Pachinko machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of increasing a player's interest in performance contents when multiple reels are temporarily stopped in a pseudo game.SOLUTION: When a stop button is operated in a game, a slot machine stops a reel corresponding to the stop button, and when the stop button is operated in the pseudo game, the reel corresponding to the stop button is temporarily stopped. The slot machine can execute fine vibrations when the reel is temporarily stopped in the pseudo game. When performing fine vibrations of the first reel and the second reel respectively, the slot machine temporarily stops the first reel and the second reel in order to synchronize the fine vibrations of the first reel and the second reel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, gaming machines (rotary gaming machines, slot machines) having a plurality of reels with symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface are known. This type of gaming machine assigns a certain gaming value to gaming media such as medals and pachinko balls, and conducts a game to acquire such gaming media. Also, this type of gaming machine performs an internal lottery and starts the rotation of a plurality of reels upon a rotation start operation by a player, and controls to stop the plurality of reels in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery upon a stop operation by the player. Then, the result of the game is determined by the symbol combination displayed on the winning determination line in the state where the plurality of reels have stopped, and payouts such as medals are made according to the result of the game.

[0003] In the above-described gaming machine, a configuration is known in which a freeze that delays the progress of the game is set, and a pseudo game that pseudo-progresses the game during the freeze can be executed (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 gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, when the stop button is pressed by the player in the pseudo game, a specific symbol can be pseudo-stopped regardless of the timing at which the player presses the stop button. When a plurality of reels are pseudo-stopped, the reels are operated in a manner different from the original game, such as vibrating the plurality of reels, to prevent the player from misidentifying the pseudo game as the original game. In such a gaming machine, when a plurality of reels are pseudo-stopped, if the operations of the respective reels are different or if there is a deviation in the timing of the same operation, the player's interest in the production content when the plurality of reels are pseudo-stopped may decrease.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of improving the player's interest in the production content when a plurality of reels are temporarily stopped in a pseudo game.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] The present invention includes a plurality of reels including a first reel and a second reel, a plurality of stop buttons, and pseudo game control means for performing control related to the pseudo game, and when the stop button is operated in the game, the reel corresponding to the stop button is stopped, and when the stop button is operated in the pseudo game, the reel corresponding to the stop button is temporarily stopped, and when the reel is temporarily stopped, a first operation can be executed, and when the first operation is executed on the first reel and the second reel, respectively, a second operation for synchronizing the respective first operations of the first reel and the second reel is executed on the first reel and the second reel. This is the gist of the invention.

Effects of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine capable of improving a player's interest in production content when a plurality of reels are temporarily stopped in a pseudo game.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. Note that the embodiments described below do not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Also, not all of the configurations described in this embodiment are essential constituent elements of the present invention.

[0011] 1. Outline of the Configuration of the Gaming Machine FIG. 1 is a front view showing the external configuration of a slot machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The slot machine 1 of the present embodiment is a so-called rotary drum type gaming machine, which is a type of gaming machine that performs a game using medals as a game medium.

[0012] The slot machine 1 of the present embodiment includes a reel unit 310 (see FIG. 2) composed of left reels R1 to right reels R3 as a plurality of reels in a box-shaped housing composed of a housing BX, a front upper door UD, and a front lower door DD. Further, a hopper unit 320 (see FIG. 2) as a medal payout device is housed below the reel unit 310 in the housing. In addition, a control board that mounts a CPU, a ROM (an example of an information storage medium), a RAM, etc. and controls the operation of the slot machine 1 is also housed in the housing of the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment.

[0013] The left reel R1 to the right reel R3 shown in FIG. 1 each have their outer peripheral surfaces partitioned into 20 regions at regular intervals (hereinafter, each region will be referred to as a "frame"), and one of a plurality of types of symbols is arranged in each frame.

[0014] The front upper door UD and the front lower door DD are provided so as to be individually openable and closable. The front upper door UD is provided with a display device 330 as a display means for performing an effect composed of various videos and images for assisting the game and livening up the game. Further, in the display device 330, a specific region 330b facing the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 in the display region 330a for displaying an image is composed of a transmissive liquid crystal display, and the rotation state and the stop state of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 can be observed through the display device 330. In the stopped state of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, among the plurality of types of symbols arranged at regular intervals on the outer peripheral surfaces of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, three symbols (upper-stage symbol, middle-stage symbol, lower-stage symbol) arranged continuously on the outer peripheral surface can be observed from the front of the slot machine 1 through the display device 330.

[0015] In addition, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, for each reel, an upper stage, a middle stage, and a lower stage are provided as display positions for observing symbols through the display device 330, and an effective line L1 is set for the effective lines formed by the combination of the display positions of each reel. In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the number of medals required for one game, that is, the so-called specified insertion number, is set to 3 in any game state. When medals corresponding to the specified insertion number are inserted, the effective line L1 constituted by the middle stages of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 is activated.

[0016] The game result is determined by the symbol combination stopped and displayed on the effective line L1 (on the effective line). When the symbol combination on the effective line L1 is a symbol combination corresponding to a predetermined winning combination, medals are paid out from the hopper unit 320 as if the winning combination has won.

[0017] On the front upper door UD, a game information display unit DS is provided. The game information display unit DS consists of an LED, a lamp, a 7-segment display, etc., and displays various game information such as the number of medal credits, the number of medals paid out or won in one game, the total number of medals paid out or won in the bonus state, the information of the winning combination selected in the current game, and the information indicating how to press the stop buttons B1, B2, and B3 related to medal payout.

[0018] The game information display unit DS includes a main control display device 500 composed of a 7-segment display. When a specified number of medals are inserted and the start lever SL is operated, a notification display, which is a display corresponding to a winning combination command that is a control signal created based on the winning information of the winning combination selected in the current game, is displayed. When the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 stop after the notification display is shown, the notification display ends and the number of medals paid out or won is displayed. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, a notification display is executed in which each segment of the main control display device 500 lights up and goes out in a display mode corresponding to the winning combination command.

[0019] Also, the main control display device 500 is provided with a section notification unit 500A which is a dot of the 7-segment display and lights up when an advantageous section is started by the AT control means 200 (see FIG. 2) described later and the winning of a minor winning combination is assisted so that the expected value of medal winning is 1 or more. In addition, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of sound devices 340 for performing an effect using sound are provided on the front lower door DD. Various sounds for assisting the game or livening up the game are output from the sound device 340.

[0020] On the front lower door DD, various operating means are provided. As the operating means, as the insertion operating means for performing the operation of inserting the credited medals, there is a max bet button MB for inserting the specified number of medals, a start lever SL as the game start operating means for causing the player to execute a start operation that serves as an opportunity to start the game by rotating the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, stop buttons B1 to B3 as the stop operating means for causing the player to execute a stop operation that serves as an opportunity to stop each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 that is rotationally driven by a stepping motor, and a pay - out button BS for paying out the credited medals are also provided.

[0021] Also, at the lower part of the front lower door DD, a medal payout port MO and a medal tray MP are provided, and the number of medals corresponding to the result of the game is paid out from the medal payout port MO to the medal tray MP. Further, when the pay - out button BS is pressed while the medals credited in the gaming machine are stored, an accounting process is executed to pay out the number of medals corresponding to the credit number (the number of credited medals) from the hopper unit 320 along with the pressing of the pay - out button BS, and the medals are paid out from the medal payout port MO to the medal tray MP.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment. The slot machine 1 of the present embodiment is controlled by a game control means 10 as a control board. The game control means 10 receives input signals from input means of a plurality of operation detection means, such as a medal insertion switch 210, a bet switch 220, a start switch 230, a stop switch 240, a setting change permission switch 250, and a setting change switch 260, performs various calculations for executing the game, and controls the operations of output means, such as an effect device 300, a reel unit 310, a hopper unit 320, and a main control display device 500, based on the calculation results.

[0023] Further, the game control means 10 includes a setting change means 100, a credit reception means 105, a random number generation means 110, an internal lottery means 120, a reel control means 130, a winning determination means 140, a payout control means 150, a replay processing means 160, a game state transition control means 170, an effect control means 180, a memory means 190, an assist time control means (AT control means) 200, and a pseudo game control means 400. Each means constituting the game control means 10 reads and executes each control program stored in advance in the memory means 190 when executing each control process.

[0024] The setting change means 100 performs control (setting change control) for changing the setting value stored in the setting value storage means 191 of the memory means 190. The setting change means 100, in a state where the setting change permission switch 250 is in the ON state and setting change is permitted, each time it receives an input signal output from the setting change switch 260 provided in the power supply device, cyclically varies the setting value in the order of setting 1 → setting 2 → ··· → setting 6 → setting 1 → ···, and determines the setting value based on receiving a start signal output from the start switch 230 when the start lever SL is operated. In the slot machine 1, according to the setting value determined in the setting value storage means 191, the winning probability of a part of the winning areas that can be won in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 is changed. That is, the setting change means 100 is configured to be able to change the setting value, which is a value that can change the winning probability of the roles in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120.

[0025] In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the setting change control by the setting change means 100 is executed, the control related to the game state executed by the game state transition control means 170 and the control related to the advantageous section executed by the AT control means 200 are configured to be initialized. The game state is set to a non-replay time (hereinafter, the replay time is also referred to as "RT") state described later. Regarding the control related to the auxiliary game that the AT control means 200 executed before the setting change, it is also configured to be initialized and a normal section is set. On the other hand, in the slot machine 1, when the power supply to the game control means 10 is cut off (power failure) and then the power supply is resumed again, the control related to the game state executed by the game state transition control means 170 and the control related to the advantageous section executed by the AT control means 200 are configured to resume from the state before the power failure. Regarding the control related to the auxiliary game that the AT control means 200 executed before the power failure, it is also configured to maintain the state before the power failure.

[0026] During the input reception period in which the input reception means 105 receives the input of medals, when a medal is inserted into the medal insertion port MI (see FIG. 1) and the medal insertion switch 210 is activated, the inserted medal is set to the inserted state. When the bet switch 220 for executing a bet operation in which the max bet button MB is pressed in the state where the medal is credited is activated, based on the regulation that the maximum number of inserted medals is limited to a specified number (3 medals), by setting the credited medals to the inserted state, when the medals corresponding to the specified number of inserted medals are set to the inserted state, a process for enabling the game start operation for the start lever SL is performed.

[0027] In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the first pressing operation of the start lever SL enabled based on the insertion of medals corresponding to the specified number of inserted medals is accepted as the game start operation by the player. It serves as an opportunity to start the rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 and also serves as an opportunity for the internal lottery means 120 described later to execute an internal lottery.

[0028] The random number generation means 110 is means for generating a random number for lottery. In the present embodiment, the "random number" includes not only values that are randomly generated in a mathematical sense, but also values that can function as random numbers in practice because, although their generation itself is regular, their acquisition timing or the like is irregular.

[0029] The internal lottery means 120 is means for performing an internal lottery to determine the winning or losing of a combination based on a start signal output when a player executes a start operation on the start lever SL and the start switch 230 detects the start operation, and performs a lottery table selection process, a random number determination process, a lottery flag setting process, and the like.

[0030] In the lottery table selection process, based on the current game state, it is selected which internal lottery table among the plurality of internal lottery tables stored in the internal lottery table storage means 192 of the storage means 190 is used for the internal lottery. In each internal lottery table, various combinations such as replay, small winning combinations, and bonuses, as well as non-winning (losing), are associated with each of a plurality of random numbers (for example, 65,536 random numbers from 0 to 65,535).

[0031] In the following description, "bonus" means a combination that activates a special device or a special device continuous operation device when winning. The activation of the bonus means that the bonus wins and activates the special device or the special device continuous operation device, and the bonus state means a state in which the special device or the special device continuous operation device is activated.

[0032] In the random number determination process, based on the start signal output from the start switch 230, the random number (lottery random number) generated by the random number generation means 110 for each game is acquired, and the acquired random number is compared with the internal lottery table selected in the lottery table selection process, and it is determined whether or not the combination has won based on the comparison result.

[0033] In the lottery flag setting process, based on the result of the random number determination process, the lottery flag corresponding to the winning combination is set from the non-established state (the first flag state, OFF state) to the established state (the second flag state, ON state). In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when two or more types of winning combinations overlap, the lottery flags corresponding to each of the two or more overlapping winning combinations are set to the established state. Note that in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, there are a lottery flag (carry-over possible flag) that can carry over the established state to subsequent games until a prize is won, and a lottery flag (non-carry-over flag) that is reset to the non-established state without carrying over the established state to subsequent games regardless of whether a prize is won. Further, the setting information of the lottery flag is stored in the lottery flag storage means 193 of the storage means 190.

[0034] Based on the start signal being output from the start switch 230 that operates when the player executes a start operation on the start lever SL, the reel control means 130 starts the rotational drive of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 and executes reel rotation control to control the rotation mode of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3. Further, when the rotation state of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 becomes a rotation state in which it rotates steadily at a predetermined speed (for example, about 80 rpm), the reel control means 130 executes control to enable the stop operation detected by the stop switch 240 when the stop buttons B1 to B3 corresponding to the respective reels are operated. Then, when a reel stop signal is output from the stop switch 240 that has detected the stop operation, the reel control means 130 performs control (reel stop control) to stop each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 corresponding to the stop switch 240 that has detected the stop operation.

