Gaming machine

Abstract

This technology provides a way to suitably adjust the performance of acquiring game value. [Solution] There exists a sequence bell or irregular 3-coin bell that awards a correct small win or equivalent small win with a payout set to be greater than or equal to the specified number of inputs when operated in the correct operation mode, and the irregular batting order is set as the correct operation mode. There exists a sequence 3-coin bell with the recommended batting order as the correct operation mode, in which case an equivalent small win with a payout set to be greater than or equal to the specified number of inputs is awarded, and in which case a 1-coin small win with a payout less than the specified number of inputs is awarded, or neither win is awarded. When a sequence bell or irregular 3-coin bell is obtained in an AT state where the provision of operation instruction information is permitted, the main display provides operation instruction information corresponding to the correct operation mode, but when a sequence 3-coin bell is obtained in an AT state, operation instruction information corresponding to the correct operation mode is not provided.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, gaming machines (reel-type gaming machines, slot machines) including a plurality of reels having symbols arranged on their outer peripheral surfaces are known. This type of gaming machine imparts a fixed gaming value to gaming media such as medals and pachinko balls, and is configured to perform a game for acquiring such gaming value. Further, this type of gaming machine performs an internal lottery and starts rotation of a plurality of reels triggered by a player's game start operation, and performs control to stop the plurality of reels in a mode corresponding to the result of the internal lottery triggered by the player's stop operation. Then, the game result is determined by a symbol combination displayed on an active line in a state where the plurality of reels are stopped, and payout of gaming value such as medals is performed according to the game result.

[0003] In recent years, gaming machines having an instruction function that varies the winning probability of small winning combinations by providing operation instruction information assisting winning of a correct small winning combination in which a gaming value equal to or more than the inserted number is paid out upon winning, and makes it easy to acquire gaming value such as medals in an AT state where operation instruction information can be provided have gained popularity (see Patent Document 1). [Prior Art Document] [Patent Document]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2022-92370 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] In gaming machines with the instruction function described above, there is a known specification in which the correct operation method that allows players to win the correct small prize is biased towards an irregular operation where a reel other than the specific reel is stopped first, rather than the recommended operation order where a specific reel is stopped first among multiple reels. This specification is popular with players as a high-payout specification with a high rate of increase in game value during AT (Automatic Trigger) mode. However, this high-payout specification, as a result of biasing the game value acquisition performance towards the irregular operation order, reduces the game value acquisition performance when using the recommended operation order. Therefore, a mechanism is needed to ensure that the payout rate does not fall below the lower limit regulation, which is one of the design indicators for gaming machines. However, as a result of implementing this mechanism, it may become difficult to keep the ratio of instruction-based prizes, another design indicator for gaming machines, within the regulatory level. For this reason, a method that can suitably adjust the game value acquisition performance is desired.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a technology that can suitably adjust the performance of acquiring game value. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention is a gaming machine comprising: a plurality of reels on which multiple types of patterns 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 controlling the rotation of the reels in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery when a stop operation is performed; and a section control means capable of providing operation instruction information to assist in winning combinations when a specific game section is in progress, wherein a game value corresponding to the payout of the minor winning combination is paid out when the minor winning combination is achieved, wherein when the stop operation is performed in a non-specific operation order in which a reel other than the specific reel is stopped first among the plurality of reels, the performance in acquiring game value is higher than when the stop operation is performed in a specific operation order in which the specific reel is stopped first among the plurality of reels, and the winning modes of the minor winning combination include a first winning mode in which a minor winning combination is achieved in which a payout equal to or greater than the number of game value inputs is set when the stop operation is performed in the correct operation mode, and a second winning mode This invention relates to a gaming machine in which there are two winning patterns, in the first winning pattern, the non-specific operation sequence is set as the correct operation pattern, and when the stop operation is performed in the specific operation sequence, a small win with a payout less than the number of game value invested is awarded, in the second winning pattern, the specific operation sequence is set as the correct operation pattern, and when the stop operation is performed in the non-specific operation sequence, there are cases in which a small win with a payout less than the number of game value invested is awarded, and cases in which no wins are awarded, and the section control means performs a more favorable process when the stop operation is performed in the specific operation sequence than when the stop operation is performed in the non-specific operation sequence, and when the first winning pattern is obtained in the specific game section, operation instruction information corresponding to the correct operation pattern is provided, but when the second winning pattern is obtained in the specific game section, operation instruction information corresponding to the correct operation pattern is not provided.

[0008] In this invention, it is assumed that in games where no operation instruction information is provided, the stopping operation will be performed in a specific sequence. When the second winning pattern is obtained, even without operation instruction information, it is possible to achieve the winning of a small prize with a payout greater than the number of game value inputs, thereby improving the performance of acquiring game value in stopping operations in a specific sequence. Furthermore, in this invention, when the second winning pattern is obtained, it is no longer necessary to count the number of game value payouts associated with the winning of a small prize as the number of game value payouts associated with the provision of operation instruction information. This reduces the so-called ratio of prizes with instructions, and allows for the appropriate adjustment of the game value acquisition performance without causing any disadvantage to the player. Therefore, this invention improves the design freedom regarding the game value acquisition performance of a gaming machine. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of the reel unit of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a gaming machine and a dedicated unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating the functional block of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating the internal lottery table in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure illustrates the winning patterns for minor roles and replays in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure illustrates the arrangement of symbols on the reels in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates the relationship between the operation sequence of the stop switch and the winning combination in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates the relationship between the operation sequence of the stop switch and the winning combination in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10]It is a diagram explaining the relationship between winning combinations and symbol combinations in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] It is a diagram explaining the relationship between winning combinations and symbol combinations in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] It is a diagram explaining the relationship between winning combinations and symbol combinations in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] It is a diagram explaining the relationship between winning combinations and symbol combinations in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] It is a transition diagram of gaming states in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] It is a transition diagram of effect states in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] It is a transition diagram of gaming sections in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] It is a diagram showing the relationship among winning numbers, winning combination groups, and operation instruction numbers in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] It is a flowchart showing an example of processing for executing correct operation notification in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. The embodiments described below do not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the present embodiment are necessarily essential constituent requirements of the present invention.

[0011] 1. Configuration Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] The gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment is a so-called smart pachi-slot machine, which is a type of reel-type gaming machine that conducts games using electronic medals as gaming value.

[0013] In the gaming machine 10 of the present embodiment, a first reel 13a, a second reel 13b, and a third reel 13c are accommodated in a box-shaped casing composed of a storage box 11 and a front door 12.

[0014] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a reel unit 30 for a gaming machine according to the present embodiment.

[0015] In the reel unit 30 of the present embodiment, each of the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c is fixed to a substantially U-shaped metal (or resin) base unit 31 via a metal (or resin) support unit 32 that supports a stepping motor 33 for driving each reel.

[0016] Each of the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c accommodated in the base unit 31 is configured such that a reel tape 35 made of a band-shaped resin film is wound around the outer circumference of an annularly molded resin reel body 34 (reel drum). The reel tape 35 is wound around the reel body 34 such that the front surface forms the outer circumferential surface of each reel and the back surface forms the inner circumferential surface of each reel, and the ends are fixed to each other with an adhesive or the like.

[0017] Furthermore, each of the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c is fixed to the drive shaft of the stepping motor 33 at a position corresponding to the rotation center of the reel body 34 by bolting or the like. The stepping motor 33 for each reel is also fixed to the support unit 32 by bolting or the like.

[0018] Furthermore, the reel tape 35 for each reel is divided into symbol arrangement areas for 20 frames at regular intervals, and one of a plurality of types of symbols is arranged one by one on the surface of the reel tape 35 at each position corresponding to each frame.

[0019] The reel unit 30 of this embodiment is equipped with a backlight unit 36 ​​(illumination means) that illuminates the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c from the back side of the reel tape 35 of each reel (the inner surface side of each reel). The backlight unit 36 ​​for each reel is equipped with a light source such as an incandescent bulb or an LED bulb to illuminate each of the three display positions (upper, middle, and lower) that can be observed from the display window 14 of the gaming machine. In this embodiment, three light sources are provided corresponding to the display positions of each reel: an upper backlight 37a that illuminates the upper display position, a middle backlight 37b that illuminates the middle display position, and a lower backlight 37c that illuminates the lower display position.

[0020] Furthermore, the gaming machine 10's casing houses a power supply unit and a settings change unit, and is equipped with various switches such as a power switch for starting the gaming machine 10, and a startup mode change switch and settings change switch for performing operations related to setting changes. The settings change unit may be integrated with the main control board, which will be described later.

[0021] Furthermore, the gaming machine 10's casing houses a main control board, a sub-control board, and a medal count control board. Each of these control boards is equipped with a CPU as a means of calculation, and ROM and RAM as means of storage, enabling control of the gaming machine's operation. Communication between the main control board and the sub-control board is unidirectional, allowing only one-way communication from the main control board to the sub-control board; the sub-control board cannot transmit information to the main control board. However, bidirectional communication is possible between the main control board and the medal count control board, allowing information to be transmitted from the main control board to the medal count control board and from the medal count control board to the main control board.

[0022] As previously described, the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c each have their outer surfaces divided into 20 regions (each region referred to as a "frame") at regular intervals, and one of several types of patterns is arranged in each frame. Furthermore, each of the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c is rotationally driven around the axis of the stepping motor 33, and is designed to be stoppable in frame units (units of predetermined rotation angle, unit of predetermined rotation amount) by controlling the number of pulses and pulse width of the drive pulses of the stepping motor 33. In other words, in the gaming machine 10, the stepping motor 33 rotates the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c in response to drive pulses supplied from the control board. When a drive pulse for full-phase excitation is supplied from the control board, the rotation of the stepping motor 33 stops, causing the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c to stop.

