Gaming Machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine improving merchantability.SOLUTION: When a state in which a prescribed number of game values required for starting a game are supplied, or a state in which game values are automatically supplied on the basis of winning of a replay as a result of an internal lottery is set as a specific state, a game is started when a start lever is not operated in a state in which first operation means is operated in the specific state, but a game is not started when the start lever is operated in a state in which second operation means is ON in the specific state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 31

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] A known gaming machine is a pachinko gaming machine that includes a gaming area in which gaming balls (gaming value) move and a launching device that launches the gaming balls into the gaming area. The pachinko gaming machine includes a starting port provided in the gaming area, and when the entry of a gaming ball into the starting port is detected, a special symbol lottery is held. If the result of the special symbol lottery is a jackpot, the gaming state transitions to a special gaming state, and multiple special games are played in the special gaming state. In each special game, a big prize opening provided in the gaming area operates to an open state, and a gaming ball is paid out based on the entry of the gaming ball into the big prize opening.

[0003] Also, as a gaming machine, a slot machine is known that is equipped with a plurality of reels with a plurality of symbols arranged on the outer periphery, a start lever, a stop button, etc. In the slot machine, the reels start to rotate based on a game start operation, and an internal lottery is performed using a lottery table. When each reel stops, a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination that has been selected in the internal lottery is displayed, and when the winning combination is a winning combination, a process corresponding to the winning combination is performed, such as a medal payout process that pays out medals (game value) or a replay process that allows a player to play again without consuming medals.

[0004] Some slot machines are configured to allow the user to select a setting value from a number of different settings (setting 1 to setting 6). The slot machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 is configured such that, when the power is turned on and no bets are placed, a setting key is inserted into the setting key insertion slot and the setting key is rotated 90 degrees clockwise to turn on the setting key switch, causing the machine to transition to a setting confirmation state, where the current setting value is displayed on the setting value display LED. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-151135 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Meanwhile, there is a demand for improving the marketability of gaming machines.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a gaming machine with improved marketability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present invention comprises: A plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer circumferential surface; A start lever used to start a game; An operation means different from the start lever; A control means for controlling the progress of a game; A notification means capable of notifying an error; A storage means, The control means is capable of executing a process of stopping a process related to the progress of a game for a specific period of time, When an error is detected during the specified period, the control means outputs an external signal corresponding to the error to an external device, but does not notify the error via the notification means; If a power outage occurs while the error is detected during the specified period, In the storage means, at least information related to the detection of the error and information related to the output of an external signal corresponding to the error are held without being initialized; The control means outputs an external signal based on information related to the output of the external signal corresponding to the error when recovering from the power interruption, The control means An internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination is achieved or not based on the operation of the start lever; A setting change means capable of executing a setting change process for changing a setting value among a plurality of setting values, The operation means includes a first operation means used for an operation to progress a game, and a second operation means related to a setting value, If a state in which a prescribed number of game values ​​necessary to start a game has been inserted, or a state in which game values ​​have been automatically inserted based on a winning replay as a result of the internal lottery, is defined as a specific state, In the specific state, when the start lever is operated while the first operating means is being operated, a game is started. In the specific state, if the start lever is operated while the second operating means is ON, a game will not start.

[0009] In the specific state, if the start lever is operated while the second operating means is ON, the game will not start. This makes it possible to suppress (prevent) the game from being started due to an unintended operation or an erroneous operation. This makes it possible to improve the marketability of the gaming machine. In addition, if an error is detected during a specific period, an external signal corresponding to the error is output to an external device, but the error is not notified via the notification means, so that arcade staff can immediately notice the occurrence of the error while preventing a decrease in the presentation effect caused by the error being notified during the specific period. In addition, in such a specification, if a power outage occurs while the error is detected during the specific period, and the information related to the output of the external signal corresponding to the error is initialized, the output of the external signal corresponding to the error will not be executed when the power is restored. Also, since the error occurs during the specific period, the error will not be notified via the notification means. Therefore, even though the game cannot be played due to the error, there is a risk that a situation will occur in which the staff of the game arcade or the players will not notice the occurrence of the error. According to the present invention, when a power outage occurs while an error is detected during a specific period, information related to the output of an external signal corresponding to the error is not initialized, and the external signal corresponding to the error is output again during the process of power recovery. This allows the arcade staff to notice the occurrence of an error and perform an operation to cancel the error. In this way, when a power outage occurs under special circumstances, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of an error from being difficult to notice, and improve the quality of the gaming machine. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, a gaming machine with improved marketability can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front side. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the housing according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a diagram to explain the receiving tray and the cancel chute, where (a) shows the receiving tray and the cancel chute in close proximity, and (b) shows the receiving tray and the cancel chute in a state separated from each other. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram to explain the cancel chute, where (a) shows the cancel chute from the front and (b) shows the cancel chute from the rear. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a front view of the hopper unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining the cancel chute, in which (a) is a diagram of the cancel chute seen from above, and (b) is a diagram of the cancel chute seen from the left side. [Figure 8]13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining the cancel chute, where (a) shows a see-through view of the front member of the cancel chute, and (b) shows only the rear member of the cancel chute. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a cancel shot, showing a first imaginary straight line. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a cancel shot, showing a second imaginary line. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a cancel shot, showing a third imaginary line. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a cancel shot, showing one end of a first imaginary straight line. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a cancel shot, showing the other end of the first imaginary straight line. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 shows the arrangement of symbols on the reels. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the gaming machine. [Figure 17] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the internal lottery table. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the manner of stopping operation when each winning area is won and the winning combination. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between winning symbols and symbol combinations. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between winning symbols and symbol combinations. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a state transition diagram of the game state. [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is a state transition diagram of the game section and presentation state. [Figure 23] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an error. [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another gaming machine to which the present invention can be applied. [Diagram 25]FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the main processing. [Figure 26] 13 is a flowchart showing the pseudo-game management process. [Figure 27] 13 is a flowchart showing a pseudo-game management process according to the modified example. [Figure 28] 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining modified examples of the liquid crystal display according to the first embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 30] FIG. [Diagram 31] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the gaming machine. [Diagram 32] FIG. [Diagram 33] FIG. [Diagram 34] 11 is a flowchart for explaining a main loop process. [Diagram 35] 11 is a flowchart for explaining a setting confirmation process. [Diagram 36] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing another example of the gaming machine according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 37] 11 is a flowchart for explaining a process relating to the operation of the count button. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] (First embodiment) A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that, although a slot machine, which is one of gaming machines, will be described below, the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to a slot machine, and may be a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine or a medal-less gaming machine. In addition, in the following explanation, "front and back" basically means that when a player is in front of the slot machine, the player side is the "front" and the slot machine side is the "rear," "up and down" means that the top side of the slot machine is the "top" and the bottom side is the "bottom," and "left and right" means that the left-hand side of the player playing the slot machine is the "left" and the right-hand side is the "right." It should be noted that, within the scope of the present invention, the components may be freely combined, or the components may be arbitrarily modified, or each component may be omitted.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a slot machine 100. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the inside of a cabinet 1 of the slot machine 100. This slot machine 100 has a cabinet (game machine cabinet) 1. The cabinet 1 has a top plate 2, a back plate 3, a bottom plate 4, and left and right side plates 5 and 6, and is formed in a box shape with a front opening that opens to the front side of the cabinet 1. The back plate 3 may be thinner than the top plate 2, the bottom plate 4, and the left and right side plates 5 and 6.

[0014] Hereinafter, the lower surface of the top plate 2, the front surface of the back plate 3, the upper surface of the bottom plate 4, the right surface of the left side plate 5, and the left surface of the right side plate 6, i.e., the plate surfaces of the top plate 2, the back plate 3, the bottom plate 4, the side plate 5, or the side plate 6 facing the inside of the housing 1, may be referred to as the "inner surface". Also, the upper surface of the top plate 2, the rear surface of the back plate 3, the lower surface of the bottom plate 4, the left surface of the left side plate 5, and the right surface of the right side plate 6, i.e., the plate surfaces of the top plate 2, the back plate 3, the bottom plate 4, the side plate 5, or the side plate 6 facing the outside of the housing 1, may be referred to as the "outer surface". The housing 1 is made of wood, synthetic resin, metal, or the like. Also, the material of the housing 1 is not limited to one type, and for example, a part (the top plate 2) may be made of wood, and the rest (the back plate 3, the bottom plate 4, and the left and right side plates 5, 6) may be made of resin. Also, for example, the top plate 2 may be made of two types of materials (resin and metal).

[0015] A front door 20 is provided on the front side of the cabinet 1 to close the front opening of the cabinet 1 in an openable and closable manner. The front door 20 is rotatably connected to the cabinet 1 via a hinge 29, and opens and closes the opening of the cabinet 1. The front door 20 may be divided into a plurality of doors, such as an upper part (upper door) and a lower part (lower door). The slot machine 100 may be a so-called separated cabinet type in which the upper part of the front door 20 and the reel unit 14 can be replaced while the cabinet 1, the lower part of the front door 20, and the power supply unit 10 and the hopper unit 11 in the cabinet 1 are attached to the island equipment of the gaming facility when replacing the model in the gaming facility. When the front door 20 is divided into an upper door and a lower door, the upper door and the lower door can be opened and closed freely relative to the cabinet 1. That is, the upper door is rotatably connected to the hinge 29, and opens and closes the upper opening of the cabinet 1. The lower door is rotatably connected via a hinge 29 to open and close the lower opening of the housing 1.

[0016] A flat panel 21 is provided on the upper side of the front door 20. A display device (display means, liquid crystal display) as a presentation device is provided on the back (rear side) of the panel 21. Various images (presentation images) for assisting or livening up the game are displayed on the liquid crystal display.

[0017] A transparent display window (window portion) 22 is provided in the center of the front door 20. Behind the display window 22, three reels 15a to 15c (see FIG. 2) are provided in a horizontal row. A part of the reels 15a to 15c can be seen through the display window 22. A plurality of types of symbols are arranged in a row along the circumferential direction on the outer circumferential surface of each of the reels 15a to 15c, and when the reels 15a to 15c stop, three consecutive symbols (upper row symbols, middle row symbols, and lower row symbols) are displayed per reel through the display window 22. The display window 22 is provided with upper, middle, and lower rows as display positions for visually viewing the symbols of the reels 15a to 15c, and a winning line is set by a combination of the display positions of the reels 15a to 15c. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, a pay line is formed by the middle section of the first reel 15a, the middle section of the second reel 15b, and the middle section of the third reel 15c.

[0018] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the number of medals required for one game (prescribed number) is set to "3", and when the prescribed number of medals is inserted, the active line is activated. When the three reels 15a to 15c stop, whether or not a winning combination has been achieved is displayed through the display window 22. In the slot machine 100, the reels 15a to 15c start to rotate with the start of a game, and an internal lottery is executed to determine whether any of the winning combinations has been achieved or not (no win). Then, when the reels 15a to 15c stop, if a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination obtained by the internal lottery is displayed on an active line, the winning combination is determined to be a winning combination, and a process (award winning process) corresponding to the winning combination is executed.

[0019] The front door 20 is provided with lighting devices (lighting means) 24, 25, speakers (sound output means), etc., as performance devices for performing performances (notifications), etc. The lighting device 24 is provided on the upper side of the panel 21 of the front door 20. The lighting devices 25, 25 are provided on both the left and right ends of the front door 20. A decorative member 26 having a luminous or non-luminous three-dimensional shape including these lighting devices 24, 25 is provided at a predetermined part of the front door 20, and the outer shape of the front side of the gaming machine has projections and recesses. In other words, the gaming machine is decorated with the decorative member 26.

[0020] A plurality of speakers (not shown) are provided on the front door 20, for example, on the upper and lower parts. The speakers output various sounds for presentation (music, background music, sound effects, voice, etc.) to assist or liven up the game. Note that, in addition to the liquid crystal display, lighting devices 24, 25, and speakers, movable parts that can be operated by actuators, etc. may be provided as presentation devices.

[0021] An operation unit 30 for operating the slot machine 100 is provided at the center of the front door 20 in the vertical direction. The operation unit 30 includes a settlement button 60 operated when settling medals (game medals, game media, game value), a start lever 32 operated when starting a game, a stop button 33 (three stop buttons 33a, 33b, 33c) operated when stopping the rotation of each of the three reels 15a to 15c, a medal insertion slot 34 for inserting medals, a reject button 70 operated when clearing a medal jam that occurs below the medal insertion slot 34, a MAX bet button 35 (bet button) operated when betting (investing) credited medals (operated when setting the maximum number of bets), and the like. In addition to the MAX bet button 35 (first bet button) operated when betting three medals (prescribed number), a 1 bet button (second bet button) operated when betting one medal may be provided as the bet button. In addition, the front door 20 is provided with a performance button 36 (performance operation unit) that is operated when progressing the performance (changing the mode of the performance), etc.

[0022] The operation unit 30 is also provided with an operation panel 57 that is operated when selecting game effects and the like, a display unit 58 that displays game information, and the like. The operation panel 57 is provided in the approximate center of the width direction (left-right direction) of the operation unit 30, and the display unit 58 is provided to the right of the medal insertion slot 34. The operation panel 57 is provided with, for example, a cross key, a decision button, and a cancel button.

[0023] In addition, at the bottom of the front door 20, there are provided a payout outlet 50 for discharging (sending out) medals from inside the slot machine 100, and a receiving tray 38 capable of storing medals discharged (paid out) from the payout outlet 50. In addition, between the operation unit 30 and the receiving tray 38, there is provided a lower panel 39 for decorating the exterior of the gaming machine. On the rear side of this lower panel 39, a light source (LED) for illumination is provided, and the lower panel 39 is illuminated from behind by light from this light source. The lower panel 39 is formed to be pushable, and may be an effect operation unit having a function equivalent to that of an effect button.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 2, a reel unit 14 is provided inside the cabinet 1. The reel unit 14 includes three reels 15a, 15b, and 15c with a plurality of symbols displayed around them, a drive motor (stepping motor) for rotating the reels 15a to 15c, and the like. Each reel is fixed to an output shaft of the corresponding stepping motor.

[0025] Inside the housing 1, on the top surface of the bottom plate 4, there are provided a power supply unit (power supply means) 10 that supplies power to each component, a hopper unit (medal payout device 11) 11 (payout device) that stores medals and serves as a payout device that pays out the medals, and a cash box 12 from which surplus medals are sent out when the medals stored in the medal payout device 11 reach a certain amount. Note that the unit in which components such as the power supply unit 10 are arranged inside the housing 1 may be referred to as a back box unit. The power supply unit 10 has a power switch, and when the power switch is turned on, power is supplied from the power supply unit 10 to each component. Note that some components may be configured to receive power even when the power supply unit 10 is turned off.

[0026] The front door 20 is provided with a door key cylinder 66, and the front door 20 can be unlocked by inserting a door key into the door key cylinder 66. Specifically, the front door 20 can be unlocked by rotating (twisting) the door key inserted into the door key cylinder 66 clockwise from its initial position. In addition, an error can be cleared by rotating (twisting) the door key inserted into the door key cylinder 66 counterclockwise from its initial position.

[0027] When medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 34, the slot machine 100 sets the inserted medals to an inserted state up to a specified number (specified insertion number). The slot machine 100 is also capable of storing (accumulating) up to 50 medals as credits, and when the MAX BET button 35 is operated with medals stored as credits, the stored medals are set to an inserted state up to a specified number.

[0028] In the slot machine 100, when medals are inserted through the medal insertion slot 34 or the MAX BET button 35 is operated to bet a specified number of medals, the operation of the start lever 32 is enabled, and the game can be started. In addition, when the enabled start lever 32 is operated, the game starts. When the game starts, each reel starts to rotate, and when the rotation speed of each reel reaches a certain speed and becomes a steady rotation, the operation of the stop button 33 is enabled. In addition, when the enabled stop button 33 is operated, the rotation of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button 33 stops. When all the reels stop, a process of paying out medals according to the result of the game or a process of making it possible to start the game again without consuming new medals is performed, and one game is ended.

[0029] Inside the slot machine 100, a main control board (main control means) and a sub-control board (sub-control means) are provided. The sub-control board may be provided on the rear side of the front door 20. The main control board receives input signals from input means such as the MAX BET button 35, the start lever 32, and the stop button 33, performs various calculations to execute a game, and controls output means such as the reel unit 14 and the hopper unit 11 based on the calculation results. In addition, the sub-control board receives signals (information) sent from the main control board, performs various calculations to execute a performance, and controls various performance devices such as a liquid crystal display and a speaker based on the calculation results.

[0030] The main control board and the sub-control board are electrically connected, and various information (signals) such as information indicating the game status can be transmitted from the main control board to the sub-control board, but information cannot be transmitted from the sub-control board to the main control board. The functions of each board, such as the main control board and the sub-control board, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ICs, or information storage media such as ROM and RAM, or software consisting of a predetermined program pre-stored in ROM, etc.

[0031] The main control board is provided with a setting change key cylinder (not shown), a setting change button (not shown), etc. The setting change key cylinder and the setting change button may be provided in the power supply unit 10, for example.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 1, a receiving tray 38 and a dispensing opening 50 are provided below the front door 20. Also, as shown in Fig. 3(a), a cancel chute 40 is provided behind the receiving tray 38. Although not shown, a hopper unit 11 (Fig. 2) is disposed behind (on the back side of) the cancel chute 40.

[0033] FIG. 3(b) is a diagram showing a state in which the tray 38 and the cancel chute 40 are separated. The tray 38 is formed in a substantially square (substantially rectangular) dish shape that is long in the left-right direction. The tray 38 mainly includes a bottom 381, an edge (wall) 382 that is formed (standing) so as to surround the bottom 381, and a payout outlet 50 that is formed in the rear edge 382. In this embodiment, the tray 38 includes a concave storage section 383 that can store medals and the like, but the storage section 383 may not be provided. In other words, the storage section 383 may not be provided, and the bottom 381 may be larger.

[0034] Edge 382 has the function of preventing medals paid out from payout outlet 50 from spilling out of tray 38. Edge 382 is made up of a front edge (front wall 382a) provided on the front side of bottom 381, a right edge provided on the right side of bottom 381, a left edge provided on the left side of bottom 381, and a rear edge provided on the rear side of bottom 381. In this embodiment, the height of the front edge (height from bottom 381) is the lowest, but this height is a dimension equal to or greater than the diameter of a medal.

[0035] The cancel chute 40 is formed to have a space on the inside (inside), allowing medals to pass through the inside. The cancel chute 40 functions as a medal passage (guide passage) that guides medals that have entered the inside to the receiving tray 38. In this embodiment, the cancel chute 40 may be referred to as a "medal passage." The cancel chute 40 has multiple openings (described later). In other words, the cancel chute 40 has an entrance section and an exit section for medals. In this embodiment, the cancel chute 40 is composed of two members, a first member (front member) and a second member (rear member) combined from the front and rear, but is not limited to this and may be composed of one member, or may be composed of two or more members.

[0036] The medal passage (i.e., the cancel chute 40) is required to be formed so that medals can flow (pass) smoothly in order to prevent medal clogging within the passage. However, if the medal passage is shaped in such a way that the smooth flow of medals is given too much priority in order to prevent medal clogging, a problem occurs in that it becomes easier to commit fraud against the hopper unit 11 located at the rear (deterioration of fraud prevention performance). Furthermore, if the medal passage is shaped in a complex manner in order to improve fraud prevention performance, it becomes difficult to achieve the smooth flow of medals, and furthermore, the complex shape creates a problem in that it impedes the installation (placement) of other components on the front door 20 (reducing the installation space for other components).

[0037] In this embodiment, we will explain the shape of a medal passage that can achieve a good balance between allowing the medals to flow smoothly, improving anti-fraud performance, and preventing interference with the installation of other components.

[0038] (Second opening 402) As shown in FIG. 3(b), a second opening 402 (receiving tray side opening) that opens in the front-rear direction is provided at the lower front side of the cancel chute 40. FIG. 4(a) is a view of the cancel chute 40 as viewed from the front side. The second opening 402 has a substantially rectangular shape as viewed from the front. As shown in FIG. 3(a), the second opening 402 contacts the payout outlet 50 of the receiving tray 38. Note that contact includes being close to the payout outlet 50 and being in contact with the payout outlet 50. The second opening 402 is provided at a position corresponding to (opposing) the payout outlet 50. It can also be said that the second opening 402 and the payout outlet 50 are formed to overlap in the front-rear direction. The second opening 402 is an outlet for medals from the cancel chute 40.

[0039] The cancel chute 40 is located between the receiving tray 38 and the medal payout device 11 (Figure 2) in the front-to-rear direction, and is capable of guiding medals sent out from the medal payout device 11 to the receiving tray 38 (details will be described later).

[0040] 5 is a view of the medal payout device 11 (hopper) as seen from the front side. A medal payout section 111 (payout section, launch port section) is provided on the front side (front surface side) of the medal payout device 11. The medal payout section 111 is formed to be able to pass medals, and medals are sent out (launched) from the medal payout section 111 when, for example, a small winning combination is achieved or when the settlement button 60 is pressed with credited medals present. The opening of the medal payout section 111 is substantially rectangular, and is diagonally downward to the right as seen from the front.

[0041] A peripheral wall 112 is provided around the medal payout unit 111. The peripheral wall 112 is a portion (wall portion) of a predetermined range of the front surface of the medal payout device 11 around the medal payout unit 111. The predetermined range is at least a range that includes the range facing the first opening 401 (opening area of ​​the first opening 401) described next (for example, the range inside the dashed line Q in FIG. 5). The peripheral wall 112 is a surface that is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction.

[0042] (First opening 401) FIG. 4(b) is a view of the cancel chute 40 as seen from the rear side (back side). A first opening 401 (hopper side opening) that opens in the front-rear direction is provided on the rear side of the cancel chute 40. The first opening 401 is substantially rectangular and slopes downward to the left when viewed from the rear (downward to the right when viewed from the front). When the front door 20 is closed, the first opening 401 contacts the medal payout section 111 of the medal payout device 11. Note that contact includes being close to and being in contact with each other.

[0043] With the front door 20 closed, the first opening 401 and the medal payout unit 111 face each other. The opening size of the first opening 401 is larger than (the opening of) the medal payout unit 111. The first opening 401 is provided at a position corresponding to (facing) the medal payout unit 111. It can also be said that the first opening 401 and the medal payout unit 111 are formed to overlap in the front-to-rear direction. The first opening 401 serves as an entrance (first entrance) for medals to the cancel chute 40.

[0044] Figure 6 is a view of the front door 20 (lower door) as seen from the rear side. Below the medal insertion port 34 (Figure 1) in the front door 20, a medal selector (selector) 90 is provided. The medal selector 90 is provided above the cancel chute 40. The medal selector 90 has the function of selecting medals inserted through the medal insertion port 34. For example, if the inserted medal is not a genuine medal or if the timing of inserting the medal is not appropriate, the medal selector 90 guides the inserted medal downward to the cancel chute 40 (drops the medal toward the cancel chute 40 downward).

[0045] (Third opening 403) FIG. 7(a) is a view of the cancel chute 40 as seen from above. A third opening 403 (selector side opening) is provided on the upper side (upper right side) of the cancel chute 40. The third opening 403 is open in the vertical direction. The third opening 403 is in contact with the lower end of the medal selector 90. Note that "in contact" includes being close to the medal selector 90 and being in contact with the medal selector 90. The third opening 403 is substantially rectangular in shape. The third opening 403 serves as an entrance (second entrance) for medals into the cancel chute 40.

[0046] (Positional relationship of each opening) 7(b) is a diagram (left side view) of the cancel chute 40 as seen from the left side. The first opening 401 and the second opening 402 are provided at different heights (shifted heights) in the up-down direction. The first opening 401 is provided above the second opening 402. The third opening 403 and the second opening 402 are provided at different heights in the up-down direction. The third opening 403 is provided above the second opening 402. The first opening 401 and the third opening 403 are provided at different heights in the up-down direction. The third opening 403 is provided above the first opening 401.

[0047] A medal fired from the medal payout unit 111 of the medal payout device 11 enters the interior of the cancel chute 40 (medal passage) through the first opening 401. The cancel chute 40 then leads (guides) the medal that has entered the interior from the first opening 401 forward. The medal that has entered the interior of the cancel chute 40 from the first opening 401 passes through (flows down, slides) the interior of the cancel chute 40 and exits the cancel chute 40 from the second opening 402.

[0048] Furthermore, the medals sent out from the medal selector 90 (that have passed through the medal selector 90) enter the interior of the cancel chute 40 via the third opening 403. The cancel chute 40 then leads (guides) the medals that have entered the interior through the third opening 403 downward. The medals that have entered the interior of the cancel chute 40 from the third opening 403 pass through the interior of the cancel chute 40 and exit the cancel chute 40 from the second opening 402.

[0049] FIG. 8(a) is a view of the cancel chute 40 as seen from the front, with the members constituting the front side of the cancel chute 40 seen through (transparent). The first opening 401 and the second opening 402 are provided at different positions (displaced positions) in the left-right direction. The first opening 401 is provided to the left of the second opening 402. Furthermore, the third opening 403 and the second opening 402 are provided at different positions (displaced positions) in the left-right direction. The third opening 403 is provided to the right of the second opening 402. Furthermore, the first opening 401 and the third opening 403 are provided at different positions (displaced positions) in the left-right direction.

[0050] In this embodiment, the left end of the first opening 401 is located to the left of the left end of the second opening 402, but the right end of the first opening 401 is located between the left end of the second opening 402 and the right end of the second opening 402. The first opening 401 and the second opening 402 have a relatively small offset in the left-right direction when viewed from the front, but a relatively large offset in the up-down direction (height direction), so there is no overlapping area (overlapping portion) when viewed from the front. In this embodiment, the first opening 401 and the second opening 402 are provided at positions where they do not overlap when viewed from the front.

[0051] The left end of the third opening 403 is provided to the right of the right end of the second opening 402. The third opening 403 and the second opening 402 are relatively largely offset in the left-right and up-down directions (height directions), and there is no overlapping area (overlapping portion) when viewed from the front. The third opening 403 and the second opening 402 have different opening directions (opening orientations). In this embodiment, the third opening 403 and the second opening 402 are provided at positions where they do not overlap when viewed from the front.

