Slot machine

Abstract

The objective is to provide a slot machine with improved processing regarding whether or not to perform advantageous control depending on the mode of operation. [Solution] The main control unit 161 determines whether the button press sequence for the game is such that the left reel is the first stop during the advantageous period in which advantageous control can be executed. If it determines that the left reel is the first stop, advantageous control can be executed at the time the next game start operation is performed. If it determines that the left reel is not the first stop, the execution of advantageous control is restricted at the time the next game start operation is performed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a slot machine capable of generating a predetermined winning according to the display result of a variable display unit capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of discriminable identification information.

Background Art

[0002] As this type of slot machine, when operated in the first operation mode, a winning that grants a game value can occur, but no advantageous state transition-related determination regarding the transition to an advantageous state is made. When operated in the second operation mode, a game value that grants a game value cannot be granted, but there is a type that makes an advantageous state transition-related determination (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Regarding the slot machine that performs a process of whether to perform advantageous control according to the operation mode, as described in Patent Document 1, there is room for improvement.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine improved in the process of whether to perform advantageous control according to the operation mode.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) capable of variably displaying a plurality of types of discriminable identification information is provided. In a slot machine (slot machine 1) that derives a display result by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit and can generate a winning according to the display result. A favorable control means (main control unit 161) capable of performing favorable control (processing such as lotteries related to control to CZ state, AT1 state, and AT2 state), A section control means (main control unit 161) capable of controlling the section to either a normal section in which the advantageous control is not performed, or an advantageous section in which the advantageous control may be performed, The player operates a derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) to derive the displayed result, A specific operation mode determination means (main control unit 161) determines whether the operation mode of the derivation operation means in the game is a specific operation mode (a pressing sequence in which a reel other than the left reel is stopped first), A specific information setting means (main control unit 161) is set to which specific information (setting / not setting of advantageous control flag) indicating the determination result by the specific operation mode determination means is set, Equipped with, The advantageous control means can execute the advantageous control in subsequent games (at the time the next game is started) if specific information indicating that the operation is not in the specific mode is set (if the advantageous control flag is set), and restricts the execution of the advantageous control in subsequent games (at the time the next game is started) if specific information indicating that the operation is in the specific mode is set (if the advantageous control flag is not set). The interval control means terminates the advantageous interval in a game if the advantageous interval termination condition is met (the advantageous interval termination flag is set) in that game. Regardless of whether the aforementioned advantageous period termination condition is met in a game (a game in which the advantageous period termination flag is set), the specific operation mode determination means determines whether the operation mode of the derivation operation means in that game is a specific operation mode, and specific information (setting / not setting of the advantageous control flag) indicating the determination result by the specific operation mode determination means is set. The system is equipped with the aforementioned derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) corresponding to each of the multiple variable display units (reels 2L, 2C, 2R), It can be controlled to have a normal state (internal, non-internal) and a special state (BB state) which is entered when a special display result (special role) is derived in the normal state. In the aforementioned special state (BB state), the advantageous control is not performed. A value indicating the first derivation operation means operated (stop reception information) is stored in a specific storage area (a specific area of ​​RAM161c), and by referring to the value (stop reception information) stored in the specific storage area, it is determined whether or not the operation mode of the derivation operation means is a specific operation mode (a pressing sequence in which a reel other than the left reel is stopped first). Regardless of whether the special state (BB state) is present or not, the value indicating the first derivation operation means (stop reception information) is stored in the specific storage area (specific area of ​​RAM161c). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, even if the conditions for ending the advantageous period are met in a game during the advantageous period, and the game is not controlled by the advantageous period from the next game onward, and no advantageous control is performed from the next game onward, a determination is made as to whether or not a specific operation pattern is in place, and specific information indicating the result of that determination is set, thereby ensuring that the operation pattern in that game is reflected in the advantageous control from the next game onward.

[0007] Furthermore, the present invention may have only the inventive features described in the claims of the present invention, or it may have the inventive features described in the claims of the present invention along with other features not described therein. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This is a front view of the card unit and slot machine in Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the card unit and slot machine in Example 1. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating the transitions in the game state of the slot machine in Example 1. [Figure 4]It is a diagram showing a game start command that the main control unit transmits to the effect control unit when the start switch is operated in the slot machine of Example 1. [Figure 5] It shows a game end command that the main control unit transmits to the effect control unit at the third stop in the slot machine of Example 1. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing the types of commands that the main control unit transmits to the medal number control unit in the slot machine of Example 1. [Figure 7] It is a diagram showing the types of commands that the medal number control unit transmits to the main control unit in the slot machine of Example 1. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of communication between the main control unit and the medal number control unit in the slot machine of Example 1. [Figure 9] It is a diagram for explaining the communication of the medal number control side information command in the slot machine of Example 1. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing the communication flow between the main control unit and the medal number control unit from power-on in the slot machine of Example 1. [Figure 11] It is a diagram for explaining the bet number setting operation and the settlement operation in the slot machine of Example 1. [Figure 12] It is a diagram for explaining the display control of the payout number in the slot machine of Example 1. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing the memory area used by the main control unit in the slot machine of Example 1. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing the internal RAM area within the capacity used by the main control unit in the slot machine of Example 1. [Figure 15] It is a diagram for explaining the control content of the initial setting process (main control) performed by the main control unit in the slot machine of Example 1. [Figure 16] It is a diagram for explaining the control content of the external RAM initialization process performed by the main control unit in the slot machine of Example 1. [Figure 17] It is a diagram for explaining the control content of the setting change process performed by the main control unit in the slot machine of Example 1. [Figure 18] It is a diagram for explaining the control content of the main processing (main control) performed by the main control unit in the slot machine of the first embodiment. [Figure 19] It is a diagram for explaining the control content of the timer interrupt processing (main control) performed by the main control unit in the slot machine of the first embodiment. [Figure 20] It is a diagram for explaining the control content of the initial setting processing (medal count control) performed by the medal count control unit in the slot machine of the first embodiment. [Figure 21] It is a diagram for explaining the control content of the main processing (medal count control) performed by the medal count control unit in the slot machine of the first embodiment. [Figure 22] It is a diagram for explaining the control content of the timer interrupt processing (medal count control) performed by the medal count control unit in the slot machine of the first embodiment. [Figure 23] It is a diagram for explaining a part of the control content of the reel stop control processing performed by the main control unit in the slot machine of the first embodiment. [Figure 24] It is a diagram for explaining a part of the control content of the post payout control processing performed by the main control unit in the slot machine of the first embodiment. [Figure 25] It is a diagram for explaining a part of the control content of the pre payout control processing performed by the main control unit in the slot machine of the first embodiment. [Figure 26] It is a diagram for explaining the flow of the control content after the reel stops, which is performed by the main control unit in the slot machine of the first embodiment. [Figure 27] It is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the stop operation sequence and the advantageous control in the slot machine of the first embodiment. [Figure 28] It is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the stop operation sequence and the advantageous control in the slot machine of the first embodiment. [Figure 29] It is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the stop operation sequence and the advantageous control in the slot machine of the first embodiment. [Figure 30] It is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the stop operation sequence and the advantageous control in the slot machine of the first embodiment. [Figure 31]This diagram illustrates the relationship between the stop operation sequence and the advantage control in the slot machine of Example 1. [Figure 32] This diagram illustrates the relationship between the stop operation sequence and the advantage control in the slot machine of Example 1. [Figure 33] This diagram illustrates the relationship between the stop operation sequence and the advantage control in the slot machine of Example 1. [Figure 34] This diagram illustrates the relationship between the stop operation sequence and the advantage control in the slot machine of Example 1. [Figure 35] This diagram illustrates the relationship between the stop operation sequence and the advantage control in the slot machine of Example 1. [Figure 36] This figure illustrates a modified example of the control content of the pre-processing for payout control performed by the main control unit in the slot machine of Example 1. [Figure 37] This diagram illustrates the control content of the basic processing performed by the main control unit in the gaming machine of Example 2. [Figure 38] This diagram illustrates the control content of the timer interrupt processing performed by the main control unit in the gaming machine of Example 2. [Figure 39] This diagram shows the memory area of ​​the ROM used by the main control unit in the gaming machine of Example 2. [Figure 40] This diagram shows the configuration of the jump processing used by the main control unit in the gaming machine of Example 2. [Figure 41] This figure shows the usage ratio of JP instructions in the jump processing used by the main control unit in the gaming machine of Example 2, categorized by situation. [Figure 42] This figure shows the usage ratio of JR instructions in the jump processing used by the main control unit in the gaming machine of Example 2, categorized by situation. [Figure 43] This diagram shows the memory area of ​​the ROM used by the main control unit in the gaming machine of Example 3. [Figure 44] This figure shows an example of data for distinguishing the ROM of the control unit installed in the gaming machine of Example 3. [Figure 45] This figure shows a modified example of the data used to distinguish the ROM of the control unit installed in the gaming machine of Example 3. [Figure 46] This diagram shows the configuration of the winning lines in the slot machine of Example 4. [Figure 47] This figure shows the transitions in the game state of the slot machine in Example 4. [Figure 48] This figure shows the payout configuration and other details of the slot machine in Example 4. [Figure 49] This diagram illustrates the symbols in the slot machine of Example 4. [Figure 50] This diagram illustrates the stopping patterns in the slot machine of Example 4, according to the stopping order when a bell is played and a special win occurs. [Figure 51] This figure illustrates a modified example of the stopping symbols in the slot machine of Example 4, according to the stopping order when a bell + special win occurs. [Figure 52] This diagram illustrates the control related to the BB state and RB state in the slot machine of Example 4. [Figure 53] This diagram illustrates the effects related to the Big Bonus (BB) state and Regular Bonus (RB) state in the slot machine of Example 4. [Figure 54] This figure shows a modified example of the payout configuration in the slot machine of Example 4. [Figure 55] This diagram illustrates the visual effects during one game in the slot machine of Example 4. [Figure 56] This figure illustrates a modified example of the presentation during one game in the slot machine of Example 4. [Figure 57] This diagram illustrates a part of the control content of the game start waiting process performed by the main control unit in the slot machine of Example 4. [Figure 58] This figure shows the transitions in the game state of the slot machine in Example 5. [Figure 59] This figure shows the payout configuration of the slot machine in Example 5. [Figure 60] This diagram illustrates the control related to the BB state and RB state in the slot machine of Example 5. [Figure 61]This diagram illustrates the control related to the BB state and RB state in the slot machine of Example 5. [Figure 62] This figure shows the transitions in the game state of the slot machine in Example 6. [Figure 63] This figure shows the payout configuration and other details of the slot machine in Example 6. [Figure 64] This diagram illustrates the control related to the BB state and RB state in the slot machine of Example 6. [Figure 65] This diagram illustrates the control related to the BB state and RB state in the slot machine of Example 6. [Figure 66] This figure shows the transitions in the game state of the slot machine in Example 7. [Figure 67] This diagram illustrates the control related to the BB state and RB state in the slot machine of Example 7. [Figure 68] This diagram illustrates the control related to the BB state and RB state in the slot machine of Example 7. [Figure 69] This figure shows the transitions in the game state of the slot machine in Example 8. [Figure 70] This diagram illustrates the control related to the BB state and RB state in the slot machine of Example 8. [Figure 71] This diagram illustrates the control related to the BB state and RB state in the slot machine of Example 8. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] Embodiments for implementing the gaming machine according to the present invention will be described below based on examples.

[0010] [Form 1] (Form 1-1) The slot machine of type 1-1 is, It is equipped with a variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) that can display multiple types of identification information that can be identified by each unit, In a slot machine (slot machine 1) in which a display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit, and a prize can be awarded according to the display result, A favorable control means (main control unit 161) capable of performing favorable control (processing such as lotteries related to control to CZ state, AT1 state, and AT2 state), A section control means (main control unit 161) capable of controlling the section to either a normal section in which the advantageous control is not performed, or an advantageous section in which the advantageous control may be performed, The player operates a derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) to derive the displayed result, A specific operation mode determination means (main control unit 161) determines whether the operation mode of the derivation operation means in the game is a specific operation mode (a pressing sequence in which a reel other than the left reel is stopped first), Equipped with, The advantageous control means can execute the advantageous control in the next game or later (at the timing when the next game is started) if the specific operation mode determination means determines that it is not the specific operation mode (when it is determined that the left reel is the first stop), and restricts the execution of the advantageous control in the next game or later (at the timing when the next game is started) if the specific operation mode determination means determines that it is the specific operation mode (when it is determined that a reel other than the left reel is the first stop). The interval control means terminates the advantageous interval in a game if the advantageous interval termination condition is met (the advantageous interval termination flag is set) in that game. The specified operation mode determination means determines whether the operation mode of the derivation operation means in a game is a specified operation mode, regardless of whether the advantageous period termination condition has been met (i.e., the advantageous period termination flag has been set). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, even if the conditions for ending the advantageous period are met in a game during the advantageous period, and the game is not controlled by the advantageous period from the next game onward, and no advantageous control is performed from the next game onward, a determination is made as to whether or not a specific operation pattern is observed, thereby ensuring that the operation pattern in that game is reflected in the advantageous control from the next game onward.

[0011] (Form 1-2) Slot machines of type 1-2 are, It is equipped with a variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) that can display multiple types of identification information that can be identified by each unit, In a slot machine (slot machine 1) in which a display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit, and a prize can be awarded according to the display result, A favorable control means (main control unit 161) capable of performing favorable control (processing such as lotteries related to control to CZ state, AT1 state, and AT2 state), A section control means (main control unit 161) capable of controlling the section to either a normal section in which the advantageous control is not performed, or an advantageous section in which the advantageous control may be performed, The player operates a derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) to derive the displayed result, A specific operation mode determination means (main control unit 161) determines whether the operation mode of the derivation operation means in the game is a specific operation mode (a pressing sequence in which a reel other than the left reel is stopped first), A specific information setting means (main control unit 161) is set to which specific information (setting / not setting of advantageous control flag) indicating the determination result by the specific operation mode determination means is set, Equipped with, The advantageous control means can execute the advantageous control in subsequent games (at the time the next game is started) if specific information indicating that the operation is not in the specific mode is set (if the advantageous control flag is set), and restricts the execution of the advantageous control in subsequent games (at the time the next game is started) if specific information indicating that the operation is in the specific mode is set (if the advantageous control flag is not set). The interval control means terminates the advantageous interval in a game if the advantageous interval termination condition is met (the advantageous interval termination flag is set) in that game. Regardless of whether the aforementioned advantageous period termination condition is met in a game (a game in which the advantageous period termination flag is set), the specific operation mode determination means determines whether the operation mode of the derivation operation means in that game is a specific operation mode, and specific information (setting / not setting of the advantageous control flag) indicating the determination result by the specific operation mode determination means is set. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, even if the conditions for ending the advantageous period are met in a game during the advantageous period, and the game is not controlled by the advantageous period from the next game onward, and no advantageous control is performed from the next game onward, a determination is made as to whether or not a specific operation pattern is in place, and specific information indicating the result of that determination is set, thereby ensuring that the operation pattern in that game is reflected in the advantageous control from the next game onward. (Form 1-3) Slot machines of types 1-3 are, It is equipped with a variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) that can display multiple types of identification information that can be identified by each unit, In a slot machine (slot machine 1) in which a display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit, and a prize can be awarded according to the display result, A favorable control means (main control unit 161) capable of performing favorable control (processing such as lotteries related to control to CZ state, AT1 state, and AT2 state), A game-disabling means (main control unit 161) disables the game (controls it to a disabled state) when the number of game value acquired by the player (value of the net increase counter) exceeds a specific amount (upper limit) (when the stop flag is set), The player operates a derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) to derive the displayed result, A specific operation mode determination means (main control unit 161) determines whether the operation mode of the derivation operation means in the game is a specific operation mode (a pressing sequence in which a reel other than the left reel is stopped first), Equipped with, The advantageous control means can execute the advantageous control in the next game or later (at the timing when the next game is started) if the specific operation mode determination means determines that it is not the specific operation mode (when it is determined that the left reel is the first stop), and restricts the execution of the advantageous control in the next game or later (at the timing when the next game is started) if the specific operation mode determination means determines that it is the specific operation mode (when it is determined that a reel other than the left reel is the first stop). The specified operation mode determination means determines whether the operation mode of the derivation operation means in a game is a specified operation mode, regardless of whether the number of game value acquired by the player (the value of the net increase counter) exceeds the specified amount (upper limit) in that game (a game in which the stop flag is set). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, even in situations where the number of game value acquired by a player exceeds a certain amount, rendering the game unplayable and preventing the execution of advantageous control in subsequent games, a determination is made as to whether or not a specific operation pattern was followed. This ensures that the operation pattern in that game is reflected in the advantageous control in subsequent games.

[0012] (Form 1-4) Slot machines of types 1-4 are, It is equipped with a variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) that can display multiple types of identification information that can be identified by each unit, In a slot machine (slot machine 1) in which a display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit, and a prize can be awarded according to the display result, A favorable control means (main control unit 161) capable of performing favorable control (processing such as lotteries related to control to CZ state, AT1 state, and AT2 state), A game-disabling means (main control unit 161) disables the game (controls it to a disabled state) when the number of game value acquired by the player (value of the net increase counter) exceeds a specific amount (upper limit) (when the stop flag is set), The player operates a derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) to derive the displayed result, A specific operation mode determination means (main control unit 161) determines whether the operation mode of the derivation operation means in the game is a specific operation mode (a pressing sequence in which a reel other than the left reel is stopped first), A specific information setting means (main control unit 161) is set to which specific information (setting / not setting of advantageous control flag) indicating the determination result by the specific operation mode determination means is set, Equipped with, The advantageous control means can execute the advantageous control in subsequent games (at the time the next game is started) if specific information indicating that the operation is not in the specific mode is set (if the advantageous control flag is set), and restricts the execution of the advantageous control in subsequent games (at the time the next game is started) if specific information indicating that the operation is in the specific mode is set (if the advantageous control flag is not set). Regardless of whether the number of game value acquired by the player (value of the net increase counter) exceeds the specified amount (upper limit) in a game (a game in which the stop flag is set), the specified operation mode determination means determines whether the operation mode of the derivation operation means in that game is a specified operation mode, and specific information (setting / not setting of the advantageous control flag) indicating the determination result by the specified operation mode determination means is set. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, even if the number of game value acquired by the player exceeds a certain amount, rendering the game unplayable and preventing the execution of advantageous control in subsequent games, a determination is made as to whether or not a specific operation pattern has occurred. By setting specific information indicating the result of this determination, it is possible to ensure that the operation pattern in that game is reflected in the advantageous control in subsequent games.

[0013] (Form 1-5) Slot machines of types 1-5 are, It is equipped with a variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) that can display multiple types of identification information that can be identified by each unit, In a slot machine (slot machine 1) in which a display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit, and a prize can be awarded according to the display result, A favorable control means (main control unit 161) capable of performing favorable control (processing such as lotteries related to control to CZ state, AT1 state, and AT2 state), If a game stop condition is met during game execution (an error is detected), the game stop means (main control unit 161) stops the game after that game (controls it to an error state), The player operates a derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) to derive the displayed result, A specific operation mode determination means (main control unit 161) determines whether the operation mode of the derivation operation means in the game is a specific operation mode (a pressing sequence in which a reel other than the left reel is stopped first), Equipped with, The advantageous control means can execute the advantageous control in the next game or later (at the timing when the next game is started) if the specific operation mode determination means determines that it is not the specific operation mode (when it is determined that the left reel is the first stop), and restricts the execution of the advantageous control in the next game or later (at the timing when the next game is started) if the specific operation mode determination means determines that it is the specific operation mode (when it is determined that a reel other than the left reel is the first stop). The specified operation mode determination means determines whether the operation mode of the derivation operation means in a game is a specified operation mode, regardless of whether the game is a game in which the game stop condition has been met (a game in which an error has been detected). It is characterized by the following. This feature ensures that even if a game stop condition is met during gameplay and the game is stopped after that game, a determination is made as to whether or not a specific operation pattern was observed, thereby ensuring that the operation pattern in that game is reflected in the advantageous control for subsequent games.

[0014] (Form 1-6) Slot machines of types 1-6 are, It is equipped with a variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) that can display multiple types of identification information that can be identified by each unit, In a slot machine (slot machine 1) in which a display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit, and a prize can be awarded according to the display result, A favorable control means (main control unit 161) capable of performing favorable control (processing such as lotteries related to control to CZ state, AT1 state, and AT2 state), If a game stop condition is met during game execution (an error is detected), the game stop means (main control unit 161) stops the game after that game (controls it to an error state), The player operates a derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) to derive the displayed result, A specific operation mode determination means (main control unit 161) determines whether the operation mode of the derivation operation means in the game is a specific operation mode (a pressing sequence in which a reel other than the left reel is the first stop), A specific information setting means (main control unit 161) is set to which specific information (setting / not setting of advantageous control flag) indicating the determination result by the specific operation mode determination means is set, Equipped with, The advantageous control means can execute the advantageous control in subsequent games (at the time the next game is started) if specific information indicating that the operation is not in the specific mode is set (if the advantageous control flag is set), and restricts the execution of the advantageous control in subsequent games (at the time the next game is started) if specific information indicating that the operation is in the specific mode is set (if the advantageous control flag is not set). Regardless of whether the game is one in which the conditions for stopping the game have been met (a game in which an error has been detected), the specific operation mode determination means determines whether the operation mode of the derivation operation means in that game is a specific operation mode, and specific information (setting / not setting of the advantageous control flag) indicating the determination result by the specific operation mode determination means is set. It is characterized by the following. This feature ensures that even if a game stop condition is met during gameplay and the game is stopped after that game, a determination is made as to whether or not a specific operation pattern was observed. By setting specific information indicating the result of this determination, it is possible to ensure that the operation pattern in that game is reflected in the advantageous control for subsequent games.

[0015] (Form 1-7) In a slot machine of form 1 (slot machine 1), The system is equipped with the aforementioned derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) corresponding to each of the multiple variable display units (reels 2L, 2C, 2R), A value indicating the first derivation operation means operated (stop reception information) is stored in a specific storage area (a specific area of ​​RAM161c), and by referring to the value (stop reception information) stored in the specific storage area, it is determined whether or not the operation mode of the derivation operation means is a specific operation mode (a pressing sequence in which a reel other than the left reel is stopped first). Whether the operation mode of the derivation operation means in the game is determined to be the specified operation mode or not, the value (stop reception information) stored in the specified storage area (specified area of ​​RAM161c) is initialized at the end of the game. It is characterized by the following. This feature prevents incorrect determinations about whether a specific operation pattern occurred, because the value used to determine whether a specific operation pattern was observed is initialized at the end of each game.

[0016] (Form 1-8) In a slot machine of form 1 (slot machine 1), The system is equipped with the aforementioned derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) corresponding to each of the multiple variable display units (reels 2L, 2C, 2R), A value indicating the first derivation operation means operated (stop reception information) is stored in a specific storage area (a specific area of ​​RAM161c), and by referring to the value (stop reception information) stored in the specific storage area, it is determined whether or not the operation mode of the derivation operation means is a specific operation mode (a pressing sequence in which a reel other than the left reel is stopped first). If an abnormal value (a value other than "100", "010", or "001") is stored in the specified storage area, it is determined that the operation mode of the derivation operation means is a specified operation mode (a pressing sequence in which a reel other than the left reel is the first stop). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, if the value used to determine whether or not a specific operation pattern occurred is an abnormal value, it will be determined that a specific operation pattern occurred, thereby ensuring fairness in the game.

[0017] (Form 1-9) In a slot machine of form 1 (slot machine 1), The system is equipped with the aforementioned derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) corresponding to each of the multiple variable display units (reels 2L, 2C, 2R), A value indicating the first derivation operation means operated (stop reception information) is stored in a specific storage area (a specific area of ​​RAM161c), and by referring to the value (stop reception information) stored in the specific storage area, it is determined whether or not the operation mode of the derivation operation means is a specific operation mode (a pressing sequence in which a reel other than the left reel is stopped first). Regardless of whether or not it is the advantageous period, the value indicating the first derivation operation means (stop reception information) is stored in the specific storage area (specific area of ​​RAM161c). It is characterized by the following. This feature allows for the standardization of the process of obtaining a value used to determine whether or not a specific operation occurred, regardless of the situation.

[0018] (Form 1-10) In a slot machine of form 1 (slot machine 1), The system is equipped with the aforementioned derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) corresponding to each of the multiple variable display units (reels 2L, 2C, 2R), It can be controlled to have a normal state (internal, non-internal) and a special state (BB state) which is entered when a special display result (special role) is derived in the normal state. In the aforementioned special state (BB state), the advantageous control is not performed. A value indicating the first derivation operation means operated (stop reception information) is stored in a specific storage area (a specific area of ​​RAM161c), and by referring to the value (stop reception information) stored in the specific storage area, it is determined whether or not the operation mode of the derivation operation means is a specific operation mode (a pressing sequence in which a reel other than the left reel is stopped first). Regardless of whether the special state (BB state) is present or not, the value indicating the first derivation operation means (stop reception information) is stored in the specific storage area (specific area of ​​RAM161c). It is characterized by the following. This feature allows for the standardization of the process of obtaining a value used to determine whether or not a specific operation occurred, regardless of the situation.

[0019] (Form 1-11) In a slot machine of form 1 (slot machine 1), The system is equipped with the aforementioned derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) corresponding to each of the multiple variable display units (reels 2L, 2C, 2R), A value indicating the first derivation operation means operated (stop reception information) is stored in a specific storage area (a specific area of ​​RAM161c), and by referring to the value (stop reception information) stored in the specific storage area, it is determined whether or not the operation mode of the derivation operation means is a specific operation mode (a pressing sequence in which a reel other than the left reel is stopped first). Each time the derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) is operated, it is determined whether a value (stop reception information) indicating the first operated derivation operation means is stored in the specific storage area (specific area of ​​RAM 161c). If it is determined that a value (stop reception information) indicating the first operated derivation operation means is not stored in the specific storage area (specific area of ​​RAM 161c), a value (stop reception information) indicating that the currently operated derivation operation means was the first to be operated is stored in the specific storage area (specific area of ​​RAM 161c). It is characterized by the following. This feature allows you to determine whether the derivation operation means was operated for the first time simply by determining whether a value is stored in a specific storage area.

