Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of performing an effective performance.SOLUTION: When a stop operation is performed in an irregular batting order during a game in which a winning support performance is not executed, a recommended batting order warning performance is executed which outputs a recommended batting order warning sound to warn a player that a stop operation should be performed in the recommended batting order. The output of the recommended batting order warning sound may continue until the next game. In the game following the game in which the recommended batting order warning performance is executed, the winning support performance is not executed even when a batting order bell is won in an internal lottery.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Gaming machines (slot machines) equipped with multiple reels with symbols arranged on their outer peripheries have been known for some time. These types of gaming machines assign a fixed gaming value to gaming media, such as medals or pachinko balls, and players play to acquire these gaming media. When a player inserts gaming media into a designated slot and bets a specified number of gaming media, the gaming machine becomes operational to start the game. When the player initiates a spin start operation, an internal lottery is conducted and the multiple reels begin to spin. When the player initiates a stop operation, the multiple reels are stopped in a manner corresponding to the results of the internal lottery. The outcome of the game is determined by the symbol combination displayed on the pay line when the multiple reels are stopped, and medals or other items are paid out according to the outcome of the game.

[0003] In this type of gaming machine, if the reels are still spinning after a predetermined time has passed, a rotation stop warning is issued to urge the player to stop the reels.For example, there is known a gaming machine that displays an image on a display device urging the player to stop the reels and outputs a predetermined warning sound from an audio device (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-68905 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the gaming machine shown in Patent Document 1, the warning sound may be output overlapping with the sound effects, making it difficult to hear, so it is desirable to make the sound as easy to hear as possible to provide effective effects.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can provide effective presentations. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) The present invention relates to a gaming machine that starts the rotation of multiple reels, stops the rotating reels in a manner according to the result of an internal lottery when a stop operation is performed, and can inflict a penalty that is disadvantageous to the player if the stop operation is performed in a non-specific operation sequence other than the specific operation sequence, and is equipped with an effect control means that controls the execution of a warning effect that outputs a warning sound that warns the player to perform the stop operation in the specific operation sequence, and a game assist effect that outputs a game assist sound that assists the game, and a specific winning mode in which the expected value of game value acquired varies depending on the operation sequence of the stop operations is provided as a lottery target in the internal lottery, and the effect control means is capable of executing the game assist effect if the specific winning mode is obtained in the internal lottery, and executes the warning effect if the stop operation is performed in the non-specific operation sequence in a game in which the game assist effect is not executed, and there are cases in which the output of the warning sound continues until the next game, and the game assist effect is not executed in the next game after the game in which the warning effect was executed, even if the specific winning mode is obtained in the internal lottery.

[0008] In this invention, it is possible to execute a game assist effect that outputs a game assist sound to assist the game when a specific winning pattern is obtained in the internal lottery, and when a stop operation is performed in a non-specific operation sequence in a game in which the game assist effect is not being executed, an attention calling effect is executed that outputs an attention calling sound that warns the player to perform the stop operation in a specific operation sequence, and there are cases in which the output of the attention calling sound continues until the next game, and in the game next to the game in which the attention calling effect is executed, even if a specific winning pattern is obtained in the internal lottery, so it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which the attention calling sound and the game assist sound overlap and become difficult to hear. This makes it possible to prevent the attention calling sound from becoming difficult to hear, and to perform an effective effect.

[0009] (2) In the gaming machine of the present invention, the presentation control means may be configured to be capable of outputting a sound effect related to the result of the internal lottery while the warning sound is being output in the next game after the game in which the warning presentation was executed.

[0010] In this way, since the sound effect is superimposed on the attention-calling voice, the difficulty of hearing the attention-calling voice can be reduced compared to when other voices are superimposed on the attention-calling voice. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of a gaming machine and a dedicated unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating the functional blocks of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the order in which stop buttons are pressed and winning combinations in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the timing of canceling effects in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6]10 is a flowchart illustrating a presentation process in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an image displayed during the recommended batting order warning display in the gaming machine of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart showing the presentation processing of the winning assist presentation in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing images displayed during the winning assistance effect in the gaming machine of the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. Note that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiments are necessarily essential constituent elements of the present invention.

[0013] 1. Configuration FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] The gaming machine of this embodiment is called a smart pachislot, and is a type of gaming machine that maintains the playability of a slot machine while using electronic medals, which are electronic gaming value, as the gaming medium used in the game instead of physical medals.

[0015] The gaming machine of this embodiment includes a box-shaped housing including a storage box BX (an example of the gaming machine body), an upper front door UD (an example of the front door), and a lower front door DD (an example of the front door), and houses a reel unit 310 consisting of a first reel R1 through a third reel R3 (multiple reels). A power supply unit with a built-in power supply and various switches, such as a power switch, is housed below the reel unit 310 within the housing. The gaming machine of this embodiment also houses a control board equipped with a CPU (an example of a computing unit), a ROM (an example of an information storage medium), RAM (an example of temporary storage unit), and other components to control the operation of the gaming machine. In this embodiment, multiple types of electronic circuit boards are provided, including a main board 10 that controls the progress of the game, a sub-board 20 that receives signals from the main board 10 and controls the execution of game presentations according to the progress of the game, and a medal count control board 30 that controls the number of electronic medals available for play (the number of game medals) electronically stored in the gaming machine. In the following, the total number of electronic medals that are electronically stored in the gaming machine and can be used for gaming will be referred to as the "number of gaming medals," and the memory unit that stores the electronic medals will be referred to as the "medal storage unit."

[0016] The upper front door UD and lower front door DD, which close the front (an example of the front) of the storage box BX in an openable and closable manner, are provided so as to be able to be opened and closed individually, and the upper front door UD is provided with a display window DW which allows the rotation and stopped states of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 to be observed.

[0017] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, each reel is provided with an upper, middle, and lower display positions for observing the symbols through the display window DW, and an activated line is set by the combination of the display positions of each reel. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when the number of electronic medals required for one game, that is, the so-called specified number of medals, is inserted (bet), an activated line L1 formed by the middle of each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 is activated.

[0018] The game result is determined by the symbol combination displayed on the active line in the display window DW, and if the symbol combination on the active line corresponds to a predetermined winning combination, that winning combination is considered to have won and electronic medals are paid out.

[0019] Additionally, the upper front door UD is provided with a game information display section DS. The game information display section DS is made up of LEDs, lamps, 7-segment displays, etc., and displays various game information such as the number of electronic medals paid out or won in one game (the difference between the number of electronic medals paid out and the number inserted), the total number of electronic medals paid out or won in bonus games, etc.

[0020] The upper front door UD is also provided with a liquid crystal display LCD and a frame lamp AL for game presentations. The liquid crystal display LCD displays various videos (or images) to assist and liven up the game, and the frame lamp AL lights up and flashes to liven up the game.

[0021] In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a plurality of speakers SP for producing game effects are provided on the lower front door DD. These speakers SP output various sounds to assist and liven up the game.

