Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of setting the volume of the sound to be output to an appropriate volume.SOLUTION: An explosion-proof valve is formed on the top surface of an electronic component provided on a substrate. A first distance from the top surface of the electronic component to the top surface of a substrate case is longer than a second distance from the outer periphery to the center of the top surface of the electronic component. A through hole is provided at a position facing the top surface of the electronic component, out of the top surface of the substrate case. The first distance is longer than the length of a screw portion of any screw that is disposed in the game machine and can be inserted into the through hole. The explosion-proof valve is visible from the outside of the substrate case. Sounds to be output from sound output means include first sound related to a game and second sound different from the first sound. The second sound can be output simultaneously with the first sound.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, gaming machines (rotary gaming machines, slot machines) equipped with a plurality of reels having 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 acquire such gaming media. In addition, this type of gaming machine performs an internal lottery and starts the rotation of a plurality of reels upon the player's rotation start operation, and controls the stopping of the plurality of reels in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery upon the player's stop operation. The result of the game is determined by the symbol combination displayed on the winning determination line in the state where the plurality of reels have stopped, and payouts such as medals are made according to the result of the game.

[0003] In the above-described gaming machine, when performing an effect using sound, a configuration is known in which the volume is controlled by changing the output level of the sound output from the speaker, including information on the output level in the data stored in the memory (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Generally, gaming machines are configured to output multiple sounds simultaneously to enhance the entertainment value of the gameplay. However, some sounds, such as error notification sounds, need to take priority over sounds used in gameplay. Therefore, it is necessary to appropriately set the volume of each sound when various sounds are output from the gaming machine.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a gaming machine that can set the volume of the output sound to an appropriate volume. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides a substrate on which a predetermined electronic component is provided, A substrate case for housing the aforementioned substrate, It comprises a sound output means for outputting sound, An explosion-proof valve is formed on the upper surface of the aforementioned electronic component. The first distance from the top surface of the electronic component to the top surface of the substrate case is longer than the second distance from the outer periphery to the center of the top surface of the electronic component. A through-hole is provided in the upper surface of the aforementioned circuit board case, at a position facing the upper surface of the aforementioned electronic component. The first distance is longer than the length of the threaded portion of any screw that is installed in the gaming machine and can be inserted into the through hole. The explosion-proof valve is visible from the outside of the circuit board case. The sound output from the sound output means includes: The first sound related to the game, This message is output when the game value stored in the gaming machine changes. The second note and, It includes a third sound related to warning, The aforementioned second sound can be output simultaneously with the aforementioned first sound. The aforementioned third tone can be output simultaneously with the aforementioned second tone. The aforementioned second tone is output each time the condition is met. A feature of this device is that when the second sound and the third sound are output simultaneously, the volume of the third sound does not decrease. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can set the volume of the output sound to an appropriate volume. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [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 diagram illustrating the functional block of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows the winning areas in the internal lottery of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the winning combinations included in each winning area. [Figure 4] (A) is a state transition diagram of the game state in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a transition diagram relating to the normal section and the advantageous section controlled by the AT control means, and the performance state during the advantageous section. [Figure 5] This table summarizes some of the errors that occur in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This flowchart shows the control process related to the counting notification sound executed by the performance control means of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This flowchart shows the control process related to the operation of the operating means and the display of the display device in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] (A) is a diagram illustrating the state in which a medal overflow notification image is displayed on the display device in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, (B) is a diagram illustrating the state in which a medal count warning notification image is displayed on the display device, and (C) is a diagram showing the state in which the display of the medal overflow error notification image and the medal count warning notification image has ended. [Figure 9] (A) is a diagram illustrating the state in which a demo screen is displayed on the display device in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, (B) is a diagram illustrating the state in which the counting button is operated in the state shown in (A), and (C) is a diagram illustrating the state in which the max bet button is operated in the state shown in (A). [Figure 10]It is a flowchart showing control processing related to the effect when the complete function operates in the gaming machine of the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] (A) is a schematic front view showing a sub-control board in the gaming machine of the embodiment of the present invention, (B) is a schematic view showing an electrolytic capacitor, (C) is a schematic cross-sectional view of a part of the sub-control board enlarged, and (D) is a schematic cross-sectional view explaining the case where a heat dissipation hole is provided in the board case from the state shown in (C).

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

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

[0011] 1. Outline of the Configuration of the Gaming Machine FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a slot machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The slot machine 1 in the present embodiment is a so-called rotary drum type gaming machine, and regarding the gaming value that a player can use for gaming, it is provided outside the slot machine 1 and is based on a lending signal output from a dedicated unit SU (see FIG. 2) having a configuration for lending and settling medals that become gaming values by an electromagnetic method. It is composed of a so-called medal-less gaming machine that records gaming values by an electromagnetic method. The slot machine 1 stores information on the number of recorded gaming values as the number of medals, and is configured to be able to transmit the stored number of medals to the dedicated unit SU. The dedicated unit SU settles the medals by recording the number of medals received from the slot machine 1 on a recording medium such as an IC card and discharging it.

