Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine including a communication board that is robust against noise and tampering without impeding daily inspection, wherein, although a main control board is sealed in a board case as a measure against external noise and tampering, no protection is applied to the communication board, rendering it structurally susceptible to noise and tampering.SOLUTION: Laying signal lines for communication information in a communication board on the side facing away from the interior of a housing, which serves as a noise source, and increasing the minimum wiring width beyond that of the main control board enables reduction in susceptibility to noise, thereby allowing prevention of failures resulting from noise or radio-wave cheating.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gaming machine that is installed in a gaming facility such as a pachinko parlor and exchanges gaming value as data with an external gaming machine compatible unit. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there have been gaming machines that are installed adjacent to an external card unit and exchange gaming value as data with the card unit.

[0003] Among such gaming machines, there are gaming machines equipped with a main control board on which a main control unit is mounted, a payout control board on which a payout control unit is mounted, etc. In the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, communication between the payout control unit and the card unit is performed via a connection terminal board.

[0004] Furthermore, there have been gaming machines, such as that described in Patent Document 2, in which the main control board is enclosed in a board case having a crimping mechanism so that it cannot be easily accessed from the outside. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-187772 A (for example, paragraph 0056, etc.) [Patent Document 2] JP 2019-076404 A (for example, paragraph 0291) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, in the configurations disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the main control board is enclosed in a board case as a security measure, and is resistant to external noise and fraudulent activity, but no consideration has been given to the connection terminal board. Because the connection terminal board is limited to communication information with the card unit, its structure is simple, and as a result, it may be considered an easy target for fraudulent activity. However, if the electronic components are difficult to see when the connection terminal board is installed, it will be difficult for store staff to perform daily inspections, so care must be taken. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to devise a layout for the communication board itself that is resistant to noise and fraudulent activity and that makes daily inspections easy.

[0008] The present invention relates to a gaming machine that is composed of a box-shaped cabinet and a front door that covers the front of the cabinet, in which games are played using a gaming value and the gaming value is awarded in accordance with the game results, and that comprises a main control means that controls the progress of the game, and a transmission means that transmits communication information related to the gaming value to the outside of the gaming machine, and the communication information output from the transmission means is output to the outside of the gaming machine via a communication board, and the main control board on which the main control means is installed has the main control means installed on one side, which is the main board mounting surface, and the other side, which is opposite to the main board mounting surface. The gaming machine is characterized in that electronic components including the main control means are not installed on the main board non-mounting surface, which is the surface on which the main board is not mounted, and a first signal line is laid that is connected to the main control means and for communicating the communication information, and the communication board has electronic components installed on one surface, which is the communication board mounting surface, and no electronic components are installed on the other surface, which is the communication board non-mounting surface opposite the communication board mounting surface, and a second signal line is laid on the communication board non-mounting surface for communicating the communication information, and is installed on a wall of the housing so that the communication board mounting surface faces the inside of the housing.

[0009] In such a configuration, by laying the signal lines for communication information on the communication board on the opposite side to the inside of the housing, which is the source of noise, the board is less susceptible to noise and problems caused by noise and radio waves can be prevented. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a slot machine and a card unit as an example of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a communication system of a slot machine. [Figure 3] 2 is a block diagram showing the device configuration of the card unit and the functions of the unit control board. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the slot machine. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the functions of the main control board, sub-control board, and medal count control board of FIG. 2. [Figure 6] A perspective view of a slot machine with the front panel open [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on the reels. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the transition of game states. [Figure 9] A diagram showing the relationship between winning role groups, whether or not there is a target that can move to a favorable zone, and the number of coins paid out depending on the stopping pattern. [Figure 10] This figure shows the relationship between the winning role group of lower numbers that triggered the transition to the advantageous zone and the lottery mode determination table selected based on the state of the first game. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the contents of a penalty. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. In this specification, for ease of description, data corresponding to gaming value used in games instead of gaming medals will be referred to as "pseudo medals" as appropriate.

[0012] (Slot machine system) First, the slot machine system will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Figure 1 is a front view of a slot machine SM and a card unit CU according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the slot machine system.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine system includes a slot machine SM that uses gaming value for game play, a hall computer, a management computer, a card unit CU installed adjacent to the slot machine SM and connected to the slot machine SM to lend and return gaming value in data format and to transmit various information to the hall computer and the management computer, and a center. In this embodiment, the card unit CU transmits information that can identify the number of bonus wins and the number of games between bonuses to the hall computer. Furthermore, the card unit CU transmits information related to the performance of the slot machine SM, such as the ratio of winning combinations, to the management computer. In the slot machine SM, the number of simulated medals is transmitted from the card unit CU to the medal count control board 300 in the form of medal count data, and games are played based on the medal count data managed by the medal count control board 300.

[0014] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the slot machine system, balance data relating to the balance of cash inserted by the player and number data (hereinafter referred to as "held medal number data") indicating the number of pseudo medals possessed by the player that can be loaned to the slot machine SM (hereinafter referred to as "held medal number data") are stored in the storage means 502a (see FIG. 3) of the unit control board 500 of the card unit CU. Furthermore, number data (hereinafter referred to as "played medal number data") indicating the number of pseudo medals possessed by the player that can be used for playing on the slot machine SM (hereinafter referred to as "played medal number data") is stored in the storage means 302a (see FIG. 5) of the medal number control board 300 of the slot machine SM. The storage means 502a is formed in the RAM section (volatile memory) of the memory 502, and the storage means 302a is formed in the RAM section (volatile memory) of the memory 302. The storage means 502a and the storage means 302a can retain their stored contents only when power is being supplied, and the stored contents are erased when power is no longer supplied.

[0015] Then, by operating the lending switch 503a of the card unit CU, a predetermined number of pseudo medals are lent from the card unit CU to the slot machine SM. In this lending, the balance data or lendable number data stored in the storage means 502a of the card unit CU is rewritten to balance data with an amount equivalent to the predetermined number of medals subtracted therefrom or to lendable number data with the predetermined number of medals subtracted therefrom. Also, the number of game medals data stored in the storage means 302a of the slot machine SM is rewritten to number of game medals increased by the predetermined number of medals lent.

[0016] Furthermore, a predetermined number of pseudo medals is bet (inserted) by operating the bet switch 7 or the maximum bet switch 8 of the slot machine SM. In this bet, the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a of the slot machine SM is rewritten to game medal number data that has been subtracted by the predetermined number of medals bet.

[0017] Furthermore, when a winning combination that results in the payout of dummy medals is achieved, a predetermined number of dummy medals are paid out to the player from the slot machine SM. When this payout occurs, the game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a of the slot machine SM is rewritten to game medal count data that has been increased by the predetermined number of payouts. In this embodiment, the insertion of dummy medals, the payout of dummy medals, and the rewriting of game medal count data are carried out by the exchange of signals between the main control CPU101 and the medal count control CPU301, as will be described in detail later.

[0018] Furthermore, information is exchanged bidirectionally between the medal count control board 300 and the card unit CU via the I / F boards 90 and 550. Furthermore, power (voltage) based on an internal power supply (internal power supply of the card unit CU) is supplied from the card unit CU to the slot machine SM via the I / F boards 90 and 550.

[0019] In the following, first, the functions of the slot machine SM and the card unit CU will be explained in detail, and then the power supply to the slot machine SM and the card unit CU and the connection relationship between the slot machine SM and the card unit CU will be explained in detail.

[0020] (Card unit) 1 and 3, the card unit CU includes a unit information display device 505, a cash insertion device 506, a card insertion / ejection device 504, a lending switch 503a, a unit control board 500, and an I / F board 550. The card unit CU also includes a power supply board (not shown), an auxiliary power supply (not shown), and a return switch (not shown).

[0021] The unit information display device 505 displays the player's cash balance (points) and the number of pseudo medals possessed by the player based on the balance data and medal count data stored in the storage means 502a of the unit control board 500. The unit information display device 505 is, for example, configured with a plurality of 7-segment LEDs or a liquid crystal display.

[0022] The cash insertion device 506 is used to insert cash such as bills in order to borrow pseudo medals from the card unit CU, and detects the cash inserted by the player.

[0023] The card insertion / ejection device 504 stores a medal card when it is inserted through the insertion / ejection port, and ejects the stored medal card from the insertion / ejection port when the return switch is operated.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, the unit control board 500 is equipped with a unit CPU 501 that controls the entire card unit CU, and the unit CPU 501 has a memory 502 and functions as a reception processing means 501a, a loan processing means 501b, a second counting processing means 501c, a return processing means 501d, and a transmission / reception means 501e.

[0025] (1) Storage means 502a The memory 502 comprises a RAM section for temporarily storing various data and a ROM section for storing various programs, etc., and a storage means 502a is formed in the RAM section (volatile memory). The storage means 502a stores balance data, held medal count data, game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a received from the medal count control board 300, ID information written on medal cards, etc.

[0026] (2) Reception processing means 501a When a medal card is inserted into the insertion / ejection port of the card insertion / ejection device 504, the reception processing means 501a rewrites the balance data and held medal count data stored in the storage means 502a to balance data increased by the amount (the amount may be "0") stored on the medal card or held medal count data increased by the number of pseudo medals (the number may be "0"), and sets the amount or number of pseudo medals stored on the medal card to "0." Furthermore, when cash is inserted into the cash insertion device 506, the reception processing means 501a rewrites the balance data stored in the storage means 502a to balance data increased by the amount inserted.

[0027] (3) Lending processing means 501b When the lending switch 503a is operated, a signal based on the number data of the predetermined number of medals to be lent is transmitted to the slot machine SM by the transmitting / receiving means 501e. Based on the transmission of this signal, the lending processing means 501b rewrites the balance data or possessed medal number data stored in the storage means 502a to balance data obtained by subtracting an amount equivalent to the predetermined number of medals to be lent or possessed medal number data obtained by subtracting the predetermined number of medals to be lent. Note that instead of updating the stored contents of the storage means 502a when a signal based on the number data of the predetermined number of medals to be lent is transmitted to the slot machine SM, the lending processing means 501b may instead update the stored contents of the storage means 502a when, for example, a signal based on the number data of the predetermined number of medals to be lent is transmitted to the slot machine SM and a response signal is received from the slot machine SM.

[0028] In this embodiment, when pseudo medals are lent based on the data on the number of pseudo medals that can be lent stored in the storage means 502a, a predetermined number of pseudo medals are lent out each time the loan switch 503a is operated. However, for example, when the loan switch 503a is operated, all of the pseudo medals stored in the storage means 502a may be lent out at once.

[0029] (4) Second counting means 501c The second counting processing means 501c works in cooperation with the first counting processing means 301b2 of the medal count control CPU 301 to perform counting processing that transfers some or all of the usable number data stored in the memory means 302a to the memory means 502a of the card unit CU.

[0030] Specifically, when the counting switch 31 of the slot machine SM is operated, a signal based on the number data of a predetermined count is transmitted from the slot machine SM to the card unit CU via the inter-unit transmission / reception means 301e. When the transmission / reception means 501e receives this signal, the second counting processing means 501c rewrites the held medal number data stored in the storage means 502a to held medal number data incremented by the predetermined count. In this embodiment, if the counting switch 31 is pressed normally, i.e., for less than the predetermined time, number data of one pseudo medal is transmitted to the card unit CU. On the other hand, if the counting switch 31 is pressed for a longer time than the predetermined time, number data of 50 pseudo medals is transmitted to the card unit CU at predetermined intervals (e.g., 300 ms).

