the reel backlights of each reel 110 to 112 (not shown) described with reference to FIG. 1. These light emitting means are composed of LEDs in this example.

[0269] Note that the production button 190, the stop buttons (stop operation means) 137 to 139, and the start lever 135 also function as operation means operable by the player. Further, the present invention is also applicable to a pachinko machine, and examples of the light emitting means included in the pachinko machine include a frame lamp, a production button, a device, etc.

[0270] <Setting change / setting confirmation mode> Next, prior to the description of various notifications, the setting change / setting confirmation mode will be described.

[0271] When the gaming machine according to this embodiment is powered on with the front door 102 (door body) opened and a certain operation (operation to turn on from off) using the setting key provided inside the main body 101 performed (or when the setting key is turned on from off before a predetermined time elapses after the power is turned on (before the control unit checks the on / off state of the setting key)), it is possible to shift to a state (setting change mode) in which the setting value can be changed (setting change).

[0272] Here, the setting change means changing the setting value of the gaming machine. In this example, while displaying the setting value (any one of settings 1 to 6) on the setting value display device 101a, every time a pressing operation by the operation means (setting switch) is detected, the currently set setting values 1 to 6 are incrementally updated one by one, and when the setting value exceeds 6, it returns to 1 and this is repeatedly executed, thereby making it possible to change the setting value.

[0273] Also, in the setting change mode, when a pressing operation by the operation means (in this example, the start lever 135) is received, the setting value is determined, and when a certain operation by the setting key is released (in this example, when the setting key is removed after an operation to turn off from on is performed), the state in which the setting value can be changed (setting change mode) ends and a normal gaming state in which normal gaming is possible is entered. Note that the "release of a certain operation" is not limited to the "operation of removing the setting key after performing an operation to turn off the setting key from on", and may be the "operation of turning off the setting key from on".

[0274] In addition, when the operation means (start lever 135) is operated without performing a pressing operation of the operation means (setting switch), or when the operation means (start lever 135) is operated after the setting value makes one round (for example, setting 5 → setting 6 → setting 1 →... → setting 5) by repeatedly pressing the operation means (setting switch), the same setting as the previous setting is obtained.

[0275] When the front door 102 (door body) of the gaming machine according to this embodiment is opened, the power is turned on, and a certain operation (an operation of turning on from off) is performed using a setting key provided inside the main body 101, it is possible to shift to a state (setting confirmation mode) in which confirmation of setting values (setting confirmation) is possible.

[0276] Here, "setting confirmation" means checking the setting values of the gaming machine. In this example, by pressing an operation means (setting switch), the initially set setting value (for example, setting 1) or the setting value set by changing the setting (any one of settings 1 to 6) is displayed on the setting value display device 101a, so that the setting value can be confirmed.

[0277] Also, in the setting confirmation mode, when a certain operation using the setting key is released (in this example, the setting key is removed after an operation of turning off from on is performed) and the front door 102 is closed, the state (setting confirmation mode) in which the setting value can be confirmed ends, and it shifts to the normal game state in which normal games are possible. Note that "release of a certain operation" is not limited to "the operation of removing the setting key after performing an operation of turning off the setting key from on", and may be "the operation of turning off the setting key from on".

[0278] In this specification, the setting change mode in which setting changes are possible and the setting confirmation mode in which setting confirmation is possible may be collectively referred to as the setting change / setting confirmation mode. The setting change / setting confirmation mode includes a setting change mode in which only setting changes are possible, a setting confirmation mode in which only setting confirmation is possible, and a mode in which both setting changes and setting confirmation are possible.

[0279] <Various Notifications> Next, various notifications that can be executed by the gaming machine according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16.

[0280] <Various Notifications / First State, First Notification> The notification means of the gaming machine according to the present embodiment is configured to execute a first notification in a first state in which an operation related to setting change (in this example, an operation of a setting switch or an operation of a start lever 135) can be received.

[0281] Here, the first state is a state in which a detection means (in this example, an open / close sensor) detects an open state of a door (in this example, a front door 102).

[0282] FIG. 14(b) is a front view showing an example in which the first notification is executed in the first state.

[0283] In this example, since the power is turned on from off in a state where a certain operation (an operation of turning on from off) is performed by a setting key and the state shifts to a state where setting change is possible (setting change mode), a first state in which an operation related to setting change (in this example, an operation of a setting switch or an operation of a start lever 135) can be received (in this example, a state where the front door 102 is in an open state and the open / close sensor detects the open state of the front door 102) is obtained, and the first notification is executed in the first state.

[0284] The notification mode of the first notification is not particularly limited. However, in the first notification IF1 of this example, a first display notification IF1a is executed by performing a display including the character string "During setting change" in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, a first voice notification IF1b is executed by outputting a voice of "Setting is being changed" from the speakers 272 and 277, the upper lamp 142 and the side lamp 144 are fully lit to emit white light, and the title panel (lamp) 162 is lit in white to execute a first light emission notification IF1c.

[0285] Further, since the state has shifted to a state where setting change is possible, a numerical value (in this example, 1) indicating the current setting value (in this example, setting 1) is displayed on the setting value display device 101a.

[0286] Note that the notification mode of the first notification is not limited to this example, and may be a notification by one, a plurality, or all of display means (liquid crystal display device), sound output means (speaker), and light emission means (lamp), or in addition to (or instead of) these, notification by a moving body may be performed.

[0287] Also, the first notification is not limited to a notification suggesting that a setting change is in progress. For example, it may be a display suggesting that an operation related to a setting change is possible (for example, a display including a string such as "Setting change operation is possible" or a display including a string such as "Operation of the setting switch is valid").

[0288] <Various Notifications / Second State, Second Notification> The notification means of the gaming table according to the present embodiment is configured to execute a second notification in a second state in which an operation related to a setting change (in this example, an operation of a setting switch or an operation of a start lever 135) can be received.

[0289] Here, the second state is a state in which a detection means (in this example, an open / close sensor) detects a closed state of a door (in this example, a front door 102).

[0290] FIG. 14(c) is a front view showing an example in which a second notification is executed in the second state.

[0291] In this example, after the power is turned on from off in a state where a certain operation (operation from off to on) is performed by a setting key and the state shifts to a state where setting changes are possible (setting change mode), the front door 102 is closed. Therefore, it becomes a second state (in this example, the front door 102 is in a closed state and the open / close sensor detects the closed state of the front door 102) in which an operation related to a setting change (in this example, an operation of a setting switch or an operation of a start lever 135) can be received, and a second notification is executed in the second state.

[0292] The notification mode of the second notification is not particularly limited. In the second notification IF2 of this example, in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, by performing a display including the string "Please make the setting change with the door key while the door is open", the second display notification IF2a is executed. From the speakers 272 and 277, by outputting the voice "Please make the setting change with the door key while the door is open", the second voice notification IF2b is executed. By fully lighting the upper lamp 142 and the side lamp 144 to emit white light and lighting the title panel (lamp) 162 in white, the second light emission notification IF2c is executed.

[0293] Also, after transitioning to the state where setting change is possible, since the set value has been changed from setting 1 to setting 2, in the set value display device 101a, a numerical value (in this example, 2) indicating the current set value (in this example, setting 2) is being displayed.

[0294] According to this example, the notification means executes the first notification in the first state (in this example, the front door 102 is in the open state and the opening / closing sensor has detected the open state of the front door 102) where an operation related to setting change can be received, and executes a second notification different from the first notification in the second state (in this example, the front door 102 is in the closed state and the opening / closing sensor has detected the closed state of the front door 102) where an operation related to setting change can be received. Therefore, based on the notification mode by the notification means, the store clerk of the game parlor can grasp the state of the gaming table at the time of setting change and can appropriately execute the setting change.

[0295] Also, the first state is the state where the detection means (in this example, the opening / closing sensor) has detected the open state of the door (in this example, the front door 102), and the second state is the state where the detection means has detected the closed state of the door. Since the notification is made different depending on the open / closed state of the door, the store clerk of the game parlor can appropriately execute the setting change. Also, since the notification is made different depending on the open / closed state of the door during the business hours of the game parlor, the store clerk of the game parlor may notice the illegal act of an illegal person.

[0296] Note that the second state is not limited to the state where the front door 102 is in the closed state and the opening / closing sensor detects the closed state of the front door 102. It may also be the state where the front door 102 is in the open state and the opening / closing sensor detects the closed state of the front door 102.

[0297] According to this example, in the second state (in this example, the state where the opening / closing sensor detects the closed state of the front door 102), the door (in this example, the front door 102) may be closed or open. Even if the door is seemingly closed by a cheater during the operation of the game parlor, the second notification will be issued, so the store staff of the game parlor may notice the cheating behavior of the cheater.

[0298] Also, the notification mode of the second notification is not limited to this example. It may be a notification by one, a plurality, or all of the display means (liquid crystal display device), the sound output means (speaker), and the light emitting means (lamp). In addition to (or instead of) these, a notification by a movable body may also be performed.

[0299] Also, the second notification is not limited to a notification for calling attention to setting changes. For example, it may be a display suggesting that an operation related to setting changes is impossible (for example, a display including a string such as "Setting change operation is not possible" or a display including a string such as "Operation of the setting switch is invalid"), or a notification prompting an operation enabling setting changes (for example, a display including a string such as "Please close the door").

[0300] <Setting change operation> Next, with reference to FIGS. 15 to 16, specific examples of the setting change operation will be described in detail.

[0301] Here, regarding the terms in the figure, the "power switch" is the "power switch" described with reference to FIG. 2, the "door state" indicates the state (closed or open) of the door (front door 102), and the "door sensor" is the "opening / closing sensor (detection means)" described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0302] Also, the "setting key" is the "setting key" described with reference to FIG. 1, the "setting value display means" is the "setting value display device 101a" described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 14, and the external centralized terminal board LED is the "external centralized terminal board LED" described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0303] Also, the "liquid crystal display device" is the "liquid crystal display device 157 (display means)" described with reference to FIG. 1, the title panel lamp is the title panel lamp 162 (light emitting means) described with reference to FIG. 14, the upper / side lamps are the upper lamp 142 (light emitting means) and the side lamp 144 (light emitting means) described with reference to FIG. 14, and the speaker is the speaker 272, 277 (sound output means) described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 14.

[0304] <Example 1 of setting change operation> FIG. 15(a) is a diagram showing Example 1 of the setting change operation in chronological order.

[0305] <Example 1 of setting change operation / Power OFF, door closed> The state shown in FIG. 15(a)(1) is a state where the power switch is OFF (power OFF), the front door 102 is closed, and the setting key is OFF.

[0306] In the same state, since power is not supplied to the slot machine 100, the setting value display means is not displayed, the external centralized terminal board LED, the liquid crystal display device, the title panel lamp, and the upper / side lamps are all turned off, and the speaker has stopped producing sound.

[0307] <Example 1 of setting change operation / Power OFF, door closed → Door opened, setting key ON> The state shown in FIG. 15(a)(2) is a state where, in the state of power OFF, door closed, and setting key OFF shown in FIG. 15(a)(1), the front door 102 is opened and the setting key inside the main body 101 is changed from OFF to ON.

[0308] In the same state, since the front door 102 changes from the closed state to the open state and the setting key changes from OFF to ON, the power switch is OFF (power off), the front door 102 is in the open state, and the setting key changes to the ON state. However, since power is not supplied to the slot machine 100, the setting value display means is not displayed, the external centralized terminal board LED, the liquid crystal display device, the title panel lamp, and the upper / side lamps are all turned off, and the speaker stops producing sound.

[0309] <Example 1 of setting change operation / Power off → Power on, first notification> The state shown in FIG. 15(a)(3) is a state in which the power switch is changed from OFF to ON in the state of power off, door open, and setting key ON shown in FIG. (a)(2).

[0310] In the same state, since the power switch changes from ON to OFF and the state changes from power off to power on, the door sensor detects the door open and changes to ON. In the setting value display means, a numerical value indicating the current setting value (in this example, 1 indicating setting 1) is displayed, and the external centralized terminal board LED lights up to indicate that a control signal (in this example, information indicating that setting is in progress) is being output from the external centralized terminal board.