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

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

[0014] The front upper door UD and the front lower door DD are provided so as to be individually openable and closable. The front upper door UD is provided with a display device 410 as display means for performing an effect composed of various videos and images for assisting or enlivening the game. Further, in the display device 410, a specific region 410b facing the left reels R1 to right reels R3 in the display region 410a for displaying an image is composed of a transmissive liquid crystal display, and the rotation state and stop state of the left reels R1 to right reels R3 can be observed through the display device 410. In the stop state of the left reels R1 to right reels R3, among the plurality of types of symbols arranged at regular intervals on the outer peripheral surfaces of the left reels R1 to right reels R3, three symbols (upper-stage symbol, middle-stage symbol, lower-stage symbol) arranged continuously on the outer peripheral surface can be observed from the front of the slot machine 1 through the display device 410.

[0015] Furthermore, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, each reel is provided with upper, middle, and lower display positions for observing the symbols through the display device 410, and an active line L1 is set for the combination of display positions on each reel. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the number of tokens required for one game, the so-called prescribed number of tokens (prescribed number), is set to 3 in all game states, and when tokens equivalent to the prescribed number of tokens are inserted, the active line L1, which is composed of the middle sections of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, is activated.

[0016] The game result is determined by the combination of symbols that stop and are displayed on the active line L1. If the combination of symbols on the active line L1 corresponds to a predetermined winning combination, that combination is considered to have been won, and control corresponding to the winning combination is executed.

[0017] The front lower door DD is equipped with various operating means. These operating means include a max bet button MB, which is an insertion operation means for setting the slot machine 1 to the inserted state; a start lever SL, which is a game start operation means for allowing the player to perform an operation to start the game by rotating the left reel R1 to the right reel R3; stop buttons B1 to B3, which are stop operation means for allowing the player to perform an operation to stop the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, which are rotated by a stepping motor; a counting button KB, which is a counting operation means for transmitting the number of medals stored in the slot machine 1 to a dedicated unit SU; a settlement button AB for releasing the inserted state and returning the medals set to the inserted state to the medal counter 311 (see Figure 2); and a performance button EB used for performance effects.

[0018] The performance button EB is a performance operation means that causes the player to perform an operation that triggers the display of the menu screen on the display device 410 when no medals are inserted and the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are stopped and no game is being played. The performance button EB has multiple selection buttons for selecting an item from the items displayed on the menu screen, and a confirmation button for confirming the selected item. The items displayed on the menu screen include an item that displays a volume adjustment screen for adjusting the volume of sound output from the slot machine 1, and an item that displays a settings information screen that issues setting information about the performance environment of the slot machine 1 via a QR code (registered trademark).

[0019] Furthermore, the front lower door DD is equipped with a main control display device 10D controlled by the CPU of the main control board 10 (see Figure 2). The main control display device 10D consists of a 7-segment display and other components, and displays various game information such as information on the winning combination in the current game, and information (notification display) indicating how to press the stop buttons B1, B2, and B3 related to medal payout. The notification display shown on the main control display device 10D corresponds to the winning combination command, which is a control signal created based on the winning combination information in the current game when the prescribed number of medals are inserted and the start lever SL is operated.

[0020] Furthermore, the front lower door DD is equipped with a medal count display device MD controlled by a medal count control CPU 31 (see Figure 2). The medal count display device MD consists of a 7-segment display and functions as a conceptual container by displaying the number of medals stored in the slot machine 1.

[0021] Furthermore, the front lower door DD is equipped with multiple sound devices 420 for sound-based effects. The sound devices 420 output various sounds to assist or enhance the gameplay.

[0022] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment. The slot machine 1 of this embodiment has a main control board 10 and a sub-control board 20 as control boards. The main control board 10 has a main control CPU 11 that controls the progress of the game and a medal count control CPU 31 that controls the number of medals. The sub-control board 20 has a sub-control CPU 21 that controls the effects related to the game.

[0023] The main control CPU 11 functions as a setting change means 100, an input acceptance 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 game state transition control means 160, an assist time control means (AT control means) 170, and a complete control means 180. Each means constituting the main control CPU 11 reads and executes the respective control program pre-stored in the main memory means 190 when executing each control process.

[0024] The setting change means 100 performs control (setting change control) to change the setting value stored in the setting value storage means 191 of the main memory means 190. When the setting change switch (not shown) is in the ON state and setting changes are permitted, the setting change means 100 receives an input signal output when the setting change button BS provided on the power supply is operated, and each time it receives this input signal, it cycles through the setting values ​​in the order of setting 1 → setting 2 → ... → setting 6 → setting 1 → ... and confirms the setting value based on the reception of a start signal output when the start lever SL is operated. In the slot machine 1, the probability of winning in some of the winning areas among the winning areas that can be won in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 is changed according to the setting value confirmed in the setting value storage means 191.