[0035] In the following description, regarding the start of the rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 by the reel control means 130 and the player operating the valid stop buttons B1 to B3 respectively, the first operation is also described as the first stop operation, the second operation as the second stop operation, and the third operation as the third stop operation.

[0036] In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, for the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button is stopped until 190 ms elapses from the time when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed (the time when the stop switch 240 detects the stop operation). In the following description, pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 is also described as an operation. Further, the slot machine 1 is not limited to the case where the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed. For example, even when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed and the pressed stop buttons B1 to B3 are released, the stop switch 240 may be configured to output a stop signal at the timing when the operation is executed.

[0037] Here, when the rotating reel is stopped within 190 ms from the time of pressing the stop button, the stop position of each rotating reel is configured to be rotatable by up to 4 frames from the time of pressing the stop button until the reel stops, based on the diameter and rotation speed of each reel. Therefore, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, for the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, a total of 5 frames from the frame displayed on the active line L1 at the time of pressing the stop button to rotating 4 frames are within the range (drawing range) where the symbols can be drawn on the active line L1.

[0038] When executing the reel stop control, the reel control means 130 performs a pull-in process of stopping the rotating reel so that the roles with the lottery flag set to the established state can win as much as possible, and a kicking process of stopping the rotating reel so that the roles with the lottery flag set to the non-established state cannot win. Based on the preset priority order by the logic operation including these, the reel control means 130 obtains the stop position of the rotating reel through a logic operation process, and determines the stop position of the rotating reel by referring to the stop control table stored in the reel control data storage means 194 of the storage means 190 through a table reference process. Then, the rotating reel is stopped to display the symbols on the effective line L1 (hereinafter, stopping the rotating reel by the reel stop control and displaying the symbols on the effective line L1 is also described as "stop display").

[0039] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when multiple types of minor winning combinations are selected in the internal lottery, there are two methods for determining the priority of the stop position candidates: a method of determining the priority according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the effective line L1 (number priority control), and a method of determining the priority according to the number of medals paid out based on the predetermined payout for the minor winning combination (number of medals priority control). However, when executing the number of medals priority control, if minor winning combinations with the same payout are selected repeatedly, the priorities of the stop position candidates that can win each minor winning combination are treated as the same.

[0040] The winning determination means 140 performs a winning determination process to determine whether or not a winning combination has won based on the stop modes of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3. Specifically, while referring to the winning determination table stored in the winning determination table storage means 195 of the storage means 190, it is determined whether or not the symbol combination displayed on the active line L1 when all of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 have stopped is in a form of winning for each predetermined winning combination. And a winning determination table is prepared so that the presence or absence of winning of a bonus, replay, or minor winning combination can be determined (hereinafter referred to as "winning determination") based on the symbol combination displayed on the active line L1 in the state where each reel has stopped. In the following description, the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the winning combination is also referred to as the "winning symbol combination".

[0041] In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, each process is executed based on the determination result of the winning determination means 140 in the winning determination process. As each process executed based on the determination result of the winning combination, for example, when a minor winning combination wins, a process of determining the number of medals to be paid out by the payout control means 150 is performed. When a replay wins, a process of causing the replay processing means 160 to execute without consuming medals in the next game is performed. When a winning combination that triggers a transition to a game state such as a bonus wins, a process of causing the game state transition control means 170 to transition the game state is performed.

[0042] The payout control means 150 performs a payout process related to the payout of medals according to the game result. Specifically, when a minor winning combination wins, the number of medals paid out in the game is determined based on the payout predetermined for each winning combination, and control is performed to pay out the medals corresponding to the determined payout number to the hopper unit 320 as a payout device.

[0043] The hopper unit 320 performs an operation of paying out medals in the payout number instructed by the payout control means 150. The hopper unit 320 is provided with a payout medal detection switch 325 that operates each time one medal is paid out. The payout control means 150 is configured to be able to manage the number of medals actually paid out from the hopper unit 320 based on the input signal from the payout medal detection switch 325. When medal credit is permitted, instead of actually paying out medals by the hopper unit 320, a credit addition process is performed in which the payout number is added to the number of credits (the number of credited medals) stored in the credit storage area (not shown) of the storage means 190 to virtually pay out medals.

[0044] When the replay processing means 160 determines that a symbol combination indicating the winning of any one of a plurality of types of replay roles (described later) has stopped being displayed on the effective line L1 by the winning determination means 140 and the replay has won, the replay processing (re-game processing) is performed to set the state to a preparatory state in which the game can be executed without requiring the player to insert medals for the next game. That is, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed in which the specified number of inserted medals are automatically inserted without using the medals held by the player (including credit medals), and the next start lever SL is waited for in a state where the same effective line L1 as the previous game is set.

[0045] The game state transition control means 170 performs a process of transitioning the game state among a plurality of game states and a process related to the activation and end of the bonus. Here, as the transition conditions for each game state, one condition may be defined, or a plurality of conditions may be defined. When a plurality of conditions are defined, the game state can be transitioned to another game state based on the establishment of any one of the plurality of predetermined conditions or the establishment of all of the plurality of predetermined conditions.

[0046] The performance control means 180 performs control related to the performance of the game, such as image and video performances using the display device 330 and acoustic performances using the acoustic device 340, based on the performance data stored in the performance control data storage means 196 of the storage means 190. Specifically, when the player operates each component of the slot machine 1, such as inserting medals, operating the max bet button MB, start lever SL, and stop buttons B1 to B3, or when a game event such as a change in the game state occurs, the performance control means 180 executes performances such as lighting or flashing of lamps and LEDs and output of sounds from the acoustic device 340 to liven up the game and control the execution of performances for assisting the game. Further, the performance control means 180 causes each component constituting the performance device 300 to execute the performance based on each performance state.

[0047] The AT control means 200 performs control related to the transition between an advantageous section (advantageous period), which is a section (period) in which control related to an instruction function including a supplementary game capable of executing a winning assistance for winning a specific combination can be executed, and a normal section (non-advantageous period, non-advantageous section), which is a section (period) in which control related to a supplementary game (control related to the instruction function) based on the result of the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 cannot be executed, using the data stored in the AT control data storage means 197, and constitutes a supplementary game control means for performing control in the normal section, advantageous section, and control related to the supplementary game.

[0048] The AT control data storage means 197 stores data (various flags, counters, etc. set to the ON state or OFF state in a predetermined control process) used in various controls related to a plurality of types of performance states including the AT state and non-AT state executed within the advantageous section.

[0049] The AT control means 200 sets the production state to the AT state (assist time state) under predetermined conditions in the advantageous section, and displays information (an example of operation instruction information) corresponding to the operation order (correct hitting order) of the stop buttons B1 to B3 that enable the winning of the specific role selected on the main control display device 500 composed of a 7-segment display, thereby performing winning assistance (correct hitting order notification) to assist the winning of the specific role. Further, in the slot machine 1, when the winning assistance by the AT control means 200 is executed, a winning assistance effect is executed in which an index corresponding to the correct hitting order is displayed on the display device 330 by the production control means 180 described later. In this way, in the slot machine 1, in the AT state, by notifying the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3 by winning assistance, an auxiliary game (AT game, notification game) advantageous to the player is executed.

[0050] More specifically, when a predetermined end condition for ending the advantageous section, which will be described later, is satisfied, the AT control means 200 executes a predetermined end process for ending the advantageous section and starting the normal section from the next game, and a predetermined initialization process for initializing various flags, numerical values, etc. set in the advantageous section and information regarding the advantageous section. Further, when the advantageous section is started and the winning assistance is executed, the AT control means 200 lights up the section notification unit 500A when the expected value of medal acquisition becomes 1 or more. For this reason, the AT control means 200 is configured to be able to turn off the section notification unit 500A in a production state where the winning assistance is not executed even when the advantageous section is started.

[0051] In the game in which the advantageous section is started, every time one game is executed, the AT control means 200 adds the value "1", which is a value corresponding to one game, to the value (stored value) stored in the first advantageous section counter 197a, and executes a game number update process for incrementally updating the stored value of the first advantageous section counter 197a cumulatively. Further, the AT control means 200 executes a difference number update process for cumulatively recording the difference value (difference number of medals) obtained by subtracting the number of medals paid out from the number of medals inserted since the game in which the advantageous section was started in the second advantageous section counter 197b.

[0052] When the AT control means 200 of the present embodiment is controlling in the advantageous section, in any gaming state, every time one game is executed, a game number update process that cumulatively adds (updates) the stored value of the first advantageous section counter 197a by a value "1", which is a value corresponding to one game, and a difference number update process that cumulatively updates the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b with a value corresponding to the difference number of medals are executed.

[0053] Here, in the difference number update process for updating the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b, when the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b is subtracted due to the number of medals paid out in the game being less than the specified input number, if the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b becomes less than the value "0", the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b is set to the value "0". Thereby, the AT control means 200 can fix the value when the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b reaches the lowest point to the value "0". Therefore, in the control process using the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b, it is not necessary to vary the value that becomes the determination threshold according to the specific numerical value at the lowest point, and the load of the control process using the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b can be reduced.

[0054] When 1500 games are executed, that is, when the stored value of the first advantageous section counter 197a becomes the value "0" as the first value, or when the player has acquired more than 2400 medals since the time when the most medals were consumed in the advantageous section, that is, when the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b has become the value "2401" from the time when it was the lowest value (the lowest point), the AT control means 200 determines that a specific end condition, which is a predetermined end condition for ending the advantageous section, is satisfied, and executes a predetermined end process for ending the advantageous section and starting the normal section from the next game.

[0055] The AT control means 200 initializes all the information used in various control processes in the advantageous section, such as each flag set to the ON state in the advantageous section and the values set in the advantageous section, in a predetermined initialization process. Note that the AT control means 200 can also end the advantageous section when a predetermined end condition (normal end condition) set in advance other than the specific end condition is satisfied, and also executes a predetermined initialization process and a predetermined end process when the normal end condition is satisfied. Details of the normal end condition set by the AT control means 200 of the present embodiment will be described later.

[0056] The pseudo game control means 400 generates a freeze that temporarily delays the progress of a normal game based on an operation on the start lever SL, rotates the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 by an operation on the start lever SL, and can execute (generate) a pseudo game that allows a player to pseudo-experience the game by temporarily stopping the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 by an operation on the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0057] Here, the temporary stop is control to stop the rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 based on an operation on the stop buttons B1 to B3 in the pseudo game. During the pseudo game, for the temporarily stopped reel, it is configured such that it moves slightly before a predetermined time (500 ms in this embodiment) elapses, which is clearly different from the stop of the reel in the actual game (this game). As a result, in the slot machine 1, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the pseudo game to temporarily stop the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, it is possible to prevent the player from misrecognizing that this game has ended and leaving the slot machine 1 and ending the game even though this game has not ended.

[0058] 2. Configuration of the gaming machine in the present embodiment Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 9, details of each configuration included in the slot machine 1 in the present embodiment will be described.

[0059] <Winning area subject to internal lottery> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a winning area that is a target of internal lottery in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, and winning numbers and winning roles associated with each winning area.

[0060] In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, as a bonus, it has a regular big bonus (hereinafter, the regular big bonus is also referred to as "RBB") as a bonus continuous operation device related to the first type of special accessory. Further, in the slot machine 1, as a game state controlled by the game state transition control means 170, there is a non-RT state as a general middle state in which the RBB is not set to the established state and the RBB is not operating, and when the RBB is set to the established state, it transitions to a bonus established state as a bonus internal state (internal state) in which the established state of the RBB is maintained internally until the RBB operates, and a bonus state as a bonus operating state (operating state) in which the RBB operates when the RBB operates.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 3, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, as winning areas that are targets of internal lottery, there are winning area "all small roles", winning area "all single-coin roles", winning area "normal replay 1", winning area "normal replay 2", winning area "rare replay", winning areas "batter's bell 1" to "batter's bell 12", winning area "RBB & single-coin role", winning area "RBB & rare role", and winning area "RBB", and numbers from winning number 1 to winning number 20 are respectively associated. Also, in the slot machine 1, winning number 0 is associated with a non-winning (losing) result of the internal lottery.

[0062] Here, "batter's order" means the order of performing operations on the stop buttons B1 to B3. Also, in the following description, the timing at which the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated is also referred to as "operation timing".

