Gaming machine

Abstract

The present invention provides a gaming machine that can maintain the illuminated state of the bet count display even after the game has ended. [Solution] Before clearing the number of medals bet stored in the bet information storage area 1924 after the end of the game, the number of medals bet for the current game is saved in the display bet information storage area 1925, and the bet lamp of the bet number display unit BS is kept lit even after the end of the game.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, gaming machines (rotary gaming machines, slot machines) equipped with a plurality of reels having symbols arranged on their outer peripheral surfaces are known. This type of gaming machine imparts a certain gaming value to gaming media such as medals and pachinko balls, and conducts games for acquiring such gaming value. Also, in this type of gaming machine, when a player inserts gaming media into a predetermined insertion port and a prescribed number of gaming media are bet, a game start operation becomes possible. Triggered by the player's game start operation, an internal lottery is conducted and the rotation of a plurality of reels is started. Triggered by the player's stop operation, control is performed to stop the plurality of reels in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery. The result of the game is determined by the symbol combination displayed on the valid lines in the state where the plurality of reels have stopped, and payouts such as medals are made according to the result of the game.

[0003] Also, in this type of gaming machine, a bet number display unit having three lamps for displaying the number of bet gaming media is provided, and after the end of the game, all three lamps of the bet number display unit are turned off. For example, there is a known gaming machine that turns off all three lamps of the bet number display unit when a winning determination process is performed (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In gaming machines like the one shown in Patent Document 1 above, there is also a desire for a specification that keeps the three lamps on the bet count display unit lit even after the game has ended.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can maintain the illuminated state of the bet count notification unit even after the end of the game. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) The present invention relates to a gaming machine comprising: a bet count storage means for storing the number of bets for game value in a bet count storage area; a bet count notification unit for notifying the number of bets; and a notification unit control means for controlling the illumination of the bet count notification unit, wherein the bet count storage means clears the number of bets stored in the bet count storage area after the end of the game, but the notification unit control means maintains the illumination state of the bet count notification unit even after the end of the game.

[0008] According to the present invention, the bet count notification unit can remain lit even after the game has ended.

[0009] (2) The present invention relates to a gaming machine comprising a bet count notification unit for notifying the number of bets for game value, and a notification unit control means for controlling the illumination of the bet count notification unit, wherein the notification unit control means maintains the illumination state of the bet count notification unit even after the end of the game, does not illuminate the bet count notification unit when the power is turned on after the end of the game, and does not illuminate the bet count notification unit when the setting value for changing the payout rate is changed.

[0010] According to the present invention, the bet count notification unit can remain lit even after the game has ended.

[0011] Furthermore, in this invention, the bet count notification unit does not light up even when the power is turned on after the end of a game or when the setting value is changed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the player from knowing whether or not the setting value has been changed based on whether or not the bet count notification unit is lit. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the housing of a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating the functional block of a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating the internal lottery table in a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure illustrates the manner in which minor prizes are awarded in a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure illustrates the manner in which minor prizes are awarded in a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure illustrates the winning mechanism for a replay in a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates the arrangement of symbols on the reels in a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates the relationship between the order in which the stop buttons are pressed and the winning combinations in a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This diagram illustrates the relationship between the order in which the stop buttons are pressed and the winning combinations in a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This diagram illustrates the relationship between the order in which the stop buttons are pressed and the winning combinations in a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This figure illustrates the stopping mechanism of the reels in a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13]It is a diagram for explaining the relationship between winning combinations and symbol combinations in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] It is a diagram for explaining the relationship between winning combinations and symbol combinations in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] It is a diagram for explaining the relationship between winning combinations and symbol combinations in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] It is a diagram for explaining the relationship between winning combinations and symbol combinations in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] It is a transition diagram of the game state in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] It is a transition diagram of the effect state in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] It is a transition diagram of the game section in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] It is a flowchart showing an example of the main processing in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] It is a flowchart showing an example of the main processing in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] It is a flowchart showing an example of the main processing in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] It is a flowchart showing an example of the main processing in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] It is a flowchart showing an example of the main processing in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] It is a flowchart showing an example of the main processing in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] It is a flowchart showing an example of the power-on processing in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] It is a diagram showing an example of the effect image displayed in the privilege notification effect in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28]This figure shows an example of an image displayed in the operation animation, the first operation result animation, and the second operation result animation in a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] This flowchart shows an example of the operation and presentation processing in a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30] This figure illustrates the functional block of a gaming machine according to a modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 31] This is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 32] This is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the housing of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 33] This is a diagram illustrating the functional block of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 34] This is a diagram illustrating the internal lottery table in a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 35] This figure illustrates the manner in which minor prizes are awarded in a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 36] This figure illustrates the manner in which minor prizes are awarded in a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 37] This diagram illustrates the arrangement of symbols on the reels in a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 38] This diagram illustrates the relationship between the order in which the stop buttons are pressed and the winning combinations in a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 39] This diagram illustrates the relationship between the order in which the stop buttons are pressed and the winning combinations in a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 40] This diagram illustrates the relationship between the order in which the stop buttons are pressed and the winning combinations in a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 41] This diagram illustrates the relationship between winning combinations and symbol combinations in a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 42] This diagram illustrates the relationship between winning combinations and symbol combinations in a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 43] This diagram illustrates the relationship between winning combinations and symbol combinations in a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 44] This diagram illustrates the relationship between winning combinations and symbol combinations in a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 45] This diagram illustrates the relationship between winning combinations and symbol combinations in a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 46] This is a diagram showing the transitions between game states in a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 47] This is a transition diagram of the performance state in a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 48] This is a diagram showing the transitions between game sections in a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 49] This figure shows the configuration of special batting order roles in a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 50] This figure illustrates a method for controlling the stopping of special winning combinations in the batting order in a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 51] This figure illustrates a method for controlling the stopping of special winning combinations in the batting order in a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 52] This figure illustrates a specific example of stop control related to special roles in the batting order in a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 53] This figure illustrates the arrangement of symbols on the reels in a gaming machine according to a modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 54] This figure illustrates the relationship between winning combinations and symbol combinations in a gaming machine according to a modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 55] This figure illustrates the configuration of special winning combinations in the order of hitting and the relationship between the order in which the stop buttons are pressed and the winning combinations in a gaming machine according to a modified example of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. The embodiments described below are not intended to unduly limit the scope of the present invention as described in the claims. Furthermore, not all configurations described in these embodiments are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[0014] 1. First Embodiment 1-1. Composition Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration (excluding the reel unit) of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] The gaming machine of this embodiment is a type of gaming machine that is commonly known as a slot machine or reel-type gaming machine, and uses tokens as the game medium (game value) for gameplay.

[0016] The gaming machine of this embodiment houses a reel unit consisting of a first reel R1 to a third reel R3 (multiple reels) within a box-shaped enclosure consisting of a storage box BX, an upper front door UD, and a lower front door DD. Below the reel unit storage space PS inside the storage box BX is a power supply unit EU, which incorporates a power supply and is equipped with various switches such as a power switch ES, a setting change key cylinder KS, and a setting change button BS, as well as a hopper unit HP, which serves as a medal dispensing device. The hopper unit HP includes a medal storage tank MT for storing medals used in the game, a dispensing motor consisting of a stepping motor (not shown), and a rotating disc (not shown) pivotally supported by the dispensing motor. The rotating disc is driven to rotate by the dispensing motor, allowing medals to be dispensed one at a time. Furthermore, when the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT reaches a certain level, the hopper unit HP sends the excess medals to the cash box CB. Furthermore, within the casing of the gaming machine of this embodiment, for example, a main board MAIN is mounted above the reel unit storage space PS, and a sub-board SUB is mounted to the side of the reel unit storage space PS. These control boards (main board MAIN, sub-board SUB) are equipped with a CPU (an example of calculation means), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), RAM (an example of a temporary storage means), etc., to control the operation of the gaming machine. In this embodiment, a setting change key cylinder KS and a setting change button BS are provided on the power supply unit EU, but the setting change key cylinder KS and the setting change button BS may also be provided on the surface of the main board MAIN.

[0017] The first to third reels R1 to R3 shown in Figure 1 are each divided into 20 regions (each region referred to as a "frame") at regular intervals on their outer surface, and one of several types of patterns is arranged in each frame. The first to third reels R1 to R3 are pivotally supported by a stepping motor (reel driving means: not shown) and are rotationally driven around the axis of the stepping motor. By controlling the number of pulses and pulse width of the stepping motor's drive pulses, they are designed to be stopped in frame units (units of predetermined rotation angle and predetermined rotation amount). In other words, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the stepping motor rotates the first to third reels R1 to R3 in response to drive pulses supplied from the control board, and when a drive pulse for full-phase excitation is supplied from the control board, the rotation of the stepping motor stops, and the first to third reels R1 to R3 stop as a result.

[0018] The upper front door UD and the lower front door DD are designed to open and close independently. The upper front door UD is equipped with a display window DW that allows observation of the rotation and stopped states of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. When the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are stopped, three symbols (upper, middle, and lower) that are arranged consecutively on the outer surface of each of the multiple types of symbols arranged at regular intervals on the outer surface of each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 can be observed from the front of the gaming machine through the display window DW.

[0019] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, each reel is provided with an upper, middle, and lower display position for observing the symbols through the display window DW, and the active lines are set by the combination of the display positions of each reel. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the number of tokens required for one game, the so-called prescribed number of tokens, is set to 3, and when tokens equivalent to the prescribed number of tokens are inserted (bet), the active line L1, which consists of the lower part of the first reel R1, the middle part of the second reel R2, and the upper part of the third reel R3, is activated.

[0020] The game result is determined by the combination of symbols that stop on the active lines in the display window DW. If the combination of symbols on the active lines corresponds to a predetermined winning combination, the winning combination is considered to have been achieved, and medals are dispensed from the hopper unit HP.

[0021] The upper front door UD is equipped with a game information display unit DS and a bet count display unit BS (an example of a bet count notification unit). The game information display unit DS consists of LEDs, lamps, a 7-segment display, etc., and displays various game information such as the number of medal credits, the number of medals paid out or acquired in one game, and the total number of medals paid out or acquired in BB state. The bet count display unit BS is equipped with a 1-coin bet display unit BS1 located at the bottom, a 2-coin bet display unit BS2 located in the middle, and a 3-coin bet display unit BS3 located at the top, and the number of medals bet is notified by the lighting of the bet lamps built into each display unit. The 1-coin bet display unit BS1 notifies that the first medal has been bet, the 2-coin bet display unit BS2 notifies that the second medal has been bet, and the 3-coin bet display unit BS3 notifies that the third medal has been bet.

[0022] Furthermore, the upper front door UD is equipped with a liquid crystal display (LCD) for displaying game effects. This LCD displays various videos (or images) to assist or enhance the gameplay. In addition, in this embodiment of the gaming machine, multiple speakers SP are provided on the upper front door UD and the lower front door DD for displaying game effects. These speakers SP output various sounds to assist or enhance the gameplay.

[0023] Furthermore, the lower front door DD is equipped with various operating means. These operating means include a 1-bet button (insertion operation means) B01 and a MAX-bet button (insertion operation means, an example of a second operating means that the player can operate) B0M for inserting credited (stored) medals; a start lever (game start operation means) SL for initiating the game by rotating the first reel R1 to the third reel R3; stop buttons (stop operation means) B1 to B3 for initiating the operation to stop each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, which are driven by stepping motors; a settlement button (settlement operation means, game operation means) B4 for settling the credited (internally stored) medals; and an effect button (effect operation means, an example of a first operating means that the player can operate) B5 for initiating the operation to change the effects performed on the game machine.

[0024] In this embodiment of the gaming machine, when a player inserts a medal into the medal slot MI or presses the 1-bet button B01 or the MAX-bet button B0M, the machine is set to a ready state where rotation control of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 can be started. When the player presses the start lever SL, the control board starts the rotation of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 by driving the stepping motor, and an internal lottery is performed using random values. Once the rotation speed of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 has increased to a predetermined speed, the operation of pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 is permitted (activated).

[0025] Subsequently, when the player presses stop buttons B1 to B3 at any time, the stop switches (stop signal output means: for example, a photosensor, a continuity sensor, a pressure sensor, etc.) built into each of the stop buttons B1 to B3 are activated, changing the reel stop signal input to the control board from the off state to the on state.

[0026] Furthermore, when the player releases stop buttons B1 to B3 at any time, the stop switches corresponding to each of the stop buttons B1 to B3 turn off, changing the reel stop signal input to the control board from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0027] The control board then stops the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 at a stopping position corresponding to the result of an internal lottery, based on the change in the reel stop signal state from the off state to the on state, which changes in response to the timing of pressing and releasing the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0028] Furthermore, a medal payout slot MO and a medal receiving tray MP are provided at the bottom of the lower front door DD, and the number of medals corresponding to the game result are dispensed from the hopper unit HP through the medal payout slot MO to the medal receiving tray MP. When medals are dispensed according to the game result, if medal credit (internal storage) is permitted, some or all of the dispensed medals are credited up to the credit limit (50 medals in this embodiment), and the display value of the credit indicator, which consists of a 7-segment display on the game information display unit DS, is changed in accordance with the change in the number of medal credits.

[0029] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine according to this embodiment.

[0030] The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a gaming control means 100. The gaming control means 100 consists of a control board including a main board MAIN and a sub-board AUB. The main board MAIN receives input signals from input means such as a medal insertion switch 210, a 1-bet switch 220, a MAX-bet switch 225, a start switch 230, a stop switch 240, a payout switch 245, a setting change permission switch 250, and a setting change switch 260, performs various calculations to execute the game, and controls the operation of output means such as a reel unit 310, a hopper unit (payout device) HP, and a main display 300 based on the calculation results. The sub-board SUB receives input signals from input means such as an effect button switch 270 and signals sent from the main board MAIN, performs various calculations to execute effects according to the progress of the game, and controls the operation of output means such as a display device 330 and a sound device 340 based on the calculation results. The functions of the game control means (main board MAIN and sub-board SUB) 100 are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), or RAM, and software consisting of a given program pre-stored in ROM or the like.

[0031] The game control means 100 includes a setting change means 103, an input acceptance means 105 (an example of a bet count storage means and a notification unit control means), a random number generation means 110, an internal lottery means 120, a reel control means 130, a prize determination means 140, a payout control means 150, a replay processing means 160, a game state control means 170, an AT control means 175, a power-on processing means 179, a performance control means 180, a game information storage means 190a, and a performance information storage means 190b. In this embodiment, the setting change means 103, input acceptance means 105, random number generation means 110, internal lottery means 120, reel control means 130, prize determination means 140, payout control means 150, replay processing means 160, game state control means 170, AT control means 175, and power-on processing means 179 are implemented by the CPU of the main board MAIN executing various programs, and the performance control means 180 is implemented by the CPU of the sub-board SUB executing various programs. Furthermore, the game information storage means 190a is composed of the main ROM and main RAM mounted on the main board MAIN, and the performance information storage means 190b is composed of the sub-ROM and sub-RAM mounted on the sub-board SUB. Furthermore, the various programs executed by the CPU of the main board MAIN are stored in the main ROM of the game information storage means 190a, and the various programs executed by the CPU of the sub-board SUB are stored in the sub-ROM of the performance information storage means 190b. Furthermore, the sub-board (SUB) receives various information, such as the results of internal lotteries and the game status, from the main board (MAIN) as needed.

[0032] The setting change means 103 controls the change of setting values ​​stored in the setting value storage area 1913 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a. In this embodiment, depending on the state of the setting change permission switch 250 when the power is turned on, it is possible to switch between starting in game mode and starting in setting change mode. When the setting key is inserted into the setting change key cylinder KS and the setting key is turned clockwise from the initial position, the signal state of the setting change permission switch 250 becomes ON. When the power switch ES is activated in this state and power is supplied from the power supply unit EU, the setting change means 103 starts the game machine in setting change mode. In this embodiment, it is possible to select a setting value from six setting values ​​from setting 1 to setting 6, and the probability of winning the internal lottery changes so that the expected value of the payout rate increases from setting 1 to setting 6. In this embodiment, the setting values ​​are expressed in the order of setting 1 < setting 2 < setting 3 < setting 4 < setting 5 < setting 6.

[0033] Furthermore, in the setting change mode, when the setting change button BS is pressed, the setting change switch 260 is activated. The setting change means 103 receives an input signal from the setting change switch 260 and changes the setting value in the order of setting 1 → setting 2 → ... setting 6 → setting 1 → ... and confirms the setting value based on the game start signal from the start switch 230, which is activated when the start lever SL is pressed. The confirmed setting value is then stored in the setting value storage area 1913. In this embodiment, the signal state of the setting change permission switch 250 is changed to the off state by returning the setting key inserted into the setting change key cylinder KS to its initial position, thereby transitioning from the setting change mode to the game mode.

[0034] In this embodiment, when the power is turned on with the setting change key cylinder KS in its initial position, the gaming machine is started in game mode based on the fact that the signal state of the setting change permission switch 260 is off. In this embodiment, in game mode, the game can be played, but the setting values ​​cannot be changed, and in setting change mode, the setting values ​​can be changed, but the game cannot be played.

[0035] Furthermore, in the setting change mode, the setting change means 103 performs initialization processing to initialize the information stored in predetermined storage areas of the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a. In particular, with respect to the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a, the information stored in the lottery flag storage area 1915, game state storage area 1916, performance state storage area 1918, bet information storage area 1924 (an example of a bet count storage area), display bet information storage area 1925 (an example of another storage area), common 3-coin payout counter 1919, special AT game count counter 1920, AT game count counter 1921, first clear counter 1922, and second clear counter 1923 is initialized by the initialization processing in the setting change mode. More specifically, in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a, memory areas other than the lottery flag memory area 1915, game state memory area 1916, performance state memory area 1918, bet information memory area 1924, display bet information memory area 1925, common 3-coin payout counter 1919, special AT game count counter 1920, AT game count counter 1921, first clear counter 1922, and second clear counter 1923 are designated as information retention areas, and the information stored in the memory areas other than the information retention areas of the main RAM is initialized. For this reason, in the main RAM, the setting value memory area 1913 and the credit information memory area 1914 are designated as information retention areas, and the information stored in these memory areas is retained without being initialized by the initialization process in the setting change mode.

[0036] The coin insertion receiving means 105 accepts the insertion of coins for each game and, based on the insertion of a prescribed number of coins (3 coins), performs a process to activate the game start operation on the start lever SL (game start operation means). In this embodiment of the game machine, the first press of the start lever SL, which has been activated based on the insertion of a prescribed number of coins, is accepted as the game start operation, which triggers the rotation of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 and also triggers the execution of an internal lottery.

[0037] In this embodiment of the gaming machine, when a medal is inserted into the medal slot MI, the medal insertion switch 210 is activated, and the insertion reception means 105 (an example of a bet count storage means) sets the inserted medals to the inserted state (bet state), up to a predetermined number. In this embodiment, information indicating the number of medals set to the inserted state (hereinafter also referred to as the "number of medals bet") is stored in the bet information storage area 1924 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a.

[0038] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, it is possible to store (store) up to 50 tokens as credit in the credit information storage area 1914 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a. When a token is inserted into the token slot MI with a predetermined number of tokens already inserted, the token insertion switch 210 is activated, and the inserted token is controlled to credit up to a predetermined credit limit (50 tokens in this embodiment).

[0039] In this embodiment, when the 1-bet button B01 or MAX-bet button B0M is pressed while the game machine has credits stored, the 1-bet switch 220 or MAX-bet switch 225 is activated, and the input receiving means 105 sets the credit-stored medals in the credit information storage area 1914 to the input state, up to a predetermined number. In this embodiment, each time the 1-bet button B01 is pressed, one credit-stored medal is set to the input state. If the predetermined number of inputs is set to 3, and the MAX-bet button B0M is pressed, if there are 3 or more credit-stored medals, 3 medals will be set to the input state. If there are 2 or fewer credit-stored medals, all of the credit-stored medals will be set to the input state. However, if there are 2 or fewer credit-stored medals, the credit-stored medals may not be set to the input state even if the MAX-bet button B0M is pressed.

[0040] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, once all processing related to one game is completed, provided that medals are credit-stored in the gaming machine, control is performed to enable operation of the 1-bet button B01 and the MAX-bet button B0M. When the 1-bet button B01 or the MAX-bet button B0M is pressed while the operation of the 1-bet button B01 and the MAX-bet button B0M is enabled, the 1-bet switch 220 or the MAX-bet switch 225 is activated, and the input receiving means 105 sets the credit-stored medals in the credit information storage area 1914 to the input state, up to a predetermined limit. Also, when the number of credit-stored medals in the gaming machine becomes 0 or when the start lever SL is pressed to start the game, the operation of the 1-bet button B01 and the MAX-bet button B0M is disabled.

[0041] Furthermore, the coin insertion acceptance means 105 controls the acceptance of coins once all processing related to one game has been completed, and controls the acceptance of coins to end when the number of coins stored in the game machine's credits reaches the credit limit (50 coins) or when a game start operation is performed on the start lever SL. If coins are inserted into the coin slot MI when the machine is not accepting coins, the inserted coins will not be accepted and will be returned from the coin payout slot MO.

[0042] Furthermore, once all processing related to a single game is completed, the coin insertion receiving means 105 controls the operation of the settlement button B4, provided that there are coins stored in the game machine's credit memory. When the settlement button B4 is pressed while the operation of the settlement button B4 is enabled, the settlement switch 250 is activated, and the payout control means 150 dispenses the coins stored in the credit memory area and the coins set to the inserted state. Once all the coins stored in the credit memory and the coins set to the inserted state have been dispensed, the number of coins set to the inserted state is initialized to 0, and the operation of the settlement button B4 is disabled. The operation of the settlement button B4 is also disabled when a game start operation is performed on the start lever SL.

[0043] In the following, when the 1-bet button B01, MAX-bet button B0M, and payout button B4 are simply referred to as "operation," it means "a valid operation."

[0044] In this embodiment, a blocker (not shown) is provided inside the casing to guide medals inserted into the medal slot MI to the medal payout slot MO for direct discharge (return). When the blocker is activated and medals are directly discharged, the medal insertion switch 210 does not detect the insertion of medals. In this embodiment, the blocker is activated when the game machine has credited up to its limit, and medals inserted in excess of the creditable limit are returned from the medal payout slot MO without the blocker detecting the insertion of medals (without the medal insertion being accepted). The blocker is also activated when the start lever SL is pressed to start the game, and medals will not be accepted until the game is finished. When all processing related to a game is completed, the blocker is deactivated and medal insertions are accepted again.

[0045] In this embodiment, the coin insertion receiving means 105 (an example of a notification unit control means) controls the lighting of the bet lamp on the bet number display unit BS, and when a medal is set to the insertion state, it causes the bet number display unit BS to perform a bet number notification that indicates the number of medals to bet, which is the number of medals set to the insertion state. For example, if the number of medals to bet is 1, only the 1-coin bet number display unit BS1 of the 1-coin bet number display unit BS1 to the 3-coin bet number display unit BS3 of the bet number display unit BS3 is lit, if the number of medals to bet is 2, only the 1-coin bet number display unit BS1 and the 2-coin bet number display unit BS2 are lit, and if the number of medals to bet is 3, all of the 1-coin bet number display unit BS1 to the 3-coin bet number display unit BS3 are lit.

[0046] In this embodiment, after the game ends (after the prize-winning determination process described later is performed), the coin insertion receiving means 105 stores the number of medals bet stored in the bet information storage area 1924 in the display bet information storage area 1925 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a. Once the number of medals bet for the current game is saved in the display bet information storage area 1925, the information stored in the bet information storage area 1924 is initialized (cleared). It is also possible to initialize the bet information storage area 1924 not only after the prize-winning determination process, but also after the prize-winning process and the game-ending process described later are performed.

[0047] The random number generation means 110 is a means for generating random numbers for drawing lots. The random numbers can be generated, for example, by a 16-bit random number circuit that generates 65,536 random numbers from 0 to 65,535 without repetition within one cycle. In this embodiment, "random numbers" include not only values ​​that are generated randomly in a mathematical sense, but also values ​​that, even if their generation is regular, can function as effectively random numbers because the timing of their acquisition is irregular.

[0048] The internal lottery means 120 is a means for performing an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination is achieved based on a start signal from a start switch 230 which is activated by a game start operation on the start lever SL (the first pressing operation on the activated start lever SL), and performs lottery table selection processing, random number determination processing, lottery flag setting processing, and the like.

[0049] In the lottery table selection process, it is determined which of the multiple internal lottery tables stored in the main lottery table storage area 1910 provided in the main ROM of the game information storage means 190a will be used to perform the internal lottery. In the game machine of this embodiment, three types of internal lottery tables (internal lottery table 1 to internal lottery table 3) as shown in Figure 4 are stored in the main lottery table storage area 1910. In each internal lottery table, various roles such as replays, small wins, and bonuses, as well as misses (failures), are associated with each of the multiple random values ​​(for example, 65,536 random values ​​from 0 to 65,535). In this embodiment, for each of the six setting values, three types of internal lottery tables are prepared, and the probability of obtaining some winning patterns in the internal lottery differs depending on the setting value, and the correspondence between roles and random values ​​is set so that the expected value of the payout rate increases as the setting value increases.

