gaming machines

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of increasing game amusement.SOLUTION: In a slot machine 10, after performing a bet operation, rotation of respective reels 32L, 32M, 32R starts on the basis of an operation of a start lever 41. Then, the reels corresponding to operations of stop switches 42 to 44 stop, and a stop combination according to the lottery result is acquired. An AT mode in which the operation order of the stop switches 42 to 44 is easily notified and a CZ mode in which a shift to the AT mode easily occurs are set. A fall lottery is performed during the CZ mode, and if the fall lottery is won, the CZ mode ends. When the CZ mode continues for 30 games, a shift to the AT mode is determined. When a bonus is won during the CZ mode, the number of games in the CZ mode continues to be counted until at least a bonus winning is satisfied, although the fall lottery is restricted.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Known types of gaming machines include pachinko machines and slot machines, which are known to have a configuration in which an internal lottery is held when predetermined lottery conditions are met, and a bonus is awarded to the player depending on the result of the internal lottery.

[0003] Specifically, in a slot machine, when a start lever is operated while medals as gaming media have been bet, an internal lottery is conducted and the reels start to rotate. If a stop switch is operated while the reels are rotating, the reels stop rotating. If the reels stop as a result of the internal lottery, a bonus according to the result is awarded (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-295707 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Here, in the gaming machines exemplified above, it is necessary to improve the entertainment value of the game, and there is still room for improvement in this regard.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the circumstances exemplified above, and aims to provide a gaming machine that can increase the enjoyment of the game. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides means for updating the specific information when the game is executed in a predetermined specific state; means for granting a bonus to a player when the specific information becomes predetermined special information; a means for executing a process of determining whether to end the specific state and transition to a predetermined state in a game executed in the specific state; Equipped with When the game result of the game executed in the specific state results in a special result that allows a transition to a predetermined special state, the specific information can be updated in the game up to the transition to the special state, but the determination process is not executed; a means for transitioning to the special state when a predetermined transition condition is met; means for terminating the special state when a predetermined termination condition is met; Equipped with After the transition condition is satisfied, the determination process is not executed in the game before the termination condition is satisfied; a means for executing a specific notification corresponding to the transition to the special state, The game result of the game executed in the specific state is the special result, and the specific notification can be executed in a game in which the determination process is not executed. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the enjoyment of the game. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a slot machine according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view of the slot machine with the front door closed. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view of the slot machine with the front door open. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on each reel. [Figure 7] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the symbols visible through the display window and the pay lines. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the symbols visible through the display window and the pay lines. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between winning modes and the benefits to be awarded. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between winning modes and the benefits to be awarded. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between winning modes and the benefits to be awarded. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the main control device. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the display control device. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing timer interrupt processing by the main control device. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing normal processing by the main control device. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing lottery processing. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery table for a normal gaming state. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart showing a reel control process. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the operation sequence of the stop switches and the winning patterns that are achieved. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram for explaining reel stop control. [Figure 21] 10 is a flowchart showing RT state processing. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery table for the first RT state. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the operation sequence of the stop switches and the winning patterns that are achieved. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery table for the second RT state. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery table for the third RT state. [Figure 26] 10 is a flowchart showing bonus state processing. [Figure 27]FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the operation sequence of the stop switches and the winning patterns that are achieved. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a lottery table for BB and RB states. [Figure 29] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the transition relationship between states. [Figure 30] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an overview of a display mode. [Figure 31] 10 is a flowchart showing lottery result handling processing. [Figure 32] 10 is a flowchart showing the first specific winning process. [Figure 33] 10 is a flowchart showing the second specific winning process. [Figure 34] 10 is a flowchart showing an additional notification process. [Figure 35] 10 is a flowchart showing the third specific winnings processing. [Figure 36] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for a specialized zone. [Figure 37] 10 is a diagram for explaining the main results of a lottery relating to an instruction function and the setting difference in winning probability. [Figure 38] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a mode lottery table for transitioning between display modes. [Figure 39] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a premonition game number table. [Figure 40] A figure showing an example of an additional game number lottery table. [Figure 41] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of an additional lottery table. [Figure 42] This is a diagram to explain the relationship between the actual number of remaining games in the advantageous zone and the displayed number of remaining games. [Figure 43] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a later-addition lottery table. [Figure 44] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an additional notification timing table. [Figure 45] 10 is a flowchart showing a mode transition notification process. [Figure 46] An explanatory diagram showing an overview of the push order notification display performed on the auxiliary display unit. [Figure 47] This is a flowchart showing the push order role processing. [Figure 48] 10 is a flowchart showing a winning result response process. [Figure 49] 10 is a flowchart showing a number-of-games management process. [Figure 50] 10 is a flowchart showing an end determination process. [Figure 51] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an overview of an instruction monitor and a section indicator. [Figure 52] 10 is a flowchart showing a first section display process. [Figure 53] 10 is a flowchart showing a second section display process. [Figure 54] 10 is a flowchart showing remaining game number management processing. [Figure 55] A diagram to explain the relationship between the start game and end game of the advantageous zone and the display on the zone indicator. [Figure 56] 10 is a flowchart showing a performance setting process performed by a sub-side display control device. [Figure 57] 10 is a flowchart showing a bet effect setting process. [Figure 58] 10 is a flowchart showing a start-up effect setting process. [Figure 59] A flowchart showing the process for notifying the order of pressing buttons. [Figure 60] A flowchart showing the setting process for the additional effects. [Figure 61] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for setting effects at the time of each stop operation. [Figure 62] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for setting effects when all the devices are stopped. [Figure 63] This is a flowchart showing the bonus effect setting process. [Figure 64] This is a flowchart showing the process for notifying transition trigger roles. [Figure 65] 10 is a flowchart showing a continuous performance setting process. [Figure 66]A diagram showing the relationship between notification timing and additional effects. [Figure 67] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of display effects by the auxiliary display unit. [Figure 68] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of display effects by the auxiliary display unit. [Figure 69] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of display effects by the auxiliary display unit. [Figure 70] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of display effects by the auxiliary display unit. [Figure 71] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of display effects by the auxiliary display unit. [Figure 72] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a continuous effect. [Figure 73] 10 is a flowchart showing a CZ mode process. [Figure 74] 10 is a flowchart showing an AT mode lottery process. [Figure 75] A diagram to explain the overview of bonuses and CZs. [Figure 76] 10 is a timing chart for explaining a CZ mode. [Figure 77] This is a timing chart to explain the relationship between CZ mode and bonus. [Figure 78] 10 is a flowchart showing the process for setting the bonus winning notification effect. [Figure 79] 10 is a flowchart showing a special notification process. [Figure 80] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of display effects by the auxiliary display unit. [Figure 81] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of display effects by the auxiliary display unit. [Figure 82] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of display effects by the auxiliary display unit. [Figure 83] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of display effects by the auxiliary display unit. [Figure 84] This is a timing chart to explain the relationship between CZ mode and bonus. [Figure 85] 10 is a flowchart showing a setting process for a bonus winning notification effect in Modification 1. [Figure 86] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a bonus in Modification 2. [Figure 87] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a part of a lottery table for each RB state in Modification 3. [Figure 88] 13 is a flowchart showing RB effect processing in Modification 4. [Figure 89] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of display effects by the auxiliary display unit. [Figure 90] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of display effects by the auxiliary display unit. [Figure 91] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of display effects by the auxiliary display unit. [Figure 92] In the fifth modification, (a) is a diagram showing an example of a lottery table for the RB state, and (b) is a timing chart showing the relationship between the winning result and the number of games during the RB. [Figure 93] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a bonus in the second embodiment. [Figure 94] 10 is a flowchart showing the process for setting the bonus winning notification effect. [Figure 95] 10 is a flowchart showing a CZ mode process. [Figure 96] 10 is a flowchart showing an AT mode lottery process. [Figure 97] This is a timing chart to explain when the AT winning notification is made. [Figure 98] This is a timing chart to explain when the AT winning notification is made. [Figure 99] This is a timing chart to explain when the AT winning notification is made. [Figure 100] 10 is a timing chart illustrating the timing at which a CZ mode end notification is made. [Figure 101] 10 is a flowchart showing a winning result response process for a winning game in a modified example. [Figure 102] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an outline of a bonus. [Figure 103] 11 is a flowchart showing an AT mode lottery process in the third embodiment. [Figure 104] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of a fall lottery table and an AT lottery table in Modifications 1 and 2. [Figure 105] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a map table for a CZ mode in Modification 3. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] First Embodiment An embodiment of the present invention, which is applied to a reel-type gaming machine, specifically a slot machine, will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a front view of the slot machine 10, Figure 2 is a perspective view of the slot machine 10 with the front door 12 closed, Figure 3 is a perspective view of the slot machine 10 with the front door 12 open, Figure 4 is a rear view of the front door 12, and Figure 5 is a front view of the cabinet 11.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the slot machine 10 has a housing 11 that forms its outer shell. The housing 11 is formed in a box shape with an open front as a whole, and is attached to so-called island equipment by nailing it when installed in an amusement hall.

[0012] A front door 12 is attached to the front side of the housing 11 in an openable and closable manner. A pair of upper and lower support shafts 13a and 13b are provided on the left side of the housing 11 when viewed from the front. The front door 12 is provided with bearings 14a and 14b at positions corresponding to the support shafts 13a and 13b. When the support shafts 13a and 13b are inserted into the bearings 14a and 14b, the front door 12 is rotatably supported relative to the housing 11 about an opening / closing axis extending in the vertical direction connecting the support shafts 13a and 13b. Rotation of the front door 12 allows the front open side of the housing 11 to be opened or closed. The front door 12 is locked and cannot be opened by a locking device 20 provided on its back surface. A key cylinder 21 integrated with the locking device 20 is provided at the upper right end of the front door 12. The locked state is released by operating a predetermined key on the key cylinder 21.

[0013] A game panel 25 that notifies the player of the game status is provided near the upper center of the front door 12. The game panel 25 has three vertically long display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R formed side by side, and the interior of the slot machine 10 can be seen through each of the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R. The display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R may be combined into one common display window.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 3, the interior of the housing 11 is divided into two sections, upper and lower, by a partition plate 30, and a reel unit 31 constituting a variable display means is attached to the upper part of the partition plate 30. The reel unit 31 includes a left reel 32L, a center reel 32M, and a right reel 32R, each formed in a cylindrical (annular) shape. Each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R is rotatably supported so that its central axis coincides with the axis of rotation of the reel. The axes of rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are arranged on the same axis extending substantially horizontally, and each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R corresponds one-to-one to each display window 26L, 26M, and 26R. Therefore, a portion of the surface of each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R is visible through the corresponding display window 26L, 26M, and 26R. Furthermore, when the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R rotate forward, the surfaces of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are projected through the respective display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R as if they were moving from top to bottom.

[0015] Here, the configuration of the reel unit 31 will be briefly described.

[0016] Each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is connected to a stepping motor, and each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R can be rotated individually, i.e., independently, by driving each stepping motor. The stepping motor is set to rotate once by applying a drive signal (hereinafter also referred to as an excitation pulse) of, for example, 504 pulses, and this excitation pulse controls the rotational position of the stepping motor, i.e., the rotational position of the reel. Furthermore, the reel unit 31 is provided with a reel index sensor on each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R to detect when the reel has rotated once. Each time the reel index sensor detects that the reel has rotated once, it outputs a detection signal to the main control device 101, which will be described later. Therefore, the main control unit 101 can check and correct the angular position of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R for each rotation based on the detection signal of the reel index sensor and the number of excitation pulses output before the detection signal is input.

[0017] On the outer periphery of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R, a plurality of symbols are drawn along the long side (circumference direction) of the reel, serving as identification information. More specifically, 21 symbols are drawn at equal intervals. Therefore, to switch from one symbol to the next symbol at a predetermined position, 24 excitation pulses (= 504 pulses ÷ 21 symbols) must be output. Furthermore, the main control device 101 can determine which symbols are visible through the display windows 26L, 26M, 26R and stop a predetermined symbol at a position visible through the display windows 26L, 26M, 26R based on the number of excitation pulses output after the reel index sensor detection signal is input.

[0018] Next, the symbols depicted on the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R will be described.

[0019] FIG. 6 shows the arrangement of symbols on the left reel 32L, center reel 32M, and right reel 32R. As shown in FIG. 6, 21 symbols are arranged in a row on each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. Numbers ranging from 0 to 20 are assigned to the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, respectively. However, these numbers are used by the main control device 101 to identify the symbols visible through the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R, and are not actually assigned to the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. However, these numbers will be used in the following explanation.

[0020] There are 11 types of symbols: "Red Bell" symbol (for example, the 7th symbol on the left reel 32L), "White Bell" symbol (for example, the 20th symbol on the left reel 32L), "1st Replay" symbol (for example, the 19th symbol on the left reel 32L), "2nd Replay" symbol (for example, the 6th symbol on the left reel 32L), "Red 7" symbol (for example, the 10th symbol on the left reel 32L), "Watermelon" symbol (for example, the 8th symbol on the left reel 32L), "Cherry" symbol (for example, the 4th symbol on the left reel 32L), "Black BAR" symbol (for example, the 18th symbol on the left reel 32L), "White BAR" symbol (for example, the 17th symbol on the left reel 32L), "LUCKY" symbol (for example, the 5th symbol on the left reel 32L), and "Youth" symbol (for example, the 0th symbol on the left reel 32L). As shown in FIG. 6, the number and arrangement order of the various symbols are completely different on each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R.

[0021] Each of the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R is formed so that only three of the 21 symbols on the corresponding reel are visible in their entirety. Therefore, when each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is stopped, 3 x 3 = 9 symbols are visible through the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R.

[0022] In the slot machine 10, the game result of each game is announced using a combination of three symbols, one for each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, among the visible symbols. As described above, 3 × 3 = 9 symbols are visible, and as combinations of these three symbols, for example, as shown in Fig. 7, there are combinations of symbols that stop on an upper line L1 connecting the upper symbols of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, combinations of symbols that stop on a middle line L2 connecting the middle symbols of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, and combinations of symbols that stop on a lower line L3 connecting the lower symbols of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. There are also combinations of symbols that stop on a downward-sloping line L4 connecting the top symbol on the left reel 32L, the middle symbol on the middle reel 32M, and the bottom symbol on the right reel 32R, and combinations of symbols that stop on an upward-sloping line L5 connecting the bottom symbol on the left reel 32L, the middle symbol on the middle reel 32M, and the top symbol on the right reel 32R. There are also combinations of symbols that stop on a curved line L6 connecting the top symbol on the left reel 32L, the middle symbol on the middle reel 32M, and the middle symbol on the right reel 32R. The above lines L1 to L5 are straight lines when the symbols are lined up, while the curved line L6 is a line that bends when the symbols are lined up. There are other combinations of symbols that stop on curved lines besides the curved line L6, but we will not discuss them here.

[0023] Of these lines L1 to L6, some are activated and some are not, depending on the number of medals bet, and when symbols stop in a predetermined combination on an activated line, i.e., an activated line, a win is achieved and a bonus is awarded in which a predetermined number of medals, which are game media, are paid out, or a bonus is awarded in which the game state is changed.On the other hand, when symbols stop in a predetermined combination on an inactivated line, a win is not achieved and the bonus is not awarded.

[0024] In the slot machine 10, there are three cases where only the downward-sloping right line L4 is a valid line, as shown in FIG. 8(a); where two combinations of the bottom line L3 and the downward-sloping right line L4 are valid lines, as shown in FIG. 8(b); and where only the curved line L6 is a valid line, as shown in FIG. 8(c). More specifically, when a game is started with three medals bet, only the downward-sloping right line L4 is a valid line. When a game is started with two medals bet, the bottom line L3 and the downward-sloping right line L4 are valid lines. When a game is started with one medal bet, only the curved line L6 is a valid line. The three combinations of the top line L1, the middle line L2, and the upward-sloping right line L5 are not valid lines. Hereinafter, a game started with three medals bet will be referred to as a three-bet game, a game started with two medals bet, and a one-bet game.

[0025] 9 to 11 are diagrams showing the correspondence between winning symbol combinations and the benefits awarded when a winning symbol combination is obtained.

[0026] The small winning combinations that result in medal payouts include the 1st small winning combination to the 41st small winning combination.

[0027] When the "Red Bell" or "White Bell" symbol on the left reel 32L, the "Red Bell" symbol on the middle reel 32M, and the "Red Bell" or "White Bell" symbol on the right reel 32R stop on an active line, the first small win is achieved. When the first small win is achieved, 9 medals are paid out in a 3-bet game, and 15 medals are paid out in a 2-bet game.

[0028] Although the winning combinations for the 2nd to 26th small prizes are different, in a 3-bet game, the winning pattern is that the ``red bell'' or ``white bell'' pattern on the left reel 32L, the ``white BAR'' pattern, ``red 7'' pattern, ``cherry'' pattern, ``white bell'' pattern or ``LUCKY'' pattern on the middle reel 32M, and the ``white BAR'' pattern, ``young man'' pattern, ``white bell'' pattern, ``red 7'' pattern or ``2nd replay'' pattern on the right reel 32R stop on the top line L1, that is, the ``bell'' patterns on each reel 32L, 32M, 32R stop on the top line L1. For example, if the "red bell" or "white bell" symbol on the left reel 32L stops on the top row, the "cherry" symbol on the middle reel 32M stops on the middle row, and the "white bar" symbol on the right reel 32R stops on the bottom row, the eighth small win will be achieved. As shown in FIG. 6, the "red bell" symbol is located on the middle reel 32M at a position (number 12) adjacent to the "cherry" symbol (number 11) on the upstream side, and the "red bell" symbol is located on the right reel 32R at a position (number 20) one symbol away from the "white bar" symbol (number 18) on the upstream side. Therefore, when the eighth small win is achieved on the downward-sloping right line L4, the "red bell" or "white bell" symbol on the left reel 32L, the "red bell" symbol on the middle reel 32M, and the "red bell" symbol on the right reel 32R will stop on the top line L1. When the 2nd small win to the 26th small win are achieved, 3 medals will be paid out in a 3-bet game, and 14 medals will be paid out in a 2-bet game.

[0029] The 27th minor winning combination is determined by the symbol on the left reel 32L, which is the designated reel among the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. Specifically, the 27th minor winning combination is achieved when the "cherry" symbol on the left reel 32L stops in the upper or lower row. In this case, the symbols on the center reel 32M and the right reel 32R do not affect the winning determination. In other words, regardless of the symbols on the center reel 32M and the right reel 32R, the 27th minor winning combination is achieved when the "cherry" symbol on the left reel 32L stops in the upper row or stops, i.e., when the "cherry" symbol or the "second replay" symbol stops on an active line. When the 27th minor winning combination is achieved, three medals are paid out in a three-bet game, and 15 medals are paid out in a two-bet game.

[0030] The 28th minor win occurs when the "cherry" symbol on the left reel 32L stops on the upper or lower row, and when the "cherry" symbols stop aligned on the downward-sloping right line L4. More specifically, the 28th minor win occurs when the "cherry" symbol or the "second replay" symbol stops on the left reel 32L, the "red bell" symbol, the "white bell" symbol or the "cherry" symbol stops on the middle reel 32M, and the "cherry" symbol, the "first replay" symbol or the "second replay" symbol stops on the right reel 32R. When the 28th minor win occurs, three medals are paid out in a three-bet game, and 14 medals are paid out in a two-bet game.

[0031] To further explain the relationship between the 27th and 28th small wins, when the "cherry" or "2nd replay" symbol on the left reel 32L stops, the 27th small win is achieved regardless of the symbols stopped on the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R, but depending on the symbols stopped on the middle reel 32M and the right reel 32R, the 28th small win may be achieved instead of the 27th small win. In other words, although the winning mode for the 27th small win includes the winning mode for the 28th small win, the 27th small win and the 28th small win are clearly distinguished when determining whether they are wins.

[0032] The 29th small win occurs when the "watermelon" symbols on the left reel 32L, the center reel 32M, and the right reel 32R all stop on an active line. In other words, if the sloping right line L4 is the active line, the 29th small win occurs when the "watermelon" symbols all stop sloping right. When the 29th small win occurs, 5 medals are paid out in a 3-bet game, and 14 medals are paid out in a 2-bet game.

[0033] The 30th small win occurs when the "watermelon" symbol on the left reel 32L, the "watermelon" symbol on the middle reel 32M, and the "watermelon" symbol on the right reel 32R all stop on the top line L1. More specifically, the 30th small win occurs when the "watermelon" symbol on the left reel 32L, the "red bell" symbol on the middle reel 32M, and the "red bell" symbol on the right reel 32R all stop on the active line. When the 30th small win occurs, 5 medals are paid out in a 3-bet game, and 14 medals are paid out in a 2-bet game.

[0034] If the "Black BAR", "Young Man", "Watermelon" and "First Replay" symbols on the left reel 32L, the "Red Bell" symbol on the middle reel 32M, and the "Red Bell" or "White Bell" symbols on the right reel 32R stop on an active line, the 31st small win will be achieved. If the 31st small win is achieved, 9 medals will be paid out in a 3-bet game, and 15 medals will be paid out in a 2-bet game.

[0035] For the 32nd to 35th small wins, if they are achieved in a 3-bet game, 3 medals will be paid out, and in a 2-bet game, 14 medals will be paid out.

[0036] The 36th small winning combination occurs when, for example, the player operates the stop switches 42-44 aiming for the "watermelon" symbols on each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, and the "watermelon" symbols on the left reel 32L and center reel 32M, or the left reel 32L and right reel 32R, stop on an active line, while the "watermelon" symbols on the remaining reels do not stop on an active line, resulting in a so-called "watermelon tenpai miss" winning combination. When the 36th small winning combination is achieved, 3 medals are paid out in a 3-bet game, and 15 medals are paid out in a 2-bet game.

[0037] If the "Red Bell" or "White Bell" symbol on the left reel 32L, the "Black BAR", "Watermelon" or "Cherry" symbol on the middle reel 32M, and the "Red Bell", "White Bell" or "Youth" symbol on the right reel 32R stop on an active line, the 37th minor win will be achieved. As shown in Figure 6, on the left reel 32L, the "Red Bell" symbol (No. 7) and the "Second Replay" symbol are located in the adjacent position downstream (No. 6), and the "First Replay" symbols are located in the main "White Bell" symbols (No. 3, No. 12, No. 15, No. 20) and the adjacent positions downstream (No. 2, No. 11, No. 14, No. 19). On the right reel 32R, the "Red Bell" symbols (numbers 2, 5, 12, and 20) are primarily located in adjacent positions upstream (numbers 3, 6, 16, and 0), along with the "First Replay" or "Second Replay" symbols. The "White Bell" symbol (number 10) is located in the adjacent position upstream (number 11). Therefore, when the 37th minor winning combination occurs on the downward-sloping right line L4, the left reel 32L and the right reel 32R are primarily in a "Bell" and "Replay" formation, while the "Bell" and "Replay" symbols on the center reel 32M are not stopped, resulting in a "Double Tenpai" miss. When the 37th minor winning combination occurs, three medals are paid out in a three-bet game, and 15 medals are paid out in a two-bet game.

[0038] If the "White BAR", "Young Man", "Watermelon" and "First Replay" symbols on the left reel 32L, the "Red Bell" symbol on the middle reel 32M, and the "First Replay", "Watermelon" and "Black BAR" symbols on the right reel 32R stop on an active line, the 38th small win will be achieved. In a 3-bet game, if the player operates the left stop switch when the number 4 "Cherry" symbol on the left reel 32L reaches the top to bottom row, the 38th small win will be achieved when the "Red Bell" symbol on the left reel 32L, the "Red Bell" symbol on the middle reel 32M, and the "Red Bell" or "White Bell" symbol on the right reel 32R stop on the middle line L2. If the 38th small winning combination is achieved, 3 medals will be paid out in a 3-bet game, and 15 medals will be paid out in a 2-bet game.

[0039] If the "red bell" or "white bell" symbol on the left reel 32L, the "red bell" symbol on the middle reel 32M, and the "black BAR" symbol on the right reel 32R stop on an active line, the 39th small win will be awarded. The 39th small win is a winning mode that can only be achieved in a 3-bet game. When the 39th small win is achieved, 9 medals will be paid out.

[0040] If the "Red Bell" or "White Bell" symbol on the left reel 32L, the "Red Bell" symbol on the middle reel 32M, and the "Red 7" symbol on the right reel 32R stop on an active line, the 40th small win will be awarded. The 40th small win is a winning mode that can only be achieved in a 3-bet game. When the 40th small win is achieved, 9 medals will be paid out.

[0041] If the "watermelon" symbol on the left reel 32L, the "black BAR" or "cherry" symbol on the middle reel 32M, and the "watermelon" symbol on the right reel 32R stop on an active line, the 41st small win will be achieved. If the 41st small win is achieved, 3 medals will be paid out in a 3-bet game, and 14 medals will be paid out in a 2-bet game.

[0042] The winning combinations that grant a replay privilege, which allows a player to play the next game without inserting a medal, include the 1st replay winning combination to the 12th replay winning combination. When the 2nd replay winning combination is achieved, the game state transitions to the 1st RT state, when the 3rd replay winning combination is achieved, the game state transitions to the 2nd RT state, and when the 4th or 5th replay winning combination is achieved, the game state transitions to the 3rd RT state.

[0043] The state transition winning events that only result in a transition of the gaming state include the first BB winning event, the second BB winning event, the RB winning event, and the CB winning event.

[0044] When the "red 7" symbol on each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R stops on an active line, a first BB win is achieved, and when the "white BAR" symbol on each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R stops on an active line, a second BB win is achieved. When these BB wins are achieved, the game state transitions to the BB state. Also, when the "black BAR" symbol on the left reel 32L, the "red 7" symbol on the center reel 32M, and the "black BAR" symbol on the right reel 32R stop on an active line, a RB win is achieved. When the RB win is achieved, the game state transitions to the RB state. If the "Red Bell" or "White Bell" symbol on the left reel 32L, the "Red Bell" symbol on the center reel 32M, and the "Watermelon", "First Replay" and "Black BAR" symbols on the right reel 32R stop on an active line, a CB win will be achieved. When a CB win is achieved, the game state will transition to the CB state.

[0045] In addition, although not a winning combination, there are some winning combinations that will cause the game state to transition to the first reel time (RT) state. Specifically, when the "red bell" or "white bell" symbol on the left reel 32L, the "white bar" symbol, "lucky" symbol, "red 7" symbol, "white bell" symbol, and "cherry" symbol on the center reel 32M, and the "watermelon" symbol and "first replay" symbol on the right reel 32R stop on an active line, the game state will transition to the first reel time (RT) state. Also, when the "red bell" or "white bell" symbol on the left reel 32L, the "red bell" symbol on the center reel 32M, and the "white bar" symbol, "young man" symbol, "white bell" symbol, "red 7" symbol, and "second replay" symbol on the right reel 32R stop on an active line, the game state will transition to the first reel time (RT) state. Hereinafter, the combinations of the above symbols will be referred to as transition results.

[0046] A start lever 41 that is operated to start the rotation of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is provided on the lower left side of the game panel 25. The start lever 41 constitutes a start operation means or a starting operation means that is operated to start the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, i.e., to start the variable display of symbols. When the start lever 41 is operated with a predetermined number of medals inserted, each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R starts to rotate.

[0047] Button-like stop switches 42-44 that are operated to individually stop the spinning reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are provided on the right side of the start lever 41. Each stop switch 42-44 is located directly below the display window 26L, 26M, and 26R that corresponds to the reel 32L, 32M, and 32R to be stopped.