[0022] Additionally, the lower front door DD is provided with a game medal count display device 70 (an example of a display device). The game medal count display device 70 displays the total number of digitized medals held in the medal holding section, i.e., the number of game medals (an example of a game value number). However, the number of game medals does not include the digitized medals bet. Therefore, the game medal count display device 70 displays the number of digitized medals acquired by the player minus the number of digitized medals bet. The game medal count is displayed in a numerical range of 0 to 16,382 on a 5- or 6-digit 7-segment display or the like located in a position visible to the player. If the numerical value exceeds 15,000 (a specific number, an example of a first number), a notification is issued to prompt the player to count (to send some or all of the digitized medals held in the medal holding section to the dedicated unit 50, described later), the digitized medal lending process (the process of sending digitized medals from the dedicated unit 50, described later, to the gaming machine) is restricted, and a test counting signal (a signal output during a type test to prompt counting) is output for approximately 3,500 msec. However, the player can continue playing. If the numerical value exceeds 16,369 (an example of a second number), the progress of the game is restricted. Specifically, operation of the bet button B0, start lever SL, and settlement button B4 is disabled. Note that, instead of when the numerical value exceeds 16,369, if the numerical value is likely to exceed 16,369, the payout of digitized medals may be prohibited until the player performs counting. For example, the game may be stopped when the numerical value is equal to or greater than 16,357, which is obtained by subtracting 12 coins, the maximum difference that can be obtained in one game (= maximum payout number (e.g., 15 coins) - specified insertion number (e.g., 3 coins)), from 16,369. Furthermore, the game medal count display device 70 reflects and displays the updated number of game medals within approximately 300 msec after the number of game medals held in the medal holding section is updated.

[0023] The lower front door DD is provided with various operating means, such as a bet button B0 (an example of an inserting operation means, a gaming operation means) for inserting (betting) electronic medals held in the medal holding section, a start lever SL (an example of a game starting operation means, a gaming operation means) for rotating the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 to start a game, stop buttons B1 to B3 (an example of a stop operation means, a gaming operation means) for stopping each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 that are driven to rotate by a stepping motor, and a settlement button B4 (an example of a predetermined operation means, a settlement operation means, a gaming operation means) for returning (settling) all inserted (bet) electronic medals to the medal holding section.

[0024] In addition, the lower front door DD is provided with a counting button B8 (an example of a counting operation means, a gaming operation means) as an operation means for transferring (counting) some or all of the electronic medals held in the medal holding section to a dedicated unit 50 (an example of a specific unit) described later.

[0025] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a player inserts (bet) a specified number of electronic medals by pressing the bet button B0 in a state where a game can be started, the machine is set to a ready state where rotation control of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 can be started, and pressing the start lever is permitted (enabled). Then, when the player presses the start lever SL, the control board starts rotating the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 by driving the stepping motor, and an internal lottery is performed using a random number value. On the condition that the rotation speed of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 has increased to a predetermined speed, pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 is permitted (enabled).

[0026] Thereafter, when the player presses the stop buttons B1 to B3 at any timing, the stop switch (stop signal output means: for example, a photosensor, a conductivity sensor, a pressure sensor, etc.) built into each of the stop buttons B1 to B3 turns on, changing the reel stop signal input to the control board from the off state to the on state.

[0027] Furthermore, when the player releases any of the pressed stop buttons B1 to B3 at any time, the stop switches corresponding to the respective stop buttons B1 to B3 turn off, changing the reel stop signal input to the control board from on to off.

[0028] The control board then stops the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 at a stop position according to the result of the internal lottery based on the change from OFF to ON of the reel stop signal, whose signal state changes depending on the timing of pressing and releasing the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0029] When medals are paid out according to the results of a game, the electronic medals are paid out (stored) in the medal holding section, and the display of the number of game medals on the game medal number display device 70 is updated.

[0030] In addition, the gaming machine of this embodiment is provided with a door sensor (detection means) that detects the open / closed state of the upper front door UD and a door sensor (detection means) that detects the open / closed state of the lower front door DD, and is configured to be able to detect the open / closed state of each of the upper front door UD and the lower front door DD based on the input signal (detection signal) input from the door sensor to the control board (main board).

[0031] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the gaming machine and the dedicated unit 50 of this embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of this embodiment.

[0032] The gaming machine of this embodiment is electrically connected to a dedicated unit 50, which is an external device, via a gaming ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 40. The dedicated unit 50 is provided with a dedicated unit control board 60 that transmits and receives electronic medals to and from the gaming machine.

[0033] The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a control board including a main board 10 (a main control unit, an example of a first control unit), a sub-board 20 (an example of a sub-control unit), and a medal count control board 30 (a game value count control unit, an example of a second control unit). The main board 10 receives input signals from input means such as a bet switch 220, a start switch 230, a stop switch 240, and a settlement switch 250, performs various calculations to execute a game, and controls the operation of output means such as a reel unit 310 based on the calculation results. The sub-board 20 receives signals from the main board 10, performs various calculations to execute effects according to the progress of the game, and controls the operation of output means such as a display device 330 and a sound device 340 based on the calculation results. The medal count control board 30 receives input signals from input means such as a count button switch 255, performs various calculations to manage the number of game medals, and controls the operation of output means such as a game medal count display device 70 based on the calculation results. In addition, the functions of each board, such as the main board 10, sub-board 20, and medal count control board 30, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), or RAM, or by software consisting of a given program pre-stored in ROM, etc.

[0034] The main board 10 is equipped with a main CPU 10a, a main ROM 10b, a main RAM 10c, etc., and by the main CPU 10a executing various programs stored in the main ROM 10b, it functions as a deposit acceptance means 105 (acceptance control means, deposit processing means, settlement processing means), a random number generation means 110, an internal lottery means 120, a reel control means 130, a winning determination means 140, a payout control means 150, a replay processing means 160, a game status control means 170, a presentation status control means 180 (auxiliary game control means), a communication control means 190, etc.

[0035] The insertion acceptance means 105 accepts the insertion of electronic medals for each game, and performs control to validate a game start operation for the start lever SL (game start operation means) based on the insertion of a specified number of electronic medals (for example, three medals). In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the first pressing operation of the start lever SL, which is validated based on the insertion of a specified number of electronic medals, is accepted as a game start operation, and serves as a trigger to start the rotation of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 and also as a trigger to execute an internal lottery.

[0036] In addition, when the bet button B0 is operated while the deposit acceptance means 105 is accepting the deposit of electronic medals, the bet switch 220 is activated and an deposit process (bet process) is performed to set the electronic medals held in the medal holding section to a deposited state (bet state) up to a specified deposit number.

[0037] In addition, when the settlement button B4 is operated while the deposit acceptance means 105 is accepting the deposit of electronic medals, the settlement switch 250 is activated, and a settlement process is performed to return all of the electronic medals set to the deposited state to the medal holding section.

[0038] The random number generating means 110 is a means for generating random numbers for lottery. The random number can be generated based on the count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numbers so as to circulate within a predetermined count range), for example. In this embodiment, the "random number" includes not only values ​​that are generated randomly in the mathematical sense, but also values ​​that are generated regularly but whose acquisition timing is irregular, and therefore can essentially function as random numbers.

[0039] The internal lottery means 120 performs an internal lottery to determine whether or not multiple types of roles, such as replays, small roles, and bonuses, will be won based on a start signal from the start switch 230, which is activated by a game start operation on the start lever SL (the first press of the activated start lever SL). If a win is achieved in the internal lottery, the lottery flag corresponding to the winning role is set from a non-winning state (first flag state, off state) to a winning state (second flag state, on state). In this embodiment, multiple types of 15-coin small roles (correct small roles), multiple types of 1-coin small roles (incorrect small roles), multiple types of 3-coin small roles, etc. are prepared as small role win patterns, and batting order bell A1 to batting order bell A8 (examples of specific win patterns), watermelon, weak cherry, strong cherry, JAC1 to JAC3, etc. are set. In these win patterns, multiple types of small roles can be won multiple times, and the combinations of the multiple winning small roles are different from each other.

