Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of increasing the interest of a game.SOLUTION: In a game in which an operation performance that prompts the operation of a performance button B5 is executed by displaying a performance button display object IMG10 on a liquid crystal display LCD, when a performance operation for the performance button B5 is performed while reels are rotating, the performance button display object IMG10 is hidden, a character display object corresponding to the result of an internal lottery is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD. In a game in which the operation performance is executed, when a performance operation for a MAX bet button B0M is executed while reels are rotating, a character performance sound corresponding to the result of the internal lottery is output from a speaker SP while the display of the performance button display object IMG10 is maintained.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 23

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 and pachinko balls, and conducts a game to obtain such a gaming value. Further, this type of gaming machine performs an internal lottery and starts the rotation of a plurality of reels upon the start operation of the game by the player, and controls to stop the plurality of reels in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery upon the stop operation of the player. Then, the result of the game is determined by the symbol combination displayed on the effective 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 this type of gaming machine, an image prompting an operation on an effect button is displayed on a display device, and an effect method for changing the effect content is known when the player operates the effect button based on the display. For example, a gaming machine is known that executes a chance effect for notifying the winning of a common bell, watermelon, or cherry when the player operates the effect button based on the display of an image prompting an operation on the effect button (see Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, in gaming machines like the one shown in Patent Document 1 above, players tend to get bored if the only thing that changes is the content of the effects when the effect buttons are operated. Therefore, it is desirable to prevent the effects from becoming monotonous and to improve the enjoyment of the game.

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can improve the enjoyment of gaming. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (1) The present invention relates to a gaming machine comprising a first operating means and a second operating means that can be operated by a player, and an effect control means for controlling an effect, wherein the effect control means is capable of executing an operation effect that prompts an operation on the first operating means, and when an operation is performed on the first operating means during the execution of the operation effect, the operation effect is terminated and a first operation result effect is executed, when an operation is performed on the second operating means during the execution of the operation effect, the execution of the operation effect is continued and a second operation result effect is executed, the second operation result effect is not executed during the execution of the first operation result effect, and when an operation is performed on the first operating means during the execution of the operation effect and the second operation result effect, the operation effect and the second operation result effect are terminated and the first operation result effect is executed.

[0008] In this invention, if a player performs an operation on a second operation means that is not prompting them to operate while an operation prompting an operation on a first operation means is being performed, a second operation result animation different from the first operation result animation will be performed. This increases the variety of animations and enhances the enjoyment of the game.

[0009] Furthermore, in this invention, the second operation result presentation is not performed while the first operation result presentation is being performed. Therefore, even if an operation is performed on the second operation means while the first operation result presentation is being performed, the second operation result presentation will not be performed. This prevents interference with the first operation result presentation and can improve the enjoyment of the game.

[0010] Furthermore, in this invention, if an operation is performed on the first operating means while the operation performance and the second operation result performance are being executed, the operation performance and the second operation result performance are terminated and the first operation result performance is executed. This prevents interference with the first operation result performance and improves the enjoyment of the game. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the housing of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating the functional block of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating the internal lottery table in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure illustrates the manner in which minor prizes are awarded in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure illustrates the manner in which minor prizes are awarded in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure illustrates the manner in which a replay is awarded in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure illustrates the arrangement of symbols on the reels in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This diagram illustrates the relationship between the order in which the stop buttons are pressed and the winning combinations in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This diagram illustrates the relationship between the order in which the stop buttons are pressed and the winning combinations in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This diagram illustrates the relationship between the order in which the stop buttons are pressed and the winning combinations in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This figure illustrates the stopping mechanism of the reels in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13]It is a diagram for explaining the relationship between winning combinations and symbol combinations in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] It is a diagram for explaining the relationship between winning combinations and symbol combinations in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] It is a diagram for explaining the relationship between winning combinations and symbol combinations in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] It is a diagram for explaining the relationship between winning combinations and symbol combinations in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] It is a transition diagram of the gaming state in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] It is a transition diagram of the effect state in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] It is a transition diagram of the game section in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] It is a flowchart showing an example of the privilege notification effect process in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] It is a diagram showing an example of the effect image displayed in the privilege notification effect in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] It is a diagram showing an example of the effect image displayed in the operation effect, the first operation result effect, and the second operation result effect in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation effect process in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] 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.

[0013] 1. Configuration Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration (excluding the reel unit) of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] The gaming machine of this embodiment is a type of gaming machine that uses tokens as the game medium, and is commonly known as a slot machine or reel-type gaming machine.

[0015] The gaming machine of this embodiment houses a reel unit consisting of a first reel R1 to a third reel R3 (multiple reels) within a box-shaped enclosure consisting of a storage box BX, an upper front door UD, and a lower front door DD. Below the reel unit storage space PS inside the storage box BX is a power supply unit EU, which incorporates a power supply and is equipped with various switches such as a power switch ES, a setting change key cylinder KS, and a setting change button BS, as well as a hopper unit HP, which serves as a medal dispensing device. The hopper unit HP includes a medal storage tank MT for storing medals used in the game, a dispensing motor consisting of a stepping motor (not shown), and a rotating disc (not shown) pivotally supported by the dispensing motor. The rotating disc is driven to rotate by the dispensing motor, allowing medals to be dispensed one at a time. Furthermore, when the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT reaches a certain level, the hopper unit HP sends the excess medals to the cash box CB. Furthermore, within the casing of the gaming machine of this embodiment, for example, a main board MAIN is mounted above the reel unit storage space PS, and a sub-board SUB is mounted to the side of the reel unit storage space PS. These control boards (main board MAIN, sub-board SUB) are equipped with a CPU (an example of calculation means), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), RAM (an example of a temporary storage means), etc., to control the operation of the gaming machine. In this embodiment, a setting change key cylinder KS and a setting change button BS are provided on the power supply unit EU, but the setting change key cylinder KS and the setting change button BS may also be provided on the surface of the main board MAIN.

[0016] The first to third reels R1 to R3 shown in Figure 1 are each divided into 20 regions (each region referred to as a "frame") at regular intervals on their outer surface, and one of several types of patterns is arranged in each frame. The first to third reels R1 to R3 are pivotally supported by a stepping motor (reel driving means: not shown) and are rotationally driven around the axis of the stepping motor. By controlling the number of pulses and pulse width of the stepping motor's drive pulses, they are designed to be stopped in frame units (units of predetermined rotation angle and predetermined rotation amount). In other words, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the stepping motor rotates the first to third reels R1 to R3 in response to drive pulses supplied from the control board, and when a drive pulse for full-phase excitation is supplied from the control board, the rotation of the stepping motor stops, and the first to third reels R1 to R3 stop as a result.

[0017] The upper front door UD and the lower front door DD are designed to open and close independently. The upper front door UD is equipped with a display window DW that allows observation of the rotation and stopped states of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. When the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are stopped, three symbols (upper, middle, and lower) that are arranged consecutively on the outer surface of each of the multiple types of symbols arranged at regular intervals on the outer surface of each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 can be observed from the front of the gaming machine through the display window DW.

[0018] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, each reel is provided with an upper, middle, and lower display position for observing the symbols through the display window DW, and the active line is set by the combination of the display positions of each reel. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the number of tokens required for one game, the so-called prescribed number of tokens, is set to 3, and when tokens equivalent to the prescribed number of tokens are inserted, the active line L1, which consists of the lower position of the first reel R1, the middle position of the second reel R2, and the upper position of the third reel R3, is activated.

[0019] The game result is determined by the combination of symbols that stop on the active lines in the display window DW. If the combination of symbols on the active lines corresponds to a predetermined winning combination, the winning combination is considered to have been achieved, and medals are dispensed from the hopper unit HP.

[0020] The upper front door UD is equipped with a game information display unit DS and a section indicator SEC. 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, and the total number of medals paid out or acquired in BB state. The section indicator SEC indicates whether or not the player is in a favorable section by turning its built-in LEDs on and off.

[0021] Furthermore, the upper front door UD is equipped with a liquid crystal display (LCD) for displaying game effects. This LCD displays various videos (or images) to assist or enhance the gameplay. In addition, in this embodiment of the gaming machine, multiple speakers SP are provided on the upper front door UD and the lower front door DD for displaying game effects. These speakers SP output various sounds to assist or enhance the gameplay.

[0022] Furthermore, the lower front door DD is equipped with various operating means. These operating means include a 1-bet button (insertion operation means) B01 and a MAX-bet button (insertion operation means, an example of a second operating means that the player can operate) B0M for inserting credited (stored) medals; a start lever (game start operation means) SL for initiating the game by rotating the first reel R1 to the third reel R3; stop buttons (stop operation means) B1 to B3 for initiating the operation to stop each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, which are rotated by stepping motors; and an effect button (effect operation means, an example of a first operating means that the player can operate) B5 for initiating the operation to change the effects performed on the game machine.

[0023] In this embodiment of the gaming machine, when a player inserts a medal into the medal slot MI or presses the 1-bet button B01 or the MAX-bet button B0M, the machine is set to a ready state where rotation control of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 can be started. When the player presses the start lever SL, the control board starts the rotation of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 by driving the stepping motor, and an internal lottery is performed using random values. Once the rotation speed of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 has increased to a predetermined speed, the operation of pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 is permitted (activated).

[0024] Subsequently, when the player presses stop buttons B1 to B3 at any time, the stop switches (stop signal output means: for example, a photosensor, a continuity sensor, a pressure sensor, etc.) built into each of the stop buttons B1 to B3 are activated, changing the reel stop signal input to the control board from the off state to the on state.

[0025] Furthermore, when the player releases stop buttons B1 to B3 at any time, the stop switches corresponding to each of the stop buttons B1 to B3 turn off, changing the reel stop signal input to the control board from the ON state to the OFF state.

[0026] The control board then stops the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 at a stopping position corresponding to the result of an internal lottery, based on the change in the reel stop signal state from the off state to the on state, which changes in response to the timing of pressing and releasing the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0027] Furthermore, a medal payout slot MO and a medal receiving tray MP are provided at the bottom of the lower front door DD, and the number of medals corresponding to the game result are dispensed from the hopper unit HP through the medal payout slot MO to the medal receiving tray MP. When medals are dispensed according to the game result, if medal credit (internal storage) is permitted, some or all of the dispensed medals are credited up to the credit limit (50 medals in this embodiment), and the display value of the credit indicator, which consists of a 7-segment display on the game information display unit DS, is changed in accordance with the change in the number of medal credits.

[0028] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine according to this embodiment.

[0029] The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a gaming control means 100. The gaming control means 100 is composed of a control board including a main board MAIN and a sub-board AUB. The main board MAIN receives input signals from input means such as a medal insertion switch 210, a 1-bet switch 220, a MAX-bet switch 225, a start switch 230, a stop switch 240, a setting change permission switch 250, and a setting change switch 260, performs various calculations to execute the game, and controls the operation of output means such as a reel unit 310, a hopper unit (payout device) HP, a section indicator SEC, and a main indicator 300 based on the calculation results. The sub-board SUB receives input signals from input means such as an effect button switch 270 and signals sent from the main board MAIN, performs various calculations to execute effects according to the progress of the game, and controls the operation of output means such as a display device 330 and a sound device 340 based on the calculation results. The functions of the game control means (main board MAIN and sub-board SUB) 100 are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), ROM (an example of an information storage medium), or RAM, and software consisting of a given program pre-stored in ROM or the like.

[0030] The game control means 100 includes a setting change means 103, 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 control means 170, an AT control means 175, a performance control means 180, a game information storage means 190a, and a performance information storage means 190b. In this embodiment, the setting change means 103, the input reception means 105, the random number generation means 110, the internal lottery means 120, the reel control means 130, the prize determination means 140, the payout control means 150, the replay processing means 160, the game state control means 170, and the AT control means 175 are implemented by the CPU of the main board MAIN executing various programs, and the performance control means 180 is implemented by the CPU of the sub-board SUB executing various programs. Furthermore, the game information storage means 190a is composed of the main ROM and main RAM mounted on the main board MAIN, and the performance information storage means 190b is composed of the sub-ROM and sub-RAM mounted on the sub-board SUB. In addition, various programs executed by the CPU of the main board MAIN are stored in the main ROM of the game information storage means 190a, and various programs executed by the CPU of the sub-board SUB are stored in the sub-ROM of the performance information storage means 190b. In addition, various information such as the results of internal lotteries and the game status is notified to the sub-board SUB from the main board MAIN as appropriate.

[0031] The setting change means 103 controls the change of setting values ​​stored in the setting value storage area 1913 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a. In this embodiment, depending on the state of the setting change permission switch 250 when the power is turned on, it is possible to switch between starting in game mode and starting in setting change mode. When the setting key is inserted into the setting change key cylinder KS and the setting key is turned clockwise from the initial position, the signal state of the setting change permission switch 250 becomes ON. When the power switch ES is activated in this state and power is supplied from the power supply unit EU, the setting change means 103 starts the game machine in setting change mode. In this embodiment, it is possible to select a setting value from six setting values ​​from setting 1 to setting 6, and the probability of winning the internal lottery changes so that the expected value of the payout rate increases from setting 1 to setting 6. In this embodiment, the setting values ​​are expressed in the order of setting 1 < setting 2 < setting 3 < setting 4 < setting 5 < setting 6.

[0032] Furthermore, in the setting change mode, when the setting change button BS is pressed, the setting change switch 260 is activated. The setting change means 103 receives an input signal from the setting change switch 260 and changes the setting value in the order of setting 1 → setting 2 → ... setting 6 → setting 1 → ... and confirms the setting value based on the game start signal from the start switch 230, which is activated when the start lever SL is pressed. The confirmed setting value is then stored in the setting value storage area 1913. In this embodiment, the signal state of the setting change permission switch 250 is changed to the off state by returning the setting key inserted into the setting change key cylinder KS to its initial position, thereby transitioning from the setting change mode to the game mode.

