Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of preventing a player's interest in a pseudo game from being lowered.SOLUTION: A slot machine stops a reel corresponding to a stop button when the stop button is operated in a game, and temporarily stops the reel corresponding to the stop button when the stop button is operated in a pseudo game. When the reel is temporarily stopped in the pseudo game, a temporary stop symbol is displayed which is determined in advance before temporary stop is performed at a temporary stop position. At the timing when the stop button is operated in the pseudo game, the slot machine temporarily stops the temporary stop symbol at the temporary stop position after the temporary stop symbol has passed the temporary stop position at least once, when at least a part of the temporary stop symbol is included in the temporary stop position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

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

[0003] In the above-described gaming machine, a configuration is known in which a freeze that delays the progress of the game is set, and a pseudo-game for pseudo-progressing the game during the freeze can be executed (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the gaming machine described in Patent Document 1, when a player presses the stop button during a simulated game, the machine is configured to display a specific symbol in a simulated stop regardless of the timing of the player's press of the stop button. In such a gaming machine, if the timing of the player pressing the stop button during a simulated game is, for example, when a specific symbol is displayed in the display window, the symbol will be simulated to stop regardless of its current display position because it is displayed in a rotating position within the display window. This may cause the symbols displayed in the simulated stop within the display window to not line up in a row, potentially reducing the player's enjoyment of the simulated game.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a gaming machine that can prevent a decrease in players' interest in simulated games. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to a plurality of reels, including a first reel and a second reel, Multiple stop buttons, It comprises a simulated game control means that performs control related to simulated gameplay, When the stop button is operated during gameplay, the reel corresponding to the stop button is stopped. In the aforementioned simulated game, if the stop button is operated, the reel corresponding to the stop button is temporarily stopped. If the simulated game is temporarily stopped, the temporary stop symbol will be displayed at the temporary stop position. The aforementioned temporary stop symbol is determined in advance before the temporary stop occurs. At the moment the stop button is operated during the simulated game, If the second range of the temporary stop pattern, which is above the first range in the vertical direction, is not included in the temporary stop position, it is possible to temporarily stop the temporary stop pattern at the temporary stop position without passing through the temporary stop position. If the second range of the temporary stop symbol is included in the temporary stop position, it is possible to temporarily stop the temporary stop symbol at the temporary stop position after the temporary stop symbol has passed the temporary stop position at least once. When the reel is temporarily stopped, the first operation can be performed. The present invention is characterized in that, when the first reel and the second reel are each performing the first operation, the first reel and the second reel are each performed a second operation to synchronize the first operation of the first reel and the second reel. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can prevent a decrease in the player's interest in simulated games. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating the functional block of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows the winning areas in the internal lottery of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the winning combinations included in each winning area. [Figure 4] (A) is a state transition diagram of the game state in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a transition diagram relating to the normal section and the advantageous section controlled by the AT control means, and the performance state during the advantageous section. [Figure 5] This figure illustrates the arrangement of symbols on the reels in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows the simulated game processing in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows the reel stop control in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a flowchart showing reel control in interrupt processing in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] (A) is a diagram showing the state in which the symbols of the stop numbers set according to the simulated game are passing by in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a diagram showing the state in which the reels are temporarily stopped in the state in which the symbols of the stop numbers set according to the simulated game are passing by. [Figure 10] It is a diagram for explaining control related to minute vibration executed when the left reel temporarily stops in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] (A) is a diagram showing a state where the middle reel temporarily stops while the left reel temporarily stops and performs minute vibration in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, (B) is a diagram showing a state where the left reel rotates one step in the normal rotation direction after a lapse of time from the state shown in (A), (C) is a diagram showing a state where the left reel rotates one step in the reverse rotation direction after a lapse of time from the state shown in (B), (D) is a diagram showing a state where the middle reel rotates one step in the normal rotation direction after a lapse of time from the time shown in (C), (E) is a diagram showing a state where the left reel rotates one step in the normal rotation direction after a lapse of time from the time shown in (D), and (F) is a diagram showing a state where the left reel and the middle reel rotate one step in the reverse rotation direction and the minute vibration is synchronized after a lapse of time from the time shown in (E).

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

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

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

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

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

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

[0015] Furthermore, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, each reel is provided with upper, middle, and lower display positions for observing the symbols through the display device 330, and an active line L1 is set for the combination of display positions on each reel. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the number of tokens required for one game, the so-called prescribed number of tokens, is set to 3 in all game states, and when tokens equivalent to the prescribed number of tokens are inserted, the active line L1, which is composed of the middle sections of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, is activated.

[0016] The game result is determined by the combination of symbols that stop and are displayed on the active line L1. If the combination of symbols on the active line L1 corresponds to a predetermined winning combination, the hopper unit 320 dispenses medals, etc., as if the winning combination has been achieved.

[0017] The front upper door UD is equipped with a game information display unit DS. The game information display unit DS consists of LEDs, lamps, a 7-segment display, etc., and displays various game information such as the number of medal credits, the number of medals paid out or acquired in one game, the total number of medals paid out or acquired in bonus mode, information on the winning combination in the current game, and information suggesting how to press stop buttons B1, B2, and B3, which are related to medal payouts.

[0018] The game information display unit DS includes a main control display device 500 consisting of a 7-segment display. When a specified number of tokens are inserted and the start lever SL is operated, a notification display is shown, which corresponds to the winning combination command, a control signal created based on the winning combination information for the current game. After the notification display is shown, when the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 stop, the notification display ends and the number of tokens dispensed or acquired is displayed. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, a notification display is executed in which each segment of the main control display device 500 lights up and turns off in a display mode corresponding to the winning combination command.

[0019] Furthermore, the main control display device 500 is equipped with a section notification unit 500A, which is a dot on a 7-segment display and lights up when the advantageous section is started by the AT control means 200 (see Figure 2), described later, and the expected value of medal acquisition is 1 or more due to the assistance of winning small roles. In addition, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, multiple sound devices 340 for sound effects are provided on the front lower door DD. Various sounds are output from the sound devices 340 to assist in or enhance the gameplay.

[0020] The front lower door DD is equipped with various operating means. These operating means include a max bet button MB for inserting a predetermined number of credited (stored) medals, a start lever SL for initiating the start operation by rotating the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 to begin playing, stop buttons B1 to B3 for initiating the stop operation by the player, and a settlement button BS for settling the credited medals.

[0021] Furthermore, a medal payout port MO and a medal receiving tray MP are provided at the bottom of the front lower door DD, and the number of medals corresponding to the game result are dispensed from the medal payout port MO to the medal receiving tray MP. Also, when the settlement button BS is pressed while the number of credited medals is stored in the game machine, a settlement process is executed in response to the pressing of the settlement button BS, dispensing a number of medals corresponding to the number of credits (the number of medals credited) from the hopper unit 320, and the medals are dispensed from the medal payout port MO to the medal receiving tray MP.

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

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

[0024] The setting change means 100 performs control (setting change control) to change the setting value stored in the setting value storage means 191 of the storage means 190. When the setting change permission switch 250 is ON and setting changes are permitted, the setting change means 100 receives an input signal output from the setting change switch 260 provided on the power supply and cyclically changes the setting value in the order of setting 1 → setting 2 → ... → setting 6 → setting 1 → ... and confirms the setting value based on the operation of the start lever SL and the receipt of a start signal output from the start switch 230. In the slot machine 1, the probability of winning in some of the winning areas among the winning areas that can be won in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 is changed according to the setting value confirmed in the setting value storage means 191. In other words, the setting change means 100 is configured to change the setting value, which is a value that can change the probability of winning a role in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120.

[0025] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the setting change control by the setting change means 100 is executed, the control related to the game state executed by the game state transition control means 170 and the control related to the advantageous section executed by the AT control means 200 are initialized, the game state is set to the non-replay time state (hereinafter, replay time is also referred to as "RT"), and the control related to auxiliary games that the AT control means 200 was executing before the setting change is also initialized and the normal section is set. On the other hand, in the slot machine 1, when the power supply to the game control means 10 is cut off (power out) and then the power supply is resumed, the control related to the game state executed by the game state transition control means 170 and the control related to the advantageous section executed by the AT control means 200 are restarted from the state before the power outage, and the control related to auxiliary games that the AT control means 200 was executing before the power outage is also maintained in the state before the power outage.

[0026] The coin insertion acceptance means 105, during the coin insertion acceptance period, when a coin is inserted into the coin slot MI (see Figure 1) and the coin insertion switch 210 is activated, sets the inserted coin to the inserted state. When the bet switch 220 is activated, executing a bet operation by pressing the max bet button MB with the coins credited, the means sets the credited coins to the inserted state, up to a specified number of coins (3 coins). Based on the fact that a number of coins equivalent to the specified number of coins have been set to the inserted state, it performs a process to activate the game start operation on the start lever SL.

[0027] In this embodiment of the slot machine 1, the first press of the start lever SL, which is activated based on the insertion of a specified number of tokens, is accepted as the player's operation to start playing, triggering the rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, and also triggering the internal lottery means 120, which will be described later, to perform an internal lottery.

[0028] The random number generation means 110 is a means for generating random numbers for the lottery. In this embodiment, "random number" includes not only values ​​that are generated randomly in a mathematical sense, but also values ​​that, even if their generation is regular, can function as effectively random numbers because the timing of their acquisition is irregular.

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

[0030] In the lottery table selection process, the system selects which of the multiple internal lottery tables stored in the internal lottery table storage means 192 of the storage means 190 will be used to perform the internal lottery, based on the current game state. In each internal lottery table, each of the multiple random numbers (for example, 65,536 random numbers from 0 to 65,535) is associated with various roles such as replays, minor roles, and bonuses, as well as losses (misses).

[0031] In the following description, "bonus" refers to a feature that activates a special mechanism or a continuous special mechanism activation device upon winning; "bonus activated" means that a bonus is won and the special mechanism or continuous special mechanism activation device is activated; and "bonus state" means the state in which the special mechanism or continuous special mechanism activation device is activated.

[0032] In the random number determination process, a random number (random number for drawing) generated by the random number generation means 110 for each game is obtained based on the start signal output from the start switch 230. The obtained random number is then compared with the internal drawing table selected in the drawing table selection process, and a determination is made based on the comparison result as to whether or not a winning combination has been achieved.

[0033] In the lottery flag setting process, based on the result of the random number determination process, the lottery flag corresponding to the winning combination is set from a non-established state (first flag state, OFF state) to an established state (second flag state, ON state). In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, if two or more combinations are won simultaneously, the lottery flag corresponding to each of the two or more combinations that were won simultaneously is set to an established state. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, there are lottery flags that can be carried over to subsequent games until a win is achieved (carry-over flags) and lottery flags that are reset to a non-established state without being carried over to subsequent games regardless of whether a win is achieved (carry-over non-carry-over flags). The lottery flag setting information is stored in the lottery flag storage means 193 of the storage means 190.

[0034] The reel control means 130 starts the rotation drive of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 and performs reel rotation control to control the rotation pattern of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 based on the start signal output from the start switch 230, which is activated when the player performs a start operation on the start lever SL. Furthermore, when the rotation state of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 reaches a state of steady rotation at a predetermined speed (for example, about 80 rpm), the reel control means 130 performs control to activate the stop operation detected by the stop switch 240 when the stop buttons B1 to B3 corresponding to each reel are operated. Then, when the stop switch 240 that detected the stop operation outputs a reel stop signal, the reel control means 130 performs control to stop each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 corresponding to the stop switch 240 that detected the stop operation (reel stop control).