[0040] In this embodiment, the game state can be set to a normal state, a bonus establishment state, and a bonus state, and in the normal state and the bonus establishment state, the batting order bell A1 to the batting order bell A8, watermelon, weak cherry, and strong cherry are drawn, and in the bonus state, JAC1 to JAC3 are drawn. Also, the bonus is drawn only in the normal state, and the replay is drawn in the normal state and the bonus establishment state.

[0041] The reel control means 130 starts the rotation of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 using a stepping motor based on a start signal from a start switch 230 which is activated by a game start operation on the start lever SL, and controls the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 to start rotating by pressing a stop button B1 to B3 (stop operation means) corresponding to the reel that is rotating steadily at a predetermined speed (approximately 80 rpm: a rotation speed of approximately 80 rotations per minute), and also controls the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 that are being rotated by the stepping motor to stop in a manner according to the setting state of the lottery flag (the result of the internal lottery).

[0042] When the stop switch 240 is activated by the player pressing one of the stop buttons B1 to B3 while the stop operation for the stop buttons B1 to B3 is enabled, the reel control means 130 disables the operation for the operated stop button, and based on the reel stop signal from the stop switch 240, supplies a full-phase excitation drive pulse to the stepping motor of the reel unit 310, thereby controlling the stopping of each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3.

[0043] In this embodiment, a correct batting order is set for each batting order bell according to its type, and any operation sequence that differs from the correct batting order is treated as an incorrect batting order. If any of the batting order bells A1 to A8 wins, the spinning reels are stopped so that, as shown in FIG. 4, a 15-coin small win is awarded in the correct batting order, and a 1-coin small win is awarded in the incorrect batting order (if batting orders 3 to 6 are incorrect, there is a chance of a miss). Note that "1-coin small win (1 / 4)" in FIG. 4 means that in a situation where only a 1-coin small win is possible, there is a 1 / 4 chance that a 1-coin small win will be awarded, and a 3 / 4 chance that no win will be awarded. In this way, in this embodiment, the expected value of winning electrified medals for the batting order bells A1 to A8 varies depending on the operation sequence of the stop operation.

[0044] Furthermore, if a watermelon is won in the internal lottery, the spinning reels are stopped so that a 3-coin minor prize will be awarded, and if a weak cherry or strong cherry is won, the spinning reels are stopped so that a 1-coin minor prize will be awarded. Furthermore, if JAC1 is won in the internal lottery, the spinning reels are stopped so that a 15-coin minor prize will be awarded, and if JAC2 is won in the internal lottery, the spinning reels are stopped so that a 3-coin minor prize will be awarded, and if JAC3 is won in the internal lottery, the spinning reels are stopped so that a 1-coin minor prize will be awarded.

[0045] In this embodiment, the operation sequence of the stop operation that stops the first reel R1 (an example of a specific reel) first may be referred to as the recommended batting order (an example of a specific operation sequence), and the operation sequence of the stop operation that stops the second reel R2 or the third reel R3 first may be referred to as the irregular batting order (an example of a non-specific operation sequence).

[0046] The winning determination means 140 performs a winning determination process to determine whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the stopping patterns of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. A winning combination is achieved when a symbol combination that indicates a winning form predetermined for each winning combination is displayed on an active pay line.

[0047] When a small winning combination is achieved, the payout control means 150 determines the number of electronic medals to be paid out based on a payout predetermined for each combination, and pays out the determined number of electronic medals to be paid out to a medal holding section.

[0048] When a replay wins, the replay processing means 160 performs replay processing (replay processing) to set the next game to the same preparation state as the previous game without requiring the player to insert any electronic medals that he owns. That is, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed to automatically insert the same number of electronic medals as in the previous game without using any electronic medals that the player has in hand, and the machine waits for the next game start operation using the start lever SL with the same pay lines as in the previous game set.

[0049] The gaming state control means 170 performs a gaming state transition process that transitions the gaming state between multiple gaming states. The gaming state transition condition may be a single condition or multiple conditions. When multiple conditions are defined, the gaming state can be transitioned to another gaming state when one of the multiple predetermined conditions is met, or when all of the multiple predetermined conditions are met. In this embodiment, the gaming state is transitioned between a normal state, a bonus state that is transitioned to by winning a bonus, and a bonus state that is transitioned to by winning a bonus.

[0050] The presentation state control means 180 performs a presentation state transition process that transitions the presentation state between multiple types of presentation states. The presentation state transition condition may be one condition or multiple conditions. When multiple conditions are defined, the presentation state can be transitioned to another presentation state based on the fulfillment of one of the multiple predetermined conditions or the fulfillment of all of the multiple predetermined conditions. In this embodiment, the presentation state is transitioned between a non-AT state (normal presentation state) that does not execute a winning support presentation that assists winning of a winning combination, an AT state that executes a winning support presentation that assists winning of a winning combination, and an end waiting state.

[0051] In addition, the presentation state control means 180 is capable of setting a normal zone (non-advantageous zone) and an advantageous zone, and holds a lottery to transition to an advantageous zone in the normal zone, and by winning the lottery to transition to an advantageous zone, the advantageous zone begins, and the presentation state can be set to an AT state on the condition that it is an advantageous zone.

[0052] Furthermore, when the presentation state is in a non-AT state in an advantageous zone, the presentation state control means 180 performs an AT lottery (an example of a specific lottery for transitioning to advantageous play, a processing related to an instruction function) based on the fact that a specific winning pattern (for example, a winning pattern with high rarity such as watermelon, weak cherry, strong cherry, etc.) has been won in the internal lottery, and transitions the presentation state to the AT state based on the fact that the AT lottery has been won. Furthermore, the presentation state control means 180 counts the number of plays when the presentation state is in a non-AT state, and transitions the presentation state to the AT state when the ceiling number of plays (for example, 999 plays) has been consumed without winning the AT lottery.

[0053] In this embodiment, the play period of the AT state is managed by the number of sets of the AT state, and the play period of one set of the AT state is managed by the number of electronic medals paid out, and when transitioning to the AT state, the number of sets of the AT state (for example, 1 set or 2 sets) which is the end condition of the AT state and the number of medals paid out to end the AT state (for example, 100 or 200 medals) which is the end condition of one set of the AT state are set.

[0054] In this embodiment, assist time play is performed based on the fact that the presentation state is the AT state. When the number of electronic medals set as the termination condition for one set of the AT state (the number of medals to be paid out at the end) is paid out, the presentation state control means 180 determines that the termination condition for one set of the AT state has been met and transitions from the AT state to a termination standby state. When a predetermined number of games (e.g., seven games) are played in the termination standby state, the presentation state control means 180 determines that the termination condition for the termination standby state has been met. If there are any sets remaining in the AT state, the system transitions back to the AT state. If there are no sets remaining in the AT state, the system terminates the termination standby state and returns the presentation state to a non-AT state. When transitioning back from the termination standby state to the AT state, the system resets the number of medals to be paid out at the end of the AT state and updates (subtracts) the number of remaining sets. In the termination standby state, if there are any sets remaining in the AT state, the presentation control means 210 executes a confirmation presentation to notify the user that the AT state will continue.