[0052] The first opening 401 and the third opening 403 are relatively largely offset in the left-right and up-down directions (height directions), and do not have an overlapping area (overlapping portion) when viewed from the front. The first opening 401 and the third opening 403 have different opening directions (opening orientations). In this embodiment, the first opening 401 and the third opening 403 are provided at positions where they do not overlap when viewed from the front.

[0053] 8(b) is a diagram showing (only) the members constituting the rear side of the cancel chute 40. The inner surface of the cancel chute 40 (the surface constituting the medal passage) includes a first inclined surface 411, a second inclined surface 412, and a third inclined surface 413.

[0054] The first inclined surface 411 is a surface that inclines downward toward the right in the left-right direction (a surface that slopes downward to the right). The first inclined surface 411 is formed so that it can come into contact with a medal that has entered through the first opening 401, and when the medal comes into contact with the first inclined surface 411, the first inclined surface 411 guides the medal to the lower right (to the second inclined surface 412).

[0055] The third inclined surface 413 is a surface that inclines downward in the left-right direction toward the left (a surface that slopes downward to the left). The third inclined surface 413 is formed so as to be able to come into contact with a medal that has entered through the third opening 403, and when the medal comes into contact with the third inclined surface 413, the third inclined surface 413 guides the medal to the lower left (the second inclined surface 412).

[0056] The second inclined surface 412 is provided below the first inclined surface 411 and the third inclined surface 413. The second inclined surface 412 is inclined downward in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the second inclined surface 412 is made up of two inclined surfaces with different gradients (inclination), and the inclined surface on the front side has a greater gradient (inclination with respect to the horizontal plane) than the inclined surface on the rear side.

[0057] The second inclined surface 412 is formed so as to come into contact with a medal falling from above, and guides the medal that comes into contact with it to the front side (i.e., the second opening 402). The second inclined surface 412 is formed so as to continue to the second opening 402, and the medal that reaches the second opening 402 by descending the inclined surface is discharged from the second opening 402 to the outside (i.e., the receiving tray 38).

[0058] Here, the medal passage from the first opening 401 to the second opening 402 (connecting the first opening 401 and the second opening 402) is referred to as the first passage F1, and the medal passage from the third opening 403 to the second opening 402 (connecting the third opening 403 and the second opening 402) is referred to as the second passage F2.

[0059] The first passage F1 has a shape that can change the direction in which the medal advances (traveling direction). It can also be said that the first passage F1 has at least one bent portion (curved portion). In other words, the first passage F1 is crank-shaped. The second passage F2 has a shape that can change the direction in which the medal moves (traveling direction). It can also be said that the second passage F2 has at least one bent portion (curved portion). In other words, the second passage F2 is crank-shaped.

[0060] The first passage F1 leading from the first opening 401 to the second opening 402 is a passage that proceeds from the rear to the front, turns at a bend (first bend) to proceed to the right side (lower right side), and then turns at the next bend (second bend) to proceed to the front side (lower front side), as shown by the arrow F1. A medal launched from the rear to the front through the first opening 401 may collide with the flat front surface inside the passage (the surface marked with the symbol P in FIG. 12). A metal plate (buffer member) may be arranged on the front surface with which the medal collides in order to cushion the impact of the medal collision. In other words, a part (of the inner surface) of the medal passage may be formed from a metal plate. By arranging the metal plate, it is possible to prevent the inner surface of the passage from being deformed or damaged by the medal collision. The metal plate may be, for example, a stainless steel plate with a thickness of about 0.4 mm. Note that rubber (elastic body) may be used as the buffer member instead of a metal plate. In the above, it has been described that a medal shot forward from the rear collides with a flat front surface in the passage, but this is not limiting, and the medal may collide with a curved front surface in the passage. In other words, the front surface may be curved. A curved surface may be, for example, a shape that is concave (recessed) toward the front. When the front surface against which the medal collides is curved, the impact of the medal collision is mitigated compared to when it is flat. This allows the medal to be guided more smoothly to the receiving tray 38.

[0061] The second passage F2 leading from the third opening 403 to the second opening 402 is a passage that proceeds from top to bottom, turns at a bend (third bend) to proceed to the left (lower left), and then turns at the next bend (second bend) to proceed to the front (lower front), as shown by the arrow F2.

[0062] Moreover, a passage from the third opening 403 to the first opening 401 is referred to as a third passage F3. Although not shown in the drawings, the third passage F3 has at least one bent portion, similar to the first passage F1 and the second passage F2.

[0063] If the first passage F1 and the second passage F2 were not shaped to change the direction in which the medals move, but were straight (without any curved sections), it would be easy for a player to insert a tool (rod-shaped member) or the like to commit fraud (pranks). In this embodiment, as described above, the first passage F1 and the second passage F2 are shaped to change the direction in which the medals move (because they have curved sections), making it difficult for a player to insert a tool (member) or the like. This makes it possible to improve fraud prevention performance. Note that being able to improve fraud prevention performance includes reducing the risk of parts being damaged by the insertion of a tool or the like.

[0064] Here, as shown in Fig. 9, a virtual line that passes through (goes through) the first opening 401 and the second opening 402 is defined as a first virtual line X. In this embodiment, it is possible to draw (draw) the first virtual line X without contacting the inner surface of the medal passage (first passage F1). In other words, the first virtual line X is a line that can be drawn without contacting the inner surface of the medal passage. In further other words, the first opening 401 and the second opening 402 can be connected by a line (first virtual line X) that does not contact the inner surface of the medal passage. According to this configuration, the medal passage (first passage F1) has a shape that makes it possible to draw the first imaginary straight line X without contacting the inner surface of the medal passage (a shape that has a linearly communicating space), so medals can pass through (be paid out) smoothly. Also, compared to a medal passage (first passage) with a complicated shape that makes it impossible to draw the first imaginary straight line X, this simple shape prevents it from interfering with the installation of other components.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 10, a virtual line that passes through (goes through) the first opening 401 and the third opening 403 is defined as a third virtual line Z. In this embodiment, it is impossible to draw (draw) the third virtual line Z without contacting the inner surface of the medal passage (third passage F3). In other words, the third virtual line Z is a line that cannot be drawn without contacting the inner surface of the medal passage. In further other words, it is impossible to connect the first opening 401 and the third opening 403 with a straight line (third virtual line Z) that does not contact the inner surface of the medal passage. It can also be said that the third virtual line Z contacts the inner surface of the medal passage (the inner surface of the medal passage exists on that straight line). According to this configuration, the medal passage (third passage F3) is shaped in such a way that the third virtual straight line Z cannot be drawn, so that it is difficult to insert a tool (rod-shaped member) or the like through the third opening 403 to access the first opening 401 (medal payout section 111). This can improve fraud prevention performance. In addition, since the shape of the cancel chute 40 does not allow the third virtual straight line Z to be drawn (because it is not linear), irregular movement of medals that enter the cancel chute 40 from the third opening 403 and flow down toward the first opening 401 can be prevented.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 11, a virtual line that passes through (goes through) the second opening 402 and the third opening 403 is defined as a second virtual line Y. In this embodiment, it is impossible to draw (draw) the second virtual line Y without contacting the inner surface of the medal passage (second passage F2). In other words, the second virtual line Y is a line that cannot be drawn without contacting the inner surface of the medal passage. In further other words, it is impossible to connect the second opening 402 and the third opening 403 with a straight line (second virtual line Y) that does not contact the inner surface of the medal passage. It can also be said that the second virtual line Y contacts the inner surface of the medal passage (the inner surface of the medal passage exists on that straight line). According to this configuration, the medal passage (second passage F2) is shaped in such a way that the second virtual straight line Y cannot be drawn, so it is difficult to insert a tool (rod-shaped member) or the like from the second opening 402 to access the third opening 403 (medal selector 90). This improves fraud prevention capabilities.

[0067] In this embodiment, medals pass through the first passage F1 more frequently than through the second passage F2. The first passage F1 has a shape that allows the drawing of the first imaginary straight line X while strengthening fraud prevention measures, taking into account the high frequency of medals passing through it, and realizes the smooth passage of medals. On the other hand, the second passage F2 has a shape that makes it impossible to draw the second imaginary straight line Y, while strengthening fraud prevention measures since medals pass through it less frequently.

[0068] 12, the end on the front side (near side) of the first imaginary straight line X is defined as one end X1 (one end portion). The first imaginary straight line X can be drawn such that the one end X1 does not come into contact with the front edge portion (front wall portion 382a) of the tray 38, but comes into contact with the bottom portion 381 of the tray 38. In other words, the first imaginary straight line X is a line that can come into contact with the bottom portion 381 of the tray 38, without coming into contact with the front wall portion 382a of the tray 38. According to such a configuration, one end X1 contacts the bottom 381 instead of the front wall 382a, so that a medal that passes through the medal passage contacts the bottom 381 instead of the front wall 382a. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the medal from climbing over the front wall 382a and spilling out of the tray 38. In addition, when the one end X1 contacts the bottom 381 (when X1 is temporarily positioned further back) than when it contacts the front wall 382a, it becomes more difficult to insert a tool (rod-shaped member) or the like into the first passage from the front side because the bottom 381 becomes an obstacle. This can improve the fraud prevention performance.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 13, the rear end (deeper side) of the first imaginary straight line X is the other end X2 (other end). The first imaginary straight line X can be drawn so that the other end X2 comes into contact with the peripheral wall portion 112 (Fig. 5) without coming into contact with the medal payout section 111 of the medal payout device 11. In other words, the first imaginary straight line X is a line that can come into contact with the peripheral wall portion 112 without coming into contact with the medal payout section 111 of the medal payout device 11. With this configuration, the other end X2 contacts the peripheral wall 112 instead of the medal payout section 111, so even if an implement (rod-shaped member) or the like is inserted into the first passage F1, it is difficult for the tip of the implement to contact (access) the medal payout section 111 (or to be inserted into) the medal payout section 111. This can further improve fraud prevention capabilities.

[0070] (Component G) Here, a rod-shaped member having a predetermined diameter (for example, about 5 mm) and a predetermined length is defined as member G. The predetermined length is, for example, a length longer than the linear distance from third opening 403 to second opening 402.

[0071] When the front door 20 is open and a component G is inserted into the first opening 401 from the rear side, the component G can be inserted into the first passage F1 without contacting the inner surface of the first passage F1, and the tip of the component G coming out of the second opening 402 comes into contact with the bottom 381 of the receiving tray 38. Furthermore, when the front door 20 is closed and the receiving tray 38 is not present, if a member G is inserted into the second opening 402, the member G can be inserted into the first passage F1 without contacting the inner surface of the first passage F1, and the tip of the member G protruding from the first opening 401 comes into contact with the peripheral wall 112 of the medal payout device 11. In reality, however, it is difficult to insert the member G into the first passage F1 from the front side, since the presence of the receiving tray 38 acts as an obstacle.

[0072] Furthermore, when the front door 20 is open and the member G is inserted into the third opening 403 on the rear side, the tip of the member G cannot be taken out of the second opening 402. In other words, the member G cannot be inserted into the second passage F2. Furthermore, when the front door 20 is closed and the receiving tray 38 is not present, if the member G is inserted into the second opening 402, the tip of the member G cannot be ejected from the third opening 403. In other words, the member G cannot be inserted into the second passage F2. Furthermore, when the front door 20 is open and a member G is inserted into the third opening 403 on the rear side, the tip of the member G cannot be taken out of the first opening 401. In other words, the member G cannot be inserted into the third passage F3.

[0073] The gaming machine of this embodiment is A gaming machine having a cabinet (e.g., cabinet 1) and a front door (e.g., front door 20), The housing includes a hopper (e.g., a hopper unit 11), The front door is provided with a receiving tray (e.g., a receiving tray 38) and a guide passage (e.g., a cancel chute 40), The hopper includes a launch port portion (e.g., a medal payout portion 111) from which the game value is launched, and a peripheral wall portion (e.g., a peripheral wall portion 112) of the launch port portion, The tray includes a bottom (e.g., bottom 381) and a front wall (e.g., front wall 382a) provided on the front side of the bottom. The guide passage includes a hopper side opening (e.g., a first opening 401) and a tray side opening (e.g., a second opening 402), If the passage from the hopper side opening to the tray side opening is a first passage (for example, a first passage F1), The first passage is capable of guiding the game value shot from the shot port to the tray, The first passage has a shape capable of changing a direction in which the game value advances, If a virtual line passing through the hopper side opening and the tray side opening is a first virtual line (for example, a first virtual line X), The first imaginary straight line is a line that can be drawn without contacting the inner surface of the first passage. According to this configuration, the first passage is shaped to change the direction in which the game value advances, making it difficult for players to insert tools or the like. This improves the performance of fraud prevention. In other words, it reduces the risk of parts being damaged by the insertion of tools or the like. In addition, the first passage is capable of drawing the first virtual straight line without contacting the inner surface of the first passage. This allows for smooth passage of the game value. In addition, the first passage has a simple shape compared to a case where the first passage is so complex that the first virtual straight line cannot be drawn. This prevents the first passage from interfering with the installation of other components.

[0074] In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, The first imaginary straight line is a line that can be depicted so that one end (for example, one end X1) contacts the bottom portion and the other end (for example, the other end X2) contacts the peripheral wall portion. According to this configuration, the gaming value that passes through the guide passage comes into contact with the bottom portion, not the front wall portion. This more reliably prevents the gaming value from climbing over the front wall portion and spilling out of the tray. In addition, because the bottom portion acts as an obstacle, it becomes more difficult to insert a tool or the like into the first passage from the front side. This further improves the fraud prevention performance. In addition, even if an instrument or the like is inserted into the first passage, the tip of the instrument will contact the surrounding wall, not the launch port. This makes it difficult for the tip to contact the launch port (to access the launch port) (to be inserted into the launch port). This further improves the fraud prevention performance.

[0075] In addition, the gaming machine of this embodiment has The front door further includes a selector (e.g., a medal selector 90), The guide passage further includes a selector side opening (e.g., a third opening 403), If the passage from the selector side opening to the tray side opening is a second passage (for example, a second passage F2), the second passage is capable of guiding the game value sent from the selector to the receiving tray; The second passage has a shape capable of changing a direction in which the game value advances, If a virtual line passing through the tray side opening and the selector side opening is a second virtual line (for example, a second virtual line Y), The second imaginary straight line is a line that cannot be drawn without contacting the inner surface of the second passage. With this configuration, the second passage cannot draw the second virtual straight line without contacting the inner surface of the second passage. This makes it difficult to insert an implement or the like through the tray-side opening to access the selector-side opening (selector). This improves fraud prevention performance.

[0076] In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, A passage from the selector side opening to the hopper side opening is a third passage (for example, a third passage F3), If a virtual line passing through the selector side opening and the hopper side opening is a third virtual line (for example, a third virtual line Z), The third imaginary straight line is a line that cannot be drawn without contacting the inner surface of the third passage. With this configuration, the third passage cannot draw the third virtual straight line without contacting the inner surface of the third passage. Therefore, for example, it is difficult to insert a tool or the like through the selector side opening to access the hopper side opening (launch port). This improves the fraud prevention performance. In addition, since the third passage has a shape that does not allow the third virtual straight line to be drawn (because it is not linear), irregular movement of the game value that enters the guide passage from the selector side opening and flows down toward the hopper side opening can be prevented.

[0077] (Second embodiment) A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that, although a slot machine, which is one of gaming machines, will be described below, the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to a slot machine, and may be a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine or a medalless gaming machine. In addition, in the following explanation, "front and back" basically means that when a player is in front of the slot machine, the player side is the "front" and the slot machine side is the "rear," "up and down" means that the top side of the slot machine is the "top" and the bottom side is the "bottom," and "left and right" means that the left-hand side of the player playing the slot machine is the "left" and the right-hand side is the "right." It should be noted that, within the scope of the present invention, the components may be freely combined, or the components may be arbitrarily modified, or each component may be omitted.

[0078] As shown in FIG. 14, the slot machine (game machine) 10 of this embodiment includes a box-shaped housing 11 with an opening on the front side, which faces the player, and a front door (front door) 12 for opening and closing the front opening of the housing 11. The front door 12 is divided into an upper door 12a and a lower door 12b, and the upper door 12a and the lower door 12b can be opened and closed freely relative to the housing 11. The front door 12 may be an integrated structure that is not divided into the upper door 12a and the lower door 12b. Inside the housing 11, there are provided a hopper unit (payout means) that stores medals (game media, game value) and pays out the medals, a power supply unit with a built-in power supply device (power supply means) for supplying power to each component, a cash box from which medals are sent out from the hopper unit when the amount of medals in the hopper unit reaches a predetermined amount or more, and the like. The power supply unit includes a power switch, and when the power switch is turned on, power is supplied from the power supply unit to each component. Note that some components may be configured to receive power even when the power supply unit is turned off. Also provided within the housing 11 are a reel unit in which the rotatable first reel 20a, second reel 20b, and third reel 20c are unitized, a main control board 31 (described later), a sub-control board 32 (described later), and the like. The reel unit has a drive motor (stepping motor) for rotating the reels 20a to 20c.

[0079] A liquid crystal display (display means) 13 is provided in the center of the upper part of the upper door 12a (above the display window 16) as a presentation device. Various images (presentation images) for assisting or livening up the game are displayed on the liquid crystal display 13. In addition, a speaker (sound output means) 14 is provided on the upper door 12a (and the lower door 12b) as a presentation device. Various presentation sounds (music, sound effects, voice, etc.) for assisting or livening up the game are output from the speaker 14. In addition, a lamp (illumination device, illumination means, peripheral lamp) 38 for providing notifications, presentations, etc. may be provided on the front door 12. Note that a movable accessory that can be operated by an actuator, etc. may be provided as a presentation device.

[0080] In addition, a display window 16 is provided in the upper door 12a. A reel unit is arranged behind the display window 16 so that a part of the reel unit can be seen from outside the display window 16. The outer periphery of each of the reels 20a to 20c is divided into 20 frames (20 regions) at regular intervals, and one of a plurality of types of symbols is arranged in each frame. In other words, a plurality of types of symbols are arranged in a line on the outer periphery of each of the reels 20a to 20c. When each of the reels 20a to 20c stops, three symbols (upper row symbols, middle row symbols, lower row symbols) are displayed per reel through the display window 16. In addition, the display window 16 is provided with an upper row, a middle row, and a lower row as display positions for visually seeing the symbols of each of the reels 20a to 20c, and a winning line is set by a combination of the display positions of each of the reels 20a to 20c. In this embodiment, an active line is formed by the lower section of the first reel 20a, the middle section of the second reel 20b, and the upper section of the third reel 20c.

[0081] In this embodiment, the number of medals (prescribed number, prescribed number) required for one game is set to three, and when the prescribed number of medals is inserted, the active line is activated. When the game starts, the reels 20a to 20c start to spin, and an internal lottery is executed to determine whether any of the winning combinations will be a win or a miss (no win). Next, when the reels 20a to 20c stop, if a symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination selected in the internal lottery is displayed on the active line, this winning combination will be a win, and a process (winning process) corresponding to the winning combination that has been selected will be executed.

[0082] On the outer periphery of each of the reels 20a to 20c, as shown in Fig. 15, the following symbols are arranged: white 7 symbol "white 7", purple 7 symbol A "purple 7A", purple 7 symbol B "purple 7B", purple 7 symbol C "purple 7C", purple 7 symbol D "purple 7D", yellow 7 symbol "yellow 7", red 7 symbol "red 7", black BAR symbol "black BAR", red BAR symbol "red BAR" and blank symbol "BK". Symbol numbers 0 to 19 are assigned to the symbols on each of the reels 20a to 20c.

[0083] A game information display unit 17 is provided below the display window 16. The game information display unit 17 is made up of LEDs, lamps, seven-segment displays, etc., and displays various game information such as the number of medal credits, the number of medals paid out or won in one game, error information, etc. The game information display unit 17 includes a first main display unit 17a, a second main display unit 17b, a sub-display unit 17c, and an advantageous zone display unit.

[0084] The lower door 12b is provided with a medal insertion port 22 for inserting medals, a bet button 23 operated when betting (inserting) credited medals, a start lever (game start operation means) 24 operated when starting a game, a top button (stop operation means) 26 (26a, 26b, 26c) operated when stopping the rotating reels, a settlement button operated when settling medals, a reject button operated when clearing medal clogging that occurs in the medal passage below the medal insertion port 22, and a performance button (performance operation means) 25 operated when progressing a performance, etc. In addition, a medal sensor 29 (see FIG. 16) that detects the passage of medals inserted from the medal insertion port 22 is provided at the back of the medal insertion port 22. In this embodiment, as the bet buttons 23, a MAX bet button (first bet button) operated when betting three medals (prescribed number) and a 1 bet button (second bet button) operated when betting one medal are provided. The effect button 25 is operated when proceeding with the effect (changing the aspect of the effect), etc. The effect button 25 is formed to be operable by pressing, and when pressed, for example, the aspect of the effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display 13 changes. By providing the effect button 25 and enabling its operation at a predetermined opportunity, it is possible to increase the player's awareness of participating in the game and improve the interest of the game. For example, the effect button 25 becomes in an effective state during the execution of an effect that gives the player hope of transitioning to an advantageous state, and an image instructing the operation is displayed on the liquid crystal display 13. Then, when the effect button 25 is operated, the result of the game (for example, whether or not the game will transition to an advantageous state) is notified. Note that the effect button 25 is not limited to a button-shaped button, and may be configured to detect the player's operation.

[0085] In addition, a door key cylinder 69 is provided on the lower door 12b. The lower door 12b (front door 12) can be unlocked by inserting a door key into the door key cylinder 69. Specifically, the lower door 12b can be unlocked by rotating (twisting) the door key inserted into the door key cylinder 69 clockwise from its initial position. In addition, an error can be released by rotating (twisting) the door key inserted into the door key cylinder 69 counterclockwise from its initial position. Further, the lower door 12b is provided with a payout outlet 27 for paying out medals sent from a hopper device (hopper unit), a medal receiving tray 28 for receiving (accumulating) the medals paid out from the payout outlet 27, and the like. A lower panel 91 is provided above the medal tray 28 on the lower door 12b. A light source (LED) for illumination is provided on the rear side of the lower panel 91, so that the lower panel 91 is illuminated from behind by light emitted from this light source.

[0086] In the slot machine 10, (1) when medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 22 or when the bet button 23 is operated to bet a specified number of medals, the operation of the start lever 24 is enabled, and the machine is in a state in which a game can be started. (2) When the enabled start lever 24 is operated (pressed), a game is started, and each of the reels 20a to 20c starts to rotate. (3) When the rotation speed of each of the reels 20a to 20c reaches a certain speed and enters a steady rotation state, the operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c is enabled. (4) When the enabled stop buttons 26a to 26c are operated (pressed), the rotation of the reel 20a to 20c corresponding to the operated stop button 26a to 26c stops. (5) When the rotation of all the reels 20a to 20c stops, a process of paying out medals or a process of making the machine in a state in which a game can be started again without consuming new medals is performed according to the result of the game, and one round of the game ends.

[0087] When medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 22, the slot machine 10 sets the inserted medals to an inserted state up to a specified number. Also, the slot machine 10 is capable of storing (accumulating) up to 50 medals as credits, and when the bet button 23 is operated in a state where medals are stored as credits, the stored medals are set to an inserted state up to a specified number.

[0088] A medal inserted through the medal insertion port 22 passes through the medal selector, then enters the hopper unit via the medal chute. However, under certain conditions, such as after the start of a game, a medal blocker built into the medal selector is activated to block the flow path to the medal chute, and the inserted medal is returned from the payout port 27. The main control means 31 is also provided with a setting change key cylinder, a setting change button, and the like. The setting change key cylinder and the setting change button may be provided in other parts, such as a power supply unit. The setting change key cylinder (setting key switch) has two states, an OFF state and an ON state. In other words, it is possible to switch between the OFF state and the ON state. The setting change key cylinder is formed so that the setting key can be inserted. The setting change key cylinder is in the OFF state in the initial state. When the inserted setting key is rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the initial position, the state of the setting change key cylinder is switched from the OFF state to the ON state. When the setting key is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise so that the state of the setting change key cylinder is switched from the ON state to the initial position, it is switched from the ON state to the OFF state. The setting change button can be pressed.

[0089] As shown in Fig. 16, the slot machine 10 includes a main control board (main control means) 31 and a sub-control board (sub-control means) 32. The main control board 31 receives input signals from input means such as the bet button 23, the start lever 24, the stop buttons 26a to 26c, and the medal sensor 29, performs various calculations for executing a game, and controls output means such as the reel unit and the hopper device based on the calculation results. The sub-control board 32 receives signals sent from the main control board 31 and input signals from input means such as the performance button 25, performs various calculations for executing a performance, and controls devices for performance such as the liquid crystal display 13 and the speaker 14 based on the calculation results.

[0090] In addition, the main control board 31 and the sub-control board 32 are electrically connected, and various information (signals), such as information indicating the game status, can be transmitted from the main control board 31 to the sub-control board 32, but information cannot be transmitted from the sub-control board 32 to the main control board 31. In addition, the functions of each board, such as the main control board 31 and the sub control board 32, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ICs, or information storage media such as ROM and RAM, or by software consisting of a predetermined program pre-stored in ROM, etc.

[0091] The main control board 31 includes an input receiving means 40, a random number generating means 41, an internal lottery means 42 for performing an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination has been achieved, a reel control means 43 for controlling the rotation of the reels, a winning determination means 44 for determining whether a winning combination has been achieved when all the reels have stopped, a payout control means 45, a replay control means 46, a setting change means 47, an initialization means 48, a game state control means 49, an instruction function control means 51, a performance main control means 52, and a storage means 60 (main storage means). The storage means 60 includes a ROM and a RAM. The sub-control board 32 also includes a sub-performance control means 70 and a sub-side storage means (sub-memory) 72. The sub-side storage means 72 also includes a ROM and a RAM.

[0092] The main performance control means 52 and the sub-performance control means 70 constitute the performance control means 100. The main performance control means 52 issues instructions to the sub-performance control means 70 based on the game state, the performance state, and the like. The sub-performance control means 70 controls the performance device using the performance data stored in the sub-side storage means 72 based on the game state, the information on the performance state, or the information on whether or not to perform the instruction performance transmitted from the main performance control means 52. The control performed by the main performance control means 52 described in this embodiment may be performed by the sub-performance control means 70, and the control performed by the sub-performance control means 70 may be performed by the main performance control means 52. The control performed by the performance control means 100 described in this embodiment may be performed by the instruction function control means 51, and the control performed by the instruction function control means 51 may be performed by the performance control means 100.

