Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine that improves amusement properties of a game.SOLUTION: There exists a shooting order bell in which a correct operation order is set by an irregular shooting order, and when a stop operation is performed in the correct operation order in a game in which the shooting order bell is obtained, a correct small winning combination can be won. When the stop operation is performed in a recommended shooting order, there exist a ready-to-win combination A, a ready-to-win combination B and a middle stage cherry in which a fixed combination having the same put-out number of game values as the correct small combination can be won, and when the stop operation is performed in the irregular shooting order, the correct small winning combination can be won. In an AT state or the like in which provision of operation instruction information is permitted, both a main control part and a sub-control part notify of a correct operation order when a shooting order bell is won, and the main control part and the sub-control part notify of an irregular shooting order in a situation where processing for imparting an AT stock is not performed when the ready-to-win combination A, the ready-to-win combination B, and the middle stage cherry are won.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

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 certain gaming value to gaming media such as medals or pachinko balls, and players play to acquire this gaming value. Furthermore, these types of gaming machines conduct an internal lottery and start the rotation of the multiple reels when a player initiates a game, and control the multiple reels to stop in a manner corresponding to the results of the internal lottery when the player initiates a stop operation. The game result is determined by the symbol combination displayed on the pay line when the multiple reels are stopped, and the payout of gaming value, such as medals, is carried out according to the game result.

[0003] In recent years, gaming machines with instruction functions that change the probability of winning a small prize by providing operation instruction information that assists in winning a correct small prize, which pays out game value greater than the number of inputs upon winning, and make it easier to win game value such as medals in an AT state where operation instruction information can be provided, have been gaining popularity.

[0004] With regard to gaming machines having the above-mentioned instruction function, when a winning mode of a minor role in which a specific symbol combination is displayed when a specific reel is stopped first in a favorable zone is obtained, a method is known in which operation instruction information is not provided in the AT state to allow the specific symbol combination to be displayed, and operation instruction information is provided in a state other than the AT state to stop a reel other than the specific reel first to avoid the specific symbol combination from being displayed (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-2244 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, with the conventional method, if a player performs a stopping operation in accordance with operation instruction information that causes a reel other than the specific reel to stop first, the player can know that the display of a specific symbol combination has been avoided, which causes an inconvenience in that the interest in the game is reduced.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a gaming machine that enhances the enjoyment of gaming. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention is a gaming machine equipped with a plurality of reels (first reel 13a, second reel 13b, third reel 13c) on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer periphery, a main control unit (main control unit 100) that controls the progress of the game, and a sub-control unit (sub-control unit 200) that controls the execution of effects along with the progress of the game, in which the main control unit performs an internal lottery to determine whether a plurality of types of roles including small roles are won or lost, reel control that spins the plurality of reels for each game and stops the spinning reels in a manner according to the result of the internal lottery when a stop operation is triggered, and a normal section and an advantageous section can be set. and executes section control that can provide operation instruction information that assists in the winning of a role in a specific game section (AT state, ending state) of an advantageous section, and the winning modes of the small role include a first winning mode (batting order winning mode) that includes a correct small role (small role 1, small role 2) but does not include a specific small role (fixed role: small role 3 to small role 8), and a second winning mode (fixed role winning mode) that includes a correct small role and a specific small role, and the correct small role and the specific small role have the same number of payouts of game value associated with winning, and the main control unit executes a correct operation sequence (correct hitting The stop position of the reels being rotated is determined so as to avoid the winning of the correct minor role when the stop operation is performed in an operation order different from the correct operation order, and in a game in which the second winning mode is obtained by an internal lottery, the specific minor role can be won when the stop operation is performed in a specific operation order (recommended batting order) in which a specific reel (first reel 13a) among the plurality of reels is stopped first, and the specific minor role can be won when the stop operation is performed in a non-specific operation order (irregular batting order) in which a reel other than the specific reel (second reel 13b, third reel 13c) is stopped first. When an operation is performed, the stop position of the rotating reel is determined so that the correct small role can be won, and the correct operation sequence in the first winning mode is included in the non-specific operation sequence. When the first winning mode is obtained by internal lottery in the specific game zone, the main control unit provides operation instruction information corresponding to the correct operation sequence, and the sub-control unit executes a performance (winning assistance performance) that notifies the correct operation sequence. When the second winning mode is obtained by internal lottery in the advantageous zone, the main control unit executes a specific process (AT lottery) that grants a bonus (AT stock).There are cases where the additional lottery is carried out and cases where the specific processing is not carried out. This relates to a gaming machine in which, when the second winning pattern is obtained in an internal lottery in the specific gaming area and the specific processing is not performed (when the ending state is reached), the main control unit provides operation instruction information corresponding to the non-specific operation sequence, and the sub-control unit executes a presentation to notify the user of the non-specific operation sequence.

[0009] In the present invention, there is a first winning mode in which the correct operation sequence is set by a non-specific operation sequence, and when a stop operation is performed in the correct operation sequence in a game in which the first winning mode is obtained, a correct minor role can be won. Also, in the present invention, when a stop operation is performed in a specific operation sequence, there is a second winning mode in which a specific minor role with the same payout number of game value as the correct minor role can be won, and when a stop operation is performed in a non-specific operation sequence, a correct minor role can be won. And in the present invention, in a specific game section in which the provision of operation instruction information is permitted, when the first winning mode is obtained, both the main control unit and the sub-control unit notify the correct operation sequence, and when the second winning mode is obtained, the main control unit and the sub-control unit notify the non-specific operation sequence in a situation in which a specific process for granting a benefit is not performed. That is, in the present invention, when a player performs a stop operation in a non-specific operation sequence in accordance with the notification of the operation sequence, the correct small role is won regardless of whether it is the first winning mode or the second winning mode, and even if a non-specific operation sequence is notified in a game in which the second winning mode is obtained, it is impossible to distinguish between a case in which the correct operation sequence is notified in a game in which the first winning mode is obtained, and a case in which the correct operation sequence is notified, so it is possible to prevent the player from realizing that the winning of the specific small role has been avoided. Therefore, according to the present invention, the game can be progressed without the player realizing that the winning of the specific small role has been avoided, thereby improving the enjoyment of the game. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [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 perspective view showing the configuration of a reel unit of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3]1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a gaming machine and a dedicated unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating the functional blocks of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram illustrating an internal lottery table in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 6] 10A to 10C are diagrams illustrating the winning patterns of small winning combinations and replays in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of symbols on the reels in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 10 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the operation sequence of the stop switch and the winning combination in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between winning roles and symbol combinations in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between winning roles and symbol combinations in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between winning roles and symbol combinations in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between winning roles and symbol combinations in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 3 is a transition diagram of the gaming state in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a transition diagram of the presentation state in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 1 is a transition diagram of a gaming zone in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between winning numbers, winning combination groups, and operation instruction numbers in the gaming machine of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 17] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a process for notifying a fixed role avoidance operation and a correct operation in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] 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.

[0012] 1. Configuration FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] The gaming machine 10 of this embodiment is a so-called smart pachislot, which is a reel-type gaming machine of the type in which games are played using electronic medals as game value.

[0014] The gaming machine 10 of this embodiment has a box-shaped housing made up of a storage box 11 and a front door 12, and houses a first reel 13a, a second reel 13b, and a third reel 13c therein.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a reel unit 30 for a gaming machine according to this embodiment.

[0016] In the reel unit 30 of this embodiment, the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c are each fixed to a metal (or resin) base unit 31 formed in an approximately U-shape via a metal (or resin) support unit 32 that supports a stepping motor 33 for driving each reel.

[0017] Each of the first reel 13a, second reel 13b, and third reel 13c housed in the base unit 31 is configured by winding a reel tape 35 made of a strip-shaped resin film around the outer periphery of a circularly molded resin reel body 34 (reel drum). The reel tape 35 is wound around the reel body 34 so that its front surface forms the outer periphery of each reel and its back surface forms the inner periphery of each reel, and the ends are fixed together with an adhesive or the like.

[0018] Each of the first reel 13a, second reel 13b, and third reel 13c is fixed to the drive shaft of the stepping motor 33 by bolts or the like at a position corresponding to the center of rotation of the reel body 34. The stepping motor 33 for each reel is also fixed to the support unit 32 by bolts or the like.

[0019] The reel tape 35 for each reel is divided into pattern arrangement areas of 20 frames at regular intervals, and one of a plurality of types of patterns is arranged on the surface of the reel tape 35 at each position corresponding to each frame.

[0020] The reel unit 30 of this embodiment is equipped with a backlight unit 36 ​​(illumination means) that illuminates the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c from the back side of the reel tape 35 of each reel (the inner peripheral side of each reel). Each reel backlight unit 36 ​​is provided with a light source such as an incandescent bulb or an LED bulb so as to illuminate each of the three display positions (upper, middle, and lower) that can be observed through the display window 14 of the gaming machine, and in this embodiment, three light sources are provided corresponding to the display positions of each reel: an upper backlight 37a that illuminates the upper display position, a middle backlight 37b that illuminates the middle display position, and a lower backlight 37c that illuminates the lower display position.

[0021] A power supply unit and a setting change unit are built into the housing of the gaming machine 10, and various switches are provided, such as a power switch for starting up the gaming machine 10, a start-up mode change switch for performing operations related to setting changes, and a setting change switch. The setting change unit may be integrated with a main control board, which will be described later.

[0022] The housing of the gaming machine 10 also contains a main control board, a sub-control board, and a medal count control board, each of which is equipped with a CPU as a computing means, ROM and RAM as storage means, and is capable of controlling the operation of the gaming machine. The main control board and the sub-control board are connected in a manner that allows only one-way communication from the main control board to the sub-control board, and the sub-control board cannot send information to the main control board. Bidirectional communication is also possible between the main control board and the medal count control board, allowing information to be sent from the main control board to the medal count control board, and information to be sent from the medal count control board to the main control board.

[0023] As described above, the outer periphery of each of the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c is divided into 20 regions (each region is called a "frame") at regular intervals, and one of a plurality of types of symbols is arranged on each frame. Each of the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c is driven to rotate around the axis of the stepping motor 33, and is provided so as to be able to stop in frame units (units of a predetermined rotation angle, units of a predetermined rotation amount) by controlling the number of pulses, pulse width, etc. of the drive pulses of the stepping motor 33. That is, in the gaming machine 10, the stepping motor 33 drives the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c to rotate in response to a drive pulse supplied from the control board, and when a drive pulse for full phase excitation is supplied from the control board, the rotation of the stepping motor 33 stops, causing the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c to stop.