[0055] Furthermore, when the presentation state is in the AT state in the advantageous zone, the presentation state control means 180 performs an additional lottery (an example of processing related to the instruction function) based on the fact that a specific winning pattern (for example, a winning pattern with high rarity such as watermelon, weak cherry, strong cherry, etc.) is won in the internal lottery, and based on the fact that the additional lottery is won, extends the play period of the AT state by adding the number of electronic medals to be paid out to the number set as the end condition of one set of the AT state (the number of medals to be paid out at the end). In this embodiment, for example, the number is added within the range of 100 to 999 medals.

[0056] Furthermore, when the presentation state is in the AT state or the end waiting state in the advantageous zone, the presentation state control means 180 performs a lottery to add on the number of sets (an example of processing related to the instruction function) based on the fact that a specific winning pattern (for example, a winning pattern with high rarity such as watermelon, weak cherry, strong cherry, etc.) is won in the internal lottery, and based on the fact that the lottery to add on the number of sets is won, extends the playing period of the AT state by adding on the number of sets in the AT state.

[0057] The presentation state control means 180 can set a penalty state and a non-penalty state as penalty management states for managing whether or not a penalty disadvantageous to the player occurs. When a penalty occurrence condition is met, the system controls to the penalty state, and when the penalty occurrence condition is not met, the system controls to the non-penalty state. In this embodiment, when a stop operation is performed in an irregular batting order during a game that is in a favorable zone and is in a non-AT state or end waiting state, or when a stop operation is performed in an irregular batting order during a game that is in an AT state and is in a non-penalty state and does not win the batting order bell, the system determines that the penalty occurrence condition is met, and controls to the penalty state at the end of the game. In other words, the next game after a stop operation in an irregular batting order is entered into the penalty state. In the penalty state, the ceiling number of games is not counted as a penalty, and the AT lottery, additional lottery, and additional set number lottery are performed with a probability significantly lower than that of the non-penalty state (e.g., 1 / 65536). When a stop operation is performed in the recommended batting order during the penalty state, the system determines that the penalty release condition is met, and controls to the non-penalty state at the end of the game. On the other hand, if a stop operation is performed in an irregular batting order while in a penalty state, the penalty state continues.

[0058] In addition, when the penalty occurrence condition is met, the presentation state control means 180 performs penalty processing for the game in question, not counting the ceiling number of games played, and invalidating the results of the AT lottery, the additional lottery, and the set number additional lottery.

[0059] Furthermore, the presentation state control means 180 determines that the conditions for ending the advantageous zone have been met when a predetermined number of games (for example, 4000 games) have been played in the advantageous zone. Furthermore, the presentation state control means 180 determines that the conditions for ending the advantageous zone have been met when the difference in the number of electronic medals (the difference between the number of medals inserted (number of medals bet) and the number of medals paid out (number of medals awarded)) in the advantageous zone exceeds the upper limit of the difference in the number of medals (for example, 2400 medals).

[0060] When the conditions for ending the advantageous zone are met, the advantageous zone is ended and a transition to the normal zone is made. In addition, when the conditions for ending the advantageous zone are met, the presentation state control means 180 performs an initialization process to initialize information related to the assist time game. In this embodiment, when the conditions for ending the advantageous zone are met during the assist time game, the advantageous zone is ended and a transition to the normal zone is made, and the assist time game in the AT state is forcibly ended.

[0061] The communication control means 190 controls the transmission of signals to the sub-board 20. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the main board 10 and the sub-board 20 are connected in a communication manner such that only one-way communication from the main board 10 to the sub-board 20 is possible, and signals cannot be transmitted from the sub-board 20 to the main board 10.

[0062] The communication control means 190 then transmits signals (commands) to the sub-board 20 to notify the results of the internal lottery, the result of the winning determination, the result of the advantageous zone transition lottery, the result of the AT lottery, the result of the additional lottery, the operations performed by the player (operations on the bet button B0, start lever SL, stop buttons B1 to B3, and settlement button B4), the game state, the presentation state, the penalty management state, the number of sets remaining in the AT state, the number of payouts to end the AT state, the number of remaining payouts, etc. As a result, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, based on various notifications from the main board 10, the presentation control means 210 of the sub-board 20 can cause the display device 330, the sound device 340, etc. to execute presentations according to the results of the internal lottery, the result of the winning determination, the result of the advantageous zone transition lottery, the result of the AT lottery, the result of the additional lottery, the operations performed by the player, the game state, the presentation state, the penalty management state, the number of sets remaining in the AT state, the number of payouts to end the AT state, the number of remaining payouts, etc.

[0063] The communication control means 190 also controls the transmission of signals (commands) to the medal count control board 30. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the main board 10 and the medal count control board 30 are connected to each other so that two-way communication is possible, and various information can be exchanged to appropriately determine whether the game is playable or in an error state.

[0064] When the bet button B0 or ​​the settlement button B4 is operated while the communication control means 190 is accepting the insertion of electronic medals, the communication control means 190 transmits a gaming medal insertion command notifying the requested number of medals to be inserted to the medal count control board 30. Furthermore, when electronic medals are paid out in response to the winning of a minor winning combination, the communication control means 190 transmits a payout end command notifying the number of electronic medals to be paid out to the medal count control board 30.

[0065] Next, we will explain the sub-board 20. The sub-board 20 includes a sub-CPU 20a, a sub-ROM 20b, a sub-RAM 20c, etc., and functions as a performance control means 210, etc., by the sub-CPU 20a executing various programs stored in the sub-ROM 20b.

[0066] The effect control means 210 controls display effects performed using the display device 330 (an example of an effect device) and sound effects performed using the sound device 340 (an example of an effect device) based on effect data stored in the sub-ROM 20b of the sub-board 20. For example, by lighting or blinking lamps or LEDs, changing the display content of the liquid crystal display LCD, or outputting sounds from the speaker SP in response to the operation of the bet button B0, start lever SL, stop buttons B1 to B3, or count button B8, or the occurrence of game events such as changes in the game state, the effect control means 210 controls the execution of effects to liven up the game or to assist the game (for example, winning assistance effects) in accordance with the progress of the game.

[0067] Furthermore, when the game is in the AT state and non-penalty state, if any of the batting order bells is selected in the internal lottery, the effect control means 210 causes the display device 330 and the sound device 340 to execute a winning assistance effect (an example of a game assistance effect) that notifies the player of the correct batting order according to the type of batting order bell and assists the player in winning the winning combination. In the winning assistance effect, a plurality of navigation number displays that notify the player of the correct batting order are displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD, and a navigation voice (for example, the voices "left," "middle," or "right": an example of a game assistance voice) that notifies the player of the correct batting order is output from the speaker SP. Specifically, in the winning assistance performance, the correct batting order is announced by displaying on the liquid crystal display LCD the following navigation number displays: a first navigation number display (first navigation number image, operation sequence display showing the operation sequence of the stop operations) indicating the first stop operation, a second navigation number display (second navigation number image, operation sequence display showing the operation sequence of the stop operations) indicating the second stop operation, and a third navigation number display (third navigation number image, operation sequence display showing the operation sequence of the stop operations) indicating the third stop operation. In this embodiment, the first to third navigation number displays are made up of numbers from "1" to "3", the number "1" is displayed as the first navigation number display, the number "2" is displayed as the second navigation number display, and the number "3" is displayed as the third navigation number display. These three types of navigation number displays are displayed in positions corresponding to the stop buttons B1 to B3 in the display area of ​​the liquid crystal display LCD provided above the stop buttons B1 to B3, thereby indicating the operation order (correct batting order) of each stop button.