[0023] The front door 12 is designed to open and close freely, and the front door 12 is equipped with a display window 14 that allows observation of the rotation and stopped states of the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c. When the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c are stopped, three symbols (upper row symbols, middle row symbols, and lower row symbols) 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 the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c can be observed from the front of the gaming machine through the display window 14.

[0024] In addition, the gaming machine 10 has upper, middle, and lower display positions for each reel, which are used to observe the symbols through the display window 14, and the number of active lines is set by the combination of the display positions on each reel. In the gaming machine 10, the number of electronic tokens required for one game, the so-called prescribed number of tokens to be inserted, is set to 3 or 2, and when the prescribed number of electronic tokens is inserted, the active line 15, which consists of the upper position of the first reel 13a, the middle position of the second reel 13b, and the lower position of the third reel 13c, is activated.

[0025] The game result is determined by the combination of symbols that stop on the active line 15 in the display window 14. If the combination of symbols on the active line 15 corresponds to a predetermined winning combination, the medal control board will dispense electronic medals as if the winning combination had been achieved.

[0026] The front door 12 is also equipped with a main display 16, a sub-display 18, and a game token count display 27. The main display 16, sub-display 18, and game token count display 27 are 7-segment displays, with the main display 16 showing the number of electronic tokens dispensed for each game, operation instruction information, and main error information; the sub-display 18 showing the number of electronic tokens acquired in a predetermined game section and sub-error information; and the game token count display 27 showing the number of electronic tokens held.

[0027] The front door 12 is also equipped with an outer perimeter lamp 19 and a liquid crystal display 20 for game-related effects. The outer perimeter lamp 19 illuminates the front door 12, and its lighting pattern serves to enhance the game, provide information to assist in the game, and inform the status of the game machine. Its exterior is made of translucent resin or glass, allowing light from the built-in LED unit to pass through. The liquid crystal display 20 displays various videos (or images) to assist in the game, enhance the game, and inform the status of the game machine. In this embodiment of the game machine, a speaker 40 for game-related effects is also provided on the front door 12. This speaker 40 outputs various sounds and background music to assist in the game, enhance the game, and inform the status of the game machine.

[0028] The front door 12 is also provided with various operating means. These operating means include a bet switch 21 (insertion operation means) for inserting electronic tokens, a start switch 22 (game start operation means) for initiating the game by rotating the first reel 13a, the second reel 13b, and the third reel 13c, a stop switch 23a to 23c (stop operation means) for initiating the stop of each of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c, which are rotated by the stepping motor 33, a counting switch 26 for transferring electronic tokens to an external device, and a settlement switch 28 for releasing the electronic token insertion state. In particular, in this embodiment, the bet switch 21 and the stop switches 23a to 23c have translucent resin exteriors that allow light from a built-in LED unit to pass through, so that the illumination of the LED unit indicates that the electronic token insertion operation has been activated or that the stop operation for the rotating reels has been activated.

[0029] The front door 12 is also equipped with a door key cylinder 24, and the front door 12 can be unlocked by inserting a door key into the door key cylinder 24. The front door 12 can also be unlocked by rotating the door key inserted into the door key cylinder 24 90 degrees clockwise from its initial position.

[0030] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when an electronic token is inserted by the player operating the bet switch 21, the machine is set to a ready state in which rotation control of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c can be started. When the player operates the start switch 22, the control board starts the rotation of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c by driving the stepping motor 33, and an internal lottery is performed using random values. Once the rotation speed of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c has increased to a predetermined speed, the stop operation on the stop switches 23a to 23c is activated.

[0031] Subsequently, when a player operates the stop switches 23a to 23c at any time, the operation is detected by the sensors (stop signal output means: for example, a photosensor, a continuity sensor, a pressure sensor, etc.) built into each of the stop switches 23a to 23c, and the reel stop signal input to the main control board is changed from the off state to the on state.

[0032] Furthermore, when the player releases the stop switches 23a to 23c, which are currently pressed, at any time, the sensors corresponding to each of the stop switches 23a to 23c detect the end of the operation and change the reel stop signal input to the main control board from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0033] The main control board then stops the first reels 13a to the third reels 13c at a stopping position corresponding to the result of an internal lottery, based on the change in the reel stop signal from the off state to the on state, which changes in the signal state according to the pressing and releasing timing of the stop switches 23a to 23c.

[0034] Furthermore, when electronic tokens are dispensed according to the game results, the system counts the electronic tokens corresponding to the number dispensed up to a predetermined upper limit, and changes the displayed value of the game token count display 27 in accordance with the change in the number of electronic tokens owned.

[0035] In this embodiment, the management of electronic tokens is performed by the gaming machine 10 and a dedicated unit 800 (an example of a specific unit) that is communicated with the gaming machine 10. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the mechanical configuration of the gaming machine 10 and the dedicated unit 800. The dedicated unit 800 has a built-in CPU that functions as a calculation means, which is a lending control unit 801 that exchanges information with the gaming machine 10, controls inputs from various switches provided on the dedicated unit 800, and controls various displays provided on the dedicated unit 800.

[0036] When a player uses the gaming machine 10, they insert cash into the cash input section 802 of the dedicated unit 800. When cash is inserted into the cash input section 802, the unit display 807 of the dedicated unit 800 displays a unit corresponding to the inserted cash (for example, "10" for an insertion of 1000 yen). When the dispensing switch 804 is operated while there are remaining units in the dedicated unit 800, electronic tokens (for example, "50") corresponding to the units held in the dedicated unit 800 are transferred to the gaming machine 10 all at once. In the gaming machine 10, when electronic tokens are transferred from the dedicated unit 800, the displayed value of the gaming machine token count display 27 changes by an increase corresponding to the amount of electronic tokens transferred.

[0037] When the bet switch 21 of the gaming machine 10 is operated and electronic tokens are inserted, the displayed value of the game token count indicator 27 changes by a decrease equivalent to the number of electronic tokens inserted. Also, if electronic tokens are dispensed as a result of the game, the displayed value of the game token count indicator 27 changes by an increase equivalent to the number of electronic tokens dispensed.

[0038] Furthermore, if the settlement switch 28 is operated after the bet switch 21 has been operated and electronic tokens have been inserted, but before the start switch 21 has been operated, the state of inserting electronic tokens will be canceled, and the display value on the game token display 27 will change by an increase amount corresponding to the number of tokens inserted.

[0039] Furthermore, when a player finishes using the gaming machine 10, the counting switch 26 is operated, and the electronic tokens managed by the gaming machine 10 are transferred to the dedicated unit 800. When the electronic tokens are transferred to the dedicated unit 800, the display value of the acquired token count indicator 808 of the dedicated unit 800 changes by an increase corresponding to the amount of electronic tokens transferred, and the display value of the game token count indicator 27 of the gaming machine 10 changes by a decrease corresponding to the amount of electronic tokens transferred. Then, when the player operates the return switch 805 of the dedicated unit 800, the electronic tokens managed by the dedicated unit 800 are transferred to a card medium stored in the dedicated unit 800, and that card medium is withdrawn from the dedicated unit 800 through the card insertion section 803. In this embodiment, electronic tokens acquired using the gaming machine 10 can be stored on a card medium.

[0040] In this embodiment, the use of the gaming machine 10 can be resumed using a card medium on which electronic tokens have been stored. Specifically, when a player uses the gaming machine 10, instead of cash, they insert a card medium on which electronic tokens have been stored into the card insertion unit 803, and play the game by having the dedicated unit 800 read the electronic tokens stored on the card medium. In this case, the electronic tokens stored on the card medium are transferred to the dedicated unit 800, and the total number of electronic tokens stored on the card medium is displayed on the acquired token count display 808. The player can transfer the electronic tokens managed by the dedicated unit 800 to the gaming machine 10 by operating the game switch 806 of the dedicated unit 800 instead of the lending switch 804 of the dedicated unit 800.

[0041] As described above, the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment does not require physical tokens, thus preventing fraudulent activities such as inserting tokens illegitimately or using tokens brought in illegally. Furthermore, since there is no need to install a mechanism for inserting and dispensing game media such as tokens within the gaming machine 10, design and manufacturing costs can be reduced. In addition, fraud can be prevented by centrally managing the lending of game media to players and the counting of acquired game media. Moreover, by centrally managing information on electronic tokens, the gaming machine 10 can suppress the element of chance and, as a result, strengthen measures against addiction.

[0042] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine according to this embodiment.

[0043] The gaming machine in this embodiment is controlled by a main control unit 100 (main control board), a sub-control unit 200 (sub-control board), and a medal count control unit 600 (medal count control board). The main control unit 100, sub-control unit 200, and medal count control unit 600 are powered on by the operation of the power switch, which supplies power from the power supply unit. In this embodiment, due to the relationship of the starting voltages between the main control unit 10 and the sub-control unit 20, the sub-control unit 20 starts up earlier than the main control unit 10. That is, when the gaming machine 10 is powered on, the sub-control unit 20 starts up before the main control unit 10 and waits to receive a command from the main control unit 10. Furthermore, regarding the startup of the main control unit 10, in order to enable gameplay after waiting for the liquid crystal display 20, which is managed by the sub-control unit 20, to have started up, the startup of the main control unit 10 is not completed until a predetermined waiting time has elapsed. The medal count control unit 600 receives a startup command from the main control unit 10 and establishes its own startup and communication connection with the dedicated unit 800.