[0020] (Form 1-12) In a slot machine of form 1 (slot machine 1), It can be controlled to multiple states (advantageous interval states), In the case of a specific state (normal advantageous period), the specific information (setting / not setting of the advantageous control flag) is checked at the start of the game, and if the specific information indicating that the operation is not in the specific mode is set (the advantageous control flag is set), the advantageous control can be executed. In the case of a non-specific state (CZ state, AT1 state, AT2 state), the advantageous control can be executed without checking the specific information (if the advantageous control flag is set) at the start of the game (a modified example shown in Figure 36). It is characterized by the following. This feature allows for optimal control of non-specific states, enabling advantageous control regardless of the operating mode.

[0021] (Form 1-13) In a slot machine of form 1 (slot machine 1), It can be controlled to multiple states (game intervals), In the case of a specific state (advantageous period), the specific information (setting / not setting of the advantage control flag) is checked at the start of the game, and if the specific information indicating that the operation is not in the specific mode is set (the advantage control flag is set), the advantage control can be executed. In the case of a non-specific state (normal section), the execution of the advantageous control is restricted without checking the specific information (setting / not setting of the advantageous control flag) at the start of the game. It is characterized by the following. This feature allows for optimal control of non-specific states, which restricts the execution of advantageous control regardless of the operating mode.

[0022] (Form 1-14) In a slot machine of form 1 (slot machine 1), It is possible to transition from the first state (normal advantageous period) to the second state (CZ state, AT1 state, AT2 state), If it is determined that the operation of the derivation operation means in the last game of the first state (normal advantageous section) is the specific operation (a pressing order in which anything other than the left reel is stopped first), the execution of the advantageous control is restricted in the game of the second state (CZ state, AT1 state, AT2 state). It is characterized by the following. This feature allows for restricting the execution of advantageous control even when the state changes from the next game after a game that was operated in a specific manner.

[0023] (Form 1-15) In a slot machine of form 1 (slot machine 1), The advantageous control means executes the advantageous control in the first game after transitioning to the advantageous period, regardless of whether the operation of the derivation operation means in the previous game was the specific operation (a pressing order where a reel other than the left reel is the first stop). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the operation method before entering the advantageous period does not affect the advantageous control after entering the advantageous period.

[0024] (Form 1-16) In a slot machine of form 1 (slot machine 1), When the aforementioned advantageous period ends, the aforementioned specific information (setting / not setting of the advantageous control flag) is initialized. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the operation method during the advantageous period does not affect the control after the advantageous period ends.

[0025] (Form 1-17) In a slot machine of form 1 (slot machine 1), It is possible to perform an advantageous period game value update process (advantageous period-related processing) that updates the number of game value (number of medals acquired during the advantageous period) used to determine the end of the advantageous period, The specified operation mode determination means, after executing the advantageous period game value update process (advantageous period related process), determines whether the operation mode of the derived operation means in that game is a specified operation mode (a pressing order in which a reel other than the left reel is stopped first). It is characterized by the following. This feature ensures that the value for advantageous gameplay is updated regardless of whether or not it was operated in a specific manner.

[0026] (Form 1-18) In a slot machine of form 1 (slot machine 1), It is possible to perform an acquired game value update process (stop determination process) that updates the number of game value acquired by the player (value of the net increase counter) used in determining whether the game is disabled (determination of stop state), The specified operation mode determination means, after executing the acquired game value update process (stop determination process), determines whether the operation mode of the derived operation means in that game is a specified operation mode (a pressing sequence in which a reel other than the left reel is the first stop). It is characterized by the following. This feature ensures that the number of game value acquired by the player is updated, regardless of whether or not the operation was performed in a specific manner.

[0027] (Form 1-19) In a slot machine of form 1 (slot machine 1), It is possible to perform a total number update process (prize ratio information update process) to update the total number of game values ​​(total cumulative payouts) used when calculating the ratio of the number of game values ​​given in a predetermined state (payouts in special games (prize payouts)) to the total number of game values ​​given (total cumulative payouts), The specified operation mode determination means, after executing the total number of assigned items update process (role ratio information update process), determines whether the operation mode of the derived operation means in that game is a specified operation mode (a pressing order in which a reel other than the left reel is stopped first). It is characterized by the following. This feature ensures that the total number of granted items is updated regardless of whether the operation was performed in a specific manner or not.

[0028] [Form 2] (Form 2-1) The gaming machine of type 2 is, A gaming machine capable of playing games (the gaming machine of Example 2), Control means (main control unit 161) for controlling the gaming machine, The program storage means (ROM 161b) is capable of storing the program executed by the control means (main control unit 161) and is assigned an address that can identify the storage area, Equipped with, The control means (main control unit 161) is capable of executing a jump instruction to change the address of the program to be executed. The aforementioned jump instruction is The first jump instruction (JP instruction) directly specifies the destination address, The second jump instruction (JR instruction) specifies a value relative to the address of the currently executing program, Includes, The second jump instruction (JR instruction) is an instruction with a smaller program size than the first jump instruction (JP instruction), The proportion of times the first jump instruction (JP instruction) is used when changing the address of a program being executed in the first situation is different from the proportion of times the first jump instruction (JP instruction) is used when changing the address of a program being executed in the second situation. It is characterized by the following. This feature allows for the appropriate use of a first jump instruction that directly specifies the target address and a second jump instruction that specifies a relative value from the address of the currently executing program, depending on the situation. This reduces program size while improving program readability, thereby simplifying program management.

[0029] (Form 2-2) In the gaming machine of form 2 (the gaming machine of example 2), The proportion of times the first jump instruction (JP instruction) is used when changing to an address after a predetermined address (start address of the subroutine (machine-common processing system) area / start address of the subroutine (machine-specific processing system) area) is higher than the proportion of times the first jump instruction (JP instruction) is used when changing to an address before the predetermined address. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the larger the address allocated in the memory area, the higher the probability of the address changing. By increasing the proportion of first jump instructions that directly specify the destination address when changing to an address beyond a predetermined address using a jump instruction, it is possible to prevent problems such as unintentionally exceeding the range of addresses that can be changed by a second jump instruction.

[0030] (Form 2-3) In the gaming machine of form 2 (the gaming machine of example 2), The proportion of times the first jump instruction (JP instruction) is used when changing addresses from a program stored at an address after a predetermined address (start address of the subroutine (machine-common processing system) area / start address of the subroutine (machine-specific processing system) area) is higher than the proportion of times the first jump instruction (JP instruction) is used when changing addresses from a program stored at an address before the predetermined address. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, programs with larger allocated addresses in the memory area are more likely to have their addresses changed. When changing an address using a jump instruction from a program stored at an address after a predetermined address, increasing the proportion of first jump instructions that directly specify the target address prevents problems such as unintentionally exceeding the range of addresses that can be changed by a second jump instruction.

[0031] (Form 2-4) In the gaming machine of form 2 (the gaming machine of example 2), The proportion of times the first jump instruction (JP instruction) is used when changing from the address of the currently executing program to a larger address (a later address) is higher than the proportion of times the first jump instruction (JP instruction) is used when changing from the address of the currently executing program to a smaller address (a earlier address). It is characterized by the following. According to this characteristic, changes to addresses before the address of the currently executing program are often due to loops within program modules, resulting in relatively small address changes. In contrast, changes to addresses after the address of the currently executing program are often due to program module movement, resulting in larger movement. By increasing the proportion of first jump instructions that directly specify the target address, it is possible to prevent problems such as unintentionally exceeding the range of addresses that can be changed by a second jump instruction.

[0032] (Form 2-5) In the gaming machine of form 2 (the gaming machine of example 2), The control means (main control unit 161) An initial setup processing execution means that performs an initial setup process when power is turned on to the aforementioned gaming machine, After the execution of the initial setup process, a game control processing execution means executes a game control process (main loop processing) to control the progress of the game, Includes, The proportion of times the first jump instruction (JP instruction) is used when changing an address in the aforementioned game control processing (main loop processing) is higher than the proportion of times the first jump instruction (JP instruction) is used when changing an address in the aforementioned initial setup processing. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, when changing an address in game control processing where the processing content changes depending on the machine model, increasing the proportion of use of the first jump instruction, which directly specifies the target address, can prevent problems such as unintentionally exceeding the range of addresses that can be changed by the second jump instruction.

[0033] (Form 2-6) In the gaming machine of form 2 (the gaming machine of example 2), The control means (main control unit 161) A means for executing basic processing, An interrupt processing execution means that interrupts the basic processing and executes an interrupt processing (timer interrupt processing), Includes, The proportion of times the first jump instruction (JP instruction) is used when changing an address in the basic processing described above is higher than the proportion of times the first jump instruction (JP instruction) is used when changing an address in the interrupt processing (timer interrupt processing described above). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, when changing addresses in basic processing where the processing content tends to vary from model to model, increasing the proportion of use of the first jump instruction, which directly specifies the target address, can prevent problems such as unintentionally exceeding the range of addresses that can be changed by the second jump instruction.

[0034] (Form 2-7) In the gaming machine of form 2 (the gaming machine of example 2), The control means (main control unit 161) is capable of executing a call command to call a program, The aforementioned call command is, The first call instruction (RST instruction) calls a program stored at a predetermined address, The second call instruction (CALL instruction) invokes a program stored at a specified address, Includes, The proportion of times the first jump instruction (JP instruction) is used when changing an address in a program called by the second call instruction (CALL instruction) is higher than the proportion of times the first jump instruction (JP instruction) is used when changing an address in a program called by the first call instruction (RST instruction). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the processing content of a program called by a second call instruction, which invokes a program stored at a specified address, tends to vary depending on the machine model. When changing the address in a program called by a second call instruction, increasing the proportion of first jump instructions that directly specify the target address prevents problems such as unintentionally exceeding the range of addresses that can be changed by the second jump instruction.

[0035] (Form 2-8) In the gaming machine of form 2 (the gaming machine of example 2), The control means (main control unit 161) A first processing execution means that executes a first process (a program within capacity) for controlling the progress of the game, A second processing execution means for executing a second process (a program outside the capacity) that is not related to the progress of the game, Includes, The proportion of times the first jump instruction (JP instruction) is used when changing addresses in the second process (program outside capacity) is higher than the proportion of times the first jump instruction (JP instruction) is used when changing addresses in the first process (program within capacity). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, when changing addresses in the second processing stage, where capacity is not limited, increasing the proportion of first jump instructions that directly specify the target address improves program readability and makes program management easier.

[0036] (Form 2-9) In the gaming machine of form 2 (the gaming machine of example 2), The control means (main control unit 161) A first processing execution means that executes a first process (a program within capacity) for controlling the progress of the game, A second processing execution means for executing a second process (a program outside the capacity) that is not related to the progress of the game, Includes, The proportion of times the second jump instruction (JR instruction) is used when changing addresses in the first process (program within capacity) is higher than the proportion of times the second jump instruction (JR instruction) is used when changing addresses in the second process (program outside capacity). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, when changing addresses in the first processing step, where capacity is limited, the program size of the first processing step can be reduced by increasing the proportion of use of the second jump instruction, which specifies a relative value from the address of the currently executing program.

[0037] (Form 2-10) In the gaming machine of form 2 (the gaming machine of example 2), The control means (main control unit 161) It is capable of executing call instructions (CALL instruction, RST instruction) to invoke a program. The called program can execute the aforementioned call instructions (CALL instruction, RST instruction) to run another program. When a program is called by the aforementioned call instruction (CALL instruction, RST instruction), the address of the caller is stored in the stack (stack area), and in the called program, when the program is called by the aforementioned call instruction, the address of the caller is stored in the stack (stack area) separately from the address already stored in the called program. The proportion of times the first jump instruction (JP instruction) is used when changing an address when the number of addresses stored in the stack (stack area) is a first number (N levels) is higher than the proportion of times the first jump instruction (JP instruction) is used when changing an address when the number of addresses stored in the stack (stack area) is a second number (M levels), which is less than the first number. It is characterized by the following. According to this characteristic, when there are many addresses stored on the stack, that is, when another program is called from the called program, it becomes difficult to identify the execution address of a program. In such situations, increasing the proportion of first jump instructions that directly specify the target address improves program readability and makes program management easier.

[0038] (Form 2-11) In the gaming machine of form 2 (the gaming machine of example 2), The control means (main control unit 161) can execute a specified call instruction (RST instruction) to call a program stored at the address corresponding to the specified value (the starting address of RST areas 0 to 7) by specifying a value corresponding to one of a predetermined number of addresses. Among the programs called by the aforementioned specific call instruction (RST instruction), the proportion of programs stored at relatively small addresses that use the first jump instruction (JP instruction) when changing addresses is higher than the proportion of programs stored at relatively large addresses that use the first jump instruction (JP instruction) when changing addresses. It is characterized by the following. According to this characteristic, when changing the address of a program called by a specific call instruction, the amount of address change tends to be large when changing a program stored at a relatively small address. In such situations, by increasing the proportion of use of the first jump instruction, which directly specifies the destination address, it is possible to prevent problems such as unintentionally exceeding the range of addresses that can be changed by the second jump instruction.

[0039] [Form 3] (Form 3-1) The gaming machine of type 3-1 is, A gaming machine capable of playing games (the gaming machine of Example 3), It is equipped with a memory means (ROM) in which data is stored, The data stored in the storage means (ROM) includes difference data set to be different from the confirmation data calculated using the data stored in the storage means, which is different from the confirmation data calculated using the data stored in the storage means (ROM) of other gaming machines (gaming machines of the same series). The aforementioned difference data is stored in a storage area (trademark registration area) of the storage area of ​​the storage means (ROM) other than the program storage area (in-capacity program area, out-of-capacity program area) where programs (in-capacity programs, out-of-capacity programs) are stored. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, if verification data is calculated using the program stored in the memory means or the data used by the program, even if the output is the same as the memory means of another gaming machine, the inclusion of difference data will make the verification data different from the verification data in the memory means of another gaming machine, thus preventing confusion with the memory means of another gaming machine. Furthermore, since the difference data is stored in a memory area other than the program memory area, the difference data does not affect the program.

[0040] (Form 3-2) The gaming machine of type 3-2 is, A gaming machine capable of playing games (the gaming machine of Example 3), It is equipped with a game control storage means (ROM161b) that stores data for controlling the progress of the game, The data stored in the game control storage means (ROM 161b) includes difference data set to be different from the confirmation data calculated using the data stored in the game control storage means (ROM 161b) of other gaming machines (gaming machines of the same series), The aforementioned difference data is stored in a storage area (trademark registration area) of the game control storage means (ROM 161b) other than the program storage area (in-capacity program area, out-capacity program area) where programs (in-capacity programs, out-capacity programs) are stored. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, if confirmation data is calculated using the program stored in the game control storage means and the data used by the program, even if the same confirmation data is output as that of the game control storage means of another game machine, the inclusion of difference data will make the confirmation data different from the confirmation data of the game control storage means of another game machine, thus preventing confusion with the game control storage means of another game machine. Furthermore, since the difference data is stored in a storage area other than the program storage area, the difference data does not affect the program.

[0041] (Form 3-3) The gaming machine of type 3-3 is, A gaming machine capable of playing games (the gaming machine of Example 3), It is equipped with a value management storage means (ROM171b) that stores data for managing the value of the game owned by the player, The data stored in the value management storage means (ROM 171b) includes difference data set to be different from the confirmation data calculated using the data stored in the value management storage means (ROM 171b) of other gaming machines (gaming machines of the same series), The aforementioned difference data is stored in a storage area (trademark registration area) of the value management storage means (ROM 171b) other than the program storage area (in-capacity program area, out-of-capacity program area) where programs (in-capacity programs, out-of-capacity programs) are stored. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, if verification data is calculated using the program stored in the value management storage means or the data used by the program, even if the output is the same as the value management storage means of another gaming machine, the inclusion of difference data will make the verification data different from the verification data of the value management storage means of another gaming machine, thus preventing confusion with the value management storage means of another gaming machine. Furthermore, since the difference data is stored in a storage area other than the program storage area, the difference data will not affect the program.

[0042] (Form 3-4) Gaming machines of type 3-4 are, A gaming machine capable of playing games (the gaming machine of Example 3), A game control storage means (ROM161b) stores data for controlling the progress of the game, A value management storage means (ROM171b) that stores data for managing the value of the game owned by the player, Equipped with, The data stored in the game control storage means (ROM 161b) includes difference data set to be different from the confirmation data calculated using the data stored in the game control storage means (ROM 161b) and the confirmation data calculated using the data stored in the value management storage means (ROM 171b). The aforementioned difference data is stored in a storage area (trademark registration area) of the game control storage means (ROM 161b) other than the program storage area (in-capacity program area, out-capacity program area) where programs (in-capacity programs, out-capacity programs) are stored. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, if confirmation data is calculated using the program stored in the game control storage means or the data used by the program, even if the same confirmation data as that in the value management storage means is output, the inclusion of difference data will make the confirmation data different from the confirmation data in the value management storage means, thus preventing confusion between the game control storage means and the value management storage means. Furthermore, since the difference data is stored in a storage area other than the program storage area, the difference data will not affect the program.

[0043] (Form 3-5) In the gaming machine of form 3 (the gaming machine of example 3), The aforementioned other gaming machines (gaming machines of the same series) share common gameplay processes, but differ in their probabilities related to specific controls (such as the probability of winning a jackpot). It is characterized by the following. This feature prevents mix-ups of memory devices between gaming machines that share common gameplay processing but have different probabilities related to specific controls.

[0044] (Form 3-6) In the gaming machine of form 3 (the gaming machine of example 3), The aforementioned other gaming machines (gaming machines of the same series) are gaming machines that use common gaming components (components that make up the gaming machine). It is characterized by the following. This feature makes it possible to prevent mix-ups of memory devices between gaming machines that use common gaming components.

[0045] (Form 3-7) In the gaming machine of form 3 (the gaming machine of example 3), The aforementioned verification data is data calculated by performing calculations on data stored in the storage means (ROM161b, ROM171b), including at least data stored in the program storage area (program area within capacity, program area outside capacity) (program within capacity, program outside capacity). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, verification data is calculated by performing calculations on the data stored in the program memory area, allowing it to be confirmed whether or not the program has been modified.

[0046] (Form 3-8) In the gaming machine of form 3 (the gaming machine of example 3), The aforementioned verification data is data calculated by performing calculations on data stored in the data storage area (data area within capacity, data area outside capacity) that contains data used in the program (data within capacity, data outside capacity) among the data stored in the storage means (ROM161b, ROM171b). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, verification data is calculated by performing calculations on the data stored in the data storage area, allowing it to be confirmed whether or not the data used by the program has been altered.

[0047] (Form 3-9) In the gaming machine of form 3 (the gaming machine of example 3), The aforementioned verification data is data calculated by performing calculations on data stored in the storage means (ROM161b, ROM171b) that includes data stored in storage areas other than the program area (in-capacity program area, out-of-capacity program area) and the data storage area (in-capacity data area, out-of-capacity data area) where data used in the program is stored (trademark registration area, unused area). It is characterized by the following. This feature allows for the calculation of verification data by performing calculations on data stored in memory areas other than the program area and data storage area, thus enabling verification of whether or not malicious programs or data are stored in memory areas other than the program area and data storage area.

[0048] (Form 3-10) In the gaming machine of form 3 (the gaming machine of example 3), The aforementioned data used for discrepancies is data that does not affect the outcome of the game (model name, manufacturing date, comment / start and end values ​​of the winning judgment value). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the data used to create discrepancies in the verification data will not affect the outcome of the game.

[0049] (Form 3-11) In the gaming machine of form 3 (the gaming machine of example 3), The aforementioned data used for differences is comment data (comments for trademark registration areas) that is not used in the program. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the control will not be affected by the diff data used to create discrepancies in the verification data.

[0050] [Form 4] (Form 4-1) The slot machine of form 4 is, It is equipped with a variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) that can display multiple types of identification information that can be identified by each unit, In a slot machine (the slot machine of Embodiment 4) in which a display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit, and a prize can be awarded according to the display result, A normal state control means (main control unit 161) controls the game to multiple normal states with different betting amounts (non-internal (normal 1), non-internal (normal 2)), A pre-determination method (internal lottery) to determine whether or not to allow the occurrence of a prize before the display result is derived, A special state control means (main control unit 161) controls the system to a special state (BB state, RB state) when a special prize (special role) occurs in the aforementioned normal state (non-internal state (normal 1), non-internal state (normal 2)), An execution means (performance control unit 151) for executing the performance, Equipped with, The aforementioned normal state includes a first normal state (non-internal (normal 1)) in which the game can be started with a first bet (bet 3), and a second normal state (non-internal (normal 2)) in which the game can be started with a second bet (bet 2). The aforementioned special prize (special role) includes the first special prize (BB1) and the second special prize (RB2), The aforementioned special state includes a first special state (BB1 state) that is controlled when the first special prize (BB1) occurs, and a second special state (RB2 state) that is controlled when the second special prize (RB2) occurs. In the second normal state (non-internal (normal 2)), the probability of the second special prize (RB2) occurring is higher than in the first normal state (non-internal (normal 1)), The normal state control means controls the state to the second normal state (non-internal (normal 2)) after the end of the first special state (BB1 state), The aforementioned performance execution means executes a specific performance (BB loop performance) so as to continue through the game in the first special state (BB1 state), the game in the second normal state (non-internal (normal 2)) after the end of the first special state (BB1 state), and the game in the second special state (RB2 state) which is controlled when the second special prize (RB2) occurs in the second normal state (non-internal (normal 2)). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, after the end of the first special state, the game is controlled to a second normal state in which the probability of a second special prize occurring is high. This allows the game to be controlled to the second special state immediately after the first special state. Furthermore, specific effects are executed to continue throughout the game in the first special state, the game in the second normal state after the end of the first special state, and the game in the second special state controlled when a second special prize occurs in the second normal state. This allows the player to perceive that one special state continues from the first special state through the second normal state after the end of the first special state.

[0051] Furthermore, executing a specific performance to continue across the game in the first special state, the game in the second normal state after the first special state ends, and the game in the second special state controlled when the second special prize occurs in the second normal state means, for example, executing a long-term performance without interruption across the game in the first special state, the game in the second normal state after the first special state ends, and the game in the second special state controlled when the second special prize occurs in the second normal state, or executing a performance that loops for a predetermined period without interruption across the game in the first special state, the game in the second normal state after the first special state ends, and the game in the second special state controlled when the second special prize occurs in the second normal state.

[0052] (Form 4-2) In the slot machine of form 4 (the slot machine of example 4), The aforementioned specific performance (BB loop performance) is a performance that outputs music (BB loop music) so as to continue through the game in the first special state (BB1 state), the game in the second normal state (non-internal (normal 2)) after the end of the first special state (BB1 state), and the game in the second special state (RB2 state) which is controlled when the second special prize (RB2) occurs in the second normal state (non-internal (normal 2)). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the music is output to continue throughout the game in the first special state, the game in the second normal state after the first special state ends, and the game in the second special state that is controlled when a second special prize is awarded in the second normal state. This allows the player to perceive that one special state continues from the first special state through the second normal state after the first special state ends.

[0053] (Form 4-3) In the slot machine of form 4 (the slot machine of example 4), Equipped with a light-emitting means (game effect LED 52), The aforementioned specific effect (BB loop effect) is an effect that controls the illumination of the light-emitting means (game effect LED 52) (lighting control by a BB loop illumination pattern) so that it continues through the game in the first special state (BB1 state), the game in the second normal state (non-internal (normal 2)) after the end of the first special state (BB1 state), and the game in the second special state (RB2 state) which is controlled when the second special prize (RB2) occurs in the second normal state (non-internal (normal 2)). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the light emission control of the light emission means is performed so that it continues through the game in the first special state, the game in the second normal state after the end of the first special state, and the game in the second special state which is controlled when a second special prize occurs in the second normal state. This makes it possible to perceive that one special state continues from the first special state through the end of the first special state and the second special state which is controlled via the second normal state.

[0054] (Form 4-4) In the slot machine of form 4 (the slot machine of example 4), In the game in the first special state (BB1 state), the game in the second normal state (non-internal (normal 2)) after the end of the first special state (BB1 state), and the game in the second special state (RB2 state) which is controlled when the second special prize (RB2) occurs in the second normal state (non-internal (normal 2)), the sound effects (start sound A, stop sound, prize sound A) that are output when predetermined events (game start, stop operation, all reels stop) occur are common. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, a common sound effect is output when a predetermined event occurs in the game in the first special state, the game in the second normal state after the first special state ends, and the game in the second special state which is controlled when a second special prize is awarded in the second normal state. Therefore, it can be perceived that one special state continues from the first special state through the second normal state after the first special state ends.

[0055] (Form 4-5) In the slot machine of form 4 (the slot machine of example 4), Equipped with a light-emitting means (game effect LED 52), In the game in the first special state (BB1 state), the game in the second normal state (non-internal (normal 2)) after the end of the first special state (BB1 state), and the game in the second special state (RB2 state) which is controlled when the second special prize (RB2) occurs in the second normal state (non-internal (normal 2)), the light emission pattern (yellow flash) of the light emission means (game effect LED 52) when a predetermined event (game start, all reels stop) occurs is common. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in the game in the first special state, the game in the second normal state after the first special state ends, and the game in the second special state controlled when a second special prize occurs in the second normal state, the light-emitting means is controlled with a common light-emitting pattern when a predetermined event occurs. Therefore, it can be perceived that one special state continues from the first special state through the second normal state after the first special state ends, to the second special state which is controlled.

