Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of setting the volume of the sound to be output to an appropriate volume.SOLUTION: An explosion-proof valve is formed on the top surface of an electronic component provided on a substrate. A first distance from the top surface of the electronic component to the top surface of a substrate case is longer than a second distance from the outer periphery to the center of the top surface of the electronic component. A through hole is provided at a position facing the top surface of the electronic component, out of the top surface of the substrate case. The first distance is longer than the length of a screw portion of any screw that is disposed in the game machine and can be inserted into the through hole. The explosion-proof valve is visible from the outside of the substrate case. Sounds to be output from sound output means include first sound related to a game and second sound different from the first sound. The second sound can be output simultaneously with the first sound.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

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

[0003] In the above-described gaming machine, when performing an effect using sound, a configuration is known in which the volume is controlled by changing the output level of the sound output from the speaker, including information on the output level in the data stored in the memory (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Generally, in a gaming machine, a configuration is adopted in which a plurality of sounds are output simultaneously in order to enhance the interest of the presentation. However, in a gaming machine, there are also sounds that need to be output preferentially over the sounds output in a presentation such as an error notification sound that has occurred. When various sounds are output from the gaming machine, it is required to appropriately set the volume of each sound.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of setting the volume of the output sound to an appropriate volume.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present invention A substrate provided with a predetermined electronic component, a substrate case for housing the substrate, sound is provided with sound output means for outputting An explosion-proof valve is formed on the upper surface portion of the electronic component, A first distance from the upper surface portion of the electronic component to the upper surface portion of the substrate case is longer than a second distance from the outer peripheral portion to the center of the upper surface portion of the electronic component, A through-hole is provided at a position on the upper surface portion of the substrate case that faces the upper surface portion of the electronic component, The first distance is longer than the length of the screw portion of any screw that is disposed in the gaming machine and can be inserted into the through-hole, The explosion-proof valve is visible from the outside of the substrate case, The sound output from the sound output means includes game to system a first sound and a second sound different from the first sound is and is characterized in that The second sound can be output simultaneously with the first sound, it contains them.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of setting the volume of the output sound to an appropriate volume.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 4

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Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. Note that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Also, not all of the configurations described in this embodiment are essential constituent elements of the present invention.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0017] On the front lower door DD, various operating means are provided. As the operating means, there is a max bet button MB as an input operating means for performing an operation to set the medals stored in the slot machine 1 to the input state, a start lever SL as a game start operating means for causing the player to execute a start operation that serves as an opportunity to start the game by rotating the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, stop buttons B1 to B3 as stop operating means for causing the player to execute a stop operation that serves as an opportunity to stop each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 that is rotationally driven by a stepping motor, a count button KB as a count operating means for performing a counting operation to transmit the number of medals stored in the slot machine 1 to the dedicated unit SU, a payback button AB for performing a payback operation to cancel the input state and return the medals set to the input state to the medal number counter 311 (see FIG. 2), and an effect button EB used for effects are also provided.

[0018] The effect button EB is an effect operating means for causing the player to execute an operation that serves as an opportunity to display a menu screen on the display device 410 in a state where no medals are set to the input state and no game is being played in which the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are stopped. The effect button EB has a plurality of selection buttons for selecting a target from the items displayed on the menu screen and a determination button for determining the selected target. The items displayed on the menu screen include an item for displaying a volume adjustment screen for adjusting the volume of the sound output from the slot machine 1 and an item for displaying a setting information screen for issuing setting information about the effect environment of the slot machine 1 by a QR code (registered trademark).

[0019] In addition, on the lower front door DD, there is a main control display device 10D controlled by the CPU of the main control board 10 (see FIG. 2). The main control display device 10D consists of a 7-segment display or the like, and various game information such as information on the winning combination in this game, information indicating how to press the stop buttons B1, B2, and B3 related to medal payout (notification display) is displayed. The notification display shown on the main control display device 10D is a display corresponding to a winning combination command, which is a control signal created based on the winning information, which is the information on the winning combination in this game, when the specified number of medals is inserted and the start lever SL is operated.

[0020] In addition, on the lower front door DD, there is a medal count display device MD controlled by the medal count control CPU 31 (see FIG. 2). The medal count display device MD consists of a 7-segment display or the like and functions as a conceptual tray by displaying the number of medals stored in the slot machine 1.

[0021] And on the lower front door DD, a plurality of sound devices 420 for performing effects using sound are provided. Various sounds for assisting the game or livening up the game are output from the sound devices 420.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment. The slot machine 1 of this embodiment has, as control boards, a main control board 10 and a sub-control board 20. The main control board 10 has a main control CPU 11 for controlling the progress of the game and a medal count control CPU 31 for performing control related to the number of medals. The sub-control board 20 has a sub-control CPU 21 for controlling the effects related to the game.

[0023] The main control CPU 11 functions as a setting change means 100, an input reception means 105, a random number generation means 110, an internal lottery means 120, a reel control means 130, a winning determination means 140, a payout control means 150, a game state transition control means 160, an assist time control means (AT control means) 170, and a complete control means 180. Each means constituting the main control CPU 11 reads and executes each control program stored in advance in the main storage means 190 when executing each control process.

[0024] The setting change means 100 performs control (setting change control) to change the setting value stored in the setting value storage means 191 of the main storage means 190. The setting change means 100, in a state where the setting change switch (not shown) is in the ON state and setting change is permitted, each time it receives an input signal output by operating the setting change button BS provided in the power supply device, cyclically varies the setting value in the order of setting 1 → setting 2 → ··· → setting 6 → setting 1 → ···, and determines the setting value based on receiving the start signal output by operating the start lever SL. In the slot machine 1, according to the setting value determined in the setting value storage means 191, the winning probability of a part of the winning areas that can be won in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 is changed. That is, the setting change means 100 is configured to be able to change the setting value, which is a value that can change the winning probability of the roles in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120.

[0025] In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the setting change control by the setting change means 100 is executed, the control related to the game state executed by the game state transition control means 160 and the control related to the advantageous section executed by the AT control means 170 are configured to be initialized. The game state is set to a non-replay time (hereinafter, the replay time is also referred to as "RT") state described later. Regarding the control related to the auxiliary game that the AT control means 170 executed before the setting change, it is also configured to be initialized and a normal section is set. On the other hand, in the slot machine 1, when the power supply to the main control CPU 11 is cut off (power failure) and then the power supply is restarted, the control related to the game state executed by the game state transition control means 160 and the control related to the advantageous section executed by the AT control means 170 are configured to resume from the state before the power failure. Regarding the control related to the auxiliary game that the AT control means 170 executed before the power failure, it is also configured to maintain the state before the power failure.

[0026] The insertion acceptance means 105 accepts an input signal output when the max bet button MB is operated (bet operation) in a state where the medal counter 311 described later stores a number of medals equal to or more than the specified insertion number within the insertion acceptance period for accepting the insertion of medals. By setting the medals stored in the medal counter 311 to the inserted state with the specified insertion number (3 medals) as the limit, based on the fact that the medals corresponding to the specified insertion number are set to the inserted state, a process is performed to enable the game start operation for the start lever SL.

[0027] In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the first pressing operation of the start lever SL enabled based on the fact that the medals corresponding to the specified insertion number are set to the inserted state is accepted as the game start operation by the player. It serves as an opportunity to start the rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 and also serves as an opportunity for the internal lottery means 120 described later to execute the internal lottery.

[0028] In addition, the input acceptance means 105 receives an input signal output when the settlement button AB is operated during the period until the medal is set to the input state and the start lever SL is started, thereby canceling the input state and adding the same number of medals as the medals set to the input state to the number of medals stored in the medal number counter 311, and thus settling the medals set to the input state.

[0029] The random number generation means 110 is means for generating a random number for lottery. In this embodiment, the "random number" includes not only a value that randomly occurs in a mathematical sense, but also a value that can function as a random number substantially because the acquisition timing or the like is irregular even though the generation itself is regular.

[0030] The internal lottery means 120 is means for performing an internal lottery for determining the winning or losing of a combination based on a start signal output when a player executes a start operation on the start lever SL, and performs a lottery table selection process, a random number determination process, a lottery flag setting process, and the like.

[0031] In the lottery table selection process, based on the current game state, it is selected which of the plurality of internal lottery tables stored in the internal lottery table storage means 192 of the main storage means 190 is used for the internal lottery. In each internal lottery table, various combinations such as replay, small combination, and bonus, as well as non-winning (losing), are associated with each of a plurality of random numbers (for example, 65,536 random numbers from 0 to 65,535).

[0032] In the following description, "bonus" means a combination that activates a special device or a special device continuous operation device when winning, "activation of the bonus" means that the bonus wins and activates the special device or the special device continuous operation device, and "bonus state" means a state in which the special device or the special device continuous operation device is activated.

[0033] In the random number determination process, based on the start signal output when the start lever SL is operated to start, a random number (lottery random number) generated by the random number generation means 110 for each game is acquired, and the acquired random number is compared with the internal lottery table selected in the lottery table selection process, and it is determined whether or not a winning combination is selected based on the comparison result.

[0034] In the lottery flag setting process, based on the result of the random number determination process, the lottery flag corresponding to the winning combination determined to be a winner is set from the non-established state (the first flag state, OFF state) to the established state (the second flag state, ON state). In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when two or more types of winning combinations overlap and win, the lottery flags corresponding to each of the two or more overlapping winning combinations are set to the established state. Note that in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, there are prepared a lottery flag (carry-over possible flag) that can be carried over to subsequent games in the established state until winning, and a lottery flag (non-carry-over flag) that is reset to the non-established state without being carried over to subsequent games in the established state regardless of winning. Further, the setting information of the lottery flag is stored in the lottery flag storage means 193 of the main storage means 190.

[0035] Based on the start operation of the start lever SL by the player and the output of the start signal, the reel control means 130 executes reel rotation control to start the rotational drive of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 and control the rotational mode of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3. Further, when the rotational states of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 reach a rotational state of steady rotation at a predetermined speed (for example, about 80 rpm), the reel control means 130 executes control to enable the stop operation of the stop buttons B1 to B3 corresponding to each reel. Then, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to stop and a reel stop signal is output, the reel control means 130 performs control (reel stop control) to stop each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 corresponding to the operated stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0036] In the following description, regarding the start of rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 by the reel control means 130 and the player operating the valid stop buttons B1 to B3, the first operation is also described as the first stop operation, the second operation as the second stop operation, and the third operation as the third stop operation.

[0037] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, for the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button is stopped until 190 ms, which is a predetermined period, elapses from the time when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed. In the following description, pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 is also described as an operation. Further, the slot machine 1 is not limited to the case where the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed. For example, it may be configured to output a stop signal at the timing when an operation of releasing the pressed and depressed stop buttons B1 to B3 is executed.

[0038] Here, when stopping the rotating reel within 190 ms from the time of pressing the stop button, the stop position of each rotating reel is configured to be rotatable by up to 4 frames from the time of pressing the stop button until the reel stops, based on the diameter and rotation speed of each reel. Therefore, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, for the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, a total of 5 frames from the frame displayed on the valid line L1 at the time of pressing the stop button to 4 frames of rotation are within the range (drawing range) where the symbol can be drawn on the valid line L1.