[0031] (5) Return processing means 501d When the return switch is operated, the return processing means 501d stores the balance data and held medal count data stored in the storage means 502a in the medal card contained in the card insertion and ejection device 504, and then returns the medal card to the player.

[0032] Specifically, when the return switch is operated while the information regarding the number of game medals (the number of pseudo medals indicated by the game medal count data stored in the memory means 302a) sent from the medal count control board 300 and the information regarding the number of pseudo medals that have been inserted between the main control board 100 and the medal count control board 300 both indicate "0", the return processing means 501d stores the balance data and held medal count data stored in the memory means 502a in a medal card contained in the card insertion / ejection device 504 and ejects the medal card from the insertion / ejection port of the card insertion / ejection device 504, and rewrites the balance data and held medal count data stored in the memory means 502a to balance data indicating a balance of "0" and held medal count data indicating a number of medals of "0". In addition, if the return switch is operated when both the information regarding the number of pseudo medals inserted and the information regarding the number of game medals sent from the medal count control board 300 are not "0", an announcement is made via the LCD display 14, speakers 15, 16, etc. to prompt counting (counting switch 31) or settlement (settlement switch 33).

[0033] The transmitting / receiving means 501e receives data on the number of game medals (the number of pseudo medals indicated by the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a) at a predetermined cycle (for example, every 300 ms).

[0034] (6) Transmitting / receiving means 501e The transmitting / receiving means 501e receives signals based on various information from the medal count control board 300 and transmits signals based on various information to the medal count control board 300. Information received from the medal count control board 300 includes the number of pseudo medals returned (number data based on the count), the number of available medals (the number of pseudo medals indicated by the game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a), the total number of inserted pseudo medals, the total number of paid-out pseudo medals, various ratios displayed on the role ratio monitor 47 such as the role ratio, and error-related information. Information transmitted to the medal count control board 300 includes information related to the number of loaned pseudo medals. The game medal count data indicating the number of game medals received from the transmitting / receiving means 501e (game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a) is stored in the storage means 502a, and thus is stored in both the card unit CU and the medal count control board 300, making it possible to respond to fraudulent activity by utilizing both.

[0035] Various game information is transmitted from the card unit CU to the hall computer, such as the open state of the front panel 2, information on the number of inserted dummy medals, information on the number of paid-out dummy medals, information on the occurrence of an error, information that the setting is being changed, information that the setting is being confirmed, information that the bonus state is in effect, information that a winning combination, a replay combination, or a bonus combination has been won, and information that each of the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R has stopped.

[0036] (Slot Machine) Next, the outline of the configuration of the slot machine SM will be explained with reference to FIGS.

[0037] In the slot machine SM of this embodiment, pseudo medals are inserted by operating the bet switch 7 or the max-bet switch 8 to fulfill a predetermined condition for starting a game. Furthermore, upon the condition that a predetermined number of bets are set by inserting pseudo medals and the predetermined condition is fulfilled, the player operates the start switch 9, and the multiple rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R, each of which has a plurality of symbols arranged thereon, begin to spin. Furthermore, the rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R are stopped by operating the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R. If the stopped symbols displayed at this time result in a predetermined winning pattern, a predetermined number of pseudo medals are paid out, thereby completing one game. Here, inserting pseudo medals refers to rewriting the game medal count data stored in the memory means 302a of the medal count control board 300 to game medal count data in which the number of medals corresponding to the number of bets in the game has been subtracted. In addition, the payout of pseudo medals means that when a prize is won in the game, the game medal count data stored in the memory means 302a of the medal count control board 300 is rewritten to game medal count data to which the number of medals set according to the winning role has been added.

[0038] Even if a pseudo medal is inserted and the game medal count data is reduced, the set bet number can be changed until the start switch 9 is operated, and the bet number is updated accordingly, and when the start switch 9 is operated, the set bet number is provided for play. For example, when setting the bet number in a game state where the specified number is set to "3" or "1," operating the maximum bet switch 8 sets the bet number to "3" and subtracts "3" from the game medal count data. After that, when the bet number is changed to "1," operating the bet switch 7 sets the bet number to "1" and returns (adds) "2" to the game medal count data.

[0039] A slot machine SM is configured, for example, as shown in Figure 1. That is, in this slot machine SM, the front of a box-shaped housing KY with an open front is closed by a front panel 2 that can be opened and closed freely, an operation panel 3 is disposed at approximately the center height of this front panel 2, and a front plate 4 is disposed above this operation panel 3. This front plate 4 is provided with a horizontally elongated rectangular display window 5. Also, inside the display window 5, left, center, and right rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R are disposed that variably display a plurality of types of symbols in a predetermined order.

[0040] A slot machine SM, which is an example of a gaming machine according to this embodiment, is configured as shown in FIG. 1, in which a single game is started when a specified number of gaming media (e.g., three) are inserted in one of a plurality of pre-set gaming states and a start switch 9, which will be described later, is operated.

[0041] The front of the housing KY is closed by a front panel 2 that can be opened and closed freely, and an operation panel 3 is disposed at approximately the center height of the front panel 2. A front plate 4 is disposed above the operation panel 3. The front plate 4 is provided with a horizontally long rectangular display window 5. Inside the display window 5, left, center, and right rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R are disposed, which variably display a plurality of types of symbols in a predetermined order. As shown in FIG. 7 , a total of 20 types of symbols (in this embodiment, "R7 (red 7)," "B7 (blue 7)," "BR (bar)," "T1 (tomato 1)," "T2 (tomato 2)," "AP (apple)," "C1 (cherry 1)," "C2 (cherry 2)," "LM (bell)," and "RP (replay)") are provided in a predetermined arrangement on the left, center, and right rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R.

[0042] Each symbol is assigned a frame number in order from 0 to 19. In this case, for example, a reel tape on which symbols numbered 0 to 19 are printed is attached to the periphery of each of the rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R. When each of the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R rotates, a plurality of symbols are displayed in a predetermined order in the display window 5, such as frame numbers 19, 18, ..., 0, 19, .... When each of the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R stops rotating, three symbols are visible in the display window 5, one in the upper row, one in the middle row, and one in the lower row. In other words, when all three reels 6L, 6M, and 6R stop, a total of nine symbols arranged in three columns and three rows are displayed in the display window 5. In this embodiment, the pay lines in the display window 5 used to determine whether a win has been won are configured from the top line of the left reel 6L, the top line of the center reel 6M, and the middle line of the right reel 6R.

[0043] The advantageous zone is a zone in which it is permitted to notify the push order (correct push order) that will provide advantageous payouts when the winning combination group "ATA_CL1" (lower number 04) to "ATB_RC2" (lower number 19) (see Figure 6) described below is won. In this embodiment, no corresponding advantageous zone lamp is provided within the advantageous zone, but it may be provided.

[0044] Furthermore, left, center and right reel motors 27L, 27M and 27R (see FIG. 4), which are formed by stepping motors, are connected to the reels 6L, 6M and 6R so that the reels 6L, 6M and 6R can be rotated independently. A support frame that supports the reels 6L, 6M and 6R is fixed to the rear wall inside the casing KY, and the reels 6L, 6M and 6R are supported by the support frame and disposed inside the casing KY.

[0045] The operation panel 3 is also provided with a bet switch 7, a maximum bet switch 8, a lever-shaped start switch 9, left, center, and right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R, a counting switch 31, and a settlement switch 33. The bet switch 7 is operated by a player to instruct the player to insert one dummy medal at a time from the available medal count data stored in the storage means 302a of the medal count control board 300 (described later). The maximum bet switch 8 is operated by a player to instruct the player to insert the maximum number of dummy medals per game (a specified number: three medals) from the game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a of the medal count control board 300. The bet switch 7 and the maximum bet switch 8 are set to be activated when the number of medals indicated by the game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a of the medal count control board 300 is one or more. Furthermore, when the maximum bet switch 8 is operated, if the number of game medals indicated by the game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a of the medal count control board 300 is less than a specified number (for example, three medals), a notification may be made to prompt the player to lend out dummy medals, or the player may be allowed to play with a specified number less than the specified number (for example, three medals).In addition, in such cases, the operation of the maximum bet switch 8 may not be accepted in the first place.

[0046] The counting switch 31 functions as an instruction button for transmitting the game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a to the card unit CU. In this embodiment, a normal press instructs the transmission of the number data for one medal, while a long press instructs the transmission of the number data for 50 medals periodically. In the case of a long press, the number data for 50 medals is transmitted to the card unit CU at predetermined intervals while the switch is pressed. Note that if a transmission instruction is issued when the game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a falls below 50 medals (a transmission instruction based on a long press), all remaining number data is transmitted to the card unit CU. The settlement switch 33 is used to reset the number of pseudo medals to 0 when the number of bets has been set.

[0047] The start switch 9 is operated by a player to spin the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R to start the variable display of each symbol. The left, center, and right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R are operated by a player to stop the rotation of the left, center, and right reels 6L, 6M, and 6R, respectively, to stop the variable display of each symbol. The start switch 9 is set to be activated after the medal count data stored in the memory means 302a of the medal count control board 300 is rewritten with the medal count data obtained by subtracting a predetermined number from the medal count data (after a predetermined number of dummy medals have been inserted). The left, center, and right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R are set to be activated after the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R, which began to rotate upon operation of the start switch 9, have passed a predetermined acceleration period and are now rotating at a constant speed.

[0048] In this embodiment, the number of bets (predetermined number) required for one game (one play) is set to three types: 1, 2, and 3. Also, each of the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R forms a variable display column that variably displays multiple types of symbols, and each of the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R is provided corresponding to each of the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R.

[0049] In addition, an LCD display 14 is provided at approximately the center of the upper part of the front panel 4 to display moving images and the like to notify the player of wins and prizes, and to provide a presentation to notify the player of the operation status of each stop switch 10L, 10M, 10R.

[0050] Additionally, upper speakers 15 for producing effects such as music and sound are provided on the left and right above the front panel 4. Additionally, a lower panel 18 displaying decorative pictures and the like is provided below the operation panel 3, and lower speakers 16 for producing effects such as music and sound are provided on the left and right of this lower panel 18.

[0051] Additionally, an upper lamp unit 21 is provided on the upper peripheral portion of the front panel 2, and lower lamp units 22 are provided on the left and right sides of the lower panel 18 of the front panel 2. Each of the lamp units 21, 22 is equipped with a light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode or organic EL, or a light-emitting means such as a general light bulb, and performs effects such as informing the player of a win or prize.

[0052] In addition, a game medal count display 26 for displaying the number of pseudo medals owned by the player is disposed at the lower right of the display window 5. This game medal count display 26 is made up of, for example, five 7-segment LEDs, and is capable of displaying the number of pseudo medals owned in five digits.

[0053] In addition, next to the game medal count display 26, a bet lamp unit 30 for indicating the number of inserted medals is disposed, and the bet lamp unit 30 is made up of three bet lamps.