[0056] (Form 4-6) In the slot machine of form 4 (the slot machine of example 4), The display result is a symbol combination, which is a combination of symbols derived from a plurality of variable display units (reels 2L, 2C, 2R). The aforementioned special states (BB state, RB state) are states in which specific award wins (bells) among the award wins (minor wins) that grant value for gameplay occur at a higher probability than in the aforementioned normal states (non-internal (normal 1), non-internal (normal 2)). The symbol combination that results in the aforementioned second special prize (RB2) is a symbol combination (Bell B-Bell A-Bell C) similar to the symbol combination (Bell A-Bell A-Bell A) that results in the aforementioned specific prize. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the symbol combination that triggers the second special prize, which is the catalyst for the second special state, after the first special state, is similar to the symbol combination that triggers specific prize awards, which have a high probability of occurring in the first and second special states. This makes it difficult for players to realize that the second special prize has occurred in the second normal state after the first special state, thus allowing them to perceive that one special state continues from the first special state through the second normal state after the end of the first special state.

[0057] (Form 4-7) In the slot machine of form 4 (the slot machine of example 4), The display result is a symbol combination, which is a combination of symbols derived from a plurality of variable display units (reels 2L, 2C, 2R). The aforementioned special states (BB state, RB state) are states in which specific award wins (bells) among the award wins (small wins) that grant game value occur at a higher probability than in the aforementioned normal states (non-internal (normal 1), non-internal (normal 2)), and in which no re-play wins (re-play wins) that allow the game to be played without using game value occur. The aforementioned normal state (non-internal state (normal 1), non-internal state (normal 2)) is a state in which the aforementioned re-play win (re-play role) can occur. In the second normal state (non-internal (normal 2)), the symbol combination that results in the re-play win (re-play role) is a symbol combination (Bell B-Bell A-Bell A) similar to the symbol combination that results in the specific award win (Bell A-Bell A-Bell A). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, when a re-play win occurs in the second normal state after the first special state and before the second special state occurs, the symbol combination is similar to the symbol combination that results in specific bonus wins with a high probability of occurring in the first and second special states. This makes it difficult for players to realize that a re-play win, which does not occur in special states, has occurred in the second normal state after the first special state. Therefore, it is possible to make players perceive that one special state continues from the first special state through the second special state, which is controlled after the end of the first special state and via the second normal state.

[0058] (Form 4-8) In the slot machine of form 4 (the slot machine of example 4), The combination of symbols that results in the aforementioned specific prize (bell) is a combination of symbols of a specific color (yellow) (bell A-bell A-bell A), The symbol combinations that are similar to the symbol combinations that result in the aforementioned specific prize (bell) (RB2 symbol combinations / replay symbol combinations) are also the combinations of symbols of the aforementioned specific color (yellow) (bell B-bell A-bell C / (bell B-bell A-bell A)). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the symbol combinations that result in a specific prize, the symbol combinations that result in a second special prize, and the symbol combinations that result in a replay prize in the second normal state are all combinations of symbols of the same color. Therefore, it becomes difficult to realize that a second special prize has occurred in the second normal state after the first special state, or that a replay prize has occurred, which does not occur in special states.

[0059] (Form 4-9) In the slot machine of form 4 (the slot machine of example 4), The symbol combination that results in the aforementioned specific prize (bell) is the display result in which the specific symbol combination (bell A-bell A-bell A) is lined up on the first line (middle line). The symbol combinations that are similar to the symbol combinations that result in the aforementioned specific prize (bell) (RB2 symbol combinations / replay symbol combinations) are displayed as the specific symbol combination (bell A-bell A-bell A) appearing on the second line (downward line / upward line) (a modified example shown in Figure 54). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the symbol combinations that result in a specific bonus win, the symbol combinations that result in a second special win, and the symbol combinations that result in a replay win in the second normal state, all result in the same specific symbol combinations, although they line up on different lines. Therefore, it becomes difficult for the player to realize that a second special win has occurred in the second normal state after the first special state, or that a replay win, which does not occur in special states, has occurred.

[0060] (Form 4-10) In the slot machine of form 4 (the slot machine of example 4), The aforementioned performance execution means (performance control unit 151) is capable of executing a specific notification performance (winning sound effect A, yellow flash pattern) when a display result is derived in the game in the first special state (BB1 state) and the game in the second special state (RB2 state), and is also capable of executing the same specific notification performance (winning sound effect A, yellow flash pattern) when a display result is derived in the game in the second normal state (non-internal (normal 2)). It is characterized by the following. This feature allows for the execution of a specific notification effect when a display result is obtained in the game in the first special state and the game in the second special state, and also when a display result is obtained in the game in the second normal state. This makes it difficult for the player to realize that they are in the second normal state after the first special state, thus allowing them to perceive that a single special state continues from the first special state through the second normal state after the end of the first special state.

[0061] (Form 4-11) In the slot machine of form 4 (the slot machine of example 4), The aforementioned special state (BB state) is a state in which specific award wins (bells) among the award wins (small wins) that grant value for gameplay occur at a higher probability than in the aforementioned normal state (non-internal (normal 1), non-internal (normal 2)), The aforementioned performance execution means (performance control unit 151) executes the specific notification performance (winning sound effect A, yellow flash pattern) when a display result indicating the occurrence of the specific awarded win (bell) is derived in the game in the first special state (BB1 state) and the game in the second special state (RB2 state), and can also execute the specific notification performance (winning sound effect A, yellow flash pattern) when a display result indicating the occurrence of the specific awarded win (bell) is not derived in the game in the second normal state (non-internal (normal 2)). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, in games in the first special state and games in the second special state, a specific notification effect is executed when a display result is derived that results in a specific prize with a high frequency of occurrence, and in games in the second normal state, the same specific notification effect is executed even when a display result that results in a specific prize with occurrence is not derived, making it difficult for the player to realize that they are in the second normal state after the first special state.

[0062] (Form 4-12) In the slot machine of form 4 (the slot machine of example 4), The derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) used when deriving the display result, A bonus granting means (main control unit 161) that grants bonuses (increase in the number of acquired coins in BB state and RB state), Equipped with, The aforementioned bonus-granting means can grant a bonus (an increase in the number of coins acquired in BB state and RB state) when the derivation operation means is operated in a specific manner (a pressing order with the right reel as the first stop) during a game in the first special state (BB1 state), and can also grant a bonus when the derivation operation means is operated in a specific manner (a pressing order with the right reel as the first stop) during a game in the second special state (RB2 state). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the operation method of the derivation operation means that grants the bonus is the same in both the game in the first special state and the game in the second special state, making it easy to understand the operation method for obtaining the bonus.

[0063] (Form 4-13) In the slot machine of form 4 (the slot machine of example 4), The derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) used when deriving the display result, A bonus granting means (main control unit 161) that grants bonuses (increase in the number of acquired coins in BB state and RB state), Equipped with, The aforementioned bonus-granting means can grant a bonus when the derivation operation means is operated in a first specific operation mode (a pressing order in which the right reel is stopped first) during a game in the first special state (BB1 state), and can grant a bonus when the derivation operation means is operated in a second specific operation mode (a pressing order in which the middle reel is stopped first) during a game in the second special state (RB2 state) (a modified example shown in Figure 51). It is characterized by the following. This feature allows for a change in the operation method of the derivation operation means that grants bonuses between the game in the first special state and the game in the second special state, thus adding variety to the flow of the game.

[0064] The operation mode of the derivation operation means refers to the order in which the derivation operation means is operated (the order in which the display result is derived from the variable display unit), the timing of the operation of the derivation operation means, and combinations of the order and timing of the operation.

[0065] (Form 4-14) In the slot machine of form 4 (the slot machine of example 4), The aforementioned performance execution means (performance control unit 151) executes the bonus-related notification concerning the granting of the bonus in a common manner (start performance B, special notification performance) in both the game in the first special state (BB1 state) and the game in the second special state (RB2 state). It is characterized by the following. This feature allows for the execution of bonus-related notifications in a common manner in both the first special state and the second special state, making it easy to recognize that bonus-related events are occurring, and making it difficult to distinguish between the first and second special states. As a result, it can be perceived as if a single special state continues from the first special state through the second normal state after the end of the first special state to the second special state.

[0066] (Form 4-15) In the slot machine of form 4 (the slot machine of example 4), The aforementioned performance execution means (performance control unit 151) executes bonus-related notifications regarding the granting of the bonus in different ways (start performance B and special notification performance A in BB1 state, and start performance C and special notification performance B in RB2 state) in the game in the first special state (BB1 state) and the game in the second special state (RB2 state) (a modified example shown in Figure 56). It is characterized by the following. This feature allows for a more dynamic gameplay experience, as bonus-related notifications regarding the granting of bonuses are delivered in different ways during the game in the first special state and the game in the second special state.

[0067] Notifications regarding the granting of benefits include, for example, notifications that a benefit has been granted in a game in the first special state or a game in the second special state, notifications that a benefit will be granted by operating the derivation operation means in a specific operation mode, the first specific operation mode, or the second specific operation mode, and notifications that suggest the possibility of a benefit being granted by operating the derivation operation means in a specific operation mode, the first specific operation mode, or the second specific operation mode.

[0068] (Form 4-16) In the slot machine of form 4 (the slot machine of example 4), The aforementioned performance execution means (performance control unit 151) is capable of executing an end notification (result performance) that notifies the game result at the end of the second special state (RB2 state) when, after the end of the first special state (BB1 state), the system is controlled to go through the second normal state (non-internal (normal 2)) and then to the second special state (RB2 state). In the aforementioned termination notification (results presentation), the game result (total number of coins acquired in a series of bonus states) is announced, which is the sum of the game result (net increase in coins) in the first special state (BB1 state) and the game result (net increase in coins) in the second special state (RB2 state). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, when the second special state, which is controlled after the first special state has ended and gone through the second normal state, is announced, the game result is the sum of the game results in the first special state and the game results in the second special state. This allows the player to perceive that one special state has continued from the first special state through the second special state, which is controlled after the first special state has ended and gone through the second normal state.

[0069] (Form 4-17) In the slot machine of form 4 (the slot machine of example 4), The aforementioned performance execution means (performance control unit 151) is capable of executing an end notification (result performance) that notifies the game result at the end of the second special state (RB2 state) when, after the end of the first special state (BB1 state), the system is controlled to go through the second normal state (non-internal (normal 2)) and then to the second special state (RB2 state). In the aforementioned termination notification (results presentation), the number of consecutive wins in which a special state (bonus state) occurred within a predetermined period (50 games) can be notified. The number of consecutive wins is counted as one special state (bonus state) when, after the termination of the first special state (BB1 state), the game is controlled to enter the second normal state (non-internal (normal 2)) and then the second special state (RB2 state), with the first special state (BB1 state) and the second special state (RB2 state) being counted as one special state (bonus state). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the number of consecutive wins reported at the end of the game is counted as one special state when the first special state ends, the game proceeds through the second normal state, and then to the second special state. This allows the player to perceive that one special state continues from the first special state through the second normal state and then to the second special state.

[0070] (Form 4-18) In the slot machine of form 4 (the slot machine of example 4), The system includes signal output control means (main control unit 161, medal count control unit 171) capable of outputting a signal (special effect signal) to an external device indicating that the system has been controlled to the aforementioned special state (BB state, RB state), The signal output control means (main control unit 161, medal count control unit 171) performs control to output a signal (bonus signal) indicating that the system is controlled to the first special state (BB1 state) or the second special state (RB2 state), respectively. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, external devices can separately identify whether the system is controlled to the first special state or the second special state.

[0071] (Form 4-19) In the slot machine of form 4 (the slot machine of example 4), The aforementioned first bet (3) is a larger number than the aforementioned second bet (2), In the process of setting the number of bets (predetermined number) required to start a game according to the type of normal state (non-internal (normal 1), non-internal (normal 2)), after setting the numerical value (3) corresponding to the first bet, if the second normal state (non-internal (normal 2)) is selected, the set numerical value (3) is updated to the numerical value (2) corresponding to the second bet. It is characterized by the following. This feature ensures that the number of bets that can be made to start the game never exceeds the upper limit, as the first bet is initially set to a value corresponding to the first bet, and then updated to a value corresponding to the second bet which is smaller than the first bet.

[0072] (Form 4-20) In the slot machine of form 4 (the slot machine of example 4), The aforementioned first bet (3) is a larger number than the aforementioned second bet (2), In the process of setting the number of bets required to start a game according to the type of normal state (non-internal (normal 1), non-internal (normal 2)), after setting the numerical value (2) corresponding to the second bet, if the state is the first normal state (non-internal (normal 1)), the set numerical value (2) is updated to the numerical value (3) corresponding to the first bet (a modified example shown in Figure 57(b)). It is characterized by the following. This feature ensures that the value corresponding to the second bet is set first, preventing unintentional disadvantages for the player.

[0073] [Form 5] (Form 5-1) The slot machine of type 5 is, It is equipped with a variable display unit (reels 2L, 2C, 2R) that can display multiple types of identification information that can be identified by each unit, In a slot machine (slot machine of Examples 5 to 8) in which a display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit, and a prize can be awarded according to the display result, A normal state control means (main control unit 161) controls the game to multiple normal states with different betting amounts (non-internal (normal 1), non-internal (normal 2)), A pre-determination method (internal lottery) to determine whether or not to allow the occurrence of a prize before the display result is derived, A special state control means (main control unit 161) controls the system to a special state (BB state, RB state) when a special prize (special role) occurs in the aforementioned normal state (non-internal state (normal 1), non-internal state (normal 2)), Equipped with, The aforementioned normal state includes a first normal state (non-internal (normal 1)) in which the game can be started with a first bet (bet 3), and a second normal state (non-internal (normal 2)) in which the game can be started with a second bet (bet 2). The aforementioned special awards (special roles) include the first special award (BB1), the second special award (Examples 5 and 6: BB2 / Examples 7 and 8: RB2), and the third special award (Examples 5 and 6: RB2 / Examples 7 and 8: BB2). The aforementioned special states (BB state, RB state) include a first special state (BB1 state) controlled when the first special prize (BB1) occurs, a second special state (Examples 5, 6: BB2 state / Examples 7, 8: RB2 state) controlled when the second special prize (Examples 5, 6: BB2 / Examples 7, 8: RB2) occurs, and a third special state (Examples 5, 6: RB2 state / Examples 7, 8: BB2 state) controlled when the third special prize (Examples 5, 6: RB2 / Examples 7, 8: BB2) occurs. In the second normal state (non-internal (normal 2)), the probability of the second special prize (Examples 5, 6: BB2 / Examples 7, 8: RB2) and the third special prize (Examples 5, 6: RB2 / Examples 7, 8: BB2) occurring is higher than in the first normal state (non-internal (normal 1)), The normal state control means controls the system to the second normal state (non-internal (normal 2)) after the end of the first special state (BB1 state) and the end of the third special state (Examples 5 and 6: RB2 state / Examples 7 and 8: BB2 state), and controls the system to the first normal state (non-internal (normal 1)) after the end of the second special state (Examples 5 and 6: BB2 state / Examples 7 and 8: RB2 state). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, after the end of the first special state, the game is controlled to the second normal state, where the probability of the second and third special prizes occurring is high. This allows the game to be controlled to either the second or third special state immediately after the first special state. Furthermore, if the occurrence of the third special prize is permitted in the second normal state, and the game is controlled to the third special state after the third special state ends, the game is again controlled to the second normal state, where the probability of the second and third special prizes occurring is high. This allows the game to focus on which special state the game will be controlled to in the second normal state.

[0074] (Form 5-2) In the slot machine of form 5 (the slot machines of Examples 7 and 8), If the amount of game value (number of tokens acquired) that can be expected to increase in the third special state (BB2 state) is greater than the amount of game value (number of tokens acquired) that can be expected to increase in the second special state (RB2 state), It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, a third special prize occurs in the second normal state, and the game is controlled to the third special state. After the third special state ends, the game is controlled to the second normal state, which has a high probability of allowing the occurrence of the second and third special prizes again. In addition, in the third special state, it is expected that more game value can be obtained than in the second special state.

[0075] (Form 5-3) In the slot machine of form 5 (the slot machines of Examples 5 and 6), If the amount of game value (number of tokens acquired) that can be expected to increase in the second special state (RB2 state) is greater than the amount of game value (number of tokens acquired) that can be expected to increase in the third special state (BB2 state), It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, a second special prize occurs in the second normal state, and the game is controlled to the second special state. After the second special state ends, the game is controlled to the first normal state. However, since players can expect to gain more game value in the second special state than in the third special state, the disappointment of players can be reduced even if a second special prize occurs in the second normal state.

[0076] (Form 5-4) In the slot machine of form 5 (the slot machines of Examples 5 and 8), It is equipped with derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) for operating when deriving the display result, In a game where it has been decided to allow the occurrence of the second special prize (Example 5: BB2 / Example 8: RB2) in the second normal state (non-internal (normal 2)), a display result indicating the occurrence of the second special prize (Example 5: BB2 / Example 8: RB2) is derived, provided that the derivation operation means is operated in a predetermined manner (stopping operation within the retraction range). In a game where it has been decided to allow the occurrence of the third special prize (Example 5: RB2 / Example 8: BB2) in the second normal state (non-internal (normal 2)), a display result indicating the occurrence of the third special prize (Example 5: RB2 / Example 8: BB2) is derived regardless of the operation method of the derivation operation means. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the display result indicating the occurrence of the third special prize, which triggers the third special state that is controlled to a second normal state where the probability of the second and third special prizes occurring again is high, can be derived regardless of the operation method of the derivation operation means, and in such a situation the game can proceed smoothly.

[0077] (Form 5-5) In the slot machine of form 5 (the slot machines of Examples 6 and 7), It is equipped with derivation operation means (stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R) for operating when deriving the display result, In a game where it has been decided to allow the occurrence of the second special prize (Example 6: BB2 / Example 7: RB2) in the second normal state (non-internal (normal 2)), regardless of the operation of the derivation operation means, a display result indicating the occurrence of the second special prize (Example 6: BB2 / Example 7: RB2) is derived. In a game where it has been decided to allow the occurrence of the third special prize (Example 6: RB2 / Example 7: BB2) in the second normal state (non-internal (normal 2)), a display result indicating the occurrence of the third special prize (Example 6: RB2 / Example 7: BB2) is derived, provided that the derivation operation means is operated in a predetermined manner (stopping operation within the retraction range). It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, the display result for the occurrence of the third special prize, which triggers the third special state (a state in which the probability of the second and third special prizes occurring again is high), is conditional on the derivation operation means being operated in a predetermined manner, and therefore it can be noted that the system is controlled back to the second normal state.

[0078] The operation mode of the derivation operation means refers to the order in which the derivation operation means is operated (the order in which the display result is derived from the variable display unit), the timing of the operation of the derivation operation means, and combinations of the order and timing of the operation.

[0079] (Form 5-6) In the slot machine of form 5 (the slot machines of Examples 5 to 8), The aforementioned first bet (3) is a larger number than the aforementioned second bet (2), In the process of setting the number of bets (predetermined number) required to start a game according to the type of normal state (non-internal (normal 1), non-internal (normal 2)), after setting the numerical value (3) corresponding to the first bet, if the second normal state (non-internal (normal 2)) is selected, the set numerical value (3) is updated to the numerical value (2) corresponding to the second bet. It is characterized by the following. According to this feature, a value corresponding to the first bet is set first, and then subtracted to set a value corresponding to the second bet, so the maximum number of bets that can be placed to start the game will never exceed the upper limit.

[0080] (Form 5-7) In the slot machine of form 5 (the slot machines of Examples 5 to 8), The aforementioned first bet (3) is a larger number than the aforementioned second bet (2), In the process of setting the number of bets required to start a game according to the type of normal state (non-internal (normal 1), non-internal (normal 2)), after setting the numerical value (2) corresponding to the second bet, if the state is the first normal state (non-internal (normal 1)), the set numerical value (2) is updated to the numerical value (3) corresponding to the first bet (a modified example shown in Figure 57(b)). It is characterized by the following. This feature ensures that the value corresponding to the second bet is set first, preventing unintentional disadvantages for the player. [Examples]

[0081] [Slot machine configuration] Embodiment 1 of a slot machine to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a front view of the card unit as an external connection device and the slot machine as a gaming machine of this embodiment.

[0082] Referring to Figure 1, each of the multiple gaming islands (not shown) located within the gaming hall is fitted with a slot machine 1, and a card unit (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as CU) 3, an example of a gaming device, is installed in a one-to-one correspondence with the slot machine 1 at a predetermined lateral position on the side of the slot machine 1. The card unit is also referred to as a "gaming token dispensing device."

[0083] Slot machine 1 is a slot machine in which the player does not pick up tokens and insert them into a slot, nor are tokens dispensed to the player. Therefore, the value of the game is directly added to the credits (game points that can be used in the game (hereinafter also referred to as "game tokens" or simply "tokens")) in accordance with operations such as dispensing tokens.

[0084] Furthermore, unlike conventional slot machines, it not only lacks a coin slot and payout opening, but it also does not require devices to control inserted coins, such as coin selectors or hoppers. Slot machines that do not require any coins are called "managed gaming machines" or "coinless slot machines."

[0085] Figure 1 shows slot machine 1 as viewed from the front. Inside slot machine 1, reels 2L, 2C, and 2R (hereinafter also referred to as the left reel, middle reel, and right reel) are arranged horizontally, with multiple types of symbols arranged around their outer edges. Three consecutive symbols from these reels 2L, 2C, and 2R are positioned so that they can be seen through the transparent window 3W.

[0086] Each reel, 2L, 2C, and 2R, is rotated by corresponding reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R, as shown in Figure 2. As a result, the patterns on each reel, 2L, 2C, and 2R, are displayed in the transparent window 3W in a continuously changing manner. Furthermore, by stopping the rotation of each reel, 2L, 2C, and 2R, three consecutive patterns are derived and displayed as the result in the transparent window 3W.

[0087] Inside reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, there is a reel LED 55, as shown in Figure 2. The reel LED 55 illuminates reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, as shown in Figure 1, from the back. The reel LED 55 consists of 12 LEDs corresponding to the three consecutive patterns on reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, and each pattern can be illuminated independently.

[0088] In front of each reel 2L, 2C, 2R (on the player side), a display area of the liquid crystal display 51 is arranged. The liquid crystal display 51 is configured such that each reel 2L, 2C, 2R can be visually recognized from the player side through a transmissive area corresponding to the transmissive window 3W of the display area and the transmissive window 3W.

[0089] On each reel, a plurality of types of symbols that can be individually identified are arranged in a predetermined order.

[0090] The protruding portion 95 protrudes toward the front side of the slot machine 1. By protruding the protruding portion 95 toward the front side of the slot machine 1, an upper surface 96 is formed on the protruding portion 95. On the upper surface 96 of the protruding portion 95, a MAXBET switch 6, a 1BET switch 20, a bet number clear switch 21, an effect switch 57, a credit display 11, and a game information display unit 90 are provided. On the front side side surface of the protruding portion 95, a start switch 7, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, and a count button 10 are provided. The credit display 11 displays the number of credits held by the player. The upper surface 96 may be an inclined surface that gently slopes from a position below the transmissive window 3W from the back to the front side.

[0091] The start switch 7 is a switch for starting the rotation of the reels after setting the bet number. The stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R are switches for stopping the rotation of the reels during rotation, and 8L corresponds to the left reel, 8C corresponds to the middle reel, and 8R corresponds to the right reel. The count button 10 is a switch that is operated when counting the number of credits (number of game medals) and converting it into the number of medals held by the player.

[0092] Inside the front door of slot machine 1 is a door open detection switch 25, as shown in Figure 2. The door open detection switch 25 detects the open state of the front door. Furthermore, a power supply box is provided inside the casing. On the front of the power supply box are a setting key switch 37 and a reset / setting switch 38, as shown in Figure 2. The setting key switch 37 is operated when switching to the setting change state or the setting confirmation state. The reset / setting switch 38 normally functions as a reset switch to clear the error state or stop state, and in the setting change state, it functions as a setting switch to change the setting value of the winning probability (payout rate) of the internal lottery. Inside the front door of slot machine 1 is a setting value display 24, as shown in Figure 2.

[0093] In this embodiment, of the three reels 2L, 2C, and 2R that start rotating, the first reel to stop is referred to as the first stop reel, and that stop is referred to as the first stop. Similarly, the second reel to stop is referred to as the second stop reel, and that stop is referred to as the second stop. The third reel to stop is referred to as the third stop reel, and that stop is referred to as the third stop, final stop, or all reels stop.

[0094] Next, we will explain the game flow in slot machine 1. When playing a game in slot machine 1, first, you perform a dispensing operation at CU3 to secure credits (game tokens). This dispensing operation corresponds to the two-step operation in conventional token-paying slot machines: "dispensing tokens" and "manually inserting the dispensed tokens into the slot."

[0095] When the MAXBET switch 6 is operated while credits are available, the number of bets is increased to a predetermined amount within the credit limit, and the number of credits is reduced by that amount. Once the predetermined number of bets is set, the winning line L becomes active, and the START switch 7 becomes active, meaning the game can be started.

[0096] Here, the winning line is a line set up to determine whether the combination of symbols displayed in the transparent window 3W of each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R is a winning symbol combination. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the winning line L is defined as the winning line, which spans the symbols arranged on the lower row of reel 2L, the middle row of reel 2C, and the lower row of reel 2R.

[0097] When the game is ready to start, operating the start switch 7 causes reels 2L, 2C, and 2R to rotate, and the symbols on each reel change continuously. In this state, operating any of the stop switches 8L, 8C, or 8R stops the rotation of the corresponding reels 2L, 2C, and 2R, and the display result is shown in the transparent window 3W.

[0098] A game ends when all reels 2L, 2C, and 2R stop. A win occurs if a predetermined combination of symbols stops on the winning line L as the display result for each reel 2L, 2C, and 2R. When a win occurs, the player is awarded a predetermined number of medals. The awarded number of medals is added to the player's credits.

[0099] Credits can be counted and converted into tokens by operating the counting button 10. By converting them to tokens, it becomes possible to record those tokens on a card at the end of the game.

[0100] In this embodiment, when the counting button 10 is pressed once, all of the credits currently held by the player are counted, regardless of how long the button is pressed (whether it is pressed and held or not). However, the system is not limited to this, and the counting operation may be repeated according to how long the counting button 10 is held down (for example, the counting process of 50 coins may be performed each time the button is held down for 0.3 seconds). Alternatively, regardless of how long the button is held down, a predetermined number of coins (for example, 50 coins) may be added to the player's holdings when the button is pressed once.

