Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine represented by a pinball game machine (Pachinko game machine) and an enclosed-type game machine, having a characteristic in game progression.SOLUTION: In a game in which a first winning result (winning of a replay winning combination) is determined in a second case in which a stop-enabled state is set even if a first condition is not satisfied where the reference position is detected by detection means 606 after a second condition is satisfied in which the rotation state is a constant speed state (constant speed 2 state) after the rotation of reels 110-112 has begun, when a particular event (an event caused by a frame misalignment) occurs, first processing (resetting the bet amount and turning on a replay lamp 122) related to a first stop display result is performed even if the first stop display result (replay combination or bell combination) is not derived (Figure 37(d)).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 37

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to gaming machines such as slot machines and pinball gaming machines. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a slot machine is known as one type of gaming machine. This slot machine uses a predetermined number of gaming media, and when a start lever is operated, a lottery is held to determine an internal winning combination from among a plurality of combinations, and the slot machine spins a plurality of reels, stops the reels based on the determined internal winning combination and the operation result of the stop button, and awards a profit according to the combination determined to be a winning combination based on the state of the stopped reels (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In such gaming machines, the stopping positions of the reels are controlled, and the game can proceed according to the player's operations under certain conditions. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-30159 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, there is still room for improvement in the progress of games on conventional gaming machines.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine with a distinctive gaming progression. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The gaming machine of the present invention that solves the above object is: A control means for controlling the progress of a game; A rotatable reel; a stop operation means for performing a stop operation to stop the reel that is rotating; a detection means capable of detecting a reference position of the reel; A gaming machine equipped with the control means is means capable of executing control to stop the reels that are spinning when the stop operation is performed in a stoppable state, There is a first case in which the stop-enabling state is set when a second condition is satisfied after the rotation of the reels has started and then a first condition is satisfied; There is a second case in which the stop-enabling state is set even if the first condition is not satisfied after the second condition is satisfied after the rotation of the reels has started, the first condition is that the reference position is detected by the detection means, The second condition is that the reel is in a constant speed state where it rotates at a constant speed, The first case occurs in a game in which the first stop operation is required after a specific event occurs, The second case occurs in at least some of the games from the game following the game in which the first condition is satisfied until the specific event newly occurs, A first winning result from which a first stop display result can be derived is determined, When the first stop display result is derived, a first process related to the first stop display result is performed; In the second case, when a special event occurs in a game in which the first winning result has been determined, the first processing is performed even if the first stop display result is not derived. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the gaming machine of the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine with a distinctive game progression. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 2] 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the display area of ​​the symbol display window and the pay line of the slot machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of a control unit of the slot machine according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] (a) is a diagram showing the arrangement of the symbols on each reel of the slot machine according to this embodiment, with a surface expansion, and a diagram showing the relationship between the symbol number counter and the symbol interval counter, and (b) is a diagram showing the types of winning roles (including activated roles), the symbol combinations corresponding to each winning role, and the activation or payout of each winning role. [Figure 5] 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the appearance of a reel rotation device of a slot machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is an exploded perspective view of a reel drive unit that constitutes a reel rotation device of the slot machine according to the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7] 2A and 2B are a schematic side view and a schematic front view showing the assembled state of the reel drive unit of the slot machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a stepping motor used in the reels of the slot machine according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the arrangement of magnetic poles of the stator of the stepping motor shown in FIG. [Figure 10] 4 is a table showing the contents of an excitation table for exciting the stepping motor according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] 4 is a table showing the contents of a rotation control table according to the present embodiment. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of main processing of the main control unit of the slot machine according to the present embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of pseudo-game related processing in step S128 shown in FIG. [Figure 14]14 is a flowchart showing the process of starting reel rotation in a pseudo game in step S1282 shown in FIG. [Figure 15] 14 is a flowchart showing the process of controlling reel stop in the pseudo game in step S1283 shown in FIG. [Figure 16] 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of the pseudo-next game start processing in step S1284 shown in FIG. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the reel rotation start process in step S105 shown in FIG. [Figure 18] 18 is a flowchart showing the process flow of starting random delay rotation in step S1336 shown in FIG. [Figure 19] 13 is a flowchart showing the process of the bonus awarding lottery in step S143 shown in FIG. [Figure 20] 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the pseudo game reservation process in step S145 shown in FIG. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of a main control unit timer interrupt process. [Figure 22] 22 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the stop button display control process in step S207 shown in FIG. 21. [Figure 23] 22 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the reel rotation control process in step S208 shown in FIG. 21. [Figure 24] 24 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the reel control determination process in step S208g shown in FIG. 23. [Figure 25] 25 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the acceleration control process in step S306 shown in FIG. 24. [Figure 26] 25 is a flowchart showing in detail the second constant speed control process of step S308 shown in FIG. 24. [Figure 27] 25 is a flowchart showing in detail the second constant speed control process in step S310 shown in FIG. 24. [Figure 28]24 is a flowchart showing in detail the stop button acceptance process in step S208d shown in FIG. 23. [Figure 29] 23 is a flowchart showing in detail the pull-in counter setting process in step S208d5 shown in FIG. 22. [Figure 30] 25 is a flowchart showing in detail the pull-in control process in step S313 shown in FIG. 24. [Figure 31] 19 is a flowchart showing in detail the brake control process in step S312 shown in FIG. 18. [Figure 32] (a) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400, (b) is a flowchart of the command input processing of the first sub-control unit 400, (c) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400, and (d) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400. [Figure 33] This is a timing chart showing a specific example in which the Nth game is started by operating the start lever 135 for the first time after power is turned on, and the N+1th game is started by operating the start lever 135 for the second time. [Figure 34] 10 is a timing chart showing an example in which power is interrupted and restored while the reel is rotating in a state in which the reel can be stopped without waiting for the detection of the light-blocking piece. [Figure 35] This is a timing chart showing a specific example in which a pseudo game is performed in the Nth game, and in the subsequent N+1th game, the reels can be stopped without waiting for the detection of the light-shielding piece. [Figure 36] 10 is a timing chart showing an example in which the opening of the front door 102 is detected during the Nth game, and the front door 102 is closed after the reels of the next game (N+1) have stopped. [Figure 37] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a specific example of a case where the front door 102 is opened and a frame misalignment occurs in the reel. [Figure 38] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the derived target area and the position of the light blocking piece. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] <Overall structure> 1 is a perspective view of the appearance of a slot machine 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the slot machine 100, a game is started by inserting a medal, and medals are paid out depending on the result of the game.

[0012] The slot machine 100 shown in Fig. 1 includes a main body 101 and a front door 102 attached to the front of the main body 101 and capable of opening and closing relative to the main body 101. Three reels (left reel 110, center reel 111, and right reel 112) with a variety of symbols arranged on their outer peripheries (not shown in Fig. 1) are housed inside the center of the main body 101 and are configured to rotate inside the slot machine 100. These reels 110 to 112 are driven to rotate by driving means such as a stepping motor.

[0013] In this embodiment, each symbol is printed at equal intervals on a strip-shaped member in an appropriate number, and the strip-shaped member is attached to a predetermined circular cylindrical frame to form each of the reels 110-112. The symbols on the reels 110-112 are displayed vertically in approximately three rows through the symbol display window 113, for a total of nine symbols, as viewed by the player. By rotating each of the reels 110-112, the symbol combinations visible to the player change. In other words, each of the reels 110-112 functions as a display device that variably displays multiple symbol combinations. Note that, in addition to reels, electronic image display devices such as liquid crystal displays can also be used as such display devices. Although three reels are provided inside the center of the slot machine 100 in this embodiment, the number and location of the reels are not limited thereto.

[0014] A backlight (not shown) is disposed on the back of each of the reels 110-112 to illuminate the individual symbols displayed in the symbol display window 113. It is desirable that the backlight be shielded for each symbol so that each symbol can be evenly illuminated. Inside the slot machine 100, an optical sensor (not shown) consisting of a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section is provided near each of the reels 110-112, and a light-shielding piece of a certain length provided on the reel passes between the light-emitting section and the light-receiving section of the optical sensor. Based on the detection results of this sensor, the rotational position of the symbols on the reels is determined, and the reels 110-112 are stopped so that the desired symbol is displayed on the pay line.

[0015] The payline indicator lamp 120 indicates the active paylines. The active paylines are determined in advance by the number of medals bet as gaming media. There are five paylines. For example, if one medal is bet, the middle horizontal payline is active. If two medals are bet, the upper horizontal payline and the lower horizontal payline are active, resulting in three active paylines. If three medals are bet, the lower right payline and the upper right payline are active, resulting in five active paylines. Note that the number of paylines is not limited to five. For example, if one medal is bet, the five active paylines may be the middle horizontal payline, the upper horizontal payline, the lower horizontal payline, the lower right payline, and the upper right payline. Hereinafter, the active paylines may be referred to as active lines.

[0016] 2 is a diagram showing the relationship between the nine display areas 1 to 9 of the symbol display window 113 and the five pay lines mentioned above. In this embodiment, there are five pay lines: an upper horizontal pay line (horizontal pay line L2) made up of display areas 1, 4, and 7; a middle horizontal pay line (horizontal pay line L1) made up of display areas 2, 5, and 8; a lower horizontal pay line (horizontal pay line L3) made up of display areas 3, 6, and 9; a diagonal pay line (diagonal pay line L4) made up of display areas 3, 5, and 7; and a diagonal pay line (diagonal pay line L5) made up of display areas 1, 5, and 9.

[0017] The notification lamp 123 is a lamp that notifies the player that, for example, a specific winning combination (specifically, a bonus) has been internally won in an internal lottery described below, or that a bonus game is in progress. The medal insertion possible lamp 124 is a lamp that notifies the player that a game medal can be inserted. The replay lamp 122 is a lamp that notifies the player that the current game can be replayed (no medal insertion is required) if a replay, which is one of the winning combinations, was won in the previous game. The reel panel lamp 128 is a lamp for effect purposes.

[0018] The medal insertion buttons 130-132 are buttons for inserting a predetermined number of medals (called credits) electronically stored in the slot machine 100. In this embodiment, each time the medal insertion button 130 is pressed, one medal is inserted up to a maximum of three medals, and when the medal insertion button 131 is pressed, two medals are inserted, and when the medal insertion button 132 is pressed, three medals are inserted. Hereinafter, the medal insertion button 132 is also referred to as the MAX medal insertion button. The game medal insertion lamps 129 light up lamps corresponding to the number of inserted medals, and when the specified number of medals have been inserted, the game start lamp 121 lights up to indicate that the game can be started.

[0019] The medal insertion slot 141 is an insertion slot through which a player inserts medals to start a game. That is, medals can be inserted electronically using the medal insertion buttons 130-132, or physical medals can be inserted (inserted) through the medal insertion slot 141; the term "inserting" encompasses both. The stored medal count display 125 is a display for displaying the number of medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100. The game information display 126 is a display for displaying various internal information (e.g., the number of medals paid out during a bonus game) in numerical form. The payout medal count display 127 is a display for displaying the number of medals paid out to a player as a result of achieving a winning combination. In this embodiment, the stored medal count display 125, the game information display 126, and the payout medal count display 127 are configured as 7-segment (SEG) displays.

[0020] The start lever 135 is a lever-type switch for starting the rotation of the reels 110 to 112. That is, when the desired number of medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 141 or when the medal insertion buttons 130 to 132 are operated and the start lever 135 is operated, the reels 110 to 112 start to rotate. The operation of the start lever 135 is called the game start operation.

[0021] The stop button unit 136 is provided with stop buttons 137-139. The stop buttons 137-139 are button-type switches for individually stopping the reels 110-112 that have started spinning by operating the start lever 135, and are associated with each reel 110-112. Hereinafter, operations on the stop buttons 137-139 will be referred to as stop operations, with the first stop operation being referred to as the first stop operation, the next stop operation being referred to as the second stop operation, and the final stop operation being referred to as the third stop operation. The reel that is the target of the first stop operation will be referred to as the first stop reel, the reel that is the target of the second stop operation being referred to as the second stop reel, and the reel that is the target of the third stop operation being referred to as the third stop reel. Light-emitting elements 137a-139a are provided inside each stop button 137-139, and when the stop button 137-139 can be operated, the light-emitting elements 137a-139a will light up to notify the player. That is, the light emitters 137a-139a notify that a stop operation can be accepted for each stop button 137-139, in other words, that the rotation of each reel can be stopped. Each light emitter 137a-139a is, for example, an LED, and can operate in a plurality of light emission modes (for example, blinking, turning off, emitting light in a first color, emitting light in a second color, emitting light with continuously changing colors, etc.).

[0022] The medal return button 133 is a button that can be pressed to remove medals that have been inserted and become clogged. The settlement button 134 is a button that can be used to settle medals electronically stored in the slot machine 100 and medals that have been bet, and to dispense them from the medal payout opening 155. The door key hole 140 is a hole into which a key can be inserted to unlock the front door 102 of the slot machine 100. The medal payout opening 155 is a payout opening for paying out medals.

[0023] A title panel 162 for displaying the model name and attaching various certificate stamps is provided below the stop button unit 136. Below the title panel 162, a medal payout opening 155 and a medal receiving tray 161 are provided.

[0024] The sound hole 181 is a hole for outputting sound from a speaker provided inside the slot machine 100 to the outside. Side lamps 144 provided on the left and right sides of the front door 102 are decorative lamps for livening up the game. An effect device 160 is provided above the front door 102, and a sound hole 143 is provided above the effect device 160. This effect device 160 is equipped with a shutter (shielding device) 163 consisting of two shutters, a right shutter 163a and a left shutter 163b, which can be opened and closed horizontally, and an effect image display device 157 (liquid crystal display device, not shown) provided on the back side of the shutter 163. When the right shutter 163a and the left shutter 163b are opened horizontally outward in front of the effect image display device 157, the display screen of the effect image display device 157 (not shown) appears on the front (player side) of the slot machine 100.

[0025] It should be noted that the display device does not have to be a liquid crystal display device, and any other device may be configured to display various effect images and various game information. For example, a multi-segment display (7-segment display), a dot matrix display, an organic EL display, a plasma display, a reel (drum), or a display device consisting of a projector and a screen may be used. The display screen is rectangular and configured so that the player can view the entire screen. In this embodiment, the display screen is rectangular, but it may also be square. Also, decorations (not shown) may be provided around the periphery of the display screen, so that part of the periphery of the display screen is hidden by the decoration, making the display screen appear irregular. In this embodiment, the display screen is flat, but it may also be curved.

[0026] <Circuit configuration of control unit> Next, the circuit configuration of the control unit of the slot machine 100 will be described with reference to Figure 3. This figure is a circuit block diagram of the control unit.

[0027] The control unit of the slot machine 100 is broadly composed of a main control unit 300 that controls the progress of the game, a first sub-control unit 400 that controls the main presentation in accordance with command signals (hereinafter simply referred to as "commands") sent by the main control unit 300, and a second sub-control unit 500 that controls various devices based on the commands sent from the first sub-control unit 400.

[0028] <Main control unit> First, the main control unit 300 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The main control unit 300 includes a basic circuit 302 that controls the entire main control unit 300. This basic circuit 302 includes a CPU 304, a ROM 306 for storing control program data, lottery data used in the internal lottery for winning combinations, reel stop positions, etc., a RAM 308 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 310 for controlling input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 312 for measuring time, number of times, etc. Note that other storage devices may be used for the ROM 306 and RAM 308, and this also applies to the first sub-control unit 400 and second sub-control unit 500 described below. The CPU 304 of this basic circuit 302 operates by receiving a clock signal with a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 314b as a system clock. Furthermore, when the power is turned on, the CPU 304 transmits the frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 306 to the counter timer 312. The counter timer 312 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 304 for each interrupt time. The CPU 304 monitors each sensor and transmits drive pulses in response to this interrupt request. For example, if the clock signal output by the crystal oscillator 314b is set to 8 MHz, the frequency division value of the counter timer 312 is set to 1 / 256, and the frequency division data in the ROM 306 is set to 47, the reference time for the interrupt is 256 × 47 ÷ 8 MHz = 1.504 ms.

[0029] The basic circuit 302 includes a random number generating circuit 316 which is used as a hardware random number counter that fluctuates values ​​within the range of 0 to 65535, and a start-up signal output circuit 332 which outputs a start-up signal (reset signal) when power is turned on. When the CPU 304 receives a start-up signal from the start-up signal output circuit 332, it starts game control (starts the main processing of the main control unit, which will be described later).

[0030] The basic circuit 302 is also provided with a sensor circuit 320, and the CPU 304 monitors the states of various sensors 318 (medal insertion button 130 sensor, medal insertion button 131 sensor, medal insertion button 132 sensor, medal acceptance sensor for medals inserted from medal insertion slot 141, start lever 135 sensor, stop button 137 sensor, stop button 138 sensor, stop button 139 sensor, settlement button 134 sensor, medal payout sensor for medals paid out from medal payout device 180, index sensor for reel 110, index sensor for reel 111, index sensor for reel 112, etc.) at each interrupt time. The various sensors 318 also include a door open sensor that detects the opening of front door 102, and the CPU 304 also monitors whether or not the front door 102 is opened.

[0031] When the sensor circuit 320 detects the H level of the start lever sensor, it outputs a signal indicating this detection to the random number generation circuit 316. Upon receiving this signal, the random number generation circuit 316 latches the value at that timing and stores it in a register that stores random numbers to be used in the lottery.

[0032] Two medal acceptance sensors are installed in the internal passage of the medal insertion slot 141 and detect whether a medal has passed through. Two start lever 135 sensors are installed inside the start lever 135 and detect the start operation by the player. A stop button 137 sensor, a stop button 138 sensor, and a stop button 139 sensor are installed on each of the stop buttons 137 to 139 and detect the operation of the stop button by the player.

[0033] The medal insertion button 130 sensor, medal insertion button 131 sensor, and medal insertion button 132 sensor are provided on each of the medal insertion buttons 130-132, and detect the insertion operation when medals electronically stored in RAM 308 are inserted as medals to be inserted into a game. The settlement button 134 sensor is provided on the settlement button 134. When the settlement button 134 is pressed once, the medals electronically stored are settled. The medal payout sensor is a sensor for detecting medals to be paid out by the medal payout device 180. Note that each of the above sensors may be a non-contact sensor or a contact sensor.

[0034] The index sensors for the left reel 110, center reel 111, and right reel 112 are installed at predetermined positions on the mounting bases of each reel 110-112, and go to L level every time a light-shielding piece attached to the reel frame passes by. When the CPU 304 detects this signal, it determines that the reel has made one rotation, resets the rotational position information of the reel, and becomes able to calculate the reel stopping position.

[0035] The main control unit 300 is provided with a drive circuit 322 that drives the stepping motors provided on the reels 110 to 112, a drive circuit 324 that drives the solenoid provided on the medal selector 170 that selects the inserted medals, a drive circuit 326 that drives the motor provided on the medal payout device 180, and a drive circuit 328 that drives various lamps 338 (winning line indicator lamp 120, notification lamp 123, game medal insertion possible lamp 124, replay lamp 122, game medal insertion lamp 129, game start lamp 121, stored coin number indicator 125, game information indicator 126, payout coin number indicator 127).

[0036] An information output circuit 334 is also connected to the basic circuit 302, and the main control unit 300 outputs game information (e.g., game status) of the slot machine 100 to an information input circuit 652 provided in an external hall computer (not shown) or the like via this information output circuit 334. Furthermore, the main control unit 300 (information output circuit 334) outputs various test signals to an external test machine via an IF board (a test relay board).

[0037] In addition, the main control unit 300 is equipped with an output interface for sending commands to the first sub-control unit 400, enabling communication with the first sub-control unit 400. Note that information communication between the main control unit 300 and the first sub-control unit 400 is one-way communication, and the main control unit 300 can send signals such as commands to the first sub-control unit 400, but the first sub-control unit 400 cannot send signals such as commands to the main control unit 300.

[0038] <Sub-controller> Next, the first sub-control unit 400 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The first sub-control unit 400 includes a basic circuit 402 that receives control commands sent by the main control unit 300 via an input interface and controls the entire first sub-control unit 400 based on these control commands. The basic circuit 402 includes a CPU 404, a RAM 408 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 410 for controlling the input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 412 for measuring time, number of times, etc. The CPU 404 of the basic circuit 402 operates by receiving a clock signal with a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 414 as a system clock. The first sub-control unit 400 also includes a ROM 406 that stores control programs and data for controlling the entire first sub-control unit 400, as well as data for controlling the backlight illumination pattern and various displays.

[0039] The CPU 404 transmits the frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 406 to the counter timer 412 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 412 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 404 for each interrupt time. The CPU 404 controls each IC and each circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

[0040] The first sub-control unit 400 is also provided with a sound source IC 418, which is connected to speakers 272, 277 via an output interface. The sound source IC 418 controls the sound output from the amplifier and speakers 272, 277 in accordance with commands from the CPU 404. An S-ROM (sound ROM) in which sound data is stored is connected to the sound source IC 418, and sound data acquired from this ROM is amplified by the amplifier and output from the speakers 272, 277.

[0041] The first sub-controller 400 is also provided with a drive circuit 422, to which various lamps 420 (upper lamps, lower lamps, side lamps 144, title panel 162 lamps, etc.) are connected via an input / output interface.

[0042] The CPU 404 also transmits and receives signals to the second sub-control unit 500 via the output interface. The second sub-control unit 500 of the slot machine 100 controls the effect image display device 157, the shutter 163, etc. The second sub-control unit 500 may be configured with multiple control units, such as a control unit that controls the effect image display device 157 and a control unit that controls the shutter 163.

[0043] Next, the second sub-control unit 500 of the slot machine 100 will be described. The second sub-control unit 500 includes a basic circuit 502 that receives control commands sent by the first sub-control unit 400 via an input interface and controls the entire second sub-control unit 500 based on these control commands. This basic circuit 502 is equipped with a CPU 504, a RAM 508 for temporarily storing data, an I / O 510 for controlling the input and output of various devices, and a counter timer 512 for measuring time, number of times, etc. The CPU 504 of the basic circuit 502 operates by receiving a clock signal with a predetermined period output by a crystal oscillator 514 as a system clock. The second sub-control unit 500 also includes a ROM 506 that stores control programs and data for controlling the entire second sub-control unit 500, data for image display, etc.

[0044] The CPU 504 transmits the frequency division data stored in a predetermined area of ​​the ROM 506 to the counter timer 512 via the data bus at a predetermined timing. The counter timer 512 determines an interrupt time based on the received frequency division data, and transmits an interrupt request to the CPU 504 for each interrupt time. The CPU 504 controls each IC and each circuit based on the timing of this interrupt request.

[0045] The second sub-control unit 500 is also provided with a drive circuit 530 that drives the shutter 163, and the shutter 163 is connected to the drive circuit 530 via an output interface. The drive circuit 530 outputs a drive signal to a stepping motor (not shown) provided in the shutter 163 in response to a command from the CPU 504.

[0046] The second sub-control unit 500 is also provided with a sensor circuit 532, and a shutter sensor 538 is connected to the sensor circuit 532 via an input interface. The CPU 504 monitors the state of the shutter sensor 538 at each interrupt time.

[0047] The second sub-control unit 500 is also provided with a VDP 534 (video display processor), which is connected to the ROM 506 and VRAM 536 via a bus. The VDP 534 reads out image data and the like stored in the ROM 506 based on signals from the CPU 504, generates a display image using the work area of ​​the VRAM 536, and displays the image on the performance image display device 157.

[0048] <Pattern Arrangement> 4(a) will be used to explain the arrangement of symbols on the reels 110 to 112. Note that this figure is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on each reel (left reel 110, center reel 111, right reel 112) developed in a plane.

[0049] Each of the reels 110-112 has a predetermined number of symbols (21 symbols with symbol number counter numbers 0-20 in this embodiment; the symbol interval counter and the symbol number counter will be described in detail later) arranged on it. The numbers 0-20 shown on the left side of the figure indicate the position of the symbols on each of the reels 110-112. For example, in this embodiment, a seven symbol is arranged on the number 0 symbol of the left reel 110, a replay symbol is arranged on the number 1 symbol of the center reel 111, and a bell symbol is arranged on the number 2 symbol of the right reel 112.

[0050] When a symbol combination displayed on an active line matches a symbol combination of a predetermined winning combination, the winning combination is determined to be a winning combination. In this embodiment, winning combinations include not only small combinations that pay out a predetermined number of medals, but also activated combinations, i.e., big bonuses that transition to bonus games and replays that allow replay without inserting new medals. In other words, "winning" in this embodiment also includes a combination of symbols that does not involve a medal payout (does not involve the payout of medals) being displayed on an active line, such as winning a big bonus or replay. Winning combinations will be described in detail below.

[0051] <Types of winning roles> FIG. 4(b) is a diagram showing the types of winning combinations (including activated combinations), the symbol combinations corresponding to each winning combination, and the activation or payout of each winning combination.

[0052] Among the winning roles in this embodiment, the Big Bonus (BB) is a role that transitions to a bonus game, and the replays (Replay, Replay 2, Replay 3) are roles that allow replay without inserting new medals, and are sometimes called "operating roles" to be distinguished from the winning roles, but the "winning roles" in this embodiment include the Big Bonus and replay, which are operating roles. Furthermore, the "winning role" in this embodiment also includes the case where a symbol combination of an operating role that does not involve a medal payout (does not involve the payout of medals) is displayed on an active line, and includes, for example, winning the Big Bonus and winning the replay.

[0053] In this embodiment, the winning combinations include a big bonus (BB), small combinations (cherry, watermelon, bell), and replays (replay, replay 2, replay 3). The types of winning combinations are not limited to these, and any combination can be adopted. For example, a regular bonus may be provided in addition to a big bonus. Alternatively, neither a big bonus nor a regular bonus may be provided, and AT (Assist Time) or ART (Assist Replay Time) may be used.

[0054] "Big Bonus (BB)" (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as "BB") is a special combination (operating combination) that, when won, initiates a special game, the Big Bonus game (BB game). The corresponding symbol combination for BB is "7-7-7." Furthermore, a flag is carried over for BB. That is, when an internal win for BB is achieved, a flag indicating this is set (stored in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 308 of the main control unit 300). However, even if BB is not achieved in that game, the flag indicating the internal win remains set (BB internal win state) until a win occurs, and the BB remains an internal win even in the next game onward, and the symbol combination "7-7-7" corresponding to BB is aligned, resulting in a state in which BB can be achieved.

[0055] "Small winning combinations (bell, watermelon, cherry)" (hereinafter sometimes referred to simply as "bell," "watermelon," and "cherry") are winning combinations that pay out a predetermined number of medals. The corresponding symbol combinations are "bell-bell-bell" for bell, "watermelon-watermelon-watermelon" for watermelon, and "cherry-ANY-ANY" and "blank-ANY-ANY" for cherry, with the blank symbol being a substitute for the cherry symbol. The corresponding payout numbers are as shown in Figure 4(b). In the case of "cherry-ANY-ANY," the symbol on the left reel 110 must be "cherry," and the symbols on the center reel 111 and right reel 112 can be any symbol.

[0056] "Replay" is a winning combination (operating combination) that allows a player to play the next game without inserting medals (game media), and no medals are paid out.

[0057] The corresponding symbol combinations are "Replay-Replay-Replay (normal replay)" for Replay 1 (Replay), "Replay-Replay-Bell (high probability replay entry replay)" for Replay 2 (Replay 2), and "Replay-Bell-Replay (high probability replay breakthrough replay)" for Replay 3 (Replay 3). If you win Replay 2 in normal play mode, the internal winning probability of Replay (replay role) will transition to a high probability state (high replay probability state), but if you win Replay 3 in the high replay probability state, you will return to normal play mode.

