Pachinko machine

Abstract

To enhance interest.SOLUTION: A game machine includes: lottery means for determining winning or losing of a winning type; point determination means for determining a point by referring to a table on the basis of the determined winning type; and imparting means for imparting privilege on the basis of the point determined by the point determination means. Plural tables having different probabilities of determined points are provided for each of at least one winning type. The point determination means determines the tables provided for each of at least one winning type, and determines the point by referring to the respective determined tables.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] In a slot machine as a gaming machine, a plurality of gaming states and production states that differ in the degree of advantage (gaming profit) of a player are provided during the progress of the game. For example, there is a slot machine that adopts a specification in which, by displaying a symbol combination corresponding to a bonus combination on an effective line, the player is shifted to a bonus game state in which it is easier to obtain medals than in the normal game state. In recent years, slot machines that adopt a so-called AT (assist time) production state in which an assist production that assists the winning of a winning combination is executed have also become widespread.

[0003] In such a slot machine, for example, points are obtained during a so-called chance zone, and a lottery is conducted based on the obtained points to determine whether or not to shift to the AT production state (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the above-described slot machine, based on the winning combination determined during the chance zone, points are obtained by referring to one point update table. However, with such a configuration, the points determined by the determined winning combination can be easily guessed, which may reduce the interest.

[0006] In view of such problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of improving the interest level.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the gaming machine of the present invention includes a reel on which symbols are arranged, a reel control means for starting the rotation of the reel in response to an operation of a start switch and stopping the rotation of the reel in response to an operation of a plurality of stop switches, a lottery means for determining the winning or losing of the winning type, When a bonus combination is determined in a non-internal middle game state, game state control means for shifting the game state to an internal middle game state; and an effect control means capable of displaying an image. The winning types include a first winning type and a second winning type. In the first winning type, a first minor combination and a second minor combination with a smaller game profit than the first minor combination overlap. In the second winning type, in the non-internal middle game state, the second minor combination and the bonus combination overlap. The effect control means may execute an auxiliary effect for notifying the player of the operation order of the stop switches that is advantageous to the player, and based on the execution of the auxiliary effect, a navigation image can be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit. The navigation image includes a first image, a second image, a third image, and a fourth image. The first image is an image indicating the stop switch to be operated first, and the second image is an image indicating the stop switch to be operated second. The first image and the second image are displayed and completed before the operation of the stop switch becomes effective. The display start timing of the first image is the same as that of the second image, and the display start timing of the first image Display completion is later than that of the second image Display completion The third image and the fourth image are images indicating that the operation order of the stop switches does not matter. The third image and the fourth image are displayed and completed before the operation of the stop switch becomes effective. The display start timing of the third image is the same as that of the fourth image, and the display start timing of the third image Display completion is the same as that of the fourth image Display completion The display start timing of the third image and the fourth image Display completion is earlier than that of the first image Display completion and is earlier than that of the first image The second image can be displayed simultaneously with the first image, but is not displayed simultaneously with the third image and the fourth image. .

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the interest level.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The dimensions, materials, and other specific numerical values shown in such embodiments are merely examples for facilitating the understanding of the invention, and do not limit the present invention unless otherwise specified. In the present specification and drawings, elements having substantially the same function and configuration are denoted by the same reference numerals to omit redundant description, and elements not directly related to the present invention are not shown.

[0011] (Mechanical Configuration of Slot Machine 100) As shown in the external views of FIGS. 1 and 2, a slot machine 100 as a gaming machine is provided with a housing 102 having an open front surface, and a front upper door 104 and a front lower door 106 that are rotatably arranged vertically side by side at one end of the front surface of the housing 102. A colorless and transparent symbol display window 108 made of a glass plate, a transparent resin plate, or the like is provided substantially at the center of the lower part of the front upper door 104. At a position corresponding to the symbol display window 108 in the housing 102, three reels 110 (left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, right reel 110c) are provided so as to be independently rotatable. On the outer peripheral surfaces of the left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c, as shown in the symbol arrangement of FIG. 3(a), a plurality of types of symbols are arranged in each of the 20 equally divided regions. The player can visually recognize a total of nine consecutive symbols of the left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c, which are located in the upper, middle, and lower stages, through the symbol display window 108.

[0012] An operation unit installation base 112 is formed at the upper part of the front lower door 106. On the operation unit installation base 112, a medal insertion unit 114, a bet switch 116, a start switch 118, a stop switch 120, an effect switch 122, etc. are provided. The medal insertion unit 114 accepts the insertion of medals as game values through a medal insertion slot 114a. The bet switch 116 inserts (bets) a specified number of medals required for one game out of the medals electrically stored (hereinafter simply referred to as credits) inside the slot machine 100.

[0013] The start switch 118 is composed of, for example, a lever capable of detecting a tilting operation, and detects the start operation of the game by the player. The stop switches 120 (stop switch 120a, stop switch 120b, stop switch 120c) are provided corresponding to the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c respectively, and detect the stop operation of the player. In a state where the stop operation of the stop switch 120 is possible, when the player first performs a stop operation on any one of the stop switch 120a, the stop switch 120b, and the stop switch 120c, it is called the first stop. After the first stop, performing a stop operation on any one of the two stop switches 120 that have not been stopped is called the second stop. After the second stop, performing a stop operation on the last remaining stop switch 120 is called the third stop. The effect switch 122 is composed of, for example, a push switch and a jog dial switch rotatably arranged around it, and detects the pressing operation and rotation operation of the player.

[0014] A liquid crystal display unit 124 for displaying various images associated with the effect is provided at approximately the center of the upper part of the front upper door 104. Also, on the upper part, left, and right of the front upper door 104, effect lamps 126 composed of, for example, high-brightness light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are provided. Also, speakers 128 for performing auditory effects such as sound effects and music are provided at the left and right positions of the liquid crystal display unit 124 on the back surface of the front upper door 104 and at the left and right positions on the back surface of the front lower door 106.

[0015] On the operation unit installation base 112, a main credit display unit 130 and a main payout display unit 132 are provided. Also, between the symbol display window 108 and the operation unit installation base 112, a sub-credit display unit 134 and a sub-payout display unit 136 are provided. The number of medals credited (credit number) is displayed on the main credit display unit 130 and the sub-credit display unit 134, and the number of medals paid out is displayed on the main payout display unit 132 and the sub-payout display unit 136.

[0016] Below the reel 110 in the housing 102, a medal payout device (medal hopper) 142 for paying out medals from the medal discharge port 140a is provided. Also, at the lower front part of the front lower door 106, a tray part 140 for storing the medals paid out from the medal discharge port 140a is provided. Also, a power switch 144 is provided in the housing 102. The power switch 144 is operated by an administrator who manages the slot machine 100 and is used to switch between two states: the power-off state and the power-on state.

[0017] In the slot machine 100, when the game can be started and a specified number of medals are bet, the valid line A is activated and the operation on the start switch 118 becomes valid. Here, the bet includes any of the cases where medals credited through the operation of the bet switch 116 are inserted, the case where medals are inserted through the medal insertion unit 114, and specifically, the case where medals are automatically inserted based on the fact that a replay role described later is displayed on the valid line A. Also, the valid line A is a line for determining the winning of the winning combination, and there is one in this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3(b), the valid line A is set to a line connecting the positions corresponding to the symbols that stop at the upper stage of the left reel 110a, the middle stage of the middle reel 110b, and the lower stage of the right reel 110c among the nine symbols (3 reels × 3 stages of upper, middle, and lower) facing the symbol display window 108. The invalid lines are lines other than the valid line A that are used to display other symbol combinations that facilitate the grasping of the winning combination when it is difficult to grasp the winning combination only with the symbol combination displayed on the valid line A, and are not used for the winning determination of the winning combination. In this embodiment, five invalid lines B1, B2, B3, and C shown in FIG. 3(b) are assumed.

[0018] Then, when the start switch 118 is operated by the player, the game is started, the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c are rotated, and a winning type lottery or the like is executed. Thereafter, in response to the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, the corresponding left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c are stopped respectively. Then, when a winning combination that can receive a medal payout wins according to the lottery result of the winning type lottery and the symbol combination displayed on the valid line A, a medal payout is executed. When the winning type that can receive a medal payout is a non-winning or when winning but not winning, the game ends when all of the left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c have stopped.

[0019] In addition, in this embodiment, the above-mentioned one game is any of the following: insertion of medals through the medal insertion unit 114, insertion of credited medals through the operation of the bet switch 116, or automatic insertion of medals based on the display of the replay symbol on the active line A. After any of these operations is performed, in response to the operation of the start switch 118 by the player, the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c are rotationally controlled, and a winning type lottery is executed. In response to the lottery result of the winning type lottery and the operations of a plurality of stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c by the player, the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c corresponding to the operated stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c are respectively stopped and controlled. When a winning symbol that can receive medal payout wins, the game until the medal payout is executed is referred to. Also, when the winning type that can receive medal payout is a non-winning or when winning but not winning the prize, one game ends when all of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c stop. However, the start of one game may be reinterpreted as the operation of the start switch 118 by the player instead of the above-mentioned medal insertion or the winning of the replay symbol. Also, the number of times such one game is repeated is defined as the number of games.

[0020] (Electrical Configuration of Slot Machine 100) FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a schematic electrical configuration of the slot machine 100. As shown in FIG. 4, the slot machine 100 is provided with a control board including a main control board 200 (main control unit) that controls the progress of the game and a sub-control board 202 (sub-control unit) that controls the effects according to the progress of the game. Also, the transmission of electrical signals between the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202 is limited to one direction from the main control board 200 to the sub-control board 202 from the viewpoint of preventing fraud and the like.

[0021] (Main Control Board 200) The main control board 200 has a semiconductor integrated circuit including a main CPU 200a which is a central processing unit, a main ROM 200b storing programs and the like, and a main RAM 200c functioning as a work area, and comprehensively controls the entire slot machine 100. Note that the main RAM 200c retains data without being erased unless a setting change is made and RAM clearing is executed even when the power is turned off.