[0054] In addition, a payout indicator 46 that displays the number of pseudo medals to be paid out is disposed at the lower left of the display window 5. This payout indicator 46 is composed of, for example, two 7-segment LEDs, and is capable of displaying the number of pseudo medals to be paid out in two digits.

[0055] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the slot machine SM with the front panel 2 open. The main control unit 105 includes a transparent board case housing the main control board 100, allowing the component mounting surface of the main control board 100 to be seen from the front. As shown in FIG. 6, the main control unit 105, in which the main control board 100 is housed in a transparent board case, is fixed to the rear of the housing KY of the slot machine SM with screws, mounting brackets, etc. (not shown) so that the component mounting surface of the main control board 100 faces the user. The I / F board 90 is fixed to the side of the housing KY of the slot machine SM with screws, mounting brackets, etc. (not shown). In the following description, the front side in FIG. 6 refers to the front side of the main control board 100 and main control unit 105, and the back side refers to the rear side of the main control board 100 and main control unit 105. The top, bottom, left, and right in FIG. 6 will be referred to as the top, bottom, left, and right of the main control board 100 and main control unit 105.

[0056] (Outline of the electrical configuration of a slot machine) The electrical configuration of the slot machine SM will be outlined with reference to Fig. 4, also referring to Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the slot machine.

[0057] The left, center, and right reel sensors 55L, 55M, and 55R are used to detect the rotational positions of the left, center, and right reels 6L, 6M, and 6R, respectively, and are composed of, for example, photointerrupters that detect protrusions provided on the left, center, and right reels 6L, 6M, and 6R, respectively, and as the left, center, and right reels 6L, 6M, and 6R rotate, they detect the protrusions for each revolution and output the detection signal to the main control board 100. In this slot machine SM, for example, when the left, center, and right reel sensors 55L, 55M, and 55R detect the protrusions, the symbol with frame number 20, out of the symbol frame numbers 0 to 20 set on each reel 6L, 6M, and 6R, is positioned in the middle of the display window 5.

[0058] The setting key switch 56 is provided on the main control board 100, and is switched between ON and OFF by inserting the setting change key into a key cylinder arranged in the setting change key cylinder housing and rotating it. The reset switch 52 is provided on the operation switch board 600, and each time it is pressed while changing the settings, it temporarily sets the setting value to the next higher value. The reset switch 52 is also used as a switch to clear errors when they occur.

[0059] The slot machine SM also includes a main control board 100 equipped with a main control CPU 101 that controls game progress; a sub-control board 200 equipped with a sub-control CPU 201 that controls presentations tailored to the game progress based on information transmitted from the main control board 100; a medal count control board 300 equipped with a medal count control CPU 301 that controls management of the number of pseudo medals held by the player; an operation switch board 600 that receives signals from operation means (e.g., start switch 9) required for game progress; a display board 700 equipped with a payout indicator 46 and a medal count indicator 26; and an I / F board 90 for communicating with external devices, as shown in FIG. 2. Various game information is transmitted unidirectionally from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 200. Various information is also transmitted bidirectionally between the main control board 100 and the medal count control board 300. Furthermore, predetermined information is transmitted unidirectionally from the medal count control board 300 to the sub-control board 200 via the main control board 100. The predetermined information here refers to, for example, information relating to the game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a, or information that notifies the player when the counting switch 31 or the dispensing switch 503a is pressed. As a result, the sub-control board 200, based on the information (predetermined information) received from the medal count control board 300 via the main control board 100, performs control such as displaying the number of pseudo medals held by the player on the liquid crystal display 14, and sounding a press notification sound from the speakers 15, 16 when the counting switch 31 or the dispensing switch 503a is pressed.

[0060] The main control board 100 and the medal count control board 300 may be connected in a BtoB (Board to Board) manner. The display board 700 and the operation switch board 600, the operation switch board 600 and the medal count control board 300, and the main control board 100 and the sub-control board 200 are all connected via harnesses.

[0061] Signals from the start switch 9, bet switch 7, max bet switch 8, stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R, which are operation means necessary for the progress of the game, as well as signals from the settlement switch 33 and reset switch 52, are first input to the operation switch board 600 and then input to the medal count control board 300 via a harness. Then, they are input to the main control board 100 via wiring within the medal count control board 300 and a connector connection (BtoB connection). A signal from the count switch 31 is input to the operation switch board 600, input to the medal count control board 300 via a harness, and further input to the medal count control CPU 301. It is also possible to configure the signals from the start switch 9 and stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R to be input directly to the main control board 100 without going through the medal count control board 300. Furthermore, signals from the operating means (start switch 9, bet switch 7, maximum bet switch 8, stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R), the settlement switch 33, the reset switch 52, and the counting switch 31 may be input to the main control board 100 via harnesses, and then input to the medal count control board 300 via wiring within the main control board 100 and a connector-to-connector connection (board-to-board connection).

[0062] The control signal (including display data) used for displaying the payout indicator 46 is transmitted from the main control board 100. At this time, the transmission path is the main control board 100 → medal count control board 300 → operation switch board 600 → display board 700. The control signal (including display data) used for displaying the game medal count indicator 26 is transmitted from the medal count control board 300. At this time, the transmission path is the medal count control board 300 → operation switch board 600 → display board 700.

[0063] The role ratio monitor 47 displays various ratios and is provided on the main control board 100. In this embodiment, the role ratio monitor 47 is configured with four 7-segment LEDs. The various ratios include the role ratio, consecutive role ratio, and advantageous zone ratio. The role ratio is the ratio of the total number of payouts from roles (e.g., Big Bonus (BB), Chance Bonus (CB), Single Bonus (SB), etc.) to the total number of pseudo medals paid out. The consecutive role ratio is the ratio of the total number of payouts from consecutive roles (e.g., Big Bonus (BB)) to the total number of pseudo medals paid out. The advantageous zone ratio is the ratio of the advantageous zone to the total number of plays, in the case where an advantageous zone is present in which a notification of an advantageous button press order is permitted when a role (AT role) in which the number of pseudo medals paid out varies depending on the button press order is won. The role ratio monitor 47 may be provided on the medal count control board 300. Alternatively, information capable of identifying various ratios may be transmitted to the card unit CU without providing the role ratio monitor 47. The ratio monitor 47 may also display the ratio of the instructed role. The ratio of the instructed role is the ratio of the total number of payouts to the total number of payouts, calculated by adding the number of payouts from the role to the number of payouts in a game in which a favorable push order was announced.

[0064] The setting display 48 displays the setting value set by the setting value setting means 101b, which will be described later, and is provided on the main control board 100. In this embodiment, the setting display 48 is made up of one 7-segment LED.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 5, the memory 102 of the main control board 100 includes a RAM 65 that temporarily stores various data, and a ROM 67 that stores data and programs necessary for the progress of a game. The RAM 65 of the main control board 100 stores, for example, various flags and lottery results for winning combinations. The ROM 67 of the main control board 100 stores preset data (such as the lottery table 102a in Fig. 5) and programs for the gaming machine (programs for the slot machine SM).

[0066] The main control CPU 101 of the main control board 100 has an interrupt function such as a timer interrupt, and performs processing related to the progress of the game by executing a game machine program stored in the ROM 67. The main control CPU 101 also transmits various game information in the form of commands to the sub-control board 200 (sub-control CPU 201), such as information related to the result of the role selection by the role selection means 103 (see FIG. 5), and information related to the operation of the operating devices operated by the player, such as the stop switches 10L, 10M, 10R and the start switch 9.

[0067] The memory 202 of the sub-control board 200 includes a RAM section for temporarily storing various data and a ROM section for storing various programs for effects. The sub-control CPU 201 of the sub-control board 200 has an interrupt function such as a timer interrupt, and determines the content of effects related to the game for the player by executing a program stored in the memory 202 based on various game information related to the slot machine SM transmitted from the main control CPU 101. The sub-control CPU 201 of the sub-control board 200 controls the effect devices such as the LCD display 14 and speakers 15 and 16 via the I / O port of the sub-control board 200 based on the determined content of the effects.

[0068] The memory 302 of the medal count control board 300 is equipped with a RAM section that temporarily stores various data, and a ROM section that stores various programs, etc. The medal count control CPU 301 of the medal count control board 300 has an interrupt function such as a timer interrupt, and performs various controls such as managing the number of pseudo medals held by the player using game medal count data stored in storage means 302a formed in the RAM section (volatile memory) of the memory 302, and displaying the number of pseudo medals corresponding to the game medal count data stored in storage means 302a on the game medal count display 26.

[0069] The main control board 100, sub-control board 200, and medal count control board 300 are each sealed in their own board cases with crimping mechanisms to prevent easy access from the outside. Methods for connecting each board to prevent fraud include direct board-to-board connection (B2B connection) using connectors mounted on each board, physical access, connection using signal lines covered with wire covers to reduce the effects of electromagnetic noise, routing signal lines from locations difficult for players to see, encrypting communication signals between boards, and exchanging ID information stored on each board periodically or when an error occurs. When connecting the two boards using connectors mounted on each board, rather than using a stacked connection that reduces the visibility of the boards, it is recommended to connect them side-by-side and cover the connection points as a board unit to make access more difficult. Furthermore, the main control board 100 and medal count control board 300 may not be housed in individual board cases, but may be housed together in a single board case and sealed.

[0070] (Main control board) The function of the main control board 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0071] (1) Game control means 101a The game control means 101a is for controlling the game executed in the medal-less slot machine SM.

[0072] In playing this slot machine SM, when the bet switch 7 or max-bet switch 8 is operated to instruct the insertion of dummy medals, a signal based on information identifying this fact is transmitted from the medal management / transmission means 101n to the medal count control board 300. Upon receiving this signal, the medal count control board 300 rewrites the medal count data stored in the storage means 302a with the medal count data minus the number of inserted dummy medals. At this time, a signal based on information identifying the rewrite is transmitted from the medal count control board 300 to the main control board 100, and the medal management / transmission means 101n receives this signal, setting the number of bets. Furthermore, the number of bets can be changed until the start switch 9 is operated, and the medal count data stored in the storage means 302a is updated accordingly. When the start switch 9 is operated after the predetermined number of bets has been set, a random number lottery is first conducted by the winning combination lottery means 103 to determine whether or not a win will occur. Almost simultaneously, all three reels 6L, 6M, and 6R begin to spin.

[0073] Thereafter, when one of the three stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R is operated, the reel among the left, center, and right rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R corresponding to the operated stop switch 10L, 10M, and 10R stops spinning. Then, when the operation of all three stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R is completed, the rotation of all three rotating reels 6L, 6M, and 6R stops. At this time, if a predetermined symbol stops in a predetermined position, a win is awarded, and the player is granted a predetermined benefit, such as a payout of a predetermined number of pseudo medals or a replay, which allows the player to play the next game without subtracting the number of game medals data stored in the storage means 302a.

[0074] The game control means 101a controls the game of the slot machine SM in one of a plurality of preset game states. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, the game control means 101a is configured to have an initial state (hereinafter also referred to as RT0) which is a bonus lottery state, a bonus internal state (hereinafter also referred to as RBBF) which is a bonus carryover state, and a bonus state (hereinafter also referred to as RBB) which is a bonus state. In this embodiment, except when an initial condition such as a setting change is met and the state becomes RT0, the game is configured to stay in RBBF as a general game state, as will be described later. Note that in the bonus carryover state, no new bonus combinations are won.