[0033] In this embodiment, when the power is turned on with the setting change key cylinder KS in its initial position, the gaming machine is started in game mode based on the fact that the signal state of the setting change permission switch 260 is off. In this embodiment, in game mode, the game can be played, but the setting values ​​cannot be changed, and in setting change mode, the setting values ​​can be changed, but the game cannot be played.

[0034] Furthermore, in the setting change mode, the setting change means 103 performs initialization processing to initialize the information stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a. In particular, with respect to the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a, the information stored in the lottery flag storage area 1915, the game state storage area 1916, the performance state storage area 1918, the common 3-coin payout counter 1919, the special AT game count counter 1920, the AT game count counter 1921, the first clear counter 1922, and the second clear counter 1923 is initialized by the initialization processing in the setting change mode. More specifically, the game information storage means 190a's main RAM has memory areas other than the lottery flag memory area 1915, game state memory area 1916, performance state memory area 1918, common 3-coin payout counter 1919, special AT game count counter 1920, AT game count counter 1921, first clear counter 1922, and second clear counter 1923 designated as information retention areas, and the information stored in these memory areas other than the main RAM's information retention areas is initialized. For this reason, in the main RAM, the setting value memory area 1913 and the credit information memory area 1914 are designated as information retention areas, and the information stored in these memory areas is retained without being initialized by the initialization process in setting change mode.

[0035] The coin insertion receiving means 105 accepts the insertion of coins for each game and, based on the insertion of a prescribed number of coins (3 coins), performs a process to activate the game start operation on the start lever SL (game start operation means). In this embodiment of the game machine, the first press of the start lever SL, which has been activated based on the insertion of a prescribed number of coins, is accepted as the game start operation, which triggers the rotation of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 and also triggers the execution of an internal lottery.

[0036] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a medal is inserted into the medal slot MI, the medal insertion switch 210 is activated, and the insertion reception means 105 sets the inserted medals to the insertion state (betting state), up to a predetermined number of medals.

[0037] Furthermore, in this embodiment of the gaming machine, it is possible to store (store) up to 50 tokens in credit information storage area 1914 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a. When the 1-bet button B01 or MAX-bet button B0M is pressed while tokens are stored in the gaming machine, the 1-bet switch 220 or MAX-bet switch 225 is activated, and the input receiving means 105 sets the tokens stored in the credit information storage area 1914 to the input state, up to a predetermined number. In this embodiment, each time the 1-bet button B01 is pressed, one token stored in credit is set to the input state. If the predetermined number of tokens to be inserted is set to 3, and the MAX-bet button B0M is pressed, if there are 3 or more tokens stored in credit, 3 tokens will be set to the input state. If there are 2 or fewer tokens stored in credit, all of the stored tokens will be set to the input state.

[0038] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, once all processing related to one game is completed, provided that medals are credit-stored in the gaming machine, control is performed to enable operation of the 1-bet button B01 and the MAX-bet button B0M. When the 1-bet button B01 or the MAX-bet button B0M is pressed while the operation of the 1-bet button B01 and the MAX-bet button B0M is enabled, the 1-bet switch 220 or the MAX-bet switch 225 is activated, and the input receiving means 105 sets the credit-stored medals in the credit information storage area 1914 to the input state, up to a predetermined limit. Also, when the number of credit-stored medals in the gaming machine becomes 0 or when the start lever SL is pressed to start the game, the operation of the 1-bet button B01 and the MAX-bet button B0M is disabled.

[0039] Furthermore, the coin insertion acceptance means 105 controls the acceptance of coins once all processing related to one game has been completed, and controls the acceptance of coins to end when the number of coins stored in the game machine's credits reaches the credit limit (50 coins) or when a game start operation is performed on the start lever SL. If coins are inserted into the coin slot MI when the machine is not accepting coins, the inserted coins will not be accepted and will be returned from the coin payout slot MO.

[0040] The random number generation means 110 is a means for generating random numbers for drawing lots. The random numbers can be generated, for example, by a 16-bit random number circuit that generates 65,536 random numbers from 0 to 65,535 without repetition within one cycle. In this embodiment, "random numbers" include 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.

[0041] 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 from a start switch 230 which is activated by a game start operation on the start lever SL (the first pressing operation on the activated start lever SL), and performs lottery table selection processing, random number determination processing, lottery flag setting processing, and the like.

[0042] In the lottery table selection process, it is determined which of the multiple internal lottery tables stored in the main lottery table storage area 1910 provided in the main ROM of the game information storage means 190a will be used to perform the internal lottery. In the game machine of this embodiment, three types of internal lottery tables (internal lottery table 1 to internal lottery table 3) as shown in Figure 4 are stored in the main lottery table storage area 1910. In each internal lottery table, various roles such as replays, small wins, and bonuses, as well as misses (failures), are associated with each of the multiple random values ​​(for example, 65,536 random values ​​from 0 to 65,535). In this embodiment, for each of the six setting values, three types of internal lottery tables are prepared, and the probability of obtaining some winning patterns in the internal lottery differs depending on the setting value, and the correspondence between roles and random values ​​is set so that the expected value of the payout rate increases as the setting value increases.

[0043] In this embodiment of the gaming machine, there are three types of small wins: small wins 2 to 31, and as shown in Figures 5 to 6, the winning patterns for these small wins are set as follows: batting order yellow 7 (batting order yellow 7A to batting order yellow 7H), batting order 3-coin win (batting order 3-coin win A to batting order 3-coin win D), batting order precise stop win (batting order precise stop win A to batting order precise stop win D), common 3-coin win (common 3-coin win A, common 3-coin win B), chance win (chance win A, chance win B), common yellow 7, special win (an example of a predetermined winning pattern), common 1-coin win, and JAC (JAC1 to JAC4).

[0044] To explain the winning patterns for each small role, as shown in Figure 5, for the yellow 7A to yellow 7H batting order, one type of 9-coin small role (a small role with a payout of 9 coins: correct role, specific role, specific role) and 4 to 5 types of 1-coin small roles (a small role with a payout of 1 coin: incorrect role) are won simultaneously. For the 3-coin role A to 3-coin role D batting order, one type of 3-coin small role (a small role with a payout of 3 coins: correct role, specific role, specific role) and 10 to 11 types of 1-coin small roles (incorrect role) are won simultaneously. For the timing role A to timing role D batting order, one type of 15-coin small role (a small role with a payout of 15 coins: correct role, specific role, specific role) and 10 to 11 types of 1-coin small roles (incorrect role) are won simultaneously.

[0045] As shown in Figure 6, Common 3-coin win A is achieved by combining three types of 3-coin wins, Common 3-coin win B is achieved by combining four types of 3-coin wins and one type of 1-coin win, Chance win A is achieved by winning one type of 3-coin win alone, Chance win B is achieved by combining two types of 3-coin wins, Common Yellow 7 is achieved by combining two types of 9-coin wins, Special win is achieved by combining three types of 9-coin wins, Common 1-coin win is achieved by combining five types of 1-coin wins, JAC1 is achieved by combining two types of 15-coin wins, five types of 9-coin wins, six types of 3-coin wins, and seventeen types of 1-coin wins, JAC2 is achieved by combining five types of 9-coin wins, six types of 3-coin wins, and seventeen types of 1-coin wins, and JAC3 is achieved by combining six types of 3-coin wins and seventeen types of 1-coin wins. JAC4 is a game where 17 different single-coin winning combinations occur simultaneously.

[0046] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, replays 1 to 6 are provided as replays, and as shown in Figure 7, the winning patterns for replays are set to be replay A, replay B, middle replay, batting order replay, red 7 alignment replay, red 7 fake replay, and BAR alignment replay.

[0047] To explain the winning patterns for each replay, as shown in Figure 7, Replay A is won by the overlapping of Replay 1 and Replay 3, Replay B is won by the overlapping of Replay 1 to Replay 3, Middle Replay is won by Replay 2 alone, Batting Order Replay is won by the overlapping of Replay 1, Replay 3 and Replay 5, Red 7 Alignment Replay is won by the overlapping of Replay 1 to Replay 3 and Replay 5, Red 7 Fake Replay is won by Replay 6 alone, and BAR Alignment Replay is won by the overlapping of Replay 1 and Replay 4.

[0048] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the probability of winning a minor role is the same in internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2, the probability of winning a replay is higher in internal lottery table 2 than in internal lottery table 1, replays are not included in the lottery in internal lottery table 3, and the lottery method for minor roles in internal lottery table 3 is different from that of internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2, and the probability of winning a minor role is higher in internal lottery table 3 than in internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2.

[0049] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a Big Bonus (BB) is provided as a bonus, and the Big Bonus (BB) is subject to drawing in the internal drawing table 1.

[0050] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the game state can be set to normal state, BB established state, and BB state, and in the lottery table selection process, one of internal lottery tables 1 to 3 is selected as the internal lottery table to be used for internal lottery depending on the game state.

[0051] In this embodiment, the probability of winning a replay does not change depending on the setting value, but the probability of winning some types of bonuses and small wins changes depending on the setting value. As the setting value increases, the probability of winning the common single-coin win (common single-coin win + BB in the normal state) decreases, while the probability of winning the common yellow 7 increases. However, in this embodiment, the total amount of random values ​​assigned to the common single-coin win (common single-coin win + BB in the normal state) and the common yellow 7 is designed to be the same regardless of the setting value.

[0052] In the random number determination process, based on the start signal from the start switch 230, a random number value (random number for drawing) is obtained from the random number generation means 110 for each game, and the internal drawing table stored in the main drawing table storage area 1910 provided in the main ROM of the game information storage means 190a is referenced to determine whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the obtained random number value.

[0053] In the lottery flag setting process, based on the result of the random number determination process, the lottery flag corresponding to the winning role is set from a non-winning state (first flag state, off state) to a winning state (second flag state, on state). In the gaming machine of this embodiment, if two or more roles are won simultaneously, the lottery flag corresponding to each of the two or more roles that were won simultaneously is set to a winning state. The lottery flag setting information is stored in the lottery flag storage area 1915 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a.

[0054] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, there are two types of lottery flags: one that allows the winning state to be carried over to subsequent games until a win is achieved (carry-over flag), and another that resets to a non-winning state regardless of whether a win is achieved, without carrying over the winning state to subsequent games (carry-over non-flag). The former carry-over flag is associated with the Big Bonus (BB), while the latter carry-over non-flag is associated with the Small Win and Replay. In the lottery flag setting process, for example, if a Big Bonus (BB) is won in the internal lottery, the winning state of the Big Bonus (BB) lottery flag is carried over until a Big Bonus (BB) is achieved. At this time, the internal lottery means 120 also performs an internal lottery to determine the win or loss of Small Wins and Replays, even in games where the winning state of the Big Bonus (BB) lottery flag has been carried over. In other words, in the lottery flag setting process, in a game where the winning state of the bonus lottery flag associated with the carryover flag has been carried over, if a small win or replay is won, the lottery flags corresponding to two or more types of wins, consisting of the bonus lottery flag that has already been won and the small win or replay lottery flag that was won in the internal lottery, are set to the winning state.

[0055] The reel control means 130, based on a start signal from the start switch 230 which is activated when the player operates the start lever SL to start playing, starts the rotation drive of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 with a stepping motor, and controls the operation to enable the stopping operation by pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 (stop operation means) corresponding to the reels that are rotating steadily at a predetermined speed (approximately 80 rpm: a rotation speed of approximately 80 rotations per minute), and also controls the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, which are being rotated by the stepping motor, in a manner corresponding to the setting state of the lottery flag (result of the internal lottery).

[0056] Then, when the stop operation for stop buttons B1 to B3 is enabled, the reel control means 130, upon activation of the stop switch 240 by the player pressing stop buttons B1 to B3, supplies a drive pulse for full-phase excitation to the stepping motor of the reel unit 310 based on the reel stop signal from the stop switch 240, thereby controlling the stopping of each reel from the first reel R1 to the third reel R3.

[0057] In other words, the reel control means 130 determines the stopping position of the reel corresponding to the pressed button among the first reels R1 to the third reels R3 each time a stop button B1 to B3 is pressed, and controls the reel to stop at the determined stopping position. In this embodiment of the gaming machine, pressing stop button B1 corresponds to the operation to stop the first reel R1, pressing stop button B2 corresponds to the operation to stop the second reel R2, and pressing stop button B3 corresponds to the operation to stop the third reel R3. In other words, in this embodiment of the gaming machine, if the order in which stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed changes, the stopping order of the first reels R1 to the third reels R3 changes. Also, in this embodiment, if necessary, the stopping operation that stops the first reel among the first reels R1 to the third reels R3 may be referred to as the first stop operation, the stopping operation that stops the second reel as the second stop operation, and the stopping operation that stops the last reel as the third stop operation.

[0058] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, for the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button stops within 190ms from the time the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed. When stopping the rotating reels within 190ms from the time the stop button is pressed, the stopping position of each rotating reel is determined within a range of 0 to 4 frames (a predetermined pull-in range) from the time the stop button is pressed until the reel stops. The reel control means 130 controls the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button so that, on the outer surface of the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button, if the symbol corresponding to the winning combination in the internal lottery is located within a range of 0 to 4 frames relative to the display position on the active line at the time the stop button is pressed, the symbol corresponding to the winning combination for which the lottery flag is set to a winning state is displayed at the display position on the active line.