[0022] Further, the main control board 200 has functional units such as an initialization means 300, a bet means 302, a winning type lottery means 304, a reel control means 306, a determination means 308, a payout control means 310, a game state control means 312, an effect state control means (point determination means, granting means) 314, an interval control means 316, and a command transmission means 318, where the main CPU 200a functions by cooperating with the main RAM 200c based on the program stored in the main ROM 200b.

[0023] The main control board 200 receives various detection signals from a medal insertion detection unit 114b that detects the insertion of medals into the medal insertion slot 114a, a bet switch 116, a start switch 118, and stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c, and based on the received detection signals, the main CPU 200a executes various processes.

[0024] The initialization means 300 executes initialization processing in the main control board 200. The bet means 302 bets medals for use in the game. The winning type lottery means 304 conducts a winning type lottery that determines the success or failure of a winning combination, more specifically, the success or failure of the winning type including the winning combination, based on the operation of the start switch 118, as will be described in detail later.

[0025] The reel control means 306 controls the rotation of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c in response to the operation of the start switch 118, and controls the stop of the corresponding left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c in response to the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c corresponding to the rotating left reel 110a, middle reel 110b, and right reel 110c, respectively.

[0026] Further, a reel drive control unit 150 is connected to the main control board 200. The reel drive control unit 150 drives the stepping motor 152 based on the rotation start signals of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c transmitted from the reel control means 306 in response to the operation signal of the start switch 118. Also, the reel drive control unit 150 stops the drive of the stepping motor 152 based on the stop signals of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c transmitted from the reel control means 306 and the detection signal of the rotation position detection circuit 154 in response to the operation signal of the stop switch 120.

[0027] The determination means 308 determines whether or not the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed on the effective line A. Here, when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed on the effective line A, it is sometimes simply referred to as a win. The payout control means 310 pays out medals by the number corresponding to the winning combination based on the fact that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination is displayed (winning) on the effective line A. Also, a medal payout device 142 is connected to the main control board 200, and the payout control means 310 discharges medals while counting the number of medals paid out.

[0028] The game state control means 312 refers to the result of the winning type lottery and the determination result of the determination means 308, and shifts the game state to any one of a plurality of types of game states. The effect state control means 314 refers to the result of the winning type lottery, the determination result of the determination means 308, and the transition information of the game state, and shifts the effect state to any one of a plurality of types of effect states. The section control means 316 shifts the section to either a non-favorable section or a favorable section, which will be described in detail later.

[0029] The command transmission means 318 sequentially determines game-related commands associated with the operations of the bet means 302, winning type lottery means 304, reel control means 306, determination means 308, payout control means 310, game state control means 312, effect state control means 314, etc., and sequentially transmits the determined commands to the sub-control board 202.

[0030] Also, a random number generator (random number generation means) 200d is provided on the main control board 200. The random number generator 200d sequentially increments the count value, loops within a predetermined numerical range, and extracts the count value at a predetermined point in time to obtain a random number. The random number generated by the random number generator 200d on the main control board 200 (hereinafter referred to as the winning type lottery random number) is used for the game benefits given to the player, for example, for the winning type lottery means 304 to determine the winning type.

[0031] (Sub-control board 202) Also, the sub-control board 202 has various semiconductor integrated circuits including a sub-CPU 202a which is a central processing unit, a sub-ROM 202b storing programs, etc., and a sub-RAM 202c functioning as a work area, similar to the main control board 200, and controls the effects in particular based on the commands from the main control board 200. Also, a backup power source (not shown) is connected to the sub-RAM 202c in the same way as the main RAM 200c, and the data is retained without being erased even when the power is cut off. Note that a random number generator (random number generation means) 202d is also provided on the sub-control board 202, and the random number generated by the random number generator 202d (hereinafter referred to as the effect lottery random number) is mainly used to determine the mode of the effect.

[0032] Also, on the sub-control board 202, the sub-CPU 202a has functional units such as an initialization determination means 330, a command reception means 332, an effect control means 334, etc., which function by cooperating with the sub-RAM 202c based on the program stored in the sub-ROM 202b.

[0033] The initialization determination means 330 executes the initialization process on the sub-control board 202. The command reception means 332 receives commands from other control boards such as the main control board 200 and processes the commands. The effect control means 334 receives a detection signal from the effect switch 122 and determines the game effects performed by each device of the liquid crystal display unit 124, the speaker 128, and the effect lamp 126 based on the received commands. Specifically, the effect control means 334 determines the image data to be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 124 and the effect data for effects through effect devices such as the effect lamp 126, the sub-credit display unit 134, and the sub-payout display unit 136, and also determines the audio data constituting the audio to be output from the speaker 128. Then, the effect control means 334 executes the determined game effects. Note that the effects include auxiliary effects. The auxiliary effect is an effect for notifying the correct operation modes of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c, which are the winning conditions for the correct winning combination, when winning a selected winning type in which the correct winning combination (specific combination) and the incorrect winning combination overlap in the winning type lottery. By such an auxiliary effect, the player can easily display the symbol combination corresponding to the correct winning combination on the effective line A. The effect state in which such an auxiliary effect is executed is called an AT (assist time) effect state (specific state). In addition, there may be used a so-called ART game state in which the AT effect state and the RT (replay time) game state with a high winning probability of the replay winning combination proceed in parallel.

[0034] Note that hereinafter, notification means such as the liquid crystal display unit 124, the effect lamp 126, the speaker 128, the sub-credit display unit 134, and the sub-payout display unit 136, which are managed by a board other than the main control board 200 including the sub-control board 202, may be referred to as other notification means. On the other hand, notification means such as the main credit display unit 130 and the main payout display unit 132, which are managed by the main control board 200, may be referred to as main notification means (instruction monitor). In addition, the main notification means and the other notification means capable of executing the auxiliary effect may be collectively referred to as auxiliary effect notification means. The effect state control means 314 causes the auxiliary effect notification means to execute the auxiliary effect in the AT effect state.

[0035] (Table used in the main control board 200) FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are diagrams for explaining the winning roles, and FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are diagrams for explaining the winning type lottery table.

[0036] In the slot machine 100, as will be described in detail later, a plurality of types of game states and presentation states are provided, and the game state and the presentation state are shifted according to the progress of the game. And in the main control board 200, a plurality of winning type lottery tables corresponding to the game states managed and controlled by the game state control means 312 are stored in the main ROM 200b. The winning type lottery means 304 extracts the corresponding winning type lottery table from the main ROM 200b according to the current set value (showing the easiness of obtaining game benefits step by step) stored in the main RAM 200c and the current game state, and based on the extracted winning type lottery table, determines which winning type in the winning type lottery table the winning type lottery random number obtained according to the operation signal of the start switch 118 corresponds to.

[0037] Here, the winning roles constituting the winning types extracted by the winning type lottery table include a replay role, a small role, and a bonus role. The replay role is a role that allows the game to be executed again without the player making a new bet on medals when the symbol combination corresponding to the replay role is displayed on the valid line A. The small role is a role that can receive the payout of a predetermined number of medals according to the symbol combination when the symbol combination corresponding to the small role is displayed on the valid line A. Also, the bonus role is a role that can shift the game state managed by the game state control means 312 to a bonus game state (a game state during RBB operation described later) when the symbol combination corresponding to the bonus role is displayed on the valid line A.

[0038] In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, as replay roles, winning roles "Replay 1" to "Replay 23" are provided. Also, as minor roles, winning roles "Minor Role 1" to "Minor Role 38" are provided. Further, as a bonus role, a winning role "RBB" is provided. In FIGS. 5 and 6, one or more symbols constituting each winning role are associated with the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c, respectively.

[0039] Here, in this embodiment, when the stop switch 120 is operated by a player, if the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning role that can be won are on the valid line A, the reel control means 306 performs stop control so that the symbol stops on the valid line A. Also, when the stop switch 120 is operated, if the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning role that can be won are not on the valid line A but are within a range (drawing range) corresponding to four frames of symbols in the direction opposite to the rotation direction of the reel 110, the reel control means 306 makes the number of separated symbols the number of sliding frames, and after maintaining the rotation for the number of sliding frames so as to draw the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to the winning role onto the valid line A, stop control is performed so as to stop. Also, when there are a plurality of symbols corresponding to the winning role that can be won in the reel 110 and all of them are within the drawing range of the reel 110, it is determined which symbol is to be drawn onto the valid line A according to a predetermined priority order, and after maintaining the rotation for the number of sliding frames so as to draw the prioritized symbol onto the valid line A, stop control is performed so as to stop. In addition, when the symbols constituting the symbol combination corresponding to a winning role other than the winning role that can be won are on the valid line A when the stop switch 120 is pressed, so-called kicking-out processing is also executed in parallel by the reel control means 306 so as not to stop the symbol on the valid line A. Further, as will be described later, when an operation mode (operation order and operation timing) is set as a winning condition for the winning role included in the winning type, the reel control means 306 performs stop control so that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning role can be displayed on the valid line A according to the operation mode of the player.

[0040] Then, for example, the symbols constituting the symbol combinations corresponding to the winning combination "Replay 1" and the winning combinations "Minor Combination 1" to "Minor Combination 6" are arranged on each reel 110 so as to be always displayable on the effective line A by the above stop control. Such a winning combination may be represented as PB = 1. On the other hand, for example, the symbols constituting the symbol combinations corresponding to the winning combinations "Replay 16" to "Replay 23", the winning combinations "Minor Combination 7" to "Minor Combination 38", and the winning combination "RBB" are not necessarily arranged on each reel 110 so as to be displayable on the effective line A by the above stop control, so so-called misses may occur. Such a winning combination may be represented as PB ≠ 1.