[0044] The main control unit 100 receives input signals from the start mode change switch 301, setting change switch 302, door open / close switch 303, bet switch 21, start switch 22, stop switches 23a-23b, settlement switch 28, etc., and performs various calculations to set the game machine, manage main errors, or advance the game, and controls the operation of the reel unit 30, etc., based on the calculation results. The sub-control unit 200 responds to commands from the main control unit 100 to control the operation of the display unit 501, speaker 40, lamp unit 503, etc., and manage sub-errors. The medal count control unit 600 responds to input signals from the counting switch 26 and commands from the main control unit 100 to manage electronic medals and medal errors, and also transfers information related to electronic medals to the dedicated unit 800. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the functions of the main control unit 100, the sub-control unit 200, and the medal count control unit 600 are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), ROM, or RAM, or by software consisting of a given program pre-stored in ROM or the like.

[0045] The main control unit 100 includes a setting change means 101, a game control means 102, a random number generation means 103, and a main memory means 105.

[0046] The setting change means 101 controls the change of the setting value stored in the main memory means 105. In this embodiment, the system can switch between starting in game mode and starting in setting change mode depending on the state of the startup mode change switch 301 when the power is turned on. When the game machine 10 is powered on with the startup mode change switch 301 set to setting change mode, the setting change means 101 starts the game machine in setting change mode. In this embodiment, the system can select a setting value from six levels of setting values, from setting 1 to setting 6. The probability of winning the internal lottery changes so that the expected value of the payout rate increases sequentially 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.

[0047] Furthermore, in the setting change mode, when the setting change switch 302 is activated, the setting change means 101 receives an input signal from the setting change switch 302 and changes the setting value in the order of setting 1 → setting 2 → ... setting 6 → setting 1 → ... and when the start switch 22 is activated, it confirms the setting value and controls the storage of the confirmed setting value in the main memory means 105. In this embodiment, the selected setting value is displayed on the main display 16 in the setting change mode.

[0048] In this embodiment, when the startup mode change switch 301 is set to the game mode and power is turned on to the gaming machine 10, the gaming machine 10 starts up in game mode. In this embodiment, in game mode, players can play games, but they cannot change the settings, and in setting change mode, players can change the settings, but they cannot play games.

[0049] Furthermore, in setting change mode, the setting change means 101 performs initialization processing to initialize the information stored in the read / write memory (RWM), which is a read and writeable memory area in the main memory means 105. In the initialization processing, not all information stored in the read / write memory is initialized; some information is retained without being initialized. In the initialization processing in setting change mode, for example, the game state is initialized to the normal state, and control information related to the advantageous section is initialized and set to the normal section, but control information related to electronic tokens is not initialized.

[0050] The game control means 102 is a means for controlling the progress of the game. When an electronic medal is inserted and the game starts, it determines whether a winning combination is achieved through an internal lottery, rotates the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c, and when a stop operation is performed on the stop switches 23a to 23c, it stops the rotating reels according to the result of the internal lottery, determines whether a winning combination has been achieved based on the symbol combination displayed on the active line, and performs processing according to the determination result to advance the game through the main loop processing. The details thereof will be explained below.

[0051] First, the game control means 102 receives an operation (insertion operation) of the bet switch 21 related to the insertion of electronic tokens for each game, and based on the fact that an electronic token equivalent to the prescribed number of insertions (3 or 2 tokens) has been inserted, it performs a process to activate the game start operation to the start switch 22 (game start operation means). In other words, the game control means 102 functions as an insertion receiving means that accepts the insertion of electronic tokens to be used for the game, up to the prescribed number of insertions, based on the insertion operation. In this embodiment of the game machine, the first operation of the start switch 22, which has been activated based on the insertion of electronic tokens equivalent to the prescribed number of insertions, is received as the game start operation, which triggers the rotation of the first reels 13a to the third reels 13c, and also triggers the execution of an internal lottery.

[0052] The electronic medal insertion function is realized through the cooperation of the main control unit 100 and the medal count control unit 600. When the bet switch 21 is activated, the main control unit 100 sends an insertion command to the medal count control unit 600 specifying a predetermined number of electronic medals to be inserted. Upon receiving the insertion command, the medal count control unit 600 sends a reply command back to the main control unit 100 if the number of electronic medals stored in the medal information storage means 603 is equal to or greater than the predetermined number specified in the insertion command. The counting control means 601 of the medal count control unit 600 also reduces the number of electronic medals stored in the medal information storage means 603 by the predetermined number of medals to be inserted. If the receipt of the reply command makes it possible to insert electronic medals equivalent to the predetermined number, the game control means 102 in the main control unit 100 sets the electronic medals equivalent to the predetermined number to be inserted. In this embodiment, when the game state is the normal state or the bonus state, the predetermined number of medals to be inserted is set to 3, and when the game state is the bonus state, the predetermined number of medals to be inserted is set to 2.

[0053] Furthermore, the game control means 102 performs an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination is achieved based on the game start operation on the start switch 22 (the first operation on the activated start switch 22), and performs processes such as lottery table selection, random number determination, and lottery flag setting. In other words, the game control means 102 functions as an internal lottery means to determine whether a winning combination is achieved based on the game start operation.

[0054] In the lottery table selection process, it is determined which of the multiple types of internal lottery tables stored in the main memory means 105 will be used to perform the internal lottery. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, each internal lottery table has multiple random values ​​(for example, 65,536 random values ​​from 0 to 65,535) associated with various roles such as replays, minor roles, and bonuses, as well as misses (failures). In this embodiment, for each of the six setting values, an internal lottery table corresponding to the game state is 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.

[0055] In this embodiment of the gaming machine, the game state can be set to a normal state, a bonus state, or a bonus state. In the lottery table selection process, one of several types of internal lottery tables is selected as the internal lottery table to be used for the internal lottery, depending on the game state.

[0056] Figure 5 shows examples of three types of internal lottery tables associated with the normal state, the bonus state, and the bonus state. Regarding internal lottery tables 1 to 3 shown in Figure 5, internal lottery table 1 is referenced in the normal state, internal lottery table 2 is referenced in the bonus state, and internal lottery table 3 is referenced in the bonus state.

[0057] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, there are 36 types of small wins, and as shown in Figure 6, the following are set as winning patterns for the small wins: batting order bell group a (batting order bell a1 to batting order bell a8), batting order bell group b (batting order bell b1 to batting order bell b8), watermelon, irregular 3-coin bell group (irregular 3-coin bell a1 to irregular 3-coin bell a4), irregular 3-coin bell group b (irregular 3-coin bell b1 to irregular 3-coin bell b4), normal 3-coin bell group a (normal 3-coin bell a1 to normal 3-coin bell a4), normal 3-coin bell group b (normal 3-coin bell b1 to normal 3-coin bell b4), JAC1, JAC2, and JAC3.

[0058] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, replays 1 to 5 are provided as replays, and as shown in Figure 6, the winning patterns of the replays are set as watermelon replay, cherry replay, normal replay a, normal replay b, and normal replay c.

[0059] 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. In particular, in this embodiment, the lottery method for winning a minor role is always obtained in internal lottery table 3, and in the bonus state in which internal lottery table 3 is referenced, either JAC1, JAC2, or JAC3 is always won. In addition, in internal lottery table 3, the probability of winning each of the minor roles that are the subject of lottery in internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2 is higher than in internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2.

[0060] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a Big Bonus (BB) is provided as a bonus (an example of a special role), and the Big Bonus (BB) is subject to drawing in the internal drawing table 1 that is referenced in the normal state.

[0061] In this embodiment, the probability of winning bonuses and replays does not change depending on the setting value, but the probability of winning some winning patterns for minor roles changes depending on the setting value. The higher the setting value, the higher the probability of winning the standard 3-coin bell group a and the irregular 3-coin bell group a, and the higher the setting value, the lower the probability of winning the standard 3-coin bell group b and the irregular 3-coin bell group b.

[0062] In the random number determination process, based on the operation of the start switch 22, a random number value (random number for drawing) is obtained from the random number generation means 103 for each game, and the internal drawing table stored in the main memory means 105 is referenced for the obtained random number value to determine whether or not a winning combination has been achieved.

[0063] The random number generation means 103 mentioned above is a means for generating random numbers for the lottery. 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 their acquisition timing is irregular.

[0064] 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 main memory means 105.

[0065] 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 bonuses, while minor wins and replays are associated with the latter carry-over non-flag. In other words, in the lottery flag setting process, for example, if a bonus is won in the internal lottery, the winning state of the bonus lottery flag is carried over until a bonus is achieved. At this time, the game control means 102 performs an internal lottery to determine whether minor wins and replays are successful, even in games where the winning state of the bonus lottery flag has been carried over. In this lottery flag setting process, in a game where the winning state of the bonus lottery flag has been carried over, if a minor role or replay is won, the lottery flags corresponding to two or more roles, consisting of the already won bonus lottery flag and the minor role or replay lottery flag won through internal lottery, are set to the winning state.

[0066] Furthermore, the game control means 102, based on the game start operation applied to the start switch 22, starts the rotational drive of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c using a stepping motor, and controls the game to enable a stop operation by pressing the stop buttons 23a to 23c (stop operation means) corresponding to the reels that are rotating steadily at a predetermined speed (approximately 80 rpm: a rotational speed of approximately 80 rotations per minute). It also controls the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c, which are being driven by the stepping motor, to stop in a manner corresponding to the setting state of the lottery flag (result of the internal lottery). In other words, the game control means 102 functions as a reel control means that rotates multiple reels based on the game start operation and stops the rotating reels in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery, triggered by a stop operation.