[0025] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the setting change control by the setting change means 100 is executed, the control related to the game state executed by the game state transition control means 160 and the control related to the advantageous section executed by the AT control means 170 are initialized, the game state is set to the non-replay time state (hereinafter, replay time is also referred to as "RT"), and the control related to auxiliary games that the AT control means 170 was executing before the setting change is also initialized and the normal section is set. On the other hand, in the slot machine 1, when the power supply to the main control CPU 11 is cut off (power out) and then the power supply is resumed, the control related to the game state executed by the game state transition control means 160 and the control related to the advantageous section executed by the AT control means 170 are restarted from the state before the power outage, and the control related to auxiliary games that the AT control means 170 was executing before the power outage is also maintained in the state before the power outage.

[0026] The coin insertion acceptance means 105, during the coin insertion acceptance period in which coins are inserted, receives an input signal output when the max bet button MB is operated (bet operation) with a number of coins equal to or greater than the specified number of coins stored in the coin count counter 311 (described later). Based on this, it sets the coins stored in the coin count counter 311 to the inserted state, up to a limit of the specified number of coins (3 coins), and activates the game start operation on the start lever SL based on the fact that the number of coins corresponding to the specified number of coins has been set to the inserted state.

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

[0028] Furthermore, the coin insertion receiving means 105, during the period between when the coins are set to the inserted state and when the start lever SL is started, receives an input signal output when the settlement button AB is operated, thereby releasing the inserted state and adding the same number of coins that were set to the inserted state to the number of coins stored in the coin counter 311, thereby settling the coins that were set to the inserted state.

[0029] The random number generation means 110 is a means for generating random numbers for the lottery. In this embodiment, "random number" includes not only values ​​that are generated randomly in a mathematical sense, but also values ​​that, even if their generation is regular, can function as effectively random numbers because the timing of their acquisition is irregular.

[0030] The internal lottery means 120 is a means for performing an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination is achieved based on a start signal output when a player performs a start operation on the start lever SL, and performs lottery table selection processing, random number determination processing, lottery flag setting processing, etc.

[0031] In the lottery table selection process, the system selects which of the multiple internal lottery tables stored in the internal lottery table storage means 192 of the main memory means 190 will be used to perform the internal lottery, based on the current game state. In each internal lottery table, each of the multiple random numbers (for example, 65,536 random numbers from 0 to 65,535) is associated with various roles such as replays, minor roles, and bonuses, as well as losses (misses).

[0032] In the following description, "bonus" refers to a feature that activates a special mechanism or a continuous special mechanism activation device upon winning; "bonus activated" means that a bonus is won and the special mechanism or continuous special mechanism activation device is activated; and "bonus state" means the state in which the special mechanism or continuous special mechanism activation device is activated.

[0033] In the random number determination process, a random number (random number for drawing) is obtained for each game based on the start signal output when the start lever SL is started. The obtained random number is then compared with the internal drawing table selected in the drawing table selection process, and a determination is made based on the comparison result as to whether or not a winning combination has been achieved.

[0034] In the lottery flag setting process, based on the result of the random number determination process, the lottery flag corresponding to the winning combination is set from a non-established state (first flag state, OFF state) to an established state (second flag state, ON state). In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, if two or more combinations are won simultaneously, the lottery flag corresponding to each of the two or more combinations that were won simultaneously is set to an established state. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, there are lottery flags that can be carried over to subsequent games until a win is achieved (carry-over flags) and lottery flags that are reset to a non-established state without being carried over to subsequent games regardless of whether a win is achieved (carry-over non-carry-over flags). The lottery flag setting information is stored in the lottery flag storage means 193 of the main memory means 190.

[0035] The reel control means 130 starts the rotation drive of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 and performs reel rotation control to control the rotation pattern of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 based on the player performing a start operation on the start lever SL and outputting a start signal. Furthermore, when the rotation state of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 reaches a state of steady rotation at a predetermined speed (for example, about 80 rpm), the reel control means 130 performs control to activate the stop operation by operating the stop buttons B1 to B3 corresponding to each reel. Then, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped and a reel stop signal is output, the reel control means 130 performs control (reel stop control) to stop each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 corresponding to the stopped stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0036] In the following description, when the reel control means 130 starts the rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, and the player operates the valid stop buttons B1 to B3 respectively, the first operation will be referred to as the first stop operation, the second operation as the second stop operation, and the third operation as the third stop operation.

[0037] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, for the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, the machine is configured to stop the spinning reel corresponding to the pressed stop button within a predetermined period of 190ms from the time the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed. In the following description, pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 will also be referred to as the operation. Furthermore, the slot machine 1 may be configured to output a stop signal not only when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed, but also, for example, when the operation of pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 and then releasing the pressed stop buttons B1 to B3 is performed.