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, in the winning type lottery table, a plurality of winning areas are partitioned, and the winning types subject to lottery differ depending on each game state, or the presence or absence of non-winning (losing) differs. In FIGS. 7 and 8, the winning areas (winning types) assigned for each game state (non-internal game state (non-internal), RBB internal middle game state (RBB internal middle), RBB operating game state (RBB operating)) are represented by "◎" or "○", but actually, a winning type lottery table corresponding to each of a plurality of game states is stored in the main ROM 200b. Note that "◎" indicates a winning type for which an advantageous area lottery for determining whether to shift to an advantageous section is possible, and "○" indicates a winning type for which an advantageous area lottery is not possible.

[0042] In the winning category lottery table, a predetermined number of positions (winning range values), which are numerical values indicating the winning range, and the winning category are associated with each of the partitioned winning areas. When the total number of positions of all the winning areas assigned for each gaming state is summed up, it becomes the total number of winning category lottery random numbers (65536). Therefore, the probability of each winning category being determined is the value obtained by dividing the number of positions associated with the winning area by the total number of winning category lottery random numbers. The winning category lottery means 304 sequentially obtains the number of positions from the higher numbered ones among the plurality of winning areas in the winning category lottery table based on the gaming state at that time, subtracts the number of positions from the winning category lottery random number, and when the value after subtraction becomes less than 0, the winning category associated with the winning area at that time is set as the lottery result of the winning category lottery. Also, if the total number of positions of all winning areas of 1 or more winning areas is subtracted from the winning category lottery random number and the value after subtraction is 0 or more, the winning category "loss" of winning area 0 becomes the lottery result of the winning category lottery.

[0043] Here, a supplementary explanation will be given regarding the winning combination "RBB" that constitutes the winning category "RBB". The predetermined first type of special winning combination RB is a winning combination that increases the number of combinations of symbols related to winning for each specified number, or increases the probability of the operating condition device related to winning for each specified number. It is a winning combination that operates when a predetermined condition is met and can continue to operate until the results of no more than 12 games are obtained. Here, the operating condition device is a device whose operation is a condition required for a combination of symbols related to winning, replay, winning combination, or the operation of a winning combination continuous operation device to be displayed. It operates when winning in the winning category lottery (a lottery by an electronic computer in the gaming machine), that is, it means a winning flag. And the winning combination continuous operation device (winning combination "RBB") related to the first type of special winning combination that constitutes the winning category "RBB" is a device that can continuously operate the first type of special winning combination RB. It operates when a specific combination of symbols is displayed and ends the operation when a predetermined condition is met.

[0044] According to the winning category lottery tables of FIGS. 7 and 8, for example, in the winning area 0, the winning category "Lose" is associated. When winning in such a winning category, none of the symbol combinations corresponding to any of the winning roles shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 will be displayed on the valid line A, and no medal payout or the like will be performed. However, as will be described later, when the RBB internal winning flag is carried over to the next game, it becomes possible to display the symbol combination corresponding to the winning role "RBB" on the valid line A by winning in the winning category "Lose".

[0045] Also, in the winning area 1, the winning category "All Small Wins" in which the winning roles "Small Win 1" to "Small Win 38" are included in duplicate is associated. In the winning area 2, the winning category "All Bells" in which the winning roles "Small Win 1" to "Small Win 6", "Small Win 8" to "Small Win 38" are included in duplicate is associated. In the winning area 3, the winning category "All Single" in which the winning roles "Small Win 8" to "Small Win 38" are included in duplicate is associated.

[0046] Also, in the winning areas 4 to 15, the correct winning roles (winning roles "Small Win 1" to "Small Win 6") with a payout number of 9 medals and the incorrect winning roles (winning roles "Small Win 9" to "Small Win 38", hereinafter, such 30 winning roles may be simply abbreviated as the winning role "Single Role") with a payout number of 1 medal are included in duplicate, and the selective winning categories ("Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12") are respectively associated.

[0047] Also, in the winning areas 16 to 27, the winning category "Watermelon Replay 1" to "Watermelon Replay 12" (hereinafter, such 12 winning categories may be simply abbreviated as the winning category "Watermelon Replay") in which the winning role "Replay 1" and the winning roles "Replay 13" to "Replay 23" are included in duplicate is associated.

[0048] In addition, the winning area 28 is associated with a winning type "common bell" that includes only the winning role "minor role 4", the winning area 29 is associated with a winning type "strong bell 1" that includes only the winning role "minor role 5", and the winning area 30 is associated with a winning type "strong bell 2" that includes only the winning role "minor role 3". Also, the winning area 31 is associated with a winning type "chance combination 1" that includes the overlapping winning roles "minor role 35" and "minor role 36", and the winning area 32 is associated with a winning type "chance combination 2" that includes only the winning role "minor role 7".

[0049] In addition, the winning area 33 is associated with a winning type "upper watermelon replay" that includes the overlapping winning roles "replay 1" and "replay 10", and the winning area 34 is associated with a winning type "middle watermelon replay" that includes the overlapping winning roles "replay 1" and "replay 11". Also, the winning area 35 is associated with a winning type "weak chance replay" that includes only the winning role "replay 2", the winning area 36 is associated with a winning type "upper watermelon chance replay" that includes only the winning role "replay 3", and the winning area 37 is associated with a winning type "middle watermelon chance replay" that includes the overlapping winning roles "replay 1" and "replay 12".

[0050] In addition, the winning area 38 is associated with a winning type "heart - fluttering chance replay 1" that includes the overlapping winning roles "replay 1", "replay 6", "replay 7", "replay 11", and "replay 12", and the winning area 39 is associated with a winning type "heart - fluttering chance replay 2" that includes the overlapping winning roles "replay 1", "replay 7", and "replay 12". Also, the winning area 40 is associated with a winning type "heart - matching replay 1" that includes the overlapping winning roles "replay 1", "replay 6" - "replay 9", "replay 11", and "replay 12", and the winning area 41 is associated with a winning type "heart - matching replay 2" that includes the overlapping winning roles "replay 1", "replay 6" - "replay 12".

[0051] In addition, in the winning area 42, the winning type "Normal Replay 1" in which the winning roles "Replay 1", "Replay 4", "Replay 7", and "Replay 10" are included in duplicate is associated. In the winning area 43, the winning type "Normal Replay 2" in which the winning roles "Replay 1", "Replay 2", "Replay 4", "Replay 5", "Replay 7", and "Replay 10" are included in duplicate is associated. In the winning area 44, the winning type "Normal Replay 3" in which the winning roles "Replay 1", "Replay 4", "Replay 5", "Replay 7", and "Replay 10" are included in duplicate is associated.

[0052] In addition, in the winning areas 45 to 47, the winning types "RBB1" to "RBB3" in which the winning role "RBB" is included alone or in duplicate with other minor roles are associated.

[0053] When winning in a winning type in which a plurality of winning roles are included in duplicate, winning conditions regarding which combination of symbols corresponding to any of the winning roles is preferentially displayed on the effective line A, for example, the order in which the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are operated are set.

[0054] In the following description, the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c for stopping the reels in the order of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c are referred to as "batter order 1", and the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c for stopping the reels in the order of the left reel 110a, the right reel 110c, and the middle reel 110b are referred to as "batter order 2", the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c for stopping the reels in the order of the middle reel 110b, the left reel 110a, and the right reel 110c are referred to as "batter order 3", the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c for stopping the reels in the order of the middle reel 110b, the right reel 110c, and the left reel 110a are referred to as "batter order 4", the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c for stopping the reels in the order of the right reel 110c, the left reel 110a, and the middle reel 110b are referred to as "batter order 5", and the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c for stopping the reels in the order of the right reel 110c, the middle reel 110b, and the left reel 110a are referred to as "batter order 6".

[0055] For example, in a non-internal game state, when winning the winning category "batter bell 1" in the winning area 4 and an operation according to the correct operation mode (batter order 1) is performed, stop control is performed so that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "small winning combination 1", which is the correct winning combination with 9 payout coins, is preferentially displayed on the effective line A. Also, when an operation according to batter order 2 is performed, stop control is performed so that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "1-coin winning combination", which is an incorrect winning combination with 1 payout coin, is preferentially displayed on the effective line A with a probability of 1 / 2, and when operations according to batter orders 3 to 6 are performed, stop control is performed so that the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "1-coin winning combination", which is an incorrect winning combination with 1 payout coin, is preferentially displayed on the effective line A with a probability of 1 / 4.

[0056] Note that the winning probabilities (number of stops) for each winning type in the winning areas 4 to 15 are set to be equal. Since a player usually cannot know which winning type they have won, by providing the winning areas 4 to 15 as described above, it is made difficult for the correct winning combination to win. Also, as described above, even if the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are operated in the batting order in which the incorrect winning combinations are preferentially displayed, it is not always the case that the symbol combination corresponding to the incorrect winning combination is displayed on the active line A. Therefore, depending on the operation mode, a miss may occur (PB≠1).

[0057] Note that when winning any of the above-described winning types, the internal winning flags corresponding to each winning type are set (turned on), and the stop control of each reel 110 is performed according to the established state of this internal winning flag. At this time, if, although winning a winning type that includes a minor winning combination, the symbol combination corresponding to these winning combinations cannot be displayed on the active line A within the game, the internal winning flag is turned off after the end of the game. That is, the right to win a minor winning combination is limited to only within the game in which a winning type that includes a minor winning combination is won, and this right cannot be carried over to the next game. On the other hand, when winning a winning type that includes the winning combination "RBB", the RBB internal winning flag is set (turned on), and the RBB internal winning flag is carried over across games until the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "RBB" is displayed on the active line A. Note that when the internal winning flag corresponding to the winning type that includes a replay winning combination is set, the symbol combination corresponding to any one of the replay winning combinations included in the winning type is always displayed on the active line A, and after the processing necessary to play the next game without requiring medals is performed, the internal winning flag is turned off.

[0058] (Transition of game state) Here, with reference to FIG. 9, the transition of the game state will be described. Here, a plurality of game states such as a non-internal game state, an RBB internal middle game state, and an RBB operating game state are prepared. Each game state is transitioned according to the winning, winning (activation), and end of the bonus combination, as will be described later.