[0050] In this embodiment of the gaming machine, minor roles 4 to 31 are provided, and as shown in Figures 5 to 6, the following are set as winning patterns for minor roles: batting order yellow 7 (batting order yellow 7A to batting order yellow 7H), batting order 3-coin role (batting order 3-coin role A to batting order 3-coin role D), common 3-coin role (common 3-coin role A, common 3-coin role B), chance role (chance role A, chance role B), common yellow 7, special role (an example of a predetermined winning pattern), common 1-coin role, and JAC (JAC1 to JAC3).

[0051] To explain the winning patterns for each small win, as shown in Figure 5, for batting order yellow 7A to batting order yellow 7H, one type of 9-coin small win (a small win with a payout of 9 coins: correct small win, specific small win, specific win) and 4 to 5 types of 1-coin small wins (a small win with a payout of 1 coin: incorrect small win) are won simultaneously. For batting order 3-coin win A to batting order 3-coin win D, one type of 3-coin small win (a small win with a payout of 3 coins: correct small win, specific small win, specific win) and 10 to 11 types of 1-coin small wins (incorrect small wins) are won simultaneously.

[0052] As shown in Figure 6, Common 3-coin win A is achieved by combining three types of 3-coin wins, Common 3-coin win B is achieved by combining four types of 3-coin wins and one type of 1-coin win, Chance win A is achieved by winning one type of 3-coin win alone, Chance win B is achieved by combining two types of 3-coin wins, Common Yellow 7 is achieved by combining two types of 9-coin wins, Special win is achieved by combining three types of 9-coin wins, Common 1-coin win is achieved by combining five types of 1-coin wins, JAC1 is achieved by combining five types of 9-coin wins, six types of 3-coin wins, and seventeen types of 1-coin wins, JAC2 is achieved by combining six types of 3-coin wins and seventeen types of 1-coin wins, and JAC3 is achieved by combining seventeen types of 1-coin wins.

[0053] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, replays 1 to 4 are provided, and as shown in Figure 7, replay A, replay B, replay C, and middle replay are set as the winning patterns for replays.

[0054] To explain the winning patterns for each replay, as shown in Figure 7, Replay A is a win when Replay 1 and Replay 3 are combined, Replay B is a win when Replays 1 through 3 are combined, Replay C is a win when Replay 1 and Replay 4 are combined, and the middle replay is a win when Replay 2 is combined.

[0055] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the probability of winning a minor role is the same in internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2, the probability of winning a replay is higher in internal lottery table 2 than in internal lottery table 1, replays are not included in the lottery in internal lottery table 3, and the lottery method for minor roles in internal lottery table 3 is different from that of internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2, and the probability of winning a minor role is higher in internal lottery table 3 than in internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2.

[0056] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a Big Bonus (BB) is provided as a bonus, and the Big Bonus (BB) is subject to drawing in the internal drawing table 1.

[0057] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the game state can be set to normal state, BB established state, and BB state, and in the lottery table selection process, one of internal lottery tables 1 to 3 is selected as the internal lottery table to be used for internal lottery depending on the game state.

[0058] In this embodiment, the probability of winning a replay does not change depending on the setting value, but the probability of winning some types of bonuses and small wins changes depending on the setting value. As the setting value increases, the probability of winning the common single-coin win (common single-coin win + BB in the normal state) decreases, while the probability of winning the common yellow 7 increases. However, in this embodiment, the total amount of random values ​​assigned to the common single-coin win (common single-coin win + BB in the normal state) and the common yellow 7 is designed to be the same regardless of the setting value.

[0059] In the random number determination process, based on the start signal from the start switch 230, a random number value (random number for drawing) is obtained from the random number generation means 110 for each game, and the internal drawing table stored in the main drawing table storage area 1910 provided in the main ROM of the game information storage means 190a is referenced to determine whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the obtained random number value.

[0060] In the lottery flag setting process, based on the result of the random number determination process, the lottery flag corresponding to the winning role is set from a non-winning state (first flag state, off state) to a winning state (second flag state, on state). In the gaming machine of this embodiment, if two or more roles are won simultaneously, the lottery flag corresponding to each of the two or more roles that were won simultaneously is set to a winning state. The lottery flag setting information is stored in the lottery flag storage area 1915 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a.

[0061] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, there are two types of lottery flags: one that allows the winning state to be carried over to subsequent games until a win is achieved (carry-over flag), and another that resets to a non-winning state regardless of whether a win is achieved, without carrying over the winning state to subsequent games (carry-over non-flag). The former carry-over flag is associated with the Big Bonus (BB), while the latter carry-over non-flag is associated with the Small Win and Replay. In the lottery flag setting process, for example, if a Big Bonus (BB) is won in the internal lottery, the winning state of the Big Bonus (BB) lottery flag is carried over until a Big Bonus (BB) is achieved. At this time, the internal lottery means 120 also performs an internal lottery to determine the win or loss of Small Wins and Replays, even in games where the winning state of the Big Bonus (BB) lottery flag has been carried over. In other words, in the lottery flag setting process, in a game where the winning state of the bonus lottery flag associated with the carryover flag has been carried over, if a small win or replay is won, the lottery flags corresponding to two or more types of wins, consisting of the bonus lottery flag that has already been won and the small win or replay lottery flag that was won in the internal lottery, are set to the winning state.

[0062] The reel control means 130, based on a start signal from the start switch 230 which is activated when the player operates the start lever SL to start playing, starts the rotation drive of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 with a stepping motor, and controls the operation to enable the stopping operation by pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 (stop operation means) corresponding to the reels that are rotating steadily at a predetermined speed (approximately 80 rpm: a rotation speed of approximately 80 rotations per minute), and also controls the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, which are being rotated by the stepping motor, in a manner corresponding to the setting state of the lottery flag (result of the internal lottery).

[0063] Then, when the stop operation for stop buttons B1 to B3 is enabled, the reel control means 130, upon activation of the stop switch 240 by the player pressing stop buttons B1 to B3, supplies a drive pulse for full-phase excitation to the stepping motor of the reel unit 310 based on the reel stop signal from the stop switch 240, thereby controlling the stopping of each reel from the first reel R1 to the third reel R3.

[0064] In other words, the reel control means 130 determines the stopping position of the reel corresponding to the pressed button among the first reels R1 to the third reels R3 each time a stop button B1 to B3 is pressed, and controls the reel to stop at the determined stopping position. In this embodiment of the gaming machine, pressing stop button B1 corresponds to the operation to stop the first reel R1, pressing stop button B2 corresponds to the operation to stop the second reel R2, and pressing stop button B3 corresponds to the operation to stop the third reel R3. In other words, in this embodiment of the gaming machine, if the order in which stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed changes, the stopping order of the first reels R1 to the third reels R3 changes. Also, in this embodiment, if necessary, the stopping operation that stops the first reel among the first reels R1 to the third reels R3 may be referred to as the first stop operation, the stopping operation that stops the second reel as the second stop operation, and the stopping operation that stops the last reel as the third stop operation.

[0065] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, for the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button stops within 190ms from the time the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed. When stopping the rotating reels within 190ms from the time the stop button is pressed, the stopping position of each rotating reel is determined within a range of 0 to 4 frames (a predetermined pull-in range) from the time the stop button is pressed until the reel stops. The reel control means 130 controls the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button so that, on the outer surface of the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button, if the symbol corresponding to the winning combination in the internal lottery is located within a range of 0 to 4 frames relative to the display position on the active line at the time the stop button is pressed, the symbol corresponding to the winning combination for which the lottery flag is set to a winning state is displayed at the display position on the active line.

[0066] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, the red 7 symbol "red 7", white 7 symbol "white 7", yellow 7 symbol "yellow 7", blue 7 symbol A "blue 7A", blue 7 symbol B "blue 7B", blue 7 symbol C "blue 7C", blue 7 symbol D "blue 7D", BAR symbol "BAR", special symbol "SP" (an example of a specific symbol), and dummy symbol "DUM" are arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 that constitute the reel unit 310. When drawing symbols that are within 4 frames from the press detection position onto the active line, symbols arranged at intervals of 4 frames or less on the outer circumferential surface of each reel can be displayed on the active line regardless of the press detection position (an example of an operation detection position), which is the position of the reel at the time the stop switch 240 is activated (the time when the stop button is pressed). In this embodiment, the press detection position is the upper display position of each reel.

[0067] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the reel unit 310 is equipped with a reel index 315 which is a photosensor, and the reel control means 130 can monitor the current rotation state of the reel by determining the rotation angle (number of rotation steps of the rotation axis of the stepping motor) from the reference position of the reel (the frame detected by the reel index 315) based on the reference position signal detected by the reel index 315 each time the reel rotates once. In other words, the reel control means 130 can obtain the position of the reel when the stop switch 240 is activated by determining the rotation angle of the reel from the reference position.

[0068] Furthermore, the reel control means 130 determines the stopping position of the rotating reel by referring to the stop control table stored in the stop control table storage area 1911 provided in the main ROM of the game information storage means 190a.

[0069] In the stop control table, the correspondence between the pressed position (the position of the reels at the time the stop switch 240 is activated, or the time the stop button is pressed) and the actual stop position is set according to the setting of the lottery flag. In addition, the stop control table may also set a correspondence between the pressed position and the number of sliding frames, which indicates the amount of rotation from the pressed position to the actual stop position, according to the setting of the lottery flag.

[0070] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, priority is set for small wins, replays, and bonuses in the order of "replay > bonus" and "small win > bonus," and the stop control table is set so that a stop position including the symbols that constitute the winning pattern of the highest priority win is selected according to the priority assigned to each win.

[0071] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, in the stop control table that is referenced when multiple types of small wins are set to a winning state in the internal lottery, there are two cases in which the stop position is set according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line to indicate a winning form (number priority control), and the stop position is set according to the number of medals paid out based on the predetermined payout for the small win (payout priority control). When the stop position is set according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line to indicate a winning form, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that the stop position that allows for a larger number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line to indicate a winning form is given priority. When the stop position is set according to the number of medals paid out, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that the stop position that allows for a larger number of medals paid out based on the payout for the small win corresponding to the symbol displayed at the display position on the active line (a stop position that allows for the winning of a small win with a high payout) is given priority. However, when the stopping position is set according to the number of medals dispensed, if there are multiple stopping positions with the same number of medals dispensed, the priority of each stopping position is treated as the same and the stopping position is set relative to the press detection position. Similarly, when the stopping position is set according to the number of symbol combinations indicating winning patterns that can be displayed on the active line, if there are multiple stopping positions with the same number of symbol combinations indicating winning patterns that can be displayed on the active line, the priority of each stopping position is treated as the same and the stopping position is set relative to the press detection position.

[0072] Then, in the stop control table, which is referenced when any of the winning patterns from batting order yellow 7A to batting order yellow 7H, or batting order 3-coin combination A to batting order 3-coin combination D, is selected in the internal lottery, the correct batting order is set for each winning pattern, as shown in Figures 9 to 10.

[0073] In the stop control table referenced when any batting order results in a yellow 7, as shown in Figure 9, the stop positions relative to the press detection position are set so that if stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in the correct batting order, a 9-coin prize is guaranteed. If stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in a different order than the correct batting order (incorrect batting order), the stop positions relative to the press detection position are set so that there are cases where a 1-coin prize is awarded and cases where no prize is awarded (missed prize). In Figure 9, "1-coin prize (1 / 2)" means that there is a 1 / 2 probability of winning a 1-coin prize in that pressing order, and a 1 / 2 probability of missing a prize. Also, in Figure 9, "1-coin prize (1 / 4)" means that there is a 1 / 4 probability of winning a 1-coin prize in that pressing order, and a 3 / 4 probability of missing a prize.

[0074] Furthermore, in the stop control table that is referenced when any of the three-coin combinations are won in any batting order, as shown in Figure 10, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that if stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in the correct batting order, a three-coin combination will always be awarded. If stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in a different batting order than the correct batting order (incorrect batting order), the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that a one-coin combination will always be awarded.

[0075] Furthermore, when a yellow 7 is won in each batting order, or when a 3-coin win occurs in each batting order, the symbols that make up the winning combination of the correct small win (9-coin or 3-coin win) are preferentially displayed on the active line in the correct batting order due to payout priority control, and the symbols that make up the winning combination of the incorrect small win (1-coin win) are preferentially displayed on the active line in the incorrect batting order due to quantity priority control, with the stop position set in each stop control table relative to the press detection position.

[0076] In this embodiment, for any batting order of yellow 7, the 9-coin prize can only be awarded when a Big Bonus (BB) is established. In the normal state, even if the stopping operation is performed according to the correct batting order corresponding to the winning batting order of yellow 7, the 1-coin prize will be awarded. In other words, when a BB is established, the stopping position is determined either by payout priority control or by quantity priority control depending on the order of the stopping operation. However, in the normal state, the stopping position is determined by quantity priority control regardless of the order of the stopping operation.

[0077] Furthermore, in the stop control table referenced when any of the common 3-coin combinations are won, the stop position relative to the button press detection position is set so that the 3-coin combination is always awarded. In addition, in the stop control table referenced when chance combination A is won, the stop position relative to the button press detection position is set so that there are cases where the 3-coin combination is awarded and cases where no combination is awarded (missed combination). In the stop control table referenced when chance combination B is won, the stop position relative to the button press detection position is set so that the 3-coin combination is always awarded. In addition, in the stop control table referenced when the common yellow 7 is won, the stop position relative to the button press detection position is set so that the 3-coin combination is always awarded.

[0078] Furthermore, in the stop control table referenced when a special role is won, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that a 9-coin small role is always awarded, as shown in Figure 10. In this embodiment, when a special role is won, the type of 9-coin small role awarded differs depending on the order in which the stop operation is performed. In the order in which the first reel R1 or the second reel R2 is stopped first (playing order 1 to 4: an example of the first operation mode), one of the three types of 9-coin small roles, small role 5, small role 6, and small role 8, small role 8 (a specific 9-coin small role) is always awarded. In the order in which the third reel R3 is stopped first (playing order 5, 6: an example of the second operation mode), one of the three types of 9-coin small roles, small role 6, is always awarded. Additionally, when a special role is won, in batting order 1 and 2, when a small role 8 is won, a symbol combination of special symbols in the middle row (an example of a specific symbol combination) will always be displayed; in batting order 3 and 4, when a small role 8 is won, a symbol combination of special symbols aligned diagonally upwards to the right (an example of a specific symbol combination) will always be displayed; and in batting order 5 and 6, when a small role 6 is won, a symbol combination of yellow 7s aligned diagonally upwards to the right will always be displayed.

[0079] Furthermore, in the stop control table referenced when a common single-coin win is achieved, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that a single-coin win is always awarded, as shown in Figure 10. In this embodiment, when a common single-coin win is achieved, the type of single-coin win awarded differs depending on the order in which the stop operation is performed. In the order in which the first reel R1 is stopped first (press order 1, 2), one of the five types of single-coin wins, small win 15, small win 16, and small wins 29 to 31, is always awarded. In the order in which the second reel R2 is stopped first (press order 3, 4), one of the five types of single-coin wins, small win 30 is always awarded. In the order in which the third reel R3 is stopped first (press order 5, 6), one of the five types of single-coin wins, small win 29 is always awarded.

[0080] Furthermore, in the stop control table referenced when JAC1 is won, the stop position relative to the button press detection position is set so that a 9-coin payout is guaranteed, and in the stop control table referenced when JAC2 or JAC3 is won, the stop position relative to the button press detection position is set so that a 1-coin payout is guaranteed.

[0081] Furthermore, in the stop control table referenced when Replay A or Replay B is won, as shown in Figure 11, the stop positions relative to the press detection position are set such that in the press order that stops the first reel R1 or the second reel R2 first (press order 1 to 4), Replay 1 is always awarded, and in the press order that stops the third reel R3 first (press order 5, 6), Replay 3 is always awarded.

[0082] Furthermore, in the stop control table referenced when Replay C is won, as shown in Figure 11, the stop positions relative to the button press detection positions are set such that in the button press sequence that stops the first reel R1 first (button press order 1, 2), Replay 4 is always awarded, and in the button press sequence that stops the second reel R2 or the third reel R3 first (button press order 3 to 6), Replay 1 is always awarded.

[0083] Furthermore, in the stop control table referenced when a middle replay is won, the stop position relative to the button press detection position is set so that replay 2 is always awarded, as shown in Figure 11.

[0084] Furthermore, regarding the Big Bonus (BB), it can only be awarded if it is won alone in the normal state. When a BB is established, there are no misses, and a minor role or replay with a higher priority than the Big Bonus (BB) is always awarded at the same time. Therefore, the stop control table is set to prevent the Big Bonus (BB) from being awarded by setting the stop position relative to the button press detection position.

[0085] In this embodiment, the symbol combination for the middle row special symbol alignment shown in Figure 10 stops with the special symbol "SP" aligned on the middle row invalid line (a line not involved in determining a win), as shown in Figure 12(A); the symbol combination for the right-upward special symbol alignment shown in Figure 10 stops with the special symbol "SP" aligned on the right-upward invalid line, as shown in Figure 12(B); and the symbol combination for the right-upward yellow 7 alignment shown in Figure 10 stops with the yellow 7 symbol "Yellow 7" aligned on the valid line L1, as shown in Figure 12(C).

[0086] The prize determination means 140 performs a prize determination process to determine whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the stopping patterns of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. Specifically, while referring to the prize determination table stored in the prize determination table storage area 1912 provided in the main ROM of the game information storage means 190a, it determines whether or not the combination of symbols displayed on the active line when all of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 have stopped is a predetermined winning combination. The prize determination table is then prepared so that, as shown in Figures 13 to 16, it can determine whether or not a Big Bonus (BB), Replay 1 to Replay 4, and Small Win 4 to Small Win 31 have been achieved based on the combination of symbols displayed on the active line when each reel has stopped. The prize determination means 140 is not limited to performing prize determination processing based on the stopping pattern of each reel (information on the actual stopping position of each reel). For example, it may perform prize determination processing based on the stopping position of each reel determined by the reel control means 130 (the expected stopping position of each reel during the stopping operation), or it may perform prize determination processing based on the actual stopping position of a reel that has already stopped and the expected stopping position (planned stopping position) of the reel for the third stopping operation. In this example, prize determination processing can be performed before all reels have stopped (when the stopping position of the reel corresponding to the third stopping operation has been determined).

[0087] In this embodiment of the gaming machine, if a winning combination is achieved based on the result of the winning determination means 140, a winning process is executed. For example, if a minor winning combination is achieved, the payout control means 150 performs a medal payout process; if a replay is achieved, the replay processing means 160 performs a replay process; and if a bonus is achieved, the game state control means 170 performs a game state transition process to change the game state.

[0088] The payout control means 150 performs payout processing related to the payout of medals according to the game result. Specifically, when a minor win occurs, it determines the number of medals to be paid out in the game based on the predetermined payout for each win, and controls the hopper unit HP (payout device) to pay out the number of medals corresponding to the determined payout amount.

[0089] The hopper unit HP dispenses the number of medals specified by the dispensing control means 150. The hopper unit HP is equipped with a dispensing medal detection switch 325 that operates each time a medal is dispensed, and the dispensing control means 150 is configured to manage the number of medals actually dispensed from the hopper unit HP based on the input signal from the dispensing medal detection switch 325.

[0090] If medal credit storage (storage storage) is permitted, instead of actually dispensing medals by the hopper unit HP, a credit addition process is performed to virtually dispense medals by adding the number of payouts to the number of credits (number of medals stored as credits) stored in the credit information storage area 1914 of the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a.

[0091] Furthermore, when the settlement button B4 is pressed while the operation of the settlement button B4 is enabled, the payout control means 150 controls the dispensing of the medals stored in the credit information storage area 1914 and the medals set to the inserted state to the hopper unit HP.

[0092] The replay processing means 160 performs a replay process (re-play process) when a replay is awarded, which sets the machine to the same preparation state as the previous game without requiring the player to insert any tokens they possess for the next game. In other words, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a replay is awarded, an automatic insertion process is performed in which a number of tokens equivalent to the prescribed number required to play the next game is automatically inserted without using the player's tokens (including credit tokens), and the machine waits for the next game start operation by pressing the start lever SL with the number of active lines corresponding to the prescribed number of tokens inserted set.

[0093] As shown in Figure 17, the game state control means 170 performs a game state transition process to transition the game state between the normal state, the BB (Big Bonus) established state, and the BB state. In this embodiment, information indicating the current game state is stored in the game state storage area 1916 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a. The conditions for transitioning game states may be one condition or multiple conditions. If multiple conditions are defined, the game state can be transitioned to another game state based on the fulfillment of one of the multiple predetermined conditions, or on the fulfillment of all of the multiple predetermined conditions.

[0094] The normal state is the initial state among several types of game states, and it is possible to transition from the normal state to the BB established state or the BB state. Specifically, if a Big Bonus (BB) is won in the normal state but the Big Bonus (BB) is not awarded, the game transitions to the BB established state, and if a Big Bonus (BB) is won in the normal state and the Big Bonus (BB) is awarded, the game transitions to the BB state. In the normal state, the internal lottery is conducted by referring to internal lottery table 1, one of the internal lottery tables 1 to 3 shown in Figure 4, in which the probability of winning a replay is set to approximately 1 / 7.3 or higher and the Big Bonus (BB) is set as the target of the lottery.

[0095] The BB (Big Bonus) state is a game state that is entered when, in the normal state, a Big Bonus (BB) is selected in the internal lottery but is not awarded. In this state, an internal lottery is conducted referring to Internal Lottery Table 2, one of the Internal Lottery Tables 1 to 3 shown in Figure 4, where the probability of winning a replay is higher than that of Internal Lottery Table 1, so no misses (failures) occur, and the Big Bonus (BB) is excluded from the lottery.

[0096] Furthermore, in the Big Bonus (BB) state, the lottery flag corresponding to the Big Bonus (BB) remains in a winning state until the Big Bonus (BB) is awarded. In this embodiment, since the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the Big Bonus (BB) is not displayed on the active lines in the Big Bonus (BB) state, once the game state transitions to the Big Bonus (BB) state, it will not transition to the Big Bonus (BB) state again.

[0097] The BB state is a game state that is entered when a combination of symbols indicating a Big Bonus (BB) win is displayed on an active payline. Of the internal lottery tables 1 to 3 shown in Figure 4, internal lottery is performed by referring to internal lottery table 3, which has a different method of drawing small wins than internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2.

[0098] Furthermore, in the BB state, the game state control means 170 determines whether the termination condition has been met based on the total number of medals dispensed during gameplay in the BB state. If it is determined that more than a predetermined number of medals (for example, 22 medals) have been dispensed, the game state control means 170 terminates the BB state and returns the game state to the normal state. In this embodiment, the count information regarding the number of medals dispensed in the BB state is stored in the game state storage area 1916.

[0099] As shown in Figure 18, the AT control means 175 controls the performance state to change between multiple types of performance states, including the initial performance state, the normal performance state, the first AT state (an example of a special performance state), the second AT state (an example of a special performance state), and the special AT state. In this embodiment, when simply referred to as "AT state," it means that any of the "first AT state," "second AT state," and "special AT state" is included.

[0100] Furthermore, the AT control means 175 sets the performance state to the AT state (assist time state) under predetermined conditions, determines whether the conditions for ending the AT state are met based on the value of the AT game counter 1921, and controls the AT state to end when the conditions for ending the AT state are met. In this embodiment, information indicating the current performance state is stored in the performance state storage area 1918 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the game is in AT state, the AT control means 175 displays information corresponding to the correct batting order (an example of operation instruction information) on the main display unit 300, which consists of a 7-segment display provided on the game information display unit DS, when a batting order yellow 7 or batting order 3-coin combination is won, thereby providing correct operation notification to assist in winning 9-coin and 3-coin combinations. Additionally, the performance control means 180 displays an image corresponding to the correct batting order on the liquid crystal display LCD when a batting order yellow 7 or batting order 3-coin combination is won, thereby providing a prize-winning assistance performance (an example of a game assistance performance) to assist in winning 9-coin and 3-coin combinations. This enables the game to be played in an assist time state (an example of an assistance game) where medals are easier to acquire than when playing in the initial performance state or normal performance state.

[0101] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 19, the AT control means 175 allows setting a normal section (non-advantageous section) and an advantage section. In the normal section, the performance state is fixed to the initial performance state, and a lottery is held to determine transition to the advantage section. If the lottery for transitioning to the advantage section is won, the advantage section is started, and the performance state can be set to the AT state, provided that the system is in the advantage section. In this embodiment, of the multiple types of performance states, the initial performance state can only be set when the system is in the normal section, while the normal performance state, the first AT state, the second AT state, and the special AT state can only be set when the system is in the advantage section.

[0102] The AT control means 175 then performs a lottery to determine transition to the advantageous section when the game state is the normal state or the BB established state during gameplay in the normal section, based on whether the winning pattern obtained through internal lottery is one of the following: batting order yellow 7A to batting order yellow 7H, batting order 3-coin role A to batting order 3-coin role D, common 3-coin role A, common 3-coin role B, chance role A, chance role B, common yellow 7, special role (special role + BB in the normal state), common 1-coin role (normal state only), replay B, replay C (replay C + BB in the normal state), middle replay, or BB. In this embodiment, however, the lottery to transition to the advantageous section is not performed when the winning pattern of the common 1-coin role is obtained in the BB established state, or when the winning pattern of replay A is obtained in the normal state or the BB established state.