[0093] The insertion reception means 40 accepts insertion of medals for each game, and performs a process of validating a game start operation on the start lever 24 based on the insertion of a specified number of medals. Specifically, when medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 22, the medal sensor 29 detects the medals, and the insertion reception means 40 sets the inserted medals to an insertion state (betting state) up to a specified number. In addition, when the bet button 23 is pressed in a state in which medals are credited, the insertion reception means 40 sets the credited medals to an insertion state up to a specified number. In this embodiment, the first pressing operation on the start lever 24 that is valid based on the insertion of a specified number of medals is accepted as a game start operation, and the operation triggers the start of rotation of the reels 20a to 20c, and a lottery such as an internal lottery is performed.

[0094] The insertion acceptance means 40 also controls so that medals owned by the player are not set to an inserted state in the next game after the game in which the replay was won. Specifically, if a replay was won in the previous game, even if medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 22 while the insertion of medals is being accepted, the inserted medals are not set to an inserted state, and the inserted medals are credited up to the credit upper limit (for example, 50 medals). Also, while the insertion of medals is being accepted, operation of the bet button 23 is not accepted, so that the credited medals are not set to an inserted state even if the bet button 23 is pressed.

[0095] The random number generating means 41 generates random numbers for lottery. The random numbers can be generated based on the count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numbers so as to circulate within a predetermined count range), for example. In this embodiment, the "random numbers" include not only values ​​that are generated randomly in the mathematical sense, but also values ​​that are generated regularly but whose acquisition timing is irregular and therefore can essentially function as random numbers.

[0096] The internal lottery means 42 performs an internal lottery using an internal lottery table based on the operation of the activated start lever 24 (that is, the start of a game). In the internal lottery table, various winning combinations including small combinations, replays, and bonuses and losing combinations (non-winning combinations) are associated with each of a plurality of random numbers (for example, 65,536 random numbers from 0 to 65,535), and a plurality of internal lottery tables are stored in the internal lottery table storage area 61 provided in the ROM of the storage means 60. In this embodiment, as described later, the game status can be set to a normal state, an RBB internal state, and an RBB operating state, and six setting values ​​from setting 1 to setting 6 can be set as the setting value, and the internal lottery means 42 selects an internal lottery table according to the game status and the setting value to perform an internal lottery. A minor win is a win that allows a player to receive a payout of a predetermined number of medals according to the minor win. A replay is a win (activation) that allows a player to play again without consuming any more medals. When a replay is won, the operation of the start lever 24 is enabled without the player using any medals, and the player can start playing by operating the start lever 24.

[0097] In the internal lottery, a random number value for lottery is obtained from the random number generating means 41, and this random number value is compared with the internal lottery table to determine whether or not a winning role has been won, and the winning role associated with the random number value is a winning role. Specifically, the internal lottery table is provided with a plurality of winning areas as shown in FIG. 17, and each random number value obtained from the random number generating means 41 is associated with one of the winning areas. In addition, the winning areas include winning areas that include one or more winning roles (are associated with winning roles), and winning areas that do not include any winning roles (are associated with losses). In addition, the combinations of winning roles included in each winning area are different. All winning roles that belong to the winning areas that are associated with the random number value obtained from the random number generating means 41 are winning as a result of the internal lottery. Hereinafter, when a role that belongs to a winning area is won in the internal lottery, this will also be referred to as "the winning area is winning". In addition, when no role is won, this will also be referred to as "the winning area 'non-winning' is winning".

[0098] As shown in FIG. 17, in this embodiment, small prizes 1 to 33 are prepared as small prizes. In addition, as winning areas including small prizes, "small prize ALL", "8 coins ALL", "3 coins ALL", "1 coin ALL", "4-choice yellow 7A" to "4-choice yellow 7H", "4-choice 3 coins A" to "4-choice 3 coins D", "eye-pressing batting order A" to "eye-pressing batting order D", "common 3 coins A", "common 3 coins B", "chance eye A", "chance eye B", "right-rising yellow 7", "middle yellow 7", "black BAR alignment", and "common 1 coin" are prepared. In addition, small prizes 1 to 3 are 15 coin prizes in which 15 medals are paid out when winning. In addition, small prizes 4 to 8 are 8 coin prizes in which 8 medals are paid out when winning. In addition, small prizes 9 to 14 are 3 coin prizes in which 3 medals are paid out when winning. In addition, small prizes 15 to 33 are 1 coin prizes in which 1 medal is paid out when winning. In the following, the winning areas "4-choice yellow 7A" to "4-choice yellow 7H" may be collectively referred to as "4-choice yellow 7". In addition, the winning areas "4-choice 3-piece A" to "4-choice 3-piece D" may be collectively referred to as "4-choice 3-piece role". In addition, the winning areas "eye-pressing batting order A" to "eye-pressing batting order D" may be collectively referred to as "eye-pressing batting order role". In this embodiment, the batting order bell basically refers to the winning area of ​​the 4-choice yellow 7, but the batting order bell may also refer to the winning area of ​​the 4-choice 3-piece role, etc.

[0099] The winning area "small prize ALL" is a winning area where all small prizes (small prize 1 to small prize 33) are won in overlapping. The winning area "8 prizes ALL" is a winning area where small prizes 4 to 33 are won in overlapping. The winning area "3 prizes ALL" is a winning area where small prizes 9 to 33 are won in overlapping. The winning area "1 prize ALL" is a winning area where small prizes 15 to 33 are won in overlapping. The winning areas "4 choice yellow 7A" to "4 choice yellow 7H" are winning areas where one type of 8 prize and multiple types of 1 prize are won in overlapping. The winning areas "4 choice 3 prizes A" to "4 choice 3 prizes D" are winning areas where one type of 3 prize and multiple types of 1 prize are won in overlapping. The winning areas "eye-pressing batting order A" to "eye-pressing batting order D" are winning areas where 15 prizes and multiple types of 1 prizes are won in overlapping. In addition, the winning area "Common 3 A" is a winning area where multiple types of 3-piece roles overlap and are won. In addition, the winning area "Common 3 B" is a winning area where multiple types of 3-piece roles and one type of 1-piece role (small role 25) overlap and are won. In addition, the winning area "Chance Eye A" is a winning area where 3-piece roles (small role 11) are won alone. In addition, the winning area "Chance Eye B" is a winning area where multiple types of 3-piece roles overlap and are won. In addition, the winning area "Right-up Yellow 7" is a winning area where 8-piece roles (small role 6) are won alone. In addition, the winning area "Middle Yellow 7" is a winning area where 8-piece roles (small role 4) are won alone. In addition, the winning area "Black BAR Align" is a winning area where multiple types of 8-piece roles overlap and are won. In addition, the winning area "Common 1" is a winning area where multiple types of 1-piece roles overlap and are won.

[0100] In this embodiment, replays are provided in the form of replays 1 to 6. In addition, replays are provided in the form of winning areas including replays, such as "Replay A", "Replay B", "7 in batting order replay", "middle row replay", "red 7 fake replay", "red 7 in batting order", and "BAR in batting order".

[0101] The winning areas "Replay A", "Replay B", "7 in batting order replay", "Red 7 in batting order", and "BAR in batting order" are areas where multiple types of replays can be won by overlapping. In addition, the winning areas "Middle row replay" and "Red 7 fake replay" are areas where only one type of replay can be won by itself.

[0102] In this embodiment, a big bonus (RBB: special role) is prepared as a bonus. As a winning area associated with the bonus, a winning area "RBB" in which the big bonus is won alone is prepared, and the winning areas "red 7 line", "BAR line", "black BAR line" and "common one coin" are set to win the big bonus in duplicate. In addition, when the game state is in the normal state, the winning areas "red 7 line", "BAR line", "black BAR line" and "common one coin" win the big bonus in duplicate, but when the game state is in the RBB internal state, the big bonus is not won in duplicate. In this embodiment, the bonus is assumed to be a continuous operation device related to a so-called first-class special bonus, but other bonuses may be used. In addition, other bonuses may also be installed. In addition, the installed bonuses may be set to win independently, or may be set to win in combination with replays or small prizes.

[0103] In addition, a "no win" area is provided as a winning area associated with a losing win.

[0104] Each winning area is set to be winable or non-winable depending on the game state. In other words, the internal lottery means 42 selects an internal lottery table according to the game state and performs an internal lottery, thereby changing the winning combination that can be won. In other words, in each game state, an internal lottery is performed using an internal lottery table in which the winning areas that can be won in each game state are included in the lottery objects. In FIG. 17, whether each winning area can be won in each game state is indicated by a "◯" mark. That is, the winning areas "No Win", "Small Role ALL", "8 Coins ALL", "3 Coins ALL" and "1 Coin ALL" are won when the game state is in the RBB operation state, and are not won in the normal state or the RBB inside state. Also, the winning areas "Replay A", "Replay B", "7-Align Batting Order Replay", "Middle Row Replay", "Red 7 Fake Replay", "4-Choice Yellow 7A" to "4-Choice Yellow 7H", "4-Choice 3 Coins A" to "4-Choice 3 Coins D", "Battle Order A" to "Battle Order D", "Common 3 Coins A", "Common 3 Coins B", "Chance Eye A", "Chance Eye B", "Right Up Yellow 7", "Middle Row Yellow 7", "Red 7 Align", "BAR Align", "Black BAR Align" and "Common 1 Coin" are won when the game state is in the normal state or the RBB inside state, and are not won when the RBB is in operation. In addition, the winning area "RBB" is won when the game status is in the normal state, and cannot be won when the RBB is inside the state or the RBB is operating.

[0105] In addition, in this embodiment, the probability of winning a small win is the same in the normal state and the RBB internal state. Also, in the RBB operating state, replays cannot be won. In other words, in the normal state and the RBB internal state, the probability of winning a replay is higher than in the RBB operating state.

[0106] The internal lottery means 42 sets the winning flag corresponding to the winning combination resulting from the internal lottery from a non-winning state (OFF state) to a winning state (ON state). In addition, when multiple winning combinations are won at the same time, the winning flag corresponding to each of the overlapping winning combinations is set from a non-winning state to a winning state. In addition, the setting information of the winning flag is stored in the winning flag storage area 62 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60.

[0107] In addition, there are two types of winning flags: a winning flag (carry-over flag) that can carry over a winning state to the next game or later until a prize is won, and a winning flag (non-carry-over flag) that is reset to a non-winning state without carrying over a winning state to the next game or later regardless of whether a prize is won. A big bonus is a role to which a carry-over flag is associated. A small role and a replay are roles to which a non-carry-over flag is associated. For example, when a big bonus is won in an internal lottery, the internal lottery means 42 carries over the winning state of the big bonus winning flag until the big bonus is won. At this time, even in a game in which the winning state of the big bonus winning flag is carried over, the internal lottery means 42 carries out an internal lottery to determine whether or not a small role and a replay are won. That is, in a game in which the winning state of the big bonus winning flag is carried over, when a small role or a replay is won, a winning flag corresponding to two or more roles, the winning flag of the big bonus already won and the winning flag of the small role or the replay won in the internal lottery, is set to a winning state.

[0108] In addition, the slot machine 10 is designed so that the probability of winning a combination varies depending on the difference in the setting value for the six setting values ​​from setting 1 to setting 6. Specifically, when the setting is changed, the internal lottery table group consisting of a plurality of internal lottery tables selected according to the game state is changed to an internal lottery table group corresponding to each setting, and the internal lottery table group is changed to one with a different probability of winning a small combination, replay, or bonus depending on the setting.

[0109] The setting change means 47 controls to change the setting value stored in the setting value storage area 63 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60. Specifically, when the setting change key is inserted into the setting change key cylinder provided inside the slot machine 10 and the power supply of the slot machine 10 is turned on with the setting change key (setting change key cylinder) rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the initial position, the setting change means 47 starts the slot machine 10 in the setting change mode. The setting value can be selected from six setting values ​​from setting 1 to setting 6. In this embodiment, the winning probability of the internal lottery is changed so that the expected value of the ball payout rate increases in order from setting 1 to setting 6. The setting change means 47 changes the setting value in the order of setting 1 → setting 2 → setting 3 →... setting 6 → setting 1 →... each time the setting change button provided inside the slot machine 10 is pressed in the setting change mode, and when the start lever 24 is pressed, the setting value is confirmed and the confirmed setting value is stored in the setting value storage area 63. In addition, the setting change mode can be switched to the game mode by returning the setting change key inserted into the setting change key cylinder to its initial position. In this embodiment, in the setting change mode, the first main display 17a displays the selected setting value. In this embodiment, the setting values ​​are expressed in the order of setting 1<setting 2<setting 3<setting 4<setting 5<setting 6.

[0110] Moreover, when the power is turned on with the setting change key cylinder in the initial position, the slot machine 10 is started in the game mode. In this embodiment, in the game mode, it is possible to play games but it is not possible to change the setting values, and in the setting change mode, it is possible to change the setting values ​​but it is not possible to play games. The main control board 31 may include a setting confirmation means. When a setting key is inserted into the setting change key cylinder in a game mode with the power turned on and the setting key is rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the initial position, the setting confirmation means shifts the game machine (slot machine X) from the game mode to a setting confirmation mode, and performs a process (setting notification process) of notifying the current setting value via the liquid crystal display 13, the game information display unit 17, etc. In the setting confirmation mode, an image (for example, the text "setting reference in progress") is displayed on the liquid crystal display 13 to notify the fact that the mode is the setting confirmation mode. In the setting confirmation mode, the first main display 17a in the game information display unit 17 displays the currently set setting value. In the setting confirmation mode, the current setting value can be referred to (notified), but a game cannot be played. In the setting confirmation mode, the setting value can be referred to, but the setting value cannot be changed.

[0111] When the setting value is changed, the initialization means 48 performs an initialization process to initialize at least a part of the information stored in the RAM of the storage means 60. Specifically, when the setting value is changed, the initialization means 48 performs a process to return the game state, game section, and presentation state to their initial states, which will be described later. That is, when the setting value is changed, the game state becomes a normal state, the game section becomes a non-advantageous section, and the presentation state becomes a non-advantageous section presentation state, and these states become the same as when the power is turned on for the first time after shipping from the factory. In addition, the initialization means 48 initializes other information related to presentation stored in the RAM of the storage means 60 in the initialization process. In addition, the sub-control board 32 also has an initialization means (not shown), and when a signal notifying that the setting value has been changed is transmitted from the main control board 31, the initialization means of the sub-control board 32 initializes information related to presentation stored in the RAM of the sub-side storage means 72. In addition, even if the setting value is changed, the game state, game section, and presentation state may not return to their initial states.

[0112] The reel control means 43 starts the rotation of each of the reels 20a-20c when the enabled start lever 24 is operated (i.e., the start of a game) under the control of the main control board 31, and when the enabled stop buttons 26a-26c are operated, controls the stopping of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button.

[0113] That is, the reel control means 43 determines the stop position of the reel corresponding to the operated button among the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c every time the stop buttons 26a to 26c are operated, and controls the reel to stop at the determined stop position. In the slot machine 10, when the stop button 26a is operated, the first reel 20a stops spinning, when the stop button 26b is operated, the second reel 20b stops spinning, and when the stop button 26c is operated, the third reel 20c stops spinning. Therefore, the stop order of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c changes depending on the operation order (batting order) of the stop buttons 26a to 26c.

[0114] In the following, the order of the stop operations (operation order of the stop buttons 26a to 26c) is referred to as the "batting order", which is the order of all the stop buttons 26a to 26c. The first stop operation in the batting order is referred to as the "first stop operation", the second stop operation as the "second stop operation", and the third stop operation as the "third stop operation".

[0115] In the following description, the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stop the rotating reels in the order of the first reel 20a, the second reel 20b, and the third reel 20c is referred to as "batting order 1," the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stop the rotating reels in the order of the first reel 20a, the third reel 20c, and the second reel 20b is referred to as "batting order 2," and the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stop the rotating reels in the order of the second reel 20b, the first reel 20a, and the third reel 20c is referred to as "batting order 3." " Batting order 4" refers to the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stop the reels in the order of the second reel 20b, the third reel 20c, and the first reel 20a. Batting order 5 refers to the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stop the reels in the order of the third reel 20c, the first reel 20a, and the second reel 20b. Batting order 6 refers to the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stop the reels in the order of the third reel 20c, the second reel 20b, and the first reel 20a. In addition, "batting order 1" and "batting order 2" are collectively called "left push", "batting order 3" and "batting order 4" are collectively called "center push", and "batting order 5" and "batting order 6" are collectively called "right push". In addition, "center push" and "right push" are sometimes collectively called "irregular push".

[0116] In this embodiment, the reels corresponding to the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c are stopped within 190 ms from the time when the stop buttons 26a to 26c are operated. The reels can rotate up to 4 frames (4 symbols) from the time when the stop buttons 26a to 26c are operated until the reels 20a to 20c are stopped. The reel control means 43 controls the reels 20a to 20c corresponding to the stop buttons 26a to 26c to which the stop operation is performed to stop so that the symbols corresponding to the roles set to the winning state are displayed on the winning lines when the symbols corresponding to the roles set to the winning state are located within a range of 0 frames to 4 frames (a predetermined pull-in range) on the outer circumferential surface of the reels 20a to 20c corresponding to the stop buttons 26a to 26c to which the stop operation is performed. In other words, the reel control means 43 stops the reels 20a to 20c corresponding to the stop button 26a to 26c for which the stop operation has been performed so that any one of the symbols from the symbol located on the pay line at the time the stop operation was performed up to the symbol four symbols adjacent thereto is displayed on the pay line.

[0117] In addition, in the stop control when the stop buttons 26a to 26c are operated, the reel control means 43 stops each of the reels 20a to 20c so that a winning combination with a winning flag set to a winning state wins. Specifically, in a state where the winning flag of one winning combination is set to a winning state, the reels 20a to 20c are stopped so that this winning combination wins. In addition, in a state where the winning flags of multiple winning combinations are set to a winning state in a overlapping manner, the reels 20a to 20c are stopped so that a predetermined winning combination wins according to the priority order set for each combination. In this embodiment, the priority order is set in the order of "replay>minor combination>bonus". Then, the reel control means 43 stops the reels 20a to 20c so that the symbols constituting the symbol combination showing the winning form of the combination with a higher priority are displayed on the pay line in preference to the symbols constituting the symbol combination showing the winning form of the combination with a lower priority.

[0118] In addition, when multiple types of small roles are won in the internal lottery, the priority order of the candidates for the stop positions can be determined according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the valid line (number priority control) or according to the number of medals paid out (number priority control). When executing the number priority control for determining the priority order of the candidates for the stop positions according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the valid line, the priority order of each candidate for the stop positions is determined so that the priority order of the stop positions (symbols) that have a larger number of symbol combinations that show winning forms that can be displayed on the valid line is higher. When executing the number priority control for determining the priority order of the candidates for the stop positions according to the number of medals paid out, the priority order of each candidate for the stop positions is determined so that the priority order of the stop positions that have a larger number of medals paid out based on the payout of the small roles corresponding to the symbols displayed at the display positions on the valid line (stop positions that can win small roles with a larger payout) is higher. Note that, when determining the priority order of the candidates for the stop positions according to the number of medals paid out, if small roles with the same payout are won multiple times, the priority order of the candidates for the stop positions that can win each small role is treated as being the same.

[0119] FIG. 18 shows the relationship between the manner of stopping operation and the winning combination when each winning area is won in the RBB internal state. As shown in FIG. 18, the four-choice yellow 7 has a correct batting order and an incorrect batting order set for each. When each winning area of ​​the four-choice yellow 7 is won in the RBB internal middle state, if the operation is performed in the correct batting order, an 8-coin role (correct role) can be won, and if the operation is performed in the incorrect batting order, a 1-coin role (incorrect role) can be won. In other words, when any of the four-choice yellow 7 is won in the RBB internal middle state, if the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the correct batting order, the priority is determined so that the priority of the candidate stop position that can win the small role 4 to the small role 7 is the highest, and if the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the incorrect batting order, the priority is determined so that the priority of the candidate stop position that can win the small role 15, the small role 17 to the small role 28, and the small role 31 is the highest.

[0120] There is one correct batting order for each of the four-choice yellow 7s, and the other five batting orders are set as incorrect batting orders. In addition, the winning areas "four-choice yellow 7A" through "four-choice yellow 7D" have different correct batting orders set, and the winning areas "four-choice yellow 7E" through "four-choice yellow 7H" have different correct batting orders set. In addition, the winning areas "four-choice yellow 7A" through "four-choice yellow 7D" have one of batting orders 3 through 6 set as the correct batting order, and batting orders 1 and 2 are set as the incorrect batting order. In addition, the winning areas "four-choice yellow 7E" through "four-choice yellow 7H" have one of batting orders 3 through 6 set as the correct batting order, and batting orders 1 and 2 are set as the incorrect batting order.

[0121] The contents in parentheses in FIG. 18 indicate the winning rate of a 1-piece role when a stop operation is performed in that batting order. For example, the notation "1 piece (1 / 2)" indicates that there is a 1 / 2 probability that a 1-piece role will win, and a 1 / 2 probability that the 1-piece role will be missed (the 1-piece role will not win). Also, the notation "1 piece (1 / 4)" indicates that there is a 1 / 4 probability that a 1-piece role will win, and a 3 / 4 probability that the 1-piece role will be missed (the 1-piece role will not win).

[0122] In the winning areas "4-choice yellow 7A" to "4-choice yellow 7H", if the player operates in the correct batting order, an 8-coin role will be awarded. In addition, in the winning areas "4-choice yellow 7A" to "4-choice yellow 7H", if the player operates in the incorrect batting order, a 1-coin role or no role will be awarded.

[0123] In addition, when each of the 4-choice yellow 7 winning areas is won in the general medium state, if the RBB internal medium state, even if the stopping operation is performed in the batting order in which an 8-coin role will win (the correct batting order), the 8-coin role will not win, and there is a 1 / 2 probability that a 1-coin role will win, and a 1 / 2 probability that the 1-coin role will be missed (the 1-coin role will not win).

[0124] As shown in FIG. 18, a correct batting order and an incorrect batting order are set for each of the four-option three-coin roles. When each winning area of ​​the four-option three-coin role is won in the RBB internal state, if the player operates in the correct batting order, a three-coin role (correct role) will be won, and if the player operates in the incorrect batting order, a one-coin role (incorrect role) will be won. In other words, when any of the four-option three-coin roles is won in the RBB internal state, if the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the correct batting order, the priority is determined so that the candidate stop positions that can win small roles 9 to 10 are given the highest priority, and if the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the incorrect batting order, the priority is determined so that the candidate stop positions that can win small roles 15 to 28 and small roles 31 are given the highest priority.

[0125] There is one correct batting order for each 4-choice 3-card role, and the other five batting orders are considered incorrect. Also, the winning areas "4-choice 3-card A" through "4-choice 3-card D" have different correct batting orders. Also, the winning areas "4-choice 3-card A" through "4-choice 3-card D" have correct batting orders from batting order 3 to batting order 6, and batting orders 1 and 2 are considered incorrect.

[0126] In the winning areas "4 Choice 3 Cards A" to "4 Choice 3 Cards D", if you operate the correct batting order, you will win a 3-card role. Also, in the winning areas "4 Choice 3 Cards A" to "4 Choice 3 Cards D", if you operate the incorrect batting order, you will win a 1-card role.

[0127] In addition, when the winning areas "4-choice 3-card A" to "4-choice 3-card D" are won in the normal state, if the operation is performed in the correct batting order, a 3-card role will be won, and if the operation is performed in the incorrect batting order, a 1-card role will be won. In the normal state, the winning areas "4-choice 3-card A" to "4-choice 3-card D" have two correct batting orders, and the other four batting orders are incorrect batting orders. In addition, in the winning areas "4-choice 3-card A" to "4-choice 3-card D" in the normal state, any two of batting orders 3 to 6 are set as correct batting orders, and batting orders 1 and 2 are set as incorrect batting orders. Specifically, in the winning areas "4-choice 3-card A" and "4-choice 3-card B" in the normal state, batting orders 3 and 4 are set as correct batting orders, and batting orders 1, 2, 5, and 6 are set as incorrect batting orders. In addition, in the winning areas "4 Choice 3 C" and "4 Choice 3 D" in the normal middle state, batting order 5 and batting order 6 are set as the correct batting order, and batting order 1 to batting order 4 are set as the incorrect batting order. In other words, the winning areas "4 Choice 3 A" to "4 Choice 3 D" are set with a higher number of correct batting orders in the normal middle state than in the RBB internal middle state, and the probability of winning a 3-piece role (expected value of winning medals) is higher if you win.

[0128] As shown in FIG. 18, the eye-pressing batting order role is set to a correct batting order and an incorrect batting order. When each winning area of ​​the eye-pressing batting order role is won in the RBB internal state, if the operation is performed in the correct batting order, a 15-coin role (correct role) can be won, and if the operation is performed in the incorrect batting order, a 1-coin role (incorrect role) can be won. In other words, when any eye-pressing batting order role is won in the RBB internal state, if the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the correct stop operation mode, the priority is determined so that the priority of the candidate stop position that can win the small roles 1 to 3 is the highest, and if the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the incorrect stop operation mode, the priority is determined so that the priority of the candidate stop position that can win the small roles 15 to 20, the small role 22, and the small roles 31 to 33 is the highest.

[0129] There is one correct batting order for each button press batting order role, and the other five batting orders are considered incorrect. Also, the winning areas "Button Press Batting Order A" through "Button Press Batting Order D" have different correct batting orders set. Also, the winning areas "Button Press Batting Order A" through "Button Press Batting Order D" have the correct batting orders set to any of batting orders 3 through 6, and batting orders 1 and 2 are set to incorrect batting orders.

[0130] The winning areas "Striking Batting Order A" to "Striking Batting Order D" are designed to win a 15-coin combination when the reels are operated in the correct batting order and a predetermined stop operation is performed at a predetermined timing (first predetermined timing). When a predetermined stop operation is performed at a first predetermined timing, for example, the first stop operation may be performed when a pattern within a predetermined range including a specific pattern (for example, a red BAR pattern "RED BAR") on the reels 20a to 20c that are stopped first is located at a predetermined display position (for example, on an active line). In other words, it is possible to win a 15-coin combination by operating in the correct batting order and performing the first stop operation aiming at the specific pattern. In addition, the winning areas "Striking Batting Order A" to "Striking Batting Order D" are set to win a 1-coin winning combination when an incorrect batting order is operated, and when a correct batting order is operated and a predetermined stopping operation is performed at a predetermined timing (second predetermined timing). When a predetermined stopping operation is performed at a second predetermined timing, for example, it may be when a first stopping operation is performed when a pattern within a predetermined range that does not include the specific pattern on the reels 20a to 20c that are stopped first is located at a predetermined display position (for example, on an active line).