[0059] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 8, the red 7 symbol "red 7", white 7 symbol "white 7", yellow 7 symbol "yellow 7", blue 7 symbol A "blue 7A", blue 7 symbol B "blue 7B", blue 7 symbol C "blue 7C", blue 7 symbol D "blue 7D", BAR symbol "BAR", special symbol "SP" (an example of a specific symbol), and dummy symbol "DUM" are arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 that constitute the reel unit 310. When drawing symbols that are within 4 frames from the press detection position onto the active line, symbols arranged at intervals of 4 frames or less on the outer circumferential surface of each reel can be displayed on the active line regardless of the press detection position (an example of an operation detection position), which is the position of the reel at the time the stop switch 240 is activated (the time when the stop button is pressed). In this embodiment, the press detection position is the upper display position of each reel.

[0060] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the reel unit 310 is equipped with a reel index 315 which is a photosensor, and the reel control means 130 can monitor the current rotation state of the reel by determining the rotation angle (number of rotation steps of the rotation axis of the stepping motor) from the reference position of the reel (the frame detected by the reel index 315) based on the reference position signal detected by the reel index 315 each time the reel rotates once. In other words, the reel control means 130 can obtain the position of the reel when the stop switch 240 is activated by determining the rotation angle of the reel from the reference position.

[0061] Furthermore, the reel control means 130 determines the stopping position of the rotating reel by referring to the stop control table stored in the stop control table storage area 1911 provided in the main ROM of the game information storage means 190a.

[0062] In the stop control table, the correspondence between the pressed position (the position of the reels at the time the stop switch 240 is activated, or the time the stop button is pressed) and the actual stop position is set according to the setting of the lottery flag. In addition, the stop control table may also set a correspondence between the pressed position and the number of sliding frames, which indicates the amount of rotation from the pressed position to the actual stop position, according to the setting of the lottery flag.

[0063] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, priority is set for small wins, replays, and bonuses in the order of "replay > bonus" and "small win > bonus," and the stop control table is set so that a stop position including the symbols that constitute the winning pattern of the highest priority win is selected according to the priority assigned to each win.

[0064] Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, in the stop control table that is referenced when multiple types of small wins are set to a winning state in the internal lottery, there are two cases in which the stop position is set according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line to indicate a winning form (number priority control), and the stop position is set according to the number of medals paid out based on the predetermined payout for the small win (payout priority control). When the stop position is set according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line to indicate a winning form, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that the stop position that allows for a larger number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line to indicate a winning form is given priority. When the stop position is set according to the number of medals paid out, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that the stop position that allows for a larger number of medals paid out based on the payout for the small win corresponding to the symbol displayed at the display position on the active line (a stop position that allows for the winning of a small win with a high payout) is given priority. However, when the stopping position is set according to the number of medals dispensed, if there are multiple stopping positions with the same number of medals dispensed, the priority of each stopping position is treated as the same and the stopping position is set relative to the press detection position. Similarly, when the stopping position is set according to the number of symbol combinations indicating winning patterns that can be displayed on the active line, if there are multiple stopping positions with the same number of symbol combinations indicating winning patterns that can be displayed on the active line, the priority of each stopping position is treated as the same and the stopping position is set relative to the press detection position.

[0065] Then, in the internal lottery, if any of the following winning patterns are selected, the stop control table is referenced, and as shown in Figures 9 to 10, the correct batting order is set for each winning pattern.

[0066] In the stop control table referenced when any batting order results in a yellow 7, as shown in Figure 9, the stop positions relative to the press detection position are set so that if stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in the correct batting order, a 9-coin prize is guaranteed. If stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in a different order than the correct batting order (incorrect batting order), the stop positions relative to the press detection position are set so that there are cases where a 1-coin prize is awarded and cases where no prize is awarded (missed prize). In Figure 9, "1-coin prize (1 / 2)" means that there is a 1 / 2 probability of winning a 1-coin prize in that pressing order, and a 1 / 2 probability of missing a prize. Also, in Figure 9, "1-coin prize (1 / 4)" means that there is a 1 / 4 probability of winning a 1-coin prize in that pressing order, and a 3 / 4 probability of missing a prize.

[0067] Furthermore, in the stop control table that is referenced when any of the three-coin combinations are won in any batting order, as shown in Figure 10, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that if stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in the correct batting order, a three-coin combination will always be awarded. If stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in a different batting order than the correct batting order (incorrect batting order), the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that a one-coin combination will always be awarded.

[0068] Furthermore, in the stop control table referenced when any of the batting order combinations are won, as shown in Figure 10, when stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in the correct batting order, there are cases where a 15-coin prize is awarded and cases where a 1-coin prize is awarded. The stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that if the first stop operation is performed at the correct press timing (a specific timing) which is the timing when the BAR symbol "BAR" can be drawn in, a 15-coin prize is awarded, and if the first stop operation is performed at a press timing different from the correct press timing, a 1-coin prize is awarded. The stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that if stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in a press order different from the correct batting order (incorrect batting order), a 1-coin prize is always awarded.

[0069] Furthermore, when a yellow 7 is won in each batting order, a 3-coin win in each batting order, or a precise stop win in each batting order, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set in each stop control table so that, in the case of a correct batting order, the symbols that make up the winning combination of the correct small win (9-coin small win, 3-coin small win, or 15-coin small win) are preferentially displayed on the active line due to payout priority control, and in the case of an incorrect batting order, the symbols that make up the winning combination of the incorrect small win (1-coin small win) are preferentially displayed on the active line due to quantity priority control.

[0070] In this embodiment, for any batting order of yellow 7, the 9-coin prize can only be awarded when a Big Bonus (BB) is established. In the normal state, even if the stopping operation is performed according to the correct batting order corresponding to the winning batting order of yellow 7, the 1-coin prize will be awarded. In other words, when a BB is established, the stopping position is determined either by payout priority control or by quantity priority control depending on the order of the stopping operation. However, in the normal state, the stopping position is determined by quantity priority control regardless of the order of the stopping operation.

[0071] Furthermore, in the stop control table referenced when any of the common 3-coin combinations are won, the stop position relative to the button press detection position is set so that the 3-coin combination is always awarded. In addition, in the stop control table referenced when chance combination A is won, the stop position relative to the button press detection position is set so that there are cases where the 3-coin combination is awarded and cases where no combination is awarded (missed combination). In the stop control table referenced when chance combination B is won, the stop position relative to the button press detection position is set so that the 3-coin combination is always awarded. In addition, in the stop control table referenced when the common yellow 7 is won, the stop position relative to the button press detection position is set so that the 3-coin combination is always awarded.

[0072] Furthermore, in the stop control table referenced when a special role is won, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that a 9-coin small role is always awarded, as shown in Figure 10. In this embodiment, when a special role is won, the type of 9-coin small role awarded differs depending on the order in which the stop operation is performed. In the order in which the first reel R1 or the second reel R2 is stopped first (playing order 1 to 4: an example of the first operation mode), one of the three types of 9-coin small roles, small role 5, small role 6, and small role 8, small role 8 (a specific 9-coin small role) is always awarded. In the order in which the third reel R3 is stopped first (playing order 5, 6: an example of the second operation mode), one of the three types of 9-coin small roles, small role 6, is always awarded. Additionally, when a special role is won, in batting order 1 and 2, when a small role 8 is won, a symbol combination of special symbols in the middle row (an example of a specific symbol combination) will always be displayed; in batting order 3 and 4, when a small role 8 is won, a symbol combination of special symbols aligned diagonally upwards to the right (an example of a specific symbol combination) will always be displayed; and in batting order 5 and 6, when a small role 6 is won, a symbol combination of yellow 7s aligned diagonally upwards to the right will always be displayed.

[0073] Furthermore, in the stop control table referenced when a common single-coin win is achieved, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that a single-coin win is always awarded, as shown in Figure 10. In this embodiment, when a common single-coin win is achieved, the type of single-coin win awarded differs depending on the order in which the stop operation is performed. In the order in which the first reel R1 is stopped first (press order 1, 2), one of the five types of single-coin wins, small win 15, small win 16, and small wins 29 to 31, is always awarded. In the order in which the second reel R2 is stopped first (press order 3, 4), one of the five types of single-coin wins, small win 30 is always awarded. In the order in which the third reel R3 is stopped first (press order 5, 6), one of the five types of single-coin wins, small win 29 is always awarded. Additionally, when a common single-coin win occurs, in batting order 3 and 4, a symbol combination that fakes a BAR alignment can be displayed when a small win of 30 is achieved, and in batting order 5 and 6, a symbol combination that fakes a red 7 alignment can be displayed when a small win of 29 is achieved.

[0074] Furthermore, in the stop control table referenced when JAC1 is won, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that a 9-coin payout is guaranteed, and in the stop control table referenced when JAC2, JAC3, or JAC4 is won, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that a 1-coin payout is guaranteed.

[0075] Furthermore, in the stop control table referenced when Replay A or Replay B is won, as shown in Figure 11, the stop positions relative to the press detection position are set such that in the press order that stops the first reel R1 or the second reel R2 first (press order 1 to 4), Replay 1 is always awarded, and in the press order that stops the third reel R3 first (press order 5, 6), Replay 3 is always awarded. In addition, when Replay 3 is awarded, the combination of red 7s can be displayed.

[0076] Furthermore, in the stop control table referenced when a middle replay is won, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that replay 2 is always awarded, as shown in Figure 11.

[0077] Furthermore, in the stop control table referenced when a batting order replay is won, as shown in Figure 11, the stop positions relative to the press detection positions are set such that when the first reel R1 is stopped first (batting order 1, 2), replay 1 is always awarded; when the second reel R2 is stopped first (batting order 3, 4), replay 5 is always awarded; and when the third reel R3 is stopped first (batting order 5, 6), replay 3 is always awarded. In addition, when a batting order replay is won, in batting order 3 and 4, the symbol combination of matching BARs in the middle row can be displayed when replay 5 is awarded, and in batting order 5 and 6, the symbol combination of matching red 7s can be displayed when replay 3 is awarded.

[0078] Furthermore, in the stop control table referenced when a red 7s replay is won, as shown in Figure 11, the stop position relative to the button press detection position is set such that in the button press order that stops the first reel R1 first (button order 1, 2), replay 3 is always awarded, and in the button press order that stops the second reel R2 or the third reel R3 first (button order 3 to 6), replay 1 is always awarded. In addition, when a red 7s replay is won, in the button press order 1 and button press order 2, the combination of red 7s symbols can be displayed when replay 3 is awarded.

[0079] Furthermore, in the stop control table referenced when a red 7 fake replay is won, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that replay 6 is always awarded, as shown in Figure 11. In addition, when replay 6 is awarded, the symbol combination for the red 7 fake can be displayed.

[0080] Furthermore, in the stop control table referenced when a BAR alignment replay is won, as shown in Figure 11, the stop position relative to the button press detection position is set such that in the button press sequence that stops the first reel R1 first (button press sequence 1, 2), replay 4 is always awarded, and in the button press sequence that stops the second reel R2 or the third reel R3 first (button press sequence 3-6), replay 1 is always awarded. In addition, when a BAR alignment replay is won, in the button press sequence 1 and 2, the combination of symbols for the lower row BAR alignment can be displayed when replay 4 is awarded.

[0081] Furthermore, regarding the Big Bonus (BB), it can only be awarded if it is won alone in the normal state. When a BB is established, there are no misses, and a minor role or replay with a higher priority than the Big Bonus (BB) is always awarded at the same time. Therefore, the stop control table is set to prevent the Big Bonus (BB) from being awarded by setting the stop position relative to the button press detection position.

[0082] In this embodiment, the symbol combination for the middle row special symbol alignment shown in Figure 10 stops with the special symbol "SP" aligned on the middle row invalid line (a line not involved in determining a win), as shown in Figure 12(A); the symbol combination for the right-upward special symbol alignment shown in Figure 10 stops with the special symbol "SP" aligned on the right-upward invalid line, as shown in Figure 12(B); and the symbol combination for the right-upward yellow 7 alignment shown in Figure 10 stops with the yellow 7 symbol "Yellow 7" aligned on the valid line L1, as shown in Figure 12(C).

[0083] Furthermore, the symbol combination for the fake BAR alignment shown in Figure 10 stops in the following manner: as shown in Figure 12(D), the BAR symbol "BAR" is displayed on the middle invalid line on the second reel R2 and the third reel R3, and a symbol different from the BAR symbol "BAR" (for example, the yellow 7 symbol "Yellow 7") is displayed on the middle invalid line on the first reel R1. The symbol combination for the fake red 7 alignment shown in Figure 10 stops in the following manner: as shown in Figure 12(E), the red 7 symbol "Red 7" is displayed on the middle invalid line on the second reel R2 and the third reel R3, and a symbol different from the red 7 symbol "Red 7" (for example, the special symbol "SP") is displayed on the middle invalid line on the first reel R1.

[0084] Furthermore, the combination of red 7s shown in Figure 11 stops with the red 7 symbols "red 7" aligned on the invalid line in the middle row, as shown in Figure 12(F); the combination of BARs aligned in the middle row shown in Figure 11 stops with the BAR symbols "BAR" aligned on the invalid line in the middle row, as shown in Figure 12(G); and the combination of BARs aligned in the lower row shown in Figure 11 stops with the BAR symbols "BAR" aligned on the invalid line in the lower row, as shown in Figure 12(H).

[0085] Furthermore, the symbol combination for the fake red 7s shown in Figure 11 is such that, as shown in Figure 12(I), the red 7 symbol "red 7" is displayed on the middle invalid line on the first reel R1 and the second reel R2, and a symbol different from the red 7 symbol "red 7" (for example, the yellow 7 symbol "yellow 7") is displayed on the middle invalid line on the third reel R3.

[0086] The prize determination means 140 performs a prize determination process to determine whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the stopping patterns of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. Specifically, while referring to the prize determination table stored in the prize determination table storage area 1912 provided in the main ROM of the game information storage means 190a, it determines whether or not the combination of symbols displayed on the active line when all of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 have stopped is a predetermined winning combination. The prize determination table is prepared so that, as shown in Figures 13 to 16, it can determine whether or not a Big Bonus (BB), Replay 1 to Replay 6, and Small Win 2 to Small Win 31 have been achieved based on the combination of symbols displayed on the active line when each reel has stopped.