[0103] In the advantageous section transition lottery, the random number obtained for the internal lottery is compared with the advantageous section transition lottery table stored in the main lottery table storage area 1910, and it is determined whether or not the advantageous section transition lottery has been won (advantageous section win) according to the comparison result. In the advantageous section transition lottery table, an advantageous section win is always assigned to the random number for the internal lottery that is associated with each winning pattern that triggers the execution of the advantageous section transition lottery. If the random number obtained for the internal lottery is associated with a winning pattern that triggers the execution of the advantageous section transition lottery, and is also associated with an advantageous section win in the advantageous section transition lottery table, it is determined that the advantageous section transition lottery has been won. In this embodiment, when the advantageous section transition lottery is performed, an advantageous section win lottery result is always obtained, and if a winning pattern that triggers the execution of the advantageous section transition lottery is obtained, the system will always transition to the advantageous section. However, in the advantageous section transition lottery table, either an advantageous section win or a loss may be assigned to the random values ​​for internal lottery associated with each winning pattern that triggers the advantageous section transition lottery. If the lottery result is an advantageous section win, the system transitions to the advantageous section, and if the lottery result is a loss, the system does not transition to the advantageous section.

[0104] The AT control means 175, upon winning the advantageous section transition lottery in the normal section, performs the advantageous section transition process based on the fact that it has won the advantageous section transition lottery, and starts the advantageous section from the next game after the game in which the advantageous section transition lottery was won. In this embodiment, if the result of the advantageous section transition lottery is an advantageous section win, the advantageous section transition process transitions the performance state to either the normal performance state or the special AT state. Specifically, if an advantageous section win is obtained when a special role is won, the state is transitioned to the special AT state, and if an advantageous section win is obtained when a different winning pattern than a special role is won, the state is transitioned to the normal performance state. In addition, there may be two or more winning patterns for the advantageous section transition lottery, and the advantageous section transition process may determine whether to transition the performance state to the normal performance state, the first AT state, the second AT state, or the special AT state.

[0105] Furthermore, when the AT control means 175 transitions the performance state to the special AT state based on the result of the advantageous section transition lottery being a win for the advantageous section, it sets a value of "10" corresponding to 10 game rounds in the special AT game counter 1920 and a value of "50" corresponding to 50 game rounds in the AT game counter 1921.

[0106] The AT control means 175 then performs an AT lottery when the performance state is the normal performance state in the advantageous section and the game state is the normal state or the BB established state. Specifically, when the game state is the normal state or the BB established state, an AT lottery is performed based on whether one of the following winning patterns has been obtained in the internal lottery: chance role A, chance role B, common yellow 7, or special role. In this embodiment, the AT lottery is not performed when the game state is the BB state, however, the configuration may be such that the AT lottery can be performed in the BB state.

[0107] In the AT lottery, the random number obtained for the internal lottery is compared with the AT lottery table stored in the main lottery table storage area 1910, and it is determined whether or not the AT lottery has been won according to the comparison result. In the AT lottery table, the random number for the internal lottery, which is associated with the role that triggers the execution of the AT lottery, is assigned to either an AT win or a loss. If the random number obtained for the internal lottery is associated with the role that triggers the execution of the AT lottery, and is also associated with an AT win in the AT lottery table, it is determined that the AT lottery has been won. In this embodiment, the AT lottery is conducted in such a way that the probability of winning increases in the order of "Chance Role A < Common Yellow 7 < Chance Role B < Special Role", and the AT lottery is conducted in such a way that a win is guaranteed when a special role is won.

[0108] Furthermore, when the performance state is in the normal performance state during the advantageous section, the AT control means 175 performs control to update the value of the common 3-coin payout counter 1919 according to the manner of the stop operation in a game in which a common 3-coin payout A or common 3-coin payout B is won. Specifically, in a game in which a common 3-coin payout A or common 3-coin payout B is won, if the first stop operation is to stop the first reel R1 first, the AT control means 175 performs an increment update by adding a fixed value to the value of the common 3-coin payout counter 1919. On the other hand, in a game in which a common 3-coin payout A or common 3-coin payout B is won, if the first stop operation is to stop the second reel R2 or the third reel R3 first, the value of the common 3-coin payout counter 1919 is not updated. Note that the update of the common 3-coin payout counter 1919 may be performed triggered by the first stop operation, or by the second stop operation, the third stop operation, or when all reels have stopped.

[0109] The AT control means 175 also performs an AT lottery when it updates the value of the common three-coin payout counter 1919, if the updated value satisfies the lottery conditions. In this embodiment, it is determined that the lottery conditions are met when the value of the common three-coin payout counter 1919 is a multiple of 5. For the AT lottery performed based on the value of the common three-coin payout counter 1919, for example, a random value is obtained triggered by a first stop operation, and it is determined that the AT lottery has been won if the obtained random value is associated with an AT win. Alternatively, the success or failure of the AT lottery performed based on the value of the common three-coin payout counter 1919 may be determined using an internal lottery random value associated with the win of common three-coin payout A or common three-coin payout B.

[0110] In this embodiment, since an opportunity to receive an AT lottery is also given by updating the value of the common 3-coin counter 1919 in the normal performance state, it can be said that performing the stop operation in a manner that stops the first reel R1 first in the normal performance state is more advantageous than performing the stop operation in a manner that stops the second reel R2 or the third reel R3 first.

[0111] In this embodiment, if the result of the AT lottery in the normal performance state is an AT win, the AT control means 175 performs a process to transition the performance state from the normal performance state to the first AT state or the special AT state. Specifically, if an AT win is obtained when a special role is won, the system transitions to the special AT state, and if an AT win is obtained when a win is obtained in a winning manner different from a special role, or when an AT win is obtained in an AT lottery executed based on the value of the common 3-coin role counter 1919, the system transitions to the first AT state.

[0112] Furthermore, the AT control means 175, based on obtaining the result of the AT win lottery, sets the performance state to the first AT state upon the end of the game, setting a value of "50" equivalent to 50 game rounds in the AT game counter 1921. Based on obtaining the result of the AT win lottery, when the performance state to the special AT state upon the end of the game, it sets a value of "10" equivalent to 10 game rounds in the special AT game counter 1920, and also sets a value of "50" equivalent to 50 game rounds in the AT game counter 1921.

[0113] Furthermore, the AT control means 175 causes the assist time game to be played based on whether the performance state is the first AT state, the second AT state, or the special AT state. In the first AT state, a fixed value "1" equivalent to one game is subtracted from the value of the AT game counter 1921 each time a game is played. In the special AT state, a fixed value "1" equivalent to one game is subtracted from the value of the special AT game counter 1920 each time a game is played. As will be described later, the number of games is not managed in the second AT state, so the AT game counter 1921 and the special AT game counter 19020 are not updated. In this embodiment, in the first AT state, the second AT state, and the special AT state, if the player wins a yellow 7 or a 3-coin combination in the batting order, a correct operation notification and a prize-winning assistance performance are performed to announce the correct batting order. In this embodiment, the instruction function is to instruct the player on the operation method by notifying them of the correct operation.

[0114] In this embodiment, when the AT control means 175 notifies the correct operation for a batting order yellow 7 or a batting order 3-coin combination, information corresponding to the correct batting order is displayed on the main display 300. Specifically, an operation instruction number is set for each correct batting order, and the main display 300 displays one of the operation instruction numbers "03" (batting order 3), "04" (batting order 4), "05" (batting order 5), or "06" (batting order 6) using a 7-segment display. If it is necessary to notify batting order 1 or batting order 2 during the advantageous section, "01" (batting order 1) or "02" (batting order 2) can be used as the 7-segment display mode on the main display 300.

[0115] In this embodiment, the first AT state can continue for a maximum of three sets, and after three sets, it transitions to the second AT state. In this embodiment, the AT control means 175 performs a continuation lottery at the start of each of the first to third sets of the first AT state to determine whether or not to continue the first AT state. In this embodiment, information about the number of sets of the first AT state and information about the results of the continuation lottery are stored in the performance state memory area 1918.

[0116] In the continuation lottery, one of 256 random values ​​in the range of 0 to 255 is obtained when the game start operation is performed for the first game of each set in the 1st AT state. The obtained random value is compared with the continuation lottery table stored in the main lottery table storage area 1910, and it is determined whether or not the continuation lottery has been won according to the comparison result. In the continuation lottery table, each of the 256 random values ​​in the range of 0 to 255 is assigned either a win or a loss, and if the obtained random value is associated with a win in the continuation lottery table, it is determined that the continuation lottery has been won. In this embodiment, the continuation lottery is performed in the order of "1st set < 2nd set < 3rd set", but the probability of winning may be set to increase in the order of "3rd set < 2nd set < 1st set", or the probability of winning may be kept constant for each set.

[0117] Furthermore, when the value of the AT game counter 1921 reaches the initial value "0" in the first AT state, the AT control means 175 determines that the conditions for ending one set of the first AT state have been met. If the result of the continuation lottery conducted at the start of the set is unsuccessful, the first AT state ends, and the advantageous section ends with the end of the first AT state. On the other hand, at the end of the first or second set of the first AT state, if the result of the continuation lottery conducted at the start of the set is successful, the process of starting the next set of the first AT state is performed. Specifically, a value "50" equivalent to 50 game rounds is set in the AT game counter 1921. At the end of the third set of the first AT state, if the result of the continuation lottery conducted at the start of the set is successful, the performance state is transitioned to the second AT state.

[0118] Furthermore, the AT control means 175 performs an additional bonus lottery when the performance state is the first AT state and the game state is the normal state or the BB established state. Specifically, when the game state is the normal state or the BB established state, an additional bonus lottery is performed based on whether one of the following winning patterns is obtained in the internal lottery: chance role A, chance role B, or common yellow 7. In this embodiment, the additional bonus lottery is not performed when the game state is the BB state, however, the configuration may be such that the additional bonus lottery can be performed in the BB state.

[0119] In the bonus lottery, the random number obtained for the internal lottery is compared with the bonus lottery table stored in the main lottery table memory area 1910, and it is determined whether or not the bonus lottery has been won based on the comparison result. In the bonus lottery table, the random number for the internal lottery, which is associated with the role that triggers the execution of the bonus lottery, is assigned to either a win or a loss. If the random number obtained for the internal lottery is associated with the role that triggers the execution of the bonus lottery, and is also associated with a win in the bonus lottery table, it is determined that the bonus lottery has been won.

[0120] If the bonus lottery is won, the AT control means 175 performs a bonus processing that adds a given value to the value of the AT game counter 1921. In this embodiment, the value added to the AT game counter 1921 is selected by lottery from among several types of values ​​(for example, "10", "20", "30", "50", etc.).

[0121] Furthermore, the AT control means 175 interrupts the first AT state and transitions the performance state to the special AT state when the internal lottery results in a winning pattern for a special role while the performance state is the first AT state and the game state is the normal state or the BB established state. At this time, information about the number of sets in the first AT state, information about the results of the continuation lottery, and the value of the AT game counter 1921 are retained.

[0122] Furthermore, the AT control means 175, based on the fact that it has obtained a winning pattern for a special role through internal lottery in the first AT state, sets a value "10" in the special AT game counter 1920, which corresponds to 10 rounds of play, when transitioning the performance state to the special AT state upon the end of the game.

[0123] Furthermore, when the value of the special AT game counter 1920 reaches its initial value of "0" in the special AT state, the AT control means 175 determines that the termination condition for the special AT state has been met, terminates the special AT state, returns to the first AT state, and resumes the interrupted first AT state.

[0124] Furthermore, the AT control means 175 performs an additional draw when the performance state is a special AT state and the game state is a normal state or a BB established state, and an additional draw is obtained in the internal draw for any winning pattern other than JAC1 to JAC3. If the additional draw is won, an additional draw is performed to add a given value to the value of the AT game counter 1921. In this embodiment, the additional draw is performed so that a win is always guaranteed in the special AT state. The additional value added to the AT game counter 1921 is selected by draw from a plurality of values ​​(for example, "10", "20", "30", "50", etc.). Also, if the additional draw is won when a special role is won, an additional value of "50" is added to the value of the AT game counter 1921, and an additional value of "10" is added to the value of the special AT game counter 1920. In this embodiment, the additional draw is not performed when the game state is a BB state, but the configuration may be such that the additional draw can be performed in the BB state.

[0125] In this special AT state, the number of games played in the first AT state is always increased with each game played. Therefore, the special AT state is a more advantageous state for the player than the first AT state in that it is easier to increase the number of games played.

[0126] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of games played was managed in the first AT state, but in the second AT state, the number of games played is not managed, and the performance state is maintained in the second AT state until the conditions for ending the advantageous section based on the value of the first clear counter 1922 or the second clear counter 1923, which will be described later, are met. For this reason, in the second AT state, no additional win lottery is performed, and even if a special role is won, the performance state does not transition to the special AT state.

[0127] In this embodiment, the AT control means 175 sets the value of the first clear counter 1922 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a to a predetermined value "1" during the advantageous section transition process. In the advantageous section, an increment update is performed by adding a fixed value (for example, 1) corresponding to one game to the value of the first clear counter 1922 each time a game is played. When the value of the first clear counter 1922 exceeds a threshold (for example, 1500) (when the value of the first clear counter 1922 reaches "1501"), it is determined that the conditions for ending the advantageous section have been met. In this embodiment, the update of the first clear counter 1922 is performed after all the spinning reels in each game have stopped. However, the update of the first clear counter 1922 may be performed at any trigger, as long as it is predetermined for each game. For example, the game start operation on the start lever SL may be used as the trigger for the update.

[0128] In this embodiment, the AT control means 175 sets the value of the second clear counter 1923 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a to the initial value "0" during the advantageous section transition process. In the advantageous section, the value of the second clear counter 1923 is updated by the difference in the number of medals in each game. The value corresponding to the number of medals paid out (for example, "9" if 9 medals were paid out, and "0" if no winning combinations were achieved and no payouts were made) is subtracted by the number of medals inserted into the game (3 medals) to obtain the calculation result for the difference in the number of medals in that game. This calculation result is then added to the value of the second clear counter 1923 in an update process. The AT control means 175 also determines that the conditions for ending the advantageous section have been met if the value of the second clear counter 1923 exceeds a threshold (for example, 2400). Furthermore, the difference in the number of tokens in the advantageous period, which is counted by the second clear counter 1923, starts counting from a base of 0 tokens when the advantageous period begins (after the advantageous period transition process), and even if the value of the second clear counter 1923 falls below the initial value "0", the count of the difference in tokens continues, and negative amounts are also counted as they are. For this reason, in this embodiment, it is possible to acquire more than a predetermined amount of 2400 tokens from the lowest point of the difference in tokens in one advantageous period. For example, if the lowest point is -600 tokens, it is possible to acquire 3000 tokens (=600 tokens + 2400 tokens) + α (for example, if a 9-token small win occurs in the next game after the game in which the difference in tokens reached +2400 tokens, 6 tokens (=9 tokens - 3 tokens) can be acquired). Furthermore, if a replay is awarded during gameplay, the game in which the replay was awarded is treated as if a payout equivalent to the prescribed number of tokens for that game had been made, and the difference in tokens is calculated accordingly. For the next game, which is provided free of charge due to the replay award, even if no actual tokens have been inserted, it is treated as if a payout equivalent to the prescribed number of tokens for that game had been made, and the difference in tokens is calculated accordingly.

[0129] In this embodiment, the AT control means 175 also determines that the conditions for the termination of the advantageous section have been met if the conditions for the termination of the advantageous section have been met at the end of the first AT state, in other words, at the end of the game when the value of the AT game counter 1921 returns to its initial value of "0". In this embodiment, it is determined that the conditions for the termination of the advantageous section have been met if the result of the continuation lottery conducted at the start of each set of the first AT state is unsuccessful.

[0130] In this embodiment, the advantageous period ends when the first AT state ends and the arbitrary termination condition for the advantageous period is met. However, even if the first AT state ends, the advantageous period may be maintained as long as the termination conditions for the advantageous period associated with the first clear counter 1922 and the second clear counter 1923 are not met. In this case, since the advantageous period continues even after the end of the first AT state, there may be cases where the player remains in the advantageous period even when the performance state transitions from the first AT state to a different performance state (for example, the normal performance state).

[0131] Furthermore, during the advantageous period, unless the conditions for ending the advantageous period are met, the first clear counter 1922 and the second clear counter 1923 will be updated even if a transition occurs in the game state or performance state.

[0132] Furthermore, the AT control means 175 performs initialization processing to initialize the information stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a based on the end of the advantageous period. In particular, with respect to the main RAM of the game information storage means 190, the information stored in the performance state storage area 1918, the common 3-coin payout counter 1919, the special AT game count counter 1920, the AT game count counter 1921, the first clear counter 1922, and the second clear counter 1923 is initialized by the initialization processing that accompanies the end of the advantageous period. More specifically, storage areas other than the performance state storage area 1918, the common 3-coin payout counter 1919, the special AT game count counter 1920, the AT game count counter 1921, the first clear counter 1922, and the second clear counter 1923 in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a are designated as information holding areas, and the information stored in storage areas other than the information holding areas of the main RAM is initialized. Therefore, when initialization processing is performed due to the end of the advantageous period, unlike when initialization processing is performed in setting change mode, in addition to the setting value storage area 1913 and the credit information storage area 1914, the lottery flag storage area 1915, the game state storage area 1916, the bet information storage area 1924, and the display bet information storage area 1925 are also designated as information retention areas, and the information stored in these storage areas is retained without being initialized by the initialization processing due to the end of the advantageous period. When initialization processing is performed due to the end of the advantageous period, the performance state is initialized to the initial performance state, and the values ​​of the common 3-coin payout counter 1919, the special AT game count counter 1920, the AT game count counter 1921, the first clear counter 1922, and the second clear counter 1923 are initialized to their initial values ​​(for example, 0), and the game returns to the normal period. If the performance state storage area 1918 is initialized, information about the number of sets of the first AT state and information about the results of the continuation lottery are also initialized.

[0133] In this embodiment, an initialization process is performed upon the end of the advantageous period to return to the normal period. Therefore, if the value of the first clear counter 1922 or the second clear counter 1923 exceeds a threshold while in the AT state, the initialization process upon the end of the advantageous period forces the AT state to terminate and the performance state is initialized to the initial performance state. At the same time, the values ​​of the common 3-coin payout counter 1919, the special AT game counter 1920, the AT game counter 1921, the first clear counter 1922, and the second clear counter 1923 are initialized to their initial values ​​(for example, 0). Furthermore, if the value of the first clear counter 1922 or the second clear counter 1923 exceeds a threshold while in any other performance state, the current performance state is forcibly terminated by the initialization process accompanying the end of the advantageous section, and the performance state is initialized to the initial performance state. At the same time, the values ​​of the common 3-coin payout counter 1919, the special AT game count counter 1920, the AT game count counter 1921, the first clear counter 1922, and the second clear counter 1923 are initialized to their initial values ​​(for example, 0). In this embodiment, the performance state is not initialized by turning the power on / off, but if the system is started in setting change mode and initialization processing is performed in setting change mode, the performance state is initialized to the initial performance state, and the values ​​of the common 3-coin payout counter 1919, the special AT game count counter 1920, the AT game count counter 1921, the first clear counter 1922, and the second clear counter 1923 are initialized to their initial values ​​(for example, 0). Furthermore, if the performance state memory area 1918 is initialized, information about the number of sets in the first AT state and information about the results of the continuation lottery will also be initialized.

[0134] The power-on processing means 179 performs power-on processing when the power is turned on. During power-on processing, various initial settings are performed, and state restoration processing is carried out to restore the system to its state before power cut-off based on backup information stored when the power was cut off. In this embodiment, when the power is cut off, the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a is backed up, and when the backup is completed successfully, backup success completion information (for example, 55H) indicating that the backup was completed successfully is stored in a predetermined storage area provided in the main RAM. Even after power cut-off, the power supply unit EU supplies a backup voltage so that the information stored in the main RAM is retained (backed up).

[0135] Furthermore, the power-on processing means 179 performs initialization processing to initialize the information stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a if an abnormality occurs in the information stored in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a.

[0136] The performance control means 180 controls display performances performed using the display device 330 (an example of a performance device) and sound performances performed using the sound device 340 (an example of a performance device) based on performance data stored in the performance data storage area 1926 provided in the sub-ROM of the performance information storage means 190b. For example, in response to the occurrence of game events such as inserting a medal, operations on the 1-bet button B01, MAX-bet button B0M, start lever SL, stop buttons B1-B3, settlement button B4, performance button B5, and changes in the game state, it controls the execution of performances (game performances) to enhance or assist the game according to the progress of the game by turning on or flashing lamps and LEDs, changing the display content (performance images) of the liquid crystal display LCD, and outputting sound from the speaker SP. The content of the effects performed during gameplay is determined by referring to the effect lottery table stored in the sub-lottery table storage area 1927 of the sub-ROM of the effect information storage means 190b, according to the game state, effect state, results of internal lottery, etc. In this embodiment, image data corresponding to the progress of the game is read from the effect data storage area 1926 of the sub-ROM into the image buffer 1928 provided in the sub-RAM, and an image based on the image data read into the image buffer 1928 is output to the liquid crystal display LCD. Sound data corresponding to the progress of the game is read from the effect data storage area 1926 of the sub-ROM into the sound buffer 1929 provided in the sub-RAM, and sound based on the sound data read into the sound buffer 1929 is output from the speaker SP.

[0137] In this embodiment, game information such as the results of internal lotteries, game state, performance state, results of various lotteries including AT lottery, and values ​​of various counters such as the AT counter 1921 are notified from the main board MAIN to the sub-board SUB, and the performance control means 180 controls the execution of performances based on the information notified from the main board MAIN.

[0138] The performance control means 180 then causes the display device 330 to execute an operation performance prompting the user to operate the performance button B5 when the performance state is a normal performance state, a first AT state, or a special AT state, and the game state is a normal state or a BB established state, and the internal lottery has resulted in a winning pattern for chance role A, chance role B, common yellow 7, or a special role. In this embodiment, when the first reels R1 to the third reels R3 begin to rotate steadily during the game, the sub-board SUB is configured to accept an operation on the performance button B5 as a performance operation, and the main board MAIN is configured to accept an operation on the MAX bet button B0M as a performance operation. When an performance operation is performed on the performance button B5, the display device 330 is instructed to execute a first operation result performance, which notifies (or suggests) the result of the internal lottery by displaying an image corresponding to the result of the internal lottery (winning type, winning role) on the liquid crystal display LCD. When an operation is performed on the MAX bet button B0M, the sound device 340 is instructed to execute a second operation result performance, which notifies (or suggests) the result of the internal lottery by outputting a performance sound corresponding to the result of the internal lottery (winning type, winning role) from the speaker SP.

[0139] Furthermore, the performance control means 180 causes the display device 330 and sound device 340 to execute a bonus notification performance (an example of a specific performance) to inform the player that a bonus of transitioning to the special AT state will be granted when the third stop operation is performed, if the performance state is the initial performance state, normal performance state, first AT state, or special AT state, and the game state is the normal state or BB established state, and a winning pattern for a special role is obtained through internal lottery (when a bonus is granted when a winning pattern for a special role is obtained).

[0140] Furthermore, when the performance state is the first AT state, the second AT state, or the special AT state, and the game state is the normal state or the BB established state, the performance control means 180, when it obtains a winning pattern of either the yellow 7A to yellow 7H or the 3-coin A to 3-coin D, displays an image corresponding to the correct batting order on the liquid crystal display LCD to notify the correct batting order (the order of operations for stopping), and causes the display device 330 and the sound device 340 to execute a small win assist performance (game assist performance) to assist in winning the 9-coin small win or the 3-coin small win.

[0141] Furthermore, when the performance control means 180 is in the second AT state and the game state is the normal state or the BB established state, and it obtains a winning pattern for a special role through internal lottery (when it obtains a winning pattern for a special role, no bonus is awarded), it notifies the button press sequence 5 (the sequence in which small role 6 can be awarded) and causes the display device 330 and sound device 340 to execute a small role awarding assistance performance (game assistance performance) that assists in awarding a 9-coin small role (small role 6). In this case, the performance control means 180 does not transition from the second AT state to the special AT state, so it does not execute a bonus notification performance regardless of the order in which the stop operation is performed.

[0142] Furthermore, the performance control means 180 executes an AT remaining count display performance, which displays the remaining number of games until the end of the first AT state on the liquid crystal display LCD when the game is being played in the first AT state. In the AT remaining count display performance, when the value of the AT game counter 1921 is decreased by playing the game, the display content is changed so that the remaining number of games decreases to reflect that decrease, and when the number of games in the first AT state is increased by an addition process in the first AT state or special AT state, the display content is changed so that the remaining number of games increases to reflect that addition.

[0143] Furthermore, the performance control means 180 executes a special AT remaining count display performance, which displays the remaining number of games until the special AT state ends on the liquid crystal display LCD when the game is being played in the special AT state. In the special AT remaining count display performance, when the value of the special AT game counter 1920 is decreased by playing the game, the display content is changed so that the remaining number of games decreases to reflect that decrease, and when the number of games in the special AT state is increased by an addition process in the special AT state, the display content is changed so that the remaining number of games increases to reflect that addition.