[0035] In the following description, when the reel control means 130 starts the rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, and the player operates the valid stop buttons B1 to B3 respectively, the first operation will be referred to as the first stop operation, the second operation as the second stop operation, and the third operation as the third stop operation.

[0036] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, for the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, the reel that is currently spinning corresponding to the pressed stop button is stopped within a predetermined period of 190ms from the time when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed (when the stop switch 240 detects the stop operation). In the following description, pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 will also be referred to as the operation. Furthermore, the slot machine 1 may be configured such that a stop signal is output from the stop switch 240 not only when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed, but also, for example, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed and then released.

[0037] In this case, if the spinning reels are to be stopped within 190ms from the time the stop button is pressed, the stopping position of each spinning reel is configured such that, based on the diameter and rotation speed of each reel, it is possible for the reels to rotate a maximum of 4 frames from the time the stop button is pressed until they stop. Therefore, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, for the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, the range in which symbols can be drawn onto the active line L1 (draw-in range) is a total of 5 frames from the frame displayed on the active line L1 at the time the stop button is pressed until it rotates 4 frames.

[0038] When reel stop control is executed, the reel control means 130 performs a logic calculation process to determine the stopping position of the rotating reel based on a predetermined priority order, which includes a pull-in process that stops the rotating reel so that as many winning combinations as possible with the lottery flag set to the "established" state can be awarded, and a kick-off process that stops the rotating reel so that winning combinations with the lottery flag set to the "not established" state cannot be awarded, and a table reference process that determines the stopping position of the rotating reel by referring to the stop control table stored in the reel control data storage means 194 of the storage means 190, thereby stopping the rotating reel and displaying a symbol on the active line L1 (hereinafter, stopping the rotating reel by reel stop control and displaying a symbol on the active line L1 is also referred to as "stop display").

[0039] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when multiple types of small wins are won in the internal lottery, there are two methods for determining the priority of candidate stopping positions: one is to determine the priority according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line L1 (quantity priority control), and the other is to determine the priority according to the number of medals paid out based on the predetermined payout for each small win (coin priority control). However, when executing coin priority control, if the same small win with the same payout is won multiple times, the priority of candidate stopping positions that can award each of these small wins is treated as the same.

[0040] The prize determination means 140 performs a prize determination process to determine whether a winning combination has been achieved based on the stopping patterns of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3. Specifically, while referring to the prize determination table stored in the prize determination table storage means 195 of the storage means 190, it determines whether the symbol combinations displayed on the active line L1 when all of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 have stopped correspond to predetermined winning combinations. The prize determination table is provided so that the presence or absence of a bonus, replay, or minor win can be determined (hereinafter referred to as "prize determination") based on the symbol combinations displayed on the active line L1 in the state in which each reel has stopped. In the following description, the symbol combinations that indicate the winning combination will also be referred to as "prize symbol combinations".

[0041] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, each process is executed based on the result of the prize determination means 140 in the prize determination process. As for the processes executed based on the result of the prize determination, for example, if a small win is achieved, the payout control means 150 is instructed to determine the number of medals to be paid out; if a replay is achieved, the replay processing means 160 is instructed to execute the next game without consuming medals; and if a win that triggers a transition to a game state such as a bonus is achieved, the game state transition control means 170 is instructed to transition to a new game state.

[0042] The payout control means 150 performs payout processing related to the payout of medals according to the game result. Specifically, when a minor win is achieved, it determines the number of medals to be paid out in the game based on the predetermined payout for each win, and controls the hopper unit 320, which acts as a payout device, to pay out the number of medals corresponding to the determined payout amount.

[0043] The hopper unit 320 dispenses the number of medals instructed by the dispensing control means 150. The hopper unit 320 is equipped with a dispensing medal detection switch 325 that operates each time a medal is dispensed. The dispensing control means 150 is configured to manage the number of medals actually dispensed from the hopper unit 320 based on the input signal from the dispensing medal detection switch 325. If medal credit is permitted, instead of actually dispensing medals, the hopper unit 320 performs a credit addition process, which adds the number of medals dispensed to the number of credits (number of credited medals) stored in the credit storage area (not shown) of the storage means 190, thereby virtually dispensing medals.

[0044] The replay processing means 160, when the winning determination means 140 determines that a combination of symbols indicating the winning of one of the multiple types of replay symbols described later has stopped and is displayed on the active line L1, performs a replay process (re-play process) to set the machine to a ready state that allows the next game to be played without requiring the insertion of tokens. In other words, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when a replay is won, an automatic insertion process is performed in which a predetermined number of tokens are automatically inserted without using the player's tokens (including credit tokens), and the machine waits for the start operation of the next start lever SL with the same active line L1 as the previous game set.

[0045] The game state transition control means 170 performs the process of transitioning game states between multiple game states, and the process of activating and terminating bonuses. Here, the transition conditions for each game state may be defined as one condition or multiple conditions. If multiple conditions are defined, the game state can be transitioned to another game state based on the fulfillment of any one of the multiple predetermined conditions, or on the fulfillment of all of the multiple predetermined conditions.

[0046] The performance control means 180 controls game-related effects based on performance data stored in the performance control data storage means 196 of the storage means 190, such as image and video effects using the display device 330 and sound effects using the sound device 340. Specifically, when a player operates various components of the slot machine 1, such as inserting medals, operating the max bet button MB, start lever SL, and stop buttons B1 to B3, or when a game event occurs, such as a change in the game state, the performance control means 180 controls the execution of effects that enhance the game or assist the game by lighting or flashing lamps and LEDs, outputting sound from the sound device 340, etc. Furthermore, the performance control means 180 causes each component of the performance device 300 to execute effects based on each performance state.

[0047] The AT control means 200 is an auxiliary game control means that performs control related to the transition between an advantageous section (advantageous period), which is a section (period) in which control related to an instruction function that can perform an auxiliary game that assists in winning specific roles, can be performed, and a normal section (non-advantageous period, non-advantageous section), which is a section (period) in which control related to an auxiliary game (control related to an instruction function) based on the results of an internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 cannot be performed, using data stored in the AT control data storage means 197, thereby performing control related to the normal section, the advantageous section, and the auxiliary game.

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

[0049] The AT control means 200 sets the performance state to the AT state (assist time state) under predetermined conditions during the advantageous section, and performs prize-winning assistance (correct button-press notification) to help the player win specific roles by displaying information (an example of operation instruction information) corresponding to the operation order (correct button-press order) of stop buttons B1 to B3 that enables the winning of specific roles on the main control display device 500 consisting of a 7-segment display. Furthermore, in the slot machine 1, when prize-winning assistance is performed by the AT control means 200, the performance control means 180, described later, performs a prize-winning assistance performance that displays an indicator corresponding to the correct button-press order on the display device 330. In this way, in the slot machine 1, in the AT state, the operation pattern of stop buttons B1 to B3 is notified by prize-winning assistance, thereby performing an advantageous auxiliary game (AT game, notification game) for the player.

[0050] The AT control means 200 executes a predetermined termination process to terminate the advantageous period and start the normal period from the next game, and a predetermined initialization process to initialize various flags, numerical values, and other information related to the advantageous period that were set within the advantageous period, when a predetermined termination condition for terminating the advantageous period, which will be described in more detail later, is met. In addition, the AT control means 200 lights up the section notification unit 500A when the advantageous period has started and the expected value of medal acquisition is 1 or more due to the execution of prize-winning assistance. For this reason, even when the advantageous period has started, the AT control means 200 is configured to turn off the section notification unit 500A if the performance state is one in which prize-winning assistance is not executed.

[0051] The AT control means 200, in a game in which the advantageous period has started, adds a value "1", which is equivalent to one game, to the value stored in the first advantageous period counter 197a (stored value) each time a game is played, and performs a game count update process that cumulatively increments the stored value of the first advantageous period counter 197a. The AT control means 200 also performs a difference in tokens update process that cumulatively records the difference (difference in tokens) obtained by subtracting the number of tokens paid out by the number of tokens inserted from the game in which the advantageous period started, in the second advantageous period counter 197b.

[0052] In this embodiment, the AT control means 200, when controlled in an advantageous section, executes a game count update process that cumulatively adds (updates) a value of "1", which corresponds to one game, to the stored value of the first advantageous section counter 197a each time a game is played, regardless of the game state, and a difference in the number of medals update process that cumulatively updates the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b to a value corresponding to the difference in the number of medals.

[0053] Here, in the AT control means 200, in the difference in the number of tokens update process that updates the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b, if the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b becomes less than the value "0" when the number of tokens paid out in the game is less than the prescribed number of tokens inserted, the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b is set to the value "0". As a result, the AT control means 200 can fix the value of the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b at its lowest point to the value "0", so in the control process using the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b, it is no longer necessary to change the value that serves as the threshold for judgment according to the specific numerical value at the lowest point, and the load on the control process using the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b can be reduced.

[0054] The AT control means 200 determines that a specific termination condition has been met as a predetermined termination condition for ending the advantageous section when 1500 games have been played, that is, when the stored value of the first advantageous section counter 197a becomes the first value "0", or when the player has acquired more than 2400 medals from the point in the advantageous section when the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b becomes "2401" from the point in time when it was at its lowest value (lowest point), and executes a predetermined termination process to end the advantageous section and start the normal section from the next game.

[0055] The AT control means 200 initializes all information used in various control processes during the advantageous period, such as each flag set to the ON state during the advantageous period and values ​​set during the advantageous period, during a predetermined initialization process. The AT control means 200 can also terminate the advantageous period if a predetermined termination condition (normal termination condition) other than the specific termination condition is met, and executes the predetermined initialization process and predetermined termination process when the normal termination condition is met. Details of the normal termination conditions set by the AT control means 200 in this embodiment will be described later.

[0056] The simulated game control means 400 is configured to enable (generate) a simulated game that allows the player to experience a simulated game by generating a freeze that temporarily delays the progress of a normal game based on the operation of the start lever SL, rotating the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 by operating the start lever SL, and temporarily stopping the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 by operating the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0057] Here, "temporary stop" refers to a control that stops the rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 based on the operation of stop buttons B1 to B3 during simulated gameplay. During simulated gameplay, the temporarily stopped reels move slightly before a predetermined time (500ms in this embodiment) has elapsed, making it clear that this is different from the stopping of the reels in actual gameplay. As a result, in slot machine 1, when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated during simulated gameplay and the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are temporarily stopped, the player may mistakenly believe that the actual game has ended and leave slot machine 1 to stop playing even though the actual game has not ended.

[0058] 2. Configuration of the gaming machine in this embodiment Next, with reference to Figures 3 to 9, the details of each component of the slot machine 1 in this embodiment will be described.

[0059] <Winning areas subject to internal lottery> Figure 3 is a diagram showing the winning areas that are subject to internal lottery in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, and the winning numbers and winning combinations associated with each winning area.

[0060] In this embodiment, the slot machine 1 has a regular big bonus (hereinafter, the regular big bonus is also referred to as "RBB") as a bonus, which is a continuous activation device for a special first-class feature. Furthermore, the slot machine 1 has game states controlled by the game state transition control means 170, which include a non-RT state, which is a general state where the RBB is not set to be established and the RBB is not operating; a bonus established state, which is a state to which the player transitions when the RBB is set to be established, and in which the RBB is maintained internally until the RBB is activated; and a bonus state, which is a state to which the player transitions when the RBB is activated, and in which the RBB is operating.