[0048] Stop switches 42-44 are connected to stop detection sensors 42a-44a (FIG. 12), respectively, and the stop detection sensors 42a-44a are connected to main control device 101, which will be described later. Main control device 101 determines that stop switches 42-44 have been operated based on the detection signals from the stop detection sensors 42a-44a. Specifically, when stop switches 42-44 have not been operated, stop detection signals of a LOW signal are output from stop detection sensors 42a-44a, and when stop switches 42-44 are operated, the detection signals switch from a LOW signal to a HI signal. Main control device 101 determines that stop switches 42-44 have been operated by detecting this signal switch. When main control device 101 determines that stop switches 42-44 have been operated, it controls the reel corresponding to the operated switch to stop spinning.

[0049] That is, when the left stop switch 42 is operated, the left reel 32L stops spinning, when the center stop switch 43 is operated, the center reel 32M stops spinning, and when the right stop switch 44 is operated, the right reel 32R stops spinning. The stop switches 42 to 44 constitute stop operation means that is operated to stop the variable display of symbols based on the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R.

[0050] A medal insertion slot 45 for inserting medals is provided below and to the right of the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R. The medal insertion slot 45 constitutes input means for inputting game media. In addition, considering that the medal insertion slot 45 involves the action of the player directly inserting medals, it can also be said to constitute direct input means for directly inputting game media.

[0051] Medals inserted through the medal insertion slot 45 are guided to either a storage passage 47 or a discharge passage 48 by a selector 46 serving as a passage switching means provided on the back surface of the front door 12. More specifically, the selector 46 is provided with a medal passage switching solenoid 46a, and when the medal passage switching solenoid 46a is not energized, the medals are guided to the discharge passage 48 side, and when the medal passage switching solenoid 46a is energized, the medals are guided to the storage passage 47 side. Medals guided to the storage passage 47 are guided to a hopper device 51 stored inside the housing 11. Meanwhile, medals guided to the discharge passage 48 are guided from a medal discharge port 49 provided at the bottom front of the front door 12 to a medal tray 50 and are returned to the player.

[0052] The hopper device 51 is composed of a storage tank 52 that stores medals and a payout device 53 that pays out medals to players. The payout device 53 rotates a medal payout rotating plate (not shown) to discharge medals into an opening 48a provided in the discharge passage 48, and then pays out the medals to a medal tray 50 via the discharge passage 48. In addition, a spare tank 54 is provided to the right of the hopper device 51 to prevent more than a predetermined amount of medals from being stored in the storage tank 52. A guide plate 52a is provided inside the storage tank 52 of the hopper device 51 to discharge medals from the storage tank 52 to the spare tank 54. Therefore, if medals are stored above the height at which the guide plate 52a is provided, those medals will be stored in the spare tank 54.

[0053] A button-shaped return switch 55 is provided below the medal insertion slot 45. If the return switch 55 is operated when a medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 45 is stuck in the selector 46, the selector 46 is mechanically linked and operated, and the medal stuck in the selector 46 is returned from the medal discharge slot 49.

[0054] A first credit insertion switch 56 is provided on the left side below the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R for inserting three credited virtual medals as gaming media at a time. A second credit insertion switch 57 is provided to the right of the first credit insertion switch 56, and a third credit insertion switch 58 is provided to the left of the first credit insertion switch 56. The second credit insertion switch 57 is for inserting one virtual medal, and the third credit insertion switch 58 is for inserting two virtual medals at a time. The credit insertion switches 56-58, together with the medal insertion slot 45, constitute input means for inputting gaming media. Furthermore, while the medal insertion slot 45 involves the player directly inserting medals, the credit insertion switches 56-58 merely involve the insertion of virtual medals based on stored memory. Considering this, the credit insertion switches 56-58 can also be said to constitute indirect input means for indirectly inputting gaming media.

[0055] An effect switch 66 that is operated when an effect occurs is provided between the first credit insertion switch 56 and the second credit insertion switch 57. That is, the first credit insertion switch 56 and the third credit insertion switch 58 are provided to the left of the effect switch 66, and the second credit insertion switch 57 is provided to the right of the effect switch 66.

[0056] A settlement switch 59 is provided to the left of the start lever 41. That is, the slot machine 10 has a credit function that stores and stores, as virtual medals, any surplus medals inserted up to a predetermined maximum value (equivalent to 50 medals) and medals paid out when a prize is won, and when the settlement switch 59 is operated while virtual medals are stored and stored, the virtual medals are paid out as real medals from the medal outlet 49. In this case, when attention is focused on the function of paying out credited virtual medals as real medals, the settlement switch 59 can also be said to constitute a settlement operation means for actually paying out the stored and stored game media.

[0057] Below the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R of the game panel 25, there are provided a credit display section 60 that displays the number of credited virtual medals, a remaining payout number display section 61 that displays the number of medals remaining to be paid out until the BB state ends, and a payout number display section 62 that displays the number of medals paid out when a win occurs. These display sections 60 to 62 are configured with 7-segment displays, but they can of course be replaced with liquid crystal displays or the like.

[0058] Below the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R on the gaming panel 25 and to the right of the payout number display unit 62, there is provided an instruction monitor 68 having a push order indicator that notifies the operation order of the stop switches 42 to 44, and an interval indicator that notifies the operation order and indicates an advantageous interval that is an interval in which the win rate of minor winnings can be changed and the game can proceed in an advantageous situation for the player. The instruction monitor 68 will be described in detail later.

[0059] The upper part of the front door 12 is provided with an upper lamp 63 that lights up and flashes as the game progresses, a pair of left and right speakers 64 that play various sound effects as the game progresses and notify the player of the game status, and an auxiliary display unit 65 that provides various information to the player. The auxiliary display unit 65 is used to perform various display effects as the game progresses, and since the game using each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R can be considered to be performed by the main display unit, it is referred to as the auxiliary display unit 65 in this embodiment. A display control device 81 for driving the upper lamp 63, speaker 64, and auxiliary display unit 65 is provided on the back of the auxiliary display unit 65.

[0060] A power supply box 70 is provided inside the housing 11 to the left of the hopper device 51. The power supply box 70 houses a power supply device 91 and is equipped with a power switch 71, a reset switch 72, a setting key insertion hole 73, and the like. The power switch 71 is an activation switch for supplying power to the main control device 101 and other components. The reset switch 72 is a switch for resetting an error state of the slot machine 10. The setting key insertion hole 73 is used by a hall manager or the like to adjust the number of medals dispensed. In other words, a hall manager or the like can set the winning probability (setting value) of the slot machine 10 by inserting a setting key into the setting key insertion hole 73 and turning it ON. The reset switch 72 is operated not only to reset an error state but also to change the winning probability of the slot machine 10.

[0061] Above the reel unit 31, a main control device 101 for controlling the overall game is attached to the cabinet 11.

[0062] Next, the electrical configuration of the slot machine 10 will be described with reference to the block diagrams of FIGS.

[0063] The main control device 101 is equipped with a microcomputer centered around a CPU 102, which is a calculation processing means. In addition to a power supply device 91, the CPU 102 is connected to a clock circuit 103 that outputs a rectangular wave of a predetermined frequency, an input / output port 104, and the like via an internal bus. The main control device 101 functions as a main board built into the slot machine 10.

[0064] The input side of the main control device 101 is provided with the reel unit 31 (more specifically, a reel index sensor that individually detects that each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R has made one rotation), a start detection sensor 41a that detects the operation of the start lever 41, stop detection sensors 42a to 44a that individually detect the operation of each of the stop switches 42 to 44, an inserted medal detection sensor 45a that detects medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 45, a payout detection sensor 51a that detects medals paid out from the hopper device 51, and a first credit insertion detection sensor that individually detects the operation of the first credit insertion switch 56. 56a, a second credit insertion detection sensor 57a that individually detects the operation of the second credit insertion switch 57, a third credit insertion detection sensor 58a that individually detects the operation of the third credit insertion switch 58, a settlement detection sensor 59a that detects the operation of the settlement switch 59, a reset detection sensor 72a that detects the operation of the reset switch 72, and a setting key detection sensor 73a that detects that a setting key has been inserted into the setting key insertion hole 73 and turned ON, and signals from these various sensors are output to the CPU 102 via the input / output port 104.

[0065] Furthermore, a power supply unit 91 is connected to the input side of the main control unit 101 via an input / output port 104. The power supply unit 91 is equipped with a power supply unit 91a that supplies driving power to the main control unit 101 and other electronic devices of the slot machine 10, a power outage monitoring circuit 91b, and the like.

[0066] The power failure monitoring circuit 91b monitors the power supply interruption state and generates a power failure signal not only during a power failure but also when the power is shut off by the power switch 71. Therefore, the power failure monitoring circuit 91b monitors the stabilized drive voltage, which in this example is 12 volts DC, output from the power supply unit 91a, and is configured to output a power failure signal when this drive voltage drops to, for example, less than 10 volts, determining that the power supply has been interrupted. The power failure signal is supplied to both the CPU 102 and the input / output port 104, and the CPU 102 recognizes this power failure signal and executes the power failure processing described below. The power failure signal is also supplied to the display control device 81.

[0067] Power supply unit 91a is configured so that even if the output voltage drops below 10 volts, it outputs a stabilized voltage of 5 volts that is used as a drive voltage in control systems such as main control device 101. The time for which this stabilized voltage is output is long enough for main control device 101 to execute power outage processing.

[0068] The output side of the main control device 101 is connected via input / output port 104 to the reel unit 31 (more specifically, the stepping motor for rotating each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R), the medal passage switching solenoid 46a provided on the selector 46, the hopper device 51, the credit display unit 60, the remaining number of coins to be paid out display unit 61, the number of coins to be paid out display unit 62, the instruction monitor 68, the display control device 81, and an external centralized terminal board 121 that can transmit information to a hall management device (not shown), etc.

[0069] The above-mentioned CPU 102 has built-in ROM 105 which stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 102, and RAM 106 which secures a working area for temporarily storing various data when executing the control programs stored in ROM 105, as well as various processing circuits required for the slot machine 10, such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data transmission / reception circuit, and various counters, such as a credit counter which counts the number of credits, although not shown. The ROM 105 and RAM 106 form a main memory as storage means, and programs for executing various processes are stored in the above-mentioned ROM 105 as part of the control programs.

[0070] The RAM 106 is configured to be able to retain (back up) data by receiving a backup voltage from the power supply device 91 even after the power supply to the slot machine 10 is cut off. The RAM 106 is provided with a backup area in addition to memories for temporarily storing various data, a win flag storage area 106a for storing the lottery results of winning combinations, a stop information storage area 106b for storing stop information used when controlling the stop of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, and a status information storage area 106c for storing game statuses such as a BB status.

[0071] The backup area is an area for storing the value of the stack pointer at the time of power cutoff (including power cutoff by operating the power switch 71; the same applies below) when the power is cut off due to a power outage or the like, and when the power outage is resolved (including power on by operating the power switch 71; the same applies below), the state of the slot machine 10 can be restored to the state before power cutoff based on the information in the backup area. Writing to the backup area is performed by the power outage processing (see Figure 14) when power is cut off, and the restoration of each value written to the backup area is performed in the main processing when power is turned on.

[0072] Furthermore, when the power supply is cut off due to a power outage or the like, a power outage signal is input from the power outage monitoring circuit 91b to the NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the CPU 102. When the power supply is cut off, an NMI interrupt process is immediately executed as a power outage flag generation process.

[0073] 13, the display control device 81 is equipped with a microcomputer centered around a CPU 181, which is an arithmetic processing means. The CPU 181 incorporates a ROM 182 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 181, and a RAM 183 that secures a work area for temporarily storing various data when the control programs stored in the ROM 182 are executed.

[0074] The display control device 81 is provided with an input / output port (not shown), with the main control device 101 connected to the input side and the upper lamp 63, speaker 64, and auxiliary display unit 65 connected to the output side. The display control device 81 drives and controls the upper lamp 63, speaker 64, and auxiliary display unit 65 based on various commands input from the main control device 101. In other words, the display control device 81 is a sub-board that performs auxiliary control in relation to the main control device 101, which is the main board that manages the overall game. In other words, by providing a sub-board for sounds, lamps, and displays indirectly related to the game, the burden on the main board is reduced.

[0075] The effect switch 66 (more specifically, an effect switch detection sensor that detects the operation of the effect switch 66) is connected to the input side of the display control device 81. The various display units 60 to 62, 68 may also be configured to be driven and controlled by the display control device 81.

[0076] Next, we will explain each control process executed by the CPU 102 of the main control device 101. The processes of the CPU 102 can be broadly divided into main processing which is started when the power is turned on, timer interrupt processing which is started periodically (every 1.49 msec in this embodiment), and NMI interrupt processing which is started when a power outage signal is input to the NMI terminal. Below, we will explain the processes related to the progress of the game, i.e., timer interrupt processing, and normal processing performed in the main processing.

[0077] FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process that is periodically executed by the main control device 101, and the CPU 102 of the main control device 101 generates a timer interrupt every 1.49 msec, for example.

[0078] First, in the register save process shown in step S101, the values ​​of all registers in the CPU 102 used in normal processing, which will be described later, are saved to a backup area in the RAM 106. In step S102, it is checked whether the power outage flag is set, and if the power outage flag is set, the process proceeds to step S103, where power outage processing is executed.

[0079] Here, the power outage process will be outlined.

[0080] When the power supply is cut off due to a power outage or the like, a power outage signal is output from the power outage monitoring circuit 91b of the power supply device 91, and the power outage signal is input to the main control device 101 via the NMI terminal. When the power outage signal is input, the main control device 101 immediately executes NMI interrupt processing and sets a power outage flag in a power outage flag storage area provided in the RAM 106.

[0081] In the power outage processing, the system first determines whether command transmission has finished. If transmission has not finished, the system terminates this processing, returns to the timer interrupt processing, and ends command transmission. If command transmission has finished, the value of the stack pointer of the CPU 102 is saved in the backup area of ​​the RAM 106. Then, the output status of the output port of the input / output port 104 is cleared, and all actuators (not shown) are turned off. Then, when the power outage is resolved, a RAM judgment value is calculated to determine whether the data in the RAM 106 is normal and saved in the backup area, thereby prohibiting further RAM access. After the above processing is performed, the system enters an infinite loop in preparation for a complete power outage that would prevent processing from being executed. Note that, in consideration of the possibility that the power outage flag may be erroneously set due to noise, for example, the system checks whether a power outage signal is being output before entering the infinite loop. If the power outage signal is not being output, this indicates that the system has recovered from the power outage, and writing to the RAM 106 is permitted, the power outage flag is reset, and the system returns to the timer interrupt processing. If the power outage signal continues to be output, the system enters the infinite loop. Incidentally, even under an infinite loop, it is checked whether or not a power outage signal is being output, and if the power outage signal is no longer being output, the process proceeds to the main processing.

[0082] Returning to the explanation of the timer interrupt process, if the power outage flag is not set in step S102, various processes from step S104 onwards are carried out.

[0083] That is, in step S104, a watchdog timer clearing process is performed to initialize the value of the watchdog timer for monitoring for malfunctions. In step S105, an interrupt end declaration process is performed to enable the CPU 102 itself to set the next timer interrupt. In step S106, a stepping motor control process is performed to drive the stepping motors that are the reel drive motors for spinning each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. In step S107, a sensor monitoring process is performed to read the status of various sensors (see FIG. 12) such as the stop detection sensors 42a to 44a, the inserted medal detection sensor 45a, and the payout detection sensor 51a connected to the input / output port 104, and to monitor whether the read results are normal. In step S108, a timer calculation process is performed to subtract values ​​from each counter and timer. In step S109, a counter process is performed to count the number of medals bet and the number of medals paid out and output the counted results to the external centralized terminal board 121.

[0084] In step S110, a command output process is performed to send various commands, such as a lottery result command (described later), to the display control device 81. In step S111, a segment data setting process is performed to set the segment data to be displayed in the credit display unit 60, the remaining payout number display unit 61, and the payout number display unit 62. In step S112, a segment data display process is performed to supply the segment data set in the segment data setting process to each display unit 60-62, 68 and display the corresponding numbers, symbols, etc. In step S113, a port output process is performed to output data corresponding to the I / O device from the input / output port 104. In step S114, the values ​​of each register saved to the backup area in the previous step S101 are restored to the corresponding register in the CPU 102. Thereafter, in step S115, an interrupt enable process is performed to enable the next timer interrupt, and this series of timer interrupt processes is terminated.

[0085] Next, the normal processing for carrying out main control relating to the game will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0086] First, in step S201, an interrupt permission process is performed to permit the next timer interrupt. In step S202, a pre-start process is performed to enable a game. In the pre-start process, the process waits until the display control device 81 and the like have completed initialization. When the initialization of the display control device 81 and the like has completed, the game management process shown in steps S203 to S215 is performed.

[0087] As part of the game management process, in step S203, data such as various game information (for example, random number values ​​used in the previous game) stored in the RAM 106 is cleared. Thereafter, in step S204, a start waiting process is performed.

[0088] In the start waiting process, it is determined whether any replay winnings were achieved in the previous game. If any replay winnings were achieved, an automatic insertion process is performed to automatically insert virtual medals in the same number as the previous bet number, and the start waiting process is terminated. Specifically, for example, if a replay winning is achieved in a 3-bet game, a process to automatically insert three virtual medals is performed, and if a replay winning is achieved in a 1-bet game, a process to automatically insert one virtual medal is performed.

[0089] In the automatic insertion process, virtual medals are inserted without reducing the number of virtual medals displayed on the credit display unit 60. In other words, if any replay wins were achieved in the previous game, the player can play the current game without reducing the number of medals owned or inserting any more medals. If no replay wins were achieved, a sensor abnormality confirmation process is performed to check whether any abnormalities have occurred in the sensor reading results obtained in the sensor monitoring process step S107 of the timer interrupt process. If an abnormality has occurred, an abnormality occurrence process is performed to place the slot machine 10 in an error state and notify the user of the occurrence of the error. This error state is maintained until the reset switch 72 is operated. If the sensor reading results are normal, a determination is made as to whether the settlement switch 59 has been operated. If the settlement switch 59 has been operated, a medal return process is performed to pay out the same number of medals as the credited virtual medals.

[0090] After the medal return process is completed or if the settlement switch 59 has not been operated, it is determined whether medals have been inserted or the credit insertion switches 56-58 have been operated between the previous start waiting process and the current start waiting process, and if either has been done, a medal insertion process is carried out to change the number of bets, etc., and the start waiting process is terminated. Also, if neither medals have been inserted nor the credit insertion switches 56-58 have been operated between the previous start waiting process and the current start waiting process, the start waiting process is terminated.

[0091] After the start waiting process is completed, in step S205, it is determined whether the number of medals bet has reached a specified number. In this slot machine 10, the specified number in the CB state is set to "2," and the specified numbers in gaming states other than the CB state (specifically, the normal gaming state, the first RT state, the second RT state, the third RT state, the BB state, and the RB state) are set to "1" and "3." That is, in the CB state, a positive determination is made in step S205 on the condition that the number of medals bet is "2," and in states other than the CB state, a positive determination is made in step S205 on the condition that the number of medals bet is "1" or "3." In other words, in a gaming state other than the CB state, if no medals have been bet, or if the number of medals bet is "2," a negative determination is made in step S205. If the number of medals has not reached the specified number, the process returns to the start waiting process in step S204, and the processes from the sensor abnormality confirmation process onward are performed.

[0092] If the number of bets has reached the specified number, a mode transition notification process is executed in step S206, which will be described in detail later.

[0093] After the processing of step S206 is performed, a bet command including information on the processing result of step S206 and information on the number of bets that resulted in a positive determination in step S205 is set as an output target to the display control device 81, which serves as a sub-side control device. The command set here is output to the display control device 81 in step S110 of the timer interrupt processing. The processing of the display control device 81 that has received the bet command will be explained in detail later.

[0094] After the process of step S207 is executed, it is determined in step S208 whether or not the start lever 41 has been operated. If the start lever 41 has not been operated, the process returns to the start waiting process of step S204, and the processes from the sensor abnormality confirmation process onwards are executed.

[0095] On the other hand, if the start lever 41 is operated, this means that a start command has been issued to start the game, since the game can be started by operating the start lever 41 when a specified number of medals have been bet. In this case, in step S209, a valid line setting process is performed to set the combination of lines corresponding to the number of bets as the valid line. That is, in a 3-bet game, only the downward-sloping line L4 is set as the valid line, and in a 2-bet game, the downward-sloping line L3 and the downward-sloping line L4 are set as the valid lines. In addition, in a 1-bet game, the bent line L6 is set as the valid line. In step S210, the medal path switching solenoid 46a is switched to a non-excited state to prohibit bet acceptance. Thereafter, the lottery process in step S211, the reel control process in step S212, the medal payout process in step S213, the RT state process in step S214, and the bonus state process in step S215 are executed in this order, and then the process returns to step S203.

[0096] Next, the lottery process in step S211 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0097] In step S301, a random number is acquired to be used when determining whether a winning combination has been achieved. In this slot machine 10, when the start lever 41 is operated, the hardware circuitry latches the value of the free-run counter at that time. The free-run counter generates a random number between 0 and 65535, and after the CPU 102 confirms the operation of the start lever 41, it stores the value latched by the hardware circuitry in the RAM 106. This configuration makes it possible to quickly acquire a random number when the start lever 41 is operated, thereby avoiding problems such as synchronization. The hardware circuitry of this slot machine 10 latches the value of the free-run counter each time the start lever 41 is operated.

[0098] After obtaining the random number, in step S302, a lottery table for determining whether the winning combination has been achieved is selected. In this slot machine 10, there are seven types of game states, broadly classified as a normal game state, a first RT state, a second RT state, a third RT state, a BB state, a RB state, and a CB state, and a lottery table is set for each game state. In this embodiment, a common lottery table is used for the BB state and the RB state.

[0099] That is, in step S302, the current gaming state of the slot machine 10 is determined based on the number of bets and the setting flag set in the state information storage area 106c, and a lottery table corresponding to the number of bets and the gaming state is selected. For example, if the number of bets is "3" and the setting flag is not set in the state information storage area 106c, the current gaming state is determined to be the normal gaming state, and a lottery table for the normal gaming state is selected. In addition, the slot machine 10 has six levels of winning probability, from "Setting 1" to "Setting 6," and by inserting a setting key into the setting key insertion hole and turning it ON and performing a predetermined operation, it is possible to set which winning probability the internal processing will be based on. In step S302, when the setting state is "Setting 1," a lottery table with the lowest expected value of medal payout is selected, and when the setting state is "Setting 6," a lottery table with the highest expected value of medal payout is selected.

[0100] Here, a supplementary explanation will be given regarding the process for setting the winning probability.

[0101] The winning probability setting process is executed in the main process launched by the main control device 101 when the power is turned on. More specifically, the winning probability setting process is launched after the initialization process when the power is turned on while the setting key detection sensor 73a detects that the setting key is inserted into the setting key insertion hole and turned ON. In the winning probability setting process, the setting value is updated by one each time the start lever 41 is operated, as a predetermined operation. For example, each time the start lever 41 is operated, the setting value is updated as follows: "Setting 1" → "Setting 2" → "Setting 3" → "Setting 4" → "Setting 5" → "Setting 6" → "Setting 1." Each setting value is displayed, for example, on the credit display unit 60, and the display is updated each time the setting value is updated. Then, when the setting key detection sensor 73a is turned OFF, the setting value at that time is set as the current setting value, and the winning probability setting process is terminated. When the winning probability setting process is terminated, the display on the credit display unit 60 also terminates. The set value set in the process of setting the winning probability is stored and held in RAM 106 until the next process of setting the winning probability is started. In step S302, a process of selecting a lottery table is performed based on the stored set value.

[0102] The lottery table will be briefly explained. Fig. 17 shows the lottery table for the normal game mode selected in the normal game mode of "Setting 3." The lottery table has index values ​​IV set therein, and each index value IV is uniquely associated with a winning combination and also has a point value PV set therein.

[0103] After selecting a lottery table, in step S303, the index value IV is set to 1, and in the following step S304, a judgment value DV to be used when determining whether a winning combination has been achieved is set. In this judgment value setting process, a point value PV corresponding to the current index value IV is added to the current judgment value DV to set a new judgment value DV. Note that in the first judgment value setting process, the random number value acquired in step S301 is set as the current judgment value DV, and the point value PV corresponding to the current index value IV, which is 1, is added to this random number value to set a new judgment value DV.

[0104] Then, in step S305, a win / loss determination is made for the combination corresponding to the index value IV. In the combination win / loss determination, it is determined whether the determination value DV exceeds 65535. If it exceeds 65535, it is determined in step S306 whether any of the first BB, second BB, RB, and CB has been won. Specifically, it is determined whether a positive determination was made in step S305 for an index value IV (IV = 32 to 62) including any of the first BB, second BB, RB, and CB. If a positive determination is made in step S306, a process is performed in which the corresponding bonus win flag (first BB win flag, second BB win flag, RB win flag, CB win flag) is set in the win flag storage area 106a in step S307. If a negative determination is made in step S306, or after the process of step S307 has been performed, a process is performed in step S308 in which the win flag of each minor combination corresponding to the index value IV determined to be positive in step S305 is set in the win flag storage area 106a. For example, if the judgment value DV exceeds 65535 when IV=32, the 1st BB winning flag is set in step S307, and the 28th small win flag, the 33rd small win flag, and the 35th small win flag are set in step S308. Also, if the judgment value DV exceeds 65535 when IV=15, winning flags indicating that the 30th small win and the 41st small win have been won are set in the winning flag storage area 106a in step S308.

[0105] Incidentally, if the set winning flag is not one of the winning flags indicating that the first BB has been won (first BB winning flag), the winning flag indicating that the second BB has been won (second BB winning flag), and the winning flag indicating that the RB has been won (RB winning flag), the winning flag set in the winning flag storage area 106a is reset after the game in which the corresponding winning flag is set ends (see S203 of the normal processing). On the other hand, if the winning flag is one of the first BB winning flag, second BB winning flag, and RB winning flag, these winning flags are reset on the condition that the corresponding winning is achieved. In other words, the first BB winning flag, second BB winning flag, and RB winning flag may be valid over multiple games.

[0106] In addition, in steps S306 to S308 when the 1st BB winning flag, the 2nd BB winning flag and the RB winning flag are carried over, if a winning combination other than the 1st BB, the 2nd BB, the RB, or the CB is won, the corresponding winning flag is set, and if a winning combination other than the 1st BB, the 2nd BB, the RB, or the CB is not won, the corresponding winning flag is not set.

[0107] That is, for example, in a state where the first BB winning flag is carried over, if the judgment value DV exceeds 65535 when the index value IV=32, the first BB winning flag is not set, and the 28th small role winning flag, the 33rd small role winning flag, and the 35th small role winning flag are set. Also, in a state where the first BB winning flag is carried over, if the judgment value DV exceeds 65535 when the index value IV=33, the second BB winning flag is not set, and the 28th small role winning flag, the 33rd small role winning flag, and the 35th small role winning flag are set. And, in a state where the RB winning flag is carried over, if the judgment value DV exceeds 65535 when the index value IV=51, the RB winning flag is not set, and the 27th small role winning flag and the 33rd small role winning flag are set.

[0108] In addition, a lottery table for when any one of the first BB winning flag, the second BB winning flag, and the RB winning flag is carried over may be separately prepared, and when any one of the first BB winning flag, the second BB winning flag, and the RB winning flag is carried over, the lottery process may be performed using the separately prepared lottery table. In this case, in the separately prepared lottery table, it is preferable to set each index value IV and point value PV so as not to win the first BB, the second BB, the RB, and the CB.