[0058] <Reel rotation device> Next, the reel rotation device 10 that rotates the reels 110-112 of the slot machine 100 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 5 to 7. Figure 5 is an external perspective view showing the reel rotation device 10 of the slot machine 100, and the reel rotation device 10 is generally composed of reel drive units 20-40 and a case member 12 that houses them. The reel drive units 20-40 differ only in the arrangement (see Figure 4(a)) of the symbols printed on the reel band 610 (see Figure 6), but are all structurally composed of the same parts. Each of the reel drive units 20-40 (because they have the same configuration, only the reel drive unit 20 will be described below) is individually and detachably housed in the case member 12.

[0059] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the reel drive unit 20. FIG. 7(a) is a schematic side view showing the reel drive unit 20 in an assembled state, and FIG. 7(b) is a schematic front view thereof. Note that for convenience of explanation, some components are omitted from FIGS. 7(a) and 7(b). The reel drive unit 20 has, as a configuration for displaying moving symbols, reels 110, a drive device 604 that drives and rotates the reels 110, a rotation detection device 606 that detects the rotational position of the reels 110, and a reel illumination device 608 that illuminates the symbols on each reel 110 from inside the reels 110.

[0060] The reel 110 is composed of a thin-walled cylindrical reel band 610, a first reel frame 612 attached to the left side of the reel band 610 and supporting the left side of the reel band 610, and a second reel frame 614 attached to the right side of the reel band 610 and supporting the right side of the reel band 610.

[0061] The first reel frame 612 is composed of a circular frame portion 612A, six support portions 612B formed to extend from the frame portion 612A toward the center of the frame portion 612A as a base end, and a cylindrical mounting portion 612C formed to protrude from the tip ends of the six support portions 612B toward the drive unit 604 as a base end.

[0062] A plate-shaped light-blocking piece 612D is formed on one of the six support portions 612B to protrude toward the rotation detection device 606, and is configured so that this light-blocking piece 612D passes between a light-emitting portion and a light-receiving portion of an index sensor 606A (described later). Furthermore, four engaging recesses are formed at four locations in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical mounting portion 612C, at approximately equal intervals (in this example, at approximately 90-degree intervals). These four engaging recesses fit into four engaging protrusions of the movable body gear 620, respectively, thereby engaging and fixing the first reel frame 612 to the movable body gear 620.

[0063] The second reel frame 614 is made of an annular member having substantially the same diameter as the frame portion 612A of the first reel frame 612, and is disposed on the opposite side of the first reel frame 612 with the reel band 610 in between.

[0064] The driving device 604 is composed of a driving motor 616, a driving gear 618 attached to a motor shaft 616A of the driving motor 616, a movable body gear 620 meshing with the driving gear 618, and a base 622 that rotatably supports the movable body gear 620 via a support member 623 and a washer 621. The driving motor 616 and base 622 are fixed to and supported by a plate-shaped metal frame 626 with a plurality of mounting screws 624.

[0065] In this embodiment, the drive motor 616 is configured by a 1-2 phase excitation stepping motor 700 (details will be described later). The movable gear 620 is configured by a gear with a larger diameter than the drive gear 618, and the movable gear 620 and the drive gear 618 form a gear set. As described above, the movable gear 620 is engaged with the mounting portion 612C of the first reel frame 612, and then fixed to the first reel frame 612 using the mounting screw 624 and washer 621. The movable gear 620 is rotatably supported by the base 622 and is rotatable together with the first reel frame 612.

[0066] The rotation detection device 606 is composed of an optical index sensor 606A consisting of a light-emitting section and a light-receiving section, and a mounting base 606B to which the index sensor 606A is attached. A light-shielding piece 612D provided on the first reel frame 612 passes between the light-emitting section and the light-receiving section of the index sensor 606A (see FIG. 7(b)). The mounting base 606B is fixed to a metal frame 626 with mounting screws 624. The slot machine 100 determines the rotational positions of the symbols on the reels 110-112 based on the detection results of the rotation detection device 606, and stops the reels 110-112 so that the desired symbols are displayed on the pay line 114. In other words, when the light-shielding piece 612D of the rotating reel 110 is detected by the index sensor 606A, the main control unit 300 resets the rotational position information of the reels and becomes able to control the stopping positions of the reels.

[0067] Reel illumination device 608 is composed of an illumination board 608B with one cold cathode tube arranged in the center, an illumination case 608C configured with an optical waveguide for guiding light emitted from the cold cathode tube in a predetermined direction with illumination board 608B attached, and a rear cover 608A that covers the rear surface of illumination board 608B. With illumination board 608B and rear cover 608A attached, illumination case 608C is fixed to metal frame 626 with mounting screws 624.

[0068] <Stepping motor> FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of a stepping motor 700. As shown in FIG. 8, the stepping motor 700 is composed of a motor shaft 710, a case member 720 that supports the motor shaft 710, a first bearing 722 and a second bearing 724 that are disposed in the case member 720 and support the motor shaft 710, a stator 730 that is disposed inside the case member 720 and is composed of a fixed electromagnet, and a rotor 740 that is rotatably attached to the motor shaft 710. The stepping motor 700 of this embodiment is a PM (Permanent Magnet) type stepping motor that is configured to rotate once in 96 steps using a 1-2 phase excitation method. In this embodiment, the gear ratio between the reel and the motor is 1:5.25, so the reel rotates once in 504 steps (=5.25×96).

[0069] 6 and 7 is attached to motor shaft 710, which outputs power. Hereinafter, the end of motor shaft 710 to which drive gear 618 is attached will be referred to as output end 710A, and the opposite end will be referred to as rear end 710B.

[0070] Case member 720 is a hollow cylindrical body with a bottom, and is made up of a substantially cylindrical base portion 720A with one end open, and a lid portion 720B disposed so as to close the opening of base portion 720A. Case member 720 accommodates stator 730 and rotor 740 therein, and supports motor shaft 710, which passes from the bottom of base portion 720A to lid portion 720B, via first bearing 722 and second bearing 724. Base portion 720A is also provided with fixing member 720C having holes through which mounting screws 624 are inserted to fix and support base portion 720A to metal frame 626 shown in FIG. 6 .

[0071] First bearing 722 is a substantially cylindrical sliding bearing that is disposed approximately in the center of cover portion 720B of case member 720 and rotatably supports motor shaft 710 in the vicinity of output end 710A.

[0072] Second bearing 724 is a substantially cylindrical sliding bearing that is disposed approximately in the center of the bottom of base portion 720A of case member 720 and rotatably supports motor shaft 710 in the vicinity of rear end 710B.

[0073] The stator 730 is disposed so as to surround the rotor 740, and has a drive coil wound in two stages (A-phase and B-phase) on top and bottom. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the magnetic pole teeth form a triangle (the upward-facing ones are referred to as A-phase and B-phase, and the downward-facing ones are referred to as A-phase and B-phase. The A-phase and B-phase have a phase relationship of 90 degrees electrical angle, and the A-phase and A-phase and B-phase have a phase relationship of 180 degrees electrical angle), and each magnetic pole (A-phase, A-phase, B-phase, B-phase) has 12 teeth per circumference. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the magnetic poles of the stator 730. As shown in FIG. 9, the magnetic poles are arranged circumferentially in the order of A-phase, B-phase, A-phase, and B-phase in a clockwise direction.

[0074] In this embodiment, the rotor 740 is made up of a permanent magnet and has 24 magnetic poles.

[0075] Here, we will explain the operating principle of stepping motor 700. Stepping motor 700 is configured to pass a current through a coil wound around stator 730, magnetize each phase of stator 730 in order based on an excitation pattern described below, and attract rotor 740 with a magnetic force, thereby rotating rotor 740.

[0076] In the 1-2 phase excitation type, the four phases of the stator 730 described above are excited in the following order, for example: A phase (1-phase excitation) → A phase and B phase (hereinafter referred to as AB phase; 2-phase excitation) → B phase (1-phase excitation) → A-phase and B phase (hereinafter referred to as AB phase; 2-phase excitation) → A-phase (1-phase excitation) → A-phase and B-phase (hereinafter referred to as AB-phase; 2-phase excitation) → B-phase (1-phase excitation) → A phase and B-phase (hereinafter referred to as AB-phase; 2-phase excitation) → A phase (1-phase excitation) → A phase and B-phase (hereinafter referred to as AB-phase; 2-phase excitation) → A phase (1-phase excitation) → ..., thereby causing the rotor 740 to rotate in a fixed direction.

[0077] More specifically, the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 excites a predetermined phase by outputting an on-level pulse signal (e.g., a high-level signal) to a phase of the stator 730 of the stepping motor 700 to be excited and simultaneously outputting an off-level pulse signal (e.g., a low-level signal) to a phase not to be excited, via the drive circuit 322 shown in FIG. 3. This causes the rotor 740 of the stepping motor 700 to rotate by a predetermined angle (one step). For example, the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 excites only the A phase of the stator 730 of the stepping motor 700 by outputting an on-level pulse signal to the A phase and simultaneously outputting off-level pulse signals to the B phase, the A-phase, and the B-phase, thereby rotating the rotor by one pulse (one step), and thereafter, by switching the excitation in the above-mentioned order, the rotor rotates by the predetermined number of pulses. Hereinafter, a rotation of eight pulses (eight steps) from A phase → AB phase → B phase → AB phase → A-phase → AB-phase → B-phase → AB-phase (or A phase → AB-phase → B-phase → AB-phase → A-phase → AB phase → B-phase → AB phase) will be referred to as one cycle.

[0078] In this embodiment, as described above, the number of pulses required to rotate the reel once (360 degrees) is set to 504 pulses (504 pulses / 8 pulses=63 cycles). Therefore, the rotation angle of the rotor 740 per pulse is approximately 0.71428 degrees (=360 / 504).

[0079] Furthermore, the number of steps (number of pulses) required to rotate the reel once (360 degrees) is 504 steps, and since 21 symbols are arranged on one reel as explained using Figure 4(a), the number of steps for one symbol is 504 / 21 = 24 steps.

[0080] <Excitation table> The drive signals output from the CPU 304 to the drive circuit 322 are stored as an excitation table in the ROM 306. The CPU 304 references this excitation table to output the indicated drive signals. FIG. 10 is a table showing the contents of the excitation table of this embodiment. The data of each excitation table (which is also called rotation control data because it is data for controlling the rotation of the reels) is configured to represent the excitation phase and excitation force by combining six bits of data (specifically, A-I0, A-I1, A-Phase, B-I0, B-I1, B-Phase). Specifically, the combination of A-I0 and A-I1 indicates the magnitude of the current (excitation force) for exciting the A-phase or A-phase coil; when A-I0 is 0 and A-I1 is 0, it is 0%, when A-I0 is 1 and A-I1 is 0, it is 20%, when A-I0 is 0 and A-I1 is 1, it is 60%, and when A-I0 is 1 and A-I1 is 1, it is 100%. When A-Phase is 1, it indicates excitation of A-phase, and when it is 0, it indicates excitation of A-phase. Similarly, the combination of B-I0 and B-I1 indicates the magnitude of the current (excitation force) for exciting the B-phase or B-phase coil; when B-I0 is 0 and B-I1 is 0, it is 0%; when B-I0 is 1 and B-I1 is 0, it is 20%; when B-I0 is 0 and B-I1 is 1, it is 60%; and when B-I0 is 1 and B-I1 is 1, it is 100%. When B-Phase is 1, it indicates excitation of B-phase, and when it is 0, it indicates excitation of B-phase.

[0081] For example, excitation table "55H" with table number "B0" indicates that A-I0 is 1, A-I1 is 0, A-Phase is 1, B-I0 is 1, B-I1 is 0, and B-Phase is 1, so it indicates that A and B phases are excited at 20%. Also, excitation table "26H" with table number "C2" indicates that A-I0 is 0, A-I1 is 1, A-Phase is 1, B-I0 is 0, B-I1 is 0, and B-Phase is 0, so it indicates that A phase is excited at 60% (B phase is 0%, so it is not excited). Therefore, when the table number is changed from "C0" to "C1" to "C2" to "C3" to "C4" to "C5" to "C6" to "C7," each phase is excited to 60% in the order of AB phase → A phase → AB-phase → B-phase → AB-phase → A-phase → AB-phase → B phase, and the rotor 740 can be rotated by an angle equivalent to one cycle. In this manner, in this embodiment, the rotation of the reel is controlled by outputting 6-bit excitation table data (rotation control data) to the drive circuit 322 as a drive signal. Note that in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, an excitation force of 0% is also represented as no excitation, an excitation force of 20% as weak excitation, an excitation force of 60% as medium excitation, and an excitation force of 100% as strong excitation.

[0082] <Rotation control table> 11 is a table showing the contents of the rotation control table of this embodiment. The rotation control table is stored in ROM 306 and stores the contents of rotation control for each reel control status (specifically, it is composed of a general-purpose offset counter value, an excitation table, and retention parameters). The reel control status is information about the control state of the reel that is stored independently for each of the reels 110 to 112, and stores one of the following information: "stop control state (stop control in progress)," which is information indicating that each of the reels 110 to 112 is in a stopped state; "acceleration state (acceleration control in progress)," which is information indicating that each of the reels 110 to 112 is in an accelerating state; "constant speed state (constant speed control in progress)," which is information indicating that each of the reels 110 to 112 is in a constant speed state; "retraction state (retraction control in progress)," which is information indicating that each of the reels 110 to 112 is in a retracted state; "brake state (brake control in progress)," which is information indicating that each of the reels 110 to 112 is in a braked state; or "reel effect control in progress," which is information indicating that each of the reels 110 to 112 is in a reel effect (details will be described later). In this embodiment, the constant speed state is further classified into two states with different excitation forces: a "constant speed 1 state (constant speed 1 control)" that is set immediately after the acceleration state, and a "constant speed 2 state (constant speed 2 control)" that is set immediately after the constant speed 1 state (constant speed 1 control). The constant speed 1 state is provided to stably rotate the reels 110-112 and to save power, while the constant speed 2 state is provided to further weaken the excitation force and suppress heat generation of the reels 110-112. The slot machine 100 of this embodiment controls the rotation of the reels 110-112 by changing the reel control status from stop control → acceleration control → constant speed 1 control → constant speed 2 control → pull-in control → brake control → stop control, and selecting an excitation table (spin control data) corresponding to each reel status.

[0083] For example, when the reel control status is "acceleration control in progress," as shown in Figure 11, first, the rotation control data of excitation table "77H" corresponding to general-purpose offset counter value "0" is held for a "12" time, then the rotation control data of excitation table "07H" corresponding to general-purpose offset counter value "1" is held for a "12" time, then the rotation control data of excitation table "37H" corresponding to general-purpose offset counter value "2" is held for a "3" time, then the rotation control data of excitation table "30H" corresponding to general-purpose offset counter value "3" is held for a "3" time, etc. The rotation control data is set sequentially from the top row to the bottom row of the table. The holding times of the sequentially set rotation control data are gradually reduced, thereby accelerating the reels 110-112.

[0084] The general-purpose offset counter value is a number (originating at 0) that indicates the order in which each rotation control data is executed in each reel control status, and is a cyclic value that returns to 0 after 7. The retention time (retention parameter) indicates the time for which the set rotation control data is retained, with one retention time representing one interruption time (e.g., 1.49 ms). Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, during "acceleration control" in this embodiment, 1-2 phase 100% excitation (strong excitation) is performed, and it is configured to take 89.4 ms (= 1.49 x 60).

[0085] Furthermore, when the reel control status is "Constant Speed ​​1 Control," as shown in FIG. 11, first, the rotation control data of "77H" in the excitation table corresponding to a general-purpose offset counter value of "0" is held at "1" for a "1" time, then the rotation control data of "07H" in the excitation table corresponding to a general-purpose offset counter value of "1" is held at "1" for a "1" time, then the rotation control data of "37H" in the excitation table corresponding to a general-purpose offset counter value of "2" is held at "1" for a "1" time, ... and so on. The rotation control data listed in the table is set sequentially from the top row to the bottom row, and the rotation control data listed in the table is repeated 16 times as one set. In other words, by switching the sequentially set rotation control data at one hold time and executing 16 sets, the reels are rotated stably at a constant speed. As a result, "Constant Speed ​​1 Control" in this embodiment is configured to require 190.72 ms (= 1.49 × 8 × 16 sets) at 1-2 phase 100% excitation (strong excitation). During the constant speed 1 control described above, a control pattern such as one set of rotation control data is always repeated a predetermined number of times.

[0086] Furthermore, when the reel control status is "Constant Speed ​​2 Control," as shown in FIG. 11, first, the rotation control data of the excitation table "66H" corresponding to the general-purpose offset counter value "0" is held at "1" for a "1" time, then the rotation control data of the excitation table "06H" corresponding to the general-purpose offset counter value "1" is held at "1," then the rotation control data of the excitation table "26H" corresponding to the general-purpose offset counter value "2" is held at "1" for a "1" time, and so on. The rotation control data is sequentially set from the top row to the bottom row of the table. In other words, the reels are rotated at a constant speed by switching the sequentially set rotation control data every 1 hold time. As a result, in the "Constant Speed ​​2 Control" of this embodiment, the 1-2 phase 60% excitation (medium excitation) state is maintained until a stop operation is performed in the stop-enabled state, which will be described in detail later. The constant speed 2 control described above repeats a control pattern, such as rotation control data with a general-purpose offset counter value of "0" to "7", an indefinite number of times, and when a stop operation is performed in a stoppable state, the constant speed 2 control ends even if it is in the middle of a control pattern.

[0087] Furthermore, when the reel control status is "in pull-in control," the rotation control data used in "in constant speed 2 control" continues to be set sequentially. For example, when "in constant speed 2 control" is performed, if the rotation control data of the excitation table "42H" corresponding to the general-purpose offset counter value "5" is set to "1" for a hold time, and then the process shifts to "in pull-in control," the rotation control data of the excitation table "62H" corresponding to the general-purpose offset counter value "6" is set to "1" for a hold time, and then the rotation control data of the excitation table "64H" corresponding to the general-purpose offset counter value "7" is set to "1" for a hold time, and then the number of steps corresponding to the number of pull-in frames (number of pull-in frames x 24) and the rotation control data of each excitation table corresponding to the general-purpose offset counter values ​​0 to 7 are sequentially and repeatedly set to "1" for a hold time (in order to stop the reel at AB phase in this embodiment).

[0088] In the following explanation, the processing is divided into the second constant speed control processing (Figure 21) and the retraction control processing (Figure 24), but "constant speed 2 control in progress" and "retraction control in progress" are collectively referred to as "second constant speed control" being executed as shown in Figure 11.

[0089] Furthermore, when the reel control status is "brake controlled," as shown in FIG. 11, 1-2 phase 100% excitation (strong excitation) is performed for 74.5 ms, thereby applying a brake to the rotating reel and stopping the reel.

[0090] Furthermore, when the reel control status is "reel stop control in progress", the stopped state is maintained by continuing 1-2 phase 20% excitation (weak excitation) as shown in FIG.

[0091] Next, various processes in the slot machine 100 will be described.

[0092] <Main processing in the main control section> First, the main processing of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 12. The figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main processing of the main control unit 300.

[0093] The basic control of the game is performed mainly by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300, and unless a power outage or the like is detected, the CPU 304 repeatedly executes the main processing of the main control unit shown in the figure.

[0094] When the power is turned on, first, in step S101, various initial settings are performed, such as setting a stack initial value to the stack pointer (SP) of the CPU 304 shown in Fig. 3, setting interrupt prohibition, initial setting of the I / O 310, initial setting of various variables stored in the RAM 308, and setting operation permission and initial values ​​for the WDT 314.

[0095] An acceleration information initialization completion flag is provided in the RAM 308 of the main control unit 300. This acceleration information initialization completion flag indicates whether the initial acceleration information is cleared at the start of a game. The initial acceleration information indicates whether the light-shielding piece 612D provided on the first reel frame 612 of the left reel 110 has passed between the light-emitting and light-receiving portions of the index sensor 606A shown in FIG. 6 . That is, a value of "1" for the initial acceleration information indicates that the light-shielding piece has been detected, whereas a value of "0" indicates that the light-shielding piece has not been detected. For example, if the acceleration information initialization completion flag is 0 in the process of determining whether the acceleration information initialization completion flag is 0, the acceleration information initialization completion flag is set to 1 in subsequent processing, and the values ​​of the initial acceleration information for each of the three reels 110-112 are cleared to "0," resulting in the light-shielding piece not being detected on any of the reels 110-112. On the other hand, in the process of determining whether the acceleration information initialization completion flag is 0, if the acceleration information initialization completion flag is 1, the value of the initial acceleration information for any of the reels 110 to 112 is not cleared, and the value of the initial acceleration information is set to "1" in response to the detection of the light-shielding piece.

[0096] In step S1011, the acceleration information initialization completion flag is cleared (set to 0).

[0097] When the slot machine is in a power outage state, the reels may be touched during maintenance, etc., which may cause the reels to shift out of position. Therefore, in the first game after the power is turned on (power is restored), the misalignment of the reels in the power outage may cause the rotational direction positions of the symbols on the reels 110-112 that the main control unit 300 has grasped to be incorrect, so the stop operation will wait for the detection of a light-shielding piece on each reel, and will then be enabled starting with the reel for which the light-shielding piece has been detected.

[0098] In this embodiment, a power switch, a RAM clear switch, a setting change key, a setting change button, and a bonus ratio / setting display (all not shown) are provided on the main board of the main control unit 300 installed inside the main body 101, or on a board controlled by the main control unit 300. By turning on the setting change key and then the power switch, a setting change process is initiated, allowing at least the jackpot probability (advantage levels such as the AT first hit probability and bonus winning probability) to be set to one of several different setting values. During the setting change process, the current setting value is displayed on the bonus ratio / setting display, and the store clerk can change the setting value by checking this and pressing the setting change button. Furthermore, by turning on the power switch and then the setting change key, a setting confirmation process is initiated, and the current setting value is displayed on the bonus ratio / setting display. The setting change process may be initiated when the setting change key is operated, provided that the RAM clear switch is pressed when the power is turned on. Alternatively, the setting may be changed when the setting change key is operated when the power is turned on, even if the RAM clear switch is not pressed.

[0099] When a setting change is made, the reel rotation position information is cleared, and the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 is unable to calculate the reel stop positions. The initial acceleration information values ​​for each of the three reels 110-112 are also cleared to "0," resulting in the reels 110-112 being in a state where no light-shielding segments are detected. During the first game after a setting change, the main control unit 300 does not know the rotational position of the symbols on the reels 110-112. It waits for the light-shielding segments on each reel to be detected, and the reel stop operation is enabled starting with the reel for which the light-shielding segment is detected. Therefore, during the first game after a setting change, it takes time for the reel stop operation to be enabled, potentially leading to the player realizing that a setting change has occurred. When a setting change is made, the previous difference in coin counts is also cleared, eliminating any negative balances, which impacts the profits that players can earn from now on. For this reason, it is preferable to prevent players from knowing that a setting change has occurred. Therefore, to prevent the player from knowing whether or not a setting change has occurred, the acceleration information initialization completion flag is uniformly cleared in step S1011 when the power is turned on, regardless of whether or not a setting change has occurred. In this embodiment, the acceleration information initialization completion flag is cleared in a series of processes when the power is turned on, but the acceleration information initialization completion flag may also be cleared when the setting is changed. Alternatively, the acceleration information initialization completion flag may be included in the initialization area, and when the setting is changed, the acceleration information initialization completion flag may be cleared by the initialization process associated with the setting change. Alternatively, not only the acceleration information initialization completion flag but also the initial acceleration information may be cleared when the power is turned on.

[0100] In step S102, a medal insertion / start operation acceptance process is executed. Here, whether or not a medal has been inserted is checked, and the winning line indicator lamp 120 shown in FIG. 1 is turned on in response to the insertion of a medal. Also, preparations are made to send a medal insertion command to the first sub-control unit 400 shown in FIG. 3, indicating that a medal has been inserted. If a player wins a prize in a replay of a previous game, the process inserts the same number of medals as inserted in the previous game, eliminating the need for the player to insert medals. Also, a check is made to see if the start lever 135 has been operated. If it is determined that a start operation has been performed, the number of inserted medals is determined, the valid winning line is determined, and random numbers (first random number value and second random number value) generated by the random number generation circuit 316 are obtained. Also, in step S102, preparations are made to send a start lever acceptance command to the first sub-control unit 400, indicating that the start lever 135 has been operated.

[0101] In step S103, a winning combination internal lottery process is performed. In this winning combination internal lottery process, an internal lottery for a winning combination is performed using the first random number value acquired in step S102 and the winning combination lottery table stored in ROM 306. If any winning combination is internally won as a result of this internal lottery, the flag for that winning combination is internally turned on. In addition, a lottery for whether or not a reel effect can be executed is also performed. The reel effect is an effect that makes the spinning reels appear to be stopped as an effect, but in the reel effect, the reels are not stopped, but are actually swaying. The reel effects in this embodiment include a first reel effect that does not require player operation, and a second reel effect that requires the player to operate the stop buttons 137 to 139. The first reel effect is what is known as a reel action, and the second reel effect is what is known as a pseudo game. The lottery here uses the second random number value obtained in step S102 and a reel effect execution possibility lottery table stored in ROM 306 to derive one of the lottery results of execution of the first reel effect, execution of the second reel effect, and not execution of the reel effect. A storage area for reel effect information is prepared in RAM 308 of the main control unit 300. If the first reel effect (reel action) is won, the first reel effect is set to be present in the storage area for reel effect information, and if the second reel effect (simulated game) is won, the second reel effect is set to be present in the storage area for reel effect information. In addition, preparations are made to send to the first sub-control unit 400 an internal lottery result command indicating the results of the internal lottery for each winning combination and reel effect.

[0102] In the next step S1031, it is determined whether the pseudo game number is not "0". The RAM 308 of the main control unit 300 has an area for setting the pseudo game number. The pseudo game number "0" corresponds to no pseudo game. The pseudo game number is set to "0" at the end of the pseudo game related processing (step S1032) described later. The pseudo game number may also be set to "1" in the bonus granting processing (step S143) also described later. The pseudo game number "1" corresponds to a fake pseudo game. Furthermore, the pseudo game number may also be set in the pseudo game reservation (step S147) described later. Another pseudo game number is "2". The pseudo game number "2" corresponds to a BB pseudo game. In addition, when a regular bonus (RB) is prepared, a pseudo game number (for example, "3") corresponding to the RB may also be set in the pseudo game reservation (step S147). If the pseudo game number is "0" (no pseudo game) as determined in step S127, the process proceeds to step S131. On the other hand, if the pseudo game number is not "0" (in the case of fake pseudo game or BB pseudo game), the process proceeds to pseudo game-related processing in step S128.

[0103] <Pseudo-game related processing> FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the pseudo-game related process in step S128 shown in FIG.

[0104] In the pseudo game related processing, first, reel stop data corresponding to the pseudo game number is selected (step S1281). That is, when the pseudo game number is "2", stop data of the BB symbol is selected, and when the pseudo game number is "1", stop data of a symbol other than the BB symbol is selected. For example, stop data is selected such that the seven symbol is tenpai (pulling control) in the first stop operation and the second stop operation, but the seven symbol is not stopped (kick-off control) in the third stop operation.

[0105] In step S1282, a reel rotation start process for the pseudo game (details will be described later) is executed.

[0106] In step S1283, a reel stop control process for the pseudo game (details will be described later) is executed.

[0107] In step S1284, a pseudo next game start process (details will be described later) is executed.

[0108] In step S1285, a random delay flag prepared in RAM 308 is set to ON. The random delay flag is a flag indicating whether or not a random delay is to be performed, and when the random delay flag is ON, a random delay reel spin start process is performed, and when the random delay flag is OFF, a normal reel spin start process is performed.

[0109] In step S1286, "0", which corresponds to no pseudo game, is set in an area for setting a pseudo game number prepared in RAM 308. When execution of step S1286 is completed, the pseudo game-related processing ends.