[0061] As shown in Figure 3, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the winning areas that are subject to internal lottery include the winning area "All Small Wins", the winning area "All Single Wins", the winning area "Normal Replay 1", the winning area "Normal Replay 2", the winning area "Rare Replay", the winning areas "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 12", the winning area "RBB & Single Win", the winning area "RBB & Rare Win", and the winning area "RBB", and the winning numbers 1 to 20 are associated with each of these areas. In addition, in the slot machine 1, the winning number 0 is associated with the result of the internal lottery when the player does not win (lose).

[0062] Here, "batting order" refers to the sequence in which operations are performed on stop buttons B1 through B3. Furthermore, in the following description, the timing at which stop buttons B1 through B3 are operated will also be referred to as "operation timing."

[0063] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the order in which the three stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated consists of six types of stop orders, from stop order 1 to stop order 6. Stop order 1 is a stop order called "sequential pressing," in which the stopping operations are performed in the order of stop button B1 → stop button B2 → stop button B3. Stop order 2 is a stop order called "scissors pressing," in which the stopping operations are performed in the order of stop button B1 → stop button B3 → stop button B2. Stop order 3 is a stop order in which the stopping operations are performed in the order of stop button B2 → stop button B1 → stop button B3. Stop order 4 is a stop order in which the stopping operations are performed in the order of stop button B2 → stop button B3 → stop button B1. Stop order 5 is a stop order in which the stopping operations are performed in the order of stop button B3 → stop button B1 → stop button B2. Furthermore, batting order 6 is a so-called reverse batting order, where the stopping operation is performed in the order of stop button B3 → stop button B2 → stop button B1.

[0064] The internal lottery means 120 determines whether each winning area is correct or incorrect in the random number determination process, starting from the winning area associated with winning number 20 and moving towards the losing area associated with winning number 0.

[0065] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the small wins that can be achieved when the internal lottery is won include Bell A to Bell F, Single Win A to Single Win C, and Rare Win, and the replays that can be won when the internal lottery is won include Replay A, Replay B, and Rare Replay. Each small win and each replay is associated with each winning area in the combinations shown in Figure 3.

[0066] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, in slot machine 1, the winning areas "RBB&1-coin win" and "RBB&rare win" are set as winning areas that include both bonuses and small wins, and the winning area "RBB" is set as a winning area that includes only bonuses.

[0067] In Slot Machine 1, the winning area "Rare Replay" has a lower winning probability than the other replay winning areas. Also, in Slot Machine 1, the winning area "RBB & Rare Role" has a lower winning probability than the winning areas "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 12" and the winning area "RBB & 1-Coin Role," which include the small roles.

[0068] In this embodiment of the slot machine 1, the carry-over flag is associated with the RBB, while the minor role and replay are associated with the non-carry-over flag. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, if the internal lottery hits a winning area including the RBB, the state in which the RBB lottery flag is established is carried over until the RBB is won. At this time, the internal lottery means 120 also performs an internal lottery to determine whether the minor role and replay are won, even in a game where the RBB lottery flag's established state has been carried over. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, in a game where the RBB lottery flag's established state has been carried over, if a minor role or replay is won, the lottery flags corresponding to two or more roles, consisting of the already won RBB lottery flag and the minor role or replay lottery flag won in the internal lottery, are set to the established state.

[0069] <Internal Lottery Table> In this embodiment, the slot machine 1 stores in the internal lottery table storage means 192 three internal lottery tables used in the internal lottery conducted by the internal lottery means 120: an internal lottery table used in the non-RT state (general mode) (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table A), an internal lottery table used in the bonus established state (internal mode) (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table B), and an internal lottery table used in the bonus state (operating mode) (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table C). In each of the internal lottery tables A to C, a lottery value is associated with each winning area that is the target of the lottery.

[0070] <Random number generation process> In this embodiment, the internal lottery means 120, in the random number determination process, sequentially subtracts the random number obtained from the random number generation means 110 by the number of lottery values ​​associated with each winning area in the internal lottery table obtained from the internal lottery table storage means 192. If the result of the subtraction is a negative value, it is determined that the player has won in the winning area corresponding to the number of lottery values ​​that was subtracted. Furthermore, if the result of the subtraction is a positive value after subtracting by all the number of lottery values ​​stored in the internal lottery table, it is determined that the player has not won any role and is therefore unsuccessful.

[0071] Furthermore, the random number generation means 110 of this embodiment is configured to generate a total of 65,536 random numbers ranging from 0 to 65,535 for use in the internal lottery. In addition, in the internal lottery table A, the total number of lottery values ​​associated with the winning area "RBB" to the winning area "Normal Replay 1" is 65,536, and in the internal lottery table B, the total number of lottery values ​​associated with the winning area "RBB & Rare Role" to the winning area "Normal Replay 1" is 65,536. Therefore, in the internal lottery during non-RT state or bonus state, the system is configured to ensure that one of the roles is won and no one loses.

[0072] <Bonus Winning Determination Process> As described above, in this embodiment, the internal lottery means 120 has lottery values ​​set for the winning area "RBB & 1-coin win" and the winning area "RBB & rare win" when a bonus is established. Therefore, in the internal lottery when the game state is a bonus established state, there is a possibility that an RBB may be won again when an RBB has already been set to an established state. To prevent the newly won RBB from being set to an established state, the internal lottery means 120 is configured to execute a bonus win determination process that determines whether the winning area, whose win or loss is determined by a random number determination process, is a winning area that includes a bonus.

[0073] In the bonus winning determination process, the internal lottery means 120, when it determines in the random number determination process that a winning area including a bonus is subject to determination of win or loss, executes a process to skip the process of setting the bonus to the winning state if the winning area including a bonus is a win and the game state is a bonus winning state. In this way, the slot machine 1 prevents a new RBB from being set to the winning state when an RBB is already set to the winning state.

[0074] <Details of the batting order bell> In this embodiment, each of the winning areas "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 12" has a set batting order (correct batting order) that allows bells A to F to be awarded when a win is achieved.

[0075] In the winning areas "Bat Order Bell 1" and "Bat Order Bell 7," the correct batting order to win Bell A is set to batting order 1. In the winning areas "Bat Order Bell 2" and "Bat Order Bell 8," the correct batting order to win Bell B is set to batting order 2. In the winning areas "Bat Order Bell 3" and "Bat Order Bell 9," the correct batting order to win Bell C is set to batting order 3. In the winning areas "Bat Order Bell 4" and "Bat Order Bell 10," the correct batting order to win Bell D is set to batting order 4. In the winning areas "Bat Order Bell 5" and "Bat Order Bell 11," the correct batting order to win Bell E is set to batting order 5. In the winning areas "Bat Order Bell 6" and "Bat Order Bell 12," the correct batting order to win Bell F is set to batting order 6. In the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12," if stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a batting order different from the correct batting order set for each winning area, there is a 1 / 2 probability that a single-coin payout A or single-coin payout B will be awarded, and there is a 1 / 2 probability that a combination of symbols different from the winning combinations will stop on the active line L1, resulting in a missed payout (non-winning).

[0076] <Reel control means> In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, regardless of the game state, the priority order for the winning combinations to be stopped on the active line L1 in the reel stop control is set to "Replay > Small Win > Bonus". In other words, when a bonus and a small win or a bonus and a replay are both won, the reel control means 130 executes a stop control that prioritizes the small win or replay over the bonus.

[0077] Furthermore, the reel control means 130 of this embodiment continues to supply the drive pulses for all-phase excitation, which are supplied to stop the rotating reel, for 200ms to ensure that the rotating reel is stopped.

[0078] The reel control means 130 acquires the rotation state of the reels at the time it receives a reel stop signal from the stop switch 240, using the reel index, which is information indicating that the reel has completed one rotation, output when a photosensor provided on the reel unit 310 detects a reel position detection unit provided on each reel, and the rotation angle from the reference position of the reel where the reel index is detected (calculated from the number of drive pulses supplied to the stepping motor). Details of the reel stop control in this game and the reel temporary stop control performed when a temporary stop occurs in a simulated game will be described later.

[0079] <Payouts for minor roles> The payout for Bell A through Bell F is set to be 15 coins, which is more than the prescribed number of coins to be inserted (3 coins). Also, the payout for 1-coin combinations A through C and rare combinations is set to be 1 coin, which is less than the prescribed number of coins to be inserted.

[0080] <Game state transition control means> Figure 4(A) is a state transition diagram showing the game states that can be transitioned from each game state in the control related to the transition of game states performed by the game state transition control means 170 of this embodiment.

[0081] As shown in Figure 4(A), the non-RT state is a game state that corresponds to the initial state among multiple types of game states (initial game state, normal game state), and is a non-bonus state in which a bonus is not activated or established. In the non-RT state, the game state transition control means 170 causes the internal lottery means 120 to execute an internal lottery using internal lottery table A, in which the probability of winning a replay is set to 8978 / 65536 (approximately 1 / 7.3).

[0082] The bonus-established state is a game state that is entered when, in the non-RT state, the player wins one of the following winning areas in the internal lottery: "RBB", "RBB & 1-coin win", or "RBB & rare win", and RBB is set to the established state. In the bonus-established state, the game state transition control means 170 causes the internal lottery means 120 to execute an internal lottery using internal lottery table B, in which the probability of winning a replay is set to 8982 / 65536 (approximately 1 / 7.3).

[0083] The bonus state is a game state that is entered when an RBB is won and the RBB is activated. In the bonus state, the game state transition control means 170 determines whether the termination condition of the activated RBB has been met based on the total number of medals paid out. If the number of medals paid out exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 100 medals), the bonus state is terminated by ending the operation of the RBB, and the game state is transitioned to the non-bonus state, the non-RT state. In the bonus state, the game state transition control means 170 causes the internal lottery means 120 to execute an internal lottery using the internal lottery table C.

[0084] As shown in Figure 3, in the internal lottery table C, random numbers are associated with two winning areas: "All Small Wins," which includes all small wins such as Bell A to Bell F, Single Win A to Single Win C, and Rare Wins; and "All Single Wins," which includes all small wins such as Single Win A to Single Win C and Rare Wins, where the payout is set to 1 coin.

[0085] The bonus state will be explained in detail using Figure 3. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the probability of winning the "All Small Wins" area or the "All 1-Coin Wins" area in the bonus state in which internal lottery table C is selected is higher than the probability of winning any of the winning areas including small wins in internal lottery table A and internal lottery table B. In other words, the probability of winning a small win in the bonus state is set to be higher than the probability of winning any small win in any game state other than the bonus state. Furthermore, in internal lottery table C, the probability of winning the "All Small Wins" area is set to be the same as the sum of the probabilities of winning any one of the winning areas "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 6" and any one of the winning areas "Bat Order Bell 7" to "Bat Order Bell 12" in internal lottery table A and internal lottery table B.

[0086] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured such that, in the bonus state, the probability of winning all minor roles increases compared to the non-RT state (when the bonus is not activated) and the bonus state, and the probability of winning any minor role is the same or increases.

[0087] Furthermore, in the bonus state, slot machine 1 is configured such that the probability of winning in the winning area "All Small Wins" is lower than the probability of winning in any of the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12" (the sum of the winning probabilities for each of the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12").

[0088] Thus, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment has multiple types of first specific winning patterns (winning area "Bell 1" to "Bell 6", winning area "Bell 7" to "Bell 12") in which multiple types of specific roles (Bell A to Bell F) set to pay out more than the number of game value inputs required to start the game do not overlap with each other but are also won in combination with other small roles, and a second specific winning pattern (winning area "All Small Roles") in which multiple types of specific small roles are won in combination. The internal lottery means 120 is configured to conduct an internal lottery so that multiple types of first specific winning patterns exist in the normal game state (non-RT state) and the bonus state, and to conduct an internal lottery so that a second specific winning pattern exists in the bonus state. Furthermore, in slot machine 1, the probability of winning the second winning pattern in the internal lottery during the bonus state is lower than the probability of winning any of the multiple first winning patterns in the internal lottery during normal gameplay and the bonus state, and the probability of winning each of the small roles in the internal lottery during the bonus state is set to be higher than or equal to the probability of winning each of the small roles in the internal lottery during normal gameplay and the bonus state.