[0068] In addition, in the winning assistance performance, the correct batting order is notified by outputting a navigation voice indicating the type of stop button to be operated next at each of the triggers of the game start operation on the start lever, the first stop operation, and the second stop operation. For example, to notify batting order 3 (B2 → B1 → B3) as the correct batting order, the navigation voice "inside" indicating stop button B2 is output in response to the game start operation on the start lever, the stop operation on stop button B2 as the first stop operation is triggered by outputting a navigation voice "left" indicating stop button B1, and the stop operation on stop button B1 as the second stop operation is triggered by outputting a navigation voice "right" indicating stop button B3.

[0069] In addition, when the AT state is in a penalty state, the effect control means 210 does not execute the winning assistance effect even if the batting order bell is won as a penalty.

[0070] Furthermore, when a specific winning pattern (for example, a highly rare winning pattern such as watermelon, weak cherry, or strong cherry) or a replay is selected in the internal lottery, the effect control means 210 causes the sound device 340 to execute a preview effect that notifies the player that the specific winning pattern may have been selected. In the preview effect, a preview sound (one example of a sound effect related to the result of the internal lottery), which is a sound effect that notifies the player that the specific winning pattern may have been selected, is output from the speaker SP. In this embodiment, the preview effect is executed when a game start operation is performed on the start lever SL. Note that the preview effect may be executed whenever a specific winning pattern or replay is selected, or may be executed when a specific winning pattern or replay is selected and may not be executed when a specific winning pattern or replay is selected.

[0071] Furthermore, when a small winning combination is achieved, the presentation control means 210 causes the display device 330 and the sound device 340 to execute a payout display (an example of a predetermined game presentation) that notifies the payout of electronic medals. In the payout display, a payout image that notifies the payout of electronic medals is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD, and a payout sound of the electronic medals that notifies the payout of electronic medals is output from the speaker SP. Furthermore, the payout display is performed in conjunction with the payout of electronic medals, and the payout of electronic medals is performed when a small winning combination is achieved in the winning combination determination that is triggered by the release of the pressed state of the stop button related to the third (final) stop operation, so the payout display is performed after the third (final) stop operation is performed, specifically at the timing when the pressed state of the stop button related to the third (final) stop operation is released.

[0072] Furthermore, when a specific winning pattern (for example, a winning pattern with high rarity such as watermelon, weak cherry, or strong cherry) is won in the internal lottery, the effect control means 210 causes the display device 330 and the sound device 340 to execute a chance effect (an example of a predetermined game effect) that notifies that the specific winning pattern has been won. In the chance effect, a chance image that notifies that the specific winning pattern has been won is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD, and a chance sound (for example, the sound saying "chance") that notifies that the specific winning pattern has been won is output from the speaker SP. In this embodiment, the chance effect is executed after the third (final) stop operation has been performed, specifically at the timing when the pressed state of the stop button related to the third (final) stop operation is released.

[0073] Furthermore, when there are remaining sets in the AT state in the termination standby state, the effect control means 210 causes the display device 330 and the sound device 340 to execute a confirmation effect (an example of a predetermined game effect) that notifies the continuation of the AT state. In the confirmation effect, a confirmation image that notifies the continuation of the AT state is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD, and a confirmation sound (for example, the sound "confirmed") that notifies the continuation of the AT state is output from the speaker SP. The effect control means 210 determines by lottery whether or not to execute a confirmation effect each time a game is played when there are remaining sets in the AT state, and when it is determined that a confirmation effect will be executed, it is executed if a replay is won. For this reason, in this embodiment, the confirmation effect is executed after the third (final) stop operation is performed, specifically when the pressed state of the stop button related to the third (final) stop operation is released.

[0074] In this embodiment, when the difference in the number of electronic medals in the advantageous zone exceeds a specified difference (e.g., 2,350 medals), which is a predetermined number less than the upper limit difference (e.g., 2,400 medals), the main CPU 10a (communications control means 190) transmits a beneficial zone warning command to the sub-CPU 20a to notify the sub-CPU 20a. Upon receiving the beneficial zone warning command, the sub-CPU 20a (effect control means 210) causes the sound device 340 to execute a beneficial zone end warning effect (an example of a predetermined attention-grabbing effect) that warns that the end of the advantageous zone is approaching (an example of an event other than an error). In the beneficial zone end warning effect, a beneficial zone end warning sound (e.g., a sound stating, "Less than XX medals remain until the end of the advantageous zone") is output from the speaker SP to warn that the end of the advantageous zone is approaching. In this embodiment, the beneficial zone end warning effect is executed after the third (final) stop operation is performed, specifically, when the stop button associated with the third (final) stop operation is released from its pressed state.

[0075] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the difference in the number of electronic medals in the advantageous zone exceeds the upper limit difference (e.g., 2400 medals), the main CPU 10a (communications control means 190) transmits a favorable zone upper limit difference reach command to the sub-CPU 20a notifying the fact, and the sub-CPU 20a (presentation control means 210) that receives the favorable zone upper limit difference reach command causes the sound device 340 to execute a favorable zone upper limit difference reach effect (an example of a predetermined attention-grabbing effect) that notifies the player that the difference in the number of electronic medals in the advantageous zone has exceeded the upper limit difference (e.g., 2400 medals) (an example of an event other than an error). In the favorable zone upper limit difference reach effect, a favorable zone upper limit difference reach sound (e.g., a sound saying "The number of medals acquired in the advantageous zone has reached the upper limit") is output from the speaker SP to notify the player that the difference in the number of electronic medals in the advantageous zone has exceeded the upper limit difference (e.g., 2400 medals). In this embodiment, the advantageous zone upper limit difference in number of coins reached effect is performed after the third (final) stop operation is performed, specifically at the time when the pressed state of the stop button related to the third (final) stop operation is released.

[0076] This embodiment also includes a so-called complete function (an example of a specific function). The complete function is a function that limits the progress of a game (stops the progress of a game) when the increase in the number of digitized medals since power-on reaches a predetermined upper limit (e.g., 19,000 medals). The main CPU 10a counts the difference in the number of digitized medals since power-on, and, using the lowest point at which the difference in the number of digitized medals has decreased the most as a reference, when the difference in the number of digitized medals (increase, MY) from the lowest point reaches a predetermined upper limit (e.g., 19,000 medals), it determines that the complete activation condition has been met and activates the complete function that limits the progress of a game. Furthermore, when the power is reset, the main CPU 10a initializes (resets) the difference in the number of digitized medals to 0.

[0077] When the difference in the number of digitized medals exceeds a specified number (e.g., 18,900 medals) that is a predetermined number less than the upper limit number (e.g., 19,000 medals), the main CPU 10a (communications control means 190) transmits a complete warning command to the sub-CPU 20a to notify the sub-CPU 20a. Upon receiving the complete warning command, the sub-CPU 20a (performance control means 210) causes the sound device 340 to execute a complete warning effect (an example of a predetermined attention-grabbing effect) that warns that the complete function is about to be activated (an example of an event other than an error). In the complete warning effect, a complete warning sound (e.g., a sound saying "XX medals remaining until the complete function is activated") is output from the speaker SP to warn that the complete function is about to be activated. In this embodiment, the complete warning effect is executed after the third (final) stop operation is performed, specifically, when the stop button associated with the third (final) stop operation is released from its pressed state.