[0024] The front door 12 can be opened and closed freely, and is provided with a display window 14 that allows the rotation and stopped states of the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c to be observed. When the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c are stopped, three symbols (upper, middle, and lower symbols) that are arranged consecutively on the outer periphery of each of the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c can be observed through the display window 14 from the front of the gaming machine.

[0025] In addition, in the gaming machine 10, each reel is provided with an upper, middle, and lower display positions for observing the symbols through the display window 14, and an active line is set by the combination of the display positions of each reel. In the gaming machine 10, the number of electronic medals required for one game, the so-called specified insertion number, is set to three or two, and when electronic medals equivalent to the specified insertion number are inserted, an active line 15 consisting of the upper row of the first reel 13a, the middle row of the second reel 13b, and the lower row of the third reel 13c is activated.

[0026] The game result is determined by the symbol combination displayed on the valid line 15 in the display window 14, and if the symbol combination on the valid line 15 corresponds to a predetermined winning combination, the winning combination is deemed to have been won and electronic medals are paid out by the medal control board.

[0027] The front door 12 is also provided with a main display 16, a sub-display 18, and a game medal count display 27. The main display 16, the sub-display 18, and the game medal count display 27 are 7-segment displays, with the main display 16 displaying the number of electronic medals paid out for each game, operation instruction information, and main error information, the sub-display 18 displaying the number of electronic medals acquired in a specified game section and sub-error information, and the game medal count display 27 displaying the number of electronic medals in possession.

[0028] The front door 12 is also provided with peripheral lamps 19 and a liquid crystal display 20 for game effects. The peripheral lamps 19 illuminate the front door 12 and, depending on their lighting modes, serve to enhance the game, provide information to assist the game, and notify the status of the gaming machine. The exterior of the peripheral lamps 19 is made of translucent resin or glass, allowing light from the built-in LED unit to pass through. The liquid crystal display 20 displays various videos (or images) to assist the game, enhance the game, and notify the status of the gaming machine. The gaming machine of this embodiment is also provided with a speaker 40 on the front door 12 for game effects. The speaker 40 outputs various sounds and background music to assist the game, enhance the game, and notify the status of the gaming machine.

[0029] The front door 12 is also provided with various operating means. These operating means include a bet switch 21 (insertion operating means) for inserting electronic medals, a start switch 22 (game start operating means) for rotating the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c to start a game, stop switches 23a-23c (stop operating means) for stopping each of the first reel 13a-3 reel 13c driven by the stepping motor 33, a counting switch 26 for transferring electronic medals to an external device, and a settlement switch 28 for canceling the inserted state of electronic medals. In particular, in this embodiment, the bet switch 21 and the stop switches 23a-23c have exteriors made of translucent resin that are transparent to light from built-in LED units. The illumination of the LED units indicates that the insertion of electronic medals has been activated, and that the stopping of the spinning reels has been activated.

[0030] The front door 12 is also provided with a door key cylinder 24, and the front door 12 can be unlocked by inserting a door key into the door key cylinder 24. The front door 12 can also be unlocked by rotating the door key inserted into the door key cylinder 24 clockwise by 90 degrees from its initial position.

[0031] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a player inserts an electronic medal by operating the bet switch 21, the machine is set to a ready state in which it is possible to start controlling the rotation of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c. Then, when the player operates the start switch 22, the control board starts rotating the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c by driving the stepping motor 33, and an internal lottery is performed using a random number value. On the condition that the rotation speed of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c has increased to a predetermined speed, the stop operation of the stop switches 23a to 23c is validated.

[0032] Thereafter, when the player operates the stop switches 23a to 23c at any timing, the operation is detected by a sensor (stop signal output means: for example, a photosensor, a conductivity sensor, a pressure sensor, etc.) built into each of the stop switches 23a to 23c, and the reel stop signal input to the main control board changes from the OFF state to the ON state.

[0033] Furthermore, when the player releases the pressed stop switches 23a to 23c at any timing, the sensors corresponding to the stop switches 23a to 23c detect the end of the operation and change the reel stop signal input to the main control board from ON to OFF.

[0034] The main control board then stops the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c at a stop position according to the result of the internal lottery based on the change from an OFF state to an ON state of the reel stop signal, whose signal state changes depending on the timing of pressing and releasing the stop switches 23a to 23c.

[0035] In addition, when electronic medals are paid out according to the results of the game, the electronic medals corresponding to the number paid out are counted up to a predetermined upper limit, and the display value of the game medal number display 27 is changed in accordance with the change in the number of electronic medals owned.

[0036] In this embodiment, the management of electronic medals is performed by the gaming machine 10 and a dedicated unit 800 (an example of a specific unit) that is communicatively connected to the gaming machine 10. Fig. 3 is a diagram that schematically shows the mechanical configuration of the gaming machine 10 and the dedicated unit 800. The dedicated unit 800 has a built-in CPU that serves as a calculation means that functions as a lending control unit 801 that exchanges information with the gaming machine 10, controls inputs from various switches provided on the dedicated unit 800, and controls various displays provided on the dedicated unit 800.

[0037] When a player uses the gaming machine 10, he or she inserts cash into the cash insertion section 802 of the dedicated unit 800. When cash is inserted into the cash insertion section 802, the number of points corresponding to the inserted cash (for example, "10" for an inserted 1,000 yen) is displayed on the point display 807 of the dedicated unit 800. When the lending switch 804 is operated while points remain in the dedicated unit 800, electronic medals corresponding to the number of points held in the dedicated unit 800 (for example, "50") are transferred to the gaming machine 10 at once. In the gaming machine 10 to which electronic medals have been transferred from the dedicated unit 800, the displayed value of the gaming machine medal count display 27 changes by an increment corresponding to the number of electronic medals transferred.

[0038] When the bet switch 21 of the gaming machine 10 is operated and electronic medals are inserted, the displayed value of the gaming medal count display 27 changes by a decrement equivalent to the number of electronic medals inserted. Also, when electronic medals are paid out as a result of playing, the displayed value of the gaming medal count display 27 changes by an increment equivalent to the number of electronic medals paid out.

[0039] Furthermore, if the settlement switch 28 is operated after the bet switch 21 has been operated and electronic medals have been inserted, but before the start switch 21 is operated, the state in which electronic medals have been inserted is released, and the display value of the game medal display 27 changes by an amount equivalent to the number of medals inserted.

[0040] Furthermore, when a player finishes using the gaming machine 10, the counting switch 26 is operated, and the digitized medals managed in the gaming machine 10 are transferred to the dedicated unit 800. When the digitized medals are transferred to the dedicated unit 800, the displayed value of the acquired medal count indicator 808 of the dedicated unit 800 increases by an amount corresponding to the amount of the transferred digitized medals, and the displayed value of the gaming medal count indicator 27 of the gaming machine 10 decreases by an amount corresponding to the amount of the transferred digitized medals. When the player operates the return switch 805 of the dedicated unit 800, the digitized medals managed in the dedicated unit 800 are transferred to a card medium stored in the dedicated unit 800, and the card medium is removed from the dedicated unit 800 through the card insertion portion 803. In this manner, in this embodiment, digitized medals acquired while using the gaming machine 10 can be stored on a card medium.

[0041] In this embodiment, the use of the gaming machine 10 can be resumed using the card medium on which digitized medals have been accumulated. Specifically, when a player uses the gaming machine 10, he or she can play a game by inserting the card medium on which digitized medals have been accumulated into the card insertion portion 803 instead of cash and having the dedicated unit 800 read the digitized medals accumulated on the card medium. In this case, the digitized medals accumulated on the card medium are transferred to the dedicated unit 800, and the total number of digitized medals accumulated on the card medium is displayed on the acquired medal count display 808. The player can transfer the digitized medals managed by the dedicated unit 800 to the gaming machine 10 by operating the game switch 806 of the dedicated unit 800 instead of the lending switch 804 of the dedicated unit 800.

[0042] As described above, the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment does not require actual medals, thereby preventing fraudulent acts such as inserting fake medals or using illegally brought medals. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to provide a mechanism for inserting and paying out gaming media such as medals within the gaming machine 10, design and manufacturing costs can be reduced. Furthermore, by centrally managing the lending of gaming media to players and the counting of acquired gaming media, fraud can be prevented. Furthermore, by centrally managing information on electronic medals in the gaming machine 10, gambling behavior can be suppressed, thereby strengthening measures against addiction.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of this embodiment.

[0044] The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a main control unit 100 (main control board), a sub-control unit 200 (sub-control board), and a medal count control unit 600 (medal count control board). The main control unit 100, the sub-control unit 200, and the medal count control unit 600 are activated by power supplied from a power supply unit when a power switch is activated. In this embodiment, the sub-control unit 20 activates earlier than the main control unit 10 due to the relationship between the activation voltages of the main control unit 10 and the sub-control unit 20. In other words, when the gaming machine 10 is powered on, the sub-control unit 20 activates before the main control unit 10 and waits to receive a command from the main control unit 10. Furthermore, the activation of the main control unit 10 is not completed until a predetermined waiting time has elapsed, so that game play can be performed after the activation of the liquid crystal display 20, which is managed by the sub-control unit 20, has been completed. Furthermore, the medal count control unit 600 receives an activation command from the main control unit 10 and activates itself and establishes a communication connection with the dedicated unit 800.

[0045] The main control unit 100 receives input signals from the start mode change switch 301, setting change switch 302, door open / close switch 303, bet switch 21, start switch 22, stop switches 23a-23b, settlement switch 28, etc., and performs various calculations to set up the gaming machine, manage main errors, or progress the game, and controls the operation of the reel unit 30, etc. based on the calculation results. Also, in response to commands from the main control unit 100, the sub-control unit 200 controls the operation of the display unit 501, speaker 40, lamp unit 503, etc., and manages sub-errors. Also, in response to input signals from the counting switch 26 and commands from the main control unit 100, the medal count control unit 600 manages digitized medals and medal errors, and transfers information about digitized medals to and from the dedicated unit 800. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the functions of the main control unit 100, sub-control unit 200, and medal count control unit 600 are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASIC (gate array, etc.), ROM, or RAM, or by software consisting of a given program pre-stored in ROM, etc.

[0046] The main control unit 100 includes a setting change means 101 , a game control means 102 , a random number generation means 103 , and a main memory means 105 .

[0047] The setting change means 101 controls changing of the setting values ​​stored in the main storage means 105. In this embodiment, the gaming machine 10 is switched between starting in game mode and starting in setting change mode depending on the state of the start-up mode change switch 301 when the power is turned on. When the power is turned on to the gaming machine 10 with the start-up mode change switch 301 setting the start-up mode to setting change mode, the setting change means 101 starts the gaming machine in setting change mode. In this embodiment, a setting value can be selected from six setting values, from Setting 1 to Setting 6, and the probability of winning the internal lottery varies so that the expected value of the payout rate increases from Setting 1 to Setting 6. In this embodiment, the setting values ​​are expressed in the order of Setting 1 < Setting 2 < Setting 3 < Setting 4 < Setting 5 < Setting 6.