[0067] When the stop operation for the stop switches 23a to 23c is activated, the game control means 102 controls the game by stopping the supply of drive pulses (motor drive signals) to the stepping motor of the reel unit 30, based on the signal from the operated stop switch, thereby stopping each of the first reels 13a to the third reels 13c.

[0068] In other words, each time an operation is performed on one of the stop switches 23a to 23c, the game control means 102 determines the stopping position of the reel corresponding to the operated stop switch among the first reels 13a to the third reels 13c, and controls the reel to stop at the determined stopping position. In the game machine 10 of this embodiment, operating stop switch 23a corresponds to an operation to stop the first reel 13a, operating stop switch 23b corresponds to an operation to stop the second reel 13b, and operating stop switch 23c corresponds to an operation to stop the third reel 13c. In other words, in the game machine 10 of this embodiment, if the order in which the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated changes, the stopping order of the first reels 13a to the third reels 13c changes. In this embodiment, for the sake of explanation, the first reel to stop among the first reels 13a to the third reels 13c may be referred to as the first stop reel, the second reel to stop as the second stop reel, and the last reel to stop as the third stop reel. Also in this embodiment, for the sake of explanation, the operation of the stop switch corresponding to the first reel to stop among the stop switches 23a to 23c may be referred to as the first stop operation, the operation of the stop switch corresponding to the second reel to stop as the second stop operation, and the operation of the stop switch corresponding to the last reel to stop as the third stop operation. Also in this embodiment, for the sake of explanation, regarding the order of operation of the stop switches 23a to 23c, the operation order in which the first reel 13a is stopped first may be referred to as the recommended batting order, and the operation order in which the second reel 13b or the third reel 13c is stopped first may be referred to as the irregular batting order.

[0069] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, for the first reels 13a to the third reels 13c, the rotating reel corresponding to the operated stop switch is stopped within 190ms from the time the stop switch 23a to 23c is operated. When stopping the rotating reels within 190ms from the time the stop switch is operated, 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 switch is operated until the reel stops. The gaming control means 102 controls the rotating reel corresponding to the operated stop switch so that, on the outer surface of the rotating reel corresponding to the operated stop switch among the stop switches 23a to 23c, 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 switch is operated, the symbol corresponding to the winning combination for which the lottery flag is set to a winning state is displayed at the display position on the active line.

[0070] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the reel unit 30 is equipped with a reel index 405 which is a photosensor, and the gaming control means 102 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 405) based on the signal detected by the reel index 405 each time the reel rotates once. In other words, the gaming control means 102 can obtain the position of the reel when the stop switch is activated by determining the rotation angle of the reel from the reference position.

[0071] In this embodiment, multiple types of patterns are arranged on the outer surfaces of the first reels 13a to the third reels 13c that constitute the reel unit 30. When drawing patterns that are within four frames from the operation detection position onto the active line, patterns arranged at intervals of four frames or less on the outer surface of each reel can be displayed on the active line regardless of the operation detection position, which is the position of the reel at the time the stop switch is activated (when the operation of the stop switch is detected). In this embodiment, the operation detection position is the upper display position of each reel.

[0072] Figure 7 shows an example of the symbol arrangement for the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the red 7 symbol "red 7", white 7 symbol "white 7", bar symbol "BAR", watermelon symbol a "WMa", watermelon symbol b "WMb", cherry symbol "CH", bell symbol "BL", replay symbol "RP", special symbol a "SPa", and special symbol b "SPb" are arranged on the outer surface of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13c.

[0073] Furthermore, the game control means 102 determines the stopping position of the rotating reels by referring to the stop control table stored in the main memory means 105. In the stop control table, a correspondence relationship is set between the operation detection position and the number of sliding frames indicating the amount of rotation from the operation detection position to the actual stopping position, according to the setting state of the lottery flag. In addition, the stop control table may also set a correspondence relationship between the operation detection position and the actual stopping position, according to the setting state of the lottery flag.

[0074] In the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, priority is set for small wins, replays, and bonuses in the order of "replay > bonus" and "small win > bonus". 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.

[0075] Furthermore, in the gaming machine 10 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 types of stop positions: one 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 another in which the stop position is set according to the number of electronic medals dispensed based on predetermined payouts for small wins (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 stop positions that result in a larger number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line to indicate a winning form are given priority. When the stop position is set according to the number of electronic medals dispensed, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that stop positions that result in a larger number of electronic medals dispensed based on the payouts for small wins corresponding to the symbols displayed at the display positions on the active line (stop positions that allow for winning small wins with high payouts) are given priority. However, when the stopping position is set according to the number of electronic medals dispensed, if there are multiple stopping positions where the number of electronic medals dispensed is the same, the priority of each stopping position is treated as the same and the stopping position is set relative to the operation detection position. Similarly, when the stopping position is set according to the number of combinations of symbols indicating winning patterns that can be displayed on the active line, if there are multiple stopping positions where the number of combinations of symbols indicating winning patterns that can be displayed on the active line is the same, the priority of each stopping position is treated as the same and the stopping position is set relative to the operation detection position.

[0076] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the stopping position of the reels relative to the operation detection position is set in each stop control table so as to enable so-called pull-in control and kick-out control. Pull-in control is a control that determines the stopping position of the reels so that as many winning combinations as possible can be achieved by having the lottery flag set to a winning state. On the other hand, kick-out control is a control that determines the stopping position of the reels so that winning combinations that have the lottery flag set to a non-winning state cannot be achieved by having the reels. In this way, the game control means 102 determines the stopping position of the reels so that the symbols of winning combinations that have the lottery flag set to a winning state can be stopped in a winning form, while preventing the symbols of winning combinations that have the lottery flag set to a non-winning state from stopping in a winning form.

[0077] In this embodiment, there are multiple types of batting order winning patterns for small wins in the normal state and the bonus-established state, in which correct small wins (where the number of electronic medals dispensed upon winning is greater than the number of electronic medals inserted) or equivalent small wins (where the number of electronic medals dispensed upon winning is equal to the number of electronic medals inserted) and failed small wins (where the number of electronic medals dispensed upon winning is less than the number of electronic medals inserted) are won simultaneously. For each of the batting order winning patterns, a correct operation pattern is set that makes it possible to win a correct small win or an equivalent small win. In a game where a batting order winning pattern is obtained in the bonus-established state, the stopping position of the spinning reels is determined such that if the stopping operation is performed according to the correct operation pattern, the winning of a correct small win or an equivalent small win is prioritized, and if the stopping operation is performed according to a failed operation pattern (which is not the correct operation pattern), the winning of a failed small win is prioritized while avoiding the winning of a correct small win or an equivalent small win. On the other hand, in games where a batting order winning pattern is obtained under normal conditions, all operation patterns become failure patterns for certain batting order winning patterns, and the stopping position of the spinning reels is determined in such a way that regardless of how the stopping operation is performed, the winning of failure patterns is prioritized while avoiding the winning of correct patterns.

[0078] In this embodiment, the following batting order winning patterns are provided: batting order bells a1 to a8, batting order bells b1 to b8, irregular 3-coin bells a1 to a4, irregular 3-coin bells b1 to b4, standard 3-coin bells a1 to a4, and standard 3-coin bells b1 to b4. Hereinafter, batting order bells a1 to a8 and batting order bells b1 to b8 will be collectively referred to as batting order bells, irregular 3-coin bells a1 to a4 and irregular 3-coin bells b1 to b4 will be collectively referred to as irregular 3-coin bells, and standard 3-coin bells a1 to a4 and standard 3-coin bells b1 to b4 will be collectively referred to as standard 3-coin bells. Each batting order bell is a winning pattern in which a 15-coin small win and a 1-coin small win are won simultaneously, with the 15-coin small win corresponding to the correct small win and the 1-coin small win corresponding to the failed small win. Each irregular 3-coin bell and each standard 3-coin bell combination results in a winning combination where a 3-coin small win and a 1-coin small win occur simultaneously. The 3-coin small win corresponds to an equivalent small win, and the 1-coin small win corresponds to a failed small win.

[0079] In the stop control table, which is referenced when a batting order bell is selected in the internal lottery, a correct batting order is set for each batting order bell, as shown in Figure 8.

[0080] In the stop control table referenced when any of the batting order bells are won, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that if stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in the correct batting order, a 15-coin prize is awarded. If stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in a different order than the correct batting order, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that there are cases where a 1-coin prize is awarded and cases where no prize is awarded (missed prize). In Figure 8, "1-coin prize (1 / 2)" means that there is a 1 / 2 probability of winning a 1-coin prize in that operation order, and a 1 / 2 probability of missing a prize. Also in Figure 8, "1-coin prize (1 / 4)" means that there is a 1 / 4 probability of winning a 1-coin prize in that operation order, and a 3 / 4 probability of missing a prize. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the recommended batting order for each batting order bell is a failed operation mode, and when stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in the recommended batting order, a single-coin small win is guaranteed.

[0081] Furthermore, when a bell is won in each batting order, in the 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 an operation order different from the correct batting order, the symbols that constitute the winning combination of 1 coin are preferentially displayed on the active line due to quantity priority control, with the stop position relative to the operation detection position set in each stop control table. In this embodiment, by using payout priority control and quantity priority control according to the operation order, it is possible to win a 15-coin winning combination while avoiding the 1-coin winning combination in the correct batting order, and to win a 1-coin winning combination while avoiding the 15-coin winning combination in an operation order different from the correct batting order.