[0063] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the batting order, which is the order of operating the three stop buttons, stop button B1 to stop button B3, is composed of six types of batting orders from batting order 1 to batting order 6. Batting order 1 is a batting order called so-called sequential pressing, in which stop operations are executed in the order of stop button B1 → stop button B2 → stop button B3. Also, batting order 2 is a batting order called so-called scissors hitting, in which stop operations are executed in the order of stop button B1 → stop button B3 → stop button B2. Also, batting order 3 is a batting order in which stop operations are executed in the order of stop button B2 → stop button B1 → stop button B3. Also, batting order 4 is a batting order in which stop operations are executed in the order of stop button B2 → stop button B3 → stop button B1. Also, batting order 5 is a batting order in which stop operations are executed in the order of stop button B3 → stop button B1 → stop button B2. Also, batting order 6 is a batting order called so-called reverse pressing, in which stop operations are executed in the order of stop button B3 → stop button B2 → stop button B1.

[0064] In the internal lottery means 120, in the random number determination process, the winning or losing of each winning area is determined in the order from the winning area associated with the winning number 20 to the non-winning associated with the winning number 0.

[0065] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, as small winning combinations that can be won in the internal lottery, it has bell A to bell F, single-coin combination A to single-coin combination C, and rare combination. As replays that can be won in the internal lottery, it has replay A, replay B, and rare replay. Each small winning combination and each replay are associated with each winning area in the combination shown in FIG. 3.

[0066] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, in the slot machine 1, as winning areas including bonuses and small winning combinations, winning area "RBB & single-coin combination" and winning area "RBB & rare combination" are set, and as a winning area including only bonuses, winning area "RBB" is set.

[0067] In the slot machine 1, for the winning area "Rare Play", the winning probability is set lower than that of the winning areas of other plays. Also, in the slot machine 1, for the winning area "RBB & Rare Combination", the winning probability is set lower than that of each winning area including the small combinations of the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12" and the winning area "RBB & Single Combination".

[0068] Here, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the role associated with the carry-over possible flag is RBB, and the small combinations and replays are associated with the non-carry-over flag. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, when winning in a winning area including RBB in the internal lottery, the process of carrying over the establishment state of the lottery flag of the winning RBB until RBB wins is performed. At this time, the internal lottery means 120 performs an internal lottery for determining the success or failure of small combinations and replays even in a game in which the establishment state of the lottery flag of RBB is carried over. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, in a game in which the establishment state of the lottery flag of RBB is carried over, when a small combination or replay wins, lottery flags corresponding to two or more roles including the lottery flag of the already winning RBB and the lottery flag of the small combination or replay won in the internal lottery are set to the established state.

[0069] <Internal lottery table> The slot machine 1 of the present embodiment stores, in the internal lottery table storage means 192, an internal lottery table (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table A) used in the non-RT state (normal), an internal lottery table (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table B) used in the bonus established state (internal), and an internal lottery table (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table C) used in the bonus state (operating). In each of the internal lottery tables A to C of the internal lottery tables, the number of lottery values is associated with each winning area to be the target of the lottery.

[0070] <Random number determination process> In the internal lottery means 120 of this embodiment, in the random number determination process, the random number acquired from the random number generation means 110 is sequentially subtracted by the number of lottery values associated with each winning area in the internal lottery table stored in the internal lottery table storage means 192. When the result of the subtraction becomes a negative value, it is determined that the winning area corresponding to the number of lottery values of the subtraction has won. Further, when the result of the subtraction is a positive value when the subtraction is completed using all the numbers of lottery values stored in the internal lottery table, it is determined that there is no win in any role, that is, a non-win.

[0071] Note that the random number generation means 110 of this embodiment is configured to be able to generate a total of 65,536 random numbers from 0 to 65,535 as the random numbers used in the internal lottery. Also, in the internal lottery table A, the total number of lottery values associated with the winning areas from "RBB" to "Normal replay 1" is 65,536, and in the internal lottery table B, the total number of lottery values associated with the winning areas from "RBB & rare role" to "Normal replay 1" is 65,536. Therefore, in the internal lottery in the non-RT state or the bonus established state, it is configured to win in any role and not to be a non-win.

[0072] <Bonus winning determination process> As described above, in the internal lottery means 120 of this embodiment, in the bonus established state, the number of lottery values is set in the winning areas "RBB & 1 card role" and "RBB & rare role". For this reason, in the internal lottery when the game state is the bonus established state, since there is a possibility that RBB wins again in a state where RBB is already set to the established state, in order not to set the newly won RBB to the established state, it is configured to execute a bonus winning determination process for determining whether the winning area whose win or loss is determined in the random number determination process is a winning area including a bonus.

[0073] In the internal lottery means 120, when it is determined in the bonus winning determination process that the winning area including the bonus is to be determined in the random number determination process, if the winning area including the bonus wins and the game state is the bonus establishment state, a process of skipping the process of setting the bonus to the established state is executed. In this way, the slot machine 1 prevents a new RBB from being set to the established state when the RBB has already been set to the established state.

[0074] <Details of the batting order bell> In the present embodiment, for the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 12", the batting orders (correct batting orders) that enable winning of bell A to bell F when winning are respectively set.

[0075] For the winning area "batting order bell 1" and the winning area "batting order bell 7", the correct batting order that enables winning of bell A is set to batting order 1. For the winning area "batting order bell 2" and the winning area "batting order bell 8", the correct batting order that enables winning of bell B is set to batting order 2. For the winning area "batting order bell 3" and the winning area "batting order bell 9", the correct batting order that enables winning of bell C is set to batting order 3. For the winning area "batting order bell 4" and the winning area "batting order bell 10", the correct batting order that enables winning of bell D is set to batting order 4. For the winning area "batting order bell 5" and the winning area "batting order bell 11", the correct batting order that enables winning of bell E is set to batting order 5. For the winning area "batting order bell 6" and the winning area "batting order bell 12", the correct batting order that enables winning of bell F is set to batting order 6. When the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a batting order different from the correct batting order set for each winning area among the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 12", there is a 1 / 2 probability that a single-character winning combination A or a single-character winning combination B wins, and there is a 1 / 2 probability that a symbol combination different from any winning symbol combination is stopped and displayed on the active line L1 as a miss (non-winning).

[0076] <Reel control means> In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, regardless of the gaming state, in the reel stop control, the priority order of stopping on the effective line L1 is determined in the order of "replay > minor winning combination > bonus". That is, when the bonus and the minor winning combination or the bonus and the replay overlap and are selected, the reel control means 130 executes a stop control that gives priority to the minor winning combination or the replay over the bonus.

[0077] In addition, for all-phase excitation drive pulses supplied to stop the rotating reel, the reel control means 130 of the present embodiment continues to supply the drive pulses until 200 ms have elapsed in order to surely stop the rotating reel.

[0078] The reel control means 130 uses a reel index, which is information indicating that the reel has rotated once and is output when a photosensor provided in the reel unit 310 detects a reel position detection unit provided on each reel, and the rotation angle from the reference position of the reel where the reel index is detected (calculated from the number of supply times of the drive pulses supplied to the stepping motor), to acquire the rotation state of the reel at the time when a reel stop signal is received from the stop switch 240. Details of the reel stop control in this game and the reel temporary stop control executed when temporarily stopping in the simulated game will be described later.

[0079] <Payout of Minor Winning Combinations> The payouts for Bell A to Bell F are set to the number of payouts (15 pieces), which is more than the specified number of inserted coins (3 pieces). Also, the payouts for 1-Coin Combination A to 1-Coin Combination C and the rare winning combination are set to the number of payouts (1 piece), which is less than the specified number of inserted coins.

[0080] <Game State Transition Control Means> FIG. 4(A) is a state transition diagram showing the game states that can be transitioned from each game state in the control related to the transition of the game state executed by the game state transition control means 170 of the present embodiment.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 4(A), the non-RT state is a game state (initial game state, normal game state) corresponding to the initial state among a plurality of types of game states, and it is a non-bonus state in which no bonus is activated or established. In the non-RT state, the game state transition control means 170 causes the internal lottery means 120 to execute an internal lottery using the internal lottery table A in which the winning probability of replay is set to 8978 / 65536 (about 1 / 7.3).

[0082] The bonus established state is a game state that transitions when winning in any of the winning areas "RBB", "RBB & 1-card combination", and "RBB & rare combination" in the internal lottery in the non-RT state and the RBB is set to the established state. In the bonus established state, the game state transition control means 170 causes the internal lottery means 120 to execute an internal lottery using the internal lottery table B in which the winning probability of replay is set to 8982 / 65536 (about 1 / 7.3).

[0083] The bonus state is a game state that transitions when the RBB wins and the RBB is activated. In the bonus state, the game state transition control means 170 determines whether the end condition of the activated RBB is satisfied based on the total number of medals paid out, and when more than a predetermined number of payouts (for example, 100 medals) are paid out, the bonus state is ended by ending the activation of the RBB, and the game state is transitioned to the non-RT state which is a non-bonus state. In the bonus state, the game state transition control means 170 causes the internal lottery means 120 to execute an internal lottery using the internal lottery table C.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 3, in the internal lottery table C, random numbers are associated with the winning area "all small combinations" that wins all small combinations of Bell A to Bell F, 1-card combination A to 1-card combination C, and rare combination, and the winning area "all 1-card combinations" that wins all small combinations in which the payouts of 1-card combination A to 1-card combination C and rare combination are set to 1.

[0085] The bonus state will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3. In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, in the bonus state where the internal lottery table C is selected, the probability of winning in the winning area "all low hands" or the winning area "all single-card hands" is higher than the probability of winning in any of the winning areas including low hands in the internal lottery table A and the internal lottery table B. That is, the probability of winning a low hand in the bonus state is set to be higher than the probability of winning any low hand in the gaming state other than the bonus state. Also, in the internal lottery table C, the probability of winning in the winning area "all low hands" is set to be the same as the sum of the probabilities of winning in any one of the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 6" and any one of the winning areas "batting order bell 7" to "batting order bell 12" in the internal lottery table A and the internal lottery table B.

[0086] Due to such a configuration, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that in the bonus state, the winning probability of all low hands increases, and the probability of winning any low hand is also the same or increases, compared to the non-RT state where the bonus is not activated and the case where the bonus is established.

[0087] Also, the slot machine 1 is configured such that in the bonus state, the probability of winning in the winning area "all low hands" is lower than the probability of winning in any one of the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 12" (the winning probability obtained by summing the respective winning probabilities of the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 12").

[0088] As described above, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment has a plurality of types of specific winning patterns (Bell A to Bell F) set to a payout higher than the number of game values required to start a game, and these specific winning patterns do not overlap with each other and overlap and win with other minor winning patterns in a plurality of types of first specific winning modes (winning areas "Batter's Bell 1" to "Batter's Bell 6", winning areas "Batter's Bell 7" to "Batter's Bell 12"), and a plurality of types of specific minor winning patterns overlap and win in a second specific winning mode (winning area "All Minor Winning Patterns"). The internal lottery means 120 is configured to perform an internal lottery so that a plurality of types of first specific winning modes exist in the normal game state (non-RT state) and the bonus establishment state, and to perform an internal lottery so that the second specific winning mode exists in the bonus state. Further, in the slot machine 1, the probability of winning the second winning mode in the internal lottery in the bonus state is lower than the probability of winning any of the plurality of types of first winning modes in the internal lottery in the normal game state and the bonus establishment state, and the winning probability of each of all minor winning patterns in the internal lottery in the bonus state is configured to be equal to or higher than the winning probability of each of all minor winning patterns in the internal lottery in the normal game state and the bonus establishment state.

[0089] Therefore, for the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, in the bonus state, the expected value of the medal acquisition rate is less than 100%.

[0090] Here, in the bonus established state, although it will be described in more detail later, when winning in the winning areas "Batter Bell 1" to "Batter Bell 12", unless the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the correct batting order composed of batting orders 1 to 6, bells A to F cannot be won. Therefore, the probability of winning any of bells A to F is limited to the case where the stop buttons B1 to B3 can be operated in the correct batting order from six types of batting orders. On the other hand, when an AT game in which winning assistance is executed by the AT control means 200 described later is executed, at the time of winning in the winning areas "Batter Bell 1" to "Batter Bell 12", the correct batting order is notified by the winning assistance by the AT control means 200 and the winning assistance effect by the effect control means 180. Therefore, the probability of winning any of bells A to F can be increased up to six times at most compared to the case where no winning assistance is executed.

[0091] As described above, in the present embodiment, as a winning combination (specific combination) that pays out more medals than the specified number of inserted medals that win when the stop operation is performed in the correct batting order and the operation timing of the first stop operation is appropriate, six types from bells A to F are set. And the probability of obtaining a winning combination including the specific combination in the bonus state is compressed to about 1 / 6 of the probability of obtaining a winning combination including the specific combination in the game state other than the bonus state. By configuring in this way, an internal lottery is performed by providing a mode in which N types of specific combinations are won without overlapping each other in the game state other than the bonus state, and an internal lottery is performed by providing a mode in which N types of specific combinations are won overlappingly in the bonus state. Thus, the probability of obtaining a winning combination including the specific combination in the bonus state can be compressed to about 1 / N of the probability of obtaining a winning combination including the specific combination in the game state other than the bonus state. As a result, the lower limit of the expected value of the medal acquisition rate in the bonus state can be lowered to less than 100%, and the medal acquisition performance regarding the AT game can be designed. Therefore, the degree of freedom in designing the slot machine 1 equipped with the AT function can be dramatically improved.