[0109] If the judgment value DV does not exceed 65535 in step S305, this means that the hand corresponding to the index value IV has not been obtained. In this case, in step S309, the index value IV is incremented by 1, and in the following step S310, it is determined whether or not there is a hand corresponding to the index value IV, i.e., whether or not there is a target for judgment of whether or not there is a winning or losing combination. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the index value IV incremented by 1 exceeds the maximum value of the index value IV set in the lottery table. If there is a target for judgment of whether or not there is a winning or losing combination, the process returns to step S304, and the judgment of whether or not the hand is a winning or losing combination continues. At this time, in step S304, the point value PV corresponding to the current index value IV is added to the judgment value DV used to judge whether or not the previous hand is a winning or losing combination (i.e., the current judgment value DV) to obtain a new judgment value DV, and in step S305, the winning or losing combination is judged based on the judgment value DV. When using the lottery table shown in Figure 17 to determine whether a winning combination is a winning combination, the probability of winning a normal replay (when IV = 1) is approximately 1 in 7.3, the probability of winning a strong cherry (when IV = 13) is approximately 1 in 300, and the probability of winning a weak cherry (when IV = 14) is approximately 1 in 183. The probability of winning a strong watermelon (when IV = 15) is approximately 1 in 300, the probability of winning a weak watermelon (when IV = 16) is approximately 1 in 218, the probability of winning Chance A (when IV = 17) is approximately 1 in 252, and the probability of winning Chance B (when IV = 18) is approximately 1 in 252. The probability of winning a middle bell (when IV = 19) is approximately 1 in 32,800, and the probability of winning a no-question bell (when IV = 20) is approximately 1 in 65,500. The probability of winning the forward push bell 1, forward push bell 2, pinch push bell 1, and pinch push bell 2 (probability of winning when IV = 21 to 24) is approximately 1 in 43.7, and the probability of winning the middle push bell 1, middle push bell 2, right push bell 1, and right push bell 2 (probability of winning when IV = 25 to 28) is approximately 1 in 21.8.The probability of winning a Strong Cherry Duplicate 1 (probability of winning when IV=32) is approximately 1 in 21,800, the probability of winning a Strong Cherry Duplicate 2 (probability of winning when IV=33) is approximately 1 in 21,800, the probability of winning a Weak Cherry Duplicate 1 (probability of winning when IV=34) is approximately 1 in 32,800, and the probability of winning a Weak Cherry Duplicate 2 (probability of winning when IV=35) is approximately 1 in 32,800. The probability of winning a Strong Watermelon Duplicate 1 (probability of winning when IV=36) is approximately 1 in 32,800, and the probability of winning a Strong Watermelon Duplicate 2 (probability of winning when IV=37) is approximately 1 in 32,800. The probability of winning a Weak Watermelon Duplicate 1 (probability of winning when IV=38) is approximately 1 in 65,500, and the probability of winning a Weak Watermelon Duplicate 2 (probability of winning when IV=39) is approximately 1 in 65,500. The probability of winning Chance A Duplicate 1, Chance A Duplicate 2, Chance B Duplicate 1, and Chance B Duplicate 2 (probability of winning when IV = 40-43) is approximately 1 in 32,800. The probability of winning Middle Bell Duplicate 1 and Middle Bell Duplicate 2 (probability of winning when IV = 44, 45) is approximately 1 in 21,800. The probability of winning Special Reply A Duplicate 1 (probability of winning when IV = 46) is approximately 1 in 1,010, and the probability of winning Special Reply A Duplicate 2 (probability of winning when IV = 47) is approximately 1 in 1,310. The probability of winning Special Reply AB Duplicate 1 (probability of winning when IV = 48) is approximately 1 in 1,010, and the probability of winning Special Reply AB Duplicate 2 (probability of winning when IV = 49) is approximately 1 in 1,310. The probability of winning 3 strong cherries (probability of winning when IV = 50) is approximately 1 in 21,800, and the probability of winning 3 weak cherries (probability of winning when IV = 51) is approximately 1 in 32,800. The probability of winning 3 strong watermelons and 3 weak watermelons (probability of winning when IV = 52, 53) is approximately 1 in 13,100, and the probability of winning 3 Chance A and 3 Chance B (probability of winning when IV = 54, 55) is approximately 1 in 32,800. The probability of winning 3 middle bells (probability of winning when IV = 56) is approximately 1 in 13,100.The probability of winning the Special Rip A Duplicate 3 (probability of winning when IV = 57) is approximately 1 in 1010, and the probability of winning the Special Rip AB Duplicate 3 (probability of winning when IV = 58) is approximately 1 in 1310. The probability of winning the 1st BB, 2nd BB, and RB individually (probability of winning when IV = 59 to 61) is approximately 1 in 65,500. The probability of winning CB (probability of winning when IV = 62) is approximately 1 in 19.9. Also, the probability of not winning any of the roles is approximately 1 in 1.96.

[0110] In the lottery table for the normal gaming state, 0 is set for the point values ​​PV of IV=2 to 12, 29 to 31, and 63. Therefore, in the normal gaming state, these index values ​​IV do not result in a win.

[0111] After the winning flag is set in step S308, or if it is determined in step S310 that there is no target to be determined as a winning combination, it means that the winning combination determination has been completed. In such a case, the process proceeds to step S311, and a freeze lottery process is performed to determine whether or not to execute a freeze effect that disables the operation of the stop switches 42 to 44 for a predetermined period of time.

[0112] In the following step S312, a lottery result response process is performed. In the lottery result response process, a process of whether to shift the gaming state or not depending on the result of the lottery in steps S301 to S311, a process of notifying the push order combination, etc. are performed. The lottery result response process will be described in detail later.

[0113] After executing the processing of step S312, a lottery result command is set in step S313. Here, the lottery result command is a command sent to the display control device 81 to let the user know the result of the winning / losing role determination. However, in normal processing, various commands such as the lottery result command are simply set in the ring buffer, and no command is sent to the display control device 81. The command is sent to the display control device 81 in the command output processing (step S110) of the timer interrupt processing described above.

[0114] Then, in step S314, a stop information setting process is executed to set symbols that can be stopped on each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R based on the lottery results of this game. In the stop information setting process, stop symbol information corresponding to the possible winning combinations is set based on the win flags set in steps S306 to S308. For example, if a strong cherry is won (won when IV=13) and the strong cherry win flag is set, stop symbol information is set so that symbols corresponding to the 28th small combination, the 32nd small combination, and the 35th small combination can be stopped on each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. Also, if a strong cherry overlap 1 is won (won when IV=32) and the strong cherry win flag and the first BB win flag are set, stop symbol information is set so that symbols corresponding to the 28th small combination, the 33rd small combination, the 35th small combination, and the first BB can be stopped on each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R.

[0115] In the following step S315, when multiple pieces of stoppable symbol information are set in step S314, a priority setting process is executed to set their priorities. For example, when multiple types of roles among small role, replay, and bonus are won, the following priorities are set. When small role and bonus are won, the priority is set so that the small role win is given priority, and when the small role win cannot be won, the bonus win is won. When replay and bonus are won, the priority is set so that the replay win is given priority.

[0116] For example, if Strong Cherry Duplicate 1 is won and stop symbol information corresponding to the 28th, 33rd, and 35th small wins and the first BB win is set, the priority is set so that the 28th, 33rd, and 35th small wins take priority over the first BB win. Also, if Special Replay A Duplicate 3 is won and stop symbol information corresponding to the 9th replay and RB wins is set, the priority is set so that the 9th replay win takes priority over the RB win. And, for example, if a RB win is carried over and a normal replay is won and stop symbol information corresponding to the RB win and the first replay win is set, the priority is set so that the first replay win takes priority over the RB win.

[0117] Here, when a replay is won, the winning symbol combination is set so that one of the winning replays will always win. In other words, when a replay is won, a replay win is always achieved, and no misses occur. Therefore, when the stop symbol information for the replay and the bonus is set, one of the set replay wins is always achieved, and no bonus win is achieved.

[0118] Furthermore, when multiple small wins or multiple replays overlap to form a winning combination, the symbol corresponding to which small win or replay will stop on the pay line will depend on the timing of the stop operation. For example, if a strong watermelon is won and the stop symbol information corresponding to the 30th and 41st small wins is set, as described above, the target symbol on the left reel 32L for the 30th and 41st small wins is the same, a "watermelon." Therefore, the timing of the stop operation on the left reel 32L does not determine which small win will be formed. On the other hand, the target symbols on the center reel 32M and right reel 32R for the 30th small win are both "red bell" symbols, and for the 41st small win, the center reel 32M is a "cherry" symbol and a "black BAR" symbol, and the right reel 32R is a "watermelon" symbol. For example, in a 3-bet game, if the center stop switch 43 is operated to stop the 32M center reel when the 4th "watermelon" symbol through the 7th "red bell" symbol reach the middle row, both the 7th "red bell" symbol, which is the target symbol for the 30th minor win, and the "black bar" symbol, which is the target symbol for the 41st minor win, can be stopped in the middle row on the active line. In this case, in this embodiment, the stop symbol information is set so that symbols with fewer slips are stopped first. As a result, in the above case, the stop drive control is performed so that the "red bell" symbol stops in the middle row, preventing the 41st minor win and allowing the 30th minor win.

[0119] On the other hand, if the middle stop switch 43 is operated to stop when the 8th "black bar" symbol to the 12th "red bell" symbol on the middle reel 32M reach the middle row, it becomes possible to stop the 8th "black bar" symbol and the 11th "cherry" symbol, which are the target symbols for the 41st minor combination, and the 12th "red bell" symbol, which is the target symbol for the 30th minor combination, in the middle row. In this case, the stop symbol information is set so that symbols with fewer slips are given priority, so the 8th "black bar" symbol or the 11th "cherry" symbol stops in the middle row, the 30th minor combination does not win, and the 41st minor combination becomes winnable.

[0120] The same is true for the right reel 32R, and depending on the timing at which the right stop switch 44 is stopped, the stop symbol information is set so that the symbol with the least number of slips between the "red bell" symbol, which is the target symbol for the 30th minor combination, and the "watermelon" symbol, which is the target symbol for the 41st minor combination, stops on the lower row, which is the active line. Note that, on the right reel 32R, if the right stop switch 44 is stopped at the timing at which the 6th "first replay" symbol and the 7th "black BAR" symbol reach the active position, neither the "watermelon" symbol nor the "red bell" symbol can be stopped, and in this case, neither of the minor combinations will be won, resulting in a so-called missed win.

[0121] After the process of step S315 is executed, the first section display process is executed in step S316, and then the lottery process is terminated. The first section display process is a process related to display control of the instruction monitor 68, and this process will be described in detail later.

[0122] Next, the reel control process in step S212 will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0123] In the reel control process, first, in step S401, a spin effect process is performed. The spin effect process is a process for performing an effect using reel control during an invalid period, based on the result of the freeze lottery process performed in step S311, etc. In the following step S402, a spin start process is performed to start the rotation of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R.

[0124] In the spin start process, the system checks whether a predetermined wait time (e.g., 4.1 seconds) has elapsed since the reels started spinning in the previous game. If not, the system waits until the wait time has elapsed. If the wait time has elapsed, the system resets the wait time for the next game and performs a motor control initialization process to set spin start information in a motor control storage area in RAM 106. This process initiates a stepping motor acceleration process in the stepping motor control process (step S106) of the timer interrupt process, causing each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R to start spinning. Therefore, even if a player bets a specified number of medals and operates the start lever 41, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R may not immediately start spinning. The system then waits until each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R spins at a predetermined constant speed, and the spin start process ends. In addition, when the rotation speed of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R reaches a constant speed, the CPU 102 notifies the player, etc. that it is now possible to issue a stop command by lighting up the lamps (not shown) of each stop switch 42 to 44.

[0125] Following the spin start process, in step S403, it is determined whether any of the stop switches 42 to 44 has been operated. If none of the stop switches 42 to 44 has been operated, the process waits until one of the stop switches 42 to 44 is operated. If it is determined that one of the stop switches 42 to 44 has been operated, the process proceeds to step S404, where it is determined whether the stop switch corresponding to the spinning reel has been operated, i.e., whether a stop command has been issued. If a stop command has not been issued, the process returns to step S403, where it waits until one of the stop switches 42 to 44 is operated. If a stop command has been issued, a stop command command is set in step S405. Here, the stop command command is a command sent to the display control device 81 to indicate which stop switch was operated to issue the stop command. If a stop command command has been set, the stop control process shown in steps S406 to S412 is performed to stop the spinning reel.

[0126] In step S406, the symbol number of the reaching symbol that has reached the base position (the lower position in this embodiment) at the time the stop switch is operated is confirmed. Specifically, the symbol number of the reaching symbol that has reached the base position is confirmed based on the number of excitation pulses output from the time the detection signal of the reel index sensor is input. In the following step S407, the number of reel slides to be stopped this time is calculated based on the stop information stored in the stop information storage area 106b. In this slot machine 10, five stop modes are available for stopping each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R when the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated: a stop mode in which the reaching symbol that has reached the base position is stopped as is, a stop mode in which the corresponding reel slides by one symbol, a stop mode in which the corresponding reel slides by two symbols, a stop mode in which the corresponding reel slides by three symbols, and a stop mode in which the corresponding reel slides by four symbols. Therefore, in step S407, a value between 0 and 4 is calculated as the number of slips based on the stop information stored in the stop information storage area 106b. Then, in step S408, the calculated number of slips is added to the symbol number of the reached symbol to determine the symbol number of the stop symbol that will actually stop at the base position. In step S409, it is determined whether the symbol number of the reached symbol on the reel to be stopped this time and the symbol number of the stop symbol are equal. If they are equal, a reel stop process is performed in step S410 to stop the reel rotation. Then, in step S411, it is determined whether all reels 32L, 32M, and 32R have stopped. If all reels 32L, 32M, and 32R have not stopped, a second stop information setting process is performed in step S412, and the process returns to step S403.

[0127] Here, the second stop information setting process is a process of changing the stop information stored in the stop information storage area 106b of the RAM 106 after the reels have stopped. In the second stop information setting process, the stop information is changed based on the set win flag and the stop outcome of the stopped reels. In the slot machine 10, for example, when a win occurs when IV=21 to 28, that is, when a win occurs on the forward push bell 1, the forward push bell 2, the pinch push bell 1, the pinch push bell 2, the center push bell 1, the center push bell 2, the right push bell 1, and the right push bell 2 (hereinafter, these are also collectively referred to as "push order bells") (see FIG. 17), the second stop information setting process is performed to change the winning mode established by the operation order of the stop switches 42 to 44 that generated the stop command.

[0128] 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between winning combinations, the operation order of the stop switches 42 to 44, and the winning patterns that are achieved. For example, when the center push bell 1 is won, if the left stop switch 42 is operated first, the stop information is set so that the second small win, the seventh small win, or the ninth small win is achieved, if the middle stop switch 43 is operated first, the stop information is set so that the first small win is achieved, and if the right stop switch 44 is operated first, the stop information is set so that the second small win, the seventh small win, or the ninth small win is achieved. However, even if the stop information is set in this way, the corresponding win may not be achieved depending on the operation timing of the stop switches 42 to 44.

[0129] The symbol arrangement on each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R will be briefly described. In the slot machine 10, in a game mode other than the CB mode (3-bet game), the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R can slide up to four symbols from the timing of operating the stop switches 42 to 44 before stopping, and only the downward-sloping right line L4 is set as the active line. Therefore, when symbols of the same type are arranged on each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R with a spacing of four symbols or less, the winning symbol can be stopped on the active line regardless of the timing of operating the stop switch 43. On the other hand, when symbols are arranged so that they form a section spaced five symbols or more apart, the player must operate the stop switches 42 to 44 while aiming at the symbol to stop it on the active line.

[0130] An example will be described in which the center push bell 1 is won and the left stop switch 42, the center stop switch 43, and the right stop switch 44 are operated in this order. In such a case, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped to achieve the second small win, the seventh small win, or the ninth small win.

[0131] The second small win symbols on the left reel 32L are the "red bell" symbol and the "white bell" symbol. The "red bell" and "white bell" symbols also function as the seventh and ninth small win symbols. The second small win symbols (the seventh and ninth small win symbols) on the left reel 32L are arranged so that the interval between each other is four symbols or less. Therefore, when the left stop switch 42 is operated first, the "red bell" symbol or the "white bell" symbol stops on the top row regardless of the timing of the operation. For example, if the left stop switch 42 is operated when the number 4 "cherry" symbol on the left reel 32L has reached the middle row, the number 7 "red bell" symbol stops on the top row, as shown in Figure 20(a). As a result, there is room for the second, seventh, or ninth small win to be achieved on the downward-sloping right line L4.

[0132] The second small win symbol on the middle reel 32M is a "white bar" symbol. On the middle reel 32M, the "white bar" symbol is located only at position 18. Also, the seventh small win symbol on the middle reel 32M is a "red 7" symbol. On the middle reel 32M, the "red 7" symbol is located only at position 14. And the ninth small win symbol on the middle reel 32M is a "cherry" symbol. On the middle reel 32M, the "cherry" symbol is located only at position 11. Therefore, depending on the operation timing of the middle stop switch 43, the second small win symbol, the seventh small win symbol, or the ninth small win symbol may stop on an active line, or none of the second small win symbol, the seventh small win symbol, or the ninth small win symbol may stop on an active line.

[0133] Specifically, if the middle stop switch 43 is operated when any of the "First Replay" symbols (numbered 13 through 17) reach the bottom row, the "White BAR" symbol, which is the second small win symbol, will stop in the middle row. As a result, there will be room for the second small win symbol to be established on the downward-sloping right line L4. If the middle stop switch 43 is operated when any of the "Second Replay" symbols (numbered 9 through 13) reach the bottom row, the "Red 7" symbol, which is the seventh small win symbol, will stop in the middle row, as shown in FIG. 20(b). As a result, there will be room for the seventh small win symbol to be established on the downward-sloping right line L4. If the middle stop switch 43 is operated when any of the "White Bell" symbols (numbered 6 through 10) reach the bottom row, the "Cherry" symbol, which is the ninth small win symbol, will stop in the middle row. If the middle stop switch 43 is operated at any other time, the second, seventh and ninth small win symbols cannot be stopped in the middle row even if the middle reel 32M is stopped after sliding four symbols. If the middle stop switch 43 is operated at such a time, the No. 2 "LUCKY" symbol or the No. 6 "white bell" symbol will stop in the middle row.

[0134] When the 7th small winning symbol of the center reel 32M stops in the middle row, the stop information second setting process changes the stop information so that the 7th small winning symbol can be achieved.

[0135] The seventh small win symbol on the right reel 32R is a "white bell" symbol. The "white bell" symbol is located only at the number 10 position on the right reel 32R. Therefore, depending on the timing of operation of the right stop switch 44, the seventh small win symbol may or may not stop on the active line. Specifically, if the right stop switch 44 is operated when any of the "first replay" symbols (number 6) through the "white bell" symbol (number 10) has reached the bottom row, the "white bell" symbol, which is the seventh small win symbol, stops on the bottom row, as shown in Figure 20(c). As a result, the seventh small win symbol is established on the downward-sloping right line L4. If the right stop switch 44 is operated at any other time, the "watermelon" symbol or the "first replay" symbol stops on the bottom row. For example, if the right stop switch 44 is operated at the timing when the No. 3 "Second Replay" symbol has reached the bottom row, the No. 4 "Watermelon" symbol will stop at the bottom row as shown in Figure 20(d). The combination of the "Red Bell" symbol, the "Red 7" symbol, and the "Watermelon" symbol from the left is a transition result as shown in Figure 11.

[0136] When the 9th small winning symbol of the center reel 32M stops in the middle row, the stop information second setting process changes the stop information so that the 9th small winning symbol can be achieved.

[0137] The 9th minor winning symbol on the right reel 32R is a "Youth" symbol. The "Youth" symbol is located at position 15 on the right reel 32R. Therefore, depending on the timing of operation of the right stop switch 44, the 9th minor winning symbol may or may not stop on the active line. Specifically, if the right stop switch 44 is operated when any of the "First Replay" symbols (number 11) through the "Youth" symbols (number 15) have reached the bottom row, the "Youth" symbol, which is the 9th minor winning symbol, stops at the bottom row. As a result, the 9th minor winning symbol is established on the downward-sloping right line L4. If the right stop switch 44 is operated at any other time, the "Watermelon" symbol or the "First Replay" symbol stops at the bottom row. The combination of the "White Bell" symbol ("Red Bell" symbol), the "Cherry" symbol, and the "Watermelon" symbol ("First Replay" symbol) from left to right results in a transitional win, as shown in FIG. 11.

[0138] When the second small winning symbol of the center reel 32M stops in the middle row, the stop information second setting process changes the stop information so that the second small winning symbol can be achieved.

[0139] The second small win symbol on the right reel 32R is a "white bar" symbol. The "white bar" symbol is located at the 18th position on the right reel 32R. Therefore, depending on the timing of operation of the right stop switch 44, the second small win symbol may or may not stop on the active line. Specifically, if the right stop switch 44 is operated when any of the 14th "watermelon" symbol to the 18th "white bar" symbol has reached the bottom row, the "white bar" symbol, which is the second small win symbol, stops on the bottom row. As a result, the second small win symbol is established on the downward-sloping right line L4. If the right stop switch 44 is operated at any other time, the "watermelon" symbol or the "first replay" symbol stops on the bottom row. The combination of the "white bell" symbol ("red bell" symbol), the "white BAR" symbol, and the "watermelon" symbol ("first replay" symbol) from the left is a transition result as shown in FIG.

[0140] If the second, seventh and ninth small win symbols on the middle reel 32M do not stop in the middle row, i.e., if the "LUCKY" symbol or the "white bell" symbol on the middle reel 32M stops in the middle row, the second stop information setting process changes the stop information so that the "watermelon" symbol or the "first replay" symbol stops in the bottom row.

[0141] On the right reel 32R, the "watermelon" symbols and the "first replay" symbols are arranged so that the interval between each other is four symbols or less. Therefore, when the right stop switch 44 is operated, the "watermelon" symbol or the "first replay" symbol stops on the bottom row regardless of the timing of the operation. The combination of the "white bell" symbol ("red bell" symbol), the "lucky" symbol ("white bell" symbol), and the "watermelon" symbol ("first replay" symbol) from the left is a transition result as shown in FIG. 11.

[0142] In this way, if the middle push bell 1 is won and the left stop switch 42 → middle stop switch 43 → right stop switch 44 are operated in that order, the second small win will be made, the seventh small win will be made, the ninth small win will be made, or the transition result will stop.

[0143] Next, we will explain an example in which the center push bell 1 is won and the center stop switch 43 → left stop switch 42 → right stop switch 44 are operated in this order. In this case, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped to achieve the first small win.

[0144] On the center reel 32M, the "red bell" symbols, which are the first minor winning symbols, are arranged so that the interval between each "red bell" symbol is four symbols or less. Therefore, when the center stop switch 43 is operated first, the "red bell" symbols will stop in the middle row regardless of the operation timing.

[0145] On the left reel 32L, the first minor winning symbols, "red bell" and "white bell," are arranged so that the interval between each first minor winning symbol is four symbols or less. Therefore, when the left stop switch 42 is operated second, the "red bell" or "white bell" symbol will stop on the top row regardless of the timing of the operation.

[0146] On the right reel 32R, the first minor winning symbols, "red bell" and "white bell," are arranged so that the interval between each first minor winning symbol is four symbols or less. Therefore, when the right stop switch 44 is operated third, the "red bell" or "white bell" symbol will stop on the bottom row regardless of the timing of the operation.

[0147] As described above, if the middle push bell 1 is won and the middle stop switch 43 → left stop switch 42 → right stop switch 44 are operated in that order, the first small prize will be won regardless of the timing of the operation.

[0148] When the push order bell is won, if the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated in one or two predetermined operation sequences, the first small win will be achieved regardless of the operation timing, and when the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated in a different operation sequence, the small win will be achieved or the transition result will stop on the active line depending on the operation timing. Incidentally, when the middle bell is won, the 38th small win will be achieved regardless of the operation sequence and operation timing, and when the no-question bell is won, the first small win will be achieved regardless of the operation sequence and operation timing.

[0149] Returning to the explanation of the reel control process, if it is determined in step S411 that all reels 32L, 32M, and 32R have stopped, a payout determination process is performed in step S413. The payout determination process is a process for setting the number of medals to be paid out, with one of the conditions being that a winning combination of symbols is aligned on an active line. In the payout determination process, a combination of symbols formed on an active line is derived from the symbol numbers of the symbols that have stopped on the lower rows of each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R, and it is determined whether a winning combination has been achieved on the active line. If a winning combination has been achieved, it is further determined whether the winning combination corresponds to a winning flag set in the win flag storage area 106a. If the winning combination corresponds to a winning flag, the winning combination and the payout amount corresponding to the winning combination are set in a payout information storage area provided in RAM 106. On the other hand, if the winning combination does not correspond to the winning flag, the slot machine 10 is put into an error state and an error occurrence notification process is performed. This error state is maintained until the reset switch 72 is operated.

[0150] After the payout determination process, a winning result process is performed in step S414. The winning result process includes processes such as transitioning the gaming state based on the winning result. The winning result process will be described in detail later.

[0151] After the winning result processing is performed, a second interval display processing is executed in step S415. The second interval display processing is processing related to display control of the instruction monitor 68, and this processing will be explained in detail later. Thereafter, in step S416, a winning result command is set so that the display control device 81 knows the winning combination in the current game, and the reel control processing is terminated.

[0152] Next, the medal payout process in step S213 will be outlined.

[0153] In the medal payout process, it is determined whether the payout number set in the payout information storage area is 0. If the payout number is 0, it means that it was determined in the previous payout determination process that no small winning combination was achieved. In such a case, it is determined whether any of the first to eighth replay winning combinations has been achieved, based on the winning combinations set in the payout determination process. If none of the replay winning combinations has been achieved, the medal payout process is terminated as is, and if any of the replay winning combinations has been achieved, a replay setting process is performed to change the game state to a replay state, and the medal payout process is terminated. Note that in the start waiting process (step S204) described earlier, if it is determined that the current game state is a replay state, an automatic insertion process is performed.

[0154] On the other hand, if the payout number set in the payout information storage area is not 0, medals equal to the payout number are paid out, and the medal payout process is terminated. Specifically, regarding the payout of medals, if the count value of the credit counter has not reached its upper limit (50 medals stored), the payout number is added to the count value of the credit counter, and the value after the addition is displayed on the credit display unit 60. If the count value of the credit counter has reached its upper limit, or if the count value reaches its upper limit during the addition of the payout number, the medal payout rotating plate is driven, and medals are paid out from the hopper device 51 to the medal tray 50 via the medal discharge port 49. The medal payout process also includes a process of changing the payout number displayed on the payout number display unit 62 in accordance with the payout of medals. If the current game state is the BB state, the payout number is subtracted from the value of the remaining payout number counter (described later), and the remaining payout number displayed on the remaining payout number display unit 61 is subtracted.

[0155] Next, the RT state processing in step S214 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0156] In step S501, it is determined whether the transition result has stopped on an active line. If the transition result has stopped, the process proceeds to step S502, where it is determined whether the current gaming state is a normal gaming state. If the current gaming state is a normal gaming state, a first RT setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c of the RAM 106 in step S503. Thereafter, this process ends. If it is determined in step S501 that the transition result has not stopped on an active line, the process proceeds to step S504, where it is determined whether a second replay win has been achieved based on the winning combination set in the previous payout determination process. If a second replay win has been achieved, the RT setting flag set in the state information storage area 106c is cleared in step S505, and the first RT setting flag is set in step S503. Thereafter, this process ends. In addition, if the transition result stops on an active line under a gaming state other than the normal gaming state, the RT setting flag set in the state information storage area 106c is cleared in step S505, and the first RT setting flag is set in step S503, and this process is terminated.