[0048] Furthermore, when the setting change switch 302 is actuated in the setting change mode, the setting change means 101 changes the setting value in the order of setting 1 → setting 2 →... setting 6 → setting 1 →... each time it receives an input signal from the setting change switch 302, and when the start switch 22 is actuated, it confirms the setting value and performs control to store the confirmed setting value in the main storage means 105. In this embodiment, the main display 16 displays the selected setting value in the setting change mode.

[0049] In this embodiment, when the power is turned on to the gaming machine 10 with the start-up mode change switch 301 setting the start-up mode to the game mode, the gaming machine 10 is started up in the game mode. In this embodiment, in the game mode, a game can be played but the setting values ​​cannot be changed, and in the setting change mode, the setting values ​​can be changed but the game cannot be played.

[0050] Furthermore, in the setting change mode, the setting change means 101 performs an initialization process to initialize the information stored in the read / write memory (RWM), which is a readable and writable storage area in the main storage means 105. Note that in the initialization process, not all of the information stored in the read / write memory is initialized, but some of the information is retained without being initialized. In the initialization process in the setting change mode, for example, the game state is initialized to the normal state, and control information related to the advantageous zone is initialized and set to the normal zone, but control information related to the electronic medals is not initialized.

[0051] The game control means 102 is a means for controlling the progress of the game, and when an electronic medal is inserted and a game starts, it determines whether or not a winning combination will be achieved by an internal lottery, spins the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c, and when a stop operation is performed on the stop switches 23a to 23c, it stops the spinning reels according to the result of the internal lottery, determines whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the symbol combination displayed on the pay line, and performs a main loop process to progress the game by processing according to the determination result. Details of this process will be explained below.

[0052] First, the game control means 102 accepts an operation (insertion operation) of the bet switch 21 related to the insertion of electronic medals for each game, and performs processing to validate a game start operation for the start switch 22 (game start operation means) based on the insertion of electronic medals equivalent to the specified insertion number (three or two). That is, the game control means 102 functions as an insertion acceptance means that accepts the insertion of electronic medals to be used for a game up to the specified insertion number based on the insertion operation. Note that in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the first operation of the start switch 22 that is enabled based on the insertion of electronic medals equivalent to the specified insertion number is accepted as a game start operation, and serves as a trigger to start the rotation of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c and to execute an internal lottery.

[0053] The electronic medal insertion function is realized by cooperation between the main control unit 100 and the medal count control unit 600. When the bet switch 21 is activated, the main control unit 100 transmits an insertion command to the medal count control unit 600 specifying the specified number of electronic medals to be inserted. Upon receiving the insertion command, the medal count control unit 600 returns a reply command to the main control unit 100 if the number of electronic medals stored in the medal information storage unit 603 is equal to or greater than the specified number specified in the insertion command. The counting control unit 601 of the medal count control unit 600 also subtracts the specified number of electronic medals from the number of gaming medals stored in the medal information storage unit 603. If the reply command indicates that an amount of electronic medals equivalent to the specified insertion number can be inserted, the game control unit 102 in the main control unit 100 sets the electronic medals equivalent to the specified insertion number to the inserted state. In this embodiment, the specified insertion number is set to three medals when the game state is normal or bonus status, and to two medals when the game state is bonus status.

[0054] Furthermore, the game control means 102 performs an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination will be achieved based on a game start operation on the start switch 22 (the first operation on the activated start switch 22), and performs lottery table selection processing, random number determination processing, lottery flag setting processing, etc. In other words, the game control means 102 functions as an internal lottery means that determines whether a winning combination will be achieved based on a game start operation.

[0055] In the lottery table selection process, it is determined which internal lottery table to use to perform the internal lottery among the multiple types of internal lottery tables stored in the main storage means 105. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, in each internal lottery table, various combinations such as replays, small combinations, and bonuses, as well as misses (non-wins), are associated with each of multiple random number values ​​(for example, 65,536 random number values ​​from 0 to 65,535). In this embodiment, for six levels of setting values, an internal lottery table corresponding to the game state is prepared for each setting value, and the probability of obtaining some winning modes in the internal lottery differs depending on the setting value, and the correspondence between the combination and the random number value is set so that the higher the setting value, the higher the expected value of the payout rate.

[0056] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the game state can be set to a normal state, a bonus established state, or a bonus state, and in the lottery table selection process, one of multiple types of internal lottery tables is selected as the internal lottery table to be used in the internal lottery depending on the game state.

[0057] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing examples of three types of internal lottery tables associated with a normal state, a bonus establishment state, and a bonus state. Regarding internal lottery tables 1 to 3 shown in Fig. 5, internal lottery table 1 is referenced in the normal state, internal lottery table 2 is referenced in the bonus establishment state, and internal lottery table 3 is referenced in the bonus state.

[0058] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, small prizes 1 to 36 are provided as small prizes, and the winning patterns of the small prizes are set as shown in Figure 6, including batting order bell group a (batting order bell a1 to batting order bell a8), batting order bell group b (batting order bell b1 to batting order bell b8), watermelon, reach eye A, reach eye B, middle cherry, inhibitory role a to inhibitory role d, 3-bell group a (3-bell a1 to 3-bell a4), 3-bell group b (3-bell b1 to 3-bell b4), JAC1, JAC2, and JAC3.

[0059] In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, replays are provided as Replay 1 to Replay 4, and the winning modes of replays are set as watermelon replay, cherry replay, normal replay a, normal replay b, and normal replay c, as shown in Figure 6.

[0060] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the winning probability of a small role is the same on internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2, the winning probability of a replay is higher on internal lottery table 2 than on internal lottery table 1, replays are not subject to lottery on internal lottery table 3, and the lottery mode of a small role on internal lottery table 3 is different from that on internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2, and the winning probability of a small role is higher than that on internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2. In particular, in this embodiment, the winning mode of a small role is always obtained on internal lottery table 3, and in a bonus state in which internal lottery table 3 is referenced, either JAC1, JAC2, or JAC3 is always won. In addition, on internal lottery table 3, the winning probability is higher than on internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2 for each of the small roles that are subject to lottery on internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2.

[0061] In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a big bonus (BB) is prepared as a bonus (an example of a special role), and the big bonus (BB) is an object of lottery in the internal lottery table 1 that is referred to in the normal state.

[0062] In this embodiment, the winning probability for bonus and replay winning patterns does not change depending on the setting value, but for minor winning patterns, the winning probability for some winning patterns changes depending on the setting value, and the higher the setting value, the higher the winning probability of the 3-bell group A, and the higher the setting value, the lower the winning probability of the 3-bell group B.

[0063] In the random number determination process, a random number value (random number for lottery) is obtained from the random number generating means 103 for each game based on the operation of the start switch 22, and the obtained random number value is used to determine whether or not it has resulted in a winning combination by referring to the internal lottery table stored in the main memory means 105.

[0064] The random number generating means 103 mentioned above is a means for generating random number values ​​for lottery. The random number values ​​can be generated by, for example, a 16-bit random number circuit that generates 65,536 random number values ​​from 0 to 65,535 without duplication within one cycle. In this embodiment, the term "random number value" 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.

[0065] In the lottery flag setting process, based on the result of the random number determination process, the lottery flag corresponding to the winning combination is set from a non-winning state (first flag state, OFF state) to a winning state (second flag state, ON state). In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when two or more types of combinations are won in a overlapping manner, the lottery flags corresponding to the two or more types of combinations that are won in a overlapping manner are set to a winning state. The setting information of the lottery flags is stored in the main storage means 105.

[0066] In addition, the gaming machine of this embodiment is provided with a lottery flag (carry-over flag) that can carry over a winning state to subsequent games until a prize is won, and a lottery flag (non-carry-over flag) that is reset to a non-winning state without carrying over a winning state to subsequent games regardless of whether a prize is won. The former carry-over flag is associated with a bonus, while the latter non-carry-over flag is associated with a small win and a replay. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, for example, when a bonus is won in an internal lottery, a process is performed to carry over the winning state of the bonus lottery flag until the bonus is won. At this time, the game control means 102 performs an internal lottery to determine whether a small win or a replay will be won, even in a game in which the winning state of the bonus lottery flag is carried over. In this way, in the lottery flag setting process, when a small winning combination or a replay is won in a game in which the winning state of the bonus lottery flag is carried over, lottery flags corresponding to two or more types of combinations consisting of the lottery flag of the bonus already won and the lottery flag of the small winning combination or replay won by the internal lottery are set to the winning state.

[0067] Furthermore, the game control means 102 starts the rotation of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c by the stepping motor based on a game start operation on the start switch 22, and controls to validate a stop operation by pressing the stop button 23a to 23c (stop operation means) corresponding to the reel that is steadily rotating at a predetermined speed (approximately 80 rpm: a rotation speed of approximately 80 rotations per minute) of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c, and controls to stop the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c that are rotationally driven by the stepping motor in a manner corresponding to the setting state of the lottery flag (the result of the internal lottery). In other words, the game control means 102 functions as a reel control means that spins a plurality of reels based on a game start operation, and stops the rotating reel in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery when a stop operation is initiated.

[0068] When the player operates the stop switches 23a to 23c while the stop operation for the stop switches 23a to 23c is enabled, the game control means 102 controls the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c to stop by stopping the supply of drive pulses (motor drive signals) to the stepping motor of the reel unit 30 based on the signal from the operated stop switch.

[0069] That is, each time one of the stop switches 23a to 23c is operated, the game control means 102 determines the stop position of the reel among the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c corresponding to the operated stop switch, and controls the reel to stop at the determined stop position. Note that in the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, operating the stop switch 23a corresponds to an operation for stopping the first reel 13a, operating the stop switch 23b corresponds to an operation for stopping the second reel 13b, and operating the stop switch 23c corresponds to an operation for stopping the third reel 13c. That is, in the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, when the operation order of the stop switches 23a to 23c changes, the stop order of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c changes. In this embodiment, for ease of explanation, the reel that stops first among the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c may be referred to as the first stop reel, the reel that stops second may be referred to as the second stop reel, and the reel that stops last may be referred to as the third stop reel. Also, in this embodiment, for ease of explanation, the operation of the stop switch corresponding to the reel that stops first among the stop switches 23a to 23c may be referred to as the first stop operation, the operation of the stop switch corresponding to the reel that stops second may be referred to as the second stop operation, and the operation of the stop switch corresponding to the reel that stops last may be referred to as the third stop operation. Also, in this embodiment, for ease of explanation, with regard to the operation order of the stop switches 23a to 23c, the operation order that stops the first reel 13a first may be referred to as the recommended batting order, and the operation order that stops the second reel 13b or the third reel 13c first may be referred to as the irregular batting order.