[0092] <AT control means> FIG. 4(B) is a state transition diagram showing details of a normal section and a favorable section controlled by the AT control means 200 of the present embodiment, and a production state controlled during the favorable section.

[0093] As described above, the normal section is a period in which control related to the auxiliary game based on the result of the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 is not executed. In the game during the normal section, the AT control means 200 executes a favorable section lottery, which is a lottery for determining whether to end the normal section and start the favorable section based on the winning area won in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120.

[0094] In the favorable section lottery, the AT control means 200 first acquires a favorable section transition lottery table, which is a data table in which "start of favorable section" and "loss (non-winning)" are associated with each of a plurality of random numbers, from the AT control data storage means 197. Then, the AT control means 200 acquires a random number from the random number generation means 110, compares the acquired random number with the favorable section transition lottery table, and determines whether to start the favorable section based on the comparison result.

[0095] The AT control means 200 executes the favorable section lottery so that the probability obtained by multiplying the winning probability of the winning area won in the internal lottery by the winning probability of "start of favorable section" in the favorable section lottery is 1 / 17500 or more.

[0096] The AT control means 200 of the present embodiment is configured to execute the favorable section lottery when winning in the internal lottery in the non-RT state and the bonus established state in the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 12", the winning area "RBB & rare combination", the winning area "RBB & 1-card combination", the winning area "normal replay 1", and the winning area "rare replay", and not to execute the favorable section lottery when winning in other winning areas. In addition, the AT control means 200 executes a favorable section lottery with a high probability of winning "start of favorable section" of about 1 / 1.5.

[0097] In the advantageous section, the AT control means 200 has, as states related to the instruction function (production states), a normal state, a CZ state, and an AT state. In the normal state, it is configured not to execute the winning assistance for bells A to F when winning in the winning areas "batter bell 1" to "batter bell 12". In the CZ state and the AT state, it is configured to be able to execute the winning assistance for bells A to F when winning in the winning areas "batter bell 1" to "batter bell 12". Also, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that the staying ratio of the advantageous section in the overall game can be 70% or more.

[0098] The normal state is a production state (normal production state) corresponding to the normal state among a plurality of types of production states, which is set when not transitioning to other production states. When the production state transitions to the normal state, the AT control means 200 executes an incremental update to add a value "1" corresponding to 1 game to the non-AT game number counter (not shown) that counts the number of games in the normal state each time a game is executed. When the stored value of the non-AT game number counter becomes the value "700", the AT control means 200 determines that the transition condition to the CZ state is satisfied and transitions the production state from the normal state to the CZ state.

[0099] Also, the AT control means 200 executes a CZ lottery to determine whether or not to transition to the CZ state when winning in the winning area "RBB & rare combination" and when winning in the winning area "rare replay" in the internal lottery.

[0100] In the CZ lottery, the AT control means 200 conducts a lottery to determine either "transition to the CZ state" or "non-winning". When winning "transition to the CZ state" in the CZ lottery, it determines that the CZ transition condition is satisfied and transitions the production state from the normal state to the CZ state.

[0101] The CZ state is a production state that is more advantageous for the player than the normal state by executing the winning assistance for bells A to F when winning in the winning areas "batter bell 1" to "batter bell 12".

[0102] The AT control means 200 sets a value (for example, 8 times) corresponding to a predetermined number of times for executing a prize-winning assistance to the CZ auxiliary game count counter (not shown) of the AT control data storage means 197 at the start of the CZ state. Each time the AT control means 200 wins in the winning areas "batter bell 1" to "batter bell 12" and executes a prize-winning assistance, it performs a decrement update to subtract the stored value of the CZ auxiliary game count counter by a value "1" corresponding to one time.

[0103] The AT control means 200 is configured to execute a CZ-in-AT lottery for lottery to determine whether or not to shift to the AT state in a game in which the CZ state has started. When winning in the CZ-in-AT lottery for "shift to the AT state", the AT control means 200 shifts the effect state from the CZ state to the AT state after 8 times of prize-winning assistance have been executed since the start of the CZ state. On the other hand, when not winning in the CZ-in-AT lottery for "shift to the AT state", the AT control means 200 ends the CZ state after 8 times of prize-winning assistance have been executed since the start of the CZ state. When the AT control means 200 ends the CZ state in a state where the AT transition condition is not satisfied, it determines that the normal end condition among the end conditions of the advantageous section is satisfied, and executes a predetermined initialization process which is a process for initializing information regarding the advantageous section, and a predetermined end process for ending the advantageous section and starting the normal section from the next game.

[0104] In the CZ-in-AT lottery, the AT control means 200 executes a lottery that can win in "shift to the AT state" regardless of the result of the internal lottery. Also, in the CZ-in-AT lottery, the AT control means 200 is configured such that the probability of winning in "shift to the AT state" varies depending on the winning area won in the internal lottery by obtaining a lottery table with reference to the winning area won in the internal lottery. The AT control means 200 obtains a lottery table in which the probability of winning in "shift to the AT state" is higher when winning in the winning area "RBB & rare combination" and when winning in the winning area "rare replay" in the internal lottery than when winning in other winning areas.

[0105] The AT state is a performance state that is more advantageous for the player than the normal state by executing the winning assistance of Bells A to F when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12".

[0106] When starting the AT state, the AT control means 200 sets an initial value (50 games) corresponding to a predetermined number of game plays in the AT game number counter (not shown) of the AT control data storage means 197, and each time a game is executed, it performs a decrement update to subtract the stored value of the AT game number counter by a value "1" corresponding to 1 game.

[0107] Also, when the internal lottery means 120 wins in the winning area "RBB & Rare Combination" or in the winning area "Rare Replay" in the internal lottery, the AT control means 200 determines whether to add a value determined by lottery to the stored value of the AT game number counter, thereby executing a bonus lottery to determine whether to add (overlay) the period during which the AT state continues. When the value determined by the bonus lottery is a value of 1 or more, it is configured to execute a bonus process of adding the determined value to the AT game number counter.

[0108] When the stored value of the AT game number counter becomes the value "0" by the decrement update that the AT control means 200 executes each time a game in the AT state is executed, it determines that the end condition of the AT state (AT end condition) is satisfied, ends the AT state, determines that the normal end condition among the end conditions of the advantageous section is satisfied, and executes a predetermined initialization process that is a process of initializing the information regarding the advantageous section, and a predetermined end process of ending the advantageous section and starting the normal section from the next game.

[0109] Also, when the stored value of the first advantageous section counter 197a reaches the value "1500" in the AT state and when the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b exceeds the value "2400" in the AT state, the AT control means 200 determines that the AT end condition is satisfied, ends the AT state, determines that the specific end condition among the end conditions of the advantageous section is satisfied, and executes a predetermined initialization process which is a process of initializing the information regarding the advantageous section, and a predetermined end process of ending the advantageous section and starting the normal section from the next game.

[0110] <Pseudo game control means> The pseudo game control means 400 of the present embodiment is configured to execute a pseudo game in a game in which the AT state is started by the AT control means 200. In the pseudo game, the pseudo game control means 400 rotates the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 by operating the start lever SL, and causes the reel control means 130 to execute control of temporarily stopping the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 by operating the stop buttons B1 to B3. When the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are temporarily stopped, the pseudo game control means 400 is configured to cause the reel control means 130 to execute control of temporarily stopping and displaying the white 7 symbol "White 7" in the middle stage of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0111] The middle stages of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 respectively constitute the temporary stop positions in the present embodiment, and the white 7 symbols "White 7" arranged on the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 respectively constitute the temporary stop symbols in the present embodiment.

[0112] In the slot machine 1, when a pseudo game is executed, even if the time exceeds 190 ms, which is a predetermined period from the time when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated, the rotation continues until the white 7 symbol "White 7" reaches the middle stage of the reel. When the white 7 symbol "White 7" (see Fig. 5) reaches the middle stage of the reel, the reel is configured to be temporarily stopped. From the time when the stop button is pressed until the reel is temporarily stopped, it is configured to be rotatable beyond the number of rotatable frames (4 frames) in this game. Details of the temporary stop control of the reel in the pseudo game will be described later.

[0113] Further, the reel control means 130 of the present embodiment outputs a drive pulse for rotating the reel that is temporarily stopped in a pseudo game by one step (about 1.43°) in the normal rotation direction or the reverse rotation direction to the stepping motor that rotationally drives the reel until a predetermined time (500 ms in this embodiment) elapses from the time when the rotation stops. The reel control means 130 outputs a drive pulse for rotating the reel by one step in the normal rotation direction and a drive pulse for rotating the reel by one step in the reverse rotation direction alternately at intervals within 500 ms, thereby slightly vibrating the temporarily stopped reel. Details of the slight vibration of the reel in the pseudo game will be described later.

[0114] When the pseudo game ends, in the slot machine 1, since a predetermined symbol combination ("White 7 - White 7 - White 7" in this embodiment) is displayed in the middle stages of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 by the pseudo game, the reel control means 130 executes a random delay process of randomly delaying the timing of starting the rotation of each reel in order to prevent the winning of a role from being assisted and the fairness of the game from being impaired by the synchronization of the start of rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3. By the random delay process, the timing of starting the rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 is not synchronized, so that the slot machine 1 ensures the fairness of the game even when a pseudo game is executed.

[0115] In addition, in the present embodiment, when the pseudo-game control means 400 generates a freeze including a pseudo-game, a game interruption signal indicating that the game is in progress due to the occurrence of the freeze is transmitted to an external test device provided outside the slot machine 1 via a relay board (not shown).

[0116] As described above, the pseudo-game is a reel effect in which the period of continuation by the operation of the player can be adjusted. Therefore, when the pseudo-game control means 400 of the present embodiment outputs a game interruption signal to the external test device when the pseudo-game is started, in order to shorten the time required for the test using the external test device, an effect shortening request command, which is identification information (command) for ending the pseudo-game in a short period, is output to a relay board that connects the game control means 10 and the external test device. The pseudo-game control means 400 transmits the effect shortening request command toward the relay board every time about 50 ms elapses, which is a longer time than the time (37.5 ms in the present embodiment) required for the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 to rotate by one symbol as a predetermined time.

[0117] The relay board outputs a stop button operation signal for causing the external test device to output a stop signal indicating that the stop button corresponding to the effect shortening request command has been operated, to the external test device.

[0118] With such a configuration, in the slot machine 1 having a pseudo-game that is a reel effect in which the period of continuation by the operation of the player changes, when the execution of the pseudo-game is determined in the test using the external test device, by outputting a signal for temporarily stopping the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 one by one every time a predetermined period elapses, the pseudo-game can be ended in a short time while maintaining the characteristics of the pseudo-game, and an appropriate and rapid test can be executed.

[0119] Also, by executing the above-described control, in the slot machine 1, the pseudo-game control means 400 outputs a production shortening request command to the relay board, so that when an operation means corresponding to the production shortening request command is operated, the output of the signal output can be requested from the external test device via the relay board, and when the requested signal is input from the external test device to the relay board, a signal output when the operation means corresponding to the production shortening request command is operated is output from the relay board. Therefore, the signal output from the relay board can be substituted for the operation on the operation means.

[0120] 3. Details of Reel Stop Control in Pseudo-Game Next, when executing a pseudo-game in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, details of the control related to the temporary stop of the reel executed by the reel control means 130 and the control for slightly vibrating the temporarily stopped reel will be described.

[0121] <Symbol Arrangement> FIG. 5 is a diagram showing each symbol arranged on the peripheral surfaces of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, on the outer peripheral surfaces of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, there are arranged a white 7 symbol "White 7", a BAR symbol "BAR", a replay symbol "RP", a bell A symbol "BLA", a bell B symbol "BLB", a cherry symbol "CH", a watermelon symbol "WM", a blank A symbol "BKA", a blank B symbol "BKB", and a blank C symbol "BKC". Also, on the peripheral surfaces of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, 20 frames of symbols are arranged respectively. As shown in FIG. 5, each of the 20 frames is associated with a stop number from stop number 0 to stop number 19.

[0122] In the present embodiment, the BAR symbol "BAR" and the white 7 symbol "White 7" have a wider width than other symbols in a front view and are configured as symbols with higher visibility than other symbols during the rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3.

[0123] <Flow of Control Executed by Game Control Means> In the game control means 10 of the present embodiment, after the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 is executed, control related to the auxiliary game by the AT control means 200 is executed. The AT control means 200 is configured to execute control related to whether or not to execute a pseudo game in the control related to the auxiliary game.

[0124] In the game control means 10, after the control related to the auxiliary game by the AT control means 200 ends, the pseudo game process by the pseudo game control means 400 is executed. The pseudo game control means 400 executes the process from the start of the pseudo game until the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are temporarily stopped and the pseudo game ends in the pseudo game process.