[0089] Therefore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 has an expected value of less than 100% for medal acquisition during the bonus state.

[0090] Here, in the bonus established state, although it will be described in more detail later, when winning in the winning areas "Batter Bell 1" to "Batter Bell 12", unless the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the correct batting order composed of batting orders 1 to 6, bells A to F cannot be won. Therefore, the probability of winning any of bells A to F is limited to the case where the stop buttons B1 to B3 can be operated in the correct batting order from six types of batting orders. On the other hand, when an AT game in which winning assistance is executed by the AT control means 200 described later is executed, at the time of winning in the winning areas "Batter Bell 1" to "Batter Bell 12", the correct batting order is notified by the winning assistance by the AT control means 200 and the winning assistance performance by the winning assistance control means 180. Therefore, the probability of winning any of bells A to F can be increased up to six times at most compared to the case where winning assistance is not executed.

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

[0092] <AT control means> Figure 4(B) is a state transition diagram showing details of the normal section and the advantageous section controlled by the AT control means 200 of this embodiment, and the performance state controlled during the advantageous section.

[0093] As described above, the normal section is a period during which no control is performed regarding auxiliary games based on the results of the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120. In games played within the normal section, the AT control means 200 performs a favorable section lottery, which is a lottery to determine whether to end the normal section and start the favorable section, based on the winning area selected in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120.

[0094] In the advantageous section lottery, the AT control means 200 first obtains an advantageous section transition lottery table from the AT control data storage means 197, which is a data table in which "start of advantageous section" and "miss (failure)" are associated with each of several random numbers. Then, the AT control means 200 obtains a random number from the random number generation means 110, compares the obtained random number with the advantageous section transition lottery table, and decides whether or not to start the advantageous section based on the comparison result.

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

[0096] The AT control means 200 of this embodiment is configured to perform a favorable section lottery when the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 12", winning area "RBB & Rare Role", winning area "RBB & 1-Coin Role", winning area "Normal Replay 1", or winning area "Rare Replay" is selected in the internal lottery during the non-RT state and bonus establishment state, but does not perform a favorable section lottery when any other winning area is selected. Furthermore, the AT control means 200 performs a favorable section lottery with a high probability of approximately 1 / 1.5 in which it will select "Start of Favourite Section".

[0097] During the advantageous period, the AT control means 200 has three states (performance states) related to the instruction function: a normal state, a CZ state, and an AT state. In the normal state, it is configured not to perform assistance for the entry of bells A to F when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12". In the CZ state and the AT state, it is configured to perform assistance for the entry of bells A to F when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12". Furthermore, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the proportion of time spent in the advantageous period during the overall gameplay can be 70% or more.

[0098] The normal state is the performance state that corresponds to the normal state among several types of performance states (normal performance state), which is set when the performance state has not transitioned to any other performance state. When the performance state transitions to the normal state, the AT control means 200 performs an incremental update to the non-AT game counter (not shown), which counts the number of games played in the normal state, by adding a value of "1" corresponding to one game each time a game is played. When the stored value of the non-AT game counter reaches the value of "700", the AT control means 200 determines that the conditions for transitioning to the CZ state have been met, and transitions the performance state from the normal state to the CZ state.

[0099] Furthermore, the AT control means 200 performs a CZ lottery to determine whether or not to transition to the CZ state when the winning area "RBB & Rare Role" is selected in the internal lottery, or when the winning area "Rare Replay" is selected.

[0100] The AT control means 200 conducts a lottery in the CZ lottery to determine either "transition to CZ state" or "failure." If the CZ lottery results in "transition to CZ state," it determines that the conditions for transitioning to CZ have been met, and transitions the performance state from the normal state to the CZ state.

[0101] The CZ state is a more advantageous state for the player than the normal state because assistance is provided for the entry of bells A to F when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12".

[0102] The AT control means 200 sets a value (for example, 8 times) corresponding to a predetermined number of times prize-winning assistance is performed in the CZ auxiliary game count counter (not shown) of the AT control data storage means 197 at the start of the CZ state. The AT control means 200 performs a decrement update each time a winning area "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 12" is won and prize-winning assistance is performed, subtracting the stored value of the CZ auxiliary game count counter by a value "1" which corresponds to one time.

[0103] The AT control means 200 is configured to perform a CZ-in-AT lottery to determine whether or not to transition to the AT state in a game in which the CZ state has started. If the CZ-in-AT lottery results in "transition to AT state", the AT control means 200 transitions the performance state from the CZ state to the AT state after eight prize-winning assistance is performed from the start of the CZ state. On the other hand, if the CZ-in-AT lottery does not result in "transition to AT state", the AT control means 200 terminates the CZ state after eight prize-winning assistance is performed from the start of the CZ state. If the CZ state is terminated while the conditions for transitioning to AT have not been met, the AT control means 200 determines that the normal termination condition among the conditions for terminating the advantageous section has been met, and performs a predetermined initialization process, which is a process of initializing information related to the advantageous section, and a predetermined termination process, which terminates the advantageous section and starts the normal section from the next game.

[0104] During the AT lottery in the CZ, the AT control means 200 executes a lottery in which a "transition to AT state" can be won, regardless of the result of the internal lottery. Furthermore, during the AT lottery in the CZ, the AT control means 200 is configured to obtain a lottery table by referring to the winning area won in the internal lottery, so that the probability of winning a "transition to AT state" changes depending on the winning area won in the internal lottery. When the winning area "RBB & Rare Role" is won in the internal lottery, when the winning area "Rare Replay" is won, the AT control means 200 obtains a lottery table in which a "transition to AT state" can be won with a higher probability than when other winning areas are won.

[0105] The AT state is a more advantageous state for the player than the normal state because it provides assistance for winning bells A through F when winning in the winning areas "Bat Order Bell 1" through "Bat Order Bell 12".

[0106] The AT control means 200 sets an initial value (50 games) corresponding to a predetermined number of games in the AT game counter (not shown) of the AT control data storage means 197 at the start of the AT state, and performs a decrement update each time a game is played by subtracting the stored value of the AT game counter by a value of "1" which corresponds to one game.

[0107] Furthermore, the AT control means 200 is configured to perform an add-on lottery to determine whether or not to add (add) the duration of the AT state by deciding whether or not to add the value determined by the lottery to the stored value of the AT game counter when the winning area "RBB & Rare Role" is won by the internal lottery conducted by the internal lottery means 120, or when the winning area "Rare Replay" is won, and if the value determined by the add-on lottery is 1 or greater, it performs an add-on process to add the determined value to the AT game counter.

[0108] The AT control means 200 determines that the AT state termination condition (AT termination condition) has been met when the stored value of the AT game counter becomes "0" due to a decrement update performed each time a game is played in the AT state, terminates the AT state, and also determines that the normal termination condition among the termination conditions of the advantageous section has been met, and performs a predetermined initialization process which initializes information related to the advantageous section, and a predetermined termination process which terminates the advantageous section and starts the normal section from the next game.

[0109] Furthermore, the AT control means 200 also determines that the AT termination conditions have been met when the stored value of the first advantageous section counter 197a reaches the value "1500" in the AT state, and when the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b exceeds the value "2400" in the AT state, and terminates the AT state. It also determines that a specific termination condition among the termination conditions of the advantageous section has been met and executes a predetermined initialization process which initializes information related to the advantageous section, and a predetermined termination process which terminates the advantageous section and starts the normal section from the next game.

[0110] <Simulated game control means> The simulated game control means 400 of this embodiment is configured to execute a simulated game in a game in which the AT state is started by the AT control means 200. In the simulated game, the simulated game control means 400 causes the reel control means 130 to execute reel control, which rotates the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 by operating the start lever SL, and temporarily stops the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 by operating the stop buttons B1 to B3. The simulated game control means 400 is configured to cause the reel control means 130 to execute control to temporarily display the white 7 symbol "white 7" in the middle position of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 when the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 temporarily stops, regardless of the timing of the operation of the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0111] The middle sections of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 each constitute the temporary stop position in this embodiment, and the white 7 symbols "white 7" arranged on the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 each constitute the temporary stop symbols in this embodiment.

[0112] In slot machine 1, when a simulated game is being played, even if a predetermined period of 190ms is exceeded from the time stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated, the reels continue to rotate until the white 7 symbol "white 7" reaches the middle of the reels. When the white 7 symbol "white 7" (see Figure 5) reaches the middle of the reels, the reels are temporarily stopped. The reels are configured to rotate beyond the number of spins possible in this game (4 frames) from the time the stop buttons are pressed until the reels temporarily stop. Details of the temporary stop control of the reels in the simulated game will be described later.

[0113] Furthermore, the reel control means 130 of this embodiment outputs a drive pulse to the stepping motor that rotates the reel, causing it to rotate by one step (approximately 1.43°) in either the forward or reverse direction, within a predetermined time (500ms in this embodiment) from the moment the rotation of the reel, which is temporarily stopped during the simulated game, to stop. The reel control means 130 alternately outputs a drive pulse that rotates the reel by one step in the forward direction and a drive pulse that rotates the reel by one step in the reverse direction at intervals of 500ms or less, thereby causing the temporarily stopped reel to vibrate slightly. Details of the slight vibration of the reel during the simulated game will be described later.

[0114] When the simulated game ends, the slot machine 1 displays a predetermined combination of symbols (in this embodiment, "white 7-white 7-white 7") in the middle of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 due to the simulated game. To prevent the synchronization of the rotation start times of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 from assisting in winning combinations and thus compromising the fairness of the game, the reel control means 130 performs a random delay process to randomly delay the timing of the rotation start of each reel. By preventing the rotation start times of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 from synchronizing due to the random delay process, the slot machine 1 ensures the fairness of the game even when a simulated game has been performed.

[0115] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a freeze including a simulated game occurs, the simulated game control means 400 transmits a game interruption signal indicating that the game is progressing due to the occurrence of the freeze to an external test device provided outside the slot machine 1 via a relay board (not shown).

[0116] As described above, the simulated game is a reel game that allows the duration to be adjusted by the player's operation. For this reason, when the simulated game control means 400 of this embodiment outputs a game interruption signal to the external test device when the simulated game is started, it outputs a performance shortening request command, which is identification information (command) to shorten the simulated game, to the relay board connecting the game control means 10 and the external test device in order to shorten the time required for testing using the external test device. The simulated game control means 400 transmits the performance shortening request command to the relay board every 50ms, which is a predetermined time that is longer than the time required for the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 to rotate by one symbol (37.5ms in this embodiment).

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

[0118] With this configuration, in a configuration in which slot machine 1 has a simulated game that is a reel animation whose duration changes depending on the player's operation, when it is decided to execute the simulated game in a test using an external test device, the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 output a signal that temporarily stops one by one after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, thereby allowing the simulated game to be terminated in a short time while maintaining the characteristics of the simulated game, and enabling appropriate and rapid execution of the test.