[0082] In this embodiment, for the batting order bell group a, the correct batting order is only valid when the game is in a bonus-established state. In the normal state, if a batting order bell belonging to batting order bell group a is won, even if the stopping operation is performed according to the correct batting order, there is a 1 / 2 probability that a 1-coin small win will occur, and a 1 / 2 probability that the win will be missed. In other words, in the normal state, for the batting order bell group a, even if the stopping operation is performed in a manner that would allow for a 15-coin small win in the bonus-established state, the stopping position is determined by quantity priority control to avoid the 15-coin small win. On the other hand, for the batting order bell group b, the correct batting order is valid in both the normal state and the bonus-established state, and in either game state, the stopping position is determined by payout priority control to prioritize the 15-coin small win in the correct batting order.

[0083] In the stop control table, which is referenced when an irregular three-bell combination is won in the internal lottery, a correct sequence of actions is set for each irregular three-bell combination, as shown in Figure 9.

[0084] In the stop control table referenced when any of the irregular 3-bell combinations are won, the stop positions relative to the operation detection positions are set so that a 3-bell combination is awarded when stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in the correct sequence. When stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in a different sequence than the correct sequence, the stop positions relative to the operation detection positions are set so that there are cases where a 1-bell combination is awarded and cases where no combination is awarded (missed combination). In Figure 9, "1-bell combination (1 / 2)" means that there is a 1 / 2 probability of winning a 1-bell combination in that sequence of operations, and a 1 / 2 probability of missing a combination. Also, in Figure 9, "1-bell combination (1 / 4)" means that there is a 1 / 4 probability of winning a 1-bell combination in that sequence of operations, and a 3 / 4 probability of missing a combination. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the recommended hitting sequence for any of the irregular three-bell combinations is a failed operation, and if stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in the recommended hitting sequence, a single-coin small win is guaranteed.

[0085] Furthermore, when each irregular 3-bell combination is won, in the correct sequence of plays, the symbols constituting the 3-coin winning combination are preferentially displayed on the active line due to payout priority control, while in an operation sequence different from the correct sequence, the symbols constituting the 1-coin winning combination are preferentially displayed on the active line due to quantity priority control, with the stop position relative to the operation detection position set in each stop control table. In this embodiment, by using payout priority control and quantity priority control according to the operation sequence, it is possible to win a 3-coin winning combination while avoiding a 1-coin winning combination in the correct sequence of plays, and to win a 1-coin winning combination while avoiding a 3-coin winning combination in an operation sequence different from the correct sequence of plays.

[0086] In the stop control table, which is referenced when a sequence of three bells is won in the internal lottery, a correct sequence of button presses is set for each sequence of three bells, as shown in Figure 9.

[0087] In the stop control table referenced when any of the three-bell combinations are won, the stop positions relative to the operation detection positions are set so that a three-coin win is achieved when stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in the correct sequence. When stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in a different sequence than the correct sequence, the stop positions relative to the operation detection positions are set so that there are cases where a one-coin win is achieved and cases where no win is achieved (a win is missed). In Figure 9, "one-coin win (1 / 4)" means that there is a 1 / 4 probability of a one-coin win being achieved in that sequence of operations, and a 3 / 4 probability of a win being missed. In this embodiment, the recommended sequence of operations is the correct operation for any of the three-bell combinations, and when stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in the recommended sequence, a three-coin win is always achieved.

[0088] Furthermore, when a 3-coin bell is won by pressing the buttons in order, in the correct pressing order, the symbols that constitute the 3-coin winning combination are preferentially displayed on the active line by payout priority control, and in an operation order different from the correct pressing order, the symbols that constitute the 1-coin winning combination are preferentially displayed on the active line by quantity priority control, with the stop position relative to the operation detection position set in each stop control table. In this embodiment, by using payout priority control and quantity priority control according to the operation order, it is possible to win a 3-coin winning combination while avoiding the 1-coin winning combination in the correct pressing order, and to win a 1-coin winning combination while avoiding the 3-coin winning combination in an operation order different from the correct pressing order.

[0089] Furthermore, in the stop control table referenced when a watermelon is won in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set such that, depending on the operation of stop switches 23a to 23c, there are cases where a 3-coin small win occurs and cases where no win occurs. In this embodiment, regardless of the order in which stop switches 23a to 23c are operated, there is a 3 / 4 probability of a 3-coin small win occurring and a 1 / 4 probability of a win being missed.

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

[0091] Furthermore, in the stop control table referenced when JAC1 is won in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that either small win 1 or small win 2 is guaranteed to be awarded. In the stop control table referenced when JAC2 is won in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that one of small wins 3 to 7 is guaranteed to be awarded. In the stop control table referenced when JAC3 is won in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the operation detection position is set so that one of small wins 13 to 36 is guaranteed to be awarded.

[0092] Furthermore, regarding the Big Bonus (BB), it can only be awarded if it is won alone in the normal state. In the bonus state, there are no misses, and a small win 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 operation detection position.

[0093] Furthermore, the game control means 102 performs a winning determination process to determine whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the stopping patterns of the first reels 13a to the third reels 13c. In other words, the game control means 102 functions as a winning determination means for determining whether or not a winning combination has been achieved. Specifically, while referring to the winning determination table stored in the main memory means 105, it determines whether or not the combination of symbols displayed on the active line when all of the first reels 13a to the third reels 13c have stopped is a predetermined winning combination. In this embodiment, the winning determination table is prepared so that, as shown in Figures 10 to 13, it is possible to determine whether or not a Big Bonus (BB), Replay 1 to Replay 5, and Small Win 1 to Small Win 36 have been achieved based on the combination of symbols displayed on the active line when each reel has stopped.

[0094] In the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, the game control means 102 executes a prize-winning process when a winning combination is achieved, based on the result of the prize-winning determination process. For example, if a minor win is achieved, an electronic medal payout process is performed; if a replay is achieved, a replay process is performed; and if a bonus is achieved, a game state transition process is performed to change the game state.

[0095] First, the game control means 102 performs payout processing related to the dispensing of electronic tokens according to the game result. In this embodiment, the electronic token dispensing function is realized through the cooperation of the main control unit 100 and the token count control unit 600. Specifically, when a small win occurs, the game control means 102 of the main control unit 100 determines the number of electronic tokens to be dispensed in the game based on the predetermined payout for each win, and transmits a payout command specifying the number of electronic tokens to be dispensed to the token count control unit 600. Upon receiving the payout command, the token count control unit 600 uses the counting control means 601 to increase the number of game tokens stored in the token information storage means 603 as an increase in the number of game tokens specified in the payout command. In this embodiment of the game machine 10, when electronic tokens are dispensed in each game, the number of electronic tokens dispensed is displayed on the main display unit 16. In other words, when a minor role is won and electronic tokens are dispensed, the game control means 102 controls the display on the main display 16 to show the number of electronic tokens dispensed in accordance with the winning minor role. Thus, when a minor role is won, the game control means 102 functions as a dispenser control means that dispenses a number of electronic tokens corresponding to the payout of the winning minor role. In this embodiment, the payout for each minor role is set in relation to a predetermined number of tokens to be inserted, and for some minor roles, the payout differs depending on whether the predetermined number of tokens to be inserted is 3 or 2. As shown in Figure 11, for minor roles 1 to 7, the payout differs depending on whether the predetermined number of tokens to be inserted is 3 or 2. For minor roles 1 and 2, the payout is 15 tokens when the predetermined number of tokens to be inserted is 3, while the payout is 1 token when the predetermined number of tokens to be inserted is 2. For minor roles 3 to 7, the payout is 3 tokens when the predetermined number of tokens to be inserted is 3, while the payout is 1 token when the predetermined number of tokens to be inserted is 2. For minor roles 8 through 36, the payout is the same whether the prescribed number of coins to be inserted is 3 or 2, meaning the payout is 1 coin regardless of the prescribed number of coins inserted.In this embodiment, the prescribed number of tokens to be inserted is set to 3 in the normal state and the bonus state, and to 2 in the bonus state. Therefore, in the normal state and the bonus state, if a small win occurs, more electronic tokens than the prescribed number of tokens may be dispensed. However, in the bonus state, regardless of which small win occurs, the number of electronic tokens dispensed is controlled to be less than the prescribed number of tokens to be inserted. Alternatively, a payout limit for electronic tokens may be set according to the prescribed number of tokens to be inserted, and when electronic tokens are dispensed in conjunction with a small win, the system may be controlled so that the number of electronic tokens dispensed in a single game does not exceed the payout limit. Specifically, if the prescribed number of tokens to be inserted is 3, the payout limit can be set to 15 tokens, and if the prescribed number of tokens to be inserted is 2, the payout limit can be set to 1 token. For example, if the prescribed number of tokens to be inserted is 2, even if a 15-coin small win or a 3-coin small win occurs, the payout limit is set to 1 token, so the number of electronic tokens dispensed in conjunction with a 15-coin small win or a 3-coin small win will be 1 token.

[0096] Furthermore, when a replay is awarded, the game control means 102 performs a replay process (re-play process) that sets the next game to the same preparation state as the previous game without requiring the player to insert any electronic tokens they possess. In other words, in the game machine of this embodiment, when a replay is awarded, an automatic insertion process is performed in which the same number of electronic tokens as in the previous game are automatically inserted without using any electronic tokens the player possesses, and the machine waits for the next game start operation on the start switch 22 with the same active lines as in the previous game set. In this way, the game control means 102 functions as a replay processing means that provides the next game free of charge when a replay is awarded.

[0097] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 14, the game control means 102 performs a game state transition process to transition the game state between the normal state, the bonus-established state, and the bonus state. In other words, the game control means 102 functions as a game state control means that can set the normal state, the bonus-established state, and the bonus state. In this embodiment, information indicating the current game state is stored in the main memory means 105. 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.