[0125] In the game control means 10, after the pseudo game process by the pseudo game control means 400 is executed, the reel rotation control and the reel stop control by the reel control means 130 are executed. In the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, the same stop control program is used for the stop control program used when temporarily stopping the reel in the pseudo game process by the pseudo game control means 400 and the stop control program used in the reel stop control executed by the reel control means 130 in this game.

[0126] <Pseudo game process> FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the pseudo game process executed by the pseudo game control means 400 of the present embodiment. First, the pseudo game control means 400 determines whether or not a pseudo game is to be executed in the current game (S1). In this process, if it is determined not to execute the pseudo game (NO), the pseudo game control means 400 ends the pseudo game.

[0127] On the other hand, if it is determined to execute the pseudo game in the current game (YES), the pseudo game control means 400 sets ON a pseudo game flag, which is flag data indicating that the pseudo game is in progress (S2).

[0128] Next, the pseudo game control means 400 sets stop numbers according to the content of the pseudo game (S3). In this process, the pseudo game control means 400 sets the stop numbers of the reels on each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 according to the content of the pseudo game to be executed. The pseudo game control means 400 of the present embodiment executes a pseudo game in a game in which the AT state is started, and temporarily stops and displays the white 7 symbol "White 7" with the stop number 14 in the middle of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 based on the operations of the stop buttons B1 to B3. That is, since the reel stop control is executed so that the symbol with the stop number 13 temporarily stops at the upper stage of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, the stop number 13 is set for each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3.

[0129] Next, the pseudo game control means 400 causes the reel control means 130 to execute reel rotation start control (S4). In this process, the pseudo game control means 400 causes the reel control means 130 to start the rotation of the reel.

[0130] Next, the pseudo game control means 400 causes the reel control means 130 to execute reel stop control (S5). As described above, in the slot machine 1, for the reel stop control executed for the temporary stop of the reel in the pseudo game, the same stop control program as the reel stop control executed by the reel control means 130 in this game is used for execution. In the slot machine 1, in the pseudo game process, after all of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are temporarily stopped, the process proceeds from the process of step S5 to the process of step S6.

[0131] After executing the process of step S5, the pseudo game control means 400 determines whether or not the start lever SL has been operated (S6). In this process, when it is determined that the start lever SL has not been operated (No), the pseudo game control means 400 repeats the process of step S6 until the start lever SL is operated. Note that the pseudo game control means 400 also proceeds to the process of step S7 when the start operation to the start lever SL is not executed even when a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed after the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are temporarily stopped.

[0132] In the process of step S6, if it is determined that the start lever SL has been operated (YES), the pseudo-game control means 400 determines whether the pseudo-game continues (S7). In this process, if it is determined that the pseudo-game continues (YES), the pseudo-game control means 400 returns the process to step S3 to start the next pseudo-game. On the other hand, if it is determined that the pseudo-game does not continue (NO), the pseudo-game control means 400 sets the pseudo-game flag to OFF (S8) because the pseudo-game has ended, and ends the pseudo-game process.

[0133] <Reel Stop Control> FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the reel stop control executed by the reel control means 130 of the present embodiment. As described above, the reel control means 130 of the present embodiment is configured to execute control related to the stop of the reel using the common stop control program shown in FIG. 7 when stopping the reel rotating in the main game and when temporarily stopping the reel rotating in the pseudo-game.

[0134] First, the reel control means 130 determines whether the valid stop buttons B1 to B3 have been operated (S11). In this process, the reel control means 130 determines whether the stop signal output from the stop switch 240 is activated and whether the stop button corresponding to the rotating reel has been operated. If it is determined that the stop button has not been operated or the stop button corresponding to the reel that has already stopped (temporarily stopped) has been operated (the invalid stop button has been operated) (NO), the process of step S11 is repeated until a valid stop button is operated.

[0135] In the process of step S11, if it is determined that a valid stop button has been operated (YES), the reel control means 130 sets the stop position of the reel from the symbol appearing in the upper stage (the symbol appearing in the upper stage) on the reel corresponding to the operated stop button (S12). In this process, the reel control means 130 obtains the stop number associated with the symbol appearing in the upper stage from the reel index associated with the reel and the number of times of supply of drive pulses supplied to the stepping motor, and sets the obtained stop number as the stop position. Here, the symbol appearing in the upper stage means a state in which when the specific area 330b of the display device 330 is viewed from the front, at least the lower half of the symbol can be seen in the upper stage, and it means a state in which it has rotated by 8 steps (about 11.44°) or more from the upper end of the specific area 330b.

[0136] Next, the reel control means 130 sets the number of slip frames (S13). In this process, the reel control means 130 sets the number of frames (number of slip frames) for rotating the reel to the stop position set in the process of step S12. When this is an actual game, the reel control means 130 can set the number of frames within the range (4 frames) that can be stopped within 190 ms after the stop button is operated as the number of slip frames, and when it is a simulated game, it is configured to be able to set the number of frames within a maximum range of 19 frames as the number of slip frames.

[0137] Next, the reel control means 130 calculates the stop number (S14). In this process, the reel control means 130 calculates the stop number of the symbol to be stopped at the upper stage of the reel from the stop position set in the process of step S12 and the number of slip frames set in the process of step S13.

[0138] The processing of steps S12 to S14 will be described using a specific example. For example, the reel control means 130 determines that the current reel stop control is the reel stop control in this game, the result of the internal lottery is the winning of replay A in which the winning symbol combination is composed of "RP - RP - RP", and when the upper - stage appearing symbol at the time when the stop button B1 is operated is the bell A symbol "BLA" with the stop number 12, in the process of step S12, the stop position is set to the stop number 12. In the process of step S13, since the stop number of the replay symbol "RP" located upstream in the normal rotation direction from the bell A symbol "BLA" with the stop number 12 on the left reel R1 is the stop number 8, the number of sliding frames is set to 4 frames. In the process of step S14, the bell A symbol "BLA" with the stop number 7, which has rotated 4 frames from the frame with the stop number 12, is calculated as the stop number.

[0139] Next, the reel control means 130 sets a reel stop request (S15). In this process, the reel control means 130 sets a reel stop request, which is data used to determine whether to change the rotation mode of the reel during the stop operation in the reel control in the interrupt process.

[0140] Next, the reel control means 130 determines whether the stop control calculation for all reels has been completed (S16). In this process, the reel control means 130 determines whether the stop control calculation composed of the processes of steps S12 to S15 has been performed for all reels from the left reel R1 to the right reel R3. If the stop control calculation for any of the reels from the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 has not been completed (NO), the process returns to step S11.

[0141] On the other hand, when it is determined that the stop control calculation for all reels has been completed (YES), the reel control means 130 determines whether all reels have stopped (S17). In this process, the reel control means 130 determines whether all reels from the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 have stopped (temporarily stopped) based on the stop control calculation of the reels. If it is determined that any of the reels from the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 is still rotating or decelerating due to stopping (NO), the process of step S17 is continued until all of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 have stopped (temporarily stopped). If it is determined that all of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 have stopped (temporarily stopped) (YES), the reel stop control is terminated.

[0142] <Reel Control in Interrupt Processing> FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing related to reel control executed by the reel control means 130 among the interrupt processes executed by each means constituting the game control means 10.

[0143] In the interrupt process related to reel control, first, the reel control means 130 updates the step count (S21). In this process, the reel control means 130 updates the number of times drive pulses have been supplied to each stepping motor that rotates the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, that is, the step count.

[0144] Next, the reel control means 130 determines whether it is time to update the stop number of the symbols currently appearing (S22). In this process, the reel control means 130 calculates the rotation angle from the reference position of the reel where the reel index is detected from the updated number of times drive pulses have been supplied, and determines whether it is the timing when a symbol with a stop number different from the symbol currently appearing in the previous interrupt process related to reel control becomes the new symbol currently appearing.

[0145] In the process of step S22, if it is determined that it is time to update the stop number of the symbol in appearance (YES), the reel control means 130 updates the stop number of the symbol in appearance (S23), and sets ON a symbol update flag, which is flag data indicating that the stop number of the symbol in appearance has been updated (S24). When the reel control means 130 sets the symbol update flag ON in the reel control in the interrupt process, the symbol update flag is maintained ON until the reel control in the interrupt process in which the symbol update flag is set ON ends, and when starting the reel control in the next interrupt process, the symbol update flag is set from ON to OFF and then the series of processes shown in FIG. 8 is executed.

[0146] After executing the process of step S24 or in the process of step S22, if it is determined that it is not time to update the stop number of the symbol in appearance (NO), the reel control means 130 determines whether there is a reel stop request (S25). In this process, the reel control means 130 determines whether there is a reel stop request set in the process of step S15 of the reel stop control shown in FIG. 7.

[0147] In the process of step S25, if it is determined that there is a reel stop request (YES), the reel control means 130 determines whether the stop number of the symbol in appearance matches the calculated stop number (S26). In this process, the reel control means 130 determines whether the stop number of the symbol in appearance updated in the process of step S23 matches the stop number calculated in the process of step S14 of the reel stop control.

[0148] In the process of step S26, if it is determined that the stop number of the symbol in appearance matches the calculated stop number (YES), the reel control means 130 determines whether the pseudo game flag is ON (S27). In this process, if it is determined that the pseudo game flag is ON (YES), the reel control means 130 determines whether the symbol update flag is ON (S28).

[0149] In the process of step S27, if it is determined that the pseudo-game flag is OFF (NO), or in the process of step S28, if it is determined that the symbol update flag is ON (YES), the reel control means 130 changes the control mode of the reel during the reel stop operation (S29). In this process, the reel control means 130 starts supplying a drive pulse for full-phase excitation to the stepping motor that rotates the reel set as the stop target in the stop request.

[0150] As described above, the reel control means 130 is configured to execute reel stop control for temporarily stopping and displaying the white 7 symbol "White 7" in the middle stage of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons B1 to B3 in the pseudo-game. For this reason, for example, when the stop button B1 is operated at the timing when the symbol in appearance is the replay symbol "RP" with the stop number 13, and the operation position of the stop button B1 is set to the bell A symbol "BLA" with the stop number 12, in order to temporarily stop and display the white 7 symbol "White 7" with the stop number 14 in the middle stage of the left reel R1, the replay symbol "RP" with the stop number 13 is set to the stop number according to the pseudo-game.

[0151] Due to such a configuration, in the slot machine 1, when the pseudo-game is executed, if it is determined that the stop number of the symbol in appearance and the calculated stop number match, and then it is not determined whether the symbol update flag is set to ON, that is, whether the current interrupt process is the timing to update the stop number of the symbol in appearance, when the stop button B1 is operated, the stop number of the symbol in appearance at that time and the stop number set according to the pseudo-game will match. As a result, it is determined that the symbol in appearance is the symbol with the set stop number, the drive pulse for full-phase excitation is started to be supplied, and the rotation is immediately stopped regardless of the position of each symbol on the left reel R1.

[0152] Specifically, in the slot machine 1, as shown in Fig. 9(A), even if it is the timing when the symbol in appearance is updated from stop number 13 to stop number 12 in the next step, since the current stop number of the symbol in appearance is stop number 13, the supply of the driving pulse for full-phase excitation is started. In such a case, in the slot machine 1, as shown in Fig. 9(B), the white 7 symbol "White 7" temporarily stops at a position below the middle section of the left reel R1 when viewed from the front, and it becomes impossible to temporarily stop at the middle position of the left reel R1 where it is originally desired to temporarily stop.

[0153] In order to prevent such a problem with the stop position in the temporary stop from occurring, the reel control means 130 of the present embodiment is configured to change during the reel stop operation when it is determined that the pseudo-game flag is ON and when it is determined that the symbol update flag is ON after determining whether the stop number of the symbol in appearance matches the calculated stop number.

[0154] That is, the reel control means 130 of the present embodiment does not start the supply of the driving pulse for full-phase excitation and does not start the temporary stop of the reel until the white 7 symbol "White 7" reaches the middle section by updating the stop number of the symbol in appearance when at least a part of the white 7 symbol "White 7" is included in the middle section of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button at the timing when the stop button is operated in the pseudo-game. Thus, the white 7 symbol "White 7" with a part of the symbol included in the middle section of the reel is passed at the timing when the stop button is operated, and it is configured to temporarily stop at the timing when the white 7 symbol "White 7" reaches the middle section of the reel again after passing through the middle section of the reel.

[0155] Accordingly, in the slot machine 1, when reel stop control is executed in the pseudo game, if the stop position set from the symbols appearing in the upper row is the symbol at stop number 13 in the upper row in the rotation direction of one frame of the white 7 symbol "White 7" at stop number 14, the number of slipping frames is set to a maximum of 19 frames, and although the stop number is calculated to be stop number 13, in the reel control in the interrupt process executed when the stop button is operated, the stop number of the symbol appearing and the calculated stop number match, and although it is determined that the pseudo game flag is ON, since it is not determined that the symbol update flag is ON, it is not changed during the reel stop operation, and after the stop button is operated and the appearing symbol is updated to the symbol at stop number 13 after rotating 19 frames (after slipping 19 frames) and then changed during the reel stop operation, even when the stop number of the currently appearing symbol and the stop number set according to the pseudo game match at the time of operating the stop button, the reel is not temporarily stopped at that time, but is rotated 19 frames and the drive pulse for full-phase excitation is started to be supplied and temporarily stopped at the timing when the stop number is updated to the stop number set according to the pseudo game, so that the symbol to be temporarily stopped in the pseudo game can be temporarily stopped at an appropriate position and the symbols can be aligned in a row within the specific area 330b, and it is possible to prevent the player's interest in the pseudo game from decreasing.