[0157] If the first RT setting flag is set in step S503, the game state transitions to the first RT state. Then, in step S302 of the lottery process, it is determined that the current game state is the first RT state based on the fact that the first RT setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c, and a lottery table for the first RT state is selected.

[0158] Figure 22 is a lottery table for the first RT state selected in the first RT state of "setting 3." When compared with the lottery table for the normal gaming state (see Figure 17), the lottery table for the first RT state has different point values ​​PV for IV = 1 to 5, and the same point values ​​PV are set for the other index values ​​IV. Therefore, when determining whether a winning combination is achieved using this lottery table, the probability of winning when IV = 6 to 63 is equal to the respective winning probabilities in the normal gaming state, and the probability of winning when IV = 1 is approximately 1 in 67.0, and the probability of winning when IV = 2 to 5 is approximately 1 in 32.8. The probability of losing, i.e., not winning any combination, is approximately 1 in 1.94.

[0159] As shown in FIG. 22, if a win occurs when IV=1, it results in a normal replay win; if a win occurs when IV=2, it results in a first promotion replay 1 win; if a win occurs when IV=3, it results in a first promotion replay 2 win; if a win occurs when IV=4, it results in a first promotion replay 3 win; and if a win occurs when IV=5, it results in a first promotion replay 4 win. The probability of winning when IV=1 to 5 is approximately 1 in 7.30. The probability of winning a normal replay under normal gaming mode is also approximately 1 in 7.30. In other words, when the gaming mode transitions to the first RT mode, the winning probability for each of the small combination, replay, and bonus combinations is the same as in the normal gaming mode, but the winning pattern for awarding the replay bonus changes to one different from that under normal gaming mode. More specifically, in the normal game state, only the first replay win, which does not result in a transition to the game state, is achieved, and in the first RT state, in addition to the first replay win, a third replay win, which results in a transition to the second RT state, is achieved.

[0160] In the second stop information setting process (step S409), in addition to when the above-mentioned push order bell is won, when the first promotion replay 1 to first promotion replay 4 are won, stop information is set to change the winning pattern that is achieved depending on the operation order of the stop switches 42 to 44 that generated the stop command.

[0161] FIG. 23(a) is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between winning combinations, the operation sequence of the stop switches 42 to 44, and the winning patterns that are achieved. When the first promotion replay 1 to first promotion replay 4 are won, unlike when the push order bell is won, the first replay win or the third replay win is always achieved regardless of the operation timing of the stop switches 42 to 44. For the first promotion replay 1 to first promotion replay 4, one of six operation sequences is associated with the third replay, and the other operation sequences are associated with the first replay.

[0162] In the first promotion replays 2 to 4, in addition to the first replay and the third replay, the sixth replay, the seventh replay, and the eighth replay are also allocated as winning combinations. However, these sixth replay to eighth replay are not associated with any of the six operation sequences described above. Therefore, even if the sixth replay to eighth replay are winning combinations in the first promotion replays 2 to 4, they will not win regardless of the operation sequence of the stop switches 42 to 44.

[0163] More specifically, for the first promotion replays 1 to 4, the first promotion replay 1 is assigned the first replay and the third replay, the first promotion replay 2 is assigned the sixth replay in addition to the first replay and the third replay, the first promotion replay 3 is assigned the seventh replay in addition to the first replay and the third replay, and the first promotion replay 4 is assigned the eighth replay in addition to the first replay and the third replay, but for any of the first promotion replays 1 to 4, the winning replay is either the first replay or the third replay. This is to make it difficult to understand the operation sequence that results in the third replay winning. That is, for example, if there is one type of first promotion replay, the operation sequence corresponding to the third replay winning will also be one type, and when the first promotion replay is won, it may be possible to intentionally establish the third replay winning. Note that this relationship is not limited to the relationship between the first promotion replays 1 to 4, but the same can be said for other overlapping roles.

[0164] Returning to the explanation of the RT state processing, if it is determined in step S504 that the second re-game winning has not been achieved, the process proceeds to step S506, where it is determined whether or not the third re-game winning has been achieved, based on the winning combination set in the previous payout determination process. If the third re-game winning has been achieved, the RT setting flag set in the state information storage area 106c is cleared in step S507, and the second RT setting flag is set in step S508, and this process ends.

[0165] If the second RT setting flag is set in step S508, the game state transitions to the second RT state. Then, in step S302 of the lottery process, it is determined that the current game state is the second RT state based on the fact that the second RT setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c, and a lottery table for the second RT state is selected.

[0166] FIG. 24 shows a lottery table for the second RT state selected in the second RT state of "Setting 3." Compared to the lottery table for the first RT state (see FIG. 22), the lottery table for the second RT state has different point values ​​PV for IV = 1 to 10, while the same point values ​​PV are set for the other index values ​​IV. Therefore, when determining whether a winning combination is achieved using this lottery table, the probability of winning when IV = 11 to 63 is equal to the respective winning probabilities in the first RT state. The probability of winning when IV = 1 is approximately 1 in 13.2, the probability of not winning when IV = 2 to 5 is approximately 1 in 15.5, and the probability of winning when IV = 6 to 8 is approximately 1 in 8.90. The probability of losing, i.e., not winning any combination, is approximately 1 in 150. In other words, when transitioning to the second RT state, the probability of losing is lower compared to the normal gaming state and the first RT state, which is advantageous for the player. In addition, in the second RT state, in addition to the first re-play winning event that does not result in a transition to the game state, the second re-play winning event that results in a transition to the first RT state, and the fourth and fifth re-play winning events that result in a transition to the third RT state are achieved.

[0167] In the second stop information setting process (step S409), in addition to when the above-mentioned first promotion replay 1 to first promotion replay 4 are won, stop information is set so as to change the winning pattern that is achieved depending on the operation order of the stop switches 42 to 44 that generated the stop command, even when the fall replay 1 to fall replay 3, second promotion replay 1, or second promotion replay 2 is won.

[0168] FIG. 23(b) is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between winning combinations, the operation order of the stop switches 42 to 44, and the winning patterns that are achieved. When Fall Replay 1 to Fall Replay 3 are won, the first replay win or the second replay win is always achieved, regardless of the operation timing of the stop switches 42 to 44. When Second Promotion Replay 1 is won, either the first replay win, the fourth replay win, or the fifth replay win is always achieved, regardless of the operation timing of the stop switches 42 to 44. When Second Promotion Replay 2 is won, either the first replay win or the fourth replay win is always achieved, regardless of the operation timing of the stop switches 42 to 44.

[0169] The numbers assigned to the fourth replay in the diagram correspond to the symbol combinations that result in the fourth replay winning. "1" corresponds to the symbol combination that results in a scatter, and "2" corresponds to the symbol combination that results in a red 7, red 7, and black bar stopping in the middle row (see Figure 11). For example, if the left stop switch 42 is operated first when the second promotion replay 1 is won, the symbol combination that results in a scatter will stop, resulting in the fourth replay winning, or the symbol combination that results in a red 7, red 7, and black bar stopping in the middle row will stop, resulting in the fourth replay winning.

[0170] Returning to the explanation of the RT state processing, if it is determined in step S506 that the third re-play winning has not been achieved, the process proceeds to step S509, where it is determined whether the fourth re-play winning or the fifth re-play winning has been achieved based on the winning combination set in the previous payout determination process. If the fourth re-play winning or the fifth re-play winning has been achieved, the RT setting flag set in the state information storage area 106c is cleared in step S510, and the third RT setting flag is set in step S511, and this process ends. If the determination in step S509 is negative, the RT state processing ends as is.

[0171] If the third RT setting flag is set in step S511, the game state transitions to the third RT state. Then, in step S302 of the lottery process, it is determined that the current game state is the third RT state based on the fact that the third RT setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c, and a lottery table for the third RT state is selected.

[0172] FIG. 25 shows a lottery table for the third RT state selected in the third RT state of "Setting 3." Compared to the lottery table for the second RT state (see FIG. 24), the lottery table for the third RT state has different point values ​​PV for IV = 9 to 12, while the same point values ​​PV are set for the other index values ​​IV. Therefore, when determining whether a winning combination is a winning combination using this lottery table, the winning probability for IV = 1 to 8 and 13 to 63 is equal to the winning probability in the second RT state, while the winning probability for IV = 9 and 10 is not a winning combination, and the winning probability for IV = 11 and 12 is approximately 1 in 7.00. The losing probability (i.e., not winning any combination) is approximately 1 in 150. In other words, when the gaming state transitions to the third RT state, the winning probability for each combination of small combination, replay, and bonus is the same as in the second RT state, but the winning mode for awarding the replay bonus changes to one different from that in the second RT state. More specifically, in the third RT state, in addition to the first replay winning event which does not result in a transition to the game state and the second replay winning event which results in a transition to the first RT state, the sixth replay winning event, the seventh replay winning event, and the eighth replay winning event which does not result in a transition to the game state, and the third replay winning event which results in a transition to the second RT state are also achieved.

[0173] In the second stop information setting process (step S409), even if BAR Replay 1 or BAR Replay 2 is won, stop information is set to change the winning pattern that is achieved depending on the operation order of the stop switches 42 to 44 that generated the stop command.

[0174] 23(c) is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence relationship between winning combinations, the operation order of the stop switches 42 to 44, and the winning patterns that are achieved. When BAR Replay 1 is won, any one of the first replay winning, sixth replay winning, seventh replay winning, and third replay winning is always achieved, regardless of the operation timing of the stop switches 42 to 44. When BAR Replay 2 is won, any one of the first replay winning, sixth replay winning, eighth replay winning, and third replay winning is always achieved, regardless of the operation timing of the stop switches 42 to 44.

[0175] Next, the bonus state processing in step S215 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0176] First, in step S601, it is determined whether the current gaming state is a bonus state, that is, whether the current gaming state is a BB state or a CB state. If it is not a bonus state, the bonus determination process shown in steps S602 to S613 is performed.

[0177] In the bonus determination process, in step S602, it is determined whether any of the first BB win flag, second BB win flag, and CB win flag is set. If any of the win flags is set, the process proceeds to step S603, where it is determined whether a CB win has been achieved based on the winning combination set in the previous payout determination process. If a CB win has been achieved, in step S604, a CB setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c. In step S605, a remaining payout number counter, which is provided in the state information storage area 106c and is used to count the number of medals remaining that can be paid out during the bonus state, is set to 15. By performing the processes of steps S604 to S605, the gaming state transitions to the CB state.

[0178] Here, a brief explanation will be given of CB and the CB state.

[0179] A CB win occurs when the "red bell" or "white bell" symbol on the left reel 32L, the "red bell" symbol on the middle reel 32M, and the "watermelon", "first replay" or "black bar" symbol on the right reel 32R stop on an active line. The CB symbols are arranged on each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R so that the interval between each CB symbol is four symbols or less. Therefore, if a CB win occurs, the CB win occurs regardless of the operation order and timing of the stop switches 42 to 44.

[0180] When the CB setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c, the main control device 101 determines that the gaming state is the CB state. Then, in step S205 of the normal processing, it determines whether the number of medals bet has reached "2" instead of "3", and in the activated line setting processing (step S209), it sets the lower line L3 and the right-downward line L4 as activated lines.

[0181] In step S302 of the lottery process, a lottery table for the CB state is selected. Although the illustration of the lottery table for the CB state is omitted, in the lottery table for the CB state, "0" is set as the point value PV for IV=1 to 62, and "65536" is set as the point value for IV=63 (see FIG. 17 etc. for the correspondence between IV and winning combinations). Therefore, in the CB state, the probability of winning a CB small or medium combination (the probability of winning when IV=63) is 1 / 1, and no loss occurs. Note that a configuration in which some losses occur may also be possible. Also, a configuration in which multiple types of CB small or medium combinations are provided, and the small combinations that are won and the number of coins paid out when winning (benefits) may be different for each type.

[0182] FIG. 27(a) is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between winning combinations, the operation order of the stop switches 42-44, and the winning patterns that are achieved. Although detailed explanations are omitted, even if a CB medium or small combination is won, some small combination will always be achieved regardless of the operation order and timing of the stop switches 42-44. Since the CB state is a two-bet game, when the first small combination win, the 27th small combination win, the 31st small combination win, the 36th small combination win, and the 38th small combination win are achieved, 15 medals are paid out, and when the second small combination win, the 26th small combination win, the 28th small combination win, the 30th small combination win, and the 32nd small combination win, the 35th small combination win, and the 36th small combination win are achieved, 14 medals are paid out. In other words, when the game transitions to the CB state, 14 or 15 medals are always paid out.

[0183] In addition, instead of or in addition to CB as a winning role and the CB state as a game state, a single bonus (SB) that allows one game (JAC game) to be played as a winning role, and an SB state to which transition is made based on winning the single bonus (winning), may be provided.

[0184] Returning to the explanation of the bonus state processing, if it is determined in step S603 that the CB win has not been achieved, it means that a bonus win flag other than the CB has been set. In such a case, the RT setting flag set in the state information storage area 106c is cleared in step S608, and it is determined in step S609 whether the first BB win or the second BB win has been achieved.

[0185] If any of the BB wins is achieved, the BB win flag set in the win flag storage area 106a of the RAM 106 is cleared in step S610, and a BB setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c in step S611. After that, in step S612, the remaining payout number counter is set to 270, and processing is performed to display 270 in the remaining payout number display unit 61. The value set in step S612 is a value corresponding to the upper limit payout number in the BB state, and the BB state is ended on the condition that medals paid out in the BB state equal to or greater than this value have been paid out.

[0186] If the determination in step S609 is negative and no BB win has been achieved, then in step S613 it is determined whether or not an RB win has been achieved. If an RB win has been achieved, then in step S614 the RB win flag set in the win flag storage area 106a of the RAM 106 is cleared, and in step S615 an RB setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c. Thereafter, in step S616, the remaining payout number counter is set to 90, and processing is performed to display 90 in the remaining payout number display unit 61. The value set in step S616 corresponds to the upper limit payout number in the RB state, and the RB state is ended on the condition that medals equal to or greater than this value have been paid out in the RB state.

[0187] By performing the processing of steps S610 to S612, the gaming state transitions to the BB state. Then, in step S302 of the lottery processing, it is determined that the current gaming state is the BB state based on the fact that the BB setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c, and a corresponding lottery table for the BB / RB state is selected. Also, by performing the processing of steps S614 to S616, the gaming state transitions to the RB state. Then, in step S302 of the lottery processing, it is determined that the current gaming state is the RB state based on the fact that the RB setting flag is set in the state information storage area 106c, and a corresponding lottery table for the BB / RB state is selected.

[0188] Figure 28 shows the lottery table for the BB and RB states, which are selected in the BB state transitioned to by the first BB or second BB, and the RB state transitioned to by the RB. In the lottery table for the BB and RB states, the point value PV for IV = 1-28, 32-63 is set to "0," the point value PV for IV = 29 is set to "65516," and the point value PV for IV = 30, 31 is set to "10." Therefore, in the BB and RB states, the probability of winning the first combination in BB and RB (the probability of winning when IV = 29) is approximately 1 in 1.00, and the probability of winning the second combination in BB and RB or the third combination in BB and RB (the probability of winning when IV = 30, 31) is approximately 1 in 6560, meaning that no losses occur. Note that a configuration in which some losses occur may also be used.

[0189] The winning probabilities of these 1st in BB, 2nd in BB, and 3rd in BB are the same for 1st BB, 2nd BB, and RB. Also, the winning probabilities of the 1st in BB, 2nd in BB, and 3rd in BB are the same regardless of the trigger for transitioning to BB state or RB state for 1st BB or 2nd BB. For example, the 1st in BB and RB in 1st BB based on 1x Special Reply A win, the 1st in BB and RB in 2nd BB based on 2x Special Reply AB wins, and the 1st in BB and RB in RB based on 3x Special Reply A wins have the same winning probability.

[0190] FIG. 28(b) is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between winning combinations, the operation order of the stop switches 42-44, and the winning modes that are achieved. As described above, the first small combination win is a winning mode that can be achieved regardless of the operation timing of the stop switches 42-44. Therefore, if the first combination among BB and RB is won, regardless of the operation order and timing of the stop switches 42-44, one of the first small combination win, the 39th small combination win, or the 40th small combination win will always be achieved. In addition, the 9th replay win is also a winning mode that can be achieved regardless of the operation timing of the stop switches 42-44. Therefore, if the second combination among BB and RB is won, regardless of the operation order and timing of the stop switches 42-44, the 9th replay win will always be achieved.

[0191] The third combination of BB and RB, which allows for the 9th and 10th replay wins, differs depending on the operation timing of the stop switches 42-44. If both are winnable when the stop switches 42-44 are operated, the stop drive control is performed so that the replay with the fewer slips wins. More specifically, the symbol combinations that result in the 9th and 10th replay wins are the same for the center reel 32M and the right reel 32R, namely, "1st replay" and "2nd replay," but different for the left reel 32L. That is, on the left reel 32L, the target symbols for the 9th replay are "red bell" and "white bell," while the target symbols for the 10th replay are "young man" and "watermelon."

[0192] For example, in a three-bet game, if the left stop switch 42 is operated to stop when the fourth "cherry" symbol to the seventh "red bell" symbol on the left reel 32L reaches the top row, both the seventh "red bell" symbol, which is the target symbol for the ninth replay, and the eighth "watermelon" symbol, which is the target symbol for the tenth replay, can stop on the top row, which is on the pay line. However, in this case, the stop drive control is performed to stop the seventh "red bell" symbol, which has the least number of slips, on the top row. As a result, the ninth replay win is achieved, rather than the tenth replay win. Similarly, if the left stop switch 42 is operated to stop when the ninth "red 7" symbol to the twelfth "white bell" symbol on the left reel 32L reaches the top row, the drive control is performed to stop the twelfth "white bell" symbol on the top row, rather than the thirteenth "young man" symbol. For example, the ninth replay win is set to be more likely to be achieved than the tenth replay win. In other words, to win the 10th replay, the left stop switch 42 must be stopped when the 0th "Youth" symbol, the 8th "Watermelon" symbol, and the 13th "Youth" symbol reach the top row of the left reel 32L; if it is stopped at any other time, the 9th replay will be won.

[0193] Since the BB and RB states are three-bet games, nine medals are paid out when the first small win occurs during BB or RB, and the first, 39th, and 40th small wins occur. Furthermore, the second small win during BB or RB results in the 9th replay win, and the third small win during BB or RB often results in the 9th replay win. In other words, in the BB or RB states, either the bell win (e.g., the first small win) or the replay win (e.g., the 9th replay) frequently occurs. When a replay win occurs, no medals are paid out, but a replay is awarded, allowing the next game to be played without medals. Because there are no misses in the BB or RB states, the BB and RB states can be considered game states with a very high probability of nine medals being paid out.

[0194] If the determination in step S613 is negative, i.e., neither the BB win nor the RB win has been achieved, a carry-over command is set in step S617. The carry-over command is a command sent to the display control device 81 to inform the display control device 81 that the bonus win has not been achieved in the bonus winning game and that a so-called carry-over state has occurred, and this carry-over command is output to the display control device 81 in the command output process (step S110) of the timer interrupt process.

[0195] As already explained, in a game played in the carryover state, winning of other bonuses is restricted. More specifically, in the lottery table for the normal gaming state (FIG. 17), if a combination of IV=32 to 62 bonuses (first BB, second BB, RB, CB) is won, the winning flags corresponding to these bonuses are not set. Therefore, for example, if a combination of IV=32 to 62 small winnings or replay is won, the winning flags for these small winnings and replays are set, but the winning flags corresponding to the bonuses are not set, and only the small winnings are valid. In other words, the carryover state can be said to be a state in which the bonus lottery is restricted.

[0196] If the gaming state has transitioned to the CB state, BB state, or RB state, an affirmative determination is made in step S601, and an end determination process is performed in step S618. In the end determination process, it is determined whether the value of the remaining payout counter has reached 0, and if it has reached 0, a process is performed to clear the CB setting flag, BB setting flag, or RB setting flag. Furthermore, in the end determination process, if the BB setting flag or RB setting flag is cleared, an end flag is set, indicating that the BB state or RB state has ended in this game. The end determination process will be explained in detail later.

[0197] As shown in steps S602 to S618, when a CB win occurs and a CB win is established, the CB setting flag is set without clearing the RT setting flag. Therefore, when the CB setting flag is cleared, i.e., when the CB state ends, the game returns to the gaming state when the CB win occurred. For example, when a CB win occurs during the normal gaming state, the game returns to the normal gaming state after the CB state ends, and when a CB win occurs during the third RT state, the game returns to the third RT state after the CB state ends. On the other hand, when the first BB, second BB, or RB win occurs, the RT setting flag is cleared in step S608 regardless of whether the corresponding BB win or RB win occurred. Therefore, when the BB setting flag or RB setting flag is cleared, i.e., when the BB state or RB state ends, the game returns to the normal gaming state even if a first BB win occurs during the second RT state. When a player transitions to the CB state, he or she can expect to receive an increase of 13 (=15-2) or 25 (=14-2+15-2) medals until the CB state ends. When a player transitions to the BB state, he or she can expect to receive an increase of approximately 180 (=9×30-3×30) medals until the BB state ends. When a player transitions to the RB state, he or she can expect to receive an increase of approximately 60 (=9×10-3×10) medals until the RB state ends.

[0198] Incidentally, if you win the second role in BB / RB or the third role in BB / RB in BB / RB in BB or RB state and a replay is awarded, the remaining payout counter will not be decremented. In other words, the number of times you win the second role in BB / RB or the third role in BB / RB in BB or RB in BB or RB does not affect the number of medal increases you can expect in BB or RB state. On the other hand, the number of times you win the second role in BB / RB or the third role in BB / RB in BB or RB in BB or RB does affect the number of games played in BB or RB state, and the number of games played in BB or RB state will increase by the number of times you win the second role in BB / RB or the third role in BB / RB.

[0199] If none of the first BB winning flag, second BB winning flag, RB winning flag, or CB winning flag is set (if step S602 is NO), if none of the first BB winning, second BB winning, RB winning, or CB winning is achieved and a carryover command is set (if the processing of step S617 is executed), if a predetermined value is set in the remaining payout counter in step S605, step S612, or step S616, or if an end determination process is performed in step S618, the process proceeds to step S606 and a status command is set. Here, the status command is a command sent to the display control device 81 to allow the player to grasp the game status at the end of the game (i.e., the game status of the next game). In step S606, a status command corresponding to the setting flag set in the status information storage area 106c is set. After setting the status command, in step S607, an external signal setting process is performed to set an external signal to be output from the external centralized terminal board 121 to the outside of the slot machine 10. Then, this process ends.

[0200] <Overview of game state transitions and display modes> Here, the transition of the gaming state will be explained using Figure 29. Note that the CB state is not shown in the figure.

[0201] When the game state is BB state or RB state, the BB state ends when the number of medals paid out in the BB state reaches 270, and the RB state ends when the number of medals paid out in the RB state reaches 90, and the game state transitions to the normal game state.

[0202] When the gaming state is the normal gaming state, the gaming state transitions to the first RT state when the transition result stops on an active line, the gaming state transitions to the BB state when a BB win is achieved, and the gaming state transitions to the RB state when an RB win is achieved. The transition result stops on an active line when a miss occurs in a game in which the push order bell is won. In the lottery process using the lottery table for the normal gaming state, the first promotion replays 1 to 4, which trigger a transition to the second RT state, and the second promotion replays 1 and 2, which trigger a transition to the third RT state, are not won, so the normal gaming state does not transition to the second RT state or the third RT state (see Figure 17).

[0203] When the gaming state is the first RT state, the gaming state transitions to the second RT state by the establishment of the third replay winning. The third replay winning is established when one of the first promotion replays 1 to 4 is won and the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated in a predetermined operating sequence (see FIG. 23(a)). In the lottery process using the lottery table for the first RT state, the second promotion replays 1 and 2, which are the trigger for transition to the third RT state, are not won, so the first RT state does not transition to the third RT state.

[0204] In addition, if the corresponding BB winning or RB winning is not achieved in a game in which a BB winning flag or an RB winning flag is set, that is, if the BB winning flag or the RB winning flag is carried over, the game state transitions to the normal game state, and if the corresponding BB winning or RB winning is achieved in a game in which a BB winning flag or an RB winning flag is set, the game state transitions to the BB state or the RB state.

[0205] When the gaming state is in the second RT state, the gaming state transitions to the third RT state when the fourth replay win or the fifth replay win is achieved. Furthermore, when the second replay win is achieved or when the transition result stops on an active line, the gaming state transitions to the first RT state. The fourth replay win and the fifth replay win are achieved when the second promotion replay 1 or the second promotion replay 2 is won and the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated in a predetermined order (see Figure 23(b)). The second replay win is achieved when one of the fall replays 1 to 3 is won and the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated in a predetermined order (see Figure 23(b)). The transition result stops on an active line when a miss occurs in the game that wins the push order bell. In addition, if the corresponding BB winning or RB winning is not achieved in a game in which a BB winning flag or RB winning flag is set, that is, if the BB winning flag or RB winning flag is carried over, the game state will transition to the normal game state, and if the corresponding BB winning or RB winning is achieved in a game in which a BB winning flag or RB winning flag is set, the game state will transition to the BB state or RB state.

[0206] When the gaming state is in the third RT state, the gaming state transitions to the second RT state when the third replay win is achieved. Also, when the second replay win is achieved or when the transition result stops on an active line, the gaming state transitions to the first RT state. The third replay win is achieved when BAR Replay 1 or BAR Replay 2 is won and the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated in a predetermined order of operation (see Figure 23(c)). The second replay win is achieved when any of Fall Replay 1 to Fall Replay 3 is won and the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated in a predetermined order of operation (see Figure 23(b)). The transition result stops on an active line when a miss occurs in the game that wins the push order bell. In addition, if the corresponding BB winning or RB winning is not achieved in a game in which a BB winning flag or RB winning flag is set, that is, if the BB winning flag or RB winning flag is carried over, the game state will transition to the normal game state, and if the corresponding BB winning or RB winning is achieved in a game in which a BB winning flag or RB winning flag is set, the game state will transition to the BB state or RB state.

[0207] In this slot machine 10, the main control unit 101 manages seven types of game states: normal game state, first RT state, second RT state, third RT state, BB state, RB state, and CB state, and also manages five types of display modes, broadly classified as normal mode, CZ mode (chance zone mode), AT mode (assist time mode), VB mode (pseudo bonus mode), and BB / RB mode.

[0208] FIG. 30 is a diagram showing transitions between display modes.

[0209] BB / RB mode is a display mode that is entered when the first BB win, second BB win, or RB win is achieved, and ends when the BB state or RB state ends. In other words, BB / RB mode is a display mode that corresponds to the BB state or RB state. Therefore, when entering BB / RB mode, if it corresponds to a transition to the BB state, the player can expect an increase of approximately 180 medals, and if it corresponds to a transition to the RB state, the player can expect an increase of approximately 60 medals.