[0311] Also, since it has become the first state (in this example, the front door 102 is in the open state and the open / close sensor has detected the open state of the front door 102) in which operations related to setting changes (in this example, operations of the setting switch and the start lever 135) can be accepted, the first notification is executed in the first state.

[0312] Specifically, similar to the first notification IF1 described with reference to FIG. 14(b), in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, a display including the character string "Settings being changed" is performed to execute the first display notification IF1a. From the speakers 272 and 277, a voice message "Settings are being changed" is output to execute the first voice notification IF1b. The upper lamp 142 and the side lamp 144 are fully lit to emit white light, and the title panel (lamp) 162 is lit white to execute the first light emission notification IF1c.

[0313] <Example 1 of setting change operation / Door opening, first notification → Door closing, second notification> The state shown in FIG. 15(a)(4) is a state in which the front door 102 is closed while the door opening, setting key ON, and first notification are being executed as shown in FIG. 15(a)(3).

[0314] In this state, since the front door 102 has changed from the open state to the closed state, the door sensor detects the door closing and changes from ON to OFF, but the setting value display means continues to display, and the external centralized terminal board LED continues to light.

[0315] Also, from the first state (in this example, the front door 102 is in the open state and the opening / closing sensor detects the open state of the front door 102) in which operations related to setting changes (in this example, operations of the setting switch and the start lever 135) can be accepted, to the second state (in this example, the front door 102 is in the closed state and the opening / closing sensor detects the closed state of the front door 102), the second notification is executed in the second state.

[0316] Specifically, in this example, similar to the second notification IF2 described with reference to FIG. 14(c), in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, a display including the string "Please make the setting change with the door key while the door is open" is performed to execute the second display notification IF2a. From the speakers 272 and 277, a voice "Please make the setting change with the door key while the door is open" is output to execute the second voice notification IF2b. The upper lamp 142 and the side lamp 144 are fully lit to emit white light, and the title panel (lamp) 162 is lit in white to execute the second light emission notification IF2c.

[0317] <Example 1 of setting change operation / Door closed, second notification → Door opened, first notification> The state shown in FIG. 15(a)(5) is a state where the front door 102 is open in the state of the front door 102 being closed, the setting key being ON, and the second notification being executed as shown in FIG. 15(a)(4).

[0318] In the same state, the front door 102 changes from the closed state to the open state, and from the second state (in this example, the state where the front door 102 is closed and the opening / closing sensor detects the closed state of the front door 102) in which operations related to setting changes (in this example, operations of the setting switch and the start lever 135) can be received, to the first state (in this example, the state where the front door 102 is open and the opening / closing sensor detects the open state of the front door 102). Therefore, the first notification is executed in the first state.

[0319] Specifically, similar to the first notification IF1 described with reference to FIG. 14(b), in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, a display including the string "Changing settings" is performed to execute the first display notification IF1a. From the speakers 272 and 277, a voice "Settings are being changed" is output to execute the first voice notification IF1b. The upper lamp 142 and the side lamp 144 are fully lit to emit white light, and the title panel (lamp) 162 is lit in white to execute the first light emission notification IF1c.

[0320] <Example 1 of setting change operation / During door opening and execution of first notification, setting change operation> The state shown in Fig. 15(a)(6) is a state in which a setting change operation has been performed in the state of door opening, setting key ON, and execution of first notification shown in Fig. 15(a)(5).

[0321] In this state, in the first state where operations related to setting change (in this example, operations of the setting switch or the start lever 135) can be accepted (in this example, the front door 102 is in the open state and the opening / closing sensor has detected the open state of the front door 102), since an operation (setting change operation) of the first operation means (in this example, the setting switch) has been performed, while continuing the first notification, the set value is changed from setting 1 to setting 2, and in the set value display means, a numerical value indicating the changed set value (in this example, 2 indicating setting 2) is being displayed.

[0322] <Example 1 of setting change operation / During door opening, setting key ON, and first notification, lever operation> The state shown in Fig. 15(a)(7) is a state in which a pressing operation of the start lever 135 has been performed after the setting change operation shown in Fig. 15(a)(6).

[0323] In this state, in the first state where operations related to setting change (in this example, operations of the setting switch or the start lever 135) can be accepted (in this example, the front door 102 is in the open state and the opening / closing sensor has detected the open state of the front door 102), since an operation (operation for determining the set value by the start lever 135) of the first operation means has been performed, while continuing the first notification, the set value is determined to be setting 2, and in the set value display means, a numerical value indicating that the set value has been determined (in this example, 0) is being displayed.

[0324] <Example 1 of setting change operation / During door opening, setting key ON, and first notification, setting key OFF> The state shown in Fig. 15(a)(8) is a state in which the setting key has been changed from ON to OFF after the lever operation shown in Fig. 15(a)(7).

[0325] In the same state, since the setting key has changed from ON to OFF (a certain operation by the setting key has been canceled), the first state in which operations related to setting changes (in this example, operations of the setting switch and the start lever 135) can be accepted (in this example, the front door 102 is in the open state and the opening / closing sensor has detected the open state of the front door 102) ends, and the game shifts to the normal game state in which normal games are possible. At the same time, the first notification ends, and the setting change end notification and the demo effect are started.

[0326] Specifically, by outputting a voice "Setting has been changed" from the speakers 272 and 277, it is notified that the setting change mode has ended. In the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, a demo animation is displayed, the upper lamp 142 and the side lamp 144 are lit in a demo pattern corresponding to the demo effect, and the title panel (lamp) 162 is lit in white.

[0327] <Example 1 of setting change operation / Door open, setting key OFF → setting key ON> The state shown in FIG. 15(a)(9) is a state in which the setting key is turned ON in the state where the setting key is OFF shown in FIG. 15(a)(8).

[0328] In the same state, since the setting key has changed from OFF to ON in the power-on state (a certain operation by the setting key has been performed), the third state in which operations related to setting confirmation (in this example, operations of the setting switch and the start lever 135) can be accepted (in this example, the front door 102 is in the open state and the opening / closing sensor has detected the open state of the front door 102) is entered, and the setting confirmation notification is executed in the first state.

[0329] Specifically, in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, a setting confirmation notification display is executed to suggest that setting confirmation is possible by performing a display including the string "Confirming settings", and a setting confirmation voice notification is executed to suggest that setting confirmation is possible by outputting a voice of "Confirming settings" from the speakers 272 and 277. At the same time, the upper lamp 142 and the side lamp 144 are fully lit to emit blue light, and the title panel (lamp) 162 is lit in blue, thereby executing a setting confirmation light emission notification to suggest that setting confirmation is possible.

[0330] <Example 2 of setting change operation> FIG. 15(b) is a diagram showing Example 2 of the setting change operation in chronological order. Note that since (b)(1) to (b)(3), (b)(8), and (b)(9) in the same figure are in the same state as (a)(1) to (a)(3), (a)(8), and (a)(9) in FIG. 15(a), the description thereof is omitted.

[0331] <Example 2 of setting change operation / Door open, setting key ON, setting change operation during the first notification> The state shown in FIG. 15(b)(4) is a state in which a setting change operation is performed in the state of door open, setting key ON, and the first notification shown in FIG. 15(b)(3).

[0332] In the same state, in the first state (in this example, the front door 102 is in the open state and the open / close sensor has detected the open state of the front door 102) where operations related to setting changes (in this example, operations of the setting switch and the start lever 135) can be received, since an operation (setting change operation) of the first operation means (in this example, the setting switch) has been performed, while continuing the first notification, the set value is changed from setting 1 to setting 2, and in the set value display means, a numerical value (in this example, 2 indicating setting 2) indicating the changed set value is displayed.

[0333] <Example 2 of setting change operation / Door open, first notification → Door closed, second notification> The state shown in Fig. 15(b)(5) is a state where the front door 102 is closed in the state of door open and setting key ON shown in Fig. (b)(4).

[0334] In this state, since the front door 102 has changed from the open state to the closed state, the door sensor detects the door closing and changes from ON to OFF, but the setting value display means continues to display, and the external centralized terminal board LED continues to light up.

[0335] Also, from the first state (in this example, the front door 102 is in the open state and the opening / closing sensor detects the open state of the front door 102) in which operations related to setting changes (in this example, operations of the setting switch or the start lever 135) can be accepted, to the second state (in this example, the front door 102 is in the closed state and the opening / closing sensor detects the closed state of the front door 102), the second notification is executed in the second state.

[0336] Specifically, in this example, similar to the second notification IF2 described with reference to Fig. 14(c), in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, by displaying a string including the character string "Please make setting changes with the door key while the door is open", the second display notification IF2a is executed, and from the speakers 272, 277, by outputting the voice "Please make setting changes with the door key while the door is open", the second voice notification IF2b is executed, and by fully lighting the upper lamp 142 and the side lamp 144 to emit white light and lighting the title panel (lamp) 162 in white, the second light emission notification IF2c is executed.

[0337] <Example 2 of setting change operation / Door closed, setting key ON, lever operation during second notification> The state shown in Fig. 15(b)(6) is a state where, during the second notification with the door closed, setting key ON, the start lever 135 is pressed.

[0338] In the same state, in a second state (in this example, the front door 102 is in a closed state and the opening / closing sensor has detected the closed state of the front door 102) where operations related to setting changes (in this example, operations of the setting switch or the start lever 135) can be received, since an operation of the first operation means (in this example, an operation for determining the set value by the start lever 135) has been performed, while continuing the second notification, the set value is determined to be Set 2, and in the set value display means, a numerical value (in this example, 0) indicating that the set value has been determined is being displayed.

[0339] In this example, when an operation of the first operation means (in this example, an operation for determining the set value by the start lever 135) is executed in the first state (in this example, the state where the opening / closing sensor has detected the open state of the front door 102), the operation is received, and when an operation of the first operation means (in this example, an operation for determining the set value by the start lever 135) is executed in the second state (in this example, the state where the opening / closing sensor has detected the closed state of the front door 102), the operation is received.

[0340] According to this example, since an operation by the first operation means can be received in either the first state or the second state, the convenience for the store staff of the game parlor can be enhanced.

[0341] Also, in this example, before and after an operation of the first operation means is executed in the first state (in this example, the state where the opening / closing sensor has detected the open state of the front door 102), a first notification (in this example, the first notification IF1 shown in FIG. 14(b)) is executed, and before and after an operation of the first operation means is executed in the first state, a second notification (in this example, the second notification IF2 shown in FIG. 14(c)) is executed.

[0342] According to this example, since the same notification is executed before and after an operation of the first operation means is executed, the game parlor staff can grasp the state of the gaming table and appropriately execute setting changes.

[0343] <Example 2 of setting change operation / Door closed, second notification → Door open, first notification> The state shown in Fig. 15(b)(7) is the state where the front door 102 is opened after the lever operation shown in Fig. 15(b)(6).

[0344] In this state, the front door 102 changes from the closed state to the open state, and from the second state (in this example, the state where the front door 102 is closed and the open / close sensor detects the closed state of the front door 102) where operations related to setting changes (in this example, operations of the setting switch and the start lever 135) can be received, to the first state (in this example, the state where the front door 102 is open and the open / close sensor detects the open state of the front door 102). Therefore, the first notification is executed in the first state.

[0345] Specifically, similar to the first notification IF1 described with reference to Fig. 14(b), in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, the first display notification IF1a is executed by performing a display including the character string "During setting change", and the first voice notification IF1b is executed by outputting the voice "Setting is being changed" from the speakers 272 and 277. Also, the upper lamp 142 and the side lamp 144 are fully lit to emit white light, and the title panel (lamp) 162 is lit in white to execute the first light emission notification IF1c.

[0346] <Example 3 of setting change operation> Fig. 16(a) is a diagram showing Example 3 of the setting change operation in chronological order. Since Figs. 16(a)(3), 16(a)(10) to 16(a)(11) are in the same state as Figs. 15(b)(3), 15(b)(8) to 15(b)(9), their descriptions are omitted.

[0347] <Example 3 of setting change operation / Door open, door sensor ON → door sensor OFF, second notification> The state shown in Fig. 16(a)(4) is the state where, in the state of door open and setting key ON shown in Fig. 16(a)(3), the door sensor is forcibly turned OFF while the front door 102 is open.