[0070] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c are stopped within 190 ms of the operation of the stop switch 23a to 23c. When the reels are stopped within 190 ms of the operation of the stop switch, the stop position of each reel is determined based on the number of frames required from the operation of the stop switch to the stop of the reel, within a range of 0 to 4 frames (a predetermined pull-in range). The game control means 102 controls the reel to stop so that, when the symbol corresponding to the winning combination in the internal lottery is located within a range of 0 to 4 frames from the display position on the pay line at the time the stop switch is operated, the symbol corresponding to the winning combination for which the lottery flag is set to a winning state is displayed at the display position on the pay line on the outer periphery of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch 23a to 23c.

[0071] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the reel unit 30 is provided with a reel index 405 consisting of a photosensor, and the game control means 102 is able to monitor the current rotation state of the reel by determining the rotation angle (the number of rotation steps of the rotary shaft of the stepping motor) from the reference position of the reel (the frame detected by the reel index 405) based on the signal detected by the reel index 405 each time the reel makes one rotation. In other words, the game control means 102 can obtain the position of the reel at the time the stop switch is activated by determining the rotation angle of the reel from the reference position.

[0072] In this embodiment, multiple types of symbols are arranged on the outer periphery of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c that make up the reel unit 30, and when symbols located within four frames from the operation detection position are drawn onto an active line, the symbols arranged at intervals of four frames or less on the outer periphery of each reel can be displayed on the active line regardless of the operation detection position, which is the position of the reel at the time the stop switch is activated (the time the operation of the stop switch is detected). In this embodiment, the operation detection position is the display position of the upper row of each reel.

[0073] Fig. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a symbol arrangement for the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7, a red 7 symbol "RED 7", a white 7 symbol "WHITE 7", a bar symbol "BAR", a watermelon symbol a "WMa", a watermelon symbol b "WMb", a cherry symbol "CH", a bell symbol "BL", a replay symbol "RP", a special symbol a "SPa", and a special symbol b "SPb" are arranged on the outer periphery of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c.

[0074] The game control means 102 also determines the stop position of the spinning reel by referring to a stop control table stored in the main storage means 105. In the stop control table, a correspondence relationship between the operation detection position and the number of sliding symbols indicating the amount of rotation from the operation detection position to the actual stop position is set according to the setting state of the lottery flag. Note that in the stop control table, a correspondence relationship between the operation detection position and the actual stop position may also be set according to the setting state of the lottery flag.

[0075] In the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the priority order for small wins, replays, and bonuses is set as "replay > bonus" and then "small win > bonus," and the stop control table is set so that a stop position including a symbol that constitutes the winning form of a high-priority win is selected according to the priority order associated with each win.

[0076] In addition, in the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, in the stop control table that is referenced when the lottery flags for multiple types of minor roles are set to a winning state in the internal lottery, there are cases where the stop position is set according to the number of pattern combinations that indicate winning forms that can be displayed on the valid line (number priority control), and cases where the stop position is set according to the number of electronic medals to be paid out based on the payout that is predetermined for the minor role (payout number priority control).When the stop position is set according to the number of pattern combinations that indicate winning forms that can be displayed on the valid line, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that priority is given to stop positions with a greater number of pattern combinations that indicate winning forms that can be displayed on the valid line, and when the stop position is set according to the number of electronic medals to be paid out, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that priority is given to stop positions with a greater number of electronic medals to be paid out based on the payout of the minor role corresponding to the pattern displayed at the display position on the valid line (stop positions that can win a minor role with a greater payout). However, when the stop positions are set according to the number of electronic medals paid out, for multiple stop positions where the number of electronic medals paid out is the same, the priority of each stop position is treated as being the same and a stop position relative to the operation detection position is set, and when the stop positions are set according to the number of pattern combinations that indicate winning forms that can be displayed on the valid line, the priority of each stop position is treated as being the same and a stop position relative to the operation detection position is set, and when the stop positions are set according to the number of pattern combinations that indicate winning forms that can be displayed on the valid line, the number of pattern combinations that indicate winning forms that can be displayed on the valid line is the same.

[0077] In this embodiment, the stop positions of the reels relative to the operation detection positions are set in each stop control table so that so-called pull-in control and kick-off control can be realized. Pull-in control is control that determines the stop positions of the reels so that a combination whose lottery flag is set to a winning state can win as many prizes as possible. On the other hand, kick-off control is control that determines the stop positions of the reels so that a combination whose lottery flag is set to a non-winning state cannot win a prize. In this way, the game control means 102 determines the stop positions of the reels so that symbols of a combination whose lottery flag is set to a winning state can stop in a winning form, while symbols of a combination whose lottery flag is set to a non-winning state cannot stop in a winning form.

[0078] In this embodiment, as winning patterns of small roles in the normal state and the bonus formation state, there are a plurality of types of batting order winning patterns in which a correct minor role, in which the number of electronic medals paid out in association with a win is greater than the number of electronic medals inserted, and a failed minor role, in which the number of electronic medals paid out in association with a win is less than the number of electronic medals inserted, are overlappingly won, and a correct operation pattern that makes it possible to win a correct minor role is set for each of the batting order winning patterns. In a game in which a batting order winning pattern is obtained in the bonus formation state, the stopping position of the spinning reels is determined so that if a stop operation is performed in accordance with the correct operation pattern, priority is given to winning a correct minor role, and if a stop operation is performed in accordance with a failed operation pattern, which is an operation pattern that is not the correct operation pattern, priority is given to winning a failed minor role while avoiding winning a correct minor role. On the other hand, in a game in which a batting order winning mode is obtained in a normal state, all operation modes for some batting order winning modes become unsuccessful operation modes, and the stopping position of the reel during rotation is determined so as to avoid winning of a correct minor role and give priority to winning of an unsuccessful minor role no matter what mode the stopping operation is performed in.

[0079] In this embodiment, as the batting order winning mode, batting order bell a1 to batting order bell a8 and batting order bell b1 to batting order bell b8 are provided. Hereinafter, batting order bell a1 to batting order bell a8 and batting order bell b1 to b8 are collectively referred to as batting order bells. Each batting order bell is a winning mode in which a 10-piece small combination and a 1-piece small combination are overlappingly won, and the 10-piece small combination corresponds to the correct small combination, and the 1-piece small combination corresponds to the failed small combination.

[0080] In the stop control table that is referenced when the batting order bell is won in the internal lottery, the correct batting order that results in the correct operation mode is set for each batting order bell, as shown in Figure 8.

[0081] In the stop control table that is referenced when any of the batting order bells is won, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that when the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in the correct batting order, a 10-coin small win is won, and when the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in an operation order different from the correct batting order, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that there are cases where a 1-coin small win is won and cases where no win is won (missed win). "1-coin small win (1 / 2)" in FIG. 8 means that in that operation order, there is a 1 / 2 probability that a 1-coin small win is won, and there is a 1 / 2 probability that a miss win occurs. Also, "1-coin small win (1 / 4)" in FIG. 8 means that in that operation order, there is a 1 / 4 probability that a 1-coin small win is won, and there is a 3 / 4 probability that a miss win occurs. In this embodiment, the recommended batting order for any batting order bell is a failure operation mode, and when the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in the recommended batting order, one small winning combination is always won.

[0082] In addition, when each batting order bell is won, in the correct batting order, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that the symbols that make up the winning form of the 10-coin small win are preferentially displayed on the active line by the payout number priority control, and in an operation order different from the correct batting order, the symbols that make up the winning form of the 1-coin small win are preferentially displayed on the active line by the number priority control. In this embodiment, by using the payout number priority control and the number priority control according to the operation order, in the correct batting order, it is possible to win a 10-coin small win while avoiding the winning of a 1-coin small win, and in an operation order different from the correct batting order, it is possible to win a 1-coin small win while avoiding the winning of a 10-coin small win.

[0083] In this embodiment, for the batting order bell group a, the correct batting order is valid only when the bonus is established, and when a batting order bell belonging to the batting order bell group a is won in the normal state, even if the stop operation is performed according to the correct batting order, there is a 1 / 2 probability that a 1-coin small role will be won, and there is a 1 / 2 probability that the role will be missed. In other words, in the normal state, for the batting order bell group a, even if the stop operation is performed in a manner that allows a 10-coin small role to be won in the bonus state, the stop position is determined by the number priority control so as to avoid the winning of the 10-coin small role. On the other hand, for the batting order bell group b, the correct batting order is valid in both the normal state and the bonus state, and in either game state, the stop position is determined by the payout number priority control so that the winning of the 10-coin small role is prioritized in the correct batting order.

[0084] In this embodiment, small wins 3 to 8 function as fixed wins, and if you get a winning pattern including a fixed win in the advantageous zone described later, you can get a benefit related to the instruction function. As winning patterns including fixed wins, reach eyes A, reach eyes B, and middle cherries are provided, and hereinafter, as necessary, these may be collectively referred to as fixed win patterns.

[0085] Reach Eye A includes small win 3 and small win 7 as confirmed wins, and is a winning pattern in which these win in addition to small win 1 and small win 2, which are correct small wins in the batting order bell. In the stop control table that is referenced when Reach Eye A wins in the internal lottery, as shown in FIG. 8, when the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in the recommended batting order, the small win 3 or small win 7, which are 10-coin small wins, is won, and when the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in the irregular batting order, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that small win 1 or small win 2, which are 10-coin small wins, is won.

[0086] Reach Eye B is a winning pattern that includes small win 6 and small win 7 as confirmed roles, and these are won in overlap with small win 1 and small win 2, which are correct small wins in the batting order bell. In the stop control table that is referenced when Reach Eye B is won, as shown in FIG. 8, when the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in the recommended batting order, the small win 6 or small win 7, which is a 10-piece small win, is won, and when the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in the irregular batting order, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that the small win 1 or small win 2, which is a 10-piece small win, is won.

[0087] The middle cherry includes small role 4, small role 5, and small role 8 as a confirmed role, and is a winning mode in which these overlap with small role 1 and small role 2, which are correct small roles in the batting order bell. In the stop control table that is referenced when the middle cherry is won, as shown in FIG. 8, when the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in the recommended batting order, the small role 4, small role 5, or small role 8, which are 10-piece small roles, is won, and when the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in the irregular batting order, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that the small role 1 or small role 2, which are 10-piece small roles, is won.

[0088] In this embodiment, for each of the fixed role winning patterns, a 1-coin small role is included as a small role other than the 10-coin small role, and the 10-coin small role can be won by the payout number priority control only when the bonus is established, and when the fixed role winning pattern is won in the normal state, regardless of the operation order of the stop switches 23a to 23c, the winning of the 10-coin small role is avoided by the number priority control, and the stop position is determined so that the 1-coin small role is won.