[0059] The non-internal game state is a game state corresponding to the initial state among a plurality of game states. In such a non-internal game state, the winning probability of the replay combination is set to about 1 / 7.3. Also, in the non-internal game state, the winning combination "RBB" is determined with a predetermined probability (for example, about 1 / 30).

[0060] The game state control means 312 transitions the game state according to the winning of the winning combination "RBB". For example, in a game where the winning combination "RBB" wins, when the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "RBB" is displayed on the valid line A, the game state control means 312 transitions the game state to the RBB operating game state (1).

[0061] In the RBB operating game state, the winning probability of the replay combination is set to 0. In such an RBB operating game state, as the winning types that can be won, the winning type "1 ALL" is set in the winning area 1, and the winning type "small combination ALL" is set in the winning area 2. When winning the winning type "1 ALL", the symbol combination corresponding to any of the winning combinations "small combination 9" to "small combination 37" is displayed on the valid line A, and when winning the winning type "small combination ALL", stop control is executed so that the symbol combination corresponding to any of the winning combinations "small combination 1" to "small combination 6" is displayed on the valid line A. Here, due to the configuration of such small combinations, the expected number of medals obtained per unit game in the RBB operating game state is made low.

[0062] When the end condition of the RBB operating game state is satisfied, that is, when the number of obtained medals reaches a predetermined number, the game state control means 312 transitions the game state to the non-internal game state (2).

[0063] On the other hand, in a game in which the winning combination "RBB" is won, if the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "RBB" cannot be displayed on the active line A, the game state control means 312 shifts the game state to the RBB internal game state (special game state) (3).

[0064] In the RBB internal game state, the winning probability of the replay combination is set to approximately 1 / 5.9. Also, in the RBB internal game state, it is not possible to win the winning type "LOSE". In other words, if the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "RBB" cannot be displayed on the active line A in the winning game of the winning combination "RBB", then afterwards, smaller combinations or replay combinations will be preferentially controlled to stop on the active line A over the winning combination "RBB", so the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "RBB" cannot be displayed on the active line A. Therefore, once the game state transitions to the RBB internal game state, afterwards, the RBB internal game state will be maintained without the game state transitioning. Here, while maintaining such an RBB internal game state, an AT effect state is realized in that RBB internal game state.

[0065] Here, in the RBB internal game state, multiple types of winning combinations win without overlapping each other, so the number of opportunities to win with the winning combination can be increased. As a result, for example, by performing an auxiliary effect in the AT effect state in the RBB internal game state, it becomes easier to obtain medals. On the other hand, in the RBB operating game state, since multiple types of winning combinations win overlappingly, the number of opportunities to win with the winning combination is small, so the number of opportunities to win with the winning combination is reduced compared to the AT effect state in other game states, making it difficult for the player to increase the medals they own. Therefore, it is possible to realize a specification (Accelerator RBB) in which the RBB operating game state is inferior to the RBB internal game state in terms of medal acquisition performance while having the function of the RBB operating game state where the winning probability of the winning combination related to winning is higher than that of the RBB internal game state.

[0066] (Transition of the effect state) FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the transition of the effect state in the main control board 200. Hereinafter, the effect states (non-AT effect state, AT effect state) transitioned by the effect state control means 314 in the main control board 200, and the sections (non-favorable section, favorable section) transitioned by the section control means 316 will be described in detail.

[0067] Here, in order to comprehensively and uniformly determine whether or not the game states with high medal acquisition performance are biased, a game section having the performance related to the instruction function, that is, a game section favorable to the player including a game section where an auxiliary effect (instruction function) is executed, etc. is defined as the favorable section. Note that the favorable section is a game section in which, as a result of a lottery or the like related to the operation of the auxiliary effect being performed on the main control board 200, when the auxiliary effect is activated, the instruction information may be transmitted to the peripheral boards such as the sub-control board 202 as long as the content of the instruction can be identified on the main control board 200, for example, when displayed on the auxiliary effect notification means. Also, a game section different from the favorable section is defined as the non-favorable section.

[0068] The section control means 316 shifts to the non-favorable section as the initial section. Then, in the non-favorable section, if the winning type determined by the winning type lottery is a winning type eligible for the favorable section lottery, the section control means 316 performs a favorable section lottery to determine whether or not to shift to the favorable section regardless of the specific winning type. In the favorable section lottery, regardless of the winning type determined by the winning type lottery, for example, the winning probability is 60%.

[0069] If winning the favorable section lottery, the section control means 316 shifts to the favorable section (1). According to the winning type lottery tables shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, most of the winning types are winning types eligible for the favorable section lottery, and since the winning probability of the favorable section lottery is 60%, the non-favorable section will end in several games and shift to the favorable section.

[0070] In the advantageous section, the effect state control means 314 shifts to any one of a plurality of effect states. The effect states are roughly classified into a non-AT effect state and an AT effect state (privilege). In the non-AT effect state, the execution frequency of the auxiliary effect is extremely lower than that in the AT effect state, and since the auxiliary effect is hardly performed, the number of medals that can be obtained is limited. On the other hand, in the AT effect state, by notifying the correct operation mode by the auxiliary effect, it is possible to obtain a large number of medals while suppressing the consumption of medals. Therefore, the player can progress the game more advantageously in the AT effect state than in the non-AT effect state.

[0071] When shifting from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section, the effect state control means 314 shifts the effect state to the normal effect state (non-AT effect state). The normal effect state is provided with first to fourth normal effect states with different game properties for determining whether to shift to the AT effect state, and first and second chance effect states (chance zones) are provided.

[0072] As will be described in detail later, in the normal effect state, the effect state control means 314 determines any one of the first to fourth normal effect states by lottery, and the effect state shifts to any one of the determined first to fourth normal effect states. The game properties of the first to fourth normal effect states will be described in detail later.

[0073] When the effect state shifts to the first normal effect state, the effect state control means 314 may shift the effect state to the first chance effect state when the first normal effect state ends (2). The effect state control means 314 conducts a lottery on whether to shift to the AT effect state in the first game after shifting to the first chance effect state. Also, even if the effect state control means 314 does not win the lottery on whether to shift to the AT effect state, in each game in the first chance effect state, a lottery on whether to shift to the AT effect state is conducted based on the winning type determined by the winning type lottery. Then, when the effect state control means 314 wins the lottery on whether to shift to the AT effect state, the effect state is shifted to the normal AT effect state (AT effect state) (3).

[0074] Further, when the presentation state transitions to the second normal presentation state, the presentation state control means 314 may transition the presentation state to the second chance presentation state (4). In each game in the second chance presentation state, the presentation state control means 314 conducts a lottery on whether to transition to the AT presentation state based on the winning type determined by the winning type lottery. And when the presentation state control means 314 wins the lottery on whether to transition to the AT presentation state, the presentation state is transitioned to the normal AT presentation state (AT presentation state) (5).

[0075] Also, when the presentation state transitions to the third normal presentation state, the presentation state control means 314 conducts a continuation lottery on whether to continue the third normal presentation state in each game in the third normal presentation state. And when the presentation state control means 314 continues to win the continuation lottery and the number of games in the third normal presentation state elapses the predetermined number of games, the presentation state is transitioned to the second pseudo bonus presentation state (AT presentation state) (6).

[0076] Further, when the presentation state transitions to the fourth normal presentation state, the presentation state control means 314 conducts a lottery on whether to transition to the AT presentation state based on the winning type determined by the winning type lottery in each game in the fourth normal presentation state. And when the presentation state control means 314 wins the lottery on whether to transition to the AT presentation state, the presentation state is transitioned to the topping specialization zone presentation state (AT presentation state) (7).

[0077] Also, when the transition to the AT presentation state is not determined in the first to fourth normal presentation states or in the first and second chance presentation states, the presentation state control means 314 conducts the normal presentation state lottery again, determines any one of the first to fourth normal presentation states, and transitions the presentation state to any one of the determined first to fourth normal presentation states (8).

[0078] And when it transitions a total of up to the upper limit number of times (for example, 12 times) to any one of the first to fourth normal performance states without transitioning to the AT performance state, the transition to the AT performance state will surely be determined via the first normal performance state and the first chance performance state (3). In other words, taking one cycle as the period from transitioning to any one of the first to fourth normal performance states until the end of the transitioned first to fourth normal performance states (including the first and second chance performance states in the first and second normal performance states), the transition to the AT performance state will surely be determined at the 12th cycle as the so-called ceiling.

[0079] Also, in this embodiment, even when the 12th cycle is not reached, if it transitions to the first chance performance state three times and the transition to the AT performance state is not determined in the third first chance performance state, the transition to the AT performance state will surely be determined in the next cycle via the first normal performance state and the first chance performance state (3).

[0080] The AT performance state is provided with a normal AT performance state, a pseudo-bonus performance state, and a top-up specialization zone performance state. The normal AT performance state is provided with a navigation top-up performance state and a navigation digestion performance state, and the game progresses by set number management with the navigation top-up performance state and the navigation digestion performance state as one set. When transitioning to the normal AT performance state, first, it transitions to the navigation top-up performance state.

[0081] The navigation top-up performance state continues for a period of 4 games + α (extra game). The performance state control means 314 determines, by lottery, the number of times (navigation times) to execute the auxiliary performance when winning the correct winning category in the navigation digestion performance state based on the winning category determined by the winning category lottery in the first 4 games. Also, when the first 4 games end, the performance state control means 314 conducts a lottery on whether to continue the navigation top-up performance state from the next game, and if winning the lottery, determines the navigation times by lottery. On the other hand, if the performance state control means 314 does not win the lottery on whether to continue the navigation top-up performance state, it transitions the performance state to the navigation digestion performance state (9).