[0038] In this case, if the spinning reels are to be stopped within 190ms from the time the stop button is pressed, the stopping position of each spinning reel is configured such that, based on the diameter and rotation speed of each reel, it is possible for the reels to rotate a maximum of 4 frames from the time the stop button is pressed until they stop. Therefore, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, for the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, the range in which symbols can be drawn onto the active line L1 (draw-in range) is a total of 5 frames from the frame displayed on the active line L1 at the time the stop button is pressed until it rotates 4 frames.

[0039] When reel stop control is executed, the reel control means 130 performs a logic calculation process to determine the stopping position of the rotating reel based on a predetermined priority order, which includes a pull-in process that stops the rotating reel so that as many winning combinations as possible with the lottery flag set to the "established" state can be awarded, and a kick-off process that stops the rotating reel so that winning combinations with the lottery flag set to the "not established" state cannot be awarded, and a table reference process that determines the stopping position of the rotating reel by referring to the stop control table stored in the reel control data storage means 194 of the main memory means 190, thereby stopping the rotating reel and displaying a symbol on the active line L1 (hereinafter, stopping the rotating reel by reel stop control and displaying a symbol on the active line L1 is also referred to as "stop display").

[0040] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when multiple types of small wins are won in the internal lottery, there are two methods for determining the priority of candidate stopping positions: one is to determine the priority according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line L1 (quantity priority control), and the other is to determine the priority according to the number of medals paid out based on the predetermined payout for each small win (coin priority control). However, when executing coin priority control, if the same small win with the same payout is won multiple times, the priority of candidate stopping positions that can award each of these small wins is treated as the same.

[0041] The prize determination means 140 performs a prize determination process to determine whether a winning combination has been achieved based on the stopping patterns of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3. Specifically, while referring to the prize determination table stored in the prize determination table storage means 195 of the main memory means 190, it determines whether the symbol combinations displayed on the active line L1 when all of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 have stopped correspond to predetermined winning combinations. The prize determination table is provided so that the presence or absence of a bonus, replay, or minor win can be determined (hereinafter referred to as "prize determination") based on the symbol combinations displayed on the active line L1 in the state in which each reel has stopped. In the following description, the symbol combinations that indicate the winning combination will also be referred to as "prize symbol combinations".

[0042] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, each process is executed based on the result of the prize determination means 140 in the prize determination process. As for the processes executed based on the result of the prize determination, for example, if a small prize is won, the payout control means 150 is instructed to determine the number of medals to be paid out; if a replay is won, the payout control means 150 is instructed to execute a process that will allow the next game to be played without consuming medals; and if a prize that triggers a transition to a game state such as a bonus is won, the game state transition control means 160 is instructed to transition to a new game state.

[0043] The payout control means 150 performs payout processing related to the payout of medals according to the game result. Specifically, when a minor win is achieved, it determines the number of medals to be paid out in the game based on the predetermined payout for each win, and virtually pays out the medals corresponding to the determined payout amount by adding them to the medal counter 311.

[0044] Furthermore, the payout control means 150, when the winning determination means 140 determines that a combination of symbols indicating the winning of one of the multiple types of replay symbols described later has stopped and is displayed on the active line L1, performs a replay process (re-play process) to set the machine to a ready state that allows the next game to be played without requiring the insertion of tokens. In other words, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when a replay is won, an automatic insertion process is performed in which a predetermined number of tokens are automatically inserted without using the tokens held by the player, and the machine waits for the start operation of the next start lever SL with the same active line L1 as the previous game set.

[0045] In slot machine 1, during the period from when a replay is awarded until the start of the next game, that is, during the period when the prescribed number of tokens are automatically inserted due to the replay process and the game has not yet started, even if the settlement buttons A and B are operated, the number of tokens equal to the prescribed number of tokens inserted will not be added to the token counter 311.

[0046] The game state transition control means 160 performs the process of transitioning game states between multiple game states, and the process of activating and terminating bonuses. Here, the transition conditions for each game state may be defined as one condition or multiple conditions. If multiple conditions are defined, the game state can be transitioned to another game state based on the fulfillment of any one of the multiple predetermined conditions, or on the fulfillment of all of the multiple predetermined conditions.

[0047] The AT control means 170 is an auxiliary game control means that performs control related to the transition between an advantageous section (advantageous period), which is a section (period) in which control related to instruction functions, including auxiliary games that display notifications assisting in winning specific roles on the main control display device 10D, can be executed, and a normal section (non-advantageous period, non-advantageous section), which is a section (period) in which control related to auxiliary games (control related to instruction functions) based on the results of internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 cannot be executed, using data stored in the AT control data storage means 196, thereby performing control related to the normal section, advantageous section, and auxiliary games.