[0144] The functional block configuration of this embodiment can also be applied to computer systems (including game systems). In these systems, the function of the computer can be realized by downloading a program that enables the computer to function as the game control means 100 of this embodiment from an information storage medium such as a CD or DVD, or from a web server on the internet via a network. In the above computer system, the medal insertion switch 210, 1 bet switch 220, MAX bet switch 225, start switch 230, stop switch 240, settlement switch 245, setting change switch 250, setting change switch 260, performance button switch 270, etc., can be realized by virtually assigning their functions to operating means such as a keyboard, pointing device (mouse, etc.), touch panel, or controller. In the above computer system, the reel unit 310, hopper unit HP, etc., are not essential configuration requirements, and the functions of these device units can be virtually realized by controlling the images displayed on the display (display device 330).

[0145] 1-2. Method of this embodiment The control method of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 10, 12, 20 to 29. Figures 20 to 25 are flowcharts showing an example of the main processing in the gaming machine of this embodiment, Figure 26 is a flowchart showing an example of the power-on processing in the gaming machine of this embodiment, Figure 27 is a diagram showing an example of the effect image displayed in the bonus notification effect in the gaming machine of this embodiment, Figure 28 is a diagram showing an example of the effect image displayed in the operation effect, first operation result effect, and second operation result effect in the gaming machine of this embodiment, and Figure 29 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation effect processing in the gaming machine of this embodiment.

[0146] In this embodiment, when a medal is bet (set to insert), the current number of medals bet is indicated by lighting up the bet count display unit BS. When the game start operation is performed on the start lever SL, the number of medals bet is finalized, and the bet count display unit BS remains lit. In this embodiment, when all reels stop and the game ends, the number of medals bet stored in the bet information storage area 1924 is cleared, but the bet count display unit BS remains lit. The bet count display unit BS turns off when a new medal is bet to start the next game.

[0147] Specifically, the main processing performed by the CPU of the main board MAIN first involves an insertion acceptance process to receive the insertion of medals, as shown in Figure 20 (step S100).

[0148] In the coin insertion acceptance process, as shown in Figure 21, the acceptance of coin insertion is started, specifically by deactivating the blocker (step S200), and if the replay is activated (if a replay was awarded in the previous game) (step S201, Y), an automatic insertion process is performed (step S202), when a coin is inserted (step S203, Y), an insertion process is performed to bet (insert) the coin (step S204), and when an operation is performed on the 1 bet button B01 (step S205), a 1 bet process is performed to bet (insert) one coin (step S206), MAX bet When an operation is performed on the B0M button (Y in step S207), a MAX bet process is performed to bet (insert) the specified number of medals (step S208). When an operation is performed on the B4 payout button (Y in step S209), a payout process is performed to pay out the medals (step S210). A check is performed to see if the specified number of medals have been bet (step S211). Steps S203 to S211 are repeated until the specified number of medals have been bet. Once the specified number of medals has been bet (Y in step S211), the medal acceptance process ends.

[0149] In the automatic betting process in step S202 of Figure 21, as shown in Figure 22(A), all bet lamps on the bet count display unit BS are turned off (step S300), a fixed value "1" corresponding to one medal is added to the number of medals bet stored in the bet information storage area 1924 (step S301), the bet lamp on the bet count display unit BS corresponding to the current number of medals bet is turned on (step S302), it is checked whether the specified number of medals have been bet (step S303), and the processes from steps S301 to S303 are repeated until the specified number of medals have been bet. When the specified number of medals have been bet (Y in step S303), the automatic betting process ends. For this reason, in the automatic betting process, when three medals are bet, the bet lamps light up in the order of "1-coin bet display unit BS1 → 2-coin bet display unit BS2 → 3-coin bet display unit BS3".

[0150] Furthermore, in the coin insertion process of step S204 in Figure 21, as shown in Figure 22(B), if the prescribed number of coins have not been bet (N in step S400), it is checked whether or not coins have been bet (step S401). If no coins have been bet (N in step S401), all bet lamps on the bet count display unit BS are turned off (step S402), a fixed value "1" equivalent to one coin is added to the number of coins bet stored in the bet information storage area 1924 (step S403), and the bet lamp on the bet count display unit BS corresponding to the current number of coins bet is turned on (step S404). On the other hand, if the prescribed number of coins have been bet (Y in step S400), and the number of coin credits has not reached the credit limit (N in step S405), a fixed value "1" equivalent to one coin is added to the number of coin credits stored in the credit information storage area 1914 (step S406).

[0151] Furthermore, in the 1-bet processing of step S206 in Figure 21, as shown in Figure 23(A), if the prescribed number of medals have not been bet and the medals are stored as credits (N in step S500, Y in step S501), it is checked whether or not medals have been bet (step S502). If no medals have been bet (N in step S502), all bet lamps on the bet count display unit BS are turned off (step S503), a fixed value "1" corresponding to one medal is subtracted from the number of medal credits stored in the credit information storage area 1914 (step S504), a fixed value "1" corresponding to one medal is added to the number of medals bet stored in the bet information storage area 1924 (step S505), and the bet lamp on the bet count display unit BS corresponding to the current number of medals bet is turned on (step S506).

[0152] Furthermore, in the MAX bet processing in step S208 of Figure 21, as shown in Figure 23(B), if the specified number of medals have not been bet and the medals are stored as credits (N in step S600, Y in step S601), it is checked whether or not medals have been bet (step S602). If no medals have been bet (N in step S602), all bet lamps on the bet count display unit BS are turned off (step S603), and a fixed value "1" equivalent to one medal is calculated from the number of medal credits stored in the credit information storage area 1914. The process is as follows: subtract (step S604), add a fixed value "1" equivalent to one medal to the number of medals bet stored in the bet information storage area 1924 (step S605), light up the bet lamp on the bet number display unit BS corresponding to the current number of medals bet (step S606), check whether the specified number of medals have been bet (step S607), repeat steps S601 to S607 until the specified number of medals have been bet, and when the specified number of medals have been bet (Y in step S607), the MAX bet process ends.

[0153] Furthermore, in the settlement process of step S210 in Figure 21, as shown in Figure 24, if a medal is stored as credit (Y in step S700), one medal is dispensed from the hopper unit HP (step S701), a fixed value "1" corresponding to one medal is subtracted from the number of credits of medals stored in the credit information storage area 1914 (step S702), it is checked whether a medal is stored as credit (step S703), and the process from steps S701 to S703 is repeated until there are no more medals stored as credit. When there are no more medals stored as credit (N in step S703), it is checked whether a medal has been bet (step S704), and If a Dal is bet (N in step S704), and if the replay is not activated (N in step S705), one medal is dispensed into the hopper unit HP (step S706), a fixed value "1" corresponding to one medal is subtracted from the number of medals bet stored in the bet information storage area 1924 (step S707), the bet lamp on the bet number display unit BS corresponding to the medals settled from the bet state is turned off (step S708), it is checked whether or not medals are bet (step S709), and the process from steps S706 to S709 is repeated until there are no more bet medals, and when there are no more bet medals (N in step S709), the settlement process ends.

[0154] Once the coin insertion acceptance process is complete (step S100), the main process checks whether an operation has been performed on the start lever SL, as shown in Figure 20 (step S101). If a game start operation is performed on the start lever SL (Y in step S101), an internal lottery is performed (step S102), and the rotation of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 is started (step S103). If a stop operation is performed on the stop button (Y in step S104), the reel corresponding to that stop operation is stopped (step S105). Once all reels have stopped (step S106), a prize determination process is performed (step S107). If any prize is won, a prize entry process is performed (step S108), and a game end process is performed (step S109). The processing for one game is completed, and the main process returns to the coin insertion acceptance process in step S100.

[0155] In the end-of-game processing step S109 in Figure 20, as shown in Figure 25, the number of medals bet stored in the bet information storage area 1924 is stored in the display bet information storage area 1925 (step S800), and the game control information is cleared (step S801). In the processing of step S801, for example, the lottery flags for small wins and replays are reset to a non-winning state, if a bonus is won, the lottery flag for the bonus is reset to a non-winning state, information related to stop control such as the stop control table is cleared, and the number of medals bet stored in the bet information storage area 1924 is cleared to 0.

[0156] When the game control information is cleared (step S801), the lighting data (control data) for the bet lamps of the single-coin bet display unit BS1 to the three-coin bet display unit BS3 of the bet number display unit BS is set based on the number of medals bet stored in the display bet information storage area 1925, and the lighting state of the bet lamps is maintained (step S802).

[0157] In this embodiment, the number of medals bet for the current game is saved in the display bet information storage area 1925 before the bet information storage area 1924 is cleared after the game ends. Therefore, the bet lamp on the bet count display unit BS can remain lit even after the game ends. Furthermore, the bet lamp on the bet count display unit BS turns off and then turns on again when new medals are bet to start the next game. As a general rule, once a game is played, the bet lamp on the bet count display unit BS remains lit at all times. For example, even if no medals are bet during the standby state after the game has ended (the state where medal insertion is accepted), the bet lamp remains lit.

[0158] In this embodiment, the bet lamps on the bet count display unit BS remain lit even after the game ends, and measures are taken to prevent the player from determining whether the setting value has been changed based on whether the bet lamps are lit or not. Specifically, the input receiving means 105 prevents all the bet lamps on the bet count display unit BS from lighting up, whether the power is turned on after the game ends or the setting value has been changed.

[0159] In detail, when the power is turned on, the CPU of the main board MAIN performs power-on processing. In power-on processing, first, as shown in Figure 26, the main CPU initialization process is performed, which includes initializing the stack pointer (step S900), then initialization processing is performed, which includes initializing the registers built into the CPU of the main board MAIN and initializing the information stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​the main RAM if the backup information is not normal (step S901), if the setting change condition is met (specifically, when the operation of the setting change permission switch 250 is detected) (Y in step S902), setting change processing is performed to change the setting value (step S903), initialization processing is performed (step S904), the value stored in the bet information storage area 1924 (number of medals bet) is substituted into the display bet information storage area 1925 (step S905), and state recovery processing is performed to restore the state to the state before power cut based on the backup information stored in the main RAM (step S906). When the power-on processing is completed, the system proceeds to the main processing shown in Figure 20 above.

[0160] In step S903 of Figure 26, although not shown in the diagram, the setting value is changed by operating the setting change switch 260, and the setting value is confirmed by operating the start lever SL.

[0161] Furthermore, in the initialization process of step S904 in Figure 26, the information stored in the main RAM in the bet information storage area 1924, the display bet information storage area 1925, the common 3-coin payout counter 1919, the special AT game count counter 1920, the AT game count counter 1921, the first clear counter 1922, and the second clear counter 1923 is initialized.

[0162] Furthermore, in the state recovery process in step S906 of Figure 26, the lighting data (control data) for the bet lamps of the single-bet display unit BS1 to the three-bet display unit BS3 of the bet number display unit BS is set based on the number of medals bet stored in the display bet information storage area 1925.

[0163] In this embodiment, if the setting value is changed, the information stored in the bet information storage area 1924 is initialized by the initialization process associated with the setting change, and the initialized value is substituted into the display bet information storage area 1925. As a result, all the bet lamps on the bet count display unit BS do not light up. If the setting value is not changed when the power is turned on (if the setting change condition is not met), the value of the number of medals bet at the time of power cut-off, which is stored in the bet information storage area 1924, is substituted into the display bet information storage area 1925. As a result, the bet lamps return to the lit state (including all off) before the power cut-off. For example, if the number of medals bet at the time of power cut-off is 0, all the bet lamps on the bet count display unit BS do not light up. On the other hand, if the number of medals bet at the time of power cut-off is 1 to 3, the bet lamp corresponding to the number of bets lights up. With this specification, if the bet lamp is lit when the arcade opens, players can easily tell that the settings have not been changed. However, since the staff can turn off the bet lamp by settling the bets before the arcade opens, it is possible to prevent players from knowing whether the settings have been changed if the bet lamp is off when the arcade opens. Also, since the staff can turn on the bet lamp by playing the game once before the arcade opens, it is possible to prevent players from knowing whether the settings have been changed even if the bet lamp is lit when the arcade opens. Thus, according to this embodiment, it is possible to create situations where the bet lamp is lit or off when the arcade opens, regardless of whether the settings have been changed, thus preventing players from knowing whether the settings have been changed based on whether the bet lamp is lit or not.

[0164] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if the power is turned off while the number of medals bet stored in the bet information storage area 1924 is 1 to 3, and the setting value is not changed when the power is turned on, the bet lamp will be restored to the lit state it was in before the power was cut off. This prevents the bet lamp from turning off during gameplay after the power is restored if a power outage occurs during gameplay.

[0165] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the bet lamp is turned off when the bet medals are settled through settlement processing by operating the settlement button, making it easy to turn off the bet lamp.

[0166] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, when a winning combination for a special role is obtained through internal lottery, the button press sequence in which the first reel R1 is stopped first (button press order 1, 2) will always display a combination of symbols with special symbols aligned in the middle row, the button press sequence in which the second reel R2 is stopped first (button press order 3, 4) will always display a combination of symbols with special symbols aligned diagonally upwards to the right, and the button press sequence in which the third reel R3 is stopped first (button press order 5, 6) will always display either a combination of special symbols aligned in the middle row or a combination of special symbols aligned diagonally upwards to the right. Without displaying any pattern combinations, the combination of three yellow 7s aligned diagonally upwards is always displayed. In the case of a special symbol alignment in the middle row and a special symbol alignment diagonally upwards to the right, as shown in Figures 12(A) and 12(B), the special symbol "SP" is displayed at the display position on the active line L1 on at least one of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. However, in the case of three yellow 7s aligned diagonally upwards to the right, as shown in Figure 12(C), the special symbol "SP" is not displayed at the display position on the active line L1.

[0167] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if a special role is won through internal lottery in any performance state other than the second AT state (initial performance state, normal performance state, first AT state, or special AT state), the performance state is transitioned to a special AT state which is advantageous to the player. However, in games in which a special role is won, the correct operation notification that informs (instructs) the order of pressing buttons and the winning assistance performance are not executed, so the game can be played with any order of pressing buttons. For this reason, in games in which a special role is won in any performance state other than the second AT state, any combination of symbols from the middle row special symbols, the right-upward special symbols, and the right-upward yellow 7s can be displayed.

[0168] In this embodiment, when a third stop operation is performed in a game in which a special role is won in a performance state other than the second AT state, a special notification performance is executed to inform the player that a special bonus of transitioning to the special AT state will be granted. In the special notification performance, the performance performance changes according to the order in which the stop operation is pressed (operation pattern), and when the stop operation is performed in an order in which the first reel R1 or the second reel R2 is stopped first (pressing order 1 to 4), as shown in Figure 27(A), a special symbol display IMG1 (special) showing the special symbol "SP" is displayed. The awarding of a bonus is announced by displaying a performance image including an example of a fixed display on the liquid crystal display (LCD). If the stop operation is performed in the order in which the third reel R3 is stopped first (button order 5, 6), as shown in Figure 27(B), the awarding of a bonus is announced by displaying a performance image including a different display from the special symbol display IMG1 (in this embodiment, a display showing the yellow 7 symbol "Yellow 7" or a display showing a 7 symbol display IMG2 which is a display showing a symbol that imitates the yellow 7 symbol "Yellow 7").

[0169] In this embodiment, when the stop operation is performed in a pressing order (pressing order 1 to 4) that displays a combination of special symbols in the middle row or a special symbol combination diagonally upwards to the right, the special symbol display IMG1 is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD in the bonus notification performance. When the stop operation is performed in a pressing order (pressing order 5, 6) that does not display either a combination of special symbols in the middle row or a special symbol combination diagonally upwards to the right, the special symbol display IMG1 is not displayed in the bonus notification performance. This minimizes the possibility of misinterpretation regarding the game.

[0170] Furthermore, in this embodiment, even though there is no transition from the 2nd AT state to the special AT state, if a combination of symbols such as a middle row special symbol alignment or a right-upward special symbol alignment is displayed in the 2nd AT state, there is a risk of giving the player the expectation or misunderstanding that they will transition to the special AT state. However, in the 2nd AT state, a small role winning assistance performance is performed that notifies the player that the batting order is 5 when a special role is won, thereby avoiding the display of a combination of symbols such as a middle row special symbol alignment or a right-upward special symbol alignment, and also preventing the execution of the bonus notification performance. This prevents giving the player unnecessary expectations or misunderstandings, and thus does not impair the gameplay.

[0171] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in order to avoid giving players unnecessary expectations or misunderstandings, even if the display of symbol combinations such as a middle row special symbol alignment or a right-upward special symbol alignment can be avoided depending on the button press order, in button press orders other than those that avoid such symbol combinations (button press orders 5 and 6) (button press orders 1 to 4), the special symbol display IMG1 can be used to emphasize the special symbol "SP". Therefore, the display of the special symbol display IMG1 can be used to emphasize the symbol combinations such as a middle row special symbol alignment or a right-upward special symbol alignment, as well as the special symbol "SP", as much as possible, thereby improving the enjoyment of the game.

[0172] In this embodiment, when the internal lottery in the AT state results in a winning pattern of batting order yellow 7C or batting order yellow 7G, a small win assist performance is executed that notifies batting order 5 as the correct batting order. Similarly, when the second AT state results in a winning pattern of a special role, a small win assist performance is executed that notifies batting order 5. However, when the second AT state results in a winning pattern of a special role, a small win assist performance is executed that notifies batting order 5 in the same manner as the small win assist performance executed when batting order yellow 7C or batting order yellow 7G is won. For example, in a small win assist performance, when the pressing order is notified by displaying navigation number displays of "1", "2", and "3" on the liquid crystal display LCD, the design of the navigation number displays (shape, color, size, etc.) is designed to be the same for when batting order yellow 7C or batting order yellow 7G is won and for when a special role is won, so that the performance images including navigation number displays and effects are the same, and the performance sounds such as sound effects and navigation voices are also designed to be the same. As a result, in this embodiment, depending on the presentation of the small role winning assistance presentation, it is possible to make it impossible to distinguish whether the winning pattern is Yellow 7C in the order of hitting, Yellow 7G in the order of hitting, or a special role. Therefore, even if a special role is won in the second AT state, the player will not be aware that a special role has been won.

[0173] In this embodiment, when a special role is won in the second AT state, the main display 300 displays information corresponding to batting order 5 (an example of operation instruction information) to assist in winning the 9-coin small role (small role 6). However, when a special role is won in the second AT state, the correct operation notification is performed to notify batting order 5 in the same display manner as the correct operation notification performed when batting order yellow 7C or batting order yellow 7G is won. For example, in the correct operation notification, the same operation instruction number "05" is displayed in the same display manner (same color, etc.) when batting order yellow 7C or batting order yellow 7G is won and when a special role is won. As a result, in this embodiment, depending on the display manner of the correct operation notification, it is possible to make it impossible to distinguish which of batting order yellow 7C, batting order yellow 7G, or special role has been won, so that even if a special role is won in the second AT state, the player will not know that a special role has been won.

[0174] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the same 9-coin small win (small win 6) is awarded whether the stop operation is performed with the correct batting order (batting order 5) when the batting order yellow 7C or batting order yellow 7G is won, or when the stop operation is performed with batting order 5 when a special win is won. Therefore, depending on the reel stopping pattern, it is possible to make it impossible to distinguish whether the winning pattern of batting order yellow 7C, batting order yellow 7G, or special win has been won. As a result, in this embodiment, even if a special win is won in the second AT state, the player will not be aware that a special win has been won.

[0175] Thus, in this embodiment, even if a special role is won in the second AT state, the player is not informed of the win. This prevents the player from experiencing an unnecessary sense of loss due to not receiving a reward, and thus does not impair the gameplay.

[0176] In this embodiment, the winning patterns for Chance Role A, Chance Role B, Common Yellow 7, and Special Role are roles (specific roles) that trigger AT lottery and bonus lottery. In games where a specific role is won in the normal performance state, 1st AT state, or special AT state, an operation performance is executed in response to the start operation of the start lever SL, prompting the player to operate the performance button B5, thereby increasing the player's expectation of winning a specific role. In the operation performance, as shown in Figure 28(A), an image of the performance button B5, the performance button display object IMG10, is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD, thereby prompting the player to operate the performance button B5.

[0177] In this embodiment, when an action sequence is performed, in addition to operations on the action button B5, operations on the MAX bet button B0M can also be accepted as action sequences, and the content of the sequence is changed according to the type of action sequence operation.

[0178] Specifically, in a game in which an operation animation is performed, if an operation is performed on the animation button B5 while the reels are spinning (if an operation is performed on the first operation means while the operation animation is being performed), the operation animation is terminated by hiding the animation button display IMG10, and the first operation result animation is performed to notify (or suggest) the result of the internal lottery by displaying an image corresponding to the result of the internal lottery (winning type, winning role) on the liquid crystal display LCD. In the first operation result animation, one of the following character displays is displayed as the image corresponding to the result of the internal lottery: character A display IMG11, which is an animation image of character A corresponding to chance role A; character B display, which is an animation image of character B corresponding to chance role B; character C display, which is an animation image of character C corresponding to common yellow 7; or character D display, which is an animation image of character D corresponding to special role. For example, when chance role A is won, character A display IMG11 is displayed as shown in Figure 28(B).

[0179] Furthermore, in a game in which an action sequence is performed, if an action sequence is performed on the MAX bet button B0M while the reels are spinning (if an action is performed on the second action means while an action sequence is being performed), the action sequence continues to run by maintaining the display of the action button display IMG10, and a second action result sequence is performed to notify (or suggest) the result of the internal lottery (winning pattern, winning role) by outputting an action sound corresponding to the result of the internal lottery from the speaker SP. In the second operation result presentation, as a presentation sound corresponding to the result of the internal lottery, one of the following character presentation sounds is output: presentation sound A of character A's line S1 (e.g., "Here we go!") corresponding to chance role A, presentation sound B of character B's line S2 (e.g., "It's a chance!") corresponding to chance role B, presentation sound C of character C's line S3 (e.g., "It's hot!") corresponding to common yellow 7, or presentation sound D of character D's line S4 (e.g., "It's super hot!") corresponding to special role. For example, when chance role A is won, presentation sound A of line S1 is output as shown in Figure 28(C).

[0180] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second operation result animation is not executed while the first operation result animation is being executed. For example, even if an animation operation is performed on the MAX bet button B0M while the character A display IMG11 is being displayed, the character animation sound (sound A of dialogue S1) corresponding to the result of the internal lottery is not output.

[0181] In this embodiment, if an action is performed on action button B5 while the action and second action result actions are being executed, the action and second action result actions are terminated and the first action result actions are executed. For example, as shown in Figure 28(C), if an action is performed on action button B5 while the action button display IMG10 is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD and the action sound A of line S1 is output from speaker SP, then as shown in Figure 28(D), the action is terminated by hiding the action button display IMG10 and the second action result actions are terminated by ending the output of the action sound A of line S1, and character A display IMG11 is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD.

[0182] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the duration of the first operation result animation is set to be longer than the duration of the second operation result animation. In other words, the display time of the character display is set to be longer than the playback time of the character animation sound.

[0183] In this embodiment, the first operation result animation is terminated when a predetermined animation time has elapsed or when a third stop operation is performed on the stop button. The first operation result animation will not terminate even if a first stop operation or a second stop operation is performed on the stop button while the first operation result animation is running.

[0184] In this embodiment, even if a stop operation is performed on the stop button while the second operation result animation is being executed, the second operation result animation will not end. However, if a third stop operation is performed on the stop button while the second operation result animation is being executed, the second operation result animation may be terminated by ending the output of the character animation sound.

[0185] Next, we will explain the operation and animation processing related to operation and animation.

[0186] In the operation and presentation processing, as shown in Figure 29, when a winning pattern for a specific role is obtained in the normal presentation state, the first AT state, or the special AT state (Y in step S1000), an operation presentation prompting operation on the presentation button B5 is executed, and in the operation presentation, the presentation button display IMG10 is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD (step S1001), and when an operation on the presentation button B5 is performed while the reels are rotating in the game in which the operation presentation was executed (Y in step S1002), the operation presentation is terminated by hiding the presentation button display IMG10 (step S1003), and if character presentation sound is output from speaker SP (S If the output of the character sound effect is terminated (step S1005), the second operation result effect is terminated (step S1006), the first operation result effect is executed by displaying a character display corresponding to the result of the internal lottery on the liquid crystal display (LCD), and if the effect time of the first operation result effect (display time of the character display) has elapsed (step S1007, Y), or if a third stop operation is performed on the stop button before the effect time of the first operation result effect has elapsed (step S1008, Y), the first operation result effect is terminated by hiding the character display (step S1009).

[0187] Furthermore, in a game in which an action sequence is performed, if an action sequence is performed on the MAX bet button B0M while the reels are spinning (Y in step S1010), and if no character sound sequence has been output even once in that game (N in step S1011), the second action result sequence is performed by outputting a character sound sequence corresponding to the result of the internal lottery from speaker SP (step S1012).

[0188] Furthermore, in a game where an operation animation is performed, if a third stop operation is performed on the stop button without any operation being performed on the animation button B5 or the MAX bet button B0M while the reels are spinning (Y in step S1013), the operation animation is terminated by hiding the animation button display IMG10 (step S1014). In this case, neither the first operation result animation nor the second operation result animation is performed.