[0110] <Reel rotation start process for pseudo game> FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the process flow for starting the rotation of the reels in the pseudo game in step S1282 shown in FIG.

[0111] In step S1282a, the acceleration parameters for each reel are set.

[0112] In step S1282b, preparations for sending a pseudo-game start command to the first sub-control unit 400 are made.

[0113] In step S1282c, the start of rotation of the pseudo game is set. Specifically, the rotation of each of the reels 110 to 112 is started using the acceleration parameters set in step S1282a.

[0114] In step S1282c1, it is determined whether the acceleration information initialization completion flag is 0. This determination leads to a determination of whether to wait for the detection of a light-blocking piece before accepting the reel stop operation, or to accept the reel stop operation without waiting for the detection of a light-blocking piece. In other words, if the acceleration information initialization completion flag is 1, the process proceeds to step S1282d, where the reel stop operation is accepted without waiting for the detection of a light-blocking piece. On the other hand, if the acceleration information initialization completion flag is 0, the reel stop operation is accepted after waiting for the detection of a light-blocking piece, and first the acceleration information initialization completion flag is set to 1 (step S1282c2). Next, the value of the initial acceleration information for each of the three reels 110-112 is cleared to "0" (step S1282c3), causing a light-blocking piece to be undetected for each of the reels 110-112, and the process proceeds to step S1282d. After that, if a light-blocking piece is detected for each reel, the value of the initial acceleration information is set to "1" (step S310i1 shown in FIG. 27, which will be described later).

[0115] In step S1282d, it is determined whether or not the spinning speed of each of the reels 110 to 112 is constant. If the spinning speed of each of the reels 110 to 112 is constant, the process proceeds to step S1282e, and if not, step S1282d is repeated.

[0116] In step S1282d1, it is determined whether the value of the initial acceleration information corresponding to the target reel is "1." If it is "1," the operation of the stop button corresponding to the target reel is enabled (step S1282e). "Enabled" here refers to enabling the stop operation in the pseudo game, meaning that the player is enabled to perform a pseudo stop. On the other hand, if the value of the initial acceleration information corresponding to the target reel is "0," it is determined whether the value of the initial acceleration information corresponding to the next target reel is "1" (step S1282d1). This process is repeated for each reel whose stop button operation is not enabled. In this way, even in the case of a pseudo game (pseudo stop operation), if the acceleration information initialization completion flag is set to "1" in the determination of step S1282c1, the stop operation can be performed without waiting for the index detection of each reel. However, as described below, when a random delay is performed after the pseudo stop, the acceleration information initialization completion flag is cleared, and the stop operation in the actual game that begins after the pseudo game requires the detection of the light-shielding piece for each reel.

[0117] When the stop operation in the pseudo game is enabled for all reels, the reel rotation start process in the pseudo game is completed.

[0118] <Reel stop control process for pseudo-game> FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of the reel stop control process of the pseudo game in step S1283 shown in FIG.

[0119] In step S1283a, a pseudo game regulation timer is set. The pseudo game regulation timer is a timer that measures the time of one pseudo game. In this embodiment, the pseudo game regulation timer is used to limit the execution time of one pseudo game to a predetermined time TA (specifically, approximately 50 seconds). In step S1283a, a timer value equivalent to the predetermined time TA is set as an initial value in the pseudo game regulation timer. The timer value equivalent to the predetermined time TA is decremented each time a timer update process (see step S205 shown in FIG. 11) is executed in the main control unit timer interrupt process described later.

[0120] In step S1283b, it is determined whether or not any of the stop buttons 137 to 139 has been operated. If any of the stop buttons 137 to 139 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S1283c, and if not, the process proceeds to step S1283g.

[0121] In step S1283c, the reels 110 to 112 corresponding to the stop buttons 137 to 139 that have been operated to stop are brought to a pseudo-stop.

[0122] For the first stop operation and the second stop operation, reel-in control may or may not be performed. For example, a predetermined symbol may be stopped beyond the reel-in range, or may be stopped with a reel action. Alternatively, reel-in control may not be performed, and the reel may need to be stopped by pressing the reel.

[0123] In the third stop operation, if the seven symbol is in tenpai (tenpai), the slot machine 100 executes special reel control to stop the seven symbol on a winning line at the third stop, not only when the eye-pressing operation is successful (when the seven symbol is stopped within the reel-in range in the case of BB), but also when the eye-pressing operation is unsuccessful (when the seven symbol cannot be stopped within the reel-in range). For example, the slot machine 100 may execute special reel control to stop the third stop reel on a winning line with reel action based on the third stop operation, or may execute special reel control to spin the third stop reel at high speed and stop it on a winning line based on the third stop operation. On the other hand, if the seven symbol is not in tenpai (tenpai), the special reel control described above is not executed. Alternatively, contrary to the above explanation, the slot machine 100 may request an eye-pressing operation at the third stop whether the seven symbol is in tenpai (tenpai) or not.

[0124] In step S1283d, preparations are made to send a subcommand to the first sub-control unit 400 indicating that operation on the stop button has been accepted.

[0125] In step S1283e, it is determined whether or not all of the reels 110 to 112 are pseudo-stopped. If all of the reels 110 to 112 are pseudo-stopped, the process proceeds to step S1283f, and if not, the process returns to step S1283b.

[0126] On the other hand, in step S1283g, it is determined whether the pseudo-game regulation timer has timed out, that is, whether a predetermined time TA corresponding to the set timer value has elapsed. If the pseudo-game regulation timer has timed out, the process proceeds to step S1283h, and if not, the process returns to step S1283b.

[0127] The state in which the process proceeds to step S1283h is a state in which a predetermined time TA has elapsed without any operation of any of the stop buttons 137 to 139, and in step S1283h, all of the reels 110 to 112 are pseudo-stopped. In this way, the pseudo game of this embodiment has a function of automatically pseudo-stopping the reels 110 to 112 if no stop operation is performed, in order to promote the progress of the pseudo game.

[0128] In step S1283f, preparation for transmission of a sub-command for pseudo game winning determination is performed to be transmitted to the first sub-control unit 400. When a mode corresponding to BB is pseudo-stopped in the pseudo game, a command corresponding to the pseudo-stopped mode is transmitted. This enables the first sub-control unit 400 to perform control according to the sub-command for pseudo game winning determination, and a BB introduction effect display is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 157.

[0129] In step S1283i, a pseudo game end timer is set. The pseudo game end timer is a timer that measures the time interval between the pseudo game and the main game, and is provided to ensure time for executing a predetermined effect (for example, a BB introduction effect or an RB introduction effect). In step S1283i, a timer value equivalent to a predetermined time TC (specifically, approximately 1 second) is set as an initial value in the pseudo game end timer. The timer value equivalent to the predetermined time TC is decremented each time the timer update process (see step S205 shown in FIG. 11) in the main control unit timer interrupt process is executed. In addition, in step S1283i, preparations are made to send a pseudo game end command indicating that the pseudo game has ended to the first sub-control unit 400. When the execution of step S1283i is completed, the reel stop control process for the pseudo game is terminated.

[0130] <Pseudo next game start processing> FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of the pseudo-next game start process in step S1284 shown in FIG.

[0131] In this embodiment, after the reel stop control process of the pseudo game described with reference to Figure 15, the process of inserting a medal and accepting a start operation is performed in a pseudo manner without immediately proceeding to the actual game. This allows the player to experience a pseudo game that is closer to the actual game. Therefore, the pseudo game of this embodiment broadly includes the start of this pseudo next game.

[0132] In step S1284a, preparations are made to send a pseudo-next game start command to the first sub-control unit 400, which indicates that the pseudo-next game start process has started.

[0133] In step S1284b, a pseudo MAX bet operation timer is set. This operation timer is a timer that measures the time during which a pseudo bet operation can be accepted, and is set to a timer value equivalent to 20 seconds as an initial value, for example. This timer value is decremented each time the timer update process (see step S205 shown in FIG. 11) in the main control unit timer interrupt process is executed. In this embodiment, the pseudo MAX bet operation timer is used to limit the operation acceptance time for one pseudo MAX bet operation, allowing the game to proceed smoothly.

[0134] In step S1284c, it is determined whether or not the player has operated the MAX BET button 132. If operation of the MAX BET button 132 is detected, the process proceeds to step S1284d, and if operation is not detected, the process proceeds to step S1284e.

[0135] In step S1284c, it is determined whether or not the pseudo MAX bet operation timer has timed out. If it has not timed out, the process returns to step S1284c, and if it has timed out, the process proceeds to step S1284d.

[0136] In step S1284d, preparations are made to send a pseudo bet acceptance command indicating that the pseudo bet operation has been accepted to the first sub-control unit 400. Even if the pseudo MAX bet operation timer times out, the pseudo bet acceptance command can be sent, allowing the first sub-control unit 400 to proceed with its presentation processing.

[0137] From step S1284f onwards, processing is performed regarding the pseudo start operation of the start lever 135. In step S1284f, preparations are made to send a pseudo lever reception wait start command to the first sub-control unit 400, which indicates that waiting for the pseudo start operation has begun.

[0138] In step S1284g, a pseudo start lever operation timer is set. The pseudo start lever operation timer is a timer that measures the time during which a pseudo start operation can be accepted, and is set to a timer value equivalent to 20 seconds as an initial value, for example. This timer value is also decremented each time the timer update process (see step S205 shown in FIG. 11) in the main control unit timer interrupt process is executed. In this embodiment, the pseudo start lever operation timer is used to limit the time during which a single pseudo start operation can be accepted, thereby ensuring smooth gameplay.

[0139] In step S1284h, it is determined whether or not the player has operated the start lever 135. If operation of the start lever 135 is detected, the process proceeds to step S1284i, and if operation is not detected, the process proceeds to step S1284j.

[0140] In step S1284j, it is determined whether or not the pseudo start lever operation timer has timed out. If it has not timed out, the process returns to step S1284h, and if it has timed out, the process proceeds to step S1284i.

[0141] In step S1284i, preparations are made to send a pseudo game reel rotation start command indicating that the pseudo start lever operation has been accepted to the first sub-control unit 400. When execution of step S1284i is completed, the pseudo next game start processing is terminated.

[0142] Here, a pseudo game is played in which a stop operation is accepted, but an automatic pseudo stop game may also be played in which a stop operation is not accepted and the reels are automatically pseudo-stopped.

[0143] 13 to 16, in step S104 shown in Fig. 12, reel stop data is selected based on the result of the internal lottery for winning combinations in step S103, etc. This reel stop data is stored in the ROM 306 of the main control unit 300.

[0144] In the following step S105, a reel rotation start process is executed to start the rotation of all the reels 110 to 112 based on the start operation.

[0145] <Reel spin start process> FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the reel spinning start process in step S105 shown in FIG.

[0146] In step S1050, a gaming time monitoring timer value is acquired. The gaming time monitoring timer is a timer stored in a specific storage area of ​​RAM 308 of main control unit 300, and is set to limit the time required for one game to a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds, the minimum gaming time) or more, thereby limiting the number of gaming media gained or lost per unit time and restricting the gambling nature of the game. The gaming time monitoring timer is set to a predetermined timer value (for example, a timer value equivalent to 4.1 seconds) in step S1052, which will be described later, and is decremented each time the main control unit 300 executes a timer interrupt process (described later).

[0147] In step S1051, it is determined whether the acquired game time monitoring timer value has exceeded 4.1 seconds. That is, if the game time monitoring timer value is 0, then 4.1 seconds or more have passed, but if the game time monitoring timer value is greater than 0, then 4.1 seconds have not passed. If the game time monitoring timer value is 4.1 seconds or more, then the current game may begin, and the process proceeds to step S1052. On the other hand, if the game time monitoring timer value has not exceeded 4.1 seconds, then the process returns to step S1050 and repeats. During this process, the timer value of the game time monitoring timer is decremented with each timer interrupt from the main control unit 300, and when the game time monitoring timer reaches 0, the process proceeds to step S1052.

[0148] In step S1052, the game time monitoring timer value is reset. Specifically, a timer value corresponding to 4.1 seconds is stored in a specific area of ​​RAM 308. In this embodiment, the start of one game is determined when the game time monitoring timer value is set. The end of one game is determined when the next game time monitoring timer value is set. In other words, one game is defined as the period from when the game time monitoring timer value is set to when the next game time monitoring timer value is set. Furthermore, since the game time monitoring timer value is set each time each of the reels 110-112 starts spinning, one game can also be defined as the period from when each of the reels 110-112 starts spinning to when the next reel 110-112 starts spinning. The end of one game may also be determined when the game time monitoring timer value becomes 0 and the game status control process of S110 in FIG. 12 ends. In addition, the start timing of one game may be the time when a valid start lever is accepted, and the end timing of one game may be the time when a valid bet button operation can be accepted, and the period from when a bet button operation can be accepted to when a valid start lever is accepted may be the preparation period for the start of the next game.

[0149] In step S1053, the reel spin start command to be sent to the first sub-controller 400 is set and prepared for transmission. The reel spin start command is a command that instructs the reels 110 to 112 to start spinning.

[0150] In the next step S10531, it is determined whether or not the random delay flag stored in RAM 308 is set to ON. The random delay flag is a flag that is set to ON in step S1285 of the pseudo-game related processing shown in Figure 13. If this random delay flag is OFF, the process proceeds to step S1054.

[0151] In step S1054, the status of the left reel 110 is set to "start spinning", and in the following step S1055, the status of the center reel 111 is set to "start spinning". Next, in step S1056, the status of the right reel 112 is set to "start spinning", and the process proceeds to step S10571.

[0152] On the other hand, if the random delay flag is set to ON, the acceleration information initialization completion flag is cleared (step S10532), and then the process proceeds to the random delay rotation start process (step S1336).

[0153] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the process flow of the random delay rotation start process in step S1336 shown in FIG.

[0154] First, in step S1336a, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time TC set in the pseudo game end timer has elapsed in step S1283i shown in Fig. 15. If the predetermined time TC has elapsed as measured by the pseudo game end timer, the process proceeds to step S1336b, and if not, step S1336a is repeated.

[0155] In step S1336b, the left reel 110 starts to spin, and the process proceeds to step S1336d.

[0156] In step S1336d, a rotation start timer for the center reel 111 is set. Specifically, a timer value equivalent to 0 to 756.512 ms is obtained by lottery, and this value is set. The value of the rotation start timer for the center reel 111 is decremented each time the timer update process (see step S205 shown in FIG. 11) in the main control unit timer interrupt process is executed.

[0157] In step S1336e, it is determined whether the rotation start timer for the center reel 111 has timed out, that is, whether the waiting time corresponding to the initially set timer value has elapsed. If the rotation start timer for the center reel 111 has timed out, the process proceeds to step S1336f; if not, step S1336e is repeated.

[0158] In step S1336f, the center reel 111 starts to rotate, and the process proceeds to step S1336h. Note that, although the center reel 111 starts to rotate in step S1336f, the center reel 111 is in a pseudo-stop state until it starts to rotate.

[0159] In step S1336h, a rotation start timer for the right reel 112 is set. Specifically, a timer value corresponding to 0 to 756.512 ms is obtained by lottery, and this value is set. The value of the rotation start timer for the right reel 112 is also decremented each time the timer update process (see step S205 shown in FIG. 11) in the main control unit timer interrupt process is executed.

[0160] In step S1336i, it is determined whether the spin start timer for the right reel 112 has timed out, that is, whether the waiting time corresponding to the initially set timer value has elapsed. If the spin start timer for the right reel 112 has timed out, the process proceeds to step S1336j; if not, step S1336i is repeated.

[0161] In step S1336j, the right reel 112 starts to spin. Note that although the right reel 112 starts to spin in step S1336j, the right reel 112 is in a pseudo-stop state until it starts to spin.

[0162] In step S1336k, the random delay flag is set to OFF. When execution of step S1336k is completed, the random delay rotation start process ends. When the random delay rotation start process ends, the process proceeds to step S10571.

[0163] In step S10571, it is determined whether the acceleration information initialization completion flag is 0 (whether to wait for the detection of a light-blocking piece to receive the reel stop operation). If it is 1, the process proceeds to step S1058, where the reel stop operation is received without waiting for the detection of a light-blocking piece. On the other hand, if the acceleration information initialization completion flag is 0, the reel stop operation is received after waiting for the detection of a light-blocking piece, and first the acceleration information initialization completion flag is set to 1 (step S10572). Next, the value of the initial acceleration information for each of the three reels 110-112 is cleared to "0" (step S10573), causing a light-blocking piece to be undetected for each of the reels 110-112, and the process proceeds to step S1058. After this, if a light-blocking piece is detected for each reel, the value of the initial acceleration information is set to "1" (step S310i1 shown in FIG. 27, which will be described later).

[0164] The processing of steps S10571 to S10573 described above is common to the first reel spin after power is turned on (power recovery), the first reel spin after the opening of front door 102 is detected, and the first reel spin after a reel effect is performed. Furthermore, the processing of steps S10571 to S10573 is also common to the processing of steps S1282c1 to S1282c3 shown in Fig. 14. While this embodiment is described for clarity, steps S10571 to S10573 (steps S1282c1 to S1282c3) may be subroutines in the program to reduce program size, and the subroutines may be executed at predetermined timings with or without random delays.

[0165] In the determination of step S10571 following the random delay spin start processing of step S1336, the determination is Yes because the acceleration information initialization completion flag was cleared in step S10532, and the value of the initial acceleration information for each of the three reels 110 to 112 becomes "0" (step S10573), resulting in an undetected state of the light-shielding pieces on each of the reels 110 to 112. The start of reel spinning by random delay is executed at the start of the first reel spinning after a reel effect (first reel effect (reel action) or second reel effect (simulated game)) has been performed, and at this start of first reel spinning, the reel stop operation is accepted after the detection of the light-shielding pieces. When the reels start to rotate due to a random delay, step-outs are likely to occur, and the rotational positions of the symbols on the reels 110-112 that the main control unit 300 has previously grasped may be displaced. Therefore, the system waits for the detection of the light-shielding piece in order to re-detect the rotational positions of the symbols on the reels 110-112.

[0166] Furthermore, in order to prevent the first reel spin operation after power is turned on (when power is restored) from determining whether or not the settings have been changed as described above, the acceleration information initialization completion flag is cleared in step S1011 shown in FIG. 12, and the judgment in step S10571 becomes Yes, the value of the initial acceleration information for each of the three reels 110 to 112 becomes "0" (step S10573), and the light-shielding pieces are placed in an undetected state on any of the reels 110 to 112.

[0167] Furthermore, in the first reel rotation operation after the opening of the front door 102 described below is detected, the value of the initial acceleration information for each of the three reels 110 to 112 is similarly set to "0" (step S10573), so that the light-shielding pieces are not detected on any of the reels 110 to 112.

[0168] In step S1058, it is determined whether or not first reel effect or second reel effect is set in the storage area for reel effect information prepared in RAM 308. If it is set, the reel control status is set to "reel effect control in progress" (step S10591), and this reel spin start process ends. If the random delay spin start process of step S1336 has been executed, the reel control status is set to "reel effect control in progress." On the other hand, if it is not set, the reel control status is set to "acceleration state (acceleration control in progress)" (step S10592), and this reel spin start process ends. As described above, the reel control status is information about the control state of each reel 110-112 stored independently in a predetermined storage area of ​​RAM 308 of main control unit 300, and stores one of the following information: "stop control state (stop control in progress)," "acceleration state (acceleration control in progress)," "constant speed 1 state (constant speed 1 control in progress)," "constant speed 2 state (constant speed 2 control in progress)," "retraction state (retraction control in progress)," "brake state (brake control in progress)," or "reel performance control in progress." In addition, in step S10592, an acceleration start request flag is set ON. The acceleration start request flag is flag information stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​RAM 308 of main control unit 300, and is referenced in the acceleration control process described later.

[0169] The reel rotation start process (step S105) has been described above. In the main processing of the main control unit shown in FIG. 12, steps S106 and S107 are executed following this reel rotation start process. These steps S106 and S107 are performed for each reel, and are repeated three times for the three reels 110-112. A stop button acceptance flag is prepared for each reel in RAM 308. Stop buttons 137-139 are provided on each reel in a one-to-one correspondence, and the stop button acceptance flag also corresponds to the stop buttons 137-139 in a one-to-one correspondence. This stop button acceptance flag is set to either acceptable or unacceptable. In step S106, since the reel rotation start process (step S105) has started, this stop button acceptance flag is set to acceptable. The stop button acceptance flag is set to unacceptable when the corresponding stop button is operated during the stop button acceptance process in the reel rotation control process executed in the main control unit timer interrupt process, which will be described later. In step S107, it is determined whether the stop button acceptance flag, which was set to "acceptable" in step S106, has returned to "inhibited." This step S107 is repeatedly executed until the stop button acceptance flag is returned to "inhibited." That is, in step S107, it waits for the operation of the stop buttons 137-139 to be accepted. When the determination in step S107 for all three reels 110-112 becomes "Yes," all three reels 110-112 have stopped.

[0170] In the next step S108, a winning determination is made for the symbols stopped by operating the stop buttons 137-139. Here, if a winning symbol combination corresponding to an internally won winning symbol or a winning symbol combination for which a flag is carried over is aligned (displayed) on an activated winning line, it is determined that the winning symbol has been won. For example, if "replay-replay-replay" is aligned on an activated winning line, it is determined that a replay has been won. Also, in this step S108, preparations are made to send a display determination command indicating the result of the winning determination to the first sub-control unit 400.

[0171] In step S109, a medal payout process is performed. In this medal payout process, if any winning combination that provides a payout is achieved, medals in the number corresponding to the winning combination are paid out.

[0172] In step S110, a game state control process is performed. In this game state control process, control is performed to transition the game state; for example, in the case of a BB (big bonus) win, preparations are made to start the BB (big bonus) game from the next time, and in the case of the final game, preparations are made to start the normal game from the next time. Also, in this step S110, preparations are made to send a game state command indicating the game state to the first sub-control unit 400.

[0173] In the following step S143, a prize lottery is held.

[0174] <Bonus lottery process> FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the flow of the bonus awarding lottery process in step S143 shown in FIG.

[0175] In the bonus lottery process, first, it is determined whether the internal winning combination (the lottery result in step S103) is a rare combination (for example, strong cherry) (step S1432). If it is not a rare combination, the bonus lottery process ends. If it is a rare combination, a "1" corresponding to a fake pseudo game is set in an area for setting a pseudo game number prepared in RAM 308 (step S1433). The setting of the pseudo game number here corresponds to the provisional setting of the pseudo game number that is performed before the setting of the pseudo game number in step S1454 described later.

[0176] In step S1434 following step S1433, a bonus lottery is conducted using a random number obtained from the random number generating circuit 316 (see FIG. 3). The bonus lottery results include a miss and a big bonus (BB). If the bonus lottery result is BB, it becomes possible to line up BB symbols in the pseudo game. If the BB symbols can be lined up, the game will transition to the AT state. Therefore, the bonus lottery in step S1434 is conducting an AT state transition lottery.

[0177] The RAM 308 of the main control unit 300 also has an area for storing the result of the bonus lottery as a bonus type, and in step S1435, the result of the bonus lottery is stored in that area. The initial value for the bonus type is "0." For a losing bonus lottery result, the bonus type remains at the initial value ("0"). On the other hand, for a BB bonus lottery result, "1" is stored as the bonus type. When step S1435 is executed, the bonus awarding lottery process ends.

[0178] Following the bonus lottery, in step S145 shown in FIG. 12, a pseudo game reservation process is executed.

[0179] <Pseudo-game reservation processing> FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of the pseudo game reservation process in step S145 shown in FIG.

[0180] In step S1451, it is determined whether the value stored as the award type in RAM 308 is "0." As described above, the initial value of the award type is "0." The award type is the result of the award lottery in step S1434 of the award lottery shown in FIG. 19. If the award lottery is unsuccessful, the award type remains "0." If the award type is "1," it is BB, which means that the award will be awarded (transition to AT state). If the award type is "0" (no award is awarded), the pseudo-game reservation process ends. Therefore, if the rare combination is not internally won in the game, the execution of the pseudo-game is not reserved. Even if the award type is "0," if step S1433 shown in FIG. 19 has been executed, the pseudo-game number is "1," and a fake pseudo-game will be executed.

[0181] If the award type is not "0" (if it is a hit that will lead to the awarding of an award), the value of the push order number is set to the judgment result prepared in RAM 308 (step S1452). The push order number is a value according to the first stop operation in the game. That is, if the first stop operation in the game is the operation of the left stop button 137, "0" is set, if it is the operation of the middle stop button 138, "1" is set, and if it is the operation of the right stop button 139, "2" is set.

[0182] In step S1453 following step S1452, it is determined whether the determination result is 0 or not, and if the determination result is not "0" (if irregular pressing has been performed), the pseudo game reservation process is terminated. As a result, even if a rare combination is internally won in the game, if irregular pressing is performed in the game, the pseudo game number will remain "1" set in step S1433 shown in FIG. 19, and a fake pseudo game will be executed. If the determination result is "0" (if recommended pressing has been performed), the process proceeds to step S1454. When the determination in step S1453 is completed, the value of the pressing order number set in the determination result is cleared.

[0183] In step S1454, a pseudo game number is set. In step S1433 of the bonus lottery shown in FIG. 19, the pseudo game number is set to "1." In step S1454, the pseudo game number is reset according to the bonus type. If the bonus type is BB "1," the pseudo game number is set to "2." Execution of step S1454 means that a pseudo game for the next game is reserved. Once the pseudo game number has been set, the bonus type is reset to the initial value of "0." The bonus type may be reset to the initial value either when the pseudo game starts or when the pseudo game ends. When execution of step S1454 is complete, the pseudo game reservation process ends.

[0184] When the pseudo-game reservation process is completed, one game is completed. In the main control unit main process shown in Fig. 12, the game progresses by returning to step S102 and repeating the above-mentioned process. Note that the various commands prepared in the above steps are transmitted in the command setting and transmission process (see step S209 shown in Fig. 21) in the main control unit timer interrupt process.

[0185] <Main control unit timer interrupt processing> Next, the main control unit timer interrupt process executed by the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300 will be described with reference to Fig. 21. This figure is a flowchart showing the flow of the main control unit timer interrupt process.

[0186] The main control unit 300 is equipped with a counter timer 312 that generates a timer interrupt signal at a predetermined period (approximately once every 1.5 ms in this embodiment), and this timer interrupt signal triggers the main control unit timer interrupt process to be executed at the predetermined period.

[0187] In step S201, a timer interrupt start process is performed, which includes processes such as temporarily saving the values ​​of each register of the CPU 304 in a stack area.

[0188] In step S202, the WDT is restarted periodically (in this embodiment, once every 1.49 ms, which is the period of the main control unit timer interrupt) to prevent the count value of WDT314 from exceeding the initial setting value (32.8 ms in this embodiment) and causing a WDT interrupt (to prevent processing abnormalities from being detected).

[0189] In step S203, an input port state update process is performed. In this input port state update process, the presence or absence of detection signals is monitored by inputting detection signals from the sensor circuits 320 of the various sensors 318 via the input ports of the I / O 310 shown in Fig. 3, and the detected signals are stored in signal state storage areas partitioned for each of the various sensors 318 in the RAM 308.