[0210] When transitioning from normal mode or CZ mode to BB / RB mode, a lottery to transition to CZ mode and a lottery to transition to AT mode may be held in that BB / RB mode. If you win the lottery to transition to AT mode, you will transition to AT mode after the end of BB / RB mode, and if you win the lottery to transition to CZ mode, you will transition to CZ mode after the end of BB / RB mode. If you do not win either lottery, you may transition to normal mode after the end of BB / RB mode, or you may transition to the mode you were in before transitioning to BB / RB mode, such as CZ mode. If you transition from AT mode to BB / RB mode, you will return to AT mode after the end of BB / RB mode. If you transition from VB mode to BB / RB mode, you will return to VB mode after the end of BB / RB mode.

[0211] Normal mode is a display mode in which the operation order of stop switches 42 to 44 is not announced when the push order bell is won, or when 1st promotion replay 1 to 1st promotion replay 4, fall replay 1 to fall replay 3, 2nd promotion replay 1, 2nd promotion replay 2, BAR replay 1, BAR replay 2 (hereinafter collectively referred to as "push order replays") are won. In normal mode, a lottery is held to transition to CZ mode. If the lottery to transition to CZ mode is won, the game will transition from normal mode to CZ mode. There is no transition from normal mode to AT mode or VB mode.

[0212] The normal mode corresponds to each of the game states: normal game state, first RT state, second RT state, third RT state, and CB state. However, in normal mode, the operation order of the stop switches 42 to 44 is not notified when the push order bell is won or when the push order replay is won, so transition to the second RT state or the third RT state is rare, and the game state almost always corresponds to the normal game state or the first RT state. In normal mode, if the game state at that time is the normal game state or the first RT state, it can be expected that approximately 1.59 medals will be lost per game, and if the game state at that time is the second RT state or the third RT state, it can be expected that approximately 0.06 medals will be lost per game.

[0213] CZ mode is a display mode in which, like normal mode, the operation order of the stop switches 42 to 44 is not announced when the push order bell is won or when the push order replay is won. In CZ mode, a lottery for transition to AT mode is held. In other words, CZ mode is set as a mode in which the operation order is not announced like normal mode, but can be transitioned to AT mode. If the lottery for transition to AT mode is won, the mode transitions from CZ mode to AT mode. If CZ mode ends without winning the transition lottery, the mode transitions from CZ mode to normal mode. There is no transition from CZ mode to VB mode.

[0214] The CZ mode corresponds to each of the game states: normal game state, 1st RT state, 2nd RT state, 3rd RT state, and CB state. However, in CZ mode, the operation order of the stop switches 42 to 44 is not notified when a push order replay is won, so transition to the 2nd RT state or the 3rd RT state is rare, and it almost always corresponds to the normal game state or the 1st RT state. In CZ mode, if the game state at that time is the normal game state or the 1st RT state, you can expect to lose approximately 1.59 medals per game, and if the game state at that time is the 2nd RT state or the 3rd RT state, you can expect to lose approximately 0.06 medals per game.

[0215] The AT mode is a display mode in which the operation sequence of the stop switches 42 to 44 is displayed when the push order bell is won and when the push order replay is won. The AT mode is made up of four AT modes, ATLV.1 mode to ATLV.4 mode, which have different probabilities of transitioning to VB mode, and the probability of transitioning to VB mode is higher in all AT modes than in normal mode. If the lottery for transitioning to VB mode is won, the game will transition from AT mode to VB mode. If a predetermined number of games (for example, 50 games) have been played without winning the lottery for transitioning to VB mode, the game will transition from AT mode to normal mode.

[0216] The ATLV.1 mode to ATLV.4 mode are set so that the probability of winning the lottery to switch to VB mode differs. More specifically, the probability of winning the lottery to switch to VB mode is set so that the ATLV.4 mode has the highest probability of winning, and the ATLV.1 mode has the lowest probability of winning. The probability of winning the lottery to switch to VB mode increases in the order of ATLV.1 mode, ATLV.2 mode, ATLV.3 mode, and ATLV.4 mode.

[0217] The AT mode corresponds to each game state: normal game state, first RT state, second RT state, third RT state, and CB state. However, in AT mode, the operation order of the stop switches 42-44 is notified both when the push order bell is won and when the push order replay is won. Therefore, if the player operates the stop switches 42-44 in the notified operation order, it corresponds to the second RT state or the third RT state. In AT mode, if the game state at that time is normal game state or first RT state, the player can expect to gain approximately 0.61 medals per game. If the game state at that time is second RT state or third RT state, the player can expect to gain approximately 1.90 medals per game. Since the AT mode continues for at least 50 games after the game state transitions to the second RT state, the player can expect to gain approximately 100 medals when transitioning to the AT mode.

[0218] VB mode is a display mode in which the operation sequence of the stop switches 42 to 44 is announced when the push order bell is won and when the push order replay is won, just like the AT mode. The difference between VB mode and AT mode is that when the second promotion replay 1 or second promotion replay 2 is won, the operation sequence for realizing the first replay win is announced in AT mode, while the operation sequence for realizing the fourth replay win or the fifth replay win is announced in VB mode (see Figure 23(b)).

[0219] VB mode corresponds to each of the game states: normal game state, first time (RT) state, second time (RT) state, third time (RT) state, and CB state. However, in VB mode, the operation sequence of the stop switches 42-44 is notified both when the push order bell is won and when the push order replay is won. Therefore, VB mode corresponds to the third time (RT) state when the player operates the stop switches 42-44 in the notified operation sequence. In VB mode, if the game state at that time is normal game state or first time (RT) state, the player can expect to gain approximately 0.61 medals per game. If the game state at that time is second time (RT) state or third time (RT) state, the player can expect to gain approximately 1.90 medals per game. Since VB mode continues for at least 25 games after the game state transitions to the third time (RT) state, the player can expect to gain approximately 50 medals when transitioning to VB mode.

[0220] Regarding the transition of display modes when a player's owned medals increase, the general flow is to transition from normal mode to CZ mode, from CZ mode to AT mode, and then back from AT mode to normal mode. In AT mode, a lottery is held to transition to VB mode, so if a loop occurs in which the player transitions from AT mode to VB mode and then back from VB mode to AT mode, the player can expect to increase the number of owned medals.

[0221] As mentioned above, when comparing normal mode and CZ mode, normal mode does not transition to AT mode, but CZ mode is set up so that you can win the lottery to transition to AT mode. Therefore, CZ mode is also called the so-called chance zone, which makes you expect to transition to AT mode.

[0222] In addition, the AT mode is set to ATLV.1 mode to ATLV.4 mode, and the probability of winning the lottery to transition to VB mode differs for each AT mode. When transitioning from normal mode or CZ mode to AT mode, the game basically transitions to ATLV.1 mode. In ATLV.1 mode, a lottery to transition to VB mode is held, and a lottery to transition to ATLV.2 mode is also held. If the lottery to transition to ATLV.2 mode is won, the game transitions to ATLV.2 mode, and the probability of winning the lottery to transition to VB mode increases. In ATLV.2 mode, a lottery to transition to VB mode is held, and a lottery to transition to ATLV.3 mode is also held. If the lottery to transition to ATLV.3 mode is won, the game transitions to ATLV.3 mode, and the probability of winning the lottery to transition to VB mode increases. In ATLV.3 mode, a lottery to transition to VB mode is held, and a lottery to transition to ATLV.4 mode is also held. If you win the lottery to switch to ATLV.4 mode, you will switch to ATLV.4 mode, and your chances of winning the lottery to switch to VB mode will increase.

[0223] Therefore, when the system transitions to AT mode, the AT mode is promoted from ATLV.1 mode to ATLV.2 mode to ATLV.3 mode to ATLV.4 mode, which increases the probability of transitioning to VB mode and makes it more likely that a loop between AT mode and VB mode will occur.

[0224] As described above, the slot machine 10 is configured so that players can increase their medal holdings in each display mode—AT mode, VB mode, and BB / RB mode. In conjunction with each display mode, multiple RT states and multiple states, such as BB state, RB state, and CB state, are switched back and forth depending on the winning or transition result of each replay. As described above, when a push order replay win or push order bell win is won, the corresponding replay win is achieved or the transition result is stopped depending on the operation order of the stop switches 42-43. Furthermore, in AT mode or VB mode, when a push order bell win is won, the operation order that can achieve the first minor prize is announced, allowing players to expect an increase in their medal holdings.

[0225] The configuration relating to the display mode will be described below.

[0226] The configurations related to the display modes are roughly divided into (1) processing related to the lottery for switching between display modes, (2) processing for switching the game state based on the result of the lottery for switching between display modes, (3) processing for switching the display mode based on the winning result, and (4) processing related to the notification effects on the sub-side. These will be explained in order below.

[0227] <Display mode transition lottery processing> <Lottery result processing> The process related to the display mode transition lottery in (1) is performed in the lottery result response process (step S312) of the lottery process (FIG. 16) by the main control device 101. Hereinafter, the lottery result response process will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0228] In step S701, it is determined whether or not either an AT mode winning flag or an AT mode flag is set in the various flag storage area 106d of the RAM 106. The AT mode winning flag is a flag that the CPU 102 uses to identify that the transition lottery to the AT mode has been won, and is set when the transition lottery to the AT mode is won, and is cleared when transitioning to the AT mode. The AT mode flag is a flag that the CPU 102 uses to identify that the display mode is the AT mode, and is set when transitioning to the AT mode, and is cleared when the AT mode finally ends (excluding transitions from the AT mode to the VB mode, specialized zone, or BB / RB mode). If a negative determination is made in step S701, a first specific winning combination process is executed in step S702.

[0229] <First specific role processing> The first specific winning process will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0230] Here, when the first specific role processing is performed, it is a state where the AT mode has not been won, and in this case, the display mode corresponds to the normal mode or the CZ mode. In the first specific role processing, a transition lottery is performed to determine whether or not to transition the display mode to the CZ mode, and a transition lottery is performed to determine whether or not to transition to the AT mode.

[0231] That is, in step S801, it is determined whether the current display mode is in CZ mode or not. If it is not in CZ mode, it means that the current display mode is in normal mode. If a negative determination is made in step S801, in step S802, a normal time table is obtained as a table for CZ mode lottery from the various table storage area 105a of the ROM 105. In the normal time table, the probability of transition to CZ mode is set according to the type of lottery result (winning role).

[0232] Specifically, the mode lottery table stored in the various table memory area 105a is set so that the probability of winning each mode transition lottery varies depending on the current display mode and the type of game result that triggers the lottery.

[0233] Here, as shown in FIG. 37, the game results that trigger the mode transition lottery are set as follows: strong cherry, weak cherry, strong watermelon, weak watermelon, Chance A, Chance B, middle bell, strong cherry overlap 1, weak cherry overlap 1, strong watermelon overlap 1, weak watermelon overlap 1, Chance A overlap 1, Chance B overlap 1, middle bell overlap 1, special lip A overlap 1, special lip A overlap 2, special lip A overlap 3, single 1st BB, single 2nd BB, and single RB (hereinafter, these are collectively referred to as "transition trigger roles"). Regardless of the setting value, these transition trigger roles have the same set point value PV, and there is no setting difference in the winning probability. Furthermore, there is no setting difference in the winning probability of each mode transition lottery. In contrast, the following combinations are set to have different winning probabilities: Strong Cherry Duplicate 2, Weak Cherry Duplicate 2, Strong Watermelon Duplicate 2, Weak Watermelon Duplicate 2, Chance A Duplicate 2, Chance B Duplicate 2, Middle Bell Duplicate 2, Special Lip AB Duplicate 1, Special Lip AB Duplicate 2, Strong Cherry Duplicate 3, Weak Cherry Duplicate 3, Strong Watermelon Duplicate 3, Weak Watermelon Duplicate 3, Chance A Duplicate 3, Chance B Duplicate 3, Middle Bell Duplicate 3, and Special Lip AB Duplicate 3. The point value PV is set so that setting 1 generally has the lowest winning probability and setting 6 has the highest winning probability (hereinafter, these are collectively referred to as "non-trigger roles"). Furthermore, for these non-trigger roles with different winning probabilities, a mode transition lottery is not conducted. In other words, a mode transition lottery with no setting difference in winning probability is conducted for transition trigger roles with a common appearance rate, and the transition rate for each mode transition is the same.

[0234] In the lottery table for transition to CZ mode acquired in step S802, the winning probability of the transition lottery is set according to the type of transition trigger role. As shown in Fig. 38, for example, in the normal time table, if the transition trigger role is a strong cherry, there is a 15% probability of winning the transition lottery to CZ mode, and if it is a weak cherry, there is a 3% probability of winning the transition lottery to CZ mode, and the lower the winning probability (appearance rate) in each game, the easier it is to win the transition lottery to CZ mode.

[0235] After obtaining the table for the CZ mode transition lottery in step S802, the CZ mode lottery process is executed in step S803. In this process, the lottery counter is obtained from the various counter area 106e of RAM 106, and the lottery counter is compared with the lottery table obtained in step S802 to perform the CZ mode transition lottery.

[0236] Incidentally, in the lottery for transition to the CZ mode in step S803 in this embodiment, in a carry-over state in which any bonus hit flag is carried over, and in any bonus state, the implementation of the lottery for transition to the CZ mode is restricted, and more specifically, it is set so that the lottery for transition to the CZ mode is not won. In other words, in a game after any of the first BB hit flag, second BB hit flag, and RB hit flag is set, the lottery for transition to the CZ mode is not won, and when the display mode is BB / RB mode, the lottery for transition to the CZ mode is not won.

[0237] In step S804, it is determined whether or not the lottery for transition to the CZ mode has been won based on the processing result of step S803. If the lottery for transition to the CZ mode has not been won, the first specific combination process is terminated. If the lottery for transition to the CZ mode has been won, in step S805, a process is executed to set a CZ mode win flag in the various flag storage area 106d of the RAM 106. Thereafter, in steps S806 to S809, processing for setting the premonition mode is executed. The premonition mode is a mode in which a winning suggestion effect suggesting that a win has been made in the CZ mode or the like is more likely to occur, and after each game in the premonition mode, a winning notification that a win has been made in the CZ mode or the like is made. The premonition mode continues from 0 to 32 games, and the number of games that the premonition mode continues is set to differ depending on the type of CZ mode or the like that has been won and whether or not a bonus has been won at the same time. In this embodiment, if the CZ mode or the like is won simultaneously with the bonus, the bonus winning notification is made after the premonition mode, and after the bonus state ends, the fact that the CZ mode or the like has been won is notified. Also, if the number of premonition games is set to 0, the winning notification is made without going through the premonition mode.

[0238] Specifically, in step S806, a process is performed to first obtain a premonition game number table from the various table storage area 105a of the ROM 105. As shown in FIG. 39, in the premonition game number table, the number of premonition games selected varies depending on the current display mode, the display mode that has been selected as a transition win, and whether or not a bonus has been simultaneously won. Specifically, when the current display mode is the normal mode and a CZ mode win has occurred, if a bonus has not been simultaneously won, 1 to 5 games are selected 90% of the time, and 6 to 10 games are selected 10% of the time. On the other hand, even if the current display mode is the normal mode, if a CZ mode and a bonus have been simultaneously won, a premonition mode of 0 games is selected 100% of the time. In other words, when the display mode is the normal mode and a bonus has been simultaneously won, a shorter premonition game number is more likely to be selected than when a bonus has not been simultaneously won. If a bonus and a CZ mode have been simultaneously won, the premonition mode is not set (a premonition mode of 0 games is set), and a win notification is made without going through the premonition mode. The premonition mode is set not only when the CZ mode is won during normal mode, but also when the AT mode is won during CZ mode, and when the VB mode is won during AT mode, but in this embodiment, the premonition mode of 0 games is selected in all cases.

[0239] In step S807, a process is performed to determine the number of games to be played in the current premonition mode based on the premonition game number table obtained in step S806 and the counter for the lottery obtained from the various counter area 106e of RAM 106. Then, in step S808, a process is performed to input the premonition game number into the premonition counter provided in the various counter area 106e of RAM 106. The premonition counter is a counter that is decremented by 1 for each game, and when the premonition counter reaches 0, the premonition mode ends, and a winning notification is issued that the player has won the lottery to transition to the AT mode, etc.

[0240] In step S809, a process is executed to set the premonition command as an output target to the display control device 81, which is the sub-side control device. The premonition command includes information on the lottery result that triggered the premonition mode (the display mode to which the game will be switched after the premonition mode) and the number of premonition games. The processing on the display control device 81 side based on receiving the premonition command will be explained in detail later. After the processing of step S809 is executed, the first specific role processing is terminated.

[0241] If it is determined in step S801 that the game is in CZ mode, the process proceeds to step S810, where a CZ mode table is acquired from the various table storage area 105a as a table for AT mode lottery. In the CZ mode table, the probability of transition to AT mode is set according to the type of lottery result (winning role).

[0242] The AT mode transition lottery process (step S811) using the CZ mode table will be explained in detail later, but an outline of the CZ mode table will be explained first. In the CZ mode table, as shown in Fig. 38, the winning probability of the transition lottery is set according to the type of transition trigger role. For example, in the CZ mode table, if the transition trigger role is a strong cherry, there is a 45% chance of winning the transition lottery to the AT mode, and if it is a weak cherry, there is a 15% chance of winning the transition lottery to the AT mode, and the lower the winning probability (appearance rate) in each game, the easier it is to win the transition lottery to the AT mode.

[0243] After executing the AT mode lottery process in step S811, it is determined in step S812 whether the result of the AT mode lottery process is an AT mode win. If the AT mode is not a win, the first specific combination process is terminated.

[0244] If the AT mode is won, in step S813, it is determined whether the AT mode that has been won this time is the SAT mode. The SAT mode is an AT mode that starts after passing through the bonus-specialized zone. For example, if the initial number of games in the normal AT mode is 50, the AT mode starts with the initial number of games of 50 plus the number of games added in the bonus-specialized zone. Therefore, the degree of advantage for the player differs between the normal AT mode and the SAT mode, and the SAT mode is more advantageous for the player than the AT mode.

[0245] The lottery for transition to SAT mode is conducted when the lottery for transition to AT mode is won (when the lottery processing of step S811 is won), and this lottery for transition is conducted based on the transition lottery table for SAT mode set by the transition trigger role. As shown in Figure 38, the transition lottery table for SAT mode is set so that, for example, the probability of winning the lottery for transition to AT mode triggered by a strong watermelon is 25%, and 50% of those who win the transition lottery win SAT mode, so that in effect, when a strong watermelon is won during CZ mode, 12.5% ​​of them will transition to AT mode, and 12.5% ​​will transition to SAT mode.

[0246] If it is determined in step S813 that the SAT mode has been won, the process goes to step S814, where a process of setting a specialized zone win flag is executed.

[0247] If a negative determination is made in step S813, or after the process of step S814 is executed, a process of setting an AT mode winning flag is performed in step S815. That is, when an AT mode winning is made, an AT mode winning flag is set, and in some of those cases (when an SAT mode winning is made), a specialized zone winning flag is set.

[0248] After the process of step S815 is performed, the process for setting the premonition mode is performed in steps S806 to S809, and then the first specific winning combination process is terminated. As described above, the premonition mode in the case of winning the AT mode or SAT mode is set to 0 games (FIG. 39).

[0249] Returning to the explanation of the lottery result response processing (FIG. 31), if a negative judgment is made in step S701, the process proceeds to step S703. In step S703, it is judged whether or not either a VB mode winning flag or a VB mode flag is set in the various flag storage area 106d of the RAM 106. The VB mode winning flag is set when the VB mode transition lottery is won, and is cleared when transitioning to VB mode. The VB mode flag is a flag that the CPU 102 uses to identify that the display mode is VB mode, and is set when transitioning to VB mode and is cleared when VB mode ends. If a negative judgment is made in step S703, a second specific winning combination process is executed in step S704. Also, if a positive judgment is made in step S703, a third specific winning combination process is executed in step S705.

[0250] <Second specific role processing> The second specific winning process will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0251] The AT mode corresponds to the case where the second specific role processing is performed. In the second specific role processing, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to transition the display mode to VB mode or an additional special zone. The additional special zone indicates a state in which the number of continued games in the AT zone is added with a high probability over multiple games. In addition, in the second specific role processing, a lottery is performed to advance the level of the AT mode, and processing for adding the number of continued games in the AT mode is performed.

[0252] First, in step S901, it is determined whether or not any bonus is being carried over or any bonus state is being performed. If it is in the carryover state or bonus state, the second specific role processing is terminated as is. That is, in this embodiment, during the bonus carryover state or bonus state, the lottery for transition to VB mode, the lottery for promotion of the AT mode level, the lottery for addition, etc. are not performed. If a negative determination is made in step S901, the process proceeds to step S902.

[0253] In step S902, a process is performed to determine the AT mode level. As already explained, in this embodiment, four AT mode levels, ATLV.1 mode to ATLV.4 mode, are provided, and the probability of transition to VB mode differs for each level. Therefore, in step S902, it is determined whether the current AT mode level is ATLV.1 mode to ATLV.4 mode.

[0254] In step S903, a VB mode lottery table corresponding to the AT mode level determined in step S902 is obtained from the various table storage area 105a of the ROM 105. In the VB mode lottery table, the probability of transition to the VB mode is set according to the type of game result that triggers the lottery. As shown in FIG. 38, for example, between a strong cherry 1 and a weak cherry, the probability of transition to the VB mode is set higher for the strong cherry 1 than for the weak cherry. In addition, in the VB mode lottery table for each level, the probability of transition to the VB mode is generally different, and is set so that the probability of transition to the VB mode is higher for the ATLV.2 mode than for the ATLV.1 mode, the probability of transition to the VB mode is higher for the ATLV.3 mode than for the ATLV.2 mode, and the probability of transition to the VB mode is higher for the ATLV.4 mode than for the ATLV.3 mode.

[0255] In step S904, a lottery for transition to VB mode is performed using the table acquired in step S903 and the lottery counter acquired from the various counter area 106e of RAM 106. Then, in step S905, it is determined whether the lottery result of step S904 corresponds to a win in VB mode. In this embodiment, if a lottery for transition to VB mode is performed using a combination that overlaps with a bonus as a transition trigger role, the lottery for transition to VB mode is not won. In other words, transitions to BB / RB mode and transitions to VB mode are prevented from overlapping as much as possible, so that the advantage of combinations with these bonuses is not too high.

[0256] If the determination in step S905 is affirmative, a process of setting a VB mode winning flag in the various flag storage area 106d of the RAM 106 is performed in step S906. Thereafter, a process for setting the number of premonition games is performed in steps S907 to S910. That is, a premonition game number table is acquired in step S907, the number of premonition games is drawn in step S908, the number of premonition games is set in step S909, and the premonition command is set in step S910, after which the second specific combination process is terminated. However, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 39, for VB mode winning during AT mode, the number of premonition games is set to 0. Therefore, if VB mode is won during AT mode, the winning notification will be made in the next game.

[0257] In step S905, if it is determined that the result of the VB mode lottery process is not a VB mode win, the process proceeds to step S911. Steps S911 to S914 are processes for upgrading the AT mode level.

[0258] In step S911, an AT mode promotion lottery process is performed. In this process, a promotion lottery table is obtained from the various table storage area 105a of the ROM 105, and a lottery counter is obtained from the various counter area 106e of the RAM 106. A plurality of promotion lottery tables are provided according to the level of the AT mode. Specifically, there are three tables for the ATLV.1 mode, the ATLV.2 mode, and the ATLV.3 mode (promotion lottery is not performed when the player is in the ATLV.4 mode). Each table has a different winning probability for the promotion lottery depending on the type of game result that triggers the lottery. For example, the winning probability of a strong cherry is set higher than that of a weak cherry. In addition, the tables for each AT mode are set so that the table for ATLV.2 mode has a lower promotion probability than the table for ATLV.1 mode, and the table for ATLV.3 mode has a lower promotion probability than the table for ATLV.2 mode, so that as the AT mode level is promoted, it becomes more difficult to promote to the next level.

[0259] In step S912, it is determined whether the result of the lottery in step S911 is a promotion win. If a promotion win is found, in step S913, an AT mode promotion process is performed. In this process, the level flag stored in the flag storage area 106d of the RAM 106 is rewritten from the level flag corresponding to the current AT mode level to the next higher level flag. Then, in step S914, a promotion command is set as an output target to the display control device 81. The promotion command includes information about the AT mode to be promoted. Upon receiving the promotion command, the display control device 81 controls the auxiliary display unit 65, etc., to perform an AT mode effect for the promoted level. For example, a different background color effect is set depending on the AT mode level as the AT mode effect in the auxiliary display unit 65. When the display control device 81 receives the promotion command, it notifies the user that the AT mode level has been promoted and controls the display control device 81 to perform an AT mode effect with a background color corresponding to the promoted level.

[0260] If it is determined in step S912 that the player has not won the promotion lottery, or after the processing of step S914 has been executed, processing for adding to the number of games to be continued in the AT mode is performed in steps S915 to S929.

[0261] That is, in step S915, a lottery process for adding the number of games in the AT mode is performed. In this lottery process, a table for the AT mode additional lottery is obtained from the various table storage area 105a of the ROM 105, and a counter for the lottery is obtained from the various counter area 106e of the RAM 106. As shown in Fig. 41, the table for the AT mode additional lottery is set so that the probability of winning the additional lottery differs depending on the type of lottery result.

[0262] Here, in this embodiment, the push order bell and push order replay are also set to trigger the lottery for the number of games added in the AT mode. The push order bell and push order replay (hereinafter collectively referred to as "push order roles") are set to a common point value PV regardless of the setting value, as shown in FIG. 37, and there is no setting difference in the probability of winning. Furthermore, there is also no setting difference in the probability of winning the number of games added lottery triggered by the push order role, or the number of added games when won. In other words, there is no setting difference in the add-on performance triggered by the push order role. These push order roles, including the transition trigger role, are also referred to as specific roles in the following explanation as roles that trigger a lottery for the instruction function.

[0263] As shown in Figure 41, among the specific roles, the push order role has a lower probability of winning the lottery for the number of games added to the AT mode compared to the transition trigger role. Therefore, the appearance of the transition trigger role as the lottery result for each game is more likely to result in an additional number of games in the AT mode than the appearance of the push order role as the lottery result for each game. As a result, players are likely to proceed with the game with this assumption in mind, hoping to win the transition trigger role. On the other hand, the push order role has a higher winning probability in each game compared to the transition trigger role, making it a relatively easy game result to appear. By configuring roles in this way, the presence of the push order role as an additional trigger role is reduced, increasing the surprise when an additional role occurs. Moreover, the opportunities for additional roles based on these push order roles are realistically possible during the AT mode (more specifically, the occurrence rate is such that it will occur once if the initial number of games, 50, is played 2-3 times). This makes it possible to favorably generate unexpected additional roles, such as the above-mentioned push order role-triggered additional roles.

[0264] If it is determined that the bonus lottery has been won, in step S917, it is determined whether the bonus win flag is set. If the bonus win flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S918, where a lottery process for the number of bonus games to be played in the AT mode is performed. In this lottery process for the number of bonus games, a table for determining the number of bonus games to be played in the AT mode is obtained from the various table storage area 105a of the ROM 105, and a lottery counter is obtained from the various counter area 106e of the RAM 106. The table for determining the number of bonus games to be played in the AT mode is set so that the number of bonus games varies depending on the type of specific combination, as shown in FIG. 40. For example, a strong cherry adds 20 to 200 games to the AT mode, with the average number of bonus games being 30. A weak cherry adds 5 to 300 games, with the average number of bonus games being 20. Although a weak cherry may select a larger number of games than a strong cherry, the strong cherry is set to select a larger number of games on average.

[0265] In step S919, processing for adding the number of games in the AT mode is performed. In this processing, a value corresponding to the number of additional games selected in step S918 is added to a counter that manages the number of games to be continued in the AT mode (more specifically, an AT mode continuation counter provided in the various counter area 106e of the RAM 106). In the following step S920, processing for notifying the player that the additional lottery has been won and the number of games to be played is performed.