[0087] In this embodiment of the gaming machine, if a winning combination is achieved based on the result of the winning determination means 140, a winning process is executed. For example, if a minor winning combination is achieved, the payout control means 150 performs a medal payout process; if a replay is achieved, the replay processing means 160 performs a replay process; and if a bonus is achieved, the game state control means 170 performs a game state transition process to change the game state.

[0088] The payout control means 150 performs payout processing related to the payout of medals according to the game result. Specifically, when a minor win occurs, 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 HP (payout device) to pay out the number of medals corresponding to the determined payout amount.

[0089] The hopper unit HP dispenses the number of medals specified by the dispensing control means 150. The hopper unit HP is equipped with a dispensing medal detection switch 325 that operates each time a medal is dispensed, and the dispensing control means 150 is configured to manage the number of medals actually dispensed from the hopper unit HP based on the input signal from the dispensing medal detection switch 325.

[0090] If medal credit storage (storage storage) is permitted, instead of actually dispensing medals by the hopper unit HP, a credit addition process is performed to virtually dispense medals by adding the number of payouts to the number of credits (number of medals stored as credits) stored in the credit information storage area 1914 of the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a.

[0091] The replay processing means 160 performs a replay process (re-play process) when a replay is awarded, which sets the machine to the same preparation state as the previous game without requiring the player to insert any tokens they possess for the next game. In other words, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a replay is awarded, an automatic insertion process is performed in which a number of tokens equivalent to the prescribed number required to play the next game is automatically inserted without using the player's tokens (including credit tokens), and the machine waits for the next game start operation by pressing the start lever SL with the number of active lines corresponding to the prescribed number of tokens inserted set.

[0092] As shown in Figure 17, the game state control means 170 performs a game state transition process to transition the game state between the normal state, the BB (Big Bonus) established state, and the BB state. In this embodiment, information indicating the current game state is stored in the game state storage area 1916 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a. The conditions for transitioning game states may be 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 one of the multiple predetermined conditions, or on the fulfillment of all of the multiple predetermined conditions.

[0093] The normal state is the initial state among several types of game states, and it is possible to transition from the normal state to the BB established state or the BB state. Specifically, if a Big Bonus (BB) is won in the normal state but the Big Bonus (BB) is not awarded, the game transitions to the BB established state, and if a Big Bonus (BB) is won in the normal state and the Big Bonus (BB) is awarded, the game transitions to the BB state. In the normal state, the internal lottery is conducted by referring to internal lottery table 1, one of the internal lottery tables 1 to 3 shown in Figure 4, in which the probability of winning a replay is set to approximately 1 / 7.3 or higher and the Big Bonus (BB) is set as the target of the lottery.

[0094] The BB (Big Bonus) state is a game state that is entered when, in the normal state, a Big Bonus (BB) is selected in the internal lottery but is not awarded. In this state, an internal lottery is conducted referring to Internal Lottery Table 2, one of the Internal Lottery Tables 1 to 3 shown in Figure 4, where the probability of winning a replay is higher than that of Internal Lottery Table 1, so no misses (failures) occur, and the Big Bonus (BB) is excluded from the lottery.

[0095] Furthermore, in the Big Bonus (BB) state, the lottery flag corresponding to the Big Bonus (BB) remains in a winning state until the Big Bonus (BB) is awarded. In this embodiment, since the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the Big Bonus (BB) is not displayed on the active lines in the Big Bonus (BB) state, once the game state transitions to the Big Bonus (BB) state, it will not transition to the Big Bonus (BB) state again.

[0096] The BB state is a game state that is entered when a combination of symbols indicating a Big Bonus (BB) win is displayed on an active payline. Of the internal lottery tables 1 to 3 shown in Figure 4, internal lottery is performed by referring to internal lottery table 3, which has a different method of drawing small wins than internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2.

[0097] Furthermore, in the BB state, the game state control means 170 determines whether the termination condition has been met based on the total number of medals dispensed during gameplay in the BB state. If it is determined that more than a predetermined number of medals (for example, 22 medals) have been dispensed, the game state control means 170 terminates the BB state and returns the game state to the normal state. In this embodiment, the count information regarding the number of medals dispensed in the BB state is stored in the game state storage area 1916.

[0098] As shown in Figure 18, the AT control means 175 controls the performance state to change between multiple types of performance states, including the initial performance state, the normal performance state, the first AT state (an example of a special performance state), the second AT state (an example of a special performance state), and the special AT state. In this embodiment, when simply referred to as "AT state," it means that any of the "first AT state," "second AT state," and "special AT state" is included.

[0099] Furthermore, the AT control means 175 sets the performance state to the AT state (assist time state) under predetermined conditions, determines whether the conditions for ending the AT state are met based on the value of the AT game counter 1921, and controls the AT state to end when the conditions for ending the AT state are met. In this embodiment, information indicating the current performance state is stored in the performance state storage area 1918 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the player is in AT state, the AT control means 175 displays information corresponding to the correct batting order (an example of operation instruction information) and information corresponding to the correct batting order and correct button press timing (an example of operation instruction information) on the main display 300, which consists of a 7-segment display provided on the game information display unit DS, when a batting order yellow 7, batting order 3-coin win, or batting order precise button press win is achieved, thereby providing correct operation notification to assist in winning 9-coin wins, 3-coin wins, and 15-coin wins. Additionally, the performance control means 180 displays images corresponding to the correct batting order and images corresponding to the correct batting order and correct button press timing on the liquid crystal display LCD when a batting order yellow 7, batting order 3-coin win, or batting order precise button press win is achieved, thereby performing a winning assistance performance (an example of a game assistance performance) to assist in winning 9-coin wins, 3-coin wins, and 15-coin wins. This enables the player to play an assist time game (an example of an assistance game) in which it is easier to acquire medals than when playing in the initial performance state or normal performance state.

[0100] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 19, the AT control means 175 allows setting a normal section (non-advantageous section) and an advantage section. In the normal section, the performance state is fixed to the initial performance state, and a lottery is held to determine transition to the advantage section. If the lottery for transitioning to the advantage section is won, the advantage section is started, and the performance state can be set to the AT state, provided that the system is in the advantage section. In this embodiment, of the multiple types of performance states, the initial performance state can only be set when the system is in the normal section, while the normal performance state, the first AT state, the second AT state, and the special AT state can only be set when the system is in the advantage section.

[0101] The AT control means 175 then performs a lottery for transitioning to an advantageous section based on whether, during gameplay in the normal section, the game state is the normal state or the BB established state, the winning pattern obtained through internal lottery is one of the following: batting order yellow 7A to batting order yellow 7H, batting order 3-coin role A to batting order 3-coin role D, batting order eye-stop role A to batting order eye-stop role D, common 3-coin role A, common 3-coin role B, chance role A, chance role B, common yellow 7, special role (special role + BB in the normal state), common 1-coin role (normal state only), batting order replay, red 7 alignment replay (red 7 alignment replay + BB in the normal state), red 7 fake replay, BAR alignment replay (BAR alignment replay + BB in the normal state), replay B, middle replay, or BB. In this embodiment, the lottery for transitioning to an advantageous section is not performed when the winning pattern of a common 1-coin role is obtained in the BB established state, or when the winning pattern of replay A is obtained in the normal state or the BB established state.

[0102] In the advantageous section transition lottery, the random number obtained for the internal lottery is compared with the advantageous section transition lottery table stored in the main lottery table storage area 1910, and it is determined whether or not the advantageous section transition lottery has been won (advantageous section win) according to the comparison result. In the advantageous section transition lottery table, an advantageous section win is always assigned to the random number for the internal lottery that is associated with each winning pattern that triggers the execution of the advantageous section transition lottery. If the random number obtained for the internal lottery is associated with a winning pattern that triggers the execution of the advantageous section transition lottery, and is also associated with an advantageous section win in the advantageous section transition lottery table, it is determined that the advantageous section transition lottery has been won. In this embodiment, when the advantageous section transition lottery is performed, an advantageous section win lottery result is always obtained, and if a winning pattern that triggers the execution of the advantageous section transition lottery is obtained, the system will always transition to the advantageous section. However, in the advantageous section transition lottery table, either an advantageous section win or a loss may be assigned to the random values ​​for internal lottery associated with each winning pattern that triggers the advantageous section transition lottery. If the lottery result is an advantageous section win, the system transitions to the advantageous section, and if the lottery result is a loss, the system does not transition to the advantageous section.

[0103] The AT control means 175, upon winning the advantageous section transition lottery in the normal section, performs the advantageous section transition process based on the fact that it has won the advantageous section transition lottery, and starts the advantageous section from the next game after the game in which the advantageous section transition lottery was won. In this embodiment, if the result of the advantageous section transition lottery is an advantageous section win, the advantageous section transition process transitions the performance state to either the normal performance state or the special AT state. Specifically, if an advantageous section win is obtained when a special role is won, the state is transitioned to the special AT state, and if an advantageous section win is obtained when a different winning pattern than a special role is won, the state is transitioned to the normal performance state. In addition, there may be two or more winning patterns for the advantageous section transition lottery, and the advantageous section transition process may determine whether to transition the performance state to the normal performance state, the first AT state, the second AT state, or the special AT state.

[0104] Furthermore, when the AT control means 175 transitions the performance state to the special AT state based on the result of the advantageous section transition lottery being a win for the advantageous section, it sets a value of "10" corresponding to 10 game rounds in the special AT game counter 1920 and a value of "50" corresponding to 50 game rounds in the AT game counter 1921.

[0105] The AT control means 175 then performs an AT lottery when the performance state is the normal performance state in the advantageous section and the game state is the normal state or the BB established state. Specifically, when the game state is the normal state or the BB established state, an AT lottery is performed based on whether one of the following winning patterns has been obtained in the internal lottery: chance role A, chance role B, common yellow 7, or special role. In this embodiment, the AT lottery is not performed when the game state is the BB state, however, the configuration may be such that the AT lottery can be performed in the BB state.

[0106] In the AT lottery, the random number obtained for the internal lottery is compared with the AT lottery table stored in the main lottery table storage area 1910, and it is determined whether or not the AT lottery has been won according to the comparison result. In the AT lottery table, the random number for the internal lottery, which is associated with the role that triggers the execution of the AT lottery, is assigned to either an AT win or a loss. If the random number obtained for the internal lottery is associated with the role that triggers the execution of the AT lottery, and is also associated with an AT win in the AT lottery table, it is determined that the AT lottery has been won. In this embodiment, the AT lottery is conducted in such a way that the probability of winning increases in the order of "Chance Role A < Common Yellow 7 < Chance Role B < Special Role", and the AT lottery is conducted in such a way that a win is guaranteed when a special role is won.

[0107] Furthermore, when the performance state is in the normal performance state during the advantageous section, the AT control means 175 performs control to update the value of the common 3-coin payout counter 1919 according to the manner of the stop operation in a game in which a common 3-coin payout A or common 3-coin payout B is won. Specifically, in a game in which a common 3-coin payout A or common 3-coin payout B is won, if the first stop operation is to stop the first reel R1 first, the AT control means 175 performs an increment update by adding a fixed value to the value of the common 3-coin payout counter 1919. On the other hand, in a game in which a common 3-coin payout A or common 3-coin payout B is won, if the first stop operation is to stop the second reel R2 or the third reel R3 first, the value of the common 3-coin payout counter 1919 is not updated. Note that the update of the common 3-coin payout counter 1919 may be performed triggered by the first stop operation, or by the second stop operation, the third stop operation, or when all reels have stopped.

[0108] The AT control means 175 also performs an AT lottery when it updates the value of the common three-coin payout counter 1919, if the updated value satisfies the lottery conditions. In this embodiment, it is determined that the lottery conditions are met when the value of the common three-coin payout counter 1919 is a multiple of 5. For the AT lottery performed based on the value of the common three-coin payout counter 1919, for example, a random value is obtained triggered by a first stop operation, and it is determined that the AT lottery has been won if the obtained random value is associated with an AT win. Alternatively, the success or failure of the AT lottery performed based on the value of the common three-coin payout counter 1919 may be determined using an internal lottery random value associated with the win of common three-coin payout A or common three-coin payout B.

[0109] In this embodiment, since an opportunity to receive an AT lottery is also given by updating the value of the common 3-coin counter 1919 in the normal performance state, it can be said that performing the stop operation in a manner that stops the first reel R1 first in the normal performance state is more advantageous than performing the stop operation in a manner that stops the second reel R2 or the third reel R3 first.

[0110] In this embodiment, if the result of the AT lottery in the normal performance state is an AT win, the AT control means 175 performs a process to transition the performance state from the normal performance state to the first AT state or the special AT state. Specifically, if an AT win is obtained when a special role is won, the system transitions to the special AT state, and if an AT win is obtained when a win is obtained in a winning manner different from a special role, or when an AT win is obtained in an AT lottery executed based on the value of the common 3-coin role counter 1919, the system transitions to the first AT state.

[0111] Furthermore, the AT control means 175, based on obtaining the result of the AT win lottery, sets the performance state to the first AT state upon the end of the game, setting a value of "50" equivalent to 50 game rounds in the AT game counter 1921. Based on obtaining the result of the AT win lottery, when the performance state to the special AT state upon the end of the game, it sets a value of "10" equivalent to 10 game rounds in the special AT game counter 1920, and also sets a value of "50" equivalent to 50 game rounds in the AT game counter 1921.