[0190] In step S2301, it is determined whether the opening of the front door 102 has been detected. If not, the process proceeds to step S204. If detected, the acceleration information initialization completion flag is cleared in step S2032, and then the process proceeds to step S204. If the opening of the front door 102 is detected, a store clerk may perform some operation (such as turning on the power or clearing an error), which may result in the store clerk touching the reels. This may cause the rotational positions of the symbols on the reels 110-112, as previously determined by the main control unit 300, to be incorrect. Therefore, even when the opening of the front door 102 is detected, it is necessary to re-detect the rotational positions of the symbols on the reels 110-112. Here, the reason why the "initial acceleration information" is not immediately cleared in order to wait for the detection of the light-blocking piece is that if the "initial acceleration information" were cleared when the opening of the front door 102 was detected while the reels were rotating, the detection of the light-blocking piece would be required to stop the reels that were currently spinning. As long as the detection of the front door 102 opening continues, the "initial acceleration information" is cleared with each timer interrupt process, requiring detection of the light-shielding strips, intermittently disallowing the stop operation (because the timer interrupt cycle is faster than the reel rotation, i.e., one light-shielding strip cycle), making it difficult to perform the stop operation. Therefore, a flag (acceleration information initialization completion flag) for clearing the "initial acceleration information" is provided, and the process is concentrated in the process when the start lever 135 is operated, i.e., steps S10571 to S10573 shown in FIG. 17 . This not only allows the stop operation to be performed even when the detection of the front door 102 opening continues, but also minimizes the timing of the process related to the initial acceleration information, thereby preventing an increase in program capacity and processing capacity. Furthermore, by performing the process of determining the acceleration information initialization completion flag in S10571 during the reel rotation start process after the start operation but before the stop operation is accepted (enabled), it is determined whether the initial acceleration information needs to be updated in the stop operation of the game, allowing for an appropriate stop operation to be performed. It is desirable that the process of determining the acceleration information initialization completion flag be performed before the process of controlling the rotation of the reels.In addition, in FIG. 17, the process of determining the acceleration information initialization completion flag is performed after the start of rotation of each reel (S1054 to S1056), but it may be performed before the start of rotation of each reel.

[0191] In step S204, various game processes are performed. Specifically, an interrupt status is acquired (various interrupt statuses are acquired based on signals from various sensors 318 shown in FIG. 3), and processing is performed according to this status. For example, if the interrupt status is during medal insertion processing, medal insertion acceptance processing is performed, and if the interrupt status is during payout processing, medal payout processing is performed.

[0192] In step S205, a timer update process is performed. Various timers are updated in their respective time units. In this embodiment, specifically, the gaming time monitoring timer described above is updated by subtraction.

[0193] In step S206, device monitoring processing is performed. In this device monitoring processing, first, the signal states of the various sensors 318 stored in the signal state storage area in step S1003 are read out to monitor for errors related to medal insertion abnormalities, medal payout abnormalities, etc., and error processing is performed if an error is detected. Furthermore, depending on the current game status, settings are made for the medal selector 170 (a medal blocker operated by a solenoid provided in the medal selector 170), various lamps 338, and various 7-segment (SEG) indicators.

[0194] In step S207, a stop button display control process is performed, the details of which will be described later.

[0195] In step S208, if the status of each reel stored in RAM 308 is "spin start", a reel spin control process (described in detail later) is performed. In this reel spin control process, the spin of the reels is controlled, and reel stop data to be actually used for the reel stop control is determined from the multiple reel stop data candidates selected in step S104 of the main processing of the main control unit, according to the stop order and stop status of the reels 110 to 112, and then the spin of the reels 110 to 112 corresponding to the pressed stop buttons 137 to 139 is stopped based on the determined reel stop data.

[0196] In step S209, a command setting and sending process is performed, and various commands are sent to the first sub-control unit 400. In this embodiment, the output schedule information sent to the first sub-control unit 400 is composed of 16 bits, with bit 15 being strobe information (when on, indicates that data is set), bits 11 to 14 being command types (in this embodiment, basic commands, start lever acceptance commands, internal lottery commands, rotation start commands associated with starting the rotation of reels 110 to 112, stop button acceptance commands associated with accepting operation of stop buttons 137 to 139, stop position information commands associated with stopping processing of reels 110 to 112, number of medals to be paid out command and payout end command associated with medal payout processing, etc.), and bits 0 to 10 being command data (predetermined information corresponding to the command type).

[0197] The first sub-control unit 400 is able to determine the presentation control in response to changes in game control in the main control unit 300 based on the command type contained in the received output schedule information, and is also able to determine the content of the presentation control based on the information in the command data contained in the output schedule information.

[0198] In step S210, an external signal output process is performed. In this external signal output process, the game information stored in the RAM 308 is output to the information input circuit 652, which is separate from the slot machine 100, via the information output circuit 334 shown in FIG.

[0199] In step S211, it is monitored whether the low voltage signal is on or not, and if the low voltage signal is on (if a power cutoff is detected), the process proceeds to step S213, and if the low voltage signal is off (if a power cutoff is not detected), the process proceeds to step S212.

[0200] In step S212, various processes for ending the timer interrupt process (timer interrupt end process) are performed. In this timer interrupt end process, the values ​​of each register temporarily saved in step S201 are set back to the original registers. After that, the process returns to the main process of the main control unit shown in FIG.

[0201] On the other hand, in step S213, specific variables and stack pointers for restoring the state to the state at the time of power outage when power is restored are saved as recovery data in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 308, power outage processing such as initialization of input / output ports is performed, and then the process returns to the main processing of the main control unit shown in Figure 12.

[0202] <Stop button display control process> Next, the stop button display control process will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 22. Fig. 22 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the stop button display control process in step S207 shown in Fig. 21.

[0203] In step S2701, it is determined whether any one of the stop button acceptance flags corresponding to each of the three reels 110-112 is set to "acceptable." As described above, the stop button acceptance flag is set to "acceptable" for each reel (each stop button) in step S106 of the main processing of the main control unit shown in FIG. 12. If all stop button acceptance flags are set to "inhibit," the stop button display control process ends. If one or more stop button acceptance flags are set to "acceptable," the reel control status of each reel is referenced to determine whether all of the reels 110-112 have transitioned to the constant speed 2 state (step S2702). In step S2702, if the reel control status of each reel is either the "constant speed 2 state," the "retracted state," or the "brake state," the determination result is Yes, and the process proceeds to step S2703. On the other hand, if the reel control status of even one reel is the "accelerated state" or the "constant speed 1 state," the stop button display control process ends.

[0204] In step S2703, it is determined whether or not a light-blocking piece has been detected by the index sensor for all reels 110-112. This determination involves determining whether or not the value of the initial acceleration information for each reel is set to "1." If a light-blocking piece is detected and the value of the initial acceleration information is set to "1," the value of the initial acceleration information remains "1" and the process repeats until the opening of the front door 102 is detected (step S2032 shown in FIG. 21), the power is turned on and then restored (step S1011 shown in FIG. 12), and the value of the initial acceleration information becomes "0" upon the first reel rotation start operation (step S10573 shown in FIG. 17), or the reel rotation is started with a random delay and the value of the initial acceleration information also becomes "0" (step S10573 shown in FIG. 17). If the value of the initial acceleration information is "1," the light-blocking piece has been detected and the rotation direction position of the symbols on the reels is known. Therefore, a stop operation can be accepted by transitioning to the "constant speed 2 state." In step S2702, the condition is that the vehicle has transitioned to the "constant speed 2 state," but the condition may also be that the vehicle has transitioned to the "constant speed 1 state" or that the "acceleration state" has ended. On the other hand, if the value of the initial acceleration information is "0," the stop button display control process ends.

[0205] The RAM 308 also has a light-emitting mode storage area for storing the light-emitting modes of the light-emitting elements 137a-139a provided inside each stop button 137-139. That is, a light-emitting mode storage area is provided for each reel (stop button). The initial light-emitting modes of the light-emitting elements 137a-139a are, for example, non-light-emitting (off) or a first-color light-emitting mode. Hereinafter, the initial light-emitting mode is referred to as the first light-emitting mode. The light-emitting mode storage area initially stores the first light-emitting mode as light-emitting mode information. In the situation where the process has progressed to step S2704, none of the reels 110-112 have stopped (at least one reel is spinning), all of the reels 110-112 have transitioned to the constant speed 2 state, and a light-blocking piece has been detected. In this state, the light-emitting mode of the light-emitting elements provided inside the stop buttons of the reels that continue to spin in the constant speed 2 state is changed from the first light-emitting mode to the second light-emitting mode. The second light-emitting mode may be, for example, a flashing mode or a second-color light-emitting mode. Furthermore, if the first light-emitting mode is a first-color light-emitting mode, the second light-emitting mode may be a non-light-emitting mode (off mode). Furthermore, if the second light-emitting mode is a second-color light-emitting mode, the first light-emitting mode may be a flashing mode. Thus, the first light-emitting mode and the second light-emitting mode may be different from each other, including a flashing mode and an off mode. The second light-emitting mode is a mode that indicates that the operation of the stop button corresponding to the second light-emitting mode is acceptable. In other words, the second light-emitting mode indicates that the reel corresponding to the stop button corresponding to the second light-emitting mode is in a state in which it can be stopped by the operation of the stop button. In step S2704, the light-emitting body information in the light-emitting mode storage area of ​​the reel whose stop button acceptance flag is set to accept is updated to the second light-emitting mode, and the stop button display control process ends. By executing this step S2704, for example, if all of the reels 110 to 112 are not stopped, all of the reels 110 to 112 have transitioned to the constant speed 2 state, and a light-blocking piece has been detected, the light-emitting modes of the light-emitting elements 137a to 139a provided inside all of the stop buttons 137 to 139 will all change to the second light-emitting mode.Furthermore, when some reels are stopped and the remaining reels have transitioned to the constant speed 2 state and a light-blocking piece is detected, only the light emission pattern of the light emitters provided inside the stop buttons of the remaining reels (the reels that are spinning) changes to the second light emission pattern. In this embodiment, the stop operation of each reel is valid for each reel, but the light emission patterns of the light emitters 137a-139a provided inside the stop buttons 137-139 change in unison.

[0206] <Reel rotation control process> Next, the reel rotation control process will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 23. Fig. 23 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the reel rotation control process in step S208 shown in Fig. 21.

[0207] Steps S2080 to S2084 are performed for each reel. Since these steps are performed for the three reels 110 to 112, step S2080 is repeated at least three times. In step S2080, it is determined whether the stop button acceptance flag is set to "acceptable." That is, it is determined whether the target reel is spinning. If the stop button acceptance flag is set to "prohibited," step S2080 is executed for the remaining reels. If step S2080 has been executed for all reels, the process proceeds to step S208c. On the other hand, if the stop button acceptance flag is set to "acceptable," the process determines whether the target reel is in the constant speed 2 state by referring to the reel control status of the target reel (step S2081). If the target reel is not in the constant speed 2 state, the process proceeds to step S2083. If the target reel is in the constant speed 2 state, the process determines whether the value of the initial acceleration information corresponding to the target reel is "1" (step S2082). In step S2082, if the light-blocking piece has been detected by the index sensor at least once, the result is Yes, and step S2080 is executed for the remaining reels, or if step S2080 has been executed for all reels, the process proceeds to step S208c. On the other hand, if the light-blocking piece has not yet been detected by the index sensor, the result is No, and the process proceeds to step S2083. In step S2083, it is determined whether the light-blocking piece of the target reel has been detected by the index sensor. The RAM 308 of the main control unit 300 has an index sensor detection storage area. If the determination in step S2083 is that the light-blocking piece has been detected, the detection information for the target reel in the index sensor detection storage area is updated to "detected" (step S2084). If the execution of step S2084 is completed or if the determination in step S2083 is that the light-blocking piece has not been detected, step S2080 is executed for the remaining reels, or if step S2080 has been executed for all reels, the process proceeds to step S208c.

[0208] In step S208c, stop button enable information is set in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 308 only if the target reel is in the constant speed 2 state and the value of the initial acceleration information is "1," and the process proceeds to step S208d. Once the stop button enable information is set, operation of the stop button becomes acceptable, and the target reel enters a stoppable state. In step S208c, the target reel enters a stoppable state upon entering a constant speed state, without waiting for the detection of a light-blocking piece. While the target reel enters a stoppable state upon completion of acceleration for each reel, it may also enter a stoppable state upon completion of acceleration for all three reels 110-112. In other words, the light-blocking piece on each of the three reels 110-112 may be required to be detected by the index sensor when the front door 102 is detected as being open, when power is restored, or when the reels start spinning due to a random delay. The light-blocking piece may also be required to be detected by the index sensor after a setting change or setting confirmation is performed. In addition, in the type test of the slot machine 100, a stop enable signal is output to an external test machine at the timing when step S208c is executed. Note that the stop enable signal may be output to the type test test machine at S2703 in the next timer interrupt. On the other hand, if the value of the initial acceleration information is "0", the setting process is not performed and the process proceeds to step S208d.

[0209] In step S208d, a stop button acceptance process is executed, which will be described later.

[0210] Steps S208f to S208k are performed for each reel, that is, for the three reels 110 to 112. In step S208f, reel control information is obtained. Here, the reel control information means all information related to the rotation control of the reels 110 to 112, and is stored in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 308. In this embodiment, the reel control information includes values ​​of the reel control status, the general-purpose offset counter, the reel control status transition counter, and the holding counter, which will be described later.

[0211] In step S208g, a reel control determination process (described in detail later) is performed based on the acquired reel control information.

[0212] In step S208h, it is determined whether or not the reel drive signal switch request flag is ON. The reel drive signal switch request flag is flag information stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​RAM 308 of the main control unit 300, and indicates whether or not the currently set rotation control data should be switched. If the reel drive signal switch request flag is ON, the currently set rotation control data is switched; if the reel drive signal switch request flag is OFF, the currently set rotation control data is not switched. Note that the reel drive signal switch request flag is set in the acceleration control process. If the reel drive signal switch request flag is ON, the process proceeds to step S208i; if the reel drive signal switch request flag is OFF, the process proceeds to step S208k.

[0213] In step S208i, rotation control data is acquired based on the reel control status and the general-purpose offset counter value included in the acquired reel control information. Specifically, the corresponding excitation table (spin control data) is acquired from the table shown in Fig. 11 based on the reel control status and the general-purpose offset counter value. For example, if the reel control status is "acceleration control in progress" and the general-purpose offset counter value is "0", the rotation control data of the excitation table "77H" is acquired.

[0214] In step S208j, the rotation control data acquired in step S208i is set.

[0215] In step S208k, since the content of the reel control information has been changed in accordance with the above-mentioned processing, the reel control information is updated.

[0216] <Reel control determination process> Fig. 24 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the reel control determination process in step S208g shown in Fig. 23. The reel control determination process is a process for sequentially switching the reel rotation control in accordance with the above-mentioned reel control status. Specifically, the processes are executed in the following order: acceleration control process, reel effect control process, first constant speed control process, second constant speed control process, retraction control process, and brake control process.

[0217] In step S301, the reel control status is acquired.

[0218] In step S302, it is determined whether the acquired reel control status is "stop control in progress", and if the acquired reel control status is "stop control in progress", the reel control determination process ends. On the other hand, if the acquired reel control status is not "stop control in progress", the process proceeds to S303.

[0219] In step S303, it is determined whether the acquired reel control state is "reel effect control in progress." If the reel control state is "reel effect control in progress," the process proceeds to step S304, where reel effect control processing is performed. As described above, reel effects include a first reel effect (so-called reel action) that does not require player operation, and a reel effect (so-called pseudo game) that requires the player to operate the left, center, and right stop buttons 137-139. In controlling the first reel effect, at least one of the control processes of the acceleration control, first constant speed control, second constant speed control, and brake control of the main game may be used, or each control process dedicated to the first reel effect control may be prepared. In addition, in the first reel effect, the reel may be accelerated and then decelerated (brake control executed) before maintaining the constant speed state. In controlling the second reel effect, at least one of the control processes of the acceleration control, first constant speed control, second constant speed control, brake control, and retraction control of this game may be used, or each control process dedicated to reel effect control may be prepared. Retraction control using five or more sliding frames, which is not possible in this game, may also be performed. After the reel effect ends, the timing at which each reel starts to spin is delayed, and a random delay process is performed to prevent multiple reels from starting to spin simultaneously, after which the reel control status is set to "Acceleration Control in Progress." On the other hand, if the reel control state is not "Reel effect control in progress," proceed to step S305.

[0220] In step S305, it is determined whether the acquired reel control state is "acceleration control in progress." If the reel control state is "acceleration control in progress," the process proceeds to step S306, where acceleration control processing (control processing for accelerating the rotation of the reels; details will be described later) is performed. On the other hand, if the reel control state is not "acceleration control in progress," the process proceeds to step S307.

[0221] In step S307, it is determined whether the acquired reel control state is "constant speed 1 control in progress." If the reel control state is "constant speed 1 control in progress," the process proceeds to step S308, where a first constant speed control process (control process for maintaining the rotation of the reels at a constant speed; details will be described later) is performed. On the other hand, if the reel control state is not "constant speed 1 control in progress," the process proceeds to step S309.

[0222] In step S309, it is determined whether the acquired reel control state is "constant speed 2 control in progress." If the reel control state is "constant speed 2 control in progress," the process proceeds to step S310, where a second constant speed control process (a control process for maintaining the rotation of the reels at a constant speed; details will be described later) is performed. On the other hand, if the reel control state is not "constant speed 2 control in progress," the process proceeds to step S311.

[0223] In step S311, it is determined whether the acquired reel control state is "brake control in progress." If the reel control state is "brake control in progress," the process proceeds to step S312, where brake control processing (control processing for stopping the rotation of the reels; details will be described later) is performed. On the other hand, if the reel control state is not "brake control in progress," the process proceeds to step S313.

[0224] In step S313, since the reel control state is "retraction control in progress", retraction control processing (processing for controlling the reel to retract to a stop position; details will be described later) is performed.

[0225] <Acceleration control processing> FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing in detail the flow of the acceleration control process in step S306 shown in FIG.

[0226] In step S306a, it is determined whether or not there is an acceleration start request based on the acceleration start request flag. Note that the acceleration start request flag is set to ON in step S10592 of the reel spin start processing shown in FIG. 17, so a determination of YES is made in step S306a of the first timer interrupt processing. Note that in step S306d, which will be described later, the acceleration start request flag is set to OFF, so a determination of NO is made in step S306a of the second and subsequent timer interrupt processing. If there is an acceleration start request, the process proceeds to step S306b, and if there is no acceleration start request, the process proceeds to step S306f.

[0227] In step S306b, the value of the reel control status transition counter is set to an initial value of 0. Here, the reel control status transition counter is a counter that measures the number of repeated sets (number of cycles) of rotation control data of 8 steps per cycle, and in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the acceleration control process is terminated when the data is repeated three times.

[0228] In step S306c, the general-purpose offset counter is set to an initial value of 0.

[0229] In step S306d, the reel drive signal switch request flag is set to ON, and the acceleration start request flag is set to OFF.

[0230] In step S306e, the value of a symbol interval counter (described in detail later) is set to a dummy value of 0. The symbol interval counter value set in step S306e is used in the second constant speed control process described later. After the process of step S306e is completed, the process proceeds to step S306q.

[0231] In step S306f, the value of the hold counter is decremented by 1. The value of the hold counter is set in step S306q, which will be described later, and is decremented by 1 each time a timer interrupt process occurs. The initial value set in the hold counter in step S306q is the value of a hold parameter corresponding to the set general-purpose offset counter value; for example, as shown in FIG. 11, if the general-purpose offset counter value is 0, 12 is set as the initial value in the hold counter.

[0232] In step S306g, the reel drive signal switching request flag is set to OFF.

[0233] In step S306h, it is determined whether the subtracted value of the hold counter is 0. If the value of the hold counter is 0, it is time to switch the rotation control data, so the process proceeds to step S306i, but if the value of the hold counter is not 0, it is not time to switch the rotation control data, so the acceleration control process ends.

[0234] In step S306i, since it is time to switch the rotation control data, the reel drive signal switch request flag is set to ON.

[0235] In step S306j, the value of the general-purpose offset counter is incremented by 1 to set the next rotation control data.

[0236] In step S306k, it is determined whether the incremented general-purpose offset counter value is 8. If the general-purpose offset counter value is 8, rotation control of the set (cycle) has ended, so the process proceeds to step S306l, and if the general-purpose offset counter value is not 8, rotation control of the set (cycle) has not ended, so the process proceeds to step S306q.

[0237] In step S306l, in order to move to the rotation control of the next set (cycle), the general-purpose offset counter value is set to an initial value of 0.

[0238] In step S306m, the value of the reel control status transition counter is incremented by 1.

[0239] In step S306n, it is determined whether the incremented value of the reel control status transition counter is 3. If the value of the reel control status transition counter is 3, the process proceeds to step S306o, and if the value of the reel control status transition counter is not 3, the process proceeds to step S306q.

[0240] In step S306o, since all rotation controls set during acceleration control have been performed, the reel control status is set to "constant speed 1 control in progress."

[0241] In step S306p, the value of the reel control status transition counter is set to an initial value of 0. After the process of step S306p is completed, the acceleration control process is completed.

[0242] In step S306q, the spin control table shown in Fig. 11 is referenced, and when the reel control status is "acceleration control in progress," retained parameter values ​​corresponding to the set reel control status transition counter value and general-purpose offset counter value are obtained, and the obtained retained parameter values ​​are set as the initial values ​​of the retained counters. For example, as shown in Fig. 11, when the reel control status transition counter value is 0 and the general-purpose offset counter value is 0, the initial value of the retained counter is set to 12, and when the reel control status transition counter value is 1 and the general-purpose offset counter value is 7, the initial value of the retained counter is set to 1. After the processing of step S306q is completed, the acceleration control processing is completed.

[0243] <First constant speed control process> FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing in detail the second constant speed control process in step S308 shown in FIG.

[0244] In step S308a, 1 is added to the value of the general-purpose offset counter. That is, in the first constant speed control process, as shown in FIG. 11, the rotation control data is switched every interrupt time, so the value of the general-purpose offset counter is incremented for each timer interrupt process. Note that since the reel drive signal switch request flag is set to ON in step S1309 of the acceleration control process, no switching process is performed, so the reel drive signal switch request flag remains ON during the first constant speed control process and the second constant speed control process described below. Therefore, in the reel rotation control process of FIG. 23, rotation control data corresponding to the incremented general-purpose offset counter value is set for each timer interrupt process (see step S208j of FIG. 23).

[0245] In step S308b, it is determined whether the incremented general-purpose offset counter value is 8. If the general-purpose offset counter value is 8, the process proceeds to step S308c to move on to rotation control of the next set (cycle); if the general-purpose offset counter value is not 8, the rotation control of the set (cycle) has not ended, and the first constant speed control process ends.

[0246] In step S308c, the general-purpose offset counter is set to an initial value of 0 in order to move to rotation control for the next set (cycle).

[0247] In step S308d, the value of the reel control status transition counter is incremented by 1.

[0248] In step S308e, it is determined whether the incremented value of the reel control status transition counter is 16. If the value of the reel control status transition counter is 16, 16 sets of rotation control have been completed (see FIG. 11), so the process proceeds to step S308f, and if the value of the reel control status transition counter is not 16, the first constant speed control process is completed.

[0249] In step S308f, since all of the rotation controls set during constant speed 1 control have been performed, the reel control status is set to "constant speed 2 control in progress."

[0250] <Second constant speed control process> Fig. 27 is a flowchart showing in detail the second constant speed control process of step S310 shown in Fig. 24. The second constant speed control process mainly tracks the symbol positions on the reels. In order for the main control unit 300 to grasp the symbol positions on the reels, the symbol positions are monitored using two counters, a "symbol number counter" and a "symbol interval counter." The "symbol number counter" and the "symbol interval counter" will now be described.

[0251] FIG. 4 also shows the relationship between the symbol number counter and the symbol interval counter. The symbol number counter is a counter provided in RAM 308 to store and hold the symbol located in the middle row of the symbol display window 113, which is the reference position. For example, for the left reel 110, the reference position is the seven symbol at the top of the symbol row on the left reel 110, and counting begins when the index sensor 606A passes the light-shielding piece 612D. Each symbol is associated with a count value in advance, and the main control unit 300 can identify the symbol displayed in the symbol display window 113 from the symbol number counter value when the reel stops and determine whether or not a win has been won. The symbol interval counter is also provided in RAM 308 and counts the number of drive pulses per symbol (the number of timer interrupt processes). The main control unit 300 sets the number of drive pulses per pattern (here 24) in the pattern interval counter, subtracts it each time a drive pulse is output, and increments the pattern number counter by 1 when the value of the pattern interval counter reaches 0.

[0252] In step S310a, 1 is added to the value of the general-purpose offset counter. That is, in the second constant speed control process, as shown in Fig. 11, the rotation control data is switched every interrupt time, so the value of the general-purpose offset counter is incremented for each timer interrupt process. Also, since the reel drive signal switching request flag remains ON, in the reel rotation control process of Fig. 23, rotation control data corresponding to the incremented general-purpose offset counter value is set for each timer interrupt process (see step S208j of Fig. 23).

[0253] In step S310b, it is determined whether the incremented general-purpose offset counter value is 8. If the general-purpose offset counter value is 8, the process proceeds to step S310c to move on to rotation control of the next set (cycle), and if the general-purpose offset counter value is not 8, the rotation control of the set (cycle) has not ended, so the process proceeds to step S310d.

[0254] In step S310c, the general-purpose offset counter is set to an initial value of 0 in order to move to rotation control for the next set (cycle).

[0255] In step S310d, the value of the symbol interval counter is decremented by 1. That is, the value of the symbol interval counter is decremented every interrupt time.

[0256] In step S310e, it is determined whether the value of the symbol interval counter after subtraction is 0. If the value of the symbol interval counter is 0, the process proceeds to step S310f, and if the value of the symbol interval counter is not 0, the process proceeds to step S310h.

[0257] In step S310f, if the value of the symbol interval counter is 0, the next symbol will be displayed, and the value of the symbol interval counter is set to 24, which is the initial value.

[0258] In step S310g, the value of the symbol number counter is decremented by 1 to update to the next symbol.

[0259] In step S310h, index sensor detection information is obtained from the index sensor detection storage area of ​​RAM 308. As described above, this detection information is updated during the reel rotation control process shown in Fig. 23 (step S2084). Note that on each of the three reels, a light-shielding piece is provided at a position where the symbol number counter value is 0 and the symbol interval counter value is 0, and when the light-shielding piece passes between the light-emitting and light-receiving parts of the index sensor, it is deemed that detection has occurred.

[0260] In step S310i, it is determined whether or not the acquired detection information indicates that detection has already been performed. If it has been performed, the process proceeds to step S310i1, and if it has not been performed, the process proceeds to step S310n.

[0261] In step S310i1, the value of the initial acceleration information for the corresponding reel is set to "1." In this way, when a light-blocking piece is detected, "initial acceleration information = 1" is set in the second constant speed control process. The initial acceleration information is managed by 3 bits, each bit corresponding to the left reel 110, center reel 111, and right reel 112, with bit 1 turning the initial acceleration information on and bit 0 turning the initial acceleration information off. Once a light-blocking piece is detected and the value of the initial acceleration information is set to "1," the value of the initial acceleration information remains at "1" unless the opening of the front door 102 is detected (step S2032 shown in FIG. 21), the power is turned on and restored (step S1011 shown in FIG. 12), the value of the initial acceleration information becomes "0" upon the first reel rotation start operation (step S10573 shown in FIG. 17), or the reel rotation is started with a random delay and the value of the initial acceleration information also becomes "0" (step S10573 shown in FIG. 17), and the stop operation is valid even if a light-blocking piece is not detected by the index sensor during "constant speed 2 control." Once a light-blocking piece is detected and determined, the rotational position of the symbols on the reels will not be distorted unless a step-out or other factor occurs, so there is no need to wait for the detection of a light-blocking piece each time rotation starts. Even after the value of the initial acceleration information is set to "1," it is reset to "1" in step S310i1 every time a light-blocking piece is detected after the start of rotation.