[0119] Furthermore, by executing the control described above, the slot machine 1 can request the output of a signal that is displayed when the operating means corresponding to the performance shortening request command is operated, via the relay board, by having the pseudo-game control means 400 output a performance shortening request command to the relay board. Additionally, when the requested signal is input from the external test device to the relay board, the relay board outputs a signal that is displayed when the operating means corresponding to the performance shortening request command is operated. Thus, the signal output from the relay board can be used as a substitute for the operation of the operating means.

[0120] 3. Details of reel stop control in simulated gameplay Next, we will explain in detail the control performed by the reel control means 130 when a simulated game is played in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, specifically the control for temporarily stopping the reels and the control for causing the temporarily stopped reels to vibrate slightly.

[0121] <Arrangement of patterns> Figure 5 shows the symbols arranged on the circumferential surfaces of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, the following symbols are arranged on the circumferential surfaces of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3: White 7 symbol "White 7", BAR symbol "BAR", Replay symbol "RP", Bell A symbol "BLA", Bell B symbol "BLB", Cherry symbol "CH", Watermelon symbol "WM", Blank A symbol "BKA", Blank B symbol "BKB", and Blank C symbol "BKC". In addition, 20 symbols are arranged on the circumferential surfaces of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3. As shown in Figure 5, each of the 20 symbols is associated with a stop number from stop number 0 to stop number 19.

[0122] In this embodiment, the BAR symbol "BAR" and the white 7 symbol "white 7" have a wider width than other symbols when viewed from the front, and are configured to be more visible than other symbols while the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are rotating.

[0123] <Control flow executed by the game control system> In the game control means 10 of this embodiment, after the internal lottery is performed by the internal lottery means 120, the AT control means 200 performs control related to auxiliary games. The AT control means 200 is configured to also perform control related to whether or not to perform a simulated game in the control related to auxiliary games.

[0124] In the game control means 10, after the AT control means 200 has finished controlling the auxiliary game, the pseudo-game control means 400 executes the pseudo-game processing. The pseudo-game control means 400 executes the processing from the start of the pseudo-game until the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 temporarily stop and the pseudo-game ends.

[0125] In the game control means 10, after the simulated game processing by the simulated game control means 400 is executed, the reel control means 130 performs reel rotation control and reel stop control. In this embodiment, the slot machine 1 uses a common stop control program for both the stop control program used when temporarily stopping the reels in the simulated game processing by the simulated game control means 400 and the stop control program used in the reel stop control executed by the reel control means 130 in the actual game.

[0126] <Simulated game processing> Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the simulated game processing performed by the simulated game control means 400 in this embodiment. First, the simulated game control means 400 determines whether or not to perform a simulated game in the current game (S1). If it is determined in this process that a simulated game will not be performed (NO), the simulated game control means 400 terminates the simulated game.

[0127] On the other hand, if it is determined that a simulated game should be played in this game (YES), the simulated game control means 400 sets the simulated game flag, which is flag data indicating that a simulated game is being played, to ON (S2).

[0128] Next, the simulated game control means 400 sets a stop number according to the content of the simulated game (S3). In this process, the simulated game control means 400 sets the stop number of each reel from left reel R1 to right reel R3 according to the content of the simulated game to be executed. In this embodiment, the simulated game control means 400 executes a simulated game in a game in which the AT state is started, and based on the operation of stop buttons B1 to B3, it temporarily stops and displays the white 7 symbol "white 7" with stop number 14 in the middle of left reel R1 to right reel R3. In other words, it executes reel stop control so that the symbol with stop number 13 temporarily stops in the upper part of left reel R1 to right reel R3, and therefore sets stop number 13 for each of left reel R1 to right reel R3.

[0129] Next, the simulated game control means 400 causes the reel control means 130 to perform reel rotation start control (S4). In this process, the simulated game control means 400 causes the reel control means 130 to start rotating the reels.

[0130] Next, the simulated game control means 400 causes the reel control means 130 to execute reel stop control (S5). As described above, in the slot machine 1, the reel stop control performed for the temporary stopping of the reels in the simulated game is performed using a stop control program common to the reel stop control performed by the reel control means 130 in the actual game. In the slot machine 1, in the simulated game processing, after all of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 have come to a temporary stop, the process proceeds from step S5 to step S6.

[0131] After executing the process in step S5, the simulated game control means 400 determines whether or not the start lever SL has been operated (S6). If it is determined in this process that the start lever SL has not been operated (No), the simulated game control means 400 repeats the process in step S6 until the start lever SL is operated. The simulated game control means 400 also proceeds to step S7 if the start operation to the start lever SL is not performed after a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed since the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 temporarily stopped.

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

[0133] <Reel stop control> Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the reel stop control performed by the reel control means 130 of this embodiment. As described above, the reel control means 130 of this embodiment is configured to perform control related to stopping the reels using a common stop control program shown in Figure 7, whether it is to stop the reels that are rotating in the actual game or to temporarily stop the reels that are rotating in the simulated game.

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

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

[0136] Next, the reel control means 130 sets the number of slide frames (S13). In this process, the reel control means 130 sets the number of frames (slide frames) by which the reel will rotate to the stop position set in step S12. In the case of a real game, the reel control means 130 can set the number of slide frames to a range of 4 frames within which the reel can stop within 190ms after the stop button is operated, and in the case of a simulated game, it is configured to set the number of slide frames to a range of up to 19 frames.

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

[0138] The processes in steps S12 to S14 will be explained using a specific example. For example, if the reel stop control in this case is the reel stop control in this game, and the result of the internal lottery is the winning of Replay A, which consists of the winning symbol combination "RP-RP-RP", and the symbol that appeared on the upper row at the time the stop button B1 was operated was the Bell A symbol "BLA" with stop number 12, then in the process of step S12 the stop position is set to stop number 12, and in the process of step S13 the number of slides is set to 4 frames because the stop number of the Replay symbol "RP", which is located upstream in the forward rotation direction from the Bell A symbol "BLA" with stop number 12 on the left reel R1, is stop number 8, and in the process of step S14 the number of slides is calculated to be the Bell A symbol "BLA" with stop number 7, which is rotated 4 frames from the stop number 12 frame.

[0139] Next, the reel control means 130 sets a reel stop request (S15). In this process, the reel control means 130 sets a reel stop request, which is data used to determine whether or not to change the rotation pattern of the reel during the stop operation in the reel control in the interrupt processing.

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

[0141] On the other hand, if it is determined that the calculation of stop control for all reels has been completed (YES), the reel control means 130 determines whether or not all reels have stopped (S17). In this process, the reel control means 130 determines whether or not all reels from the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 have stopped (temporarily stopped) based on the calculation of stop control for the reels. If it is determined that any of the reels from the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are not stopped (temporarily stopped), for example, if any of the reels are continuing to rotate or are decelerating due to stopping (NO), the process in step S17 is continued until all of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 have stopped (temporarily stopped). If it is determined that all of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 have stopped (temporarily stopped) (YES), the reel stop control is terminated.

[0142] <Reel control in interrupt processing> Figure 8 is a flowchart showing the interrupt processing performed by each of the means constituting the game control means 10, specifically the processing related to reel control performed by the reel control means 130.

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

[0144] Next, the reel control means 130 determines whether or not it is time to update the stop number of the currently appearing symbol (S22). In this process, the reel control means 130 calculates the rotation angle from the reference position of the reel where the reel index is detected from the number of updated drive pulses supplied, and determines whether or not it is time for a symbol with a different stop number than the currently appearing symbol in the previous interrupt processing related to reel control to become the new currently appearing symbol.

[0145] In step S22, if it is determined that it is time to update the stop number of the currently appearing symbol (YES), the reel control means 130 updates the stop number of the currently appearing symbol (S23) and sets the symbol update flag, which is flag data indicating that the stop number of the currently appearing symbol has been updated, to ON (S24). If the reel control means 130 sets the symbol update flag to ON during reel control in an interrupt process, it maintains the symbol update flag as ON until the reel control in the interrupt process in which the symbol update flag was set to ON is completed, and then, when starting reel control in the next interrupt process, it sets the symbol update flag from ON to OFF and then executes the series of processes shown in Figure 8.

[0146] If, after executing the process in step S24 or during the process in step S22, it is determined that it is not time to update the stop number of the currently appearing symbols (NO), the reel control means 130 determines whether or not there is a request to stop the reels (S25). In this process, the reel control means 130 determines whether or not there is a request to stop the reels as set in the process of step S15 of the reel stop control shown in Figure 7.

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

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

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

[0150] As described above, the reel control means 130 is configured to perform reel stop control in simulated gameplay, which temporarily stops and displays the white 7 symbol "white 7" in the middle of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, regardless of the timing of operation of stop buttons B1 to B3. For example, if stop button B1 is operated when the currently appearing symbol is the replay symbol "RP" with stop number 13, and the operation position of stop button B1 is set to the bell A symbol "BLA" with stop number 12, the reel control means 130 sets the replay symbol "RP" with stop number 13 to the stop number corresponding to the simulated game in order to temporarily stop and display the white 7 symbol "white 7" with stop number 14 in the middle of the left reel R1.

[0151] Given this configuration, in slot machine 1, when a simulated game is executed, if the system does not determine whether the symbol update flag is set to ON after it is determined that the stop number of the currently appearing symbol matches the calculated stop number, in other words, if the current interrupt process does not determine whether the stop number of the currently appearing symbol has been updated, then the stop number of the currently appearing symbol at the time the stop button B1 is operated will match the stop number set according to the simulated game. As a result, the currently appearing symbol will be determined to be the symbol with the set stop number, the drive pulse for all-phase excitation will be supplied, and the left reel R1 will immediately stop rotating regardless of the position of each symbol.

[0152] Specifically, in slot machine 1, as shown in Figure 9(A), even if the currently appearing symbol is one step away from updating from stop number 13 to stop number 12, the current stop number of the appearing symbol is stop number 13, so the drive pulse for full-phase excitation is started. In such a case, in slot machine 1, as shown in Figure 9(B), the white 7 symbol "white 7" temporarily stops at a position below the middle of the left reel R1 when viewed from the front, making it impossible to temporarily stop at the middle of the left reel R1 where it is originally intended to stop.

[0153] To prevent malfunctions in the stopping position during such temporary stops, the reel control means 130 of this embodiment is configured to determine whether the stop number of the appearing symbols matches the calculated stop number, and then, if it is determined that the pseudo-game flag is ON, it changes the symbol update flag during the reel stopping operation if it is determined that the symbol update flag is ON.

[0154] In other words, the reel control means 130 of this embodiment does not start supplying drive pulses for full-phase excitation and does not start a temporary stop of the reel until the stop number of the appearing symbol is updated and the white 7 symbol is in the middle position when the stop button is operated in a simulated game, provided that at least a part of the white 7 symbol is in the middle position of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button. Thus, the reel is configured to pass the white 7 symbol that is in the middle position of the reel when the stop button is operated, and then temporarily stop when the white 7 symbol is again in the middle position of the reel after passing the middle position.

[0155] As a result, in slot machine 1, when reel stop control is performed during simulated gameplay, if the stop position set from the currently appearing symbols in the upper row is the symbol with stop number 13, which is one frame above the white 7 symbol "white 7" with stop number 14 in the rotation direction, the number of slide frames is set to a maximum of 19, and the stop number is calculated to be stop number 13. However, in the reel control in the interrupt processing performed when the stop button is operated, the stop number of the currently appearing symbols matches the calculated stop number, and it is determined that the simulated game flag is ON, but it is not determined that the symbol update flag is ON. Therefore, it is not changed during the reel stop operation, and only after the stop button is operated Because the change occurs during the reel stopping operation after the currently displayed symbol has been updated to the symbol with stop number 13 (after sliding 19 frames) by rotating 19 frames, even if the stop number of the currently displayed symbol matches the stop number set according to the simulated game when the stop button is pressed, the reels are not temporarily stopped at that point. Instead, the drive pulse for full-phase excitation is started to be supplied at the timing when the stop number has been updated to the stop number set according to the simulated game by rotating 19 frames, thereby temporarily stopping the symbol that you want to temporarily stop in the simulated game at the appropriate position and aligning the symbols in a line within the specific area 330b, thereby preventing a decrease in the player's interest in the simulated game.