[0266] <Additional notification processing> Here, in this slot machine 10, a plurality of modes of notification of addition when the number of continuing games in the AT mode is added are set. More specifically, as the mode of addition notification, there are a plurality of modes in which the game in which the addition notification is performed differs, and there are set a case in which the addition notification is performed in the game in which the addition occurred or in a series of games triggered by the game in which the addition occurred (also referred to as "immediate addition notification" in the following explanation), and a case in which the addition notification is performed in a game after the game in which the addition occurred, in which the notification game is determined ex post (also referred to as "later addition notification" in the following explanation).

[0267] In the instant bonus notification, a series of games triggered by a game in which bonuses have been added refers to, for example, a case in which a premonition mode or a continuous effect occurs as a result of the game in which bonuses have been added, and a series of games is defined as a series of games that can continue from the game in which bonuses have been added over multiple games. The series of games also includes cases in which continuous effects do not occur, for example, in the game in which bonuses have been added, no corresponding effect occurs, and a bonus notification occurs in the next game or multiple games later, and the game in which bonuses have been added and the games up until the bonus notification occurs are considered to be a series of games, and such bonus notification modes are also included in the instant bonus notification.

[0268] On the other hand, in the case of the later-addition notification, the notification game that is determined ex post and is a game that comes after the game in which the addition occurred is different from the series of games in the immediate-addition notification in that the notification timing is determined ex post as the AT mode progresses, for example, in a game just before the end of the AT mode, rather than being determined in the game in which the addition occurred. In other words, the notification game can be said to be a game that is set without being triggered by the game in which the addition occurred.

[0269] The following describes an overview of the display contents of the auxiliary display unit 65 for the immediate loading notification and the later loading notification with reference to FIG.

[0270] As described above, the immediate add-on notification notifies a portion of the number of games remaining in AT mode, etc. (number of games remaining in the advantageous zone, ZG), while the later add-on notification notifies the number of games remaining in AT mode, etc. later. If the number of games notified first is the display remaining number counter HG and the number of games notified later is the later add-on counter BG, the number of games remaining in AT mode, etc. (number of games remaining in the advantageous zone, ZG) will be equal to the sum of the display remaining number counter HG and the later add-on counter BG. The display remaining number counter HG is decremented by one each time a game is played, and the later add-on counter BG is not decremented even if a game is played unless a later add-on notification occurs.

[0271] As shown in FIG. 42, in this embodiment, when the number of remaining games (remaining game number display ZGP) displayed on the auxiliary display unit 65 reaches a predetermined number (1) during the AT mode, that is, when the display remaining number counter HG reaches a predetermined number (1), a later-add notification is generated. The later-add notification notifies that the number of games corresponding to the later-add counter BG (150 in the figure) has been added. In this case, the later-add counter BG is decremented by the notification amount (becoming 0 in the figure), and the display remaining number counter HG is updated by adding the amount notified by the later-add notification, and the remaining game number display ZGP in the auxiliary display unit 65 also becomes a value corresponding to the display remaining number counter HG (150 in the figure after one game has been played).

[0272] In this way, when an additional win is won, if the later-addition notification is selected, a difference may occur between the display remaining number counter HG and the actual number of remaining games in the AT mode, etc. (number of remaining games in the advantageous zone ZG). On the other hand, if the immediate-addition notification is selected, no difference occurs between the display remaining number counter HG and the actual number of remaining games in the AT mode, etc. (number of remaining games in the advantageous zone ZG). In this slot machine 10, the later-addition counter BG is referenced when an additional win is won, and whether the later-addition notification or the immediate-addition notification is selected depends on the current value of the later-addition counter BG.

[0273] In the process for adding bonuses in step S920, the game for which the bonus is to be notified is set, and if the bonus is to be notified in that game, the timing for executing the bonus is set. That is, as shown in FIG. 34, first, in step S1001, a process for determining the value of the subsequent bonus counter BG in the various counter area 106e is performed. In the following step S1002, a notification game lottery process is executed. The notification game lottery process is a lottery process for determining whether the current bonus is to be a subsequent bonus notification or an immediate bonus notification. In the notification game lottery process, a subsequent bonus lottery table is obtained from the various table storage area 105a, and a lottery is performed to determine whether to perform a subsequent bonus notification depending on the value of the subsequent bonus counter BG determined in step S1001.

[0274] As shown in Fig. 43, the later-addition lottery table is set so that the probability of selecting the later-addition notification varies depending on the value of the later-addition counter BG and the type of specific role that triggered the additional win. For example, when a strong cherry is added as a trigger, if the later-addition counter BG is less than 30, the later-addition notification is selected at 20% (the immediate addition notification is selected at 80%), while if the later-addition counter BG is 30 or more and less than 100, the later-addition notification is selected at 10%, and if the later-addition counter BG is 100 or more, the later-addition notification is selected at 5%. In this way, the larger the value of the later-addition counter BG, the lower the selection rate of the later-addition notification.

[0275] In addition, the types of specific roles that trigger additional wins are so-called normal roles (high probability trigger results, high probability results) that have a relatively high probability of winning, such as various push order replays and various push order bells, rather than so-called rare roles (low probability trigger results, low probability results) that have a relatively low probability of winning, such as strong cherries, weak cherries, strong watermelons, and weak watermelons, so that the selection rate for additional wins when the value of the additional win counter BG is small is set to be higher. More specifically, in the notification game lottery process triggered by various push order replays and various push order bells, when the additional win counter BG is less than 30, the additional win notification is selected with a 100% probability.

[0276] As described above, the subsequent addition counter BG is decremented by the amount of the subsequent addition notification after the display remaining number counter HG reaches a predetermined number. Therefore, basically, as the AT mode game progresses, the value of the subsequent addition counter BG is often large, and conversely, in the early stages of the AT mode game, the value of the subsequent addition counter BG is likely to be 0 or a small value.

[0277] In other words, if an additional win occurs in the early stages of the AT mode, the probability that the later addition notification will be selected is high, and especially if an additional win occurs as a result of a normal role that is not a rare role such as a push order replay or a push order bell, the later addition notification will always be selected in the early stages of the AT mode. As a result, after the AT mode starts, the later addition counter BG tends to accumulate relatively quickly.

[0278] After executing the notification game lottery process in step S1002, it is determined in step S1003 whether or not a later addition has been won. If a later addition has not been won and immediate addition notification has been selected, in step S1004, a process is performed to add the current additional winning game to the display remaining number counter HG provided in the various counter area 106e. Then, in step S1005, a notification timing setting process is executed to set the timing at which the additional notification will be executed in the current game. The notification timing setting process is a process for setting the timing at which the additional notification will be executed in the current game.

[0279] In one game, the timing of the additional bonus notification is set to differ depending on the number of additional bonus games. Specifically, as shown in the execution timing table of Fig. 44, the execution timing of the additional bonus notification in the current game is set to be the time of the stop operation of the first reel, the time of the stop operation of the second reel, and the time of the stop operation of the third reel, assuming that the stop operation order of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is the first reel, the second reel, and the third reel. Furthermore, the timing of the stop ON operation, which is defined as the operation of pressing the stop switches 42 to 44 among the stop operations of each reel, and the timing of the stop OFF operation, which is defined as the end of the pressing operation, are set.

[0280] Here, a supplementary explanation will be given regarding the operation of the stop switches 42-44. The stop switches 42-44 can be moved from an initial position, where they are located at the frontmost side, to an operating position, where they are located at the rearmost side. When they are located at the initial position, the detection signals from the stop detection sensors 42a-44a are in a LOW state. When they are operated from the initial position to the operating position, the detection signals from the stop detection sensors 42a-44a switch from a LOW signal to a HI signal. Then, based on the detection signal switching from a LOW signal to a HI signal, the main control device 101 recognizes that a stop ON operation has been performed, which means that a stop switch 42-44 has been pressed.

[0281] Furthermore, the stop switches 42 to 44 are biased toward their initial positions by springs or the like. Therefore, when the operator releases the stop switches 42 to 44 and no longer applies the operating force (pressing force) that pushed them toward the operating positions, the stop switches 42 to 44 return to their initial positions due to the biasing force of the springs or the like. In this case, the detection signals from the stop detection sensors 42 a to 44 a switch from HI to LOW. Then, based on the detection signal switching from HI to LOW, the main control device 101 determines that a stop OFF operation has been performed, which means that the pressing of the stop switches 42 to 44 has ended.

[0282] The bonus notification is set to occur when either the stop ON operation or the stop OFF operation is performed as the stop operation of each of the stop switches 42 to 44. In other words, in a game in which the bonus notification occurs, the bonus effect can occur not only when the stop switch 42 to 44 is pressed, but also when the pressing operation is ended.

[0283] In the execution timing table for the addition notification, when the number of added games is relatively small, for example, 5 to 10 games, the timing when the stop ON operation of the first reel is performed is selected 5%, the timing when the stop OFF operation of the first reel is performed 10%, the stop ON operation of the second reel 15%, the stop OFF operation of the second reel 20%, the stop ON operation of the third reel 20%, and the stop OFF operation of the third reel (when all reels are stopped) 30%. In this case, the stop OFF operation of each reel is more likely to be selected than the stop ON operation, and the operation on the back is more likely to be selected.

[0284] On the other hand, when the number of added games is relatively large, for example, when 100 or more games are added, the timing when the stop ON operation of the first reel is performed is selected 5% of the time, the timing when the stop OFF operation of the first reel is performed 10%, the stop ON operation of the second reel 5%, the stop OFF operation of the second reel 30%, the stop ON operation of the third reel 5%, and the stop OFF operation of the third reel (when all reels are stopped) 45% of the time. In this case, too, the stop OFF operation of each reel is more likely to be selected than the stop ON operation, and the operation on the back side is relatively more likely to be selected.

[0285] In other words, in this embodiment, the setting is made so that the additional notification occurs more easily when the reels are turned off than when they are turned on. Also, when comparing the first to third reels, the setting is made so that the stop operation (ON operation, OFF operation) of the third reel is most likely to be selected, the stop operation of the second reel is next most likely to be selected, and the stop operation of the first reel is least likely to be selected.

[0286] In relation to the number of added games, the greater the number of added games, the easier it becomes to select the timing for the third reel stop OFF operation. In other words, if a player knows in advance that an added game notification will occur, and if the added game notification does not occur by the time the third reel stop ON operation is performed, the player will likely perform the third reel stop OFF operation, with high hopes that a large number of games will be added.

[0287] In step S1005, the execution timing of the additional bonus notification in the current game is set based on the execution timing table for the additional bonus notification. After that, this additional bonus notification process is terminated. In this case, information that the current additional bonus will be notified in the current game as an immediate additional bonus notification, and information regarding the execution timing of the additional bonus notification in the current game, are set in the additional bonus command in the additional bonus command set process (step S921) executed following this additional bonus notification process. The display control device 81, which receives the additional bonus command containing this information, sets the additional bonus notification performance based on this information. This process will be explained later.

[0288] If it is determined in step S1003 that the player has won the subsequent bonus lottery, the process proceeds to step S1006. In step S1006, the number of games to be added this time is added to the subsequent bonus counter BG provided in the various counter area 106e. Then, in step S1007, the subsequent bonus flag is set in the various flag storage area 106d, and the process for notifying the player of the additional bonus is terminated.

[0289] The later addition flag is a flag that allows the CPU 102 of the main control device 101 to understand that a later addition notification should be made when the value of the later addition counter BG is greater than 0 and the display remaining number counter HG reaches a predetermined value. In this case, in the setting process of the add-on command that is executed following this add-on notification process, information that no add-on notification will be made in the current game is set in the add-on command. The display control device 81 that receives the add-on command containing this information controls so that no add-on notification will be made in the current game.

[0290] Returning to the explanation of the second specific role processing (Figure 33), after executing the processing for additional notification in step S920, processing is performed in step S921 to set the additional command including the processing result of the additional notification processing as the target for output to the display control device 81, and then this second specific role processing is terminated.

[0291] If the bonus win flag is set in step S917, the process proceeds to step S922. In step S922, an AT mode addition flag is set in the various flag storage area 106d of the RAM 106, and then the second specific combination process is terminated. The AT mode addition flag is a flag that the CPU 102 uses to determine that the condition for adding the number of games in the AT mode has been met. Details will be described later, but if the bonus ends while the AT mode addition flag is set, the AT mode is added at the end of the bonus.

[0292] If it is determined in step S916 that the additional lottery has not been won, the process proceeds to step S923. In step S923, a lottery for transition to the specialized zone is executed. That is, if a specific combination is won during the AT mode but the lottery for transition to the VB mode or the lottery for adding the number of games in the AT mode is not won, a lottery for transition to the specialized zone is executed. In the specialized zone lottery process, a table for the specialized zone transition lottery is obtained from the various table storage area 105a of the ROM 105, and a lottery is performed using a lottery counter or the like to determine whether or not to transition the display mode to the specialized zone. As shown in FIG. 38, the table for the specialized zone transition lottery is set so that the winning probability of the transition lottery differs depending on the type of transition trigger combination among the specific combinations. As already explained, among the transition trigger combinations, combinations that overlap with a bonus are not set to win the lottery for transition to the VB mode, while combinations that overlap with the bonus are set so that they always win the lottery for adding the number of games in the AT mode (with a 100% probability of winning), as shown in FIG. 40. Therefore, the Specialized Zone Transition Lottery is not triggered by overlapping roles with these bonuses. The Specialized Zone Transition Lottery is set up so that it can be won when a strong cherry or weak cherry, which is not an overlapping role with a bonus, is won, and when the VB Mode Transition Lottery and the Game Number Addition Lottery are not won. For example, the Specialized Zone Transition Lottery based on a strong cherry has a 5% chance of winning, while the Specialized Zone Transition Lottery based on a weak cherry has a 0.5% chance of winning. On the other hand, the Specialized Zone Transition Lottery based on a strong watermelon has a 15% chance of winning, and the Specialized Zone Transition Lottery based on a weak watermelon has a 5% chance of winning.

[0293] In step S924, it is determined whether or not the lottery for moving to the specialized zone has been won based on the processing result of step S923. If the lottery has been won, in step S925, a process is performed to set a specialized zone win flag in the various flag storage area 106d. Then, in step S926, a process is performed to obtain a premonition game number table, in step S927, a process is performed to draw the number of premonition games, in step S928, a process is performed to set the number of premonition games, in step S929, a process is performed to set the premonition command, and then the second specific combination process is terminated. The processes of steps S926 to S929 are similar to the processes of steps S907 to S910, for example, and are processes for setting the premonition mode.

[0294] If the result of step S924 is negative and the player has not won any of the lottery for switching to VB mode, the lottery for adding the number of games in AT mode, and the lottery for switching to the specialized zone, the pseudo-addition notification process is performed in step S930, and then the second specific role process is terminated. The pseudo-addition notification process is a process for maintaining the sense of expectation by generating an effect similar to that of a win, even if the player has not won any of these lotteries.

[0295] <Third specific hand processing> Next, the third specific winning process executed in step S705 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0296] The third special role processing corresponds to the AT mode or VB mode. In the third special role processing, a process for adding the number of continuing games in the AT mode and a lottery for transitioning to a specialized zone are performed.

[0297] That is, in step S1101, it is determined whether or not any bonus is being carried over, or whether or not any bonus state is being held. If it is in the carryover state or bonus state, the third specific combination processing is terminated as is. That is, in this embodiment, no additional lottery for the AT mode is performed during the bonus carryover state or bonus state. If a negative determination is made in step S1101, the process proceeds to step S1102.

[0298] In step S1102, a lottery process for adding the number of games in the AT mode is performed. This process is the same as the process in step S915. Note that the winning probability of the additional lottery may be different between the lottery process in step S915 and the lottery process in step S1102.

[0299] In step S1103, it is determined whether the result of the lottery in step S1102 was a win for the bonus. If it is determined that the bonus lottery has been won, in step S1104 it is determined whether the bonus win flag is set. If the bonus win flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S1105, where a lottery process for the number of bonus games in the AT mode is performed. Then, in step S1106, a process for adding the number of games in the AT mode is performed, in step S1107 a process for notifying the bonus is performed, and in step S1108 a process for setting the bonus command as an output target to the display control device 81 is performed, and then the third specific combination process is terminated. The processes in steps S1104 to S1108 are the same as the processes in steps S917 to S921. The number of bonus games may be different in the lottery process in step S917 and the lottery process in step S1105.

[0300] If the determination in step S1103 is negative, the process proceeds to step S1110. In step S1110, a lottery for transition to the specialized zone is executed. That is, even if a specific combination is won during VB mode but the AT mode game number addition lottery is not won, a lottery for transition to the specialized zone is also executed. The specialized zone lottery process is the same as the process in step S923 above, and is executed based on a table for the specialized zone transition lottery (FIG. 38). The processes in steps S1111 to S1117 are the same as the processes in steps S924 to S930 above. Furthermore, if it is determined in step S1104 that the bonus win flag is set, the AT mode addition flag is set in step S1108, and then the third specific combination process is terminated. The AT mode addition flag is as described above.

[0301] Returning to the explanation of the lottery result response processing (Figure 31), after executing any of the processing in steps S702, S704, and S705, in step S706, it is determined whether the result of this lottery processing was a win in the push order role of push order replay or push order bell. If the push order role is a win, push order role processing is executed in step S707. Such push order role processing will be explained in detail later.

[0302] If a negative determination is made in step S706, or after the processing of step S707 has been executed, the process proceeds to step S708. In step S708, it is determined whether or not a specialized zone flag corresponding to the added specialized zone has been set in the various flag storage area 106d of the RAM 106. As described above, the specialized zone flag is a flag that is set when a transition to the specialized zone occurs (when the seventh re-play win is achieved) after the specialized zone win flag has been set based on winning the transition lottery to the SAT mode or the transition lottery to the specialized zone. If the specialized zone flag is set in step S708, processing for the specialized zone is executed in step S709. If a negative determination is made in step S708, or after the processing of step S709 has been executed, this lottery result response processing is terminated.

[0303] <Specialized zone treatment> The specialized zone process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0304] In the specialized zone processing, first, in step S1201, it is determined whether any bonus is being carried over or whether any bonus state is in progress. If the state is a carryover state or a bonus state, the specialized zone processing is terminated. In other words, in this embodiment, no additional AT mode lottery is performed during a bonus carryover state or a bonus state. If a negative determination is made in step S1201, the process proceeds to step S1202.

[0305] In step S1202, the result of this lottery process is determined. In the following step S1203, a lottery process for the number of additional games in the AT mode is performed. In the following step S1204, a process for adding the number of games in the AT mode is performed. Then, in step S1205, a process for notifying the addition is executed, and in step S1206, an addition command is set, and then the process for the specialized zone is terminated. The processes of steps S1203 to S1206 are the same as the processes of steps S918 to S921. However, the number of games selected in the lottery process for the number of additional games in step S1203 is greater than the number of games selected in the lottery process for the number of additional games in step S918 (FIG. 40). Furthermore, in the specialized zone, the number of games in the AT mode is always added regardless of the game result (FIG. 41).

[0306] As described above, in the lottery result response process, a lottery for transitioning to CZ mode, AT mode, or VB mode, and processing for adding to the number of continued games in CZ mode or AT mode are performed. If the lottery for transitioning to CZ mode, AT mode, or VB mode is won, a premonition game is played, and then a notification that the transition lottery has been won is made. Therefore, the following describes the process for transitioning the gaming state based on the result of the display mode transition lottery.

[0307] <Process for transitioning the gaming state based on the result of the lottery for transitioning the display mode> (2) In the process for transitioning the gaming state based on the result of the lottery for transitioning the display mode, a process for notifying the player that the lottery for transitioning the display mode has been won and a process for notifying the player that the gaming state has been transitioned are performed. Therefore, first, the process for notifying the player that the lottery for transitioning the display mode has been won will be described.

[0308] <Mode transition notification processing> The notification of winning the transition lottery is performed in the mode transition notification process (step S206) in the normal process (FIG. 15). The mode transition notification process is performed when a predetermined bet operation is performed (when it is determined that the number of bets in step S205 is the specified number). The mode transition notification process will be described below with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0309] In step S1301, it is determined whether the number of premonition games is 0. The number of premonition games is counted in the winning result corresponding process described below, and the number of premonition games is subtracted by 1 each time a game is played. If the number of premonition games is not 0, the mode transition notification process is terminated.

[0310] If the number of premonition games is 0, it is determined in step S1302 whether or not the bonus win flag is set. That is, it is determined whether or not the current premonition mode was a premonition mode triggered by a bonus win. If the bonus win flag is set, in step S1303, a bonus win notification command is set as an output target to the display control device 81, and then the mode transition notification process is terminated. Upon receiving the bonus win notification command, the display control device 81 notifies the user that a bonus has been won, for example, by displaying "BONUS CONFIRMED!!" on the auxiliary display unit 65. The process related to the notification of a bonus win will be described in detail later.

[0311] If a negative determination is made in step S1302, the process proceeds to step S1304. In step S1304, it is determined whether or not the CZ mode win flag is set. That is, it is determined whether or not the current premonition mode was a premonition mode triggered by a CZ mode win. If the CZ mode win flag is set, the CZ mode win flag is cleared in step S1305. Then, in step S1306, a CZ mode flag is set in the various flag storage area 106d of RAM 106. The CZ mode flag is a flag that allows CPU 102 to determine that the current display mode is CZ mode. In step S1307, a CZ mode start command is set as an output target to display control device 81. Upon receiving the CZ mode start command, display control device 81 notifies the user that CZ mode is about to start via auxiliary display unit 65 or the like. This notification will be described in detail later.

[0312] Then, in step S1308, counting the number of CZ mode continuations is started. Specifically, an initial value (20 in this embodiment) of the number of continuation games in CZ mode is set in the CZ mode continuation counter provided in the various counter area 106e of RAM 106. After the processing of step S1308 is performed, the mode transition notification processing is terminated.

[0313] If it is determined in step S1304 that the CZ mode win flag is not set, it is determined in step S1309 whether the AT mode win flag is set. That is, it is determined whether the current premonition mode was a premonition mode triggered by an AT mode win. If the AT mode win flag is set, the AT mode win flag is cleared in step S1310. Then, in step S1311, an AT notification flag is set in the various flag storage area 106d of RAM 106. The AT notification flag is a flag for transitioning the gaming state to the second RT state in response to a win in the AT mode transition lottery. Then, in step S1312, an AT mode win notification command is set as an output target to the display control device 81. Upon receiving the AT mode win notification command, the display control device 81 notifies the player of the win in the AT mode transition lottery via the auxiliary display unit 65, etc. This notification will be described in detail later. After executing the processing of step S1312, this mode transition notification processing is terminated.

[0314] Incidentally, in this embodiment, the winning notification mode in the SAT mode is different from the winning notification mode in the AT mode. Therefore, in step S1312, it is preferable to set the AT mode winning notification command so as to include information on whether or not the mode is the SAT mode. The winning notification mode in the AT mode and the winning notification mode in the SAT mode should be different enough to be distinguishable by a player, and more preferably, the winning notification mode in the SAT mode, which has a higher advantage, should be more flashy than the winning notification mode in the AT mode.

[0315] The winning notification mode for the AT mode and the SAT mode may be configured to be the same. By doing so, it becomes possible to make it appear as if the winning content has been promoted from the AT mode to the SAT mode between the AT mode winning notification game and the start notification game, and it is possible to eliminate the delay caused by the difference between the AT mode winning notification game and the start notification game.

[0316] If it is determined in step S1309 that the AT mode win flag is not set, it is determined in step S1313 whether the VB mode win flag is set. That is, it is determined whether the current premonition mode was a premonition mode triggered by a VB mode win. If the VB mode win flag is set, the VB mode win flag is cleared in step S1314. Then, in step S1315, a VB notification flag is set in the various flag storage area 106d of RAM 106. The VB notification flag is a flag for transitioning the gaming state to the third RT state in response to a win in the VB mode transition lottery. Then, in step S1316, a VB mode win notification command is set to be output to the display control device 81. Upon receiving the VB mode win notification command, the display control device 81 notifies the player of the win in the VB mode transition lottery via the auxiliary display unit 65, etc. This notification will be described in detail later. After the process of step S1316 is executed, the mode transition notification process ends.

[0317] If it is determined in step S1313 that the VB mode win flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S1317. In step S1317, it is determined whether the specialized zone win flag is set. If it is not set, the mode transition notification process is terminated. If it is set, the specialized zone win flag is cleared in step S1318. Then, in step S1319, a specialized zone notification flag is set in the various flag storage area 106d. The specialized zone notification flag is a flag for executing a push order notification corresponding to the seventh re-play win. After executing the process in step S1319, a specialized zone win notification command is set to be output to the display control device 81 in step S1320, and then the mode transition notification process is terminated. Upon receiving the specialized zone win notification command, the display control device 81 controls the auxiliary display unit 65 and speaker 64 to notify the player that the specialized zone has been won. If the determination in step S1317 is negative, the mode change notification process ends.

[0318] That is, among the CZ mode, AT mode, VB mode, and specialized zone, which transition through the premonition mode, the CZ mode is initiated based on a bet operation when the premonition game count in the premonition mode reaches 0. On the other hand, for the AT mode, VB mode, and specialized zone, only a notification of winning the AT mode transition lottery or VB mode transition lottery is made based on a bet operation when the premonition game count in the premonition mode reaches 0. Even if the premonition game count reaches 0, the AT mode, VB mode, or specialized zone does not begin. This is due to the difference between the CZ mode as a display mode, which does not involve a transition in the game state, and the AT mode and VB mode, which involve a transition in the game state. Specifically, the AT mode begins upon transition to the second RT state, and the VB mode begins upon transition to the third RT state. Note that the specialized zone may not involve a transition in the game state (from the third RT state to the third RT state), but in this embodiment, the seventh replay winning game in the third RT state is the starting game, resulting in the above processing configuration.

[0319] As already explained, the second RT state is entered when the first promotion replays 1 to 4 are won and the third re-game win is achieved, and the third RT state is entered when the second promotion replays 1 and 2 are won and the fourth and fifth re-game wins are achieved. The first promotion replays 1 to 4 are won and the third re-game win is achieved, or the second promotion replays 1 and 2 are won and the fourth and fifth re-game wins are achieved when the operation sequence of the stop switches 42 to 44 at the time of winning these promotion replays corresponds to the third re-game win, etc. Therefore, when the lottery for transitioning to the AT mode or VB mode is won, the operation sequence of the stop switches 42 to 44 is notified in the game in which the winning combination that will cause the transition to these game states is subsequently won, enabling the transition to the game state. In addition, from the time when the notification that the player has won the lottery to transition to AT mode or VB mode is made until the AT mode or VB mode starts (until the game state transitions), a notification of the preparation state (for example, a notification that "preparing") will be made.

[0320] <Explanation about transitioning display modes> The notification process for shifting the game state is performed in the push order combination process (step S707) in the lottery result corresponding process (Fig. 31). Prior to explaining the push order combination process, an overview of the case where the operation order of the stop switches 42 to 44 is notified will be explained with reference to Fig. 46.

[0321] <Outline of the push order notification effect> Notification of the operation order when a push order role is won (push order notification, push order notification effect, sequence notification, mode notification) is mainly performed by the auxiliary display unit 65 and the instruction monitor 68. Here, the push order notification effect on the auxiliary display unit 65 will be explained using the example of a case where a push order role is won when the operation order to be notified this time is center → right → left. The push order notification on the instruction monitor 68 will be explained in detail later.