[0039] When executing the reel stop control, the reel control means 130 performs a pulling-in process of stopping the rotating reel so that the roles with the lottery flag set to the established state can win as much as possible, and a kicking-out process of stopping the rotating reel so that the roles with the lottery flag set to the non-established state cannot win. Based on the priority set in advance by a logical operation including these processes, the reel control means 130 performs a logical operation process for obtaining the stop position of the rotating reel, and a table reference process for determining the stop position of the rotating reel by referring to the stop control table stored in the reel control data storage means 194 of the main storage means 190, and stops the rotating reel to display the symbols on the valid line L1 (hereinafter, stopping the rotating reel by the reel stop control and displaying the symbols on the valid line L1 is also referred to as "stop display").

[0040] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when multiple types of minor winning combinations are selected in the internal lottery, there are two methods for determining the priority of the stop position candidates: a method of determining the priority according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the valid line L1 (number priority control), and a method of determining the priority according to the number of medals paid out based on the payout predetermined for the minor winning combination (number of medals priority control). However, when executing the number of medals priority control, if minor winning combinations with the same payout are selected repeatedly, the priorities of the stop position candidates that can win each minor winning combination are treated as the same.

[0041] The winning determination means 140 performs a winning determination process for determining whether or not a winning combination has won based on the stop modes of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3. Specifically, while referring to the winning determination table stored in the winning determination table storage means 195 of the main storage means 190, when all of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 have stopped, it is determined whether or not the symbol combination displayed on the effective line L1 is in the form of a winning combination of a predetermined winning combination for each winning combination. Then, a winning determination table is prepared so that the presence or absence of winning of a bonus, replay, or small winning combination can be determined (hereinafter referred to as "winning determination") based on the symbol combination displayed on the effective line L1 in the state where each reel has stopped. In the following description, the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the winning combination is also referred to as the "winning symbol combination".

[0042] In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, each process is executed based on the determination result of the winning determination means 140 in the winning determination process. As each process executed based on the determination result of the winning combination, for example, when a small winning combination wins, a process for determining the number of medals to be paid out to the payout control means 150 is performed, and when a replay wins, the payout control means 150 is made to execute a process that does not consume medals in the next game, and when a winning combination that triggers a transition to a game state such as a bonus wins, a process for causing the game state transition control means 160 to transition the game state is performed.

[0043] The payout control means 150 performs a payout process regarding the payout of medals according to the game result. Specifically, when a small winning combination wins, the number of medals to be paid out in the game is determined based on the payout determined in advance for each winning combination, and control is performed to virtually pay out the medals corresponding to the determined payout number by adding them to the medal number counter 311.

[0044] In addition, when the payout control means 150 determines that a symbol combination indicating the winning of any one of a plurality of types of replay roles described later has stopped being displayed on the effective line L1 by the winning determination means 140 and the replay has won, the replay process (re - game process) is performed to set the state to a preparatory state in which the game can be executed without requiring the insertion of medals for the next game. That is, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed to automatically insert the number of medals corresponding to the specified insertion number without using the medals held by the player, and in a state where the same effective line L1 as in the previous game is set, it waits for the start operation for the next start lever SL.

[0045] In the slot machine 1, even if the settlement button AB is operated during the period from the game in which the replay wins to the start of the next game, that is, during the period in which the number of medals corresponding to the specified insertion number is automatically inserted and the game has not started yet by the replay process, the number of medals equal to the specified insertion number is not added to the medal number counter 311.

[0046] The game state transition control means 160 performs a process of transitioning the game state among a plurality of game states and a process related to the activation and termination of the bonus. Here, as the transition conditions for each game state, one condition may be defined, or a plurality of conditions may be defined. When a plurality of conditions are defined, the game state can be transitioned to another game state based on the establishment of any one of the plurality of predetermined conditions or the establishment of all of the plurality of predetermined conditions.

[0047] The AT control means 170 executes control related to the transition between a favorable section (favorable period), which is a section (period) in which control related to an instruction function including an auxiliary game for assisting the winning of a specific role is displayed on the main control display device 10D, and a normal section (non-favorable period, non-favorable section), which is a section (period) in which control related to an auxiliary game (control related to an instruction function) based on the result of an internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 cannot be executed, using the data stored in the AT control data storage means 196, and constitutes auxiliary game control means for performing control in the normal section, favorable section, and related to the auxiliary game.

[0048] The AT control data storage means 196 stores data (various flags, counters, etc. that are set to the ON state or OFF state in a predetermined control process) used in various controls related to a plurality of types of production states including the normal state and the AT state executed within the favorable section.

[0049] The AT control means 170 sets the production state to the AT state (assist time state) under predetermined conditions in the favorable section, and displays information (an example of operation instruction information) corresponding to the operation modes of the stop buttons B1 to B3 that enable the winning of the specific role selected on the main control display device 10D composed of a 7-segment display, thereby performing operation notification for assisting the winning of the specific role. Further, in the slot machine 1, when the operation notification by the AT control means 170 is executed, a navigation production for displaying an index corresponding to the correct hitting order on the display device 410 is executed by the production control means 200 described later. In this way, in the slot machine 1, in the AT state, the operation modes of the stop buttons B1 to B3 are notified by the operation notification and the winning assistance of the navigation production, and an auxiliary game (AT game, notification game) advantageous to the player is executed.

[0050] More specifically, when a predetermined end condition for ending the favorable section is satisfied, the AT control means 170 executes a predetermined end process for ending the favorable section and starting the normal section from the next game, and a predetermined initialization process for initializing various flags, numerical values, etc. set in the favorable section and information related to the favorable section.

[0051] The AT control means 170 executes an update process (advantage section difference medal count update process) of cumulatively recording in the advantage section counter 196a the value of the difference (difference medal count, number of winnings) obtained by subtracting the number of medals paid out from the number of medals inserted in the game that started the advantageous section. When the AT control means 170 is controlling the advantageous section, it executes the advantageous section difference medal count update process of cumulatively updating in the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a the value corresponding to the difference medal count of the medals in any gaming state.

[0052] Also, in the advantageous section difference medal count update process, when the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a is subtracted due to the number of medals paid out in the game being less than the specified number of inserted medals, and when the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a becomes less than the value "0", the AT control means 170 sets the result of the subtraction in the advantageous section counter 196a. In other words, the AT control means 170 is configured to be able to set a negative value in the advantageous section counter 196a.

[0053] When more than 2400 medals are won in the advantageous section, that is, when the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a exceeds the value "2400", the AT control means 170 determines that a specific end condition, which is a predetermined end condition for ending the advantageous section, is satisfied, and executes a predetermined end process of ending the advantageous section and starting the normal section from the next game. For this reason, in the slot machine 1, for example, when the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a is the negative value "-900" until shifting to the production state where medals can be won, in the production state where medals can be won, a total of 3301 medals can be won, which is the sum of 900 medals until the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a becomes the value "0" and 2401 medals until the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a becomes the value "2401" or more.

[0054] In a predetermined initialization process, the AT control means 170 initializes all information used in various control processes in the advantageous section, such as each flag set to the ON state in the advantageous section and values set in the advantageous section. Note that the AT control means 170 can also end the advantageous section when a predetermined end condition (normal end condition) set in advance other than the specific end condition is satisfied, and also executes a predetermined initialization process and a predetermined end process when the normal end condition is satisfied. Details of the normal end condition set by the AT control means 170 of the present embodiment will be described later.

[0055] When the cumulative value of the number of medals won since the power-on of the slot machine 1 reaches a predetermined value (for example, 19,000 medals), the complete control means 180 performs control to activate the complete function as a function of stopping the slot machine 1. The complete control means 180 executes an update process (complete win number update process) of cumulatively recording, in the medal win number counter 197a of the complete storage means 197, the difference value (difference number of medals, number of wins) obtained by subtracting the number of medals paid out in each game from the number of medals inserted since the power-on of the slot machine 1. Note that the complete control means 180 does not update the stored value of the medal win number counter 197a when a replay wins.

[0056] In the complete win number update process in which the complete control means 180 updates the stored value of the medal win number counter 197a, when the stored value of the medal win number counter 197a becomes less than the value "0" when the stored value of the medal win number counter 197a is subtracted because the number of medals paid out in the game is less than the specified insertion number, the complete control means 180 sets the stored value of the medal win number counter 197a to the value "0". Thereby, the complete control means 180 can fix the value at the lowest point of the stored value of the medal win number counter 197a to the value "0", so that in the control process using the stored value of the medal win number counter 197a, it is not necessary to change the value serving as the determination threshold according to the specific numerical value at the lowest point, and the load of the control process using the stored value of the medal win number counter 197a can be reduced.

[0057] When the number of medals obtained from the lowest point of the number of medals paid out after the power-on of the slot machine 1 reaches 19,000, that is, when the stored value of the medal acquisition number counter 197a reaches the value "19,000", the complete control means 180 determines that the condition for activating the complete function is satisfied.

[0058] When none of the regular bonus (RB) as the first type of special accessory, the regular big bonus (RBB) as the accessory continuous operation device related to the first type of special accessory, and the challenge big bonus (CBB) as the accessory continuous operation device related to the second type of special accessory is operating, based on the establishment of the condition for activating the complete function, after the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped and the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are stopped in the game where the condition is satisfied, the complete control means 180 activates the complete function.

[0059] On the other hand, when any of RB, RBB, or CBB is operating, after the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped and the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are stopped in the game where the operating RB, RBB, or CBB has ended, the complete control means 180 activates the complete function.

[0060] When the complete control means 180 activates the complete function, it sets the complete function activation flag stored in the complete flag storage means 197b of the complete storage means 197 to the ON state. When the complete function activation flag of the slot machine 1 is set to the ON state, it enters the stop state, and thereafter, it cannot execute the game until the complete function activation flag becomes the OFF state. The complete function activation flag set to the ON state is set to the OFF state when the front upper door UD of the slot machine 1 is opened and the setting change button BS provided inside is operated and initialized. Due to such a configuration, in the slot machine 1, when the complete function is activated, it is configured such that the complete function cannot be canceled by the operation of the player.

[0061] The sub-control CPU 21 functions as the production control means 200. Each means constituting the sub-control CPU 21 reads and executes each control program stored in advance in the auxiliary storage means 210 when executing each control process.

[0062] Based on the production data stored in the production control data storage means 211 of the auxiliary storage means 210, the production control means 200 performs control related to productions related to games, such as image and video productions using the display device 410 and acoustic productions using the acoustic device 420. Specifically, when a player operates each component of the slot machine 1, such as operations on the max bet button MB, start lever SL, stop buttons B1 to B3, and count button KB, or when a game event such as a change in the game state occurs, the production control means 200 executes productions such as turning on or flashing lamps and LEDs and outputting sounds from the acoustic device 420 to liven up the game, assist the game, and execute production control for notifying the player that an operation has been performed. Further, the production control means 200 causes each component constituting the production device 400 to execute productions based on each production state.

[0063] The medal number control CPU 31 functions as the medal number control means 300. Each means constituting the medal number control CPU 31 reads and executes each control program stored in advance in the medal number storage means 310 when executing each control process.

[0064] The medal number control means 300 is configured to be able to transmit signals to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40 and to be able to receive signals transmitted from the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40. The medal number control CPU 31 stores the medal number, which is the total number of medals that can be used for games in the slot machine 1, using the medal number counter 311, and displays the medal number stored in the medal number counter 311 on the medal number display device MD.