[0156] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when this game is being played, the reel control means 130 is configured to skip the process in step S28 and execute the process in step S29 if it determines in step S27 that the pseudo-game flag is OFF, since the stop number of the currently appearing symbols and the stop number corresponding to the result of the internal lottery do not match.

[0157] As a result, when this game is played, if it is determined that the stop number of the currently appearing symbol matches the calculated stop number, the slot machine 1 will not execute a series of unnecessary processes in this game, such as waiting for the stop number of the currently appearing symbol to be updated before starting the process of supplying the drive pulse for all-phase excitation. This prevents an increase in program capacity and processing load.

[0158] Furthermore, with this configuration, the slot machine 1 executes the reel stop control shown in Figures 7 and 8 in common for both the actual game and the simulated game, eliminating the need to prepare a separate program specifically for the simulated game and thus reducing the program capacity.

[0159] In particular, as shown in Figure 8, slot machine 1 allows a common control program to be executed for both the actual game and the simulated game simply by determining whether or not the simulated game flag is ON. Compared to a control program that determines each time whether or not the currently appearing symbol that triggers the supply of drive pulses for all-phase excitation is currently passing, a simpler control program can be used to unify the control programs for the actual game and the simulated game, thereby reducing program capacity and data capacity.

[0160] After executing the process in step S29, the reel control means 130 determines whether the pseudo-game flag is ON or OFF (S30). If it is determined in this process that the pseudo-game flag is ON (YES), the reel control means 130 sets the following timers for the minute vibrations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 that are temporarily stopped during the pseudo-game: a left reel timer 194a to manage the vibration of the left reel R1, a middle reel timer 194b to manage the vibration of the middle reel R2, a right reel timer 194c to manage the vibration of the right reel R3, and a pseudo-game common timer 194d which is used in common for the vibrations of each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 to manage the synchronization of the vibrations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 (S31), and then terminates the reel control in the interrupt processing. Details of the minute vibrations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 and each timer will be described later.

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

[0162] 4. Details of minute vibrations of reels that are temporarily stopped during simulated gameplay. Next, we will describe in detail the minute vibrations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 that occur when the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are temporarily stopped in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment.

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

[0164] In this embodiment, when one of the stop buttons B1 to B3 is operated during a simulated game, and a drive pulse for full-phase excitation to temporarily stop the reel corresponding to the operated stop button is started, the reel control means 130 sets the value of "160" as the first value in the timer that manages the vibration of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button (for example, the left reel timer 194a if stop button B1 is operated), and decrements it by 1 every four interrupt processes (decrement update). Furthermore, when the value of the timer that manages the vibration of the reels changes from the value of "1" to the value of "0" and the simulated game is continuing, the reel control means 130 sets the value of "78" as the second value in the timer. Thus, the reel control means 130 is configured not to update the value of the timer that manages the vibration of the reels until one of the stop buttons B1 to B3 is operated during a simulated game. Details of the various controls related to updating the timer that manages the vibration of the reels will be described later.

[0165] On the other hand, the reel control means 130 of this embodiment decrements the value stored in the pseudo-game common timer 194d by 1 every four interrupt processes, regardless of whether or not the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated while the pseudo-game is being executed. If the stored value of the pseudo-game common timer 194d is "0" when the decrement update is performed, it sets the value "78" as the third value (initial value). The reel control means 130 initializes the pseudo-game common timer 194d and sets the value "78" when a predetermined initialization process is performed based on the end of the advantageous section, and when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in this game, stopping the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 and ending one game.

[0166] <Control related to the synchronization of minute vibrations> Next, referring to Figure 10, we will explain the details of the control related to the synchronization of minute vibrations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 using a timer that manages the vibration of the reels and a common timer for simulated games 194d. Figure 10 is a diagram that explains the behavior of the left reel R1 when the stop button B1 is operated in simulated games and the temporary stop of the left reel R1 is initiated, the changes in the stored value of the left reel timer 194a, the changes in the stored value of the common timer for simulated games 194d, and the time elapsed while the left reel R1 is stopped (stopped elapsed time).

[0167] As shown in Figure 10, the reel control means 130 sets the value "160" in the left reel timer 194a at the timing when it starts supplying a drive pulse for full-phase excitation to the stepping motor that rotates the left reel R1. In the example shown in Figure 10, the stored value of the pseudo-game common timer 194d at this point is "8". As mentioned above, the pseudo-game common timer 194d is configured such that the stored value is decremented by "1" every four interrupt processes executed by the reel control means 130, regardless of the progress of the pseudo-game. Depending on the timing when the temporary stop of the reels begins, the value is set to one of the values ​​from "0" to "78", and is not necessarily set to the value "8".

[0168] In slot machine 1, the left reel timer 194a and the pseudo-game common timer 194d are decremented every four interrupt processes, which are executed approximately once every 1.49ms. As a result, approximately 5.96ms elapse each time the stored values ​​of the left reel timer 194a and the pseudo-game common timer 194d are updated.

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

[0170] The reel control means 130 energizes and de-energizes the stepping motor that rotates the left reel R1 until the stored value of the left reel timer 194a becomes "80". When the stored value of the left reel timer 194a is updated to "79", it supplies a drive pulse to energize one phase and maintains the stepping motor in a stopped state.

[0171] The reel control means 130, at the timing when the stored value of the left reel timer 194a is updated to the value "77" 494.68ms after the rotation of the left reel R1 has stopped, supplies a drive pulse to the stepping motor to rotate it one step in the forward direction based on the update of the stored value of the left reel timer 194a to the value "77". After rotating the left reel R1 one step in the forward direction, the reel control means 130 resumes supplying a drive pulse to excite one phase and maintains the stopped state of the stepping motor.

[0172] The reel control means 130 is configured to determine whether the stored value of the pseudo-game common timer 194d will be decremented to the value "0" when the stored value of the left reel timer 194a is updated to the value "72" by a decrement update, provided that the stored value of the left reel timer 194a is "73". If the reel control means 130 determines that the stored value of the pseudo-game common timer 194d will not be decremented to the value "0" when the stored value of the left reel timer 194a is updated to the value "72" by a decrement update, it maintains the stored value of the left reel timer 194a at the value "73" until the timing is right for the stored value of the pseudo-game common timer 194d to be decremented from the value "1" to the value "0".

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

[0174] In this embodiment, when the reel control means 130 maintains the stored value of the left reel timer 194a at the value "73", it first decrements the stored value of the left reel timer 194a, then refers to the stored value of the pseudo-game common timer 194d, and based on the determination that the referenced stored value is not "0", it adds the value "1" to the stored value of the left reel timer 194a to maintain the value at "73". As a result, in the slot machine 1, the value can be maintained in the control program related to updating the timer that manages the vibration of the reels without changing the program that performs the decrement update, and the design cost of the control program can be reduced.

[0175] Furthermore, when the slot machine 1 maintains the memory value of the timer that manages the vibration of the reels at the value "73", it may be configured to refer to the memory value of the pseudo-game common timer 194d after the decrement update before performing the decrement update of the timer, thereby enabling the timer's memory value to be maintained at the value "73" without performing subtraction or addition.

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

[0177] Based on the fact that the memory value of the left reel timer 194a is updated to the value "72" by the decrement update, the reel control means 130 supplies a drive pulse to the stepping motor to rotate it by one step in the reverse direction. After the left reel R1 has been rotated in the reverse direction by one step, the reel control means 130 resumes supplying a drive pulse to excite one phase and maintains the stopped state of the stepping motor.

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

[0179] Then, at the timing when the elapsed stop time is approximately 435.08 ms and the stored value of the left reel timer 194a is updated to the value "77", the reel control means 130 supplies a drive pulse to the stepping motor to rotate it by one step in the forward direction, based on the update of the stored value of the left reel timer 194a to the value "77". Furthermore, at the timing when the elapsed stop time is approximately 35.76 ms, the reel control means 130, based on the update of the stored value of the left reel timer 194a to the value "72", since the stored value of the left reel timer 194a is "73" and the stored value of the pseudo-game common timer 194d is updated from the value "1" to the value "0", supplies a drive pulse to the stepping motor to rotate it by one step in the reverse direction, based on the update of the stored value of the left reel timer 194a to the value "72". Furthermore, the reel control means 130 is configured to supply a drive pulse to the stepping motor to excite one phase at times other than when the stored value of the left reel timer 194a is updated to the value "77" and when it is updated to the value "72", thereby maintaining the left reel R1 in a stopped state.

[0180] With this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated during simulated gameplay and the drive pulse for full-phase excitation to the stepping motor is started to be supplied, the timing for the rotation to occur after one step in the forward direction, followed by one step in the reverse direction, is set to the timing when the stored value of the simulated game common timer 194d is updated from value "1" to value "0", regardless of the timing of the operation of stop buttons B1 to B3. After rotating one step in the reverse direction, a minute vibration can be made to occur where it rotates one step in the forward direction after approximately 435.08 ms has elapsed, and then rotates one step in the reverse direction after approximately 35.76 ms has elapsed.

[0181] Furthermore, while Figure 10 illustrates the case when stop button B1 is operated, the system is configured to perform decrement updates of the middle reel timer 194b and the right reel timer 194c in a similar manner when stop buttons B2 and B3 are operated, and to perform decrement updates of the left reel timers 194a to the right reel timers 194c in parallel.

[0182] In other words, in slot machine 1, the timing for decrementing the memory values ​​of the left reel timers 194a to 194c, which are timers that manage the vibrations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, from value "73" to value "72", is unified to the timing when the pseudo-game common timer 194d, which is a separate timer independent of the left reel timers 194a to 194c, is updated regardless of the progress of the pseudo-game, and is referenced in common regardless of whether the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 is temporarily stopped, is updated from value "1" to value "0". This configuration allows for the synchronization of the minute vibrations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 after temporarily pausing them until the pseudo-game common timer 194d is updated from value "1" to value "0".

[0183] With this configuration, in the simulated gameplay, when the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 temporarily stop, even if the timing of when the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 begin to temporarily stop is different, the operation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 in the minute vibrations performed when the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 temporarily stop can be synchronized, thereby improving the player's interest in the performance content when multiple reels temporarily stop.

[0184] Furthermore, in slot machine 1, after temporarily stopping the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 and rotating them one step in the forward direction, a separate pseudo-game common timer 194d is provided, in addition to the left reel timers 194a to the right reel timers 194c that manage the vibrations of each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3. This timer is updated regardless of the progress of the pseudo-game, and when the memory value of the common timer 194d is updated from value "1" to value "0", the reels are rotated one step in the reverse direction to synchronize the minute vibrations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3. Therefore, when synchronizing the minute vibrations of multiple reels, it is not necessary to perform complex control such as adjusting the vibration of one reel in response to the minute vibration of another reel. This allows for an improved level of player interest in the visual effects when multiple reels are temporarily stopped, using a simple control program, while also reducing program capacity.