[0082] In the navigation digestion presentation state, when the winning category is determined by the winning category lottery, one navigation count determined in the navigation addition presentation state is consumed, and an auxiliary presentation for assisting the winning of the correct role is executed by the auxiliary presentation notification means. Then, in the navigation digestion presentation state, when the auxiliary presentation for the determined navigation count is executed, the presentation state control means 314 determines whether the set count is 0 (whether the set count is stored), and if the set count is not 0, the stored set count is decremented by 1 and the normal AT presentation state is continued (10). On the other hand, if the set count is 0, the presentation state control means 314 shifts the presentation state to the continuous presentation state (non-AT presentation state) (11). However, every time the set count in the normal AT presentation state ends at a multiple of 3 times (3 times, 6 times, 9 times, ···), the presentation state control means 314 shifts the presentation state to the pseudo-bonus presentation state (the first pseudo-bonus presentation state or the second pseudo-bonus presentation state) (12).

[0083] The pseudo-bonus presentation state is provided with the first and second pseudo-bonus presentation states. The first and second pseudo-bonus presentation states are fixed to 20 games. In the first pseudo-bonus presentation state, the presentation state control means 314 conducts a lottery at each game to increase the continuation rate of the continuous chance presentation state described later. Also, the second pseudo-bonus presentation state is a so-called premium bonus, and when shifting to the second pseudo-bonus presentation state, the presentation state control means 314 significantly increases the winning probability of the lottery for whether to shift to the normal AT presentation state in the pull-back presentation state.

[0084] When 20 games have elapsed in the pseudo-bonus presentation state, if the set count is not 0, the presentation state control means 314 shifts the presentation state to the normal AT presentation state (13), and if the set count is 0, the presentation state control means 314 shifts the presentation state to the continuous presentation state (14).

[0085] The superimposed specialized zone performance state continues for 5 games or 10 games, and a superimposed lottery for the number of sets in the normal AT performance state is conducted. When the superimposed specialized zone performance state ends, the performance state control means 314 shifts the performance state to the normal AT performance state (15).

[0086] The continuous performance state includes a continuous chance performance state, a draw-back performance state, and a last chance performance state. When the performance state is shifted to the continuous performance state, the performance state control means 314 first shifts it to the continuous chance performance state.

[0087] The continuous chance performance state continues for a maximum of 10 games. The performance state control means 314 conducts a lottery on whether to return to the AT performance state based on the winning type determined by the winning type lottery and a predetermined continuation rate. And if winning the lottery on whether to return to the AT performance state in any game of the continuous chance performance state, the performance state control means 314 adds 1 to the number of sets and shifts (returns) the performance state to the normal AT performance state (16). On the other hand, if not winning the lottery on whether to return to the AT performance state in all games of the continuous chance performance state, the performance state control means 314 shifts the performance state to the draw-back performance state (draw-back normal performance state) (17).

[0088] The draw-back performance state includes a draw-back normal performance state and a draw-back chance performance state. The draw-back normal performance state continues for a maximum of 20 games. In the draw-back normal performance state, the performance state control means 314 conducts a lottery on whether to shift the performance state to the draw-back chance performance state based on the winning type determined by the winning type lottery, and if winning that lottery, shifts the performance state to the draw-back chance performance state (18). In the draw-back chance performance state, the performance state control means 314 conducts a lottery on whether to shift the performance state to the normal AT performance state based on the winning type determined by the winning type lottery, and if winning that lottery, adds 1 to the number of sets and shifts the performance state to the normal AT performance state (16).

[0089] On the other hand, if it fails to win the lottery on whether to shift to the pull-back chance performance state in the pull-back normal performance state, and if it fails to win the lottery on whether to shift to the normal AT performance state in the pull-back chance performance state, the performance state control means 314 shifts the performance state to the last chance performance state (19). The last chance performance state stays for only one game, and the performance state control means 314 conducts a lottery on whether to shift the performance state to the normal AT performance state based on the winning type determined by the winning type lottery. If it wins this lottery, it increments the set number by 1 and shifts the performance state to the normal AT performance state (16). On the other hand, if it fails to win the lottery on whether to shift the performance state to the normal AT performance state, the section control means 316 ends the advantageous section and shifts to the non-advantageous section (20), and performs an advantageous section initialization process of resetting all the information updated in the advantageous section (all variables affecting the performance related to the instruction function).

[0090] Also, when the value counted in the advantageous section reaches a predetermined value regardless of the shifted performance state (for example, when the number of staying games (number of game executions) reaches 1350 games or the number of acquired medals (net increase in medals) exceeds 2000), the performance state control means 314 shifts the performance state to the ending performance state (AT performance state) (21). The ending performance state usually continues for 50 games. When 50 games have elapsed, the section control means 316 ends the advantageous section and shifts to the non-advantageous section (20), and performs an advantageous section initialization process of resetting all the information updated in the advantageous section (all variables affecting the performance related to the instruction function).

[0091] <Normal performance state> Next, the details of the normal performance state will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the normal performance state lottery table. As shown in FIG. 11, four normal performance state lottery tables are provided. The performance state control means 314 selects one of the normal performance state lottery tables in the game at the start of each cycle, and refers to the selected normal performance state lottery table to determine by lottery which of the first to fourth normal performance states to shift to.

[0092] In the game at the start of the first cycle, the effect state control means 314 selects the normal effect state lottery table (for the first cycle) shown in Fig. 11(a), and refers to the normal effect state lottery table (for the first cycle) to determine by lottery which of the first to fourth normal effect states to shift to. According to the normal effect state lottery table (for the first cycle), the selection ratios are set as 30% for the first normal effect state, 30% for the second normal effect state, 10% for the third normal effect state, and 30% for the fourth normal effect state.

[0093] Also, in the games at the start of the second, fourth to sixth, and eighth to eleventh cycles, the effect state control means 314 selects the normal effect state lottery table (for the second, fourth to sixth, and eighth to eleventh cycles) shown in Fig. 11(b), and refers to the normal effect state lottery table (for the second, fourth to sixth, and eighth to eleventh cycles) to determine by lottery which of the first to fourth normal effect states to shift to. According to the normal effect state lottery table (for the second, fourth to sixth, and eighth to eleventh cycles), the selection ratios are set as 60% for the first normal effect state, 30% for the second normal effect state, 10% for the third normal effect state, and 0% for the fourth normal effect state.

[0094] Also, in the games at the start of the third and seventh cycles, the effect state control means 314 selects the normal effect state lottery table (for the third and seventh cycles) shown in Fig. 11(c), and refers to the normal effect state lottery table (for the third and seventh cycles) to determine by lottery which of the first to fourth normal effect states to shift to. According to the normal effect state lottery table (for the third and seventh cycles), the selection ratios are set as 0% for the first normal effect state, 80% for the second normal effect state, 20% for the third normal effect state, and 0% for the fourth normal effect state.

[0095] Also, in the game at the start of the 12th cycle and the game at the start of the cycle after transitioning to the first chance presentation state three times, the presentation state control means 314 selects the normal presentation state lottery table (for the 12th cycle, third time of the first chance) shown in FIG. 11(d), and refers to the normal presentation state lottery table (for the 12th cycle, third time of the first chance) to determine by lottery which of the first to fourth normal presentation states to transition to. According to the normal presentation state lottery table (for the 12th cycle, third time of the first chance), the first normal presentation state is set with a selection ratio of 100%. Also, when it is determined to transition to the first normal presentation state by referring to the normal presentation state lottery table (for the 12th cycle, third time of the first chance), specifically, the points in the first normal presentation state, which will be described later, are set to 100 points. When the points in the first normal presentation state are set to 100 points, the presentation state will definitely transition to the AT presentation state.

[0096] In this way, at the start of each cycle, it is determined to transition to one of the first to fourth normal presentation states with different selection ratios depending on the cycle or the number of transitions of the first chance presentation state. Here, the fourth normal presentation state may be determined only in the first cycle. The fourth normal presentation state will function as a pull-back zone.

[0097] <First normal presentation state> FIGS. 12 and 13 are diagrams for explaining the point determination table. The first normal presentation state continues for any number of games from 55 to 85 games. When the transition to the first normal presentation state is determined, the presentation state control means 314 determines the number of games in the first normal presentation state by lottery from any of 55 to 85 games.

[0098] In the first normal performance state, based on the winning type determined by the winning type lottery, points are determined by referring to the point determination tables shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. Based on the cumulative value of the points determined in each game of the first normal performance state, the transition to the first chance performance state or the AT performance state is determined. More specifically, if the cumulative value of the points is 50 points or more (50 points to 99 points), the transition to the first chance performance state is determined, and if it is 100 points or more, the transition to the AT performance state via the first chance performance state is determined. Note that the initial points when transitioning to the first normal performance state are 0 points except for the 12th cycle and cycles other than after transitioning to the first chance performance state three times.

[0099] Here, when there is only one type of table for determining points, the acquisition of points will be uniform at any time, there will be no sharpness in the first normal performance state, and the game will become monotonous. Also, even if there are two or more types of tables for determining points, if one table is selected regardless of the winning type, similarly, the game will become monotonous.

[0100] Therefore, in this embodiment, different point determination tables are selected for each winning type. Specifically, when the transition to the first normal performance state is determined, the performance state control means 314 determines either the point determination table a1 shown in FIG. 12(a) or the point determination table a2 shown in FIG. 12(b) by lottery with a predetermined selection ratio. Also, the performance state control means 314 determines any one of the point determination table b1 shown in FIG. 13(a), the point determination table b2 shown in FIG. 13(b), or the point determination table b3 shown in FIG. 13(c) by lottery with a predetermined selection ratio.

[0101] The point determination tables a1 and a2 are tables that are referred to when winning types such as "Chance Watermelon Play", "Upper Watermelon Play", "Middle Watermelon Play", "Weak Chance Play", "Upper Watermelon Chance Play", "Middle Watermelon Chance Play", "Heart Stirring Chance Play", and "Heart Aligned Play" are determined. When these winning types are determined, points are determined by lottery based on the selection ratios shown with reference to the point determination table a1 or the point determination table a2.