[0048] The AT control data storage means 196 stores data used in various controls related to multiple types of performance states, including the normal state and the AT state, which are executed within the advantageous period (various flags, counters, etc., which are set to the ON state or OFF state in a predetermined control process).

[0049] The AT control means 170 sets the performance state to the AT state (assist time state) under predetermined conditions during the advantageous section, and provides operation notification to assist in winning specific roles by displaying information (an example of operation instruction information) corresponding to the operation patterns of stop buttons B1 to B3 that enable the winning of specific roles on the main control display device 10D, which consists of a 7-segment display. Furthermore, in the slot machine 1, when operation notification by the AT control means 170 is executed, the performance control means 200, described later, executes a navigation performance that displays an indicator corresponding to the correct sequence of hits on the display device 410. In this way, in the slot machine 1, in the AT state, the operation patterns of stop buttons B1 to B3 are notified through operation notification and navigation performance assistance, thereby executing an advantageous auxiliary game (AT game, notification game) for the player.

[0050] The AT control means 170, when a predetermined termination condition for ending the advantageous period, as will be described in more detail later, is met, executes a predetermined termination process that ends the advantageous period and starts the normal period from the next game, and a predetermined initialization process that initializes various flags, numerical values, and other information related to the advantageous period that were set within the advantageous period.

[0051] The AT control means 170 performs an update process (advantageous section difference in tokens update process) that cumulatively records the difference (difference in tokens, number of tokens acquired) obtained by subtracting the number of tokens paid out by the number of tokens inserted from the game in which the advantageous section started in the advantageous section counter 196a. When the AT control means 170 is in an advantageous section, it performs an advantageous section difference in tokens update process that cumulatively updates the value stored in the advantageous section counter 196a to a value equivalent to the difference in tokens, regardless of the game state.

[0052] Furthermore, in the process of updating the difference in the number of tokens in the advantageous section, the AT control means 170 also sets the result of the subtraction to the advantageous section counter 196a when the number of tokens paid out in the game is less than the prescribed number of tokens inserted, and the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a becomes less than "0". In other words, the AT control means 170 is configured to be able to set a negative value to the advantageous section counter 196a.

[0053] The AT control means 170 determines that a specific termination condition has been met as a predetermined termination condition for ending the advantageous section when more than 2400 medals are acquired in the advantageous section, that is, when the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a exceeds the value "2400", and executes a predetermined termination process to end the advantageous section and start the normal section from the next game. For example, in slot machine 1, if the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a is a negative value of "-900" before transitioning to a performance state in which medals can be acquired, then in the performance state in which medals can be acquired, a total of 3301 medals can be acquired: 900 medals until the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a becomes "0", and 2401 medals until the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a becomes "2401" or more.

[0054] The AT control means 170 initializes all information used in various control processes during the advantageous period, such as each flag set to the ON state during the advantageous period and values ​​set during the advantageous period, during a predetermined initialization process. The AT control means 170 can also terminate the advantageous period if a predetermined termination condition (normal termination condition) other than the specific termination condition is met, and executes the predetermined initialization process and predetermined termination process when the normal termination condition is met. Details of the normal termination conditions set by the AT control means 170 in this embodiment will be described later.

[0055] The complete control means 180 controls the slot machine 1 to activate a complete function, which stops the game when the cumulative number of medals acquired since the slot machine 1 was powered on reaches a predetermined value (for example, 19,000 medals). The complete control means 180 performs an update process (complete acquired number update process) in which the difference (difference in medals, acquired number) obtained by subtracting the number of medals paid out in each game from the number of medals inserted after the slot machine 1 is powered on is cumulatively recorded in the medal acquired number counter 197a of the complete storage means 197. However, the complete control means 180 does not update the stored value of the medal acquired counter 197a when a replay is awarded.

[0056] In the complete medal count update process, which updates the stored value of the medal count counter 197a, the complete control means 180, when the stored value of the medal count counter 197a is subtracted because the number of medals dispensed in the game is less than the prescribed number of medals inserted, sets the stored value of the medal count counter 197a to "0" if the stored value of the medal count counter 197a becomes less than "0". As a result, the complete control means 180 can fix the value of the stored value of the medal count counter 197a to "0" when it reaches its lowest point. Therefore, in the control process using the stored value of the medal count counter 197a, it is no longer necessary to change the value that serves as the threshold for judgment according to the specific numerical value at the lowest point, and the load on the control process using the stored value of the medal count counter 197a can be reduced.

[0057] The complete control means 180 determines that the conditions for activating the complete function have been met when the number of medals acquired from the lowest point of medal payouts after the slot machine 1 is powered on reaches 19,000, that is, when the stored value of the medal acquisition counter 197a reaches the value "19,000".