[0112] Furthermore, the AT control means 175 causes the assist time game to be played based on whether the performance state is the first AT state, the second AT state, or the special AT state. In the first AT state, a fixed value "1" equivalent to one game is subtracted from the value of the AT game counter 1921 each time a game is played. In the special AT state, a fixed value "1" equivalent to one game is subtracted from the value of the special AT game counter 1920 each time a game is played. As will be described later, the number of games is not managed in the second AT state, so the AT game counter 1921 and the special AT game counter 19020 are not updated. In this embodiment, in the first AT state, the second AT state, and the special AT state, if the player wins the yellow 7 in the correct order, the 3-coin combination in the correct order, or the timing of the button press in the correct order, a correct operation notification and a prize-winning assistance performance are performed to notify the player of the correct order or the correct order and correct timing of the button press. In this embodiment, instructing the player on the operation method by providing the correct operation notification constitutes the instruction function.

[0113] In this embodiment, when the AT control means 175 provides notification of the correct operation for a batting order yellow 7, a batting order 3-coin combination, or a batting order timing combination, the main display 300 displays information corresponding to the correct batting order or information corresponding to the correct batting order and correct pressing timing. Specifically, an operation instruction number is set for each correct batting order or correct batting order and correct pressing timing, and the main display 300 displays one of the following operation instruction numbers using a 7-segment display: "03" (batting order 3), "04" (batting order 4), "05" (batting order 5), "06" (batting order 6), "13" (batting order 3 + correct pressing timing), "14" (batting order 4 + correct pressing timing), "15" (batting order 5 + correct pressing timing), or "16" (batting order 6 + correct pressing timing). Furthermore, if the specifications require notification of batting order 1 and batting order 2 during the advantageous period, then "01" (batting order 1), "02" (batting order 2), "11" (batting order 1 + correct answer press timing), and "12" (batting order 2 + correct answer press timing) can be adopted as the 7-segment display modes of the main display unit 300.

[0114] In this embodiment, the first AT state can continue for a maximum of three sets, and after three sets, it transitions to the second AT state. In this embodiment, the AT control means 175 performs a continuation lottery at the start of each of the first to third sets of the first AT state to determine whether or not to continue the first AT state. In this embodiment, information about the number of sets of the first AT state and information about the results of the continuation lottery are stored in the performance state memory area 1918.

[0115] In the continuation lottery, one of 256 random values ​​in the range of 0 to 255 is obtained when the game start operation is performed for the first game of each set in the 1st AT state. The obtained random value is compared with the continuation lottery table stored in the main lottery table storage area 1910, and it is determined whether or not the continuation lottery has been won according to the comparison result. In the continuation lottery table, each of the 256 random values ​​in the range of 0 to 255 is assigned either a win or a loss, and if the obtained random value is associated with a win in the continuation lottery table, it is determined that the continuation lottery has been won. In this embodiment, the continuation lottery is performed in the order of "1st set < 2nd set < 3rd set", but the probability of winning may be set to increase in the order of "3rd set < 2nd set < 1st set", or the probability of winning may be kept constant for each set.

[0116] Furthermore, when the value of the AT game counter 1921 reaches the initial value "0" in the first AT state, the AT control means 175 determines that the conditions for ending one set of the first AT state have been met. If the result of the continuation lottery conducted at the start of the set is unsuccessful, the first AT state ends, and the advantageous section ends with the end of the first AT state. On the other hand, at the end of the first or second set of the first AT state, if the result of the continuation lottery conducted at the start of the set is successful, the process of starting the next set of the first AT state is performed. Specifically, a value "50" equivalent to 50 game rounds is set in the AT game counter 1921. At the end of the third set of the first AT state, if the result of the continuation lottery conducted at the start of the set is successful, the performance state is transitioned to the second AT state.

[0117] Furthermore, the AT control means 175 performs an additional win lottery when the performance state is the first AT state and the game state is the normal state or the BB established state. Specifically, when the game state is the normal state or the BB established state, an additional win lottery is performed based on whether one of the following winning patterns is obtained in the internal lottery: chance role A, chance role B, common yellow 7, replay A, replay B, batting order replay, red 7 alignment replay, or BAR alignment replay. In this embodiment, the additional win lottery is not performed when the game state is the BB state, however, the configuration may be such that the additional win lottery can be performed in the BB state.

[0118] In the bonus lottery, the random number obtained for the internal lottery is compared with the bonus lottery table stored in the main lottery table memory area 1910, and it is determined whether or not the bonus lottery has been won based on the comparison result. In the bonus lottery table, the random number for the internal lottery, which is associated with the role that triggers the execution of the bonus lottery, is assigned to either a win or a loss. If the random number obtained for the internal lottery is associated with the role that triggers the execution of the bonus lottery, and is also associated with a win in the bonus lottery table, it is determined that the bonus lottery has been won.

[0119] If the bonus lottery is won, the AT control means 175 performs a bonus processing that adds a given value to the value of the AT game counter 1921. In this embodiment, the bonus value added to the AT game counter 1921 is selected by lottery from among several types of values ​​(for example, "10", "20", "30", "50", etc.). If the bonus lottery is won when a chance role A, chance role B, or common yellow 7 is won, one of the bonus values ​​of "10", "20", "30", or "50" is added. If the bonus lottery is won when a replay A, replay B, or red 7 alignment replay is won, one of the bonus values ​​of "50" is added. If the bonus lottery is won when a batting order replay is won, one of the bonus values ​​of "30" or "50" is added. If the bonus lottery is won when a BAR alignment replay is won, one of the bonus values ​​of "30" is added.

[0120] Furthermore, the AT control means 175 interrupts the first AT state and transitions the performance state to the special AT state when the internal lottery results in a winning pattern for a special role while the performance state is the first AT state and the game state is the normal state or the BB established state. At this time, information about the number of sets in the first AT state, information about the results of the continuation lottery, and the value of the AT game counter 1921 are retained.

[0121] Furthermore, the AT control means 175, based on the fact that it has obtained a winning pattern for a special role through internal lottery in the first AT state, sets a value "10" in the special AT game counter 1920, which corresponds to 10 rounds of play, when transitioning the performance state to the special AT state upon the end of the game.

[0122] Furthermore, when the value of the special AT game counter 1920 reaches its initial value of "0" in the special AT state, the AT control means 175 determines that the termination condition for the special AT state has been met, terminates the special AT state, returns to the first AT state, and resumes the interrupted first AT state.

[0123] Furthermore, the AT control means 175 performs an additional win lottery when the performance state is a special AT state and the game state is a normal state or a BB established state, and when one of the winning patterns other than JAC1 to JAC4 is obtained in the internal lottery, and if the additional win lottery is won, an additional win process is performed in which a given value is added to the value of the AT game counter 1921. In this embodiment, the additional win lottery is performed in such a way that it is always won when in a special AT state. Furthermore, the added value to the AT game counter 1921 is selected by lottery from several types of values ​​(for example, "10", "20", "30", "50", etc.), and if the lottery for the added value is won when the following are hits: Batting Order Yellow 7A~Battling Order Yellow 7H, Batting Order 3-Coin Role A~Battling Order 3-Coin Role D, Batting Order Eye-Reel Role A~Battling Order Eye-Reel Role D, Common 3-Coin Role A~Common 3-Coin Role B, Common Yellow 7, Common 1-Coin Role, or Red 7 Fake Replay, the added value will be "10", and if the lottery for the added value is won when the Chance Role A or Chance Role B are hit, An additional value of "10", "20", "30", or "50" is added. When a replay A, replay B, or red 7 alignment replay is won, an additional value of "10" or "50" is added. When a batting order replay is won, an additional value of "10", "30", or "50" is added. When a BAR alignment replay is won, an additional value of "10" or "30" is added. Furthermore, when a special role is won, an additional value of "50" is added to the value of the AT game counter 1921, and an additional value of "10" is added to the value of the special AT game counter 1920. In this embodiment, the additional value lottery is not performed when the game state is BB state, however, the configuration may be such that the additional value lottery can be performed in BB state.

[0124] In this special AT state, the number of games played in the first AT state is always increased with each game played. Therefore, the special AT state is a more advantageous state for the player than the first AT state in that it is easier to increase the number of games played.

[0125] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the number of games played was managed in the first AT state, but in the second AT state, the number of games played is not managed, and the performance state is maintained in the second AT state until the conditions for ending the advantageous section based on the value of the first clear counter 1922 or the second clear counter 1923, which will be described later, are met. For this reason, in the second AT state, no additional win lottery is performed, and even if a special role is won, the performance state does not transition to the special AT state.

[0126] In this embodiment, the AT control means 175 sets the value of the first clear counter 1922 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a to a predetermined value "1" during the advantageous section transition process. In the advantageous section, an increment update is performed by adding a fixed value (for example, 1) corresponding to one game to the value of the first clear counter 1922 each time a game is played. When the value of the first clear counter 1922 exceeds a threshold (for example, 1500) (when the value of the first clear counter 1922 reaches "1501"), it is determined that the conditions for ending the advantageous section have been met. In this embodiment, the update of the first clear counter 1922 is performed after all the spinning reels in each game have stopped. However, the update of the first clear counter 1922 may be performed at any trigger, as long as it is predetermined for each game. For example, the game start operation on the start lever SL may be used as the trigger for the update.

[0127] In this embodiment, the AT control means 175 sets the value of the second clear counter 1923 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a to the initial value "0" during the advantageous section transition process. In the advantageous section, the value of the second clear counter 1923 is updated by the difference in the number of medals in each game. The value corresponding to the number of medals paid out (for example, "9" if 9 medals were paid out, and "0" if no winning combinations were achieved and no payouts were made) is subtracted by the number of medals inserted into the game (3 medals) to obtain the calculation result for the difference in the number of medals in that game. This calculation result is then added to the value of the second clear counter 1923 in an update process. The AT control means 175 also determines that the conditions for ending the advantageous section have been met if the value of the second clear counter 1923 exceeds a threshold (for example, 2400). Furthermore, the value of the second clear counter 1923 is controlled so that it does not fall below the initial value "0". For example, if the value of the second clear counter 1923 at the start of the game is "2", and as a result of playing the game, no winning combinations are achieved and no medals are paid out, the calculation result of the difference in medals for that game will be "-3". Adding this calculation result to the value of the second clear counter 1923 would result in a value below the initial value "0". However, the updated value of the second clear counter 1923 is set to the initial value "0" as the lower limit for counting. In addition, if a replay is achieved during the game, the game in which the replay was achieved is treated as if a medal equivalent to the prescribed number of medals for that game was paid out, and the difference in medals is calculated accordingly. For the next game, which is provided free of charge due to the replay, even if no actual medals are inserted, it is treated as if a medal equivalent to the prescribed number of medals for that game was inserted, and the difference in medals is calculated accordingly.

[0128] In this embodiment, the AT control means 175 also determines that the conditions for the termination of the advantageous section have been met if the conditions for the termination of the advantageous section have been met at the end of the first AT state, in other words, at the end of the game when the value of the AT game counter 1921 returns to its initial value of "0". In this embodiment, it is determined that the conditions for the termination of the advantageous section have been met if the result of the continuation lottery conducted at the start of each set of the first AT state is unsuccessful.

[0129] In this embodiment, the advantageous period ends when the first AT state ends and the arbitrary termination condition for the advantageous period is met. However, even if the first AT state ends, the advantageous period may be maintained as long as the termination conditions for the advantageous period associated with the first clear counter 1922 and the second clear counter 1923 are not met. In this case, since the advantageous period continues even after the end of the first AT state, there may be cases where the player remains in the advantageous period even when the performance state transitions from the first AT state to a different performance state (for example, the normal performance state).

[0130] Furthermore, during the advantageous period, unless the conditions for ending the advantageous period are met, the first clear counter 1922 and the second clear counter 1923 will be updated even if a transition occurs in the game state or performance state.

[0131] Furthermore, the AT control means 175 performs initialization processing to initialize the information stored in a predetermined storage area of ​​the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a based on the end of the advantageous period. In particular, with respect to the main RAM of the game information storage means 190, the information stored in the performance state storage area 1918, the common 3-coin payout counter 1919, the special AT game count counter 1920, the AT game count counter 1921, the first clear counter 1922, and the second clear counter 1923 is initialized by the initialization processing that accompanies the end of the advantageous period. More specifically, storage areas other than the performance state storage area 1918, the common 3-coin payout counter 1919, the special AT game count counter 1920, the AT game count counter 1921, the first clear counter 1922, and the second clear counter 1923 in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a are designated as information holding areas, and the information stored in storage areas other than the information holding areas of the main RAM is initialized. Therefore, when initialization processing is performed due to the end of the advantageous period, unlike when initialization processing is performed in setting change mode, in addition to the setting value storage area 1913 and the credit information storage area 1914, the lottery flag storage area 1915 and the game state storage area 1916 are also designated as information retention areas, and the information stored in these storage areas is retained without being initialized by the initialization processing due to the end of the advantageous period. When initialization processing is performed due to the end of the advantageous period, the performance state is initialized to the initial performance state, and the values ​​of the common 3-coin payout counter 1919, special AT game count counter 1920, AT game count counter 1921, first clear counter 1922, and second clear counter 1923 are initialized to their initial values ​​(for example, 0), and the game returns to the normal period. If the performance state storage area 1918 is initialized, information about the number of sets of the first AT state and information about the results of the continuation lottery are also initialized.