[0262] In step S310j, since the reel symbol positions have been searched, stop button validity information is set in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 308. Once the stop button validity information is set, operation of the stop button becomes acceptable, and the target reel enters a state in which it can be stopped. If "initial acceleration information = 0" (such as step S10573 shown in Figure 17), stop button operation will not be accepted until the timing of step S310j. Note that if a stop button for which stop button validity information has not been set is operated, even if the operation itself is accepted, the operation is invalidated, and the reel corresponding to that stop button will not stop. Alternatively, the operation itself may not be accepted.

[0263] In addition, in the type test of the slot machine 100, if the value of the initial acceleration information is changed from "0" to "1" in step S310i1, a stop enable signal is output to the external testing machine at the timing when step S310j is executed. Note that, as described above, the stop enable signal may be output to the testing device in S2703 in the next timer interrupt.

[0264] In this embodiment, the stop button validity information is set in the second constant speed control process, but steps S310h to S310j may be executed in the first constant speed control process so that the stop button validity information is set in the first constant speed control process.

[0265] In this embodiment, each reel for which a light-blocking piece is detected enters a stoppable state, and the reel that has entered the stoppable state stops in response to a stop operation, but it is also possible that none of the reels enters the stoppable state unless a light-blocking piece is detected for each of the three reels 110-112, and all three reels 110-112 enter the stoppable state. In this case, the two reels for which a light-blocking piece was detected first will also enter the stoppable state, along with the reel for which a light-blocking piece was detected last.

[0266] That is, after power is restored, all reels 110-112 may be set to a stoppable state after the index sensor detects the light-shielding pieces of all reels 110-112. This prevents a situation in which a stop operation is accepted by one reel but not by another reel, even if a so-called slide stop operation, which performs consecutive stop operations, is performed from the first game after the gaming parlor opens. If a stop operation is not accepted, it will not be accepted by any reel. This ensures that stop operations are accepted by all reels 110-112, making it possible to provide a gaming machine with improved operability from the first game after the parlor opens.

[0267] Furthermore, when the opening of the front door 102 is detected, all of the reels 110-112 may be set to a stoppable state after the light-blocking pieces of all of the reels 110-112 are detected by the index sensor. This ensures that even if a so-called slide stop operation is performed from the first game after maintenance work such as error removal, the stop operation for all of the reels 110-112 is reliably accepted, making it possible to provide a gaming machine with improved operability from the first game after the maintenance work. This also applies to cases where a setting change process that changes the setting values ​​of the gaming machine has been performed or a setting confirmation process that confirms the setting values ​​of the gaming machine has been performed.

[0268] Furthermore, when a reel effect is performed (for example, after rotation is resumed due to random delay processing from a pseudo game), all reels 110 to 112 may be set to a stoppable state after the light-blocking pieces of all reels 110 to 112 are detected by the index sensor. This ensures that, for example, even if a so-called slide stop operation is performed from the beginning after the reel effect, the stop operation of all reels 110 to 112 is reliably accepted, making it possible to provide a gaming machine with improved operability from the first stop operation after the reel effect.

[0269] In step S310k, the value of the symbol interval counter is set to an initial value of 24, and in the following step S310l, the value of the symbol number counter is set to an initial value of 0. The processing of steps S310k and S310l resets the rotational position information of the reels. Therefore, even if the value of the initial acceleration information is set to "1," the rotational position information of the reels is updated when a light-blocking piece is detected, making it possible to always grasp the correct position.

[0270] In step S310m, the step-out detection counter provided in the RAM 308 is set to an initial value of 0. After the process of step S310m is completed, the second constant speed control process is completed.

[0271] In step S310n, step-out detection processing is performed based on the value of the step-out detection counter. In the step-out detection processing, the value of the step-out detection counter is incremented by one for each interrupt. When the value reaches a specific value (e.g., the number of pulses required to rotate the reel once (360 degrees), 504 in this example), a step-out (so-called loss of synchronization) is determined to have occurred, and acceleration control is restarted for all reels that are not being operated. Alternatively, acceleration control may be restarted only for the reel that has stepped out. Note that in this embodiment, the step-out detection processing is performed only in the second constant speed control processing. Therefore, if a step-out occurs during the first constant speed control processing or acceleration control processing prior to the second constant speed control processing, the step-out detection processing is not performed, and the main control unit 300 is unable to detect the step-out. However, the step-out detection processing may also be performed during these periods. In addition to step-out, processing to detect other abnormal conditions (e.g., resonance, misstep, motor stop) may also be performed. After the processing in step S310n is completed, the second constant speed control processing ends.

[0272] <Stop button reception process> Figure 28 is a flowchart showing in detail the stop button acceptance process of step S208d shown in Figure 23. The stop button acceptance process is executed when it becomes possible to accept the operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139, that is, after the value of the initial acceleration information is set to "1" in step S310i1 of the second constant speed control process shown in Figure 27 and the stop button valid information is set in the subsequent step S310j. The stop button acceptance process is a process for determining the stop position of the corresponding reel based on the operation of the stop buttons 137 to 139.

[0273] In step S208d1, stop acceptance information is acquired. Here, the stop acceptance information is stop button valid information, part of the reel control information, and means all information necessary for determining stop acceptance.

[0274] In step S208d2, the reels that can be stopped are determined from the acquired stop acceptance information, and the stoppable reel information is set in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 308 (for example, if it is determined that the left reel 110 is a stoppable reel, the left reel 110 is set).

[0275] In step S208d3, it is determined whether or not the stop button corresponding to the reel indicated by the set stoppable reel information has been operated. That is, it is determined whether or not the operation of the stop button corresponding to the stoppable reel has been accepted. If the stop button has been operated (accepted), the process proceeds to step S208d4, and if the stop button has not been operated (accepted), the process proceeds to step S208d8.

[0276] In step S208d4, data relating to the reels to be stopped (stop target reel data) is obtained.

[0277] In step S208d5, a pull-in counter setting process (details of which will be described later) is performed.

[0278] In step S208d6, the stop button corresponding to the stoppable reel is operated, and the status of the reel that has been operated to stop is updated to "stopped."

[0279] In step S208d7, the stop button acceptance flag, which had been set to acceptance, is set to acceptance prohibition.

[0280] In step S208d8, the light emission mode information stored in the light emission mode storage area prepared for each reel in RAM 308 is updated. That is, the light emission mode of the light emitter built into the stop button corresponding to the reel to be stopped is updated from the second light emission mode (e.g., blue light emission mode) to the first light emission mode (e.g., red light emission mode). When step S208d8 is completed, the stop button acceptance process is completed.

[0281] <Retraction counter setting process> FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing in detail the pull-in counter setting process in step S208d5 shown in FIG.

[0282] In step S8d51, the value of the symbol number counter is obtained to detect the position where the stop operation was performed.

[0283] In step S8d52, the number of reel pull-in frames is obtained from the selected reel stop control data based on the position where the reel is stopped. That is, the reel stop control data is selected based on the result of the winning combination internal lottery process (internal lottery result) in step S103 shown in Fig. 12. The reel stop control data specifies the number of reel pull-in frames corresponding to the symbol position number at the symbol position (middle row reference) when the reel is stopped.

[0284] In step S8d53, the excitation table is referenced to obtain the remaining number of interrupts. Specifically, in this embodiment, the motor is stopped at a position corresponding to phases AB, so the remaining number of interrupts is obtained as the number of steps from the excitation phase next to the excitation phase indicated by the previously set rotation control data (the last rotation control data set during constant speed 2 control) to the excitation phase immediately before phase AB. For example, if a stop operation is performed during control using excitation table 22H during constant speed 2 control, the remaining number of interrupts is three steps.

[0285] In step S8d54, a retraction counter value is calculated from the acquired number of retraction frames and the remaining number of interrupts, and the calculated retraction counter value is set in the retraction counter. Specifically, the value up to a predetermined prior position (for example, a position corresponding to the AB phase one cycle before the AB phase corresponding to the stop holding position) before the stop holding position (for example, a position corresponding to the predetermined AB phase) where the rotor 740 is scheduled to be stopped and held becomes the number of steps corresponding to the number of retraction frames, and a value obtained by adding the remaining number of interrupts to this value is set in the retraction counter.

[0286] In step S8d55, the reel control status is set to "retraction control in progress."

[0287] <Retraction control processing> Fig. 30 is a flowchart showing in detail the pull-in control process of step S313 shown in Fig. 24. Here, the pull-in control process refers to a process in which, when stopping the reels, the reels are caused to slide a predetermined number of frames (0 to 4 frames in this embodiment) from the symbol position where the stop buttons 137 to 139 are operated in order to realize stop control according to the result of the internal lottery. As a result, for a winning combination that has been internally won in the internal lottery or a winning combination for which a so-called flag is carried over, the corresponding symbol combination is allowed to be displayed in full, but in other cases, the symbol combination corresponding to each winning combination is not displayed in full.

[0288] In step S3131, 1 is added to the value of the general-purpose offset counter. That is, in the pull-in control process, the rotation control data is switched every interrupt time, so the value of the general-purpose offset counter is updated for each timer interrupt process. Also, since the reel drive signal switching request flag remains ON, in the reel rotation control process shown in Fig. 17, rotation control data corresponding to the added general-purpose offset counter value is set for each timer interrupt process (see step S208j in Fig. 23).

[0289] In step S3132, it is determined whether the incremented general-purpose offset counter value is 8. If the general-purpose offset counter value is 8, the remaining rotation control for that set (cycle) has ended, so the process proceeds to step S3133; if the general-purpose offset counter value is not 8, the remaining rotation control for that set (cycle) has not ended, so the process proceeds to step S3134.

[0290] In step S3133, the general-purpose offset counter is set to an initial value of 0.

[0291] In step S3134, the value of the pull-in counter is updated. Specifically, the value of the pull-in counter is decremented by one.

[0292] In step S3135, it is determined whether the updated value of the retraction counter is 0. If the value of the retraction counter is 0, the process proceeds to step S3136, and if the value of the retraction counter is not 0, the retraction control process ends.

[0293] In step S3136, the value of the retraction counter becomes 0, and the stop position is reached, so the reel control status is set to "brake control in progress."

[0294] In step S3137, the value of the hold counter is set to an initial value of 50. Here, this set hold counter value of 50 is the retention time of the rotation control data when the reel control status is "under brake control" and the general-purpose offset counter value is 0 (see FIG. 11). After the processing of step S3137 is completed, the retraction control processing is terminated.

[0295] <Brake control processing> FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing in detail the brake control process in step S312 shown in FIG.

[0296] In step S3121, the value of the holding counter is decremented by 1. The value of the holding counter is initialized in step S3137 shown in Fig. 30, and is decremented by 1 each time a timer interrupt process is executed.

[0297] In step S3122, it is determined whether the subtracted value of the hold counter is 0. If the value of the hold counter is 0, the process proceeds to step S3123, and if the value of the hold counter is not 0, the brake control process ends.

[0298] In step S3123, since the rotation control in the brake control has ended, the reel control status is set to "reel stop control in progress." Note that while the reel control status is "reel stop control in progress," weak excitation (20% excitation) continues at the stop holding position (for example, a predetermined AB phase) (see FIG. 11). After the processing of step S3123 ends, the brake control processing ends.

[0299] <Processing of the first sub-control unit 400> The processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be explained using Figure 32. Note that Figure (a) is a flowchart of the main processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400. Figure (b) is a flowchart of the command input processing of the first sub-control unit 400, Figure (c) is a flowchart of the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400, and Figure (d) is a flowchart of the timer interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400.

[0300] When the power is turned on, an initialization process is first executed in step S2001. In this initialization process, the input / output ports are initialized, the storage area in the RAM 408 is initialized, and so on.

[0301] In step S2002, it is determined whether the timer variable is 10 or greater, and this process is repeated until the timer variable becomes 10. When the timer variable becomes 10 or greater, the process proceeds to step S2003.

[0302] In step S2003, 0 is assigned to the timer variable.

[0303] In step S2004, first sub-control unit command input processing (described in detail later) is performed. In the first sub-control unit command input processing, it is determined whether or not a command has been received from the main control unit 300.

[0304] In step S2005, an effect update process is performed. For example, if a new command is received in step S2004, effect data is read from ROM 406 based on the results of each event process (for example, effect setting process, game state control process, etc.) corresponding to this command, and if the effect data needs to be updated, the effect data of each effect device (speaker, lamp, liquid crystal image display device, shutter, etc.) is updated.

[0305] In step S2006, sound control processing is performed. In the sound control processing, if the performance data read in step S2005 contains a command to the sound source IC 418, this command is output to the sound source IC 418.

[0306] In step S2007, lamp control processing is performed. In the lamp control processing, if there is a command for the various lamps 420 in the performance data read out in step S2005, this command is output to the drive circuit 422.

[0307] In step S2008, information output processing is performed. In the information output processing, if the performance data read in step S2005 contains a control command to be sent to the second sub-control unit 500, settings are made to output this control command, and the process returns to step S2002. As a result, the set control command is sent to the second sub-control unit 500.

[0308] Next, the command input processing of the first sub-control unit 400 will be explained using Figure 32(b). This command input processing of the first sub-control unit 400 is a flowchart showing the flow of the command input processing of the first sub-control unit 400 in step S2004 of Figure 32(a).

[0309] In step S2101, it is determined whether there are any unprocessed commands in the command storage area of ​​RAM 408. If there are any unprocessed commands, the process proceeds to step S2102, and if there are no unprocessed commands, the first sub-control unit 400 terminates the command input process.

[0310] In step S2102, a jump is made to processing corresponding to the unprocessed command. For example, if the unprocessed command is a medal insertion command, a medal insertion processing is made, if it is a start lever acceptance command, a start lever acceptance processing is made, if it is an internal lottery command, an internal lottery processing is made, if it is a stop button acceptance command, a stop button acceptance processing is made, if it is a display determination command, a display determination processing is made, and if it is a game status command, a game status control processing is made.

[0311] Next, using Figure 32 (c), we will explain the command reception interrupt processing of the first sub-control unit 400. This command reception interrupt processing is processing that the first sub-control unit 400 executes when it detects a strobe signal output by the main control unit 300. In step S2201 of the command reception interrupt processing, the command output by the main control unit 300 is stored as an unprocessed command in a command memory area provided in RAM 408.

[0312] Next, using Figure 32(d), we will explain the first sub-control unit timer interrupt processing executed by the CPU 404 of the first sub-control unit 400. The first sub-control unit 400 is equipped with a hardware timer that generates a timer interrupt at a predetermined period (once every 2 ms in this embodiment), and this timer interrupt triggers the execution of the timer interrupt processing at a predetermined period.

[0313] In step S2301, 1 is added to the value of the timer variable storage area of ​​RAM 408 described in step S2002 in the first sub-control unit main processing shown in Figure 32(a) and stored in the original timer variable storage area. Therefore, in step S2002, the value of the timer variable is determined to be 10 or greater every 20 ms (2 ms x 10).

[0314] In step S2302, the random number values ​​for effect are updated.

[0315] Next, an example in which the states of the reels 110 to 112 change will be specifically described.

[0316] FIG. 33 is a timing chart showing a specific example in which the Nth game is started by the first operation of the start lever 135 after power is turned on, and the N+1th game is started by the second operation of the start lever 135.

[0317] The timing chart shown in Figure 33 shows, from top to bottom, the operation of the start lever, changes in the state of the left reel 110, the center reel 111, and the right reel 112, changes in the detection state of the light-blocking pieces in the index sensors of each reel, which indicate "left, center, and right reel index," changes in the operation acceptance state of the stop buttons corresponding to each reel, which indicate "left, center, and right stop button acceptance," and changes in the light emission state of the light-emitting elements built into each stop button (hereinafter referred to as "stop button LEDs"). Also, at the top of the timing chart, alphabetic symbols are written in parentheses as symbols indicating timing, and below them are arrows indicating periods. The arrow (A) indicates the period during which the acceleration control shown in Figure 11 is being executed. Before the period indicated by the arrow (A), each of the reels 110-112 was stopped. The arrow (B) indicates the period during which the first constant speed control shown in Figure 11 is being executed, and the arrow (C) indicates the period during which the second constant speed control shown in Figure 11 is being executed. The same applies to the timing chart shown in FIG.

[0318] The power can be turned on by turning on the power switch, or by returning from the power-off process (step S213) shown in Fig. 21. In addition, the setting may or may not be changed between when the power is turned on and when the game starts.

[0319] At timing (a'), the start lever 135 is turned on, starting the Nth game (the first game after power-on). The left reel 110, center reel 111, and right reel 112 all start spinning simultaneously. As indicated by the arrow (a), all reels enter a period during which acceleration control is being executed. At timing (b'), acceleration control ends, and as indicated by the arrow (b), all reels enter a period during which first constant speed control is being executed. All three reels 110-112 can transition from the acceleration state to the constant speed 1 state before completing one rotation after starting rotation. At timing (c'), the first constant speed control ends, and as indicated by the arrow (c), all reels enter a period during which second constant speed control is being executed. That is, the second constant speed control begins at timing (c'), and all reels 110-112 enter the constant speed 2 state. In this example, no light-shielding pieces are detected on any of the reels 110-112 during either the acceleration control or the first constant speed control, but during the second constant speed control, the light-shielding piece on the center reel 111 is detected at time (d'), the light-shielding piece on the right reel 112 is detected at time (e'), and the light-shielding piece 612D on the left reel 110 is detected at time (f'). The timing at which the light-shielding pieces on each reel are detected varies, and the detection timing differs depending on the position at which the reel stopped before starting to spin.

[0320] The timing chart shown in Figure 33 indicates whether operation of the left stop button, center stop button, and right stop button can be accepted or not. Note that even if operation of the stop button is accepted, the operation may be treated as invalid or valid in terms of control; in short, in terms of stopping the reels, whether operation of the stop button can be accepted or not indicates whether the reels can be stopped or not.

[0321] In the Nth game, when a light-shielding piece is detected on any of the three reels 110-112, the stop buttons 137-139 corresponding to the reel where the light-shielding piece is detected transition to an operation-acceptable state. That is, after rotation starts, each reel can transition from a reel-unstoppable state to a reel-stoppable state. Specifically, when the light-shielding piece on the center reel 111 is detected first (detected at timing (d')), the center stop button 138 transitions to an operation-acceptable state first (at timing (d')). Next, when the light-shielding piece on the right reel 112 is detected (detected at timing (e')), the right stop button 139 transitions to an operation-acceptable state at timing (e'). Finally, when the light-shielding piece on the left reel 111 is detected (detected at timing (f')), the left stop button 137 transitions to an operation-acceptable state at timing (f').

[0322] The light-emitting modes of each stop button LED are shown below the timing chart in FIG. 33. The first light-emitting mode of each stop button LED is, for example, a red light-emitting mode, and the second light-emitting mode is, for example, a blue light-emitting mode (the same applies to the timing charts shown below). All stop button LEDs change to the second light-emitting mode after timing (f'). That is, none of the stop button LEDs change from the first light-emitting mode to the second light-emitting mode until all the light-blocking pieces are detected (timing (f')). Each reel can transition from a reel-stop-disabled state to a reel-stop-enabled state, but all three stop button LEDs change to the second light-emitting mode collectively when the last reel transitions to the reel-stop-enabled state. In this way, synchronizing the timing of the changes in the light-emitting modes of the stop button LEDs not only improves the appearance but also prevents the player from operating the reel whose light-emitting mode changed first, resulting in an irregular operation (the first stop operation being the left stop button is considered a recommended operation, and the first stop operation being an irregular operation is considered an irregular operation). Therefore, in this embodiment, even if the stop button LED is in the first light emitting mode, the corresponding stop button may be in an operation accepting state. The arrow (E) shown in Fig. 33 indicates a period in which only some of the three stop buttons are in an operation accepting state. On the other hand, the arrow (E) indicates a period in which all three stop buttons 137 to 139 are in an operation accepting state. These arrows (E) and (E) are the same in the timing chart shown in Fig. 34.

[0323] In the Nth game, the stop operation is performed by pushing in order, first the left stop button 137 is operated, then the middle stop button 138 is operated, and finally the right stop button 139 is operated.

[0324] After all reels have stopped, the start lever 135 is turned on at the timing (a), starting the N+1 game (the second game after power-on). The left reel 110, center reel 111, and right reel 112 all start spinning simultaneously, and as indicated by the arrows (a), all reels enter a period during which acceleration control is being executed. The acceleration control ends at the timing (b), and as indicated by the arrows (b), all reels enter a period during which first constant speed control is being executed. At the timing (c), the first constant speed control is switched to second constant speed control, and from the timing (c), all reels 110-112 enter the constant speed 2 state. During the first game after power-on, each reel waits for the detection of a light-shielding piece before it can be stopped. However, from the second game onward, it enters the stoppable state upon entering the constant speed state without waiting for the detection of a light-shielding piece. Therefore, all three reels 110-112 enter a stoppable state at timing (c). In the timing chart shown in FIG. 33, the left stop button operation, the center stop button operation, and the right stop button operation are all accepted at timing (c), and the arrow (O) for the N+1th game play begins at timing (c). Furthermore, since each stop button LED changes from the first light-emitting mode to the second light-emitting mode only when all three reels 110-112 enter a stoppable state, each stop button LED simultaneously changes from the first light-emitting mode to the second light-emitting mode at timing (c). Note that the light-shielding pieces of each reel are detected after timing (c) (timings (d), (e), and (f)). Although the stopping operation for the N+1th game is not performed on any of the reels 110 to 112, it is possible to perform the stopping operation after the constant speed 2 state is reached and before the light-blocking piece is detected, and in such a case the light-blocking piece will not be detected.

[0325] According to the slot machine 100 of this embodiment, from the second game onward after power-on, the reels can be stopped without waiting for the light-blocking piece to be detected, and therefore, the operation of the stop button can be accepted at an earlier timing than in the first game. Therefore, the feel of the stop buttons 137-139 is improved, and the game progresses at a good tempo without stressing the player. Furthermore, the immediate response to the player's operation may enhance the sense of realism of the game. Furthermore, because the three reels 110-112 are in a stoppable state when they are all in a line, any order of stop operation (e.g., forward push, reverse push, pinch hit, etc.) can be performed immediately, and there is no risk of pressing the reels incorrectly before the stoppable state is reached.

[0326] FIG. 34 is a timing chart showing an example in which power is interrupted and restored while the reel is rotating in a state in which the reel can be stopped without waiting for the detection of the light-blocking piece.

[0327] At the timing (c) when the constant speed 2 state is reached, all three reels 110-112 enter a stoppable state, and while the three reels 110-112 continue to rotate, a power outage and restoration occurs. That is, while the three reels 110-112 are rotating, the power outage process (step S213) shown in FIG. 21 is executed (step S213), and power is immediately restored. The three reels 110-112 temporarily stop rotating due to the power outage, but resume rotation upon power restoration (timing (a')), and as indicated by the arrow (a), a period in which acceleration control is being executed is entered. Although not shown in the flowchart, even upon power restoration, the acceleration information initialization completion flag is cleared in the initial settings at the start of power supply, and the initial acceleration information is also cleared. At the timing (b'), acceleration control ends, and as indicated by the arrow (b), all reels enter a period in which first constant speed control is being executed. At timing (c'), the first constant speed control is switched to second constant speed control, and at timing (c'), all reels 110-112 enter the constant speed 2 state. Then, in the first game immediately after power is restored from (a'), since steps S2703 and S2082 result in "No," the reels do not enter the stoppable state even when the constant speed 2 state is entered. Instead, they wait for the detection of a light-shielding strip on each reel before they can enter the stoppable state. In other words, even if a power outage occurs during reel rotation, which would enable the stop operation without the detection of a light-shielding strip, after power is restored, the stop operation becomes effective only after the detection of a light-shielding strip on each reel. In this example, during the execution of the second constant speed control, the light-shielding strip on the center reel 111 is detected at timing (d'), and the center reel 111 enters the stoppable state first. Next, the light-shielding strip on the right reel 112 is detected at timing (e'), and the right reel 112 enters the stoppable state. Finally, at timing (f'), the light-shielding piece 612D of the left reel 110 is detected, and the left reel 110 enters a stoppable state. The stop button is not operated until the left reel 110 enters a stoppable state, and at timing (f') when the left reel 110 enters a stoppable state, the three stop button LEDs simultaneously change to the second light-emitting mode. Note that in the next game, the stoppable state is set without waiting for the detection of the light-shielding piece, but in order to make it difficult to distinguish this from a setting change, the stoppable state may be set after the detection of the light-shielding piece.

[0328] In addition, in the example shown, the acceleration information initialization completion flag and initial acceleration information are cleared after power is restored while the reels are spinning, and the stop operation after power is restored sets the stop operable state after the light-shielding piece is detected after the constant speed, but the acceleration information initialization completion flag and initial acceleration information may not be cleared when power is restored while the reels are spinning, and the stop operable state may be set without the light-shielding piece being detected after the constant speed. Also, while the example shown shows the power being restored after a power outage while all the reels are spinning, the same applies as in the example shown in Figure 34 when power is restored after a power outage while at least one reel has stopped, and the stop operable state is set for the remaining reels after power is restored after the light-shielding piece is detected. In other words, if at least one of the reels on which a light-blocking element had already been detected in a previous game is still unstopped after the current game (the game in question) enters the constant speed 2 state, and a specific event, such as the detection of the opening of the front door 102, a power restoration, or a reel effect is performed (e.g., after the resumption of rotation due to a random delay process from a pseudo game), is detected, the reels that were stopped before the specific event occurred were allowed to be stopped without the light-blocking element being detected by the index sensor. However, in the continuation of the game after the specific event, the light-blocking element must be detected by the index sensor for the unstopped reels. In other words, the unstopped reels cannot be stopped until the light-blocking element is detected. Thus, even within a single game, there will be a mixture of reels that are stopped without the need for light-blocking element detection and reels that are stopped after the light-blocking element is detected. This prevents misalignment of the reels during the game, and prevents players from suspecting that a malfunction has occurred in the reels due to a power outage, maintenance work such as error removal, or the execution of a reel effect, thereby ensuring the marketability of the gaming machine. After power is restored, the remaining reels may be set to a stop operation enabled state without detecting the light-blocking pieces.

[0329] FIG. 35 is a timing chart showing a specific example in which a pseudo game is performed in the Nth game, and in the subsequent (N+1)th game, the reels can be stopped without waiting for the detection of the light-blocking piece.

[0330] The timing chart shown in Figure 35 shows, from top to bottom, start lever operation, reel state change, reel index display, change in the detection state of the light-blocking piece in the index sensor, stop button display, change in the operation acceptance state of the stop button, change in the light emission mode of the stop button LED, and stop button operation. In Figure 35, the reels 110-112, index sensor, stop buttons 137-139, and stop button LEDs 137a-139a, of which there are three each, are displayed together.

[0331] Also, below the timing chart, for each key timing, the left reel 110, center reel 111, and right reel 112 are shown, and above these reels there are shown effect image display devices 157, and below each reel there are shown stop buttons 137 to 139 that correspond one-to-one to each reel.

[0332] In the N-1th game, the initial acceleration information is set to a value of "1", and the reels can be stopped without waiting for the detection of the light-blocking piece.

[0333] Following the (N-1)th game, when the start lever 135 is turned on, the Nth game starts. All the reels 110 to 113 start spinning simultaneously, and eventually all the reels 110 to 113 enter the constant speed state. The constant speed state here does not distinguish between the constant speed 1 state and the constant speed 2 state, but it may refer to either the constant speed 1 state or the constant speed 2 state (the same applies to FIG. 36).