[0065] When the count button KB is operated while the game is playable, the medal count control means 300 transmits a value corresponding to the number of medals stored in the medal count counter 311 to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and subtracts the number of medals corresponding to the transmitted value from the medal count counter 311. Here, "while the game is playable" means a state in which the gaming machine and the dedicated unit SU are electrically connected, and power is supplied to both the gaming machine and the dedicated unit SU, the gaming machine or the dedicated unit SU is not under maintenance, and no error that makes the game unexecutable has occurred. Also, when the slot machine 1 is not connected to the dedicated unit SU, the slot machine 1 invalidates the operation of the count button KB to prevent a state in which a signal is not transmitted to the dedicated unit SU even though the stored value of the medal count counter 311 is subtracted.

[0066] When the time for which the count button KB is pressed is less than 500 ms, the medal count control means 300 transmits the value "1" corresponding to one medal to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and subtracts the value "1" from the stored value of the medal count counter 311. Also, when the time for which the count button KB is pressed is 500 ms or more, the medal count control means 300 transmits the value "50" corresponding to 50 medals to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40 at the moment when 500 ms has elapsed, and subtracts the value "50" from the stored value of the medal count counter 311. Thereafter, every time 300 ms elapses while the count button KB is pressed, the value "50" corresponding to 50 medals is transmitted to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and the stored value of the medal count counter 311 is subtracted by the value "50". Note that when the time for which the count button KB is pressed exceeds 500 ms and the stored value of the medal count counter 311 is less than the value "50", the medal count control means 300 transmits the value corresponding to the stored value of the medal count counter 311 to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and subtracts the value corresponding to the stored value from the stored value of the medal count counter 311 to set the stored value of the medal count counter 311 to the value "0".

[0067] When the stored value of the medal count counter 311 becomes 16369 or more, the medal count control means 300 determines that it is a medal overflow in which more than 16368 medals, which are set to be restricted to be stored in the slot machine 1, are stored. In the slot machine 1, based on the determination that it is a medal overflow, a medal overflow error occurs, and when the stored medals in the medal count counter 311 are counted by operating the count button KB and the stored value of the medal count counter 311 becomes 16368 or less, the medal overflow error is released. More details will be described later.

[0068] When the power is turned on while the medal count clear button CL provided inside the gaming machine is pressed, the medal count control means 300 initializes the medal count counter 311 and clears (initializes) the medal count so that the stored value of the medal count counter 311 becomes the value "0". Thereby, the slot machine 1 can initialize the information on the number of medals remaining in the medal count counter 311 before turning off the power when the power is turned on.

[0069] 2. Configuration of the gaming machine in the present embodiment Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 11, details of each configuration provided in the slot machine 1 in the present embodiment will be described.

[0070] <Winning area subject to internal lottery> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the winning areas subject to internal lottery in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, and the winning numbers and winning roles associated with each winning area. In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, as a bonus, it has an RBB as a special effect continuous operation device related to the first type of special effect.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 3, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, as winning areas subject to internal lottery, there are winning area "all small hands", winning area "all single - card hands", winning area "Replay A" to winning area "Replay C", winning area "batter order bell 1" to winning area "batter order bell 12", winning area "RBB & single - card hand", winning area "RBB & rare hand", and winning area "RBB", and numbers from winning number 1 to winning number 20 are respectively associated with them. Also, in the slot machine 1, winning number 0 is associated with a non - winning (losing) result of the internal lottery.

[0072] Here, "batter order" means the order of performing operations on stop buttons B1 to B3. Also, in the following description, the timing at which stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated is also referred to as "operation timing".

[0073] In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the batter order, which is the order of operating the three stop buttons B1 to B3, is composed of six types of batter orders from batter order 1 to batter order 6. Batter order 1 is a batter order called "normal pressing" in which stop operations are performed in the order of stop button B1 → stop button B2 → stop button B3. Also, batter order 2 is a batter order called "scissors hitting" in which stop operations are performed in the order of stop button B1 → stop button B3 → stop button B2. Also, batter order 3 is a batter order in which stop operations are performed in the order of stop button B2 → stop button B1 → stop button B3. Also, batter order 4 is a batter order in which stop operations are performed in the order of stop button B2 → stop button B3 → stop button B1. Also, batter order 5 is a batter order in which stop operations are performed in the order of stop button B3 → stop button B1 → stop button B2. Also, batter order 6 is a batter order called "reverse pressing" in which stop operations are performed in the order of stop button B3 → stop button B2 → stop button B1.

[0074] In the internal lottery means 120, in the random number determination process, the winning or losing of each winning area is determined in the order from the winning area associated with the winning number 20 to the non-winning associated with the winning number 0.

[0075] In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, as winning minor roles that can be won in the internal lottery, there are minor roles 1 to 10, and as replays that can be won in the internal lottery, there are replays 1 to 3. Each minor role and each replay are associated with each winning area in the combination shown in FIG. 3. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, in the slot machine 1, as winning areas including bonuses and minor roles, a winning area "RBB & single role" and a winning area "RBB & rare role" are set, and as a winning area including only bonuses, a winning area "RBB" is set.

[0076] In the slot machine 1, for the winning area "Replay C", it is set to a lower winning probability than the winning areas of other replays. Also, in the slot machine 1, for the winning area "RBB & rare role", it is set to a lower winning probability than each winning area including the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 12" and the minor roles of the winning area "RBB & single role".

[0077] Here, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, as a role to which a carry-over possible flag is associated, there is an RBB, and minor roles and replays are associated with a non-carry-over flag. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, when winning in a winning area including an RBB in the internal lottery, the establishment state of the lottery flag of the winning RBB is carried over until the RBB wins. At this time, the internal lottery means 120 performs an internal lottery for determining the winning or losing of minor roles and replays even in a game in which the establishment state of the lottery flag of the RBB is carried over. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, in a game in which the establishment state of the lottery flag of the RBB is carried over, when a minor role or a replay wins, lottery flags corresponding to two or more types of roles including the lottery flag of the already winning RBB and the lottery flag of the minor role or replay won in the internal lottery are set to the established state.

[0078] <Internal lottery table> The slot machine 1 of this embodiment has, as an internal lottery table used in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120, an internal lottery table used in the non-RT state (general middle) (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table A), an internal lottery table used in the RBB internal middle state (internal middle) (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table B), and an internal lottery table used in the RBB state (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table C), which are stored in the internal lottery table storage means 192. In each of the internal lottery tables A to C of the internal lottery table, the number of lottery values is associated with each winning area to be the target of the lottery.

[0079] <Random number determination process> In the random number determination process of the internal lottery means 120 of this embodiment, the random number acquired from the random number generation means 110 is sequentially subtracted by the number of lottery values associated with each winning area in the internal lottery table acquired from the internal lottery table storage means 192. When the result of the subtraction becomes a negative value, it is determined that the winning area corresponding to the subtracted number of lottery values has been won. Further, when the result of the subtraction is a positive value when all the lottery values stored in the internal lottery table have been subtracted, it is determined that there is a non-winning in which none of the roles have been won.

[0080] <Details of batting order bell> In this embodiment, for the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 12", the batting orders (correct batting orders) that enable winning of minor roles 1 to 6 when winning are respectively set.

[0081] In the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" and "Batting Order Bell 7", the correct batting order that enables winning of Minor Prize 1 is set to batting order 1. In the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 2" and "Batting Order Bell 8", the correct batting order that enables winning of Minor Prize 2 is set to batting order 2. In the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 3" and "Batting Order Bell 9", the correct batting order that enables winning of Minor Prize 3 is set to batting order 3. In the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 4" and "Batting Order Bell 10", the correct batting order that enables winning of Minor Prize 4 is set to batting order 4. In the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 5" and "Batting Order Bell 11", the correct batting order that enables winning of Minor Prize 5 is set to batting order 5. In the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 6" and "Batting Order Bell 12", the correct batting order that enables winning of Minor Prize 6 is set to batting order 6. When the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a batting order different from the correct batting order set for each winning area among the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12", Minor Prizes 7 and 8 are won with a probability of 1 / 2, and a miss (non-winning) occurs where a symbol combination different from any winning symbol combination is stopped and displayed on the effective line L1 with a probability of 1 / 2.

[0082] <Reel control means> In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, in any gaming state, the priority order of the winning combinations to be stopped on the effective line L1 in the reel stop control is determined in the order of "Replay > Minor Prize > Bonus". That is, when a bonus and a minor prize or a bonus and a replay are overlapping and winning, the reel control means 130 executes a stop control that gives priority to the minor prize or the replay over the bonus.

[0083] Also, as described above, since the reel control means 130 is configured to be able to rotate up to 4 frames from the time the stop button is pressed until the reel stops, among the symbols arranged on the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, the symbols arranged at intervals within 4 frames are configured to be able to be stopped and displayed on the effective line L1 regardless of the pressing timing of the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0084] <Payout for Minor Roles> The payouts for Minor Role 1 to Minor Role 6 are set to the number of payouts (15) which is more than the specified number of inserted coins (3). Also, the payouts for Minor Role 7 to Minor Role 9 are set to the number of payouts (1) which is less than the specified number of inserted coins. Further, the payout for Minor Role 10 is set to the same number of payouts (3) as the specified number of inserted coins.

[0085] <Game State Transition Control Means> Figure 4(A) is a state transition diagram showing the game states that can be transitioned from each game state in the control related to the transition of the game state executed by the game state transition control means 160 of the present embodiment.

[0086] As shown in Figure 4(A), the non-RT state is a game state (initial game state, normal game state) corresponding to the initial state among a plurality of types of game states, and it is a non-bonus state where the bonus is not activated and established. In the non-RT state, the game state transition control means 160 causes the internal lottery means 120 to perform an internal lottery using the internal lottery table A in which the winning probability of replay is set to 8978 / 65536 (about 1 / 7.3).

[0087] The RBB internal middle state is a game state that transitions when winning in any of the winning areas "RBB & 1-card role", "RBB & rare role", and "RBB" in the internal lottery in the non-RT state and the RBB is set to the established state. In the RBB internal middle state, the game state transition control means 160 causes the internal lottery means 120 to perform an internal lottery using the internal lottery table B in which the winning probability of replay is set to 8982 / 65536 (about 1 / 7.3).

[0088] The RBB state is a gaming state that is shifted when the RBB wins and the RBB activates. In the RBB state, when the number of medals paid out exceeds a predetermined number of payouts (for example, 100 medals), the game state transition control means 160 determines that the end condition of the RBB is satisfied, terminates the operation of the RBB, and shifts the game state to the non-RT state. In the RBB state, the game state transition control means 160 causes the internal lottery means 120 to perform an internal lottery using the internal lottery table C.

[0089] The internal lottery table C has a winning area "all minor winning combinations" that wins all minor winning combinations from minor winning combination 1 to minor winning combination 10, and a winning area "all 1-point winning combinations" that wins all minor winning combinations with a payout of 1 point, and random numbers are associated with them.

[0090] In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, during the operation of the RBB, the probability of winning in the winning area "all minor winning combinations" or the winning area "all 1-point winning combinations" is higher than the probability of winning in any of the winning areas including minor winning combinations in a gaming state where the RBB is not operating. And when the RBB is operating, the probability of winning in the winning area "all minor winning combinations" is set to the same probability as the sum of the probabilities of winning in any one of the winning areas "batter order bell 1" to "batter order bell 6" and any one of the winning areas "batter order bell 7" to "batter order bell 12" in a gaming state where the RBB is not operating.