[0089] In addition, in the stop control table that is referred to when a watermelon is won in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that there are cases where a 3-coin small combination is won and cases where no combination is won, depending on the operation mode of the stop switches 23a to 23c. In this embodiment, no matter in which operation order the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated, there is a 3 / 4 probability that a 3-coin small combination is won, and there is a 1 / 4 probability that the combination will be missed.

[0090] In addition, in the stop control table that is referenced when the watermelon replay, cherry replay, normal replay a, normal replay b, or normal replay c is won in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that any of the replays included in the winning mode of each replay will win, regardless of the mode of stop operation on the stop switches 23a to 23c.

[0091] In addition, in the stop control table that is referenced when JAC1 wins in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that one of small prizes 1 to 8 will definitely win, in the stop control table that is referenced when JAC2 wins in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that one of small prizes 9 to 14 will definitely win, and in the stop control table that is referenced when JAC3 wins in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that one of small prizes 15 to 36 will definitely win.

[0092] In addition, the Big Bonus (BB) can only be won if the Big Bonus (BB) is won alone in the normal state, and there are no misses when the bonus is formed, and since there are always overlapping wins of small winning combinations or replays with higher priority than the Big Bonus (BB), the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set in the stop control table so that the Big Bonus (BB) is not won.

[0093] The game control means 102 also performs a win determination process to determine whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the stopping state of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c. That is, the game control means 102 functions as a win determination means for determining whether or not a winning combination has been achieved. Specifically, the game control means 102 refers to a win determination table stored in the main storage means 105 to determine whether or not a symbol combination displayed on an active line when all of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c have stopped is in the form of a winning combination of a predetermined winning combination. In this embodiment, a win determination table is provided so that, as shown in FIGS. 9 to 12, whether or not a big bonus (BB), replay 1 to replay 4, and small bonus 1 to small bonus 36 have been achieved is determined based on the symbol combination displayed on the active line when each reel has stopped.

[0094] In the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the game control means 102 executes a winning process when a winning combination is achieved based on the result of the winning determination process. As the winning process, for example, a payout process of electronic medals is performed when a small combination is achieved, a replay process is performed when a replay is achieved, and a game state transition process for transitioning the game state is performed when a bonus is achieved.

[0095] First, the game control means 102 performs a payout process for paying out electronic medals in accordance with the game results. In this embodiment, the function of paying out electronic medals is realized through cooperation between the main control unit 100 and the medal count control unit 600. Specifically, when a small winning combination is achieved, the game control means 102 of the main control unit 100 determines the number of electronic medals to be paid out in the game based on the payout amount predetermined for each combination, and transmits a payout command specifying the number of electronic medals to be paid out to the medal count control unit 600. In the medal count control unit 600 that receives the payout command, the counting control means 601 increases the number of game medals stored in the medal information storage means 603 by the payout number specified in the payout command. Note that in the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, when electronic medals are paid out in each game, the number of electronic medals to be paid out is displayed on the main display 16. That is, when electronic medals are paid out as a result of a small winning combination, the game control means 102 performs control to display the number of electronic medals to be paid out in accordance with the winning of the small winning combination on the main display 16. In this way, the game control means 102 functions as a payout control means that, when a small winning combination is won, payouts of electronic medals in a number corresponding to the payout of the winning small winning combination are performed. In addition, in this embodiment, the payout for each small winning combination is set in association with the specified insertion number, and for some small winning combinations, the payout when the specified insertion number is three coins is different from the payout when the specified insertion number is two coins. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, for small wins 1 to 13, the payout is different when the specified investment number is 3 coins and when the specified investment number is 2 coins. For small wins 1 to 8, the payout is 10 coins when the specified investment number is 3 coins, but 1 coin when the specified investment number is 2 coins. For small wins 9 to 13, the payout is 3 coins when the specified investment number is 3 coins, but 1 coin when the specified investment number is 2 coins. For small wins 14 to 36, the payout is the same when the specified investment number is 3 coins and when the specified investment number is 2 coins, and the payout is 1 coin for either specified investment number.In this embodiment, the specified insertion number is set to three in the normal state and the bonus state, and to two in the bonus state. Therefore, in the normal state and the bonus state, if a small win is won, more than the specified insertion number of electronic medals may be paid out. However, in the bonus state, regardless of the small win, the number of electronic medals paid out is controlled to be less than the specified insertion number. Note that a payout limit for electronic medals may be set according to the specified insertion number, and when electronic medals are paid out in response to a small win, the payout limit may be controlled so that more electronic medals than the payout limit are not paid out in a single game. Specifically, if the specified insertion number is three, the payout limit may be set to 15, and if the specified insertion number is two, the payout limit may be set to one. For example, if the specified insertion number is two, even if a 10-coin or 3-coin small win is won, the payout limit is set to one, so the number of electronic medals paid out in response to a 10-coin or 3-coin small win is one.

[0096] Furthermore, when a replay wins, the game control means 102 performs a replay process (replay process) that sets the next game to the same preparation state as the previous game without requiring the player to insert any electronic medals owned by the player. That is, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed that automatically inserts the same number of electronic medals as in the previous game without using any electronic medals owned by the player, and the machine waits for the next game start operation on the start switch 22 with the same pay lines set as in the previous game. In this way, the game control means 102 functions as a replay processing means that provides the next game free of charge when a replay wins.

[0097] In addition, the game control means 102 performs a game state transition process that transitions the game state between the normal state, the bonus establishment state, and the bonus state, as shown in FIG. 13 . That is, the game control means 102 functions as a game state control means that can set the normal state, the bonus establishment state, and the bonus state. In this embodiment, information indicating the current game state is stored in the main memory means 105. The game state transition condition may be one condition or multiple conditions. When multiple conditions are set, the game state can be transitioned to another game state based on the fulfillment of one of the multiple predetermined conditions or the fulfillment of all of the multiple predetermined conditions.

[0098] The normal state is a game state corresponding to the initial state among multiple game states, and transition from the normal state to the bonus establishment state or the bonus state is possible. Specifically, if a bonus is won in the normal state and the bonus is not awarded, the game state transitions to the bonus establishment state, and if the bonus is awarded, the game state transitions to the bonus state. In the normal state, an internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table among multiple internal lottery tables stored in the main storage means 105, in which small combinations, replays, and bonuses are set as the lottery targets. In this embodiment, in the normal state, the specified number of coins to be inserted is set to three, and an internal lottery is performed by referring to internal lottery table 1 among internal lottery tables 1 to 3 shown in FIG. 5. In this embodiment, in the normal state, the payout rate, which corresponds to the expected value of winning electronic medals, is less than 50%.

[0099] The bonus formation state is a gaming state to which the game transitions when a bonus is won in an internal lottery but the bonus is not awarded. In the bonus formation state, among the multiple types of internal lottery tables stored in the main storage means 105, the win or loss of a minor combination is determined with the same probability as in the normal state, and an internal lottery is performed with reference to an internal lottery table in which bonuses are excluded from the lottery. Note that replays are also set as a lottery target in the bonus formation state, but the winning probability and winning mode of replays may be different or the same as in the normal state. In this embodiment, in the bonus formation state, the specified number of coins is set to three, and an internal lottery is performed with reference to internal lottery table 2 among internal lottery tables 1 to 3 shown in FIG. 5. In addition, in this embodiment, in the bonus formation state, the payout rate when the presentation state is not in the AT state (when not in the AT state) is at least 50% higher, and when the presentation state is in the AT state (when in the AT state) the payout rate is approximately 300%.

[0100] In addition, in the bonus established state, the lottery flag corresponding to the bonus is maintained in the winning state until the bonus is won, and the win or loss of the minor winning combination and replay is determined, and when the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the bonus is displayed on the active line, the game control means 102 transitions the game state from the bonus established state to the bonus state based on the winning of the bonus.

[0101] The bonus state is a gaming state to which the game enters when a symbol combination indicating a bonus winning mode is displayed on an active pay line. In the bonus state, among the multiple types of internal lottery tables stored in the main storage means 105, the winning probability of a small combination is set higher than in the normal state and the bonus state, and an internal lottery is performed with reference to an internal lottery table in which replays are excluded from the lottery. In other words, the bonus state is a gaming state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state and the bonus state in that small combinations are more frequently won than in the normal state and the bonus state. In this embodiment, in the bonus state, the specified number of coins is set to two, and an internal lottery is performed with reference to internal lottery table 3 of internal lottery tables 1 to 3 shown in FIG. 5. In addition, in this embodiment, the payout rate in the bonus state is 50%.

[0102] In the bonus state, the game control means 102 determines whether or not the termination condition is met based on the total number of electronic medals paid out in the bonus game in the bonus state, and when the number of electronic medals paid out exceeds a predetermined number to be paid out for termination (for example, 100 medals), the game control means 102 terminates the bonus state and returns the game state to the normal state. In this embodiment, count information on the number of payouts in the bonus state is accumulated and stored in the main storage means 105.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 14, the game control means 102 changes the presentation state among multiple presentation states, including the initial presentation state, normal presentation state, AT state, pullback state, and ending state. It sets the presentation state to the AT state under predetermined conditions and controls the AT state to end when the AT state termination condition is met. In this embodiment, information indicating the current presentation state is stored in the main storage means 105. In this embodiment, when the AT state is in effect, the game control means 102 notifies the player of a correct operation by displaying information (operation instruction information) corresponding to the correct operation mode on the main display 16, which is a 7-segment display, when a predetermined batting order winning pattern is selected. This notifies the player of a correct operation to assist in winning a correct minor combination. This allows the player to play an assist time game, which makes it easier to win medals than a game in the initial presentation state or the normal presentation state. In this embodiment, the function of executing an assist time game in a favorable zone is the instruction function, and the processing that affects the execution of the assist time game is the processing related to the instruction function.

[0104] 15, the game control means 102 is capable of setting a normal zone (non-advantageous zone) and an advantageous zone, and in the normal zone, the presentation state is fixed to the initial presentation state, which is the initial state, and a lottery for transition to an advantageous zone is held, and by winning the lottery for transition to an advantageous zone, the advantageous zone is started, and the presentation state can be set to the AT state on the condition that it is an advantageous zone. In other words, the game control means 102 functions as a zone control means that is capable of setting a normal zone and an advantageous zone, and is capable of providing operation instruction information in the advantageous zone.