[0322] As shown in FIG. 46(a), in the auxiliary display unit 65, of the three button displays arranged in parallel corresponding to the stop switches 42 to 44, the button display corresponding to the stop switch that should be operated first (in the figure, the middle button display corresponding to the middle stop switch 43) is marked with the number 1 and displayed larger than the other button displays. In addition, each button display is displayed in a color corresponding to the winning combination (yellow for bell, blue for replay, etc.). This allows the player to recognize the winning combination in the current game and that the stop switch that should be operated first is the middle stop switch 43. In addition, in the auxiliary display unit 65, the right button display is displayed with the number 2 and the left button display is displayed with the number 3, indicating that the stop switch that should be operated next is the right stop switch 44 and the stop switch that should be operated last is the left stop switch 42.

[0323] When the player operates the middle stop switch 43, as shown in Figure 46(b), the middle button display corresponding to the middle stop switch 43 disappears on the auxiliary display unit 65, and the right button display corresponding to the right stop switch 44 is displayed large. This allows the player to confirm that the operation of the middle stop switch 43 has been completed, and that the next stop switch to be operated is the right stop switch 44.

[0324] When the player operates the right stop switch 44, as shown in Figure 46(c), the right button display corresponding to the right stop switch 44 disappears on the auxiliary display unit 65, and the left button display corresponding to the left stop switch 42 is displayed larger. This allows the player to confirm that the operation of the right stop switch 44 has been completed, and that the next stop switch to be operated is the left stop switch 42.

[0325] To explain the timing of the push order notification, the push order notification is set to be executed during the inactive period of the stop switches 42 to 44 from the start of rotation of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R through the acceleration period until the reels reach constant speed rotation. By configuring the push order notification to be executed at a timing before the operation of the stop switches 42 to 44 becomes active in this way, it becomes possible to recognize the operation order of the stop switches 42 to 44 and then operate the stop switches 42 to 44 as desired, allowing the game to proceed at a good tempo.

[0326] <Push order processing> Next, the push order combination process executed in step S707 in the lottery result corresponding process (FIG. 31) will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0327] In step S1401, it is determined whether the result of this lottery is any one of the first promotion replays 1 to 4. A positive determination is made in step S1401 when the first replay or the third replay wins based on the operation sequence of this game. In this case, the process proceeds to step S1402, where it is determined whether an AT notification flag is set in the various flag storage area 106d of RAM 106. As already explained, the AT notification flag is a flag that is set when the number of premonition games in the premonition mode becomes 0 after winning the lottery to transition to the AT mode in the mode transition notification process (Figure 45).

[0328] If the AT notification flag is set, in step S1403, processing for notifying the push order for the third replay is executed. Specifically, of the first replay and the third replay, the operation sequence corresponding to the third replay winning is notified (see Figure 23(a)). Then, in step S1404, processing is performed to set the push order notification command as an output target to the display control device 81, which is the sub-side control device, and then this push order role processing is terminated. The push order notification command includes information on the current display mode and information on the lottery result. The processing on the display control device 81 side based on receiving the push order notification command will be explained in detail later.

[0329] In step S1403, the notification of the operation sequence corresponding to the third re-play win basically occurs after the lottery for transition to the AT mode is won, and the AT mode win notification is made after the premonition mode, but before the transition to the AT mode. That is, the lottery table in the second RT state and the third RT state does not allow the first promotion replays 1 to 4 to be won, and the first promotion replays 1 to 4 are won only in the first RT state. However, even in the AT mode, there are cases where the game state falls from the second RT state to the first RT state due to an incorrect operation, etc., and even in such a case, it is possible to quickly return to the second RT state by winning the first promotion replays 1 to 4.

[0330] If a negative judgment is made in step S1401, it is determined in step S1405 whether the current lottery result is one of Fall Replays 1 to 3. A positive judgment in step S1405 means that the first replay or the second replay will win based on the operation sequence of the current game. In this case, it is determined in step S1406 whether the AT notification flag is set. If the AT notification flag is set, processing for notifying the push order for the first replay is executed in step S1407. Specifically, the operation sequence corresponding to the first replay winning, of the first replay and the second replay, is notified (see Figure 23(b)). Thereafter, in step S1408, a process for setting a push order notification command is performed, and then this push order winning process is terminated.

[0331] In this way, if the first promotion replays 1 to 4 are won in the lottery for transitioning to the AT mode, the operation sequence corresponding to the third replay win is notified, making it possible to transition the gaming state to the second RT state. On the other hand, if a negative judgment is made in step S1402, the push order notification process is not performed and the push order combination process is terminated. Therefore, for example, even if the first promotion replays 1 to 4 are won without winning the AT mode in the first RT state, there are cases where the first replay win is achieved and cases where the third replay win is achieved.

[0332] In addition, when the AT notification flag is set and Fall Replays 1 to 3 are won, the operation sequence corresponding to the first replay win is notified, making it possible to prevent the game state from transitioning to the first RT state. On the other hand, if a negative judgment is made in step S1406, the push order notification process is not performed and the push order role process is terminated as is. Therefore, for example, when the AT mode ends, the AT notification flag is cleared, and the display mode transitions to the normal mode, the second replay win may be established by winning Fall Replays 1 to 3, and the RT state will transition from the second RT state or the third RT state to the first RT state.

[0333] Also, for example, in the first RT state, if the first promotion replays 1 to 4 are won without winning the AT mode, and the operation sequence happens to correspond to the third re-game winning and the third re-game winning is established (even if the state transitions to the second RT state), the second re-game winning may be established by winning the fall replays 1 to 3. Therefore, as described above, even if the state transitions to the second RT state by chance without winning the AT mode, the state will immediately transition to the first RT state afterwards.

[0334] If a negative judgment is made in step S1405, then in step S1409 it is determined whether the result of this lottery is either the second promotion replay 1 or 2. A positive judgment is made in step S1409 when the first replay, the fourth replay, or the fifth replay wins, depending on the operation order of this game. In this case, in step S1410 it is determined whether the AT notification flag is set. If the AT notification flag is set, then in step S1411 it is determined whether the VB notification flag or the specialized zone notification flag is set in the various flag storage area 106d of RAM 106. As already explained, the VB notification flag is a flag that is set in the mode transition notification process (Figure 45) when the number of premonition games in the premonition mode becomes 0 after winning the transition lottery to VB mode. The specialized zone notification flag is set when the number of premonition games in the premonition mode becomes 0 after the lottery for transition to the specialized zone is won in the mode transition notification process (FIG. 45).

[0335] If the VB notification flag or the specialized zone notification flag is set, in step S1412, the process for notifying the push order for the 4th replay or the 5th replay is executed. Specifically, among the 1st replay, the 4th replay, and the 5th replay, the operation sequence corresponding to the 4th replay winning or the 5th replay winning is notified (see Figure 23 (b)). After that, in step S1413, the process for setting the push order notification command is performed, and then this push order role processing is terminated.

[0336] If a negative judgment is made in step S1410, the push order role processing is terminated without performing the processing for the push order notification. On the other hand, if a negative judgment is made in step S1411, the push order role processing for the first replay is executed in step S1407, and the push order notification command is set in step S1408, after which the push order role processing is terminated. Therefore, if the second promotion replay 1, 2 is won without winning the VB mode or the specialized zone, if the AT mode is active, the push order notification effect corresponding to the first replay winning is performed, but if the AT mode is not active, the push order notification effect is not performed.

[0337] If a negative determination is made in step S1409, then in step S1414 it is determined whether or not the result of this lottery is a BAR replay. A positive determination is made in step S1414 when, depending on the operation sequence of this game, any one of the first replay, the third replay, and the sixth to eighth replays will win. In this case, in step S1415 it is determined whether or not the AT notification flag is set. If the AT notification flag is set, then in step S1416 it is determined whether or not the specialized zone notification flag is set. If the AT notification flag is set and the specialized zone notification flag is set, then in step S1417 processing for notifying the push order for the seventh replay is executed. Specifically, out of the first replay, the third replay, and the sixth to eighth replays, the operation sequence corresponding to the seventh replay winning is notified (see FIG. 23(c)). Then, in step S1418, the push order notification command is set, and then the push order processing is terminated.

[0338] If a negative judgment is made in step S1415, the push order role processing is terminated without performing the processing for the push order notification. On the other hand, if a negative judgment is made in step S1416, the push order role processing for the third re-play is executed in step S1403, and the push order notification command is set in step S1404, and then this push order role processing is terminated. Therefore, if a BAR replay is won without winning the VB mode or specialized zone, if the AT mode is active, a push order notification effect corresponding to the third re-play win is performed and a transition to the second RT state occurs, and if the AT mode is not active, the push order notification effect is not performed.

[0339] If a negative judgment is made in step S1414, then in step S1419 it is determined whether the result of this lottery is a win for the push order bell. If a win for the push order bell is made, then in step S1420 it is determined whether the current display mode is normal mode or CZ mode. If it is not normal mode or CZ mode, then in step S1421 a process for notifying the push order notification is executed to notify the operation sequence corresponding to the first small win (see Figure 19). Then, in step S1422 a process for setting the push order notification command is executed, and then the main push order role processing is terminated. If a negative judgment is made in step S1419 or a positive judgment is made in step S1420, the main push order role processing is terminated without performing the process for notifying the push order.

[0340] In addition, when the push order notification is configured to be executed at least a predetermined number of times (once) in the CZ mode, it is preferable to determine in step S1420 whether the push order notification has been executed a predetermined number of times during the CZ mode. If the determination is negative, it is preferable to count the predetermined number of times and proceed to the push order notification processing on the step S1421 side.

[0341] In addition, if the push order bell is won when the AT notification flag is set (if a negative decision is made in step S1420), if the current game state is a normal game state, it is advisable not to perform the push order notification corresponding to the first small win. By doing so, the transition result will stop, and the game state will be transitioned to the first RT state, that is, after that, the first promotion replay 1 to 4 will be won, and it will be possible to transition to the high RT state.

[0342] <Processing for transitioning display modes based on winning results> <Winning result processing> Next, the process when a winning combination corresponding to the transition of the gaming state is won as a result of the notification for transitioning the gaming state as described above will be explained (3). This process is performed in the winning result corresponding process (step S414) in the reel control process (FIG. 18). The winning result corresponding process will be explained below with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0343] In step S1501, a game count management process is executed. Details will be described later, but this game count management process counts the number of premonition games in the premonition mode, as well as the number of continued games in the CZ mode, AT mode, VB mode, and specialized zone. In the following step S1502, a post-addition notification process is executed. The post-addition notification process is a process for performing the post-addition notification described in FIG. 42 above, and executes a post-addition notification (post-addition notification) corresponding to the post-addition counter BG on the condition that the post-addition flag is set based on the display remaining number counter HG reaching a predetermined value (1). Then, a value corresponding to the executed post-addition notification is added to the display remaining number counter HG and subtracted from the post-addition counter BG, and the post-addition flag is cleared on the condition that the post-addition counter BG is 0.

[0344] In the following step S1503, it is determined whether the current stop result indicates the establishment of the third replay win. As described above, if the third replay win is established, the RT state processing (FIG. 21) performs processing to transition the game state to the second RT state. In this case, in step S1504, it is determined whether the AT notification flag is set. If the AT notification flag is not set, this means that the third replay win is established without the conditions for transitioning to the AT mode being established. In this case, the winning result processing is terminated without performing processing for starting the AT mode. If the AT notification flag is set, it is determined in step S1505 whether the current display mode is in the AT mode. Specifically, it is determined whether the AT mode flag is set in the various flag storage area 106d. As described above, the AT mode flag is a flag that the CPU 102 uses to identify that the display mode is the AT mode. In addition to the AT mode flag, flags for identifying the display mode include the CZ mode flag, the VB mode flag, the specialized zone flag, and the BB / RB mode flag. In this embodiment, when the display mode is a mode (VB mode, added specialized zone) corresponding to a higher RT state than the AT mode, the AT mode flag coexists with the corresponding flag of that mode (VB mode flag, specialized zone flag). Therefore, for example, in step S1505, cases in which it is determined that the AT mode flag is set include cases in the AT mode, VB mode, and specialized zone.

[0345] In step S1505, if the AT mode flag is set, the display mode is already in AT mode, so this winning result processing ends. On the other hand, if the AT mode flag is not set, processing for starting the AT mode is performed in steps S1506 to S1509.

[0346] That is, in step S1506, an AT mode flag is set. In the following step S1507, an AT mode start command is set as an output target to the display control device 81. Upon receiving the AT mode start command, the display control device 81 notifies the user, via the auxiliary display unit 65 or the like, that the AT mode will start from the next game. This notification will be described in detail later. Thereafter, in step S1508, counting the number of AT mode continuations is started. Specifically, an initial value (for example, 50) for the number of continuation games in the AT mode is set in an AT mode continuation counter provided in the various counter area 106e of the RAM 106.

[0347] After the processing of step S1508, it is determined in step S1509 whether or not the specialized zone flag is set. If the determination in step S1509 is affirmative, it means that the AT mode in which the current win occurred is the SAT mode, and in this case, the specialized zone win flag is cleared in step S1510, and then the process for starting the added specialized zone (steps S1519 to S1521) proceeds. The process for starting the added specialized zone will be explained later. If the determination in step S1509 is negative, the winning result corresponding process is terminated.

[0348] If it is determined in step S1503 that the third replay win has not been achieved, the process proceeds to step S1511. In step S1511, it is determined whether the fourth and fifth replay wins have been achieved as the current stop result. As described above, if the fourth and fifth replay wins have been achieved, the RT state processing (FIG. 21) performs processing to transition the game state to the third RT state. In this case, in step S1512, it is determined whether the VB notification flag is set. If the VB notification flag is not set, this means that the fourth and fifth replay wins have been achieved without winning the VB mode transition lottery. In this case, the winning result response processing is terminated without performing the VB mode start processing. If the VB notification flag is set, it is determined in step S1513 whether the VB mode flag is set. If the VB mode flag is set, the display mode is already VB mode, so the winning result response processing is terminated. On the other hand, if the VB mode flag is not set, processing for starting the VB mode is performed in steps S1514 to S1516.

[0349] That is, in step S1514, a process of setting the VB mode flag is performed. In this case, the AT mode flag and the VB mode flag coexist in the various flag storage area 106d. This is because VB mode is a mode to which a transition occurs via AT mode, and after VB mode ends, a transition to AT mode is always made.

[0350] Then, in step S1515, a VB mode start command is set as an output target to the display control device 81. Upon receiving the VB mode start command, the display control device 81 notifies the user, via the auxiliary display unit 65 or the like, that VB mode will start from the next game. This notification will be described in detail later. Then, in step S1516, counting the number of VB mode continuations is started. Specifically, an initial value (e.g., 25) for the number of VB mode continuation games is set in a VB mode continuation counter provided in the various counter area 106e of RAM 106. After the processing of step S1516 has been performed, this winning result response processing is terminated.

[0351] If it is determined in step S1511 that neither the fourth nor the fifth replay win has been achieved, the process proceeds to step S1517. In step S1517, it is determined whether or not the seventh replay win has been achieved as a result of the current stop. In this embodiment, if the seventh replay win has been achieved, that is, if the "black BAR" symbol stops in the middle row of the left reel 32L, the "black BAR" symbol stops in the middle row of the middle reel 32M, and the "black BAR" symbol stops in the middle row of the right reel 32R, and the "black BAR" symbol stops on the middle row combination line, the process transitions to the bonus-specialized zone. Note that the seventh replay win is achieved when BAR Replay 1 is won and the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated in the operation sequence corresponding to the seventh replay win (FIG. 23(c)).

[0352] If the seventh re-game winning has been achieved, it is determined in step S1518 whether or not the notification flag for the specialized zone is set. If the notification flag for the specialized zone is set, processing for starting the specialized zone is performed in steps S1519 to S1521. As already explained, at the start of the SAT mode, even if a positive determination is made in step S1509 and the processing of step S1510 is performed, the processing of steps S1519 to S1521 is performed.

[0353] Specifically, in step S1519, a process is performed to set a specialized zone flag in the various flag storage area 106d of the RAM 106. The specialized zone flag is a flag that allows the CPU 102 to determine that the above-mentioned bonus specialized zone is in place, and when the specialized zone flag is set, counting the number of continued games in the VB mode is stopped. In this case, the various flag storage area 106d may contain an AT mode flag, a VB mode flag, and a specialized zone flag.

[0354] Thereafter, in step S1520, the specialized zone start command is set as an output target to the display control device 81. Upon receiving the specialized zone start command, the display control device 81 notifies the user, via the auxiliary display unit 65 or the like, that the specialized zone will start from the next game. This notification will be described in detail later. Then, in step S1521, counting the number of times the specialized zone will continue is started. Specifically, an initial value (e.g., 5) for the number of times the specialized zone will continue is set in the specialized zone continuation counter provided in the various counter area 106e of the RAM 106. After the processing of step S1521 is performed, this winning result response processing is terminated. If a negative judgment is made in step S1517 or step S1518, the winning result response processing is terminated.

[0355] As described above, processing for transitioning the display mode is performed separately from the RT state processing (Fig. 21) based on the winning of a combination (third to fifth replays) that corresponds to transitioning the gaming state to the second RT state or the third RT state. This is to avoid the AT mode, etc., being started based on the winning of a combination that corresponds to transitioning the gaming state by chance, even though the lottery for transitioning the display mode has not been won.

[0356] Furthermore, when transitioning between display modes involves a transition of the game state, transitions to higher modes, i.e., transitions from normal mode or CZ mode to AT mode, transitions from AT mode to VB mode, or transitions from AT mode or VB mode to a specialized zone, are configured to be transitions based on the winning results of the corresponding winning combination. Therefore, transitions between display modes and transitions of the game state occur in the same game. On the other hand, when transitioning to a lower mode, for example, when the game state transitions due to a second replay win as a fall replay or the stopping of a transition result, the display mode does not transition. When transitioning to a lower mode, the game state is managed by the winning result (RT state processing), while the display mode is managed by the number of games. Therefore, when transitioning to a lower mode, the game state transition and the display mode transition may occur in separate games.

[0357] <Game Count Management Processing> The number of games managed process executed in step S1501 of the winning result response process will be described with reference to the flowchart in Figure 49. In the number of games managed process, the number of premonition games in the premonition mode is counted, and the number of continued games in the CZ mode, AT mode, VB mode, and specialized zone is counted, and when the number of continued games in these display modes reaches 0, processing is performed to end the corresponding display mode.

[0358] In the game count management process, first, in step S1601, it is determined whether the number of bets is a specific number. As already explained, in this embodiment, each game can be played with a bet number of 1 to 3, and in step S1601, it is determined whether the specific number is 3 bets. If it is not 3 bets, the game count management process ends. In other words, in games with 1 or 2 bets, the number of games in the premonition mode and the number of continued games in the CZ mode, etc. are not counted. Note that the counting may be performed regardless of the number of bets.

[0359] If the current game is a 3-bet game, proceed to step S1602. In step S1602, it is determined whether the current display mode is CZ mode. If it is CZ mode, proceed to step S1603, execute CZ mode processing, and then terminate this game count management processing. In CZ mode processing, processing is performed in accordance with the progress of the game in CZ mode. The CZ mode processing will be explained in detail later.

[0360] If it is determined in step S1602 that the mode is not CZ mode, the process proceeds to step S1604. In step S1604, it is determined whether the bonus win flag is set or whether the bonus mode is active. If the determination in step S1604 is affirmative, the AT mode flag, VB mode flag, and specialized zone flag are cleared in step S1605, and then the number of games played management process is terminated. In other words, if the bonus win flag is set or during a bonus, the number of games played in AT mode, etc. is not counted. Note that if any flag is not set in step S1605, the state is maintained.

[0361] Incidentally, in step S1605, the AT mode flag, VB mode flag, etc. are cleared, but the AT notification flag and VB notification flag are not cleared. Therefore, after the bonus ends, after going through the preparation state of the AT mode, etc., these flags will notify the push order to transition the gaming state, making it possible to return to the gaming state before the bonus. On the other hand, if a bonus is won during a specialized zone, the specialized zone will end when the bonus is won. Also, in step S1605, the AT mode win flag, etc. are not cleared. Therefore, if the AT mode, etc. and the bonus are won simultaneously, a win notification based on these win flags will be made after the bonus ends.

[0362] If a negative judgment is made in step S1604, in step S1606, it is judged whether the number of premonition games is 0. If it is not 0, in step S1607, the number of premonition games is subtracted by 1. If the number of premonition games is 0 in step S1606 (if not in premonition mode), or after the processing of step S1607 has been executed, in steps S1608 to S1625, the number of continued games in each mode is counted.

[0363] That is, in step S1608, it is determined whether the current display mode is AT mode. If it is AT mode, the process proceeds to step S1609, where it is determined whether it is a specialized zone in AT mode. That is, if there is a transition to a specialized zone at the start of AT mode, like SAT mode, an affirmative determination is made in step S1609. If it is in the specialized zone, game count management processing for the specialized zone is performed in steps S1622 to S1625. These processes will be described later.

[0364] If it is determined in step S1609 that the zone is not a specialized zone, the AT mode continuation counter is decremented by 1 in step S1610, thereby decrementing the number of games to be played in the AT mode. Then, in step S1611, it is determined whether the AT mode continuation counter is 0. If it is not 0, the number-of-games management process is terminated. If it is 0, the AT mode flag is cleared in step S1612, and the AT notification flag is cleared in step S1613. Thereafter, in step S1614, an AT mode end command is set as an output target to the display control device 81. Upon receiving the AT mode end command, the display control device 81 notifies the auxiliary display unit 65 or the like that the AT mode will end with this game. This notification will be described in detail later. After the process of step S1614 is performed, the number-of-games management process is terminated.

[0365] If it is determined in step S1608 that the AT mode is not being used, the process proceeds to step S1615. In step S1615, it is determined whether the current display mode is VB mode. If it is VB mode, the process proceeds to step S1616, where it is determined whether the current display mode is an add-on specialized zone. If it is not an add-on specialized zone, the VB mode continuation counter is decremented by 1 in step S1617, thereby decrementing the number of games to be played in VB mode. Then, in step S1618, it is determined whether the VB mode continuation counter is 0. If it is not 0, the number-of-games management process ends. If it is 0, the VB mode flag is cleared in step S1619, and the VB notification flag is cleared in step S1620. Thereafter, in step S1621, a VB mode end command is set as an output target to the display control device 81. Upon receiving the VB mode end command, the display control device 81 notifies the auxiliary display unit 65 or the like that VB mode will end in the current game. This notification will be described in detail later. After the processing of step S1621 is performed, the number-of-games management processing ends.

[0366] If it is determined in step S1616 that the zone is an added specialized zone, the process proceeds to step S1622. As already explained, if it is determined in step S1609 that the zone is a specialized zone in AT mode, the process also proceeds to step S1622. In step S1622, the specialized zone continuation counter is decremented by 1, thereby subtracting the number of games to be played in the specialized zone. Then, in step S1623, it is determined whether the specialized zone continuation counter is 0. If it is 0, the specialized zone flag is cleared in step S1624, and a specialized zone end command is set as an output target to the display control device 81 in step S1625. Upon receiving the specialized zone end command, the display control device 81 notifies the auxiliary display unit 65 or the like that the specialized zone will end with this game. As such notification, for example, the total number of games in which addition was successfully performed in this specialized zone is notified. After the processing of step S1625 is performed, the number of games managed is terminated. If a negative judgment is made in step S1615 or step S1623, the number-of-games management process is terminated.

[0367] <End determination process> Next, the end determination process, which is the process at the end of the bonus, will be explained with reference to the flowchart in Figure 50. As already explained, the end determination process is the process carried out in step S618 in the bonus state process (Figure 26). In the end determination process, it is determined whether the bonus end condition is met, and when the bonus is to be ended, processing is carried out to notify of a win in the AT mode, etc., which has been won both in addition to the bonus, and processing is carried out to add to the number of games played in the AT mode, etc., which has been won both in addition to the bonus.

[0368] That is, in step S1701, it is determined whether a small winning combination has been achieved. As already explained, during the first BB or second BB bonus, the first winning combination in BB occurs with a high probability, and occasionally the second winning combination in BB or the third winning combination in BB occurs (FIG. 27). When the first winning combination in BB occurs, the first small winning combination is mainly achieved, and a predetermined number (9 medals) of medals are paid out. The second winning combination in BB and the third winning combination in BB are replays of the 9th replay or the 10th replay, and no medals are paid out even if a winning combination is achieved. Also, during CB, a CB small or medium winning combination is mainly achieved, and regardless of which combination is won, the first small winning combination is mainly achieved, and a predetermined number (15 medals) of medals are paid out. Step S1701 is a process for determining whether a small winning combination that results in a medal payout has been achieved among the combinations that can be won during these bonuses or CBs.

[0369] If it is determined in step S1701 that a small winning combination has been achieved, then in step S1702, a process is performed in which the payout amount for this game is subtracted from the remaining payout amount. If a negative determination is made in step S1701, or after the process of step S1702 has been executed, then in step S1703, it is determined whether the remaining payout amount has become 0. If it is not 0, the end determination process is terminated. If it is 0, then in step S1704, a bonus end command is set as an output target to the display control device 81, and then in steps S1705 to S1719, processing for notifying of a win in AT mode, etc., and processing for adding to the number of games to be continued in AT mode, etc., are performed.

[0370] That is, in step S1705, it is determined whether or not the AT mode hit flag is set. If the AT mode hit flag is set, a lottery process for the number of premonition games is performed in step S1706, the number of premonition games is set in step S1707, and a premonition command is set in step S1708. Incidentally, in this embodiment, in the lottery process for the number of premonition games in step S1706, a lottery is performed in which the number of premonition games is 0 with a 100% probability. That is, in step S1707, the number of premonition games is always set to 0, and a win notification for the AT mode, etc. is made in the game next to the bonus end game. After executing the process in step S1708, the end determination process is terminated.

[0371] If the AT mode winning flag is not set in step S1705, it is determined in step S1709 whether or not the CZ mode winning flag is set. If the CZ mode winning flag is set, the premonition mode processing of steps S1706 to S1708 is performed, and then the end determination processing is terminated. If the CZ mode winning flag is not set in step S1709, it is determined in step S1710 whether or not the VB mode winning flag is set. If the VB mode winning flag is set, the premonition mode processing of steps S1706 to S1708 is executed. In other words, if the bonus ends while the CZ mode or VB mode has also been won, after the bonus ends, a premonition game is played, and then a win notification for the CZ mode or VB mode is made.

[0372] In addition, if a positive judgment is made in step S1705, step S1709 or step S1710 and the bonus ends when the AT mode winning flag, CZ mode winning flag or VB mode winning flag is set, this means that the AT mode, CZ mode, etc. and the bonus are won simultaneously.

[0373] If the VB mode hit flag is not set in step S1710, the process proceeds to step S1711. In step S1711, it is determined whether the AT mode addition flag is set. If the AT mode addition flag is set, a lottery process for the number of AT mode addition games is performed in step S1712, an addition game count process for the AT mode is performed in step S1713, an addition notification process is performed in step S1714, and an addition command is set in step S1715. The processes in steps S1712 to S1715 are the same as the processes in steps S918 to S921.

[0374] After executing the process of either step S1708 or step S1715, or after making a negative judgment in step S1711, the process proceeds to step S1716. In step S1716, it is determined whether the CZ mode flag is set or not, thereby determining whether the CZ mode will still be in effect at the end of the bonus state. Incidentally, in the number of games management process of FIG. 49 above, when a bonus is won, the AT mode flag and VB mode flag are cleared, but the CZ mode flag is not cleared (step S1605). In other words, if a bonus is won during CZ mode, the CZ mode can continue, and the CZ mode may continue even at the end of the bonus.