[0131] The four-choice yellow 7 is a winning area where an 8-coin role will be awarded if the player operates in the correct batting order when the four-choice yellow 7 wins, and the eye-pushing batting order role is a winning area where a 15-coin role will be awarded if the player operates in the correct batting order when the four-choice yellow 7 wins and a predetermined stop operation is performed at a predetermined timing (first predetermined timing). In this embodiment, the eye-pushing batting order role is provided as a winning area where the number of medals that can be paid out when the four-choice yellow 7 wins is greater than that of the four-choice yellow 7.

[0132] In addition, when the winning areas "Sight-pressing Batting Order A" to "Sight-pressing Batting Order D" are won in the normal middle state, if the operation is performed in the correct batting order and a specified stop operation is performed at a specified timing (first specified timing), a 15-coin role will be won. In addition, when the winning areas "Sight-pressing Batting Order A" to "Sight-pressing Batting Order D" are won in the normal middle state, if the operation is performed in the incorrect batting order, or if the operation is performed in the correct batting order and a specified stop operation is performed at a specified timing (second specified timing), a 1-coin role will be won. In the normal middle state, the winning areas "Sight-pressing Batting Order A" to "Sight-pressing Batting Order D" are set to two correct batting orders, and the other four batting orders are set to incorrect batting orders. In the normal middle state, the winning areas "Sight-pressing Batting Order A" to "Sight-pressing Batting Order D" are set to two correct batting orders from batting order 3 to batting order 6, and batting order 1 and batting order 2 are set to incorrect batting orders. Specifically, in the winning areas "Battle Order A" and "Battle Order B," batting order 3 and batting order 4 are set as correct batting orders, and batting order 1, batting order 2, batting order 5, and batting order 6 are set as incorrect batting orders. In the winning areas "Battle Order C" and "Battle Order D," batting order 5 and batting order 6 are set as correct batting orders, and batting orders 1 to 4 are set as incorrect batting orders. In other words, the winning areas "Battle Order A" to "Battle Order D" are set with a higher number of correct batting orders in the normal medium state than in the RBB internal medium state, and the probability of winning a 15-coin role (expected value for winning medals) is higher if a win is made.

[0133] The winning determination means 44 is activated when the reels 20a-20c stop spinning, and determines whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the stopping state of the reels 20a-20c. Specifically, the symbol combination displayed (stopped display) on the pay line by the stopping of the reels 20a-20c is compared with the winning determination table stored in the ROM of the storage means 60. The winning form (the symbol combination that wins when stopped and displayed) of each winning combination is stored in the winning determination table, and the above-mentioned comparison determines whether or not a winning combination has been achieved and the type of winning combination that has been achieved. The correspondence relationship between the symbol combination displayed on the pay line and the winning combination in this embodiment is shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20. As shown in Figures 19 and 20, for example, if a black BAR symbol "BLACK BAR" stops on the bottom row of the first reel 20a, a red 7 symbol "RED 7" or a white 7 symbol "WHITE 7" stops on the middle row of the second reel 20b, and a yellow 7 symbol "YELLOW 7" stops on the top row of the third reel 20c, then small win 1 will be won.

[0134] When a winning combination is won, the main control board 31 executes a winning process corresponding to the winning combination that has been won. Specifically, the winning process performs a payout process when a minor combination is won, a replay process (replay process) when a replay is won (activated), and a process for transitioning the game state (game state transition control process) when a bonus is won (activated).

[0135] Here, the payout process is a process of paying out a number of medals determined based on the payout determined for each role when a minor winning combination is achieved, and is performed by the payout control means 45. When a minor winning combination is achieved, the payout control means 45 determines the number of medals to be paid out based on the payout determined for each role, and causes the hopper device to pay out the determined number of medals to be paid out. Note that, when credit is permitted, instead of actually paying out medals using the hopper device, a credit addition process is performed to add the payout number to the credit number (the number of credited medals) stored in the credit storage area provided in the RAM of the storage means 60, and medals are virtually paid out.

[0136] In this embodiment, 15 medals are paid out when small prizes 1 to 3 are won, 8 medals are paid out when small prizes 4 to 8 are won, 3 medals are paid out when small prizes 9 to 14 are won, and 1 medal is paid out when small prizes 15 to 33 are won.

[0137] Moreover, the replay process is a process in which, when a replay wins, the next game is set to the same game start waiting state as the previous game without the player having to insert any medals owned by the player, and is performed by the replay control means 46. When a replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed in which the same number of medals as the number set to the insertion state in the previous game (the game in which the replay won) are automatically inserted without using the medals held by the player (including credited medals), and the game waits for the next game start operation on the start lever 24 in a state in which an effective line corresponding to the number of medals inserted by the automatic insertion process is set. Moreover, when the automatic insertion process is performed, it is not possible to insert additional medals.

[0138] The game state control means 49 performs a game state transition control process for transitioning the game state between a normal state, an RBB internal state (bonus established state), and an RBB operating state (bonus state), as shown in Fig. 21. A single condition may be set as a transition condition for the game state, or multiple conditions may be set. When multiple conditions are set, the game state may be transitioned based on the establishment of one of the multiple predetermined conditions, or based on the establishment of multiple or all of the multiple predetermined conditions.

[0139] As described above, the internal lottery means 42 selects an internal lottery table according to the game state and performs an internal lottery. Specifically, in the normal state, the internal lottery means 42 performs an internal lottery by referring to an internal lottery table in which the big bonus is set as a lottery object. In the RBB internal state, the internal lottery means 42 performs an internal lottery by referring to an internal lottery table in which the big bonus is excluded from the lottery object. In the RBB operation state, the internal lottery means 42 performs an internal lottery by referring to an internal lottery table in which the big bonus is excluded from the lottery object.

[0140] The game state is the normal middle state in the initial state. In the normal middle state, the internal lottery is performed by referring to the internal lottery table in which all winning areas except the winning areas "No Win", "Small Win ALL", "8 Coins ALL", "3 Coins ALL" and "1 Coin ALL" are set as the lottery target. In addition, it is possible to transition from the normal middle state to the RBB internal middle state. When a big bonus is won in the normal middle state, the game state control means 49 transitions the game state to the RBB internal middle state.

[0141] The RBB internal state (first game state) is a game state to which the game state is shifted when a big bonus (special role) is won in an internal lottery. In the RBB internal state, the internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which all winning areas except for the winning areas "No Win", "Small Role ALL", "8 Coins ALL", "3 Coins ALL", "1 Coin ALL" and "RBB" are set as lottery targets. In the RBB internal state, the lottery flag corresponding to the big bonus is maintained in a winning state until the big bonus is won, and when the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the big bonus is displayed on the pay line, the game state control means 49 shifts the game state from the RBB internal state to the RBB operating state.

[0142] The RBB operating state (second gaming state) is a gaming state to which the game state is shifted when a symbol combination indicating a winning form of a big bonus is displayed on an active line. In the RBB operating state, an internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which the winning areas "No Win", "Small Win", "8 Coins ALL", "3 Coins ALL" and "1 Coin ALL" are set as the lottery targets. In the RBB operating state, the game state control means 49 judges whether or not the termination condition is established based on the total number of medals paid out in the RBB operating state, and when the number of medals paid out exceeds a predetermined number, the game state control means 49 terminates the RBB operating state and shifts the game state to the normal state. In this embodiment, the end condition of the RBB operating state is determined by the total number of medals paid out, but the end condition may be determined by the number of games played in the RBB operating state, the number of times a small win occurs, etc. Also, the end condition of the RBB operating state may be determined so that the state ends after one game.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 16, the instruction function control means 51 includes a game zone control means 80, a presentation state control means 81, and a bonus granting means 82. The instruction function control means 51 performs processing related to the operation of an instruction function that assists the winning of a specific role in an advantageous zone. Specifically, when a specific role is won, the instruction function control means 51 determines whether or not to perform an instruction presentation that assists the winning of this role. More specifically, when, for example, a four-choice yellow 7 is won, the instruction function control means 51 determines whether or not to perform an instruction presentation (batting order navigation presentation) that notifies the correct batting order and assists the winning of an 8-piece role. When the instruction function control means 51 determines to perform the batting order navigation presentation, the presentation control means 100 causes the presentation devices such as the liquid crystal display 13 and the speaker 14 to execute the batting order navigation presentation. When the batting order navigation presentation is performed, information indicating the correct batting order is also displayed on the 7-segment display of the game information display unit 17.

[0144] As shown in FIG. 22, the game zone control means 80 performs a game zone transition control process for transitioning the game zone between a non-advantageous zone and an advantageous zone according to the progress of the game. The non-advantageous zone is a game zone that corresponds to the initial state among a plurality of types of game zones. In the non-advantageous zone, the bonus provision means 82 performs an advantageous zone transition lottery, and when the advantageous zone transition lottery is won, the game zone control means 80 transitions the game zone to the advantageous zone. The advantageous zone is a game zone in which an upper limit (3000 times in this example) is set for the number of times that the game can be played. In addition, when the game zone is set to a non-advantageous zone, the instruction performance cannot be performed, and the instruction performance can be performed only when the game zone is set to an advantageous zone. When the number of times that the game zone has been played in the advantageous zone reaches the upper limit of 3000 times, the game zone control means 80 ends the advantageous zone and transitions the game zone to the non-advantageous zone.

[0145] In the non-advantageous zone, the bonus granting means 82 performs a lottery (advantageous zone transition lottery) to determine whether or not a transition to an advantageous zone is possible at a predetermined opportunity. Specifically, the bonus granting means 82 performs a lottery (advantageous zone transition lottery) to determine whether or not a transition to an advantageous zone is possible based on the result of the internal lottery (winning a predetermined role (winning area)). Then, when the advantageous zone transition lottery is won, the game zone control means 80 transitions the game zone from the non-advantageous zone to the advantageous zone.

[0146] In addition, the game zone control means 80 performs an increment process of adding "1" to the memory value of the advantageous zone play count counter 65 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60 as a value corresponding to one game, triggered by the game start operation on the start lever 24, every time one game is played in the advantageous zone. The game zone control means 80 does not perform an increment to the advantageous zone play count counter 65 in the non-advantageous zone. In addition, at the time of transition from the non-advantageous zone to the advantageous zone, the memory value of the advantageous zone play count counter 65 is "0". Then, when the memory value of the advantageous zone play count counter 65 reaches a threshold value (upper limit value) "3000", the game zone control means 80 transitions the game zone from the advantageous zone to the non-advantageous zone, assuming that the end condition of the advantageous zone is established. That is, the upper limit value of the number of games played in the advantageous zone is set to 3000 times, and games exceeding 3000 times are not played continuously in the advantageous zone.

[0147] In addition, the game zone control means 80 performs an update process in which the storage value of the first difference number counter 64 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60 is updated by the difference number of medals in the advantageous zone, subtracting a value corresponding to the number of medals inserted in the game (for example, "3" if three medals are inserted) from a value corresponding to the number of medals paid out (for example, "8" if eight medals are paid out, and "0" if no combination is won and no payout is made) to obtain a calculation result of the difference number in the game, and adding this calculation result to the storage value of the first difference number counter 64. Note that the game zone control means 80 does not perform addition to the first difference number counter 64 in the non-advantageous zone. Also, at the time of transition from the non-advantageous zone to the advantageous zone, the storage value of the first difference number counter 64 is "0". Then, when the stored value of the first difference number counter 64 exceeds a threshold value (for example, "2400"), the game zone control means 80 determines that the end condition of the advantageous zone is met and shifts the game zone from the advantageous zone to the non-advantageous zone. The stored value of the first difference number counter 64 is controlled so as not to fall below the initial value "0". For example, when the stored value of the first difference number counter 64 at the start of the game is "2" and as a result of playing the game, no winning combination is won and no medals are paid out, the calculation result of the difference number in that game becomes "-3", and when the calculation result of the difference number is added to the stored value of the first difference number counter 64, it falls below the initial value "0". However, the stored value of the first difference number counter 64 after updating is counted and stopped with the initial value "0" as the lower limit. In other words, an upper limit is set for the number of medals that can be acquired in the advantageous zone, and the advantageous zone ends when the number of medals increases from the reference "0" when the number of medals decreases the most in the advantageous zone exceeds 2400. In addition, when a replay is won in a game, the game in which the replay was won may be treated as having had a payout of medals equivalent to the specified number of medals inserted for that game, and the difference in the number of medals may be calculated. For the next game which is provided free of charge as a result of the replay being won, even if no actual medals are inserted, the payout may be treated as having had a medal inserted equivalent to the specified number of medals inserted for that game, and the difference in the number of medals may be calculated.

[0148] In addition, the advantageous zone indicator is turned off in the non-advantageous zone and turned on in the advantageous zone. The advantageous zone indicator does not need to be turned on at the same time as the transition to the advantageous zone, but only needs to be turned on before the first instruction performance is performed. In addition, once it is turned on, it will not be turned off until the advantageous zone ends.

[0149] As shown in Fig. 22, the presentation state control means 81 performs a presentation state transition control process for transitioning the presentation state between a plurality of types of presentation states including a non-advantageous zone presentation state, a normal presentation state, a special presentation state, a chance presentation state, and an AT presentation state (instruction presentation state). The AT presentation state includes a normal AT presentation state and a special AT presentation state. The presentation state transition condition may be one condition or multiple conditions. When multiple conditions are defined, the presentation state may be transitioned when one of the multiple predetermined conditions is satisfied, or the presentation state may be transitioned based on the satisfaction of multiple or all of the multiple predetermined conditions.

[0150] The non-advantageous zone presentation state is a presentation state that corresponds to the initial state among a plurality of types of presentation states. In the non-advantageous zone, the presentation state control means 81 sets the presentation state to the non-advantageous zone presentation state. In the non-advantageous zone presentation state (non-advantageous zone), the bonus granting means 82 performs a lottery for transition to an advantageous zone as described above, and when a transition to an advantageous zone is determined in the lottery for transition to an advantageous zone, the presentation state control means 81 transitions the presentation state to the normal presentation state.

[0151] The normal presentation state is a presentation state that is basically transitioned to when the advantageous zone starts, and at the start of the advantageous zone, the probability of transitioning to the normal presentation state is set higher than the probability of transitioning to other presentation states. In addition, in the normal presentation state, the batting order navigation presentation is executed less frequently than in the special presentation state and the AT presentation state, and the batting order navigation presentation is executed almost or not at all. In this embodiment, the normal presentation state is a period in which the batting order navigation presentation is not executed. In the normal presentation state, the bonus granting means 82 executes a lottery (special lottery) to determine whether or not to transition to the special presentation state depending on the result of the internal lottery (for example, winning a predetermined role (winning area)). In the normal presentation state, if the special lottery is won, the presentation state control means 81 transitions the presentation state to the special presentation state.

[0152] Hereinafter, the normal performance state may be referred to as the first performance state. Note that the first performance state may include the non-advantageous zone performance state described above.

[0153] In the special presentation state (pseudo bonus presentation state), a predetermined number of games (for example, 25 games) are played. In other words, the presentation state control means 81 ends the special presentation state when a predetermined number of games are played in the special presentation state. The special presentation state is a section in which the batting order navigation presentation can be executed. In other words, in the special presentation state, the instruction function control means 51 decides to execute a batting order navigation presentation that notifies the correct batting order when the batting order bell (predetermined role (winning area): 4-choice yellow 7) is won. When the execution of the batting order navigation presentation is decided, the presentation control means 100 causes the presentation devices such as the liquid crystal display 13 and the speaker 14 to execute a batting order navigation presentation that notifies the correct batting order and assists in winning an 8-coin role. When the batting order bell is won and the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed according to the correct batting order notified in the batting order navigation presentation, an 8-coin role is won and 8 medals can be won. The special presentation state in which the batting order navigation presentation is executed is a state that is more advantageous to the player than the first presentation state. The presentation state control means 81 transitions the presentation state to a chance presentation state based on the end of the special presentation state. In this embodiment, a transition to a special presentation state occurs based on winning a special lottery in the normal presentation state, and then a transition to a chance presentation state occurs via the special presentation state; however, it is also possible to transition directly from the normal presentation state to the chance presentation state.

[0154] In the chance presentation state, a predetermined number of games (for example, 10 games) are played. In other words, the presentation state control means 81 ends the chance presentation state when a predetermined number of games are played in the chance presentation state. In the chance presentation state, the batting order navigation presentation is executed less frequently than in the special presentation state or the AT presentation state, and the batting order navigation presentation is executed almost never or not at all. In this embodiment, the chance presentation state is a period in which the batting order navigation presentation is not executed.

[0155] In the chance presentation state, the bonus granting means 82 performs a lottery (AT lottery) to determine whether or not to transition to the AT presentation state. Specifically, in the chance presentation state, the bonus granting means 82 performs an AT lottery depending on the result of the internal lottery (for example, winning a predetermined role (winning area)). If this AT lottery is won, the right to transition to the AT presentation state is granted as a bonus that is advantageous to the player. Note that in the chance presentation state, multiple rights to transition to the AT presentation state may be granted.

[0156] The chance presentation state is a period during which an AT lottery may be executed, and the expectation level for determining whether or not a transition to the AT presentation state will occur (the expectation level for the award of a specific benefit related to the instruction presentation) is set higher than that of the first presentation state. In other words, if the chance presentation state is the second presentation state, the second presentation state is more advantageous to the player than the first presentation state. In addition, in the first presentation state, an AT lottery may be executed based on the results of an internal lottery, but even in that case, the chance presentation state (second presentation state) has a higher expectation of transitioning to the AT presentation state than the first presentation state, making it an advantageous state for the player.

[0157] The presentation state control means 81 judges whether or not the right to transition to the AT presentation state is granted at the end of the chance presentation state, and if the right is granted, transitions the presentation state to the AT presentation state (special AT presentation state). On the other hand, if the right is not granted, transitions the presentation state to the non-advantageous zone presentation state. At this time, the game zone control means 80 transitions the game zone from the advantageous zone to the non-advantageous zone. Note that if the end condition of the advantageous zone is not met at the end of the chance presentation state, the presentation state may transition to the normal presentation state, and the advantageous zone may continue (without transitioning to the non-advantageous zone).

[0158] In the AT presentation state, when the batting order bell (predetermined role (winning area): 4-choice yellow 7) is won, the instruction function control means 51 decides to execute a batting order navigation presentation (instruction presentation) that notifies the player of the correct batting order. When it is decided to execute the batting order navigation presentation, the presentation control means 100 executes a batting order navigation presentation that notifies the player of the correct batting order. The AT presentation state in which the batting order navigation presentation is executed is more advantageous to the player than the first presentation state. In this embodiment, in both the normal AT presentation state and the special AT presentation state, when the batting order bell is won, the batting order navigation presentation is executed, but the frequency of occurrence of the batting order navigation presentation in the special AT presentation state may be lower or higher than that of the normal AT presentation state. Here, low frequency includes the case where the batting order navigation presentation is not performed at all.

[0159] In this embodiment, the continuation of the AT performance state is managed by the difference in the number of medals acquired in the AT performance state. Specifically, the continuation of the AT performance state is managed based on the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60. The bonus granting means 82 determines a value to be set in the AT end judgment counter 67 in the special AT performance state to which the transition is made at the start of the AT performance state. In other words, the bonus granting means 82 executes an addition to increase the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 in the special AT performance state to which the transition is made at the start of the AT performance state. In this embodiment, the bonus granting means 82 determines a value (initial value) equivalent to a predetermined difference in the number of medals to be set in the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 in the special AT performance state to which the transition is made at the start of the AT performance state. In other words, the bonus granting means 82 increases the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 in the special AT performance state. Note that there may be cases where the special AT performance state is not passed through at the start of the AT performance state, and in that case, a value equivalent to a predetermined difference in the number of medals may be set in the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 at the start of the AT performance state. The value may also be determined by lottery or the like.

[0160] The special AT presentation state is a presentation state that determines the initial value of the value related to the continuation of the AT presentation state (the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67). The presentation state control means 81 transitions the presentation state to the normal AT presentation state based on the end of the special AT presentation state. In the special AT presentation state, a predetermined number of games (e.g., three games) are played, and the value to be added to the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 for each game is determined by lottery (addition lottery). Note that in the addition lottery, it may be determined that the value to be added to the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 is "0". In this embodiment, in the special AT presentation state, the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 is increased by a predetermined value (e.g., 30) or more. In addition, the transition to the special AT performance state is not limited to the start of the AT performance state. For example, in the AT performance state, a lottery is held based on the winning of a predetermined role (winning area), and the right to transition to the special AT performance state as a privilege is granted by winning the lottery, and the transition to the special AT performance state may be based on that. Also, in a performance state other than the special AT performance state, an addition (addition lottery) that increases the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 as a privilege may be executed based on the winning of a predetermined role (winning area).

[0161] The presentation state control means 81 transitions the presentation state to the normal AT presentation state based on the end of the special AT presentation state. In other words, when a predetermined number of games (for example, three games) are played in the special AT presentation state, the normal AT presentation state is started.

[0162] The presentation state control means 81 performs a process of subtracting a value corresponding to the difference in the number of medals used in the game from the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 each time a game is played in the normal AT presentation state. The difference in the number of medals used in the game (one game) is obtained by subtracting a value corresponding to the number of medals inserted (for example, "3" if three medals are inserted) from a value corresponding to the number of medals paid out (for example, "8" if eight medals are paid out, and "0" if no combination is won and no medals are paid out). Then, when the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 reaches a threshold value "0" in the normal AT presentation state, the presentation state control means 81 terminates the AT presentation state (normal AT presentation state) as the end condition (one of the end conditions) of the AT presentation state is established, and transitions the presentation state to a non-advantageous zone presentation state. At this time, the game zone control means 80 transitions the game zone from the advantageous zone to the non-advantageous zone. If the conditions for ending the advantageous zone are not met at the end of the AT presentation state, the presentation state may be shifted to the normal presentation state, and the advantageous zone may continue (without shifting to the non-advantageous zone). In this embodiment, the AT presentation state is ended based on the fact that the difference in the number of medals acquired in the AT presentation state (normal AT presentation state) reaches a predetermined difference (the difference set in the special AT presentation state).

[0163] In addition, when the stored value of the AT end determination counter 67 reaches the threshold value "0" in the normal AT presentation state, if there is the right to transition to the AT presentation state (or the right to transition to the special AT presentation state), the presentation state control means 81 may start the AT presentation state (or the special AT presentation state).

[0164] In this embodiment, the continuation of the AT performance state is managed by the difference in the number of medals acquired in the AT performance state, but it may be managed based on the number of medals acquired in the AT performance state, and the continuation of the AT performance state may be managed based on the number of games played in the AT performance state, the number of batting order navigation effects executed in the AT performance state, etc. The stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 may represent, for example, the number of games that can be executed in the AT performance state, or the number of batting order navigation effects that can be executed in the AT performance state (the number of batting order navigations). In other words, a value equivalent to the number of games that can be executed or the number of batting order navigations that can be executed in the special AT performance state is set in the AT end judgment counter 67, and the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 is updated every time a game or a batting order navigation effect is executed in the normal AT performance state, and the AT performance state may be terminated based on the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 reaching a threshold value.

[0165] In addition, in this embodiment, a direct transition from a non-advantageous zone presentation state to an AT presentation state may occur. For example, in the advantageous zone transition lottery, instead of simply determining whether or not to transition to an advantageous zone (normal presentation state), a lottery may be held to determine whether the presentation state is to be transitioned to an AT presentation state, to a normal presentation state, or to remain in the non-advantageous zone presentation state. In other words, the AT lottery may be held in the non-advantageous zone presentation state. Also, the normal presentation state may be directly transitioned to the AT presentation state. For example, in the special lottery, instead of simply deciding whether or not to transition to the special presentation state, a lottery may be held to determine whether the presentation state is to be transitioned to the AT presentation state, the special presentation state, or the normal presentation state. In other words, the AT lottery may be held in the normal presentation state.

[0166] The AT presentation state may also be set according to the game state to which the game is transitioned based on the winning of a bonus or winning a prize. For example, when the game state is in the RBB internal state, transition to the AT presentation state may be possible, and transition to the AT presentation state may be impossible in the general state or the RBB operating state. In other words, in the general state or the RBB operating state, for example, even if the AT lottery is won, the AT presentation state may not be transitioned to, and the AT lottery may not be held.

[0167] Also, if a bonus is won when the presentation state is the AT presentation state and the game state is the RBB internal state, the AT presentation state may be interrupted until the state transitions back to the RBB internal state via the general state after the RBB operation state transitions due to the winning of this bonus ends. In other words, the batting order navigation presentation may be stopped when a bonus is won, and resumed when the state transitions back to the RBB internal state.

[0168] When the advantageous zone ends and the game zone shifts to a non-advantageous zone, the instruction function control means 51 performs an instruction function information initialization process to initialize information stored in the RAM of the storage means 60 as information related to the instruction function. Specifically, the instruction function control means 51 initializes the stored value of the advantageous zone play count counter 65, the stored value of the first difference number counter 64, the flag (lottery result) related to the lottery related to the instruction function, and the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67. In other words, the information related to the instruction function is not carried over across multiple advantageous zones. In addition, when the initialization means 48 performs the above-mentioned initialization process when the set value is changed, the information related to the instruction function (instruction performance) shown here is also initialized.

[0169] In this embodiment, when the game state is in the RBB internal state, the instruction function control means 51 (presentation control means 100) performs lotteries related to the instruction functions (for example, lotteries related to transition to the AT presentation state), granting of benefits related to the batting order navigation presentation (for example, benefits that increase the probability of transition to the AT presentation state), and processing related to instruction functions such as the batting order navigation presentation, but when the game state is in the general state or the RBB operating state, it does not perform lotteries related to the instruction functions, granting of benefits related to the batting order navigation presentation, or processing related to instruction functions such as the batting order navigation presentation. In this embodiment, the player is basically designed to play in the RBB internal state, so the following explanation will be given on the assumption that the game state is basically in the RBB internal state.