[0156] Also, in the present embodiment, since the reel control means 130 does not match the stop number of the currently appearing symbol and the stop number according to the result of the internal lottery when the main game is being executed, in the process of step S27, when it is determined that the pseudo game flag is OFF, the process of step S28 is skipped and the process of step S29 is configured to be executed.

[0157] Thus, in the slot machine 1, when it is determined that the stop number of the symbol in appearance matches the calculated stop number when this game is executed, before starting the process of supplying the drive pulse for full-phase excitation, the process related to stopping waits until the stop number of the symbol in appearance is updated, preventing the execution of a series of unnecessary processes in this game and preventing an increase in program capacity and processing load.

[0158] Also, with such a configuration, the slot machine 1 is configured to commonly execute the reel stop control shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 for both this game and the pseudo game, eliminating the need to separately prepare a program dedicated to the pseudo game and reducing the program capacity.

[0159] In particular, as shown in FIG. 8, the slot machine 1 can execute a common control program for both this game and the pseudo game simply by switching the process based on whether the pseudo game flag is ON or OFF, and compared with a control program that determines each time whether the symbol in appearance that triggers the start of supplying the drive pulse for full-phase excitation is currently passing through, the control programs for both this game and the pseudo game can be made common with a simple control program, reducing the program capacity and data capacity.

[0160] After executing the process of step S29, the reel control means 130 determines whether the pseudo game flag is ON (S30). In this process, if it is determined that the pseudo game flag is ON (YES), the reel control means 130 sets each of the left reel timer 194a that manages the vibration of the left reel R1, the middle reel timer 194b that manages the vibration of the middle reel R2, the right reel timer 194c that manages the vibration of the right reel R3, and the pseudo game common timer 194d that is commonly used in the vibrations of each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 to manage the synchronization of the vibrations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 for the minute vibrations of the temporarily stopped left reel R1 to right reel R3 executed in the pseudo game (S31), and ends the reel control in the interrupt process. Details of the minute vibrations of the left reel R1 to right reel R3 and each timer will be described later.

[0161] In the process of step S25, when it is determined that there is no stop request for the reel (NO), in the process of step S26, when it is determined that the stop number of the appearing symbol does not match the calculated stop number (NO), or in the process of step S28, when it is determined that the symbol update flag is OFF (NO), the reel control means 130 executes an excitation update process (S32) for updating the excitation of the stepping motor that rotates the reel in order to continue the rotation of the reel, and ends the reel control in the interrupt process.

[0162] 4. Details of the minute vibration of the reel temporarily stopped in the pseudo game Next, details of the minute vibration of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 that are executed when the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are temporarily stopped in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment will be described.

[0163] <Configuration related to minute vibration> As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine 1 includes a left reel timer 194a that manages the vibration of the left reel R1, a middle reel timer 194b that manages the vibration of the middle reel R2, a right reel timer 194c that manages the vibration of the right reel R3, and a pseudo game common timer 194d that is commonly used in the respective vibrations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 to manage the synchronization of the vibrations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 in the reel control data storage means 194 of the storage means 190.

[0164] In the present embodiment, when a drive pulse for full-phase excitation for temporarily stopping the reel corresponding to the operated stop button is started to be supplied when any one of the stop buttons B1 to B3 is operated in the pseudo game, a timer for managing the vibration of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button (for example, the left reel timer 194a if the stop button B1 is operated) is set to the value "160" as the first value, and is decremented (decrementally updated) by 1 every four interrupt processes. Further, when the value of the timer for managing the vibration of the reel becomes from the value "1" to the value "0" and the pseudo game is continuing, the reel control means 130 sets the value "78" as the second value to the timer. In this way, the reel control means 130 is configured not to update the value of the timer for managing the vibration of the reel until the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the pseudo game. Details of various controls regarding the update of the timer for managing the vibration of the reel will be described later.

[0165] On the other hand, regarding the pseudo game common timer 194d in the present embodiment, regardless of whether or not the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated when the pseudo game is being executed, the value (stored value) stored in the pseudo game common timer 194d is decremented (decrementally updated) by 1 every four interrupt processes, and when the stored value of the pseudo game common timer 194d in the case of executing the decremental update is the value "0", the value "78" as the third value (initial value) is set. The reel control means 130 initializes the pseudo game common timer 194d and sets the value "78" when a predetermined initialization process executed based on the end of the advantageous section is executed, and when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the present game and the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 stop and one game ends.

[0166] <Control related to synchronization of minute vibrations> Next, with reference to FIG. 10, details of control related to synchronization of minute vibrations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 using a timer for controlling the vibration of the reel and the pseudo-game common timer 194d will be described. FIG. 10 illustrates the behavior of the left reel R1 when the stop button B1 is operated in a pseudo-game and the temporary stop of the left reel R1 is started, the transition of the stored value of the left reel timer 194a, the transition of the stored value of the pseudo-game common timer 194d, and the time elapsed (stop elapsed time) in the state where the left reel R1 has stopped.

[0167] As shown in FIG. 10, the reel control means 130 sets the value "160" in the left reel timer 194a at the timing when the supply of the drive pulse for full-phase excitation is started to the stepping motor that rotates the left reel R1. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the stored value of the pseudo-game common timer 194d at this point is the value "8". As described above, the pseudo-game common timer 194d is configured such that the stored value is subtracted by the value "1" every time the interrupt process is executed 4 times by the reel control means 130 regardless of the progress of the pseudo-game, and any value from the value "0" to the value "78" is set at the timing when the temporary stop of the reel is started, and the value "8" is not necessarily set.

[0168] In the slot machine 1, since the left reel timer 194a and the pseudo-game common timer 194d are decremented and updated every time the interrupt process executed once every approximately 1.49 ms is executed 4 times, approximately 5.96 ms elapses every time the stored values of the left reel timer 194a and the pseudo-game common timer 194d are updated.

[0169] The reel control means 130 manages the number of operations of the reel with respect to the time for supplying the drive pulse for full-phase excitation, and is managed by an operation management timer (not shown) that is updated when the interrupt process is executed once. When the stored value of the left reel timer 194a is updated from the value "127" to the value "126", based on the fact that the stored value of the operation management timer becomes the value "0", the supply of the drive pulse for full-phase excitation is stopped and the excitation is released.

[0170] When the stored value of the left reel timer 194a reaches the value "80", the reel control means 130 de-energizes the stepping motor that rotates the left reel R1, and when the stored value of the left reel timer 194a is updated to the value "79", a drive pulse for exciting one phase is supplied to maintain the stopped state of the stepping motor.

[0171] At the timing when the stored value of the left reel timer 194a, which has elapsed 494.68 ms since the rotation of the left reel R1 stopped, is updated to the value "77", based on the update of the stored value of the left reel timer 194a to the value "77", a drive pulse for rotating one step in the forward rotation direction is supplied to the stepping motor. After rotating the left reel R1 one step in the forward direction, the reel control means 130 resumes the supply of the drive pulse for exciting one phase to maintain the stopped state of the stepping motor.

[0172] When the stored value of the left reel timer 194a is the value "73", the reel control means 130 is configured to determine whether the stored value of the pseudo-game common timer 194d is decremented to the value "0" when being updated to the value "72" by decrement update. When the reel control means 130 determines that the stored value of the pseudo-game common timer 194d is not decremented to the value "0" when the stored value of the left reel timer 194a is updated to the value "72" by decrement update, the stored value of the left reel timer 194a is maintained at the value "73" until the timing when the stored value of the pseudo-game common timer 194d is decremented from the value "1" to the value "0".

[0173] In the example shown in FIG. 10, at the timing when the stored value of the left reel timer 194a is decrementally updated from the value "74" to the value "73" (at the time when the elapsed stop time is approximately 23.84 ms), the stored value of the pseudo game common timer 194d is decrementally updated from the value "1" to the value "0", and when the stored value of the left reel timer 194a is decrementally updated from the value "73" to the value "72" (at the time when the elapsed stop time is approximately 29.8 ms), the stored value of the pseudo game common timer 194d is updated from the value "0" to the value "78", so the stored value of the left reel timer 194a is maintained at the value "73".

[0174] When the reel control means 130 of the present embodiment maintains the stored value of the left reel timer 194a at the value "73", after once decrementally updating the stored value of the left reel timer 194a, it refers to the stored value of the pseudo game common timer 194d, and based on the determination that the referred stored value is not the value "0", it adds the value "1" to the stored value of the left reel timer 194a, thereby maintaining the value at "73". Thereby, in the slot machine 1, in the control program related to the update of the timer for managing the vibration of the reel, it is possible to realize the maintenance of the value without changing the program for executing the decremental update, and the design cost of the control program can be reduced.

[0175] Note that the slot machine 1 may be configured to be able to maintain the stored value of the timer for managing the vibration of the reel at the value "73" without performing subtraction and addition by referring to the stored value after the decremental update of the pseudo game common timer 194d before executing the decremental update of the timer when maintaining the stored value of the timer at the value "73".

[0176] The reel control means 130 maintains the stored value of the left reel timer 194a at the value "73", continues to decrement and update the stored value of the pseudo-game common timer 194d, and when the stored value of the pseudo-game common timer 194d is decremented and updated from the value "1" to the value "0" (at the time when the stop elapsed time is approximately 494.68 ms), based on the fact that the stored value of the pseudo-game common timer 194d is updated to the value "0", the stored value of the left reel timer 194a is decremented and updated from the value "73" to the value "72".

[0177] Based on the fact that the stored value of the left reel timer 194a is updated to the value "72" by decrementing and updating, the reel control means 130 supplies a drive pulse for rotating one step in the reverse rotation direction to the stepping motor. After the left reel R1 is rotated in the reverse direction by one step, the reel control means 130 resumes the supply of the drive pulse for exciting one phase and maintains the state where the stepping motor has stopped.

[0178] The reel control means 130 decrements and updates the stored value of the left reel timer 194a from the value "72" to the value "71", and since the stored value of the pseudo-game common timer 194d is the value "0", it updates it to the value "78". Thereafter, the reel control means 130 continues the decrementing and updating of the stored value of the left reel timer 194a and the stored value of the pseudo-game common timer 194d, and at the timing when the stored value of the left reel timer 194a is decremented and updated from the value "1" to the value "0", the stored value of the left reel timer 194a is updated to the value "78".

[0179] Then, when the stored value of the left reel timer 194a, for which the elapsed stop time becomes approximately 435.08 ms, is updated to the value "77", based on the fact that the stored value of the left reel timer 194a is updated to the value "77", the reel control means 130 supplies a drive pulse for rotating one step in the forward rotation direction to the stepping motor. Further, at the timing when the elapsed stop time becomes approximately 35.76 ms, since the stored value of the left reel timer 194a is the value "73" and the stored value of the pseudo-game common timer 194d is updated from the value "1" to the value "0", the stored value of the left reel timer 194a is updated from the value "73" to the value "72", and based on the fact that the stored value of the left reel timer 194a is updated to the value "72", the reel control means 130 supplies a drive pulse for rotating one step in the reverse rotation direction to the stepping motor. Further, the reel control means 130 is configured to supply a drive pulse for exciting one phase to the stepping motor for cases other than the timing when the stored value of the left reel timer 194a is updated to the value "77" and the timing when it is updated to the value "72", so as to maintain the left reel R1 in a stopped state.

[0180] With such a configuration, in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the pseudo-game and the supply of the drive pulse for exciting all phases to the stepping motor is started, after rotating one step in the forward rotation direction once, for the timing of rotating one step in the reverse rotation direction, it is set to the timing when the stored value of the pseudo-game common timer 194d is updated from the value "1" to the value "0" regardless of the operation timing of the stop buttons B1 to B3. After rotating one step in the reverse rotation direction, when approximately 435.08 ms has elapsed, it rotates one step in the forward rotation direction, and when approximately 35.76 ms has elapsed, it is possible to execute minute vibrations of rotating one step in the reverse rotation direction.

[0181] Also, in FIG. 10, the case where the stop button B1 is operated is illustrated. However, when the stop button B2 or the stop button B3 is operated, the decrement update of the middle reel timer 194b and the decrement update of the right reel timer 194c are executed in substantially the same manner, and the decrement updates of the left reel timer 194a to the right reel timer 194c are configured to be executed in parallel.