[0101] Furthermore, the counting button 10 has a built-in counting LED 10a (see Figure 2), which lights up blue when the counting button 10 is in operation and turns off when the counting button 10 is inactive.

[0102] The top of the LCD display 51 is provided with a credit display segment 7S and speakers 53 and 54. The credit display segment 7S is made up of five 7 segments and displays the number of credits the player possesses. Because the credit display segment 7S is located at the top of the slot machine 1, it can display the number of credits stored by the slot machine 1 to players other than the player playing the slot machine 1, or to store staff. Speakers 53 and 54 emit sound effects and other sounds that correspond to the game's presentation.

[0103] As described above, the MAXBET switch 6 is used to set the number of bets to a predetermined number. In other words, the MAXBET switch 6 is used to advance the game. In addition, in this embodiment, the MAXBET switch 6 is also used for visual effects. That is, when the same operation is performed on the MAXBET switch 6, the process executed changes depending on whether the operation is valid or invalid. Thus, the MAXBET switch 6 is used for both game progression and visual effects.

[0104] The following explains how to enable and disable the MAXBET switch 6. Activating the MAXBET switch 6 is an operation performed on the MAXBET switch 6 in a betting-setting situation where the number of bets can be set. A betting-setting situation is, for example, a period during which bets can be accepted, where "there is 1 or more credits remaining and the bet number is less than a specified number (e.g., 3)" or "there is 1 or more credits remaining and no bets have been set." When the MAXBET switch is operated in the situation where "there is 1 or more credits remaining and the BET counter has a bet number less than a specified number," the number of bets will be set up to the specified number, equal to the remaining credits. When the MAXBET switch is operated in the situation where "there is 1 or more credits remaining and no bets have been set," the number of bets will be set up to the specified number, equal to the remaining credits. Thus, the MAXBET switch 6 is used as a switch for the progress of the game, enabling the setting of bets when activated in a betting-setting situation.

[0105] On the other hand, an invalid operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is an operation performed on the MAXBET switch 6 in a situation where it is not possible to set the number of bets. The situation where it is not possible to set the number of bets includes "the period from when the game starts until it ends." That is, during the period when the reels are spinning and the game is in progress, any operation on the MAXBET switch 6 is an invalid operation. In this embodiment, the slot machine 1 may display an operation prompting the player to invalidate the MAXBET switch 6 during the period when the reels are spinning. At this time, when the player invalidates the MAXBET switch 6, an effect is triggered that displays an image suggesting the degree of advantage. Thus, in this embodiment, the MAXBET switch 6 is used as a trigger to display an effect image when it is invalidated in a situation where it is not possible to set the number of bets. In other words, the MAXBET switch 6 is used for the progress of the game during the period when it is accepted as an effective operation, and is used for effect during the period when it is accepted as an invalid operation.

[0106] [Card Unit Composition] Referring to Figure 1, the configuration of CU3 in this embodiment will be explained. This CU3 accepts visitor cards (also called general cards), which are prepaid gaming storage media issued to general players who have not registered as members, and membership cards, which are gaming storage media issued to member players who have registered as members at the gaming facility. Visitor cards and membership cards are made of IC cards.

[0107] Upon receiving these cards, the CU3 has the function of converting the game value owned by the player (for example, prepaid balance, number of tokens held, or number of stored tokens (also called "stored tokens")) identified by the information stored on the card into credits (number of game tokens).

[0108] The front side of the CU3 is provided with a banknote slot 302 for inserting banknotes, a protruding portion 305 that extends forward from the front of the device, and a card insertion / discharge slot 309 for inserting membership cards and visitor cards. Membership cards and visitor cards inserted into this card insertion / discharge slot 309 are received by a card reader / writer (not shown), and the information recorded on the card is read.

[0109] In the aforementioned protruding section 305, the side facing the player is provided with a display unit 312, a replay button 319 for performing a replay game using the member card ID (also simply called card ID or C-ID) recorded on the member card and the number of stored tokens (stored balls) identified by the member card ID when a member card is accepted, and an IR photosensitive unit 320 that receives infrared signals from a remote control (not shown) held by the staff of the gaming hall, converts them into electronic signals, and outputs them.

[0110] The display 312 can display the prepaid balance (also referred to as the card balance or simply the balance) recorded on the inserted gaming recording medium (card), the number of medals in hand, the number of credits (number of gaming medals), and other various information, and its surface is composed of a transparent touch panel. Various operations can be input by touching the various display items displayed on the display unit of the display 312 with a finger.

[0111] When the medal-in-hand button 324 is operated, a part of the number of medals in hand recorded on the inserted card is withdrawn and converted into the number of credits (number of gaming medals). When the replay button 319 is operated, if the number of medals in hand acquired by the player is stored on the inserted card, a part of the number of medals in hand is withdrawn and converted into credits, and based on the converted credits, the slot machine 1 can conduct a game.

[0112] On the other hand, when the inserted card is a membership card and the number of medals in hand is not stored and the stored medals are stored in a hall management computer or the like, a part of the stored medals is withdrawn and converted into credits, and the slot machine 1 can conduct a game. That is, when both the stored medals and the medals in hand are stored in association with the inserted card, the medals in hand are preferentially withdrawn. In addition to the replay button 319, a dedicated medal payout button for withdrawing the medals in hand may be provided, and the replay button 319 may be a dedicated button for withdrawing the stored medals.

[0113] Here, the "number of credits (number of gaming medals)" is data that can be used for bet number setting and can be converted into the "number of medals in hand". The "number of credits" is generated in exchange for withdrawing the balance of the prepaid card, the number of medals in hand, or the number of stored medals.

[0114] "Number of tokens held" refers to the number of credits (number of tokens played) acquired by a player as a result of playing on a slot machine. This "number of tokens held" is stored in a identifiable way using the player's card. Alternatively, the number of tokens held may be managed using a token management device set up in the arcade.

[0115] "Stored medals (stored tokens)" refers to the number of medals a player has deposited at the arcade. The number of medals a player earns through gameplay is managed as their "held medals" for the day, but from the following day onward, it is managed as "stored medals." In other words, the number of credits (game medals) earned and counted by a player at the arcade on a given day is called their "points," while the number of medals earned by a player on a previous day and deposited at the arcade is called their "stored medals." This "stored medal count" is generally managed by a hall management computer or other management computer installed at the arcade.

[0116] If we represent the conversion directions of the above data, "Balance," "Number of Stored Medals (Number of Stored Balls)," "Number of Medals Held," and "Number of Credits (Number of Playing Medals)," with arrows, it becomes "'Balance, Number of Stored Medals, Number of Medals Held' → 'Number of Credits' → 'Number of Medals Held' → 'Number of Stored Medals'."

[0117] In this embodiment, the number of stored tokens is not directly recorded on the member card, but is stored in a higher-level server such as a hall management computer, associated with the member card number, and the system is configured to allow retrieval of the corresponding number of stored tokens based on the member card number. On the other hand, the number of tokens held is directly recorded on the card.

[0118] However, both methods allow the card number to be associated with and stored on the higher-level server. In the case of visitor cards, the number of medals held is recorded directly on the visitor card. However, the number of medals held can also be associated with and stored on the higher-level server. When this association with the card number is stored on the higher-level server, data that identifies the time the information was stored on the higher-level server may be written to the card (member card, visitor card) before it is dispensed. Also, the prepaid balance is written directly to the card (member card, visitor card) before it is dispensed.

[0119] The timing for storing the number of medals held on the card (member card, visitor card) or in the higher-level server is, for example, when the counting button 10 is operated and the counting process is performed. However, instead, the number could be stored all at once when the card is returned.

[0120] Furthermore, when a player finishes playing and returns their card from the CU3, the tokens they had stored in the CU3 are temporarily stored as tokens in the hall server. When the player inserts the card into the same or a different CU3 again on the same day they received the card back, only the tokens they had for that day, which were temporarily stored as tokens, are stored again in that CU3. Credits are then added within the range of those tokens, allowing the player to continue playing.

[0121] Banknotes inserted into the banknote slot 302 are taken in by a currency identifier (not shown) and their authenticity and type are identified.

[0122] On the front of the CU3, there are also a dispensing button 321 and a card return button 322. The dispensing button 321 is a button used to deduct the balance recorded on the inserted card and obtain the number of credits. Specifically, the number of credits is increased according to the balance deducted by operating the dispensing button 321. The card return button 322 is operated when the player finishes playing and is a button used to store the final number of tokens held at the end of the game (number of tokens held when the card was inserted - number of tokens converted to credits + number counted by the counting operation) on the inserted card and eject it.

[0123] As explained above, according to the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the number of tokens held, as identified by the card, is converted into the number of credits (number of game tokens), and furthermore, the number of bets can be set using the number of credits. Therefore, it is possible to provide a new type of slot machine (managed game machine) that does not use tokens, without confusing players who are accustomed to conventional slot machines in which players receive tokens, insert those tokens to secure credits, and then use those credits to set the bets.

[0124] [Internal configuration of the card unit and slot machine] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the card unit and the slot machine. Referring to Figure 2, the schematic of the control circuit between the card unit 3 and the slot machine 1 will be explained.

[0125] CU3 is equipped with a CU control board 32, which in turn is equipped with a CU control unit 323 consisting of a microcomputer and the like. This CU control unit 323 is the main control function unit of CU3 and is equipped with a CPU as the control center, ROM that stores programs and control data for the CPU to operate, RAM that functions as the CPU's work area, and input / output interfaces to maintain signal consistency with peripheral devices.

[0126] The CU control unit 323 is provided with an external output terminal (not shown) for communicating with the hall management computer and the hall server that performs security management. The CU 3 transmits its status and the gaming machine status information received from the slot machine 1 to an external device such as the hall management computer and the hall server that performs security management via the external output terminal. The CU control unit 323 communicates with the medal count control unit 171 of the slot machine 1 via the communication control IC 325. The communication control IC 325 and the medal count control unit 171 are connected, for example, by an asynchronous serial communication port. Communication between the communication control IC 325 and the medal count control unit 171 is performed via the connection terminal board 1000.

[0127] Communication between the CU control unit 323 and the medal count control unit 171 is bidirectional, exchanging loan information (information regarding the operation to withdraw the balance stored on the inserted card and use it for gameplay on the slot machine 1) and loan response information (response information to the loan information). Other counting information (information regarding the counting process from credit to held medals) and game machine information are communicated unidirectionally from the medal count control unit 171 to the CU control unit 323. Therefore, the slot machine 1 does not know whether the CU3 has received the counting information and game machine information. The CU3 is provided with a connection part (not shown) to the slot machine 1, and the slot machine 1 is provided with a connection part (not shown) to the CU3. These connection parts are composed of, for example, connectors.

[0128] The CU control unit 323 manages and stores the player's tokens while the player is playing. The display unit 312 displays images corresponding to data such as the balance or number of tokens output from the CU control unit 323. When the player operates the touch panel on the surface of the display unit 312, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323. When the player operates the dispensing button 321, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323. Note that the dispensing button 321 is not limited to being installed on the CU3, but may also be installed on the slot machine 1 and the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323. When the player operates the card return button 322, the operation signal is input to the CU control unit 323.

[0129] Slot machine 1 is equipped with a main control unit 161 that controls the progress of the game, a medal count control unit 171 that controls the credits owned by the player, an effect control unit 151 that controls the effects according to the game state, and a power supply board 101. The power supply board 101 generates the power to drive the electrical components that make up slot machine 1 and supplies it to each part.

[0130] The power supply board 101 is supplied with AC100V power from an external source, and a DC voltage necessary for driving the electrical components that make up the slot machine 1 is generated from this AC100V power supply and supplied to the main control unit 161 and medal count control unit 171 mounted on the main control board 16, and the performance control unit 151 mounted on the performance control board 15.

[0131] The medal count control unit 171 mounted on the main control board 16 is a microcomputer equipped with a CPU 171a as the control center, a ROM 171b that stores programs and control data for the operation of the CPU 171a, a RAM 171c that functions as the work area for the CPU 171a, and input / output interfaces to maintain signal consistency with peripheral devices.

[0132] The main control board 16 is connected to a RAM clear switch 293 for erasing information stored in RAM 171c and a door open detection switch 25. Detection signals from these connected switches are input to the medal count control unit 171. In addition, a counting button 10 is connected to the main control board 16, and detection signals from the counting button 10 are input to the medal count control unit 171.

[0133] A credit indicator 11 is connected to the main control board 16, and its display is controlled by the medal count control unit 171. Additionally, a counting LED 10a is connected to the main control board 16, and its illumination is controlled by the medal count control unit 171.

[0134] Furthermore, the main control board 16 is supplied with backup power from the power supply board 101, and the data stored in the RAM 171c of the medal count control unit 171 is retained as long as backup power is supplied even after a power outage.

[0135] The main control unit 161 mounted on the main control board 16 is a microcomputer equipped with a CPU 161a as the control center, a ROM 161b that stores programs and control data for the operation of the CPU 161a, a RAM 161c that functions as the work area for the CPU 161a, and input / output interfaces to maintain signal consistency with peripheral devices.

[0136] The main control board 16 is connected to reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R, which are driven based on the control of the main control unit 161. The main control board 16 is also connected to a setting key switch 37, a reset / setting switch 38, and a start switch 7, and detection signals from these connected switches are input to the main control unit 161. In addition, the main control board 16 is connected to a game assistance display 12, a setting value display 24, and a payout ratio monitor 89, and the display is controlled by the main control unit 161.

[0137] Furthermore, the main control board 16 is connected to the bet count clear switch 21, the 1BET switch 20, stop switches 8L, 8C, 8R, the door open detection switch 25, and the MAXBET switch 6 via the relay board 1100, and the detection signals from these connected switches are input to the main control unit 161. In addition, the main control board 16 is connected to the 1-3BET LEDs 14-16 via the relay board 1100, and the display is controlled by the main control unit 161. If the main control unit 161 detects that the MAXBET switch 6 has been operated during the period for accepting invalid operation of the MAXBET switch 6, it sends an operation command to the performance control unit 151 indicating that the MAXBET switch 6 has been invalidated.

[0138] The payout ratio monitor 89 typically displays numerical values ​​that indicate the performance of the slot machine (hereinafter also referred to as "payout ratio information").

[0139] The main control unit 161 displays the following on the payout ratio monitor 89 in the order of (1) to (6): (1) the payout ratio of instructed bonus items to the total cumulative number of payouts, (2) the payout ratio of consecutive bonus items over the past 6000 games, (3) the payout ratio of bonus items over the past 6000 games, (4) the payout ratio of consecutive bonus items to the total cumulative number of payouts, (5) the payout ratio of bonus items to the total cumulative number of payouts, and (6) the payout status ratio of bonus items to the total cumulative number of payouts. Hereafter, the information shown in (1) to (6) may be referred to as the display content.

[0140] The bonus payout ratio indicates the ratio of payouts during special games (bonus payouts) to the total payouts during a predetermined period. The consecutive bonus payout ratio indicates the ratio of payouts during special game states (states where special games occur consecutively (such as BB state)) to the total payouts during a predetermined period (consecutive bonus payouts). The bonus payout ratio including instructions indicates the ratio of bonus payouts to total payouts when payouts during instructions (navigation that suggests a stop operation advantageous to the player) are included in the bonus payouts. In other words, it is the ratio of the cumulative number of medals paid out when navigation notifications are made and the cumulative number of medals paid out during special games to the total cumulative number of medals paid out. The bonus state ratio indicates the ratio of the number of games controlled by special games to the number of games played during a predetermined period.

[0141] When the main control unit 161 switches and displays the display content at predetermined intervals in the display order (1) to (6) described above, even if the game progresses and these values ​​could be updated to new values ​​within a period until each display cycle is completed, it restricts updating to new values ​​and completes the display cycle using the original values.

[0142] In this embodiment, the display of the payout ratio monitor 89 is controlled by the main control unit 161, but it is also possible to configure the display of the payout ratio monitor 89 to be controlled by the medal count control unit 171.

[0143] The performance control unit 151 mounted on the performance control board 15 is a microcomputer equipped with a CPU 151a as the control center, a ROM 151b that stores programs and control data for the operation of the CPU 151a, a RAM 151c that functions as the work area of ​​the CPU 151a, and input / output interfaces to maintain signal consistency with peripheral devices.

[0144] The performance control board 15 is connected to a performance switch 57, and the detection signal from the performance switch 57 is input to the performance control unit 151. In addition, the performance control board 15 is connected to performance devices such as a liquid crystal display 51, game effect LEDs 52, speakers 53 and 54, reel LEDs 55, and credit display segments 7S, and these performance devices are driven based on the control of the performance control unit 151.

[0145] Furthermore, a light intensity / volume adjustment board 111 is connected to the performance control board 15. Switches for adjusting the light intensity and volume are connected to the light intensity / volume adjustment board 111, and detection signals from these switches are input to the performance control unit 151 mounted on the performance control board 15 via the light intensity / volume adjustment board 111.

[0146] The main control unit 161 transmits various commands to the performance control unit 151. Commands transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the performance control unit 151 are sent in only one direction; no commands are sent from the performance control unit 151 to the main control unit 161. The performance control unit 151 receives the commands transmitted from the main control unit 161 and performs various controls for the performance.

[0147] The medal count control unit 171 sends various commands to the main control unit 161. The main control unit 161 also sends various commands to the medal count control unit 171. In other words, communication between the medal count control unit 171 and the main control unit 161 is bidirectional.

[0148] Furthermore, the medal count control unit 171 stores the credits in a predetermined area of ​​the RAM 171c. Specifically, the number of credits is stored in the credit counter. The medal count control unit 171 updates the credits stored in the credit counter during credit addition or subtraction processing. The number of credits stored in the credit counter is displayed on the credit display unit 11.

[0149] The set number of bets is stored in a designated area of ​​RAM161c. Specifically, the set number of bets is stored as a BET counter. When the value stored in the BET counter is a specified number, the game becomes ready to start. Hereafter, the value stored in the BET counter may be simply referred to as the "number of bets".

[0150] As described above, a medalless slot machine that does not require tokens is equipped with a token count control unit 171. The functions related to token insertion and dispensing in conventional slot machines are concentrated in the token count control unit 171. Furthermore, while conventional slot machines that require tokens need to be equipped with devices related to token insertion and dispensing, such as a token selector and hopper, such devices are unnecessary in a medalless slot machine.

[0151] Furthermore, by configuring a coinless slot machine as in this embodiment, it is possible to share parts with conventional slot machines. Specifically, since the function of updating credits (functions related to inserting and dispensing medals) is concentrated in the medal count control unit 171, a conventional slot machine can be configured by replacing the medal count control unit 171 of the coinless slot machine. When configuring a conventional slot machine, the medal count control unit 171 should be equipped with functions related to inserting and dispensing medals, and devices related to inserting and dispensing medals, such as medal selectors and hoppers, should be connected to the medal count control unit 171. With this configuration, compatibility with conventional slot machines is achieved, and costs can be reduced in the design and manufacture of slot machines through the sharing of parts.

[0152] In this embodiment, a medalless slot machine is used as the gaming machine, but a conventional slot machine equipped with devices related to medal insertion and dispensing, such as a medal selector and hopper, may also be used as the gaming machine. In this case, the medal count control unit 171 may be omitted, and the main control unit 161 may be used to manage credits, detect inserted medals, and control medal dispensing.

[0153] When the main control unit 161 receives a detection signal from the start switch 7, it rotates the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R and performs a lottery for winning combinations (also called an internal lottery). A winning combination is a combination of symbols (symbol combinations) that is designated as a winning combination, and when these symbols line up on the winning line L, a win is achieved. The lottery for winning combinations is a draw to determine whether or not to allow the combination of winning symbols to be achieved. Furthermore, the lottery for winning combinations also determines whether or not to allow combinations of symbols that can only be stopped if the winning combination is missed when it is allowed, so it also functions as a draw to determine which combinations of symbols are allowed to be derived.

[0154] The types of winning combinations are determined according to the game state, but they can be broadly divided into special combinations that lead to transitions to special game states such as Big Bonus state (BB state) and Regular Bonus state (RB state), minor combinations that result in the payout (granting) of medals, and replay combinations that allow the next game to start without needing to set a bet amount.

[0155] The main control unit 161 draws the winning combinations, drives the reels to rotate, and then waits for the player to stop the reels. When any of the stop switches 8L, 8C, or 8R is operated, the main control unit 161 stops the rotation of the reel corresponding to that stop switch 8L, 8C, or 8R. The main control unit 161 stops the three symbols and performs a winning combination determination process to determine whether a winning combination has been achieved. If a winning combination is determined, the player is awarded a number of credits corresponding to the type of winning combination. The power supply board 101 is connected to a power-on switch 102, and the detection signal from the power-on switch 102 is input to it.

[0156] In this embodiment, "game" refers to the period from when the start switch 7 is operated until reels 2L, 2C, and 2R stop. Furthermore, during gameplay, the number of bets is set before operating the start switch 7, and after reels 2L, 2C, and 2R stop, medal payouts and transitions to different game states also occur. Therefore, these incidental processes are also broadly included in the definition of "game."

[0157] In this embodiment, the operation of the MAXBET switch 6 is also referred to as the MAXBET operation, the operation of the START switch 7 as the start operation, the operation of the TOP switches 8L, 8C, and 8R as the stop operation, the operation of the COUNT button 10 as the COUNT operation, the operation of the Lending button 321 as the Lending operation, and the operation of the Card Return button 322 as the Return operation.

[0158] Furthermore, slot machine 1 is configured so that the payout rate of medals changes depending on the setting value. Specifically, the payout rate of medals changes by using the winning probability according to the setting value in the lottery that affects the player's advantage, such as the internal lottery. There are six setting values ​​from 1 to 6, with 6 having the highest payout rate, and the payout rate decreasing in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 as the value decreases. In other words, when the setting value is 6, it is the most advantageous for the player, and the advantage decreases in the order of 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 as the value decreases.

[0159] To change the setting value, the setting key switch 37 must be turned ON before turning on the power to the slot machine 1. When the setting key switch 37 is turned ON and the power is turned ON, the setting value read from RAM 161c is displayed on the setting value display 24, and the machine transitions to a setting change state where the setting value can be changed by operating the reset / setting switch 38. In the setting change state, when the reset / setting switch 38 is operated, the displayed value on the setting value display 24 is updated by 1 (if it is operated further from setting value 6, it returns to setting value 1). Then, when the start switch 7 is operated, the displayed value is confirmed as the setting value. Then, when the setting key switch 37 is turned OFF, the confirmed displayed value (setting value) is stored in the RAM 161c of the main control unit 161, and the machine transitions to a state where the game can proceed.

[0160] [state transition] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the transitions between game states. As shown in Figure 3, the states managed by the main control unit 161 include game states related to the payout rate.

[0161] The game states include non-internal state, internal state, and BB state. The internal state is a state in which the game can proceed and the payout rate of medals based on predetermined design values ​​is guaranteed. In this embodiment of slot machine 1, most games are played by the player in the internal state.

[0162] On the other hand, the non-internal state is a state in which the player does not play, or if they do play, the duration is extremely short. In the non-internal state, if a player wins a Big Bonus (BB) but fails to collect the winnings from that BB, the game state transitions to the internal state from the next game. In other words, the internal state is a state in which the BB win has been carried over.

[0163] In both non-internal and internal modes, there may be games in which a Big Bonus (BB) can be won (hereinafter also referred to as "BB-winning games"). Specifically, in non-internal modes, if the BB symbol combination can be derived in the game in which a BB is won by operating stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R, a BB will be won. In this case, the game state will be controlled to the BB state from the next game onward. In other words, in non-internal modes, the game in which a BB is won becomes a BB-winning game.

[0164] Internally, the BB win is carried over. If a BB and a minor win occur simultaneously, the reel control prioritizes deriving the minor win symbol combination. Furthermore, if the minor win is a win that cannot be missed, in a game where a BB and a minor win occur simultaneously, the minor win will always be awarded regardless of the operation of stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R, and the BB will not be awarded. Similarly, if a BB and a re-spin win occur simultaneously, the reel control prioritizes deriving the re-spin symbol combination. Generally, re-spin wins are wins that cannot be missed, so in a game where a BB and a re-spin win occur simultaneously, the re-spin win will always be awarded regardless of the operation of stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R, and the BB will not be awarded. Therefore, internally, only in games where the internal lottery results in a loss (a game where no win occurs), if the BB symbol combination can be derived in response to the operation of stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R, the BB will be awarded. In this case, the game state will be controlled to the BB state from the next game onward. In other words, internally, games that resulted in a loss in the internal lottery become games where a BB can be won.

[0165] The BB state is controlled for a predetermined number of games (for example, 60 games), but since the payout rate during the BB state is approximately 101%, the net increase in coins hardly increases. Therefore, for the player, the BB state is simply a state where a predetermined number of games (for example, 60 games) are played. When the BB state ends, the game state returns to the non-internal state.

[0166] The internal states include normal periods and advantageous periods. The normal period is a state in which navigation is not performed and navigation information cannot be notified, which is a non-notification state. The advantageous period is a state in which navigation can be performed and navigation information can be notified, which is a notification state. In this embodiment, within the advantageous period, navigation is not performed in the normal advantageous period, but navigation can be performed in the CZ state, AT1 state, AT2 state, and ending state. Navigation may also be performed in the normal advantageous period, but in the CZ state, AT1 state, AT2 state, and ending state, the probability of navigation being performed to win the main character when a push-order role is won, as described later, is higher than in the normal advantageous period. Thus, in the CZ state, AT1 state, AT2 state, and ending state, navigation is performed with a higher probability than when the advantageous period is normal.