[0058] The complete control means 180 activates the complete function when none of the following are activated: the regular bonus (RB) as a first-class special feature, the regular big bonus (RBB) as a continuous feature activation device related to the first-class special feature, and the challenge big bonus (CBB) as a continuous feature activation device related to the second-class special feature. Based on the fulfillment of the conditions for activating the complete function, the complete function is activated in the game in which the conditions are met, after the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped and the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 have stopped.

[0059] On the other hand, if RB, RBB, or CBB is active, the complete control means 180 activates the complete function after the stop buttons B1 to B3 are stopped and the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 have stopped in a game where the active RB, RBB, or CBB has finished.

[0060] The complete control means 180 sets the complete function activation flag stored in the complete flag storage means 197b of the complete storage means 197 to the ON state when activating the complete function. When the complete function activation flag is set to the ON state, the slot machine 1 enters a stop state, and no further play can be performed until the complete function activation flag is set to the OFF state. The complete function activation flag, which is set to the ON state, is reset to the OFF state when the front upper door UD of the slot machine 1 is opened and the setting change button BS located inside is operated to initialize it. Due to this configuration, the slot machine 1 is configured so that when the complete function is activated, the complete function cannot be deactivated by the player's operation.

[0061] The sub-control CPU 21 functions as a performance control means 200. Each means constituting the sub-control CPU 21 reads and executes the control program pre-stored in the sub-storage means 210 when executing each control process.

[0062] The performance control means 200 controls game-related effects based on performance data stored in the performance control data storage means 211 of the sub-storage means 210, such as image and video effects using the display device 410 and sound effects using the sound device 420. Specifically, when a player operates various components of the slot machine 1, such as the max bet button MB, start lever SL, stop buttons B1 to B3, and counting button KB, or when a game event occurs, such as a change in the game state, the performance control means 200 controls the execution of effects that enhance the game, assist the game, or notify the player that an operation has been performed, by lighting or flashing lamps and LEDs, outputting sound from the sound device 420, etc. Furthermore, the performance control means 200 causes each component of the performance device 400 to execute effects based on each performance state.

[0063] The medal count control CPU 31 functions as a medal count control means 300. Each means constituting the medal count control CPU 31 reads and executes the control program pre-stored in the medal count storage means 310 when executing each control process.

[0064] The medal count control means 300 is configured to transmit signals to the dedicated unit SU via the dispensing device connection terminal board 40, and to receive signals transmitted from the dedicated unit SU via the dispensing device connection terminal board 40. The medal count control CPU 31 stores the total number of medals that can be used for playing in the slot machine 1, which is the medal count, using the medal count counter 311, and displays the number of medals stored in the medal count counter 311 on the medal count display device MD.

[0065] The medal count control means 300, when the counting button KB is operated while the game is playable, transmits a value corresponding to the number of medals stored in the medal count counter 311 to the dedicated unit SU via the dispensing device connection terminal board 40, and subtracts the number of medals corresponding to the transmitted value from the medal count counter 311. Here, "while the game is playable" means that the game machine and the dedicated unit SU are electrically connected, power is supplied to both the game machine and the dedicated unit SU, neither the game machine nor the dedicated unit SU is undergoing maintenance, and no error has occurred that would prevent the game from being played. Furthermore, if the slot machine 1 is not connected to the dedicated unit SU, it disables operation to the counting button KB, thereby preventing a situation where the stored value in the medal count counter 311 is subtracted but no signal is sent to the dedicated unit SU.

[0066] If the counting button KB is pressed for less than 500ms, the medal count control means 300 transmits a value of "1" equivalent to one medal to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and subtracts the value stored in the medal count counter 311 by the value of "1". If the counting button KB is pressed for 500ms or more, the medal count control means 300 transmits a value of "50" equivalent to 50 medals to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40 after 500ms have elapsed, and subtracts the value stored in the medal count counter 311 by the value of "50". Thereafter, every 300ms that elapse while the counting button KB is pressed, the value of "50" equivalent to 50 medals is transmitted to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and the value stored in the medal count counter 311 is subtracted by the value of "50". Furthermore, when 500ms or more have elapsed since the counting button KB was pressed, if the stored value of the medal counter 311 is less than "50", the medal count control means 300 transmits a value corresponding to the stored value of the medal counter 311 to the dedicated unit SU via the dispensing device connection terminal board 40, and subtracts the stored value of the medal counter 311 by the value corresponding to that stored value, thereby setting the stored value of the medal counter 311 to "0".

[0067] The medal count control means 300 determines that a medal overflow has occurred when the stored value of the medal counter 311 exceeds "16369", meaning that the number of medals stored exceeds the limit of 16368 set for storage in the slot machine 1. Based on the determination that a medal overflow has occurred, the slot machine 1 issues a medal overflow error, and when the counting button KB is operated and the medals stored in the medal counter 311 are counted, the stored value of the medal counter 311 becomes "16368" or less, and the medal overflow error is cleared. More details will be described later.