[0189] In this embodiment, if an operation animation is performed when a special role is won, and the third stop operation is performed, a bonus notification animation will be executed upon the completion of the operation animation and the first operation result animation.

[0190] In this embodiment, if a player performs an action on the MAX bet button B0M, which is not prompted for action, while an action prompting the player to operate the action button B5 is being executed, a second action result is executed, which is different from the first action result execution that displays a character on the liquid crystal display LCD, by outputting a character sound from speaker SP. This adds a hidden element to the action prompt that increases the player's anticipation of winning a specific role. This increases the variety of effects and improves the enjoyment of the game.

[0191] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second operation result animation is not executed while the first operation result animation is being executed. Therefore, even if an animation operation is performed on the MAX bet button B0M while an animation operation is performed on the animation button B5 based on the display of a character, the character animation sound corresponding to the result of the internal lottery will not be output. This prevents the first operation result animation, which is the main animation, from being interrupted by the second operation result animation, which is a hidden animation element, thereby improving the enjoyment of the game.

[0192] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if an action is performed on the action button B5 while the action and the second action result action are being executed, the action and the second action result action are terminated and the first action result action is executed. This prevents the first action result action, which is the main action, from being interrupted by the hidden second action result action, thereby improving the enjoyment of the game.

[0193] Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if the transmission order of commands (signals) sent from the main board MAIN to the sub-board SUB is changed, or if the second operation result effect is executed while the first operation result effect is being executed, or the first operation result effect is executed while the second operation result effect is being executed, due to reasons such as unexpected operations or malfunctions, the first operation result effect and the second operation result effect are executed by different effect devices. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first operation result effect, which is the main effect, from being completely obstructed by the second operation result effect, which is a hidden element.

[0194] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the duration of the first operation result animation is set to be longer than that of the second operation result animation, even if the second operation result animation is executed while the first operation result animation is being executed due to a malfunction or other reason, or if the first operation result animation is executed while the second operation result animation is being executed, it is possible to prevent the first operation result animation, which is the main animation, from being completely interrupted by the second operation result animation, which is a hidden element.

[0195] 1-3. Variations The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. These modifications are introduced below. The embodiments described above, as well as the various methods described below as modifications, can be appropriately combined and adopted as control methods to realize the present invention.

[0196] In the above embodiment, the example described was that in the end-of-game processing, the number of medals bet stored in the bet information storage area 1924 is stored in the display bet information storage area 1925, and then the number of medals bet stored in the bet information storage area 1924 is cleared to 0. However, it is sufficient to store the number of medals bet in the display bet information storage area 1925 before clearing the bet information storage area 1924. For example, the number of medals bet may be updated and stored in the display bet information storage area 1925 each time a medal is bet. Alternatively, the number of medals bet may be stored in the display bet information storage area 1925 when a game start operation is performed on the start lever SL, when a third stop operation is performed, when all reels have stopped, when the prize determination process is started or ended, when the prize execution process is started or ended, or when the end-of-game processing is started or ended.

[0197] Furthermore, regarding the timing of clearing the number of medals bet stored in the bet information storage area 1924 to 0, the number of medals bet stored in the bet information storage area 1924 may be cleared to 0 when a game start operation is performed on the start lever SL, a third stop operation is performed, all reels have stopped, the winning judgment process has started or ended, the winning process has started or ended, or the game end process has started or ended. Alternatively, the number of medals bet stored in the bet information storage area 1924 may be cleared to 0 after the winning process has ended or the game end process has ended.

[0198] In the above embodiment, the example described was the case in which the information stored in the bet information storage area 1924 and the display bet information storage area 1925 is initialized during the initialization process in the setting change mode. However, depending on the initialization process in the setting change mode, the information may be retained without being initialized.

[0199] In the above embodiment, the information stored in the display bed information storage area 1925 may be retained during the power-on processing.

[0200] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, we have explained the case where not all bet lamps on the bet count display unit BS light up when the power is turned on or when the setting value is changed after the end of the game. However, the lamps may be returned to their lit state when the power was turned on or when the setting value is changed.

[0201] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, we have explained the case in which one bet lamp on the bet count display unit BS is turned off each time a medal set to the inserted state is dispensed during the settlement process. However, all bet lamps on the bet count display unit BS may be turned off when a valid operation is performed on the settlement button B4, when the settlement process is started, or when the settlement process is completed.

[0202] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the example given was that settlement processing is performed when a valid operation is performed on the settlement button B4. However, if the operation on the settlement button B4 is a long press operation in which the button is held down for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds) (i.e., the ON state of the operation signal from the settlement switch 245 is maintained for a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds)), it may be determined to be a valid operation, and if the operation on the settlement button B4 is a short press operation in which the operation time is shorter than a long press operation (i.e., the ON state of the operation signal from the settlement switch 245 is less than a predetermined time (for example, 0.5 seconds)), it may be determined to be an invalid operation.

[0203] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the example of paying out both the medals stored as credit and the medals set to the inserted state during the settlement process was explained. However, it is also possible to settle only the medals stored as credit without settling the medals set to the inserted state. In this case, the bet lamp on the bet count display unit BS may or may not be turned off.

[0204] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, we have described an example where the bet lamp is returned to its lit state (including completely off) before the power was cut off if the set value was not changed when the power was turned on. However, the bet lamp may be kept off regardless of the number of medals bet when the power was cut off.

[0205] Although not specifically mentioned in the above embodiment, if the period of time during which no game is played continuously reaches a predetermined time (for example, 60 seconds), the game machine (especially the display devices such as the liquid crystal display LCD, lamps, and speakers) may be switched to a power-saving mode (low-power mode) that suppresses (reduces) power consumption. In this example, the bet lamps on the bet count display unit BS may remain lit even when the game is switched to power-saving mode, or all bet lamps on the bet count display unit BS may be turned off when the game is switched to power-saving mode, and then returned to their original lit state when the power-saving mode is deactivated.

[0206] Furthermore, although the above embodiment was explained using the case where physical medals are used as the game medium, a smart pachislo (also called "SmaSlo" or "medalless game machine") may be used, which is a game machine that uses game value as electronic information as the game medium instead of using physical medals. In a smart pachislo, as shown in Figure 30, the main board MAIN is connected to the medal dispensing machine ML as an external unit in a bidirectional communication manner, and the electronic medals, which are game value as electronic information lent from the medal dispensing machine ML, are credited and stored in the credit information storage area 1914. The game is played by betting the credited electronic medals, and all medals paid out according to the result of the game are credited and stored in the credit information storage area 1914. For this reason, a hopper unit HP is not required in a smart pachislo. Also, in a smart pachislo, for example, it is set to be able to store 16,383 electronic medals as credits, and a game medal count display device that can display a 5-digit number is provided instead of a credit display, and the number of electronic medals as credits is displayed on the game medal count display device.

[0207] Furthermore, the external configuration of the smart pachislo is the same as that shown in Figure 1, and a counting button (counting operation means, not shown) is provided on the lower front door DD. When the counting button is operated, the counting switch 280 built into the counting button is activated, and a counting process is performed to return (transmit) the electronic medals stored in the credit information storage area 1914 to the medal dispensing machine ML. Specifically, if the operation on the counting button is a long press operation in which the button is pressed and held for a predetermined time (e.g., 0.3 seconds) (when the ON state of the operation signal from the counting switch 280 continues for a predetermined time (e.g., 0.3 seconds)), 50 electronic medals are returned to the medal dispensing machine ML. If the number of electronic medals stored in the credit is less than 50, all electronic medals are returned to the medal dispensing machine ML, and as long as the long press operation continues, 50 electronic medals are returned to the medal dispensing machine ML every predetermined time (e.g., 0.3 seconds). On the other hand, if the operation on the counting button is a short press (i.e., the ON state of the operation signal from the counting switch 280 is less than a predetermined time (e.g., 0.3 seconds)), one electronic medal is returned to the medal dispensing machine ML. When an electronic medal is returned to the medal dispensing machine ML through the counting process, the number of electronic medals returned is subtracted from the number of credits of electronic medals stored in the credit information storage area 1914. The returned electronic medals are also added to the number of electronic medals stored in the medal dispensing machine ML and stored therein.

[0208] In addition, the Smart Pachislo is equipped with a game token count clear button (not shown) on the main board MAIN. When the game token count clear button is pressed, the signal state of the built-in clear switch 290 is turned ON. When the power is turned on in this state, a credit initialization process is performed to initialize the number of electronic tokens stored in the credit information storage area 1914 to 0.

[0209] In Smart Pachislo, when the operation of the settlement button B4 is enabled and the settlement button B4 is operated, the settlement process, if a replay is not activated, returns all electronic medals set to the inserted state to credit. Specifically, the number of electronic medals bet stored in the bet information storage area 1924 is added to the number of electronic medals credited in the credit information storage area 1914, and the added number of electronic medals is subtracted from the number of electronic medals bet stored in the bet information storage area 1924. For this reason, when the settlement button B4 is operated in Smart Pachislo, all bet lamps on the bet display unit BS turn off. Note that in Smart Pachislo, the electronic medals stored as credit are not returned to the medal dispensing machine ML as a result of the operation of the settlement button B4.

[0210] In smart pachislo machines, all bet lamps on the bet count display unit BS may be turned off when the counting button is pressed and held, when the counting button is pressed and held, when the counting process is started, or when the counting process is completed. Alternatively, all bet lamps on the bet count display unit BS may be turned off when the power is turned on while the game token count clear button is pressed, when the credit initialization process is started, or when the credit initialization process is completed.

[0211] In smart pachislo machines, the bet lamp on the BS bet display unit may be kept lit even after counting is performed. This prevents the bet lamp from turning off during gameplay if counting is performed by operating the counting button.

[0212] In addition, in smart pachislo machines, when an operation is performed on the counting button, the counting process may return not only the electronic medals stored in the credit information storage area 1914 as credits, but also the electronic medals set to the "inserted" state to the medal dispensing machine ML. In this case, all bet lamps on the bet count display unit BS will also turn off. In this case, the electronic medals set to the "inserted" state may be returned to the credits first, and then returned from the credits to the medal dispensing machine ML. For example, all electronic medals stored in the credits may be returned to the medal dispensing machine ML, and then the electronic medals set to the "inserted" state may be returned to the credits, and then returned from the credits to the medal dispensing machine ML. Alternatively, the electronic medals set to the "inserted" state may be returned to the credits first, and then returned from the credits to the medal dispensing machine ML along with the electronic medals that were originally credited.

[0213] Furthermore, in smart pachislo machines, the CPU of the main board MAIN may consist of only a main control CPU, or it may consist of two CPUs: a main control CPU and a medal count control CPU. In the case of a two-CPU configuration, the game medal count clear button (clear switch 290) may be connected to the medal count control CPU.

[0214] Furthermore, if a two-CPU configuration is used, the two CPUs may be mounted on a single circuit board, or each CPU may be mounted on a separate circuit board. If a single circuit board is used, a game token count clear button may be provided on that board and connected to the token count control CPU. If two circuit boards are used, a game token count clear button may be provided on the circuit board on which the token count control CPU is mounted and connected to the token count control CPU.

[0215] Similarly, with respect to the counting button (counting switch 280), if a two-CPU configuration is used, the counting button (counting switch 280) may be connected to the medal count control CPU.

[0216] Although not specifically mentioned in the above embodiment, specific external signals related to the AT state may be output to external devices such as data counters and hall computers during the advantageous period. For example, specific external signals may include an AT signal indicating that the player is in the AT state, or an AT win signal for counting the number of AT wins. When outputting an AT signal, the output of the AT signal can be started when the AT state begins, continued while the player is in the AT state, and terminated when the AT state ends. When outputting an AT win signal, the output of the AT win signal can be started when the AT lottery is won or the AT state begins, and terminated after one game is played.

[0217] Furthermore, when outputting a specific external signal related to the AT state during the advantageous period, it is desirable to notify the signal output with a lamp controlled by the main board MAIN. For example, the output of the specific external signal may be notified by lighting up the dot display section that displays decimal points on the 7-segment display of the main display unit 300. When notifying the signal output, the dot display section may be lit up before the output of the specific external signal begins, or the dot display section may be lit up after the output of the specific external signal begins. Also, when ending the notification of the signal output, the dot display section may be turned off before the output of the specific external signal ends, or the dot display section may be turned off after the output of the specific external signal ends. For example, when ending the notification of the output of the AT signal, the dot display section may be turned off after one game is played, even if the output of the AT signal continues. Note that the lamp that notifies the output of the specific external signal is not limited to being used in conjunction with the main display unit 300, but may also be used in conjunction with other display devices such as the credit display, or may be provided exclusively for this purpose.

[0218] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the symbol combinations for the middle row special symbol alignment and the diagonal right special symbol alignment displayed in the pressing order (pressing order 1 to 4) in which the first reel R1 or the second reel R2 is stopped first when a special role is won were explained using the example of a symbol combination consisting only of the special symbol "SP". However, the symbol combinations for the middle row special symbol alignment and the diagonal right special symbol alignment are any symbol combination that includes the special symbol "SP", and the special symbol "SP" is displayed in a display position on the active line on at least one reel. For example, they may be composed of multiple types of symbols that include the special symbol "SP".

[0219] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the stop operation is performed in the order of pressing the third reel R3 first when a special role is won (pressing order 5, 6), the case in which the combination of the right-upward yellow 7 is displayed and the special symbol "SP" is not displayed in the display position on the active line was explained as an example. However, in the order of pressing the third reel R3 first (pressing order 5, 6), it is sufficient that no combination of symbols in which the special symbol "SP" is displayed aligned on any line is displayed, such as the middle row special symbol alignment or the right-upward special symbol alignment, and the special symbol "SP" may be displayed in the display position on the active line.

[0220] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the example described was the case in which a special symbol display object IMG1 showing the same symbols as the special symbols "SP" arranged on the outer surface of the reels is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD in the bonus notification performance. However, the special symbol display object IMG1 may be a display object that shows symbols that mimic the special symbols "SP" arranged on the outer surface of the reels.

[0221] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when a special role is won in a performance state other than the second AT state, the example given is that when the stop operation is performed in the order of pressing the third reel R3 first (press order 5, 6), the 7 symbol display IMG2 is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD in the bonus notification performance. However, when the stop operation is performed in the order of pressing the third reel R3 first (press order 5, 6), the special symbol display IMG1 is not displayed in the bonus notification performance. For example, instead of displaying the 7 symbol IMG2, you may display text such as "Congratulations!", or you may display a 7 symbol that is not similar to any of the red 7 symbol "Red 7", white 7 symbol "White 7", yellow 7 symbol "Yellow 7", blue 7 symbol A "Blue 7A", blue 7 symbol B "Blue 7B", blue 7 symbol C "Blue 7C", and blue 7 symbol D "Blue 7D" (a symbol that does not show any of the symbols).

[0222] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when a special role is won, the first reel R1 is stopped first (button order 1, 2), and the symbol combination of the middle row special symbols is always displayed when a small role 8 is won. In the second reel R2 is stopped first (button order 3, 4), the symbol combination of the right-upward special symbols is always displayed when a small role 8 is won. However, in the first and second to stop buttons, depending on the timing of the stop operation, there may be cases where the symbol combination of the middle row special symbols is displayed and cases where the symbol combination of the middle row special symbols is not displayed. Similarly, in the third and fourth to stop buttons, depending on the timing of the stop operation, there may be cases where the symbol combination of the right-upward special symbols is displayed and cases where the symbol combination of the right-upward special symbols is not displayed. In this example, when a special role is won in a performance state other than the 2nd AT state, in turn 1 and turn 2, if the stop operation is performed at a timing that allows the symbol combination of the middle row special symbols to be displayed (an example of the first operation mode), the special symbol display IMG1 will be displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD in the bonus notification performance. If the stop operation is performed at a timing different from the timing that allows the symbol combination of the middle row special symbols to be displayed (an example of the second operation mode), the 7 symbol display IMG2 will be displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD in the bonus notification performance. In turn 3 and turn 4, if the stop operation is performed at a timing that allows the symbol combination of the right-upward special symbols to be displayed (an example of the first operation mode), the special symbol display IMG1 will be displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD in the bonus notification performance. If the stop operation is performed at a timing different from the timing that allows the symbol combination of the right-upward special symbols to be displayed (an example of the second operation mode), the 7 symbol display IMG2 will be displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD in the bonus notification performance. In this example, if a combination of special symbols appearing in the middle row or diagonally upwards when a special role is won does not appear, it may be chosen that neither role is awarded. Alternatively, even if a combination of special symbols appearing in the middle row or diagonally upwards appears, it may be chosen that one of the minor roles, including minor role 8, is always awarded.

[0223] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the example of a case where the winning pattern for a special role is the same as the winning pattern for a minor role was explained, but it may also be the winning pattern for a replay. In this example as well, when the winning pattern for a special role is obtained in the second AT state, it is desirable to perform correct operation notification or prize-winning assistance effects so that the player does not know that a special role has been won.

[0224] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first operation result presentation was explained using the example of displaying a character object on a liquid crystal display (LCD). However, in the first operation result presentation, in addition to displaying the character object, performance sounds such as character performance voices and sound effects may be output from a speaker SP. In this example, the first operation result presentation can output a different character performance voice than that of the second operation result presentation (for example, a different line of dialogue from the same character as in the second operation result presentation).

[0225] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the example given was that when an action is performed on the action button B5 while the action and second action result actions are being performed, the action and second action result actions are terminated and the first action result actions are performed. However, when an action is performed on the action button B5 while the action and second action result actions are being performed, the action will terminate, but the first action result actions may be performed while the execution of the second action result actions continues. In other words, the character action sound related to the second action result actions may not terminate until the playback time has elapsed. For example, if the first action result actions are configured to output character action sound along with the display of character objects, when an action is performed on the action button B5 while the action and second action result actions are being performed, the output of the character action sound related to the second action result actions may continue, and only the display of character objects may be performed among the display of character objects and output of character action sound that constitute the first action result actions, without outputting the character action sound related to the first action result actions. Alternatively, the character action sound related to the first action result actions may be output after the output (execution) of the character action sound related to the second action result actions has finished.

[0226] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the example given was that the operation animation and the first operation result animation are terminated when a third stop operation is performed on the stop button during a game in which an operation animation is being performed. However, the operation animation and the first operation result animation may be terminated when a first stop operation (or second stop operation) is performed on the stop button. In this example, if the operation animation is terminated based on a first stop operation on the stop button, the first operation result animation and the second operation result animation may not be executed even if an animation operation is performed on the animation button B5 or the MAX bet button B0M after the operation animation has ended, or only one of the first operation result animation and the second operation result animation may be executed.

[0227] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, we explained as an example the case in which a performance operation is performed on the MAX bet button B0M while an operation performance is being executed, and the second operation result performance is executed if no character performance sound has been output during that game. However, the second operation result performance may be executed each time a performance operation is performed on the MAX bet button B0M while an operation performance is being executed. In this case, even if the character performance sound related to the second operation result performance is missed, it can be listened to again.

[0228] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the example of executing an operation animation was given when a specific winning combination was obtained. However, there may be cases where no operation animation is executed when a specific winning combination is obtained, or the operation animation may be made executable when a winning combination other than the specific winning combination is obtained. In this example, character displays and character animation sounds corresponding to winning combinations other than the specific winning combination may be prepared, and the first operation result animation and the second operation result animation may be executed.

[0229] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case in which each of the character displays A to D displayed in the first operation result presentation corresponds to one of the winning patterns among chance role A, chance role B, common yellow 7, and special role was explained as an example, but it is also possible to make them correspond to multiple types of winning patterns, or to make them correspond to the expected winning probability of the AT lottery or the bonus lottery. For example, the characters could be designed so that the expected winning probability of the AT lottery or bonus lottery increases in the order of "character display A < character display B < character display C < character display D", and in the first operation result presentation, each of the character displays A to D could correspond to all winning patterns of chance role A, chance role B, common yellow 7, and special role, and one of the character displays A to D could be selected and displayed by selection lottery, and the selection probability of each character display could be changed according to the expected winning probability of the AT lottery or bonus lottery when each winning pattern is won.

[0230] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the example of prompting operation on the performance button B5 by displaying a performance button indicator in the operation performance was explained. However, in the operation performance, operation on the MAX bet button (an example of the first operation means) B0M may be prompted by displaying a MAX bet button indicator that shows the MAX bet button B0M. In this example, during the execution of the operation performance, if an operation is performed on the MAX bet button B0M, the first operation result performance may be executed, and if an operation is performed on the performance button (an example of the second operation means) B5, the second operation result performance may be executed.

[0231] In the above embodiment, the first and second operation result effects were explained using an example where the effects were performed using one of several types of effect devices, such as the frame lamp of the upper front door UD, the liquid crystal display LCD, the speaker SP, and the backlight unit (not shown) that illuminates the first to third reels R1 to R3 from the back side of the reel tape of each reel (the inner circumference side of each reel). However, the effects may be performed using multiple types of effect devices. In this example, it is desirable that there is at least one effect device that is used only for one of the first and second operation result effects. For example, the first operation result effect may be performed using the frame lamp, the liquid crystal display LCD, and the speaker SP, while the second operation result effect may be performed using only the speaker SP. In this way, it is possible to prevent the first operation result effect, which is the main effect, from being completely obstructed by the second operation result effect, which is a hidden element.

[0232] 2. Second Embodiment 2-1. Composition Figure 31 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 32 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration (excluding the reel unit) of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0233] The gaming machine of this embodiment is a type of gaming machine that uses tokens as the game medium, and is commonly known as a slot machine or reel-type gaming machine.

[0234] The gaming machine of this embodiment houses a reel unit consisting of a first reel R1 to a third reel R3 (multiple reels) within a box-shaped enclosure consisting of a storage box BX, an upper front door UD, and a lower front door DD. Below the reel unit storage space PS inside the storage box BX is a power supply unit EU, which incorporates a power supply and is equipped with various switches such as a power switch ES, a setting change key cylinder KS, and a setting change button BS, as well as a hopper unit HP, which serves as a medal dispensing device. The hopper unit HP includes a medal storage tank MT for storing medals used in the game, a dispensing motor consisting of a stepping motor (not shown), and a rotating disc (not shown) pivotally supported by the dispensing motor. The rotating disc is driven to rotate by the dispensing motor, allowing medals to be dispensed one at a time. Furthermore, when the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT reaches a certain level, the hopper unit HP sends the excess medals to the cash box CB. Furthermore, within the casing of the gaming machine of this embodiment, for example, a main board MAIN is mounted above the reel unit storage space PS, and a sub-board SUB is mounted to the side of the reel unit storage space PS. These control boards (main board MAIN, sub-board SUB) are equipped with a CPU (an example of calculation means), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), RAM (an example of a temporary storage means), etc., to control the operation of the gaming machine. In this embodiment, a setting change key cylinder KS and a setting change button BS are provided on the power supply unit EU, but the setting change key cylinder KS and the setting change button BS may also be provided on the surface of the main board MAIN.

[0235] The first to third reels R1 to R3 shown in Figure 31 are each divided into 20 regions (each region referred to as a "frame") at regular intervals on their outer surface, and one of several types of patterns is arranged in each frame. The first to third reels R1 to R3 are pivotally supported by a stepping motor (reel driving means: not shown) and are rotationally driven around the axis of the stepping motor. By controlling the number of pulses and pulse width of the stepping motor's drive pulses, they are designed to be stoppable in frame units (units of predetermined rotation angle and predetermined rotation amount). In other words, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the stepping motor rotates the first to third reels R1 to R3 in response to drive pulses supplied from the control board, and when a drive pulse for full-phase excitation is supplied from the control board, the rotation of the stepping motor stops, and the first to third reels R1 to R3 stop as a result.

[0236] The upper front door UD and the lower front door DD are designed to open and close independently. The upper front door UD is equipped with a display window DW that allows observation of the rotation and stopped states of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. When the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are stopped, three symbols (upper, middle, and lower) that are arranged consecutively on the outer surface of each of the multiple types of symbols arranged at regular intervals on the outer surface of each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 can be observed from the front of the gaming machine through the display window DW.

[0237] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, each reel is provided with an upper, middle, and lower display position for observing the symbols through the display window DW, and the active line is set by the combination of the display positions of each reel. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the number of tokens required for one game, the so-called prescribed number of tokens, is set to 3, and when tokens equivalent to the prescribed number of tokens are inserted, the active line L1, which consists of the upper position of the first reel R1, the middle position of the second reel R2, and the lower position of the third reel R3, is activated.

[0238] The game result is determined by the combination of symbols that stop on the active lines in the display window DW. If the combination of symbols on the active lines corresponds to a predetermined winning combination, the winning combination is considered to have been achieved, and medals are dispensed from the hopper unit HP.

[0239] Furthermore, the upper front door UD is equipped with a game information display unit DS. The game information display unit DS consists of LEDs, lamps, a 7-segment display, etc., and displays various game information such as the number of medal credits, the number of medals dispensed or acquired in one game, and the total number of medals dispensed or acquired in BB state.

[0240] Furthermore, the upper front door UD is equipped with a liquid crystal display (LCD) for displaying game effects. This LCD displays various videos (or images) to assist or enhance the gameplay. In addition, in this embodiment of the gaming machine, multiple speakers SP are provided on the upper front door UD and the lower front door DD for displaying game effects. These speakers SP output various sounds to assist or enhance the gameplay.