[0334] In the Nth game, a pseudo game is performed, followed by the actual game. The pseudo game is a type of reel effect that is executed before the reels start spinning in the actual game. In the pseudo game, all reels 110-112 start spinning when the start lever is operated. On the other hand, in the pseudo game, each of the corresponding reels 110-112 is made to appear to have stopped by a stop operation (also called a pseudo stop). In other words, a pseudo game refers to the ability to pseudo-stop the rotating reels by operating the stop buttons 137-139, or a situation in which pseudo-stop is possible. In addition, in a pseudo game, no game value is awarded according to the pseudo-stopped state. Note that the reels may vibrate slightly during the pseudo-stop to distinguish it from a real stopped symbol. Furthermore, a pseudo operation to restart a pseudo-stopped reel is also called a pseudo-start operation. To distinguish it from the pseudo game, the game in which the rotating reels are stopped by operating the stop buttons 137 to 139 and game value can be awarded according to the stopping state is called the real game.

[0335] Since the initial acceleration information for all reels 110-113 is set to a value of "1," the determination in step S1282c1 shown in FIG. 14 is "No," and the determination in step S1282d1 is "Yes." Operation of the stop button is enabled (step S1282e). The reels are now in a constant speed state, which allows the reels to be stopped. The "stop" in this stop-enabled state includes pseudo stops. The stop button LEDs 137a-139a simultaneously change to the second light-emitting mode. At the bottom left of FIG. 35, all reels 1110-113 are now in a constant speed state, and the effect image display device 157 displays a message encouraging the player to line up seven symbols. The stop buttons 137-139 are shown lit in the second light-emitting mode. The message encouraging the player to line up seven symbols on the effect image display device 157 may be output when the start lever is operated.

[0336] Light-blocking elements are detected on all reels 110-113 after the reels reach a constant speed. Then, when a stop operation (equivalent to a pseudo-stop operation) is performed on each of the three stop buttons 137-139, the reels 110-113 change from the constant speed state to a pseudo-stop state. The second image from the left in the lower part of Figure 35 shows a pseudo-stop in which all reels 1110-113 appear to stop while slightly shaking up and down. On the three reels 110-112, seven symbols are aligned on the horizontal middle payline, and the effect image display device 157 displays a message indicating that a bonus has been awarded. In other words, in a pseudo game, depending on the pseudo-stop mode, no game value is awarded, but a beneficial bonus may be awarded to the player. Each stop button 137-139 is illuminated in a first light-emitting mode.

[0337] After the pseudo stop has been performed, when the start lever 135 is operated (this operation is referred to as a pseudo start operation), the actual game begins. All reels 110 to 112 do not start spinning all at once in response to the operation of the start lever 135, but rather start spinning at different timings for each reel by a random delay spin start process shown in FIG. 18. That is, the left reel 110 starts spinning first, then the center reel 111 starts spinning, and finally the right reel 112 starts spinning. Note that, if seven symbols are lined up in the pseudo game, the game transitions to an AT state in response to the operation of the start lever 135 that triggered the start of the actual game.

[0338] Each reel transitions from the acceleration state to the constant speed state at different times. However, because the random delay flag is on, the acceleration information initialization completion flag is cleared (step S10532 shown in FIG. 17), and the initial acceleration information becomes 0 (step S10573 shown in FIG. 17). The transition to the constant speed state does not necessarily mean the reels are in a stoppable state. After each reel transitions to the constant speed state, the light-blocking element is detected by the index sensor at different times. In this game, the reel whose light-blocking element is detected by the index sensor transitions to the stoppable state first. Furthermore, at the detection timing of the reel whose light-blocking element was detected last among the three reels, the three stop lamps LEDs 137a-139a simultaneously change to the second light-emitting mode. The third reel from the left at the bottom of FIG. 35 shows all three stop lamps LEDs 137a-139a transitioning to the second light-emitting mode. Furthermore, by transitioning to the AT state, the order in which the stop buttons should be pressed (the order in which the first stop is the center reel 111, the second stop is the left reel 110, and the third stop is the right reel 112) is displayed on the effect image display device 157. The display of the order in which the buttons should be pressed on the effect image display device 157 may be output at the timing when the start lever is operated.

[0339] Thereafter, the stop buttons 137 to 139 are operated in the order displayed on the effect image display device 157. The lower right corner of FIG. 35 shows a state in which bell symbols are aligned and stopped on the middle horizontal winning line. The effect image display device 157 also displays the word GET. The three stop lamp LEDs 137a to 139a are lit in the first light emission mode.

[0340] Following the Nth game, when the start lever 135 is turned on, the N+1th game begins. All reels 110-113 start rotating simultaneously, and eventually all reels 110-113 enter a constant speed state. In the Nth game, the light-shielding pieces are detected on each reel, and the initial acceleration information is set to a value of "1" (step S310i1 shown in FIG. 27). Therefore, in the N+1th game, the determination in step S2082 shown in FIG. 23 is Yes, operation of the stop button is enabled (step S208c), and all reels 110-113 enter a constant speed state and can be stopped. In addition, the stop button LEDs 137a-139a also simultaneously change to the second light-emitting mode. Note that the light-shielding pieces are detected on each reel after it enters a constant speed state.

[0341] FIG. 36 is a timing chart showing an example in which the opening of the front door 102 is detected during the Nth game, and the front door 102 is closed after the reels of the next game (N+1) have stopped.

[0342] The timing chart shown in Figure 36 also shows, from top to bottom, start lever operation, reel state change, "reel index" display, change in the detection state of the light-blocking piece in the index sensor, "stop button" display, change in the operation-acceptable state of the stop button, change in the light emission mode of the stop button LED, and stop button operation. In Figure 36, the reels 110-112, index sensor, stop buttons 137-139, and stop button LEDs 137a-139a, each of which number three, are all displayed together. Furthermore, at the bottom, the detection state of the door open sensor that detects the opening of the front door 102 is also shown.

[0343] In the N-1th game, the initial acceleration information is set to a value of "1", and the reels can be stopped without waiting for the detection of the light-blocking piece.

[0344] In the Nth game, which is the game following the N-1th game, the reels can be stopped without waiting for the detection of the light-shielding piece. The door open sensor detects the opening of the front door 102 while the three reels 110-112 are rotating at a constant speed. That is, the opening of the front door 102 is detected in a stoppable state before the stop operation. When the opening of the front door 102 is detected, the acceleration information initialization completion flag is cleared in step S2032 shown in FIG. 21. Thereafter, with the front door 102 open, a stop operation is performed using the stop buttons 137-139, and all the reels 110-112 are stopped.

[0345] When the start lever 135 is turned on while the front door 102 is still open, the N+1th game begins. All reels 110-113 begin rotating simultaneously, and eventually all reels enter a constant speed state. During the first rotation start operation after the opening of the front door 102 is detected, i.e., the first game, the acceleration information initialization completion flag is cleared, so the initial acceleration information becomes 0 (step S10573 shown in FIG. 17). The transition to the constant speed state does not necessarily mean the reels are in a stoppable state. After the reels enter the constant speed state, the light-blocking element is detected by the index sensor at different times. During the N+1th game, the reel whose light-blocking element is detected by the index sensor enters the stoppable state. Furthermore, at the detection timing of the reel that detects the light-blocking element the latest among the three reels, the three stop lamp LEDs 137a-139a simultaneously change to the second light-emitting mode.

[0346] Thereafter, the stop buttons 137-139 are operated with the front door 102 open, and all reels 110-112 are stopped. Since light-shielding pieces are detected on all reels 110-112 in the (N+1)th game, the initial acceleration information is set to a value of "1" in step S310i1 shown in FIG. 27. However, since the front door 102 remains open, the acceleration information initialization completion flag is cleared again in step S2032 shown in FIG. 21. In this embodiment, since the detection of the opening of the front door 102 is determined by a timer interrupt (step S2031 shown in FIG. 21), the determination result will continue to be "Yes" as long as the front door 102 remains open. Therefore, even if multiple games are played with the front door 102 open, the reels will continue to be able to stop until the light-shielding pieces are detected.

[0347] The front door 102 is closed after all the reels 110 to 112 have stopped and before the N+2th game of the next game starts.

[0348] The N+2th game is started with the front door 102 closed. The reels 110-113, which start rotating simultaneously when the start lever 135 is turned on, eventually enter a constant speed state. Because the acceleration information initialization completion flag is cleared again, the initial acceleration information becomes 0 (step S10573 shown in FIG. 17). The transition to the constant speed state does not necessarily mean that the reels are in a stoppable state. Specifically, focusing on the Nth game in which the opening of the front door 102 is detected, the N+1th game is the first game in which the opening of the front door 102 is detected. Focusing on the N+1th game in which the detection of the opening of the front door 102 continues, the N+2th game is the first game in which the opening of the front door 102 is detected. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 36, if the opening of the front door 102 is detected over multiple games, the stoppable state is entered after the light-shielding piece is detected by the index sensor at least in the first game (first stop operation) after the opening of the front door 102 is detected. Thus, the first game (first stop operation) after the acceleration information initialization completion flag based on the detection of the opening of the front door 102 is cleared requires the detection of a light-blocking element. This applies even if the opening detection is performed over multiple games. After each reel reaches a constant speed, the light-blocking element is detected by the index sensor at different times. Even in the (N+2)th game, the reel whose light-blocking element is detected by the index sensor is the first to enter the stoppable state. Furthermore, the three stop lamp LEDs 137a-139a simultaneously change to the second light-emitting mode at the detection timing of the reel whose light-blocking element was detected last among the three reels. Thereafter, the stop buttons 137-139 are operated, and all reels 110-112 stop. Even in the (N+2)th game, the light-blocking element is detected on each of the reels 110-112, so the initial acceleration information is set to a value of "1" in step S310i1 shown in FIG. 27. In this N+2th game, the front door 102 is closed, and therefore the acceleration information initialization completion flag is not cleared in step S2032 shown in FIG.

[0349] In the subsequent (N+3) game, the initial acceleration information is set to a value of "1," meaning that the reels can be stopped without waiting for the detection of the light-shielding piece. That is, when the start lever 135 is turned on, all reels 110-113 simultaneously begin to rotate, and eventually all reels 110-113 enter a constant speed state. In the (N+2) game, the light-shielding piece is detected on each reel, and the initial acceleration information is set to a value of "1" (step S310i1 shown in FIG. 27). Therefore, in the (N+3) game, the determination in step S2082 shown in FIG. 23 is Yes, the operation of the stop button is enabled (step S208c), and all reels 110-113 enter a constant speed state and can be stopped. Furthermore, the stop button LEDs 137a-139a simultaneously change to the second light-emitting mode. Note that the light-shielding piece is detected on each reel after it enters a constant speed state. Thereafter, the stop buttons 137 to 139 are operated, and all the reels 110 to 112 stop.

[0350] As explained above, once the front door 102 is closed and door open detection is no longer performed, from the subsequent game (in this example, the game following the first game), each reel will enter a stoppable state without waiting for the detection of a light-blocking piece if it enters the constant speed 2 state. In other words, from the first game (the N+2th game in FIG. 36) when the opening of the front door 102 is detected and the opening is not detected, the reels enter a stoppable state after the detection of a light-blocking piece, and from the next game (the N+3rd game in FIG. 36) onwards, if it enters the constant speed 2 state, the reels enter a stoppable state without the detection of a light-blocking piece.

[0351] Note that if the front door 102 is closed and door opening is not detected before the initial acceleration information is set to "1" in step S310i1 shown in FIG. 27 during the N+1 game, all reels 110 to 113 will transition to a stoppable state due to their constant speed state from the N+2 game (the first game after door opening is no longer detected). Also, once the opening of the front door 102 is detected in step S2031 shown in FIG. 21, the determination of step S2031 may not be executed until the opening is no longer detected. In this way, even if the front door 102 remains open, all reels 110 to 113 will transition to a stoppable state due to their constant speed state from the N+2 game (the game following the game in which the opening of the front door 102 was detected (after the second spin start operation)).

[0352] It goes without saying that if the opening of the front door 102 is detected while the reels are stopped and before the start operation, the detection of the light-blocking piece is required to stop the reels that have been started by the start operation immediately afterwards.

[0353] Note that if the opening of the front door 102 is detected after the start operation but before the stop operation, the stop operation may be possible without detecting the light-blocking leaf depending on the timing of the detection, or the stop operation may be possible after the light-blocking leaf is detected. Specifically, if the opening of the front door 102 is detected before step S10571 and the acceleration information initialization completion flag is 0, the stop operation may be possible after the light-blocking leaf is detected, and if the opening of the front door 102 is detected after step S10571, the stop operation may be possible without detecting the light-blocking leaf.

[0354] In addition, in this embodiment, the acceleration information initialization completion flag is cleared when the opening of the front door 102 is detected, but if the closing of the front door 102 is detected, the acceleration information initialization completion flag may be retained and the stop operation possible state may be set without detecting the light-shielding piece.

[0355] As shown in Figures 33 to 36, in the case of a game or stop operation immediately after a specific event (such as power-on, reel presentation including pseudo game, or detection of opening of front door 102) has occurred, the stop operation becomes effective after the light blocking piece is detected after the constant speed state has been reached, but from the next game or stop operation onwards, the stop operation becomes effective when the constant speed state is reached without waiting for the light blocking piece to be detected, and unless any of the specific events occurs again, the stop operation before the light blocking piece is detected can be performed with every game or stop operation.

[0356] FIG. 37 shows a specific example in which the front door 102 is opened and frame misalignment occurs in the reels.

[0357] In Figure 37(a), all three reels 110 to 112 are stopped. Also, the stop button LEDs 137a to 139a built into the three stop buttons 137 to 139, respectively, are all lit in the first light emitting mode.

[0358] With the reels stopped, the front door 102 (not shown) is opened. At this time, if the front door 102 is opened while the door open sensor is covered by a hand, the door open sensor will not detect the opening of the front door 102. This situation can occur not only when the door open sensor is covered by a hand, but also when, for example, a store clerk at an amusement parlor plays a few test games while their clothing or accessories remain in contact with the door open sensor during maintenance work with the front door 102 open, or when there is a malfunction in the door open sensor itself.

[0359] When the front door 102 is open, there is a possibility that the reels may be accidentally touched. In FIG. 37(b), the right reel 112 is accidentally touched, causing the right reel 112 to shift downward by one frame. As a result, the position of the symbols on the right reel 112 in the direction of rotation that the main control unit 300 had previously grasped is now off by one frame.

[0360] In the explanation here, each reel 110 to 112 was in a stopped state before and after the front door 102 was opened, but even if the reel was rotating, if the reel was touched, the rotational position of the symbols on the reel would be distorted, so this is not a problem limited to the stopped state.

[0361] Eventually, the front door 102 is closed. After that, the start lever 135 is operated to start the game.

[0362] The effect image display device 157 shown in FIG. 37(c) displays a display indicating that a replay has been internally won. In FIG. 37(c), the reels 110-112 are in the constant speed 2 state. In this specific example, the light-blocking piece has already been detected during play before the front door 102 is opened, and the initial acceleration information is set to a value of "1." Since the opening of the front door 102 has not been detected, the acceleration information initialization completion flag is not cleared in step S2032 shown in FIG. 21. Therefore, once the reels are in the constant speed 2 state, they are ready to be stopped without waiting for the light-blocking piece to be detected. The stop button LEDs 137a-139a shown in FIG. 37(c) have changed to the second light-emitting pattern because the reels 110-112 are in the constant speed 2 state.

[0363] After each reel 110-112 enters the constant speed 2 state, the index sensor detects the corresponding light-blocking element. Figure 37(d) on the left shows the results of a stop operation performed on the three reels 110-112 before the light-blocking element is detected by the index sensor. While the replay symbols would normally be displayed in a straight line, the replay symbols on the left reel 110 and center reel 111 shown in Figure 37(d) are displayed on the horizontal middle payline, while the replay symbols on the right reel 112 are displayed one frame below the horizontal middle payline. However, internal control determines the replay symbol based on the symbols derived from the reel stop data. Therefore, the replay symbol on the center reel 111 is also displayed on the horizontal middle payline, resulting in a replay win. As a result, even if the reel stop positions cannot be accurately controlled, the player's profits are not affected. However, this is visually undesirable and may cause the player momentary anxiety. In addition to replays, even if a small role that involves the awarding of game value is achieved or a bonus role that initiates a bonus game state is achieved, the awarding of game value and control to the bonus game state will be performed even if the reel stops out of sync.

[0364] FIG. 37(d) shows in more detail the case where a stop operation is performed on each of the reels 110-112 after all of the reels 110-112 have entered the constant speed 2 state but before the respective light-blocking pieces are detected by the index sensor. Although the front door 102 is opened, the main control unit 300 cannot detect the opening of the front door 102 because the door open sensor is covered by a hand as described above, and the main control unit 300 recognizes the front door 102 as being closed. Therefore, a stop operation is accepted for a reel that has entered the constant speed 2 state even if the light-blocking piece has not been detected by the index sensor. Note that even in cases where a stop operation is not accepted until all three reels 110-112 are in the constant speed 2 state, a stop operation is accepted without waiting for the detection of the light-blocking piece.

[0365] When the front door 102 is open, it is possible to touch the reels 110-112. Touching the reels 110-112 may cause the reels 110-112 to shift in the rotation direction, resulting in frame misalignment. Frame misalignment also occurs when a step-out (out-of-step) occurs. As described above, the main control unit 300 determines the rotational position of the reels by detecting the light-blocking pieces of the rotating reels with the index sensor, and is then able to control the reel stop positions. However, when frame misalignment occurs, a discrepancy occurs between the rotational position of the reels determined by the main control unit 300 and the actual rotational position of the reels. As a result, even if the main control unit 300 believes it has correctly controlled the reel stop positions, the symbol combination that should be displayed on the winning line will not be displayed, as shown in Figure 37(d).

[0366] Therefore, if a stop operation is performed before the light-blocking piece is detected and frame shift occurs, the symbol combination corresponding to a 100% pull-in combination will not be displayed where it should be. However, even if a symbol combination corresponding to a 100% pull-in combination is not displayed, game processing and presentation processing are performed as if a symbol combination corresponding to a 100% pull-in combination were displayed, so that it does not have a negative impact on the player. A 100% pull-in combination is a combination in which the symbol combination corresponding to the combination is always displayed on the pay line by reel pull control regardless of the player's stop operation (a combination with no missed wins). Examples of a 100% pull-in combination include a replay combination or a small combination such as a bell. Furthermore, the game processing referred to here means performing the winning determination process in the same way as if frame shift did not occur. More specifically, if a replay combination is detected, the main control unit 300 resets the bet amount and controls the replay lamp 122 (see FIG. 1) to light up. If it is a bell, the main control unit 300 controls the payout of the game value. The effect processing here may be an effect corresponding to a winning combination (a display effect in the effect image display device 157, a light emission effect in the various lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 144, title panel 162 lamp, etc.), a sound output effect in the speakers 272, 277, a movable body effect in the shutter 163, etc.), a reel effect (a freeze effect, etc.), or an effect using the reel illumination device 608 (see FIG. 6).

[0367] This is not limited to roles with 100% draw, but also applies to minor roles other than bells (hereinafter referred to as "certain minor roles"). Even if a symbol combination corresponding to a certain minor role is not displayed due to a frame shift, game processing and presentation processing are performed when a symbol combination corresponding to a certain minor role is displayed. For example, the center reel in FIG. 4(a) has only two watermelons, making it easy to miss them. However, if the reel is stopped in a position where the watermelon will not be missed, the payout corresponding to the watermelon can be obtained even if a frame shift occurs. The game processing referred to here refers to payout control of gaming media and updating of counters related to game value. Counters related to game value include counters related to advantageous zones (e.g., zones in game states other than the normal state) where AT and ART lotteries are advantageously entered, and counters related to the role ratio monitor for evaluating the degree of gambling activity of the gaming machine. The presentation processing referred to here is the same as the presentation processing described above. This prevents players from suffering losses in terms of both game control and presentation control.

[0368] Furthermore, the same applies to bonus roles; even if a symbol combination corresponding to a bonus role is not displayed due to frame misalignment, game processing and presentation processing are performed when a symbol combination corresponding to a bonus role is displayed. The game processing referred to here refers to payout control of gaming media, transition processing of game states, and wait processing when a symbol combination corresponding to a bonus role is displayed. The presentation processing referred to here is the same as the presentation processing described above. This also makes it possible to prevent players from suffering losses in terms of both game control and presentation control.

[0369] In addition, when a stop occurs due to a frame slippage, the example has been shown in which both the game control and the presentation control are the same as when there is no frame slippage, but this is not limiting, and the game control may be the same as when there is no frame slippage, while the presentation control may not be the same as when there is no frame slippage, for example, no presentation may be performed, or a presentation may be executed that does not include a sense of expectation, some kind of suggestion, or some kind of corresponding presentation. This makes it difficult to notice that a frame slippage has occurred, and prevents the player from suffering a loss in the game results.

[0370] Furthermore, these game controls and presentation controls are processes related to the stop display result. This process related to the stop display result is not limited to one control or process, but may be multiple controls or processes. Furthermore, the control or process does not necessarily have to have a one-to-one relationship with the display result that is stopped and displayed. For example, as game processes when a bell display result is displayed, a first process (e.g., control of the payout of gaming media) and a second process (e.g., update process of a counter related to game value) may be performed, and the first process and the second process may be performed even if a frame shift occurs in the direction of the bell display result. Furthermore, a predetermined process that is performed when a display result corresponding to another winning combination is displayed may be performed both when a bell display result is displayed and when a frame shift occurs in the direction of the bell display result. In this way, multiple controls or processes, or controls or processes that are performed at other times, can also be considered "related processes," and this also applies to presentation control.

[0371] In addition, in this embodiment, a winning combination with 100% draw-in has been described as including a combination in which the symbols displayed in the symbol display window appear to have no missing wins and a winning combination with no missing wins, but this is not limited to this. For example, a winning combination may have multiple symbol combinations. More specifically, the symbol types constituting the winning combination may include a Bell 1 symbol on the left reel, Bell 1 and Bell 2 symbols on the center reel, and Bell 1 and Bell 2 symbols on the right reel, and as a result of winning a bell, the symbol combinations "Bell 1-Bell 1-Bell 1," "Bell 1-Bell 1-Bell 2," "Bell 1-Bell 2-Bell 1," and "Bell 1-Bell 2-Bell 2" are simultaneously formed, and although one symbol combination does not result in 100% draw-in, four symbol combinations may result in 100% draw-in.

[0372] On the other hand, Figure 37(e) on the right shows the results of stopping operations aimed at replay symbols performed on the three reels 110-112 after the light-blocking element was detected by the index sensor. The three reels 110-112 shown in Figure 37(e) show replay symbols aligned and stopped on the middle horizontal winning line. Upon detecting the light-blocking element, steps S310k and S310l shown in Figure 27 are executed to reset the rotational position information of the reels, enabling accurate control of the reel stop positions. Thus, even if the reels shift before the start of rotation, the main control unit 300 can re-establish the correct reel positions by detecting the light-blocking element, enabling accurate control of the reel stop positions. However, stopping operations must be avoided until the light-blocking element is detected, which can hinder gameplay from proceeding at a good tempo. Even if the symbols stop shifting as shown in Figure 37(d), their position can be determined by detecting the light-blocking piece, so the misalignment of the symbols will be resolved in about one or two games (the number of games required until the light-blocking piece is detected again). In other words, it is highly likely that the misalignment of the symbols will be resolved in the next game in Figure 37(d).

[0373] As explained above, misalignment of the reels is problematic. For this reason, it is preferable to clear the acceleration information initialization completion flag when the opening of the front door 102 is detected and wait for the detection of a light-blocking piece before placing the reels in a stoppable state. Furthermore, even if the "acceleration information initialization completion flag = 1" or the "initial acceleration information = 1" is set, the information is updated each time a light-blocking piece is detected in the processing of Figures 23 and 24. Therefore, even if the reels become misaligned, the accurate position can be determined by detecting the light-blocking piece again, and the misalignment can be resolved.

[0374] Next, the derived target region will be described.

[0375] FIG. 38 is a diagram showing the relationship between the derivation target area and the position of the light blocking piece.

[0376] Each reel 110-112 is provided with a derived target area TRA that is recommended to be displayed (derived) in a stopped state in the symbol display window 113 (see FIG. 1). If this derived target area TRA can be displayed in a stopped state in the symbol display window 113, a specific minor winning combination can be achieved. In other words, the derived target area is an area designed as a play method (position for pressing) when push order navigation is not activated during normal play or AT. On each reel 110-112, the position where the light-shielding piece is provided and the position of the derived target area TRA are different when viewed in the reel rotation direction (the direction indicated by the downward arrow in FIG. 38(a)). Hereinafter, the position where the light-shielding piece is provided will be referred to as the index position IP. The index position IP is set to a position (area excluding the derived target area TRA) that is shifted from the derived target area TRA in the reel rotation direction.

[0377] FIG. 38(a) is a diagram showing an example in which the index position IP and the derivation target area TRA are separated by five frames, ie, Nos. 16 to 20.

[0378] The symbol arrangement of each of the reels 110-112 shown in FIG. 38(a) is the same as the symbol arrangement of each of the reels 110-112 shown in FIG. 4. Each of the reels 110-112 is assigned a symbol number from 0 to 20, starting from the top of the symbol row. As each of the reels 110-112 rotates in the direction indicated by the downward arrow shown in FIG. 38(a), the symbols pass through the symbol display window 113 in the order of 0 → 20 → 19 → 18 → .... On each of the reels 110-112, a light-shielding piece is provided between the position of the number 0 symbol and the position of the number 20 symbol. That is, on the left reel 110, a light-shielding piece 612D (see FIG. 6, etc.) is provided between the position of the number 0 seven symbol and the position of the number 20 cherry symbol. The position of the symbol (here, symbol number 0) corresponding to the position where the light-shielding piece is provided (index position IP) becomes the reference position (index reference position) when the main control unit 300 controls the stop position of the reel.

[0379] In the example shown in FIG. 38(a), a derived target area TRA is provided on the left reel 110. The derived target area TRA includes numbers 11 to 15. When the left stop button 137 is pressed with the aim of stopping and displaying the number 15 BAR symbol in the middle or bottom row of the symbol display window 113, a specific small win such as "watermelon" or "cherry" as shown in the diagram below can be achieved. As shown in the diagram below, the symbol combination corresponding to the "watermelon" small win is only one type, "watermelon-watermelon-watermelon," while the symbol combination corresponding to the "cherry" small win is two types, "cherry-ANY-ANY" and "blank-ANY-ANY." In other words, the number 4 blank symbol is used as a substitute symbol for cherry. Therefore, when the player has an internal win for the "cherry" minor winning combination, if the left stop button 137 is pressed when the No. 15 BAR symbol appears in the middle or bottom row of the symbol display window 113, the No. 12 cherry symbol will appear in the symbol display window 113, and four coins will be paid out, making it easier for the player to grasp that they have an internal win for the "cherry" minor winning combination. On the other hand, when the player has an internal win for the "cherry" minor winning combination and a symbol near the No. 5 symbol appears in the symbol display window 113, the No. 4 blank symbol will appear in the symbol display window 113, and four coins will be paid out, but it will be difficult for the player to grasp that they have an internal win for the "cherry" minor winning combination. The symbols corresponding to the "cherry" minor winning combination are the No. 4 blank symbol and the No. 12 and No. 20 cherry symbols. If you stop the reel in a position where you cannot pull in numbers 4, 12, or 20, you will miss out on the small "cherry" combination, but if you stop the reel while aiming for the derived target area TRA, you will not miss out.

[0380] In addition, the derived target area TRA also contains a watermelon symbol corresponding to the "watermelon" minor role, which is a role that may be missed, just like the cherry. The symbols corresponding to the "watermelon" minor role are the watermelon symbols 3, 11, and 16. If the stopping operation is performed in a position where the symbols 3, 11, and 16 cannot be drawn, the "watermelon" minor role will be missed, but if the stopping operation is performed with the aim of the derived target area TRA, the role will not be missed.

[0381] In addition, the derived target area TRA also includes a replay symbol corresponding to a replay role with 100% draw, and a bell symbol corresponding to a bell minor role with 100% draw.