[0167] The types of winning combinations for which navigation may be performed are primarily those with specific reel stopping sequences. These are combinations that allow for the winning of the main prize, which awards more medals than the number of medals used to set the bet. There are multiple types of these combinations, each with a different reel stopping sequence that allows for the main prize to be won. When a combination with a specific reel stopping sequence is won, if the player stops the reels in the sequence corresponding to that combination, the main prize will be won, increasing the number of medals won. However, if the player stops the reels in a sequence other than the sequence corresponding to the winning combination, the main prize will not be won, resulting in a loss or a decrease in medals due to the winning of a combination that reduces the number of medals. Therefore, when a combination with a specific reel stopping sequence is won, navigation is performed, and the corresponding sequence is announced. By stopping the reels in the announced sequence, it becomes possible to reliably win the main prize, increasing the probability of winning the main prize compared to when navigation is not performed. In this embodiment, a button-pressing sequence is used as the target of the navigation. However, for example, multiple types of roles with different stopping timings that allow the main prize to be won may be applied to at least some of the reels, and a navigation system that allows the timing of the stopping operation to be identified when a win is achieved may be implemented. Alternatively, multiple types of roles with different button-pressing sequences and stopping timings for at least some of the reels may be applied, and a navigation system that allows the timing of the button-pressing sequence and stopping operation to be identified when a win is achieved may be implemented.

[0168] In the normal section, the state is controlled to the advantageous section when the advantageous section transition lottery is won (advantageous section win). In this embodiment, since winning most of the possible roles in the normal section is a condition for winning the advantageous section, the stay in the normal section is approximately 1 game. The condition for winning the advantageous section may also be met when any of the possible roles in the normal section are won.

[0169] In normal play, since navigation is not performed in games where a button sequence is won, the expected net increase in tokens per game will be negative when considering the number of tokens used to set the bet. The expected net increase in tokens per game is calculated by subtracting the number of tokens used to set the bet per game from the expected number of tokens paid out per game. In this embodiment, the probability of winning a button sequence is set lower for the button sequence where the left reel (reel 2L) is stopped first (the button sequence in which the left reel is stopped first) than for the button sequence where the middle reel (reel 2C) is stopped first (the button sequence in which the middle reel is stopped first) and the button sequence where the right reel (reel 2R) is stopped first (the button sequence in which the right reel is stopped first). This is set so that when playing with the button sequence where the left reel is stopped first, the normal payout rate is lower than when playing with the button sequence where the middle reel or right reel is stopped first. However, regardless of which button sequence is used, the payout rate in the normal section is set to be 1 or less (100% or less) or less than 1 (less than 100%).

[0170] The advantageous section includes the normal advantageous section, the CZ state, the AT1 state, the AT2 state, and the ending state. In the normal advantageous section, since navigation is not performed in games in which a push-order combination is won, the net increase in tokens that can be expected to be obtained per game will be 0 or negative, considering the number of tokens used to set the bet. In this embodiment, in the normal advantageous section, the payout rate is set to be lower when playing with the left reel as the first stop than when playing with the middle or right reel as the first stop, similar to the normal section. However, regardless of which push-order is used, the payout rate will be 1 or less (100% or less) or less than 1 (less than 100%), similar to the normal section.

[0171] In this embodiment, the AT1 state ends when a predetermined number of games are played. That is, as shown in Figure 3, the game transitions to the normal section. The predetermined number of games in the AT1 state can be increased by winning a specific combination. In other words, in this embodiment, winning a specific combination increases the player's advantage.

[0172] During the normal advantageous period, processes such as lotteries related to control to the CZ state and AT1 state are performed. During the normal advantageous period, the main control unit 161 performs a lottery to enter the AT1 state by point acquisition lottery. Points updated by the point acquisition lottery are managed by the main control unit 161. The main control unit 161 is equipped with an internal point counter (not shown) for counting points. When the value of the point counter reaches a predetermined value, the main control unit 161 performs an AT lottery to determine whether or not to control to the AT1 state. The main control unit 161 may also perform an AT lottery based on the winning of a specific role without using points. The CZ state is a state in which the number of points awarded is greater than that of the normal advantageous period. In other words, the CZ state is a state in which it is easier to transition to the AT1 state than of the normal advantageous period.

[0173] Control to the AT2 state can occur while in the CZ state. The AT2 state is a so-called pseudo-bonus where players can increase the net number of coins they can win by following the navigation. A win that directly controls the AT2 state from the CZ state without going through the AT1 state is also called a "direct pseudo-bonus win." Conversely, a win that controls the AT2 state from the AT1 state is also called a "pseudo-bonus win." In a pseudo-bonus, navigation is performed in the game in which the push-order role is won, so the net number of coins that can be expected to be won per game will be positive, even considering the number of coins used to set the bet.

[0174] As mentioned above, the game is set so that the normal payout rate is lower when the left reel is the first stop than when the middle or right reel is the first stop. The payout rate is higher when the middle or right reel is the first stop than when the left reel is the first stop. However, when the game is played with any reel other than the left reel as the first stop, the lottery and other processes (advantageous control) related to control to the CZ state, AT1 state, and AT2 state that take place from the end of the game to the start of the next game are not performed. As a result, the payout rate is higher when the left reel is the first stop than when the middle or right reel is the first stop.

[0175] During the advantageous period, the game is controlled to the ending state when the number of medals acquired (difference), as described later, reaches a predetermined number of medals required to transition to the ending. The number of medals acquired during the advantageous period is the value obtained by subtracting the number of medals used by the player from the number of medals awarded to the player through winning, from the time control to the advantageous period begins. In this embodiment, the number of medals acquired is counted using the difference count value, which will be explained in detail later. The ending state is a state in which it is confirmed that control to the advantageous period will continue until the total number of medals acquired during the advantageous period reaches the upper limit (for example, 2400 medals).

[0176] The number of coins required to transition to the ending is set when the game transitions from the normal section to the advantageous section. The number of coins required to transition to the ending may be determined by lottery or may be predetermined. The number of coins required to transition to the ending is managed by the main control unit 161. That is, the RAM 161c of the main control unit 161 stores the number of coins required to transition to the ending. For example, the number of coins required to transition to the ending is 2300. In other words, the main control unit 161 cumulatively counts the difference count value, and in the process of this counting, when the difference count value reaches the number of coins required to transition to the ending, the advantageous section ends.

[0177] When the limiter condition is met during the advantageous period, the game switches from the advantageous period back to the normal period. More specifically, when the number of medals acquired during the advantageous period reaches 2400, the advantageous period ends and the game switches back to the normal period. The number of medals acquired during the advantageous period is counted by a counter stored in RAM161c. When the number of medals acquired during the advantageous period reaches the upper limit, this is referred to as the "limiter condition being met."

[0178] Thus, the advantageous period includes an ending state that is favorable to the player, and the main control unit 161 controls the game to enter the ending state when it determines that the number of acquired medals is greater than 2300. This makes it easier to continue the advantageous period when the number of acquired medals exceeds 2300.

[0179] When the game switches from the advantageous period to the normal period, the number of medals earned during the advantageous period, as well as the points that can be earned during gameplay, are reset. The number of medals earned during the advantageous period is updated even in the Big Bonus (BB) state as long as it is within the advantageous period, but is not updated in the normal period.

[0180] In this embodiment, the slot machine 1 changes the payout rate of medals according to a set value. Specifically, the payout rate of medals changes by varying the winning probabilities in predetermined lotteries, such as point acquisition lotteries, CZ state, AT1 state control, and AT2 state control lotteries, according to the set value (for example, 1, 2, 4, 5, 6). Employees of the amusement parlor can change this set value by changing the settings. Furthermore, if the settings are changed during the advantageous period, the advantageous period ends, and after the setting change, the game starts from the normal period.

[0181] Thus, the conditions for transitioning from the advantageous period to the normal period include limiter conditions and arbitrary termination conditions that are established based on the progress of the game, as well as the condition that a setting change is made.

[0182] Furthermore, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, an upper limit on the number of games is set during the normal advantageous period. When the predetermined upper limit on the number of games is reached during the normal advantageous period, the AT right is granted, which forces a transition to the AT1 state regardless of the points reached. The upper limit on the number of games during the normal advantageous period is, for example, 1280 games. This upper limit on the number of games is referred to as the "ceiling". The main control unit 161 has a lottery counter in the RAM 161c to determine whether or not the ceiling has been reached. That is, the main control unit 161 stores the number of games played during the normal advantageous period in the lottery counter in the RAM 161c. The main control unit 161 increments the value of the lottery counter each time a game is played during the normal advantageous period. For example, if the upper limit on the number of games during the normal advantageous period is set to 700 games, the main control unit 161 grants the AT right when the value of the lottery counter reaches 700. The upper limit on the number of games during the normal advantageous period is not limited to 700 games, but may be, for example, 1280 games.

[0183] [Commands to the production control unit] The main control unit 161 sends commands to the performance control unit 151 that can identify the respective situations when the bet amount is set by the bet setting operation using the MAXBET switch 6 and the 1BET switch 20, when the start switch 7 is operated to start the game, when the reels are stopped, and when all reels are stopped.

[0184] Figure 4 shows the game start commands that the main control unit 161 sends to the performance control unit 151 when the start switch 7 is operated. When the start switch 7 is operated (start operation), the main control unit 161 executes an internal lottery process and, according to the result of the internal lottery process, sends a set of commands containing predetermined information to the performance control unit 151. Hereinafter, the set of commands No. 1 to No. 13 shown in Figure 4 will simply be referred to as "game start commands". The main control unit 161 sends each command as a game start command in the order of No. 1 to No. 13. Each command stores various information managed by the main control unit 161.

[0185] For example, command No. 2, "Instruction Number," stores information related to navigation. In other words, command No. 2 stores information that can identify the order in which the buttons should be pressed during a game in which the start switch 7 is operated. Specifically, command "Instruction Number" stores information indicating the order in which to press stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R. When the performance control unit 151 receives command No. 2, "Instruction Number," it executes a navigation display on the liquid crystal display 51 based on the operation procedure that can be identified from the command "Instruction Number." The performance control unit 151 also outputs a sound from speaker 53 to inform the player of the operation procedure that can be identified from command "Instruction Number."

[0186] For example, the command No. 3, "Minor Role Type," stores information that allows for the identification of whether the role won by the internal lottery is a minor role, a re-play role, or a special role. Also, the command No. 6, "Section State," stores information that allows for the identification of which of the internal states shown in Figure 4 the game in which the start switch 7 was operated is in. Specifically, the command No. 6, "Section State," stores information indicating whether the currently controlled state is a normal section or an advantageous section, and furthermore, within the advantageous section, whether it is an advantageous section normal, a CZ state, an AT1 state or an AT2 state, or an ending state. Based on receiving the command No. 6, "Section State," the performance control unit 151 can identify which section state the game in which the start switch 7 was operated is in. In addition, the command No. 4, "Payout State," may also store information that allows for the identification of the game state of the game in which the start switch 7 was operated. The command No. 9, "ART Pre-announcement Game Count," stores the number of games in the AT continuous performance. Command No. 10, "Points," in the commands used to start a game, stores the number of points earned in the previous game. Command No. 11, "Winning Number," stores information that identifies the winning number of the winning combination determined by the internal lottery.

[0187] Furthermore, when the main control unit 161 sends a command to start a game, it stores information indicating that a medal has been bet in command No. 12, "Insert Medal". If information indicating that a medal has been bet is stored in command No. 12, "Insert Medal", the performance control unit 151 can determine that it has received a command to start a game.

[0188] Figure 5 shows the game end command that the main control unit 161 transmits to the performance control unit 151 when the machine stops for the third time. The main control unit 161 transmits a group of commands from No. 1 to No. 13 to the performance control unit 151 in the order of No. 1 to No. 13, not only when the start switch 7 is operated, but also when the stop switch stops for the third time. Hereafter, the group of commands from No. 1 to No. 13 shown in Figure 5 will simply be referred to as the "game end command". Note that among the commands transmitted when the machine stops for the third time, No. 11 is different from the command No. 11 transmitted when the start switch 7 is operated. No. 11 is a command that stores information related to winning. That is, when the machine stops for the third time, the main control unit 161 transmits information related to winning, not information related to the winning number.

[0189] In the game end command, command No. 10, "Points," stores the number of points acquired in the point acquisition lottery process at the third stop, which will be described later. Also, when the main control unit 161 sends a game end command, it stores information indicating that the reels have stopped in command No. 13, "Stop Reels." If information indicating that the reels have stopped is stored in command No. 13, "Stop Reels," the performance control unit 151 can determine that a game end command has been received. That is, the performance control unit 151 determines whether the received command group is a game start command or a game end command based on command No. 12, "Insert Coins," and command No. 13, "Stop Reels." When the main control unit 161 sends a game start command, it does not need to send command No. 13, "Stop Reels," and when sending a game end command, it does not need to send command No. 12, "Insert Coins."

[0190] [Transmission and reception methods between the main control unit and the medal count control unit] The transmission and reception methods between the main control unit 161 and the medal count control unit 171 will now be described. In this embodiment, command-based communication takes place between the main control unit 161 and the medal count control unit 171. The main control unit 161 sends a predetermined command to the medal count control unit 171 each time an event occurs. Events include the start switch 7 being pressed, the 1BET switch 20 or MAXBET switch 6 being pressed, and all reels stopping.

[0191] If the medal count control unit 171 receives a predetermined command from the main control unit 161 and that command requires a predetermined response, the control unit 171 sends a response command to the main control unit 161.

[0192] [Commands sent from the main control unit to the medal count control unit] Figure 6 shows the types of commands that the main control unit 161 sends to the medal count control unit 171. In this embodiment, the main control board 16 sends the following commands to the medal count control unit 171, as shown in the command name column of Figure 6: game machine installation information command, insert command, settlement command, payout command, insert pulse command, payout pulse command, jackpot command, game machine fraud command, main control unit error command, and overflow command.

[0193] The bidirectional column indicates whether the medal count control unit 171 needs to send a response command after the main control unit 161 sends a command. For example, when the medal count control unit 171 receives an insert pulse command from the main control unit 161, it does not send a response command in response to that insert pulse command. In other words, the main control unit 161 performs control such as starting the rotation of the reels without waiting to receive a response command from the medal count control unit 171.

[0194] On the other hand, when the medal count control unit 171 receives an insert command, settlement command, payout command, or overflow command from the main control unit 161, it sends a response command to the main control unit 161 in response to receiving these commands. The insert command, settlement command, payout command, and overflow command are commands that directly affect the number of credits managed by the medal count control unit 171. Therefore, after sending the insert command, settlement command, payout command, or overflow command, the main control unit 161 performs the following control only if it has received a response command from the medal count control unit 171.

[0195] The gaming machine installation information command is sent when the power is turned on. The gaming machine installation information command stores the management medium (game balls, tokens), organization classification (organization to which the machine belongs), gaming machine type (pachinko machine, slot machine, etc.), CPU manufacturer, identification code indicating the CPU type, chip ID indicating a unique number assigned to each chip, chip manufacturer code that can identify the chip manufacturer, and product code indicating the chip model number.

[0196] The betting command is sent from the main control unit 161 to the medal count control unit 171 when the 1BET switch 20 is pressed or when the MAXBET switch 6 is pressed. In other words, the main control unit 161 sends the betting command to the medal count control unit 171 when it receives a bet setting operation to set the number of bets to start a game. The betting command stores the number of medals used to set the bet. Note that the betting command is not sent when the re-game activation state is active. "Re-game activation state" refers to the state after a re-game win has occurred. When a bet is set, the number of credits decreases. Therefore, the betting command is a command that directly affects the number of credits managed by the medal count control unit 171. Accordingly, when the medal count control unit 171 receives the betting command, it sends a betting response command to the main control unit 161 in response to the betting command. Furthermore, after sending the betting command, the main control unit 161 performs the following control on the condition that it has received the betting response command. The following control includes processing to wait for the start of the game.

[0197] When the medal count control unit 171 receives an insertion command, it performs control corresponding to the insertion command and then transmits an insertion response command to the main control unit 161 in response to the insertion command. The control corresponding to the insertion command is, for example, a control that subtracts the number of inserted medals from the number of credits.

[0198] The settlement command is sent from the main control unit 161 to the medal count control unit 171 when the bet count clear switch 21 is pressed. In other words, when the main control unit 161 receives a settlement operation to cancel the bet count required to start a game, it sends a settlement command to the medal count control unit 171. The settlement command stores the settlement medal count corresponding to the canceled bet count. When a bet count is canceled, the number of credits increases. Therefore, the settlement command is a command that directly affects the number of credits managed by the medal count control unit 171. Accordingly, when the medal count control unit 171 receives a settlement command, it sends a settlement response command to the main control unit 161 in response to the settlement command. Furthermore, after sending the settlement command, the main control unit 161 performs the following control on the condition that it has received the settlement response command. The following control includes processing while waiting for the bet count to be set.

[0199] When the medal count control unit 171 receives a settlement command, it performs control corresponding to the settlement command and then transmits a settlement response command in response to the settlement command to the main control unit 161. The control corresponding to the settlement command is, for example, a control that adds the settlement medal count to the credit count.

[0200] The payout command is sent from the main control unit 161 to the medal count control unit 171 when all reels have stopped, that is, when the third reel has stopped. In other words, the main control unit 161 sends the payout command to the medal count control unit 171 when a game ends. The payout command stores the number of medals to be paid out, which is determined according to the combination of symbols that has been derived. When medals are paid out to the player, the number of credits increases. Therefore, the payout command is a command that directly affects the number of credits managed by the medal count control unit 171. Accordingly, when the medal count control unit 171 receives the payout command, it sends a payout response command to the main control unit 161. Furthermore, after sending the payout command, the main control unit 161 performs the following control, provided that it has received the payout response command. The following control includes updating the data displayed on the game assistance display unit 12.

[0201] When the medal count control unit 171 receives a payout command, it performs control corresponding to the payout command and then transmits a payout response command in response to the payout command to the main control unit 161. The control corresponding to the payout command is, for example, a control that adds the number of payout medals to the number of credits.

[0202] The token insertion pulse command is transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the token count control unit 171 when the start switch 7 is pressed. That is, the main control unit 161 transmits the token insertion pulse command to the token count control unit 171 when starting a game. The token insertion pulse command stores 1 to 3 token insertion pulses, which are used to transmit the number of tokens used by the player in the game in response to the start of a game to a hall computer (not shown) connected to the token count control unit 171. Even in the re-play operation state, the prescribed number of token insertion pulses are stored. After receiving the token insertion pulse command, the token count control unit 171 transmits an token insertion pulse signal to the hall computer (not shown). This allows the hall computer to store the number of tokens inserted in slot machine 1. The token insertion pulse command is transmitted even when the start switch 7 is pressed in the re-play operation state. The token insertion pulse command is a command that does not directly affect the number of credits managed by the token count control unit 171. Therefore, when the medal count control unit 171 receives an insert pulse command, it does not send a response command to the main control unit 161 for the insert pulse command, but instead performs control according to the insert pulse command. Control according to the insert pulse command includes, for example, processing to put the machine into a waiting state for the end of the game, or processing to prepare for receiving a payout command. After sending the insert pulse command, the main control unit 161 performs the next control without waiting for a response from the medal count control unit 171. The next control is, for example, the control to drive the reels.

[0203] The payout pulse command is transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the medal count control unit 171 when all reels have stopped, i.e., when the third reel has stopped. The payout pulse command stores the number of payout pulses to transmit the number of medals awarded to the player according to the winnings to a hall computer (not shown) connected to the medal count control unit 171. A maximum of 15 pulses can be stored in the payout pulse command. If a combination of symbols for replay has been derived, or if there are no medals to pay out, "0" is stored. After receiving the payout pulse command, the medal count control unit 171 transmits a payout pulse signal to the hall computer (not shown). This allows the hall computer to store the number of medals paid out in slot machine 1. The payout pulse command is also transmitted to the medal count control unit 171 when the replay operation state is active. After transmitting the payout pulse command, the main control unit 161 performs the next control without waiting for a response from the medal count control unit 171.

[0204] The jackpot command is transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the medal count control unit 171 when the reels start spinning. The jackpot command stores the hall computer signal. The hall computer signal is a signal that notifies the hall computer of jackpot information for slot machine 1. It stores information such as RB state, BB state, and jackpot type such as AT. In addition, the jackpot command is transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the medal count control unit 171 even when the machine is in a hot start state when the power is turned on. This allows slot machine 1 to restore the hall computer signal without having to back it up.

[0205] The gaming machine fraud command is transmitted from the main control unit 161 to the medal count control unit 171 at the start and end of setting changes and setting confirmations. The gaming machine fraud command stores information about the setting changes and setting confirmations performed on the hall computer, as well as information notifying whether or not fraud was detected at that time.

[0206] An error command is a command that indicates the type of error that occurred in the main control unit 161. The main control board error command is sent from the main control unit 161 to the medal count control unit 171 when an error occurs in the main control unit 161 and when the error is resolved. The error command stores error information that notifies the hall computer of a number indicating the type of error that occurred in the main control unit 161.

[0207] The overflow command is a command used to notify the medal count control unit 171 of a credit overflow inquiry. The overflow command directly affects the number of credits managed by the medal count control unit 171. Therefore, when the medal count control unit 171 receives an overflow command, it sends an overflow response command to the main control unit 161. Furthermore, after sending the overflow command, the main control unit 161 performs the following control, provided that it has received the said overflow response command.

[0208] [Commands sent from the medal count control unit to the main control unit] Figure 7 shows a list of commands sent from the medal count control unit 171 to the main control unit 161. The medal count control unit 171 sends two types of commands to the main control unit 161.

[0209] Response commands (insertion response command, settlement response command, payout response command, overflow response command) are commands used to respond to commands received from the main control unit 161. For example, when the medal count control unit 171 receives a payout command, it sends a payout response command because the payout command affects the number of credits. In other words, response commands are bidirectional commands because they respond in response to being received.

[0210] The medal count control information command is a command that transmits system information, including connection information between the medal count control unit 171 and CU3. The medal count control unit 171 transmits the medal count control information command to the main control unit 161 every 0.5 seconds. Note that the predetermined period during which the medal count control information command is transmitted may be other than 0.5 seconds. The main control unit 161 does not respond even if it receives the medal count control information command. Therefore, the medal count control information command is a command that is continuously transmitted unidirectionally from the medal count control unit 171 to the main control unit 161, and is not bidirectional.

[0211] The coin insertion response command is a command used to notify the success or failure of a coin insertion in response to an insertion command received from the main control unit 161. When the medal count control unit 171 receives an insertion command, it sends an insertion response command because the insertion command affects the number of credits. In other words, the coin insertion response command is a bidirectional command because it responds in response to its reception.

[0212] The settlement response command is a command used to notify the success or failure of a settlement in response to a settlement command received from the main control unit 161. When the medal count control unit 171 receives a settlement command, it sends a settlement response command because the settlement command affects the number of credits. In other words, the settlement response command is a bidirectional command because it responds in response to its receipt.

[0213] The payout response command is a command used to notify the success or failure of a payout in response to a payout command received from the main control unit 161. When the medal count control unit 171 receives a payout command, it sends a payout response command because the payout command affects the number of credits. In other words, the payout response command is a bidirectional command because it responds in response to its reception.

[0214] The overflow response command is a command used to notify the credit overflow status (whether or not credits will overflow) in response to an overflow command received from the main control unit 161. When the medal count control unit 171 receives an overflow command, it sends an overflow response command because the overflow command is a command that affects the number of credits. In other words, the overflow response command is a bidirectional command because it is responded to upon receipt.

[0215] As described above, the medal count control information command is transmitted from the medal count control unit 171 to the main control unit 161 every 0.5 seconds. The medal count control information command stores the number of game medals (0 to 16383) stored as credits and the system status of the medal count control unit 171 (including whether the counting button was pressed and whether CU3 and the medal count control unit 171 are properly connected).

[0216] [Regarding communication between the main control unit and the medal count control unit] Figure 8 shows an example of communication between the main control unit 161 and the medal count control unit 171. Serial communication is used for communication between the main control unit 161 and the medal count control unit 171. As shown in Figure 8, the main control unit 161 sends a betting command when a bet setting operation is performed. A bet setting operation includes pressing the 1BET switch 20 or the MAXBET switch 6.

[0217] When the medal count control unit 171 receives a command from the main control unit 161, it measures the elapsed time using a counter. If the reception of the command is not completed within 10ms from the time the command is received from the main control unit 161, the medal count control unit 171 determines that a timeout error has occurred in the communication between the main control unit 161 and the medal count control unit 171. In the example in Figure 8, the input command is received before 10ms have elapsed from the time the medal count control unit 171 receives it, so no timeout error occurs.

[0218] The medal count control unit 171 sends an insertion response command in response to receiving an insertion command. When the main control unit 161 receives a command from the medal count control unit 171, it measures the elapsed time using a counter. If the reception of the command is not completed within 2.24 ms from the time the command is received from the medal count control unit 171, the main control unit 161 determines that a timeout error has occurred in the communication between the main control unit 161 and the medal count control unit 171. In the example in Figure 8, the insertion response command is received before 2.24 ms have elapsed since the main control unit 161 received it, so no timeout error occurs.

[0219] Furthermore, when the main control unit 161 sends a command that requires a response command from the medal count control unit 171, such as an insert command, it uses a counter to measure the elapsed time since the bet amount setting operation that triggered the insertion command was performed.

[0220] If the main control unit 161 does not receive the coin insertion response command from the coin count control unit 171 within 40ms after an event such as a bet setting operation occurs, the main control unit 161 determines that a timeout error has occurred in the communication between the main control unit 161 and the coin count control unit 171. In the example in Figure 8, the receipt of the coin insertion response command is completed before 40ms have elapsed since the bet setting operation was performed, so no timeout error occurs.

[0221] After receiving an input response command in response to an input command, the main control unit 161 starts control corresponding to the fact that a betting amount setting operation has been performed.

[0222] Next, the start switch 7 of slot machine 1 is pressed by the player. Based on the fact that the start switch 7 has been pressed, the main control unit 161 sends an insert pulse command to the medal count control unit 171. As mentioned above, the insert pulse command is a command that does not require a response command from the medal count control unit 171. Therefore, the medal count control unit 171 does not send a response command.