[0185] Furthermore, when synchronizing the minute vibrations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, slot machine 1 temporarily pauses the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 and restarts the vibrations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 when the pseudo-game common timer 194d is updated from value "1" to value "0". This allows for a simpler control program than when synchronizing the minute vibrations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 by adjusting the vibration period and vibration speed of each reel, thereby improving the player's interest in the visual effects when multiple reels are temporarily stopped, and also reduces the program capacity.

[0186] The minute vibrations that occur when the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are temporarily stopped constitute the first operation in this embodiment. Two of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 constitute the first and second reels in this embodiment. The operation of rotating them one step in the forward direction and then pausing, and then restarting the vibrations that rotate them one step in the reverse direction at a predetermined timing when the pseudo-game common timer 194d is updated from value "1" to value "0", constitutes the second operation in this embodiment for synchronizing the minute vibrations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3.

[0187] <Details of micro-vibration synchronization> Next, using Figure 11, we will explain in detail how the minute vibrations of multiple reels synchronize during the minute vibrations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3. Figure 11 shows the process from when the left reel R1 is temporarily stopped and performing minute vibrations, when the middle reel R2 starts to temporarily stop, until the minute vibrations of the left reel R1 and the middle reel R2 synchronize.

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

[0189] Approximately 244.36 ms have elapsed from the state shown in Figure 11(A) to the state shown in Figure 11(B). Based on the fact that the stored value of the left reel timer 194a has been updated to the value "77", the reel control means 130 supplies a drive pulse to the stepping motor that rotates the left reel R1 by one step in the forward rotation direction. At this time, since the stored value of the middle reel timer 194b is "119", the reel control means 130 maintains the middle reel R2 in a stopped state without vibration.

[0190] Approximately 35.76 ms have elapsed from the state shown in Figure 11(B) to the state shown in Figure 11(C). Based on the fact that the stored value of the left reel timer 194a has been updated to the value "72", the reel control means 130 supplies a drive pulse to the stepping motor that rotates the left reel R1 in the reverse direction by one step. At this time, since the stored value of the middle reel timer 194b is "113", the reel control means 130 maintains the middle reel R2 in a stopped state without vibration.

[0191] Approximately 214.56 ms have elapsed from the state shown in Figure 11(C) to the state shown in Figure 11(D). Based on the fact that the stored value of the middle reel timer 194b has been updated to the value "77", the reel control means 130 supplies a drive pulse to the stepping motor that rotates the middle reel R2 by one step in the forward rotation direction. At this time, since the stored value of the left reel timer 194a is "36", the reel control means 130 maintains the left reel R1 in a stopped state without vibration.

[0192] Approximately 208.6 ms have elapsed from the state shown in Figure 11(D) to the state shown in Figure 11(E). Based on the fact that the stored value of the left reel timer 194a has been updated to the value "77", the reel control means 130 supplies a drive pulse to the stepping motor that rotates the left reel R1 by one step in the forward rotation direction. At this time, since the stored value of the middle reel timer 194b is "73", the reel control means 130 maintains the middle reel R2 in a stopped state without vibration. Although the stored value of the middle reel timer 194b has been updated to the value "73" before the timing shown in Figure 11(E), as shown in Figure 10, it is configured to maintain the value "73" until the stored value of the pseudo-game common timer 194d is updated from the value "1" to the value "0", and therefore it remains at the value "73" even at the timing shown in Figure 11(E).

[0193] In the state shown in Figure 11(F), approximately 35.76 ms after the state shown in Figure 11(E), the reel control means 130, based on the fact that the stored value of the pseudo-game common timer 194d is updated from value "1" to value "0", the stored value of the left reel timer 194a is updated to value "72", and the stored value of the middle reel timer 194b is also updated to value "72", supplies a drive pulse to rotate the left reel R1 by one step in the reverse direction and a drive pulse to rotate the middle reel R2 by one pulse in the reverse direction to each stepping motor.

[0194] At the timing shown in Figure 11(F), in slot machine 1, the minute vibration of the left reel R1 and the minute vibration of the middle reel R2 become synchronized, and as long as the simulated game continues, the state in which the stored value of the left reel timer 194a and the stored value of the middle reel timer 194b are equal is maintained, thereby maintaining the synchronized state of the minute vibration of the left reel R1 and the minute vibration of the middle reel R2.

[0195] With this control in place, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured such that when a simulated game is performed and the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 temporarily stop, the minute vibrations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are synchronized. In slot machine 1, even when the right reel R3 temporarily stops, the right reel timer 194c is updated and the right reel R3 vibrates slightly, much like when the left reel R1 is temporarily stopped and the middle reel R2 is temporarily stopped. If the memory values ​​of the left reel timers 194a to the right reel timers 194c reach the value of "73" by the time the memory value of the pseudo-game common timer 194d is updated from the value of "1" to the value of "0", then at the same time the memory value of the pseudo-game common timer 194d is updated from the value of "1" to the value of "0", the memory values ​​of the left reel timers 194a to the right reel timers 194c are updated from the value of "73" to the value of "72", and the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 all rotate one step in the reverse direction, synchronizing the subsequent slight vibrations.

[0196] 5. Stop control after power outage during simulated gameplay Next, we will explain the case where the power supply to the game control means 10 is cut off (power interrupted) while a simulated game is being played, and the power is restored while the stop button corresponding to a reel that has not yet been temporarily stopped is pressed.

[0197] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, if a stop button corresponding to a reel that has not yet been temporarily stopped is pressed while the power is off during a power outage, and the button is kept pressed while power is restored, and the interrupt processing that was being executed before the power outage is resumed upon power restoration, the stop signal output from the stop switch can be activated at that time, and the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button is temporarily stopped.

[0198] On the other hand, in slot machine 1, if the power outage occurred at a time when the interrupt processing that was being executed up until the power was restored could not be activated by the stop signal output from the stop switch, the reel corresponding to the stop button that is still being pressed will not be temporarily stopped, and the reel will continue to rotate.

[0199] In such a case, if the stop button that has been pressed since the power outage continues to be pressed, the slot machine 1 will temporarily stop all reels, including the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button, when the time for which the simulated game can be continued (approximately 1 minute in this embodiment) has elapsed. Furthermore, after the pressed stop button is released, the slot machine 1 will activate the stop signal output when the stop button is pressed, and will perform reel stop control to temporarily stop the reel each time the stop button corresponding to a rotating reel is pressed.

[0200] With this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, if a power outage occurs and a player who wants to quickly resume the simulated game after power is restored keeps the stop button pressed, pressing the stop button can activate the stop signal output from the stop switch 240, thereby temporarily stopping the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button, allowing the simulated game to proceed smoothly. If the stop signal output from the stop switch 240 cannot be activated, the reels will continue to rotate, and if the button is pressed after a sufficient amount of time for the simulated game to continue has elapsed or after the button has been released, the reels will be temporarily stopped, allowing the game to proceed without causing an error that would prevent the game from continuing.

[0201] Furthermore, slot machine 1 is configured to disable the stop signal output when another stop button is pressed if one stop button is pressed and the stop button remains pressed since the power was cut off. After the stop button is released, if the reels corresponding to other stop buttons are rotating, slot machine 1 enables the stop signal output when another stop button is pressed.

[0202] In addition, as mentioned above, slot machine 1 has a configuration in which the program related to reel stop control is common to both the actual game and the simulated game. Therefore, even in the case of the actual game, the reel stop control when power is restored after a power outage is performed in much the same way as in the case of the simulated game. In slot machine 1, when a power outage occurs and a stop button corresponding to a reel that has not yet stopped is pressed while the power is off, and the power is restored while the button is held down, if it is possible to activate the stop signal output from the stop switch when the interrupt processing that was being executed before the power outage occurred is resumed with the restoration of power, the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button will be stopped.

[0203] On the other hand, in slot machine 1, if the power outage occurred at a time when the interrupt processing that was being executed before the power outage was resumed upon power restoration, and the stop signal output from the stop switch could not be activated, the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button will not be stopped, and the reels will continue to rotate. In such a case, slot machine 1 will continue to rotate the reels as long as the stop button that has been pressed since the power outage remains pressed, and after the stop button that has been pressed since the power outage is released, the stop signal output when the stop button is pressed will be activated, and reel stop control will be executed to stop the reel each time the stop button corresponding to the rotating reel is pressed.

[0204] Furthermore, slot machine 1 is configured to disable the stop signal output when another stop button is pressed if one stop button is pressed and the stop button remains pressed since the power was cut off. After the stop button is released, if the reels corresponding to other stop buttons are rotating, slot machine 1 enables the stop signal output when another stop button is pressed.

[0205] 6. Summary of this embodiment As described above, in this embodiment, when a stop button is operated during a simulated game, if at least a portion of the white 7 symbol "white 7" is located in the middle row of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button, the slot machine 1 continues to rotate the reel, allowing it to pass through the middle row of the reel, and then temporarily stops when the white 7 symbol "white 7" is again located in the middle row of the reel after passing through the middle row. This allows the symbols that the player wants to temporarily stop during the simulated game to be temporarily stopped in the appropriate position, aligning the symbols in a line within the specific area 330b, and preventing a decrease in the player's interest in the simulated game.

[0206] Furthermore, in the simulated gameplay, when the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 temporarily stop, even if the timing at which the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 begin to temporarily stop is different, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment can synchronize the operation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 by performing a temporary pause in the minute vibrations that occur when the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 temporarily stop, and by unifying the timing at which the minute vibrations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are restarted, thereby improving the player's interest in the performance when multiple reels temporarily stop.

[0207] 7. Variations In this embodiment, the reel control means 130, when a simulated game is being played, determines whether the currently appearing symbol is the symbol with the set stop number at the timing when the stop number of the currently appearing symbol is updated, and if it determines that it is the symbol with the set stop number, it starts supplying a drive pulse for full-phase excitation to temporarily stop the reel. This is configured such that when a stop button is operated during a simulated game, at least a part of the temporary stop symbol (white 7 symbol "white 7") is included in the temporary stop position (middle position) of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button, the reel passes the temporary stop symbol included in the temporary stop position, and temporarily stops when the temporary stop symbol is again positioned in the temporary stop position of the reel after passing the temporary stop position, but it is not limited to this configuration.

[0208] The reel control means 130 may, for example, when a stop button is operated during a simulated game, determine whether the stop number of the currently appearing symbol is the stop number set according to the simulated game, without waiting for the stop number of the currently appearing symbol to be updated, and then determine each time whether the currently appearing symbol is passing by. If it is currently passing by, the reel is not temporarily stopped. If it is determined that the stop number of the currently appearing symbol is the stop number set according to the simulated game and the currently appearing symbol is not currently passing by, the reel is temporarily stopped. This configuration may ensure that, at the time the stop button is operated during the simulated game, at least a portion of the temporarily stopped symbol is included in the temporarily stopped position of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button, the temporarily stopped symbol included in the temporarily stopped position of the reel is allowed to pass by, and the reel is temporarily stopped when the temporarily stopped symbol is again positioned in the temporarily stopped position of the reel after passing by the temporarily stopped position of the reel.

[0209] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reel control means 130 is configured to allow at least a portion of the temporary stop symbol to pass through the temporary stop position of the reel if it is located at the temporary stop position of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button, and to temporarily stop the reel when the temporary stop symbol is located at the temporary stop position of the reel again after passing through the temporary stop position once, but is not limited to this. The reel control means 130 may also be configured to temporarily stop the reel after the temporary stop symbol has passed through the temporary stop position of the reel two or more times since the stop button was operated.

[0210] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to execute a simulated game when the performance state controlled by the AT control means 200 transitions to the AT state, but is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may, for example, be configured to perform a lottery to determine whether or not to execute a simulated game based on the detection of a start operation to the start lever SL, and to execute a simulated game if the lottery results in "execution of a simulated game".