[0075] In addition, there is an AT game (special game) in which when the result of the role lottery by the role lottery means 103 described later is a specific role winning result in which a specific role (winning role group "ATA_CL1 to ATB_RC2" see Figure 9) with different degrees of advantage is given to the player depending on the operation procedure of each stop switch 10L, 10M, 10R is won, and the operation procedure of each advantageous stop switch 10L, 10M, 10R corresponding to the specific role is notified in an identifiable manner.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 5, the game control means 101a includes an operation mode determination means 100a and a game state setting means 100b.

[0077] (1-1) Operation mode determination means 100a The operation mode determination means 100a determines the mode of operation of the player on the slot machine SM. Specifically, it determines the mode of operation of the player on the slot machine SM, such as the mode of operation of the various switches provided on the slot machine SM, such as the bet switches 7 and 8, the start switch 9, and the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R, and the mode of operation related to the insertion and movement of medals by the player.

[0078] (1-2) Game status setting means 100b The game state setting means 100b sets the game state of the slot machine SM to one of a plurality of pre-set game states based on the result of the role lottery process by the role lottery means 103 and the result of the determination by the pattern determination means 112 of the pattern combinations on the winning lines, which are the upper row of the left reel 6L, the upper row of the middle reel 6M, and the middle row of the right reel 6R.

[0079] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 8, this embodiment includes three game states: RT0, RBBF, and RBB. The game state transitions to RT0 when initial conditions, such as a setting change, are met. If a bonus is won but not awarded, the game state transitions to RBBF. In this embodiment, in most cases where a bonus is won in RT0, it is won simultaneously with "BE2" (lower number 21 in FIG. 9). In this case, the winning of "BE2" takes priority regardless of the operation mode of the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R, resulting in a transition to RBBF without a bonus being awarded. Note that in RBBF, all winning groups except for the winning group "ALL1" (lower number 25 in FIG. 9), which has an extremely low probability of winning, do not result in a bonus being awarded regardless of the operation mode of the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R. Therefore, the game state generally remains in RBBF. Note that a winning group such as "ALL1" may not be established, and once a transition to RBBF is made, a transition to RT0 is not possible during normal gameplay.

[0080] Also, as shown in Figure 8, when a bonus is won, the game transitions to RBB. If a payout exceeding a predetermined number is made during RBB, the bonus ends and the game transitions to RT0. As mentioned above, the game will not transition to RBB except in a very few cases.

[0081] (1-3) Overview of the game Next, an outline of the game executed on the slot machine SM will be explained.

[0082] The slot machine SM is configured so that one game (play) is played when three medals are inserted, and when three medals are inserted into the slot machine SM using the bet switch 7 or the max bet switch 8, the winning lines in the display window 5 become active. When the start switch 9 is operated, one of the pre-set winning combination results is selected by lottery processing using random numbers by the winning combination selection means 103. In addition, when all of the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R start to spin, the determination of the symbols on each of the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R displayed in the display window 5 begins based on the rotation angle of each of the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R.

[0083] After that, the left, center, and right reels 6L, 6M, and 6R accelerate, and operation of all stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R becomes effective. After operation of all stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R becomes effective, if operation of left stop switch 10L is detected, the left reel 6L is stopped, if operation of center stop switch 10M is detected, the center reel 6M is stopped, and if operation of right stop switch 10R is detected, the right reel 6R is stopped. In this way, operation of each stop switch 10L, 10M, and 10R stops the rotation of the left, center, and right reels 6L, 6M, and 6R corresponding to each stop switch 10L, 10M, and 10R.

[0084] When all three left, center, and right stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R are operated, the left, center, and right reels 6L, 6M, and 6R stop spinning. At this time, if a predetermined symbol stops at a predetermined position on the winning line in the display window 5, that is, if the symbols on each reel 6L, 6M, and 6R appear in the display window 5 in a winning combination, a win is achieved, and a number of medals corresponding to the winning combination are paid out. Note that a predetermined benefit (benefit) may be awarded to the player instead of or in addition to the medal payout. Examples of such a predetermined benefit include a transition to RBB due to a bonus win or an automatically set bet amount for a next play without inserting new medals due to a replay win (described below).

[0085] Bonus roles and general roles (replay roles, small roles) are preset as types of roles. Bonus roles are roles that transition to RBB. Replay roles (hereinafter sometimes referred to as replay) are roles that, when won, allow players to play the next game with the same number of bets as in the winning game without inserting new medals. Small roles are roles that, when won, provide a predetermined payout (amount of payout). Figure 6 shows a list of role lottery groups. Note that in role lottery groups, the higher numbers are assigned types of bonus roles, and the lower numbers are assigned types of replay roles and small roles, which will be described later.

[0086] Bonus Role The bonus role is "BNS", which is the top number 01 in the role lottery group, and when any of the predetermined pattern combinations for "BNS" stops on the winning line, it is configured to transition to RBB.

[0087] ·Replay role In the role lottery group for replay roles, multiple types of "RP1", "RP2", and "CH" are provided, which are the lower numbers 01 to 03. When any of the symbol combinations included in these role lottery groups stops on the winning line, the next game can be played under the same conditions (number of bets) as the game in which the winning occurred.

[0088] Minor roles There are several types of minor winning combinations, including "ATA_CL1" to "ATB_RC2," "BE1," "BE2," "PZ," "SCH," "SSP," "TMT," "ALL1," "ALL2," and "ALL3," with lower numbers 04 to 30. When any of the symbol combinations included in these winning combinations stops on a winning line, a payout corresponding to the winning combination is obtained. The symbol combinations included in the winning combinations are either a payout of 1 coin, a payout of 3 coins, or a payout of 8 coins. Of these, the lower numbers 04 to 19, "ATA_CL1" to "ATB_RC2," are winning combinations that include at least a payout of 1 coin and a payout of 8 coins in any winning combination group. Depending on the operation mode, a symbol combination corresponding to a payout of 8 coins or a symbol combination corresponding to a payout of 1 coin stops on a winning line, forming a so-called AT combination.

[0089] The "BE1" and "BE2" symbols with lower numbers 20 and 21 are winning combinations that include at least three payouts. Regardless of the operation mode, the symbol combination corresponding to the three payouts stops on the payline, and a total of nine symbols arranged in three columns and three rows are displayed in the display window 5, forming a stop pattern called a "bell combination." Because the stop pattern is the same, the player cannot tell from the stop pattern whether "BE1" or "BE2" has won. Note that "BE2" always wins together with the bonus role "BNS" and never wins alone. In Figure 6, the bonus role "BNS" has not won and "BE2" wins only if the RBBF state has already been reached (i.e., the bonus role is already carried over, and as mentioned above, there is no new bonus role to be won). Therefore, in the column of possible targets for moving to the advantageous zone in Figure 6, the winning role groups of the higher number 00 and the lower number 21, which indicate that they are not won at the same time as "BNS", are displayed as "-" because they do not occur in RT0, and the winning role groups of the higher number 01 and the lower number 21, which indicate that they are won at the same time as "BNS", are displayed as "-" because they do not occur in RBBF.

[0090] The "PZ" symbol in the lower number 22 is a winning combination that includes symbol combinations with at least one payout and eight payouts. The "SCH," "SSP," "APL1," "APL2," and "TMT" symbols in the lower numbers 23-27 are winning combinations with symbol combinations with at least three payouts. Regardless of the operation mode, symbol combinations corresponding to three payouts stop on the winning line. The "ALL1" and "ALL2" symbols in the lower numbers 28-30 are winning combinations with symbol combinations with at least one payout. The "ALL3" symbol in the lower number 30 is winning combinations with symbol combinations with at least eight payouts. "SCH," "SSP," "APL1," "APL2," and "TMT" are so-called rare or chance symbols, and when they are won, they trigger pseudo-bonus lotteries and CZ lotteries. The pseudo-bonus mode corresponds to the automatic time (AT) state. Furthermore, "ALL1" is a symbol combination that may result in a bonus if won during RBBF, depending on the operation mode, but the probability of winning is extremely low. In addition, "ALL2" and "ALL3" can only be won if the lottery is RBB, and are not eligible for transfer to the advantageous zone. "HZ" indicates a loss, and both the upper and lower numbers are set to 00.

[0091] (2) Setting control means 101b The setting control means 101b in Figure 4 sets one setting value from a plurality of setting values (setting 1 to setting 6) with different ball output rates (payout rates). This setting value is used to select a role selection table 102a to be selected by the table selection means 101c described later, and one of the setting values is associated with each of the plurality of role selection tables 102a stored in ROM 67. The setting control means 101b then determines whether a change process start switch (not shown) is on or off when the power is turned on, and starts a predetermined setting change process when the power is turned on with the change process start switch on. The payout rate can be calculated by the formula: total number of payout coins / total number of inserted coins x 100 [%].

[0092] Here, the winning probability in the lottery for the regular game is set to a plurality of stages distinguished by a plurality of types of setting values (six types in this case), and each of the plurality of setting values is associated with a role selection table 102a (lottery table for the regular game). Then, when the setting change process is started, the manager of the pachinko parlor where the slot machine SM is installed can change the setting value.

[0093] (3) Table selection means 101c 5 selects one lottery table from a plurality of winning combination tables 102a based on the type of game (for example, normal game state, bonus game state) controlled by the game control means 101a and the setting value (setting 1 to setting 6) set by the setting control means 101b. For example, in a game in the normal game state, the table selection means 101c selects the winning combination table 102a (general game lottery table) as the lottery table according to the setting value (setting 1 to setting 6) of the winning probability.

[0094] (4) First input processing means 101d When the bet switch 7 or the maximum bet switch 8 is operated, the first insertion processing means 101d cooperates with the second insertion processing means 301b3 of the medal number control CPU 301, which will be described later, to insert dummy medals to set the number of bets and establish a predetermined condition for starting a game. Also, when the settlement switch 33 is operated, the second insertion processing means 301b3 cooperates with the second insertion processing means 301b3 of the medal number control CPU 301 to cancel the number of bets that was once set.

[0095] When the bet switch 7 or the maximum bet switch 8 is operated, the first insertion processing means 101d increments the value in the storage area for the provisional insertion number provided in the memory 102 by 1, and transmits an insertion processing request signal to the medal count control board 300 via the medal management transmission / reception means 101n. Upon receiving the insertion processing request signal, the medal count control board 300 subtracts 1 from the number of game medals stored in the storage means 302a, and then transmits a completion signal for this processing to the main control board 100, thereby completing the insertion processing for one medal. When the maximum bet switch 8 is operated, this processing is repeated three times. Then, when the provisional insertion number reaches the value required for one game (for example, three medals) as a result of the insertion processing, the first insertion processing means 101d enables the operation of the start switch 9.

[0096] In this embodiment, even if the maximum bet switch 8 instructs the insertion of, for example, three pseudo medals, the insertion process is carried out one medal at a time between the first insertion processing means 101d and the second insertion processing means 301b3.

[0097] Furthermore, when the settlement switch 33 is operated, a signal based on information that can identify that fact is transmitted by the medal management transmission / reception means 101n to the medal count control board 300. Upon receiving the signal based on this information, the medal count control board 300 rewrites the game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a into game medal count data that has been added by the number of medals that corresponds to the number of bets, and transmits a signal based on information that can identify that fact to the main control board 100.