[0241] Furthermore, the lower front door DD is equipped with various operating means. These operating means include a bet button (insertion means) B0 for inserting credited (stored) tokens, a start lever (game start means) SL for initiating the game by rotating the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, and stop buttons (stopping means) B1 to B3 for initiating the game by stopping each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, which are rotated by stepping motors.

[0242] In this embodiment of the gaming machine, when a player inserts a medal into the medal slot MI or presses the bet button B0, the machine is set to a ready state where rotation control of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 can be started. When the player presses the start lever SL, the control board starts the rotation of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 by driving the stepping motor, and an internal lottery is performed using random values. Once the rotation speed of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 has increased to a predetermined speed, the operation of pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 is permitted (activated).

[0243] Subsequently, when the player presses stop buttons B1 to B3 at any time, the stop switches (stop signal output means: for example, a photosensor, a continuity sensor, a pressure sensor, etc.) built into each of the stop buttons B1 to B3 are activated, changing the reel stop signal input to the control board from the off state to the on state.

[0244] Furthermore, when the player releases stop buttons B1 to B3 at any time, the stop switches corresponding to each of the stop buttons B1 to B3 turn off, changing the reel stop signal input to the control board from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0245] The control board then stops the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 at a stopping position corresponding to the result of an internal lottery, based on the change in the reel stop signal state from the off state to the on state, which changes in response to the timing of pressing and releasing the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0246] Furthermore, a medal payout slot MO and a medal receiving tray MP are provided at the bottom of the lower front door DD, and the number of medals corresponding to the game result are dispensed from the hopper unit HP through the medal payout slot MO to the medal receiving tray MP. When medals are dispensed according to the game result, if medal credit (internal storage) is permitted, some or all of the dispensed medals are credited up to the credit limit (50 medals in this embodiment), and the display value of the credit indicator, which consists of a 7-segment display on the game information display unit DS, is changed in accordance with the change in the number of medal credits.

[0247] Figure 33 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine according to this embodiment.

[0248] The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a gaming control means (main board MAIN and sub-board SUB) 100. The gaming control means 100 is powered by the operation of the power switch ES, which supplies power from the power supply unit EU, and receives input signals from input means such as a medal insertion switch 210, a bet switch 220, a start switch 230, a stop switch 240, a setting change permission switch 250, and a setting change switch 260. It performs various calculations to execute the game and controls the operation of output means such as a reel unit 310, a hopper unit (payout device) HP, a display device 330, and an audio device 340 based on the calculation results. The functions of the gaming control means 100 are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), or RAM, and software consisting of a given program pre-stored in ROM, etc.

[0249] The game control means 100 includes a setting change means 103, an input reception means 105, a random number generation means 110, an internal lottery means 120, a reel control means 130, a prize determination means 140, a payout control means 150, a replay processing means 160, a game state control means 170, an AT control means 175, a performance control means 180, a game information storage means 190a, and a performance information storage means 190b. In this embodiment, the setting change means 103, the input reception means 105, the random number generation means 110, the internal lottery means 120, the reel control means 130, the prize determination means 140, the payout control means 150, the replay processing means 160, the game state transition control means 170, and the AT control means 175 are implemented by the CPU of the main board MAIN executing various programs, and the performance control means 180 is implemented by the CPU of the sub-board SUB executing various programs. Furthermore, the game information storage means 190a is composed of the main ROM and main RAM mounted on the main board MAIN, and the performance information storage means 190b is composed of the sub-ROM and sub-RAM mounted on the sub-board SUB. In addition, various programs executed by the CPU of the main board MAIN are stored in the main ROM of the game information storage means 190a, and various programs executed by the CPU of the sub-board SUB are stored in the sub-ROM of the performance information storage means 190b. The setting change means 103 controls the change of setting values ​​stored in the setting value storage area 1913 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a. In this embodiment, depending on the state of the setting change permission switch 250 when the power is turned on, it is possible to switch between starting in game mode and starting in setting change mode. When the setting key is inserted into the setting change key cylinder KS and the setting key is turned clockwise from the initial position, the signal state of the setting change permission switch 250 becomes ON. When the power switch ES is activated in this state and power is supplied from the power supply unit EU, the setting change means 103 starts the game machine in setting change mode. In this embodiment, it is possible to select a setting value from six setting values ​​from setting 1 to setting 6, and the probability of winning the internal lottery changes so that the expected value of the payout rate increases from setting 1 to setting 6. In this embodiment, the setting values ​​are expressed in the order of setting 1 < setting 2 < setting 3 < setting 4 < setting 5 < setting 6.

[0250] Furthermore, in the setting change mode, when the setting change button BS is pressed, the setting change switch 260 is activated. The setting change means 103 receives an input signal from the setting change switch 260 and changes the setting value in the order of setting 1 → setting 2 → ... setting 6 → setting 1 → ... and confirms the setting value based on the game start signal from the start switch 230, which is activated when the start lever SL is pressed. The confirmed setting value is then stored in the setting value storage area 1913. In this embodiment, the signal state of the setting change permission switch 250 is changed to the off state by returning the setting key inserted into the setting change key cylinder KS to its initial position, thereby transitioning from the setting change mode to the game mode.

[0251] In this embodiment, when the power is turned on with the setting change key cylinder KS in its initial position, the gaming machine is started in game mode based on the fact that the signal state of the setting change permission switch 260 is off. In this embodiment, in game mode, the game can be played, but the setting values ​​cannot be changed, and in setting change mode, the setting values ​​can be changed, but the game cannot be played.

[0252] Furthermore, in the setting change mode, the setting change means 103 performs an initialization process to initialize the information stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a. In particular, with respect to the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a, the information stored in the lottery flag storage area 1915, the game state storage area 1916, the performance state storage area 1917, the AT stock count counter 1918, the AT game count counter 1919, the CZ game count counter 1921, the first clear counter 1922, and the second clear counter 1923 is initialized by the initialization process in the setting change mode. More specifically, the game information storage means 190a's main RAM has memory areas other than the lottery flag memory area 1915, game state memory area 1916, performance state memory area 1917, AT stock counter 1918, AT game counter 1919, CZ game counter 1921, first clear counter 1922, and second clear counter 1923 designated as information retention areas, and the information stored in these memory areas of the main RAM is initialized. For this reason, in the main RAM, the setting value memory area 1913 and the credit information memory area 1914 are designated as information retention areas, and the information stored in these memory areas is retained without being initialized by the initialization process in setting change mode.

[0253] The coin insertion accepting means 105 accepts the insertion of coins for each game, and based on the insertion of coins corresponding to the specified number of insertions (3 coins), performs a process of enabling the game start operation on the start lever SL (game start operation means). In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, the first pressing operation of the start lever SL enabled based on the insertion of coins corresponding to the specified number of insertions is accepted as the game start operation, which triggers the start of the rotation of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 and also triggers the execution of an internal lottery.

[0254] Also, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, when a coin is inserted into the coin insertion port MI, along with the activation of the coin insertion switch 210, the coin insertion accepting means 105 sets the inserted coins to the inserted state with the specified number of insertions as the limit. Further, in the gaming machine of the present embodiment, it is possible to credit-store (store and retain) up to 50 coins in the credit information storage area 1914 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a. When the bet button B0 is pressed in a state where coins are credit-stored in the gaming machine, along with the activation of the bet switch 220, the coin insertion accepting means 105 sets the coins credit-stored in the credit information storage area 1914 to the inserted state with the specified number of insertions as the limit.

[0255] The random number generation means 110 is a means for generating a random number value for lottery. The random number value can be generated, for example, by a 16-bit random number circuit that generates 65,536 random number values from 0 to 65,535 without repetition during one cycle. In the present embodiment, the "random number value" includes not only values that are randomly generated in a mathematical sense, but also values that can function substantially as random numbers because, although their generation itself is regular, their acquisition timing or the like is irregular.

[0256] The internal lottery means 120 is a means for performing an internal lottery to determine the winning or losing of a combination based on a start signal from a start switch 230 that operates when a player performs a game start operation on the start lever SL (the first pressing operation on the enabled start lever SL), and performs lottery table selection processing, random number determination processing, lottery flag setting processing, and the like.

[0257] In the lottery table selection processing, it is determined which internal lottery table among a plurality of internal lottery tables stored in the main lottery table storage area 1910 provided in the main ROM of the game information storage means 190a is used for the internal lottery. In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, three types of internal lottery tables (internal lottery table 1 to internal lottery table 3) as shown in FIG. 34 are stored in the main lottery table storage area 1910. And in each internal lottery table, various combinations such as replay, small winning combinations, and bonuses, as well as losses (non-winning), are associated with each of a plurality of random number values (for example, 65,536 random number values from 0 to 65,535). In the present embodiment, for six levels of setting values, three types of internal lottery tables are prepared for each setting value, and the probability of obtaining some winning modes in the internal lottery varies according to the setting value, and the correspondence relationship between the combination and the random number value is set so that the expected value of the payout rate increases as the setting value increases.

[0258] In the gaming machine of the present embodiment, small winning combinations 1 to 48 are prepared as small winning combinations, and as winning modes of the small winning combinations, as shown in FIGS. 35 and 36, batting order bell a group (batting order bell a1 to batting order bell a6), batting order bell b group (batting order bell b1 to batting order bell b6), batting order bell c group (batting order bell c1 to batting order bell c6), batting order bell d group (batting order bell d1 to batting order bell d6), batting order bell e group (batting order bell e1 to batting order bell e6), batting order special combination group (batting order special combination 1 to batting order special combination 16: an example of a specific winning mode), weak cherry, JAC1, and JAC2 are set.

[0259] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, replays 1 to 7 are provided as replays, and as shown in Figure 36, the winning patterns for replays are set as normal replay a, normal replay b, watermelon, chance symbol a, chance symbol b, and strong cherry.

[0260] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the probability of winning a minor role is the same in internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2, the probability of winning a replay is higher in internal lottery table 2 than in internal lottery table 1, replays are not included in the lottery in internal lottery table 3, and the lottery method for minor roles in internal lottery table 3 is different from that of internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2, and the probability of winning a minor role is higher in internal lottery table 3 than in internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2.

[0261] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a Big Bonus (BB) is provided as a bonus, and the Big Bonus (BB) is subject to drawing in the internal drawing table 1.

[0262] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the game state can be set to normal state, BB established state, and BB state, and in the lottery table selection process, one of internal lottery tables 1 to 3 is selected as the internal lottery table to be used for internal lottery depending on the game state.

[0263] In this embodiment, the probability of winning bonuses and replays does not change depending on the setting value, but the probability of winning some minor roles changes depending on the setting value, with the probability of winning JAC1 and JAC2 increasing as the setting value increases.

[0264] In the random number determination process, based on the start signal from the start switch 230, a random number value (random number for drawing) is obtained from the random number generation means 110 for each game, and the internal drawing table stored in the main drawing table storage area 1910 provided in the main ROM of the game information storage means 190a is referenced to determine whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the obtained random number value.

[0265] In the lottery flag setting process, based on the result of the random number determination process, the lottery flag corresponding to the winning role is set from a non-winning state (first flag state, off state) to a winning state (second flag state, on state). In the gaming machine of this embodiment, if two or more roles are won simultaneously, the lottery flag corresponding to each of the two or more roles that were won simultaneously is set to a winning state. The lottery flag setting information is stored in the lottery flag storage area 1915 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a.

[0266] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, there are two types of lottery flags: one that allows the winning state to be carried over to subsequent games until a win is achieved (carry-over flag), and another that resets to a non-winning state regardless of whether a win is achieved, without carrying over the winning state to subsequent games (carry-over non-flag). The former carry-over flag is associated with the Big Bonus (BB), while the latter carry-over non-flag is associated with the Small Win and Replay. In the lottery flag setting process, for example, if a Big Bonus (BB) is won in the internal lottery, the winning state of the Big Bonus (BB) lottery flag is carried over until a Big Bonus (BB) is achieved. At this time, the internal lottery means 120 also performs an internal lottery to determine the win or loss of Small Wins and Replays, even in games where the winning state of the Big Bonus (BB) lottery flag has been carried over. In other words, in the lottery flag setting process, in a game where the winning state of the bonus lottery flag associated with the carryover flag has been carried over, if a small win or replay is won, the lottery flags corresponding to two or more types of wins, consisting of the bonus lottery flag that has already been won and the small win or replay lottery flag that was won in the internal lottery, are set to the winning state.

[0267] The reel control means 130, based on a start signal from the start switch 230 which is activated when the player operates the start lever SL to start playing, starts the rotation drive of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 with a stepping motor, and controls the operation to enable the stopping operation by pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 (stop operation means) corresponding to the reels that are rotating steadily at a predetermined speed (approximately 80 rpm: a rotation speed of approximately 80 rotations per minute), and also controls the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, which are being rotated by the stepping motor, in a manner corresponding to the setting state of the lottery flag (result of the internal lottery).

[0268] Then, when the stop operation for stop buttons B1 to B3 is enabled, the reel control means 130, upon activation of the stop switch 240 by the player pressing stop buttons B1 to B3, supplies a drive pulse for full-phase excitation to the stepping motor of the reel unit 310 based on the reel stop signal from the stop switch 240, thereby controlling the stopping of each reel from the first reel R1 to the third reel R3.

[0269] In other words, each time one of the stop buttons B1 to B3 is pressed, the reel control means 130 determines the stopping position of the reel corresponding to the pressed button among the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, and controls the reel to stop at the determined stopping position. In this gaming machine, pressing stop button B1 corresponds to the operation to stop the first reel R1, pressing stop button B2 corresponds to the operation to stop the second reel R2, and pressing stop button B3 corresponds to the operation to stop the third reel R3. In other words, in this gaming machine, if the order in which the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed changes, the stopping order of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 changes.

[0270] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, for the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button stops within 190ms from the time the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed. When stopping the rotating reels within 190ms from the time the stop button is pressed, the stopping position of each rotating reel is determined within a range of 0 to 4 frames (a predetermined pull-in range) from the time the stop button is pressed until the reel stops. The reel control means 130 controls the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button so that, on the outer surface of the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button, if the symbol corresponding to the winning combination in the internal lottery is located within a range of 0 to 4 frames relative to the display position on the active line at the time the stop button is pressed, the symbol corresponding to the winning combination for which the lottery flag is set to a winning state is displayed at the display position on the active line.

[0271] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 37, the red 7 symbol "Red 7", the bar symbol "BAR", special symbol 1 "SP1", special symbol 2 "SP2", special symbol 3 "SP3", replay symbol "RP", bell symbol 1 "BL1", bell symbol 2 "BL2", watermelon symbol "WM", and cherry symbol "CH" are arranged on the outer circumferential surfaces of the first reels R1 to the third reels R3 that constitute the reel unit 310. When drawing symbols that are within 4 frames from the press detection position onto the active line, symbols arranged at intervals of 4 frames or less on the outer circumferential surface of each reel can be displayed on the active line regardless of the press detection position (an example of an operation detection position), which is the position of the reel at the time the stop switch 240 is activated (the time when the stop button is pressed). In this embodiment, the press detection position is the upper display position of each reel.

[0272] In this embodiment of the gaming machine, the reel unit 310 is equipped with a reel index 315 which is a photosensor, and the reel control means 130 can monitor the current rotation state of the reel by determining the rotation angle (number of rotation steps of the rotation axis of the stepping motor) from the reference position of the reel (the number of frames detected by the reel index 315) based on the reference position signal detected by the reel index 315 each time the reel rotates once. In other words, the reel control means 130 can obtain the position of the reel when the stop switch 240 is activated by determining the rotation angle of the reel from the reference position.

[0273] Furthermore, the reel control means 130 determines the stopping position of the rotating reel by referring to the stop control table stored in the stop control table storage area 1911 provided in the main ROM of the game information storage means 190a.

[0274] In the stop control table, the correspondence between the pressed position (the position of the reels at the time the stop switch 240 is activated, or the time the stop button is pressed) and the actual stop position is set according to the setting of the lottery flag. In addition, the stop control table may also set a correspondence between the pressed position and the number of sliding frames, which indicates the amount of rotation from the pressed position to the actual stop position, according to the setting of the lottery flag.

[0275] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, priority is set for small wins, replays, and bonuses in the order of "replay > bonus" and "small win > bonus," and the stop control table is set so that a stop position including the symbols that constitute the winning pattern of the highest priority win is selected according to the priority assigned to each win.

[0276] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, in the stop control table that is referred to when lottery flags related to a plurality of types of minor winning combinations are set to the winning state in an internal lottery, when the stop position is set according to the number of symbol combinations indicating winning forms that can be displayed on the active lines (number priority control: an example of the second control rule), and when the stop position is set according to the number of medals paid out based on the payout determined in advance for the minor winning combinations (payout number priority control: an example of the first control rule). When the stop position is set according to the number of symbol combinations indicating winning forms that can be displayed on the active lines, the stop position is set with respect to the pressing detection position so that the stop position where the number of symbol combinations indicating winning forms that can be displayed on the active lines increases is given higher priority. When the stop position is set according to the number of medals paid out, the stop position is set with respect to the pressing detection position so that the stop position where the number of medals paid out based on the payout of the minor winning combination corresponding to the symbol displayed at the display position on the active line increases (the stop position where a minor winning combination with a large payout can be won) is given higher priority. However, when the stop position is set according to the number of medals paid out, for a plurality of stop positions with the same number of medals paid out, the priority levels of each stop position are treated as the same and the stop position with respect to the pressing detection position is set. When the stop position is set according to the number of symbol combinations indicating winning forms that can be displayed on the active lines, for a plurality of stop positions with the same number of symbol combinations indicating winning forms that can be displayed on the active lines, the priority levels of each stop position are treated as the same and the stop position with respect to the pressing detection position is set.

[0277] And in the stop control table that is referred to when the batting order bell a group (batting order bell a1 to batting order bell a6), batting order bell b group (batting order bell b1 to batting order bell b6), batting order bell c group (batting order bell c1 to batting order bell c6), batting order bell d group (batting order bell d1 to batting order bell d6), and batting order bell e group (batting order bell e1 to batting order bell e8) win in the internal lottery, as shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, the correct batting order is set for each batting order bell, and a pressing order different from the correct batting order is treated as an incorrect batting order.

[0278] First, as shown in Figure 38, in the stop control table that is referenced when a batting order bell belonging to any of the batting order bell groups a to d is won, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that when stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in the correct batting order, a 15-coin small prize or a 1-coin small prize is awarded (there may be a missed prize if batting order 3 to 6 are the correct batting order). The stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that when stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in the incorrect batting order, a 1-coin small prize is awarded (there may be a missed prize if batting order 3 to 6 are the incorrect batting order).

[0279] In this embodiment, when a batting order bell belonging to any of the batting order bell groups a to d is won and the stop operation is performed in the correct batting order, whether or not a 15-coin prize is awarded is determined by the detection position of the stop operation (hereinafter referred to as the first stop operation) corresponding to the first reel that stops in the correct batting order. Whether or not a 15-coin prize is awarded is determined by whether the detection position of the first stop operation is the first press position or the second press position shown in Figure 37. Specifically, as shown in Figure 38, for the batting order bell group a and batting order bell group c, a 15-coin prize is awarded when the batting order is correct and the first stop operation is the second press position, but a 15-coin prize is not awarded when the batting order is correct but the first stop operation is the first press position. For the batting order bell group b and batting order bell group d, a 15-coin prize is awarded when the batting order is correct and the first stop operation is the first press position, but a 15-coin prize is not awarded when the batting order is correct but the first stop operation is the second press position.

[0280] Next, as shown in Figure 39, in the stop control table referenced when a batting order bell belonging to the batting order bell group e is won, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that a 15-coin prize is awarded when stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in the correct batting order, and the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that a 1-coin prize is awarded when stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in the incorrect batting order (there may be a missed prize if batting orders 3 to 6 are incorrect batting orders). Note that, unlike batting order bell groups a to d, the batting order bell group e is designed so that a 15-coin prize can be awarded regardless of the press detection position for the first stop operation in the correct batting order.

[0281] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 38 and 39, for all bell sequences, under normal circumstances, all stopping sequences are treated as incorrect sequences. Only when a Big Bonus (BB) is established are there sequences of stopping sequences that are treated as correct and sequences of stopping sequences that are treated as incorrect. For this reason, under normal circumstances, even if the stopping sequence is performed in a manner that would allow for the awarding of 15 small wins when a BB is established, only a 1-coin small win will be awarded.

[0282] Furthermore, when a bell is won in each batting order, the stopping position relative to the press detection position is set in each stop control table so that, in the case of a correct batting order, the symbols that constitute the winning combination of 15 coins are preferentially displayed on the active line due to payout priority control, and in the case of an incorrect batting order, the symbols that constitute the winning combination of 1 coin are preferentially displayed on the active line due to quantity priority control.

[0283] Furthermore, in the stop control table that is referenced when a special batting order role belonging to the special batting order role group (special batting order role 1 to special batting order role 16) is won in the internal lottery, as shown in Figure 40, if a specific batting order (a predetermined sequence of operations for each special batting order role) is selected and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed at a specific pressing position (a predetermined pressing position for each special batting order role: an example of a specific operation position), then a 15-coin small win (one of the specific small wins) is selected. For example, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that a prize is awarded. If it is a specific batting order and the press detection position of the first stop operation is a non-specific press position (a press detection position different from the specific press position), the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that a 1-coin prize is awarded. If it is a non-specific batting order (an operation order different from the specific batting order), the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that a 14-coin prize is awarded. Furthermore, the specific press positions shown in Figure 40 indicate the numbers of the symbols located in the upper row when the stop buttons are pressed. For example, the specific press positions 0 and 16 for the special batting order prize 1 shown in Figure 40 indicate the case where either the cherry symbol "CH" (number 0) or the watermelon symbol "WM" (number 16) is located in the upper row at the press detection position of the first reel R1, which is the first to be stopped in a specific batting order. In the following, the method of stopping the reels to award 15 small prizes when a special batting order combination is won may be referred to as the "specific operation method" as necessary.

[0284] Furthermore, when a special batting order win occurs, if it is a specific batting order, payout priority control is applied to the specific button press position, and symbols constituting the 15-coin winning combination are preferentially displayed on the active line. If the button press detection position is different from the specific button press position, quantity priority control is applied, and symbols constituting the 1-coin winning combination are preferentially displayed on the active line. If it is not a specific batting order, quantity priority control is applied, and symbols constituting the 14-coin winning combination are preferentially displayed on the active line. In other words, when a special batting order win occurs, payout priority control is applied only if it is a specific operation, and quantity priority control is applied if it is not a specific operation.

[0285] Furthermore, in the stop control table referenced when weak cherry 1 is won, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that small win 48 takes priority over small wins 29, 32, and 43. In the stop control table referenced when JAC1 is won, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that any of the 15-coin small wins will always be awarded. In the stop control table referenced when JAC1 is won, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that any of the 1-coin small wins will always be awarded.

[0286] Furthermore, for various replay winning patterns such as normal replay a, normal replay b, watermelon, chance eye a, chance eye b, and strong cherry, the stop position relative to the button press detection position is set so that one of the replays included in the winning pattern will always be awarded, regardless of the type of stop operation.

[0287] Furthermore, regarding the Big Bonus (BB), it can only be awarded if it is won alone in the normal state. When a BB is established, there are no misses, and a minor role or replay with a higher priority than the Big Bonus (BB) is always awarded at the same time. Therefore, the stop control table is set to prevent the Big Bonus (BB) from being awarded by setting the stop position relative to the button press detection position.

[0288] The prize determination means 140 performs a prize determination process to determine whether a winning combination has been achieved based on the stopping patterns of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. Specifically, while referring to the prize determination table stored in the prize determination table storage area 1912 provided in the main ROM of the game information storage means 190a, it determines whether the combination of symbols displayed on the active line when all of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 have stopped is a predetermined winning combination. The prize determination table is prepared so that, as shown in Figures 41 to 45, it can determine whether a Big Bonus (BB), Replay 1 to Replay 7, and Small Win 1 to Small Win 48 have been achieved based on the combination of symbols displayed on the active line when each reel has stopped. The prize determination means 140 is not limited to performing prize determination processing based on the stopping pattern of each reel (information on the actual stopping position of each reel). For example, it may perform prize determination processing based on the stopping position of each reel determined by the reel control means 130 (the expected stopping position of each reel during the stopping operation), or it may perform prize determination processing based on the actual stopping position of a reel that has already stopped and the expected stopping position (planned stopping position) of the reel for the third stopping operation. In this example, prize determination processing can be performed before all reels have stopped (when the stopping position of the reel corresponding to the third stopping operation has been determined).

[0289] In this embodiment of the gaming machine, if a winning combination is achieved based on the result of the winning determination means 140, a winning process is executed. For example, if a minor winning combination is achieved, the payout control means 150 performs a medal payout process; if a replay is achieved, the replay processing means 160 performs a replay process; and if a bonus is achieved, the game state control means 170 performs a game state transition process to change the game state.

[0290] The payout control means 150 performs payout control processing related to the payout of medals according to the game result. Specifically, when a minor win occurs, it determines the number of medals to be paid out in the game based on the predetermined payout for each win, and controls the hopper unit HP (payout device) to pay out the number of medals corresponding to the determined payout.