[0170] As shown in FIG. 16, the sub-control board 32 includes a performance sub-control means 70 and a sub-memory 72. The effect sub-control means 70 controls effects performed using the liquid crystal display 13, the speaker 14, and the lighting device 38, based on the effect data stored in the sub-memory 72. For example, the lighting device 38 is turned on or blinks in response to the insertion of medals, the operation of the bet button 23, the start lever 24, and the stop buttons 26a to 26c, and the occurrence of game events such as changes in the game state, and the like, and thereby controls the execution of effects to liven up the game or to assist the game, depending on the progress of the game.

[0171] The content of the effects executed in the game is determined using an effect lottery table stored in the sub-memory 72 in response to commands sent from the main control board 31 corresponding to the game state, the effect state, the result of the internal lottery, etc. In this embodiment, image data stored in the ROM of the sub-memory 72 is read into an image buffer provided in the sub-memory 72, and an image based on the image data read into the image buffer is output (displayed) on the liquid crystal display 13. In addition, sound data stored in the ROM of the sub-memory 72 is read into a sound buffer provided in the sub-memory 72, and a sound based on the sound data read into the sound buffer is output from the speaker 14.

[0172] (error) 16, the main control board 31 includes a main error detection means 106 and a main error management means 107. The main error detection means 106 monitors the signal states of various sensors, determines whether an error detection condition is satisfied, and identifies and detects a main error that has occurred based on whether the error detection condition is satisfied.

[0173] The main error detection means 106 detects backflow errors, empty errors, dispensing jam errors, dispensing abnormal errors, over errors, retention errors, backup errors, inserting abnormal errors, display judgment abnormal errors, RWM abnormal errors, setting value abnormal errors, etc., based on the signal states of various sensors. When the main error detection means 106 detects a predetermined main error, it sets a corresponding error detection flag in the storage means 60 (main storage means).

[0174] The backflow error is an error caused by medals flowing backward in the flow path. The empty error occurs when there are no more medals stored in the hopper unit. The payout jam error is an error caused when medals that should be paid out are jammed in the hopper unit and cannot be discharged. An abnormal payout error is an error caused by the payout of medals in a situation in which the payout of medals should not occur. An over error is an error that occurs when the amount of surplus medals stored in the cash box exceeds a predetermined amount. A stuck error is an error caused by a medal being stuck in the medal selector. A backup error is an error caused by a problem with the RWM backup. Specifically, it is an error that is detected when an abnormality in the RWM backup is detected when the power is turned on. An abnormal insertion error occurs when the medals pass through a flow path different from the normal flow path (here, the flow path that returns medals to the medal payout outlet) even though the medal flow path has been switched by activating the blocker and blocking the flow path to the medal chute. There is also a chute error as an example of an abnormal insertion error. A chute error is an error caused by a difference of more than a certain amount between the number of medals that pass through the medal selector and the number of medals that pass through the medal chute. There is also a insertion detection error as an example of an abnormal insertion error. A insertion detection error is an error caused by medals being stuck near the medal insertion port 22. The display determination abnormality error is an error that is detected when a symbol that is not a winning symbol is displayed. The RWM abnormal error is an error that is detected when the RWM is not read or written normally. A setting value abnormality error is an error that is detected when a setting value is outside the allowable range during an internal lottery.

[0175] 16, the sub-control board 32 includes a sub-error detection means 202 and a sub-error management means 203. The sub-error detection means 202 determines whether or not an error detection condition is satisfied based on a command transmitted from the main control board 31, and identifies and detects the sub-error that has occurred based on the satisfaction of the error detection condition.

[0176] The sub-error detection means 202 detects door open errors, communication errors, etc. A door open error is an error caused by the lower door 12b (front door 12) being open. Specifically, it is an error detected when the signal state of a door open / close switch that is activated when the lower door 12b is opened continues to be in the on state (signal state indicating that the lower door 12b is open) for a certain period (about 48 ms) or more. A communication error is a sub-error caused by a communication failure due to a break in the communication cable between the main control board 31 and the sub-control board 32, and is detected when a certain period (for example, 20 ms) or more has passed since the reception of a break monitoring command that is periodically transmitted from the main control board 31.

[0177] When any of the error detection flags is set in the storage means 60, the main error management means 107 performs an error wait process to wait for a predetermined release operation to be performed. In this error wait process, the main error (error code) detected by the main error detection means 106 is notified via the first main display 17a, and a release process (error release process) is performed to clear the error detection flag, etc., based on the predetermined release operation being performed. As shown in FIG. 23, an error code is assigned to each error according to the type of error. Examples of the predetermined release operation (error release operation) include an operation of inserting a door key into the door key cylinder 69 and rotating (twisting) the door key counterclockwise, and an operation of pressing a setting change button. As shown in FIG. 23, an error release operation is set for each type of error.

[0178] During error wait processing, the main error management means 107 accepts a release operation and performs a release process (error release process) to clear (erase) error-related information such as the detection flag and timer (error management timer) timing information stored in the memory means 60.

[0179] In this embodiment, information is transmitted from the main control board 31 to the sub-control board 32 by sending commands via serial communication. The information contained in the commands transmitted from the main control board 31 to the sub-control board 32 includes setting values, game status, number of medals inserted and paid out, results of internal lottery, signal status of various switches, etc., details of reel stop control, results of winning determination, and information related to any main errors that have occurred.

[0180] In this embodiment, when a main error occurs, the main control board 31 transmits to the sub-control board 32 an error occurrence command corresponding to the error type for which the error detection flag is set, or an error release command indicating that a release operation has been performed. In addition, when the signal state of the door opening / closing switch changes, the main control board 31 transmits a door open command to the sub-control board 32 based on the change in the signal state from an OFF state (a signal state indicating that the front door 12 is closed) to an ON state (a signal state indicating that the front door 12 is open), and transmits a door close command to the sub-control board 32 based on the change in the signal state from an ON state to an OFF state. In this embodiment, even if the front door 12 is open, this is not treated as a main error in itself, and the main loop process described later can be continued unless another main error occurs.

[0181] When the sub-error detection means 202 receives an error occurrence command transmitted from the main control board 31, it sets in the sub-memory 72 an error detection flag corresponding to the main error specified by the error occurrence command.

[0182] When the sub-error detection means 202 detects a sub-error, it sets a corresponding error detection flag in the sub-memory 72 (sub-storage means). When an error detection flag corresponding to a sub-error is set in the sub-memory 72, the sub-error management means 203 causes the sub-display 17c to display an error code corresponding to the type of the error detection flag. The door open error is cleared when the front door 12 is closed (when a door close command is sent). The door open error may be a main error. In other words, the door open error may be an error detected by the main error detection means 106. The communication error can be recovered from only by initializing the sub-memory 72 by restoring power after interruption. In this embodiment, an error described as a sub-error may be a main error, and an error described as a main error may be a sub-error.

[0183] When an error detection flag is set in the sub-memory 72, the sub-error management means 203 determines the error to be notified, and controls the performance devices (liquid crystal display 13, lamp 38, speaker 14) in a performance mode corresponding to the error to perform error notification processing (error notification performance). Note that in this embodiment, error notification is not limited to those executed via various performance devices, but includes those executed via the first main display device 17a and the sub-display device 17c.

[0184] Also, the sub-error management means 203 notifies of an error to be notified in the error notification process, waits for an error reset command or a door close command to be sent from the main control board 31, and performs an error recovery process (error release process) that clears an error detection flag, etc. set in the sub-memory 72 based on the establishment of an error recovery condition, and returns the state of the performance device to the original state. In other words, the sub-error management means 203 performs the error recovery process based on an operation such as pressing a setting change button or rotating (twisting) the door key inserted in the door key cylinder 69 counterclockwise. In this embodiment, no information is sent from the sub-control board 32 to the main control board 31, so the occurrence of a sub-error does not affect the progress of the main loop processing in the main control board 31. As long as a main error does not occur, the main loop processing can continue even if a sub-error occurs.

[0185] In this embodiment, a slot machine 10 has been shown in which medals (game media) are inserted when playing a game, and medals are paid out to the medal tray 28 based on the winning of a predetermined combination, but the invention is not limited to this. The gaming machine may be one in which a game is played by using a game value as electronic information without using a game medium, and the game value is consumed or awarded (a so-called medal-less gaming machine). In a medal-less gaming machine, game value is consumed instead of inserting medals, and game value is awarded instead of paying out medals.

[0186] Here, the medal-less gaming machine 1000 will be described with reference to FIG. 24. Note that the description of the same configuration as the slot machine 10 will be omitted or simplified. FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the medal-less gaming machine 1000 as seen from the front side. Although not shown, a card unit (game value lending device, game medal lending device) is provided on the side (right side) of the medal-less gaming machine 1000. Unlike the slot machine 10, the medal-less gaming machine 1000 does not include components such as a medal insertion port, a medal payout port, and a medal tray, and does not include devices for controlling inserted medals such as a medal selector and a hopper unit.

[0187] In the medal-less gaming machine 1000, a value equivalent to a predetermined number of game values ​​is set as credits (a stored value in a credit storage area in the storage means 60) based on a lending operation or the like for a card unit. The stored value in the credit storage area in the storage means 60 can be called the number of credits (a reserved number). The number of credits (the number of game medals available for play) is displayed on a game medal number display device 111. In the medal-less gaming machine 1000, the upper limit of the number of credits is not set to "50" as in the slot machine 10, and the upper limit may be set, for example, within the range of numbers that can be displayed on the game medal number display device 111.

[0188] A game medal count display device 111 is provided in the operation area 50 of the medal-less gaming machine 1000. The game medal count display device 111 is configured with a 7-segment LED display, and in this embodiment, is capable of displaying a 5-digit number. A counting button 112 is also provided in the operation area 50. The counting button 112 is a button that is operated when transmitting (returning) information indicating a value equivalent to a predetermined number of credits (all or part of the number of credits) to the card unit. The counting button 112 has a pressing portion, and the pressing portion is formed so as to be pressable. Hereinafter, pressing the pressing portion of the counting button 112 is referred to as operating the counting button 112.

[0189] Although not shown, a power supply unit (power supply box) is provided inside the housing 10, and a setting change key cylinder, setting change buttons, etc. are provided on the front surface of the power supply unit.

[0190] Here, a basic flow of the game in the medal-less gaming machine 1000 will be explained. First, a predetermined number of gaming medals are awarded based on the lending operation in the card unit (the number of credits is added). Next, when the MAX BET button 23 is operated, the gaming medals are set to an inserted state up to a specified number, and a value equivalent to the number of gaming medals set to the inserted state is subtracted from the number of credits (the number of gaming medals displayed on the gaming medal number display device 111 decreases).

[0191] When a prescribed number of game medals are set to an inserted state, the operation of the start lever 24 becomes valid, that is, a state in which a game can be started. Next, when a game start operation is performed on the activated start lever 24, the reels 20a to 20c start to rotate. Next, when the rotation speed of the reels 20a to 20c increases to a prescribed speed and reaches a steady rotation state, the operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c becomes valid. Next, when any of the stop buttons 26a to 26c is operated, the rotation of the corresponding reel 20a to 20c stops. Next, when the rotation of all the reels 20a to 20c stops, a process of granting a prescribed number of game medals (adding them to credits) according to the result of the game, a process of making it possible to start a game again without newly consuming game medals (replay process), etc. are performed.

[0192] Furthermore, when the count button 112 is operated, a predetermined number of credits (game medals) is sent (returned) to the card unit. Then, when a card return operation is performed in the card unit, a card on which a predetermined value is stored is discharged from the card unit.

[0193] In the medalless gaming machine 1000, the main error detection means 106 can detect main errors such as a backup error, a door open error, an RWM error, a set value (abnormal) error, a medal over error, a lending device connection error, a medal count control error, etc., based on the signal state of various sensors. A medal over error is an error caused by the number of credits being equal to or greater than a predetermined value (e.g., 16369). A lending device connection error is an error caused by a lending unit (card unit) not being connected. A medal count control error is an error caused by an abnormality in communication between the main control board 31 and the medal count control board. Also, in the medalless gaming machine 1000, when an error is detected, an error is notified in the same manner as in the slot machine 10.

[0194] (Main processing) The main control board 31 provided in the slot machine 10 (or the medal-less gaming machine 1000) performs main processing (main loop processing) for progressing the game. Here, the main loop processing will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The main control board 31 performs an insertion reception process that receives the insertion of the number of medals required to play a game (step S100). In the insertion reception process, medals inserted based on the player inserting medals into the medal insertion slot 22, or medals credited to the gaming machine based on pressing the bet button 23, are set to an inserted state. In addition, if a replay is won in the previous game, the same number of medals as the number inserted in the previous game (the same number of medals inserted as in the previous game) are automatically set to an inserted state.

[0195] Next, the main control board 31 determines whether or not a specified number (three medals) of medals set as a game start condition has been inserted (step S101).

[0196] In step S101, if it is determined that the insertion of the specified number of medals has been accepted (if it is determined that the specified number of medals has been set to the inserted state) (step S101: YES), the main control board 31 enables the operation of the start lever 24 (step S102). On the other hand, in step S101, if it is determined that the insertion of the specified number of medals has not been accepted (step S101: NO), the process returns to step S100.

[0197] Next, the main control board 31 judges whether the start lever 24 has been operated (step S103). If it is judged in step S103 that the start lever 24 has been operated (step S103: YES), the main control board 31 performs an internal lottery (step S104) and starts the rotation of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c (step S105). On the other hand, if it is judged in step S103 that the start lever 24 has not been operated (step S103: NO), the process of step S103 is repeated.

[0198] Next, the main control board 31 determines whether the rotation speed of each reel is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed (step S106). If it is determined in step S106 that the rotation speed of each reel is equal to or greater than the predetermined speed (step S106: YES), the main control board 31 enables the operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c (step S107). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S106 that the rotation speed of each reel is not equal to or greater than the predetermined speed (step S106: NO), the process of step S106 is repeated.

[0199] Next, the main control board 31 judges whether or not a predetermined stop button has been operated (step S108). If it is judged in step S108 that a predetermined stop button has been operated (step S108: YES), the main control board 31 stops the rotation of the reel corresponding to the stop button (step 109) and judges whether or not all reels have stopped (step S110). If it is judged in step S108 that a predetermined stop button has not been operated (step S108: NO), the process of step S108 is repeated.

[0200] In step S110, if the main control board 31 determines that all the reels have not stopped (step S110: NO), the process returns to step S108. On the other hand, if the main control board 31 determines that all the reels have stopped (step S110: YES), the main control board 31 determines whether or not the winning combination selected in the internal lottery has been won based on the stopped state (stopping pattern) of each reel (step S111).

[0201] In step S111, if it is determined that the winning combination in the internal lottery has been won (step S111: YES), the main control board 31 executes a process corresponding to the winning combination (winning process) (step S112) and ends the series of processes (one game). On the other hand, in step S111, if it is determined that the winning combination in the internal lottery has not been won (or the result of the internal lottery is a miss (non-win)) (step S111: NO), the main control board 31 ends the series of processes (one game) when all of the reels 20a to 20c have stopped.

[0202] Hereinafter, one game in which a game is started, an internal lottery is executed, and the winning determination means 44 determines whether or not a winning combination has been achieved (i.e., one game in which one game of a game value may be paid out (granted) once) is referred to as a normal game (main game) to distinguish it from the pseudo game described below. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, there are cases where the normal game is executed alone and cases where the normal game and the pseudo game are executed in combination. In either case, the end of one game is regarded as the end of the normal game.

[0203] The reel control means 43 executes a wait process to adjust the interval between games. The reel control means 43 measures (times) the interval between the start of rotation of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c, and executes a wait process to hold off the start of rotation of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c until the wait period has elapsed, if a game start operation is performed on the start lever 24 and a wait period (e.g., 4.1 seconds) has not elapsed since the start of rotation of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c in the previous game. In the above-mentioned step S105, the reel control means 43 starts the rotation of the first reel 26a to the third reel 26c, on the condition that the wait period has elapsed, when a game start operation is performed on the start lever 24.

[0204] 16, the main control board 31 includes a freeze control means 90. The storage means 60 of the main control board 31 includes a timer 66 (time measuring means).

[0205] (Slot machine performance) The freeze control means 90 performs a lottery (reel performance lottery) to determine whether or not a reel performance (reel performance) can be performed based on, for example, a win in a predetermined winning area. The freeze control means 90 determines the execution of a reel performance based on winning the reel performance lottery. In a game in which a reel performance is performed, in the process of step S105 described above, the freeze control means 90 performs a freeze process to generate a freeze that stops (interrupts) the progress of a normal game for a specific period (predetermined time). When the freeze process is performed, the period from when a game start operation is performed on the start lever 24 to when a stop operation (stop operation related to a normal game) of the stop buttons 26a to 26c is enabled is extended. In normal play, after the start lever 24 is operated to start the game, the rotation of each of the reels 20a to 20c is accelerated, and when the rotation speed reaches a constant speed (predetermined speed), the stop operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c is enabled. From this, it can be said that when the freeze process is executed, the period until the rotation speed of the reels reaches a constant speed and the stop operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c is enabled becomes longer.

[0206] Hereinafter, when the freeze process is executed, the period during which the progress of the normal game (processing related to the progress of the game) is stopped (interrupted) is referred to as the freeze period (specific period). When the freeze period ends, the progress of the normal game is resumed. Specifically, the rotation of the reels 20a to 20c related to the normal game is started. During the freeze period, the stop operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c related to the normal game is disabled. The stop operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c in the normal game refers to a stop operation in which the reels stop in a manner according to the result of the internal lottery (a winning combination). Also, the rotation of the reels 20a to 20c in the normal game can be said to be the rotation of the reels in which the stop operation of the stop buttons in the normal game is effective.

[0207] It should be noted that a number of different lengths may be prepared for the freeze period, and the length may be determined by drawing lots. In this case, a freeze with a relatively long freeze period may be referred to as a long freeze.

[0208] In a game in which a reel effect is executed, in the process of step S105 described above, the freeze control means 90 executes the freeze process and causes the reel control means 43 to execute the reel effect during the freeze period. In this case, even if a game start operation is performed on the start lever 24 during the wait period, the reel control means 43 does not start the rotation of the reels 20a to 20c related to the normal game when the wait period has elapsed. The reel control means 43 executes the reel effect and spins the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c in a specific manner. The reel effect executed during the freeze period may be an effect suggesting the award of a bonus. In other words, the reel effect may be an effect that can give the player a sense of expectation that a bonus may be awarded. An example of the bonus is the right to transition to a favorable presentation state (e.g., a pseudo bonus presentation state). Also, the longer the period during which the reel effect is executed (the freeze period), the higher the expectation of the bonus being awarded may be set.

[0209] In this embodiment, a pseudo game (pseudo game presentation) may be executed as a reel presentation. The pseudo game is a game that is executed in a pseudo manner to imitate a normal game, in which the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c rotate, and the rotation of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c can be stopped based on the stop operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c. Note that a winning process (a payout process or a replay process) is not executed based on the result of the pseudo game. The pseudo game can give the player a feeling as if he or she is playing a normal game.

[0210] Below, a case where a pseudo game is executed as a reel effect will be described, but the reel effect is not limited to a pseudo game, and may be an effect in which the rotation of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c cannot be stopped based on the stop operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c. The reel effect may be an effect in which the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c start to rotate, and then the rotation stops (automatically stops) so that, for example, predetermined patterns are aligned horizontally, and this state is maintained for a predetermined time, or an effect in which all reels rotate in the reverse direction. In other words, it may be a reel lock effect.

[0211] When it is determined in the process of step S105 that the pseudo game is to be executed, the reel control means 43 starts the pseudo game and starts the rotation of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c related to the pseudo game. This rotation may be called a pseudo rotation.

[0212] Next, when the stop operation (provisional stop operation, pseudo stop operation) of the stop buttons 26a to 26c related to the pseudo game is performed, the reel control means 43 stops (provisional stop, pseudo stop) the rotation of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c based on the stop operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c. In the pseudo game, the reel control means 43 performs control to stop the reels (the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c) based on rules different from those in the normal game. Note that the reel control means 43 temporarily stops predetermined symbols on the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c on an active line based on the stop operation (provisional stop operation) of the stop buttons 26a to 26c related to the pseudo game, but in this pseudo game, it may be set so that more frames can be drawn than in the normal game (maximum of four frames). In addition, the symbol combination to be stopped on an active line in the pseudo game may be determined by lottery.

[0213] In this embodiment, the freeze control means 90 ends the pseudo game (freeze period) based on the fact that all the reels have stopped (temporarily stopped) spinning (pseudo spinning). In this specification, in order to prevent the pseudo game (freeze period) from not ending (not proceeding to the next step) due to the stop operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c not being performed in the pseudo game, the freeze control means 90 is configured as follows. The freeze control means 90 starts timing by the timer 66 (freeze management timer, timing means) at the start of the pseudo game (freeze period), and stops (temporarily stops) the reel that is spinning if at least one reel is spinning when the maximum time (for example, 60 seconds) during which the pseudo game can be continued has elapsed. When the rotation of all the reels stops and the pseudo game ends, the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c related to the normal game start spinning (i.e., the process of step S105 is executed). In other words, the normal game (main process) is resumed.

[0214] Here, the pseudo game management process performed by the freeze control means 90 will be described with reference to Fig. 26. Fig. 26 is a flowchart showing the flow of the pseudo game management process. The freeze control means 90 starts the timer 66 to count time when the pseudo game starts (step S1). Specifically, a first value (for example, 60) is set as a stored value (counting information) of the timer 66, and one is subtracted (the timer is updated) as time passes (every second). This first value can be said to be the time (maximum time) until all reels are temporarily stopped in the pseudo game.

[0215] Next, the freeze control means 90 judges whether or not all the reels have stopped (temporarily stopped) based on the stop operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c (step S2). If it is judged in step S2 that all the reels have stopped (step S2: YES), the freeze control means 90 ends the pseudo game (step S3). On the other hand, if it is judged in step S2 that all the reels have not stopped (there is a reel that is spinning) (step S2: NO), the freeze control means 90 judges whether or not the stored value of the timer 66 is "0" (a specific value) (step S4).

[0216] In step S4, when it is determined that the stored value of the timer 66 is not "0" (step S4: NO), the process returns to step S2. On the other hand, in step S4, when it is determined that the stored value of the timer 66 is "0" (step S4: YES), the freeze control means 90 stops the rotation of all the reels (putting the state in which the rotation of all the reels is stopped) without depending on the stop operation of the stop button, and ends the pseudo game (step S5). This can be said to be that the rotation of the reels is automatically stopped (temporarily stopped) based on the stored value of the timer 66 becoming a specific value. Note that, when the freeze control means 90 stops the rotation of the reels (temporarily stopped), specifically, the freeze control means 90 instructs the reel control means 43 to stop the rotation of the reels, and the reel control means 43 stops the rotation of the reels based on the instruction.

[0217] In this embodiment, the pseudo game ends when all the reels stop spinning, but the pseudo game may end when the start lever 24 is operated. Here, the pseudo game management process in this case (variation) will be described with reference to Fig. 27. Fig. 27 is a flowchart showing the flow of the pseudo game management process. The freeze control means 90 starts the timer 66 with the start of the pseudo game (step S11). Specifically, a first value (for example, 60) is set as a stored value of the timer 66, and the timer 66 subtracts 1 every second.

[0218] Next, the freeze control means 90 judges whether or not all the reels have stopped spinning (temporarily stopped) based on the stop operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c (step S12). If it is judged in step S12 that all the reels have stopped spinning (step S12: YES), the process proceeds to step S15, which will be described later. On the other hand, if it is judged in step S12 that all the reels have not stopped spinning (there is a reel that is spinning) (step S12: NO), the freeze control means 90 judges whether or not the stored value of the timer 66 is "0" (a specific value) (step S13).

[0219] In step S13, if it is determined that the stored value of the timer 66 is not "0" (step S13: NO), the process returns to step S12. On the other hand, in step S13, if it is determined that the stored value of the timer 66 is "0" (step S13: YES), the freeze control means 90 stops the rotation of all the reels regardless of the stop operation of the stop button (step S14).

[0220] Next, the freeze control means 90 restarts the timer 66 to count time based on the fact that all the reels have stopped spinning (step S15). Specifically, the freeze control means 90 sets a new second value (for example, 10) as the stored value of the timer 66, and subtracts 1 every second.

[0221] Next, the freeze control means 90 judges whether or not the start lever 24 has been operated (step S16). If it is judged in step S16 that the start lever 24 has been operated (step S16: YES), the freeze control means 90 ends the pseudo game (step S17). On the other hand, if it is judged in step S16 that the start lever 24 has not been operated (step S16: NO), the freeze control means 90 judges whether or not the stored value of the timer 66 is "0" (a specific value) (step S18).

[0222] In step S18, when it is determined that the stored value of the timer 66 is not "0" (step S18: NO), the process returns to step S16. On the other hand, in step S18, when it is determined that the stored value of the timer 66 is "0" (step S18: YES), the freeze control means 90 ends the pseudo game without depending on the operation of the start lever 24 (step S19).

[0223] When the pseudo game (freeze) ends, a predetermined symbol combination is displayed on the pay line. In this case, if the rotation start timing of each reel immediately after the freeze is synchronized (simultaneous), the winning of the winning combination may be assisted, and the fairness of the game may be impaired. In this embodiment, when the freeze is executed, the reel control means 43 executes a random delay process that randomly delays the timing at which each reel starts spinning immediately after the freeze. Note that the extent to which the rotation start timing of each reel is delayed may be determined by lottery. When the freeze is executed, the random delay process is executed, so that the rotation start timing of each reel is not synchronized. In other words, the rotation start timing of each reel immediately after the freeze is shifted. This ensures the fairness of the game even when the freeze (pseudo game) is executed.

[0224] (Error notification) As shown in FIG. 16, the main error detection means 106 and the sub-error detection means 202 are collectively referred to as the error detection means 300. The main error management means 107 and the sub-error management means 203 are collectively referred to as the error management means 400. When the error detection means 300 detects an error, the error management means 400 notifies the error as described above. The error is notified via at least one of various performance devices (liquid crystal display 13, lamp 38, speaker 14), the first main display 17a, and the sub display 17c, which serve as notification means. Also, while the error management means 400 (main error management means 107) is executing an error wait process based on the detection of an error (main error) (while waiting for a predetermined release operation to be executed), the main process (execution of the main process) is interrupted. The main process is resumed based on the execution of the error release process. In this embodiment, the period (state) during which an error is notified can be said to be the period (state) during which an error detection flag corresponding to the error is set in the storage means.