[0348] In the same state, when the front door 102 is in the open state, a light-shielding piece of a certain length is inserted between the light-emitting part and the light-receiving part of the door sensor of the main body 101 and fixed with tape or the like, and the light from the light-emitting part of the door sensor of the main body 101 is shielded. Even when the front door 102 is in the open state, the detection state of the door sensor is forcibly set to the closed detection state (door pseudo-closed state). Therefore, when the door sensor detects the door closing and changes from ON to OFF, the setting value display means continues to display, and the external centralized terminal board LED continues to light.

[0349] Also, from the first state (in this example, the front door 102 is in the open state and the opening / closing sensor detects the open state of the front door 102) in which an operation related to setting change (in this example, the operation of the setting switch or the operation of the start lever 135) can be received, to the second state (in this example, the front door 102 is in the open state and the opening / closing sensor detects the closed state of the front door 102), the second notification is executed in the second state.

[0350] Specifically, in this example, similar to the second notification IF2 described with reference to FIG. 14(c), in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, the second display notification IF2a is executed by displaying a string including the message "Please make setting changes with the door key while the door is open", and the second voice notification IF2b is executed by outputting the voice "Please make setting changes with the door key while the door is open" from the speakers 272 and 277. The upper lamp 142 and the side lamp 144 are fully lit to emit white light, and the title panel (lamp) 162 is lit in white to execute the second light emission notification IF2c.

[0351] <Example 3 of setting change operation / Door pseudo-closed, setting change operation during the second notification> The state shown in FIG. 16(a)(5) is a state in which a setting change operation is performed during the door pseudo-closed state and the second notification shown in FIG. 16(a)(4).

[0352] In the same state, in a second state (in this example, the front door 102 is in an open state and the open / close sensor has detected the closed state of the front door 102) where operations related to setting changes (in this example, operations of the setting switch or the start lever 135) can be received, since an operation (a setting change operation) of the first operation means (in this example, the setting switch) has been performed, while continuing the second notification, the set value is changed from setting 1 to setting 2, and in the set value display means, a numerical value (in this example, 2 indicating setting 2) indicating the changed set value is displayed.

[0353] <Example 3 of setting change operation / Door pseudo-closed, lever operation during second notification> The state shown in FIG. 16(a)(6) is a state in which, after the setting change operation shown in FIG. (a)(5), a pressing operation of the start lever 135 has been performed.

[0354] In the same state, in a second state (in this example, the front door 102 is in an open state and the open / close sensor has detected the closed state of the front door 102) where operations related to setting changes (in this example, operations of the setting switch or the start lever 135) can be received, since an operation (an operation to confirm the setting change) of the first operation means (in this example, the start lever 135) has been performed, while continuing the second notification, the set value is confirmed to be setting 2, and in the set value display means, a numerical value (in this example, 0) indicating that the set value has been confirmed is displayed.

[0355] <Example 3 of setting change operation / Door pseudo-closed, setting key OFF during second notification> The state shown in FIG. 16(a)(7) is a state in which, after the lever operation shown in FIG. (a)(6), the setting key has been changed from ON to OFF.

[0356] In the same state, in the second state (in this example, the front door 102 is in the open state and the opening / closing sensor detects the closed state of the front door 102), after the operation of the first operation means (in this example, the start lever 135) (the operation for confirming the setting change) is executed, the operation of the second operation means (in this example, the operation of turning the setting key from ON to OFF) is executed. Therefore, the operation of the second operation means is not accepted, and while the second notification continues, the setting change mode is maintained (the setting change mode cannot be terminated).

[0357] In this example, in the first state (in this example, the state where the opening / closing sensor detects the open state of the front door 102), after the operation of the first operation means (in this example, the operation of determining the set value by the start lever 135) is executed, when the operation of the second operation means (in this example, the operation of turning the setting key from ON to OFF) is executed, the operation of the second operation means is accepted. On the other hand, in the second state (in this example, the state where the opening / closing sensor detects the closed state of the front door 102), after the operation of the first operation means (in this example, the operation of determining the set value by the start lever 135) is executed, when the operation of the second operation means (in this example, the operation of turning the setting key from ON to OFF) is executed, the operation of the second operation means is not accepted.

[0358] According to this example, in the second state, since the operation of the second operation means is not accepted, the store clerk of the game parlor can recognize that the operation of the second operation means is not accepted in the second state, and can recognize the current state depending on whether the operation of the second operation means is accepted or not.

[0359] Note that even if the operation of the second operation means (the operation of turning the setting key from ON to OFF) is performed during the execution of the second notification, the notification means may continue to execute the second notification. According to this example, since the second notification is performed even if a fraudster operates the setting key during the business hours of the game parlor, the store clerk of the game parlor may notice the fraudulent act of the fraudster.

[0360] Further, even if an operation of the second operation means is performed (even if the setting key is removed) during the execution of the second notification, the execution of the second notification may be continued. According to this example, since the second notification is performed even if the setting key is removed by a wrongdoer during the business hours of the game parlor, the store clerk of the game parlor may notice the wrongful act of the wrongdoer.

[0361] <Example 3 of setting change operation / door pseudo-closed, setting key OFF→setting key ON during second notification> The state shown in FIG. 16(a)(8) is a state in which the setting key is turned ON in the state of the setting key OFF shown in FIG. (a)(7).

[0362] In the same state, in the second state (in this example, the front door 102 is in an open state and the opening / closing sensor has detected the closed state of the front door 102), after the operation of the first operation means (in this example, the start lever 135) (the operation for determining the setting change) is executed, the operation of the second operation means (in this example, the operation of turning the setting key from OFF to ON) is executed. Therefore, the operation of the second operation means is not accepted, and the setting change mode is maintained while continuing the second notification.

[0363] <Example 3 of setting change operation / door pseudo-closed, during second notification→door opened, first notification> The state shown in FIG. 16(a)(9) is a state in which the front door 102 is opened during the door pseudo-closed state shown in FIG. (a)(8) and during the second notification.

[0364] In the same state, since the front door 102 changes from the closed state to the open state, and from the second state (in this example, the front door 102 is in the open state and the opening / closing sensor has detected the closed state of the front door 102) in which operations related to setting changes (in this example, operations of the setting switch and the start lever 135) can be accepted, to the first state (in this example, the front door 102 is in the open state and the opening / closing sensor has detected the open state of the front door 102), the first notification is executed in the first state.

[0365] Specifically, similar to the first notification IF1 described with reference to FIG. 14(b), in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, a display including the character string "During setting change" is performed to execute the first display notification IF1a. By outputting the voice "The setting is being changed" from the speakers 272 and 277, the first voice notification IF1b is executed. The upper lamp 142 and the side lamp 144 are fully lit to emit white light, and by lighting the title panel (lamp) 162 in white, the first light emission notification IF1c is executed.

[0366] <Example 4 of setting change operation> FIG. 16(b) is a diagram showing Example 4 of the setting change operation in time series. Since the same states as FIGS. 15(a)(1) to 15(a)(7) are shown in FIGS. 16(b)(1) to 16(b)(7), the description thereof is omitted.

[0367] <Example 4 of setting change operation / Error occurrence> The state shown in FIG. 16(b)(0) is a state in which an error (first error) has occurred.

[0368] In this state, since an error has occurred in the state of power ON, door open, and setting key OFF, an error notification suggesting that an error has occurred is executed.

[0369] Specifically, in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, an error display (in this example, a display including the character string "First error occurred") suggesting that the first error has occurred is performed. From the speakers 272 and 277, an error sound (in this example, the voice "First error occurred") suggesting that the first error has occurred is output. The upper lamp 142 and the side lamp 144 are lit in an error notification mode suggesting that the first error has occurred (in this example, flashing in red), and the error code is displayed on the payout number display 127 to execute the error notification.

[0370] Here, as errors (first errors) that can occur in the slot machine 100, medal insertion abnormalities 1 to 4, medal payout abnormalities 1 to 3, overflow abnormalities, RAM failures, winning abnormalities, etc. can be cited.

[0371] Medal insertion abnormality 1 occurs when the inserted medal gets stuck, and the corresponding error code is, for example, E1. Medal insertion abnormality 1 is resolved when the error cause is removed and the error reset switch (in this case, the setting switch) is operated. Medal insertion abnormality 2 occurs when the number of inserted medals exceeds the specified number, and the corresponding error code is, for example, E2. Medal insertion abnormality 2 is resolved by changing the set value or clearing the RAM.

[0372] Medal insertion abnormality 3 occurs when either the insertion sensor 1 or the insertion sensor 2 turns on outside of the medal insertion process, and the corresponding error code is, for example, E3. Medal insertion abnormality 4 occurs when the inserted medal does not pass through the insertion sensor 1 and the insertion sensor 2 normally, and the corresponding error code is, for example, EA. Medal insertion abnormality 3 and medal insertion abnormality 4 are resolved when the error cause is removed and the error reset switch (in this case, the setting switch) is operated.

[0373] Medal payout abnormality 1 occurs when there is no medal payout for a certain period during the drive of the medal payout device, and the corresponding error code is, for example, E4. Medal payout abnormality 2 occurs when the medal gets stuck during the drive of the medal payout device, and the corresponding error code is, for example, E5. Medal payout abnormality 3 occurs when either the payout sensor 1 or the payout sensor 2 turns on outside of the medal payout process, and the corresponding error code is, for example, E5. All of medal payout abnormalities 1 to 3 are resolved when the error cause is removed and the error reset switch (in this case, the setting switch) is operated.

[0374] An overflow abnormality occurs when the overflow terminal of the medal auxiliary storage becomes on, and the corresponding error code is, for example, E7. The overflow abnormality is resolved when the error release switch (in this case, the setting switch) is operated after removing the error cause. A RAM failure occurs when an abnormality is detected by checking RAM308, and the corresponding error code is, for example, E8. The RAM failure is resolved when the error release switch (in this case, the setting key) is operated. A winning abnormality occurs when a winning symbol different from the winning determined by the internal lottery appears after the reels 110 to 112 stop, and the corresponding error code is, for example, E9. The winning abnormality is resolved when the error release switch (in this case, the setting switch) is operated.

[0375] Note that the gaming table according to the present invention is not limited to the slot machine 100 and can also be applied to a pachinko machine. Examples of errors (first errors) that can occur in a pachinko machine include, for example, a lower tray full error, a payout device error, a payout excess error, an illegal payout error, a main control unit communication error, a magnetic abnormality error, a magnetic field abnormality error, a frame opening error, a RAM clear error, a shock sensor error, etc. These errors are also resolved when the error release switch is operated after removing the error cause.

[0376] <Example 4 of setting change operation / Error occurs, setting key ON, setting key OFF during the first notification> The state shown in FIG. 16(b)(8) is a state where the setting key is turned from ON to OFF after the lever operation shown in FIG. (b)(7).

[0377] In the same state, since the setting key has changed from ON to OFF (a certain operation by the setting key has been canceled), the first state in which operations related to setting changes (in this example, operations of the setting switch or the start lever 135) can be accepted ends. In this example, the front door 102 is in an open state, and the open / close sensor has detected the open state of the front door 102. Then, it shifts to the normal game state in which normal games are possible, ends the first notification, and resumes the error notification that was interrupted in the setting change mode.

[0378] Specifically, in the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, an error display (in this example, a display including the string "First error occurred") suggesting that the first error has occurred is performed. From the speakers 272 and 277, an error sound (in this example, the voice "First error occurred") suggesting that the first error has occurred is output. The upper lamp 142 and the side lamp 144 are lit in an error notification mode (in this example, flashing red) suggesting that the first error has occurred, and an error code is displayed on the payout number display 127 to execute the error notification.

[0379] <Example 4 of setting change operation / Error occurs, setting key OFF → Error resolved> The state shown in Fig. 16(b)(9) is a state in which the error has been resolved and the reset SW has been turned ON in the state of error occurrence and setting key OFF shown in Fig. (b)(8) of the same figure.

[0380] In the same state, since the error has been resolved and the reset SW has changed from OFF to ON, the first state in which operations related to setting changes (in this example, operations of the setting switch or the start lever 135) can be accepted ends. In this example, the front door 102 is in an open state, and the open / close sensor has detected the open state of the front door 102. Then, it shifts to the normal game state in which normal games are possible, ends the error notification, and starts the setting change end notification and the demo performance.