[0068] When the coin count control means 300 is powered on while the coin count clear button CL, which is located inside the gaming machine, is pressed, it initializes the coin count counter 311 and clears (initializes) the coin count, setting the stored value of the coin count counter 311 to "0". As a result, the slot machine 1 can initialize the information on the number of coins that remained in the coin count counter 311 before the power was turned off when the power is turned on.

[0069] 2. Configuration of the gaming machine in this embodiment Next, with reference to Figures 3 to 11, the details of each component of the slot machine 1 in this embodiment will be described.

[0070] <Winning areas subject to internal lottery> Figure 3 shows the winning areas that are subject to internal lottery in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, and the winning numbers and winning combinations associated with each winning area. In addition, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment has an RBB as a bonus, which is a continuous activation device for a special first-class bonus.

[0071] As shown in Figure 3, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the winning areas that are subject to internal lottery include the winning area "All Small Wins", the winning area "All Single Wins", the winning area "Replay A" to the winning area "Replay C", the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 12", the winning area "RBB & Single Win", the winning area "RBB & Rare Win", and the winning area "RBB", and the winning numbers 1 to 20 are associated with each of these areas. In addition, in the slot machine 1, the winning number 0 is associated with the result of the internal lottery when the result is not won (a miss).

[0072] Here, "batting order" refers to the sequence in which operations are performed on stop buttons B1 through B3. Furthermore, in the following description, the timing at which stop buttons B1 through B3 are operated will also be referred to as "operation timing."

[0073] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the order in which the three stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated consists of six types of stop orders, from stop order 1 to stop order 6. Stop order 1 is a stop order called "sequential pressing," in which the stopping operations are performed in the order of stop button B1 → stop button B2 → stop button B3. Stop order 2 is a stop order called "scissors pressing," in which the stopping operations are performed in the order of stop button B1 → stop button B3 → stop button B2. Stop order 3 is a stop order in which the stopping operations are performed in the order of stop button B2 → stop button B1 → stop button B3. Stop order 4 is a stop order in which the stopping operations are performed in the order of stop button B2 → stop button B3 → stop button B1. Stop order 5 is a stop order in which the stopping operations are performed in the order of stop button B3 → stop button B1 → stop button B2. Furthermore, batting order 6 is a so-called reverse batting order, where the stopping operation is performed in the order of stop button B3 → stop button B2 → stop button B1.

[0074] The internal lottery means 120 determines whether each winning area is correct or incorrect in the random number determination process, starting from the winning area associated with winning number 20 and moving towards the losing area associated with winning number 0.

[0075] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, there are small wins 1 to 10 that can be won when selected by internal lottery, and there are replays 1 to 3 that can be won by internal lottery. Each small win and each replay is associated with each winning area in the combinations shown in Figure 3. Also, as shown in Figure 3, in the slot machine 1, there are winning areas that include both bonuses and small wins, namely the winning area "RBB&1-coin win" and the winning area "RBB&rare win", and there is a winning area that includes only bonuses, namely the winning area "RBB".

[0076] In Slot Machine 1, the winning area "Replay C" has a lower winning probability than other replay winning areas. Also, in Slot Machine 1, the winning area "RBB & Rare Role" has a lower winning probability than the winning areas "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 12" and the winning area "RBB & 1-Coin Role," which include small roles.

[0077] In this embodiment of the slot machine 1, the carry-over flag is associated with the RBB, while the minor role and replay are associated with the non-carry-over flag. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, if the internal lottery hits a winning area including the RBB, the state in which the RBB lottery flag is established is carried over until the RBB is won. At this time, the internal lottery means 120 also performs an internal lottery to determine whether the minor role and replay are won, even in a game where the RBB lottery flag's established state has been carried over. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, in a game where the RBB lottery flag's established state has been carried over, if a minor role or replay is won, the lottery flags corresponding to two or more roles, consisting of the already won RBB lottery flag and the minor role or replay lottery flag won in the internal lottery, are set to the established state.

[0078] <Internal Lottery Table> In this embodiment, the slot machine 1 stores in the internal lottery table storage means 192 three internal lottery tables used in the internal lottery conducted by the internal lottery means 120: an internal lottery table used in the non-RT state (general mode) (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table A), an internal lottery table used in the RBB internal mode (internal mode) (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table B), and an internal lottery table used in the RBB state (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table C). In each of the internal lottery tables A to C, a lottery value is associated with each winning area that is the target of the lottery.

[0079] <Random number generation process> In this embodiment, the internal lottery means 120, in the random number determination process, sequentially subtracts the random number obtained from the random number generation means 110 by the number of lottery values ​​associated with each winning area in the internal lottery table obtained from the internal lottery table storage means 192. If the result of the subtraction is a negative value, it is determined that the player has won in the winning area corresponding to the number of lottery values ​​that was subtracted. Furthermore, if the result of the subtraction is a positive value after subtracting by all the number of lottery values ​​stored in the internal lottery table, it is determined that the player has not won any role and is therefore unsuccessful.