[0225] In this embodiment, during the freeze period, the process related to the freeze progress is performed, but the process (main process) related to the progress of the game (normal game) is stopped. Note that the process related to the progress of the game may include, for example, a process for progressing a performance (for example, an AT performance) that is executed while staying in a predetermined performance state (for example, an AT performance state).

[0226] Here, control when an error occurs during the freeze period (during the pseudo game) will be described. In the slot machine 10, for example, an error related to the insertion and dispensing of medals and a door open error may occur during the freeze period. In the medalless gaming machine 1000, for example, a lending device connection error, a medal count control error, and a door open error may occur during the freeze period. In this embodiment, the error management means 400 notifies the error (main error or sub error) even during the freeze period when the error is detected. In other words, the gaming machine of this embodiment is capable of notifying an error even during the freeze period (during the execution of the pseudo game). For example, when an insertion abnormality error occurs during the rotation of the reel related to the pseudo game, an error corresponding to the insertion abnormality error is notified. In addition, when a door open error occurs during the rotation of the reel related to the pseudo game, an error corresponding to the door open error is notified.

[0227] In this embodiment, during the freeze period, that is, from when the pseudo game starts to when the pseudo game ends (during the pseudo game), the pseudo game management process is executed and the stored value of the timer 66 is updated. Even if an error is detected during this pseudo game (freeze period), the freeze control means 90 does not interrupt (stop) the timer 66 from timing based on the detection of the error (while the error is detected). In other words, even if an error is detected, the timer 66 continues timing (the timer 66 updates the stored value).

[0228] In the pseudo game management process, the freeze control means 90 stops the rotation of all reels when the stored value of the timer 66 becomes "0" (specific value) while the reels are spinning, but if the stored value of the timer 66 becomes "0" (specific value) while an error is being notified (while an error is being detected), the freeze control means 90 performs control that differs depending on the type (classification) of the error being notified (detected).

[0229] (If a main error is being reported) When the reel is spinning (pseudo spinning) and the stored value of the timer 66 becomes "0" (a specific value) while the main error is being notified (while the main error is being detected), the freeze control means 90 continues the spinning of the reel (does not end the pseudo game), and stops the spinning of the reel based on the fact that the main error has been released. In other words, the spinning of the reel is maintained until the main error is released (resolved).

[0230] (If a sub-error is being reported) The freeze control means 90 stops the rotation of all the reels when the reels are rotating (pseudo rotation) and the stored value of the timer 66 becomes "0" (a specific value) while a sub-error is being notified (while a sub-error is being detected). In this embodiment, the pseudo game ends when the rotation of all the reels stops, and the rotation of the reels related to the normal game starts.

[0231] In this embodiment, if an error is detected during the freeze period (during the pseudo game), the stop button 26a to 26c related to the pseudo game cannot be operated to stop. In other words, even if the stop button is operated to stop while the reel is rotating (pseudo rotation) and an error is being notified (only when a main error is being notified), the rotation of the reel is not stopped based on the stop operation.

[0232] The gaming machine of this embodiment is A plurality of reels (e.g., reels 20a to 20c), stop buttons (e.g., stop buttons 26a to 26c) corresponding to each of the plurality of reels; A control means (e.g., a main control board 31) for controlling the progress of a game; A notification means (for example, a first main display 17a) capable of notifying an error, The control means is capable of executing a process of stopping (suspending) a process related to the progress of a game for a specific period of time, If an error is detected during the specified period, The notification means is capable of notifying the error, The control means continues updating the timer means that manages the specific period while the error is being notified.

[0233] Even during a specific period, if an error is detected, the error can be notified. If the update of the clocking means is stopped (interrupted) while the error is being notified, for example, a process may be provided in which the value of the clocking means at the time of interruption is stored and the update is resumed from the time of interruption based on the release of the error, but in that case, the process becomes complicated and the possibility of a malfunction occurring due to the complicated process increases. According to this embodiment, even when an error occurs during a specific period and the error is being notified, the update of the clocking means that manages the specific period continues. Therefore, the process is simplified, and the occurrence of malfunctions due to the complicated process caused by interrupting and resuming the update can be suppressed, thereby improving the quality of the gaming machine.

[0234] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a pseudo game is executed for a specific period of time, and in the pseudo game, the rotation of the reels related to the pseudo game is started, and it is possible to operate the stop button related to the pseudo game to stop it; however, if an error (e.g., a main error) is detected, (1) it is impossible to operate the stop button related to the pseudo game to stop it while the error is being notified, and (2) even if the value of the timing means is updated to a specific value (e.g., 0) while the error is being notified, the rotation of the reels related to the pseudo game continues until the error is released. In other words, The control means executes a pseudo game during the specific period, In the pseudo game, the rotation of the reel related to the pseudo game is started, and a stop operation of the stop button related to the pseudo game is possible; If the error is detected during the specified period, The control means makes it impossible to operate the stop button related to the pseudo game while the error is being notified, and continues the rotation of the reel related to the pseudo game even if the value of the timing means reaches a specific value while the error is being notified.

[0235] In addition, a pseudo game is executed for a specific period of time, and in the pseudo game, the rotation of the reels related to the pseudo game is started and a stop button related to the pseudo game can be operated to stop the game. However, if an error is detected, (1) the stop button related to the pseudo game cannot be operated to stop the game while the error is being notified, and (2) when the value of the timing means is updated while the error is being notified and reaches a specific value (e.g., 0), the rotation of the reels related to the pseudo game can be stopped. In other words, The control means executes a pseudo game during the specific period, In the pseudo game, the rotation of the reel related to the pseudo game is started, and a stop operation of the stop button related to the pseudo game is possible; If the error is detected during the specified period, The control means may be configured to disable the operation of a stop button related to the pseudo game while the error is being notified, and to stop the rotation of a reel related to the pseudo game when the value of the timing means reaches a specific value while the error is being notified. When the rotation of the reels in the pseudo game is stopped (temporarily stopped), a random delay process is executed, the rotation of the reels in the normal game is started, and an acceleration process is executed to accelerate the rotation of the reels. Then, when the rotation speed of the reels reaches a predetermined speed, the stop operation of the stop button in the normal game becomes effective.

[0236] In addition, the present embodiment may be configured as follows. A reel performance (reel lock performance) is executed during a specific period, and the front door 12 is opened while the reel performance is being executed, and even if a door open error as a main error is being notified (detected), the timekeeping means continues to be updated. Then, when the value of the timekeeping means becomes a specific value (for example, 0) while the door open error is being notified (detected), the specific period (reel performance) ends, and the rotation of the reel related to the normal game starts. Specifically, a random delay process is executed to start the rotation of the reel related to the normal game, and an acceleration process is executed to accelerate the rotation of the reel. However, in this case, even if the rotation speed of the reel reaches a predetermined speed, the stop operation of the stop button related to the normal game may be impossible while the door open error is detected (until the door open error is released). In other words, The control means Execute a reel lock effect during the specified period, The front door is opened while the reel performance is being executed, and even if an opening error based on the opening of the front door is notified (detected), the updating of the time counting means is continued, If the value of the timing means reaches a specific value while the opening error is being notified (detected), the specific period ends, processing related to the progress of the game is resumed, and the rotation of the reel is started, but the stop operation of the stop button is not enabled while the opening error is being notified (detected).

[0237] As shown in FIG. 16, the main control board 31 includes an external signal output means 91. The external signal output means 91 can transmit a plurality of types of external signals to an external device via an external central terminal board provided inside the housing. The external signal is a signal that notifies the state of the gaming machine. Examples of the external device include a hall computer that centrally manages the gaming machines set in the gaming facility, and a data counter that is individually connected to the gaming machines and can display information on the gaming history. In this embodiment, the external signal is set to be capable of outputting a security signal (external signal 4), a door opening signal (external signal 5), and the like. The hall computer monitors the presence or absence of an abnormality in the gaming machine based on the received external signal.

[0238] The external signal output means 91 outputs a security signal (external signal 4) when it is determined that fraudulent activity is occurring (or is likely to occur). In other words, the security signal is a signal that is output when it is determined that fraudulent activity is occurring. In this embodiment, the security signal is output when an insertion abnormality is detected in the gaming machine, when a payout abnormality is detected, when a setting change during business hours is detected, or when a setting confirmation during business hours is detected. In addition, the external signal output means 91 outputs a door open signal when it is determined that the front door 12 (lower door 12b) is open. In other words, the door open signal is a signal that is output when it is determined that the front door 12 is open.

[0239] As described above, when the error detection means 300 detects, for example, a dispensing abnormal error (E4), it sets an error detection flag corresponding to the error in the storage means (storage means 60). Based on this, the error management means 400 displays an error code (E4) corresponding to the error on the 7-segment display (first main display 17a). In addition, the external signal output means 91 outputs an external signal (external signal 4: security signal) corresponding to the error.

[0240] As described above, when the error detection means 300 detects, for example, a door open error (E8) as a main error, it sets an error detection flag corresponding to the error in the storage means (storage means 60). Based on this, the error management means 400 causes the 7-segment display (first main display 17a) to display an error code (E8) corresponding to the error. In addition, the external signal output means 91 outputs an external signal (external signal 5: door open signal) corresponding to the error.

[0241] In this embodiment, if an error (e.g., an abnormal payout error) is detected "while processing related to the progress of the game is being executed," a security signal corresponding to the error is output based on that, and an error code corresponding to the error is displayed on the 7-segment display (the error is reported). On the other hand, if an error (e.g., a payout error) is detected while "the freeze process is being executed and the process related to the progress of the game is stopped for a specific period (i.e., the freeze period)", a security signal corresponding to the error is output based on that, but the error code corresponding to the error is not displayed on the 7-segment display (the error is not notified). In this case, the error code is displayed on the 7-segment display based on the end of the freeze period (the reel performance) (the error is notified).

[0242] If an error (e.g., a payout abnormality error) is detected even during the freeze period, the external signal output means 91 outputs a security signal corresponding to the error to an external device based on the detection. On the other hand, if an error (e.g., a payout abnormality error) is detected during the freeze period (during reel performance), the error management means 400 does not display an error code (does not report an error) on the 7-segment display based on the detection (at the time of detection), but displays an error code (reports an error) based on the end of the freeze period (at the time the freeze period ends).

[0243] According to this configuration, when an error occurs while the game progress is stopped for a specific period and the reel performance is being executed, (1) the error code is not displayed on the 7-segment display, so the player can concentrate on the reel performance. In other words, by displaying the error code on the 7-segment display, the player's attention is directed thereto, and the effect of the reel performance can be prevented from being reduced. (2) In addition, an external signal (security signal) corresponding to the detected error is output to an external device when the error is detected, without waiting for the end of the reel performance. Therefore, the staff of the game arcade can notice the error immediately after it occurs. This makes it possible to prevent fraudulent acts by taking advantage of the fact that the error is not immediately notified when an error occurs during the execution of the reel performance.

[0244] When the error detection means 300 detects an error, it sets an error detection flag corresponding to the detected error in the storage means (storage means 60 or sub-memory 72). When the error detection means 300 detects, for example, a dispensing abnormal error (E4), it sets a corresponding error detection flag (information related to the detection of an error, information related to the type of error) in the storage means. When an error is detected, the external signal output means 91 sets an external signal output flag (information related to the output of an external signal) corresponding to the detected error in the storage means. When the error is resolved, the external signal output means 91 clears the external signal output flag. When the dispensing abnormal error (E4), for example, is detected, the external signal output means 91 sets a security signal output flag as an external signal output flag in the storage means. When the door open error (E8), for example, is detected, the external signal output means 91 sets a door open signal output flag as an external signal output flag in the storage means. Furthermore, the freeze control means 90 sets a first value (for example, 60) in the timer 66 at the start of the freeze period, and sets a freeze execution flag (information related to the execution of the freeze process (specific process)) in the storage means. Note that, when the freeze period ends, the freeze control means 90 clears the freeze execution flag.

[0245] Here, we will explain the control when an error is detected during the freeze period (while the reel performance is being performed) and a power outage (power cut) occurs. In this embodiment, a power outage (power cut) refers to a state in which the power supply from the power supply unit to each component is cut off. Also, a power outage recovery refers to a state in which power is supplied to each component from that state (returning).

[0246] In this embodiment, even if a power interruption occurs, at least the error detection flag, the external signal output flag, and the freeze execution flag (information related to the execution of the freeze) stored (set) in the storage means are not initialized (cleared) and are held (carried over) across the power interruption. Note that the information related to the execution of the freeze includes the stored value of the timer 66 at the time the power interruption occurred.

[0247] In this embodiment, when power is restored, in the interrupt processing executed at a predetermined interval (e.g., 5.96 ms), the external signal output means 91 outputs an external signal (e.g., a security signal) to an external device based on an external signal output flag (e.g., a security signal output flag) being set in the memory means.

[0248] In addition, in the interrupt process executed at a predetermined interval (for example, 5.96 ms) when the power is restored, the freeze control means 90 executes the freeze process based on the freeze execution flag (reel performance flag) being set in the storage means, and starts (resumes) the reel performance. At this time, the freeze control means 90 resumes the freeze period (reel performance) from the point where it was interrupted due to the power failure, based on the stored value of the timer 66.

[0249] Furthermore, in an interrupt process executed at a predetermined interval (e.g., 5.96 ms) when power is restored, the error management means 400 determines that an error has been detected during the freeze period based on the fact that an error detection flag is set in the storage means and that the freeze execution flag is set, and does not cause the seven-segment display to display an error code. The error management means 400 uses the end of the freeze period (the freeze period after power is restored) as a trigger to cause the seven-segment display to display an error code (to notify an error).

[0250] The gaming machine of this embodiment is A plurality of reels (e.g., reels 20a to 20c), stop buttons (e.g., stop buttons 26a to 26c) corresponding to each of the plurality of reels; A control means (e.g., a main control board 31) for controlling the progress of a game; A notification means (for example, a first main display 17a) capable of notifying an error; A storage means (e.g., storage means 60), The control means is capable of executing a process (specific process) for stopping (suspending) a process related to the progress of a game for a specific period of time, When an error is detected during the specified period, the control means outputs an external signal corresponding to the error to an external device, but does not notify the error via the notification means; If a power outage occurs while the error is detected during the specified period, In the storage means, at least information related to the detection of the error and information related to the output of an external signal corresponding to the error are held without being initialized; When recovering from the power interruption, the control means outputs an external signal based on information related to the output of the external signal corresponding to the error.

[0251] If an error is detected during a specific period, an external signal corresponding to the error is output to an external device, but the error is not notified via the notification means. This allows arcade staff to immediately notice the occurrence of the error, while preventing a decrease in the presentation effect caused by the error being notified during the specific period. In addition, in such a specification, if a power outage occurs while the error is detected during the specific period, and the information related to the output of the external signal corresponding to the error is initialized, the output of the external signal corresponding to the error will not be executed when the power is restored. Also, since the error occurs during the specific period, the error will not be notified via the notification means. Therefore, even though the game cannot be played due to the error, there is a risk that a situation will occur in which the staff of the game arcade or the players will not notice the occurrence of the error. According to this embodiment, when a power outage occurs while an error is detected during a specific period, information related to the output of an external signal corresponding to the error is not initialized, and the external signal corresponding to the error is output again during the process of power recovery. This allows the arcade staff to notice the occurrence of an error and perform an operation to cancel the error. In this way, when a power outage occurs under special circumstances, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of an error from being difficult to notice, and improve the quality of the gaming machine.

[0252] In this embodiment, if an error is detected during the freeze period (while the reel performance is being executed) and a power outage (power cut) occurs, when the power is restored from the power outage, the freeze (reel performance) is resumed based on the fact that the freeze execution flag is set, and an external signal is output based on the fact that the external signal output flag is set, but the external signal is output before the freeze (reel performance) ends. In other words, When a power outage occurs while the error is detected during the specific period, information related to the execution of the specific process in the storage means is retained without being initialized, When recovering from the power outage, the control means resumes the specific process based on information related to the execution of the specific process, and outputs an external signal based on information related to the output of an external signal corresponding to the error before the specific process is terminated. Since the external signal is output without waiting for the specific process (freeze process) to end, it is possible to prevent fraudulent acts from being performed while the specific process is being executed.

[0253] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if an error is detected during a freeze period (while the reel performance is being executed) and a power outage (power cut) occurs, when the power is restored from the power outage, it may be possible to output an external signal based on the external signal output flag being set before the reel performance is resumed (restored). In other words, When recovering from the power outage, the control means is capable of outputting an external signal based on information related to the output of an external signal corresponding to the error before resuming the specific process based on information related to the execution of the specific process. Since the external signal is output before the specific process (freeze process) is resumed, it is possible to prevent fraudulent acts from being performed while the specific process is being executed.

[0254] In addition, the present embodiment may be configured as follows. The liquid crystal display 13 shown in FIG. 14 may be a liquid crystal display 99 (so-called full-surface liquid crystal) as shown in FIG. 28. The liquid crystal display 99 has, as display areas, an outside-reel display area which is a display area that does not overlap with the reels 20a to 20c when viewed from the front (front), and a front-reel display area which is a display area that overlaps with the reels 20a to 20c when viewed from the front (front). The front-reel display area (transparent area) is capable of displaying display objects and also allows the reels 20a to 20c arranged behind it to be viewed. The outside-reel display area is formed to surround the front-reel display area.

[0255] If an error (error related to inserting and paying out medals) is detected during the rotation of the reels in the normal game, the error is notified via the 7-segment display (first main display 17a) and the liquid crystal display 99. In addition, while the error is detected, the stop button for the normal game cannot be operated to stop the game. On the other hand, if an error (error related to inserting and paying out medals) is detected during the rotation of the reels in the pseudo game (freeze period), the error is not notified via the 7-segment display (first main display 17a), but is notified via the liquid crystal display 99 (the liquid crystal display 99 notifies the error at the same timing as in the normal game). In addition, even while the error is detected, the stop buttons 26a to 26c for the pseudo game can be operated to stop the game.

[0256] It should be noted that the error detection means 300 (sub-error detection means 202) does not set (store) the history of the error (error information) in the storage means (sub-memory 72) when an error is notified via the LCD display 99, but sets the history of the error (error information) in the storage means (sub-memory 72) when an error is notified via the first main display 17a (main segment) (specifically, when an error occurrence command is received from the main control board 31).

[0257] In addition, if an error is detected during the pseudo game (reel performance) (when an error is reported via the liquid crystal display 99) and a power outage occurs, when the setting key (setting change key) inserted into the setting change key cylinder is rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the initial position (turned ON) and the power is restored from the power outage, the setting change mode (setting change state) is not entered (initialization of information associated with the change of setting value is not executed), and the interrupted pseudo game (reel performance) is resumed (from the point of interruption) (returning from the middle of the reel performance). Then, after all the reels related to the pseudo game (reel performance) have stopped (after the third stop operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c related to the pseudo game), the pseudo game ends, and normal game starts (restarts), and an error code is displayed on the 7-segment display (an error is reported).

[0258] If an error is detected during the execution of a reel performance (with the error being notified via the liquid crystal display 99) and then a power outage occurs, the interrupted reel performance will resume after the power is restored, as described above, but the liquid crystal display 99 is in preparation (screen is being prepared), and the error is not notified via the liquid crystal display 99. Specifically, the liquid crystal display 99 displays the words "screen is being prepared" and a display (e.g. a meter) showing the time required for recovery, and is in a blacked-out state, making it difficult to see the reels 20a to 20c (the reel performance).

[0259] In this embodiment, when the reel performance (simulated game) ends, a predetermined sound (for example, a character's lines) is output through the speaker 14. By outputting this predetermined sound, the player can notice that the reel performance has ended even though he cannot see the reels 20a to 20c. In other words, the output of the predetermined sound indicates the end of the reel performance. In addition, when the liquid crystal display 99 is ready for the screen, the error is notified.

[0260] When an error is detected during the rotation of the reels involved in the pseudo game (freeze period), the error is not notified via the seven-segment display, and a power outage occurs while the error is being reported via the LCD display 99, and even if the power is restored after the power outage, the error detection flag in the memory means is retained, so that when normal gameplay is resumed after the power is restored, the error is reported via the seven-segment display.

[0261] After the error is released, a predetermined display (warning) may be displayed on the liquid crystal display 99 based on the fact that the setting change key is in the ON state. The predetermined display may be, for example, information (text) such as "Settings cannot be changed."

[0262] (Third embodiment) The third embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, the outline of the gaming machine will be described. In this embodiment, the present invention will be described by taking as an example a case where the present invention is applied to a slot machine, which is one of the gaming machines. However, the present invention may be applied to other gaming machines such as a pachinko gaming machine and a medal-less gaming machine, without being limited to a slot machine. In the following description, "front and rear" basically means that when a player is in front of the slot machine, the player side is "front" and the slot machine side is "rear", "up and down" means that the top side of the slot machine is "up" and the bottom side is "down", and "left and right" means that the left hand side of the player playing the slot machine is "left" and the right hand side is "right".

[0263] FIG. 29 is a perspective view showing a slot machine X. This slot machine X includes a housing 10, which includes a bottom plate, left and right side plates, a top plate, and a back plate, and is formed in a box shape with a front opening that opens to the front side of the housing 10. In addition, a front door 12 that closes the front opening of the housing 10 in an openable and closable manner is provided on the front of the housing 10. In addition, the front door 12 includes an upper door 30 that closes the upper opening of the front opening of the housing 10 in an openable and closable manner, and a lower door 40 that closes the lower opening in an openable and closable manner. Note that the front door 12 may be an integrated structure that is not divided into the upper door 30 and the lower door 40.

[0264] As shown in Fig. 30, the lower part of the housing 10 is provided with a power supply unit 14 incorporating a power supply device (power supply means) for supplying power to each component, a hopper unit 16 serving as a payout device (payout means) for storing medals (game media, game value) and paying out the medals, and a cash box 18 from which medals are sent out from the hopper unit 16 when the amount of medals in the hopper unit 16 reaches or exceeds a predetermined amount. The power supply unit 14 is also provided with a power switch, and when the power switch is turned on, power is supplied from the power supply unit 14 to each component. Note that power may be supplied to some components even when the power supply unit 14 is turned off.

[0265] Also provided within the housing 10 are a reel unit 20, a main control means (first control means, main control board) 70, a sub-control means (second control means, sub-control board) 72, etc. The reel unit 20 has three reels, a first reel 20a, a second reel 20b, and a third reel 20c, each of which has a plurality of symbols displayed around it, and a drive motor (stepping motor) for rotating the reels 20a to 20c.

[0266] The main control means 70 is provided with a setting change key cylinder, a setting change button 26 (FIG. 31), etc. The setting change key cylinder and the setting change button 26 may be provided in other parts, such as the power supply unit 14. The setting change key cylinder (setting key switch, operating means related to setting values) has two states, an OFF state and an ON state. In other words, it is switchable between the OFF state and the ON state. The setting change key cylinder is formed so that the setting key can be inserted. The setting change key cylinder is in the OFF state in the initial state. The position of the movable part of the setting change key cylinder and the setting key when the setting key is inserted in the OFF state is set to the initial position. When the inserted setting key is turned 90 degrees clockwise from the initial position, the state of the setting change key cylinder switches from the OFF state to the ON state. When the setting key is turned 90 degrees counterclockwise so that the state of the setting change key cylinder is changed from the ON state to the initial position, it switches from the ON state to the OFF state. The setting change button 26 can be pressed.

[0267] As shown in Fig. 29, a display window 31 is provided in the center of the lower part of the upper door 30, and three reels 20a to 20c are arranged in a horizontal row behind this display window 31. A plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer periphery of each of the reels 20a to 20c, and when the reels 20a to 20c stop, three symbols per reel are displayed through the display window 31. The display window 31 has an upper, middle, and lower section as display positions for visually checking the symbols of each of the reels 20a to 20c, and a winning line is set by a combination of the display positions of each of the reels 20a to 20c.

[0268] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the number of medals required for one game (prescribed number, prescribed number) is set to three, and when the prescribed number of medals is inserted, the active line formed by the middle section of each of the reels 20a to 20c is activated. In addition, when the game starts, each of the reels 20a to 20c starts to rotate, and an internal lottery is executed to determine whether any of the winning combinations will be a win or a miss (no win). Next, when the reels 20a to 20c stop, if a symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination selected in the internal lottery is displayed on the active line, this winning combination will be a win, and a process (winning process) corresponding to the winning combination that has been selected will be executed.

[0269] A game information display unit 32 is provided below the display window 31. The game information display unit 32 is made up of an LED, a lamp, a 7-segment display, etc., and displays various game information such as the number of medal credits, the number of medals paid out or won in one game, error information, etc. The game information display unit 32 also includes a first main display 90, a second main display 92, and a sub-display 93.

[0270] A display window 33 is provided above the display window 31 in the center of the top of the upper door 30. A liquid crystal display (display means) 34 is provided behind this display window 33. Various videos (images) are displayed on the liquid crystal display 34 to assist or liven up the game. In addition, a plurality of speakers (sound output means) 36 are provided on the upper door 30 and the lower door 40. Various sounds are output from the speakers 36 to assist or liven up the game. In addition, a plurality of lighting devices (lighting means) 38 are provided on the front door 12 to provide notifications, effects, and the like.

[0271] An operation area 50 for operating the slot machine X is provided at the top of the lower door 40. The operation area 50 includes a settlement button 52 operated when settling medals, a start lever 53 operated when starting a game, a stop button 54 (54a, 54b, 54c) operated when stopping the rotation of the reels, a medal insertion port 42 for inserting medals, a reject button (not shown) operated when clearing a medal jam that occurs in the medal passage below the medal insertion port 42, a bet button 56 operated when inserting (betting) medals, and a performance button 57 operated when progressing a performance (changing the mode of the performance image displayed on the liquid crystal display 34), etc. The gaming machine of this embodiment is provided with a MAX bet button 56 (first bet button) operated when betting three medals (prescribed number) and a 1 bet button 56 (second bet button) operated when betting one medal, as the bet button 56.