[0382] 38(a), it is recommended to press the left stop button 137 in the normal game mode (non-AT mode) to stop the BAR symbol on the left reel 110 in the middle or bottom row of the symbol display window 113. The derived target area TRA including this BAR symbol is an area known as the DDT point.

[0383] In the example shown in FIG. 38(a), the detection area DA includes the numbers 0 and 20, which are located before and after the index position IP in the reel rotation direction, and the number 19, which is the number after 20. In the first game after a specific event (such as power-on, reel effects including pseudo games, or detection of the opening of the front door 102) described with reference to FIGS. 33 to 36, the area between 0 and 20 is the position where the stop operation is switched from disabled to enabled. When a light-blocking piece is detected on a reel rotating in the constant speed 2 state, the light-emitting mode of the stop button LED built into the stop button that stops the reel changes from the first light-emitting mode to the second light-emitting mode, indicating that operation of the stop button is now possible. The reel rotates between the time the light-blocking piece is detected and the time the light-emitting mode of the stop button LED changes to the second light-emitting mode, and the light-emitting mode of the stop button LED changes to the second light-emitting mode when the symbols 20 to 19 pass the index sensor 606A. Therefore, the detection areas DA of numbers 0, 20, and 19, which are surrounded by gray hatching, are the areas where the light emission mode of the stop button LED switches from the first light emission mode to the second light emission mode, and it is difficult to press the left stop button 137 while the detection area DA passes the index sensor 606A. On the other hand, by the time the detection area DA passes the index sensor 606A, the left stop button LED 137a has finished changing to the second light emission mode, and it becomes possible to press the left stop button 137. For this reason, in the first game after the specific event, even if the constant speed 2 state is entered after the left reel 110 starts to rotate but before the left reel 110 completes one rotation, it is not possible to stop the left reel 110 (press one rotation) before the left reel 110 starts to rotate for the second rotation unless the index position IP passes the index sensor 606A.

[0384] The index sensor that detects the light-blocking pieces is provided at a location roughly two frames above the upper row of the symbol display window 113. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 38(a), the symbol passing through the upper row of the symbol display window 113 immediately before the light-blocking piece 612D of the left reel 110 is detected is symbol No. 3 (watermelon symbol), the symbol passing through the upper row of the symbol display window 113 when the light-blocking piece 612D is detected is symbol No. 2 (replay symbol), and the symbol passing through the upper row of the symbol display window 113 immediately after the light-blocking piece 612D is detected is symbol No. 1 (bell symbol). In other words, when the detection area DA is located at the index sensor 606A, numbers 1 to 3 (hereinafter referred to as the detection area corresponding area DAa) are displayed in the symbol display window 113 that is visible to the player. As mentioned above, it is difficult to press the left stop button 137 while the detection area DA is passing through the index sensor 606A, which means that from the player's perspective, it is difficult to press the button when numbers 1 to 3 corresponding to the detection area corresponding area DAa are located in the pattern display window 113.

[0385] In the example shown in FIG. 38(a), the derived target area TRA is located in an area extending no more than halfway around the left stop button 137 after the stop operation of the left stop button 137 is permitted. That is, the derived target area TRA is located five frames ahead of the symbol (the symbol number 0) immediately after the top row of the detection-area corresponding area DAa. Therefore, in the first game after a specific event, the delay between the detection of the light-shielding piece 612D and the player's pressing of the left stop button 137 is minimized, and the player can easily notice the change of the left stop button LED 137a to the second light-emitting mode. Furthermore, after the left stop button LED 137a changes to the second light-emitting mode, it takes about six frames (number 0 → number 20 →... → number 16) for the BAR symbol number 15 to appear in the symbol display window 113. Therefore, once the stop operation of the left stop button 137 becomes substantially possible, the player can perform the stop operation at a good tempo while ensuring a certain amount of leeway. Furthermore, once the light-blocking piece is detected after a specific event, there is no need to wait for the light-blocking piece to be detected until the specific event occurs again, so the stop button can be pressed immediately, and in some cases it may even be possible to press it once.

[0386] Note that, when the number 18 symbol passes the index sensor 606A, the light emission mode of the stop button LED has switched to the second light emission mode. That is, the time required for the reels to move two frames after the light-blocking piece is detected by the index sensor 606A until the light emission mode of the stop button LED changes from the first light emission mode to the second light emission mode is equal to the time required for the reels to move two frames. Therefore, no matter where the index sensor is located (for example, even if it is located on the upper edge of the symbol display window 113), as long as the derived target area TRA is located three frames or more away from the index position IP, when the derived target area TRA enters the symbol display window 113, the light emission mode of the stop button LED will switch to the second light emission mode, a notification will be issued that the stop button is operable, and the stop button can be operated in the shortest time possible.

[0387] Fig. 38(b) is a diagram showing an example in which the index position IP and the derivation target area TRA are separated by eight frames. In the explanation of Fig. 38(b), explanations that overlap with the explanation of Fig. 38(a) may be omitted.

[0388] The symbol arrangement of each of the reels 110'-112' shown in FIG. 38(b) differs from the symbol arrangement of each of the reels 110-112 shown in FIG. 4. Each of the reels 110'-112' is numbered 0-19, starting from the top of the symbol row. Taking the left reel 110' as an example, the seven symbols include a red seven symbol at number 4, a blue seven1 symbol at number 15, and a blue seven2 symbol at number 16. As each of the reels 110'-112' rotates in the direction indicated by the downward arrow in FIG. 38(b), the symbols pass through the symbol display window 113 in the following order: 0 → 19 → 18 → 17 → ... On each of the reels 110'-112', a light-shielding piece is provided between the position of the number 0 symbol and the position of the number 20 symbol. That is, on the left reel 110', the light-shielding piece 612D (see FIG. 6, etc.) is provided between the position of the blank symbol number 0 and the position of the replay symbol number 19.

[0389] In the example shown in FIG. 38(b), the left reel 110' is provided with a derived target area TRA' called a DDT point. The derived target area TRA' includes symbols 7 to 11. When the left stop button 137 is pressed with the aim of stopping and displaying the number 10 BAR symbol in the upper or middle row of the symbol display window 113, a specific small win such as "watermelon" or "cherry" as shown in the diagram below can be achieved. As shown in the diagram below, the symbol combination corresponding to the "watermelon" small win, which pays out five coins, is "watermelon-watermelon-watermelon," while the symbol combination corresponding to the "cherry" small win, which pays out one coin, is "cherry-ANY-ANY" and "blue seven 2-ANY-ANY." In other words, the number 16 blue seven 2 symbol is used as a substitute for cherry. Therefore, if the player aims for the No. 10 BAR symbol while the player has an internal win for the "cherry" minor role, the No. 11 cherry symbol can be displayed in the symbol display window 113, and one coin will be paid out, making it easier for the player to understand that the player has an internal win for the "cherry" minor role. On the other hand, if the player presses the left stop button 137 when a symbol near the No. 17 appears in the symbol display window 113 while the player has an internal win for the "cherry" minor role, the No. 16 blue seven 2 symbol will be displayed in the symbol display window 113, and one coin will be paid out, but it will be difficult for the player to understand that the player has an internal win for the "cherry" minor role. The symbols corresponding to the "cherry" minor role are the No. 1 and No. 11 cherry symbols and the No. 16 blue seven 2 symbol. If you stop the reel in a position where you cannot pull in numbers 1, 11, or 16, you will miss out on the small "cherry" combination, but if you stop the reel while aiming for the derived target area TRA, you will not miss out.

[0390] The derived target area TRA' also includes a replay symbol corresponding to a replay role with 100% draw, and a bell symbol corresponding to a bell minor role with 100% draw.

[0391] 38(b), the detection area DA' is the range of numbers 0 and 19, which are located before and after index position IP in the direction of reel rotation, and number 18, which is the number after number 19, and is surrounded by gray hatching. This detection area DA' is also the area where the light emission mode of the stop button LED switches from the first light emission mode to the second light emission mode, and it is difficult to press the left stop button 137 while detection area DA' is passing through index sensor 606A.

[0392] In the example shown in Figure 38(b), the index sensor that detects the light-blocking piece is provided one frame above the upper row of the symbol display window 113. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 38(b), the symbol passing through the upper row of the symbol display window 113 immediately before the light-blocking piece 612D of the left reel 110' is detected is the watermelon symbol number 2, the symbol passing through the upper row of the symbol display window 113 when the light-blocking piece 612D is detected is the cherry symbol number 1, and the symbol passing through the upper row of the symbol display window 113 immediately after the light-blocking piece 612D is detected is the blank symbol number 0. In other words, in the example shown in Figure 38(b), numbers 0, 1, and 2 form the detection area corresponding area (referred to as detection area corresponding area DA'a). Since it is difficult to press the left stop button 137 while the detection area DA' is passing through the index sensor 606A, it can be said that from the player's perspective, it is difficult to press the button when numbers 0 to 2 corresponding to the detection area corresponding area DA'a are located in the pattern display window 113.

[0393] In the example shown in FIG. 38(b), the derived target area TRA' is located within a range not exceeding halfway around the reel after the left stop button 137 can be operated to stop the reel. That is, the derived target area TRA' is located seven frames away from the symbol (the number 19 symbol) immediately after the detection piece. Therefore, in the first game after the specific event, the player can easily notice the change of the left stop button LED 137a to the second light-emitting mode while preventing any delay between the detection of the light-shielding piece 612D and the player pressing the left stop button 137. Furthermore, after the left stop button LED 137a changes to the second light-emitting mode, it takes about nine frames (number 19 → number 18 →... → number 11) for the BAR symbol number 10 to appear in the symbol display window 113. Therefore, once the left stop button 137 can be operated to stop the reel, the player can perform the stop operation with ease. Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 38(b), once the light-blocking piece is detected after a specific event, there is no need to wait for the light-blocking piece to be detected until the specific event occurs again, so the stop button can be pressed immediately, and in some cases it may even be possible to press it once.

[0394] Figure 38(c) is a diagram showing an example in which the index position is different from the previous examples. In the explanation of Figure 38(c), explanations that overlap with the explanations of Figures 38(a) and 38(b) may be omitted.

[0395] Figure 38(c) shows only the left reel 110" on which a derived target area TRA" called a DDT point is provided. The symbol arrangement of the left reel 110" shown in Figure 38(c) is also different from the symbol arrangements of the left reels 110, 110' shown so far. For example, the replay symbols include a Replay 1 symbol of No. 2 and a Replay 2 symbol of No. 4. As the left reel 110" rotates in the direction indicated by the downward arrow shown in Figure 38(c), the symbols pass through the symbol display window 113 in the order of No. 0 → No. 19 → No. 18 → No. 17 → ... In the left reel 110" shown in Figure 38(c), a light-shielding piece 612D is provided between the position of the Replay 2 symbol of No. 4 and the position of the Bell symbol of No. 5, and the position between them becomes the index position IP'. The symbol corresponding to index position IP' is a bell symbol number 5, and this position number 5 becomes the reference position (index reference position) in the control of the reel stop positions by the main control unit 300.

[0396] In the example shown in Figure 38(c), the left reel 110'' also has a derived target area TRA'', called a DDT point. The derived target area TRA'' is numbered from 15 to 19, and when the left stop button 137 is pressed with the aim of stopping and displaying the BAR symbol numbered 18 in the upper or middle row of the symbol display window 113, a specific small win such as "watermelon" or "cherry" as shown in the diagram below can be won. As shown in the diagram below, the symbol combination corresponding to the small win of "watermelon" which pays out 5 coins is only one type, "watermelon-watermelon-watermelon", but the symbol combination corresponding to the small win of "cherry" which pays out 1 coin is two types, "cherry-ANY-ANY" and "replay 2-ANY-ANY". In other words, the replay 2 symbol numbered 4 is used as a substitute symbol for cherry. Therefore, if the player aims for the BAR symbol number 18 while he has an internal win for the "cherry" minor role, the cherry symbol number 19 can be displayed in the symbol display window 113, and one coin will be paid out, making it easier for the player to understand that he has an internal win for the "cherry" minor role. On the other hand, if the player presses the left stop button 137 when a symbol near the number 5 appears in the symbol display window 113 while he has an internal win for the "cherry" minor role, the replay 2 symbol number 4 will be displayed in the symbol display window 113, and one coin will be paid out, but it will be difficult for the player to understand that he has an internal win for the "cherry" minor role. The symbols corresponding to the "cherry" minor role are the replay 2 symbol number 4 and the cherry symbols number 10 and 19. If you stop the reel in a position where you cannot pull in numbers 4, 10, or 19, you will miss out on the small "cherry" combination, but if you stop the reel while aiming for the derived target area TRA, you will not miss out.

[0397] In addition, the derived target area TRA'' also contains the watermelon symbol corresponding to the "watermelon" minor role, which is a role that may be missed, just like the cherry. The symbols corresponding to the "watermelon" minor role are the watermelon symbols numbered 0, 6, and 15. If the stopping operation is performed in a position where numbers 0, 6, and 15 cannot be drawn, the "watermelon" minor role will be missed, but if the stopping operation is performed with the aim of the derived target area TRA, there will be no miss.

[0398] In addition, the derived target area TRA'' also includes a replay 1 symbol corresponding to a replay role with 100% pull-in, and a bell symbol corresponding to a bell minor role with 100% pull-in.

[0399] In the example shown in Figure 38(c), the detection area DA" is the range of numbers 5 and 4, which are located before and after index position IP' in the direction of reel rotation, and number 3, which is the area after number 4, and is surrounded by gray hatching. This detection area DA" is also the area where the light emission mode of the stop button LED switches from the first light emission mode to the second light emission mode, and it is difficult to press the left stop button 137 while the detection area DA" is passing through the index sensor 606A.

[0400] In the example shown in Figure 38(c), the index sensor that detects the light-blocking piece is provided two frames above the upper row of the symbol display window 113. Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 38(c), the symbol passing through the upper row of the symbol display window 113 immediately before the light-blocking piece 612D of the left reel 110 is detected is the replay symbol number 8, the symbol passing through the upper row of the symbol display window 113 when the light-blocking piece 612D is detected is the bell symbol number 7, and the symbol passing through the upper row of the symbol display window 113 immediately after the light-blocking piece 612D is detected is the watermelon symbol number 6. In other words, in the example shown in Figure 38(c), the numbers 6, 7, and 8 form the detection area corresponding area (referred to as detection area corresponding area DA''a). Since it is difficult to press the left stop button 137 while the detection area DA'' is passing through the index sensor 606A, it can be said that from the player's perspective, it is difficult to press the button when numbers 6 to 8 corresponding to the detection area corresponding area DA''a are located in the pattern display window 113.

[0401] In the example shown in FIG. 38(c), the derived target area TRA'' is also provided in an area extending no more than halfway around the reel after the stop operation of the left stop button 137 becomes acceptable. That is, the derived target area TRA'' is provided two frames ahead of the symbol (the number 2 symbol) immediately after the top row of the detection area DA''. Therefore, in the first game after the specific event, it is possible to prevent a delay from the time when the light-shielding piece 612D is detected until the player presses the left stop button 137, and it is possible to make the player more easily notice the change of the left stop button LED 137a to the second light-emitting mode. Furthermore, after the left stop button LED 137a changes to the second light-emitting mode, about four frames (number 2 → number 1 → number 0 → number 19) pass, and the BAR symbol of number 18 that the player should aim for appears in the symbol display window 113. Therefore, the player can perform the stop operation immediately after the left stop button LED 137a changes to the second light-emitting mode, allowing the player to enjoy a fast-paced game. Furthermore, once the light-blocking piece is detected after a specific event, there is no need to wait for the light-blocking piece to be detected until the specific event occurs again, so the stop button can be pressed immediately, and in some cases it may even be possible to press it once.

[0402] In addition, in each of the examples shown in Figure 38, the derived target area is provided only on the left reel, but the derived target area may also be provided on the center reel or the right reel. Also, the index position is not limited to the positions in each of the examples shown in Figures 38(a) to 38(c), and may be provided at various positions along the rotation direction of the reel. Furthermore, the position of the index sensor is not limited, and may be provided at a position below the symbol display window 113 in each of the examples shown in Figures 38(a) to 38(c).

[0403] In conventional gaming machines, a player's start operation determines the internal winning combination and starts the reels. During reel start control, the reels are accelerated from a stopped state until they reach a sufficient speed and enter constant-speed control. Then, during constant-speed control, the stop operation of each stop switch becomes effective when a light-blocking element for detecting the reel position is detected. In other words, the stop operation is not effective until the index sensor detects a light-blocking element after the reels have rotated at a constant speed. This is because the main control unit 300 must update the symbol positions if the symbol positions recognized by the gaming machine (main control unit 300) do not match the actual symbol positions due to reel step-out (out-of-step) or frame misalignment. However, with this specification, depending on the position where the reels started (i.e., the stop position from the previous game) and the symbol arrangement, the stop operation may not become effective until the reels have rotated at least one full revolution from the stop position from the previous game or the position pressed by the player in the previous game. For example, if the index sensor detects a light-blocking piece just before the reels reach a constant speed, the stop operation will not be effective until the reels have rotated one more time and the light-blocking piece is detected, which may slow down the player's operation tempo (the so-called "hit feel"), or the player may perform the first stop operation early, but the first stop operation may not be a valid operation, and some players may intend to perform the second stop operation, but the gaming machine may treat it as the first stop operation, which may lead to mistakes in the button press sequence or mistakes in timing. Therefore, the gaming machine of this embodiment aims to provide a gaming machine that improves the player's operation tempo so as not to induce mistakes in the button press sequence, while allowing the main control unit 300 to accurately grasp the position of the symbols.

[0404] According to the above description, "A control means for controlling the progress of the game (for example, a main control means 300), A number of spinnable reels (e.g., three reels 110-112) and stop operation means (e.g., three stop buttons 137 to 139) provided in one-to-one correspondence for each of the reels constituting the plurality of reels, for performing a stop operation to stop the rotation of the corresponding reel; a detection means (e.g., a rotation detection device 606) provided on each of the plurality of reels and capable of detecting the reference position of the reel (e.g., the light-shielding piece 612D in the case of the left reel 110); A gaming machine equipped with The control means is a means capable of executing control (e.g., brake control) to stop the rotation of the corresponding reel when the stop operation is performed in a stoppable state (e.g., a state in which stop button enable information is set), There is a first case in which the stop-enabling state is set when a first condition is satisfied after a second condition is satisfied on the plurality of reels after the rotation of the plurality of reels has started (for example, execution of step S310j shown in FIG. 27 on an all-reel basis, not on an individual rule basis), There is a second case in which the stop-enabling state is set even if the first condition is not satisfied after the second condition is satisfied on the reels after the rotation of the reels has started (for example, execution of step S208c shown in FIG. 23 on an all-reel basis, not on an individual rule basis), the first condition is that the reference position is detected by the detection means, The second condition is that the rotation state of the plurality of reels is a constant speed state in which the reels rotate at a constant speed (for example, a constant speed state under second constant speed control), The first case occurs in a game in which the first stop operation is required after a specific event occurs, The second case occurs in at least some of the games from the game following the game in which the first condition is satisfied until the specific event newly occurs, The specific event is the start of power supply to the gaming machine (for example, power on (power restoration)). A gaming machine characterized by the above. He explained about:

[0405] With this gaming machine, except for the first game after the specific event of power supply to the gaming machine is initiated, the stop operation is accepted without waiting for detection by the detection means, allowing for a smooth gameplay. However, since there is a possibility that the reels may be touched during maintenance during a power outage and shifted in position, the stop operation can be accepted after detection by the detection means after power is restored, allowing the reels to stop in the correct position. Setting changes also require power restoration. Because a setting change initializes the area storing the reel positions, the stop operation becomes effective after detection by the detection means, even after a setting change. In the case of a power outage and power restoration without a setting change, if the stop operation is enabled without waiting for detection by the detection means, the difference in the timing of the activation could reveal whether the setting has been changed, potentially affecting the operation of the gaming machine immediately after opening. Therefore, by matching the behavior during setting changes and power restoration, it is possible to make it difficult to tell whether the setting has been changed. Furthermore, if the first condition is satisfied for each reel, when a so-called slide stop stop operation is performed, the stop operation may not be detected by reels that have not yet satisfied the first condition and are not yet stoppable, which may interrupt the rhythm of the operation (the operation may get stuck midway), resulting in a problem of reduced operability and an inability to progress at a good tempo. To address this problem, with this gaming machine, the stop operation of all reels is enabled when the first condition or the second condition is satisfied for all reels, thereby improving the operability of the so-called slide stop.

[0406] According to the above description, "A control means for controlling the progress of the game (for example, a main control means 300), Rotatable reels [e.g., reels 110-112], A stop operation means (e.g., a stop button unit 136) for performing a stop operation to stop the rotating reel; A detection means (for example, a rotation detection device 606) capable of detecting a reference position of the reel (for example, a position where a light-shielding piece is provided); A gaming machine equipped with The control means is a means capable of executing control (e.g., brake control) to stop the spinning reels when the stop operation is performed in a stoppable state (e.g., a state in which stop button enable information is set), There is a first case (for example, in the case of the Nth game shown in FIG. 33) in which the first condition is satisfied after the second condition is satisfied after the rotation of the reel is started (for example, in the case of the left reel 110, FIG. 33(f')), and the stop-enabling state is set (for example, execution of step S310j shown in FIG. 27). There is a second case (for example, the N+1 game shown in FIG. 33) in which the stop-enabling state is set (for example, execution of step S208c shown in FIG. 23) even if the first condition is not satisfied after the second condition is satisfied after the rotation of the reels has started, The first condition is that the reference position is detected by the detection means (for example, in the case of the left reel 110, it is detected at the timing of FIG. 33(f')). The second condition is that the rotation state of the reel is a constant speed state in which the reel rotates at a constant speed (for example, a constant speed state under second constant speed control), The first case occurs in a game (for example, the Nth game in FIG. 33) in which the first stop operation is required after a specific event (for example, the power-on, reel effects including pseudo games, detection of opening of the front door 102, etc., as described with reference to FIGS. 33 to 36) has occurred. The second case occurs in at least some of the games from the next game after the game in which the first condition is satisfied [for example, the N+1 game in FIG. 33] to the game in which the specific event newly occurs, There are a plurality of reels (e.g., three), In a certain game (e.g., a game started in FIG. 34(a)), which is the second case, if the specific event (e.g., power outage and restoration) occurs in a situation (e.g., FIG. 34(f)) where there is at least one reel that has not yet been stopped (hereinafter referred to as an "unstopped reel"), the period after the specific event occurs in the certain game will be the first case (e.g., FIG. 34(d'), (e'), (f')) for the unstopped reel. A gaming machine characterized by the above. He explained about:

[0407] This gaming machine allows for a steady game progress by accepting a stop operation without waiting for detection by the detection means except for the first play after the specific event occurs. However, since the specific event may cause the reel symbol position to become unclear or misaligned, the reel can be stopped in the correct position by accepting a stop operation after detection by the detection means after the specific event occurs. Examples of specific events include power-on (power restoration), detection of the opening of the front door 102, a reel performance, and a setting change. When these events occur, the symbol position must be reacquired. Furthermore, in the second case, the stop operations of all stop operation means are enabled, but the stop operation of a certain stop operation means is not enabled, preventing a jam in the middle of a stop operation such as "first stop → second stop → third stop" (pressing the button before it is enabled and the button does not stop) and preventing a mistake in the pressing order (operating before the button is enabled and the Nth operation becoming the N-1th operation). Furthermore, if the specific event occurs in a situation where the unstopped reel is in a certain game, and the stoppable state is not set for the unstopped reel in the certain game after the specific event has occurred until the detection means has detected the reference position, it is possible to prevent frame misalignment of the reel in the certain game, and the unstopped reel can be stopped in the appropriate position even after the specific event has occurred while the reel is rotating.

[0408] Also, "The specific event is the occurrence of a power outage and the recovery from the power outage. A gaming machine characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0409] According to the above description, "A control means for controlling the progress of the game (for example, a main control means 300), Rotatable reels [e.g., reels 110-112], A stop operation means (e.g., a stop button unit 136) for performing a stop operation to stop the rotating reel; A detection means (for example, a rotation detection device 606) capable of detecting a reference position of the reel (for example, a position where a light-shielding piece is provided); A gaming machine equipped with The control means is a means capable of executing control (e.g., brake control) to stop the spinning reels when the stop operation is performed in a stoppable state (e.g., a state in which stop button enable information is set), There is a first case (for example, in the case of the Nth game shown in FIG. 33) in which the first condition is satisfied after the second condition is satisfied after the rotation of the reel is started (for example, in the case of the left reel 110, FIG. 33(f')), and the stop-enabling state is set (for example, execution of step S310j shown in FIG. 27). There is a second case (for example, the N+1 game shown in FIG. 33) in which the stop-enabling state is set (for example, execution of step S208c shown in FIG. 23) even if the first condition is not satisfied after the second condition is satisfied after the rotation of the reels has started, The first condition is that the reference position is detected by the detection means (for example, in the case of the left reel 110, it is detected at the timing of FIG. 33(f')). The second condition is that the rotation state of the reel is a constant speed state in which the reel rotates at a constant speed (for example, a constant speed state under second constant speed control), The first case occurs in a game (for example, the Nth game in FIG. 33) in which the first stop operation is required after a specific event (for example, the power-on, reel effects including pseudo games, detection of opening of the front door 102, etc., as described with reference to FIGS. 33 to 36) has occurred. The second case occurs in at least some of the games from the next game after the game in which the first condition is satisfied [for example, the N+1 game in FIG. 33] to the game in which the specific event newly occurs, It is configured to be able to determine a first winning result (for example, a 100% winning combination such as a replay combination or a small winning combination) that can lead to a first stop display result (for example, a replay combination or a bell combination), When the first stop display result is derived, a first process (for example, a winning determination process, a payout process, a bonus award process, or a performance process) related to the first stop display result is performed. In the second case, in a game in which the first winning result (for example, winning a replay role) is determined, if a special event (for example, an event caused by a frame shift) occurs, the first processing (for example, processing to reset the number of bets, processing to light up the replay lamp 122) is performed even if the first stop display result is not derived (for example, FIG. 37(d)). A gaming machine characterized by the above. He explained about:

[0410] This gaming machine allows for a steady game progress by accepting a stop operation without waiting for detection by the detection means except for the first play after the specific event occurs. However, since the specific event may cause the reel symbol position to become unclear or misaligned, the reel can be stopped in the correct position by accepting a stop operation after detection by the detection means after the specific event occurs. Examples of specific events include power-on (power restoration), detection of the opening of the front door 102, a reel performance, and a setting change. When these events occur, the symbol position must be reacquired. Furthermore, in the second case, the stop operations of all stop operation means are enabled, but the stop operation of a certain stop operation means is not enabled, preventing a jam in the middle of a stop operation such as "first stop → second stop → third stop" (pressing the button before it is enabled and the button does not stop) and preventing a mistake in the pressing order (operating before the button is enabled and the Nth operation becoming the N-1th operation). Furthermore, if a frame shift occurs due to an unexpected event, even if the stop display result is different from the first stop display result that should have been stopped, the first stop display result that should have been stopped can be displayed and, for example, a winning determination can be made, thereby preventing the player from suffering a loss (for example, missing out on a small winning combination).

[0411] The first process may include a plurality of types of processes. Also, instead of the first process related to the first stopped display result, a process related to a game may be included.

[0412] Also, "The special event is when the position of the reel in the rotation direction that the control means grasps based on the reference position detected by the detection means differs from the actual position of the reel in the rotation direction, causing the reel to stop (for example, when a reel that has undergone frame shifting is displayed as stopped off from the winning line). A gaming machine characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0413] Also, "The first winning result is a winning result that leads to the first stop display result regardless of the mode of the stop operation [for example, a winning combination with 100% draw], The special event is that the first stop display result (for example, a replay combination or a bell combination) is not derived. A gaming machine characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0414] Also, "The first process is a process of granting a player a privilege (for example, gaming media, points, a right to replay, a right to transition to a gaming state, etc.) when the first stop display result is derived. A gaming machine characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0415] The benefit may be a gaming value (gaming media or points), a right to play again, or a right to transition to a gaming state.