[0291] The hopper unit HP dispenses the number of medals specified by the dispensing control means 150. The hopper unit HP is equipped with a dispensing medal detection switch 325 that operates each time a medal is dispensed, and the dispensing control means 150 is configured to manage the number of medals actually dispensed from the hopper unit HP based on the input signal from the dispensing medal detection switch 325.

[0292] If medal credit storage (storage storage) is permitted, instead of actually dispensing medals by the hopper unit HP, a credit addition process is performed to virtually dispense medals by adding the number of payouts to the number of credits (number of medals stored as credits) stored in the credit information storage area 1914 of the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a.

[0293] The replay processing means 160 performs a replay process (re-play process) when a replay is awarded, which sets the machine to the same preparation state as the previous game without requiring the player to insert any tokens they possess for the next game. In other words, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a replay is awarded, an automatic insertion process is performed in which a number of tokens equivalent to the prescribed number required to play the next game is automatically inserted without using the player's tokens (including credit tokens), and the machine waits for the next game start operation by pressing the start lever SL with the number of active lines corresponding to the prescribed number of tokens inserted set.

[0294] As shown in Figure 46, the game state control means 170 performs a game state transition process to transition the game state between the normal state, the BB (Big Bonus) established state, and the BB state. In this embodiment, information indicating the current game state is stored in the game state storage area 1916 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a. The conditions for transitioning game states may be one condition or multiple conditions. If multiple conditions are defined, the game state can be transitioned to another game state based on the fulfillment of one of the multiple predetermined conditions, or on the fulfillment of all of the multiple predetermined conditions.

[0295] The normal state is the initial state among several types of game states, and it is possible to transition from the normal state to the BB established state or the BB state. Specifically, if a Big Bonus (BB) is won in the normal state but the Big Bonus (BB) is not awarded, the game transitions to the BB established state, and if a Big Bonus (BB) is won in the normal state and the Big Bonus (BB) is awarded, the game transitions to the BB state. In the normal state, the internal lottery is conducted by referring to internal lottery table 1, one of the internal lottery tables 1 to 3 shown in Figure 34, in which the probability of winning a replay is set to approximately 1 / 7.3 or higher and the Big Bonus (BB) is set as the target of the lottery.

[0296] The BB (Big Bonus) state is a game state that is entered when, in the normal state, a Big Bonus (BB) is selected in the internal lottery but is not awarded. In this state, an internal lottery is conducted referring to Internal Lottery Table 2, one of the Internal Lottery Tables 1 to 3 shown in Figure 34, where the probability of winning a replay is higher than that of Internal Lottery Table 1, resulting in no misses (failures), and Big Bonuses (BB) are excluded from the lottery.

[0297] Furthermore, in the Big Bonus (BB) established state, the lottery flag corresponding to the Big Bonus (BB) is maintained in a winning state until a Big Bonus (BB) is awarded. When a combination of symbols indicating the winning form of the Big Bonus (BB) is displayed on an active line, the game state control means 170 transitions the game state from the BB established state to the BB state.

[0298] The BB state is a game state that is entered when a combination of symbols indicating a Big Bonus (BB) win is displayed on an active payline. Of the internal lottery tables 1 to 3 shown in Figure 34, an internal lottery is conducted by referring to internal lottery table 3, which has a different method of drawing small wins than internal lottery tables 1 and 2.

[0299] In the BB state, the game state control means 170 determines whether the termination condition has been met based on the total number of medals dispensed during gameplay in the BB state. If it is determined that a predetermined number of medals (for example, 200 medals) has been dispensed, the game state control means 170 terminates the BB state and returns the game state to the normal state. In this embodiment, the count information regarding the number of medals dispensed in the BB state is stored in the game state storage area 1916.

[0300] As shown in Figure 47, the AT control means 175 changes the performance state between multiple types of performance states, including non-AT state, low AT probability state, AT state, and CZ state. Under predetermined conditions, it sets the performance state to the AT state (assist time state), determines whether the termination condition of the AT state is met based on the value of the AT game counter 1919, and controls the termination of the AT state when the termination condition of the AT state is met. In this embodiment, information indicating the current performance state is stored in the performance state storage area 1917 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the player is in AT state, the AT control means 175 displays information corresponding to the correct batting order (at least one of the correct batting order and the pressing position) on the main display 300, which consists of a 7-segment display provided on the game information display unit DS, when a batting order bell is won (an example of operation instruction information), thereby assisting in winning 15-coin small wins (small wins 1 to 20). Additionally, the performance control means 180 displays an image corresponding to the correct batting order (at least one of the correct batting order and the pressing position) on the liquid crystal display LCD when a batting order bell is won (a prize-winning assistance performance), which assists in winning 15-coin small wins (small wins 1 to 20). This enables the player to play an assist time game (an example of an assistance game) in which it is easier to win medals than when playing in a non-AT state.

[0301] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 48, the AT control means 175 allows setting a normal section (non-advantageous section) and an advantageous section. In the normal section, the performance state is fixed to the initial non-AT state, and a lottery for transitioning to the advantageous section is performed. If the lottery for transitioning to the advantageous section is won, the advantageous section is started, and the performance state can be set to the AT state, provided that the player is in the advantageous section. In the gameplay of the normal section, if the game state is the normal state or the BB established state, the AT control means 175 performs a lottery for transitioning to the advantageous section based on whether the internal lottery has resulted in a winning pattern of one of the following: batting order bell 1 to batting order bell 24, batting order special role group a to batting order special role group d, weak cherry, normal replay a, watermelon, chance eye a, chance eye b, or strong cherry. In this embodiment, if the winning pattern includes JAC1, normal replay b, or big bonus (BB) in the normal state or BB established state, the lottery for transitioning to the advantageous section is not performed.

[0302] In the advantageous section transition lottery, the random number obtained for the internal lottery is compared with the advantageous section transition lottery table stored in the main lottery table storage area 1910, and it is determined whether or not the player has won the advantageous section transition lottery (won the advantageous section) based on the comparison result. In the advantageous section transition lottery table, the random number for the internal lottery, which is associated with each winning type that triggers the execution of the advantageous section transition lottery, is assigned either an advantageous section win or a loss. If the random number obtained for the internal lottery is associated with a winning type that triggers the execution of the advantageous section transition lottery, and is also associated with an advantageous section win in the advantageous section transition lottery table, it is determined that the player has won the advantageous section transition lottery.

[0303] The AT control means 175, upon winning the advantageous section transition lottery in the normal section, performs the advantageous section transition process based on the fact that it has won the advantageous section transition lottery, and starts the advantageous section from the next game after the game in which the advantageous section transition lottery was won. In this embodiment, if the result of the advantageous section transition lottery is a win, the performance state is transitioned to the AT low probability state in the advantageous section transition process. Alternatively, there may be two or more winning patterns for the advantageous section transition lottery, and the system may decide whether to transition the performance state to the AT low probability state or the AT state in the advantageous section transition process.

[0304] The AT control means 175 then performs an AT lottery for each game when the performance state in the advantageous section is in the AT low probability state or CZ state. In the normal state, the AT lottery is performed based on the fact that the internal lottery has obtained one of the following winning patterns: batting order bells belonging to batting order bell group a to batting order bell group e, batting order special role belonging to batting order special role group, weak cherry, normal replay a, normal replay b, watermelon, chance eye a, chance eye b, strong cherry, JAC1 + Big Bonus (BB), or Big Bonus (BB). In the BB established state, the AT lottery is performed based on the fact that the internal lottery has obtained one of the following winning patterns: batting order bells belonging to batting order bell group a to batting order bell group e, batting order special role belonging to batting order special role group, weak cherry, normal replay a, normal replay b, watermelon, chance eye a, chance eye b, strong cherry, or JAC1. In BB state, the AT lottery is conducted based on whether either JAC1 or JAC2 is won, or whether the result of the internal lottery is a loss (not won).

[0305] In the AT lottery, the random number obtained for the internal lottery is compared with the AT lottery table stored in the main lottery table storage area 1910, and it is determined whether or not the AT lottery has been won based on the comparison result. In the AT lottery table, the random number obtained for the internal lottery is assigned either an AT win or a loss, and if the random number obtained for the internal lottery is associated with an AT win in the AT lottery table, it is determined that the AT lottery has been won. In this embodiment, the probability of winning an AT differs between the low AT probability state and the CZ state, with the probability of winning an AT being higher in the CZ state than in the low AT probability state. Also in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 48, the execution of the AT lottery is prohibited when in the normal section, and the AT lottery is executed only when in the advantageous section.

[0306] Furthermore, the AT control means 170 performs an AT lottery before the stop operation for the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 is activated. In the case of an AT lottery when a special batting order role is won, an AT lottery is performed if the first stop operation is a specific batting order and the detection position of the first stop operation is not a specific press position. If the first stop operation is a specific batting order and the detection position of the first stop operation is a specific press position, an invalidation process is performed to invalidate the result of the AT lottery as a penalty for the current game. The AT control means 170 also performs an invalidation process when a special batting order role is won and the first stop operation is not a specific batting order. In the invalidation process, for example, it may be treated as if no AT lottery was performed, or the result of the AT lottery may be rewritten to a loss regardless of the actual result, or the processing based on the result of the AT lottery after the first stop operation may be canceled. Alternatively, the trigger for the AT lottery may be set to occur after the first stop operation only when a special winning combination is won. The AT lottery may be performed if the first stop operation is in a specific order and the detected press position of the first stop operation is not a specific press position, while the AT lottery may not be performed if the first stop operation is in a specific order and the detected press position of the first stop operation is a specific press position, or if the first stop operation is not in a specific order. Alternatively, the trigger for the AT lottery may be set to occur after the first stop operation not only when a special winning combination is won, and the decision on whether or not to perform the AT lottery may be made based on the result of the first stop operation only when a special winning combination is won.

[0307] Furthermore, the processing related to the AT lottery according to the manner of stopping when a special batting order role is won is not limited to invalidation processing, and the degree of advantage in the AT lottery may differ. For example, if the manner of stopping allows for the winning of a 1-coin role, a more advantageous AT lottery may be conducted than if the manner of stopping allows for the winning of a 14-coin or 15-coin role. Conversely, if the manner of stopping allows for the winning of a 1-coin role, a less advantageous AT lottery may be conducted than if the manner of stopping allows for the winning of a 14-coin or 15-coin role. In addition, even when a special batting order role is won, an AT lottery with the same degree of advantage may be conducted regardless of the manner of stopping.

[0308] If the AT lottery in the low AT probability state results in an AT win, the AT control means 175 controls the transition of the performance state from the low AT probability state to the AT state. Also, based on the fact that the AT win lottery result has been obtained, the AT control means 175 adds a fixed value of "1" to the AT stock counter 1918, and when the performance state transitions to the AT state upon the end of the game, it subtracts a fixed value of "1" from the AT stock counter 1920 and sets a value of "50" corresponding to the 50 games played that constitute the end condition of the AT state to the AT game counter 1919.

[0309] The AT control means 175 then causes an assist time game to be played based on the performance state being the AT state, and each time an assist time game is played, a fixed value "1" equivalent to one game is subtracted from the value of the AT game counter 1919. In this embodiment, when a batting order bell belonging to batting order bell group a to batting order bell group d is won, a correct batting order notification and prize-winning assistance performance are performed, which notify the correct batting order and the pressing position related to the first stop operation. When a batting order bell belonging to batting order bell group e is won, a correct batting order notification and prize-winning assistance performance are performed, which notify the correct batting order.

[0310] In this embodiment, when the AT control means 175 notifies the correct batting order for batting order bell groups a to d, the main display 300 displays information corresponding to the correct batting order and the pressing position for the first stop operation. Specifically, an operation instruction number is set for each combination of the correct batting order and the pressing position for the first stop operation, and the main display 300 displays "01" (batting order 1 and second pressing position), "02" (batting order 2 and second pressing position), "03" using a 7-segment display. One of the following operation instruction numbers will be displayed: (batting order 3 and second press position), "04" (batting order 4 and second press position), "05" (batting order 5 and second press position), "06" (batting order 6 and second press position), "07" (batting order 1 and first press position), "08" (batting order 2 and first press position), "09" (batting order 3 and first press position), "10" (batting order 4 and first press position), "11" (batting order 5 and first press position), or "12" (batting order 6 and first press position).

[0311] In this embodiment, when the AT control means 175 provides notification of the correct batting order for the batting order bell group e, the main display 300 displays information corresponding to the correct batting order. Specifically, an operation instruction number is set for each correct batting order, and the main display 300 displays one of the operation instruction numbers "13" (batting order 3), "14" (batting order 4), "15" (batting order 5), or "16" (batting order 6) using a 7-segment display.

[0312] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when it is an advantageous period and the performance state is not AT state, if a special batting order role belonging to the special batting order role group is won, a specific batting order notification and a prize-winning assistance performance are performed to notify the player of the specific batting order. However, in this embodiment, when it is an advantageous period and the performance state is AT state, the specific batting order notification and prize-winning assistance performance related to special batting order roles are not performed. In AT state, even if the stop operation is performed with a non-specific batting order, no penalty processing unfavorable to the player is performed, so even if no notification is given when a special batting order role is won in AT state, if the stop operation is performed with a non-specific batting order, the player can be sure to win a 14-coin prize and increase their number of medals.

[0313] In this embodiment, when the AT control means 175 provides notification of a specific batting order, information corresponding to the specific batting order is displayed on the main display 300. Specifically, an operation instruction number is set for each specific batting order, and the main display 300 displays one of the operation instruction numbers "13" (batting order 3), "14" (batting order 4), "15" (batting order 5), or "16" (batting order 6) using a 7-segment display. In this embodiment, batting orders 3, 4, 5, and 6 are the specific batting orders for any of the special batting order roles, so an arbitrary operation instruction number determined by lottery in the game in which the special batting order role is won is displayed on the main display 300.

[0314] Furthermore, when the performance state is in the AT state during the advantageous section, the AT control means 175 performs an additional win lottery based on whether a weak cherry, watermelon, chance eye a, chance eye b, or strong cherry has been won in the internal lottery. In the additional win lottery, the random value obtained for the internal lottery is compared with the additional win lottery table stored in the main lottery table storage area 1910, and it is determined whether or not the additional win lottery has been won according to the comparison result. In the additional win lottery table, an additional win or a loss is assigned to the random value for the internal lottery that corresponds to the winning pattern that triggers the additional win lottery, and it is determined that the additional win lottery has been won if the random value obtained for the internal lottery is associated with one of the weak cherry, watermelon, chance eye a, chance eye b, or strong cherry, and is associated with an additional win in the additional win lottery table. In this embodiment, the AT control means 175 adds a fixed value "1" to the AT stock counter 1918 based on the fact that it has obtained an additional win lottery result in the additional win lottery.

[0315] The AT control means 175 determines that the conditions for ending the AT state have been met when the value of the AT game counter 1919, which is deducted by a fixed amount each time an assist time game is played, reaches its initial value of "0", and sets the performance state to the CZ state. In this embodiment, when the AT control means 175 transitions the performance state to the CZ state, it sets the number of games required to end the CZ state to 50, and sets the value "50", which corresponds to the set number of games, to the CZ game counter 1921.

[0316] Furthermore, in the CZ state of this embodiment, even if a batting order bell belonging to batting order bell group a to batting order bell group e is won, no correct batting order notification or prize-winning assistance animation is performed, resulting in a medal acquisition performance where the player's medals decrease only gradually (expected payout rate is less than 100%). In addition, in this embodiment, the medal acquisition performance in the AT state is significantly higher than in the CZ state, with a net increase of approximately 8 medals per game (expected payout rate of approximately 367%).

[0317] The AT control means 175 then subtracts a fixed value "1" equivalent to one game from the CZ game counter 1921 each time a game is played in the CZ state. When the value of the CZ game counter 1921 reaches the initial value "0", it determines that the conditions for ending the CZ state have been met and determines the destination state of the performance based on the value of the AT stock counter 1918. Specifically, if the value of the AT stock counter 1918 is greater than the initial value "0", the destination performance state is set to the AT state. If the value of the AT stock counter 1918 is the initial value "0", the destination performance state is set to the AT low probability state.

[0318] In the CZ state, as described above, an AT lottery is held. However, even if an AT win is obtained in this lottery, only the value of the AT stock counter 1918 increases. As long as the player remains in the advantageous section, the player will not transition to any other performance state until at least the conditions for ending the CZ state (the value of the CZ game counter 1921 reaches its initial value of "0") are met. However, if an AT lottery is won in the CZ state, the CZ state may be terminated based on the fact that the AT lottery was won.

[0319] In this embodiment, the AT control means 175 sets the value of the first clear counter 1922 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a to a predetermined value "1" during the advantageous section transition process. In the advantageous section, an increment update is performed by adding a fixed value (for example, 1) corresponding to one game to the value of the first clear counter 1922 each time a game is played. When the value of the first clear counter 1922 exceeds a threshold (for example, 1500) (when the value of the first clear counter 1922 reaches "1501"), it is determined that the conditions for ending the advantageous section have been met. In this embodiment, the update of the first clear counter 1922 is performed after all the spinning reels in each game have stopped. However, the update of the first clear counter 1922 may be performed at any trigger, as long as it is predetermined for each game. For example, the game start operation on the start lever SL may be used as the trigger for the update.

[0320] In this embodiment, the AT control means 175 sets the value of the second clear counter 1923 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a to the initial value "0" during the advantageous section transition process. In the advantageous section, the value of the second clear counter 1923 is updated by the difference in the number of medals in each game. The value corresponding to the number of medals paid out (for example, "15" if 15 medals were paid out, and "0" if no winning combinations were achieved and no payouts were made) is subtracted by the number of medals inserted into the game (3 medals) to obtain the calculation result for the difference in the number of medals in that game. This calculation result is then added to the value of the second clear counter 1923 in an update process. The AT control means 175 also determines that the conditions for ending the advantageous section have been met if the value of the second clear counter 1923 exceeds a threshold (for example, 2400). Furthermore, the difference in the number of tokens in the advantageous period, which is counted by the second clear counter 1923, starts counting from a base of 0 tokens when the advantageous period begins (after the advantageous period transition process), and even if the value of the second clear counter 1923 falls below the initial value "0", the count of the difference in tokens continues, and negative amounts are also counted as they are. For this reason, in this embodiment, it is possible to acquire more than a predetermined amount of 2400 tokens from the lowest point of the difference in tokens in one advantageous period. For example, if the lowest point is -600 tokens, it is possible to acquire 3000 tokens (=600 tokens + 2400 tokens) + α (for example, if a 15-token small win occurs in the next game after the game in which the difference in tokens reached +2400 tokens, 12 tokens (=15 tokens - 3 tokens) can be acquired). Furthermore, if a replay is awarded during gameplay, the game in which the replay was awarded is treated as if a payout equivalent to the prescribed number of tokens for that game had been made, and the difference in tokens is calculated accordingly. For the next game, which is provided free of charge due to the replay award, even if no actual tokens have been inserted, it is treated as if a payout equivalent to the prescribed number of tokens for that game had been made, and the difference in tokens is calculated accordingly.

[0321] Furthermore, during the advantageous period, unless the conditions for ending the advantageous period are met, the first clear counter 1922 and the second clear counter 1923 will be updated even if a transition occurs in the game state or performance state.

[0322] Furthermore, the AT control means 175 performs initialization processing to initialize the information stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a based on the end of the advantageous period. In particular, with respect to the main RAM of the game information storage means 190, the information stored in the performance state storage area 1917, the AT stock count counter 1918, the AT game count counter 1919, the CZ game count counter 1921, the first clear counter 1922, and the second clear counter 1923 is initialized by the initialization processing that accompanies the end of the advantageous period. More specifically, storage areas other than the performance state storage area 1917, the AT stock count counter 1918, the AT game count counter 1919, the CZ game count counter 1921, the first clear counter 1922, and the second clear counter 1923 in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a are designated as information holding areas, and the information stored in storage areas other than the information holding areas of the main RAM is initialized. Therefore, when initialization processing is performed due to the end of the advantageous period, unlike when initialization processing is performed in setting change mode, in addition to the setting value storage area 1913 and the credit information storage area 1914, the lottery flag storage area 1915 and the game state storage area 1916 are also designated as information retention areas, and the information stored in these storage areas is retained without being initialized by the initialization processing due to the end of the advantageous period. When initialization processing is performed due to the end of the advantageous period, the performance state is initialized to the non-AT state, and the values ​​of the AT stock counter 1918, AT game counter 1919, CZ game counter 1921, first clear counter 1922, and second clear counter 1923 are initialized to their initial values ​​(for example, 0), and the game returns to the normal period.

[0323] In this embodiment, an initialization process is performed upon the end of the advantageous period to return to the normal period. Therefore, if the value of the first clear counter 1922 or the second clear counter 1923 exceeds a threshold while in the AT state, the initialization process upon the end of the advantageous period forces the AT state to terminate and the performance state is initialized to the non-AT state. At the same time, the values ​​of the AT stock counter 1918, AT game counter 1919, CZ game counter 1921, first clear counter 1922, and second clear counter 1923 are initialized to their initial values ​​(for example, 0). Furthermore, if the value of the first clear counter 1922 or the second clear counter 1923 exceeds a threshold while in any other performance state, the current performance state is forcibly terminated by the initialization process accompanying the end of the advantageous section, and the performance state is initialized to a non-AT state. At the same time, the values ​​of the AT stock counter 1918, AT game counter 1919, CZ game counter 1921, first clear counter 1922, and second clear counter 1923 are initialized to their initial values ​​(for example, 0). In this embodiment, the performance state is not initialized by turning the power on / off, but if the system is started in setting change mode and initialization processing is performed in setting change mode, the performance state is initialized to a non-AT state, and the values ​​of the AT stock counter 1918, AT game counter 1919, CZ game counter 1921, first clear counter 1922, and second clear counter 1923 are initialized to their initial values ​​(for example, 0).

[0324] In this embodiment, the advantageous section is started when the advantageous section transition lottery is won in the normal section, and within the advantageous section, the performance state is set to the AT state under predetermined conditions and the assist time game is played. However, even if the AT state ends, the advantageous section is maintained as long as the conditions for ending the advantageous section are not met. In other words, in this embodiment, since the advantageous section continues even after the AT state ends, there are cases where the player remains in the advantageous section even if the performance state transitions from the AT state to a performance state different from the AT state.

[0325] The performance control means 180 controls display performances performed using the display device 330 (an example of a performance device) and sound performances performed using the sound device 340 (an example of a performance device) based on performance data stored in the performance data storage area 1926 provided in the sub-ROM of the performance information storage means 190b. For example, in response to the occurrence of game events such as inserting medals, operations on the bet button B0, start lever SL, stop buttons B1 to B3, and changes in the game state, it controls the execution of performances to enhance or assist the game according to the progress of the game by lighting or flashing lamps and LEDs, changing the display content of the liquid crystal display LCD, or outputting sound from the speaker SP. The content of the performances to be performed in the game is determined by referring to the performance lottery table stored in the sub-lottery table storage area 1927 provided in the sub-ROM of the performance information storage means 190b, according to the game state, performance state, results of internal lottery, etc. In this embodiment, image data corresponding to the progress of the game is read from the sub-ROM's performance data storage area 1926 into an image buffer 1928 provided in the sub-RAM, and an image based on the image data read into the image buffer 1928 is output to the liquid crystal display LCD. Sound data corresponding to the progress of the game is read from the sub-ROM's performance data storage area 1926 into a sound buffer 1929 provided in the sub-RAM, and sound based on the sound data read into the sound buffer 1929 is output from the speaker SP.

[0326] The performance control means 180 then controls the display device 330 and sound device 340 to execute a prize-winning assistance performance that assists in winning 15-coin prizes (prize 1 to prize 20) by notifying the correct batting order and the pressing position related to the first stop operation when a batting order bell belonging to batting order bell group a to batting order bell group d is won, when the performance state is AT state.

[0327] Furthermore, when the performance state is in AT state, the performance control means 180 controls the display device 330 and sound device 340 to execute a prize-winning assistance performance that notifies the correct batting order when a batting order bell belonging to the batting order bell group e is won, and assists in winning a 15-coin prize (prize 3 to prize 6, prize 9, prize 10, prize 15, prize 16).

[0328] Furthermore, the performance control means 180 controls the display device 330 and sound device 340 to execute a prize-winning assistance performance that assists in winning a 15-coin prize (prize 21) by notifying the target of the first stop operation in a specific batting order when a batting order special role belonging to the batting order special role group is won.

[0329] Furthermore, the performance control means 180 controls the execution of a remaining count display performance, which displays the remaining number of games until the AT state or CZ state ends on the display device 330, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), when the game is being played in AT state or CZ state. In the remaining count display performance, when the value of the AT game counter 1919 or CZ game counter 1921 is decreased by playing the game, the display content is changed so that the remaining number of games decreases to reflect that decrease.

[0330] Furthermore, the performance control means 180, when it obtains an AT win result in the AT lottery performed in the CZ state, withholds notification that it has the right to transition to the AT state until the final game of the CZ state (the game in which the value of the CZ game counter 1921 becomes the initial value "0"). If the value of the AT stock counter 1918 is greater than the initial value "0" in the final game of the CZ state, it controls the display device 330 and sound device 340 to execute an AT confirmation performance that notifies that it has the right to transition to the AT state.