[0091] Due to such a configuration, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that in a gaming state where the RBB is operating, the winning probability of all minor winning combinations increases, and the probability of winning any minor winning combination is also the same or increases, compared to the case of a gaming state where the RBB is not operating.

[0092] Also, the slot machine 1 is configured such that during the operation of the RBB, the probability of winning in the winning area "all minor winning combinations" is lower than the probability of winning in any of the winning areas "batter order bell 1" to "batter order bell 12" (the winning probability obtained by summing the respective winning probabilities of the winning areas "batter order bell 1" to "batter order bell 12").

[0093] With such a configuration, in the present embodiment, after reducing the lower limit of the expected value of the medal acquisition rate in the state where the RBB is operating to less than 100%, it is possible to design the medal acquisition performance regarding the state where the RBB is not operating. Therefore, the degree of freedom in designing the slot machine 1 can be dramatically improved.

[0094] <AT control means> FIG. 4(B) is a state transition diagram showing details of the normal section and the advantageous section controlled by the AT control means 170 of the present embodiment, and the effect state controlled during the advantageous section.

[0095] As described above, the normal section is a period during which control regarding the auxiliary game based on the result of the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 is not executed. The AT control means 170 executes an advantageous section lottery, which is a lottery for determining whether to end the normal section and start the advantageous section based on the winning area won in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 in the game within the normal section.

[0096] In the advantageous section lottery, the AT control means 170 first acquires an advantageous section transition lottery table, which is a data table in which "start of the advantageous section" and "loss (non-winning)" are associated with each of a plurality of random numbers, from the AT control data storage means 196. Then, the AT control means 170 acquires a random number from the random number generation means 110, compares the acquired random number with the advantageous section transition lottery table, and determines whether to start the advantageous section based on the comparison result.

[0097] The AT control means 170 executes the advantageous section lottery so that the probability obtained by multiplying the winning probability of the winning area won in the internal lottery and the winning probability of "start of the advantageous section" in the advantageous section lottery is 1 / 17500 or more.

[0098] The AT control means 170 of this embodiment is configured to execute advantageous section lottery when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12", the winning area "RBB & Rare Hand", the winning area "RBB & Single Hand", the winning area "Replay A", and the winning area "Replay C" by internal lottery, and not to execute advantageous section lottery when winning in other winning areas. Further, the AT control means 170 executes advantageous section lottery with a high probability of about 1 / 1.5 of winning the "start of advantageous section".

[0099] In the advantageous section, the AT control means 170 has a normal state, a CZ state, and an AT state as states related to the instruction function (production state). In the normal state, it is configured not to execute winning assistance for small hands 1 to 6 when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12". In the CZ state and the AT state, it is configured to be able to execute winning assistance for small hands 1 to 6 when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12". Further, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured such that the staying ratio of the advantageous section in the entire game can be 70% or more.

[0100] The normal state is a production state (normal production state) corresponding to the normal state among a plurality of types of production states set when not transitioning to other production states. When the production state transitions to the normal state, the AT control means 170 executes incremental update to add the value "1" corresponding to 1 game to the memory value of the normal game number counter (not shown) that counts the number of games in the normal state each time the game is executed. When the memory value of the normal game number counter becomes the value "700", the AT control means 170 determines that the transition condition to the CZ state (CZ transition condition) is satisfied, and transitions the production state from the normal state to the CZ state.

[0101] In a game where the internal lottery in the normal state selects a winning area that does not include the RBB, the AT control means 170 is configured to execute a CZ lottery to determine whether to shift to the CZ state by lottery. Further, when the winning area "Replay C" is selected in the internal lottery, the AT control means 170 is configured to execute a CZ lottery that makes it easier to win the "shift to the CZ state" than when a winning area other than the winning area "Replay C" that does not include the RBB is selected, thereby increasing the probability of a favorable result for the player. When winning the "shift to the CZ state" in the CZ lottery, the AT control means 170 shifts the production state from the normal state to the CZ state.

[0102] Also, when the winning area "RBB & Rare Combination" is selected in the internal lottery, the AT control means 170 executes a normal AT lottery to determine whether to shift to the AT state by lottery. When winning the "shift to the AT state", it is determined that the transition condition to the AT state (AT transition condition) is satisfied, and the state is shifted from the normal state to the AT state.

[0103] The CZ state is configured such that, as control related to the auxiliary game, when control for determining whether to shift the production state to the AT state is executed, it can be shifted to the AT state with a higher probability than the normal state, and it is a production state more advantageous for the player than the normal state. The AT control means 170 sets a value corresponding to a predetermined number of games (for example, 10 games) in the CZ game number counter (not shown) of the AT control data storage means 196 at the start of the CZ state, and executes a decrement update to subtract the stored value of the CZ game number counter by a value "1" corresponding to 1 game each time the game is executed.

[0104] In each game in the CZ state, the AT control means 170 is configured to execute a CZ in-AT lottery to determine whether to shift to the AT state by lottery. When winning the "shift to the AT state" in the CZ in-AT lottery, the AT control means 170 shifts the production state from the CZ state to the AT state after 10 games of the game have been executed since the start of the CZ state.

[0105] During the games from when the AT control means 170 wins the "transition to the AT state" in the AT lottery during the CZ state until the CZ state ends, the AT control means 170 executes a CZ middle set number addition lottery to determine whether to add (carry over) the number of times of executing one set of the AT state for the AT state to be transitioned from the CZ state.

[0106] On the other hand, when 10 games are executed in the CZ state without the AT control means 170 winning the "transition to the AT state" in the AT lottery during the CZ state, the CZ state ends and the production state transitions to the normal state.

[0107] The AT control means 170 is configured to execute the lotteries related to the auxiliary games executed in the CZ state (the AT lottery during the CZ state, the CZ middle set number addition lottery) regardless of the result of the internal lottery. Also, for the lotteries related to the auxiliary games executed in the CZ state, when the internal lottery wins in the winning area "Replay C" and when it wins in the winning area "RBB & rare combination", the probability of "losing (not winning)" is lower than when winning in other winning areas, and it is configured so that the probability of "transition to the AT state" is higher for the player in the case of the AT lottery during the CZ state.

[0108] The AT state is a production state that is more advantageous for the player than the normal state because the winning assistance for minor combinations 1 to 6 is executed when winning in the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 12".

[0109] At the start of the AT state, the AT control means 170 sets an initial value (50 games) corresponding to a predetermined number of games in the AT game number counter (not shown) of the AT control data storage means 196, and executes a decrement update to subtract the stored value of the AT game number counter by a value "1" corresponding to 1 game each time a game is executed.

[0110] Also, when the internal lottery means 120 wins the winning area "RBB & rare combination" or the winning area "Replay C" in the internal lottery, the AT control means 170 determines whether to add the value determined by lottery to the stored value of the AT game number counter, thereby performing an additional lottery to determine whether to add (overlay) the period during which the AT state continues. When the value determined by the additional lottery is a value of 1 or more, it is configured to execute an overlay process of adding the determined value to the AT game number counter.

[0111] When the stored value of the AT game number counter becomes the value "0" by the decrement update executed each time a game is executed in the AT state, the AT control means 170 determines that the end condition (AT end condition) of the AT state is satisfied, ends the AT state, determines that the normal end condition among the end conditions of the advantageous section is satisfied, and executes a predetermined initialization process that is a process of initializing the information regarding the advantageous section and a predetermined end process of ending the advantageous section and starting the normal section from the next game.

[0112] Also, when the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a exceeds the value "2400" in the AT state, the AT control means 170 determines that the AT end condition is satisfied, ends the AT state, determines that the specific end condition among the end conditions of the advantageous section is satisfied, and executes a predetermined initialization process that is a process of initializing the information regarding the advantageous section and a predetermined end process of ending the advantageous section and starting the normal section from the next game.

[0113] When the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a reaches the value "2000" in the AT state, the AT control means 170 determines to continue the AT state until the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a exceeds the value "2400", and stops updating the AT game number counter. This state where the update of the AT game number counter is stopped and the AT state continues until the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a exceeds the value "2400" constitutes the ending state in the present embodiment. The fact that it is the ending state is notified by the ending display by the effect control means 200.

[0114] When the AT state ends, the performance control means 200 executes a display related to the end of the AT state. In the display related to the end of the AT state, the performance control means 200 displays an AT result image showing the results of the AT state, such as the number of game times executed in the current AT state and the number of medals acquired in the current AT state, and a warning image as an image for preventing the player from being overly absorbed in the game, so-called addiction or dependence on the game, by calling the player's attention to the continuation of the game.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 4(B), when the AT control means 170 wins the "start of the advantageous section" in the advantageous section lottery in the normal section and starts the advantageous section, the AT control means 170 is configured to set the performance state at the start of the advantageous section to the CZ state. Further, as described above, when the AT control means 170 ends the AT state, it is configured to end the advantageous section and start the normal section.

[0116] Due to such a configuration, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment ends the AT state and shifts from the normal section to the advantageous section, so that the CZ state is started. Therefore, the probability of shifting to the AT state again is higher than when it is set to the normal state at the start of the normal section. As a result, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment can start the AT state again through the normal section and the CZ state once the AT state is started, so that medals can be acquired by multiple AT states, and the player's interest in the game can be enhanced.

[0117] <Complete control means> As described above, when the stored value of the medal acquisition number counter 197a reaches the value "19000", the complete control means 180 activates the complete function. In other words, the complete control means 180 is configured to control the activation or deactivation of the complete function by referring to the stored value of the medal acquisition number counter 197a, which is different from the medal acquisition number counter 311 controlled by the medal number control means 300.

[0118] When the stored value of the medal acquisition number counter 197a reaches the value "18000", that is, when the number of medals acquired from the lowest point of the number of medals paid out after the power-on of the slot machine 1 reaches 18000, the performance control means 200 executes a complete pre-notification performance that notifies that the complete function is activated by acquiring the remaining 1000 medals.

[0119] In the complete pre-notification performance, the performance control means 200 outputs a complete pre-notification sound as a sound that alerts the player that the activation of the complete function is approaching by notifying that the complete function is activated by acquiring the remaining 1000 medals from the sound device 420. Further, the performance control means 200 displays a complete pre-notification image as a display that notifies that the complete function is activated by acquiring the remaining 1000 medals on the display device 410.

[0120] When the performance control means 200 displays the complete pre-notification image, it ends the display of the complete pre-notification image when the complete function is activated and when the stored value of the medal acquisition number counter 197a becomes less than a predetermined end value (for example, the value "17970"). In other words, when the complete function is activated, the performance control means 200 ends the display of the complete pre-notification image and displays a complete notification image (complete notification display) that notifies that the complete function is activated, and outputs a complete notification sound as a sound that alerts the player to the activation of the complete function by notifying that the complete function is activated. Further, when the number of medals required to activate the complete function becomes more than 30 from the remaining 1000 medals, the performance control means 200 ends the display of the complete pre-notification image and displays an image according to the progress of the game.

[0121] With such a configuration, when the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment consumes more than 30 medals without being able to obtain a medal after displaying a complete advance notice image, the display of the complete advance notice image can be terminated in response to the possibility of the complete function being reduced, preventing the complete advance notice image from being continuously displayed for a long time without the complete function being activated, and preventing the player's interest in the production from decreasing.