[0098] 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 bonus state or the bonus state. Specifically, if a bonus is won in the normal state but the bonus is not awarded, the game transitions to the bonus state, and if a bonus is awarded, the game transitions to the bonus state. In the normal state, an internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table among several types of internal lottery tables stored in the main memory means 105, in which small wins, replays, and bonuses are set as the lottery targets. In this embodiment, when in the normal state, the prescribed number of tokens to be inserted is set to 3, and an internal lottery is performed by referring to internal lottery table 1 among internal lottery tables 1 to 3 shown in Figure 5. In this embodiment, in the normal state, the payout rate, which corresponds to the expected value of acquiring electronic tokens, is less than 50%.

[0099] The bonus state is a game state that is entered when a bonus is won in an internal lottery, but the bonus is not awarded. In the bonus state, the success or failure of small wins is determined with the same probability as in the normal state from among the multiple types of internal lottery tables stored in the main memory means 105, and an internal lottery is conducted by referring to an internal lottery table in which the bonus is excluded from the lottery target. In the bonus state, replays are also set as targets for lottery, but the probability and manner of winning replays may be different from or the same as in the normal state. In this embodiment, when the bonus state is in effect, the prescribed number of coins to be inserted is set to 3, and an internal lottery is conducted by referring to internal lottery table 2 from internal lottery tables 1 to 3 shown in Figure 5. In this embodiment, for the bonus state, the payout rate when the performance state is not in AT state (not in AT) is at least 50%, and the payout rate when the performance state is in AT state (in AT) is approximately 300%.

[0100] Furthermore, in the bonus-established state, the lottery flag corresponding to the bonus remains in a winning state until the bonus is awarded, and the success or failure of small wins and replays is determined. When a combination of symbols indicating the type of bonus awarded is displayed on an active line, the game control means 102 transitions the game state from the bonus-established state to the bonus state based on the awarding of the bonus.

[0101] The bonus state is a game state that is entered when a combination of symbols indicating a bonus win is displayed on an active payline. In the bonus state, an internal lottery is conducted by referring to an internal lottery table in which the probability of winning small wins is set higher than in the normal state and the bonus state, and replays are excluded from the lottery target, among the multiple types of internal lottery tables stored in the main memory means 105. In other words, the bonus state is a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state and the bonus state, as small wins are won more frequently. In this embodiment, when in the bonus state, the prescribed number of coins to insert is set to 2, and an internal lottery is conducted by referring to internal lottery table 3 among internal lottery tables 1 to 3 shown in Figure 5. In this embodiment, the payout rate for the bonus state is 50%.

[0102] In the bonus state, the game control means 102 determines whether the termination condition has been met based on the total number of electronic tokens dispensed through bonus gameplay in the bonus state. If the number of electronic tokens dispensed exceeds a predetermined number of tokens (for example, 100 tokens), the game control means 102 terminates the bonus state and returns the game state to the normal state. In this embodiment, the count information regarding the number of tokens dispensed in the bonus state is accumulated and stored in the main memory means 105.

[0103] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15, the game control means 102 changes the performance state among multiple types of performance states, including the initial performance state, the normal performance state, the AT state, and the pull-back state. Under predetermined conditions, it sets the performance state to the AT state and controls the termination of the AT state when the termination conditions for the AT state are met. In this embodiment, information indicating the current performance state is stored in the main memory means 105. In this embodiment, when in the AT state, the game control means 102 displays information corresponding to the correct operation pattern (operation instruction information) on the main display unit 16, which consists of a 7-segment display, when a predetermined batting order winning pattern is won, thereby providing correct operation notification to assist in winning the correct small role or equivalent small role, and enabling the player to play an assist time game, which makes it easier to acquire medals than when in the initial performance state or the normal performance state. In this embodiment, the function to execute the assist time game in the advantageous section is an instruction function, and the processing that affects the execution of the assist time game is the processing related to the instruction function.

[0104] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 16, the game control means 102 allows setting a normal section (non-advantageous section) and an advantageous section. In the normal section, the performance state is fixed to the initial performance state, and a lottery for transitioning to the advantageous section is conducted. 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 game is in the advantageous section. In other words, the game control means 102 allows setting a normal section and an advantageous section, and functions as a section control means that can provide operation instruction information in the advantageous section.

[0105] The game control means 102 performs a favorable section transition lottery for each game in the normal section, determining whether or not the player has won the favorable section based on the results of an internal lottery. In this embodiment, the player wins the favorable section in conjunction with the winning patterns obtained in the normal state or the bonus-established state, and the player wins the favorable section except in the case of a very small number of winning patterns.

[0106] When the game control means 102 wins a favorable period during the normal period, it performs a favorable period transition process based on the fact that it has won a favorable period, starts the favorable period from the next game after the game in which it won a favorable period, and sets the performance state to the normal performance state.

[0107] The game control means 102 performs an AT lottery (an example of processing related to the instruction function) to grant AT stocks, which are the right to transition to the AT state, during the normal performance state of the advantageous section. In this embodiment, an AT lottery is performed regardless of which winning pattern is obtained in the internal lottery, and the AT lottery is performed so that an AT win result is obtained with a probability corresponding to the winning pattern. Based on the result of the AT lottery being an AT win, the game control means 102 increases the number of AT stocks stored in the main memory means 105 and performs the process of granting AT stocks. The number of AT stocks granted by an AT win may be constant or not. For example, the number of AT stocks may increase by 1 for each AT win, or there may be cases where the number of AT stocks increases by 1 and cases where it increases by 2 for each AT win.

[0108] The game control means 102 performs an AT lottery by referring to the value of a specific lottery counter in the normal performance state. The specific lottery counter is a counter that can take the value of 0 or 1 and is provided in the main memory means 105. In this embodiment, a low probability table and a high probability table are stored in the main memory means 105 to correspond to each of the winning patterns obtained in the internal lottery, and when the game control means 102 performs an AT lottery, it refers to the value of the specific lottery counter to determine which low probability table or high probability table to use that is associated with the winning pattern obtained in the internal lottery.

[0109] The game control means 102 sets the value of the specific lottery counter to 1 when the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in the recommended order during the normal performance state. On the other hand, the game control means 102 resets the value of the specific lottery counter to 0 when the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in an irregular order during the normal performance state. The specific lottery counter is updated after the AT lottery is performed based on the game start operation and after the third stop operation. Therefore, when the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in an irregular order during the normal performance state, the value of the specific lottery counter referenced when the game start operation is performed in the next game will be 0. In this embodiment, when the game control means 102 executes the AT lottery, it refers to the low probability table when the value of the specific lottery counter is 0, and refers to the high probability table which has a higher winning probability than the low probability table when the value of the specific lottery counter is 1. Therefore, if the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in an irregular order during the normal performance state, the AT lottery for the next game will be unfavorable. Thus, in this embodiment, if the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in the recommended order during the normal performance state, it will be more favorable in the AT lottery than if the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in an irregular order.

[0110] The game control means 102 controls the transition from the normal performance state to the AT state when the number of AT stocks stored in the main memory means 105 is 1 or more (when the number of AT stocks > 0) during the normal performance state. When the game control means 102 transitions the performance state to the AT state, it performs a process of subtracting a certain value (for example, 1) from the number of AT stocks stored in the main memory means 105.

[0111] The game control means 102 initiates an assist time game based on the performance state being the AT state, and updates the AT game count information with an update amount equivalent to one game each time an assist time game is played. In this embodiment, the AT game count information is stored in the main memory means 105. In this embodiment, when one of the predetermined batting order winning patterns (batting order bell group a, batting order bell group b, irregular 3-coin bell group a, irregular 3-coin bell group b) is won in the AT state, the game control means 102 performs a correct operation notification that notifies the correct operation pattern corresponding to the won batting order winning pattern. In this embodiment, when the game control means 102 performs a correct operation notification regarding a batting order winning pattern, the operation instruction number corresponding to the correct batting order corresponding to the won batting order winning pattern is displayed on the main display 16. Information regarding the operation instruction number is notified to the sub-control unit 200, and the sub-control unit 200, through the performance control means 201, performs a prize-winning assistance performance that assists in winning the correct prize or an equivalent prize by displaying a performance image corresponding to the operation instruction number notified from the main control unit 100 on the liquid crystal display 20 or outputting sound corresponding to the operation instruction number from the speaker 40. In this embodiment, there are two types of winning patterns for the order of play: the order-press 3-bell group a and the order-press 3-bell group b. However, when the order-press 3-bell is won, the main display 16 does not notify the player of the correct operation. The AT state is a game section in which the expected value of the payout rate of electronic tokens is approximately 300%, and the number of electronic tokens owned by the player can be increased.

[0112] The game control means 102 performs an additional lottery (an example of processing related to the instruction function) to determine whether or not to add to the number of AT stocks in a game where a correct operation notification has not been given in the AT state. The additional lottery is performed when an operation is made on the stop switches 23a to 23c in the recommended batting order, and is not performed when an operation is made on the stop switches 23a to 23c in an irregular batting order. If the game control means 102 wins the additional lottery, it performs a process to increase the number of AT stocks stored in the main memory means 105. Thus, in this embodiment, in a game where a correct operation notification has not been given in the AT state, performing an operation on the stop switches 23a to 23c in the recommended batting order is more advantageous in the additional lottery than performing an operation on the stop switches 23a to 23c in an irregular batting order.

[0113] The game control means 102, based on the count information of the number of AT games stored in the main memory means 105, determines that the conditions for ending the AT state have been met, and then performs control to transition the performance state to the pull-back state.