[0132] In this embodiment, an initialization process is performed upon the end of the advantageous period to return to the normal period. Therefore, if the value of the first clear counter 1922 or the second clear counter 1923 exceeds a threshold while in the AT state, the initialization process upon the end of the advantageous period forces the AT state to terminate and the performance state is initialized to the initial performance state. At the same time, the values ​​of the common 3-coin payout counter 1919, the special AT game counter 1920, the AT game counter 1921, the first clear counter 1922, and the second clear counter 1923 are initialized to their initial values ​​(for example, 0). Furthermore, if the value of the first clear counter 1922 or the second clear counter 1923 exceeds a threshold while in any other performance state, the current performance state is forcibly terminated by the initialization process accompanying the end of the advantageous section, and the performance state is initialized to the initial performance state. At the same time, the values ​​of the common 3-coin payout counter 1919, the special AT game count counter 1920, the AT game count counter 1921, the first clear counter 1922, and the second clear counter 1923 are initialized to their initial values ​​(for example, 0). In this embodiment, the performance state is not initialized by turning the power on / off, but if the system is started in setting change mode and initialization processing is performed in setting change mode, the performance state is initialized to the initial performance state, and the values ​​of the common 3-coin payout counter 1919, the special AT game count counter 1920, the AT game count counter 1921, the first clear counter 1922, and the second clear counter 1923 are initialized to their initial values ​​(for example, 0). Furthermore, if the performance state memory area 1918 is initialized, information about the number of sets in the first AT state and information about the results of the continuation lottery will also be initialized.

[0133] Furthermore, the AT control means 175 lights up an LED built into the section indicator SEC to indicate that the user is in the advantageous section when the advantageous section has started, and controls the LED built into the section indicator SEC to turn off when the advantageous section has ended. In this embodiment, the LED built into the section indicator SEC is turned off during the normal section, so it is possible to determine whether or not the user is in the advantageous section by checking the lighting status of the section indicator SEC.

[0134] In this embodiment, the AT control means 175 starts or ends an advantageous section notification, which is a notification that the player is staying in an advantageous section, based on the value of the first clear counter 1922. For example, when a predetermined value "1" is set in the first clear counter 1922 as the player transitions to an advantageous section, the advantageous section notification is started based on the fact that the value of the first clear counter 1922 has become greater than the initial value "0" (the value of the first clear counter 1922 is not the initial value "0"). When the advantageous section ends and the player transitions to a normal section, the value of the first clear counter 1922 is initialized to the initial value "0", the advantageous section notification is ended based on the fact that the value of the first clear counter 1922 has become the initial value "0".

[0135] The section indicator SEC does not need to be provided exclusively as in this embodiment, and may be used in conjunction with the main indicator 300. For example, the presence or absence of a player in a favorable section may be indicated by switching the illumination of the dot display section that displays decimal points on a 7-segment display, with the dot display section being off during normal sections and illuminated during favorable sections to indicate that the player is in a favorable section. In addition, when a favorable section begins, an LED built into the section indicator SEC lights up to immediately indicate that the player is in a favorable section. However, the period from the start of the favorable section until a predetermined number of games have been played may be designated as a non-notification period where the player is not notified that they are in a favorable section, or until the first correct operation notification in the favorable section is performed.

[0136] The performance control means 180 controls display performances performed using the display device 330 (an example of a performance device) and sound performances performed using the sound device 340 (an example of a performance device) based on performance data stored in the performance data storage area 1926 provided in the sub-ROM of the performance information storage means 190b. For example, in response to the occurrence of game events such as inserting a medal, operations on the 1-bet button B01, MAX-bet button B0M, start lever SL, stop buttons B1-B3, operations on the performance button B5, and changes in the game state, it controls the execution of performances (game performances) to enhance or assist the game according to the progress of the game by lighting or flashing lamps and LEDs, changing the display content (performance image) of the liquid crystal display LCD, and outputting sound from the speaker SP. The content of the performances to be performed in the game is determined by referring to the performance lottery table stored in the sub-lottery table storage area 1927 provided in the sub-ROM of the performance information storage means 190b, according to the game state, performance state, results of internal lottery, etc. In this embodiment, image data corresponding to the progress of the game is read from the sub-ROM's performance data storage area 1926 into an image buffer 1928 provided in the sub-RAM, and an image based on the image data read into the image buffer 1928 is output to the liquid crystal display LCD. Sound data corresponding to the progress of the game is read from the sub-ROM's performance data storage area 1926 into a sound buffer 1929 provided in the sub-RAM, and a sound based on the sound data read into the sound buffer 1929 is output from the speaker SP.

[0137] In this embodiment, game information such as the results of internal lotteries, game state, performance state, results of various lotteries including AT lottery, and values ​​of various counters such as the AT counter 1921 are notified from the main board MAIN to the sub-board SUB, and the performance control means 180 controls the execution of performances based on the information notified from the main board MAIN.

[0138] The performance control means 180 then causes the display device 330 to execute an operation performance prompting the user to operate the performance button B5 when the performance state is a normal performance state, a first AT state, or a special AT state, and the game state is a normal state or a BB established state, and the internal lottery has resulted in a winning pattern for chance role A, chance role B, common yellow 7, or a special role. In this embodiment, when the first reels R1 to the third reels R3 begin to rotate steadily during the game, the sub-board SUB is configured to accept an operation on the performance button B5 as a performance operation, and the main board MAIN is configured to accept an operation on the MAX bet button B0M as a performance operation. When an performance operation is performed on the performance button B5, the display device 330 is instructed to execute a first operation result performance, which notifies (or suggests) the result of the internal lottery by displaying an image corresponding to the result of the internal lottery (winning type, winning role) on the liquid crystal display LCD. When an operation is performed on the MAX bet button B0M, the sound device 340 is instructed to execute a second operation result performance, which notifies (or suggests) the result of the internal lottery by outputting a performance sound corresponding to the result of the internal lottery (winning type, winning role) from the speaker SP.

[0139] Furthermore, the performance control means 180 causes the display device 330 and sound device 340 to execute a bonus notification performance (an example of a specific performance) to inform the player that a bonus of transitioning to the special AT state will be granted when the third stop operation is performed, if the performance state is the initial performance state, normal performance state, first AT state, or special AT state, and the game state is the normal state or BB established state, and a winning pattern for a special role is obtained through internal lottery (when a bonus is granted when a winning pattern for a special role is obtained).

[0140] Furthermore, when the performance state is the first AT state, the second AT state, or the special AT state, and the game state is the normal state or the BB established state, the performance control means 180, when it obtains a winning pattern of either the yellow 7A to yellow 7H batting order, the 3-coin batting order A to the 3-coin batting order D, or the precise batting order A to the precise batting order D, displays an image on the liquid crystal display LCD corresponding to the correct batting order or an image corresponding to the correct batting order and correct button press timing to notify the correct batting order (operation sequence of the stop operation) or the correct batting order and correct button press timing (operation pattern of the stop operation), and causes the display device 330 and the sound device 340 to execute a small win assist performance (game assist performance) to assist in winning 9-coin small wins, 3-coin small wins, or 15-coin small wins.

[0141] Furthermore, in the first AT state or special AT state, when a replay A, replay B, batting order replay, or red 7 alignment replay is won and an additional value of "50" is selected, the display device 330 and sound device 340 execute a red 7 winning assistance performance by notifying the user to stop the reels in the order in which a replay 3 can be won and at the timing when the red 7 symbol "red 7" is displayed, thereby assisting in the winning of a replay 3 accompanied by the display of a red 7 alignment symbol combination. In the red 7 winning assistance performance, the user notifies the user to stop the third reel R3 first when a replay A, replay B, or batting order replay is won and the user notifies the user to stop the first reel R1 first when a red 7 alignment replay is won.

[0142] Furthermore, in the first AT state or special AT state, when a hit order replay or a BAR alignment replay is won and the additional value of "30" is selected, the performance control means 180 displays on the liquid crystal display LCD a button press sequence that can award replay 5 or replay 4, and an image corresponding to the BAR symbol "BAR", thereby notifying the user to stop the button press sequence that can award replay 5 or replay 4 and at the timing when the BAR symbol "BAR" is displayed, and causing the display device 330 and sound device 340 to execute a BAR award assist performance that assists in awarding replay 5 accompanied by a display of a middle row BAR alignment symbol combination or replay 4 accompanied by a display of a lower row BAR alignment symbol combination. In the BAR prize winning support animation, when a batting order replay is won, the player is notified of the button pressing sequence in which the second reel R2 is stopped first, which will allow them to win replay 5. When a BAR alignment replay is won, the player is notified of the button pressing sequence in which the first reel R1 is stopped first, which will allow them to win replay 4.

[0143] Furthermore, in the first AT state, the performance control means 180 causes the display device 330 and sound device 340 to execute a BAR entry assist performance or a red 7 entry assist performance when the internal lottery results in a common single-coin win, and causes the display device 330 and sound device 340 to execute a red 7 entry assist performance when the internal lottery results in a red 7 fake replay win. When the common single-coin win occurs, the BAR entry assist performance notifies the pressing order to stop the second reel R2 first, and the red 7 entry assist performance notifies the pressing order to stop the third reel R3 first. Also, when the red 7 fake replay occurs, the red 7 entry assist performance notifies the pressing order to stop the third reel R3 first.

[0144] Furthermore, in the first AT state, if the bonus lottery is unsuccessful when a batting order replay, a red 7 alignment replay, or a BAR alignment replay is won, the performance control means 180 notifies the LCD of the button press sequence that will allow a replay 1 to be awarded, and causes the display device 330 and sound device 340 to execute a replay award assistance performance to assist in awarding a replay 1. In the replay award assistance performance, the button press sequence that will allow a replay 1 to be awarded is notified as follows: when a batting order replay is won, the button press sequence that will stop the first reel R1 first is notified; when a red 7 alignment replay is won, the button press sequence that will stop the second reel R2 first is notified; and when a BAR alignment replay is won, the button press sequence that will stop the third reel R3 first is notified.

[0145] Furthermore, in the special AT state, when a replay A, replay B, batting order replay, red 7 alignment replay, or BAR alignment replay is won and the additional value "10" is selected in the bonus lottery, the performance control means 180 causes the display device 330 and sound device 340 to execute a replay entry support performance. In the replay entry support performance, when a replay A or replay B is won, the press sequence instructs the user to stop the first reel R1 first as the press sequence that will allow replay 1 to be entered.

[0146] Furthermore, in the special AT state, the performance control means 180 causes the display device 330 and sound device 340 to execute a BAR entry support performance or a red 7 entry support performance when a common single-coin win occurs and the bonus lottery is won, and when a red 7 fake replay win occurs and the bonus lottery is won, the display device 330 and sound device 340 to execute a red 7 entry support performance.

[0147] Furthermore, the performance control means 180, when the performance state is the second AT state and the game state is the normal state or the BB established state, and when the internal lottery results in a winning pattern of Replay A, Replay B, Batting Order Replay, Red 7 Alignment Replay, or BAR Alignment Replay, causes the display device 330 and sound device 340 to execute a replay prize assist performance.

[0148] Furthermore, when the performance control means 180 is in the second AT state and the game state is the normal state or the BB established state, and it obtains a winning pattern for a special role through internal lottery (when it obtains a winning pattern for a special role, no bonus is awarded), it notifies the button press sequence 5 (the sequence in which small role 6 can be awarded) and causes the display device 330 and sound device 340 to execute a small role awarding assistance performance (game assistance performance) that assists in awarding a 9-coin small role (small role 6). In this case, the performance control means 180 does not transition from the second AT state to the special AT state, so it does not execute a bonus notification performance regardless of the order in which the stop operation is performed.

[0149] Furthermore, the performance control means 180 executes an AT remaining count display performance, which displays the remaining number of games until the end of the first AT state on the liquid crystal display LCD when the game is being played in the first AT state. In the AT remaining count display performance, when the value of the AT game counter 1921 is decreased by playing the game, the display content is changed so that the remaining number of games decreases to reflect that decrease, and when the number of games in the first AT state is increased by an addition process in the first AT state or special AT state, the display content is changed so that the remaining number of games increases to reflect that addition.

[0150] Furthermore, the performance control means 180 executes a special AT remaining count display performance, which displays the remaining number of games until the special AT state ends on the liquid crystal display LCD when the game is being played in the special AT state. In the special AT remaining count display performance, when the value of the special AT game counter 1920 is decreased by playing the game, the display content is changed so that the remaining number of games decreases to reflect that decrease, and when the number of games in the special AT state is increased by an addition process in the special AT state, the display content is changed so that the remaining number of games increases to reflect that addition.

[0151] The functional block configuration of this embodiment can also be applied to computer systems (including game systems). In these systems, the function of the computer as the game control means 100 of this embodiment can be realized by downloading a program that enables the computer to function as such from an information storage medium such as a CD or DVD, or from a web server on the internet via a network. In the above computer system, the medal insertion switch 210, 1-bet switch 220, MAX-bet switch 225, start switch 230, stop switch 240, etc., can be realized by virtually assigning their functions to operating means such as a keyboard, pointing device (mouse, etc.), touch panel, or controller. In the above computer system, the reel unit 310, hopper unit HP, etc., are not essential configuration requirements, and the functions of these device units can be virtually realized by controlling the images displayed on the display (display device 330).

[0152] 2. The method of this embodiment In the following, the control methods employed in the gaming machine of this embodiment will be specifically described with reference to Figures 10, 12, and 20 to 23. Figure 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the bonus notification effect processing in the gaming machine of this embodiment, Figure 21 is a diagram showing an example of an effect image displayed in the bonus notification effect in the gaming machine of this embodiment, Figure 22 is a diagram showing an example of an effect image displayed in the operation effect, the first operation result effect, and the second operation result effect in the gaming machine of this embodiment, and Figure 23 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation effect processing in the gaming machine of this embodiment.

[0153] First, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, when a winning combination for a special role is obtained through internal lottery, the button press sequence in which the first reel R1 is stopped first (button press order 1, 2) will always display a combination of symbols with special symbols aligned in the middle row, the button press sequence in which the second reel R2 is stopped first (button press order 3, 4) will always display a combination of symbols with special symbols aligned diagonally upwards to the right, and the button press sequence in which the third reel R3 is stopped first (button press order 5, 6) will always display either a combination of special symbols aligned in the middle row or a combination of special symbols aligned diagonally upwards to the right. Without displaying any pattern combinations, the combination of three yellow 7s aligned diagonally upwards is always displayed. In the case of a special symbol alignment in the middle row and a special symbol alignment diagonally upwards to the right, as shown in Figures 12(A) and 12(B), the special symbol "SP" is displayed at the display position on the active line L1 on at least one of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. However, in the case of three yellow 7s aligned diagonally upwards to the right, as shown in Figure 12(C), the special symbol "SP" is not displayed at the display position on the active line L1.