[0078] In addition, in this embodiment, the correct batting order for the batting order bell is not set to the operation order that stops the first reel R1 first (batting order 1-2). Therefore, in the normal state and when a bonus is formed, the expected value of winning electronic medals is higher when the pressing order that stops the second reel R2 or the third reel R3 first (batting order 3-6) than when the pressing order that stops the first reel R1 first (batting order 1-2). However, by imposing a penalty on the operation order of batting order 3-6, it is recommended to play with the operation order of batting order 1-2.

[0079] In this embodiment, when a stop operation is performed in an irregular batting order (batting order 3-6) in which the second reel R2 or the third reel R3 stops first in a game in which a winning assist effect is not being executed during a normal or advantageous zone, the sub-CPU 20a (effect control means 210) causes the display device 330 and the sound device 340 to execute a recommended batting order alert effect (a predetermined alert effect, an example of an alert effect) that alerts the player to perform the stop operation in the recommended batting order in which the first reel R1 stops first (an example of an event other than an error). In the recommended batting order alert effect, a recommended batting order alert image (e.g., an image including a message saying "Push left is recommended") that alerts the player to perform the stop operation in the recommended batting order is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD, and a recommended batting order alert sound (e.g., a sound saying "Push left is recommended": an example of an alert sound) that alerts the player to perform the stop operation in the recommended batting order is output from the speaker SP. In this embodiment, the recommended batting order warning display is performed after the third (final) stop operation is performed, specifically at the timing when the stop button related to the third (final) stop operation is released from its pressed state.

[0080] In this embodiment, when the number of game medals reaches 15,000 (an example of a first number), the medal CPU 30a transmits a command to the main CPU 10a notifying the player that the number of game medals is 15,000 or more. The main CPU 10a then transmits a command to the sub-CPU 20a notifying the player that the number of game medals is 15,000 or more. The sub-CPU 20a then executes a counting warning effect (an example of a predetermined attention-grabbing effect, a specific notification) to notify the player that the number of game medals is approaching the upper limit (e.g., 16,382 medals) (an example of an event other than an error). In the counting warning effect, a counting warning image is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD to notify the player that the number of game medals is approaching the upper limit (e.g., 16,382 medals), and a counting warning sound (e.g., "The number of game medals is approaching the upper limit") is output from the speaker SP to notify the player that the number of game medals is approaching the upper limit (e.g., 16,382 medals). This prompts the player to count. In this embodiment, the counting warning effect is performed after the third (final) stop operation is performed, specifically at the timing when the pressed state of the stop button related to the third (final) stop operation is released.

[0081] Next, the medal count control board 30 will be described. The medal count control board 30 is connected to the main board 10 and includes a medal CPU 30a, a medal ROM 30b, a medal RAM 30c, etc. The medal CPU 30a executes various programs stored in the medal ROM 30b to manage the digitized medals used in games, and the medal RAM 30c functions as a medal holding unit (an example of a storage unit or storage means) that holds the digitized medals. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the medal number control board 30 is communicatively connected to the dedicated unit 50 via the gaming ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 40 so as to be able to communicate bidirectionally. The medal holding unit stores the number of game medals up to a predetermined upper limit (for example, 16,382 medals).

[0082] When the medal CPU 30a receives the medal insertion command sent by the main board 10, it determines the number of medals that can be inserted, which is the total number of electronic medals that can be inserted (bet) from the medal holding unit, and updates the number of medals based on the determined number of medals that can be inserted. Therefore, when an insertion process is performed on the main board 10, the number of medals held in the medal holding unit decreases, and when a settlement process is performed, the number of medals increases.

[0083] The medal CPU 30a also transmits a medal count control information command to the main board 10, notifying the number of medals that can be inserted and the updated number of medals, and updates the display of the number of medals on the medal count display device 70. When the medal CPU 30a receives a lending command transmitted by the dedicated unit 50, which will be described later, it updates the number of medals, and updates the display of the number of medals on the medal count display device 70.

[0084] In addition, when the medal CPU 30a receives the payout completion command sent by the main board 10, it adds the number of payout medals to the number of game medals, and based on the number of game medals after the addition, it sends a medal number control information command to the main board 10 notifying the number of game medals after the addition, and updates the display of the number of game medals on the game medal number display device 70.

[0085] Next, the dedicated unit 50 will be described. The dedicated unit 50 is installed near the gaming machine and is a device for lending electronic medals to players and counting the electronic medals that players have won. The dedicated unit 50 is provided with a dedicated unit control board 60, and when a predetermined lending operation is performed, the dedicated unit control board 60 performs lending processing to send a lending command to the gaming machine (medal CPU 30a) and updates the number of electronic medals held by the dedicated unit 50. Furthermore, when electronic medals are sent from the gaming machine, the number of electronic medals held by the dedicated unit 50 is updated.

[0086] 2. Method of this embodiment The control method employed in the gaming machine of this embodiment will be specifically described below with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the timing of effect cancellation in the gaming machine of this embodiment, and Figure 6 is a flowchart showing effect processing in the gaming machine of this embodiment.

[0087] First, in this embodiment, as the effects that are executed after the third (final) stop operation and that are executed in conjunction with the winning of a winning combination, a payout effect, a chance effect, and a determination effect are provided, as shown in Fig. 5. Also, as the effects that are executed after the third (final) stop operation and that call attention to events other than errors, as shown in Fig. 5, there are provided a favorable zone end warning effect, a favorable zone upper limit difference number reached effect, a complete warning effect, a recommended batting order warning effect, and a count warning effect.

[0088] 5 and 6, when the sub-CPU 20a (effect control means 210) executes a payout effect, a chance effect, or a determination effect (step S100), the sub-CPU 20a (effect control means 210) cancels the payout effect, chance effect, or determination effect currently being executed by operating the bet button B0 or ​​the start lever SL to start the next game (an operation in the next game, an operation related to the next game). Specifically, in this embodiment, the payout effect, chance effect, or determination effect currently being executed is canceled (ended) by operating the start lever SL to start the game, rather than by operating the bet button B0 to start the next game (Y in step S101, Y in step S102). Furthermore, if a predetermined effect execution time has elapsed without a game start operation being performed on the start lever SL, the payout effect, chance effect, or determination effect currently being executed is ended (N in step S101, Y in step S103). In this embodiment, a valid operation of the bet button B0 to start the next game may cancel (end) the currently running payout display, chance display, or confirmation display, but an operation of the start lever SL may not cancel the display. Here, "a valid operation of the bet button B0" means that the original function (specifically, the insertion process) is executed, and an operation in a situation where the insertion of electronic medals has not been accepted or where there are no electronic medals held in the medal holding section is an invalid operation. Therefore, a valid operation of the bet button B0 to start the next game may cancel (end) the currently running payout display, chance display, or confirmation display, but an invalid operation may not cancel the display. Similarly, a valid operation of the start lever to start the next game (a game start operation) may cancel (end) the currently running payout display, chance display, or confirmation display, but an invalid operation may not cancel the display. With regard to the start lever, an operation in a situation where the specified number of electronic medals (e.g., three) have not been inserted is an invalid operation.

[0089] When the payout display is cancelled, the payout image is not displayed and the reproduction of the electronic medal payout sound is terminated midway; when the chance display is cancelled, the chance image is not displayed and the reproduction of the chance sound (for example, the sound saying "chance") is terminated midway; when the final display is cancelled, the final image is not displayed and the reproduction of the final sound (for example, the sound saying "final") is terminated midway.