[0098] (4) Role selection means 103 The role lottery means 103 in Fig. 4 performs a role lottery to determine which role among a plurality of roles (winning role group: see Fig. 10) including a plurality of general roles (small roles, replay roles) and a bonus role has been won, based on a lottery value generated based on the start of a game, at the timing when the start switch 9 is operated to start a game. The role lottery means 103 includes a lottery value generation means 103a and a lottery value judgment determination means 103b.

[0099] (4-1) Lottery value generating means 103a The lottery value generating means 103a generates a lottery value to be used for the lottery of winning combinations, etc., by extracting a random number for lottery generated within a predetermined range (e.g., 0 to 65535 in decimal notation) by a random number generating means configured with an oscillator circuit and a counter circuit that counts the clock signal generated by the oscillator circuit at the timing when the start switch 9 is operated. Note that, since the random number generating means is configured with a counter circuit, etc., the numbers generated by the random number generating means are not strictly random numbers. However, since the timing when the start switch 9 is operated is considered to be random, the lottery value generated by the lottery value generating means 103a can be treated as a random number in practice. Note that the lottery value generating means 103a may generate a lottery value using a random number generated by a random number generator, or may generate a lottery value using a software random number generator. Alternatively, the lottery value generating means 103a may generate a lottery value by performing a predetermined calculation on the extracted random number value or the generated random number value.

[0100] (4-2) Lottery value determination means 103b The lottery value judgment and determination means 103b judges the lottery value generated by the lottery value generation means 103a, thereby determining which of the multiple roles (winning role group) has been won.

[0101] Specifically, the role lottery table 102a has preset correspondences between the lottery values and winning role groups for determining which of a plurality of winning role groups the player will win or lose for each lottery value within the range generated by the random number generating means. The lottery value judgment and determination means 103b refers to the role lottery table 102a selected by the table selecting means 102, and determines whether the lottery value generated by the lottery value generating means 103a is set to win or lose for which winning role group, thereby determining whether the player has won or lost for which of a plurality of winning role groups.

[0102] In addition, in the role selection table 102a, some lottery values are set so that multiple roles can be won at the same time, and for those consisting of multiple roles, when an internal win occurs, it is allowed for the pattern combinations for all roles that make up the winning role group to line up on the winning line.

[0103] In addition, the lottery value judgment determination means 103b stores, as the result of the role lottery, information that can specify whether or not a bonus role has been won in a first data area of the role lottery result storage area 102c, and stores information that can specify whether or not a general role has been won in a second data area of the role lottery result storage area 102c so that the type of role that has been won can also be specified. A state in which the first data area stores a state in which a bonus has been won is a bonus carryover state.

[0104] (5) Reel detection means 104 4 detects the rotational positions of the left, center, and right reels 6L, 6M, and 6R based on the detection signals of the left, center, and right reel sensors 55L, 55M, and 55R and the number of pulses supplied to the reel motors 27L, 27M, and 27R that drive the left, center, and right reels 6L, 6M, and 6R. In this case, the reel detection means 104 detects the frame numbers corresponding to the symbols located at predetermined reference positions (for example, the middle row of the display window 5 in this embodiment) while the left, center, and right reels 6L, 6M, and 6R are rotating and when they stop rotating.

[0105] (6) Stop control means 105 The stop control means 105 controls the stopping of each of the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R using the stop table 102b based on the operation of each of the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R by the player and the result of the role lottery by the role lottery means 103. The stop control means 105 basically controls the stopping of all of the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R so that winning symbols (see FIG. 7) stop on the winning line within the reel-in range in order to win a role belonging to the winning role group determined by the role lottery means 103. Note that each of the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R has a set allowable number of sliding frames (reel-in range: normally, up to 4 frames), so if the operation timing is not right, it may not be possible to align the symbols on the winning role on the winning line, resulting in a missed win (non-winning). Hereinafter, the winning combinations of the winning combination groups and the symbol combinations that are preferentially stopped in the stopping states of the reels 6L, 6M, and 6R when a winning combination is won will be described with reference to FIG.

[0106] For the winning combinations "RP1", "RP2", and "CH", the stop control means 105 gives priority to stopping symbol combinations that correspond to replay, and for "CH" in particular, priority is given to stop patterns in which "C1 (Cherry 1)" and "C2 (Cherry 2)" stop on the left reel 6L in the stop patterns displayed in the display window 5. Note that "RP2" is not subject to lottery in RT0, but is only subject to lottery in RBBF.

[0107] For the winning combinations "ATA_CL1" to "ATB_RC2," the stop control means 105 changes the symbol combination that is stopped with priority depending on the operation mode of the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R by the player, as shown in Fig. 9. The operation mode in Fig. 9 corresponds to the operation order of the stop switches 10L, 10M, and 10R, and the symbol combination that is stopped with priority, whether it is a payout of 1 coin or a payout of 8 coins, changes. Here, L, M, and R described as operation modes correspond to the stop switch 10L, the stop switch 10M, and the stop switch 10R, and the operation mode "MLR" indicates that the first stop is operated by the stop switch 10M (center reel), the second stop by the stop switch 10L (left reel), and the final stop (third stop) by the stop switch 10R (right reel). A total of six symbol combinations that are stopped with priority corresponding to the operation order are described.

[0108] For example, when "ATA_CL1" is operated in the "MLR" operation mode, it will prioritize stopping a symbol combination that will result in the payout of 8 coins, and in other operation modes it will prioritize stopping a symbol combination that will result in the payout of 1 coin, and furthermore, in some operation modes, symbol combinations that result in a payout may not be stopped depending on the operation timing.

[0109] In this embodiment, in the winning combinations "ATA_CL1" to "ATB_RC2", when the first stop is operated with the stop switch 10L (left reel), it is more difficult to stop a pattern combination that results in a payout of 8 coins than when the first stop is operated with the stop switch 10M (middle reel) or the stop switch 10R (right reel). (In this embodiment, when the first stop is operated with the stop switch 10L (left reel), the symbol combination that results in a payout of 8 coins will not stop in the winning combination group "ATA_CL1" to "ATB_RC2".) Also, in this embodiment, in a game state where the operation mode is not notified when there is no pseudo bonus state, if the first stop is operated with an operation other than the stop switch 10L (left reel) in a game where at least the winning combination group "ATA_CL1" to "ATB_RC2" has been won, a penalty structure is provided that puts the player at a disadvantage, such as the pseudo bonus lottery not being held or the ceiling game number not being updated, and the player will be awarded a larger number of payout coins by winning, for example, "ATA_CL1" when there is a pseudo bonus state, and performing an operation corresponding to the operation mode in a game in which the operation mode "MLR" is notified to the player after the game has started.

[0110] The penalty specifications are not particularly limited, but will be described below as an example based on Figure 11. As described above, when a first stop is performed using a device other than the stop switch 10L (left reel) during a game in a game state that does not notify the operation mode when the pseudo-bonus state is not active, the first penalty occurs. Furthermore, if the result of the role selection means 103's role selection is a winning role group "ATA_CL1" to "ATB_RC2" during that game, the second penalty also occurs. The second penalty occurs when all of the conditions for the first penalty described above are met and the result of the role selection means 103's role selection is a winning role group "ATA_CL1" to "ATB_RC2." The second penalty never occurs alone; the first penalty always occurs in a game in which the second penalty occurs. The first and second penalties are processed in a manner that is more disadvantageous to the player than when no penalty occurs in the pseudo-bonus (AT state).

[0111] In this embodiment, when a first penalty occurs, as shown in FIG. 11, a first penalty process is performed in which a predetermined transition indicator that is normally updated when a game is played is not updated, putting the player at a disadvantage in terms of the pseudo bonus (AT state). Specifically, the ceiling number of games described below is not updated, putting the player at a disadvantage in terms of the pseudo bonus (AT state). Note that predetermined transition indicators that may be advantageous to the player if not updated are updated. For example, if the CZ ends after a certain number of games have been played, the number of games played in the CZ is updated.

[0112] In this embodiment, when a second penalty occurs in addition to the first penalty, the above-mentioned first penalty processing is performed in the game, as shown in Figure 11, and then, in the next game, a second penalty processing is performed in which lottery processing such as a pseudo bonus lottery or a CZ lottery is not executed. The second penalty occurs when both the following conditions 1 and 2 are met. If only one of the conditions is met, such as when condition 1 is met but condition 2 is not met, the second penalty does not occur. (Condition 1) When the first stop is not performed on the stop switch 10L (left reel) during a game in a gaming state that does not notify the operation mode when the pseudo bonus state is not active (same condition as the first penalty occurs). (Condition 2) In the game, the result of the lottery by the lottery means 103 is the winning group "ATA_CL1" to "ATB_RC2".

[0113] In this embodiment, a lottery process such as a pseudo bonus lottery or a CZ lottery is performed at the start of each game using the result of the role lottery performed by the role lottery means 103. This lottery process is generally performed unless the next game involves a second penalty, but is not performed for a game involving a second penalty. Specifically, the judgment flag set at the start of each game is checked. If the judgment flag is ON, it is determined that a second penalty occurred in the previous game, and the lottery process is not performed. If the judgment flag is OFF, the lottery process is performed. The judgment flag is set to ON after the judgment flag set at the start of each game is checked and before the first stop is operated. The judgment flag is set to OFF when the game ends and neither of the aforementioned conditions 1 nor 2 is met (i.e., the second penalty has not occurred). By setting this judgment flag, the judgment flag set at the start of the game is set to ON for the next game involving a second penalty, and the judgment flag set at the start of the game is set to OFF for the next game involving a second penalty.

[0114] In this embodiment, both the first and second penalties are processed at a specific timing depending on the penalty type. While the penalty type may affect multiple games, such as the current game or the next game, resulting in a disadvantage in terms of the pseudo-bonus (AT state), the penalty is not executed at multiple timings depending on the penalty type. That is, the first penalty prevents the predetermined transition indicator, which is normally updated when the current game is played, from being updated. However, the first penalty incurred in the current game does not result in a disadvantage in subsequent games. Furthermore, the second penalty does not set the judgment flag OFF at the end of the current game, as described above. Therefore, the judgment flag is ON in the next game, and the lottery process, such as the pseudo-bonus lottery or CZ lottery, is not performed using the result of the lottery by the lottery lottery unit 103. However, the second penalty incurred in the current game does not result in a disadvantage in the current game or subsequent games. Therefore, appropriate penalties can be applied. In this embodiment, the second penalty requires that all of the conditions for the first penalty be met, and also that another condition be met. When the second penalty occurs, the first penalty is also always incurred; however, the second penalty may also be incurred even if the conditions for the first penalty are not met.

[0115] It should be noted that the penalty processing executed depending on the penalty type is not limited to the above. For example, as the first penalty processing, a penalty processing may be executed in which the results of lottery processing such as a pseudo bonus lottery or CZ lottery performed in a game in a game state in which the operation mode when not in a pseudo bonus state is not notified are not used at the end of the game (i.e., the pseudo bonus or CZ is not won). This makes it possible to prevent a pseudo bonus (AT state) from occurring in a game in which the first stop is operated other than the stop switch 10L (left reel) in a game in which the operation mode when not in a pseudo bonus state is not notified, thereby making the player aware of the penalty.