[0122] <Production control means> The production control means 200 is configured to display a demo screen on the display device 410 when a predetermined time has elapsed with the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 stopped and no medal set in the inserted state, and when the production state controlled by the AT control means 170 is the normal state. The production control means 200 terminates the display of the demo screen when the max bet button MB is operated and a medal is set in the inserted state.

[0123] The production control means 200 is configured to be able to display a menu screen on which items for issuing setting information about the volume and production environment of the gaming machine are displayed when the production button EB is operated in a state where the demo screen can be displayed. When an item for displaying a volume adjustment screen is selected from the menu screen and the volume adjustment screen is displayed, the production control means 200 is configured to be able to adjust the volume in five steps from volume 1 to volume 5 by operating the production button EB. Volume 1 is the smallest volume, and volume 5 is the largest volume. The production control means 200 terminates the display of the menu screen when the max bet button MB is operated and a medal is set in the inserted state.

[0124] When the number of medals stored in the medal counter 311 reaches 15,000 or more, the performance control means 200 executes a counting promotion performance that prompts the player to count, since a holding quantity warning is generated and medal lending is not permitted. In the counting promotion performance, since a holding quantity warning has been generated, the performance control means 200 causes the display device 410 to display a counting promotion image as a display that prompts the cancellation of the holding quantity warning by operating the counting button KB to count the medals.

[0125] Further, when the number of medals stored in the medal counter 311 reaches 16,369 or more, the performance control means 200 executes an overflow notification performance that notifies that a medal overflow has occurred and a medal overflow error described later has occurred. In the overflow notification performance, the performance control means 200 outputs a medal overflow notification sound as a sound that alerts the player to the medal overflow by notifying that a medal overflow has occurred, from the sound device 420. Further, the performance control means 200 causes the display device 410 to display a medal overflow notification image as a display that notifies that a medal overflow has occurred.

[0126] When the counting button KB is operated and medals are counted, each time a signal related to the number of medals is transmitted from the medal number control means 300 to the dedicated unit SU, the performance control means 200 outputs a counting sound from the sound device 420 that suggests that counting is being performed. In other words, when the counting button KB is continuously pressed for 500 ms or more and more than 50 medals are counted, the performance control means 200 outputs a counting sound when 500 ms has elapsed since the start of pressing the counting button KB, and thereafter outputs a counting sound each time 300 ms has elapsed and medals are counted.

[0127] 3. Relationship between errors occurring in the gaming machine and performances Next, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, details will be described regarding the case where the occurrence of an error and the execution of a performance overlap.

[0128] <Errors occurring in the gaming machine> FIG. 5 is a table summarizing some of the errors that occur in the slot machine 1. FIG. 5 excerpts and describes four types of errors: backup error, medal overflow error, lending device connection error, stop error, and possession number warning. In the slot machine 1, although errors other than those shown in FIG. 5 may occur, the details thereof are omitted from the description.

[0129] The backup error is an error that occurs when the backup of the RWM on the main control board 10 fails. The main control CPU 11 compares the checksum of the data backed up before the power is turned off with the checksum calculated when the power is turned on at the time of power-on, and determines that a backup error has occurred if the values are different. When a backup error has occurred, in the slot machine 1, the game cannot proceed, the front upper door UD of the slot machine 1 is opened, and the setting change button BS provided inside is operated and initialized to be released. In other words, for the backup error, the operation of the setting change button BS is set as a release method (release operation) for releasing the situation where the backup error has occurred.

[0130] The medal overflow error is an error that occurs when the number of medals stored in the medal number counter 311 becomes 16,369 or more. When the medal overflow error has occurred, in the slot machine 1, the game cannot proceed, the counting button KB is operated to count the medals, and the error is released when the number of medals stored in the medal number counter 311 becomes 16,368 or less. In other words, for the medal overflow error, the operation of the counting button KB is set as a release method (release operation) for releasing the situation where the medal overflow error has occurred.

[0131] The lending device connection error is an error that occurs when the dedicated unit SU is not connected to the lending device connection terminal board 40. When the lending device connection error occurs, the slot machine 1 cannot proceed with the game, and it is released when the dedicated unit SU is connected to the lending device connection terminal board 40. In other words, for the lending device connection error, the connection of the dedicated unit SU to the lending device connection terminal board 40 is set as a release method (release operation) for releasing the situation where the lending device connection error has occurred.

[0132] The stop error is an error indicating the activation of the complete function when the number of medals won since power-on reaches 19,000 or more and the complete control means 180 activates the complete function. When the stop error occurs, the slot machine 1 cannot proceed with the game, and it is released by opening the front upper door UD of the slot machine 1 and operating the setting change button BS provided inside for initialization. In other words, for the stop error, the operation of the setting change button BS is set as a release method (release operation) for releasing the situation where the stop error has occurred.

[0133] The possession number warning is an error that occurs when the number of medals stored in the medal counter 311 reaches 15,000 or more. When the possession number warning occurs, in the slot machine 1, although the game can proceed, when a lending signal transmitted from the dedicated unit SU is received, a signal indicating that the possession number warning is occurring is transmitted, so that the lending of medals is not performed and the stored value of the medal counter 311 is not incremented. In the slot machine 1, when the counting button KB is operated to count the medals, when the number of medals stored in the medal counter 311 becomes 14,999 or less, and when the number of medals stored in the medal counter 311 becomes 14,999 or less due to the medals being set to the inserted state by the execution of the game, the possession number warning is released. In other words, for the possession number warning, the operation of the counting button KB and the operation of the max bet button MB to execute the game and consume medals are set as the release methods (release operations) for releasing the situation where the possession number warning has occurred.

[0134] In the slot machine 1, the presence or absence of the possession number warning and the presence or absence of the medal overflow error are determined by referring to the stored value of the medal counter 311. When the stored value of the medal counter 311 becomes 15,000 or more, the possession number warning occurs and the lending of medals by the dedicated unit SU is stopped. When the stored value of the medal counter 311 becomes 16,369 or more, a medal overflow error occurs and the game cannot proceed until the medals are counted. Also, in the slot machine 1, the presence or absence of the stop error is determined by referring to the stored value of the medal acquisition number counter 197a, and the stored value of the medal counter 311 is not referred to when determining the presence or absence of the stop error.

[0135] Due to such a configuration, in the slot machine 1, when a stop error occurs while the stored value of the medal counter 311 is less than 15,000, not only the counting of medals but also the lending of medals can be executed.

[0136] In addition, in the slot machine 1, when a backup error, a medal overflow error, or a stop error occurs, an error code indicating the content of the error that has occurred is displayed on an error display (not shown) provided on the main control board 10. Note that in the slot machine 1, when a possession number warning occurs, the game can be continuously executed, and it is not necessary to open the gaming machine for cancellation. Therefore, the configuration is such that an error code indicating the possession number warning is not displayed on the error display.

[0137] In addition, when the occurrence conditions of the stop error and the occurrence conditions of the medal overflow error are satisfied at the same timing, specifically, in a game in which any one of the small winning combinations 1 to 6 wins, when the stored value of the medal number counter 311 becomes "16369" or more and the stored value of the medal winning number counter 197a becomes "19000" or more, a medal overflow notification image 411 (see FIG. 8) that notifies the occurrence of the medal overflow error is displayed preferentially over the complete notification image that notifies the occurrence of the stop error by the operation of the complete function.

[0138] As described above, the stop error is an error that occurs based on the operation of the complete function. In the game arcade, for the gaming machine in which the stop error has occurred, the operation on the day when the stop error has occurred is stopped. On the other hand, the medal overflow error is an error that is canceled when the stored value of the medal number counter 311 becomes "16368" or less by operating the counting button KB to count the medals.

[0139] With such a configuration, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment notifies the medal overflow error, which is an error that can be quickly canceled by the player's operation on the counting button KB, preferentially over the stop error that the player cannot cancel and cannot be canceled until the end of business in the game arcade, preventing the state where a plurality of errors occur simultaneously from continuing over a long period of time, and suppressing an excessive increase in the processing load of the main control CPU 11 due to the occurrence of a plurality of errors.

[0140] In addition, when another error occurs while the pause error has occurred, specifically, when the dedicated unit SU becomes unconnected to the lending device connection terminal board 40 while the pause error has occurred, the effect control means 200 displays a lending device connection error notification image that notifies the occurrence of a lending device connection error with priority over the completion notification image. As described above, the lending device connection error is an error that is released when the dedicated unit SU is connected to the lending device connection terminal board 40.

[0141] With such a configuration, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment notifies a lending device connection error, which is an error that can be quickly released by the staff of the game arcade, with priority over a pause error that cannot be released by the player and cannot be released until the end of business of the game arcade, preventing a state where a plurality of errors occur simultaneously from continuing over a long period of time, and suppressing an excessive increase in the processing load of the main control CPU 11 due to the occurrence of a plurality of errors.

[0142] <Control related to sound output> The effect control means 200 of the present embodiment sets and outputs the sound output from the gaming machine to the corresponding sound layer among the plurality of sound layers provided in the auxiliary storage means 210. The effect control means 200 outputs a plurality of sounds simultaneously by superimposing the sounds set in each of the plurality of sound layers. The plurality of sound layers include a sound layer classified as a volume-fixed layer that does not accept volume adjustment by the user and a sound layer classified as a volume-variable layer that accepts volume adjustment by the user. The sound set in the sound layer classified as the volume-fixed layer is output at volume 5.

[0143] <Control process related to count notification sound> FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control process related to a count notification sound that the effect control means 200 executes when the count button KB is pressed and the count notification sound is output. The effect control means 200 executes a control process related to the count notification sound each time it receives a signal related to the execution of a counting process transmitted from the medal number control means 300.

[0144] In the control process related to the count notification sound, the effect control means 200 first determines whether it is during medal overflow (S1). In this process, the effect control means 200 determines whether it has received a signal from the medal number control means 300 indicating that medal overflow has occurred.

[0145] If it is determined in the process of step S1 that it is during medal overflow (YES), the effect control means 200 outputs the medal overflow notification sound at volume 5 (S2). In this process, the effect control means 200 sets the medal overflow notification sound in the sound layer classified as the volume fixed layer, and outputs the medal overflow notification sound at volume 5, which is the maximum volume in the slot machine 1.

[0146] If it is determined in the process of step S1 that it is not during medal overflow (NO), the effect control means 200 determines whether to perform complete pre-notification (S3). In this process, the effect control means 200 determines whether it is the timing to output the complete pre-notification sound that notifies that the complete function will operate when the remaining 1000 medals are obtained.

[0147] If it is determined in the process of step S3 that it is the timing to perform complete pre-notification (YES), the effect control means 200 outputs the complete pre-notification sound at volume 5 (S4). In this process, the effect control means 200 sets the complete pre-notification sound in the sound layer classified as the volume fixed layer, and outputs the complete pre-notification sound at volume 5, which is the maximum volume in the slot machine 1.

[0148] After executing the process of step S2 or step S4, the effect control means 200 sets the volume of the count notification sound to volume 5 (S5). In this process, the effect control means 200 sets the volume of the sound layer where the count notification sound is set to volume 5 regardless of the volume specified by the user.