[0090] On the other hand, when the sub-CPU 20a (effect control means 210) executes the advantageous zone end warning effect, advantageous zone upper limit difference number reached effect, complete warning effect, recommended batting order attention effect, or counting warning effect, it executes the advantageous zone end warning effect, advantageous zone upper limit difference number reached effect, complete warning effect, recommended batting order attention effect, or counting warning effect across to the next game without canceling the currently executed advantageous zone end warning effect, advantageous zone upper limit difference number reached effect, complete warning effect, recommended batting order attention effect, or counting warning effect, regardless of whether the bet button B0 or ​​the start lever SL is operated, as shown in Figure 5. These effects end when a predetermined effect execution time has elapsed.

[0091] In this embodiment, when a payout, chance effect, or confirmation effect is executed, the payout, chance effect, or confirmation effect currently being executed is canceled by operating the bet button B0 or ​​start lever SL to start the next game. This prevents the executed payout, chance effect, or confirmation effect from interfering with the effects of the next game, resulting in effective presentation. In particular, since the notification content of the payout, chance effect, and confirmation effect is related to the current game and not the next game, canceling it with the bet button B0 or ​​start lever SL can prevent the player from misunderstanding. For example, if the chance effect continues after operating the start lever SL to start a game, the player may misunderstand that a specific winning pattern has been won again. Therefore, canceling it with the bet button B0 or ​​start lever SL can prevent the player from misunderstanding. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the advantageous zone end warning effect, advantageous zone upper limit difference reached effect, complete warning effect, recommended batting order warning effect, or counting warning effect is executed, whether the bet button B0 or ​​the start lever SL is operated, the currently executing advantageous zone end warning effect, advantageous zone upper limit difference reached effect, complete warning effect, recommended batting order warning effect, or counting warning effect is not canceled and is executed across to the next game, so that the warning can be reliably conveyed to the player and an effective effect can be performed. In particular, the notification content of the warning effect such as the advantageous zone end warning effect is content that relates to the next game, and the sound of the effect notifying this (for example, the advantageous zone end warning sound of the advantageous zone end warning effect saying "Less than XX pieces remaining until the end of the advantageous zone") is long and may become unclear if it is interrupted midway. Therefore, by not canceling it using the bet button B0 or ​​the start lever SL, the sound can be heard to the end, and the warning can be reliably conveyed to the player.

[0092] As described above, in this embodiment, with regard to game effects such as payout effects and warning effects such as advantageous zone end warning effects, whether or not to cancel and the cancellation trigger are set depending on the notification content (type of effect), so that the effects can be performed in an appropriate manner.

[0093] In addition, in this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which the recommended batting order warning sound of the recommended batting order warning effect and the navigation sound of the winning support effect overlap and become difficult to hear. Figure 7 is a diagram showing an image displayed in the recommended batting order warning effect in the gaming machine of this embodiment. Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the performance processing of the winning support effect in the gaming machine of this embodiment. Figure 9 is a diagram showing an image displayed in the winning support effect in the gaming machine of this embodiment. Note that the liquid crystal display LCD in Figures 7 and 9 represents the display area above the display window DW.

[0094] First, in this embodiment, when a penalty occurrence condition is met, the main CPU 10a controls to enter a penalty state, and the sub-CPU 20a (effect control means 210) executes a recommended batting order warning effect. In the recommended batting order warning effect, as shown in FIG. 7, a recommended batting order warning image 400 (e.g., an image including a message such as "Push left recommended") is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD, and a recommended batting order warning sound 402 (e.g., a sound such as "Push left recommended") is output from the speaker SP. Furthermore, the recommended batting order warning image 400 disappears after a predetermined display time (e.g., 2 seconds) has elapsed, but the recommended batting order warning sound 402 is output over the next game without being canceled by an operation of either the bet button B0 or ​​the start lever SL, and therefore, the output of the warning sound 402 may continue until the next game. The recommended batting order warning image 400 may be hidden (cancelled) by operating the bet button B0 or ​​start lever SL to start the next game. The recommended batting order warning image 400 may also be hidden when the stop button B1 is operated as the first stop operation in the next game, rather than after a predetermined display time (for example, 2 seconds) has elapsed.

[0095] In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, when any of the batting order bells is won in the internal lottery in the AT state (Y in step S200), or when the non-penalty state is in (Y in step S201), the sub-CPU 20a (presentation control means 210) executes a winning support presentation (step S202). In the winning support presentation, as shown in Fig. 9, a first navigation number display 404, a second navigation number display 406, and a third navigation number display 408 are displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD, and a navigation voice 410 indicating the type of stop button to be operated next is output at the timing of each of the game start operation, the first stop operation, and the second stop operation on the start lever.

[0096] On the other hand, if the game is in a penalty state (N in step S201), the winning assist effect will not be executed even if the batting order bell is won. As a result, in this embodiment, the next game after the game in which the recommended batting order warning effect was executed will be in a penalty state, and since the winning assist effect will not be executed as a penalty in the penalty state, the winning assist effect will not be executed even if the batting order bell is won in the next game after the game in which the recommended batting order warning effect was executed.

[0097] In this manner, in this embodiment, when a stop operation is performed in an irregular batting order during a game in which a winning assistance effect is not being executed, a recommended batting order alert image is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD and a recommended batting order alert sound (for example, a sound such as "Push left recommended") is output from the speaker SP, thereby executing a recommended batting order alert effect, and there are cases in which the output of the recommended batting order alert sound continues until the next game. In the next game after a game in which a recommended batting order alert effect has been executed, even if the batting order bell is won in the internal lottery, the winning assistance effect is not executed, thereby preventing the recommended batting order alert sound and the navigation voice from overlapping and becoming difficult to hear. This makes it possible in this embodiment to prevent the recommended batting order alert sound from becoming difficult to hear, thereby enabling an effective effect to be produced.

[0098] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if a specific winning pattern (e.g., a rare winning pattern such as watermelon, weak cherry, or strong cherry) is selected in the internal lottery, the sub-CPU 20a (effect control means 210) executes a preview effect even in a penalty state. That is, in this embodiment, in the next game following a game in which a recommended batting order warning effect has been executed, a preview sound for the preview effect may be output while the recommended batting order warning sound is being output, which may result in a situation in which the recommended batting order warning sound and the preview sound overlap. However, in this embodiment, the sound that overlaps with the recommended batting order warning sound is not a sound but a sound effect (preview sound), making it less difficult to hear than when other sounds (e.g., navigation voice) overlap with the recommended batting order warning sound.

[0099] 3. Variations The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible, and modifications are introduced below. Note that the above-described embodiment and the various methods described below as modifications can be appropriately combined and adopted as a control method for realizing the present invention.

[0100] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which a favorable zone end warning effect, a favorable zone upper limit difference reached effect, a complete warning effect, a recommended batting order warning effect, or a counting warning effect is executed after the third (final) stop operation is performed, but these effects may be executed at any time between the third (final) stop operation and the start of acceptance of electronic medals for the next game, and the start timing of one of these effects may be different from the other effects.

[0101] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was given in which the recommended batting order warning display is executed after the third (final) stop operation is performed, but the recommended batting order warning display may also be executed (started) at the timing when the first or second stop operation is performed.