[0381] Specifically, by outputting a voice of "Settings changed" from the speakers 272 and 277, it is notified that the setting change mode has ended. In the display area of the liquid crystal display device 157, a demo animation is displayed, the upper lamp 142 and the side lamp 144 are lit in a demo pattern, and the title panel (lamp) 162 is lit in white.

[0382] As described above, the gaming table according to the present embodiment (for example, the slot machine shown in FIG. 1) is a gaming table provided with notification means (for example, the liquid crystal display device 157 shown in FIG. 1, the speakers 272 and 277 shown in FIG. 3, various lamps). The notification means is means for executing a first notification (for example, the first notification IF1 shown in FIG. 14(b)) in a first state (for example, when the front door 102 is in an open state and the opening / closing sensor detects the open state of the front door 102) capable of receiving an operation related to setting change (for example, an operation of a setting switch or an operation of the start lever 135). The notification means is means for executing a second notification (for example, the second notification IF2 shown in FIG. 14(c)) in a second state (for example, when the front door 102 is in a closed state and the opening / closing sensor detects the closed state of the front door 102, or when the front door 102 is in an open state and the opening / closing sensor detects the closed state of the front door 102) capable of receiving an operation related to setting change. The second notification is different from the first notification. The gaming table may be characterized by this.

[0383] According to the gaming table of the present embodiment, based on the notification mode by the notification means, a store clerk of a game parlor can grasp the state of the gaming table at the time of setting change and can appropriately execute the setting change.

[0384] Further, it may be provided with a first operation means (for example, the start lever 135), and when an operation of the first operation means (for example, an operation for determining a set value by the start lever 135) is executed in the first state, the operation is received, and when an operation of the first operation means is executed in the second state, the operation is received.

[0385] With such a configuration, operations by the first operation means can be accepted in either the first state or the second state, thus enhancing the convenience for the staff of the game arcade.

[0386] Further, it may be provided with second operation means (for example, a setting key), and when an operation of the second operation means (for example, an operation of turning the setting key from ON to OFF) is executed after an operation of the first operation means (for example, an operation of determining a set value by the start lever 135) is executed in the first state, the operation of the second operation means is accepted, and when an operation of the second operation means is executed after an operation of the first operation means is executed in the second state, the operation of the second operation means may not be accepted.

[0387] With such a configuration, in the second state, the operation of the second operation means is not accepted, so the staff of the game arcade can grasp that the operation of the second operation means is not accepted in the second state, and can also grasp the current state depending on whether the operation of the second operation means is accepted or not.

[0388] Further, the notification means is a means for executing the first notification before and after an operation of the first operation means (for example, an operation of determining a set value by the start lever 135) is executed in the first state, and the notification means may be a means for executing the second notification before and after an operation of the first operation means is executed in the first state.

[0389] With such a configuration, the same notification is executed before and after the operation of the first operation means, so that the game arcade staff can grasp the state of the game machine and appropriately execute the setting change.

[0390] Further, it may be provided with detection means (for example, an open / close sensor) for detecting the open / close state of a door (for example, the front door 102), the first state may be a state in which the detection means detects the open state of the door, and the second state may be a state in which the detection means detects the closed state of the door.

[0391] With such a configuration, since the notification varies depending on the open / closed state of the door, the staff of the game parlor can appropriately execute the setting change. Also, since the notification varies depending on the open / closed state of the door during the business hours of the game parlor, the staff of the game parlor may notice the illegal act of the illegal person.

[0392] Further, in the second state, the door may be closed, and in the second state, the door may be open.

[0393] With such a configuration, since the second notification is made even if the door is seemingly closed by an illegal person during the business hours of the game parlor, the staff of the game parlor may notice the illegal act of the illegal person.

[0394] Also, the first notification is not limited to a notification suggesting that the setting change is in progress. For example, it may be a display (e.g., a display including a string such as "Setting change operation is possible" or a display including a string such as "Operation of the setting switch is valid") suggesting that an operation related to the setting change is possible.

[0395] Also, in addition to (or instead of) the first notification suggesting that the setting change is in progress, a notification (e.g., a display including a string such as "The door is open", an output of a voice such as "The door is open", or a blinking of various lamps) suggesting that the open / close sensor is detecting the open state of the door may be executed.

[0396] Also, the second notification is not limited to a notification that raises a warning regarding the setting change. For example, it may be a display (e.g., a display including a string such as "Setting change operation cannot be performed" or a display including a string such as "Operation of the setting switch is invalid") suggesting that an operation related to the setting change is impossible, or a notification (e.g., a display including a string such as "Please close the door") prompting an operation that enables the setting change.

[0397] In addition to (or instead of) the notification that alerts the user to the setting change, the second notification may be a notification that suggests that the opening / closing sensor is detecting the closed state of the door (for example, a display including strings such as "The door is closed", "The door is pseudo-closed", an audio output such as "The door is closed", "The door is pseudo-closed", or the blinking of various lamps).

[0398] Also, the first operation means is not limited to the start lever 135 and the setting switch, and may be other operation means such as an effect button. The second operation means is not limited to the setting key, and may be other operation means such as a reset SW.

[0399] Also, even when a certain error (for example, medal insertion abnormality 1-4, medal payout abnormality 1-3, overflow abnormality, RAM failure, winning abnormality, etc.) occurs on the gaming table, the notification means is in a first state (for example, the front door 102 is in an open state and the opening / closing sensor detects the open state of the front door 102) that can receive operations related to setting changes (for example, operations of the setting switch or the start lever 135), and may execute the first notification (for example, the first notification IF1 shown in FIG. 14(b)) without executing an error notification.

[0400] With such a configuration, the first notification can be executed with priority over the error notification, and the convenience of the store staff at the gaming parlor can be improved.

[0401] Also, even when a certain error (for example, medal insertion abnormality 1-4, medal payout abnormality 1-3, overflow abnormality, RAM failure, winning abnormality, etc.) occurs on the gaming table, the notification means may execute the second notification (for example, the second notification IF2 shown in FIG. 14(c)) in a second state (for example, the front door 102 is in a closed state and the opening / closing sensor detects the closed state of the front door 102, or the front door 102 is in an open state and the opening / closing sensor detects the closed state of the front door 102) that can receive operations related to setting changes.

[0402] With such a configuration, the first notification can be executed with priority over the error notification, and the convenience for the store employees of the game parlor can be enhanced.

[0403] Also, in a state where the certain error has occurred, the first state (for example, the front door 102 is in an open state and the opening / closing sensor has detected the open state of the front door 102), or the second state (for example, the front door 102 is in a closed state and the opening / closing sensor has detected the closed state of the front door 102, or the front door 102 is in an open state and the opening / closing sensor has detected the closed state of the front door 102) is shifted to. Then, when the certain error continues in a state where the first state or the second state has ended, the notification means may execute, instead of the first notification or the second notification, an error notification (for example, an error display suggesting that a certain error has occurred, output of an error sound suggesting that a certain error has occurred, lighting of a lamp in an error notification mode suggesting that a certain error has occurred) indicating that the certain error has occurred.

[0404] With such a configuration, after executing the setting change operation, it is possible to surely handle the error.

[0405] <<Other Embodiments>> Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 17 to 32, a game machine (for example, a rotary game machine such as a slot machine 100 or a pachinko machine as a ball game machine) to which the present invention can be applied will be described in detail. Note that the reference numerals shown in FIGS. 17 to 32 are used only for the description using FIGS. 17 to 32 in principle. Even if overlapping reference numerals are shown in other drawings, the reference numerals shown in FIGS. 17 to 32 are given priority in the description using FIGS. 17 to 32.

[0406] FIG. 17 is an external perspective view of the slot machine 100 as seen from the front side (the player side).

[0407] The slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 17 starts rotating when a predetermined number of gaming media are inserted and a plurality of reels, each with a plurality of types of symbols, receive a predetermined rotation start instruction operation. Based on receiving the rotation start instruction operation, the winning or losing of internal winning combinations of a plurality of types of winning combinations is determined by lottery. Each of the plurality of reels individually stops rotating when it receives a predetermined rotation stop instruction operation. If the conditions determined by the winning combination based on the lottery result and the symbol combination when the plurality of reels stop match the predetermined payout conditions, the gaming media are paid out and the game ends. If they do not match, the game ends without paying out the gaming media. This is a gaming table that conducts a series of games. Note that the payout of this gaming media may be referred to as a profit. Also, something that facilitates the acquisition of this profit may be referred to as a privilege.

[0408] This slot machine 100 includes a main body 101 and a front door 102 attached to the front of the main body 101 and capable of opening and closing with respect to the main body 101. The front door 102 is a door member rotatably attached to the main body 101. A locking function is provided to the front door 102 so that it cannot be opened by anyone other than the store staff of the gaming parlor.

[0409] Inside the center of the main body 101 (not shown in the figure), three reels (left reel 110, middle reel 111, right reel 112) with a plurality of types of symbols arranged on their outer peripheral surfaces are housed and configured to be rotatable inside the slot machine 100. These reels 110 to 112 are rotationally driven by a driving device such as a stepping motor.

[0410] Each symbol is printed at appropriate intervals on a strip-shaped member, and this strip-shaped member is attached to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame member to form each of the reels 110 to 112. When viewed by the player, the symbols on the reels 110 to 112 are generally displayed vertically in three rows through the symbol display window 113, and a total of nine symbols can be seen.

[0411] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a line.

[0412] Specifically explaining with reference to this Figure 18, the symbol displayed in the upper stage of the left reel 110 (the position 1 shown in the figure) is called the upper-stage symbol of the left reel, the symbol displayed in the middle stage of the left reel 110 (the position 4 shown in the figure) is called the middle-stage symbol of the left reel, the symbol displayed in the lower stage of the left reel 110 (the position 7 shown in the figure) is called the lower-stage symbol of the left reel, the symbol displayed in the upper stage of the middle reel 111 (the position 2 shown in the figure) is called the upper-stage symbol of the middle reel, the symbol displayed in the middle stage of the left reel 111 (the position 5 shown in the figure) is called the middle-stage symbol of the middle reel, the symbol displayed in the lower stage of the middle reel 111 (the position 8 shown in the figure) is called the lower-stage symbol of the middle reel, the symbol displayed in the upper stage of the right reel 112 (the position 3 shown in the figure) is called the upper-stage symbol of the right reel, the symbol displayed in the middle stage of the right reel 112 (the position 6 shown in the figure) is called the middle-stage symbol of the right reel, and the symbol displayed in the lower stage of the right reel 112 (the position 9 shown in the figure) is called the lower-stage symbol of the right reel respectively. And, three symbols in the vertical direction for each of the reels 110 to 112, a total of nine symbols, are respectively displayed on each of the reels 110 to 112 through the symbol display window 113. Then, by rotating each of the reels 110 to 112, the combination of symbols visible to the player will change. That is, each of the reels 110 to 112 functions as a display device that can variably display a plurality of types of symbol combinations. In addition, as such a display device, in addition to the reel, an electronic image display device such as a liquid crystal display device can also be adopted. Also, in the slot machine 100 shown in Figure 17, three reels are provided inside the center of the slot machine 100, but the number of reels and the installation position of the reels are not limited to this.

[0413] On the back of each of the reels 110 to 112, a backlight (not shown) for illuminating the individual symbols displayed in the symbol display window 113 is arranged. The backlight is configured to be shielded for each individual symbol so that the individual symbols can be evenly irradiated. Inside the slot machine 100, in the vicinity of each of the reels 110 to 112, an optical sensor (not shown) composed of a light projecting part and a light receiving part is provided, and a light shielding piece (not shown) of a certain length provided on the reel is configured to pass between the light projecting part and the light receiving part of this optical sensor (index sensor 730 shown in FIG. 20). Based on the detection result of this sensor, the symbol position of the reel is determined, and the reels 110 to 112 are stopped so that the target symbol is displayed on the effective line.

[0414] The effective line display lamp 120 is a lamp indicating the effective line 114. The effective line is a line (a line on which a winning determination is made) for determining whether or not a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination described later in FIG. 17 is displayed. When a symbol corresponding to an internal winning combination stops on this effective line, it is determined as a win. Here, the line is a region in the symbol display window 113 where a region for one symbol is defined for each of the reels 110 to 112. A line on which no winning determination other than the effective line is made is called an invalid line.