[0102] The selection ratio of the point determination table a2 is set so that the points to be determined are more than those of the point determination table a1. Therefore, when the point determination table a2 is determined, more points are obtained than when the point determination table a1 is determined.

[0103] Also, the point determination tables b1, b2, and b3 are tables that are referred to when winning types such as "Strong Bell 1" and "Strong Bell 2" are determined. When these winning types are determined, points are determined by lottery based on the selection ratios (probabilities) shown with reference to the point determination table b1, the point determination table b2, or the point determination table b3.

[0104] The selection ratio of the point determination table b2 is set so that the points to be determined are more than those of the point determination table b1. Also, the selection ratio of the point determination table b3 is set so that the points to be determined are more than those of the point determination table b2. Therefore, when the point determination table b3 is determined, more points are obtained than when the point determination table b2 is determined, and when the point determination table b3 is determined, more points are obtained than when the point determination table b1 is determined.

[0105] In this way, a different point determination table is provided for each winning category determined by the winning category lottery. When shifting to the first normal performance state, either one of the point determination tables a1 and a2 and either one of the point determination tables b1, b2, and b3 are determined.

[0106] Therefore, for example, when the point determination table a1 and the point determination table b3 are determined, although the points obtained when the winning categories "Chance Watermelon Play", "Upper Watermelon Play", "Middle Watermelon Play", "Weak Chance Play", "Upper Watermelon Chance Play", "Middle Watermelon Chance Play", "Heart Stirring Chance Play", and "Heart Aligned Play" are determined are few, the points obtained when the winning categories "Strong Bell 1" and "Strong Bell 2" are determined are many. In this way, since a different point determination table is selected for each winning category determined by the winning category lottery, the variations for obtaining points can be increased, and the range of game playability can be expanded. Thus, the interest of the player can be improved.

[0107] In addition, when a winning category that does not correspond to any of the point determination tables a1, a2, b1, b2, and b3 is determined, no points are obtained (it becomes 0 points). However, it may be made possible to obtain points even with these winning categories.

[0108] Also, although two point determination tables, either one of the point determination tables a1 and a2 and either one of the point determination tables b1, b2, and b3, are selected, in addition to these point determination tables, point determination tables corresponding to other winning categories may be provided. In that case, there may be one point determination table corresponding to other winning categories, or one point determination table may be selected from a plurality of point determination tables with different obtainable points. That is, for each of one or more winning categories, a plurality of point determination tables with different probabilities of determined points may be provided respectively, and each point determination table may be selected (determined).

[0109] <First Chance Performance State> The First Chance Performance State continues for 5 games. When the cumulative point value is 50 points or more and 99 points or less in the first game when transitioning to the First Chance Performance State, the performance state control means 314 determines, by lottery with a predetermined determination probability (for example, 50%), whether to transition to the AT Performance State. If it is 100 points or more, the transition to the AT Performance State is determined with a 100% determination probability.

[0110] Also, even if the transition to the AT Performance State is not determined, in each game of the First Chance Performance State, a lottery is conducted to determine whether to transition to the AT Performance State based on the winning type determined by the winning type lottery. Even if winning here, the transition to the AT Performance State is determined.

[0111] <Second Normal Performance State> The Second Normal Performance State continues for any number of games from 25 to 55 games. When the transition to the Second Normal Performance State is determined, the performance state control means 314 determines, by lottery, the number of games in the Second Normal Performance State from any of 25 to 55 games.

[0112] In the Second Normal Performance State, a lottery is conducted to determine whether to transition to the Second Chance Performance State based on the winning type determined by the winning type lottery. When winning the lottery, the performance state control means 314 transitions the performance state to the Second Chance Performance State.

[0113] <Second Chance Performance State> The Second Chance Performance State continues for a maximum of 8 games. In each game of the Second Chance Performance State, a lottery is conducted to determine whether to transition to the AT Performance State based on the winning type determined by the winning type lottery. Even if winning here, the transition to the AT Performance State is determined.

[0114] <Third Normal Performance State> The third normal performance state continues for up to three games. The performance state control means 314 conducts a continuation lottery to determine whether to continue the third normal performance state in each game of the third normal performance state. Then, if the performance state control means 314 continues to win the continuation lottery and the number of games in the third normal performance state (three games) elapses, it shifts the performance state to the second pseudo-bonus performance state (AT performance state).

[0115] <Fourth Normal Performance State> The fourth normal performance state may shift only in the first cycle and continues for up to 20 games. The performance state control means 314 conducts a lottery to determine whether to shift to the AT performance state based on the winning type determined by the winning type lottery in each game of the fourth normal performance state. Even if it wins here, it determines the shift to the additional-specialization zone performance state (AT performance state).

[0116] In this way, in the normal performance state, one of the first to fourth normal performance states with different gameplay, which determines whether to shift to the AT performance state, is determined every cycle, and the games of one cycle proceed according to one of the determined first to fourth normal performance states. Therefore, the games proceed in performance states with different gameplay every cycle, and the interest of the player can be improved.

[0117] Hereinafter, the specific processing in the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202 will be described based on the flowchart.

[0118] (Main Processing of Main Control Board 200) FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the main processing of the main control board 200. Here, first, along with the main processing of the main control board 200, an outline of one game after initialization will be described, and then the details of each process will be explained. Also, here, the processes related to the features of this embodiment will be described in detail, and the description of the configuration unrelated to the features of this embodiment will be omitted. Also, although detailed description is omitted, when each process is performed, the switches (bet switch 116, start switch 118, stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c) used in each process are enabled at the start of the process and disabled at the end of the process.

[0119] (Step S100) When the power of the slot machine 100 is turned on via the power switch 144 and it becomes energized, the initialization means 300 executes an initialization process in preparation for the start of the game. The initialization means 300 generates backup data at any time while the power is on, and holds the backup data in the main RAM 200c. Therefore, even if an unexpected power failure occurs, in this initialization process, it is possible to return to the state before the power failure using the held backup data. For example, even if an unexpected power failure occurs during the rotation of the reel 110, after the return operation, each reel 110 starts again from the rotating state. Therefore, in the initialization process, basically, the initialization (RAM clear) of the main RAM 200c is not performed.

[0120] (Step S200) Subsequently, the betting means 302 bets medals through the operation of the bet switch 116 by the player or the insertion of medals into the medal insertion unit 114. Also, the command transmission means 318 generates an insertion command indicating that the operation has been performed, and transmits the generated insertion command to the sub-control board 202.

[0121] (Step S300) Next, the winning type lottery means 304 enables the game start operation for the start switch 118 and shifts to the operation waiting state of the start switch 118. Here, the winning type lottery means 304 acquires, from the winning type lottery random numbers updated by the random number generator 200d of the main control board 200, the winning type lottery random number at the time when the start switch 118 is operated, in response to the operation of the start switch 118 by the player. Then, the winning type lottery means 304 determines one winning type lottery table corresponding to the currently set game state from the winning type lottery table shown in FIG. 6, and determines which winning area in the determined winning type lottery table the acquired winning type lottery random number corresponds to, and determines the winning type or non-winning of the determined winning area as the lottery result. Also, when the winning combination "RBB" is determined in the winning type lottery, the game state control means 312 shifts the game state from the non-internal game state to the RBB internal middle game state.

[0122] Also, after the lottery result is determined in response to the operation of the start switch 118, the command transmission means 318 generates a winning type command including information such as the lottery result (winning type or non-winning) of the winning type lottery and the game state, and transmits the generated winning type command to the sub-control board 202. Such lottery processing S300 will be described in detail later.

[0123] (Step S400) When the start switch 118 is operated, the reel control means 306 drives the stepping motor 152 to rotate the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c. In this reel rotation process, when a predetermined time (for example, 4.1 seconds) has elapsed since the start time of the rotation of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c in the previous game (wait), the rotation of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c in the current game is started, and when all of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c reach a constant speed rotation, the process proceeds to step S500.

[0124] (Step S500) Subsequently, when the reel control means 306 activates the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c and accepts the operation of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c by the player, it performs stop control on any one of the left reel 110a, the middle reel 110b, and the right reel 110c corresponding to the operation.

[0125] Also, when any one of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c is operated, the command transmission means 318 generates a stop command (first stop command, second stop command, third stop command) indicating the information of the operated stop switch 120a, 120b, 120c each time an operation is made, and sequentially transmits the generated stop command to the sub-control board 202.

[0126] (Step S600) The determination means 308 determines which of the predetermined combinations the symbol combination displayed on the valid line A shown in FIG. 3(b) corresponds to (the winning combination), and according to the symbol combination, as will be described in detail later, if it is within the advantageous section and a small winning combination has won, it updates the net increase number counter. Also, if the symbol combination displayed on the valid line A is the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination "RBB" in the internal game state of the RBB, the game state control means 312 shifts the game state from the internal game state of the RBB to the operating game state of the RBB. Further, when a symbol combination displayed on the valid line A or a winning command including the number of medals paid out when a symbol combination corresponding to a small winning combination is displayed on the valid line A is generated, the command transmission means 318 generates a winning command and transmits the generated winning command to the sub-control board 202.

[0127] (Step S700) In addition, the payout control means 310 executes, for example, the payout process of medals corresponding to a minor winning combination when a symbol combination (stop mode of the reel 110) displayed on the active line A is a symbol combination corresponding to a minor winning combination, and executes a process for automatically placing a bet in the next game when a symbol combination corresponding to a replay winning combination is displayed on the active line A. Further, when a medal payout process is performed, the command transmission means 318 generates a payout command indicating that the payout process has been performed, and transmits the generated payout command to the sub-control board 202.

[0128] (Step S800) When a predetermined number of medals are paid out in the game state during RBB operation, the game state control means 312 shifts the game state from the game state during RBB operation to a non-internal game state. Further, the effect state control means 314 changes the effect state and changes between the advantageous section and the non-advantageous section. Also, when the game state or the effect state is changed, the command transmission means 318 generates a game transition command including the changed game state or effect state, etc., and transmits the generated game transition command to the sub-control board 202.