[0223] Finally, when the player performs the third stop operation, all reels stop. Based on the fact that all reels have stopped, the main control unit 161 sends a payout command to the medal count control unit 171. In this example, although the payout command requires a payout response command, the medal count control unit 171 does not send a payout response command. Therefore, the main control unit 161 does not receive a payout response command within 40ms after all reels have stopped, and determines that a timeout error has occurred.

[0224] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the communication of medal count control information commands. As shown in Figure 9, after the medal count control unit 171 receives a game machine installation information command from the main control unit 161 upon power-on, it sends medal count control information commands to the main control unit 161 every 500ms. If the main control unit 161 determines that a timeout error has occurred if more than 2.24ms elapses between the start of receiving medal count control information commands and the completion of reception.

[0225] Figure 10 shows the communication flow between the main control unit 161 and the medal count control unit 171 from the moment the power is turned on. When the power on switch 102 is pressed and power is turned on to the main control unit 161, the main control unit 161 sends a game machine installation information command. Subsequently, when the betting amount setting operation is performed, the main control unit 161 sends an insert command. Since the insert command is a command that requires a response command, the medal count control unit 171 sends an insert response command to the main control unit 161 based on the fact that it has received the insert command.

[0226] Next, the main control unit 161 sends a settlement command to the medal count control unit 171 based on the fact that a settlement operation has been performed. A settlement operation is an operation that indicates that the bet count clear switch 21 has been pressed. This executes the process of returning the bet count to the number of credits. Since the settlement command is a command that requires a settlement response command, the medal count control unit 171 sends a settlement response command to the main control unit 161 based on the fact that it has received the settlement command.

[0227] In Figure 10, the bet amount setting operation is performed again, and communication based on this bet amount setting operation takes place. Subsequently, based on the fact that the start switch 7 is pressed, the main control unit 161 sends an insert pulse command to the medal count control unit 171. After sending the insert pulse command, the main control unit 161 performs control to advance the game, such as driving the reels, without waiting for a response from the medal count control unit 171. When the medal count control unit 171 receives the insert pulse command from the main control unit 161, it controls the game to a waiting state as a control corresponding to the insert pulse command. Since the insert pulse command is a command that does not require a response command, the medal count control unit 171 does not send a response command.

[0228] Based on the fact that all reels have stopped, the main control unit 161 sends a payout command to the medal count control unit 171. The medal count control unit 171 performs control to add credits based on the receipt of the payout command and also sends a payout response command to the main control unit 161. Furthermore, the main control unit 161 sends a payout pulse command to the medal count control unit 171. As control in response to the payout pulse command, the medal count control unit 171 performs control to send a payout pulse signal to the hall computer. Since the payout pulse command is a command that does not require a response command, the medal count control unit 171 does not send a response command.

[0229] Thus, when the main control unit 161 sends an insert pulse command or a payout pulse command that does not affect the number of credits, it then executes the next control without waiting for a response from the medal count control unit 171. On the other hand, when it sends an insert command, a settlement command, or a payout command that does affect the number of credits, it then executes the next control only after receiving a response command sent from the medal count control unit 171.

[0230] [Regarding setting the number of bets and settlement procedures] Figure 11 illustrates the bet setting operation and settlement operation. As described above, the main control unit 161 sends a bet setting operation to the medal count control unit 171 based on the bet setting operation being performed by pressing the 1BET switch 20 or the MAXBET switch 6. The main control unit 161 also sends a settlement command to the medal count control unit 171 based on the settlement operation being performed by pressing the bet clear switch 21.

[0231] As shown in Figure 11, the main control unit 161 sends an insert command to the medal count control unit 171 based on the bet setting operation. The insert command is a command that includes the number of medals to be inserted. The medal count control unit 171 reads the number of medals to be inserted included in the received insert command and performs the bet setting process. Specifically, it subtracts the number of medals inserted from the number of credits managed by the medal count control unit 171 and adds the number of medals inserted to the bet. For example, if the number of medals to bet before the bet setting process is executed is 0, and the MAXBET switch 6 is activated as the bet setting operation, the medal count control unit 171 subtracts 3 from the number of credits and adds 3 to the bet. Based on the receipt of the insert command, the medal count control unit 171 sends an insert response command to the main control unit 161.

[0232] Next, the main control unit 161 sends a settlement command to the medal count control unit 171 based on the fact that a settlement operation has been performed. The settlement command is a command that includes the number of medals to be settled. The medal count control unit 171 reads the number of medals to be settled included in the received settlement command and performs a bet cancellation process. Specifically, it subtracts the number of medals to be settled from the number of bets managed by the medal count control unit 171 and adds the number of medals to the number of credits. For example, if the number of bets before the bet cancellation process is executed is 3, and the bet clear switch 21 is pressed, the medal count control unit 171 subtracts 3 from the number of bets and adds 3 to the number of credits. Based on the fact that it has received the settlement command, the medal count control unit 171 sends a settlement response command to the main control unit 161.

[0233] [Regarding the display of the number of items dispensed] Figure 12 illustrates the display control of the number of tokens dispensed. After all reels have stopped, the main control unit 161 sends a dispense command to the token count control unit 171. The dispense command shown in Figure 12 is a command that dispenses at least one token. Based on the receipt of the dispense command, the token count control unit 171 sends a dispense response command. The token count control unit 171 also adds credits, etc., according to the number of tokens dispensed indicated by the dispense command. After receiving the dispense response command, the main control unit 161 displays the number of tokens dispensed on the game support display unit 12. That is, after sending the dispense command, the main control unit 161 displays the number of tokens dispensed on the game support display unit 12, provided that it has received the dispense response command. This allows the main control unit 161 to display the number of tokens dispensed on the game support display unit 12 while checking the status of the token count control unit 171.

[0234] [Regarding programs within and outside of capacity] The main control unit 161 of the slot machine 1 in this embodiment executes both programs within the memory capacity and programs outside the memory capacity. Programs within the memory capacity are programs that contain instructions related to the progress of the game, such as internal lottery processing. Programs outside the memory capacity are programs that contain instructions that do not directly relate to the progress of the game, such as error detection. If data is unintentionally mixed between programs within the memory capacity and programs outside the memory capacity, malfunctions may occur. For example, if a command in a program within the memory capacity is supposed to overwrite data in the RAM area within the memory capacity, but instead overwrites data in the RAM area outside the memory capacity, this can result in a program malfunction. To prevent such malfunctions, the main control unit 161 distinguishes between programs within the memory capacity and programs outside the memory capacity, executes the programs accordingly, and proceeds with the game.

[0235] The following describes the memory areas where programs outside the memory capacity and programs within the memory capacity are stored. Figure 13 is a memory map of the memory area used by the main control unit 161. As shown in Figure 13, the memory area used by the main control unit 161 includes the memory area allocated to ROM 161b and the memory area allocated to RAM 161c.

[0236] The memory area of ​​ROM161b consists of a program / data area where the program and fixed data are stored, an unused area where access is prohibited, and other areas. The other areas include a ROM comment area where arbitrary data such as the program title and version can be set, a vector table area where the higher addresses of subroutines called by special CALL instructions and the starting address of timer interrupt processing (main control) are set, a HW parameter area where parameters for hardware-configuring the internal functions of the main control unit 161 are set, and an unused area where access is prohibited.

[0237] The RAM161c memory area consists of a usable area that can be used as work and other areas. The other areas include an internal function register area where registers for controlling each function installed in the main control unit 161 are stored. Each function installed in the main control unit 161 includes, for example, the functions of the serial communication circuit described later. In other words, the internal function register area of ​​RAM161c includes a storage area for setting the functions of the serial communication circuit.

[0238] The program / data area in ROM161b includes an in-capacity program area where in-capacity programs directly related to the progress of the game are stored, an in-capacity data area where in-capacity data used by in-capacity programs are stored, an out-of-capacity program area where out-of-capacity programs not directly related to the progress of the game are stored, an out-of-capacity data area where out-of-capacity data used by out-of-capacity programs is stored, and an unused area.

[0239] Furthermore, the progression of a game refers to the progression of a series of processes that constitute a game. In the case of a slot machine, this includes the stages of setting the bet amount and making the game available to start, starting the game and spinning the reels, stopping the reels to derive the display result, and assigning value such as tokens according to the display result.

[0240] In the above, "before" and "after" of a memory area refer to the relative size of the address values ​​assigned to the memory areas; a smaller address is considered "before," and a larger address is considered "after." Therefore, a memory area assigned after a memory area is one with a larger address value than the first memory area, and a memory area assigned before a memory area is one with a smaller address value than the first memory area.

[0241] RAM161c includes an in-capacity RAM area used as work by programs within capacity, an out-of-capacity RAM area used as work by programs outside capacity, and an unused area where no data used for control is stored and which is always 0. The in-capacity RAM area includes an in-capacity stack area where programs within capacity save data, and the out-of-capacity RAM area includes an out-of-capacity stack area where programs outside capacity save data. A temporary stack area is allocated in a 4-byte area from the last address of the in-capacity RAM area toward the beginning address, and a temporary payout management stack area is allocated in a further 4-byte area toward the beginning address. The in-capacity stack area is allocated to the address further toward the beginning address of the payout management stack area, and data is saved toward that beginning address. Data is also saved toward the beginning address of the out-of-capacity stack area from the last address of the in-capacity RAM area.

[0242] As shown in Figure 14, the RAM area within the capacity consists of areas A to F, an unused area, an in-capacity stack area, and a temporary payout management stack area and a temporary stack area used only in the initial setup process (main control) described later. Area A is allocated to store the set value and the state of the setting key switch 37. Area B is allocated to store output buffers for reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R, etc., door commands, signal buffers during the advantageous section, AT status, external signal flags, etc. Area C is allocated to store timer counters, LED output buffers, control data for reel motors 32L, 32C, 32R, external signal data, etc. Area D is allocated to store game status, RT status, re-play medal counter, counter during BB, etc. Area E is allocated to store stopped reel information (stop order, etc.), winning flags, instruction numbers, advantageous section end flags, reel effects, reel motor status, number of medals inserted, random numbers, reel status, reel control data, etc. Area F is allocated a payout-related area where data related to control with the medal count control unit 171 is stored.

[0243] Here, as shown in Figure 14, the area from area A to the temporary payout management stack area is called the area to be initialized entirely, the area from area B to the unused area before the stack area is called the area to be initialized at the start of a setting change, the area from area C to area E is called the area to be initialized at the end of a setting change, areas D and E are called the areas to be initialized at the end of a Big Bonus (BB) game, and area E is called the area to be initialized at the end of each game. The area to be initialized entirely is the area that is initialized when a RAM abnormality error occurs. The area to be initialized at the start of a setting change is the area that is initialized when a setting change is started. The area to be initialized at the end of a setting change is the area that is initialized when a setting change is finished. The area to be initialized at the end of a BB game is the area that is initialized when the BB state ends. The area to be initialized at the end of each game is the area that is initialized each time a game ends.

[0244] In the following, the program area within capacity, the data area within capacity, and the RAM area within capacity may be collectively referred to as the "in-capacity area," while the program area outside the capacity, the data area outside the capacity, and the RAM area outside the capacity may be collectively referred to as the "out-of-capacity area."

[0245] [About the initial setup process (main control)] Figure 15 illustrates the initial setup process (main control) performed by the main control unit 161.

[0246] When power is supplied to the slot machine 1, the main control unit 161 starts up with timer interrupts disabled due to a reset, and performs various processes according to the program stored in the ROM 161b provided in the main control unit 161. After starting up, it first initializes all output ports and performs the initial setup process (main control) included in the program within its capacity.

[0247] The initial setup process (main control) starts with timer interrupts disabled. As shown in Figure 15, the initial setup process (main control) first refers to a predetermined area of ​​the input port (Sa1) to determine whether the power outage detection signal output from the power outage detection circuit is ON or OFF (Sa2). If the power outage detection signal is ON, the system waits until the power outage detection signal turns OFF. After the power supply voltage of slot machine 1 returns to normal and the power outage detection signal turns OFF, the internal register setting process is performed (Sa3). The internal register setting process sets values ​​that indicate the hardware function settings.

[0248] Next, the address of the temporary stack area is set in the stack pointer (Sa4), RAM access permission is set (Sa5), and the out-of-capacity RAM area initialization process is called (Sa6). In other words, the process in Sa6 is the process of calling an out-of-capacity program from an in-capacity program. For this reason, the phrase "(out-of-capacity)" is appended to the end of the process name. Hereafter, this process of calling an out-of-capacity program from an in-capacity program will simply be referred to as the "out-of-capacity program call process".

[0249] Furthermore, when the out-of-capacity RAM initialization process is called in Sa6, the registers are saved, and in this case, the registers are saved in the temporary stack area that was set as the stack pointer in Sa5.

[0250] In the out-of-capacity RAM initialization process of Sa6, as shown in Figure 16, first, the RAM parity, which is the exclusive OR of the data stored in the entire area of ​​RAM161c, is calculated (Sb1), and then it is determined whether the RAM parity is 0 or not (Sb2).

[0251] If the power outage is handled correctly, parity adjustment data is set so that the RAM parity of the entire RAM161c area becomes 0. If the RAM parity is not 0 in Sb2, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the data stored in RAM161c.

[0252] Furthermore, in Sa6, when the out-of-capacity RAM initialization process is called, the register values ​​are saved to the temporary stack area of ​​RAM161c. However, after the out-of-capacity RAM initialization process is completed and the registers are restored, the temporary stack area is not used, and the values ​​in the temporary stack area remain unchanged. When the out-of-capacity RAM initialization process is called again during the initial setup process (main control) at the next power-on, the same register values ​​will be stored in the temporary stack area again. In other words, the temporary stack area always stores the same data as long as there are no abnormalities in the data of RAM161c. Therefore, even if the determination is made based on the RAM parity of the entire area of ​​RAM161c, including the values ​​in the temporary stack area, it is possible to correctly determine whether or not there are abnormalities in the data stored in RAM161c.

[0253] If the RAM parity is determined to be 0 in Sb2, destructive diagnostic data is acquired (Sb3). Destructive diagnostic data is a 1-byte data set in RAM161c during power outage processing, and consists of data where multiple bits are set to 1.

[0254] After acquiring destructive diagnostic data in Sb3, the destructive diagnostic data set in RAM161c is cleared (Sb4), and it is determined whether the destructive diagnostic data acquired in Sb3 is 0 or not (Sb5).

[0255] If the power outage processing is performed correctly during a power interruption, as described above, destructive diagnostic data with multiple bits set to 1 is set in RAM161c. If the destructive diagnostic data is 0 in Sb5, it is possible that all data has been initialized even if the RAM parity is 0. In such cases, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the data stored in RAM161c.

[0256] If the RAM parity is 0 in Sb2 and the data for destructive diagnostics is not 0 in Sb5, that is, if the data in RAM161c is determined not to be abnormal, the system returns to the initial setup process (main control) shown in Figure 15.

[0257] On the other hand, if the RAM parity is not 0 in Sb2, or if the data for destructive diagnosis is 0 in Sb5, that is, if it is determined that the data in RAM161c is abnormal, the entire area of ​​the RAM161c's out-of-capacity RAM region is initialized (Sb6) without returning to the initial setup process (main control), i.e., the program within the capacity, and a RAM destructive diagnosis flag indicating that the data in RAM161c is corrupted is set in a predetermined area of ​​the out-of-capacity RAM region (Sb7), after which the system returns to the initial setup process (main control) shown in Figure 15.

[0258] After the completion of the out-of-capacity RAM initialization process in Sa6, it is determined whether the RAM corruption diagnostic flag is set (Sa7). If it is determined that the RAM corruption diagnostic flag is not set, i.e., if the data in RAM161c is not abnormal, the process proceeds to Sa9. If it is determined that the RAM corruption diagnostic flag is set, i.e., if the data in RAM161c is abnormal, the entire initialization area of ​​the in-capacity RAM area is initialized (Sa8), and the process proceeds to Sa9. The entire initialization area initialized in Sa8 does not include the temporary stack area and the payout management temporary stack area, and the data in the temporary stack area and the payout management temporary stack area is maintained. In particular, by maintaining the data in the temporary stack area, it is possible to ensure that the RAM parity becomes 0 after the registers have been saved to the temporary stack area when the power is turned on next time.

[0259] In Sa9, the address of the temporary stack area for payout management is set in the stack pointer, and the payout management area initialization process, which initializes the payout management area, is called and executed (Sa10).

[0260] Furthermore, when the payout management area initialization process is called in Sa10, the registers are saved to the temporary payout management stack area set in the stack pointer in Sa9. However, after the payout management area initialization process is completed and the registers are restored, the temporary payout management stack area is not used, and the values ​​in the temporary payout management stack area are maintained as they are. Therefore, even if the determination is made based on the RAM parity of the entire area of ​​RAM161c, including the values ​​in the temporary payout management stack area, it is possible to correctly determine whether or not there is an abnormality in the data stored in RAM161c.

[0261] After the payout management area initialization process of Sa10 is completed, the address of the stack area within the capacity is set in the stack pointer (Sa11), and a game machine installation information command is sent to the medal count control unit 171 (Sa12).

[0262] Next, it is determined whether the setting key switch 37 is in the ON state (Sa13). If it is determined that the setting key switch 37 is in the ON state, that is, if the power is turned on with the setting key switch 37 in the ON state, the process proceeds to the setting change process shown in Figure 17.

[0263] If Sa13 determines that the setting key switch 37 is not in the ON state, then it is determined whether the RAM corruption diagnostic flag is set (Sa14). If it is determined that the RAM corruption diagnostic flag is not set, that is, if it is determined that the data in RAM 161c is not abnormal, then it is determined whether the reset / setting switch 38 is in the ON state (Sa15). If it is determined that the reset / setting switch 38 is in the ON state, that is, if the setting key switch 37 is in the OFF state, but the power is turned on with the reset / setting switch 38 in the ON state, and the data in RAM 161c is not abnormal, then the process proceeds to the setting change process shown in Figure 17.

[0264] As shown in Figure 17, the setting change process initializes the initial initialization area of ​​RAM161c at the start of the setting change, that is, the area A in the RAM capacity where the buffers for the setting value and setting key switch 37 are stored, the stack area in the capacity, the temporary stack area for payout management, and the area excluding the temporary stack area (Sc1).

[0265] Next, the out-of-capacity RAM clear process is called (Sc2). The out-of-capacity RAM clear process is the out-of-capacity program call process mentioned above. In the out-of-capacity RAM clear process, the area of ​​the out-of-capacity RAM region excluding the out-of-capacity stack region is initialized.

[0266] After the completion of the RAM clearing process for capacity exceeding Sc2, a setting change start command is sent to the performance control unit 151 to indicate that the setting change state has started (Sc3), and it is determined whether or not the setting key switch 37 is in the ON state (Sc4).

[0267] If Sc4 determines that the setting key switch is not in the ON state, i.e., the setting key switch 37 is in the OFF state, but power is turned on with the reset / setting switch 38 in the ON state and the system proceeds to the setting change process, then it is determined whether the RAM clear permission flag is set in RAM 161c (Sc5). The RAM clear permission flag is the first flag set in RAM 61c after the initialization of RAM 161c in the main process (main control) described later, and indicates that the state before the power cut was during the main process (main control), i.e., during the initial setup process (main control), the setting change process, or during error processing due to a RAM abnormality.

[0268] If Sc5 determines that the RAM clear permission flag is not set, the timer interrupt is enabled (Sc6), a RAM error code indicating an abnormality in RAM161c is set in a designated register (Sc7), and the process proceeds to error handling. Error handling will be described later.

[0269] If it is determined in Sc5 that the RAM clear permission flag is set, the process proceeds to Sc20, where a setting change completion command is sent to the performance control unit 151 to indicate the end of the setting change process. An interrupt waiting process is performed to wait until the timer interrupt process (main control) is performed once (Sc21), the size of the RAM 161c area (initialization area at the end of setting change) that is initialized when the setting change is completed is set (Sc22), and the process proceeds to the main process (main control). In this case, that is, when the setting key switch 37 is in the OFF state, but the power is turned on with the reset / setting switch 38 in the ON state and the process proceeds to the setting change process, if the RAM clear permission flag is set, the area of ​​the RAM area within the capacity excluding area A where the setting value and setting key switch buffer are stored, the stack area within the capacity, the temporary payout management stack area and the temporary stack area, and the area of ​​the RAM area outside the capacity excluding the stack area outside the capacity are initialized. However, no new setting values ​​are set, and the game proceeds to a playable state while maintaining the setting values ​​before the power was cut off.

[0270] If Sc4 determines that the setting key switch is in the ON state, that is, if the setting key switch 37 is ON when power is turned on and the process to change the setting is initiated, the setting value is obtained from RAM 161c and stored in the A register (Sc8), and 1 is subtracted from the setting value in the A register (Sc9). At this time, the value obtained from RAM 161c minus 1 is set in the A register. Also, if RAM 161c is cleared due to a RAM error and 0 is stored as the setting value, 0 is set in the A register.

[0271] Next, the setting value of register A is incremented by 1 (Sc10), and it is determined whether the added setting value exceeds 6 (Sc11). If the added setting value does not exceed 6, proceed to Sc13. If the added setting value exceeds 6, correct the added setting value to 1 (Sc12) and proceed to Sc13.

[0272] In Sc13, the output buffer value of the setting value indicator 24 is updated to the updated setting value (Sc13), and an interrupt wait process is performed once (Sc14). As a result, the timer interrupt is enabled, the timer interrupt process (main control) is executed once, and the updated setting value is displayed on the setting value indicator 24.

[0273] After that, the system waits until operation of the reset / setting switch 38 or the start switch 7 is detected (Sc15, Sc16). If operation of the reset / setting switch 38 is detected in Sc15, the system returns to Sc10, and the processing in Sc10 to Sc14 is performed, updating the setting value by adding 1 (if the added setting value exceeds 6, it is updated to 1). The system then waits again until operation of the reset / setting switch 38 or the start switch 7 is detected (Sc15, Sc16).

[0274] If the start switch 7 is detected in Sc16, the system waits until the OFF state of the setting key switch 37 is detected (Sc17). Once the OFF state of the setting key switch 37 is detected, the setting value of the A register is confirmed and stored in RAM 161c (Sc18). The value of the output buffer of the setting value indicator 24 is cleared (Sc19). A setting change completion command indicating the end of the setting change process is sent to the performance control unit 151 (Sc20). An interrupt waiting process is performed once (Sc21). As a result, the timer interrupt process (main control) is executed once, and the setting value of the setting value indicator 24 is erased. Next, the size of the RAM 161c area that is initialized when the setting change is completed (setting change completion initialization area) is set (Sc22), and the system proceeds to the main process (main control). As described later, in the main process (main control), the area up to the final address to be initialized is initialized first. After the setting change process is completed, the system proceeds to the main process (main control), and the setting change completion initialization area in the RAM area is initialized.

[0275] Returning to Figure 15, if Sa15 determines that the reset / setting switch 38 is not in the ON state, the stack pointer is restored to the state it was in when the power was cut off, which is stored in RAM 161c (Sa16), the main control unit 161 sends a restore command to the performance control unit 151 indicating that it has been restored (Sa17), and the port input processing is performed twice in a row (Sa18, Sa19).

[0276] Port input processing is the process of updating input status data related to the input state of various switches input to the parallel input port (input data indicating the current input state of various switches, confirmed data indicating that the current input data is the same as the previous input data, and edge data indicating that the confirmed data has changed since the previous input). Within a predetermined area of ​​the RAM area of ​​RAM161c, port input buffers 0 to 2 are provided to store the input status data of various switches, and the input status data of various switches updated by port input processing is stored in predetermined bits of the port input buffer for each type of switch.

[0277] The detection status (ON or OFF) of various switches is stored as input data in predetermined bits of the port input buffer. The detection status (ON or OFF) of the current port input processing is compared with the previous input data. If the current and previous input data are the same, the confirmed data is updated to reflect the detection status of the current input data. If the current and previous input data are different, the confirmed data from the previous input is maintained. Furthermore, comparing the current and previous confirmed data, if the confirmed data changes from OFF to ON, ON edge data indicating that the confirmed data has changed from OFF to ON is stored in predetermined bits of port input buffers 0 to 2. If the confirmed data changes from ON to OFF, OFF edge data indicating that the confirmed data has changed from ON to OFF is stored in predetermined bits of port input buffers 0 to 2. The input data, confirmed data, and edge data of various switches stored in the port input buffer can be referenced by programs within and outside the capacity.

[0278] Furthermore, in the initial setup process (main control), by performing port input processing twice consecutively, when port input processing is performed afterward, input status data related to the input status of various switches, such as detection signals for various switches, is created based on the input status of various switches after the initial setup process (main control) has been performed, i.e., the input status of various switches after power supply to slot machine 1 has been resumed. This prevents unintended input conditions from being identified. Alternatively, in the port input processing, a configuration is available in which confirmed data is created based on input data acquired through three or more port input processes (for example, the input data from the current, previous, and the one before that). In such a configuration, by performing port input processing one fewer time consecutively in the initial setup process (main control) than the number of port input processes required to create confirmed data, when port input processing is performed after the initial setup process (main control), input status data can be created based on the input status of various switches after the initial setup process (main control) has been performed.

[0279] After port input processing in Sa18 and Sa19, all registers are restored to their state before the power outage as stored in RAM161c (Sa20), timer interrupts are enabled (Sa21), initial setup processing (main control) is completed and the process transitions to timer interrupt processing (main control), and then the process returns to the main processing (main control) that was running before the power supply to slot machine 1 was stopped.

[0280] On the other hand, if Sa14 determines that the RAM corruption diagnostic flag is set, that is, if it is determined that the data in RAM161c is abnormal, the process proceeds to Sa22, where the timer interrupt is enabled, a RAM abnormality error code indicating that there is an abnormality in RAM161c is set in a predetermined register (Sa23), and the process moves to error handling.