[0149] After executing the process of step S5, or when it is determined in the process of step S3 that it is not the timing to perform the complete pre-notification (NO), the effect control means 200 determines whether to output a sound to be reduced such as BGM (S6). In this process, the effect control means 200 determines whether there is a sound layer in which a sound to be reduced, which is the target of the process of step S7, such as a notification sound regarding BGM or the progress of the game (for example, a sound for notifying the correct hitting order output in the navigation effect executed in the AT state) or a sound effect (for example, a start operation sound output when a start operation on the start lever SL is executed), is set. The sound to be reduced is a sound set in a sound layer classified into a volume fluctuation layer.

[0150] In the process of step S6, when it is determined to output the sound to be reduced (YES), the effect control means 200 executes a volume reduction process for the sound to be reduced (S7). In this process, the effect control means 200 multiplies the currently specified volume by a predetermined coefficient value less than 1 (for example, the value "0.5", etc.) in the sound layer in which the sound to be reduced is set, thereby reducing the volume when the sound to be reduced is output.

[0151] After executing the process of step S7, or when it is determined in the process of step S6 not to output the sound to be reduced (NO), the effect control means 200 outputs a counting notification sound at the set volume (S8) and ends the control process related to the counting notification sound.

[0152] By executing the processes of steps S1 to S8, when the timing of outputting the medal overflow notification sound or the complete pre-notification sound overlaps with the timing of outputting the counting notification sound, the effect control means 200 of the present embodiment sets the volume of the counting notification sound to the same volume as the medal overflow notification sound or the complete pre-notification sound and the maximum volume 5 in the slot machine 1 regardless of the volume specified by the user, and then outputs the counting notification sound. In addition, the effect control means 200 reduces the volume of the sound to be reduced with the output of the counting notification sound.

[0153] With such a configuration, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment notifies that medal counting is being executed, and sets the volume of the counting notification sound that notifies the counting process directly related to the player's profit to the same volume as a sound that is extremely necessary to notify the player and arouse their attention because it is related to the continuation of the game, such as a medal overflow notification sound or a complete pre-notification sound. By doing so, while making the counting notification sound prominent, the medal overflow notification sound or the complete pre-notification sound can be clearly heard by the player.

[0154] Also, for sounds to be reduced such as BGM, the slot machine 1 outputs them at a volume lower than the volume specified by the user, and for the counting notification sound, it outputs at the volume specified by the user if it does not notify the medal overflow notification sound or the complete pre-notification sound. Therefore, the counting notification sound is configured to be at a higher volume than the sounds to be reduced such as BGM, preventing the counting notification sound from being drowned out by the sounds to be reduced such as BGM and making it easier for the player to hear the counting notification sound.

[0155] Also, when the slot machine 1 outputs the counting notification sound, for sounds to be reduced such as BGM, it outputs them at a volume lower than the volume specified by the user, and for sounds that are extremely necessary to notify the player and arouse their attention because they are related to the continuation of the game, such as the medal overflow notification sound or the complete pre-notification sound, it does not reduce the output volume. By doing so, the volume of the output sound can be set to an appropriate volume, preventing the counting notification sound from making it difficult to hear the medal overflow notification sound or the complete pre-notification sound, and while making the counting notification sound prominent, the medal overflow notification sound or the complete pre-notification sound can be clearly heard by the player.

[0156] Further, as shown in FIG. 6, when the effect control means 200 outputs a count notification sound, if the execution timings of the output of the medal overflow notification sound and the output of the complete pre-notification sound overlap, after executing the processes of steps S1 and S2, the processes of steps S3 and S4 are skipped, so that the output of the medal overflow notification sound is prioritized over the output of the complete pre-notification sound.

[0157] With such a configuration, the effect control means 200 of the present embodiment prioritizes the medal overflow notification sound, which is notified in a state where the game cannot proceed and thus has a higher necessity to be notified to the player than the complete pre-notification sound, over the complete pre-notification sound, which is notified in a state where the game can proceed. By outputting the medal overflow notification sound, it is possible to make the medal overflow notification sound clearly audible to the player while making the count notification sound prominent.

[0158] In the flowchart illustrated in FIG. 6, the output of the complete pre-notification sound is described. However, the effect control means 200 is also configured to be set in a sound layer classified as a volume-fixed layer for the complete notification sound, which is a sound output when the complete function is activated. When the execution timings of the count notification sound output when the count button KB is operated and the complete notification sound overlap, the complete notification sound is configured to be output without reducing its volume.

[0159] This is a situation where a medal overflow error that can be canceled by operating the count button KB occurs, a stop error that can be canceled by operating the setting change button BS occurs, and a complete function is activated by obtaining the remaining 1,000 medals. The timing of outputting a complete pre-notification sound that can be canceled by consuming or obtaining medals by executing the game constitutes a predetermined situation in which a predetermined cancellation method is set in the present embodiment. A medal overflow notification sound output based on the occurrence of a medal overflow error, a complete pre-notification sound output based on the fact that the activation of the complete function is near (the occurrence of a stop error is near), and a complete notification sound output based on the activation of the complete function (the occurrence of a stop error) constitute the first sound regarding alert in the present embodiment. A sound to be reduced such as BGM constitutes the second sound in the present embodiment. A count notification sound output each time a medal is counted based on the operation of the count button KB constitutes the third sound in the present embodiment. Further, an acoustic device 420 that outputs sounds such as a count notification sound, a medal overflow notification sound, a complete pre-notification sound, a complete notification sound, and a sound to be reduced constitutes the sound output means in the present embodiment.

[0160] In the case of outputting a count notification sound output by operating the count button KB, for the medal overflow notification sound, the complete pre-notification sound, and the complete notification sound, the output volume is not reduced, and for the sound to be reduced, the output volume is reduced. However, the effect control means 200 is a button provided in the dedicated unit SU. When a lending button for lending medals corresponding to the amount of money inserted is operated by being operated in a state where paper money is inserted, a lending notification sound for notifying that lending has been performed is output. In the case of outputting the lending notification sound, for the complete pre-notification sound and the complete notification sound, the output volume is not reduced, and for the sound to be reduced, the output volume is configured to be reduced.

[0161] With such a configuration, when the slot machine 1 outputs a lending notification sound, for the sound to be reduced such as BGM, it outputs at a volume lower than the volume specified by the user. For sounds that are highly necessary to notify the player and arouse their attention because they are involved in the continuation of the game, such as the complete pre-notification sound and the complete notification sound, the output volume is not reduced. Thus, the volume of the output sound can be set to an appropriate volume. While preventing the lending notification sound from making it difficult to hear the complete pre-notification sound and the complete notification sound, the lending notification sound can be made prominent while allowing the player to clearly hear the complete pre-notification sound and the complete notification sound.

[0162] <Control processing related to the operation of the operation means and the display of the display device> FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing control processing related to the operation of the operation means and the display of the display device 410 executed by the effect control means 200 when the count button KB among the operation means of the slot machine 1 is operated, and control processing related to the display of the display device 410 executed by the effect control means 200 when the max bet button MB is operated.

[0163] In the control processing related to the operation of the operation means and the display of the display device 410, the effect control means 200 first determines whether the count button KB has been operated (S11). In this process, if it is determined that the count button KB has not been operated (NO), the effect control means 200 proceeds to step S19. On the other hand, if it is determined that the count button KB has been operated (YES), the effect control means 200 determines whether it is during medal overflow (S12). In this process, the effect control means 200 determines whether it is during medal overflow in a state where the display of the display device 410 can be changed by the operation of the count button KB.

[0164] In the process of step S12, if it is determined that medal overflow is not in progress (NO), the effect control means 200 determines whether a holding number warning is in progress (S13). In this process, the effect control means 200 determines whether the number of medals stored in the medal counter 311 is less than 15,000.

[0165] In the process of step S12, if it is determined that medal overflow is in progress (YES), the effect control means 200 determines whether the number of medals has become 16,968 or less (S14). In this process, the effect control means 200 determines whether the number of medals stored in the medal counter 311 has become 16,968 or less by the counting button KB being pressed and the counting process being executed by the medal number control means 300.

[0166] In the process of step S14, if it is determined that the number of medals stored in the medal counter 311 is 16,969 or more (NO), the effect control means 200 determines that medal overflow continues, executes medal overflow notification display (S15), and ends the control process related to the operation of the operation means and the display of the display device 410.

[0167] In the process of step S13, if it is determined that a holding number warning is in progress (YES), or in the process of step S14, if it is determined that the number of medals stored in the medal counter 311 is 16,968 or less (YES), the effect control means 200 determines whether the number of medals has become less than 15,000 (S16). In this process, the effect control means 200 determines whether the number of medals stored in the medal counter 311 has become less than 15,000 by the counting button KB being pressed and the counting process being executed by the medal number control means 300.

[0168] In the process of step S16, if it is determined that the number of medals stored in the medal counter 311 is 15,000 or more (NO), the effect control means 200 determines that the possession number warning is continuing, and executes the possession number warning notification display (S17). On the other hand, if it is determined that the number of medals stored in the medal counter 311 is less than 15,000 (YES), the effect control means 200 determines that an error that can be canceled by operating the counting button KB such as medal overflow or possession number warning has been canceled, ends the display related to the error notification, and executes a display according to the progress of the game (S18).

[0169] Details of the processes of steps S11 to S18 will be described with reference to FIG. 8. FIG. 8(A) is a diagram illustrating a state in which a medal overflow notification image 411 is displayed on the display device 410. As shown in FIG. 8(A), in the slot machine 1, since the number of medals displayed on the medal number display device MD is 16,369 and a medal overflow is occurring, a medal overflow notification image 411 that notifies that a medal overflow has occurred and prompts the user to press the counting button KB on the display device 410 to count the medals is displayed.

[0170] FIG. 8(B) is a diagram illustrating a state in which a possession number warning notification image 412 is displayed on the display device 410. In the slot machine 1, as the processes proceed through steps S11, S12, S14, S16, and S17 from the state shown in FIG. 8(A), the state changes from the state shown in FIG. 8(A) to the state shown in FIG. 8(B).

[0171] As shown in FIG. 8(B), in the slot machine 1, since the number of medals displayed on the medal number display device MD is 16,319, the medal overflow is canceled, and a possession number warning is in progress, a possession number warning notification image 412 that notifies that 15,000 or more medals, which is the condition for generating a possession number warning, are stored and prompts the user to press the counting button KB on the display device 410 to count the medals is displayed.

[0172] FIG. 8(C) is a diagram illustrating a state in which the medal overflow notification image 411 and the possession number warning notification image 412 have ended their display, and the AT in-progress image 413 that notifies that it is in the AT state as an image according to the progress of the game is displayed on the display device 410. In the slot machine 1, the process proceeds through steps S11 to S13, S16, and S18 from the state shown in FIG. 8(B), so that the state changes from the state shown in FIG. 8(B) to the state shown in FIG. 8(C).

[0173] As shown in FIG. 8(C), in the slot machine 1, since the number of medals displayed on the medal number display device MD is 14,969, based on the fact that an error that can be canceled by operating the counting button KB such as medal overflow and possession number warning has been canceled, an effect according to the progress of the game is executed. In the example shown in FIG. 8(C), as the progress of the game, the AT in-progress image 413 that notifies that it is currently in the AT state is displayed on the display device 410.

[0174] Thus, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the counting button KB is operated while the medal overflow notification image 411 is being displayed, based on the fact that the number of medals stored in the medal number counter 311 becomes 16,368 or less by the operation of the counting button KB, the display of the medal overflow notification image 411 can be terminated. Further, in the slot machine 1, when the counting button KB is operated while the possession number warning notification image 412 is being displayed, based on the fact that the number of medals stored in the medal number counter 311 becomes less than 15,000 by the operation of the counting button KB, the display of the possession number warning notification image 412 can be terminated.