[0272] The effect button 57 is disposed at approximately the center in the width direction (left-right direction) of the operation area 50. The effect button 57 is a push button with a pressing portion formed to be depressible, and may be provided with a jog dial or the like for selecting an effect or the like. The effect button 57 is in a valid state for operation during the execution of an effect that gives the player hope of transitioning to an advantageous state, for example, and an image instructing the operation is displayed on the liquid crystal display 34. Then, when the effect button 57 is operated, the result of the game (whether or not a transition to an advantageous state will occur) is notified.

[0273] The basic flow of the game in the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described. When the player presses the MAX BET button 56, the credited medals are inserted and the game can be started. Then, when the player presses the start lever 53 as an operation to start the game, the reels 20a to 20c start to rotate, and when the rotation speed of the reels 20a to 20c increases to a predetermined speed and reaches a steady rotation state, the operation of pressing the stop buttons 54a to 54c becomes valid (enabled state). After that, when the player presses each of the stop buttons 54a to 54c corresponding to each of the reels 20a to 20c at any timing, the rotation of each of the reels 20a to 20c stops. Specifically, when the stop button 54a is pressed, the rotation of the first reel 20a stops, when the stop button 54b is pressed, the rotation of the second reel 20b stops, and when the stop button 54c is pressed, the rotation of the third reel 20c stops. Then, when all the reels 20a to 20c have stopped spinning, depending on the result of the game, a process is performed to pay out medals or to make the game available to be restarted without consuming any more medals, and one round of game is completed.

[0274] A medal payout outlet 60 for discharging medals from inside the slot machine X, and a medal tray 62 for storing medals discharged from the medal payout outlet 60 are provided at the lower end of the front door 12. A lower panel 64 for decorating the exterior of the slot machine X is provided between the operation area 50 and the medal tray 62. A light source (LED) for illumination is provided on the rear side of the lower panel 64, and the lower panel 64 is illuminated from behind by light emitted from this light source.

[0275] The lower door 40 is provided with a door key cylinder 66, and the lower door 40 (front door 12) can be unlocked by inserting a door key into the door key cylinder 66. Specifically, the lower door 40 can be unlocked by rotating (twisting) the door key inserted into the door key cylinder 66 clockwise from the initial position. Also, an error can be released by rotating (twisting) the door key inserted into the door key cylinder 66 counterclockwise from the initial position. In addition, an engagement portion is provided at the lower end of the upper door 30, which protrudes downward from the upper end of the lower door 40 behind the front surface of the lower door 40, and the upper door 30 cannot be opened when the lower door 40 is closed. In other words, when opening the upper door 30, the lower door 40 is unlocked and opened before the upper door 30 can be opened.

[0276] A medal inserted through the medal insertion port 42 passes through a medal selector 67 (Fig. 30), and then enters the hopper unit 16 via a medal chute 69. However, under certain conditions, such as after a game has started, a medal blocker 68 (Fig. 31) built into the medal selector 67 is activated to block the flow path toward the medal chute 69 (Fig. 30), and the inserted medal is returned from the medal payout outlet 60.

[0277] 31 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of this embodiment. The gaming machine (slot machine X) of this embodiment is controlled by a main control means (main board) 70 and a sub-control means (sub-board) 72. The main control means 70 receives input signals from the settlement button 52, the start lever 53, the stop button 54, the bet button 56, the setting change button 26, the door opening / closing switch 74, the insertion detection sensor 78, the payout sensor 88, etc., and performs various calculations for setting the gaming machine, managing errors, or executing a game, and controls output means such as the reels 20a to 20c and the hopper unit 16 based on the calculation results.

[0278] The sub-control means 72 receives information (signals) sent from the main control means 70, performs various calculations to execute the performance, and controls the performance devices such as the LCD display 34, speaker 36, lighting device 38, etc. based on the results of the calculations.

[0279] The main control means 70 and the sub-control means 72 are electrically connected, and various information (signals) such as information indicating the game status can be transmitted from the main control means 70 to the sub-control means 72, but information cannot be transmitted from the sub-control means 72 to the main control means 70. The functions of the main control means 70 and the sub-control means 72 are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ICs, or information storage media such as ROM and RAM, or software consisting of a predetermined program pre-stored in ROM, etc.

[0280] The main control means 70 includes a setting change means 101, a setting confirmation means 102, a payout control means 103, a game control means 104, a random number generation means 105, a main error detection means 106, a main error management means 107, and a main memory means 108.

[0281] The setting change means 101 performs control (setting change processing) to change the setting value stored in the main storage means 108. In this embodiment, depending on the state of the setting change key cylinder when the power is turned on, the game mode and the setting change mode can be switched. When the setting key is inserted into the setting change key cylinder and the setting key is rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the initial position, the power switch is operated to supply power from the power supply unit 14 (i.e., when the power is turned on), the setting change means 101 starts the gaming machine in the setting change mode. In this embodiment, the setting value can be selected from six setting values ​​from setting 1 to setting 6. The winning probability of the internal lottery is changed so that the expected value of the ball payout rate increases from setting 1 to setting 6 in order. In this embodiment, the setting values ​​are expressed in the order of setting 1<setting 2<setting 3<setting 4<setting 5<setting 6.

[0282] In the setting change mode, the setting change means 101 changes the setting value in the order of Setting 1 → Setting 2 →... Setting 6 → Setting 1 →... each time the setting change button 26 is pressed, and when the start lever 53 is pressed, the setting value is confirmed and the confirmed setting value is stored in the main storage means 108. Also, when the setting key inserted into the setting change key cylinder is returned to its initial position, the setting change mode is switched to the game mode. In this embodiment, the first main display 90 is configured to display the selected setting value in the setting change mode.

[0283] In this embodiment, when the setting key is inserted into the setting change key cylinder and the power is turned on with the setting key in the initial position, the gaming machine starts up in a game mode. In this embodiment, in the game mode, a game can be played but the setting values ​​cannot be changed, and in the setting change mode, the setting values ​​can be changed but a game cannot be played.

[0284] In the setting change mode, the setting change means 101 performs an initialization process to initialize information stored in a read / write memory (RWM), which is a readable and writable storage area in the main storage means 108. Note that in the initialization process, all information stored in the read / write memory is not initialized, and certain information (a part of information such as medal credit information) is retained without being initialized.

[0285] The setting confirmation means 102 performs a process (setting notification process) of transitioning the gaming machine (slot machine X) from the gaming mode to the setting confirmation mode based on a predetermined operation (described later) being performed in the gaming mode with the power turned on, and notifying the current setting value via the liquid crystal display 34, the gaming information display unit 32, etc. The setting confirmation mode will be described in detail later.

[0286] The game control means 104 is a means for controlling the progress of the game, and when a game is started by accepting insertion of a medal, it determines whether or not a winning combination has been achieved by an internal lottery, spins the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c, and when a stop operation is performed on the stop buttons 54a to 54c, it stops the reels being rotated according to the result of the internal lottery, judges whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the symbol combination displayed on the pay line, and performs a main loop process in which the game progresses by performing processing according to the judgment result. The details will be described below.

[0287] The game control means 104 accepts the insertion of medals for each game, and performs a process of validating a game start operation for the start lever 53 based on the insertion of medals equivalent to the specified insertion number (3 medals). In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the first pressing operation of the start lever 53, which is validated based on the insertion of medals equivalent to the specified insertion number, is accepted as a game start operation, and serves as a trigger for starting the rotation of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c, as well as a trigger for executing an internal lottery.

[0288] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 42, the insertion detection sensor 78 in the medal selector 67 is activated, and the gaming control means 104 sets the inserted medal to an inserted state (bet state) up to a specified insertion number. In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, it is possible to store (store and store) up to 50 medals as credits in the main storage means 108, and when the bet button 56 is pressed in a state in which medals are stored as credits in the gaming machine, the gaming control means 104 sets the medals stored in the main storage means 108 as credits to an inserted state up to a specified insertion number. In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the number of credits is displayed on the second main display 92. The gaming control means 104 changes the display content of the second main display 92 according to an increase or decrease in the number of credits of medals stored in the main storage means 108.

[0289] The game control means 104 performs an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination has been achieved based on the game start operation on the start lever 53 (the first pressing of the activated start lever 53), and performs lottery table selection processing, random number determination processing, lottery flag setting processing, etc.

[0290] In the lottery table selection process, it is determined which internal lottery table is used to perform the internal lottery among the multiple types of internal lottery tables stored in the main storage means 108. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, in each internal lottery table, various roles such as replay, small role, and bonus, and miss (non-winning) are associated with each of multiple random number values ​​(for example, 65536 random number values ​​from 0 to 65535). In this embodiment, for six levels of set values, an internal lottery table corresponding to the game state is prepared for each set value, and the probability of obtaining some winning modes in the internal lottery differs depending on the set value, and the correspondence between the role and the random number value is set so that the higher the set value, the higher the expected value of the ball payout rate. In addition, a small role is a role that can receive a predetermined number of medals according to the small role that has been won by winning. In addition, a replay is a role that can be played again without newly consuming medals by winning. When a replay is won, operation of the start lever 53 is enabled without the player consuming any medals, and the player is able to start playing by operating the start lever 53.

[0291] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the game state can be set to a normal state, a bonus established state, or a bonus state, and in the lottery table selection process, one of multiple types of internal lottery tables is selected as the internal lottery table to be used in the internal lottery depending on the game state.

[0292] In the random number determination process, a random number value (random number for lottery) is obtained from the random number generating means 105 for each game based on the game start operation using the start lever 53, and the obtained random number value is used to determine whether or not it has won a winning combination by referring to the internal lottery table stored in the main memory means 108.

[0293] The random number generating means 105 is a means for generating random numbers for lottery. The random numbers can be generated by, for example, a 16-bit random number circuit that generates 65536 random numbers from 0 to 65535 without duplication in one period. In this embodiment, the "random number" includes not only a value that is generated randomly in a mathematical sense, but also a value that may function as a random number substantially because the timing of acquisition is irregular even if the generation itself is regular.

[0294] In the lottery flag setting process, based on the result of the random number determination process, the lottery flag corresponding to the winning combination is set from a non-winning state (first flag state, off state) to a winning state (second flag state, on state). In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when two or more types of combinations are won in a overlapping manner, the lottery flags corresponding to each of the two or more types of combinations that are won in a overlapping manner are set to a winning state. The setting information of the lottery flag is stored in the main storage means 108.

[0295] The lottery flags are prepared as follows: a lottery flag (carry-over flag) that can carry over a winning state to the next game or later until a prize is won, and a lottery flag (non-carry-over flag) that is reset to a non-winning state without carrying over a winning state to the next game or later regardless of whether a prize is won. The former carry-over flag corresponds to a bonus, and the latter non-carry-over flag corresponds to a small win and a replay. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, for example, when a bonus is won in an internal lottery, a process is performed to carry over the winning state of the bonus lottery flag until the bonus is won. At this time, the game control means 104 performs an internal lottery to determine whether or not a small win and a replay have been won, even in a game in which the winning state of the bonus lottery flag has been carried over. In this way, in the lottery flag setting process, when a small win or replay is won in a game in which the winning state of the bonus lottery flag is carried over, the lottery flag corresponding to two or more types of roles consisting of the lottery flag of the already won bonus and the lottery flag of the small win or replay won in the internal lottery is set to a winning state.

[0296] In addition, the game control means 104 starts the rotation of each of the reels 20a-20c when the enabled start lever 53 is operated (i.e., the start of a game) under the control of the main control means 70, and when the enabled stop buttons 54a-54c are operated, performs stop control of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button (control to stop the reel in a manner according to the setting state of the lottery flag (result of the internal lottery)).

[0297] The game control means 104 determines the stop position of the reel corresponding to the operated button among the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c each time the stop buttons 54a to 54c are operated, and controls the reel to stop at the determined stop position. In the slot machine X, when the stop button 54a is operated, the first reel 20a stops spinning, when the stop button 54b is operated, the second reel 20b stops spinning, and when the stop button 54c is operated, the third reel 20c stops spinning. Therefore, the stop order of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c changes depending on the operation order of the stop buttons 54a to 54c.

[0298] In the stop control when the stop buttons 54a to 54c are operated, the game control means 104 stops each of the reels 20a to 20c so that a winning combination with a lottery flag set to a winning state wins. Specifically, in a state where the lottery flag of one winning combination is set to a winning state, the game control means 104 performs stop control of each of the reels 20a to 20c so that this winning combination wins. In addition, in a state where the lottery flags of multiple winning combinations are set to a winning state in a overlapping manner, the game control means 104 stops each of the reels 20a to 20c so that a predetermined winning combination wins according to the priority order set for each combination. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the priority order is set in the order of "replay>minor combination>bonus". Then, the game control means 104 stops the reels 20a to 20c so that the symbols constituting the winning form of the combination with a higher priority are displayed on the pay line in preference to the symbols constituting the winning form of the combination with a lower priority.

[0299] In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when multiple types of small roles are won in the internal lottery, the priority order of the candidates for the stop positions may be determined according to the number of symbol combinations that show winning forms that can be displayed on the effective line, or according to the number of medals paid out based on the payouts that are determined in advance for the small roles. When the priority order of the candidates for the stop positions is determined according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the effective line, the priority order of the candidates for each stop position is determined so that the priority order of the candidates for the stop positions is higher for the stop positions that have a larger number of symbol combinations that show winning forms that can be displayed on the effective line. When the priority order of the candidates for the stop positions is determined according to the number of medals paid out, the priority order of the candidates for each stop position is determined so that the priority order of the candidates for the stop positions is higher for the stop positions that have a larger number of medals paid out based on the payouts of the small roles corresponding to the symbols displayed at the display positions on the effective line (stop positions that can win small roles with a larger payout). However, when the priority order of the candidates for the stop positions is determined according to the number of medals paid out, if small roles with the same payouts are won in duplicate, the priority order of the candidates for the stop positions that can win each small role is treated as being the same. In addition, when determining the priority of candidate stop positions according to the number of symbol combinations that indicate winning patterns that can be displayed on a winning line, the priorities of candidate stop positions that have the same number of symbol combinations that indicate winning patterns that can be displayed on a winning line are each treated as being the same.

[0300] The game control means 104 performs a winning judgment process to judge whether or not a winning combination has been won based on the stopping state of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c. Specifically, the symbol combination displayed (stopped display) on the pay line by the stopping of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c is compared with a winning judgment table stored in the ROM of the main storage means 180. The winning judgment table stores the winning form (the symbol combination that wins when stopped and displayed) of each winning combination, and the above-mentioned comparison determines whether or not a winning combination has been won and the type of the winning combination that has been won. When a winning combination has been won, the game control means 104 executes a winning process corresponding to the winning combination that has been won. Specifically, as the winning process, a payout process is performed when a small combination is won, a replay process (replay process) is performed when a replay is won, and a process of changing the game state (game state change control process) is performed when a bonus is won.

[0301] The payout process is a process for paying out a number of medals determined based on the payout determined for each role when a minor winning combination is achieved. When a minor winning combination is achieved, the game control means 104 determines the number of medals to be paid out based on the payout determined for each role, and causes the hopper unit 16 to pay out medals equivalent to the determined number to be paid out.

[0302] The hopper unit 16 is a device that performs an operation of paying out the number of medals instructed by the game control means 104. The hopper unit 16 is provided with a payout sensor 88 that is activated each time a medal is paid out, and the game control means 104 is configured to be able to manage the number of medals actually paid out from the hopper unit 16 based on an input signal from the payout sensor 88. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when medals are paid out in each game, the number of medals paid out is displayed on the first main display 90. When medals are paid out due to the winning of a minor role, the game control means 104 causes the first main display 90 to display the number of medals paid out due to the winning of the minor role.

[0303] When credit storage (accumulation storage) of medals is permitted, instead of actually paying out medals using the hopper unit 16, a credit addition process is performed in which the payout number is added to the credit number (the number of medals stored as credits) stored in the main storage means 108, and medals are virtually paid out. When adding a part or all of the payout number of medals to the credit number, the game control means 104 changes the display content of the second main display 92 in accordance with the increase in the credit number.

[0304] The replay process is a process in which, when a replay wins, the next game is set to the same game start standby state as the previous game without the player having to insert any medals owned by the player. When a replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed in which the same number of medals as the number set to the insertion state in the previous game (the game in which the replay won) are automatically inserted without using the medals held by the player (including credited medals), and the machine waits for the next game start operation on the start lever 53 with a pay line set corresponding to the number of medals inserted by the automatic insertion process. In addition, when the automatic insertion process is performed, it is not possible to insert additional medals.

[0305] Furthermore, the game control means 104 controls so that in the next game after the game in which the replay was won, the medals owned by the player are not set to the newly inserted state. Specifically, if the replay was won in the previous game, even if medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 42 while the insertion of medals is being accepted, the inserted medals are not set to the inserted state, and the inserted medals are credited up to the credit upper limit (for example, 50 medals). Furthermore, while the insertion of medals is being accepted, the operation of the bet button 56 is not accepted, and the credited medals are not set to the inserted state even if the bet button 56 is pressed.

[0306] In addition, the game control means 104 performs a game state transition control process that transitions the game state between the normal state, the bonus establishment state, and the bonus state. In this embodiment, information indicating the current game state is stored in the main storage means 108. The game state transition condition may be one condition or multiple conditions. When multiple conditions are set, the game state can be transitioned to another game state based on the establishment of one of the multiple predetermined conditions or the establishment of all of the multiple predetermined conditions.

[0307] The normal state is a game state corresponding to the initial state among the multiple game states, and it is possible to transition from the normal state to the bonus establishment state. Specifically, if a bonus is won in the normal state, the state transitions to the bonus establishment state. In addition, in the normal state, an internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which small winning combinations, replays, and bonuses are set as the lottery objects among the multiple types of internal lottery tables stored in the main storage means 108.

[0308] The bonus establishment state is a game state to which the game shifts when a bonus is won in an internal lottery. In the bonus establishment state, among the multiple types of internal lottery tables stored in the main storage means 108, the win or loss of a minor role is determined with the same probability as in the normal state, and an internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which the bonus is excluded from the lottery object. Note that, even in the bonus establishment state, the replay is set as a lottery object, but the winning probability and winning mode of the replay may be different from or the same as in the normal state.

[0309] In the bonus established state, the lottery flag corresponding to the bonus is maintained in a winning state until the bonus is won, and the winning or losing of minor winning combinations and replays is determined. When the symbol combination showing the winning form of the bonus is displayed on the pay line, the game control means 104 transitions the game state from the bonus established state to the bonus state based on the winning of the bonus.

[0310] The bonus state is a game state to which the player is shifted when a symbol combination indicating a bonus winning form is displayed on an active line. In the bonus state, among the multiple types of internal lottery tables stored in the main storage means 108, the winning probability of a small role is set higher than in the normal state and the bonus establishment state, and an internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which replays are excluded from the lottery object. In other words, the bonus state is a game state that is more advantageous for the player than the normal state and the bonus establishment state in that small roles are won more frequently in the bonus state than in the normal state and the bonus establishment state.

[0311] In the bonus state, whether or not the end condition is met is determined based on the total number of medals paid out by the bonus game in the bonus state, and when medals exceeding a predetermined number of medals to be paid out at the end (for example, 250 medals) are paid out, the game control means 104 ends the bonus state and returns the game state to the normal state. In this embodiment, the count information on the number of medals paid out in the bonus state is accumulated and stored in the main storage means 108.

[0312] The main error detection means 106 detects a main error by monitoring the signal states of various sensors such as the input detection sensor 78 and the dispensing sensor 88, determining whether the error detection conditions are met, and identifying the main error that has occurred based on whether the error detection conditions are met. Note that in this embodiment, even after detecting any of the main errors (a state in which the cancel operation is awaited by the error wait process described below), the main error detection means 106 continues to periodically detect each main error by the timer interrupt process.

[0313] The main error detection means 106 detects a backflow error, an empty error, a payout jam error, a payout abnormality error, an over error, a retention error, and an insertion abnormality error, as shown in FIG. 32, based on the signal states of various sensors. When the main error detection means 106 detects a predetermined main error, it sets a corresponding error detection flag in the main storage means 108. The backflow error is a main error caused by medals flowing backward in the flow path. The empty error is a main error caused by medals stored in the hopper unit 16 being exhausted. The payout jam error is a main error caused by medals that should be paid out being jammed in the hopper unit 16 and not being discharged. The payout abnormality error is a main error caused by medals being paid out in a situation where medals should not be paid out. The over error is a main error caused by surplus medals stored in the cash box 18 exceeding a predetermined amount. The retention error is a main error caused by medals being jammed in the medal selector 67. The abnormal insertion error is a main error caused by a medal being stuck near the medal insertion port 42, etc.

[0314] When any error detection flag is set in the main storage means 108, the main error management means 107 performs an error wait process to wait for a predetermined release operation to be performed, and in this error wait process, the main error detected by the main error detection means 106 is notified via the first main display 90, and a release process is performed to clear the error detection flag, etc., based on the predetermined release operation (pressing the setting change button 26). Note that in this embodiment, while the main error management means 107 is performing the error wait process, the main loop process in the game control means 104 is interrupted, and the main loop process is resumed after the release process for the occurring main error is completed.

[0315] In the error wait process, the main error management means 107 accepts pressing of the setting change button 26 as a cancellation operation, and performs a cancellation process to clear (erase) error-related information such as the detection flag and timer timing information stored in the main storage means 108. In the error wait process, after an error code is displayed on the first main display 90, a timer wait process is performed using an error wait timer provided in the main storage means 108, and a cancellation operation is accepted after the period during which the timer wait process is performed (approximately 108 ms) has elapsed.

[0316] In this embodiment, information is transmitted from the main control means 70 to the sub-control means 72 by sending commands via serial communication. The information contained in the commands transmitted from the main control means 70 to the sub-control means 72 includes setting values, game status, number of medals inserted and paid out, results of internal lotteries, signal status of various switches, etc., details of reel stop control, results of winning determination, and information related to any main errors that have occurred.

[0317] In this embodiment, when a main error occurs, the main control means 70 transmits to the sub-control means 72 an error occurrence command corresponding to the error type for which the error detection flag is set, or an error release command indicating that a release operation has been performed on the setting change button 26. In addition, when the signal state of the door opening / closing switch 74 changes, the main control means 70 transmits a door open command to the sub-control means 72 based on the change in the signal state from an OFF state (a signal state indicating that the front door 12 is closed) to an ON state (a signal state indicating that the front door 12 is open), and transmits a door close command based on the change in the signal state from an ON state to an OFF state. In this embodiment, even if the front door 12 is open, this is not treated as a main error in itself, and the main loop process can be continued unless another main error occurs. In addition, in this embodiment, control is also performed such that a disconnection monitoring command is periodically transmitted from the main control means 70 to the sub-control means 72 at predetermined intervals (for example, every 15 ms).

[0318] Next, a description will be given of the sub-control means 72. The sub-control means 72 includes a performance control means 131, a sub-error detection means 202, a sub-error management means 203, a sub-storage means 132, and the like.

[0319] The performance control means 131 controls performances using the liquid crystal display 34, the speaker 36, and the lighting device 38, based on the performance data stored in the sub-storage means 132. For example, the lighting device 38 is turned on or blinks in response to the insertion of medals, the operation of the bet button 56, the start lever 53, and the stop buttons 54a to 54c, and the occurrence of game events such as changes in the game state, and the like, and thereby controls the execution of performances to liven up the game or assist the game, depending on the progress of the game.

[0320] The content of the effects executed in the game is determined using an effect selection table stored in the sub-storage means 132 in response to commands sent from the main control means 70 corresponding to the game state, the effect state, the result of the internal selection, etc. In this embodiment, image data stored in the ROM of the sub-storage means 132 is read into an image buffer provided in the sub-storage means 132, and an image based on the image data read into the image buffer is output to the liquid crystal display 34. In addition, sound data stored in the ROM of the sub-storage means 132 is read into a sound buffer provided in the sub-storage means 132, and a sound based on the sound data read into the sound buffer is output from the speaker 36.

[0321] The sub-error detection means 202 detects a sub-error by determining whether or not an error detection condition is met based on the door open command and the disconnection monitoring command sent from the main control means 70, and identifying the sub-error that has occurred based on whether the error detection condition is met. Note that in this embodiment, even after detecting any of the sub-errors (a state in which the sub-error detection means 202 is waiting to receive an error release command from the main control means 70, which will be described later), the sub-error detection means 202 continues to periodically detect each sub-error by timer interrupt processing.

[0322] The sub-error detection means 202 detects door opening / closing errors and communication errors, as shown in Fig. 33. When the sub-error detection means 202 detects a predetermined sub-error, it sets a corresponding error detection flag in the sub-storage means 132. A door opening error is a sub-error caused by the front door 12 being open. A communication error is a sub-error caused by poor communication due to a break in the communication cable between the main control means 70 and the sub-control means 72, for example.

[0323] When the sub-error detection means 202 receives an error occurrence command sent from the main control means 70, it sets in the sub-storage means 132 an error detection flag corresponding to the main error specified by the error occurrence command.

[0324] When an error detection flag is set in the sub-storage means 132, the sub-error management means 203 performs an error notification process to determine an error to be notified and control the performance device in a performance mode corresponding to the error. In addition, the sub-error management means 203 notifies the error to be notified in the error notification process, waits for an error release command or a door close command to be sent from the main control means 70, and performs an error recovery process to clear the error detection flag, etc. set in the sub-storage means 132 based on the establishment of the error recovery condition, and restores the state of the performance device to the original state. In this embodiment, no information is sent from the sub-control means 72 to the main control means 70, and the occurrence of a sub-error does not affect the progress of the main loop process in the game control means 104, and if a main error does not occur, the game control means 104 can continue the main loop process even in a situation where a sub-error occurs.

[0325] When an error detection flag corresponding to a sub-error is set in the sub-storage means 132, the sub-error management means 203 causes the sub-display 93 to display an error code corresponding to the type of the error detection flag.

[0326] Incidentally, the communication error can be recovered only by initializing the sub-storage means 132 by power recovery, and the sub-error management means 203 continues the communication error notification process and maintains the state of notifying the communication error until the power supply to the gaming machine is cut off. However, even if the communication error is temporarily released by power recovery, if the disconnection situation is not resolved, the sub-error detection means 202 will detect the communication error again based on poor reception of the disconnection monitoring command from the main control means 70.