[0211] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the simulated game control means 400 has predetermined the temporary stop symbol that will temporarily stop at the temporary stop position during the simulated game to be the white 7 symbol "white 7" at the start of the simulated game, but is not limited to this. The simulated game control means 400 may be configured to determine the temporary stop symbol according to the timing of when the stop button is operated, for example.

[0212] In other words, in slot machine 1, the temporary stop symbols only need to be configured to be determined in advance between the start of supplying the drive pulses for full-phase excitation and the temporary stop, and the timing of the determination can be any timing.

[0213] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reel control means 130 is configured to execute control processing related to a temporary stop when the stop button is pressed during simulated gameplay, but is not limited to this. The reel control means 130 may be configured, for example, to execute control processing related to a temporary stop when the stop button is pressed during simulated gameplay and then released, thereby ending the output of the stop signal from the stop switch 240.

[0214] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when synchronizing the minute vibrations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 in a simulated game, the slot machine 1 is configured to temporarily pause the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 and resume vibration of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 when the simulated game common timer 194d is updated from value "1" to value "0", but is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured, for example, to synchronize the minute vibrations of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 in a simulated game by performing a second operation that changes the respective vibration period or vibration speed of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 without temporarily pausing the left reel R1 to the right reel R3.

[0215] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reel control means 130 is configured such that when a stop button corresponding to a reel that has not yet been temporarily stopped is pressed while the power is off during a power outage, and the state of pressing the button is maintained while power is restored, the system determines whether or not the stop signal output from the stop switch 240 can be activated when the interrupt processing that was being executed up until the power outage occurred is resumed upon power restoration. If the stop signal can be activated, the system stops (temporarily stops) the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button, and if the stop signal cannot be activated, the system continues to rotate the reel corresponding to the pressed stop button. However, the system is not limited to this configuration.

[0216] The reel control means 130 may be configured, for example, to activate the stop signal output from the stop switch 240 in interrupt processing when power is restored after a power outage, thereby stopping (temporarily stopping) the reel corresponding to the stop button that is being held down, regardless of the progress of interrupt processing at the time the power outage occurred.

[0217] Furthermore, the reel control means 130 may be configured such that, for example, when power is restored after an outage, it treats the stop signal output when the stop button is held down as invalid, thereby continuing the rotation of the reel corresponding to the held-down stop button, regardless of the progress of the interrupt processing at the time of the outage.

[0218] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the reel control means 130 is configured to disable the stop signal output when another stop button is pressed while one stop button is pressed and the state of pressing that stop button is maintained from the time of power loss, but it is not limited to this. The reel control means 130 may be configured, for example, to enable the stop signal output when another stop button is pressed while one stop button is pressed and the state of pressing that stop button is maintained from the time of power loss, thereby stopping (temporarily stopping) the reel corresponding to the other stop button.

[0219] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 has a max bet button MB for inserting a predetermined number of tokens, but it is not limited to this, and for example, it may be configured to have a single bet button for inserting one token in addition to the max bet button MB.

[0220] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to be able to insert and dispense tokens as game value, but is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured to set the game value to an inserted state based on an insertion signal output from a game value management device (dedicated unit) provided outside the slot machine 1 and configured to record the total number of game values ​​that the player can use for playing by electromagnetic means, and to output a payout signal to the game value management device when it is time to pay out game value, and the game value management device may record the game value corresponding to the payout signal on a predetermined recording medium by electromagnetic means. In other words, the slot machine 1 may be composed of a so-called tokenless game machine.

[0221] In this configuration, the slot machine 1 is configured to have, for example, a credit display means that displays the number of credits corresponding to the amount of money inserted into the game value management device by the player. The slot machine 1 is also configured to be able to credit game value equivalent to a maximum of 16,368 tokens, and if game value exceeding 16,368 tokens is credited, the game control means may be set to an error state, and the game may be disabled (the game value is not set to the inserted state and the start operation to the start lever SL is not activated) until the number of credits reaches 16,368 tokens or less by dispensing game value through a method that is electromagnetically recorded on a predetermined recording medium via the game value management device.

[0222] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to have three types of game states: a non-RT state, a bonus state which is entered when an RBB is won, and a bonus state which is entered when an RBB is activated, but it is not limited to this. Slot machine 1 may be configured to have five game states, for example, in a non-RT state, which is a non-bonus state (initial state) where a bonus has not been won (not set to be in a winning state), the bonus that can be won is RBB1 as a first bonus, which can be won when a second specified number of medals (3 medals) is set to be inserted as a specified number of inserted medals, and RBB2 as a second bonus, which can be won when a first specified number of medals (2 medals) is set to be inserted as a specified number of inserted medals. The game may be configured to have five game states, in which winning in a winning area including RBB1 transitions to a first bonus winning state (RBB1 internally), RBB1 activation transitions to a first bonus activation state (first bonus state, RBB1 in operation), winning in a winning area including RBB2 transitions to a second bonus winning state (RBB2 internally), and RBB2 activation transitions to a second bonus activation state (second bonus state, RBB2 in operation).

[0223] In this configuration, slot machine 1 may be configured such that, in the state in which the first bonus is established, an internal lottery is performed in which either a small win or a replay is won in the internal lottery for a game in which a first predetermined number of medals are inserted, or in the internal lottery for a game in which a second predetermined number of medals are inserted. Furthermore, slot machine 1 may be configured such that, in the state in which the second bonus is established, an internal lottery is performed in which either a small win or a replay is won in the internal lottery for a game in which a first predetermined number of medals are inserted, and an internal lottery is performed in which either a small win or a replay is won in the internal lottery for a game in which a second predetermined number of medals are inserted has a probability of being a miss (not winning).

[0224] In this configuration, when the second bonus is established, the second predetermined number of tokens are inserted and the game starts. If the internal lottery results in a loss (failure to win), RBB2 is set as an RBB exclusively for the first predetermined number of tokens. Therefore, even if the winning combination for RBB2 is displayed on the active line L1, it will be invalid and RBB2 will not activate.

[0225] Furthermore, in this configuration, the slot machine 1 is configured such that, when a bonus is not activated, if a first predetermined number of medals is inserted and gameplay begins, an internal lottery is performed that includes a winning area in which small wins with a payout higher than the first predetermined number can be won, depending on the operation of stop buttons B1 to B3; if a second predetermined number of medals is inserted and gameplay begins, an internal lottery is performed that includes a winning area in which small wins with a payout lower than the second predetermined number can be won; and when a second bonus is established and a first predetermined number of medals is inserted and gameplay begins, the slot machine 1 is configured to transition to the advantageous section; however, it may be configured not to transition to the advantageous section in gameplay states different from the second bonus establishment state, and when a second bonus is established and a second predetermined number of medals is inserted and gameplay begins.

[0226] In this configuration, when the second bonus is established, slot machine 1 executes control related to auxiliary games, and it is possible to reliably win small wins with payouts higher than the first specified number through auxiliary games. However, in game states other than the second bonus is established, the advantageous period does not start, making it impossible to execute control related to auxiliary games, resulting in a configuration with low gameplay value.

[0227] Furthermore, in this configuration, the slot machine 1 may be configured to allow the presence or absence of initialization to be changed for each game state when the setting change control is performed by the setting change means 100 in each game state and the setting value stored in the setting value storage means 191 is changed. Specifically, if the game state before the setting value is changed (before setting change) is set to one of the following, the slot machine 1 will initialize the game state based on the setting change and set the game state after the setting value is changed (after setting change) to the initial state, which is the non-RT state. Also, if the game state before the setting change is the second bonus established state (before RBB2 is established), the slot machine 1 will not initialize even when the setting change is performed, and will maintain the game state after the setting change as the second bonus established state.

[0228] In other words, gaming machines are Multiple reels, A means of changing settings that allows the setting value to be changed, An input receiving means for setting a predetermined number of game values ​​to the input state, An internal lottery method that performs internal lotteries for multiple types of roles, It includes a game state transition control means that controls the transition between multiple game states, The aforementioned number of provisions includes a first number of provisions and a second number of provisions that is different from the first number of provisions. The aforementioned multiple types of roles include: The first bonus that can be won in the aforementioned first specified number, The second bonus, which can be won in the aforementioned second specified number, is included, The probability of winning a role in the aforementioned internal lottery is set according to the aforementioned setting value. The aforementioned multiple game states include: The initial state set by initialization, In the aforementioned initial state, the state to which the first bonus is achieved is entered when the first bonus is won, In the aforementioned initial state, the state to which the second bonus is won is the second bonus established state, The first bonus state is entered when the first bonus is awarded and the first bonus is activated, This includes the second bonus state which is entered when the second bonus is won and the second bonus is activated, The aforementioned first bonus does not activate in games where the aforementioned second specified number of game values ​​are set to the input state. The second bonus does not activate in games where the first specified number of game values ​​are set to the input state. If the aforementioned setting value is changed, the game state can be reset. If the setting value is changed while the game state is in the state where the first bonus is established, the game state is reset. If the setting value is changed while the game state is in the state where the second bonus has been established, the game state will not be reset. It may be configured in this way.

[0229] With this configuration, even if slot machine 1 transitions to the first bonus-established state and, as long as the game continues, it becomes extremely difficult to transition to other game states and it becomes impossible to transition to the second bonus-established state, a setting change will transition the game state to a non-RT state. In the non-RT state, by executing a game with the second specified number of medals inserted, it becomes possible to transition to the second bonus-established state. This prevents the first bonus-established state, which has low gameplay value, from continuing for a long period of time, and prevents a decline in the marketability of the gaming machine.

[0230] Furthermore, with this configuration, even if the setting value is changed while the game state of slot machine 1 is set to the second bonus state, the game state will be maintained in the second bonus state. This prevents the game state from shifting to a different state after the setting value is changed, thus maintaining the highly playable second bonus state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the commercial value of the game machine from decreasing due to initialization caused by setting changes.

[0231] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to set initial values ​​for the stored values ​​of each counter and storage means, and to perform decrement updates that subtract 1 each time a game is played, or increment updates that add 1 each time a game is played. However, the method for updating each counter and storage means may be configured to perform multiplication, division, etc., and is not particularly limited. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0232] 1. Slot machine (amusement machine) 400 Simulated game control means B1 Stop button B2 Stop button B3 Stop button R1 Left reel R2 Middle Reel R3 Right reel

Claims

[Claim 1] Multiple reels, including a first reel and a second reel, Multiple stop buttons, It comprises a simulated game control means that performs control related to simulated gameplay, When the stop button is operated during gameplay, the reel corresponding to the stop button is stopped. In the aforementioned simulated game, if the stop button is operated, the reel corresponding to the stop button is temporarily stopped. If the simulated game is temporarily stopped, the temporary stop symbol will be displayed at the temporary stop position. The aforementioned temporary stop symbol is determined in advance before the temporary stop occurs. At the moment the stop button is operated during the simulated game, If the second range of the temporary stop pattern, which is above the first range in the vertical direction, is not included in the temporary stop position, it is possible to temporarily stop the temporary stop pattern at the temporary stop position without passing through the temporary stop position. If the second range of the temporary stop pattern is included in the temporary stop position, it is possible to temporarily stop the temporary stop pattern at the temporary stop position after the temporary stop pattern has passed the temporary stop position at least once. When the reel is temporarily stopped, the first operation can be performed. When the first reel and the second reel are each performing the first operation, the first reel and the second reel are each performed a second operation to synchronize the first operation of the first reel and the second reel. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

Images