[0105] The game control means 102 performs a lottery for shifting to an advantageous zone in each game in the normal zone to determine whether or not the player has won the advantageous zone according to the result of the internal lottery. In this embodiment, the game control means 102 determines whether or not the player has won the advantageous zone by linking it to the winning pattern obtained in the normal state or the bonus formation state, and the player wins the advantageous zone except when a very small number of winning patterns are obtained.

[0106] When the advantageous zone is won in the normal zone, the game control means 102 performs advantageous zone transition processing based on the fact that the advantageous zone has been won, starts the advantageous zone from the next game of the game in which the advantageous zone has been won, and sets the presentation state to the normal presentation state.

[0107] The game control means 102 performs an AT lottery (an example of processing related to the instruction function) to award AT stocks that constitute the right to transition to the AT state in the normal presentation state of the advantageous zone. In this embodiment, an AT lottery is performed regardless of which winning mode is obtained in the internal lottery, and the AT lottery is performed so that an AT win is obtained with a probability corresponding to the winning mode. In particular, in this embodiment, if a fixed role winning mode is obtained in the normal presentation state, an AT lottery is performed so that an AT win is always obtained. Then, based on the result of the AT lottery being an AT win, the game control means 102 performs processing to increase the number of AT stocks stored in the main memory means 105 and award AT stocks. The number of AT stocks awarded upon an AT win may or may not be constant. For example, the number of AT stocks may increase by one per AT win, or there may be cases where the number of AT stocks increases by one or two per AT win.

[0108] The game control means 102 executes an AT lottery by referring to the value of a specific lottery counter in a normal presentation state. The specific lottery counter is a counter that can take on a value of 0 or 1 and is provided in the main storage means 105. In this embodiment, a low probability table and a high probability table are stored in the main storage means 105 so as to correspond to each winning mode obtained in the internal lottery, and when executing an AT lottery, the game control means 102 determines which table to use by referring to the value of the specific lottery counter, the low probability table or the high probability table corresponding to the winning mode obtained in the internal lottery.

[0109] When the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in the recommended batting order in the normal presentation state, the game control means 102 sets the value of the specific lottery counter to 1. On the other hand, when the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in the irregular batting order in the normal presentation state, the game control means 102 resets the value of the specific lottery counter to 0. The specific lottery counter is updated after the AT lottery is performed based on the game start operation and after the third stop operation. Therefore, when the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in the irregular batting order in the normal presentation state, the value of the specific lottery counter referenced at the time the game start operation is performed in the next game will be 0. In this embodiment, when the game control means 102 performs the AT lottery, if the value of the specific lottery counter is 0, it references the low probability table, and if the value of the specific lottery counter is 1, it references the high probability table, which has a higher probability of winning than the low probability table. Therefore, if the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in an irregular batting order in the normal presentation state, the AT lottery for the next game will be at a disadvantage. In this embodiment, if the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in the recommended batting order in the normal presentation state, the AT lottery will be at a disadvantage compared to when the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in an irregular batting order. In this embodiment, when a fixed role winning mode is obtained, a low probability table and a high probability table are provided so that the AT winning result will always be obtained regardless of the value of the specific lottery counter.

[0110] The game control means 102 performs control to transition the presentation state from the normal presentation state to the AT state when the AT stock number stored in the main memory means 105 in the normal presentation state is 1 or more (when the AT stock number > 0). When transitioning the presentation state to the AT state, the game control means 102 performs processing to subtract a fixed value (for example, 1) from the AT stock number stored in the main memory means 105.

[0111] The game control means 102 causes an assist time game to be played based on the fact that the presentation state is the AT state, and updates the count information for the number of AT games by an update amount equivalent to one game each time an assist time game is played. In this embodiment, the count information for the number of AT games is stored in the main storage means 105. In this embodiment, when one of the predetermined batting order winning patterns (batting order bell group a, batting order bell group b) is won in the AT state, the game control means 102 executes a correct operation notification that notifies the player of the correct operation corresponding to the winning batting order winning pattern. In this embodiment, when the game control means 102 executes a correct operation notification regarding the winning batting order winning pattern, the main display 16 displays an operation instruction number corresponding to the correct batting order corresponding to the winning batting order winning pattern. The information on the operation instruction number is notified to the sub-controller 200, and on the sub-controller 200 side, the presentation control means 201 executes a winning assistance presentation to assist in winning the correct minor combination by displaying an effect image corresponding to the operation instruction number notified from the main controller 100 on the liquid crystal display 20 and outputting a sound corresponding to the operation instruction number from the speaker 40. In the AT state, the expected value of the payout rate of electronic medals is approximately 300%, and it is a play zone in which the player can increase the number of electronic medals he owns.

[0112] The game control means 102 executes an add-on lottery (an example of processing related to the instruction function) to determine whether or not to add to the AT stock number in a game in which a correct operation notification has not been made in the AT state. The add-on lottery is executed when the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in the recommended batting order, and the add-on lottery is not executed when the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in an irregular batting order. The game control means 102 executes processing to increase the AT stock number stored in the main memory means 105 when the add-on lottery is won. In this way, in this embodiment, in a game in which a correct operation notification has not been made in the AT state, when the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in the recommended batting order, the player has an advantage in the add-on lottery compared to when the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in an irregular batting order.

[0113] When the game control means 102 determines that the conditions for terminating the AT state are met based on the count information of the number of AT games stored in the main memory means 105, it controls the transition of the presentation state to a pullback state.

[0114] In the pullback state, the game control means 102 executes the AT lottery under more favorable conditions than in the normal presentation state. In the pullback state, the game control means 102 updates the value of the specific lottery counter according to the operation order of the stop switches 23a-23c, as in the normal presentation state, and executes the AT lottery by referring to the value of the specific lottery counter. That is, in this embodiment, if the stop switches 23a-23c are operated in the recommended batting order in the pullback state, the AT lottery is more favorable than if the stop switches 23a-23c are operated in an irregular batting order. However, in the AT lottery in the pullback state, not only when a fixed role winning pattern is obtained, but also when a cherry replay, watermelon replay, or watermelon winning pattern is obtained, the AT winning result can always be obtained regardless of whether the high probability table or the low probability table is referenced.

[0115] The game control means 102 performs control to return the presentation state from the pull-back state to the AT state when the AT stock number stored in the main storage means 105 in the pull-back state is 1 or more (when the AT stock number > 0). When the presentation state is returned to the AT state, the game control means 102 performs processing to subtract a fixed value (for example, 1) from the AT stock number stored in the main storage means 105. In this embodiment, there are mainly two cases in which the presentation state returns to the AT state from the pull-back state: one is when the AT stock number is 0 at the end of the AT state and the AT lottery is won in a situation where the AT stock number is 0 in the pull-back state; the other is when the AT stock number is 1 or more remaining at the end of the AT state and the remaining AT stock number in the pull-back state is consumed.

[0116] The pull-back state ends when a fall condition is met, and the game control means 102 performs control to return the presentation state to the normal presentation state when the fall condition is met in the pull-back state. The game control means 102 can determine that the fall condition has been met when a predetermined number of games have been played. The game control means 102 also performs a fall lottery in the pull-back state, and can determine that the fall condition has been met when the fall lottery is won.

[0117] The game control means 102 determines whether the ending condition is met in the retracted state, and if it determines that the ending condition is met in the retracted state, it controls the transition of the presentation state to the ending state. For example, it can be determined that the ending condition is met when the difference in number of coins (the difference between the total number of electronic medals inserted and the total number of medals paid out) in a series of advantageous zones exceeds 2,000 coins (an example of a predetermined number). It can also be determined that the ending condition is met when the AT stock number stored in the main memory means 105 is 10 or more (an example of a predetermined number). It is also possible to determine whether the ending condition is met by referring to both the difference in number of coins in a series of advantageous zones and the AT stock number stored in the main memory means 105. For example, it can be determined that the ending condition is met when the difference in number of coins in a series of advantageous zones exceeds 1,000 coins and the AT stock number is 5 or more. The determination of whether the ending condition is met may be made in the AT state instead of the retracted state, or may be made in both the AT state and the retracted state. In addition, the determination of whether the ending conditions are met may be made regardless of the presentation state in a series of advantageous zones.

[0118] The ending state is another mode of the AT state, and is a presentation state in which the number of AT games is indefinite until the difference in number of coins that is the end condition of the advantageous zone is reached, and the correct operation notification is permitted when the batting order bell is won. In other words, in the ending state, when one of the predetermined batting order winning modes (batting order bell group a, batting order bell group b) is won, the game control means 102 executes the correct operation notification to notify the correct operation mode corresponding to the batting order winning mode that has been won.

[0119] As mentioned above, in the ending state, the state in which the notification of a correct operation by the instruction function is permitted continues until the end of the advantageous zone, so no additional lottery is held regardless of the result of the internal lottery. In other words, in the ending state, there is no special benefit when a fixed role winning mode is obtained. Therefore, when a fixed role winning mode is obtained in the ending state, the game control means 102 executes a fixed role avoidance operation notification through the main display 16. Specifically, when a fixed role winning mode is obtained in the ending state, an operation instruction number determined by lottery from four operation instruction numbers corresponding to the irregular batting order (batting order 3 to batting order 6) is displayed on the main display 16, and the sub-control unit 200 also executes a winning support effect corresponding to the operation instruction number.

[0120] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the game control means 102 updates the count information of the difference in number of coins in the advantageous zone based on the number of electronic medals inserted and the number of electronic medals paid out, and when it determines that the conditions for ending the advantageous zone are met based on the count information of the difference in number of coins, it performs control to end the advantageous zone. The count information of the difference in number of coins is stored in the main storage means 105, and as long as the conditions for ending the advantageous zone are not met in the advantageous zone, the count information of the difference in number of coins is updated even if a transition in the game state or presentation state occurs.

[0121] In addition, the game control means 102 performs an initialization process to initialize predetermined information stored in the main memory means 105 based on the end of the advantageous zone. In particular, in this embodiment, among the various types of information stored in the main memory means 105, information regarding the presentation state, information regarding the number of AT stocks, information regarding the number of AT games played, and information regarding the difference in number of coins in the advantageous zone are initialized by the initialization process associated with the end of the advantageous zone. Therefore, when the initialization process associated with the end of the advantageous zone is performed, unlike when the initialization process is performed upon a setting change, information regarding the lottery flag for the internal lottery and information regarding the game state are retained without being initialized by the initialization process associated with the end of the advantageous zone. When the initialization process associated with the end of the advantageous zone is performed, the presentation state is initialized to the initial presentation state, and the information regarding the number of AT stocks, information regarding the number of AT games played, and information regarding the difference in number of coins in the advantageous zone are initialized to their initial values ​​(e.g., 0), and the normal zone is restored.

[0122] In this embodiment, an initialization process is executed at the end of the favorable period to return to the normal period, so if the termination condition based on the count information of the difference in the number of coins is met while remaining in the AT state, the initialization process at the end of the favorable period will forcibly terminate the AT state.