[0182] That is, in the slot machine 1, regarding the timing of decrement-updating the stored values of the left reel timer 194a to the right reel timer 194c, which are timers for managing the respective vibrations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, from the value "73" to the value "72", it is a timer independent of the left reel timer 194a to the right reel timer 194c and is updated regardless of the progress of the pseudo game. When any of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 temporarily stops, the pseudo game common timer 194d, which is a timer commonly referred to, is updated from the value "1" to the value "0". By unifying the timing, after temporarily stopping the minute vibrations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 until the pseudo game common timer 194d is updated from the value "1" to the value "0", the minute vibrations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 can be synchronized.

[0183] With such a configuration, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment can synchronize the operations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 in the minute vibrations executed when the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 temporarily stop in the pseudo game, even if the timings at which the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 start the temporary stop are different timings, and can improve the player's interest in the production content when a plurality of reels temporarily stop.

[0184] In addition, after the slot machine 1 temporarily stops the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 and rotates them one step in the forward rotation direction, separate from the left reel timer 194a to the right reel timer 194c that manage the respective vibrations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, at the timing when the stored value of the pseudo-game common timer 194d that is updated regardless of the progress of the pseudo-game is updated from the value "1" to the value "0", it rotates one step in the reverse rotation direction to synchronize the minute vibrations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3. Therefore, when synchronizing the minute vibrations of a plurality of reels, there is no need to execute complicated control to adjust the operation of the vibration of one reel with respect to the minute vibration of the other reel, and it is possible to improve the player's interest in the production content when a plurality of reels are temporarily stopped by a simple control program, and it is possible to reduce the program capacity.

[0185] In addition, when the slot machine 1 synchronizes the minute vibrations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, in order to resume the vibration of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 at the timing when the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are temporarily stopped and the pseudo-game common timer 194d is updated from the value "1" to the value "0", it is possible to improve the player's interest in the production content when a plurality of reels are temporarily stopped by a simpler control program than when synchronizing the minute vibrations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 by adjusting the respective vibration periods and vibration speeds of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, and it is possible to reduce the program capacity.

[0186] This minute vibration executed when the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are temporarily stopped constitutes the first operation in this embodiment, two of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 constitute the first reel and the second reel in this embodiment, are temporarily stopped after rotating one step in the forward rotation direction, and resume the vibration of rotating one step in the reverse rotation direction at a predetermined timing when the pseudo-game common timer 194d is updated from the value "1" to the value "0", which constitutes the second operation for synchronizing the minute vibrations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 in this embodiment.

[0187] <Details of Synchronization of Minute Vibrations> Next, with reference to FIG. 11, details until the minute vibrations of a plurality of reels synchronize in the minute vibrations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the process until the middle reel R2 starts a temporary stop in a state where the left reel R1 is temporarily stopped and performing minute vibrations, and the minute vibrations of the left reel R1 and the minute vibrations of the middle reel R2 synchronize.

[0188] In the example shown in FIG. 11(A), based on the fact that the middle reel R2 temporarily stopped at the timing when the stored value of the left reel timer 194a is the value "40" and the stored value of the pseudo game common timer 194d is the value "47", the value "160" is set in the middle reel timer 194b. In the slot machine 1, thereafter, the updates of the left reel timer 194a, the middle reel timer 194b, and the pseudo game common timer 194d are performed in parallel.

[0189] In the state shown in FIG. 11(B) where about 244.36 ms has elapsed from the state shown in FIG. 11(A), based on the fact that the stored value of the left reel timer 194a is updated to the value "77", the reel control means 130 supplies a drive pulse for rotating the left reel R1 by one step in the forward rotation direction to the stepping motor. At this time, since the stored value of the middle reel timer 194b is the value "119", the middle reel R2 maintains a state of being stopped without vibrating.

[0190] In the state shown in FIG. 11(C) where about 35.76 ms has elapsed from the state shown in FIG. 11(B), based on the fact that the stored value of the left reel timer 194a is updated to the value "72", the reel control means 130 supplies a drive pulse for rotating the left reel R1 by one step in the reverse rotation direction to the stepping motor. At this time, since the stored value of the middle reel timer 194b is the value "113", the middle reel R2 maintains a state of being stopped without vibrating.

[0191] In the state shown in FIG. 11(D) where about 214.56 ms has elapsed since the state shown in FIG. 11(C), the reel control means 130 supplies a drive pulse for rotating the middle reel R2 by one step in the forward rotation direction to the stepping motor based on the fact that the stored value of the middle reel timer 194b is updated to the value "77". At this time, since the stored value of the left reel timer 194a is the value "36", the reel control means 130 maintains the state where the left reel R1 is stopped without vibrating.

[0192] In the state shown in FIG. 11(E) where about 208.6 ms has elapsed since the state shown in FIG. 11(D), the reel control means 130 supplies a drive pulse for rotating the left reel R1 by one step in the forward rotation direction to the stepping motor based on the fact that the stored value of the left reel timer 194a is updated to the value "77". At this time, since the stored value of the middle reel timer 194b is the value "73", the reel control means 130 maintains the state where the middle reel R2 is stopped without vibrating. Although the stored value of the middle reel timer 194b was updated to the value "73 before the timing shown in FIG. 11(E), as shown in FIG. 10, it is configured to be maintained at the value "73" until the timing when the stored value of the pseudo-game common timer 194d is updated from the value "1" to the value "0", so it is also maintained at the value "73" at the timing shown in FIG. 11(E).

[0193] In the state shown in FIG. 11(F) where about 35.76 ms has elapsed since the state shown in FIG. 11(E), the reel control means 130 supplies a drive pulse for rotating the left reel R1 by one step in the reverse rotation direction and a drive pulse for rotating the middle reel R2 by one pulse in the reverse rotation direction to the respective stepping motors based on the fact that the stored value of the pseudo-game common timer 194d is updated from the value "1" to the value "0", and accordingly the stored value of the left reel timer 194a is updated to the value "72" and the stored value of the middle reel timer 194b is updated to the value "72".

[0194] At the timing shown in FIG. 11(F), in the slot machine 1, the minute vibration of the left reel R1 and the minute vibration of the middle reel R2 are synchronized, and while the pseudo game continues thereafter, the stored value of the left reel timer 194a and the stored value of the middle reel timer 194b are the same value. By maintaining this state, the state in which the minute vibration of the left reel R1 and the minute vibration of the middle reel R2 are synchronized is maintained.

[0195] By executing such control, the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment is configured such that the minute vibrations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are synchronized when a pseudo game is executed and the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are temporarily stopped. In the slot machine 1, even when the right reel R3 is temporarily stopped, similar to the case where the temporary stop of the middle reel R2 is started with the left reel R1 in a temporarily stopped state, the right reel timer 194c is updated and the right reel R3 vibrates slightly. When the stored values of the left reel timer 194a to the right reel timer 194c become the value "73" by the timing when the stored value of the pseudo game common timer 194d is updated from the value "1" to the value "0", at the timing when the stored value of the pseudo game common timer 194d is updated from the value "1" to the value "0", the stored values of the left reel timer 194a to the right reel timer 194c are updated from the value "73" to the value "72", and the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 all rotate one step in the reverse rotation direction, so that subsequent minute vibrations are synchronized.

[0196] 5. Stop Control after Power Failure Recovery during Pseudo Game Next, a case will be described in which the power supply to the game control means 10 is cut off (power failure) while the pseudo game is being executed, and the power is restored while the stop button corresponding to the reel that has not yet been temporarily stopped is pressed.

[0197] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when a stop button corresponding to a reel that has not yet been temporarily stopped at the time of power failure is pressed while the power is off, and the power is restored while maintaining the pressed state, if it is possible to enable a stop signal output from the stop switch when resuming the interrupt process that was being executed until the power failure occurred along with the restoration of power, the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button is temporarily stopped.

[0198] On the other hand, in the slot machine 1, if a power failure occurs at a timing when the stop signal output from the stop switch cannot be enabled when resuming the interrupt process that was being executed until the power failure occurred along with the restoration of power, the reel corresponding to the stop button whose pressing is being maintained is not temporarily stopped, and the rotation of the reel continues.

[0199] In such a case, in the slot machine 1, when the pressing of the stop button that has been pressed since the power failure continues to be maintained, when the time (about 1 minute in this embodiment) during which the pseudo game preset in the pseudo game can be continued has elapsed, all the reels including the reel corresponding to the stop button whose pressing is being maintained are temporarily stopped. Also, in the slot machine 1, after the pressing of the stop button whose pressing is being maintained is released, when the stop button is pressed, the stop signal output at that time is enabled, and reel stop control is executed to temporarily stop the reel each time the stop button corresponding to the rotating reel is pressed.

[0200] With such a configuration, when a power failure occurs and a player who wants to resume the pseudo game promptly after the power is restored maintains the pressing of the stop button, if it is possible to validate the stop signal output from the stop switch 240 by pressing the stop button, the reel corresponding to the stop button whose pressing is being maintained can be temporarily stopped, enabling the pseudo game to proceed smoothly. If it is not possible to validate the stop signal output from the stop switch 240, the rotation of the reel continues. When a period during which the pseudo game can continue has elapsed or when the pressing is released and then the button is pressed again, the reel is temporarily stopped, allowing the game to proceed without generating an error that would make the game unplayable.

[0201] Also, in the slot machine 1, when one stop button is pressed from the time of power failure and the pressing of that stop button is being maintained, the configuration is such that a stop signal output when another stop button is pressed is invalidated. In the slot machine 1, after the pressing of the stop button has been released, if the reel corresponding to another stop button is rotating, a stop signal output when another stop button is pressed is validated.

[0202] Note that in the slot machine 1, as described above, since the program related to reel stop control is shared between the case of the actual game and the case of the pseudo game, in the case of the actual game as well, as the reel stop control at the time of resuming from a power failure, a reel stop control substantially the same as in the case of the pseudo game is executed. In the slot machine 1, when a stop button corresponding to a reel that has not yet stopped at the time of power failure is pressed while the power is off and the pressing state is maintained and the power is restored, if it is possible to validate the stop signal output from the stop switch at the point when the interrupt process that was being executed until the power failure occurred is resumed along with the power restoration, the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button is stopped.

[0203] On the other hand, in the slot machine 1, when a power failure occurs at a timing when the stop signal output from the stop switch cannot be enabled when resuming the interrupt process that had been executed until the power failure, the reels corresponding to the pressed stop buttons are not stopped and the rotation of the reels is continued. In such a case, in the slot machine 1, as long as the pressing of the stop button that has been pressed since the power failure continues, the rotation of the reels is continued, and after the pressing of the stop button that has been pressed since the power failure is released, when the stop button is pressed, the stop signal output is enabled, and a reel stop control is executed to stop the reel each time the stop button corresponding to the rotating reel is pressed.

[0204] Also, in the slot machine 1, when one stop button is pressed since the power failure and the pressing of the stop button is maintained, the stop signal output when another stop button is pressed is configured to be invalidated. In the slot machine 1, after the pressing of the stop button is released, when the reels corresponding to the other stop buttons are rotating, the stop signal output when the other stop button is pressed is enabled.

[0205] 6. Summary of this embodiment As described above, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are temporarily stopped in the pseudo game, even if the timings at which the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 start the temporary stop are different timings, in the minute vibration executed when the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are temporarily stopped, a temporary stop for synchronizing the minute vibration is executed, and by unifying the timing for resuming the minute vibration of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, the operations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 can be synchronized, and the interest of the player in the production content when a plurality of reels are temporarily stopped can be improved.

[0206] In addition, when the stop button is pressed during the pseudo game in the slot machine 1 of the present embodiment, if at least a part of the white 7 symbol "White 7" is included in the middle stage of the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button, the rotation of the reel is continued to pass through the middle stage of the reel. After passing through the middle stage of the reel, when the white 7 symbol "White 7" is again positioned at the middle stage of the reel, it is temporarily stopped. In this way, the symbol to be temporarily stopped in the pseudo game can be temporarily stopped at an appropriate position, and the symbols can be aligned in a row within the specific area 330b, preventing the player's interest in the pseudo game from decreasing.

[0207] 7. Modification In the present embodiment, the reel control means 130 determines whether or not the symbol of the stop number set by the symbol in appearance is the symbol of the stop number set at the timing when the stop number of the symbol in appearance is updated when the pseudo game is executed. When it is determined that it is the symbol of the set stop number, the drive pulse of full-phase excitation is supplied to start the temporary stop of the reel. Thus, when the stop button is operated during the pseudo game, if at least a part of the temporary stop symbol (white 7 symbol "White 7") is included in the temporary stop position (middle stage) of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button, the temporary stop symbol included in the temporary stop position of the reel is passed through, and after passing through the temporary stop position of the reel, it is configured to be temporarily stopped at the timing when the temporary stop symbol is again positioned at the temporary stop position of the reel, but it is not limited to this.