[0175] After executing the processes of step S17 and step S18, in the process of step S11, if it is determined that the count button KB has not been operated (NO), or in the process of step S13, if it is determined that it is not in the possession number warning state (NO), the effect control means 200 determines whether a display maintenance screen such as a demo screen is being displayed on the display device 410 (S19). In this process, the effect control means 200 determines whether a display maintenance screen is being displayed, such as a menu screen or a demo screen, which is displayed when the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are stopped and the medals are not set in the inserted state, and the display is maintained until the medals are set in the inserted state by operating the max bet button MB, which is an operation related to the start of the game. If it is determined that the display maintenance screen is not being displayed (NO), the control process related to the operation of the operation means and the display of the display device 410 is terminated.

[0176] On the other hand, if it is determined that the display maintenance screen is being displayed (YES), the effect control means 200 determines whether the medals are set in the inserted state (S20). In this process, the effect control means 200 determines whether the max bet button MB has been operated and whether the medals are set in the inserted state. If it is determined that the medals are not set in the inserted state (NO), the control process related to the operation of the operation means and the display of the display device 410 is terminated while maintaining the display of the display maintenance screen.

[0177] On the other hand, if it is determined that the medals are set in the inserted state (YES), the effect control means 200 determines that the player has operated the max bet button MB to start the game and that the medals stored in the medal number counter 311 are set in the inserted state, ends the display of the display maintenance screen (S21), and terminates the control process related to the operation of the operation means and the display of the display device 410.

[0178] The details of the processes of step S11 to step S21 will be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9(A) is a diagram illustrating a state in which a demo screen 414 is being displayed as a display maintenance screen. In the slot machine 1 illustrated in FIG. 9(A), the number of medals displayed on the medal number display device MD is 50.

[0179] Figure 9(B) is a diagram showing a state in which, in the state shown in Figure 9(A), when the count button KB is operated and 50 medals stored in the medal count counter 311 are counted. In the slot machine 1, from the state shown in Figure 9(A), the processes proceed through steps S11 to S13, S19, and S20, and by ending the control process related to the operation of the operating means and the display of the display device 410 without executing the process of step S21, the state changes from the state shown in Figure 9(A) to the state shown in Figure 9(B).

[0180] As shown in Figure 9(B), in the slot machine 1, when the count button KB is operated and 50 medals stored in the medal count counter 311 are counted, the number of medals displayed on the medal number display device MD becomes 0. Also, as shown in Figure 9(B), in the slot machine 1, when the count button KB is operated and the medals stored in the medal count counter 311 are counted, the display of the demo screen displayed on the display device 410 is maintained.

[0181] Figure 9(C) is a diagram showing a state in which, in the state shown in Figure 9(A), when the max bet button MB is operated and 3 medals, which is the specified number of inserted medals, are set to the inserted state. In the slot machine 1, from the state shown in Figure 9(A), the processes proceed through steps S11 to S13, S19 to S21, and by ending the control process related to the operation of the operating means and the display of the display device 410, the state changes from the state shown in Figure 9(A) to the state shown in Figure 9(C).

[0182] As shown in FIG. 9(C), in the slot machine 1, when the max bet button MB is operated and three medals, which are the specified number of inserted medals, are set to the inserted state from the 50 medals stored in the medal number counter 311, the number of medals displayed on the medal number display device MD becomes 47. Further, as shown in FIG. 9(C), in the slot machine 1, when the max bet button MB is operated and the medals of the specified number of inserted medals are set to the inserted state, the display of the demo screen displayed on the display device 410 ends, and an effect corresponding to the progress of the game is executed. In the example shown in FIG. 9(C), as the progress of the game, a normal image 415 notifying that the current state is the normal state is displayed on the display device 410.

[0183] Thus, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, even when the count button KB is operated while the display maintenance image such as the demo screen 414 is being displayed, the display of the demo screen 414 is not terminated by the operation on the count button KB. In other words, in the slot machine 1, when the count button KB is operated while the display maintenance image is being displayed and a count signal indicating that the counting process has been performed is transmitted from the medal number control CPU 31 to the sub-control CPU 21, even when the sub-control CPU 21 receives the signal, the effect control means 200 does not refer to the count signal when determining the end of the display of the display maintenance image in the processes of steps S19 to S21, and is configured to maintain the display of the display maintenance image.

[0184] Thereby, when the player operates the count button KB to count the medals in order to end the game while the demo screen 414 is being displayed on the slot machine 1, it is possible to prevent the display of the demo screen 414 from ending even though the player has no intention of starting the game, which would give the player a sense of discomfort.

[0185] Also, in the slot machine 1, even if the count button KB is operated while the menu screen included in the display maintenance image, the volume adjustment screen selectable from the menu screen, or the setting change screen is being displayed, the operation on the count button KB does not end the display of the menu screen. Thus, for example, when the setting information screen is selected from the menu screen in the slot machine 1 and the setting information about the production environment is issued and displayed by a QR code (registered trademark), and the player operates the count button KB to end the game and count the medals, even if the player has no intention of starting the game and is trying to read the QR code (registered trademark), it is possible to prevent the display of the setting change screen from ending and giving the player an uncomfortable feeling.

[0186] Also, as described above, when the count button KB is operated while the medal overflow notification image 411 or the possession number warning notification image 412 is being displayed on the slot machine 1, based on the fact that the medals are counted by the operation on the count button KB, the display of the medal overflow notification image 411 or the possession number warning notification image 412 can be ended. When the player operates the count button KB to release the medal overflow and proceed with the game, or when the player operates the count button KB to suppress the occurrence of the medal overflow in advance based on the notification of the possession number warning, etc., by the player operating the count button KB to count the medals in order to continue the game, the display of the medal overflow notification image 411 or the possession number warning notification image 412 can be ended, and the display of the display device 410 can be switched according to the player's intention to continue the game, preventing the player from feeling uncomfortable.

[0187] As described above, since the slot machine 1 according to the present embodiment can execute control related to the display of the display device 410 according to the player's intention when the operation on the count button KB is performed, it is possible to suppress the player from feeling uncomfortable with the production.

[0188] This medal overflow notification image 411 and the held quantity warning notification image 412 constitute the first image in the present embodiment, and the images displayed on the demo screen 414, the menu screen, and the images displayed on the screen that can be selected and displayed from the menu screen constitute the second image in the present embodiment.

[0189] Although FIGS. 7 to 9 describe the operation of the count button KB and the maintenance of the display of the display maintenance screen, the effect control means 200 is configured to maintain the display of the display maintenance screen even when the lending button provided in the dedicated unit SU is operated in a state where the display maintenance screen is being displayed.

[0190] As a result, when the player operates the lending button provided in the dedicated unit SU to lend medals in a state where the display maintenance screen is being displayed on the slot machine 1 and the medals are lent out, even though the player has no intention of starting the game, it is possible to prevent the display of the display maintenance screen from ending and giving the player a sense of discomfort.

[0191] Also, in the example shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, as the display maintenance screen, an image whose display ends when medals are set to the input state by operating the max bet button MB is used, but an image that is displayed in the navigation effect and notifies the correct batting order whose display ends when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated is also included in the display maintenance image.

[0192] <Control Process Related to the Effect when the Complete Function Operates in the AT State> FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the details of the control process related to the effect by the effect control means 200 when the complete function operates by the complete control means 180 in the AT state (control process related to the effect when the complete function operates).

[0193] In the control process related to the effect when the complete function is activated, the effect control means 200 first determines whether the complete has been achieved (S31). In this process, the effect control means 200 determines whether the complete has been achieved as a result of this game by determining whether it has received a signal from the complete control means 180 indicating that in this game, small roles 1 to 6 have won, the payout exceeding the specified input number has been executed, the stored value of the medal acquisition number counter 197a has reached the value "19000", and the complete flag stored in the complete flag storage means 197b has been set to the ON state.

[0194] In the process of step S31, if it is determined that the complete has been achieved (YES), the effect control means 200 executes a complete notification display for displaying a complete notification image on the display device 410 (S32), and ends the control process related to the effect when the complete function is activated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the complete has not been achieved (NO), the effect control means 200 determines whether the AT state has ended (S33).

[0195] In the process of step S33, if it is determined that the AT state has ended (YES), the effect control means 200 displays an AT result image showing the result of the AT state of the number of game times executed in this AT state and the number of medals acquired in this AT state as a display related to the end of the AT state, and an attention - calling image as an image for preventing the player from being overly absorbed in the game, so - called immersion or dependence on the game, by calling the player's attention to the continuation of the game (S34), and ends the control process related to the effect when the complete function is activated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the AT state has not ended (NO), the effect control means 200 determines whether an ending display for notifying that the AT state has become an ending state is being executed (S35).

[0196] In the process of step S35, if it is determined that the ending display is not in progress (NO), the effect control means 200 ends the control process related to the effect when the complete function is activated without executing the process of step S36. On the other hand, if it is determined that the ending display is in progress (YES), the effect control means 200 executes the ending display (S36) and ends the control process related to the effect when the complete function is activated.

[0197] In this way, when the complete function of the effect control means 200 of the present embodiment is activated, after executing the complete notification display in the process of step S32, it is configured to end the control process related to the effect when the complete function is activated without executing the processes of steps S33 to S36. When the complete function is activated in a game where the AT state ends, although the game cannot proceed due to the activation of the complete function and the AT state is substantially ended, it is configured to display the complete notification image prior to the display related to the end of the AT state, such as the AT result image and the attention - calling image.

[0198] In other words, when the slot machine 1 reaches 19,000 sheets as a specific value in terms of the number of acquired game values from the lowest point after power - on, it sets to a stop state where the operation of the gaming machine stops. When the AT state ends in a game set to the stop state, it displays a complete notification image that notifies the setting to the stop state prior to the attention - calling image displayed along with the end of the AT state.

[0199] With this configuration, when the complete function that causes a stop error that cannot be released by the player and cannot be released until the end of the casino business operation is activated in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, there is no situation where the player is drawn into continuing the game on the gaming machine. Therefore, the complete notification image is displayed prior to the attention - calling image that is difficult to sufficiently arouse attention even if displayed, and the state of the gaming machine can be notified to the player in a manner that is easy to fully understand.

[0200] In addition, when the completion function is activated in the ending state, the effect control means 200 of the present embodiment is configured to display a completion notification image with priority over the ending display, although the game cannot be advanced due to the activation of the completion function and the ending state substantially ends.

[0201] In other words, when the number of acquired game values from the lowest point of the number of payouts after power-on reaches 19,000 as a specific value, the slot machine 1 is set to a stop state where the operation of the gaming machine stops. When it is determined that the AT state continues until the end of the advantageous section in the game set to the stop state, a completion notification image is displayed to notify that the stop state has been set with priority over the ending display shown until the end of the advantageous section.

[0202] With this configuration, when the completion function, which causes a stop error that cannot be canceled by the player and cannot be canceled until the end of the casino business, is activated, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment cannot continue the game on the gaming machine regardless of the end conditions of the advantageous section or the AT state. Therefore, a completion notification image is displayed with priority over the ending display that cannot improve the player's interest in the effect even if displayed, and the player can be notified in a manner that makes it easy to fully understand the state of the gaming machine.