[0116] For the winning combinations "BE1" and "BE2," the stop control means 105 stops the winning combinations, which are symbol combinations that result in a payout of three coins regardless of the operation mode, so that a total of nine symbols arranged in three columns and three rows are displayed in the display window 5 in a stop pattern called a "bell combination," as described above. Because the stop patterns for "BE1" and "BE2" are the same, the player cannot tell from the stop pattern whether "BE1" or "BE2" has won. As described above, "BE2" always wins with the bonus combination "BNS" and cannot win alone. Therefore, in the column for targets for shifting to the advantageous zone described below, the winning combinations with the higher number 00 and the lower number 21, which indicate that they have not been simultaneously won with "BNS," are displayed as "-" because they do not occur in RT0. The winning combinations with the higher number 01 and the lower number 21, which indicate that they have been simultaneously won with "BNS," are displayed as "-" because they do not occur in RBBF.

[0117] For the winning combination "PZ", as with the aforementioned winning combinations "ATA_CL1" to "ATB_RC2", the stop control means 105 changes the pattern combination that is stopped preferentially depending on the operation mode, and the pattern combination that is stopped preferentially will be the payout of one coin or the payout of three coins.

[0118] For the winning combinations "SCH" to "TMT", the stop control means 105 gives priority to stopping a symbol combination that pays out three coins regardless of the operation mode, but for some winning combinations, the stop form in which a total of nine symbols arranged in three columns and three rows are stopped and displayed in the display window 5 differs mainly depending on whether the first stop is operated with the stop switch 10L (left reel). This is mainly because, in the normal game state, when the first stop is operated with the stop switch 10L (left reel), a stop form in which a total of nine symbols arranged in three columns and three rows are stopped and displayed in the display window 5 as a so-called rare combination is obtained.

[0119] For the winning combinations "ALL1" to "ALL3", the stop control means 105 prioritizes the corresponding symbol combination regardless of the operation mode. Note that "ALL2" and "ALL3" are not the subject of the lottery in RT0 and RBBF, but are the subject of the lottery only in RBB. In this embodiment, in a game where "ALL1" is won in RBBF, BNS can be won depending on some operation modes.

[0120] (7) Section transition control means 106 The zone transition control means 106 controls the transition between the non-advantageous zone, which does not allow the correct button press sequence to be announced when an AT role (winning role group "ATA_CL1" to "ATB_RC2") is won, and the advantageous zone, which allows the correct button press sequence to be announced, and is equipped with advantageous zone continued play count means 106a and increased number of coins count means 106b. The transition from the non-advantageous zone to the advantageous zone is set by RT0 and RBBF.

[0121] Specifically, as shown in Figure 9, the zone transition control means 106 can transition to a favorable zone when a winning role group that is eligible for transition to a favorable zone is won when RT0 and RBBF are in a non-favorable zone (the eligible roles for transition to a favorable zone are marked with "○" in Figure 9).

[0122] The winning role groups marked "○" as targets for transition to the advantageous zone include some of the replay roles and almost all of the small roles. Therefore, even if the zone becomes non-advantageous, transition to the advantageous zone can be achieved in a relatively short number of games (a few games at most). Here, the winning role groups that are targets for transition to the advantageous zone among the small roles include (1) "ATA_CL1" to "ATB_RC2", which are targets of AT roles, (2) "SCH" to "TMT", which are targets of rare roles, (3) "BE2", which is always won with the bonus role "BNS" and never wins alone, and (4) "BE1", which has the same stopping pattern as "BE2".

[0123] Of the above (1) to (4), the minor roles except for (3) will move to the advantageous zone whether they are in the non-advantageous zone of RT0 or RBBF, but for (3), "BE2" is an eligible candidate for the advantageous zone in RT0, which is always won at the same time as "BNS", but is not eligible for the advantageous zone in RBBF. (See Figure 9. As mentioned above, in RBBF, the new bonus role "BNS" cannot be won, so when "BE2" is won, it is "HZ" with the higher number 00, and the eligible candidate for the advantageous zone is "×".)

[0124] Also, as shown in Figure 9, "BE2" can only get a maximum payout of 3 coins regardless of the operation mode, while "ATA_CL1" and the like, which are targets of AT roles included in targets for shifting to advantageous zones, can get a payout of 8 coins, more than 3, depending on the operation mode. Therefore, there is no possibility that a player will notice that they may have won a target that can shift to advantageous zones because of the large number of payout coins.

[0125] Furthermore, "BE1", which has the same stopping pattern as "BE2", is also a target for transition to the advantageous zone, and since these can also be transitioned to the advantageous zone in RBBF, the player cannot immediately determine whether or not they have transitioned to the advantageous zone from the stopping pattern. Therefore, there is no loss of interest.

[0126] Furthermore, the zone transition control means 106 transitions from the advantageous zone to the non-advantageous zone when the increase in the number of medals in the advantageous zone after transitioning to the advantageous zone exceeds a specified value (for example, the difference in number of medals from transitioning to the advantageous zone (number of medals paid out - number of medals inserted) is 2,400). It may also transition to the non-advantageous zone when a specified number of games (for example, 4,000 games) have been played after transitioning to the advantageous zone without transitioning to the non-advantageous zone. In either case, the RBBF, which remains in a general gaming state, is maintained while transitioning to the non-advantageous zone. When transitioning to the non-advantageous zone, all information related to the AT, including pseudo bonuses and the lottery mode described below, is reset.

[0127] Furthermore, the transition to the non-favorable zone may occur depending on the initial conditions such as setting changes. In this case, as mentioned above, the initial conditions result in RT0, so the transition to the non-favorable zone occurs at RT0.

[0128] a) Means 106a for counting the number of consecutive games in the advantageous zone The advantageous zone continued play number counting means 106a counts the number of continued plays in the advantageous zone, and counts the number of plays from when the advantageous zone flag is set to ON until the flag is set to OFF. Specifically, the advantageous zone continued play number counting means 106a adds +1 to the count value of the advantageous zone play number counter 102e set in RAM 65 every time one game is played after the advantageous zone flag is set to ON. Note that, when the advantageous zone flag is set from ON to OFF, the advantageous zone continued play number counting means 106a clears the count value of the advantageous zone play number counter 102e to 0. Note that the advantageous zone continued play number counting means 106a does not have to be provided.

[0129] b) Increased number counting means 106b The increased number counting means 106b counts the increase in the number of medals possessed by the player since the transition to the advantageous zone. When medals are paid out, the increased number counting means 106b adds the number of medals to the increased medal number counter 102f set in RAM 65. Furthermore, when medals are inserted, the increased number counting means 106b subtracts the count value of the increased medal number counter 102f by the number of medals inserted. Furthermore, when the count value of the increased medal number counter 102f reaches a count value that exceeds the upper limit (2400 medals) and the advantageous zone flag is set from ON to OFF, the increased number counting means 106b clears the count value of the increased medal number counter 102f to 0.

[0130] (8) CZ Transfer Lottery Method 107 In this embodiment, when the game moves from a non-advantageous zone to an advantageous zone, a pseudo-bonus lottery is held, which is an AT state. The CZ transition lottery means 107 determines by lottery whether or not to transition to a CZ, which is a state in which the pseudo-bonus lottery is drawn with a high probability for a certain period of time due to a rare winning combination or the like. If the CZ transition lottery is won, the CZ transition lottery means 107 sets the CZ flag provided in the flag storage area 102d to ON. Note that this flag is set to OFF when the CZ ends.

[0131] (9) Pseudo Bonus Lottery Method 108 In this embodiment, a pseudo bonus is provided in which, for a predetermined number of games (for example, 30 games), an operation mode with a large payout number is notified when "ATA_CL1" to "ATB_RC2," which are targets of the AT role, are won. The pseudo bonus lottery means 108 determines by lottery (pseudo bonus transition lottery) whether or not to transition to a pseudo bonus in the normal state of the advantageous zone. The probability of winning the pseudo bonus transition lottery is set, for example, according to the result of the role lottery. When the pseudo bonus transition lottery is won, the pseudo bonus lottery means 108 sets the pseudo bonus flag provided in the flag storage area 102d to ON. The flag is set to OFF when the pseudo bonus ends.

[0132] (10) Pseudo bonus forced transition control means 109 In this embodiment, there are two routes to transition to the pseudo bonus: a normal transition route, which is triggered by winning the pseudo bonus transition lottery in the normal state (advantageous zone), and a forced transition route (so-called ceiling), which is triggered by the accumulation of a predetermined transition indicator reaching a specified value in a state where the pseudo bonus transition lottery has not been won in the normal state (advantageous zone). The pseudo bonus forced transition control means 109 controls the transition to the pseudo bonus via the forced transition route.

[0133] In this embodiment, the number of games played since the end of the pseudo bonus (hereinafter also referred to as the ceiling game number) is set as the predetermined transition indicator. When a pseudo bonus is not won in the pullback preferential mode that occurs when a transition to an advantageous zone or the end of the pseudo bonus occurs, a lottery mode is determined, and the number of games played is determined by the lottery mode. The lottery modes include pullback preferential modes (pullback preferential mode A, pullback preferential mode B), a pullback mode with a ceiling game number of 200 games, normal mode A with a ceiling game number of 800 games, normal mode B which is likely to transition to pullback preferential mode B with a ceiling game number of 800 games, and a special mode. Note that the pullback preferential modes include pullback preferential mode A and pullback preferential mode B, and pullback preferential mode B is set to have a higher probability of winning a pseudo bonus, making it more advantageous for players.

[0134] (11) AT lottery means 110 The AT lottery means 110 determines whether a new pseudo bonus will be won during a pseudo bonus. If a new pseudo bonus is won during a pseudo bonus, a so-called one-game winning streak occurs, in which a new pseudo bonus is generated immediately after the pseudo bonus ends. If a new pseudo bonus is won during a pseudo bonus, the AT flag stored in the flag storage area 102d is set to ON.

[0135] (12) Notification mode determining means 111 The notification mode determination means 111 determines the notification mode of the push order to be notified by the payout display 46. The payout display 46 is composed of two 7-segment displays arranged side by side, and the lighting mode of these segments is set to a unique mode according to the type of push order, thereby notifying the operation mode in an identifiable manner.

[0136] (13) Pattern determination means 112 The pattern determination means 112 in Figure 5 determines whether the display pattern of the patterns on each reel 6L, 6M, 6R that has been stopped by the stop control means 105 is a predetermined display pattern based on the rotation position of each reel 6L, 6M, 6R, and determines whether the pattern combination on the winning line when the reels 6L, 6M, 6R have stopped is a predetermined winning pattern.

[0137] (8) First payout processing means 101h When the result of the determination by the symbol determination means 112 indicates a winning pattern for which pseudo medals are to be paid out, the first payout processing means 101h cooperates with the second payout processing means 301b4 of the medal count control CPU 301 (described later) to pay out pseudo medals corresponding to the winning pattern, thereby awarding a profit to the player. When the result of the determination by the symbol determination means 112 indicates a display pattern for which pseudo medals are to be paid out, the first payout processing means 101h stores the number of medals to be paid out corresponding to the winning pattern in a storage area for the remaining payout number provided in the memory 102, subtracts one from the value of the remaining payout number, and then transmits a payout processing request signal to the medal count control board 300 via the medal management transmission / reception means 101n. Upon receiving the payout processing request signal, the medal count control board 300 performs a process of adding one to the number of game medals stored in the storage means 302a, and then transmits a completion signal for this process to the main control board 100, thereby completing the payout processing for one medal. This payout process is repeated until the remaining payout number becomes "0", and the payout process for that game is completed.