[0208] When, for example, the stop button is operated in a pseudo game, the reel control means 130 determines whether the stop number of the symbol in appearance is the stop number set according to the pseudo game without waiting for the stop number of the symbol in appearance to be updated, and then determines each time whether the symbol in appearance is currently passing. If it is currently passing, the reel is not temporarily stopped. When it is determined that the stop number of the symbol in appearance is the stop number set according to the pseudo game and the symbol in appearance is not currently passing, the reel is configured to be temporarily stopped. Thus, when at least a part of the temporarily stopped symbol is included in the temporarily stopped position of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button at the timing when the stop button is operated in the pseudo game, the temporarily stopped symbol included in the temporarily stopped position of the reel is passed, and after passing through the temporarily stopped position of the reel, it may be configured to be temporarily stopped at the timing when the temporarily stopped symbol is again located at the temporarily stopped position of the reel.

[0209] Also, in the present embodiment, the reel control means 130 is configured to pass the temporarily stopped symbol included in the temporarily stopped position of the reel when at least a part of the temporarily stopped symbol is included in the temporarily stopped position of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button, and to be temporarily stopped at the timing when the temporarily stopped symbol is again located at the temporarily stopped position of the reel after passing through the temporarily stopped position of the reel once, but is not limited thereto. The reel control means 130 may be configured to temporarily stop the reel after passing the temporarily stopped symbol through the temporarily stopped position of the reel two or more times after the stop button is operated.

[0210] Also, in the present embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to execute a pseudo game when the effect state controlled by the AT control means 200 shifts to the AT state, but is not limited thereto. For example, the slot machine 1 may execute a lottery to determine whether to execute a pseudo game based on detecting a start operation on the start lever SL, and may be configured to be able to execute a pseudo game when winning "execution of a pseudo game" in the lottery.

[0211] Also, in the present embodiment, the pseudo-game control means 400 determines in advance the pseudo-stop symbol that pseudo-stops at the pseudo-stop position in the pseudo-game as the white 7 symbol "White 7" at the start of the pseudo-game, but is not limited thereto. The pseudo-game control means 400 may be configured to determine the pseudo-stop symbol according to, for example, the timing when the stop button is operated.

[0212] That is, in the slot machine 1, the pseudo-stop symbol may be configured to be determined in advance until the drive pulse of full-phase excitation is supplied and the pseudo-stop is performed. The timing at which it is determined may be any timing.

[0213] Also, in the present embodiment, the reel control means 130 is configured to execute control processing related to pseudo-stop when the stop button is pressed in the pseudo-game, but is not limited thereto. The reel control means 130 may be configured to execute control processing related to pseudo-stop, for example, when the stop button is pressed in the pseudo-game and the output of the stop signal output from the stop switch 240 ends after being pressed and then released as an operation on the stop button.

[0214] Also, in the present embodiment, when synchronizing the minute vibrations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 in the pseudo-game, the slot machine 1 temporarily stops the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 and restarts the vibrations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 at the timing when the pseudo-game common timer 194d is updated from the value "1" to the value "0", but is not limited thereto. The slot machine 1 may be configured to execute a second operation of changing the respective vibration periods or vibration speeds of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 without temporarily stopping the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 when synchronizing the minute vibrations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 in the pseudo-game, so as to synchronize the minute vibrations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3.

[0215] Also, in this embodiment, the reel control means 130 presses the stop button corresponding to the reel that has not yet been temporarily stopped at the time of power failure while the power is off, and when the power is restored while maintaining the pressed state, it determines whether it can enable the stop signal output from the stop switch 240 when resuming the interrupt process that was being executed until the power failure occurred. If the stop signal can be enabled, it stops (temporarily stops) the reel corresponding to the stop button whose pressing is being maintained. If the stop signal cannot be enabled, it is configured to continue the rotation of the reel corresponding to the stop button whose pressing is being maintained, but is not limited thereto.

[0216] For example, when the power is restored after a power failure, the reel control means 130 may be configured to enable the stop signal output from the stop switch 240 in the interrupt process, so that regardless of the progress of the interrupt process at the time of the power failure, the reel corresponding to the stop button whose pressing is being maintained is stopped (temporarily stopped).

[0217] Also, for example, when the power is restored after a power failure, the reel control means 130 may be configured to treat the stop signal output while the pressing of the stop button is maintained as invalid at the time of restoration, so that regardless of the progress of the interrupt process at the time of the power failure, the rotation of the reel corresponding to the stop button whose pressing is being maintained is continued.

[0218] Also, in this embodiment, the reel control means 130 presses one stop button from the time of power failure, and when the pressing of the stop button is being maintained, it is configured to invalidate the stop signal output when another stop button is pressed, but is not limited thereto. For example, the reel control means 130 presses one stop button from the time of power failure, and when the pressing of the stop button is being maintained, it may be configured to enable the stop signal output when another stop button is pressed and stop (temporarily stop) the reel corresponding to the other stop button.

[0219] Also, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 has a max bet button MB for inserting the specified number of medals, but is not limited thereto. For example, in addition to the max bet button MB, the slot machine 1 may be configured to have a single bet button for inserting one medal.

[0220] Also, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to be able to insert and pay out medals as game values, but is not limited thereto. The slot machine 1 is, for example, provided outside the slot machine 1 and has a configuration capable of recording the total number of game values that can be used by the player for the game by an electromagnetic method. Based on an input signal output from a game value management device (dedicated unit), the slot machine 1 sets the game value to an input state, and when paying out the game value, outputs a payout signal to the game value management device, and the game value management device is configured to record the game value corresponding to the payout signal on a predetermined recording medium by an electromagnetic method. That is, the slot machine 1 may be configured as a so-called medal-less gaming machine.

[0221] When configured in this way, the slot machine 1 is configured to have, for example, credit number display means for displaying the number of credits corresponding to the amount of money input by the player into the game value management device. Also, the slot machine 1 is configured to be able to credit game values corresponding to up to 16,368 medals. When more than 16,368 game values are credited, the game control means is set to an error state, and the game is disabled (the game value is not set to the input state and the start operation to the start lever SL is not enabled) until the number of credits becomes 16,368 or less by paying out the game value by a method recorded on a predetermined recording medium via the game value management device.

[0222] In addition, in the present embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to have three types of game states as the game states, i.e., a non-RT state, a bonus establishment state that transitions when the RBB is won, and a bonus state that transitions when the RBB is activated, but is not limited thereto. For example, in the non-RT state as a non-bonus state (initial state) in which no bonus is won (not set to the establishment state), as a bonus that can be won, the RBB1 as the first bonus that can be won when the second specified number (3 medals) of medals is set to the inserted state as the specified insertion number, and the RBB2 as the second bonus that can be won when the first specified number (2 medals) of medals is set to the inserted state as the specified insertion number. When winning in the winning area including the RBB1, it transitions to the first bonus establishment state (inside the RBB1), and when the RBB1 is activated, it transitions to the first bonus activation state (the first bonus state, during the operation of the RBB1). When winning in the winning area including the RBB2, it transitions to the second bonus establishment state (inside the RBB2), and when the RBB2 is activated, it transitions to the second bonus activation state (the second bonus state, during the operation of the RBB2). It may be configured to have five types of game states.

[0223] In the case of being configured in this way, in the first bonus establishment state, the slot machine 1 may be configured such that an internal lottery for winning either a minor winning combination or a replay is executed in either the internal lottery in a game where the first specified number of medals is set to the inserted state or the internal lottery in a game where the second specified number of medals is set to the inserted state. Also, in the second bonus establishment state, in the internal lottery in a game where the first specified number of medals is set to the inserted state, an internal lottery for winning either a minor winning combination or a replay is executed, and in the internal lottery in a game where the second specified number of medals is set to the inserted state, an internal lottery having a probability of losing (not winning) may be executed.

[0224] When configured in this way, in the slot machine 1, when a game is started with the second specified number of medals set to the inserted state in the second bonus established state, if it results in a loss (non-winning) in the internal lottery, since RBB2 is set as the RBB dedicated to the first specified number, even if the winning symbol combination of RBB2 stops and is displayed on the valid line L1, it is invalidated and RBB2 is configured not to operate.

[0225] Also, when configured in this way, in the slot machine 1, when a game is started with the first specified number of medals set to the inserted state in a state where the bonus is not operating, an internal lottery including a winning area where a minor winning combination set to a payout higher than the first specified number can be won depending on the operation modes of the stop buttons B1 to B3 is executed. When a game is started with the second specified number of medals set to the inserted state, an internal lottery including a winning area where a minor winning combination set to a payout less than the second specified number can be won is executed. At the same time, when a game is started with the first specified number of medals set to the inserted state in the second bonus established state, it is configured to be able to shift to the advantageous section. It may be configured not to shift to the advantageous section in a game state different from the second bonus established state and in the case where the game is started with the second specified number of medals set to the inserted state in the second bonus established state.

[0226] When configured in this way, the slot machine 1 executes control related to the auxiliary game in the second bonus established state. Although there is a possibility that a minor winning combination set to a payout higher than the first specified number can be surely won by the auxiliary game, in a game state different from the second bonus established state, since the advantageous section is not started and the control related to the auxiliary game cannot be executed, the game performance is low.

[0227] Also, when configured in this way, the slot machine 1 is configured such that setting change control is executed by the setting change means 100 in each gaming state, and when the set value stored in the set value storage means 191 is changed, it may be configured to be able to change whether to initialize for each gaming state. Specifically, the slot machine 1, as the gaming state before the set value is changed (before setting change), when any one of a non-RT state, a first bonus winning state (inside RBB1), a first bonus operation state (during RBB1 operation), and a second bonus operation state (during RBB2 operation) is set, performs initialization of the gaming state based on the setting change, and sets it to the non-RT state, which is the initial state, as the gaming state after the set value is changed (after setting change). Also, when the gaming state before setting change is the second bonus winning state (inside RBB2), the slot machine 1 does not perform initialization even when the setting change is executed, and maintains the second bonus winning state as the gaming state after setting change.

[0228] That is, the gaming machine a plurality of reels, setting change means capable of changing a set value, input reception means for setting a specified number of game values in an input state, internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery for a plurality of types of winning combinations, game state transition control means for performing control related to transition between a plurality of game states, and is provided with the specified number includes a first specified number and a second specified number different from the first specified number, among the plurality of types of winning combinations, a first bonus that can be won at the first specified number, a second bonus that can be won at the second specified number, are included, the winning probability of the winning combination in the internal lottery is set according to the set value, among the plurality of game states, an initial state set by initialization, a first bonus winning state that transitions when the first bonus is won in the initial state, A second bonus winning state that transitions when the second bonus wins in the initial state, A first bonus state that transitions when the first bonus wins and the first bonus is activated, A second bonus state that transitions when the second bonus wins and the second bonus is activated, are included, The first bonus does not activate in a game where the second specified number of game values are set to the input state, The second bonus does not activate in a game where the first specified number of game values are set to the input state, When the set value is changed, the game state can be initialized, When the set value is changed in a state where the game state is the first bonus winning state, the game state is initialized, When the set value is changed in a state where the game state is the second bonus winning state, the game state is not initialized, It may be configured as described above.

[0229] With this configuration, even when the game state of the slot machine 1 transitions to the first bonus winning state and it becomes extremely difficult to transition to other game states and impossible to transition to the second bonus winning state as long as the game progresses, by changing the settings, the game state transitions to the non-RT state, and by executing a game in which the second specified number of medals are set to the input state in the non-RT state, it becomes possible to transition to the second bonus winning state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first bonus winning state with low game performance from continuing for a long time and prevent the commercial value of the gaming machine from decreasing.

[0230] Also, with this configuration, even when the set value is changed in a state where the game state of the slot machine 1 is set to the second bonus winning state, by maintaining the game state in the second bonus winning state, it is possible to prevent the game state from transitioning to a game state different from the second bonus winning state in the games after the set value is changed, and since it is possible to maintain the second bonus winning state with high game performance, it is possible to prevent the commercial value of the gaming machine from decreasing due to initialization by changing the settings.

[0231] Also, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to set a value as an initial value in each counter and the stored value of the storage means, and execute a decrement update that subtracts 1 each time a game is executed, or an increment update that adds 1 each time a game is executed. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the update method of each counter and storage means may be configured to execute multiplication, division, etc., and is not particularly limited.

Explanation of Signs

[0232] 1 Slot machine (gaming machine) 400 Pseudo game control means B1 Stop button B2 Stop button B3 Stop button R1 Left reel (first reel, second reel) R2 Middle reel (first reel, second reel) R3 Right reel (first reel, second reel)

Claims

1. A plurality of reels including a first reel and a second reel; A plurality of stop buttons; Pseudo-game control means for performing control related to a pseudo-game, and comprising: When the stop button is operated during the game, the reel corresponding to the stop button is stopped; When the stop button is operated during the pseudo-game, the reel corresponding to the stop button is temporarily stopped; When the reel is temporarily stopped, a first operation can be executed; When the first operation is executed on the first reel and the second reel respectively, a second operation for synchronizing the first operations of the first reel and the second reel is executed on the first reel and the second reel; A gaming machine characterized by the above.

2. The second operation is an operation of temporarily stopping the reel and restarting the first operation at a predetermined timing; The gaming machine according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

Images