[0102] In the above embodiment, when an attention call effect such as a favorable zone end warning effect is executed, the attention call effect being executed is not canceled by either the operation of the bet button B0 or ​​the operation of the start lever SL, and is executed across to the next game. However, if a predetermined error (e.g., a door open error) is detected, the attention call effect being executed may be canceled. For example, when the door sensor detects the opening of the upper front door UD or the lower front door DD, the main CPU 10a sets a door open error and sends a door open error command to the sub-CPU 20a notifying the detection of the door open error. Upon receiving the door open error command, the sub-CPU 20a (effect control means 210) causes the display device 330 and the sound device 340 to execute a door open error effect that notifies the occurrence of the door open error. In the door open error effect, a door open error image notifying the occurrence of the door open error is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD, and an error sound notifying the occurrence of the error is output from the speaker SP. In this case, when an attention-calling effect such as a favorable zone end warning effect is executed, if a door-opening error is detected, the attention-calling effect being executed may be canceled and a door-opening error effect may be executed. Note that in this example, if a door-opening error is detected, the door-opening error effect may be executed without canceling the attention-calling effect being executed. Specifically, the favorable zone end warning audio for the favorable zone end warning effect and the error sound for the door-opening error effect may be output using different channels (layers), and when a door-opening error is detected, the volume of that channel may be set to "0" (mute) while continuing to play the audio data for the favorable zone end warning audio, and the error sound for the door-opening error effect may be output at a predetermined volume.

[0103] In the above embodiment, the example was explained in which the spinning reels are stopped so that a small prize is always awarded when a watermelon, weak cherry, or strong cherry is won, but the spinning reels may be stopped so that there are cases where a small prize is awarded and cases where no prize is awarded (missed prize). In this example, a chance effect may be executed even if no prize is awarded when a watermelon, weak cherry, or strong cherry is won.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the case where the determination effect is executed when a replay wins has been described as an example, but the determination effect may be executed when a small winning combination wins, or may be executed regardless of the winning combination win. The determination effect may also be executed (started) at the timing of the game start operation on the start lever or the first to third stop operations. In this case, the timing of the execution of the determination effect may be determined by lottery.

[0105] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which a payout effect, a chance effect, and a confirmation effect are provided as game effects that are executed after the third (final) stop operation is performed, as shown in Figure 5. However, when both a payout effect and a chance effect (or confirmation effect) are executed, the payout effect and the chance effect (or confirmation effect) may be canceled at the same trigger or at different triggers. When they are canceled at different triggers, for example, only one of the payout effect and the chance effect (or confirmation effect) currently being executed may be canceled by operating the bet button B0 to start the next game, and the other effect may be canceled by operating the start lever SL to start the game.

[0106] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was given in which a chance effect or a confirmation effect is executed after the third (final) stop operation is performed, but the chance effect or confirmation effect may also be executed (started) at the timing when the game start operation on the start lever, the first stop operation, or the second stop operation is performed.

[0107] In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the main CPU 10a notifies the sub-CPU 20a of the result of the internal lottery, but when notifying the result of the internal lottery when the batting order bell is won, in the normal zone, it is notified that one of the batting order bells has been won in the internal lottery, and in the advantageous zone, it is notified of the type of batting order bell that has been won, but in a penalty state during the advantageous zone, it may be notified that one of the batting order bells has been won in the internal lottery.

[0108] In addition, although the example has been explained using a case where the correct batting order for the batting order bell is not set for the recommended batting order (batting order 1-2), there may be a batting order bell for which the correct batting order is set for the recommended batting order (batting order 1-2). In this case, the winning probability of a batting order bell for which the correct batting order is set for the recommended batting order (batting order 1-2) may be set lower than the winning probability of a batting order bell for which the correct batting order is set for an irregular batting order (batting order 3-6), so that the expected value of medals won for the recommended batting order (batting order 1-2) is lower than for an irregular batting order.

[0109] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was explained in which the main board 10, the sub-board 20, and the medal count control board 30 are arranged so as to share the functional units for progressing through the game, but some of the functional units of the main board 10 may be arranged on the sub-board 20 or the medal count control board 30, some of the functional units of the sub-board 20 may be arranged on the main board 10 or the medal count control board 30, some of the functional units of the medal count control board 30 may be arranged on the main board 10 or the sub-board 20, or all of the functional units may be arranged together on one control board. Also, all of the functional units of the medal count control board 30 may be arranged on the main board 10, and the medal count control board 30 may not be provided.

[0110] Furthermore, the invention of the above embodiment is not limited to smart pachislots, but can also be applied to slot machines in which games are played using actual medals (game value), gaming machines in which games are played using game balls (pachinko balls) (pinball gaming machines, Smart Pachinko (registered trademark)), etc. In a smart pachinko, a main board (first control unit) that controls the progress of the game, a sub-board that controls the presentation, and a frame control board (second control unit) that can communicate with the main board and can communicate with a dedicated unit (specific unit) that lends game balls are provided, and the frame control board can manage the number of game balls. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] BX storage box, UD upper front door, DD lower front door, DW display window, L1 valid line, DS game information display, LCD liquid crystal display, AL Frame Lamp, R1 1st reel, R2 2nd reel, R3 3rd reel, SL start lever, B0 bet button, B1~B3 stop buttons, B4 settlement button, B8 counting button, 10 Main board, 10a Main CPU, 10b Main ROM, 10c Main RAM, 20 sub-board, 20a sub-CPU, 20b sub-ROM, 20c sub-RAM, 30 medal count control board, 30a medal CPU, 30b medal ROM, 30c Medal RAM, 40 Game ball rental device connection terminal board, 50 Dedicated unit, 60 Dedicated unit control board, 105 input acceptance means, 110 random number generation means, 120 internal lottery means, 130 reel control means, 140 winning determination means, 150 payout control means, 160 replay processing means, 170 game state control means, 180 performance state control means, 190 communication control means, 210 performance control means, 220 Bet switch, 230 Start switch, 240 Stop switch, 250 Settlement switch, 255 Counting button switch, 310 reel unit, 330 display device, 340 sound device, 400 Recommended batting order warning image, 402 Recommended batting order warning sound, 404 first navigation number display, 406 second navigation number display, 408 Third navigation number display, 410 Navigation voice

Claims

1. A gaming machine that starts the rotation of a plurality of reels, stops the rotating reels in a manner according to the result of an internal lottery when a stop operation is performed, and can cause a penalty that is disadvantageous to a player when a stop operation is performed in a non-specific operation sequence other than the specific operation sequence, a presentation control means for controlling the execution of an attention-calling presentation that outputs an attention-calling sound that calls attention to the need to perform a stop operation in the specific operation sequence, and a game assistance presentation that outputs a game assistance sound that assists the game; A specific winning mode is provided in which the expected value of the game value to be acquired varies depending on the order of the stop operations as the lottery subject of the internal lottery, The performance control means When the specific winning mode is obtained in the internal lottery, the game support effect can be executed. In a game in which the game assist effect is not being executed, when a stop operation is performed in the non-specific operation sequence, the attention-calling effect is executed, and there is a case in which the output of the attention-calling sound continues until the next game, In the next game after the game in which the attention drawing performance has been executed, the game assist performance is not executed even if the specific winning mode is obtained by the internal lottery.

2. In claim 1, The performance control means In the next game following the game in which the attention-calling performance has been executed, a sound effect related to the result of the internal lottery can be output while the attention-calling sound is being output.

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