[0415] FIG. 18 shows five lines, i.e., a middle line L1 composed of the middle symbols of the left reel, the middle symbols of the middle reel, and the middle symbols of the right reel; a downward right line L2 composed of the upper symbol of the left reel, the middle symbol of the middle reel, and the lower symbol of the right reel; an upward right line L3 composed of the lower symbol of the left reel, the middle symbol of the middle reel, and the upper symbol of the right reel; an upper line L4 composed of the upper symbols of the left reel, the upper symbols of the middle reel, and the upper symbols of the right reel; and a lower line L5 composed of the lower symbols of the left reel, the lower symbols of the middle reel, and the lower symbols of the right reel. These lines are just examples, and for each of the reels 110 to 112, it may be any line defined by an area corresponding to one symbol, such as a line composed of the upper symbol of the left reel, the lower symbol of the middle reel, and the upper symbol of the right reel. Among the lines shown in FIG. 30, in the present embodiment, the upper line L4 is used as the effective line. The effective line is determined in advance according to the number of medals bet as game media. The slot machine 100 of the present embodiment is a dedicated machine for three - coin bets. When the number of inserted medals is less than three, none of the lines become effective, and when three medals are bet, the line L4 becomes effective (enters the state of being used as the effective line). When the line becomes effective, the start lever 135 can be operated to start the game. Note that the number of effective lines is not limited to one. For example, three lines, i.e., the middle line L1, the downward right line L2, and the upward right line L3, may be used as the effective lines, or the number of effective lines corresponding to the bet number may be used.

[0416] The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that notifies the player, for example, that the player has won a specific winning combination (specifically, a special combination) in the internal lottery described later, or that it is in a special game state described later. The game medal insertable lamp 124 is a lamp for notifying the player that the player can insert game medals. The replay lamp 122 is a lamp that notifies the player that the current game can be replayed (i.e., medal insertion is not required) when the player has won a replay combination, which is one of the winning combinations in the previous game (details will be described later). The reel panel lamp 128 is a lamp for effect.

[0417] The bet buttons 130 to 132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (referred to as credits) electronically stored in the slot machine 100. In the present embodiment, each time the bet button 130 is pressed, one medal is inserted, when the bet button 131 is pressed, two medals are inserted, and when the bet button 132 is pressed, three medals are inserted. Hereinafter, the bet button 132 is also referred to as the MAX bet button. The game medal insertion lamp 129 lights up a number of lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals, and when the specified number of medals is inserted, the game start lamp 121, which notifies that the game start operation is possible, lights up.

[0418] The medal insertion port 141 is an insertion port for the player to insert medals when starting the game. That is, medals can be inserted electronically by the bet buttons 130 to 132, or actual medals can be inserted (insertion operation) from the medal insertion port 141, and "insertion" means including both.

[0419] The stored number display 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for numerically displaying various internal information (for example, the number of medals paid out during the bonus game). The payout number display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals paid out to the player as a result of winning a certain winning combination. The stored number display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout number display 127 are 7-segment (SEG) displays.

[0420] The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. That is, when a desired number of medals are inserted into the medal insertion port 141 or the bet buttons 130 to 132 are operated and then the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate. The operation on the start lever 135 is called the game start operation.

[0421] The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137 to 139 composed of a left stop button 137, a middle stop button 138, and a right stop button 139. The stop buttons 137 to 139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110 to 112 that have started rotating by the operation of the start lever 135, and are associated with the respective reels 110 to 112. More specifically, the left reel 110 can be stopped by operating the left stop button 137, the middle reel 111 can be stopped by operating the middle stop button 138, and the right reel 112 can be stopped by operating the right stop button 139. Hereinafter, the operation on the stop buttons 137 to 139 is referred to as a stop operation, the first stop operation is referred to as the first stop operation, the next stop operation is referred to as the second stop operation, and the last stop operation is referred to as the third stop operation. Also, the reels stopped corresponding to these stop operations are sequentially referred to as the first stop reel, the second stop reel, and the third stop reel. Further, the order of operating the stop buttons 137 to 139 to stop all the rotating reels 110 to 112 is referred to as the operation order or the pressing order. Furthermore, the operation order in which the first stop operation is the stop operation of the left reel 110 is referred to as the "forward pressing operation order" or simply "forward pressing", and the stop operation in which the first stop operation is the stop operation of the right reel 112 is referred to as the "reverse pressing operation order" or simply "reverse pressing". Note that a light emitter may be provided inside each of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and when the stop buttons 137 to 139 can be operated, the light emitter can be lit to notify the player.

[0422] The medal return button 133 is a button for pressing to remove the inserted medals when they are jammed. The settlement button 134 is a button for settling the medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and the bet medals and discharging them from the medal payout port 155.

[0423] The front door 102 is also provided with a keyhole 140. Inserting a key into this keyhole 140 and turning the inserted key to the right unlocks it, and turning it to the left locks it. The slot machine 100 is provided with an open sensor 294 (see Fig. 19(a)) that detects when the front door 102 is opened. This open sensor 294 detects an opening / closing piece that protrudes when the front door 102 is opened, thereby detecting that the front door 102 has been opened.

[0424] Also, between the bet button 132 and the medal insertion slot 141, a first chance button 165 and a second chance button 166 are provided. The first chance button 165 has a first effect lamp built therein, and the second chance button 166 has a second effect lamp built therein. Both the first chance button 165 and the second chance button 166 are operating means that the player operates during the effect. Also, a left button 167 is provided on the left side of the second chance button 166, and a right button 168 is provided on the right side. By operating the left button 167 and the right button 168, it may be possible to move the cursor displayed on the effect image display device 157. In such a case, the second chance button 166 may function as a confirmation button.

[0425] Below the stop button unit 136, a title panel 162 for displaying the model name and attaching various certificates is provided. This title panel 162 is illuminated by a title panel lamp 164 from the back side. Below the title panel 162, a medal payout opening 155 and a medal tray 161 are provided.

[0426] The sound hole 145 provided at the lower part is a hole for outputting the sound of the bass speaker 277 (see FIG. 19) to the outside. The left side lamp 144L provided on the left side of the front door 102 and the right side lamp 144R provided on the right side are decorative lamps for enlivening the game. An effect device 160 is disposed above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is also provided above the effect device 160. This sound hole 143 is a hole for outputting the sound of the upper speaker 272 (see FIG. 19) to the outside. The effect device 160 includes a shutter (shielding device) 163 composed of two right shutters 163a and left shutters 163b that can be opened and closed in the horizontal direction, and an effect image display device 157 disposed on the back side of the shutter 163. When the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b open outward in the horizontal direction in front of the effect image display device 157, the display screen of the effect image display device 157 appears in front of the front surface (player side) of the slot machine 100. Note that the effect image display device 157 is a liquid crystal display device, but it may be any display device that can display various effect images and various game information, not limited to a liquid crystal display device. For example, it may be a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a reel (drum), or a display device composed of a projector and a screen. Also, the display screen is rectangular, and the entire screen is configured to be visible to the player. In the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 17, the display screen is rectangular, but it may also be square. Further, a decoration (not shown) may be provided at the periphery of the display screen, and as a result, a part of the periphery of the display screen is hidden by the decoration, so that the display screen may appear to have an irregular shape. Furthermore, although the display screen is a flat surface, it may be a curved surface.

[0427] Note that what has been referred to as a lamp so far is an example of a light emitting means. In this specification, not only a device using an LED as a light source is also referred to as a lamp, but also a device that emits light such as a fluorescent lamp or a cold cathode tube may be referred to as a lamp, and a device that emits light corresponds to an example of a light emitting means.

[0428] FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the slot machine 100. FIG. 19(a) is a front view showing the slot machine 100 with the front door 102 open, and FIG. 19(b) is an enlarged view of the door relay board 290 disposed on the front door 102.

[0429] The main body 101 is a box body surrounded by an upper surface plate 261, a left side plate 260, a right side plate 260, a lower surface plate 264, and a rear surface plate 242, and is open at the front. Inside the main body 101, at a position that does not overlap with the ventilation opening 249 provided at the upper part of the rear surface plate 242, a main control board storage case 210 that houses a main control board 300B (see FIG. 9) inside is arranged. Below this main control board storage case 210, a reel unit 700 having three reels 110 to 112 is arranged. On the side of the main control board storage case 210 and the reel unit 700, that is, on the left side plate 260 facing it, a sub-control board storage case 220 that houses a sub-control board 400B (see FIG. 25) inside is provided. The sub-control board storage case 220 is provided with a first selection switch 190. Since this first selection switch 190 is provided inside the main body 101, a person who can unlock the front door 102 (for example, a store clerk of a game parlor, etc.) can operate by opening the front door 102, but a person who cannot unlock the front door 102 (for example, a player) is configured not to be able to operate. That is, the first selection switch 190 is provided at a position where the player cannot operate. Details of the first selection switch 190 will be described later. Also, on the right side plate 260 facing it, an external centralized terminal board 248 that is connected to the main control board 300B (see FIG. 25) and outputs information of the slot machine 100 to an external device is attached.

[0430] On the right side of the reel unit 700, there is a setting key switch 281 for changing the game mode (also referred to as the set value) of the slot machine 100 and checking the changed set value. Here, the set value is a value for adjusting the ratio of the total number of game media paid out by the game table to the total number of game media used by the player as the bet number on the game table when playing the game for a predetermined period, which is what is so-called the "payout rate", and multiple-stage set values, for example, can be set from setting "1" to setting "6".

[0431] The setting key switch 281 is a key switch that is electrically turned ON / OFF by inserting and rotating a predetermined setting key (not shown). Specifically, when a predetermined setting key is inserted into the setting key switch 281 and rotated to the right, the setting key switch sensor provided in the setting key switch 281 detects the ON state, and when rotated to the left, the setting key switch sensor detects the OFF state.

[0432] And on the lower surface panel 264, a hopper unit 180 (a device for paying out medals accumulated in the bucket) is disposed. Above this hopper unit 180, that is, below the reel unit 700, a power supply device 252 having a power control board 252B (see FIG. 25) is disposed, and a power switch 244 is disposed on the front surface of the power supply device 252. The power switch 244 is a toggle switch electrically connected to the power supply device 252. The power of the slot machine 100 can be turned on (power ON) or off (power OFF) by this power switch 244. The power supply device 252 converts the AC power supplied from the outside to the slot machine 100 into DC power, converts it to a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to each control unit such as the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 and each device. Furthermore, it is provided with a power storage circuit (for example, a capacitor) for supplying power to a predetermined component (for example, the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300, etc.) for a predetermined period (for example, 10 days) even after the external power is cut off.

[0433] On the right side of the hopper unit 180, there is a medal auxiliary storage 240 for storing medals that have overflowed from the hopper unit 180, and an overflow terminal is arranged behind it (not shown in the figure). The power supply device 252 is provided with a power cord connection part for connecting the power cord 265, and the power cord 265 connected here extends to the outside through a power cord hole 262 formed in the back panel 242 of the main body 101.

[0434] The front door 102 is hinged to the left side panel 260 of the main body 101 via a hinge device 276. Above the symbol display window 113, there are provided an effect device 160, an effect control board (not shown in the figure) for controlling this effect device 160, and an upper speaker 272. Below the symbol display window 113, there are provided a medal selector 170 for sorting the inserted medals, and a passage 266 through which the medals pass when the medal selector 170 drops an illegal medal or the like onto the medal tray 161. Further, a bass speaker 277 is provided at a position corresponding to the sound hole 145. Note that an open sensor 294 is provided on the back surface of the front door 102. The open sensor 294 is configured to be in the L (OFF) state when the front door 102 is closed and in the H (ON) state when it is open.

[0435] On the back surface of the front door 102, a door relay board 290 is arranged below the symbol display window 113. As shown in FIG. 19(b), this door relay board 290 is provided with a reset switch 291, a setting change button 292, and a setting value display 293.

[0436] The reset switch 291 is a push-button type switch, and by pressing this reset switch 291 (short-term pressing), the error of the slot machine 100 can be cleared.