[0114] The game control means 102 performs an AT lottery under more favorable conditions than the normal performance state when the player is in a pull-back state. In the pull-back state, the game control means 102 updates the value of the specific lottery counter according to the operation order of the stop switches 23a to 23c, just as in the normal performance state, and performs an AT lottery by referring to the value of the specific lottery counter. In other words, in this embodiment, when the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in the recommended order in the pull-back state, the AT lottery is more favorable than when the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in an irregular order. However, in the AT lottery in the pull-back state, if a cherry replay, watermelon replay, or watermelon is obtained, an AT win result can always be obtained regardless of whether the high probability table or the low probability table is referred to.

[0115] The game control means 102 controls the performance state to return from the return state to the AT state if the number of AT stocks stored in the main memory means 105 is 1 or more (if the number of AT stocks > 0) in the return state. When the performance state is returned to the AT state, the game control means 102 performs a process of subtracting a certain value (for example, 1) from the number of AT stocks stored in the main memory means 105. In this embodiment, there are mainly two ways in which the state returns from the return state to the AT state: one is when the number of AT stocks is 0 at the end of the AT state and the AT lottery is won in the return state when the number of AT stocks is 0; the other is when the number of AT stocks is 1 or more remaining at the end of the AT state and the remaining number of AT stocks is consumed in the return state.

[0116] The return state ends when the fall condition is met, and the game control means 102 controls the performance state to return to the normal performance state when the fall condition is met in the return state. The game control means 102 can determine that the fall condition has been met when a predetermined number of games have been played. The game control means 102 can also determine that the fall condition has been met when it wins the fall lottery in the return state.

[0117] In this embodiment, the game control means 102 updates the net number of tokens count information in the advantageous section based on the number of electronic tokens inserted and the number of electronic tokens dispensed. If it determines that the conditions for ending the advantageous section have been met based on the net number of tokens count information, it performs control to end the advantageous section. The net number of tokens count information is stored in the main memory means 105, and in the advantageous section, the net number of tokens count information is updated even if a transition in game state or performance state occurs, as long as the conditions for ending the advantageous section are not met.

[0118] Furthermore, the game control means 102 performs initialization processing to initialize predetermined information stored in the main memory means 105 based on the end of the advantageous period. In particular, in this embodiment, among the various types of information stored in the main memory means 105, information regarding the performance state, the number of AT stocks, the count information for the number of AT games, and the information regarding the difference in tokens during the advantageous period are initialized by the initialization processing that accompanies the end of the advantageous period. For this reason, when initialization processing is performed due to the end of the advantageous period, unlike when initialization processing is performed when settings are changed, information regarding the lottery flag for the internal lottery and information regarding the game state are retained without being initialized by the initialization processing that accompanies 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 information regarding the number of AT stocks, the count information for the number of AT games, and the information regarding the difference in tokens during the advantageous period are initialized to their initial values ​​(for example, 0), and the game returns to the normal period.

[0119] In this embodiment, since initialization processing is performed upon the end of the advantageous period and the player returns to the normal period, if the termination condition based on the net payout count information is met while the player is in the AT state, the AT state will be forcibly terminated by the initialization processing associated with the end of the advantageous period.

[0120] Next, the sub-control unit 200 will be described. The sub-control unit 200 includes a performance control means 201 and a sub-storage means 203.

[0121] The performance control means 201 controls performances performed using the display unit 501 (e.g., liquid crystal display 20), the speaker 40, and the lamp unit 503 (e.g., outer perimeter lamp 19, etc.) based on performance data stored in the sub-storage means 202. For example, it controls the execution of 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 of the liquid crystal display 20, or outputting sound from the speaker 40 in response to game events such as operations on the bet switch 21, operations on the start switch 22, stop switches 23a to 23c, and changes in the game state.

[0122] Furthermore, when the performance state is in AT state, the performance control means 201 controls the liquid crystal display 20 and speaker 40 to execute an award assistance performance that notifies the correct operation pattern when a predetermined batting order winning pattern (batting order bell group a, batting order bell group b, irregular 3-coin bell group a, irregular 3-coin bell group b) is won, and assists in winning the correct small role or equivalent small role. In this embodiment, similar to the correct operation notification on the main control unit 100 side, the award assistance performance is not executed when a normal 3-coin bell is won.

[0123] Furthermore, the performance control means 201 controls the execution of a remaining count display performance, which displays the remaining number of games until the AT state ends on the LCD display 20 when the game is being played in AT state. In the remaining count display performance, when the AT game count information is updated by playing the game, the display content is changed so that the remaining number of games decreases to reflect the update of the count information.

[0124] In this embodiment, the main loop processing of the main control unit 100 ensures the visibility of the symbols arranged on each reel by illuminating the symbol display position of each reel with the backlight unit 36, at least when the reels are rotating. The backlight unit 36 ​​is controlled to turn off or flash at predetermined triggers such as when the reels stop or when a winning combination is achieved.

[0125] Furthermore, the content of the effects performed during gameplay is determined according to commands transmitted from the main control unit 100 to the effect lottery table stored in the sub-storage means 203, corresponding to the game state, effect state, results of internal lottery, etc. In this embodiment, image data stored in the ROM area of ​​the sub-storage means 203 is read into an image buffer provided in the sub-storage means 203, and an image based on the image data read into the image buffer is output to the liquid crystal display 20. Sound data stored in the ROM area of ​​the sub-storage means 203 is read into a sound buffer provided in the sub-storage means 203, and a sound based on the sound data read into the sound buffer is output from the speaker 40.

[0126] The functional block configuration of this embodiment can also be applied to computer systems (including game systems). In these systems, the functionality of the computer as the game control means 100 of this embodiment can be realized by downloading a program that enables the computer to function as such 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 bet switch 21, start switch 22, stop switches 23a to 23c, 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 main display 16, game token count display 27, reel unit 30, etc., are not essential configuration requirements, and the functions of these units can be virtually realized by controlling the images displayed on the display.

[0127] 2. The method of this embodiment In this embodiment, the game is designed to award equivalent small wins that result in the same number of electronic medals dispensed as the specified number of medals inserted. This includes a variation of the 3-coin bell and a standard 3-coin bell. In AT mode, the correct game is announced when the variation of the 3-coin bell is won, but the correct game is not announced when the standard 3-coin bell is won.

[0128] Figure 17 shows the settings for the winning number, winning role group, and operation instruction number for the batting order selection method.

[0129] In this embodiment, the following are provided as batting order winning patterns: batting order bell group a (batting order bell a1~a8), batting order bell group b (batting order bell b1~b8), irregular 3-coin bell group a (irregular 3-coin bell a1~a4), irregular 3-coin bell group b (irregular 3-coin bell b1~b4), straight-press 3-coin bell group a (straight-press 3-coin bell a1~a4), and straight-press 3-coin bell group b (straight-press 3-coin bell b1~b4). Winning numbers from 10 to 41 are individually assigned to each of these.

[0130] The winning role group is information indicating the result of an internal lottery notified to the sub-control unit 200, and the same numerical value, 1, is assigned to each batting order winning pattern. In this embodiment, if any of the winning numbers 10 to 41 are obtained in the internal lottery, the main control unit 100 notifies the sub-control unit 200 that the winning role group is 1. Therefore, the sub-control unit 200 can understand that one of the batting order winning patterns has been won, but it cannot understand the details of the winning pattern. By preventing the sub-control unit 200 from understanding the details of the batting order winning pattern in this way, it is possible to prevent attempts to manipulate the sub-control unit 200 to fraudulently determine the correct operation pattern.

[0131] In this embodiment, operation instruction numbers 1 to 4 are provided. If the correct batting order is batting order 3, the operation instruction number is set to 1. If the correct batting order is batting order 4, the operation instruction number is set to 2. If the correct batting order is batting order 5, the operation instruction number is set to 3. If the correct batting order is batting order 6, the operation instruction number is set to 4. The main display unit 16 is composed of a 2-digit 7-segment display unit. When a correct operation is announced, if the operation instruction number to be announced is 1, the display content of the main display unit 16 will be "01". If the operation instruction number to be announced is 2, the display content of the main display unit 16 will be "02". If the operation instruction number to be announced is 3, the display content of the main display unit 16 will be "03". If the operation instruction number to be announced is 4, the display content of the main display unit 16 will be "04". In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 17, among the winning numbers 10 to 41 associated with each batting order winning pattern, winning numbers 10 to 33 are assigned one of the operation instruction numbers 1 to 4, while winning numbers 34 to 41 are not assigned an operation instruction number.

[0132] Figure 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the process by which the main control unit 100 performs a correct operation notification.

[0133] First, if the internal lottery determines the winning batting order (Y in step S101), it is checked whether the performance state is AT state or not (step S102). If the performance state is AT state (Y in step S102) and the winning number is between 10 and 33 (Y in step S103), the main control unit 100 performs correct operation notification by displaying the operation instruction number associated with the winning batting order obtained in the internal lottery on the main display unit 16 (step S104). This operation instruction number, along with the winning role group, is notified to the sub-control unit 200, and the sub-control unit 200, if in AT state, performs a prize-winning assistance performance that notifies the correct batting order according to the operation instruction number received from the main control unit 100.

[0134] In this embodiment, for the 3-bell group a and the 3-bell group b, the correct betting order is betting order 1 and 2, and no operation instruction numbers corresponding to betting order 1 and 2 are set. Therefore, if the winning number is 34 to 41 (N in step S103), the main control unit 100 does not perform correct operation notification using the main display unit 16, even if the main control unit 100 is in AT state. Similarly, in the sub-control unit 200, since the operation instruction number cannot be determined in a game in which the 3-bell is won by pressing the buttons in order, the prize-winning assistance animation is not performed.