[0154] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if a special role is won through internal lottery in any performance state other than the second AT state (initial performance state, normal performance state, first AT state, or special AT state), the performance state is transitioned to a special AT state which is advantageous to the player. However, in games in which a special role is won, the correct operation notification that informs (instructs) the order of pressing buttons and the winning assistance performance are not executed, so the game can be played with any order of pressing buttons. For this reason, in games in which a special role is won in any performance state other than the second AT state, any combination of symbols from the middle row special symbols, the right-upward special symbols, and the right-upward yellow 7s can be displayed.

[0155] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 20, when a third stop operation is performed in a game in which a special role is won in a performance state other than the second AT state (Y in step S100, Y in step S101), a special notification performance is executed to inform the player that a special bonus of transitioning to the special AT state is granted. In the special notification performance, the performance style changes according to the order in which the stop operation is pressed (operation style), and when the stop operation is performed in an order in which the first reel R1 or the second reel R2 is stopped first (press order 1 to 4) (Y in step S102), a special symbol display showing the special symbol "SP" is shown as shown in Figure 21(A). The awarding of a bonus is announced by displaying a performance image including IMG1 (an example of a specific display) on the liquid crystal display LCD (step S103). If the stop operation is performed in the order in which the third reel R3 is stopped first (button order 5, 6) (N in step S102), the awarding of a bonus is announced by displaying a performance image including a different display from the special symbol display IMG1 (in this embodiment, a display showing the yellow 7 symbol "Yellow 7" or a display showing a 7 symbol display IMG2 which is a display showing a symbol that imitates the yellow 7 symbol "Yellow 7"), as shown in Figure 21(B) (step S104).

[0156] In this embodiment, when the stop operation is performed in a pressing order (pressing order 1 to 4) that displays a combination of special symbols in the middle row or a special symbol combination diagonally upwards to the right, the special symbol display IMG1 is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD in the bonus notification performance. When the stop operation is performed in a pressing order (pressing order 5, 6) that does not display either a combination of special symbols in the middle row or a special symbol combination diagonally upwards to the right, the special symbol display IMG1 is not displayed in the bonus notification performance. This minimizes the possibility of misinterpretation regarding the game.

[0157] Furthermore, in this embodiment, even though there is no transition from the 2nd AT state to the special AT state, if a combination of symbols such as a middle row special symbol alignment or a right-upward special symbol alignment is displayed in the 2nd AT state, there is a risk of giving the player the expectation or misunderstanding that they will transition to the special AT state. However, in the 2nd AT state, a small role winning assistance performance is performed that notifies the player that the batting order is 5 when a special role is won, thereby avoiding the display of a combination of symbols such as a middle row special symbol alignment or a right-upward special symbol alignment, and also preventing the execution of the bonus notification performance. This prevents giving the player unnecessary expectations or misunderstandings, and thus does not impair the gameplay.

[0158] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in order to avoid giving players unnecessary expectations or misunderstandings, even if the display of symbol combinations such as a middle row special symbol alignment or a right-upward special symbol alignment can be avoided depending on the button press order, in button press orders other than those that avoid such symbol combinations (button press orders 5 and 6) (button press orders 1 to 4), the special symbol display IMG1 can be used to emphasize the special symbol "SP". Therefore, the display of the special symbol display IMG1 can be used to emphasize the symbol combinations such as a middle row special symbol alignment or a right-upward special symbol alignment, as well as the special symbol "SP", as much as possible, thereby improving the enjoyment of the game.

[0159] In this embodiment, when the internal lottery in the AT state results in a winning pattern of batting order yellow 7C or batting order yellow 7G, a small win assist performance is executed that notifies batting order 5 as the correct batting order. Similarly, when the second AT state results in a winning pattern of a special role, a small win assist performance is executed that notifies batting order 5. However, when the second AT state results in a winning pattern of a special role, a small win assist performance is executed that notifies batting order 5 in the same manner as the small win assist performance executed when batting order yellow 7C or batting order yellow 7G is won. For example, in a small win assist performance, when the pressing order is notified by displaying navigation number displays of "1", "2", and "3" on the liquid crystal display LCD, the design of the navigation number displays (shape, color, size, etc.) is designed to be the same for when batting order yellow 7C or batting order yellow 7G is won and for when a special role is won, so that the performance images including navigation number displays and effects are the same, and the performance sounds such as sound effects and navigation voices are also designed to be the same. As a result, in this embodiment, depending on the presentation of the small role winning assistance presentation, it is possible to make it impossible to distinguish whether the winning pattern is Yellow 7C in the order of hitting, Yellow 7G in the order of hitting, or a special role. Therefore, even if a special role is won in the second AT state, the player will not be aware that a special role has been won.

[0160] In this embodiment, when a special role is won in the second AT state, the main display 300 displays information corresponding to batting order 5 (an example of operation instruction information) to assist in winning the 9-coin small role (small role 6). However, when a special role is won in the second AT state, the correct operation notification is performed to notify batting order 5 in the same display manner as the correct operation notification performed when batting order yellow 7C or batting order yellow 7G is won. For example, in the correct operation notification, the same operation instruction number "05" is displayed in the same display manner (same color, etc.) when batting order yellow 7C or batting order yellow 7G is won and when a special role is won. As a result, in this embodiment, depending on the display manner of the correct operation notification, it is possible to make it impossible to distinguish which of batting order yellow 7C, batting order yellow 7G, or special role has been won, so that even if a special role is won in the second AT state, the player will not know that a special role has been won.

[0161] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the same 9-coin small win (small win 6) is awarded whether the stop operation is performed with the correct batting order (batting order 5) when the batting order yellow 7C or batting order yellow 7G is won, or when the stop operation is performed with batting order 5 when a special win is won. Therefore, depending on the reel stopping pattern, it is possible to make it impossible to distinguish whether the winning pattern of batting order yellow 7C, batting order yellow 7G, or special win has been won. As a result, in this embodiment, even if a special win is won in the second AT state, the player will not be aware that a special win has been won.

[0162] Thus, in this embodiment, even if a special role is won in the second AT state, the player is not informed of the win. This prevents the player from experiencing an unnecessary sense of loss due to not receiving a reward, and thus does not impair the gameplay.

[0163] In this embodiment, the winning patterns for Chance Role A, Chance Role B, Common Yellow 7, and Special Role are roles (specific roles) that trigger AT lottery and bonus lottery. In games where a specific role is won in the normal performance state, 1st AT state, or special AT state, an operation performance is executed in response to the start operation of the start lever SL, prompting the player to operate the performance button B5, thereby increasing the player's expectation of winning a specific role. In the operation performance, as shown in Figure 22(A), an image of the performance button B5, the performance button display object IMG10, is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD, thereby prompting the player to operate the performance button B5.

[0164] In this embodiment, when an action sequence is performed, in addition to operations on the action button B5, operations on the MAX bet button B0M can also be accepted as action sequences, and the content of the sequence is changed according to the type of action sequence operation.

[0165] Specifically, in a game in which an operation animation is performed, if an operation is performed on the animation button B5 while the reels are spinning (if an operation is performed on the first operation means while the operation animation is being performed), the operation animation is terminated by hiding the animation button display IMG10, and the first operation result animation is performed to notify (or suggest) the result of the internal lottery by displaying an image corresponding to the result of the internal lottery (winning type, winning role) on the liquid crystal display LCD. In the first operation result animation, one of the following character displays is displayed as the image corresponding to the result of the internal lottery: character A display IMG11, which is an animation image of character A corresponding to chance role A; character B display, which is an animation image of character B corresponding to chance role B; character C display, which is an animation image of character C corresponding to common yellow 7; or character D display, which is an animation image of character D corresponding to special role. For example, when chance role A is won, character A display IMG11 is displayed as shown in Figure 22(B).

[0166] Furthermore, in a game in which an action sequence is performed, if an action sequence is performed on the MAX bet button B0M while the reels are spinning (if an action is performed on the second action means while an action sequence is being performed), the action sequence continues to run by maintaining the display of the action button display IMG10, and a second action result sequence is performed to notify (or suggest) the result of the internal lottery (winning pattern, winning role) by outputting an action sound corresponding to the result of the internal lottery from the speaker SP. In the second operation result presentation, as a sound effect corresponding to the result of the internal lottery, one of the following character sound effects is output: sound effect A of character A's line S1 (e.g., "Here we go!") corresponding to chance role A; sound effect B of character B's line S2 (e.g., "It's a chance!") corresponding to chance role B; sound effect C of character C's line S3 (e.g., "It's hot!") corresponding to common yellow 7; or sound effect D of character D's line S4 (e.g., "It's super hot!") corresponding to special role. For example, when chance role A is won, sound effect A of line S1 is output as shown in Figure 22(C).

[0167] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second operation result animation is not executed while the first operation result animation is being executed. For example, even if an animation operation is performed on the MAX bet button B0M while the character A display IMG11 is being displayed, the character animation sound (sound A of dialogue S1) corresponding to the result of the internal lottery is not output.

[0168] In this embodiment, if an action is performed on action button B5 while the action and second action result actions are being performed, the action and second action result actions are terminated and the first action result actions are executed. For example, as shown in Figure 22(C), if an action is performed on action button B5 while the action button display IMG10 is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD and the action sound A of line S1 is output from speaker SP, then as shown in Figure 22(D), the action is terminated by hiding the action button display IMG10 and the second action result actions are terminated by ending the output of the action sound A of line S1, and character A display IMG11 is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD.

[0169] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the duration of the first operation result animation is set to be longer than the duration of the second operation result animation. In other words, the display time of the character display is set to be longer than the playback time of the character animation sound.

[0170] In this embodiment, the first operation result animation is terminated when a predetermined animation time has elapsed or when a third stop operation is performed on the stop button. The first operation result animation will not terminate even if a first stop operation or a second stop operation is performed on the stop button while the first operation result animation is running.

[0171] In this embodiment, even if a stop operation is performed on the stop button while the second operation result animation is being executed, the second operation result animation will not end. However, if a third stop operation is performed on the stop button while the second operation result animation is being executed, the second operation result animation may be terminated by ending the output of the character animation sound.

[0172] Next, we will explain the operation and animation processing related to operation and animation.

[0173] In the operation and presentation processing, as shown in Figure 23, when a winning pattern for a specific role is obtained in the normal presentation state, the first AT state, or the special AT state (Y in step S200), an operation presentation prompting operation on the presentation button B5 is executed, and in the operation presentation, the presentation button display IMG10 is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD (step S201), and when an operation on the presentation button B5 is performed while the reels are rotating in the game in which the operation presentation was executed (Y in step S202), the operation presentation is terminated by hiding the presentation button display IMG10 (step S203), and if character presentation sound is output from speaker SP ( If step S204 is Y, the second operation result performance is terminated by ending the output of character performance sound (step S205), the first operation result performance is executed by displaying a character display corresponding to the result of the internal lottery on the liquid crystal display (LCD) (step S206), and if the performance time of the first operation result performance (display time of the character display) has elapsed (step S207 is Y), or if a third stop operation is performed on the stop button before the performance time of the first operation result performance has elapsed (step S208 is Y), the first operation result performance is terminated by hiding the character display (step S209).

[0174] Furthermore, in a game in which an action sequence is performed, if an action sequence is performed on the MAX bet button B0M while the reels are spinning (Y in step S210), and if no character sound sequence has been output even once in that game (N in step S211), the second action result sequence is performed by outputting a character sound sequence corresponding to the result of the internal lottery from speaker SP (step S212).

[0175] Furthermore, in a game in which an operation animation is performed, if a third stop operation is performed on the stop button without any operation being performed on the animation button B5 or the MAX bet button B0M while the reels are spinning (Y in step S213), the operation animation is terminated by hiding the animation button display IMG10 (step S214). In this case, neither the first operation result animation nor the second operation result animation is performed.

[0176] In this embodiment, if an operation animation is performed when a special role is won, and the third stop operation is performed, a bonus notification animation will be executed upon the completion of the operation animation and the first operation result animation.

[0177] In this embodiment, if a player performs an action on the MAX bet button B0M, which is not prompted for action, while an action prompting the player to operate the action button B5 is being executed, a second action result is executed, which is different from the first action result execution that displays a character on the liquid crystal display LCD, by outputting a character sound from speaker SP. This adds a hidden element to the action prompt that increases the player's anticipation of winning a specific role. This increases the variety of effects and improves the enjoyment of the game.

[0178] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second operation result animation is not executed while the first operation result animation is being executed. Therefore, even if an animation operation is performed on the MAX bet button B0M while an animation operation is performed on the animation button B5 based on the display of a character, the character animation sound corresponding to the result of the internal lottery will not be output. This prevents the first operation result animation, which is the main animation, from being interrupted by the second operation result animation, which is a hidden animation element, thereby improving the enjoyment of the game.

[0179] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if an action is performed on the action button B5 while the action and the second action result action are being executed, the action and the second action result action are terminated and the first action result action is executed. This prevents the first action result action, which is the main action, from being interrupted by the hidden second action result action, thereby improving the enjoyment of the game.

[0180] Furthermore, in this embodiment, even if the transmission order of commands (signals) sent from the main board MAIN to the sub-board SUB is changed, or if the second operation result effect is executed while the first operation result effect is being executed, or the first operation result effect is executed while the second operation result effect is being executed, due to reasons such as unexpected operations or malfunctions, the first operation result effect and the second operation result effect are executed by different effect devices. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first operation result effect, which is the main effect, from being completely obstructed by the second operation result effect, which is a hidden element.