[0437] The setting change button 292 is also a push-button type switch similar to the reset switch 291. The operation procedure for changing the setting value by this setting change button 292 will be described later.

[0438] The set value display 293 is a display such as a 7-segment LED. This set value display 293 can display the game modes (set values) 1 to 6 set by the setting change button 292 in numbers.

[0439] Note that when the setting key is inserted into the setting key switch 281 and turned clockwise (setting key OFF → ON) in the power-on state (power ON), the currently set game mode (set value) is displayed in numbers, so it can be used to check the currently set game mode. That is, when the setting key is inserted into the setting key switch 281 and turned clockwise (setting key OFF → ON) in the power-on state (power ON), the set value confirmation process for checking the set value is started, and when it is inserted into the setting key switch 281 and turned counterclockwise (setting key ON → OFF), the set value confirmation process ends.

[0440] Here, the operation procedure for changing the set value will be explained. Insert the setting key (not shown) into the setting key switch 281 and turn it clockwise (setting key OFF → ON), and turn the power switch 244 from the power-off state (power OFF) to the power-on state (power ON), so that the set value change becomes effective (the set value change process is started). Each time the setting change button 292 is pressed, the game mode (set value) changes in order from 1 to 6, and the desired game mode can be selected. Note that by operating the start lever 135, the game mode (set value) selected at that time is determined. And finally, by turning the setting key counterclockwise (setting key ON → OFF), the set value change process ends.

[0441] Note that in the following, the period of the set value change operation, that is, the period from the first clockwise operation of the setting key in the set value change operation to the last counterclockwise operation of the setting key, is also called the set value change mode, and the period of the set value confirmation operation, that is, the period from the first clockwise operation of the setting key in the set value confirmation operation to the last counterclockwise operation of the setting key, is also called the set value confirmation mode.

[0442] Here, the start conditions and end conditions of the set value change mode and the set value confirmation mode will be described in detail. In the present embodiment, the start condition of the set value change mode is set as (1) the power supply is turned on when the setting key switch 281 is in the ON state, and (2) the front door 102 is not in the open state is not a condition. Also, the end condition of the set value change mode is set as (1) changing the setting key switch 281 from the ON state to the OFF state, and in addition (2) the front door 102 is in the open state. Similarly, in the present embodiment, the start condition of the set value confirmation mode is set as turning the setting key switch 281 to the ON state when the power supply is turned on, and (2) the front door 102 is not in the open state is not a condition. Also, the end condition of the set value confirmation mode is set as (1) changing the setting key switch 281 from the ON state to the OFF state, and in addition (2) the front door 102 is in the open state. That is, in the present embodiment, the start condition of the set value change mode (set value confirmation mode) does not require the front door 102 to be in the open state, while the end condition of the set value change mode (set value confirmation mode) requires the front door 102 to be in the open state. When an attempt is made to start the set value change process (set value confirmation process) with the front door 102 in the closed state, the start condition is cleared, so it is possible to start executing the set value change process (set value confirmation process) based on an illegal act. However, since the end condition cannot be cleared, the perpetrator of the illegal act cannot end the set value change process (set value confirmation process). Therefore, it becomes easier to apprehend the perpetrator of the illegal act on the spot.

[0443] Note that in the set value change mode, using effect devices such as the effect image display device 157, the left side lamp 144L, the right side lamp 144R, the title panel lamp 164, the speakers 272 and 277, etc., a notification indicating that the set value is being changed (hereinafter also referred to as the set value change in progress notification) is performed, and in the set value confirmation mode, using the above effect devices, a notification indicating that the set value is being confirmed (hereinafter also referred to as the set value confirmation in progress notification) is performed.

[0444] Next, the structure of the reel unit 700 will be described with reference to FIG. 20. FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the reel unit 700.

[0445] As shown in FIG. 20, the reel unit 700 includes a left reel unit 700L, a middle reel unit 700C, and a right reel unit 700R within a reel case 702 made of a box-shaped metal plate. Connectors 7030, 7031, and 7032 for connection to the main control board 300B (see FIG. 25) and harnesses MR1 to MR3 (see FIG. 25) are provided at the upper part of the reel case 702. The left reel 110 is arranged in the left reel unit 700L, the middle reel 111 is arranged in the middle reel unit 700C, and the right reel 112 is arranged in the right reel unit 700R. These reels 110 to 112 are rotationally driven by motors 110m, 111m, and 112m (see FIG. 25) provided for each reel. Each of the motors 110m to 112m is a stepping motor. Hereinafter, the left reel unit 700L will be described as an example, but the same applies to the middle reel unit 700C and the right reel unit 700R. In the left reel unit 700L, a motor 110m, an index sensor 730 for detecting the rotational position of the reel 110, and a backlight module 740 for irradiating light from the back surface to the front surface of the belt-like member 710 of the reel 110 are attached to a mounting base 732.

[0446] Note that the replacement work can be performed for each of the reel units 700L, 700C, and 700R. For example, when the left reel unit 700L fails, only the left reel unit 700L can be replaced with a new reel unit.

[0447] FIG. 21(a) is a perspective view showing the structure of the backlight module 740, and FIG. 21(b) is a front view of the backlight module 740.

[0448] The backlight module 740 is composed of a reflector 742 and an illumination substrate 744 that is detachably attached to the back surface of the reflector 742. The reflector 742 is formed with three openings BK1 to BK3 that communicate from the front surface side to the back surface side in the vertical direction. Further, on the illumination substrate 744, two LEDs 745 are arranged at positions corresponding to the openings BK1 to BK3.

[0449] The above openings BK1 to BK3 and LEDs 745 are provided at positions corresponding to the symbol positions (the positions of No. 1 to 9 shown in FIG. 30) where the stop display is made on the display window 113 in the attached state. By providing the LEDs 745 in each of the openings BK1 to BK3 as described above, it is configured so as not to interfere with the light irradiated to other positions when irradiating light. Thereby, light can be irradiated to each of the positions of No. 1 to 9 shown in FIG. 30. For example, by lighting all the LEDs 745, all the symbols visible to the player can be illuminated from behind. Also, by lighting a part of them, a part of the symbols visible to the player can be illuminated from behind. Note that the number and positions of the openings and LEDs are not limited to this configuration.

[0450] Subsequently, the first selection switch 190 and the like shown in FIG. 19 will be described in detail. FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the first selection switch 190 and the like shown in FIG. 3.

[0451] FIG. 22(a) is an enlarged view of the first selection switch 190. The first selection switch 190 shown in FIG. 22(a) has 16 contacts and includes a circular rotating portion 190a that is rotatably configured and an indicating portion 190b that protrudes outward with the rotating portion 190a as the base end. Further, around the first selection switch 190, 16 numbers (hexadecimal numbers from 0 to F) are provided corresponding to each of the 16 contacts of the rotating portion 190a. The first selection switch 190 is an operating means for selecting one number from the 16 numbers.

[0452] These 16 numbers are treated as numerical values (set values) representing settings. That is, this first selection switch 190 is configured to be able to output, as a detection signal, information on the numerical value indicated by the indicating portion 190b to the outside. For example, as shown in Fig. (a) of the same figure, when the indicating portion 190b indicates "B", it means that the numerical value of "B" in hexadecimal has been selected, and the information on that numerical value can be output as a 4-bit binary detection signal (0b1011). Therefore, the first sub-control unit 400 (see Fig. 24), which will be described later, can detect the numerical value (any of the hexadecimal numerical values from 0 to F) selected by the first selection switch 190 by inputting this detection signal. In the first sub-control unit 400, the numerical value indicated by the indicating portion 190b is treated as the selected set value.

[0453] Instead of the first selection switch 190 shown in Fig. 22(a), for example, a rotary switch 191 as shown in Fig. (b) of the same figure may be applied, or a slide switch 192 as shown in Fig. (c) of the same figure may be applied.

[0454] The rotary switch 191 shown in Fig. 22(b) has 16 contacts, and has a ring-shaped rotating portion 191a configured to be rotatable and a notch window 191b formed in this rotating portion 191a. In addition, at the bottom of the rotating portion 191a of the rotary switch 191, 16 numbers (hexadecimal numbers from 0 to F) are provided corresponding to each of the 16 contacts of the rotating portion 191a.

[0455] In this rotary switch 191, a numerical value visible through the notch window 191b is selected, and the information of the numerical value is configured to be output to the outside as a detection signal. As shown in FIG. 22(b), when the numerical value visible through the notch portion 191b is "F", it means that the numerical value of hexadecimal F is selected, and the information of the numerical value can be output as a detection signal of 4-bit binary (0b1111). Therefore, the first sub-control unit 400 (see FIG. 24) described later is configured to be able to detect the selected numerical value (in this example, any of the numerical values of hexadecimal 0 to F) visible through the notch portion 191b of the rotary switch 191 by inputting this detection signal.

[0456] The slide switch 192 shown in FIG. 22(c) has a rectangular guide groove 192a and a slide portion 192b having 16 contacts and being slidable along the guide groove 192a. Further, above the slide switch 192, 16 numbers (in this example, hexadecimal numbers from 0 to F) are provided corresponding to each of the 16 contacts of the slide portion 192b.

[0457] In this slide switch 192, the numerical value at the position where the slide portion 192b is located is selected, and the information of the numerical value is configured to be output to the outside as a detection signal. As shown in FIG. 22(c), when the slide portion 192b is located at the position of the numerical value "0", it means that the numerical value of hexadecimal 0 is selected, and the information of the numerical value can be output as a detection signal of 4-bit binary (0b0000). Therefore, the first sub-control unit 400 (see FIG. 24) described later is configured to be able to detect the selected numerical value (any of the numerical values of hexadecimal 0 to F) at the position where the slide portion 192b of the slide switch 192 is located by inputting this detection signal.

[0458] As described above, since the first selection switch 190 described with reference to FIGS. 22(a) to 22(c) is a mechanical switch, it can operate even when not energized, and can hold the selected numerical value (set value) even when the power supply is cut off due to a power failure or the like. Therefore, once a selection is made, the selected numerical value can be held even when the power is turned off, and for example, it is easy to set it to the set value intended by the game arcade. In addition, since it is provided with numbers (display means) for confirming the selected numerical value, it is easy to confirm the set value and has high convenience.

[0459] FIG. 22(d) is an enlarged view of the second selection switch 194. The second selection switch 194 shown in FIG. 22(d) is composed of the left button 167, the right button 168, and the second chance button 166 that functions as a confirmation button shown in FIG. 17. While the first selection switch 190 shown in FIG. 22(a) is an operation means provided at a position where the player cannot operate it, this second selection switch 194 is an operation means provided at a position where the player can operate it. That is, the second selection switch 194 is a switch that can be operated by the player. For example, by pressing the left button 167 and the right button 168, a numerical value (set value) representing the setting can be selected, and by pressing the second chance button 166, the selected set value is confirmed. Alternatively, the set value can be selected by pressing the left button 167 and the right button 168, and the selected set value may be confirmed without pressing the second chance button 166 when a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0460] This second selection switch 194 can output a detection signal corresponding to each button when any one of the second chance button 166, the left button 167, or the right button 168 is operated. Therefore, the first sub-control unit 400 (see FIG. 24) described later can detect which of the second chance button 166, the left button 167, or the right button 168 has been operated by inputting this detection signal.

[0461] Note that, instead of the second selection switch 194 shown in Fig. 22(d), for example, as shown in Fig. 22(e), a cross key 195 having up, down, left, right buttons and an enter button may be provided separately from the second chance button 166, and this cross key 195 may be applied as the second selection switch 194. Also, two types of operation means may be provided, and either one of the operation means may also serve as the chance button, or only one of the operation means may be the second selection switch 194.

[0462] Since the second selection switch 194 is not a mechanical switch, it cannot operate when not energized and cannot hold the selected numerical value (set value) by itself. Therefore, it is necessary to separately provide storage means for storing the set value. In the slot machine 100 shown in Fig. 17, the numerical value selected by the second selection switch 194 is not configured to be backed up, but it may be configured to be backed up.

[0463] Fig. 22(f) is a diagram comparing the sizes of the second chance button 166 and the first chance button 165 shown in Fig. 17. Fig. 22(f) also shows the left button 167 and the right button 168. The first chance button 165 is about three times the size of the second chance button 166.