[0281] Error handling is a process that controls the game to an error state in which the game cannot proceed. An error command that can identify the error code set in a predetermined register is sent to the performance control unit 151, and the said error code is set in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 161c as an error flag that can be referenced by other processes (for example, the sensor monitoring process described later). The system is also controlled to display the said error code on the game support display 12. After that, the system controls the error state until it is determined that the conditions for releasing the error state corresponding to the error code set in the predetermined register have been met, making it impossible to proceed with the game. If a RAM abnormality error code is set in the predetermined register and the system transitions to an error state, the system can transition to a setting change state by turning on the power switch with the setting key switch 37 ON, initializing the data in RAM 161c and setting a new setting value, thereby releasing the error state. On the other hand, if the power switch is turned ON without turning on the setting key switch 37, an abnormality in RAM 161c will be detected again, and the system will return to an error state.

[0282] [About the main processing (main control)] Figure 18 is a diagram illustrating the control content of the main process (main control) performed by the main control unit 161. The main process (main control) is executed repeatedly for each unit of gameplay (1 game). One cycle of the main process (main control) corresponds to one unit of gameplay. The main process (main control) is included in the program within the capacity and includes multiple processes. As explained above, in the main process (main control) shown in Figure 18, the process name of the process that corresponds to the program call process outside the capacity has the words "(outside capacity)" appended to the end.

[0283] As shown in Figure 18, in the main process (main control), first, the specified size of area up to the final address to be initialized in the RAM area within the capacity is initialized (Sd1). The final address to be initialized is the final address of area E in the RAM area within the capacity, and the specified size of area up to the final address of area E is initialized. When transitioning from the setting change process, the size of the initialization area at the end of the setting change is specified, so the area at the end of the setting change within the RAM area within the capacity is initialized. Also, when the BB state ends, the size of the initialization area at the end of the BB is specified, so the area at the end of the BB is initialized within the capacity. Also, when a game ends, the size of the initialization area at the end of the game is specified, so the area at the end of the game is initialized within the capacity.

[0284] Next, the RAM clear permission flag is set to ON (Sd2), and a game end command transmission process is performed to send a game end command to the performance control unit 151 that can identify that a game has ended (Sd3). Based on the fact that the game ended due to the operation of the stop switches 8L, 8C, and 8R in the previous game, the main control unit 161 sends a game end command to notify the performance control unit 151 that the game has ended.

[0285] Next, the RT information output processing included in the program outside the capacity is performed (Sb4). In the RT information output processing, a test signal is sent so that the RT information indicating the RT state of slot machine 1 can be confirmed by a test device installed outside the slot machine. After that, the multiple interrupt wait processing is executed (Sd5). The multiple interrupt wait processing is performed to ensure the output time of the information output in the RT information output processing. In other words, the main control unit 161 executes the multiple interrupt wait processing for the purpose of delaying the progress of the game for a predetermined period. The multiple interrupt wait processing is also called delay processing. As a result, the main control unit 161 generates a test signal when the previous game ends and then enters a waiting state for a predetermined period, thereby ensuring that external devices such as a test board reliably receive the test signal, and preventing information discrepancies between the external device and the main control unit 161.

[0286] Subsequently, a game start waiting process (Sd6), as described below, is performed to carry out the process from the end of control of the previous game to the start of the next game. In the game start waiting process, acceptance of bet setting is started, the bet amount is set according to the bet setting operation, and when the operation of the start switch 7 is detected with the specified number of bets set, the process of starting the next game is performed. In addition, in the game start waiting process, in response to the bet setting operation, an insert command is sent to the medal count control unit 171, the bet amount is set upon receipt of the insert response command, and in response to the settlement operation, a settlement command is sent to the medal count control unit 171, and the bet amount is canceled upon receipt of the settlement response command.

[0287] After the game start waiting process, an internal lottery process is performed to determine whether or not to allow a winning combination (internal lottery) (Sd7). In the internal lottery process, an internal lottery is performed to determine whether or not to allow a winning combination (i.e., whether or not to allow the display result to be derived) based on the setting values ​​(1 to 6) set in advance in the slot machine 1 and the random value for internal lottery obtained at the same time as the start of the game by detecting the start switch 7.

[0288] Next, the main control unit 161 performs pre-processing for payout control at the start of the game (Sd8). Pre-processing for payout control is pre-processing for controlling payout within the advantageous period.

[0289] Subsequently, the performance control process (Sd9) and test signal generation process (Sd10) are performed, and the input pulse command is sent to the medal count control unit 171 (Sd11). In the performance control process, the performance flags that the main control unit 161 refers to when performing performance control are set. The test signal generation process corresponds to the out-of-capacity program call process. In the test signal generation process, a test signal is sent so that information indicating the control status of the slot machine 1 can be confirmed by a test device installed outside the slot machine. The information indicating the control status of the slot machine 1 includes the lottery result of the internal lottery process in Sd7.

[0290] Next, the control state command group transmission process (Sd12) and the freeze control execution process (Sd13) are performed. In the control state command group transmission process, a control state command group containing multiple commands that can identify various control states at the start of a game is transmitted to the performance control unit 151. That is, the main control unit 161 outputs information regarding the results of the internal lottery and information regarding the game state to the performance control unit 151. In the freeze control execution process, regarding freeze control, which delays the progress of the game until a predetermined termination condition is met, the system checks whether there is a request to perform the freeze control. If there is a request, the type of freeze control and the timing of the freeze control are set in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 161c, and the freeze control is executed based on the type of freeze control and the execution timing of the freeze control set in RAM 161c. Specifically, if it is set to perform freeze control, the freeze control is executed and the control of the game is delayed for a predetermined period of time.

[0291] Furthermore, if a freeze control type that includes a performance using reels 2L, 2C, and 2R (hereinafter referred to as "reel performance") is set as the type of freeze control, a performance acceleration pattern (for example, an acceleration pattern that rotates the reels in a different direction from the rotation of the reels during gameplay, an acceleration pattern that starts rotating in the same direction as the rotation of the reels during gameplay at a slower speed than the rotation of the reels during gameplay, an acceleration pattern that vibrates the reels, etc.) is set in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 161c as the excitation pattern for exciting the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R, and the system is controlled to perform the reel performance during the period in which the freeze control is performed.

[0292] Subsequently, the system executes a multiple interrupt waiting process (Sd14). This multiple interrupt waiting process is performed to ensure the output time of the information output by the test signal generation process. In other words, the main control unit 161 executes the multiple interrupt waiting process to delay the progress of the game for a predetermined period of time.

[0293] After performing the interrupt waiting process multiple times in Sd14, the system refers to a game time management timer set in a predetermined area of ​​RAM161c to measure the elapsed time from the start of reel rotation in the previous game (Sd15), and determines whether the prescribed time for one game (4.1 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed from the start of reel rotation in the previous game based on the game time management timer (Sd16).

[0294] Then, if it is determined that the prescribed time for one game has not elapsed, the system waits until the prescribed time for one game has elapsed based on the game time management timer. After the prescribed time for one game has elapsed based on the game time management timer, the system sets a predetermined value (in this embodiment, a value corresponding to 4.1 seconds) to the game time management timer, starts measuring the elapsed time from the start of reel rotation (Sd17), and performs a reel rotation start command transmission process to send a reel rotation start command to the performance control unit 151 that specifies that the rotation control of reels 2L, 2C, and 2R should be started (Sd18). On the other hand, if it is determined in Sd15 that the prescribed time for one game has elapsed, the processes of Sd17 to Sd18 are performed immediately. Furthermore, after a predetermined value is set in Sd17, the timer for managing the duration of a single game is decremented at predetermined intervals until it becomes 0 when the prescribed duration of a single game (4.1 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed from the start of reel rotation during gameplay. This allows for the determination of whether the prescribed duration of a single game has elapsed based on whether the timer for managing the duration of a single game is 0 or not.

[0295] After the reel rotation start command transmission process in Sd18, a jackpot command is transmitted to the medal count control unit 171 (Sd19), a normal acceleration pattern that controls the rotation of the reels at a predetermined speed for gameplay is set in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 161c as the excitation pattern for exciting the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R (Sd20), and a reel rotation start process is performed to start the rotation of the reels by exciting the reel motors 32L, 32C, and 32R based on the excitation pattern set in RAM 161c (Sd21).

[0296] Next, navigation notification processing is performed (Sd22). During navigation notification processing, AT control is performed, and if a target role for notification is won in the internal lottery, the system is controlled to display a navigation number on the game support display 12 that allows the player to identify a stopping pattern advantageous to the player according to the target role. On the other hand, if AT control is not performed, the system is controlled not to display the navigation number on the game support display 12.

[0297] Next, a reel stop initial setting process (Sd23) is performed, which sets various information necessary for reel stop control according to the RT state and the results of the internal lottery. Then, a freeze control execution process (Sd24) is performed, and if it is set to perform freeze control at that timing, the set type of freeze control is performed.

[0298] After performing freeze control processing in Sd24, reel stop control processing is performed to control the stopping of the reels (Sd25). In the reel stop control processing, it is determined whether the reels under rotation control are rotating at a predetermined constant speed. If there are any reels that are not rotating at a constant speed, a reel error is detected, and an excitation pattern is set to accelerate the corresponding reel to a constant speed, thereby controlling all reels under rotation control to rotate at a constant speed. On the other hand, if all reels under rotation control are rotating at a constant speed, the acceptance of stop operations for the reels under rotation control is enabled, and the system waits until a stop operation is performed using a stop switch. When a valid stop operation is detected for a reel for which a stop operation has been enabled (ON edge data is detected for a stop switch for which a stop operation is enabled), reel stop control is performed on the reel for which a valid stop operation has been performed, stopping it at a predetermined stop position based on the information set in the reel stop initial setup processing. This reel stop control is repeated for the reels under rotation control until the rotation of all reels is stopped, thereby terminating the reel stop processing.

[0299] After the reel stop process is completed, a freeze control process is performed (Sd26). If it is set to perform a freeze control at that time, the set type of freeze control is performed.

[0300] Subsequently, the RT state check process (Sd27) and the prize winning determination process (Sd28) are performed. In the RT state check process, it is determined whether or not a combination of RT transition symbols that leads to a transition to the RT state is stopped on the reels. If a combination of RT transition symbols is stopped, the current RT state set in a predetermined area of ​​RAM161c is updated to the RT state corresponding to the RT transition symbol combination. In the prize winning determination process, it is determined whether or not an unauthorized prize has been won based on the internal lottery result and the combination of symbols stopped on reels 2L, 2C, and 2R.

[0301] Then, after the prize determination process in Sd28, the payout ratio information update process is performed (Sd30). In the payout ratio information update process, the data necessary to update the gaming machine performance information and payout ratio monitor information is calculated, and the information displayed on the payout ratio monitor 89 is updated based on the calculated data.

[0302] Next, a stop-of-play determination process corresponding to the out-of-capacity program call process is performed (Sd31). In the stop-of-play determination process, it is determined whether the increase in the number of medals awarded to the player has exceeded the upper limit after the number of medals awarded has started to increase. For example, a net increase counter that counts only in the positive range is provided, that is, a counter that subtracts the number of medals inserted and adds the number of medals paid out, and corrects the updated value to 0 if it falls below 0, and it is determined whether the value of the net increase counter has exceeded the upper limit. If it is determined that the increase in the number of medals awarded to the player has exceeded the upper limit after the number of medals awarded has started to increase, a stop-of-play flag is set in the out-of-capacity RAM area.

[0303] After the stop-play determination process is completed, an error check process is performed (Sd32). If an error is detected during the error check process, an error code indicating the type of error detected is set. After the error check process is completed, a payout control post-processing is performed to control the payout at the end of the game (Sd33). The payout control post-processing is a post-processing step to control the payout within the advantageous period.

[0304] Subsequently, the medal payout process is performed (Sd34). In the medal payout process, a payout command specifying the number of medals to be paid out is sent to the medal count control unit 171, and upon receiving the payout response command, the system controls the display of the number of medals paid out on the game assistance display unit 12.

[0305] After the medal payout process, the replay LED is controlled to the OFF state (off state) (Sd35), the replay flag indicating that a replay is in progress is cleared (Sd36), a payout pulse command is sent to the medal count control unit 171 (Sd37), the freeze control execution process is performed (Sd38), and if it is set to perform freeze control at this timing, the set type of freeze control is performed.

[0306] Then, a game end setting process is performed (Sd39) to determine whether the symbol combination for the re-play bonus has stopped on reels 2L, 2C, and 2R. If the symbol combination for the re-play bonus has stopped, a process is performed to set the number of bets for the next game to be played (in this embodiment, the re-play medal counter set in a predetermined area of ​​RAM161c is set to 3 as the number of medals for the re-play bonus), a process is performed to set the re-playing flag in a predetermined area of ​​RAM161c, and a process is performed to control the replay LED to the ON state (lit state). In the game end setting process, a determination is made as to whether the number of medals acquired during the advantageous section has reached 2400. If the number of medals acquired during the advantageous section has reached 2400, the advantageous section is terminated and the system is controlled to the normal section.

[0307] Then, the size of the RAM161c area to be initialized at the end of the game is set (Sd40). As a result, the initialization area at the end of one game will be initialized in Sd2 for the next game.

[0308] Next, it is determined whether or not an error code is set (Sd41). If it is determined in Sd41 that an error code is set, that is, if an error was detected in Sd32, then error processing is performed (Sd42). During error processing, the game is made unplayable until the error is resolved or the error is cleared. After the error processing is complete, the process proceeds to Sd43. If it is determined in Sd41 that no error code is set, no error processing is performed, and the process proceeds to Sd43.

[0309] Sd43 determines whether or not a stop flag is set in the extra-capacity RAM area. If Sd43 determines that the stop flag is not set, it returns to Sd1. As a result, the main control unit 161 returns processing to Sd1 and repeats the process from Sd1 again. When the main processing (main control) completes one cycle, the processing related to the control of one unit of game is finished, and the main processing (main control) is executed repeatedly for each unit of game.

[0310] On the other hand, if it is determined in Sd43 that the stop flag is set, that is, if it is determined in Sd31 that the number of medals awarded to the player has increased and the increase in the number of medals awarded has exceeded the upper limit, then after setting a stop error code (Sd44), the system proceeds to error processing and makes it impossible to continue playing. In the error processing due to the setting of the stop error code, by turning on the power switch with the setting key switch 37 ON, the system proceeds to the setting change state, the data in RAM161c is initialized and a new setting value is set, or, even if the setting key switch 37 is OFF, by turning on the power switch with the reset / setting switch 38 ON, the system proceeds to the setting change state and the data in RAM161c is initialized, thereby clearing the error state. On the other hand, if the power switch is turned ON without setting the setting key switch 37 or the reset / setting switch 38 ON, the system will return to the error state.

[0311] [About Timer Interrupt Processing (Main Control)] The control details of the timer interrupt processing (main control) performed by the main control unit 161 in this embodiment will be explained based on Figure 19. The timer interrupt processing (main control) is a subroutine included in the capacity program and is executed by interrupting the main processing (main control) every 0.56ms.

[0312] As shown in Figure 19, in timer interrupt processing (main control), first, all front registers and back registers are swapped (Se1), and then it is determined whether or not a voltage drop signal is input (Se2). If a voltage drop signal is input, the value of the voltage drop state counter stored in RAM161c is updated (Se3), and it is determined whether or not the voltage drop state counter has reached a predetermined upper limit (4 in this embodiment) (Se4). If the voltage drop state counter has reached the upper limit, power cut-off processing (main control) is performed (Se5).

[0313] In the power cut-off process (main control), all front registers and back registers are swapped, and the values ​​of all registers in the main control unit 161 are saved. Then, after initializing the output port, data for destructive diagnosis is set in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 161c, and the parity adjustment data set in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 161c is cleared. Then, new parity adjustment data for RAM 161c is calculated so that the exclusive OR of all storage areas of RAM 161c is 0, and this parity adjustment data is set in a predetermined area of ​​RAM 161c, access to RAM 161c is disabled, and the loop process begins.

[0314] In the loop process, the system waits while monitoring the output status of the voltage drop signal. In this state, if the voltage drop signal is no longer input, it determines that the voltage has recovered and starts the program from the initial setup process (main control). On the other hand, if the voltage drops while the voltage drop signal is still input, the system internally enters a shutdown state.

[0315] If it is determined in step Se2 of the timer interrupt processing (main control) that no voltage drop signal has been input, and if it is determined in step Se4 that the voltage drop state counter has not reached its upper limit, the process proceeds to step Se6, where the detection status of various switches is input from the input port, and port input processing is performed to generate input data, confirmed data, and edge data (ON edge data and OFF edge data).

[0316] Subsequently, the time monitoring update process included in the program outside the capacity is performed (Se7). The time monitoring update process sequentially performs a test signal output process that outputs a test signal that occurs in relation to the game result, and a timer update process that updates various timers used by the program outside the capacity.

[0317] Next, the watchdog timer (WDT) register is cleared (Se8). Then, the medal count control transmission process (Se9), response information reception process (Se10), and medal count control side information reception process (Se11) are performed. In the medal count control transmission process, the main control unit 161 controls the transmission of commands to the medal count control unit 171. The response information reception process is the process of confirming the receipt of the insert response command, settlement response command, payout response command, and overflow response command from the medal count control unit 171. The medal count control side information reception process is the process of confirming the receipt of the medal count control side information command from the medal count control unit 171 and identifying the status of the medal count control unit 171.

[0318] Next, the value of the branch counter in RAM161c is updated (Se12). In the process of updating the branch counter, if the branch counter is between 0 and 2, 1 is added, and if the branch counter is 3, it is initialized and returned to 0, so that it is updated within the range of 0 to 3. In other words, the value of the branch counter loops in the order of 0 → 1 → 2 → 3 → 0... each time the timer interrupt process (main) is executed.

[0319] In step Se12, after updating the branch counter, it is determined whether the branch counter is 3 or not (Se13). If the branch counter is 3, a counter update process is performed to update the various timers set in RAM161c (Se14), and an LED dynamic display process is performed to dynamically light up various LEDs and other indicators (Se15).

[0320] If it is determined in step Se13 that the branching counter is not 3, and after the LED dynamic display processing is performed in step Se15, reel control processing is performed to control the rotation and stopping of the reels by setting the excitation patterns of each reel motor 32L, 32C, and 32R according to the progress of the game (Se16).

[0321] Then, after the reel control process, drive signals corresponding to the excitation pattern set by the reel control process are output to each reel motor 32L, 32C, and 32R, causing each reel motor 32L, 32C, and 32R to rotate and stop in a predetermined control manner. This is followed by sequential reel motor drive signal output processing (Se17) and port output update processing (Se18) to update the state of the output ports. After that, all front registers and back registers are swapped (Se19), the timer interrupt processing (main control) is terminated, and the system returns to the main processing (main control) that was in place when the timer interrupt processing (main control) was started.

[0322] [Regarding the memory area of ​​the medal count control unit] The medal count control unit 171 of the slot machine 1 in this embodiment executes both a program within its capacity and a program outside its capacity, similar to the main control unit 161. The program within the capacity of the medal count control unit 171 is a program that describes instructions related to the progress of the game, such as adding or subtracting credits. The program outside the capacity of the medal count control unit 171 is a program that describes instructions that are not directly related to the progress of the game, such as error detection and control of the output of external signals.

[0323] The memory area of ​​the medal count control unit 171, like that of the main control unit 161, includes a memory area allocated to ROM 171b and a memory area allocated to RAM 171c. The memory area of ​​ROM 171b includes a program / data area where programs and fixed data are stored, and a ROM comment area where arbitrary data such as the program title and version can be set. The memory area of ​​RAM 171c includes a usable area that can be used as work, and an internal function register area where a group of registers for controlling each function installed in the medal count control unit 171 are stored.

[0324] The program / data area in ROM171b includes an in-capacity program area where in-capacity programs directly related to the progress of the game are stored, an in-capacity data area where in-capacity data used by in-capacity programs are stored, an out-of-capacity program area where out-of-capacity programs not directly related to the progress of the game are stored, and an out-of-capacity data area where out-of-capacity data used by out-of-capacity programs are stored.

[0325] RAM171c includes an in-capacity RAM area used as work by programs within capacity and an out-of-capacity RAM area used as work by programs outside of capacity. The in-capacity RAM area also includes an in-capacity stack area where programs within capacity save data, and the out-of-capacity RAM area also includes an out-of-capacity stack area where programs outside of capacity save data.

[0326] [Regarding initial setup process (medal count control)] Figure 20 illustrates the initial setup process (medal count control) performed by the medal count control unit 171.

[0327] The medal count control unit 171 starts up when power is supplied to the slot machine 1, with timer interrupts disabled due to a reset, and performs various processes according to the program stored in the ROM 171b provided by the medal count control unit 171. After starting up, it first initializes all output ports and performs the initial setup process (medal count control) included in the program within its capacity.

[0328] The initial setup process (medal count control) starts with timer interrupts disabled. As shown in Figure 20, the initial setup process (medal count control) first sets the stack pointer to the stack area within the capacity (Sf1), then refers to a predetermined area of ​​the input port to determine whether the power outage detection signal output from the power outage detection circuit is ON or OFF (Sf2). If the power outage detection signal is ON, it waits until the power outage detection signal turns OFF. After the power supply voltage of slot machine 1 becomes normal and the power outage detection signal turns OFF, RAM access permission is set (Sf3), and the interrupt vector (the area where the starting address of the timer interrupt process (medal count control) is stored) is set (Sf4).

[0329] Next, a parity check is performed on the RAM171c's in-capacity and out-of-capacity RAM areas (Sf5) to determine whether the parity is normal (Sf6). If the parity is determined to be normal, it is further determined whether the power outage detection flag is set (Sf7). If the power outage processing is performed normally during a power outage, the power outage detection flag is set in RAM171c. If the power outage detection flag is not set in Sf7, it is possible that all data has been initialized even if the parity is normal. In such cases, it is determined that there is an abnormality in the data stored in RAM171c.

[0330] If the parity is determined to be normal in step Sf6 and the power outage detection flag is determined to be set in step Sf7, the process proceeds to step Sf10. If the parity is determined to be abnormal in step Sf6, i.e., an abnormality has occurred in the data of RAM171c, or if the power outage detection flag is not set in step Sf7, i.e., the power outage process has not been performed correctly, the area of ​​the RAM region within the capacity, excluding the stack area within the capacity, is initialized (Sf8), the out-of-capacity RAM clear process is called to initialize the area of ​​the out-of-capacity RAM region, excluding the stack area within the capacity, (Sf9), and the process proceeds to step Sf10.

[0331] Step Sf10 performs the internal register configuration process. This process sets values ​​that indicate the hardware's function settings.

[0332] Next, it is determined whether the RAM clear switch 293 is ON or OFF (Sf11). If the RAM clear switch 293 is not ON, the process proceeds to step Sf13. If the RAM clear switch 293 is ON, the area in RAM 171c where the number of credits is stored is cleared to 0, and the process proceeds to step Sf13.

[0333] In step Sf13, the RAM area within the RAM171c capacity that is uniformly initialized at startup is initialized (Sf13), and the startup initialization process (outside capacity) is called to initialize the RAM area outside the RAM171c capacity that is uniformly initialized at startup (Sf14).

[0334] Next, the system sets the necessary data for startup in RAM171c, sets the state of the main control unit 161 corresponding to external signals (Sf16), sets the number of credits to be displayed on the credit indicator 11 in the display buffer (Sf17), and then proceeds to main processing (medal count control).

[0335] [Regarding the main process (medal count control)] Figure 21 is a diagram illustrating the control content of the main processing (medal count control) performed by the medal count control unit 171.

[0336] As shown in Figure 21, in the main process (medal count control), first, interrupts are enabled (Sg1), and the system waits until the timer interrupt process (medal count control) is executed (Sg2). Whether or not the timer interrupt process (medal count control) has been executed is confirmed by checking whether the interrupt flag set in the timer interrupt process (medal count control) is set in RAM171c.

[0337] If the execution of timer interrupt processing (medal count control) is confirmed in step Sg2, the interrupt flag is cleared (Sg3), interrupts are set to disabled (Sg4), power off processing (Sg5), main board communication processing (Sg6), game machine fraud information processing (Sg7), counting processing (Sg8), CU communication processing (Sg9), medal count control side information setting processing (Sg10), counting LED processing (Sg12), credit count display setting processing (Sg13), error processing (Sg14), and external signal output processing (out of capacity) (Sg15) are executed in sequence, and the process returns to step Sg1 and loops.

[0338] In the power outage processing step Sg5, it is determined whether or not a power outage has been detected based on the power outage detection signal. If it is determined that a power outage has been detected, adjustment data is set so that the parity of the in-capacity RAM area and the out-of-capacity RAM area becomes 0, and a power outage detection flag is set.

[0339] In step Sg6, the main board communication processing performs processing according to the commands received from the main control unit 161. For example, when an insert command, settlement command, or payout command is received from the main control unit 161, the number of credits is updated and an insert response command, settlement response command, or payout response command is sent to the main control unit 161. Also, when an insert pulse command or payout pulse command is received from the main control unit 161, the number of insert pulses for external output and the number of payout pulses for external output are set. Furthermore, when a jackpot command is received from the main control unit 161, the jackpot signal for external output is updated. Finally, when an overflow command is received from the main control unit 161, the number of credits is checked and an overflow response command is sent to the main control unit 161.

[0340] In the Sg7 step, during the processing of fraudulent game machine information, when a fraudulent game machine command is received from the main control unit 161, the state of the main control unit 161 corresponding to the external signal is updated.

[0341] In the counting process in step Sg8, when the operation of the counting button 10 is detected, the number of credits is converted into the number of medals.

[0342] In the CU communication processing step of Sg9, processing is performed according to the command received from the CU control unit 323, and processing is also performed to send necessary information (counting information and game machine information) to the CU control unit 323.

[0343] In the medal count control information setting process in step Sg10, the control state of the medal count control unit 171 is updated.

[0344] In the medal count control information transmission process in step Sg11, the process of sending a medal count control information command to the main control unit 161 is performed.

[0345] The credit count display setting process in step Sg12 involves setting the display buffer of the credit indicator 11.

[0346] In the error handling step of Sg13, if an error is detected, processing is performed to control the system to an error state.

[0347] In step Sg14, the test signal output processing (outside capacity) performs the processing required to output the test signal.