[0129] One game is executed through a series of processes from step S200 to step S800. Thereafter, steps S200 to S800 are repeated.

[0130] (Lottery process S300) FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the lottery process of step S300. Here, the processes related to the features of the present embodiment (mainly, the processes in the normal effect state) will be described in detail, and the description of the configurations unrelated to the features of the present embodiment will be omitted.

[0131] (Step S301) First, the effect state control means 314 performs a winning type lottery.

[0132] (Step S302) The performance state control means 314 determines whether the current performance state is the normal performance state. As a result, if the current performance state is the normal performance state, the process proceeds to step S303, and if it is not the normal performance state, the lottery process S300 is terminated.

[0133] (Step S303) The performance state control means 314 determines whether it is the start game of a cycle. As a result, if it is the start game of a cycle, the process proceeds to step S304, and if it is not the start game of a cycle, the process proceeds to step S309.

[0134] (Step S304) The performance state control means 314 increments by 1 the value of the cycle counter for counting which cycle it is. Note that the cycle counter is reset when transitioning to the non - advantageous section.

[0135] (Step S305) The performance state control means 314 selects one of the normal game state lottery tables shown in FIG. 11 based on the value of the cycle counter and the value of the first - chance counter for counting the number of times of transitioning to the first - chance performance state. Note that the first - chance counter is incremented by 1 each time transitioning to the first - chance performance state and is reset when transitioning to the non - advantageous section.

[0136] (Step S306) The performance state control means 314 refers to the normal performance state lottery table selected in step S305 above and determines one of the first to fourth normal performance states by lottery. Also, when the performance state control means 314 determines the first and second normal performance states, it determines the number of games in the determined performance state by lottery. Note that the performance state control means 314 will cause a transition to the performance state determined here in the game transition process S800 described above.

[0137] (Step S307) The performance state control means 314 determines whether the first normal performance state has been determined in step S306. As a result, if the first normal performance state has been determined, the process proceeds to step S308; if the first normal performance state has not been determined, the lottery process S300 ends.

[0138] (Step S308) The performance state control means 314 determines either the point determination tables a1 or a2 shown in FIG. 12 by lottery, and also determines either one of the point determination tables b1, b2, and b3 shown in FIG. 13 by lottery, and ends the lottery process S300.

[0139] (Step S309) The performance state control means 314 executes a normal performance state process according to one of the normal performance states being transitioned to.

[0140] (Normal performance state process S309) FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the normal performance state process of step S309. Here, among the normal performance state processes, the process related to the first normal performance state will be described in detail, and the description of the processes related to other normal performance states will be omitted.

[0141] (Step S309-1) The performance state control means 314 determines whether the current performance state is the first normal performance state. As a result, if the current performance state is the first normal performance state, the process proceeds to step S309-2; if it is not the first normal performance state, the normal performance state process S309 ends.

[0142] (Step S309-2) The performance state control means 314 performs a point lottery process for determining a point by referring to the point determination table determined in step S308 based on the winning type determined in step S301.

[0143] (Step S309-3) The performance state control means 314 performs a point addition process for adding and updating the points determined in the above step S309-2.

[0144] (Step S309-4) The performance state control means 314 determines whether it is the last game in the first normal performance state. As a result, if it is the last game, the process proceeds to step S309-5, and if it is not the last game, the normal performance state process S309 ends.

[0145] (Step S309-5) The performance state control means 314 determines whether the points (cumulative value) added in the above step S309-3 are 50 or more. As a result, if the points are 50 points or more, the process proceeds to step S309-6, and if the points are less than 50 points, the normal performance state process S309 ends.

[0146] (Step S309-6) The performance state control means 314 determines to shift to the first chance performance state and ends the normal performance state process S309.

[0147] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Needless to say, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments. It is obvious that those skilled in the art can conceive of various modification examples or correction examples within the scope described in the claims, and it is naturally understood that they also belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

[0148] Also, in the above-described embodiments, the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202 are arranged so as to share the functional parts for advancing the game. However, the functional parts of the main control board 200 may be arranged on the sub-control board 202, or the functional parts of the sub-control board 202 may be arranged on the main control board 200. Also, all the functional parts can be arranged together on one control board.

[0149] In the above-described embodiments, in the normal performance state, it was determined whether to shift to the AT performance state as a privilege. However, the privilege is not limited to this. For example, a predetermined image may be displayed, or it may be shifted to a so-called chance zone.

[0150] Also, in the above-described embodiments, as the point determination table, a table to be referred to when winning types such as "Chance Watermelon Play", "Upper Watermelon Play", "Middle Watermelon Play", "Weak Chance Play", "Upper Watermelon Chance Play", "Middle Watermelon Chance Play", "Heart Stirring Chance Play", and "Heart Aligned Play" are determined, and a table to be referred to when winning types such as "Strong Bell 1" and "Strong Bell 2" are determined were provided. However, for example, a table to be referred to when a winning type that is difficult to win in the winning type lottery, such as "Chance Play" or "Chance Roll", is determined, and a table to be referred to when a winning type that is easy to win in the winning type lottery, such as "Batter's Bell" or "Common Bell", is determined may be provided. In this way, a plurality of tables may be provided for each of one or more winning types.

[0151] Also, in the above-described embodiments, the game was played using medals as game values. However, the game value may be electrical information (so-called medal-less). In this case, when a winning combination wins, the value amount corresponding to the winning combination may be given to the player as electrical information.

[0152] Also, in the winning type lottery, when winning a selected winning type in which the correct role and the incorrect role overlap, an indicator for allowing the player to grasp the correct operation mode may be displayed. The indicator that can grasp the correct operation mode is a numerical value indicating the operation order, that is, any one of the numerical values "1" indicating the first stop operation, the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop operation, and the numerical value "3" indicating the third stop operation, which is associated with the display position (image left position, image center position, image right position) in the image corresponding to the installation position shown in FIG. 1 where the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c to be operated are installed (hereinafter, the display position corresponding to the stop switch may be simply referred to as the "display position of the stop switch").

[0153] Figs. 17 to 20 are explanatory diagrams for explaining the display start timing of an index indicating the operation sequence. As described above, as shown in Fig. 17(a), the effect control means 334 displays, as a navigation image, an index that can grasp the correct operation mode after the operation of the start switch 118 and before the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c become effective. Specifically, after the operation of the start switch 118, the effect control means 334 simultaneously starts displaying an index including the numerical value "1" indicating the first stop operation, an index including the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop operation, and an index including the numerical value "3" indicating the third stop operation, and completes the display before the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c become effective. At this time, as described with reference to Fig. 17, the index including the numerical value "1" indicating the first stop operation has a larger occupied area on the screen than the index including the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop operation and the index including the numerical value "3" indicating the third stop operation, and the index including the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop operation has a larger occupied area on the screen than the index including the numerical value "3" indicating the third stop operation. However, the index including the numerical value "2" and the index including the numerical value "3" may have the same occupied area on the screen. Also, even when the correct operation mode is a three-choice, as shown in Fig. 17(b), the effect control means 334 simultaneously starts displaying an index including the numerical value "1" indicating the first stop operation and an index including a symbol (e.g., "-") regardless of the stop order after the operation of the start switch 118, and completes the display before the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c become effective. The timing of such completion of display may be simultaneous. At this time, the index including the numerical value "1" indicating the first stop operation has a larger occupied area on the screen than the symbol regardless of the stop order. Here, the start of display indicates the appearance of the index, and the completion of display indicates that the index has reached the final display mode after changing the display mode (display position and shape). For example, at the start of display, the index appears at 1 / 10 of the size of the final display mode, gradually increases in size over time, and becomes the final display mode at the completion of display.

[0154] Also, depending on the index, the display end timing may be made different from other indices. For example, as shown in FIG. 18(a), the effect control means 334 displays, as a navigation image, an index that can grasp the correct operation mode after the operation of the start switch 118 and before the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c become valid. Specifically, after the operation of the start switch 118, the effect control means 334 simultaneously starts displaying an index including the numerical value "1" indicating the first stop operation, an index including the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop operation, and an index including the numerical value "3" indicating the third stop operation, and completes the display before the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c become valid. However, in FIG. 18(a), different from FIG. 17(a), the effect control means 334 completes the display of the index including the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop operation and the index including the numerical value "3" indicating the third stop operation before the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c become valid, and then completes the display of the index including the numerical value "1" indicating the first stop operation. That is, the completion of the display of the index including the numerical value "1" indicating the first stop operation is later than the completion of the display of the index including the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop operation and the index including the numerical value "3" indicating the third stop operation. At this time, the index including the numerical value "1" indicating the first stop operation has a larger occupied area on the screen than the index including the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop operation and the index including the numerical value "3" indicating the third stop operation, and the index including the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop operation has a larger occupied area on the screen than the index including the numerical value "3" indicating the third stop operation. However, the index including the numerical value "2" and the index including the numerical value "3" may have the same occupied area on the screen.

[0155] Also, when the first stop operation ends, an index including the numerical value "1" indicating that the first stop operation is performed is deleted, and only an index including the numerical value "2" indicating that the second stop operation is performed and an index including the numerical value "3" indicating that the third stop operation is performed remain. In this case, the index including the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop operation after the first stop operation and the index including the numerical value "3" indicating the third stop operation are respectively deformed to the size of the index including the numerical value "1" indicating the first stop operation before the first stop operation and the index including the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop operation. After the index including the numerical value "3" indicating the third stop operation is deformed and completed after the first stop operation, the production control means 334 deforms and completes the index including the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop operation. That is, the completion of the deformation of the index including the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop operation is later than the completion of the deformation of the index including the numerical value "3" indicating the third stop operation. Note that the index including the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop operation has a larger occupied area on the screen than the index including the numerical value "3" indicating the third stop operation. Therefore, as in the case of the first stop operation, also in the second stop operation, the player can grasp the correct operation mode based not only on the numerical value of the index but also on the size of the index, and by operating the stop switch 120b and the stop switch 120a in this order according to the correct operation mode, the selected winning combination can be won.