[0464] Also, on the condition of operating the second chance button 166 or the first chance button 165, cut-in display may be performed, or either one of the chance buttons may be used in a continuous pressing effect, etc., and the other chance button may be used as a hidden button. Here, the hidden button refers to a button for which, although it does not suggest or promote the operation of the operation means (for example, at least one or both of the operation suggestion display and the operation promotion display are not displayed on the effect image display device 157, and the built-in effect lamp does not light up), some effect is performed when the operation means is operated.

[0465] Fig. 23 is a diagram showing a selection example of set values using the first selection switch 190 and the second selection switch 194.

[0466] In the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 17, the set values that can be selected by the first selection switch 190 and the second selection switch 194 are the values of the volume (volume) of the sounds (e.g., BGM, sound effects, error sounds, etc.) output from the bass speaker 277 and the upper speaker 272. As described above, the first selection switch 190 is an operating means provided at a position where the player cannot operate it, and it becomes a switch used when a store clerk of a game parlor selects a set value. Also, among the first selection switch 190 and the second selection switch 194, only the first selection switch 190 can also select whether to set the slot machine 100 to the power saving mode or the non-power saving mode (normal mode). In the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 17, it is set to the power saving mode only when the demonstration effect is being executed. Hereinafter, the demonstration will be abbreviated as demo. The demo effect is an effect that starts when a predetermined time (e.g., 30 seconds) elapses in a state where a game has ended and the game is not restarted. In the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 17, when the demo effect is started in a state where it is selected to be set to the power saving mode, it is set to the power saving mode.

[0467] When the slot machine 100 is set to the power saving mode, the power consumption of the effect image display device 157 is suppressed and power is saved by playing the animation (demo animation) displayed on the effect image display device 157 in a dark state. Also, the first effect lamp built into the first chance button 165, the left side lamp 144L, the right side lamp 144R, and the backlight module 740 shown in FIG. 22 are turned off, so the power consumption of these light emitting means is also suppressed and power is saved. Note that when these light emitting means are turned off, the power consumption becomes 0, and the power saving effect of these light emitting means is higher than the power saving effect of the effect image display device 157.

[0468] Furthermore, when the first selection switch 190 is operated, the first volume selection icon SI1 or the second volume selection icon SI2 is displayed on the performance image display device 157. When selecting the volume using the first selection switch 190, one volume level is selected from seven volume levels. In addition, in the non-power saving mode, mute can also be selected.

[0469] FIG. 23(A) is a diagram showing the display screen of performance image display device 157 when indicator 190b of first selection switch 190 is set to "0" shown in FIG. 22(a).

[0470] The first volume selection icon SI1 is displayed on the performance image display device 157. This first volume selection icon SI1 displays a selected value of 7 volume levels and a 7-level horizontal level display (indicator display). The first volume selection icon SI1 shown in FIG. 23(A) displays that the selected value of the 7 volume levels is 0 (0 / 7) and the word "Mute". Furthermore, none of the 7-level horizontal level displays are lit. When mute is selected by the first selection switch 190, the output sound from the woofer 277 and the upper speaker 272 cannot be heard at all.

[0471] FIG. 23(B) is a diagram showing the display screen of performance image display device 157 when indicator 190b of first selection switch 190 is set to "1" shown in FIG. 22(a).

[0472] The first volume selection icon SI1 shown in Fig. 23(B) displays the characters "Volume 1 / 7" indicating that the selected volume level of the 7 levels is 1. In addition, in the 7-level horizontal level display, only the first level on the far left is lit in a first color (e.g., yellow).

[0473] FIG. 23(C) is a diagram showing the display screen of performance image display device 157 when indicator 190b of first selection switch 190 is set to "7" shown in FIG. 22(a).

[0474] 23(C) displays the characters "VOLUME 7 / 7" indicating that the selected value of the seven volume levels is 7. In addition, in the seven-level horizontal level display, all levels from the first to the seventh are lit in a first color (e.g., yellow). When the seventh volume level is selected by the first selection switch 190, the output sound from the woofer 277 and the upper speaker 272 becomes maximum volume.

[0475] FIG. 23(D) is a diagram showing the display screen of performance image display device 157 when indicator portion 190b of first selection switch 190 is set to "8" shown in FIG. 22(a).

[0476] The first volume selection icon SI1 shown in FIG. 23(D) displays characters indicating that the selected volume is the exhibition volume. This exhibition volume is a volume suitable for a presentation of the slot machine 100 at an exhibition or the like, and is, for example, a volume between the fourth volume level and the fifth volume level. In addition, in the seven-level horizontal level display, all levels from the first level to the seventh level are lit in a second color (for example, red). In place of the exhibition volume, a special volume that cannot be selected by the second selection switch 194 and can be selected only by the first selection switch 190 may be selected. For example, a step tone in which the volume increases by one level every time a predetermined time elapses may be selected.

[0477] The first volume selection icon SI1 displayed on the performance image display device 157 disappears if the first selection switch 190 is not operated for a predetermined time.

[0478] FIG. 23(a) is a diagram showing the display screen of the performance image display device 157 when the indicator 190b of the first selection switch 190 is set to "9" shown in FIG. 22(a).

[0479] The second volume selection icon SI2 is displayed on the performance image display device 157 shown in Fig. 23(a). The background color of this second volume selection icon SI2 is different from the background color of the first volume selection icon SI1. In addition, the second volume selection icon SI2 displays the characters "power saving mode", a selected value of the seven volume levels, and a seven-level horizontal level display (indicator display). The second volume selection icon SI2 shown in Fig. 23(a) displays the characters "power saving mode" and "volume 7 / 7", which indicates that the selected value of the seven volume levels is 7. In addition, in the seven-level horizontal level display, all levels from the first level to the seventh level are lit in a third color (for example, blue).

[0480] FIG. 23(b) is a diagram showing the display screen of the performance image display device 157 when the indicator 190b of the first selection switch 190 is set to "F" shown in FIG. 22(a).

[0481] The second volume selection icon SI2 shown in Fig. 23(b) displays the words "power saving mode" and "volume 1 / 7," which indicates that the selected volume level of the seven levels is 1. In addition, in the seven-level horizontal level display, only the first level on the left side is lit in a third color (e.g., blue).

[0482] The second volume selection icon SI2 displayed on the performance image display device 157 also disappears if the first selection switch 190 is not operated for a predetermined period of time.

[0483] In the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 17, when the indicating portion 190b of the first selection switch 190 is set to any one of "9" or "A" to "F" shown in FIG. 22(a), it is selected to set the slot machine 100 to the power-saving mode. Note that even if it is selected to set the slot machine 100 to the power-saving mode, the slot machine 100 is not necessarily set to the power-saving mode. As described above, to be set to the power-saving mode, it is a condition that it is in the demo state. On the other hand, when the indicating portion 190b is set to any one of "0" to "8" shown in FIG. 22(a), it is selected to set the slot machine 100 to the non-power-saving mode. When it is selected to set the slot machine 100 to the non-power-saving mode, it will not be set to the power-saving mode even if it is in the demo state. Also, in the state where the game is being played, the slot machine 100 is set to the non-power-saving mode (normal mode).

[0484] Note that whether the slot machine 100 is set to the power-saving mode or the non-power-saving mode, the volume output from the upper speaker 272 and the bass speaker 277 is the same. Therefore, the volume output with the selection value selected in FIG. 23(B) is the same as the volume output with the selection value selected in FIG. 23(b), and the volume output with the selection value selected in FIG. 23(C) is also the same as the volume output with the selection value selected in FIG. 23(a).

[0485] FIG. 23(a) is a diagram showing the display screen of the effect image display device 157 when the second selection switch 194 is operated.

[0486] When the player operates the second selection switch 194 while the first guidance display icon GI1 described later is being displayed on the effect image display device 157, a third volume selection icon SI3 is displayed on the effect image display device 157. The third volume selection icon SI3 displays a selection value for five levels of volume and a five-level vertical level display (indicator display). The third volume selection icon SI3 shown in Fig. 23(A) displays the characters "Volume 1 / 5" indicating that the selection value for the five levels of volume is 1. Also, in the five-level display, only the first level at the bottom is lit in a fourth color (for example, green). When the right button 168 of the second selection switch 194 is pressed once, the level goes up one step, and when the left button 167 is pressed once, the level goes down one step. However, even if the left button 167 is pressed once in the state shown in Fig. 23(A), the level does not go down any further. That is, it is not possible to select muting by operating the second selection switch 194. Note that it may be possible to select muting by operating the second selection switch 194 as well.

[0487] Fig. 23(B) is a diagram showing the display screen of the effect image display device 157 when the right button 168 is pressed four times from the state shown in Fig. 23(A).

[0488] The third volume selection icon SI3 shown in Fig. 23(B) displays the characters "Volume 5 / 5" indicating that the selection value for the five levels of volume is 5. Also, in the five-level vertical level display, all levels from the first level to the fifth level are lit in a fourth color (for example, green).

[0489] The third volume selection icon SI3 displayed on the effect image display device 157 disappears if the left button 167 and the right button 168 are not operated for a predetermined time.

[0490] The volume selected by operating the first selection switch 190 has seven levels, while the volume selected by operating the second selection switch 194 has five levels. In the slot machine 100 shown in FIG. 17, the volume setting range is from 0 to 127. For the seven levels, the setting values for each level are 18 for the first level, 36 for the second level, 54 for the third level, 73 for the fourth level, 91 for the fifth level, 109 for the sixth level, and 127 for the seventh level. On the other hand, for the five levels, it corresponds to the second to sixth levels excluding the first and seventh levels of the seven levels. That is, the second level (36) of the seven levels is the first level of the five levels, and the sixth level (109) of the seven levels is the fifth level of the five levels. Therefore, only the store clerks of the game parlor can select the setting value of the first level (18) and the setting value of the seventh level (127) of the seven levels. Note that the first level (18) of the seven levels can be set as the first level of the five levels, and the fifth level (91) of the seven levels can be set as the fifth level of the five levels. Or the third level (54) of the seven levels can be set as the first level of the five levels, and the seventh level (127) of the seven levels can be set as the fifth level of the five levels. Alternatively, the setting values for the five levels can be 26 for the first level, 51 for the second level, 76 for the third level, 102 for the fourth level, and 127 for the fifth level.

[0491] When the first volume selection icon SI1 or the second volume selection icon SI2 and the first guide display icon GI1 (to be described later) are displayed on the performance image display device 157, and the left button 167 of the second selection switch 194 is pressed once, the first volume selection icon SI1 or the second volume selection icon SI2 that has been displayed until then is replaced by the third volume selection icon SI3, and the display indicates that the selected value of the volume level is at the second stage. On the other hand, when, in the same state, the right button 167 instead of the left button 167 is pressed once, the first volume selection icon SI1 or the second volume selection icon SI2 that has been displayed until then is replaced by the third volume selection icon SI3, and the display indicates that the selected value of the volume is at the fourth stage. These displays are shown regardless of what selected value the first volume selection icon SI1 or the second volume selection icon SI2 is displaying. That is, whether it is a selected value of 1 / 7 or 7 / 7, when the left button 167 is pressed once, the display will show a selected value of 2 / 5. Also, whether it is a selected value of 1 / 7 or 7 / 7, when the right button 168 is pressed once, the display will show a selected value of 4 / 5. This means that when switching to the third volume selection icon SI3, the previous selected value is discarded, the value of the volume level of 3 / 5, which is the initial value of the third volume selection icon SI3, is reselected, and by operating the left button 167 or the right button 168, a change is made to that initial value (3 / 5). That is, when the operation of the second selection switch 194 is accepted, the initial value of the third volume selection icon SI3 is set, and when the second selection switch 194 is operated, the value obtained by changing that initial value is displayed on the third volume selection icon SI3. The first selection switch 190 is designed to be operated by the store clerk, and the second selection switch 194 is designed to be operated by the player, assuming that the player's intention can be prioritized. Incidentally, conversely, when the first selection switch 190 is operated while the third volume selection icon SI3 is being displayed, the selected value displayed on the third volume selection icon SI3 is carried over, and when the first selection switch 190 is operated, the value obtained by changing the previous selected value is displayed on the first volume selection icon SI1 or the second volume selection icon SI2.However, even here, the selected value may not be carried over, and the initial value (for example, 4 / 7) of the first volume selection icon SI1 or the second volume selection icon SI2 may be set.