[0331] The functional block configuration of this embodiment can also be applied to computer systems (including game systems). In these systems, the function of the computer can be realized by downloading a program that enables the computer to function as the game control means 100 of this embodiment from an information storage medium such as a CD or DVD, or from a web server on the internet via a network. In the above computer system, the medal insertion switch 210, bet switch 220, start switch 230, stop switch 240, etc., can be realized by virtually assigning their functions to operating means such as a keyboard, pointing device (mouse, etc.), touch panel, or controller. In the above computer system, the reel unit 310, hopper unit HP, etc., are not essential configuration requirements, and the functions of these device units can be virtually realized by controlling the images displayed on the display (display device 330).

[0332] 2-2. Method of this embodiment In this embodiment, there is a group of special batting order winning combinations (special batting order combination 1 to special batting order combination 16) as ways to win minor roles. When a special batting order combination is won, the method of stopping the machine is changed so that the possibility of winning the 15-coin minor role included in the special batting order combination changes depending on whether the button press detection position of the first stop operation is a specific button press position predetermined according to the type of special batting order combination. Below, we will explain in detail using the case where special batting order combination 5 is won as an example, referring to Figures 49 to 52.

[0333] First, let's explain the composition of the special batting order role 5. Figure 49 shows the types of minor roles that make up the special batting order role 5.

[0334] As shown in Figure 49, the special batting order combination 5 consists of a 15-coin combination (combination 21), a 14-coin combination (combination 22), and four types of 1-coin combinations (combination 23, combination 29, combination 46, and combination 47). The specific batting order is set to batting order 3 through batting order 6, and the specific button press position is set to 4.

[0335] Figure 50 illustrates the case in a game where special batting order combination 5 is won, and the stopping operation is performed with the first reel R1 as the first stop.

[0336] First, as shown in Figure 50(A), if the stop button B1 is pressed at the point where the third replay symbol "RP" is positioned in the upper position for the rotating first reel R1, then in the special batting order role 5, the order of stopping operations that makes the first reel R1 the first stop corresponds to a non-specific batting order.

[0337] In this embodiment, if the first stop operation is not a specific batting order when a special batting order win occurs, the stopping position is determined by number priority control so that the number of symbol combinations indicating winning patterns that can be displayed on the active line is maximized. Among the symbols within the pull-in range for the press detection position of number 3, the number of symbol combinations is maximized at 7 when the bell symbol 1 "BL1" is displayed, and as shown in Figure 50(B), the first reel R1 is stopped at the position where the bell symbol 1 "BL1" of number 2 is displayed on the upper row. At the moment the first reel R1 stops, the minor roles included in the special batting order win 5 that have the potential to be won are minor roles 22, 23, and 46.

[0338] Next, when stopping the second reel R2 and the third reel R3, the stopping position is determined by payout priority control to maximize the number of medals dispensed. For this reason, the winning of the small prize 22, which has the highest payout among small prizes 22, 23, and 46, is given priority. The symbols that make up the winning pattern for small prize 22 are arranged so that they can be displayed on the active line regardless of the press detection position on the second reel R2 and the third reel R3. As a result, as shown in Figure 50(C), the second reel R2 and the third reel R3 stop in a manner that results in the winning of small prize 22.

[0339] Figure 51 illustrates the case in a game where special batting order combination 5 is won, and the stopping operation is performed with the second reel R2 as the first stop.

[0340] First, as shown in Figure 51(A), if the stop button B2 is pressed at the point where the fourth bar symbol "BAR" is positioned in the upper position on the rotating second reel R2, then in the special batting order role 5, the order of stopping operations that makes the second reel R2 the first stop corresponds to a specific batting order.

[0341] In this embodiment, when a special batting order win occurs and the first stop operation is a specific batting order, the control method differs depending on whether the button press detection position of the first stop operation is a specific button press position. The specific button press position for special batting order win 5 is position 4, and in the example shown in Figure 51(A), the button press detection position of the first stop operation is position 4, which corresponds to a specific button press position, and the stop position is determined by payout priority control to maximize the number of medals paid out. Here, among the small wins included in special batting order win 5, the one with the highest payout is the 15-coin small win 21, and as shown in Figure 51(B), the second reel R2 stops at the position where the watermelon symbol "WM" at position 3 is displayed in the middle. At the moment the second reel R2 stops, the small wins included in special batting order win 5 that have the potential to be won are small win 21 and small win 46.

[0342] Next, when stopping the first reel R1 and the third reel R3, the stopping position is determined by payout priority control to maximize the number of medals dispensed. For this reason, the display of the watermelon symbol "WM", which constitutes the winning pattern for the highest-paying small win 21 among the small wins 21 and 46, is prioritized. Since the watermelon symbol "WM", which constitutes the winning pattern for small win 21, is arranged so that it can be displayed on the active line regardless of the press detection position on the first reel R1 and the third reel R3, the first reel R1 and the third reel R3 stop in a manner that results in the winning pattern for small win 21, as shown in Figure 51(C).

[0343] Next, as shown in Figure 51(D), if the stop button B2 is pressed at the point where the watermelon symbol "WM" (number 3) is positioned in the upper position on the rotating second reel R2, then in this case the second reel R2 is also considered the first stop, and thus it corresponds to a specific batting order.

[0344] In the example shown in Figure 51(D), the press detection position for the first stop operation is number 3, which does not correspond to a specific press position. Therefore, the stop position is determined by number-priority control so that the number of symbol combinations indicating winning patterns that can be displayed on the active line is maximized. Among the symbols within the pull-in range for the press detection position of number 3, displaying the watermelon symbol "WM" results in the maximum number of symbol combinations, which is 5. As shown in Figure 51(E), the second reel R2 is stopped at the position where the watermelon symbol "WM" at position 3 is displayed in the middle. At the moment the second reel R2 stops, the minor roles included in the special role 5 of the batting order that have the potential to result in a win are minor role 21 and minor role 46.

[0345] Next, when stopping the first reel R1 and the third reel R3, the stopping position is determined by a number-priority control system to maximize the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line, indicating a winning pattern. For this reason, when stopping the first reel R1 second, priority is given to displaying either the bell symbol 1 "BL1" or the bell symbol 2 "BL2", which have a symbol combination of 2. When stopping the third reel R3 second, priority is given to displaying either the cherry symbol "CH" or the special symbol 2 "SP2", which also have a symbol combination of 2. Furthermore, the first reel R1 is arranged so that either bell symbol 1 "BL1" or bell symbol 2 "BL2" can be displayed on the active line regardless of the press detection position, and the third reel R3 is arranged so that either cherry symbol "CH" or special symbol 2 "SP2" can be displayed on the active line regardless of the press detection position. As a result, when either the first reel R1 or the third reel R3 stops second, only the small win 46 can be awarded, and as shown in Figure 51(F), the first reel R1 and the third reel R3 stop in a manner that awards the small win 46.

[0346] Figure 52 illustrates the case where, in a game in which special batting order combination 5 is won, the stopping operation is performed with the third reel R3 as the first stop.

[0347] First, as shown in Figure 52(A), if the stop button B3 is pressed at the point where the fourth bar symbol "BAR" is positioned in the upper position for the rotating third reel R3, then in the special batting order role 5, the order of stopping operations that makes the third reel R3 the first stop corresponds to a specific batting order.

[0348] The specific button press position for special batting order role 5 is position 4. In the example shown in Figure 52(A), the button press detection position for the first stop operation is position 4, which corresponds to the specific button press position. The stop position is determined by payout priority control to maximize the number of medals dispensed. Among the small wins included in special batting order role 5, the one with the highest payout is small win 21, which pays 15 medals. As shown in Figure 52(B), the third reel R3 stops at the position where the watermelon symbol "WM" at position 2 is displayed on the bottom row. At the moment the third reel R3 stops, the small wins included in special batting order role 5 that have a chance of being awarded are small win 21, small win 22, and small win 47.

[0349] Next, when stopping the first reel R1 and the second reel R2, the stopping position is determined by payout priority control to maximize the number of medals dispensed. For this reason, the display of the watermelon symbol "WM", which constitutes the winning pattern for small win 21, the highest payout among small wins 21, 22, and 47, is prioritized. Since the watermelon symbol "WM", which constitutes the winning pattern for small win 21, is arranged so that it can be displayed on the active line regardless of the press detection position on the first reel R1 and the second reel R2, the first reel R1 and the second reel R2 stop in a manner that results in the winning pattern for small win 21, as shown in Figure 52(C).

[0350] Next, as shown in Figure 52(D), if the stop button B3 is pressed at the point where the second watermelon symbol "WM" is located in the upper position of the rotating third reel R3, then in this case the third reel R3 is also considered the first stop, and thus it corresponds to a specific batting order.

[0351] In the example shown in Figure 52(D), the press detection position for the first stop operation is number 2, so it does not correspond to a specific press position. Therefore, the stop position is determined by number-priority control so that the number of symbol combinations indicating winning patterns that can be displayed on the active line is maximized. Here, among the symbols within the pull-in range for the press detection position of number 2, the number of symbol combinations is greatest when the watermelon symbol "WM" is displayed, resulting in 7 symbols. As shown in Figure 52(E), the third reel R3 is stopped at the position where the watermelon symbol "WM" at number 2 is displayed on the lower row. At the moment the third reel R3 stops, the small wins included in the special win 5 of the batting order that have the potential to result in a win are small win 21, small win 22, and small win 47.

[0352] Next, when stopping the first reel R1 and the second reel R2, the stopping position is determined by number-priority control so that the number of symbol combinations indicating winning patterns that can be displayed on the active line is maximized. For this reason, when the first reel R1 is stopped second, the display of the cherry symbol "CH" or special symbol 2 "SP2", which have a number of symbol combinations of 2, is prioritized, and when the second reel R2 is stopped second, the display of the cherry symbol "CH", special symbol 2 "SP2", or replay symbol "RP", which have a number of symbol combinations of 2, is prioritized. In this embodiment, although the replay symbol "RP" on the third reel R3 is a symbol that constitutes the winning pattern of the 14-coin winning pattern 22, priority is given to the winning pattern of the 1-coin winning pattern 47, which has the same number of symbols. Furthermore, the arrangement of the first reel R1 and the second reel R2 allows either the cherry symbol "CH" or the special symbol 2 "SP2" to be displayed on the active line regardless of the pressed position. Therefore, when either the first reel R1 or the second reel R2 is stopped second, only the small win 47 can be awarded, and as shown in Figure 52(F), the first reel R1 and the second reel R2 stop in a manner that awards the small win 47.

[0353] According to the embodiment described above, in a game in which a special batting order win occurs, if the press detection position of the first stop operation is a specific press position, the reel stop position is determined by payout priority control to allow the 15-coin small win to occur. If the press detection position of the first stop operation is different from the specific press position, the reel stop position is determined by quantity priority control to avoid the 15-coin small win. In this way, the possibility of winning the 15-coin small win in a game in which a special batting order win occurs is influenced by the press detection position. Therefore, the rate of winning the 15-coin small win can be controlled simply by changing the setting of the specific press position, thereby improving the design flexibility of the gaming machine.

[0354] Specifically, in this embodiment, a unique specific button press position is assigned to each of the 16 types of special batting order roles, resulting in 16 different ways of setting the specific button press position. In this embodiment, when a special batting order role is won during the advantageous period when the AT state is not active, the specific batting order is notified, but the specific button press position is unknown to the player. Therefore, in this embodiment, the expected value of the probability of winning the 15-coin prize at a specific batting order when a special batting order role is won can be set to 1 / 16. Furthermore, it is possible to have fewer configurations for setting the specific button press position than in this embodiment. For example, if 10 types of special batting order roles are provided and two unique specific button press positions are assigned to each special batting order role, then 10 different configurations for setting the specific button press position can be provided, and in this way the expected value of the probability of winning the 15-coin prize can be set to 1 / 10. Furthermore, the number of ways to set specific pressing positions can be increased beyond that of this embodiment. For example, by providing 20 types of special batting order roles and assigning one specific pressing position to each of these roles, 20 different ways to set specific pressing positions can be provided. In this way, the expected value of the winning rate for the 15-coin role can be set to 1 / 20. Thus, according to the method of this embodiment, the expected value of the winning rate can be controlled by the setting of specific pressing positions, thereby increasing the design freedom of the gaming machine. In addition, in this embodiment, the control rule is switched using the pressing detection position, which also leads to increased design freedom for the outcome (stopping patterns).

[0355] The method of this embodiment is optimal when the target role whose winning rate is controlled is set to a combination of symbols that can be drawn in regardless of the pressing detection position on any reel. It is preferable that if the stopping operation is not performed at a specific pressing position, the winning combination will be such that a role with a lower payout than the target role can be drawn in by prioritizing the number of roles. Furthermore, when determining the configuration of special roles in the batting order, the target role whose winning rate is controlled and the role that is awarded when the pressing position is not specific can be fixed, so it is possible to implement this without unnecessarily increasing the number of roles, and it also leads to saving memory usage.

[0356] In this embodiment, we have explained the case where the stopping control is changed by determining whether the first reel to stop at a specific pressing position is reached when a special batting order win occurs. However, the stopping control may also be changed by determining whether the second reel to stop at a specific pressing position is reached at the second reel to stop at a specific position or at the third reel to stop at a specific position.

[0357] In this embodiment, the determination of whether a specific press position is reached is made for the first reel to stop among the three reels. However, the stopping control method may be changed by determining whether a specific press position is reached for two or more reels.

[0358] In this embodiment, we have described an example in which payout priority control is applied when it is determined that a specific press position has been reached, and quantity priority control is applied when it is determined that it is not a specific press position. However, it is also possible to apply quantity priority control when it is determined that it is a specific press position, and payout priority control is applied when it is determined that it is not a specific press position.

[0359] Furthermore, in the example described in this embodiment, when a special batting order win occurs, a determination is also made as to whether the first stop operation is a specific batting order or not. Specifically, if the first stop operation is not a specific batting order, payout priority control is performed, and if the first stop operation is a specific batting order, payout priority control is performed if it is a specific pressing position, and quantity priority control is performed if it is not a specific pressing position. However, as in this embodiment, when the first stop operation is performed with a specific batting order, since symbols common to both the 15-coin small win and the 1-coin small win are displayed on the active line whether it is a specific pressing position or not, the stopping result for the reels that stop due to the first stop operation in a specific batting order will be the same regardless of which control rule is used. Therefore, if the first stop operation is not a specific batting order, quantity priority control may be performed for the reel corresponding to the first stop operation; if the first stop operation is a specific batting order, payout quantity priority control may be performed for the reel corresponding to the first stop operation; for reels that stop after the second stop operation, if the first stop operation is a specific batting order and a specific press position, payout quantity priority control may be continued; and if the first stop operation is not a specific batting order and a specific press position, it may be switched to quantity priority control.

[0360] In this embodiment, the specific batting order is notified when a special batting order role is won, but the specific button press position is not notified. However, it is also possible to adopt a method that notifies the specific button press position. Furthermore, while the notification of the specific batting order for special batting order roles in the advantageous section is performed when not in AT state, it is also possible to notify the specific batting order for special batting order roles even in AT state.

[0361] Furthermore, although this embodiment describes a case where there are three reels, a configuration with four reels is also possible. Also, although this embodiment describes a case where there are 20 frames per reel, a configuration with 21 frames per reel or fewer than 20 frames per reel is also possible.

[0362] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the game machine was designed so that when a game is played, a game medium such as a medal is inserted, and the game medium is dispensed when a winning combination is achieved. However, the game may also be played by consuming or assigning game value as electronic information without using game medium. For example, the game machine or an external unit connected to the game machine may be capable of storing information about the game value owned by the player, and the consumption of game value by subtracting the number of game value points may be replaced with the insertion of game mediums, and the assignment of game value by adding the number of game value points may be replaced with the dispensing of game mediums.

[0363] Furthermore, regarding the AT lottery process, the configuration of special roles in the batting order that differs from other winning patterns may be implemented in the manner described below. The following explanation will refer to Figures 53 to 55.

[0364] First, Figure 53 shows the symbol arrangement of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 used in this example, and based on this symbol arrangement, minor roles A to F are constructed as shown in Figure 54. In Figure 54, "ANY" indicates that any of the symbols arranged on the reels are acceptable.

[0365] As shown in Figure 55(A), there are special batting order roles a to d, and these special batting order roles consist of one of four types of 13-coin roles (role A to role D) and two types of 1-coin roles (role E and role F).

[0366] The winning combinations for each special batting order are shown in Figure 55(B). A specific batting order (batting order 3 to batting order 6) is assigned to each special batting order. If the stopping operation is performed according to the specific batting order, a 13-coin winning combination is awarded. If the stopping operation is performed according to a non-specific batting order (a different sequence of stopping operations than the specific batting order), two types of 1-coin winning combinations are awarded. In the case of multiple 1-coin winning combinations, two medals will be paid out.

[0367] In this example, when the performance state is different from the AT state during the advantageous section, a non-specific batting order is announced to assist in winning a 1-coin prize, and when the performance state is the AT state, a specific batting order is announced to assist in winning a 13-coin prize. By doing this, the rate of winning a 13-coin prize when the performance state is different from the AT state is reduced, making it possible to create a game specification that relatively increases the rate of medal acquisition in the AT state. Furthermore, when the performance state is different from the AT state during the advantageous section (when the performance state is the AT low probability state or the CZ state), a specific batting order is announced to assist in winning a 13-coin prize, and when the performance state is the AT state, a non-specific batting order is announced to assist in winning a 1-coin prize.

[0368] Regarding the AT lottery process when a special batting order role is won in a low AT state or CZ state, an AT lottery will be held if the stop operation is performed in a specific batting order, and not if the stop operation is performed in a non-specific batting order. In other words, when a special batting order role is won, an AT lottery will be held if a 1-coin small win is achieved, and an AT lottery will not be held if a 13-coin small win is achieved. By giving an advantage to performing a stop operation in a specific batting order when the performance state is different from the AT state, it is possible to provide an incentive to perform a stop operation in accordance with the specific batting order. Alternatively, an AT lottery may be held if the stop operation is performed in a specific batting order (when a 1-coin small win is achieved), and an AT lottery may be held if the stop operation is performed in a non-specific batting order (when a 13-coin small win is achieved).

[0369] In this embodiment, specific external signals related to the AT state may be output to external devices such as data counters and hall computers during the advantageous period. For example, the specific external signals may include an AT signal indicating that the player is in the AT state, or an AT win signal for counting the number of AT wins. When outputting an AT signal, the output of the AT signal can be started when the AT state begins, continued while the player is in the AT state, and terminated when the AT state ends. When outputting an AT win signal, the output of the AT win signal can be started when the AT lottery is won or the AT state begins, and terminated after one game is played.

[0370] Furthermore, when outputting a specific external signal related to the AT state during the advantageous period, it is desirable to notify the signal output with a lamp controlled by the main board MAIN. For example, the output of the specific external signal may be notified by lighting up the dot display section that displays decimal points on the 7-segment display of the main display unit 300. When notifying the signal output, the dot display section may be lit up before the output of the specific external signal begins, or the dot display section may be lit up after the output of the specific external signal begins. Also, when ending the notification of the signal output, the dot display section may be turned off before the output of the specific external signal ends, or the dot display section may be turned off after the output of the specific external signal ends. For example, when ending the notification of the output of the AT signal, the dot display section may be turned off after one game is played, even if the output of the AT signal continues. Note that the lamp that notifies the output of the specific external signal is not limited to being used in conjunction with the main display unit 300, but may also be used in conjunction with other display devices such as the credit display, or may be provided exclusively for this purpose.

[0371] As described above, the invention of this embodiment is a gaming machine comprising: a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on their outer surfaces; an internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery to determine whether a plurality of types of winning combinations, including minor winning combinations, have been won; a reel control means for rotating the plurality of reels for each game and stopping the rotating reels in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery when a stop operation is triggered; a winning determination means for determining whether a winning combination has been won based on the fact that a combination of symbols indicating a predetermined winning pattern for each winning combination is displayed on the active line when the plurality of reels are stopped; and a payout control means for performing control to pay out the game value based on the fact that a minor winning combination has been won, wherein symbols that are within a predetermined pull-in range from the operation detection position, which is the position of the reels at the time of the stop operation, can be displayed at the display position on the active line. The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which, as a winning pattern for the aforementioned minor role, there are multiple types of specific winning patterns in which multiple types of roles, including a specific minor role, are won in overlapping manner, and in each of the multiple reels, the symbols constituting the winning pattern for the specific minor role are arranged so that they are within the predetermined pull-in range regardless of the operation detection position, and a specific operation position is set, which is the operation detection position that permits the winning of the specific minor role, according to the type of specific winning pattern, and the reel control means determines the stopping position of the reels based on a first control rule that allows the winning of the specific minor role when the operation detection position is the specific operation position in a game in which the specific winning pattern has been obtained, and determines the stopping position of the reels based on a second control rule that avoids the winning of the specific minor role when the operation detection position is different from the specific operation position.

[0372] Furthermore, the invention of this embodiment is a game machine comprising: a plurality of reels on which multiple types of symbols are arranged on their outer surfaces; an internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery to determine whether multiple types of winning combinations, including minor winning combinations, are achieved; a reel control means for rotating the plurality of reels for each game and, triggered by a stop operation, controlling the reels to stop while they are rotating in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery; a winning determination means for determining whether a winning combination has been achieved based on the fact that a combination of symbols indicating a predetermined winning pattern for each winning combination is displayed on the active line when the plurality of reels are stopped; and a payout control means for performing control to pay out game value based on the fact that a minor winning combination has been achieved, wherein symbols that are within a predetermined pull-in range from the operation detection position, which is the position of the reels at the time of the stop operation, can be displayed at the display position on the active line, and the winning pattern of the minor winning combination is a specific minor winning combination The present invention relates to a gaming machine in which there are multiple types of specific winning patterns in which multiple types of roles are won in overlapping manner, and in each of the multiple reels, the symbols constituting the winning pattern of the specific small role are arranged within the predetermined pull-in range regardless of the operation detection position, and a specific operation position is set, which is the operation detection position that permits the winning of the specific small role, according to the type of specific winning pattern, and the reel control means determines the stopping position of the reels in a game in which the specific winning pattern has been obtained, so as to maximize the payout of game value if the operation detection position is the specific operation position, thereby enabling the winning of the specific small role, and determines the stopping position of the reels in a way that maximizes the number of symbol combinations that show the winning pattern that can be displayed on the active line, thereby avoiding the winning of the specific small role if the operation detection position is different from the specific operation position.

[0373] Furthermore, the invention of this embodiment includes: a plurality of reels on which multiple types of symbols are arranged on their outer surfaces; an internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery to determine whether multiple types of winning combinations, including minor winning combinations, are achieved; a reel control means for rotating the plurality of reels for each game and, triggered by a stop operation, controlling the reels to stop while they are rotating in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery; a winning combination determination means for determining whether a winning combination has been achieved based on whether a combination of symbols indicating a predetermined winning pattern for each winning combination is displayed on the active line when the plurality of reels are stopped; and a payout control means for performing control to pay out game value based on whether a minor winning combination has been achieved, wherein the operation detection is the position of the reels at the time of the stop operation. The present invention relates to a gaming machine that enables the display of symbols located within a predetermined pull-in range from a given position at a display position on an active line, wherein there are multiple types of specific winning patterns in which multiple types of winning patterns, including a specific winning pattern, are won simultaneously, and in each of the multiple reels, symbols constituting the winning pattern of the specific winning pattern are arranged within the predetermined pull-in range regardless of the operation detection position, and the reel control means changes the manner of stop control in a game in which the specific winning pattern is obtained, such that the winning of the specific winning pattern changes depending on whether or not the operation detection position is a specific operation position predetermined according to the type of specific winning pattern.

Claims

[Claim 1] Multiple reels with multiple types of patterns arranged on their outer surface, An internal lottery means that performs an internal lottery to determine whether multiple types of winning combinations, including minor wins, are achieved, A gaming machine comprising: a reel control means that rotates the plurality of reels for each game and controls the rotation of a reel when a stop operation is performed, The aforementioned minor roles include a first correct minor role, a second correct minor role, and multiple types of incorrect minor roles. As a winning pattern for the aforementioned minor role, there is a first winning pattern in which the first correct minor role is won in conjunction with some of the multiple types of the aforementioned incorrect minor roles, and a second winning pattern in which the second correct minor role is won in conjunction with some of the multiple types of the aforementioned incorrect minor roles, and in the first winning pattern and the second winning pattern, at least one specific type of the aforementioned incorrect minor role is won in common. The symbol combination indicating the winning pattern for the first correct small win and the symbol combination indicating the winning pattern for the second correct small win are such that the same symbols are assigned to a specific reel among the multiple reels. In each of the first winning mode and the second winning mode, the operation mode in which the specific reel is stopped first is set as the correct operation mode. Any operation that differs from the correct operation is defined as an incorrect operation. The reel control means, When the first winning pattern is obtained through internal lottery, the first correct winning combination is awarded in the correct operation pattern, and the stop control is performed so that the incorrect winning combination can be awarded in the incorrect operation pattern. A gaming machine that, when the second winning pattern is obtained through internal lottery, performs stop control so that the second correct winning combination is awarded in the correct operation pattern, and the incorrect winning combination is awarded in the incorrect operation pattern.

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