[0156] Also, even when there are three answer operation modes, as shown in FIG. 18(b), after the start switch 118 is operated, the effect control means 334 simultaneously starts displaying an index including the numerical value "1" indicating the first stop operation and an index including a symbol regardless of the stop order (e.g., "-"). Before the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c become effective, after the index including the symbol regardless of the stop order (e.g., "-") is completely displayed, the index including the numerical value "1" indicating the first stop operation is completely displayed. At this time, the index including the numerical value "1" indicating the first stop operation has a larger occupied area on the screen than the symbol regardless of the stop order. Here, the start of display indicates the appearance of the index, and the completion of display indicates that the index has reached the final display mode after changing the display mode (display position and shape). For example, at the start of display, the index appears at 1 / 10 of the final display size and gradually increases in size over time, and becomes the final display mode at the completion of display.

[0157] Also, after the start switch 118 is operated and before the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c become effective, the effect control means 334 can also start displaying on the liquid crystal display unit 124 an index that can grasp the operation order of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c with earlier operation orders as a navigation image, and then start displaying on the liquid crystal display unit 124 an index that can grasp the operation order of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c with later operation orders. However, as shown in FIG. 19, various cases can be considered for the display start timing.

[0158] For example, as shown in Fig. 19(a), after the display of an index including the numerical value "1" indicating the first stop operation is completed, the performance control means 334 starts displaying an index including the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop operation. After the display of the index including the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop operation is completed, the performance control means 334 starts displaying an index including the numerical value "3" indicating the third stop operation. Further, as shown in Fig. 19(b), the performance control means 334 can also start displaying an index including the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop operation simultaneously with the completion of the display of the index including the numerical value "1" indicating the first stop operation, and start displaying an index including the numerical value "3" indicating the third stop operation simultaneously with the completion of the display of the index including the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop operation.

[0159] In this way, after the display of the index including the numerical value "1" indicating the first stop operation is completed, by starting the display of the index including the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop operation, or after the display of the index including the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop operation is completed, by starting the display of the index including the numerical value "3" indicating the third stop operation, the player can not only grasp the numerical values indicating the operation order, but also intuitively (visually) grasp the operation order (operate the one that was displayed first earlier) based on the fact that it was displayed earlier. Therefore, it is possible to avoid incorrect operations (loss of game benefits) more than when simply displaying the numerical values indicating the operation order.

[0160] However, delaying the start of the display of an indicator including the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop operation or the start of the display of an indicator including the numerical value "3" indicating the third stop operation will simultaneously cause a delay in the completion of the display of the indicator including the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop operation or the completion of the display of the indicator including the numerical value "3" indicating the third stop operation. Then, the time from the completion of the display of the indicator including the numerical value "3" indicating the third stop operation until the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c become effective will be shortened as shown in FIGS. 19(a) and 19(b). Therefore, for a player who starts the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c after grasping all the correct operation sequences (which stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c are for the first stop operation, the second stop operation, and the third stop operation respectively), the time from grasping all the correct operation sequences until the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c become effective will be shortened, and there is a risk that the preparation for the first stop operation will not be in time. Then, as a result, the progress of the game will be delayed, and there is a possibility of losing the game profit that should have been obtained. Also, if an attempt is made to forcibly accelerate the start of the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c despite the delay in the completion of the display of the indicator including the numerical value "3" indicating the third stop operation, the possibility of an incorrect operation will increase.

[0161] On the other hand, the dynamic visual acuity of a person (player) is very high, and even a slight deviation in the start of the display of the indicator on the liquid crystal display unit 124 can be accurately recognized. Therefore, after the effect control means 334 starts displaying on the liquid crystal display unit 124 an indicator that can grasp the operation sequence of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c with an earlier operation sequence, before the display is completed, it starts displaying on the liquid crystal display unit 124 an indicator that can grasp the operation sequence of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c with a later operation sequence.

[0162] For example, as shown in FIG. 19(c), the effect control means 334 can start displaying an index including the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop operation during the period from when it starts displaying an index including the numerical value "1" indicating the first stop operation until the display is completed, and can start displaying an index including the numerical value "3" indicating the third stop operation during the period from when it starts displaying an index including the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop operation until the display is completed. Further, as shown in FIG. 19(d), the effect control means 334 can start displaying an index including the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop operation during the period from when it starts displaying an index including the numerical value "1" indicating the first stop operation until the display is completed, and can start displaying an index including the numerical value "3" indicating the third stop operation at the same time as the completion of the display of the index including the numerical value "1" indicating the first stop operation during the period from when it starts displaying an index including the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop operation until the display is completed. Further, as shown in FIG. 19(e), the effect control means 334 can start displaying an index including the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop operation during the period from when it starts displaying an index including the numerical value "1" indicating the first stop operation until the display is completed, and can start displaying an index including the numerical value "3" indicating the third stop operation before the completion of the display of the index including the numerical value "1" indicating the first stop operation during the period from when it starts displaying an index including the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop operation until the display is completed.

[0163] In this way, after starting to display an index including the numerical value "1" indicating the first stop operation, by starting to display an index including the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop operation, or after starting to display an index including the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop operation, by starting to display an index including the numerical value "3" indicating the third stop operation, similar to FIGS. 19(a) and 19(b), the player can intuitively (visually) grasp the operation order not only from the numerical values indicating the operation order but also from the fact that the display started earlier (operate the one that started displaying earlier first). Therefore, it becomes possible to avoid incorrect operations more than when simply displaying the numerical values indicating the operation order.

[0164] Also, before the indicator including the numerical value "1" indicating the first stop operation is completely displayed, an indicator including the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop operation is started to be displayed, or before the indicator including the numerical value "2" indicating the second stop operation is completely displayed, an indicator including the numerical value "3" indicating the third stop operation is started to be displayed. As a result, the indicator including the numerical value "3" indicating the third stop operation can be completely displayed earlier, so that sufficient time can be ensured from the completion of the display of the indicator including the numerical value "3" indicating the third stop operation until the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c become effective. Then, even a player who starts the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c after grasping all the correct operation batting orders can ensure sufficient time from grasping all the correct operation batting orders until the operations of the stop switches 120a, 120b, and 120c become effective, fully prepare for the first stop operation, and appropriately avoid incorrect operations.

[0165] Also, even when the correct operation mode is a three-way selection, similarly, incorrect operations can be avoided. For example, as shown in Fig. 20(a), after the completion of the display of the indicator including the numerical value "1" indicating the first stop operation, the effect control means 334 simultaneously starts to display an indicator including a symbol (e.g., "-") regardless of the stop order regarding other stop switches. Also, as shown in Fig. 20(b), the effect control means 334 can also simultaneously start to display an indicator including a symbol regardless of the stop order regarding other stop switches at the same time as the completion of the display of the indicator including the numerical value "1" indicating the first stop operation. Also, as shown in Fig. 20(c), during the period from the start to the completion of the display of the indicator including the numerical value "1" indicating the first stop operation, the effect control means 334 can also simultaneously start to display an indicator including a symbol regardless of the stop order regarding other stop switches.

[0166] In this way, after starting to display an index including the numerical value "1" indicating the first stop operation, by starting to display an index including a symbol regardless of the stop order regarding other stop switches, the player can grasp not only the numerical value indicating the operation order but also the operation order (operate the one that was started to be displayed earlier first) based on the fact that it was started to be displayed earlier. Therefore, it becomes possible to avoid incorrect operations (loss of gaming profits) compared to the case of simply displaying the numerical value indicating the operation order. Then, by associating the start and completion of the display of such an index with each of the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c and managing them in multiple layers corresponding to the respective operation orders of operating the stop switches 120a, 120b, 120c which are the correct operation modes, it becomes possible to further improve the development efficiency.

[0167] In addition, each process performed by the main control board 200 and the sub-control board 202 described above does not necessarily need to be processed in time series in the order described as a flowchart, and may include parallel or subroutine processing.

Explanation of Signs

[0168] 100 Slot machine (gaming machine) 304 Winning type lottery means (lottery means) 306 Reel control means 308 Judgment means 310 Payout control means 312 Gaming state control means 314 Effect state control means (point determination means, granting means)

Claims

【Claim 1】 A reel on which symbols are arranged, Reel control means for starting the rotation of the reel in response to an operation of a start switch and stopping the rotation of the reel in response to operations of a plurality of stop switches, Lottery means for determining the success or failure of the winning type, Game state control means for shifting the game state to an internal medium game state when a bonus combination is determined in a non-internal medium game state, Effect control means capable of displaying an image, Comprising, The winning types include a first winning type and a second winning type, In the first winning type, a first minor combination and a second minor combination with a smaller game profit than the first minor combination overlap, In the second winning type, in the non-internal medium game state, the second minor combination and the bonus combination overlap, The effect control means, May execute an auxiliary effect for notifying the player of the operation order of the stop switch that is advantageous to the player, Based on the execution of the auxiliary effect, a navigation image can be displayed on the liquid crystal display unit, The navigation image includes a first image, a second image, a third image, and a fourth image, The first image is an image indicating the stop switch to be operated first, The second image is an image indicating the stop switch to be operated second, The first image and the second image are displayed and completed before the operation of the stop switch becomes effective, The display start timing of the first image is the same as the display start timing of the second image, The display completion timing of the first image is later than the display completion timing of the second image, The third image and the fourth image are images indicating that the operation order of the stop switch does not matter, The third image and the fourth image are displayed and completed before the operation of the stop switch becomes effective, The display start timing of the third image is the same as the display start timing of the fourth image, The display completion timing of the third image is the same as the display completion timing of the fourth image, The display completion timing of the third image and the fourth image is earlier than the display completion timing of the first image, The second image can be displayed simultaneously with the first image, but is not displayed simultaneously with the third image and the fourth image.

Images