[0138] In this embodiment, even if the number of pseudo medals to be paid out for a winning combination is two or more, the payout process is carried out one by one between the first payout processing means 101h and the second payout processing means 301b4, but it is also possible to pay out multiple pseudo medals in one payout process.

[0139] (9) Error detection means 101i The error detection means 101i detects whether an abnormal state different from the normal state, that is, an error, has occurred.

[0140] (10) Dispensing indicator control means 101j The payout indicator control means 101j controls the display of the payout indicator 46. Specifically, when a winning combination is achieved, the payout indicator control means 101j controls the payout indicator 46 so that the number of pseudo medals to be paid out set for the winning combination is displayed on the payout indicator 46. Furthermore, when the error detection means 101i detects the occurrence of an error, the payout indicator control means 101j controls the payout indicator 46 so that a predetermined identification number for the detected error is displayed on the payout indicator 46.

[0141] (11) Command Creation Method 101k The command creation means 101k creates commands for transmitting various information to the sub-control board 200 (sub-control CPU 201), such as information on the result of the role selection by the role selection means 103, information on the type of game state such as the normal game state or the bonus game state, the spinning / stop state of each of the reels 6L, 6M, 6R, and the payout state of pseudo medals by the first payout processing means 101h. The commands created by the command creation means 101k are then sent to the sub-control board 200 by command sending means 101m, which will be described later. The sub-control board 200 selects an effect to be executed based on the command sent from the main control board 100. In other words, the command creation means 101k creates a command that indicates the content of the effect to be executed on the sub-control board 200.

[0142] (12) Command transmission means 101m The command transmission means 101m transmits commands including various information created by the command creation means 101k in a one-way manner from the main control board 100 to the sub-control board 200. In addition, information indicating the pressing of the count switch 31 and information indicating the pressing of the lending switch 503a received from the medal count control board 300 by the medal management transmission / reception means 101n (described later) is also transmitted to the sub-control board 200 by the command transmission means 101m.

[0143] (13) Medal management and transmission / reception means 101n The medal management transmitting / receiving means 101n transmits signals based on various information to the medal count control board 300, and receives signals based on various information from the medal count control board 300. Information transmitted to the medal count control board 300 includes, for example, information on winning combinations, information on the operation of the bet switch 7 and the maximum bet switch 8, information on the insertion of pseudo medals (insertion processing request signal), information on the payout of pseudo medals (payout processing request signal), the ID number of the main control CPU 101, gaming machine information including various ratios such as the ratio of prizes, etc. Information received from the medal count control board 300 includes, for example, information on the insertion of pseudo medals (insertion processing response signal), information on the payout of pseudo medals (payout processing response signal), information indicating the pressing of the counting switch 31, information indicating the pressing of the lending switch 503a, etc.

[0144] (15) Game history information management means 101q The game history information management means 101q in Fig. 5 tally up game history information according to the progress of the game. For example, the game history information includes the total number of inputs (the number of inputs accumulated since the power was turned on, excluding replays), the total number of payouts (the number of payouts accumulated since the power was turned on, excluding replays), MY (the maximum MY calculated since the power was turned on), the number of payouts of special devices (the number of payouts accumulated since the power was turned on due to the operation of special devices), the number of consecutive payouts of special devices (the number of payouts accumulated since the power was turned on due to the differential of the first type special devices), the ratio of special devices (the number of payouts of special devices ÷ the total number of payouts × 100 [%]), the ratio of consecutive special devices (the number of payouts of consecutive special devices ÷ the total number of payouts × 100 [%]), the ratio of advantageous zones, the ratio of devices with instructions, the ratio of device status, etc.

[0145] (Sub-control board) Next, the function of the sub-control board 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0146] (1) Command receiving means 201a The command receiving means 201a receives commands containing various information transmitted by the command transmitting means 101m of the main control board 100. When the command receiving means 201a receives a command transmitted from the main control board 100, it notifies each function of the sub-control board 200 according to the type of command.

[0147] (2) Performance content determining means 201b The effect content determining means 201b is for determining the content of the effect in accordance with the command received by the command receiving means 201a. Specifically, from effect patterns preset in accordance with the progress of the game and the result of the role lottery by the role lottery means 103, the means 201b determines the video to be displayed on the liquid crystal display 14, the music or sound to be played from the speakers 15 and 16, and the effects to be performed such as blinking the light sources of the upper lamp unit 21 and the lower lamp unit 22 simultaneously or individually.

[0148] Furthermore, the effect content determination means 201b determines the effect content to be such that, when any of "ATA_CL1" to "ATB_RC2", which are targets of the AT combination, is won during the pseudo bonus, information capable of identifying the operation mode displayed on the payout indicator 46 is displayed on the liquid crystal display 14. Specifically, when the winning combination group won in the pseudo bonus is "ATA_CL1", for example, "213" is displayed on the screen of the liquid crystal display 14.

[0149] In addition, in the normal game state, when the push order is such that the first stopped reel is the center reel 6M or the right reel 6R, the presentation content determination means 201b uses the liquid crystal display 14 to display a presentation such as "Push left is recommended."

[0150] Then, the effect content determining means 201b transmits a signal including data relating to the determined effect content to the liquid crystal display control means 201c and the audio control means 201d.

[0151] (3) Liquid crystal display control means 201c The liquid crystal display control means 201c controls, based on data included in the signal transmitted from the performance content determination means 201b, displaying a moving image (image) on the liquid crystal display 14 and blinking the light sources such as the upper lamp unit 21 and the lower lamp unit 22 all at once or individually. For example, the liquid crystal display control means 201c causes the light sources such as the upper lamp unit 21 and the lower lamp unit 22 to flash all at once or individually based on data transmitted from the performance content determination means 201b.

[0152] Here, the LCD display control means 201c controls the display of moving images (images) on the LCD display 14 and the blinking of light sources such as the upper lamp unit 21 and the lower lamp unit 22 simultaneously or individually based on the data contained in the signal transmitted from the performance content determination means 201b, and allows the player or store staff to set the light intensity of the LCD display 14 and the lamp units 21 and 22.

[0153] (4) Voice control means 201d The sound control means 201d controls, based on the data included in the signal transmitted from the effect content determination means 201b, the speakers 15 and 16 to play music or output sound, etc. For example, the sound control means 201d sounds the winning sound of a replay combination from the speaker 15 and the sound of a medal being inserted from the speaker 16, based on the data transmitted from the effect content determination means 201b.

[0154] Here, the audio control means 201d controls the playback of music and output of sounds from the speakers 15 and 16 based on data included in the signal transmitted from the effect content determination means 201b, and allows the player or store clerk to set the output volume and audio balance. For example, in addition to the basic function of increasing or decreasing the volume itself, it is also possible to increase or decrease only the dialogue volume or the background music volume while keeping the overall volume the same, or to output audio only from the upper speaker 15 or only from the lower speaker 16. It is also possible to apply echo and mixing effects to the audio itself. This is because the audio control means 201d synthesizes multiple sound sources in software in real time and outputs audio from a single speaker, so that the audio balance can be freely adjusted by filtering specific sound sources in software without any hardware constraints.

[0155] By incorporating an audio balance function into the audio control means 201d, a new game result notification method utilizing this function can be implemented. For example, when a winning combination is achieved while the dialogue volume is set to be echoed, the audio control means 201d may disable the echo function, thereby notifying the player that the winning combination has been achieved by giving the player a sense of incongruity. In this case, players who do not have the echo function set will not feel any sense of incongruity, so only players who have made specific customizations can be given the opportunity to receive the notification. While the example has been given using the presence or absence of an echo function, it is also possible to notify the player using each of the customization items that the player can set, such as the presence or absence of dialogue or background music, or sound output only from a specific speaker.

[0156] Furthermore, the sound control means 201d can also be used by players or store staff to adjust the sound balance of each sound all at once. For example, if the hall environment makes it difficult for low sounds to resonate and easy for high sounds to resonate, the sound control means 201d can be set to BASS, which increases the low-frequency output and reduces the high-frequency output.

[0157] (Medal count control board) Next, the function of the medal count control board 300 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0158] (1) Storage means 302a The storage means 302a is formed in the RAM section (volatile memory) of the memory 302, and stores data on the number of pseudo medals that can be used by the player.

[0159] (2) Flag storage means 302b The flag storage means 302b stores an insertion completion flag which is set to ON when the main board transmission / reception means 301a receives information that can identify that the start switch 9 has been operated and the game has started, and which is set to OFF when information indicating the number of inserted medals for the game is transmitted to the card unit CU after the start switch 9 has been operated, or when the time assumed to have been transmitted has elapsed.

[0160] (3) Main board transmitting / receiving means 301a The main board transmitting / receiving means 301a receives signals based on various information transmitted from the main control board 100, such as instructions to insert dummy medals and information on the number of dummy medals paid out for winning combinations, as well as gaming machine information including the ID number of the main control CPU 101 and various ratios such as the ratio of winning combinations, and transmits response signals to the main control board 100 in response to instructions to insert dummy medals and information on the number of medals paid out from the main control board 100. When the main board transmitting / receiving means 301a receives a signal based on information transmitted from the main control board 100 or a signal based on information transmitted from the card unit CU, it notifies each function of the medal count control board 300 according to the type of information. Note that the main board transmitting / receiving means 301a may be separate means for receiving signals from the main control board 100 and for receiving signals from the card unit CU.

[0161] (4) Game medal number management means 301b The game medal number management means 301b manages the usable medal number data stored in the memory means 302a, and is equipped with a borrowing processing means 301b1, a first counting processing means 301b2, a second insertion processing means 301b3, and a second payout processing means 301b4.

[0162] a) Borrowing processing means 301b1 The borrowing processing means 301b1 performs borrowing processing of pseudo medals between the card unit CU and the card unit CU. Specifically, when the lending switch 503a of the card unit CU is operated, a signal based on number data of a predetermined number of medals to be lent is transmitted from the card unit CU to the slot machine SM, and this signal is received by the inter-unit transmitting / receiving means 301e, which will be described later. When this signal is received by the inter-unit transmitting / receiving means 301e, the borrowing processing means 301b1 rewrites the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a to game medal number data increased by the predetermined number of medals to be lent. Furthermore, when the borrowing processing means 301b1 rewrites the game medal number data to game medal number data increased by the predetermined number of medals to be lent, it transmits a loan receipt result response signal to the card unit CU via the inter-unit transmitting / receiving means 301e.

[0163] b) First counting processing means 301b2 The first counting processing means 301b2 cooperates with the second counting processing means 501c of the card unit CU to perform counting processing that transfers some or all of the available medal count data stored in the storage means 302a to the card unit CU. Specifically, when the counting switch 31 of the slot machine SM is operated, a signal based on the number data of a predetermined number of medals is transmitted from the slot machine SM to the card unit CU via the inter-unit transmitting / receiving means 301e. When this signal is transmitted by the inter-unit transmitting / receiving means 301e, the first counting processing means 301b2 rewrites the gaming medal count data stored in the storage means 302a to gaming medal count data obtained by subtracting the predetermined number of medals.