[0348] [Regarding Timer Interrupt Processing (Coin Count Control)] The control details of the timer interrupt processing (medal count control) performed by the medal count control unit 171 in this embodiment will be explained based on Figure 22. The timer interrupt processing (medal count control) is a subroutine included in the program within the capacity and is executed by interrupting the main processing (medal count control) every 1ms.

[0349] As shown in Figure 22, in the timer interrupt processing (medal count control), first, the register values ​​are saved to the stack (Sh1), and then an interrupt flag indicating that the timer interrupt processing (medal count control) has been performed is set in RAM171c (Sh2). Next, the interrupt counter is updated (Sh3). The interrupt counter is used to identify the 2ms processing timing and the 4ms processing timing, and is updated by 1 in the range of 0 to 3 each time the timer interrupt processing (medal count control) is executed.

[0350] Next, the main board communication timer is updated (Sh4). The main board communication timer is a counter used to determine the timing for clearing the number of commands received from the main control unit 161, etc. It determines whether the main board communication timer value is 0 (Sh5), and if the main board communication timer value is 0, the number of main control commands received and the flag indicating unanalyzed commands are cleared (Sh6, 7).

[0351] Next, the CU communication timer is updated (Sh8). The CU communication timer is a counter used to determine when to clear the CU receive flag, etc., from the CU control unit 323. It determines whether the CU communication timer value is 0 (Sh9), and if the CU communication timer value is 0, the CU receive flag and the receive pointer are cleared (Sh10).

[0352] Next, output processing is performed to update the status of the output port (Sh11), and it is determined whether or not the processing timing is 2ms (Sh12).

[0353] If it is determined in step Sh12 that it is a 2ms processing timing, the following are performed sequentially: 1-byte timer processing (Sh13) to update the timer value by 1 byte, port input processing (Sh14) to acquire the status of the input port, switch detection processing (Sh15) to acquire the detection status of the switch, and 2ms processing (outside capacity) (Sh16) which is performed every 2ms.

[0354] Next, it is determined whether the processing timing is 4ms or not (Sh17).

[0355] If it is determined in step Sh17 that it is a 4ms processing timing, the following are performed sequentially: a 2-byte timer process (Sh18) that updates the 2-byte timer value, and a 4ms process (outside capacity) (Sh16) that is performed every 4ms.

[0356] Next, the registers that were saved on the stack are restored (Sh20), interrupts are enabled (Sh21), and the system returns to the main process (medal count control) when the timer interrupt processing (medal count control) starts.

[0357] [Regarding button press order detection] In this embodiment, as described above, when playing with the left reel as the first stop, the normal payout rate is set to be lower than when playing with the middle or right reel as the first stop. The payout rate is higher when playing with the middle or right reel as the first stop than when playing with the left reel as the first stop. However, when playing with any reel other than the left reel as the first stop, no lottery or other processing (advantageous control) related to control to the CZ state, AT1 state, or AT2 state is performed from the end of the game to the start of the next game. As a result, when playing with the left reel as the first stop, the payout rate is higher than when playing with the middle or right reel as the first stop.

[0358] Specifically, the main control unit 161 performs a process to determine whether or not a stop operation was performed with the left reel as the first stop (which is equivalent to determining whether or not a stop operation was performed with any reel other than the left reel as the first stop). Depending on the result, if the reel stop order is the left reel as the first stop, it performs processes related to AT control (such as lottery processes related to control to CZ state, AT1 state, and AT2 state (advantageous control)). On the other hand, if the reel stop order is the left reel as the first stop, it does not perform processes related to AT control (advantageous control).

[0359] Figures 23 to 25 are flowcharts showing excerpts of the processes performed by the main control unit 161 in relation to advantageous control.

[0360] As shown in Figure 23, in the reel stop control process of Sd25, the main control unit 161, while waiting for a stop operation of a rotating reel, determines whether or not a stop operation has been performed on any of the reels (Sd2501), and if it is determined that a stop operation has been performed on any of the reels, it determines whether or not stop request information has already been stored in a specific area of ​​RAM 161c (Sd2502). If it is determined in step Sd2502 that stop request information has not already been stored in the specific area of ​​RAM 161c, it stores stop request information indicating the reel that has been stopped in the specific area of ​​RAM 161c (Sd2503) and proceeds to the next process. On the other hand, if it is determined in step Sd2502 that stop request information has already been stored in the specific area of ​​RAM 161c, it proceeds to the next process without storing stop request information in the specific area of ​​RAM 161c.

[0361] The stop request information is information indicating which reel was stopped. In step Sd2503, if the reel that was stopped is the left reel, "100" is stored as the stop request information indicating the stop operation of the left reel. If the reel that was stopped is the middle reel, "010" is stored as the stop request information indicating the stop operation of the middle reel. If the reel that was stopped is the right reel, "001" is stored as the stop request information indicating the stop operation of the right reel.

[0362] Furthermore, if it is determined in step Sd2502 that stop request information has already been stored, that is, if a stop operation for another reel has already been performed earlier and stop request information indicating the stop operation for that reel is stored in a specific area of ​​RAM161c, then no new stop request information will be stored in the specific area of ​​RAM161c, and the already stored stop request information will be maintained. Also, the stop request information is initialized when the game ends.

[0363] Therefore, in the reel stop control process, stop reception information indicating which reel was stopped first among the left, middle, and right reels (hereinafter referred to as the first stop reel) is stored in a specific area of ​​RAM161c until the end of the game.

[0364] Furthermore, the reel stop control process is performed in all games, regardless of the game state (non-internal, internal, or BB state), whether it is a normal section or an advantageous section, and in all advantageous section states. In every game, stop reception information indicating the first reel to be stopped (hereinafter referred to as the first stopped reel) is stored in a specific area of ​​RAM161c until the end of the game.

[0365] As shown in Figure 24, in the post-processing of payout control of Sd33, the main control unit 161 determines whether or not it is in an advantageous period (Sd3301). If it determines that it is not in an advantageous period, it terminates the post-processing of payout control. On the other hand, if it determines that it is in an advantageous period, it updates the number of medals acquired in the advantageous period and performs advantageous period-related processing to determine whether or not the conditions for ending the advantageous period have been met (Sd3302). Then it clears the advantageous control flag that permits the execution of advantageous control (processing such as lotteries related to control to CZ state, AT1 state, and AT2 state) (Sd3303), and determines whether or not the first stopped reel is the left reel, that is, whether or not the stopping operation was performed with the left reel as the first stop (Sd3304). In Sd3304, whether the first stop reel is the left reel is determined when the stop reception information stored in a specific area of ​​RAM161c during the reel stop control process of the game is "100", which indicates a stop operation for the left reel.

[0366] In step Sd3304, if it is determined that the first stop reel is not the left reel, it is further determined whether the advantageous section state is normal or not, that is, whether the player is in an advantageous section and navigation information is not announced when a target role for navigation is won (Sd3305).

[0367] Then, if it is determined in step Sd3304 that the first stop reel is the left reel, and if it is determined in step Sd3305 that the advantageous section state is a state other than the normal advantageous section state, AT-related processing is performed, such as updating points through point acquisition lottery, and controlling the transition to CZ state, AT1 state, and AT2 state (Sd3306), the advantageous control flag is set to RAM161c (Sd3307), and the process moves on to the next step.

[0368] On the other hand, if it is determined in step Sd3304 that the first stop reel is not the left reel, and it is determined in step Sd3305 that the advantageous section state is the normal advantageous section, the process proceeds to the next step without performing the AT-related processing in Sd3306 or the process of setting the advantageous control flag in Sd3307 to RAM161c.

[0369] Thus, in the post-processing of payout control, if the game is in an advantageous section and the stop operation is performed with the left reel as the first stop, or if the stop operation is performed with a stop order other than the left reel as the first stop, but the advantageous section state is anything other than a normal advantageous section, then AT-related processing is performed, the advantageous control flag is set, and the execution of advantageous control is permitted until the post-processing of payout control for the next game. On the other hand, if the game is in an advantageous section and the stop operation is performed with a stop order other than the left reel as the first stop, and the advantageous section state is a normal advantageous section, that is, even though navigation information is not provided, the stop operation is performed with a stop order other than the left reel as the first stop, then AT-related processing is not performed, the advantageous control flag is not set, and the execution of advantageous control is not permitted until the post-processing of payout control for the next game.

[0370] In this embodiment, if, during the advantageous period, the reels are stopped in a sequence where a reel other than the left reel is stopped first in that game, and the advantageous period state is normal, then regardless of whether a winning combination is achieved, AT-related processing is not performed and the advantageous control flag is not set. However, even if, during the advantageous period, the reels are stopped in a sequence where a reel other than the left reel is stopped first in that game, and the advantageous period state is normal, if a winning combination is not achieved, i.e., the combination targeted by the navigation, i.e., if the game is not effectively advantageous, then AT-related processing may be performed and the advantageous control flag may be set.

[0371] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in step Sd3304, if the stop reception information stored in a specific area of ​​RAM161c is "100", which indicates a stop operation for the left reel, it is determined that the first stop reel is the left reel. Not only when the stop reception information stored in a specific area of ​​RAM161c is "010", which indicates a stop operation for the middle reel, or "001", which indicates a stop operation for the right reel, but also when the stop reception information is "000", "101", "111", etc., which do not clearly indicate which reel the stop operation is for, it is determined that the first stop reel is not the left reel, and if the advantageous section state is normal, AT-related processing is not performed and the advantageous control flag is not set.

[0372] As shown in Figure 25, in the payout control preprocessing of Sd8, the main control unit 161 determines whether or not the game is in an advantageous section (Sd801). If it is not in an advantageous section, it terminates the payout control preprocessing. If it determines that the game is in an advantageous section, it determines whether or not the game is the first game after transitioning to an advantageous section (Sd802). If it determines that the game is the first game after transitioning to an advantageous section, it sets the advantageous control flag to RAM 161c (Sd803) and proceeds to step Sd804. If it determines in step Sd802 that the game is not the first game after transitioning to an advantageous section, it proceeds to step Sd804 without setting the advantageous control flag.

[0373] In step Sd804, it is determined whether the advantage control flag is set, that is, whether the execution of advantage control is permitted. If it is determined that the advantage control flag is set, AT-related processing such as point acquisition lottery and AT lottery is performed (Sd805). On the other hand, if it is determined that the advantage control flag is not set, the process proceeds to the next step without performing the AT-related processing in Sd805.

[0374] Thus, in the payout control pre-processing, if the advantageous control flag is set in the payout control post-processing of the previous game, AT-related processing is performed during the advantageous section, and if the advantageous control flag is not set, AT-related processing is not performed. As mentioned above, the advantageous control flag is set in the payout control post-processing of the previous game if the stop operation is performed with the left reel as the first stop, or if the stop operation is performed with a stop order other than the left reel as the first stop, but the advantageous section state is other than the normal advantageous section state. In the previous game, if the stop operation is performed with the left reel as the first stop, or if the stop operation is performed with a stop order other than the left reel as the first stop, but the advantageous section state is other than the normal advantageous section state (CZ state, AT1 state, AT2 state), then advantageous control will also be performed in the payout control pre-processing of the game.

[0375] Furthermore, if the game in question is the first game after entering the advantageous period, the advantageous control flag will be set even if it was not set in the previous game, and advantageous control will be performed in the pre-processing of payout control for that game.

[0376] [Regarding the process after the reels stop] Figure 26 shows the flow of processing performed by the main control unit 161 after the reel stops.

[0377] After the reels stop, the main control unit 161 performs the winning determination process for Sd28, and then performs the payout ratio information update process for Sd30. In the payout ratio information update process, it updates the values ​​used to calculate the payout ratio information displayed on the aforementioned payout ratio monitor 89, namely the payout ratio of instructed prizes to the total cumulative payout, the payout ratio of consecutive prizes over the past 6000 games, the payout ratio of prizes over the past 6000 games, the payout ratio of consecutive prizes to the total cumulative payout, the payout ratio of prizes to the total cumulative payout, and the payout status ratio of prizes to the total cumulative payout.

[0378] After the Sd30 role ratio information update process, the Sd31 stop determination process is performed. In the stop determination process, the net increase counter, which counts only the positive range, is updated, and it is determined whether the value of the net increase counter has exceeded the upper limit. If it is determined that it has exceeded the upper limit, the stop flag is set.

[0379] Next, the Sd32 performs an error check. The error check determines whether or not an error has been detected, and if an error has been detected, it sets an error code according to the type of error detected.

[0380] After that, Sd33 performs post-processing for payout control. In post-processing for payout control, it is first determined whether or not the player is in an advantageous period. If the player is not in an advantageous period, the process is terminated. If the player is in an advantageous period, advantageous period-related processing is performed. In the advantageous period-related processing, the number of medals acquired during the advantageous period is updated, and when the updated number of acquired medals reaches 2400, the advantageous period end flag is set. After the advantageous period-related processing, a button press order is determined. If it is determined that the left reel should be stopped first, AT-related processing is performed, such as updating points through point acquisition lottery, controlling transitions to CZ state, AT1 state, and AT2 state, and the advantageous control flag is set. On the other hand, if it is determined that the left reel should not be stopped first and the player is in a normal advantageous period state, AT-related processing is not performed, and the advantageous control flag is not set.

[0381] After that, processing Sd34 to Sd38 is performed, followed by the end-of-game setting process in Sd39. In the end-of-game setting process, the end of the advantageous period is determined in the post-payout control processing in Sd33, and if the advantageous period end flag is set, the area in RAM161c where information related to the advantageous period is stored is initialized. At this time, if the advantageous control flag is set, the advantageous control flag is also initialized.

[0382] Next, Sd41 determines whether an error code is set. If an error code is set, it performs error processing and controls the system to remain in an error state until the error is resolved or resolved.

[0383] Next, Sd43 determines whether the stop flag is set, and if it is determined that the stop flag is set, it transitions to the stop state.

[0384] On the other hand, if the stop flag is not set, initialization is performed for each game in step Sd2 of the next game, and the initialization area at the end of a game is initialized. At this time, the stop request information stored in a specific area of ​​RAM161c is also initialized.

[0385] In this manner, the main control unit 161 updates the number of medals acquired during the advantageous period, which is used to determine the end of the advantageous period. After determining whether or not to end the advantageous period, it then determines whether or not the game was played with the left reel as the first stop.

[0386] Furthermore, the main control unit 161 updates the net increase counter used to determine whether or not to control the game to a stop state, and after determining whether or not to control the game to a stop state, it determines whether or not the game was played with the left reel as the first stop.

[0387] Furthermore, the main control unit 161 determines whether or not to control the game to an error state at the end of the game, and then determines whether or not the game was played with the left reel being the first stop.

[0388] Furthermore, the main control unit 161 updates the numerical values ​​for calculating the role ratio information displayed on the role ratio monitor 89, and then determines whether or not the game was played with the left reel as the first stop.

[0389] Furthermore, the main control unit 161 is configured to initialize the stop reception information used for determining the button press order at the end of the game, regardless of the determination result.

[0390] [Regarding the relationship between the order of stopping operations and advantageous control] Figures 27 to 35 are diagrams illustrating the relationship between the stopping operation sequence and advantageous control.

[0391] As shown in Figure 27, in a situation where the game state is "internal," the game section is a "favorable section," and the "favorable section state" is "normal," that is, when the game is played with a button press sequence that stops on any reel other than the left reel as the first stop, the favorable control is restricted. At the time the start operation is performed, "000," which has been initialized by the initialization for each game, is stored in the specific area as stop acceptance information. Furthermore, if the game was played with a button press sequence that stopped on any reel other than the left reel as the first stop in the previous game, the favorable control flag is set, and the main control unit 161 executes the favorable control (processing related to AT control) at the time the start operation is performed.

[0392] Subsequently, the main control unit 161 stores stop reception information indicating the reel of the first stop operation in a specific area at the timing of the first stop operation. If the reel of the first stop operation is the left reel, "100" indicating that the first stop operation is the left reel is stored in the specific area as stop reception information. The stop reception information stored at the timing of the first stop operation is not updated even if a second stop operation is performed, and is maintained until the initialization for each game at the end of the game.

[0393] After all reels have stopped, the main control unit 161 clears the advantageous control flag once and determines whether the stopping operation was performed with the left reel as the first stop. Since "100", which indicates that the first stop operation was the left reel, is stored in a specific area as stop reception information, the main control unit 161 determines that the stopping operation was performed with the left reel as the first stop. If the main control unit 161 determines that the stopping operation was performed with the left reel as the first stop, it executes the advantageous control (processing related to AT control) at the end of the game and then sets the advantageous control flag again. The advantageous control flag set here is maintained until the determination after all reels have stopped in the next game, and during that time, the execution of advantageous control is permitted, so the advantageous control (processing related to AT control) at the time the start operation of the next game is performed will also be executed.

[0394] On the other hand, the main control unit 161 clears a specific area during the initialization for each game performed at the end of the game, and stores "000" as stop reception information in the specific area. At the timing when the first stop operation is performed in the next game, stop reception information indicating the reel for which the first stop operation was performed is stored there.

[0395] As shown in Figure 28, in a situation where the game state is internal, the game section is an advantageous section, and the advantageous section state is normal advantageous section, that is, a situation where advantageous control is restricted when the game is played with a push order that stops a reel other than the left reel as the first stop, the main control unit 161 stores "010" indicating that the first stop operation was the middle reel or "001" indicating that the first stop operation was the right reel as stop reception information in a specific area at the timing of the first stop operation if the reel stopped for the first stop operation is a reel other than the left reel, i.e., the middle reel or the right reel. The stop reception information stored at the timing of the first stop operation is not updated even if a second stop operation is performed and is maintained until the initialization for each game at the end of the game.

[0396] After all reels have stopped, the main control unit 161 clears the advantageous control flag once and determines whether the stopping operation was performed with the left reel as the first stop. Since "100", which indicates that the first stop operation was the left reel, is not stored in the specific area as stop reception information, it determines that the stopping operation was performed with a stopping order other than the left reel as the first stop. In this case, even if a value other than "000", "110", "101", "011", or "111" (which indicates that the first stop operation was the left reel, or the middle reel, or the right reel, or which indicates that the first stop operation was the right reel) is stored in the specific area, it will still be determined that the stopping operation was performed with a stopping order other than the left reel as the first stop. If the main control unit 161 determines that the stopping operation was performed with a stopping order other than the left reel as the first stop, it will not execute the advantageous control (processing related to AT control) at the end of the game and will not set the advantageous control flag. If the advantageous control flag is not set, this state will persist until the judgment after all reels have stopped in the next game. During this time, the execution of advantageous control is not permitted, and therefore, advantageous control (processing related to AT control) will not be executed when the start operation of the next game is performed. However, if the judgment after all reels have stopped in the next game determines that the stopping operation was performed with the left reel as the first stop, the advantageous control flag will be set again, and the execution of advantageous control will be permitted.

[0397] On the other hand, the main control unit 161 clears a specific area during the initialization for each game performed at the end of the game, and stores "000" as stop reception information in the specific area. When the first stop operation is performed in the next game, stop reception information indicating the reel for which the first stop operation was performed in the next game is stored there.

[0398] As shown in Figure 29, in a situation where the game state is "internal," the game section is a "favorable section," and the "favorable section state" is "normal favorable section," that is, a situation where favorable control is restricted when the game is played with a button press order that stops any reel other than the left reel as the first stop, the main control unit 161, after all reels have stopped, before determining whether a stop operation was performed with a button press order that stops the left reel as the first stop, determines whether the number of medals acquired during the favorable section has reached 2400, that is, whether the condition for ending the favorable section has been met. If the number of medals acquired during the favorable section has reached 2400, it sets the favorable section end flag. After that, regardless of whether the favorable section ends or not, it clears the favorable control flag once and determines whether a stop operation was performed with a button press order that stops the left reel as the first stop. If it is determined that a stop operation was performed with a button press order that stops the left reel as the first stop, even if the favorable section ends (if the favorable section end flag is set), it executes the favorable control at the end of the game (processing related to AT control) and then sets the favorable control flag again. Subsequently, if the advantageous section end flag is set, the main control unit 161 performs initialization at the end of the advantageous section, controls the game section to the normal section, and also initializes the advantageous control flag.

[0399] On the other hand, the specific area is not cleared during initialization at the end of the advantageous period, but is cleared during the initialization for each game performed at the end of the game, and "000" is stored in the specific area as stop acceptance information.

[0400] As shown in Figure 30, in a situation where the game state is "internal," the game section is an "advantageous section," and the "advantageous section state" is "normal advantageous section," that is, a situation where advantageous control is restricted when the game is played with a button press order that stops any reel other than the left reel as the first stop, the main control unit 161, after all reels have stopped, before determining whether a stop operation was performed with a button press order that stops the left reel as the first stop, determines whether the value of the net increase counter has exceeded its upper limit, that is, whether the stop condition has been met. If the value of the net increase counter has exceeded its upper limit, the stop flag is set. After that, regardless of whether the game is controlled to a stop state and becomes impossible to play, the advantageous control flag is cleared once, and a process is performed to determine whether a stop operation was performed with a button press order that stops the left reel as the first stop. If it is determined that a stop operation was performed with a button press order that stops the left reel as the first stop, even if the game is controlled to a stop state and becomes impossible to play (if the stop flag is set), the advantageous control flag is set again after executing the advantageous control at the end of the game (processing related to AT control). Subsequently, if the stop flag is set, the main control unit 161 controls the game to a stop state, rendering the game unplayable. The stop state is released when the game transitions to a setting change state and the data in RAM 161c is initialized, at which point the advantageous control flag is also initialized.

[0401] On the other hand, certain areas are not cleared even after transitioning to the stop state, and are only cleared when the settings are changed and the data in RAM161c is initialized.

[0402] As shown in Figure 31, in a situation where the game state is "internal," the game section is a "favorable section," and the "favorable section state" is "normal," that is, a situation where favorable control is restricted when the game is played with a button press sequence that stops any reel other than the left reel as the first stop, the main control unit 161, after all reels have stopped, determines whether an error has been detected by an error check process before determining whether a stop operation was performed with a button press sequence that stops the left reel as the first stop. If an error is detected, it sets an error code. After that, regardless of whether the game is controlled to an error state and becomes impossible to play, it clears the favorable control flag once and performs a process to determine whether a stop operation was performed with a button press sequence that stops the left reel as the first stop. If it is determined that a stop operation was performed with a button press sequence that stops the left reel as the first stop, even if the game is controlled to an error state and becomes impossible to play (if an error code is set), it executes the favorable control at the end of the game (processing related to AT control) and then sets the favorable control flag again. After that, if an error code is set, the main control unit 161 controls the game to an error state and makes it impossible to continue playing. Even during periods when the system is controlled in an error state, the advantageous control flag is maintained. Once the error state is cleared and gameplay can proceed, the flag remains in place until the judgment after all reels stop in the next game, during which time the execution of the advantageous control is permitted.

[0403] Furthermore, the specific area is not cleared even after transitioning to an error state. The specific area is cleared during the initialization process for each game performed at the end of the game, and "000" is stored in the specific area as stop request information.

[0404] As shown in Figure 32, even in situations where the game state is internal and the game section is a normal section, where the game state is not internal and the game section is a normal section, or where the game state is in BB state and the game section is a normal section, i.e., situations where the game is not controlled to an advantageous section and therefore advantageous control is not executed, and where a determination of the button press order is not required, the main control unit 161 stores stop reception information indicating the reel of the first stop operation in a specific area at the timing of the first stop operation. The stop reception information stored at the timing of the first stop operation is not updated even if a second stop operation is performed, and is maintained until the initialization for each game at the end of the game.

[0405] Furthermore, since the game is not controlled within the advantageous period, the main control unit 161 does not perform any processing to determine whether or not the stopping operation was performed with the left reel being the first stop after all reels have stopped, and the advantageous control flag remains unset.

[0406] As mentioned above, even in situations where the game state is internal and the game section is in the normal section, meaning it is not controlled to the advantageous section, and therefore advantageous control is not executed and no determination of the button press order is required, the main control unit 161 stores stop reception information indicating the reel of the first stop operation in a specific area at the timing of the first stop operation. The stop reception information stored at the timing of the first stop operation is not updated even if a second stop operation is performed, and is maintained until the initialization for each game at the end of the game. For this reason, as shown in Figure 33, if the reel of the first stop operation is not the left reel, stop reception information indicating that reel will be stored in the specific area. On the other hand, if the conditions for transitioning to the advantageous secti...

Claims

[Claim 1] It is equipped with a variable display unit capable of displaying multiple types of identification information that can be identified by each individual, In a slot machine in which a display result is derived by stopping the variable display of the variable display unit, and a prize can be awarded according to the display result, A means for performing advantageous control, A section control means capable of controlling the section to either a normal section in which the advantageous control is not performed, or an advantageous section in which the advantageous control may be performed. A means for deriving a result that the player operates to derive the displayed result, A specific operation mode determination means for determining whether the operation mode of the derivation operation means in the game is a specific operation mode, A specific information setting means in which specific information indicating the determination result by the specific operation mode determination means is set, Equipped with, The advantageous control means allows the advantageous control to be executed in subsequent games if specific information indicating that the operation is not in the specified manner is set, and restricts the execution of the advantageous control in subsequent games if specific information indicating that the operation is in the specified manner is set. The interval control means terminates the advantageous interval in a game if the conditions for ending the advantageous interval are met in that game. Regardless of whether the aforementioned advantageous period termination condition is met in the game, the specific operation mode determination means determines whether the operation mode of the derivation operation means in that game is a specific operation mode, and specific information indicating the determination result by the specific operation mode determination means is set. Each of the aforementioned derivation operation means corresponds to a plurality of variable display units, It is controllable between a normal state and a special state to which a special display result is derived in the normal state. In the aforementioned special state, the advantageous control is not performed. A value indicating the first derivation operation means to be operated is stored in a specific storage area, and by referring to the value stored in the specific storage area, it is determined whether or not the operation mode of the derivation operation means is a specific operation mode. A slot machine that stores a value indicating the first derivation operation means operated, regardless of whether the aforementioned special state is in effect, in the specified storage area.

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