[0123] Next, a description will be given of the sub-control unit 200. The sub-control unit 200 includes a performance control means 201 and a sub-storage means 203.

[0124] The effect control means 201 controls the effects performed using the display unit 501 (for example, the liquid crystal display 20), the effects performed using the speaker 40, and the effects performed using the lamp unit 503 (for example, the outer perimeter lamp 19, etc.) based on the effect data stored in the sub-storage means 202. For example, by lighting or blinking lamps or LEDs in response to the operation of the bet switch 21, the operation of the start switch 22, the stop switches 23a to 23c, or the occurrence of game events such as changes in the game state, the effect control means 201 controls the execution of effects to liven up the game or to assist the game in accordance with the progress of the game.

[0125] In addition, when the presentation state is the AT state or the ending state, the presentation control means 201 controls the liquid crystal display 20 and the speaker 40 to execute a winning assistance presentation that notifies the correct operation mode and assists in winning the correct small role when a predetermined batting order winning mode (batting order bell group a, batting order bell group b) is won.

[0126] In addition, when the presentation state is an ending state, the presentation control means 201 controls the liquid crystal display 20 and the speaker 40 to execute a winning assistance presentation that avoids winning a fixed role and assists in winning a correct minor role when a fixed winning pattern is won.

[0127] Furthermore, when a game is being played in the AT state, the effect control means 201 controls the execution of a remaining number display effect that displays the remaining number of games until the AT state ends on the liquid crystal display 20. In the remaining number display effect, when the count information of the number of AT games is updated by playing a game, the display content is changed so that the remaining number of games also decreases to reflect the update of the count information.

[0128] Furthermore, when a game is being played in the ending state, the effect control means 201 notifies the player that the game is in the ending state by displaying an effect image indicating the ending state on the liquid crystal display 20 and outputting background music indicating the ending state from the speaker 40. Note that the ending state continues until the advantageous zone ends with an indefinite number of AT games, so the remaining number display effect that is performed in the AT state is not performed in the ending state.

[0129] In this embodiment, in the main loop processing of the main control unit 100, at least when the reels are rotating, the backlight unit 36 ​​illuminates the pattern display position of each reel to ensure the visibility of the patterns arranged on each reel, and the backlight unit 36 ​​is controlled to turn off or blink at predetermined times such as when the reels stop or when a winning combination is achieved.

[0130] The content of the effects executed in the game is determined in response to a command sent from the main control unit 100 in accordance with the game status, the effect status, the result of the internal lottery, etc., using an effect lottery table stored in the sub-storage means 203. In this embodiment, image data stored in the ROM area of ​​the sub-storage means 203 is read into an image buffer provided in the sub-storage means 203, and an image based on the image data read into the image buffer is output to the liquid crystal display 20, and sound data stored in the ROM area of ​​the sub-storage means 203 is read into a sound buffer provided in the sub-storage means 203, and a sound based on the sound data read into the sound buffer is output from the speaker 40.

[0131] The functional block configuration of this embodiment can also be applied to computer systems (including game systems). In these systems, the functions of the game control means 100 of this embodiment can be realized by downloading a program that causes a computer to function from an information storage medium such as a CD or DVD or from a web server on the Internet via a network. In the computer system, the bet switch 21, start switch 22, stop switches 23a-23c, etc. can be realized by virtually assigning their functions to operating means such as a keyboard, a pointing device (such as a mouse), a touch panel, or a controller. In the computer system, the main display 16, the medal count display 27, the reel unit 30, etc. are not essential components, and these units can virtually realize their functions by controlling the images displayed on the display.

[0132] 2. Method of this embodiment In this embodiment, the specification is such that no additional lottery is conducted when a fixed role winning pattern is obtained in the ending state, and a method is adopted in which operation instruction information is provided and the execution of the performance is controlled so as to avoid winning a fixed role when a fixed role winning pattern is obtained in the ending state.

[0133] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the setting contents of the winning number, winning role group, and operation instruction number for the fixed role winning mode and the batting order winning mode.

[0134] In this embodiment, the winning patterns for the fixed role are reach eye A, reach eye B, and middle cherry, and the winning patterns for the batting order are batting order bell group a (batting order bell a1 to a8) and batting order bell group b (batting order bell b1 to b8), and winning numbers from 10 to 28 are individually assigned to these.

[0135] The winning role group is information indicating the result of the internal lottery notified to the sub-controller 200. Numerical values ​​from 5 to 7 are individually assigned to the fixed role winning patterns. When the winning role group notified from the main controller 100 is 5, the sub-controller 200 can determine that it is a reach-eye A. When the winning role group notified from the main controller 100 is 6, the sub-controller 200 can determine that it is a reach-eye B. When the winning role group notified from the main controller 100 is 7, the sub-controller 200 can determine that it is a middle cherry. On the other hand, the same numerical value, 1, is assigned to all batting order winning patterns. In this embodiment, when any of winning numbers 13 to 28 is obtained in the internal lottery, the main controller 100 notifies the sub-controller 200 that the winning role group is 1. Therefore, the sub-controller 200 can determine that one of the batting order winning patterns has been won, but cannot determine the details of the winning pattern. In this way, by preventing the sub-control unit 200 from knowing the details of the batting order winning pattern, it is possible to prevent attempts to tamper with the sub-control unit 200 to fraudulently know the correct operation pattern.

[0136] In this embodiment, operation instruction numbers 1 to 4 are provided, and if the correct batting order is batting order 3, the operation instruction number is set to 1, if the correct batting order is batting order 4, the operation instruction number is set to 2, if the correct batting order is batting order 5, the operation instruction number is set to 3, and if the correct batting order is 6, the operation instruction number is set to 4. Main display 16 is configured with a two-digit seven-segment display, and when a correct operation notification is performed, if the operation instruction number of the object to be notified is 1, the display content of main display 16 becomes "01," if the operation instruction number of the object to be notified is 2, the display content of main display 16 becomes "02," if the operation instruction number of the object to be notified is 3, the display content of main display 16 becomes "03," and if the operation instruction number of the object to be notified is 4, the display content of main display 16 becomes "04." In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the winning numbers 13 to 28 linked to the batting order winning pattern are assigned one of the operation instruction numbers 1 to 4, whereas the winning numbers 10 to 12 linked to the fixed role winning pattern have an operation instruction number that is randomly selected from 1 to 4 each time the fixed role winning pattern is obtained.

[0137] FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a process in which the main control unit 100 executes the fixed role avoidance operation notification and the correct operation notification.

[0138] First, if the winning number obtained by the internal lottery is one of 10 to 12 (Y in step S101), it is determined that a fixed role winning mode has been obtained, and it is checked whether the presentation state is in an ending state (step S102). If the presentation state is in an ending state (Y in step S102), an operation instruction number of one of 1 to 4 is determined by lottery (step S103), and the operation instruction number determined by lottery is displayed on the main display 16 to execute a fixed role avoidance operation notification (step S104). Note that if the presentation state is a normal presentation state or an AT state (N in step S102), a fixed role avoidance operation notification is not executed, and a situation is created in which operation of the stop switches 23a to 23c in the recommended hitting order is permitted.

[0139] On the other hand, if the winning number obtained by the internal lottery is any one of 13 to 28 (Y in step S201), it is determined that a winning batting order has been obtained, and it is checked whether the presentation state is in the AT state or the ending state (step S202).If the presentation state is in the AT state or the ending state (Y in step S202), the correct batting order is announced by displaying the operation instruction number linked to the winning number on the main display 16 (step S203).

[0140] In this embodiment, a lottery result command including the winning role group and operation instruction number described above is transmitted from the main control unit 100 to the sub-control unit 200. Upon receiving the lottery result command, the sub-control unit 200 determines the content of the effect to be executed by conducting an effect lottery based on the winning role group, and executes the effect determined by the effect lottery. The sub-control unit 200 also executes a winning assist effect that notifies the operation order of the stop switches 23a-23c corresponding to the operation instruction number. If the operation instruction number included in the lottery result command received from the main control unit 100 is 1, the sub-control unit 200 executes a winning assist effect that notifies the batting order 3. If the operation instruction number included in the lottery result command is 2, the sub-control unit 200 executes a winning assist effect that notifies the batting order 4. If the operation instruction number included in the lottery result command is 3, the sub-control unit 200 executes a winning assist effect that notifies the batting order 5. If the operation instruction number included in the lottery result command is 4, the sub-control unit 200 executes a winning assist effect that notifies the batting order 6.

[0141] In this embodiment, the correct operation notification and the fixed role avoidance operation notification executed by the main control unit 100 display any one of the operation instruction numbers 1 to 4 on the main display 16, and therefore it is not possible to distinguish between the correct operation notification and the fixed role avoidance operation notification depending on the display content of the main display 16. Also, in this embodiment, the mode of the winning support effect executed by the sub-control unit 200 is the same for the batting order winning mode and the fixed role winning mode, and therefore it is not possible to distinguish from the winning support effect whether the winning is due to the batting order winning mode or the fixed role winning mode.

[0142] In this embodiment, when a fixed role winning mode is obtained, the fixed role is won in the recommended batting order, and the correct minor role is won in the irregular batting order. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the correct minor role is provided with minor role 1, which is a 10-coin minor role when the batting order is 3 and 4, and minor role 2, which is a 10-coin minor role when the batting order is 5 and 6. When a fixed role winning mode is won, in the irregular batting order where the second reel 13b stops first, minor role 1 corresponding to the batting order 3 and 4 is won, and in the irregular batting order where the third reel 13c stops first, minor role 2 corresponding to the batting order 5 and 6 is won. In this way, in a game where a fixed role winning mode is obtained, a 10-coin minor role is won without missing a role regardless of the operation order. Furthermore, when minor win 1, which is the correct minor win, wins, the irregular batting order is to stop the second reel 13b first regardless of whether the fixed role win mode or the batting order win mode is won, and when minor win 2, another correct minor win, wins, the irregular batting order is to stop the third reel 13c first regardless of whether the fixed role win mode or the batting order win mode is won. Therefore, when a player performs a stop operation in accordance with the display content of the main display 16 that indicates an irregular batting order or the winning assistance effect, even if a correct minor win is won, it is not possible to determine whether the fixed role win mode or the batting order win mode was won, and for the fixed role win mode, the player will not suffer any disadvantage in terms of winning electronic medals regardless of the operation order in which the stop operation is performed. In particular, in this embodiment, even if a fixed role winning mode is obtained in the ending state, the player cannot receive the benefit of the additional lottery, so rather than giving the player a sense of unnecessary loss when a fixed role is won in the ending state, the notification of the operation order is made in a manner that is indistinguishable from the batting order winning mode, so that the player does not realize that the notification is to avoid winning the fixed role. Therefore, according to the method of this embodiment, the player can proceed with the game without realizing that the fixed role has been avoided, which can improve the player's interest in the game.