[0181] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the duration of the first operation result animation is set to be longer than that of the second operation result animation, even if the second operation result animation is executed while the first operation result animation is being executed due to a malfunction or other reason, or if the first operation result animation is executed while the second operation result animation is being executed, it is possible to prevent the first operation result animation, which is the main animation, from being completely interrupted by the second operation result animation, which is a hidden element.

[0182] 3. Variant The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible. Examples of such modifications are introduced below. The embodiments described above, as well as the various methods described below as modifications, can be appropriately combined and adopted as control methods to realize the present invention.

[0183] In the above embodiment, the symbol combinations for the middle row special symbol alignment and the diagonal right special symbol alignment displayed in the pressing order (pressing order 1 to 4) in which the first reel R1 or the second reel R2 is stopped first when a special role is won were explained using the example of a symbol combination consisting only of the special symbol "SP". However, the symbol combinations for the middle row special symbol alignment and the diagonal right special symbol alignment are any symbol combination that includes the special symbol "SP", and the special symbol "SP" is displayed in a display position on the active line on at least one reel. For example, they may be composed of multiple types of symbols that include the special symbol "SP".

[0184] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when the stop operation is performed in the order of pressing the third reel R3 first when a special role is won (pressing order 5, 6), the case in which the combination of the right-upward yellow 7 is displayed and the special symbol "SP" is not displayed in the display position on the active line was explained as an example. However, in the order of pressing the third reel R3 first (pressing order 5, 6), it is sufficient that no combination of symbols in which the special symbol "SP" is displayed aligned on any line is displayed, such as the middle row special symbol alignment or the right-upward special symbol alignment, and the special symbol "SP" may be displayed in the display position on the active line.

[0185] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the example described was the case in which a special symbol display object IMG1 showing the same symbols as the special symbols "SP" arranged on the outer surface of the reels is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD in the bonus notification performance. However, the special symbol display object IMG1 may be a display object that shows symbols that mimic the special symbols "SP" arranged on the outer surface of the reels.

[0186] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when a special role is won in a performance state other than the second AT state, the example given is that when the stop operation is performed in the order of pressing the third reel R3 first (press order 5, 6), the 7 symbol display IMG2 is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD in the bonus notification performance. However, when the stop operation is performed in the order of pressing the third reel R3 first (press order 5, 6), the special symbol display IMG1 is not displayed in the bonus notification performance. For example, instead of displaying the 7 symbol IMG2, you may display text such as "Congratulations!", or you may display a 7 symbol that is not similar to any of the red 7 symbol "Red 7", white 7 symbol "White 7", yellow 7 symbol "Yellow 7", blue 7 symbol A "Blue 7A", blue 7 symbol B "Blue 7B", blue 7 symbol C "Blue 7C", and blue 7 symbol D "Blue 7D" (a symbol that does not show any of the symbols).

[0187] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when a special role is won, the first reel R1 is stopped first (button order 1, 2), and the symbol combination of the middle row special symbols is always displayed when a small role 8 is won. In the second reel R2 is stopped first (button order 3, 4), the symbol combination of the right-upward special symbols is always displayed when a small role 8 is won. However, in the first and second to stop buttons, depending on the timing of the stop operation, there may be cases where the symbol combination of the middle row special symbols is displayed and cases where the symbol combination of the middle row special symbols is not displayed. Similarly, in the third and fourth to stop buttons, depending on the timing of the stop operation, there may be cases where the symbol combination of the right-upward special symbols is displayed and cases where the symbol combination of the right-upward special symbols is not displayed. In this example, when a special role is won in a performance state other than the 2nd AT state, in turn 1 and turn 2, if the stop operation is performed at a timing that allows the symbol combination of the middle row special symbols to be displayed (an example of the first operation mode), the special symbol display IMG1 will be displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD in the bonus notification performance. If the stop operation is performed at a timing different from the timing that allows the symbol combination of the middle row special symbols to be displayed (an example of the second operation mode), the 7 symbol display IMG2 will be displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD in the bonus notification performance. In turn 3 and turn 4, if the stop operation is performed at a timing that allows the symbol combination of the right-upward special symbols to be displayed (an example of the first operation mode), the special symbol display IMG1 will be displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD in the bonus notification performance. If the stop operation is performed at a timing different from the timing that allows the symbol combination of the right-upward special symbols to be displayed (an example of the second operation mode), the 7 symbol display IMG2 will be displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD in the bonus notification performance. In this example, if a combination of special symbols appearing in the middle row or diagonally upwards when a special role is won does not appear, it may be chosen that neither role is awarded. Alternatively, even if a combination of special symbols appearing in the middle row or diagonally upwards appears, it may be chosen that one of the minor roles, including minor role 8, is always awarded.

[0188] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the example of a case where the winning pattern for a special role is the same as the winning pattern for a minor role was explained, but it may also be the winning pattern for a replay. In this example as well, when the winning pattern for a special role is obtained in the second AT state, it is desirable to perform correct operation notification or prize-winning assistance effects so that the player does not know that a special role has been won.

[0189] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the first operation result presentation was explained using the example of displaying a character object on a liquid crystal display (LCD). However, in the first operation result presentation, in addition to displaying the character object, performance sounds such as character performance voices and sound effects may be output from a speaker SP. In this example, the first operation result presentation can output a different character performance voice than that of the second operation result presentation (for example, a different line of dialogue from the same character as in the second operation result presentation).

[0190] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the example given was that when an action is performed on the action button B5 while the action and second action result actions are being performed, the action and second action result actions are terminated and the first action result actions are performed. However, when an action is performed on the action button B5 while the action and second action result actions are being performed, the action will terminate, but the first action result actions may be performed while the execution of the second action result actions continues. In other words, the character action sound related to the second action result actions may not terminate until the playback time has elapsed. For example, if the first action result actions are configured to output character action sound along with the display of character objects, when an action is performed on the action button B5 while the action and second action result actions are being performed, the output of the character action sound related to the second action result actions may continue, and only the display of character objects may be performed among the display of character objects and output of character action sound that constitute the first action result actions, without outputting the character action sound related to the first action result actions. Alternatively, the character action sound related to the first action result actions may be output after the output (execution) of the character action sound related to the second action result actions has finished.

[0191] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the example given was that the operation animation and the first operation result animation are terminated when a third stop operation is performed on the stop button during a game in which an operation animation is being performed. However, the operation animation and the first operation result animation may be terminated when a first stop operation (or second stop operation) is performed on the stop button. In this example, if the operation animation is terminated based on a first stop operation on the stop button, the first operation result animation and the second operation result animation may not be executed even if an animation operation is performed on the animation button B5 or the MAX bet button B0M after the operation animation has ended, or only one of the first operation result animation and the second operation result animation may be executed.

[0192] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, we explained as an example the case in which a performance operation is performed on the MAX bet button B0M while an operation performance is being executed, and the second operation result performance is executed if no character performance sound has been output during that game. However, the second operation result performance may be executed each time a performance operation is performed on the MAX bet button B0M while an operation performance is being executed. In this case, even if the character performance sound related to the second operation result performance is missed, it can be listened to again.

[0193] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the example of executing an operation animation was given when a specific winning combination was obtained. However, there may be cases where no operation animation is executed when a specific winning combination is obtained, or the operation animation may be made executable when a winning combination other than the specific winning combination is obtained. In this example, character displays and character animation sounds corresponding to winning combinations other than the specific winning combination may be prepared, and the first operation result animation and the second operation result animation may be executed.

[0194] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the case in which each of the character displays A to D displayed in the first operation result presentation corresponds to one of the winning patterns among chance role A, chance role B, common yellow 7, and special role was explained as an example, but it is also possible to make them correspond to multiple types of winning patterns, or to make them correspond to the expected winning probability of the AT lottery or the bonus lottery. For example, the characters could be designed so that the expected winning probability of the AT lottery or bonus lottery increases in the order of "character display A < character display B < character display C < character display D", and in the first operation result presentation, each of the character displays A to D could correspond to all winning patterns of chance role A, chance role B, common yellow 7, and special role, and one of the character displays A to D could be selected and displayed by selection lottery, and the selection probability of each character display could be changed according to the expected winning probability of the AT lottery or bonus lottery when each winning pattern is won.

[0195] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the example of prompting operation on the performance button B5 by displaying a performance button indicator in the operation performance was explained. However, in the operation performance, operation on the MAX bet button (an example of the first operation means) B0M may be prompted by displaying a MAX bet button indicator that shows the MAX bet button B0M. In this example, during the execution of the operation performance, if an operation is performed on the MAX bet button B0M, the first operation result performance may be executed, and if an operation is performed on the performance button (an example of the second operation means) B5, the second operation result performance may be executed.

[0196] In the above embodiment, the first and second operation result effects were explained using an example where the effects were performed using one of several types of effect devices, such as the frame lamp of the upper front door UD, the liquid crystal display LCD, the speaker SP, and the backlight unit (not shown) that illuminates the first to third reels R1 to R3 from the back side of the reel tape of each reel (the inner circumference side of each reel). However, the effects may be performed using multiple types of effect devices. In this example, it is desirable that there is at least one effect device that is used only for one of the first and second operation result effects. For example, the first operation result effect may be performed using the frame lamp, the liquid crystal display LCD, and the speaker SP, while the second operation result effect may be performed using only the speaker SP. In this way, it is possible to prevent the first operation result effect, which is the main effect, from being completely obstructed by the second operation result effect, which is a hidden element.

[0197] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the game machine was designed so that when a game is played, a game medium such as a medal is inserted, and the game medium is dispensed when a winning combination is achieved. However, the game may also be played by consuming or assigning game value as electronic information without using game medium. For example, the game machine or an external unit connected to the game machine may be capable of storing information about the game value owned by the player, and the consumption of game value by subtracting the number of game value points may be replaced with the insertion of game mediums, and the assignment of game value by adding the number of game value points may be replaced with the dispensing of game mediums. [Explanation of symbols]

[0198] BX storage box, UD front upper door, DD front lower door, DW display window, L1 Active line, DS game information display unit, LCD liquid crystal display, BS setting change button, KS setting change key cylinder, SEC section indicator, EU power supply unit, ES power switch, SP speaker, PS: Reel unit storage space, MAIN: Main board, SUB: Sub-board, HP hopper unit, MT medal storage tank, CB cash box, R1 is the first reel, R2 is the second reel, R3 is the third reel, B01 1 bet button, SL start lever, B1~B3 Stop button, B05 Performance button, MI: Medal slot, MO: Medal dispenser, MP: Medal tray, 100 Game control means, 103 Setting change means, 105 Input acceptance means, 110 Random number generation means, 120 Internal lottery means, 130 Reel control means, 140 Prize determination means, 150 Dispensing control means, 160 Replay processing means, 170 Game state control means, 175 AT control means, 180 Performance control means, 190a Game information storage means, 1910 Main lottery table storage area, 1911 Stop control table storage area, 1912 Prize determination table storage area, 1913 Setting value storage area, 1914 Credit information storage area, 1915 Lottery flag memory area, 1916 Game state memory area, 1918 Performance state memory area, 1919 Common 3-coin payout counter, 1920 Special AT game counter, 1921 AT game counter, 1922 First clear counter, 1923 Second clear counter, 190b Means for storing performance information, 1926 Performance data storage area, 1927 Sub-lottery table memory area, 1928 Image buffer, 1929 Sound buffer, 210 Coin insertion switch, 220 1 bet switch, 225 MAX bet switch, 230 start switch, 240 Stop switch, 250 Setting change permission switch, 260 Setting change switch, 270 Performance button switch, 300 Main display unit, 310 Reel unit, 315 Reel index, IMG1 Special symbol display, IMG2 7 symbol display, IMG10: Display for the performance button, IMG11: Display for character A

Claims

[Claim 1] Multiple reels with multiple types of patterns arranged on their outer surface, An internal lottery means that performs an internal lottery to determine whether multiple types of winning combinations, including minor wins, are achieved, A gaming machine comprising: a reel control means that rotates the plurality of reels for each game and controls the rotation of the reels in a manner corresponding to the result of an internal lottery when a stop operation is triggered, As for the winning patterns of the aforementioned minor role, there are two types of winning patterns: a first winning pattern in which multiple types of incorrect minor roles, including a correct minor role and one specific minor role, are won simultaneously, and the specific minor role is won in common; and a second winning pattern in which multiple types of minor roles, including the specific minor role and other minor roles different from the incorrect minor role, are won simultaneously, and the correct minor role is not included. A correct operation mode is set for each of the multiple types of the first winning mode, and the operation mode in which a specific reel is stopped first among the multiple reels is not set as the correct operation mode in any of the first winning modes. Each of the operation sequences other than the sequence in which the specific reel is stopped first among the plurality of reels is set to the correct operation sequence in any of the first winning configurations. There exists a first winning mode in which the correct operation mode is to stop a reel different from the specified reel among the plurality of reels first, but there does not exist a first winning mode in which the correct operation mode is to stop the specified reel first. Any operation that differs from the correct operation is defined as an incorrect operation. The reel control means, When the first winning configuration is obtained through internal lottery, in the correct operation configuration, the correct small win is awarded and the specific reel is stopped first. In the incorrect operation configuration, the incorrect small win is awarded and a reel other than the specific reel is stopped first. In the incorrect operation configuration, the stopping control is performed such that there are cases where the incorrect small win is awarded and cases where no wins are awarded. A gaming machine characterized in that, when the second winning pattern is obtained through internal lottery, the stopping control is performed such that, in the operation pattern in which the specific reel is stopped first, the specific small win is awarded, and in the operation pattern in which a reel other than the specific reel is stopped first, the other small win is awarded.

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