[0416] Also, "The first processing is a processing to execute a first effect (for example, a display effect, a light emission effect, a sound output effect, a movable body effect, a reel effect, etc.) corresponding to the first stop display result when the first stop display result is derived. A gaming machine characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0417] The effect may be an effect executed by the sub-controllers 400, 500 (for example, an effect in the effect image display device 157, an effect in various lamps 420 (upper lamp, lower lamp, side lamp 144, title panel 162 lamp, etc.), an effect in speakers 272, 277, an effect in a movable body such as the shutter 163, etc.), or an effect executed by the main controller 300 (for example, an effect using the reels 110-112 (freeze effect, etc.) or an effect using the reel lighting device 608, etc.).

[0418] According to the above description, "Control means for controlling the progress of the game, for example, main control means 300; Rotatable reels [e.g., reels 110-112], A stop operation means (e.g., a stop button unit 136) for performing a stop operation to stop the rotating reel; A detection means (for example, a rotation detection device 606) capable of detecting a reference position of the reel (for example, a position where a light-shielding piece is provided (index position IP)) A gaming machine equipped with The control means is a means capable of executing control (e.g., brake control) to stop the spinning reels when the stop operation is performed in a stoppable state (e.g., a state in which stop button enable information is set), There is a first case (for example, in the case of the Nth game shown in FIG. 33) in which the first condition is satisfied after the second condition is satisfied after the rotation of the reel is started (for example, in the case of the left reel 110, FIG. 33(f')), and the stop-enabling state is set (for example, execution of step S310j shown in FIG. 27). There is a second case (for example, the N+1 game shown in FIG. 33) in which the stop-enabling state is set (for example, execution of step S208c shown in FIG. 23) even if the first condition is not satisfied after the second condition is satisfied after the rotation of the reels has started, The first condition is that the reference position is detected by the detection means (for example, in the case of the left reel 110, it is detected at the timing of FIG. 33(f')). The second condition is that the rotation state of the reel is a constant speed state in which the reel rotates at a constant speed (for example, a constant speed state under second constant speed control), The first case occurs in a game (for example, the Nth game in FIG. 33) in which the first stop operation is required after a specific event (for example, the power-on, reel effects including pseudo games, detection of opening of the front door 102, etc., as described with reference to FIGS. 33 to 36) has occurred. The second case occurs in at least some of the games from the next game after the game in which the first condition is satisfied [for example, the N+1 game in FIG. 33] to the game in which the specific event newly occurs, The stop button LEDs 137a to 139a are provided to notify the player that the game is in the stoppable state. The gaming machine is configured so that when a stop operation is performed on the reel [for example, the left reel 110 in the example of FIG. 38(a)] at a specific operation timing [for example, an operation timing aimed at stopping the BAR symbol number 15 in the lower or middle row of the symbol display window 113], it becomes easier to grasp the internal winning result [for example, a small role of cherry] than when the stop operation is performed at an operation timing different from the specific operation timing [for example, an operation timing when a symbol around the number 5 appears in the symbol display window 113], The specific operation timing is a timing for a specific area of ​​the reel (for example, a derived target area TRA called a DDT point) (for example, a timing for aiming at the derived target area TRA), The reel has the reference position (e.g., index position IP) in an area different from the specific area (e.g., an area shifted in the reel rotation direction), A gaming machine characterized by the above. He explained about:

[0419] Also, The gaming machine is provided with a visible area (e.g., a symbol display window 113) through which the player can see the reels, the notification means is a means capable of notifying in a first mode [for example, a first light-emitting mode (for example, a red light-emitting mode)] as a notification mode, the notification means is a means capable of notifying in a second mode [for example, a second light-emitting mode (for example, a blue light-emitting mode)] as a notification mode, The first mode is a mode indicating that the device is not in the stoppable state, The second mode is a mode indicating that the device is in the stoppable state, a first time period (e.g., the time it takes for the reel to move two frames) is set as the time period until the first condition is satisfied and the notification mode of the notification means changes from the first mode to the second mode; The specific area is an area that the reel does not pass through the visible area in the rotation direction during rotation until the first time period has elapsed (for example, the specific area is three frames or more away from the reference position). A gaming machine characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0420] In the above description, "A control means for controlling the progress of the game [for example, a main control means 300], Rotatable reels [e.g., reels 110-112], A stop operation means (e.g., a stop button unit 136) for performing a stop operation to stop the rotating reel; A detection means (for example, a rotation detection device 606) capable of detecting a reference position of the reel (for example, a position where a light-shielding piece is provided); A gaming machine equipped with The control means is a means capable of executing control (e.g., brake control) to stop the spinning reels when the stop operation is performed in a stoppable state (e.g., a state in which stop button enable information is set), There is a first case (for example, in the case of the Nth game shown in FIG. 33) in which the first condition is satisfied after the second condition is satisfied after the rotation of the reel is started (for example, in the case of the left reel 110, FIG. 33(f')), and the stop-enabling state is set (for example, execution of step S310j shown in FIG. 27). There is a second case (for example, the N+1 game shown in FIG. 33) in which the stop-enabling state is set (for example, execution of step S208c shown in FIG. 23) even if the first condition is not satisfied after the second condition is satisfied after the rotation of the reels has started, The first condition is that the reference position is detected by the detection means (for example, in the case of the left reel 110, it is detected at the timing of FIG. 33(f')). The second condition is that the rotation state of the reel is a constant speed state in which the reel rotates at a constant speed (for example, a constant speed state under second constant speed control), The first case occurs in the first game after the specific event occurs [for example, the Nth game in FIG. 33]. The second case occurs in at least some of the games from the next game after the game in which the first condition is satisfied [for example, the N+1 game in FIG. 33] to the game in which the specific event newly occurs, The specific event is the start of power supply to the gaming machine (for example, power on (power restoration)). A gaming machine characterized by the above. He explained about:

[0421] With this gaming machine, except for the first game after the specific event of power supply to the gaming machine is initiated, the stop operation is accepted without waiting for detection by the detection means, allowing for a smooth gameplay. However, since there is a possibility that the reels may be touched during maintenance during a power outage and shifted in position, the stop operation can be accepted after detection by the detection means after power is restored, allowing the reels to stop in the correct position. Setting changes also require power restoration. Because a setting change initializes the area storing the reel positions, the stop operation becomes effective after detection by the detection means, even after a setting change. In the case of a power outage and power restoration without a setting change, if the stop operation is enabled without waiting for detection by the detection means, the difference in the timing of the activation could reveal whether the setting has been changed, potentially affecting the operation of the gaming machine immediately after opening. Therefore, by matching the behavior during setting changes and power restoration, it is possible to make it difficult to tell whether the setting has been changed.

[0422] The reel has a plurality of types of symbols applied along the rotation direction, and the detection means is capable of outputting a detection signal for identifying the position of the stopped display of the plurality of types of symbols applied to the reel. That is, the detection means outputs the detection signal when it detects the reference position (the same applies hereinafter).

[0423] Furthermore, a game in which the first condition is satisfied is a game in which the specific event does not occur (the same applies hereinafter).

[0424] Furthermore, if a specified event other than the specified event (for example, a reel presentation or door opening detection) occurs during the play from the next play until the specific event occurs, the first case will occur, not the second case, and therefore the at least a portion of the play refers to the play from the next play until the specific event occurs until the specified event occurs, and if the specified event does not occur, it will be all of the play from the next play until the specific event occurs.

[0425] Furthermore, in a game in which the specific event occurs, there are cases where the first case occurs and cases where the second case occurs. For example, when door opening is detected, if the constant speed is reached before the initial acceleration information becomes 0, it is the second case, and if the initial acceleration information becomes 0 before the constant speed is reached, it is the first case. After the reel performance, the acceleration information initialization completion flag is cleared and the initial acceleration information becomes 0, so the first case occurs without fail. Immediately after power is restored, the acceleration information initialization completion flag is cleared and the initial acceleration information becomes 0, so the first case occurs without fail (the same applies hereinafter).

[0426] The reel may be one reel or multiple reels.

[0427] Furthermore, in the above description, "A control means for controlling the progress of the game [for example, a main control means 300], Rotatable reels [e.g., reels 110-112], A stop operation means (e.g., a stop button unit 136) for performing a stop operation to stop the rotating reel; A detection means (for example, a rotation detection device 606) capable of detecting a reference position of the reel (for example, a position where a light-shielding piece is provided); A gaming machine equipped with The control means is a means capable of executing control (e.g., brake control) to stop the spinning reels when the stop operation is performed in a stoppable state (e.g., a state in which stop button enable information is set), There is a first case (for example, the case of the Nth game shown in FIG. 35) in which the stop-enabling state is set (for example, execution of step S310j shown in FIG. 27) when the first condition is satisfied after the second condition is satisfied after the rotation of the reels has started, There is a second case (for example, the N+1 game shown in FIG. 35) in which the stop-enabling state is set (for example, execution of step S208c shown in FIG. 23) even if the first condition is not satisfied after the second condition is satisfied after the rotation of the reels has started, The first condition is that the reference position is detected by the detection means (for example, the reel index is ON in the Nth game in FIG. 35 ), The second condition is that the rotation state of the reel is a constant speed state in which the reel rotates at a constant speed (for example, a constant speed state under second constant speed control), The first case is a game in which the first stop operation is required after a specific event occurs (for example, a game started by a pseudo start after a pseudo stop, or a game started by a random delay process after an automatic stop due to reel action). The second case occurs in at least some of the games from the next game after the game in which the first condition is satisfied [for example, the N+1 game in FIG. 35] to the game in which the specific event newly occurs, The specific event is the occurrence of an effect using the reels (for example, a pseudo stop, an automatic stop due to reel action), A gaming machine characterized by the above. He explained about:

[0428] According to this gaming machine, except for the first stop operation after the performance using the reel, the stop operation can be accepted without waiting for detection by the detection means, allowing the game to proceed at a good tempo. On the other hand, for example, when reverse rotation is involved, it may be impossible to determine the direction in which the light-blocking piece is detected (it is unclear whether it is forward or reverse rotation with just one light-blocking piece), or the reel may step out during reel action or stop at an unintended position, so after the performance using the reel, the stop operation can be accepted after detection by the detection means, allowing the reel to stop at the correct position.

[0429] It should be noted that "effects using reels" include bounce stop, reverse spin, freeze, and also pseudo games. Among these effects, for reverse spin, freeze, and pseudo games, which involve start and stop operations, the detection by the detection means is required for the first stop operation after these effects (the same applies hereinafter).

[0430] Furthermore, if a specified event other than the specified event [for example, power-on (restore) or door opening detection] occurs during the play from the next play to the occurrence of the specific event, the first case will occur rather than the second case, and therefore the at least a portion of the play refers to the play from the next play to the occurrence of the specific event up until the specified event occurs, and if the specified event does not occur, it will be all of the play from the next play to the occurrence of the specific event.

[0431] The reel may be one reel or multiple reels.

[0432] Furthermore, in the above description, "A control means for controlling the progress of the game [for example, a main control means 300], A number of spinnable reels (e.g., three reels 110-112) and stop operation means (e.g., three stop buttons 137 to 139) provided in one-to-one correspondence for each of the reels constituting the plurality of reels, for performing a stop operation to stop the rotation of the corresponding reel; a detection means (e.g., a rotation detection device 606) provided on each of the plurality of reels and capable of detecting the reference position of the reel (e.g., the light-shielding piece 612D in the case of the left reel 110); A gaming machine equipped with The control means is a means capable of executing control (e.g., brake control) to stop the rotation of the corresponding reel when the stop operation is performed in a stoppable state (e.g., a state in which stop button enable information is set), When the first condition is satisfied after the second condition is satisfied on the plurality of reels after the rotation of the plurality of reels has started, the stop-enabling state is set (for example, There is a first case in which step S310j shown in FIG. 27 is executed on a reel-by-reel basis, rather than on a reel-by-reel basis. There is a second case in which the stop-enabling state is set even if the first condition is not satisfied after the second condition is satisfied on the reels after the rotation of the reels has started (for example, execution of step S208c shown in FIG. 23 on an all-reel basis, not on an individual rule basis), the first condition is that the reference position is detected by the detection means, The second condition is that the rotation state of the plurality of reels is a constant speed state in which the reels rotate at a constant speed (for example, a constant speed state under second constant speed control), The first case occurs in a game in which the first stop operation is required after a specific event occurs, The second case occurs in at least a part of the games from the game following the game in which the first condition is satisfied until the specific event newly occurs. A gaming machine characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0433] This gaming machine allows for a steady game progress by accepting a stop operation without waiting for detection by the detection means except for the first play after the specific event occurs. However, since the specific event may cause the reel symbol position to become unclear or misaligned, the reel can be stopped in the correct position by accepting a stop operation after detection by the detection means after the specific event occurs. Examples of specific events include power-on (power restoration), detection of the opening of the front door 102, a reel performance, and a setting change. When these events occur, the symbol position must be reacquired. Furthermore, in the second case, the stop operations of all stop operation means are enabled, but the stop operation of a certain stop operation means is not enabled, preventing a jam in the middle of a stop operation such as "first stop → second stop → third stop" (pressing the button before it is enabled and the button does not stop) and preventing a mistake in the pressing order (operating before the button is enabled and the Nth operation becoming the N-1th operation).

[0434] In this gaming machine, if the reference positions of all the reels are not detected, none of the reels will be in a stoppable state, and all the reels will be in a stoppable state. In this case, the reel whose reference position was detected first will also be in a stoppable state, in accordance with the reel whose reference position was detected last among the reels.

[0435] Furthermore, in the above description, "A control means for controlling the progress of the game [for example, a main control means 300], a front door [e.g., front door 102]; an opening detection means (e.g., a door opening sensor) capable of detecting the opening of the front door; A plurality of rotatable reels [e.g., reels 110-112]; a stop operation means (e.g., a stop button unit 136) provided for each of the reels constituting the plurality of reels in one-to-one correspondence, for performing a stop operation to stop the rotation of the corresponding reel; a detection means (e.g., a rotation detection device 606) provided on each of the plurality of reels and capable of detecting a reference position of the reel (e.g., a position where a light-shielding piece is provided); A gaming machine equipped with The control means is a means capable of executing control (e.g., brake control) to stop the rotation of the corresponding reel when the stop operation is performed in a stoppable state (e.g., a state in which stop button enable information is set), There is a first case (for example, the case of the N+1th game and the case of the N+2th game shown in FIG. 36) in which, after the rotation of the plurality of reels has started, the stop-enabling state is set (for example, the execution of step S310j shown in FIG. 27) when the first condition is satisfied after the second condition is satisfied for each reel among the plurality of reels, There is a second case (for example, the case of the N+3 game shown in FIG. 36) in which, after the rotation of the plurality of reels has started, the stop-enabling state is set for each of the plurality of reels even if the first condition is not satisfied after the second condition is satisfied (for example, execution of step S208c shown in FIG. 23), The first condition is that the reference position is detected by the detection means (for example, in the case of the left reel 110, it is detected at the timing of FIG. 33(f')). The second condition is that the rotation state of the reel is a constant speed state in which the reel rotates at a constant speed (for example, a constant speed state under second constant speed control), The first game after the specific event occurs (for example, the N+1 game in FIG. 36) is the first case. The second case occurs in at least some of the games from the game (for example, the N+3 game in FIG. 36) following the game in which the first condition is satisfied (for example, the N+2 game in FIG. 36) to the game in which the specific event newly occurs, The specific event is the detection of the opening of the front door by the opening detection means. A gaming machine characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0436] According to this gaming machine, except for the first game after the opening of the front door is detected, the stop operation can be accepted without waiting for detection by the detection means, allowing the game to proceed at a good tempo. On the other hand, since there is a possibility that the reels may be touched and shifted in position during maintenance while the front door is open, in the first game after the opening of the front door is detected, the stop operation can be accepted after detection by the detection means, allowing the reels to stop in the correct position.

[0437] Furthermore, if a specified event other than the specified event [for example, power-on (restore) or reel presentation] occurs during the play from the next play until the occurrence of the specific event, the first case will occur, not the second case, and therefore the at least a portion of the play refers to the play from the next play until the occurrence of the specific event until the specified event occurs, and if the specified event does not occur, it will be all of the play from the next play until the occurrence of the specific event.

[0438] The reel may be a plurality of reels or may be one of the plurality of reels.

[0439] Furthermore, in the above description, "A control means for controlling the progress of the game [for example, a main control means 300], a front door [e.g., front door 102]; an opening detection means (e.g., a door opening sensor) capable of detecting the opening of the front door; A number of spinnable reels (e.g., three reels 110-112) and stop operation means (e.g., three stop buttons 137 to 139) provided in one-to-one correspondence for each of the reels constituting the plurality of reels, for performing a stop operation to stop the rotation of the corresponding reel; a detection means (e.g., a rotation detection device 606) provided on each of the plurality of reels and capable of detecting the reference position of the reel (e.g., the light-shielding piece 612D in the case of the left reel 110); A gaming machine equipped with The control means is a means capable of executing control (e.g., brake control) to stop the rotation of the corresponding reel when the stop operation is performed in a stoppable state (e.g., a state in which stop button enable information is set), There is a first case in which, after the rotation of the plurality of reels has started, the stop-enabling state is set when the first condition is satisfied after the second condition is satisfied on the plurality of reels (for example, execution of step S310j shown in FIG. 27 on an all-reel basis, not on an individual rule basis), There is a second case in which, after the rotation of the plurality of reels has started, the stop-enabling state is set on the plurality of reels even if the first condition is not satisfied after the second condition is satisfied (for example, step S208c shown in FIG. 23 is executed on an all-reel basis, not on an individual rule basis), the first condition is that the reference position is detected by the detection means, The second condition is that the rotation state of the plurality of reels is a constant speed state in which the reels rotate at a constant speed (for example, a constant speed state under second constant speed control), The first case occurs in the first game after the specific event occurs. The second case occurs in at least some of the games from the game following the game in which the first condition is satisfied until the specific event newly occurs, The specific event is the detection of the opening of the front door by the opening detection means. A gaming machine characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0440] According to this gaming machine, except for the first game after the front door is detected to be open, the stop operation is accepted without waiting for detection by the detection means, allowing the game to proceed at a good tempo. Meanwhile, since there is a possibility that the reels may be touched and displaced during maintenance while the front door is open, the stop operation is accepted after detection by the detection means in the first game after the front door is detected to be open, so the reels can be stopped in the correct position. Also, in the second case, the stop operations of all stop operation means are enabled, but the stop operation of a certain stop operation means is not enabled, preventing a stop operation such as "first stop → second stop → third stop" from being stuck midway (pressing it but not being enabled and not stopping) and resulting in a mistake in the pressing order (operating before the enablement occurs and the Nth operation becoming the N-1th operation).

[0441] In this gaming machine, if the reference positions of all the reels are not detected, none of the reels will be in a stoppable state, and all the reels will be in a stoppable state. In this case, the reel whose reference position was detected first will also be in a stoppable state, in accordance with the reel whose reference position was detected last among the reels.

[0442] Furthermore, if a specified event other than the specified event [for example, power-on (restore) or reel presentation] occurs during the play from the next play until the occurrence of the specific event, the first case will occur, not the second case, and therefore the at least a portion of the play refers to the play from the next play until the occurrence of the specific event until the specified event occurs, and if the specified event does not occur, it will be all of the play from the next play until the occurrence of the specific event.

[0443] Also, "The reel can transition from the acceleration state to the constant speed state before the reel completes one revolution after starting to rotate. A gaming machine characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0444] This gaming machine allows for one-round pressing, allowing for good tempo gaming. Also, "Informing means (e.g., stop button LEDs 137a to 139a) capable of informing that the device is in the stoppable state, the notification means is means for indicating that the stop-enabling state is not established in a first manner (for example, by emitting red light), the notification means is means for indicating that the stoppable state is in a second manner (for example, by emitting blue light), In the first case, when the first condition is satisfied after the second condition is satisfied, the notification means changes from the first mode to the second mode [for example, at the timing (f') shown in Figure 33], In the second case, when the second condition is satisfied, the notification means changes from the first mode to the second mode even if the first condition is not satisfied [for example, at the timing (c) shown in Figure 33]. A gaming machine characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0445] According to this gaming machine, by matching the effective timing of the stop operation with the notification timing, a suitable gaming machine can be provided. Specifically, if the notification is given before the effective timing, the player may intend to perform the second stop operation but actually perform the first stop operation, which may lead to a mistake in the pressing order, but this can be prevented. Also, if the notification is given after the effective timing, the player's game progress speed may be suppressed, which may lead to a decrease in the operation of the gaming machine, but this can be prevented.

[0446] Also, "The control means is a means capable of outputting a plurality of types of signals to an external test device via a relay board (e.g., an IF board), the plurality of types of signals include a first signal (e.g., a stoppable signal) indicating the stoppable state, In the first case, when the first condition is satisfied after the second condition is satisfied, the first signal is output (for example, the stop enable signal is output at the timing when step S310j shown in FIG. 27 is executed), In the second case, if the second condition is satisfied, the first signal is output even if the first condition is not satisfied (for example, the stop enable signal is output at the timing when step S208c shown in FIG. 23 is executed). A gaming machine characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0447] According to this gaming machine, the gaming machine can be subjected to a model test in the same environment as when it is installed in a gaming parlor, making it possible to provide a legal gaming machine.

[0448] Also, "A determination means (e.g., the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300) is provided, There is first information [for example, initial acceleration information=1] that is set when the reference position is detected by the detection means, There is specific information (e.g., an acceleration information initialization completion flag) used to initialize the first information, the specific information is information that is set when the specific event occurs, The determination means is a means for executing a determination process of whether or not the specific information has been set (for example, the determination process of step S10571 shown in FIG. 17, or the determination process of step S1282c1 shown in FIG. 14). A gaming machine characterized by the above. He also explained.

[0449] According to this gaming machine, by using the second information instead of directly clearing the first information upon the occurrence of the specific event, even when a stop operation is enabled after detecting a light blocking piece due to an event other than power-on (power-recovery) (e.g., a door opening or a reel display), processing can be standardized, thereby improving flexibility in gaming machine development. For example, if the first information were initialized directly upon the occurrence of the specific event, it would also be initialized upon the occurrence of the specific event during reel rotation, making the timing of enabling the stop operation within the game variable, resulting in complex control processing (increased exception processing and interrupt processing) and reduced usability of the stop operation (impairing smooth stop operation and encouraging incorrect operation sequences). Therefore, by providing the second information for initializing the first information and initializing the first information at a specific timing, the timing of enabling the stop operation within the game due to the occurrence of the specific event during reel rotation is prevented from becoming variable, and a unified process for enabling the stop operation can be achieved, achieving highly versatile control.

[0450] Also, "The game machine further includes a start operation means (e.g., a start lever 135) for performing a start operation to start the rotation of the reel, The gaming machine is characterized in that the determination process is executed at a certain timing after the start operation and before the stop operation [for example, the timing of step S10571 in the reel spin start process, or the timing of step S1282c1 in the reel spin start process of a pseudo game]. He also explained.

[0451] According to this gaming machine, the judgment process is carried out between the start operation and the second condition is satisfied, and this can be reflected in the change of the notification means to the second mode.

[0452] Furthermore, in the above description, "A control means for controlling the progress of the game [for example, a main control unit 300], Rotatable reels [e.g., reels 110-112], A start operation means (e.g., a start lever 135) for performing a start operation to start the rotation of the reel; A stop operation means (e.g., a stop button unit 136) for performing a stop operation to stop the rotating reel; A detection means (for example, a rotation detection device 606) capable of detecting a reference position of the rotating reel (for example, a position where a light-shielding piece is provided); A specific information setting unit (e.g., CPU 304 of the main control unit 300) that sets specific information (e.g., initial acceleration information) (e.g., sets 0); A determination means (for example, the CPU 304 of the main control unit 300) that executes a determination process (for example, the determination process of step S2082 shown in FIG. 23) of whether the specific information has been updated or not. A first specific event may occur on the gaming machine, A second specific event may occur on the gaming machine, The control means is a means capable of executing control (e.g., brake control) to stop the spinning reels when the stop operation is performed in a stoppable state (e.g., a state in which stop button enable information is set), There is a first case (for example, the case of N game numbers shown in FIG. 33) in which the reference position is detected by the detection means (for example, FIG. 33(f') for the left reel 110) after the rotation of the reels has started and the rotation state of the reels has reached a constant speed state (for example, FIG. 33(c')) in which the reels rotate at a constant speed, and the stoppable state is set (for example, execution of step S310j shown in FIG. 27). After the rotation of the reel starts and the rotation state of the reel becomes the constant speed state (for example, FIG. 33(c)), even if the reference position is not detected by the detection means, the stop There is a second case (for example, the N+1 game shown in FIG. 33) in which the possible state is set (for example, execution of step S208c shown in FIG. 23), The specific information means is a means for setting the specific information when the first specific event occurs (for example, performing step S10573 shown in FIG. 17 since the acceleration information initialization completion flag is cleared in step S1011 shown in FIG. 12), the specific information means is means for setting the specific information when the second specific event occurs (for example, when an event different from the first specific event occurs, the acceleration information initialization completion flag is cleared, and step S10573 shown in FIG. 17 is performed), When the specific information is set (for example, when the initial acceleration information is set to 0), the first case is reached. When the specific information is not set (for example, when the initial acceleration information is 1), the second case is reached. The determination process is executed at a certain timing (for example, the timing of step S10571 in the reel spin start process) after the start operation and before the stop operation, regardless of the occurrence of any specific event, When the reference position is detected by the detection means, the non-setting state is established (for example, step S310i1 shown in FIG. 27). The first specific event is the start of power supply to the gaming machine (for example, power on (power restoration)), A gaming machine characte...

Claims

1. A control means for controlling the progress of a game; A rotatable reel; a stop operation means for performing a stop operation to stop the reel that is rotating; a detection means capable of detecting a reference position of the reel; A gaming machine equipped with the control means is means capable of executing control to stop the reels that are spinning when the stop operation is performed in a stoppable state, There is a first case in which the stop-enabling state is set when a second condition is satisfied after the rotation of the reels has started and then a first condition is satisfied; There is a second case in which the stop-enabling state is set even if the first condition is not satisfied after the second condition is satisfied after the rotation of the reels has started, the first condition is that the reference position is detected by the detection means, The second condition is that the reel is in a constant speed state where it rotates at a constant speed, The first case occurs in a game in which the first stop operation is required after a specific event occurs, The second case occurs in at least some of the games from the game following the game in which the first condition is satisfied until the specific event newly occurs, A first winning result from which a first stop display result can be derived is determined, When the first stop display result is derived, a first process related to the first stop display result is performed; In the second case, when a special event occurs in a game in which the first winning result has been determined, the first processing is performed even if the first stop display result is not derived. A gaming machine characterized by the above.

2. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, The special event is that the position of the reel in the rotation direction that the control means grasps based on the reference position detected by the detection means differs from the actual position of the reel in the rotation direction, causing the reel to stop. A gaming machine characterized by the above.

3. 2. The gaming machine according to claim 1, The first winning result is a winning result from which the first stop display result is derived regardless of the mode of the stop operation, The special event is that the first stop display result is not derived. A gaming machine characterized by the above.

4. The gaming machine according to claim 2 or 3, The first process is a process of awarding a bonus to a player when the first stop display result is derived. A gaming machine characterized by the above.

5. The gaming machine according to claim 2 or 3, The first processing is a processing for executing a first effect corresponding to the first stop display result when the first stop display result is derived. A gaming machine characterized by the above.

Images