[0164] In this embodiment, the predetermined count number is data on the number of 1 dummy medal when the count switch 31 is pressed normally, i.e., when the count switch 31 is pressed for less than the predetermined time, and data on the number of 50 dummy medals when the count switch 31 is pressed for a long time, i.e., when the count switch 31 is pressed for a long time. In the case of a long press, data on the number of 50 dummy medals is transmitted to the card unit CU at predetermined intervals (e.g., 300 ms) while the count switch 31 is being pressed. Accordingly, the first count processing means 301b2 rewrites the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a at predetermined intervals (e.g., 300 ms) to game medal number data obtained by subtracting 50 dummy medals.

[0165] c) Second input processing means 301b3 The second insertion processing means 301b3 cooperates with the first insertion processing means 101d of the main control CPU 101 to set the number of bets by inserting pseudo medals, thereby fulfilling the predetermined conditions for starting the game.

[0166] When the bet switch 7 is operated, a signal based on information that can identify that fact is transmitted by the medal management transmission / reception means 101n to the medal count control board 300. When the main board transmission / reception means 301a receives a signal based on that information, the second insertion processing means 301b3 rewrites the number of game medals stored in the storage means 302a to game medal count data that is obtained by subtracting the number of game medals (1 medal) corresponding to the number of bets, and transmits a signal based on information that can identify that fact to the main control board 100 via the main board transmission / reception means 301a.

[0167] When the maximum bet switch 8 is operated, a signal based on information that can identify that fact is transmitted by the medal management transmission / reception means 101n to the medal count control board 300. When the main board transmission / reception means 301a receives a signal based on that information, the second insertion processing means 301b3 rewrites the game medal count data stored in the storage means 302a to game medal count data obtained by subtracting the number of medals (3 medals) corresponding to the number of bets, and transmits a signal based on information that can identify that fact to the main control board 100 via the main board transmission / reception means 301a.

[0168] d) Second payout processing means 301b4 The second payout processing means 301b4 cooperates with the first payout processing means 101h of the main control CPU 101 to award a profit to the player by paying out pseudo medals corresponding to the winning combination when the determination result of the pattern determination means 112 is one of the winning combinations that results in the payout of pseudo medals.

[0169] If the determination result of the symbol determination means 112 is a display mode related to the payout of pseudo medals (a winning mode of a role with a payout of a small role or the like), a signal based on number data of the number of pseudo medals to be paid out to the player by the first payout processing means 101h is transmitted by the medal management transmission / reception means 101n to the medal number control board 300. When the main board transmission / reception means 301a receives a signal based on this information, the second payout processing means 301b4 rewrites the game medal number data stored in the storage means 302a to game medal number data increased by the number of payout medals, and transmits a signal based on information that can identify this to the main control board 100. However, in this embodiment, even if the number of pseudo medals to be paid out for a winning role is two or more, the payout process is performed one by one between the first payout processing means 101h and the second payout processing means 301b4. On the other hand, the second payout processing means 301b4 does not rewrite the data on the number of game medals stored in the storage means 302a even if a replay combination is won. Although it has been explained that the payout process is performed one by one even when multiple medals are to be paid out, multiple pseudo medals may be paid out in one payout process.

[0170] (5) Game medal number display control means 301c The game medal number display control means 301c controls the game medal number display 26 so that the number of pseudo medals indicated by the game medal number data stored in the memory means 302a is displayed on the game medal number display 26.

[0171] (7) Inter-unit transmission / reception means 301e The unit-to-unit transmission / reception means 301e transmits various information to the card unit CU, such as information regarding the number of pseudo medals inserted and paid out, information regarding errors occurring in the slot machine SM, information regarding various ratios displayed on the role ratio monitor 47, information that can identify the number data for the counted number based on the operation of the counting switch 31, and information unique to the slot machine SM, and receives information that can identify the number data for the loaned number sent from the card unit CU based on the operation of the loan switch 503a.

[0172] (8) VL supply determination means 301f The slot machine SM is supplied with a voltage VL from the card unit CU via a connector. If the card unit CU is not powered on or if the slot machine SM and the card unit CU are not properly connected, the voltage VL supplied from the card unit CU will be cut off. The VL supply determination means 301f determines whether or not the voltage VL is being supplied from the card unit CU by detecting the voltage of the wiring line in the medal count control board 300 through which the voltage VL is supplied from the card unit CU.

[0173] (9) Transmission item control means 301g The information transmitted to the card unit CU by the inter-unit transmitting / receiving means 301e includes gaming machine information, counting information, and information regarding the loan receipt result response. The transmission item control means 301g controls the transmission contents or transmission items of this information.

[0174] The communication between the medal count control CPU301 of the slot machine SM and the unit CPU501 of the card unit CU is implemented by serial communication, and the communication between the main control CPU101 of the slot machine SM and the medal count control CPU301 of the slot machine SM is implemented by parallel communication. Note that the communication between the medal count control CPU301 of the slot machine SM and the unit CPU501 of the card unit CU is not limited to serial communication, and the communication between the main control CPU101 of the slot machine SM and the medal count control CPU301 of the slot machine SM is not limited to parallel communication.

[0175] Next, the lottery mode determination table for determining the lottery mode when transitioning to the advantageous zone in this embodiment will be explained with reference to FIG.

[0176] In this embodiment, as described above, when a pseudo-bonus is not won in the pullback preferential mode that occurs when a favorable zone transitions or when a pseudo-bonus ends, a lottery mode is selected, and the number of games played is determined by the lottery mode. The lottery modes include pullback preferential modes (pullback preferential mode A, pullback preferential mode B), a pullback mode with a ceiling game count of 200 games, normal mode A with a ceiling game count of 800 games, normal mode B, which is likely to transition to pullback preferential mode B with a ceiling game count of 800 games, and special modes. The pullback preferential modes include pullback preferential mode A and pullback preferential mode B, and pullback preferential mode B has a higher probability of winning the pseudo-bonus, making it more advantageous for the player. The special mode is a mode that is transitioned to when certain conditions are met, and details will be described later.

[0177] After the pseudo bonus ends, the game shifts to a pullback preferential mode, in which the probability of winning a pseudo bonus increases. If you win a pseudo bonus in the pullback preferential mode, the game shifts back to the pullback preferential mode. The pullback preferential mode is either an AT state in which the net increase in coins per game is smaller than in the pseudo bonus, or a state in which the net increase in coins per game is negative without AT play (special play) like in normal mode, and unless you win a pseudo bonus during the pullback preferential mode, you cannot expect to win a large number of game medals.

[0178] The loop of pseudo bonuses and pullback preferential modes means you can expect to win gaming medals.

[0179] The advantageous period ends when the increase in the number of game medals during the advantageous period reaches the aforementioned specified value, or when it reaches a specific number slightly less than the specified value (for example, a difference of 2,000 medals), thereby ending the pseudo-bonus and meeting the advantageous period end condition.

[0180] When the advantageous zone ends, the lottery mode is cleared once to transition to a non-advantageous zone, but when the zone transitions back to the advantageous zone after transitioning to the non-advantageous zone, the pull-back preferential mode is selected as the lottery mode, so the player can look forward to winning more game medals.

[0181] After moving to a non-advantageous zone, it is possible to move to an advantageous zone by winning a lower-numbered winning role group shown in FIG. 10 (or FIG. 9). As shown in FIG. 10, a lottery mode determination table for determining the lottery mode is selected based on the combination of the RT state of the first game in the advantageous zone and the lower-numbered winning role group that triggered the move to the advantageous zone. The lottery mode determination table has two patterns: "reset" and "preferential." If "preferential" is selected, the player will be given an advantage by selecting the return preferential mode B rather than selecting "reset." Note that when moving from a non-advantageous zone to an advantageous zone due to a setting change, a mode other than the return preferential mode will be selected.

[0182] Next, we will explain the special mode. The special mode is a mode that is entered after the pseudo bonus ends after a certain number of game medals have been acquired through a loop of pseudo bonuses and pullback preferential modes, before the transition to the pullback preferential mode. The special mode continues for a set number of games, and although the AT state is in effect during this period, the occurrence rate of AT play is lower than in the pseudo bonus, and the net increase in coins per game is lower than in the pseudo bonus. However, the net increase in coins per game is higher than in the pullback preferential mode, and is set to at least not be negative. In the special mode, a lottery is held to determine whether the game will enter pullback preferential mode B after the special mode ends. The player can enter a lottery that gives them a better chance of entering the pullback preferential mode that will be entered afterwards without losing game medals in the special mode, thereby increasing the game's enjoyment.

[0183] The specified number of games for the special mode may be changed based on the number of games that have passed since the transition to the advantageous zone or the difference in the number of medals from the start of the advantageous zone when a certain amount of game medals is acquired.

[0184] Also, after the setting is changed, the game may transition to a special mode once, and then when the increase in the number of game medals reaches the aforementioned specified value or a specific number slightly less than the specified value (for example, a difference of 2,000 medals), the pseudo-bonus ends and an advantageous zone end condition is met, and after transitioning back to the advantageous zone, a certain number of game medals is acquired through a loop of pseudo-bonus and pull-back preferential mode, and after the pseudo-bonus ends, the game may transition to the pull-back preferential mode without transitioning to the special mode. In other words, in the advantageous zone that starts after the setting is changed, after the pseudo-bonus ends and a certain number of game medals is acquired through a loop of pseudo-bonus and pull-back preferential mode, the game may transition to the special mode, thereby increasing the player's interest through the above-mentioned gameplay, and by not transitioning to the special mode in the advantageous zone after the above-mentioned advantageous zone end condition, which is different from the setting change, is met, it is possible to provide unexpected gameplay and increase interest.

[0185] As a result of the above, a suitable gaming machine can be provided. [Explanation of symbols]

[0186] SM... slot machine, CU... card unit, 90... I / F board, 100... main control board, 101... main control CPU, 200... sub-control board, 201... sub-control CPU, 300... medal count control board, 301... medal count control CPU

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine that is composed of a box-shaped cabinet and a front door that covers the front of the cabinet, in which games are played using gaming value and the gaming value is awarded according to the game results, a main control means for controlling the progress of a game; a transmitting means for transmitting communication information relating to the gaming value to the outside of the gaming machine; Equipped with The communication information output from the transmitting means is output to the outside of the gaming machine via a communication board, The main control board on which the main control means is installed is the main control means is installed on one surface of the main board, which is a main board mounting surface, and no electronic components including the main control means are installed on the other surface of the main board, which is a main board non-mounting surface, which is the opposite surface of the main board to the main board mounting surface; a first signal line is laid, the first signal line being connected to the main control means and for communicating the communication information; The communication board An electronic component is installed on one surface, which is a communication board mounting surface, and no electronic component is installed on the other surface, which is a communication board non-mounting surface, opposite to the communication board mounting surface, a second signal line for communicating the communication information is laid on the non-mounting surface of the communication board; The communication board is installed on the wall of the housing so that the mounting surface faces the inside of the housing. A gaming machine characterized by:

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