[0135] By the way, the instruction function in the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, which assists in winning small prizes by notifying the correct operation, is a function that improves the performance of acquiring electronic medals. For this reason, when an instruction function is present, it is necessary to design the machine so that the instruction function is considered a type of pseudo-bonus, and the instruction-inclusive prize ratio, which is an index that shows the ratio of electronic medal payouts that include electronic medal payouts achieved by winning small prizes in a bonus state and electronic medal payouts achieved by winning small prizes through correct operation notification by the instruction function, does not exceed a certain level.

[0136] In the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, in games where a correct operation notification is not given during the advantageous section, if the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in the recommended order, the game is treated more favorably than if the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in an irregular order. For example, in the normal performance state and the comeback state, the value of the specific lottery counter is referenced to perform the AT lottery, so the recommended order, in which the value of the specific lottery counter is updated to refer to the high probability table, is more advantageous than an irregular order. In the AT state, in games where a correct operation notification is not given, an additional lottery is performed if the recommended order is used.

[0137] Therefore, if no notification of the correct operation is given, the player's psychology is guided to perform the stop operation in the recommended order. As a result, even if no notification of the correct operation is given in a game in AT state where a 3-coin bell combination is won by pressing the buttons in order, the player can still achieve an equivalent small win by performing the stop operation in the recommended order. In other words, when an equivalent small win is achieved in a game where a 3-coin bell combination is won by pressing the buttons in order, the payout of electronic medals resulting from that equivalent small win does not need to be counted as a payout of electronic medals due to the correct operation notification of the instruction function. As a result, compared to a case where a notification of the correct operation is given when a 3-coin bell combination is won by pressing the buttons in order, it is possible to reduce the ratio of instruction-based prizes without reducing the performance of acquiring electronic medals in AT state.

[0138] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in order to adjust the payout rate for irregular batting orders, a single-coin payout is missed when a three-coin bell combination is won with a normal press. If a correct operation notification is given when a three-coin bell combination is won with a normal press to prevent the loss of payouts in AT mode, it becomes necessary to design the AT mode to reduce performance, taking into account the impact on the payout ratio including instructions.

[0139] In the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment, in games where correct operation notification is not given, the recommended batting order is treated more favorably than the irregular batting order. Therefore, it is assumed that when correct operation notification is not given, the stop switches 23a to 23c are operated in the recommended batting order, and when the three-bell combination is won by pressing the buttons in order, the equivalent small win can be achieved without giving a correct operation notification or an assisting win animation. For this reason, according to the method of this embodiment, the amount of electronic medals paid out due to the win of the small win related to the three-bell combination by pressing the buttons in order is excluded from the payout by the instruction function in the instruction-inclusive prize ratio, and the performance of acquiring electronic medals can be adjusted appropriately without causing any disadvantage to the player. As a result, the design freedom of the gaming machine can be improved.

[0140] The method employed in the gaming machine 10 of this embodiment described above is as follows: (A) In games where no operation instruction information is provided in the advantageous section, if the stopping operation is performed in the recommended order of stopping the first reel 13a of the first reel 13a to the third reel 13b first, the processing is more advantageous than if the stopping operation is performed in an irregular order of stopping the second reel 13b or the third reel 13c first. (B) Irregular orders have higher performance in acquiring electronic medals than recommended orders. (C) There are order bells or irregular 3-coin bells in which a correct small win or equivalent small win with a payout of more than the specified number of coins is awarded when the stopping operation is performed in the correct operation mode. (D) The standard batting order is set as the correct operation mode. There is a standard batting order that is the correct operation mode, and in the recommended batting order, an equivalent small win with a payout of more than the specified number of inputs is awarded, while in the irregular batting order, there is a possibility that a 1-coin small win with a payout of less than the specified number of inputs is awarded, or that no win occurs. (E) In an AT state where the provision of operation instruction information is permitted, if a batting order bell or an irregular 3-coin bell is obtained, the main display 16 provides operation instruction information corresponding to the correct operation mode, but in an AT state, if a standard 3-coin bell is obtained, operation instruction information corresponding to the correct operation mode is not provided. (A) to (E) are provided.

[0141] Furthermore, this embodiment includes a plurality of reels (first reel 13a, second reel 13b, third reel 13c) with multiple types of patterns arranged on their outer surfaces, a main control unit 100 that controls the progress of the game, and a sub-control unit 200 that controls the execution of effects in accordance with the progress of the game. The main control unit 100 performs an internal lottery to determine whether multiple types of winning combinations, including minor wins, are achieved, rotates the plurality of reels for each game, and stops the rotating reels in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery when a stop operation is triggered, and allows setting of a normal section and an advantageous section. A gaming machine that performs section control to provide operation instruction information to assist in winning a prize when a specific game section (AT state) is in the advantageous section, and pays out game value (electron medals) corresponding to the payout of the prize when a prize is won, wherein if the stopping operation is performed in a non-specific operation order (irregular stopping order) in which the reels other than the specific reel (second reel 13b, third reel 13c) among the multiple reels are stopped first, the stopping operation is performed in a specific operation order (recommended stopping order) in which the specific reel (first reel 13a) among the multiple reels is stopped first. The performance in acquiring game value is higher than in the case of the above, and as the winning patterns for the small wins, there are a first winning pattern (irregular 3-coin bell, order bell) and a second winning pattern (order 3-coin bell) in which a small win (equivalent small win, correct small win) with a payout set to be greater than the number of game value invested is awarded when the stop operation is performed in the correct operation pattern, and in the first winning pattern, the non-specific operation order is set as the correct operation pattern, and when the stop operation is performed in the specific operation order, a small win (1-coin small win) with a payout less than the number of game value invested is awarded, and in the second winning pattern, the specific operation order is set as the correct operation pattern, and when the stop operation is performed in the specific operation order, a small win (1-coin small win) with a payout set to be less than the number of game value invested is awarded, and in the second winning pattern, the specific operation order is set as the correct operation pattern When the execution sequence is set as the correct operation pattern, and a stop operation is performed in the non-specific operation sequence, there are cases where a small win with a payout less than the number of game value inputs is awarded, and cases where no wins are awarded. In games where the operation instruction information is not provided in the advantageous section, the main control unit 100 performs a more favorable process when a stop operation is performed in the specific operation sequence than when a stop operation is performed in the non-specific operation sequence, and when the first winning pattern is obtained in the specific game section, it provides operation instruction information corresponding to the correct operation pattern.This includes gaming machines that, when the second winning pattern is obtained in the specified gaming section, do not provide operation instruction information corresponding to the correct operation pattern. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 10 gaming machines, 11 storage box, 12 front door, 13a First reel, 13b Second reel, 13c Third reel, 14 Display window, 15 Active lines, 16 Main indicator, 18 Sub indicator, 19 Outer perimeter lamps, 20 LCD display, 21 bed switch, 22 start switch, 23a, 23b, 23c Stop switch, 24 Door key cylinder, 26 Counting switch, 27 Game token count display, 28 Settlement switch, 30 Reel unit, 31 Base unit, 32 Support unit, 33 Stepping motor, 34 Reel body, 35 Reel tape, 36 Backlight unit, 37a Upper backlight, 37b Middle backlight, 37c Lower backlight, 40 speakers, 100 Main control unit, 101 Setting change means, 102 Game control means, 103 Random number generation means, 105 Main memory means, 200 Sub-control unit, 201 Performance control means, 203 Sub-storage means, 301 Startup mode change switch, 302 Setting change switch, 303 Door open / close switch, 405 Reel index, 501 Display unit, 503 Lamp unit, 600 medal count control unit, 601 Counting control means, 603 Medal information storage means, 700 Rental device connection terminal board, 800 dedicated unit, 801 Loan control unit, 802 Cash input unit, 803 Card insertion unit, 804 Loan switch, 805 Return switch, 806 Game switch, 807 Frequency display, 808 Number of medals won display

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 and replays, A reel control means that rotates the aforementioned multiple reels for each game and controls the reels that are rotating to stop in a manner corresponding to the result of an internal lottery when a stop operation is performed, A game state control means that allows setting a first game state, a second game state in which the probability of winning the replay differs from the first game state, and a third game state in which the method of drawing the minor roles differs from the first and second game states, A gaming machine that is equipped with such a feature, in which game value is paid out upon winning the aforementioned minor role, and in which the next game is provided free of charge upon winning the aforementioned replay, The first game state and the second game state are set so that the number of game values ​​required to start the game is set to the first number of inputs. The third game state is set to a second number of game values ​​that is less than the first game state and the second game state, in order to start the game. The aforementioned minor roles include a first minor role, a second minor role, and a third minor role. As a winning pattern for the minor role in the first game state and the second game state, there is a first winning pattern in which the first minor role and the third minor role are won simultaneously. In the third game state, there is a second winning pattern in which the first and second winning patterns are awarded simultaneously. When the game is played with the first number of tokens, the payout of game value associated with winning is greater than when the first number of tokens is used, and when the game is played with the second number of tokens, the payout of game value associated with winning is less than when the first number of tokens is used. When the game is played with the number of tokens inserted in the first position, the payout of game value associated with winning the second position is less than that of the first position, and when the game is played with the number of tokens inserted in the second position, the payout of game value associated with winning is the same as that of the first position. The third minor role, when played with the first number of tokens, results in a payout of game value associated with winning being less than that of the first and second minor roles, and when played with the second number of tokens, results in a payout of game value associated with winning being the same as when played with the first number of tokens. A gaming machine characterized in that there is a reel to which the same symbol is assigned in the winning form of the first minor role and the winning form of the second minor role, and that the reel is the first reel to be stopped in the operation sequence that makes it possible to win the first minor role in a game in which the first winning form is obtained.

Images