[0143] In this embodiment, as the correct minor winning combination, there are provided minor winning combination 1, which is a 10-piece minor winning combination when the batting order is 3, 4, and minor winning combination 2, which is a 10-piece minor winning combination when the batting order is 5, 6, but there may be only one type of correct minor winning combination. Also, as the correct minor winning combination, the 10-piece minor winning combination when the batting order is 3, the 10-piece minor winning combination when the batting order is 4, the 10-piece minor winning combination when the batting order is 5, and the 10-piece minor winning combination when the batting order is 6 may be different from each other.

[0144] Furthermore, it is desirable that the fixed role winning mode includes all of the correct minor roles related to the batting order winning mode, but it may also include only some of the correct minor roles. For example, a configuration can be adopted in which reach eye A includes minor role 1 but not minor role 2, and reach eye B includes minor role 2 but not minor role 1. In this case, if reach eye A is won in the ending state, either batting order 3 or 4 can be determined randomly by lottery, and the operation sequence determined by lottery can be announced as the operation sequence for avoiding the winning of the fixed role, and if reach eye B is won in the ending state, either batting order 5 or 6 can be determined randomly by lottery, and the operation sequence determined by lottery can be announced as the operation sequence for avoiding the winning of the fixed role.

[0145] In addition, the operation sequence for avoiding the winning of a fixed role when a fixed role winning mode is obtained may be predetermined for each winning mode. For example, reach-eye A may be associated with batting order 3, reach-eye B with batting order 4, and middle cherry with batting order 6. Also, for example, reach-eye A may be associated with batting order 3, reach-eye B with batting order 4, and middle cherry with batting order 5 or 6 may be determined by lottery.

[0146] In this embodiment, when the presentation state is the ending state, a fixed role avoidance operation notification and a winning assistance effect are performed to prevent the winning of a fixed role when a fixed role winning mode is won, but if it is possible to determine whether the ending conditions are met in the AT state, a fixed role avoidance operation notification and a winning assistance effect to prevent the winning of a fixed role may be performed after the transition to the ending state in the AT state is confirmed. In this way, when the ending conditions are met while remaining in the AT state and the transition to the ending state is confirmed, it is possible to quickly notify the player of this and avoid the display of a fixed role winning that does not provide any benefit.

[0147] Furthermore, when it is possible to notify that the transition to the ending state has been confirmed in the AT state, rather than notifying immediately after the ending conditions are met in the AT state, it is possible to notify that the transition to the ending state has been confirmed after a latent play from the establishment of the ending conditions until the notification conditions are met. In this case, if a fixed role winning mode is obtained after the ending conditions are met in the AT state, a fixed role avoidance operation notification or winning assistance effect that prevents the winning of a fixed role is not performed, and when the fixed role winning mode is won after notifying that the transition to the ending state has been confirmed, a fixed role avoidance operation notification or winning assistance effect that prevents the winning of a fixed role can be performed. However, when the ending conditions are met in the AT state, even if a notification that the transition to the ending state has been confirmed is not performed when the fixed role winning mode is won, a fixed role avoidance operation notification or winning assistance effect that prevents the winning of a fixed role may be performed.

[0148] The method adopted in the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment described above is as follows: (A) there is a batting order winning mode in which an irregular batting order is the correct operation mode; (B) when a stop operation is performed in the correct operation mode in a game in which a batting order winning mode is obtained, the correct minor role is won; (C) in the fixed role winning mode, when a stop operation is performed in the recommended batting order, a fixed role with the same payout as the correct minor role is won, and when a stop operation is performed in an irregular batting order, the correct minor role is won; (D) in the advantageous zone, there are cases in which advantageous processing is performed in a game in which a fixed role winning mode is obtained, and cases in which advantageous processing is not performed in a game in which a fixed role winning mode is obtained; (E) in the AT state and ending state in which the provision of operation instruction information is permitted, when a batting order winning mode is obtained, both the main control unit 100 and the sub-control unit 200 notify the correct operation mode, and when a fixed role winning mode is obtained in the advantageous zone, the main control unit 100 and the sub-control unit 200 notify the irregular batting order under predetermined conditions (when advantageous processing is not performed). In this method, even if an irregular batting order is notified in a game in which a fixed role winning pattern is obtained, it is not possible to distinguish this from a case in which a correct operation pattern is notified in a batting order winning pattern, so it is possible to prevent the player from realizing that the fixed role winning has been avoided.

[0149] In addition, this embodiment is a gaming machine that includes a plurality of reels (first reel 13a, second reel 13b, third reel 13c) on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer peripheral surface, a main control unit (main control unit 100) that controls the progress of the game, and a sub-control unit (sub-control unit 200) that controls the execution of presentations along with the progress of the game, in which the main control unit performs an internal lottery that determines whether a plurality of types of roles including small roles are won or lost, reel control that rotates the plurality of reels for each game and stops the rotating reels in a manner according to the result of the internal lottery when a stop operation is triggered, and a normal section and an advantageous section can be set. The main control unit executes a section control that can provide operation instruction information that assists in the winning of a role in a specific game section (AT state, ending state) of an advantageous section, and the winning mode of the small role is a first winning mode (batting order winning mode) that includes a correct small role (small role 1, small role 2) but does not include a specific small role (small role 3 to small role 8), and a second winning mode (fixed role winning mode) that includes a correct small role and a specific small role, and the correct small role and the specific small role have the same number of payouts of game value associated with winning, and the main control unit stops in the first operation order (correct operation order) in a game in which the first winning mode is obtained by an internal lottery. When a stop operation is performed, the correct small role can be won, and when a stop operation is performed in a plurality of types of second operation sequences (failed operation sequences) different from the first operation sequence, the stop position of the rotating reel is determined so as to avoid the winning of the correct small role, and in a game in which the second winning mode is obtained by an internal lottery, when a stop operation is performed in a specific operation sequence (recommended batting order) in which a specific reel (first reel 13a) is stopped first among the plurality of types of second operation sequences, the specific small role can be won, and when a stop operation is performed in the first operation sequence (or a non-specific operation sequence (irregular batting order) in which a reel other than the specific reel is stopped first), the specific small role can be won. ), the stop position of the rotating reel is determined so that the correct small combination can be won when a stop operation is performed in the advantageous area, and the first operation sequence is an operation sequence that first stops at least the reels other than the specific reel (the second reel 13b, the third reel 13c), and when the first winning mode is obtained by internal lottery in the specific game area, the main control unit provides operation instruction information corresponding to the first operation sequence (correct operation notification), and the sub-control unit executes a performance (winning assistance performance) that notifies the first operation sequence, and when the second winning mode is obtained by internal lottery in the advantageous area,There are cases where the main control unit performs a specific process (AT lottery, additional lottery) to grant a bonus (AT stock) and cases where the specific process is not performed, and when the second winning pattern is obtained in the internal lottery in the specific game section and the specific process is not performed (when the ending state is reached), the main control unit provides operation instruction information corresponding to the first operation sequence (announcement of operation to avoid fixed roles), and the sub-control unit executes an effect (award-winning auxiliary effect) to announce the first operation sequence. [Explanation of symbols]

[0150] 10 gaming machines, 11 Storage box, 12 Front door, 13a first reel, 13b second reel, 13c third reel, 14 display window, 15 Effective line, 16 Main display, 18 Sub display, 19 Periphery lamp, 20 LCD display, 21 bet switch, 22 start switch, 23a, 23b, 23c Stop switch, 24 Door key cylinder, 26 counting switch, 27 game medal number display, 28 Settlement switch, 30 Reel unit, 31 Base unit, 32 support unit, 33 stepping motor, 34 reel body, 35 reel tape, 36 backlight unit, 37a Upper backlight, 37b Middle backlight, 37c Lower backlight, 40 speakers, 100 Main control unit, 101 setting change means, 102 game control means, 103 random number generation means, 105 Main memory means, 200 Sub-control section, 201 performance control means, 203 auxiliary storage means, 301 Startup mode change switch, 302 Setting change switch, 303 Door opening / closing switch, 405 Reel index, 501 Display unit, 503 Lamp unit, 600 medal count control unit, 601 counting control means, 603 medal information storage means, 700 Rental equipment connection terminal board, 800 dedicated units, 801 lending control unit, 802 cash insertion unit, 803 card insertion unit, 804 lending switch, 805 return switch, 806 game switch, 807 Frequency Indicator, 808 Medal Count Indicator

Claims

[Claim 1] A gaming machine comprising a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer peripheral surface, a main control unit that controls the progress of a game, and a sub-control unit that controls the execution of effects in accordance with the progress of a game, The main control unit An internal lottery to determine whether multiple types of roles, including small roles, will be awarded. a reel control that rotates the plurality of reels for each game and stops the rotating reels in a manner according to the result of an internal lottery when a stop operation is initiated; A section control that can set a normal section and an advantageous section and can provide operation instruction information that assists in winning a role in a specific game section of the advantageous section; Run As the winning mode of the small win, there are a first winning mode including a correct small win but not including a specific small win, and a second winning mode including a correct small win and a specific small win, The correct small win and the specific small win have the same payout amount of game value associated with winning, The main control unit In a game in which the first winning mode is obtained by an internal lottery, the correct minor winning combination can be won when a stop operation is performed in a correct operation sequence, and a stop position of the reel being rotated is determined so as to avoid the winning of the correct minor winning combination when a stop operation is performed in an operation sequence different from the correct operation sequence; In a game in which the second winning mode is obtained by an internal lottery, the stopping positions of the reels being rotated are determined so that the specific minor winning combination can be won when a stopping operation is performed in a specific operation sequence in which a specific reel among the plurality of reels is stopped first, and the correct minor winning combination can be won when a stopping operation is performed in a non-specific operation sequence in which a reel other than the specific reel is stopped first, The correct operation sequence in the first winning mode is included in the non-specific operation sequence, When the first winning mode is obtained by the internal lottery in the specific game section, the main control unit provides operation instruction information corresponding to the correct operation sequence, and the sub-control unit executes a performance informing the user of the correct operation sequence, When the second winning mode is obtained by the internal lottery in the advantageous zone, there are cases where the main control unit performs a specific process to grant a benefit and cases where the specific process is not performed, A gaming machine characterized in that, when the second winning pattern is obtained in an internal lottery in the specific gaming area and the specific processing is not performed, the main control unit provides operation instruction information corresponding to the non-specific operation sequence, and the sub-control unit executes a presentation to notify the user of the non-specific operation sequence.

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