[0492] Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to Figure 24. Note that this figure shows a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

[0493] The control unit of the slot machine 100 is broadly composed of a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game, a first sub-control unit 400 that controls the main presentation in response to command signals (hereinafter simply referred to as "commands") sent by the main control unit 300, and a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on the commands sent from the first sub-control unit 400.

[0494] <Main control unit> First, the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. The basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, a ROM 306 that stores control program data, lottery data used in the internal lottery of winning combinations, and a reel pattern arrangement, a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 310 for controlling input and output of various devices, a counter timer 312 for measuring time and number of times, and a WDT (watchdog timer) 314. Note that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 306 and the RAM 308, and this also applies to the first sub-control unit 400 and the second sub-control unit 500 described later. The CPU 304 of the basic circuit 302 operates by inputting a clock signal with a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 315b as a system clock. Furthermore, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits the frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312, and the counter timer 312 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 304 for each interrupt time. The CPU 304 monitors the sensors and transmits drive pulses in response to the interrupt request.

[0495] The main control unit 300 includes a random number generation circuit 316 that is used as a hardware random number counter that varies a numerical value within the range of 0 to 65535 based on a clock signal input from a crystal oscillator 315a, and a startup signal output circuit 338 that outputs a startup signal (reset signal) when the power is turned on. When a startup signal is input from this startup signal output circuit 338, the CPU 304 starts game control (starts the main control unit main process described later).

[0496] Also, the main control unit 300 includes a sensor circuit 320. The CPU 304 monitors the states of various sensors 318 (bet button 130 sensor, bet button 131 sensor, bet button 132 sensor, medal reception sensor for medals inserted from the medal insertion port 141, start lever 135 sensor, left stop button 137 sensor, middle stop button 138 sensor, right stop button 139 sensor, settlement button 134 sensor, medal payout sensor for medals paid out from the hopper unit 180, index sensor for the left reel 110, index sensor for the middle reel 111, index sensor for the right reel 112, etc.) at each interrupt time.

[0497] When the sensor circuit 320 detects the H level of the start lever sensor, it outputs a signal indicating this detection to the random number generation circuit 316. The random number generation circuit 316 that receives this signal latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores the random number value used for the lottery.

[0498] Two medal reception sensors are installed inside the internal passage of the medal insertion port 141 to detect the passage of medals. Two start lever 135 sensors are installed inside the start lever 135 to detect the start operation by the player. The left stop button 137 sensor, the middle stop button 138 sensor, and the right stop button 139 sensor are installed on the corresponding stop buttons 137 to 139, respectively, to detect the operation of the stop buttons by the player.

[0499] The bed button 130 sensor, the bed button 131 sensor, and the bed button 132 sensor are installed on each of the corresponding bed buttons 130 to 132, and detect an insertion operation when inserting the medals electronically stored in the RAM 308 as medals inserted into the game. The settlement button 134 sensor is provided on the settlement button 134. When the settlement button 134 is pressed once, the electronically stored medals are settled. The medal payout sensor is a sensor for detecting the medals paid out by the hopper unit 180. Note that each of the above sensors may be a non-contact sensor or a contact sensor.

[0500] The index sensor of the left reel 110, the index sensor of the middle reel 111, and the index sensor of the right reel 112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting bases of the respective reels 110 to 112, and become the L level each time the light-shielding piece provided on the reel frame passes. The rotational position information indicating how much the reel has rotated from the reference position between the time it once becomes the L level and the next time it becomes the L level is calculated based on the value obtained by counting the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 315b. When the CPU 304 detects the above L-level signal, it determines that the reel has made one rotation and resets the rotational position information of the reel to zero. This rotational position information is stored in the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300.

[0501] The main control unit 300 includes a drive circuit 322 that drives the motors 110m to 112m (see FIG. 25) provided for each of the reels 110 to 112 of the reel unit 700, a drive circuit 324 that drives the solenoid provided in the medal selector 170 that sorts the inserted medals, a drive circuit 326 that drives the motor 180m (see FIG. 25) provided in the hopper unit 180, and a drive circuit 328 that drives various lamps 339 (the valid line display lamp 120, the notification lamp 123, the game medal insertion possible lamp 124, the replay lamp 122, the game medal insertion lamp 129, the game start lamp 121, the stored number display 125, the game information display 126, the payout number display 127).

[0502] In addition, an information output circuit 334 is connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 outputs gaming information (for example, information indicating the gaming state) of the slot machine 100 to an information input circuit 652 provided in an external host computer (not shown) or the like via this information output circuit 334.

[0503] The main control unit 300 also includes a voltage monitoring circuit 330 that monitors the voltage value of the power supply supplied from the power supply device 252 (see FIG. 3) to the main control unit 300. When the voltage value of the power supply is less than a predetermined value (9V in this embodiment), the voltage monitoring circuit 330 outputs a low voltage signal indicating that the voltage has dropped to the basic circuit 302.

[0504] The main control unit 300 also includes an output interface for transmitting commands to the first sub-control unit 400, enabling communication with the first sub-control unit 400. Note that the information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 is one-way communication. The main control unit 300 is configured to be able to transmit signals such as commands to the first sub-control unit 400, but the first sub-control unit 400 is configured not to be able to transmit signals such as commands to the main control unit 300.

[0505] Each component of the main control unit 300 described above is mounted on the main control unit substrate 300B (see FIG. 25).

[0506] <Sub-control unit> Next, the first sub-control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 receives the control command transmitted by the main control unit 300 via the input interface. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on this control command. This basic circuit 402 is equipped with a CPU 404, a RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 410 for controlling the input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time, number of times, etc. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by inputting a clock signal with a predetermined period output by the crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock. The ROM 406 stores a control program and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, data for controlling the lighting pattern of the backlight module 740, and data for controlling various displays, etc.

[0507] The CPU 404 transmits the data for frequency division stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 406 to the counter timer 412 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 412 determines the interrupt time based on the received data for frequency division, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 404 at each interrupt time. The CPU 404 controls each IC and each circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

[0508] In addition, the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a sound source IC 418, and an upper speaker 272 and a bass speaker 277 are provided to the sound source IC 418 via an output interface. The sound source IC 418 controls the amplifier and the sound output from the upper speaker 272 and the bass speaker 277 in response to a command from the CPU 404. An S-ROM (Sound ROM) storing sound data is connected to the sound source IC 418, and the sound data acquired from this ROM is amplified by an amplifier and output from the upper speaker 272 and the bass speaker 277.

[0509] In addition, the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a drive circuit 422, and various lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, left side lamp 144L, right side lamp 144R, title panel lamp 164, bed button lamp 200, backlight module 740, first effect lamp built in the first chance button 165, second effect lamp built in the second chance button 166, etc.) are connected to the drive circuit 422 via an input / output interface.

[0510] In addition, the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a drive circuit 424 for driving the motor 163m (see FIG. 25) of the shutter 163. The motor 163m of the shutter 163 is a stepping motor, and this drive circuit 424 outputs a drive signal to the motor 160m in response to a command from the CPU 404.

[0511] In addition, the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a sensor circuit 426, and a shutter sensor 428 is connected to the sensor circuit 426 via an input interface. The CPU 404 monitors the state of the shutter sensor 428 at each interrupt time. Further, the first sub-control unit 400 is provided with a switch sensor 427, and this switch sensor 427 detects the pressing of the first chance button 165. Also, the pressing of each button of the second selection switch 194 including the second chance button 166, the left button 167, and the right button 168 is also detected by the switch sensor 427. Detection signals from the shutter sensor 428 and the switch sensor 427 are output to the basic circuit 402 by the sensor circuit 426.

[0512] In addition, a first selection switch sensor 190 is directly connected to the basic circuit 402, but this first selection switch sensor 190 may also be connected to the basic circuit 402 via the switch sensor 427 and the sensor circuit 426.

[0513] In addition, the CPU 404 transmits and receives signals to and from the second sub-control unit 500 via an output interface.

[0514] Each component of the first sub-control unit 400 described above is mounted on the first sub-control unit board 400B (see FIG. 25).

[0515] The second sub-control unit 500 performs various controls of the effect device 160 including the display control of the effect image display device 157. Note that the second sub-control unit 500 may be composed of a plurality of control units, such as a control unit that controls the display of the effect image display device 157 and a control unit that controls various effect driving devices (for example, a control unit that controls the motor drive of the shutter 163).

[0516] The second sub-control unit 500 includes a basic circuit 502 that receives the control command transmitted by the first sub-control unit 400 via an input interface and controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on this control command. The basic circuit 502 is equipped with a CPU 504, a RAM 508 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 510 for controlling the input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 512 for measuring time, number of times, etc. The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by inputting a clock signal with a predetermined period output by the crystal oscillator 514 as a system clock. The ROM 506 stores a control program and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, data for image display, and the like.

[0517] The CPU 504 transmits the data for frequency division stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 506 to the counter timer 512 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 512 determines the interrupt time based on the received data for frequency division and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 4...

Claims

1. a first counting means capable of updating a first count value; A second counting means capable of updating the second count value; A gaming machine having a determination means, A first section in which an advantageous operation mode of the stop switch is not notified, and a second section in which an advantageous operation mode of the stop switch can be notified, transitioning to the second section based on the establishment of a transition condition in the first section; transitioning to the first section based on the determination by the determination means that a termination condition is satisfied in the second section; the first counting means is a means capable of updating the first count value by using a number of game values ​​awarded as a result of a game and a number of game values ​​used in a game during the second period; the determination means determines that the termination condition is satisfied when an amount of change in the first count value from an initial value reaches a first value; the first counting means is a means capable of updating the first count value within a predetermined range, the predetermined range includes a first range, which is a sum of the initial value and the first value, and a second range, which is different from the first range, with the initial value as a boundary; the first range is narrower than the second range, When the first count value of the first counting means is updated, the second count value of the second counting means may also be updated; When a first operation is performed in a first game, the first count value of the first counting means is updated according to a result of the first game, and the second count value of the second counting means is updated according to a result of the first game, When a second operation is performed in the first game, the first count value of the first counting means is updated in accordance with the result of the first game, and the second count value of the second counting means is not updated in accordance with the result of the first game, the first counting means is means for initializing the first count value when the second interval changes to the first interval, When a certain state that is more advantageous than a normal state ends, if the first count value is decreased from the initial value, the second section is maintained at a higher rate than if the first count value is increased from the initial value. A gaming machine characterized by:

2. a first counting means capable of updating a first count value; A second counting means capable of updating the second count value; A gaming machine having a determination means, A first section in which an advantageous operation mode of the stop switch is not notified, and a second section in which an advantageous operation mode of the stop switch can be notified, transitioning to the second section based on the establishment of a transition condition in the first section; transitioning to the first section based on the determination by the determination means that a termination condition is satisfied in the second section; the first counting means is a means capable of updating an acquired difference number using a number of game values ​​awarded as a result of a game and a number of game values ​​used in a game in the second section as the first count value; the second counting means is a means capable of updating an acquired difference number using a number of game values ​​awarded as a result of a game and a number of game values ​​used in a game in the second section as the second count value; the determination means determines that the termination condition is satisfied when an amount of change in the first count value from an initial value reaches a first value; the first counting means is a means capable of updating the first count value within a predetermined range, the predetermined range includes a first range, which is a sum of the initial value and the first value, and a second range, which is different from the first range, with the initial value as a boundary; the first range is narrower than the second range, When the first count value of the first counting means is updated, the second count value of the second counting means may also be updated; When a first operation is performed in a first game, the first count value of the first counting means is updated according to a result of the first game, and the second count value of the second counting means is updated according to a result of the first game, When a second operation is performed in the first game, the first count value of the first counting means is updated in accordance with the result of the first game, and the second count value of the second counting means is not updated in accordance with the result of the first game, the second counting means is means for initializing the second count value when the second interval changes to the first interval, When a certain state that is more advantageous than a normal state ends, if the second count value is in a negative range as an acquisition difference, the second section is maintained at a higher rate than when the acquisition difference is not in a negative range. A gaming machine characterized by:

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