[0327] Next, the main loop process for controlling the progress of the game will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 34. First, an insertion acceptance process is performed to accept the insertion of the number of medals required to play the game (prescribed number) (step S100), and it is determined whether the insertion of the prescribed number of medals (3 medals) set as the game start condition has been accepted (step S101). In the insertion acceptance process, the inserted medals are set to an inserted state based on the player inserting the medals into the medal insertion slot 42. Also, the medals credited to the gaming machine are set to an inserted state based on the pressing of the 1 BET button 56 or the MAX BET button 56. Also, when a replay is won in the previous game, the same number of medals as the number inserted in the previous game (the same number of medals inserted in the previous game) are automatically set to an inserted state.

[0328] In step S101, if it is determined that the insertion of the specified number of medals has been accepted (if it is determined that the specified number of medals has been set to the inserted state) (step S101: YES), the operation of the start lever 53 is validated (step S102). On the other hand, in step S101, if it is determined that the insertion of the specified number of medals has not been accepted (step S101: NO), the process returns to step S100.

[0329] Next, it is determined whether or not the start lever 53 has been operated (step S103). If it is determined in step S103 that the start lever 53 has been operated (step S103: YES), an internal lottery is held (step S104) and the first to third reels 20a to 20c start to spin (step S105). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S103 that the start lever 53 has not been operated (step S103: NO), the process of step S103 is repeated.

[0330] Next, it is determined whether the rotation speed of each reel is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed (step S106). If it is determined in step S106 that the rotation speed of each reel is equal to or greater than the predetermined speed (step S106: YES), the operation of the stop buttons 54a to 54c is validated (step S107). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S106 that the rotation speed of each reel is not equal to or greater than the predetermined speed (step S106: NO), the process of step S106 is repeated.

[0331] Next, it is determined whether or not a predetermined stop button has been operated (step S108). If it is determined in step S108 that a predetermined stop button has been operated (step S108: YES), the rotation of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button is stopped (step S109), and it is determined whether or not all the reels have stopped (step S110). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S108 that a predetermined stop button has not been operated (step S108: NO), the process of step S108 is repeated.

[0332] In step S110, if it is determined that all the reels have not stopped (step S110: NO), the process returns to step S108. On the other hand, in step S110, if it is determined that all the reels have stopped (step S110: YES), it is determined whether or not the winning combination in the internal lottery has been won based on the stopped state (stop mode) of each reel (step S111). In step S111, if it is determined that the winning combination in the internal lottery has been won (step S111: YES), a process corresponding to the winning combination (winning process) is executed (step S112), and a series of processes (one game) is terminated. On the other hand, in step S111, if it is determined that the winning combination in the internal lottery has not been won (or if the result of the internal lottery is a miss (non-win)) (step S111: NO), the series of processes (one game) is terminated with each of the reels 20a to 20c having stopped.

[0333] Here, a state in which a specified number of medals necessary to start a game have been inserted, or a state in which medals have been automatically inserted based on a win (award) in a replay in the previous game (a state in which the replay is operating) is defined as a specific state (a state in which a game can be started). In the specific state, the gaming machine of this embodiment is capable of executing a setting confirmation process (described later).

[0334] Here, a case where the setting confirmation process is executed in a specific state (a state where a game can be started), that is, after YES is determined in step S101 (after the process of step S102 is executed) and before YES is determined in step S103, will be described. Fig. 35 is a flowchart showing the setting confirmation process (setting reference process) in the main control means 70. Note that the start point of the flowchart shown in Fig. 35 is the game mode.

[0335] The main control means 70 judges whether or not the setting key is inserted into the setting change key cylinder and the setting key is moved (rotated) from the first position (initial position) to the second position (for example, a position rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the initial position) (step S200). In this way, the operation of moving the setting key from the first position to the second position in the game mode can be called the operation of transitioning to the setting confirmation mode.

[0336] In step S200, when it is determined that the setting key has been inserted into the setting change key cylinder and moved from the first position to the second position (step S200: YES), the main control means 70 transitions from the game mode (first state) to the setting confirmation mode (second state, setting reference mode, setting confirmation state, setting reference state) (step S201). At this time, the main loop processing is interrupted with the transition to the setting confirmation mode. On the other hand, in step S200, when it is determined that the setting key has been inserted into the setting change key cylinder and the setting key has not been moved from the first position to the second position (step S200: NO), the processing of step S200 is repeated.

[0337] In step S200, it may be determined whether or not the setting key has been inserted into the setting change key cylinder, the setting key has been moved from the first position to the second position, and the setting change button 26 has been operated (pressed). In other words, the operation for transitioning to the setting confirmation mode may be the insertion of the setting key into the setting change key cylinder, the movement of the setting key from the first position to the second position, and the operation of the setting change button 26. In that case, when it is determined in step S200 that the setting key has been inserted into the setting change key cylinder, the setting key has been moved from the first position to the second position, and the setting change button 26 has been operated (step S200: YES), the main control means 70 transitions from the game mode to the setting confirmation mode (step S201).

[0338] In the setting confirmation mode, an image (for example, the text "referring to setting") is displayed on the liquid crystal display 34 to inform the user that the mode is the setting confirmation mode. In the setting confirmation mode, the first main display 90 in the game information display unit 32 displays the currently set setting value. In the setting confirmation mode, the user can refer to (report) the current setting value, but cannot play the game. In the setting confirmation mode, the user can refer to the setting value, but cannot change the setting value. Even in a specific state (a state in which game play can be started), the first state can be transitioned to the second state, and the setting notification process can be executed, so that the current setting value can be confirmed. For this reason, for example, in the case of a specific state, it is not necessary to end the game before transitioning to the second state in which the setting notification process is performed, improving the convenience of confirming the setting value. In addition, in a specific state (a state in which a game can be started), if the start lever has not yet been turned ON, the setting key can be moved to the second position to transition to the setting confirmation mode.

[0339] Next, the main control means 70 judges whether or not the setting key inserted in the setting change key cylinder has been moved (rotated) from the second position to the first position (step S202). If it is judged in step S202 that the setting key has been moved from the second position to the first position (step S202: YES), the main control means 70 ends the setting confirmation mode and transitions from the setting confirmation mode to the game mode (step S203). The operation of moving the setting key from the second position to the first position (returning it to the initial position) in the setting confirmation mode can be called a return operation to the game mode. On the other hand, if it is judged in step S202 that the setting key has not been moved from the second position to the first position (step S202: NO), the process of step S202 is repeated.

[0340] After the process of step S203, the main control means 70 resumes the main loop process (FIG. 34) (returns to the main loop process). Note that the main control means 70 may resume the main loop process after a predetermined time (predetermined wait period) has elapsed after the process of step S203.

[0341] (Start lever) In this embodiment, in a specific state (state where a game can be started), an operation (transition operation) is performed to move the setting key inserted in the setting change key cylinder from the first position to the second position in a game mode, and in a setting confirmation mode, before an operation (return operation) is performed to move the setting key from the second position to the first position, the start lever 53 is operated (pressed) and, when an operation (return operation) is performed to move the setting key from the second position to the first position while the start lever 53 is being operated, a game is not started immediately after the transition (return) to the game mode. Note that, "immediately after the transition (return) to the game mode" refers specifically to the timing of return to the main loop process (the timing of execution of the timer interrupt process). Also, the state in which the start lever 53 is operated refers to the state in which the start lever 53 is operated to the position where it is turned ON.

[0342] In other words, in the setting confirmation mode, the start lever 53 is turned ON, and even if the setting confirmation mode is switched to the game mode while the start lever 53 is turned ON, game play will not start.

[0343] The main control means 70 monitors the state of the signal (signal state) input from the start lever 53. When the start lever 53 is not operated, the signal input to the main control means 70 is OFF, and when the start lever 53 is operated, the signal input to the main control means 70 is ON. When the signal state is ON based on the operation of an unactivated start lever 53, the main control means 70 does not detect the ON state. Note that the main control means 70 may be configured so that the signal state does not become ON when an unactivated start lever 53 is operated.

[0344] In the main loop process, when the state of the signal input from the start lever 53 changes from OFF to ON, that is, an ON edge (rising edge) is detected, the main control means 70 can determine that the start lever 53 has been operated (becomes ON). If the start lever 53 is pressed to become ON in the setting check mode and the game mode is entered in that state, the input signal is detected to be ON at the time of returning to the main loop process, but the rising edge from OFF to ON (ON edge) is not detected. Therefore, it is not determined that the start lever 53 has been operated at the time of returning to the main loop process, and a game is not started. In addition, even if the ON state of the start lever 53 is maintained after the transition from the setting check mode to the game mode and the return to the main loop process, a game is not started. Furthermore, even after the input signal ON is detected when returning to the main loop processing, the start lever 53 remains ON. When the start lever 53 then turns OFF, a change in the input signal from ON to OFF (OFF edge, falling edge) is detected, but since it is the OFF edge, it is not determined that the start lever 53 has been operated, and play does not begin.

[0345] In this embodiment, in a specific state (a state in which game play can be started), even if the setting change key cylinder (operation means related to the setting value, second operation means related to the setting value) is changed from the OFF state to the ON state and the start lever 53 is operated while the setting change key cylinder is in the ON state, game play does not start, and even if the setting change key cylinder is changed to the OFF state while the start lever 53 is being operated (with the operation continuing), game play does not start.

[0346] In this embodiment, a state in which a specified number of medals required to start a game have been inserted, or a state in which medals have been automatically inserted based on winning a replay as a result of an internal lottery, is set as a specific state, and in the specific state, transition from the game mode to the setting check mode is possible, but transition from the game mode to the setting check mode may be possible in either one of the specific states. For example, when a specified number of medals required to start a game have been inserted, transition from the game mode to the setting check mode is possible, but when medals have been automatically inserted based on winning a replay as a result of an internal lottery, transition from the game mode to the setting check mode may not be possible.

[0347] The operation of shifting to the setting confirmation mode and the operation of returning to the game mode are operations performed when the front door 12 is open (the signal state of the door opening / closing switch 74 (door sensor) is ON). In this embodiment, when the operation of returning to the game mode (the operation of moving the setting key from the second position to the first position) is performed, the setting confirmation mode is shifted to the game mode and the main loop process is returned to. However, when the operation of returning to the game mode is performed and the front door 12 is closed (i.e., when the signal state of the door opening / closing switch 74, which is ON because the front door 12 is open, is turned OFF), the setting confirmation mode may be shifted to the game mode and the main loop process may be returned to. In other words, the condition for shifting from the setting confirmation mode to the game mode (the condition for returning to the main loop process) may include the front door 12 being in a closed state. The control regarding the return from the setting confirmation mode (setting reference state) may be as follows. In the first example, when the setting change key cylinder is turned from the OFF state to the ON state while the front door 12 is open, the mode transitions to the setting confirmation mode. Next, when the setting change key cylinder is turned from the ON state to the OFF state while the front door 12 is open, the mode transitions to the game mode (returns from the setting confirmation mode). In a second example, when the setting change key cylinder is turned from OFF to ON while the front door 12 is open, the setting check mode is entered. Next, when the setting change key cylinder is turned from ON to OFF while the front door 12 is closed, the setting check mode continues (the setting check mode is not returned to). Next, even if the front door 12 is opened while the setting change key cylinder is in the OFF state, the setting check mode continues (the setting check mode is not returned to). In a third example, when the setting change key cylinder is turned from OFF to ON while the front door 12 is open, the setting check mode is entered. Next, when the setting change key cylinder is turned from ON to OFF while the front door 12 is closed, the setting check mode continues (the setting check mode is not returned to). Next, when the front door 12 is opened and the setting change key cylinder is turned ON (the order is not important), and the setting change key cylinder is turned OFF while the front door 12 is open, the game mode is entered (the setting check mode is returned to).

[0348] In this embodiment, in a specific state (state in which game play can be started), if the start lever 53 is operated while the front door 12 is open and the setting change key cylinder (operation means related to the setting value) is in the OFF state, game play will start (game will progress), but if the start lever 53 is operated while the front door 12 is open and the setting change key cylinder is in the ON state (setting confirmation mode) in the specific state, game play will not start (game will not progress).

[0349] The predetermined operation means (first operation means) (button, switch) different from the start lever 53 include the stop buttons 54a to 54c, the bet button 56, the effect button 57, etc. This predetermined operation means can be said to be the first operation means used for the operation to proceed with the game. In this embodiment, in a specific state (a state in which a game can be started), if the start lever 53 is operated while the first operation means is being operated (in an ON state), the game starts, but in a specific state, if the start lever 53 is operated while the setting change key cylinder (operation means related to the setting value, second operation means related to the setting value) is in an ON state, the game does not start.

[0350] Also, in a specific state (state in which a game can be started), if the start lever 53 is operated with the setting change button 26 (operation means related to the setting value, second operation means related to the setting value) being operated (ON state), a game is not started. Regardless of whether the setting change key cylinder is in the OFF state or the ON state, if the start lever 53 is operated with the setting change button 26 being operated (ON state), a game is not started. Also, even if the setting change button 26 is turned OFF with the start lever 53 being operated (while the operation continues), a game is not started. In this embodiment, regardless of whether or not a specific game state is being reached, when the setting change button 26 is operated (pressed), (1) even if the MAX bet button 56 is operated (pressed), game value is not bet (the game value is not in the inserted state, and the insertion of game value is not accepted), but (2) when the player inserts (manually inserts) game value into the medal insertion port 42, game value is bet (the game value is in the inserted state, and the insertion of game value is accepted).

[0351] (Payment button) The settlement button 52 is provided for settling medals electronically stored in the gaming machine (slot machine X) and medals that have been bet (set to an inserted state) but not used in a game, and discharging (paying out) them to a medal tray 62 via a medal payout outlet 60. "Settling" means returning medals used in a game to the player.

[0352] The settlement button 52 is formed so as to be capable of being pressed, and the settlement process is executed based on the operation of the settlement button 52. The settlement button 52 has a pressing part, and the pressing part is formed so as to be capable of being pressed (pushed in). Hereinafter, the operation of the pressing part of the settlement button 52 is referred to as the settlement button 52 being operated. In the settlement process (a predetermined process related to the game value), the medals set in at least one of the reserve (credit) or the bet are settled. In other words, the targets of the settlement based on the operation of the settlement button 52 include not only the medals set in the credit, but also the medals set in the bet. When medals are set in both the bet and the credit, there are, for example, the following two modes as the mode of settlement based on the operation of the settlement button 52. In the first settlement mode, both the medals set in the bet and the medals set in the credit are settled together by one operation of the settlement button 52. In the second settlement mode, only the medals set as a bet are settled by operating the settlement button 52 the first time, and after the medals set as a bet have been settled, the medals set as a credit are settled by operating the settlement button 52 a second time.

[0353] Here, a process of transitioning from a game mode to a setting confirmation mode in a specific state (a state where a game can be started) and then returning from the setting confirmation mode to the game mode will be described. In this embodiment, in a specific state (a state where a game can be started), an operation (transition operation) is performed to move the setting key inserted in the setting change key cylinder from the first position to the second position from the game mode, and in a state where the setting confirmation mode is in a state where the settlement button 52 is operated (pressed) (ON state) before an operation (return operation) is performed to move the setting key from the second position to the first position, and when the settlement button 52 is operated (ON state), an operation (return operation) is performed to move the setting key from the second position to the first position, settlement is executed (started). The state where the settlement button 52 is operated refers to a state where the settlement button 52 is operated to a position where it is ON.

[0354] In other words, in the setting confirmation mode, the settlement button 52 is turned ON, and when the setting confirmation mode is switched to the game mode while the settlement button 52 is ON, settlement is started. Therefore, when the game mode is switched to, there is no need to turn the settlement button 52 ON again, and settlement can be started more smoothly.

[0355] The main control means 70 monitors the state of the signal (signal state) input from the settlement button 52. When the settlement button 52 is not operated, the signal input to the main control means 70 is OFF, and when the settlement button 52 is operated, the signal input to the main control means 70 is ON. In the main loop process, when the state of the signal input from the settlement button 52 is detected as ON for a certain period of time or more (a predetermined number of timer interrupt processes), the main control means 70 can determine that the settlement button 52 has been operated (turned ON). Therefore, when the settlement button 52 is pressed in the setting confirmation mode to turn ON and the game mode is entered in that state, the input signal is detected as ON at the time of returning to the main loop process, and if the detection of ON continues for a certain period of time or more, settlement is started.

[0356] In addition, when the operation (transition operation) of moving the setting key inserted in the setting change key cylinder from the first position to the second position is performed from the state of a specific state (state where a game can be started) and the game mode, and the operation (return operation) of moving the setting key from the second position to the first position is performed in the state of the setting confirmation mode, the settlement button 52 is pressed (ON state) before the operation (return operation) of moving the setting key from the second position to the first position is performed, and when the settlement button 52 is in the ON state, the operation (return operation) of moving the setting key from the second position to the first position is performed, the settlement may not be started. In this case, it is possible to prevent the settlement from being started based on an unintended operation. In addition, if the settlement is started based on an unintended operation, it is necessary to insert a medal into the medal insertion port 42 in order to continue playing, which is a burden on the player, but according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent such a burden from being generated. In addition, even if the ON state of the settlement button 52 is maintained (continued) after the transition from the setting confirmation mode to the game mode and the return to the main loop processing, the settlement may not be started.

[0357] In a specific state (state in which game play can be started), even if the setting change key cylinder (operation means related to the setting value) is changed from the OFF state to the ON state and the settlement button 52 is operated while the setting change key cylinder (operation means related to the setting value) is in the ON state, processing related to the game value (settlement processing) will not be started, and even if the setting change key cylinder is changed to the OFF state while the settlement button 52 is being operated (while the operation is maintained), processing related to the game value (settlement processing) will not be started.

[0358] Furthermore, in the above, a specific state (a state in which a specified number of medals required to start playing have been inserted, or a state in which medals have been automatically inserted based on winning a replay as a result of an internal lottery) was described; however, in a state in which a specified number of medals required to start playing have been inserted (specified number of medals inserted state), even if the setting change key cylinder (operation means related to the setting value) is changed from an OFF state to an ON state and the settlement button 52 is operated with the setting change key cylinder (operation means related to the setting value) in the ON state, processing related to the game value (settlement processing) will not be started, and even if the setting change key cylinder is changed to the OFF state while the settlement button 52 is operated (with the operation maintained), processing related to the game value (settlement processing) may not be started.

[0359] In addition, when the specified number of medals required to start playing have been inserted (specified number of medals inserted state), even if the setting change button 26 (operation means related to the setting value) is turned from OFF to ON, and the settlement button 52 is operated while the setting change button 26 (operation means related to the setting value) is being operated (ON), processing related to the game value (settlement processing) will not be started, and even if the setting change button 26 is turned OFF while the settlement button 52 is being operated (while the operation is maintained), processing related to the game value (settlement processing) will not be started.

[0360] In addition, in a state where the specified number of medals required to start playing have not been inserted (a state where only credits have been set), (1) when the setting change key cylinder (operation means related to the setting value) is turned from OFF to ON, the setting confirmation mode is entered. (2) On the other hand, in a state where the setting change key cylinder is OFF, even if the settlement button 52 is operated with the setting change button 26 being operated (ON) and the setting change button 26 is turned OFF with the settlement button 52 being operated, processing related to the game value (settlement processing) may not be started.

[0361] (Volume change button, light intensity change button) As the effect button 57 (see FIG. 29), in addition to (or instead of) a push button that can be pressed, a effect setting button that is operated when making settings related to effects may be provided. Hereinafter, it is assumed that a effect setting button equipped with a cross key, a decision button, and a cancel button (end button, back button) is provided. The cross key has four directional buttons, an up button on the back (rear) side, a down button on the front (forward) side, a right button on the right side, and a left button on the left side.

[0362] When a predetermined directional button (right button or left button) of the cross key is operated while not playing, a volume change screen (volume change image) (screen related to setting of effects) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 34, and the loudness (volume) of the sound output from the speaker 36 can be adjusted (the volume can be increased or decreased (changed) by pressing the directional button). When a predetermined directional button (up button or down button) of the cross key is operated while not playing, a light amount change screen (light amount change image) (screen related to setting of effects) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 34, and the brightness (luminance) of the liquid crystal display 34 and / or the lighting device 38 can be adjusted (the light amount can be increased or decreased (changed) by pressing the directional button). Note that the volume (or light amount) may be increased or decreased (changed) by pressing the directional button for the first time (first time). That is, the volume (or light amount) may be changed at the same time as the volume change screen (or light amount change screen) is displayed by pressing the directional button for the first time. In this way, the cross key functions as a volume change button or a light intensity change button. The effect setting button (cross key) as an effect button can be said to be a predetermined button used for an operation to display a screen related to effect settings, or a predetermined button used for an operation related to effect settings.

[0363] Here, a process of transitioning from a game mode to a setting confirmation mode in a specific state (a state where a game can be started) and then returning from the setting confirmation mode to the game mode will be described. In a specific state (a state where a game can be started) and in a game mode, an operation (transition operation) is performed to move the setting key inserted in the setting change key cylinder from the first position to the second position, and in a setting confirmation mode state, before an operation (return operation) is performed to move the setting key from the second position to the first position, the volume change button (or the light amount change button) is operated (pressed) (ON state), and when an operation (return operation) is performed to move the setting key from the second position to the first position while the volume change button (or the light amount change button) is operated (ON state), the volume change screen (or the light amount change screen) is not displayed on the liquid crystal display 34, and the volume change (or light amount change) is not possible. Although the volume change screen (or light intensity change screen) is not displayed on the liquid crystal display 34 and the volume (or light intensity) change is not possible, the volume (or light intensity) may not be changed. The state in which the volume change button is operated refers to the state in which the volume change button is operated to the ON position.

[0364] In other words, in the setting confirmation mode, the volume change button (or light intensity change button) is set to the ON state, and even if the setting confirmation mode is switched to the game mode while the volume change button (or light intensity change button) is set to the ON state, the volume change (or light intensity change) will not be initiated. In other words, in a specific state (a state in which game play can be started), even if the setting change key cylinder (operation means related to setting values) is changed from an OFF state to an ON state, and with the setting change key cylinder (operation means related to setting values) in the ON state a "specific button used for operations related to setting effects" is changed to the ON state, and the setting change key cylinder is changed to the OFF state with the specific button in the ON state, processing related to setting effects is not started (for example, a screen related to setting effects is not displayed on the LCD display 34). Therefore, when the volume change button (or light intensity change button) is accidentally left ON when returning from the setting check mode to the game mode, it is possible to prevent the volume change screen (or light intensity change screen) from being displayed due to an unintended operation. In this case, even if the volume change button (or light intensity change button) is kept ON (continued) after the setting check mode is switched to the game mode and the main loop process is returned to, the volume change (or light intensity change) will not start. In the above, the case in the specific state (state in which a game can be started) has been described, but the following may be true regardless of whether the state is specific or not. That is, even if the setting change key cylinder (operation means related to the setting value) is changed from the OFF state to the ON state, and the "prescribed button used for operations related to the setting of the performance" is operated (set to the ON state) while the setting change key cylinder (operation means related to the setting value) is in the ON state, and the setting change key cylinder is set to the OFF state while the prescribed button is being operated, processing related to the setting of the performance may not be started. Furthermore, regardless of whether or not it is in a specific state, when the setting change button 26 (operation means related to the setting value) is turned from OFF to ON, and when the setting change button 26 (operation means related to the setting value) is operated (ON), a "specific button used for operations related to the setting of the performance" is operated (turned ON), and even when the setting change button 26 is turned OFF while the specific button is operated, processing related to the setting of the performance may not be started.

[0365] The volume change and light intensity change are controlled by the sub-control means 72, and may be configured to be controllable based on the fact that the sub-error has been resolved in addition to returning to the main loop processing.

[0366] In addition, when the operation (transition operation) of moving the setting key inserted in the setting change key cylinder from the first position to the second position is performed from the state of a specific state (state where a game can be started) and the game mode, and the operation (return operation) of moving the setting key from the second position to the first position is performed in the state of the setting confirmation mode, the volume change button (or the light amount change button) is pressed (ON state) before the operation (return operation) of moving the setting key from the second position to the first position is performed, and when the volume change button (or the light amount change button) is in the ON state, the volume change screen (or the light amount change screen) is displayed on the liquid crystal display 34, and the volume (or light amount change) may be changed, or the volume (or light amount) may be changed. In this case, when the game mode is switched to, the volume change screen (or the light amount change screen) can be displayed more smoothly.

[0367] (Performance button) When the effect button 57 (FIG. 29) is operated while not playing, a menu screen (menu image) (screen related to effect settings) may be displayed on the liquid crystal display 34. From the menu screen, it is possible to set the effect mode (for example, to set the character that appears mainly in the effect, or to set the notification mode for winning combinations or bonuses), to refer to the game history, to transfer the history to a user terminal (such as the player's smartphone), and to ...

Claims

[Claim 1] The front door and A plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer circumferential surface; A start lever used to start a game; An operation means different from the start lever; A control means for controlling the progress of a game; A notification means capable of notifying an error; A storage means, The control means is capable of executing a specific process for stopping a process related to the progress of a game for a specific period of time, When an error is detected during the specified period, the control means outputs a signal corresponding to the error to an external device, but does not notify the error via the notification means; If a power outage occurs while the error is detected during the specified period, In the storage means, at least information related to the detection of the error, information related to the output of a signal corresponding to the error, and information related to the execution of the specific process are retained without being initialized; When recovering from the power interruption, the control means outputs a signal based on information related to the output of a signal corresponding to the error, resumes the specific process based on information related to the execution of the specific process, and outputs a signal corresponding to the error before the resumed specific process is completed; The control means An internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination is achieved or not based on the operation of the start lever; A setting change means capable of executing a setting change process for changing a setting value among a plurality of setting values, The operation means includes a first operation means used for an operation to progress a game, and a second operation means related to a setting value, If a state in which a prescribed number of game values ​​necessary to start a game has been inserted, or a state in which game values ​​have been automatically inserted based on a winning replay as a result of the internal lottery, is defined as a specific state, In the specific state, when the start lever is operated while the first operating means is being operated, a game is started; In the specific state, when the front door is opened, the start lever is not operated, and the second operating means is OFF, if the start lever is operated, a game is started; In the specific state, when the front door is opened and the start lever is not operated, the second operating means is turned from OFF to ON, the start lever is operated with the second operating means turned ON, and the second operating means is turned OFF with the start lever being operated, a game will not start. A gaming machine characterized by:

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