[0375] If the CZ mode flag is set in step S1716, a process is executed in step S1717 to set the end CZ flag in the various flag storage area 106d. The end CZ flag is a flag that allows the CPU 102 to know that the CZ mode continued until the end of the bonus. If a negative judgment is made in step S1716, or after the processing of step S1717 is executed, this end judgment process is terminated.

[0376] As described above, the main control unit 101 performs the following processes: (1) processing related to the display mode transition lottery, (2) processing for transitioning the game state based on the result of the display mode transition lottery, and (3) processing for transitioning the display mode based on the winning result.As a result, a push order notification effect is generated by the auxiliary display unit 65, and the game state also transitions to follow the transition of the display mode.Furthermore, the push order notification effect by the auxiliary display unit 65 makes it possible to generate a push order bell win, allowing for the possibility of winning a large number of medals.

[0377] Here, when a push order replay or push order bell is won, if a push order notification effect is performed by the auxiliary display unit 65 (a push order notification effect by the display control device 81), in addition to the push order notification effect, a push order notification is also performed by the instruction monitor 68 connected to the main control device 101. The configuration of this instruction monitor 68 will be explained with reference to Figure 51. Figure 51(a) is a front view of the instruction monitor 68, and Figure 51(b) is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the display mode of the instruction monitor 68 and the display content.

[0378] As shown in FIG. 51(a), the indication monitor 68 is provided with eight display segments N1 to N8. Each display segment N1 to N8 has an individual light source made up of an LED, and by controlling the on / off of each individual light source, it is possible to light up any one display segment or any combination of display segments. This allows the indication monitor 68 to individually display predetermined symbols (including letters and numbers). Note that each of the individual light sources emits light of the same color, so the same color is displayed on each of the display segments N1 to N8.

[0379] More specifically, the first display segment N1 to the seventh display segment N7 are all linear display segments, and are arranged so that they can display at least the numbers "1" to "6." The eighth display segment N8 is a circular display segment, and is arranged laterally in the lower right portion of the area where the first display segment N1 to the seventh display segment N7 are arranged. Therefore, the indication monitor 68 can display at least the numbers "1" to "6," "1." to "6.", and "."

[0380] As long as the indicator monitor 68 can individually display multiple patterns of symbols, the shape and arrangement of the display segments N1-N8 are arbitrary, and a configuration using seven or nine segments instead of eight segments is also possible. Furthermore, it is not essential that the colors displayed by the display segments N1-N8 be the same; the colors displayed by the display segments N1-N8 may be appropriately changed. Furthermore, it is not essential to control the on / off of the light source to turn on or off each of the display segments N1-N8; as long as the display can be individually controlled for each of the display segments N1-N8, a segment display device may be formed using a single backlight and liquid crystal display. Furthermore, instead of applying a segment display to each display area, symbols may be displayed using other types of display devices, such as a liquid crystal display device, an organic electroluminescence display device, a cathode ray tube (CRT), or a dot matrix display.

[0381] The first display segment N1 to the seventh display segment N7 are display segments used to notify the operation sequence of the push order combination. For example, as shown in FIG. 51(b), if the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated in the order of "left" → "center" → "right" to perform the stop operations in this order, which results in a winning mode advantageous to the player, the sixth display segment N6 and the seventh display segment N7 are lit to display "1." Also, if the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated in the order of "right" → "left" → "center" to perform the stop operations in this order, which results in a winning mode advantageous to the player, the first display segment N1, the second display segment N2, the third display segment N3, the fifth display segment N5, and the sixth display segment N6 are lit to display "5." In other words, the numbers (symbols) displayed on each display segment N1 to N7 correspond one-to-one to the operation order of the stop switches 42 to 44, and by operating the stop switches 42 to 44 to stop based on the numbers (symbols) displayed on the display segments N1 to N7, the player can win in an advantageous manner.

[0382] The eighth display segment N8 is lit when the display mode is normal mode and the player wins the lottery to switch to AT mode, SAT mode, or CZ mode, or when the player wins the bonus (first BB) that can be simultaneously won in AT mode, SAT mode, or CZ mode. It is also turned off when the AT mode, SAT mode, CZ mode, or first BB ends and the player switches to normal mode (excluding the case where the player switches back to AT mode, etc. after passing through a premonition mode, etc.).

[0383] In other words, advantageous zones (specific game states, specific modes) include navigation states (AT mode, SAT mode, high frequency mode) in which the operation sequence of the push order bell and push order replay is more easily notified, making it easier for the player to win in an advantageous manner, chance states (CZ mode, 1st BB, high probability mode) in which it is easier to win the lottery to transition to the navigation state, or winning states (winning modes) in which the player has won the lottery to transition to the navigation state or chance state but has not transitioned to these navigation states or chance states.The eighth display segment N8 lights up during the advantageous zone and turns off during normal zones that are not advantageous zones, thereby forming a zone indicator (specific notification means) that clearly indicates whether or not the zone is advantageous.

[0384] The eighth display segment N8 starts lighting up as an indication that the advantageous zone has been entered, at a timing before the player is permitted to perform a gaming operation in the game following the starting game, regardless of whether the gaming result that triggered the advantageous zone, such as the navigation state, chance state, or winning state, is achieved (e.g., a specific combination such as a strong cherry). More specifically, in this embodiment, regardless of whether the gaming result winning that triggered the advantageous zone is achieved or not, that is, regardless of whether a miss occurs or not, the game in which the gaming result winning is entered is set as the starting game, and the eighth display segment N8 starts lighting up at a timing before the player is permitted to perform a betting operation as a gaming operation in the next game. In other words, the eighth display segment N8 starts lighting up before the start of the game following the game in which the player has won the lottery for transitioning to the advantageous zone.

[0385] As already explained, the instruction monitor 68, which includes the first display segment N1 through the seventh display segment N7 as a push order indicator and the eighth display segment N8 as a section indicator, is located near the side of the payout number display unit 62 on the gaming panel 25. In other words, the instruction monitor 68 is located above the stop switches 42 through 44, etc., which are operated by the player. In other words, the instruction monitor 68 is not located on the decorative panel, which is the front part of the gaming machine, below the positions of the stop switches 42 through 44, etc. Therefore, the eighth display segment N8 is prevented from being obscured by the hand operating the stop switches 42 through 44, etc., and is located in a position that is easily visible to the player. Furthermore, since the instruction monitor 68 is located near the payout number display unit 62, which is easily visible to players playing a game aiming to win medals, it can be said that the player is less likely to miss it.

[0386] Furthermore, the brightness of the corresponding LED of the eighth display segment N8 in the instruction monitor 68 is set so that it is brighter than the brightness of the surrounding display units (e.g., the payout number display unit 62 and the backlight of the gaming panel 25) (more specifically, so that it is twice as bright as the brightness of the surrounding display units). Therefore, even when the eighth display segment N8 and the surrounding display units are both controlled to emit light (i.e., are lit), the eighth display segment N8 stands out. The illuminance of the corresponding LED is also set so that the illuminance of the eighth display segment N8 toward the front of the gaming machine is higher than that of the surrounding display units (more specifically, so that it is twice as bright as the illuminance of the surrounding display units). This configuration also improves the visibility of the eighth display segment N8, reducing the likelihood of missing the eighth display segment N8 when it is lit.

[0387] Hereinafter, the first section display process and the second section display process will be described as processes relating to the lighting / extinguishing of the eighth display segment N8.

[0388] <First section display process> First, the first interval display process will be described with reference to Fig. 52. The first interval display process is a process carried out in step S316 in the lottery process (Fig. 16), and is carried out after the lottery result of the game is determined based on the operation of the start lever 41, and a lottery for switching the display mode, etc. (lottery result corresponding process) is carried out based on the lottery result.

[0389] In step S1801, it is determined whether the eighth display segment N8 as a zone indicator is being displayed, more specifically, whether the eighth display segment N8 is being lit. As described above, when the eighth display segment N8 is being lit, this indicates that the advantageous zone has been selected in the lottery to transition to AT mode, SAT mode, or CZ mode, or that the player is in one of these modes. If a negative determination is made in step S1801 and it is determined that the eighth display segment N8 is being turned off, the process proceeds to step S1802.

[0390] In step S1802, it is determined whether or not either the CZ mode winning flag or the AT mode winning flag is set. When the eighth display segment N8 is off and either the CZ mode winning flag or the AT mode winning flag is set, this means that the lottery to transition to CZ mode or the lottery to transition to AT mode or SAT mode has been won in this lottery process. As already explained, in the first specific role processing (Figure 32), if the lottery to transition to CZ mode is won, the CZ mode winning flag is set, and if the lottery to transition to AT mode or SAT mode is won, the AT mode winning flag is set. In step S1802, if neither flag is set, the first section display processing is terminated.

[0391] If either the CZ mode win flag or the AT mode win flag is set, the process proceeds to step S1803, where the eighth display segment N8 is lit to start displaying the section indicator. In addition, when the main control device 101 starts displaying the eighth display segment N8 as a section indicator with the lit state, it outputs a sound output command to the display control device 81 so that a predetermined sound effect (for example, a mechanical "Gagot!" sound) is output from the speaker 64. Based on the sound output command, the display control device 81 controls the speaker 64 to emit the predetermined sound effect. Note that, when the display of the eighth display segment N8 starts, a configuration may be adopted in which an effect is generated in the auxiliary display unit 65 or another display unit. In this case, a corresponding command may be output to the display control device 81, and the display control device 81 may control the auxiliary display unit 65, etc., so that a corresponding effect is generated.

[0392] After executing the processing of step S1803, in step S1804, processing is executed to start measuring the number of games continued in the advantageous zone, and then the first zone display processing is terminated. The number of games continued in the advantageous zone is determined by measuring the advantageous zone game number AG provided in the various counter areas 106e of RAM 106, and in step S1804, processing is executed to set the advantageous zone game number AG to its initial value of 0. The advantageous zone game number AG is increased by 1 for each game in the advantageous zone.

[0393] If it is determined in step S1801 that the eighth display segment N8 is being displayed as a section indicator, then in step S1805, processing is performed to continue display during the favorable section, and then this section display first processing is terminated. Specifically, in step S1805, processing is performed to continue the situation in which the eighth display segment N8 is lit. In other words, processing to terminate the display of the section indicator is not performed in this section display first processing.

[0394] <Second section display process> Next, the second section display process will be described with reference to the flowchart in Fig. 53. As already explained, the second section display process is a process that is performed in step S415 of the reel control process, and is performed after medal payout (payout determination process) and transition of the game state based on the winning result (winning result response process) have been performed at the end of one game.

[0395] In step S1901, it is determined whether the eighth display segment N8 is currently lit as a zone indicator. If it is off (not lit, not displayed), the second zone display process is terminated. If it is currently lit, the process proceeds to step S1902. In step S1902, a process is executed to count the number of games played in the advantageous zone. Specifically, a process is executed to increment the advantageous zone game count AG by 1. The advantageous zone game count AG is a counter that allows CPU 102 to grasp the number of games played in the advantageous zone, and it measures the number of games played while the eighth display segment N8 is lit. After executing the process of step S1902, in step S1903, a remaining game number management process is executed. The remaining game number management process is a process for managing whether the advantageous zone will reach the upper limit number of games with the current remaining number of games, based on the number of games remaining in the AT mode, etc.

[0396] Specifically, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 54, first, in step S2001, the premonition game count G1 is determined. For example, when the current situation is a premonition mode in an advantageous zone, the premonition game count G1 represents the number of remaining premonition mode games, and is decremented by one for each game in the game count management process (FIG. 49). In step S2002, the CZ mode continuation count G2 is determined. For example, when the current situation is a CZ mode in an advantageous zone, the CZ mode continuation count G2 represents the number of remaining CZ mode games, and is decremented by one for each game in the game count management process (FIG. 49). Note that in this embodiment, the number of CZ mode continuations may change after the fact, and the CZ mode continuation count G2 represents the confirmed number of remaining games. In step S2003, the AT mode continuation count G3 is determined. For example, when the current situation is an AT mode in an advantageous zone, the AT mode continuation count G3 represents the number of remaining AT mode games, and is decremented by one for each game in the game count management process (FIG. 49). In step S2004, the VB mode continuation count G4 is determined. For example, if the current status is VB mode in a favorable zone, the VB mode continuation count G4 represents the number of remaining VB mode games, and is decremented by one for each game in the game count management process (FIG. 49). In step S2005, the specialized zone continuation count G5 is determined. For example, if the current status is a specialized zone in a favorable zone, the specialized zone continuation count G5 represents the number of remaining specialized zone games, and is decremented by one for each game in the game count management process (FIG. 49). In step S2006, the BB / RB remaining game count G6 is determined. For example, if the current status is BB / RB mode (bonus state) in a favorable zone, the BB / RB remaining game count G6 represents the number of remaining BB / RB mode games, and is decremented by one each time the game count management process (FIG. 49) is started, provided that the current status is BB / RB mode.

[0397] Here, these continuation numbers G1 to G6 may have values ​​of 0 or more input even if the current situation is not the corresponding mode or zone. Specifically, for example, in VB mode, specialized zone, or BB / RB mode, the count of the remaining number of games in AT mode is stopped, but if a transition to these VB mode, specialized zone, or BB / RB mode occurs during AT mode, values ​​of 0 or more are input for the AT mode continuation number G3 and the continuation number of each of these modes.

[0398] In step S2007, the remaining number of games ZG in the advantageous zone is calculated by accumulating G1 to G6 determined in the processes of steps S2001 to S2006 above. By performing this process, it is possible to determine how many more games the advantageous zone will continue. In the following step S2008, the total number of advantageous zone games SG is calculated by adding the number of advantageous zone games that have been played so far (number of advantageous zone games AG) and the remaining number of games ZG. Then, in step S2009, the total number of advantageous zone games SG is subtracted from 1500G, which is the upper limit number of games that the advantageous zone can continue, to calculate the number of available games FG (number of available games that can be added, number of remaining games).

[0399] After processing step S2009, in step S2010, it is determined whether the number of available games FG is greater than 0, i.e., whether there is an available number of games and it is possible to add more. If the number of available games FG is greater than 0, the remaining game number management process is terminated. On the other hand, if the number of available games FG is 0 or less, in step S2011, a process is executed to set an excess flag in the various flag storage area 106d, and then the remaining game number management process is terminated. The excess flag is a flag that allows CPU 102 to understand that the number of continued games in the advantageous zone cannot be added, or more specifically, that even if an addition is made, the added number of games will not be played due to a forced termination at 1500 games.

[0400] In this embodiment, by setting the excess flag, even if a specific role is won during the advantageous zone, the implementation of a lottery for adding the number of games during the AT mode is restricted. More specifically, for example, if the excess flag is set in the lottery process for adding the number of games in the AT mode, such as step S914 or step S1101, the implementation of such a lottery process is restricted, and an additional win will not be obtained (or even if a win is obtained, an additional 0 games will be obtained). This makes it possible to prevent the misunderstanding that an advantageous zone will continue beyond the upper limit number of games by adding an amount that cannot be continued.

[0401] In addition, once the excess flag is set, the remaining game number management process may not be performed during the current advantageous period.

[0402] Returning to the explanation of the second interval display process (FIG. 53), after executing the process of step S1903, it is determined in step S1904 whether the number of advantageous interval games AG in the current game has reached the upper limit of "1500". If it has reached "1500", in step S1905 the number of advantageous interval games AG is cleared to 0, and then in step S1906 the eighth display segment N8 is turned off as the display termination process of the interval indicator. Then, in step S1907 data initialization process is performed, and the second interval display process is terminated.

[0403] The data initialization process resets flags and counters set upon transition to the current advantageous zone and during the current advantageous zone to their initial values. For example, if a CZ mode win flag or AT mode win flag is set upon transition to the advantageous zone, or if a VB mode win flag is set during AT mode, and these flags remain set until the initialization process, these win flags are cleared. The initialization process also clears flags such as AT notification flags, AT mode flags, VB mode flags, and specialized zone flags if they are set. Furthermore, if counters for the number of games continued, such as premonition counters and AT mode counters, are greater than 0, these counters are all reset to 0. In other words, the initialization process initializes all variables and parameters that affect the performance of push order notifications for advantageous zones that use push order notifications, and clears RAM for such variables and parameters.

[0404] If it is determined in step S1904 that the number of games in the advantageous zone AG has not reached the upper limit, the process proceeds to step S1908, where it is determined whether the advantageous zone has ended. That is, in step S1908, it is determined whether neither the CZ mode win flag nor the AT mode win flag is set, and in step S1909, it is determined whether neither the CZ mode flag nor the AT mode flag is set. A positive determination in both step S1908 and step S1909 means that the advantageous zone ended before reaching the upper limit of the number of games in the advantageous zone. In this case, the process proceeds to step S1905, where the number of games in the advantageous zone AG is cleared to 0, and in step S1906, the display of the zone indicator is terminated. In step S1907, data initialization is performed, and the second zone display process is terminated. If a negative determination is made in either step S1908 or step S1909, it is determined that the advantageous zone is still in progress, and the second zone display process is terminated. In this case, the zone indicator (eighth display segment N8) continues to light up.

[0405] <About the push order indicator and section indicator and game progress> The relationship between the start and end of the advantageous zone and the display of the eighth display segment N8 as a zone indicator will be explained with reference to Figure 55.

[0406] In this slot machine 10, as shown in FIG. 55, in the normal zone, which is not an advantageous zone, the eighth display segment N8 as a zone indicator is turned off (not lit). In this normal zone, the push order notification effect is not performed. In other words, while the advantageous zone has the performance related to the instruction function such as the push order notification, the normal zone can be said to be a zone that does not have such instruction function. The situation in which the display mode is in the normal mode mainly corresponds to the normal zone.

[0407] In the normal zone, for example, if a player wins the lottery to move to a favorable zone such as CZ mode or AT mode by winning a weak watermelon role, the game in which the game result that triggered the winning is realized will be the starting game, and the eighth display segment N8, which serves as a zone indicator, will light up and notification of the favorable zone will begin before the player is allowed to place a bet in the game following the starting game.

[0408] In this case, in the game in which the weak watermelon role is won as described above, the game is in a state before the transition to the advantageous zone, and is a game included in the normal zone. If we consider that the notification of the advantageous zone by the eighth display segment N8 as a zone indicator indicating the advantageous zone is made at the timing when betting operations for the game following the starting game in which the weak watermelon role is won, that is, at the timing when the game in which the advantageous zone starts becomes playable, then the notification of the eighth display segment N8 being lit in the weak watermelon role winning game (starting game) as described above can be said to be a prior notification made before the notification of the advantageous zone (state notification, mode notification).

[0409] After that, when the player is notified that the advantageous zone is in effect, a push order notification is generated using the first display segment N1 to the seventh display segment N7. In this case, the push order information ("1" to "6") is displayed by the first display segment N1 to the seventh display segment N7 as described above, and the player can understand the push order based on this push order information. In the push order notification, the push order information begins to be displayed when the start lever 41 is operated in the game, and ends when the third reel is stopped and turned on in the game. If the game is not the final game in the advantageous zone, when the third reel is stopped and turned on, only the display of the push order information by the first display segment N1 to the seventh display segment N7 ends, and the display of the advantageous zone by the eighth display segment N8 continues. Then, if a push order combination is won again in the next game or later, the push order information corresponding to that push order combination is displayed by the first display segment N1 to the seventh display segment N7.

[0410] When the number of continuing games in the advantageous zone reaches the upper limit, etc., and it is the final game of the advantageous zone, the eighth display segment N8 also goes out and the notification of the advantageous zone ends. The number of games in the advantageous zone is counted in the games in which the eighth display segment N8 is lit, and specifically, the game following the starting game is counted as the first game, and the number of games in the advantageous zone is up to the final game in which the eighth display segment N8 goes out.

[0411] In this embodiment, in the final game of the advantageous zone, the eighth display segment N8 is turned off when medal payout is completed (by the second zone display process, which is the process after the payout determination process). If medal payout is not performed in the final game, the eighth display segment N8 is turned off when the third reel is stopped and turned off. This allows the player to clearly understand that the game in question was the final game of the advantageous zone.

[0412] In this way, the eighth display segment N8 lights up when a favorable zone is entered, and turns off when the favorable zone ends. The eighth display segment N8 not only starts lighting up when a game transitions to a CZ mode, an AT mode, or the like, but also when a player wins a lottery to transition to a CZ mode, an AT mode, or the like. In other words, even if a notification is not given in a game in which a player wins a lottery to transition to these modes, by checking whether or not the eighth display segment N8 is lit, it is possible to clearly determine whether or not a player has won the lottery to transition to these modes. This prevents a difference in the degree of advantage between a player who wins a lottery to transition to these modes but quits the game without knowing it and the successor player who takes his or her seat.

[0413] In addition, the slot machine 10 is configured so that there is no difference in the degree of advantage depending on the setting value for the playability that changes the degree of advantage depending on the push order notification in the CZ mode, AT mode, etc. Therefore, by making the playability based on the push order notification a uniform degree of advantage for each gaming machine (setting value) and each game (situation), it is possible to eliminate advantages / disadvantages between players, and to fully enjoy the original playability of the slot machine 10, which is to aim for symbols to obtain benefits, while also making it possible to create a well-balanced gaming machine in relation to the playability based on the accompanying push order notification.

[0414] <Processing related to notification effects on the sub-side> Next, as (4) processing related to notification effects on the sub-side, various notification processing performed by the sub-side display control device 81 will be described. As processing for various notifications, a performance setting process executed at a predetermined cycle (1.49 msec cycle) is provided. Therefore, this performance setting process will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG.

[0415] In the performance setting process, first, in step S2101, it is determined whether or not a new command has been received from main control device 101. If a new command has been received, in step S2102, a process is executed to store the received command in RAM 183. RAM 183 is provided with a command storage area, and this command storage area is configured as a ring buffer that can store multiple commands individually and can read commands from the previously stored command.

[0416] If a negative determination is made in step S2101, or after the processing of step S2102 has been executed, it is determined in step S2103 whether the newly received command is a bet command. A bet command is a command output from the main control device 101 based on a bet operation being performed, and includes the bet command set in step S207 of the normal processing, as well as the CZ mode start command in the mode transition notification processing (FIG. 45), the AT mode win notification command, the VB mode win notification command, the bonus win notification command, etc. If the command is one of these bet commands, a bet effect setting processing is executed in step S2104.

[0417] If a negative judgment is made in step S2103, or after the processing of step S2104 has been executed, it is judged in step S2105 whether or not the newly received command was a start command. A start command is a command output from the main control device 101 based on the operation of the start lever 41, and includes a lottery result command set in step S313 of the lottery processing, as well as a premonition command or an added command set in the first to third specific role processing (Figs. 32 to 35), a push order notification command set in the push order role processing (Fig. 47), etc. If it is one of these start commands, a start performance setting process is executed in step S2106.

[0418] If a negative decision is made in step S2105, or after the processing of step S2106 has been executed, in step S2107 it is determined whether the newly received command is a command at the time of each stop operation. Each stop operation command is a command output from main control device 101 based on the stop operation of each of reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, and is a stop command set in step S405 of the reel control processing (FIG. 18). If the stop command is one of such stop operation commands, in step S2108, a process for setting the effect at each stop operation is executed.

[0419] If a negative decision is made in step S2107, or after the processing of step S2108 has been executed, in step S2109 it is determined whether the newly received command is an all stop command. An all stop command is a command output from the main control device 101 when all reels 32L, 32M, and 32R have stopped, and includes the winning result command set in step S411 of the reel control processing (FIG. 18), as well as the AT mode start command, VB mode start command, specialized zone start command, etc. set in the winning result response processing (FIG. 48). If the command is one of these all stop commands, in step S2110 an all stop effect setting processing is executed.

[0420] If a negative decision is made in step S2109, or after the processing of step S2110 has been executed, other processing is executed in step S2111, and then the effect setting processing is terminated. In step S2111, settings are made for effects based on commands from the main control device 101 other than when betting, starting, or stopping (for example, effects based on operation of the settlement switch 59), effects based on signals from sensors (such as effect switch detection sensors) connected without going through the main control device 101, settings for error notification, etc.

[0421] The bet effect setting process, start effect setting process, each stop operation effect setting process, and all stop effect setting process will be explained below. Note that the explanation of each effect setting process will be given with reference to the outline diagrams of display effects in Figures 66 to 72.

[0422] <Bet effect setting process> The bet time effect setting process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0423] In step S2201, it is determined whether or not the currently received bet command includes a CZ mode start command. If a CZ mode start command is included, in step S2202, processing is performed to set the CZ mode start effect. In the CZ mode start effect, for example, as shown in FIG. 67(a), the auxiliary display unit 65 displays the text "Chance Zone Start," and also displays a display (for example, a predetermined character display) suggesting that the display mode to be transitioned to is a situation in which it is easy to win the AT mode transition lottery. In addition, in the CZ mode start effect, control is performed so that a corresponding sound effect (for example, a man's deep voice saying "It's your chance!") is emitted from the speaker 64.

[0424] If a CZ mode start command is not included in step S2201, it is determined in step S2203 whether or not an AT mode winning notification command is included as a bet time command received this time. If an AT mode winning notification command is included, processing is performed to set an AT mode winning notification effect in step S2204. In the AT mode winning notification effect, for example, as shown in FIG. 68(a), the auxiliary display unit 65 displays the words "AT confirmed." In addition, in the AT mode winning notification effect, control is performed so that a corresponding sound effect (for example, a high-pitched female voice saying "I did it!") is emitted from the speaker 64.

[0425] If an AT mode winning notification command is not included in step S2203, it is determined in step S2205 whether or not a VB mode winning notification command is included in the currently received bet time command. If a VB mode winning notification command is included, processing to set a VB mode winning notification effect is performed in step S2206. In the VB mode winning notification effect, for example, as shown in FIG. 68(b), the auxiliary display unit 65 displays the words "V-BONUS confirmed." Additionally, in the VB mode winning notification effect, control is performed so that a corresponding sound effect (for example, a male and female voice saying "Super lucky!") is emitted from the speaker 64.

[0426] If a VB mode winning notification command is not included in step S2205, it is determined in step S2207 whether or not the currently received betting command includes a bonus winning notification command. If a bonus winning notification command is included, processing is performed to set a bonus winning notification effect in step S2208. In the bonus winning notification effect, for example, the auxiliary display unit 65 displays the text "BONUS CONFIRMED." Additionally, in the bonus winning notification effect, control is performed so that a corresponding sound effect (for example, a male and female voice saying "Yay!") is emitted from the speaker 64.

[0427] In this embodiment, in a predetermined case, a special effect may be generated in the bonus win notification effect. Such a configuration will be described in detail ...

Claims

[Claim 1] means for updating the specific information when the game is executed in a predetermined specific state; means for granting a bonus to a player when the specific information becomes predetermined special information; a means for executing a process of determining whether to end the specific state and transition to a predetermined state in a game executed in the specific state; Equipped with When the game result of the game executed in the specific state results in a special result that allows a transition to a predetermined special state, the specific information can be updated in the game up to the transition to the special state, but the determination process is not executed; a means for transitioning to the special state when a predetermined transition condition is met; means for terminating the special state when a predetermined termination condition is met; Equipped with After the transition condition is satisfied, the determination process is not executed in the game before the termination condition is satisfied; a means for executing a specific notification corresponding to the transition to the special state, A gaming machine characterized in that the game result of the game executed in the specific state is the special result, and the specific notification can be executed in a game in which the judgment process is not executed.

Images