[0203] In this way, when the number of acquired game values from the lowest point of the number of payouts after power-on reaches 19,000 as a specific value, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment is set to a stop state where the operation of the gaming machine stops. When the AT state is set in the game set to the stop state, a completion notification image is displayed to notify that the stop state has been set with priority over the effect executed in the AT state.

[0204] With this configuration, when the complete function that causes a stop error that cannot be released by the player and cannot be released until the end of the casino business operation is activated in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the game on the gaming machine cannot be continued regardless of the advantageous section or the end condition of the AT state. Therefore, the complete notification image is displayed preferentially over the display corresponding to the progress of the AT state game that cannot improve the player's interest in the effect even if it is displayed, and the player can be notified in a manner that makes it easy to fully understand the state of the gaming machine.

[0205] 4. Structure of the sub-control board Next, the structure of the sub-control board 20 provided in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 11(A) is a top view showing the sub-control board 20. As shown in FIG. 11(A), a plurality of electrolytic capacitors 22 are provided on the sub-control board 20, and they are housed in a board case 23 having a transparent case lid 23a.

[0206] FIG. 11(B) is a schematic diagram of the electrolytic capacitor 22. As shown in FIG. 11(B), the electrolytic capacitor 22 has a thin-walled shape in which the thickness of the upper surface 22a is thinner than other parts. When the internal pressure (internal pressure) rises due to the heat generation of the electrolytic capacitor 22, an explosion-proof valve 22b is provided to release the gas inside the electrolytic capacitor 22 to the outside to reduce the internal pressure. The explosion-proof valve 22b releases the gas inside the electrolytic capacitor 22 to the outside by opening the upper surface 22a toward the upper part of the electrolytic capacitor 22.

[0207] FIG. 11(C) is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the electrolytic capacitor 22 disposed on the sub-control board 20 as a part of the sub-control board 20. As shown in FIG. 11(C), the electrolytic capacitor 22 has a cylindrical shape with a diameter of φ1 and a radius of φ1 / 2. Also, in the sub-control board 20, the distance from the upper surface 22a of the electrolytic capacitor 22 to the case lid 23a is configured to be a distance D1. The distance D1 is configured to be longer than the diameter φ1 of the electrolytic capacitor 22.

[0208] Due to such a configuration, when the explosion-proof valve 22b of the electrolytic capacitor 22 of the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment operates to open the upper surface 22a, it is possible to prevent the upper surface 22a from interfering with the case lid 23a and preventing the opening of the upper surface 22a. Therefore, the electrolytic capacitor 22 with the explosion-proof valve 22b actuated can be easily visually recognized through the case lid 23a.

[0209] Note that the distance D1 only needs to be configured to be longer than the radius φ1 / 2 of the electrolytic capacitor 22. By configuring the distance D1 to be longer than the radius φ1 / 2, in the slot machine 1, when the explosion-proof valve 22b of the electrolytic capacitor 22 operates to open the upper surface 22a, it is possible to prevent the upper surface 22a from interfering with the case lid 23a and preventing the opening of the upper surface 22a.

[0210] Note that the case lid 23a of the present embodiment is configured not to have a heat dissipation hole as shown in FIG. 11(C). However, as illustrated in FIG. 11(D), a configuration in which a heat dissipation hole 23b with a diameter φ2 is provided above the electrolytic capacitor 22 may also be adopted. When configured in this way, in the sub-control board 20, regarding the distance D2 from the upper surface 22a of the electrolytic capacitor 22 to the case lid 23a, it is configured to be longer than the length D3 of a screw having a screw diameter φ3 smaller than the diameter φ2 of the heat dissipation hole 23b and disposed in the slot machine 1.

[0211] By being configured in this way, even if a screw enters the heat dissipation hole 23b of the case lid 23a in the slot machine 1, when the explosion-proof valve 22b of the electrolytic capacitor 22 operates to open the upper surface 22a, it is possible to prevent the upper surface 22a from interfering with the screw and preventing the opening of the upper surface 22a.

[0212] 5. Summary of the present embodiment As described above, when the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment outputs a counting notification sound, for the sound to be reduced such as BGM, the output volume is reduced. For sounds that are extremely necessary to be notified to the player and are involved in the continuation of the game, such as medal overflow notification sounds, complete pre-notification sounds, and complete notification sounds, the output volume is not reduced. Thus, the volume of the output sound can be set to an appropriate volume. While preventing the counting notification sound from making it difficult to hear the medal overflow notification sound, complete pre-notification sound, or complete notification sound, the counting notification sound can be made prominent while allowing the player to clearly hear the medal overflow notification sound, complete pre-notification sound, or complete notification sound.

[0213] 6. Modification Example In the present embodiment, the effect control means 200 is configured to set the first sound that can be output in a predetermined situation where a predetermined release method is set to a volume fixed layer fixed at volume 5, so as to output at the maximum volume regardless of the user's setting. However, it is not limited to this. The effect control means 200 may be configured to output the first sound at the volume specified by the user.

[0214] Also, in the present embodiment, the effect control means 200 is configured to output the first sound at a volume greater than that of the second sound. However, it is not limited to this. The effect control means 200 only needs to be configured to output the first sound with higher audibility than the second sound. When the counting button KB is operated while the second sound is being output, the pitch of the second sound may be changed to a pitch with lower audibility. When the counting button KB is operated while the first sound is being output, the pitch of the first sound may not be changed. Also, when the counting button KB is operated while the second sound is being output, the timbre of the second sound may be changed to a timbre with lower audibility. When the counting button KB is operated while the first sound is being output, the timbre of the first sound may not be changed.

[0215] Also, in the present embodiment, the display maintenance screen includes, but is not limited to, the demo screen 414 and the menu screen. The effect control means 200 may be configured to end the display of the demo screen 414 when the count button KB is operated while the demo screen 414 is being displayed, for example.

[0216] Also, in the present embodiment, the effect control means 200 is configured to end the display of the display maintenance screen when the max bet button MB is operated and the medal is set to the inserted state while the display maintenance screen is being displayed, but is not limited thereto. The effect control means 200 may be configured to end the display of the display maintenance screen regardless of whether the medal is set to the inserted state when the max bet button MB is operated.

[0217] Also, in the present embodiment, the effect control means 200 is configured to maintain the display of the display maintenance screen when the lending button provided in the dedicated unit SU is operated while the display maintenance screen is being displayed, but is not limited thereto. The effect control means 200 may be configured to end the display of the demo screen 414 based on an operation on the lending button when, for example, the demo screen 414 is being displayed as the display maintenance screen.

[0218] When configured in this way, the effect control means 200 may be configured to maintain the display even when the lending button is operated when the menu screen and a screen that can be selected and displayed from the menu screen are being displayed as the display maintenance screen, or may be configured to end the display when the lending button is operated.

[0219] In addition, in the present embodiment, regarding the electrolytic capacitor 22 disposed on the sub-control board 20 and the board case 23 that houses the sub-control board 20, the distance D1 from the upper surface 22a of the electrolytic capacitor 22 to the case lid 23a is longer than the diameter φ1 of the electrolytic capacitor 22. However, in the case of the electrolytic capacitor disposed on the main control board 10 and the board case that houses the main control board 10, the distance from the upper surface of the electrolytic capacitor to the case lid may also be configured to be longer than the diameter of the electrolytic capacitor.

[0220] In addition, in the present embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to have two CPUs, namely the main control CPU 11 and the medal number control CPU 31, on the main control board 10, but it is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured to perform control related to the progress of the game and control related to the number of medals by one main control CPU 11. Further, the slot machine 1 may be configured to have the main control CPU 11 on the main control board 10 and the medal number control CPU 31 on a medal number control board electrically connected to the main control board 10. In the case of a configuration having a plurality of control boards including the main control board 10 and the medal number control board, the slot machine 1 may be configured to house the main control board 10 and the medal number control board in one case, or may be configured such that the case for housing the main control board 10 and the case for housing the medal number control board are different cases.

[0221] In addition, in the present embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured not to notify whether it is an advantageous section, but it is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured to notify that it is an advantageous section, for example, when the expected value of medal acquisition becomes 1 or more due to the auxiliary winning of a small combination.

[0222] In addition, in the present embodiment, the slot machine 1 has left reels R1 to right reels R3 as a plurality of reels, and has stop buttons B1 to stop buttons B3 corresponding to the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 as a plurality of stop buttons. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it may have a fourth reel and a stop button corresponding to the fourth reel.

[0223] In addition, in the present embodiment, the slot machine 1 has a max bet button MB for inserting a prescribed number of medals. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in addition to the max bet button MB, it may be configured to have a single bet button for inserting one medal.

[0224] In addition, in the present embodiment, the slot machine 1 is composed of a so-called medal-less gaming machine that records game values by an electromagnetic method, but is not limited thereto. The slot machine 1 may be configured to be able to insert medals as a physical medium as game values, and may be configured to be able to pay out medals as a physical medium using a hopper unit at the time of payout. When configured in this way, the slot machine 1 is configured to be able to credit up to 50 medals for the inserted medals. Further, when configured in this way, the AT control means 170 ends the advantageous section when 4000 games have been executed since the start of the advantageous section.

[0225] In addition, in the present embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to execute a decrement update that sets a value as an initial value in the stored values of each counter and storage means and subtracts 1 each time a game is executed, and an increment update that adds 1 each time a game is executed. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The update method of each counter and storage means may be configured to execute multiplication, division, etc., and is not particularly limited.

[0226] In addition, in this embodiment, a rotary reel gaming machine is exemplified as the gaming machine. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a symbol determination means for determining any one of a plurality of types of symbols including jackpot symbols, and a symbol display means for displaying a symbol on a symbol display unit when a predetermined variation time has elapsed since the symbol was determined. When a jackpot symbol is displayed on the symbol display unit, a major winning game execution means for executing a major winning game composed of a plurality of rounds of round games, and during a preset specific round game among the round games in the major winning game, when a game ball that has entered the big winning opening enters a specific area, a game profit giving means for giving a predetermined game profit, and an effect execution means for executing an effect during the major winning game. The present invention can also be applied to a pachinko machine capable of a so-called first type of game including these means, or a pachinko machine capable of a second type of game in which a major winning game can be started when a game ball enters a predetermined area during a minor winning game. When composed of a pachinko machine, the gaming machine only needs to be configured to circulate game balls inside the gaming machine and record the game value used for the game by an electromagnetic method.

Explanation of Signs

[0227] 1 Slot machine (gaming machine) 420 Acoustic device (sound output means) KB Counting button

Claims

Claim 1: A substrate provided with a predetermined electronic component, a substrate case for housing the substrate, and sound output means for outputting sound, wherein an explosion-proof valve is formed on the upper surface portion of the electronic component, a first distance from the upper surface portion of the electronic component to the upper surface portion of the substrate case is longer than a second distance from the outer peripheral portion to the center of the upper surface portion of the electronic component, a through-hole is provided at a position on the upper surface portion of the substrate case that faces the upper surface portion of the electronic component, the first distance is longer than the length of the screw portion of any screw that is disposed in the gaming machine and can be inserted into the through-hole, the explosion-proof valve is visible from the outside of the substrate case, the sound output from the sound output means includes a first sound related to the game, and a second sound different from the first sound, the second sound can be output simultaneously with the first sound, characterized by a gaming machine.

Images