[0080] <Details of the batting order bell> In this embodiment, each of the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12" has a set batting order (correct batting order) that allows for the winning of minor prizes 1 to 6 if a win is achieved.

[0081] In the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" and "Batting Order Bell 7," the correct batting order to win small prize 1 is set to batting order 1. In the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 2" and "Batting Order Bell 8," the correct batting order to win small prize 2 is set to batting order 2. In the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 3" and "Batting Order Bell 9," the correct batting order to win small prize 3 is set to batting order 3. In the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 4" and "Batting Order Bell 10," the correct batting order to win small prize 4 is set to batting order 4. In the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 5" and "Batting Order Bell 11," the correct batting order to win small prize 5 is set to batting order 5. In the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 6" and "Batting Order Bell 12," the correct batting order to win small prize 6 is set to batting order 6. In the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12," if stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a batting order different from the correct batting order set for each winning area, there is a 1 / 2 probability that a small win 7 or small win 8 will be awarded, and there is a 1 / 2 probability that a combination of symbols different from the winning combinations of either will stop on the active line L1, resulting in a missed win (non-winning).

[0082] <Reel control means> In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, regardless of the game state, the priority order for the winning combinations to be stopped on the active line L1 in the reel stop control is set to "Replay > Small Win > Bonus". In other words, when a bonus and a small win or a bonus and a replay are both won, the reel control means 130 executes a stop control that prioritizes the small win or replay over the bonus.

[0083] Furthermore, as described above, the reel control means 130 is configured to rotate up to 4 frames from the time the stop button is pressed until the reel stops. Therefore, it is configured to stop and display on the active line L1 regardless of the timing of pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 for symbols arranged at intervals of 4 frames or less among the symbols arranged on the left reel R1 to the right reel R3.

[0084] <Payouts for minor roles> The payout for minor wins 1 through 6 is set to be more than the prescribed number of coins inserted (3 coins), with a payout of 15 coins. The payout for minor wins 7 through 9 is set to be less than the prescribed number of coins inserted (1 coin). The payout for minor win 10 is set to be the same as the prescribed number of coins inserted (3 coins).

[0085] <Game state transition control means> Figure 4(A) is a state transition diagram showing the game states that can be transitioned from each game state in the control related to the transition of game states performed by the game state transition control means 160 of this embodiment.

[0086] As shown in Figure 4(A), the non-RT state is a game state that corresponds to the initial state among multiple types of game states (initial game state, normal game state), and is a non-bonus state in which a bonus is not activated or established. In the non-RT state, the game state transition control means 160 causes the internal lottery means 120 to execute an internal lottery using internal lottery table A, in which the probability of winning a replay is set to 8978 / 65536 (approximately 1 / 7.3).

[0087] The RBB internal state is a game state that is entered when, in an internal lottery during a non-RT state, the player wins one of the winning areas "RBB & 1-coin win", "RBB & rare win", or "RBB", and RBB is set to the established state. In the RBB internal state, the game state transition control means 160 causes the internal lottery means 120 to execute an internal lottery using internal lottery table B, in which the probability of winning a replay is set to 8982 / 65536 (approximately 1 / 7.3).

[0088] The RBB state is a game state that is entered when an RBB is won and the RBB is activated. In the RBB state, the game state transition control means 160 determines that the RBB termination condition has been met when a predetermined number of medals (for example, 100 medals) have been dispensed, terminates the operation of the RBB, and transitions the game state to the non-RT state. In the RBB state, the game state transition control means 160 causes the internal lottery means 120 to execute an internal lottery using the internal lottery table C.

[0089] The internal lottery table C associates random numbers with two winning areas: "All Winning Combinations," which includes all winning combinations from small combination 1 to small combination 10, and "All Single-Coin Winning Combinations," which includes all winning combinations with a payout of 1 coin.

[0090] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the probability of winning in the winning area "All Small Wins" or the winning area "All 1-Coin Wins" while the RBB is in operation is higher than the probability of winning in any of the winning areas including small wins when the RBB is not in operation, and when the RBB is in operation, the probability of winning in the winning area "All Small Wins" is set to be the same as the sum of the probabilities of winning in any one of the winning areas "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 6" and any one of the winning areas "Bat Order Bell 7" to "Bat Order Bell 12" when the RBB is not in operation.

[0091] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured such that, when the RBB is active during gameplay, the probability of winning all minor roles increases compared to when the RBB is not active during gameplay, and the probability of winning any minor role is the same or increases.

[0092] Furthermore, Slot Machine 1 is configured such that, during the operation of RBB, the probability of winning in the winning area "All Small Wins" is lower than the probability of winning in any of the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12" (the sum of the winning probabilities for each of the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12").

[0093] With such a configuration, in the present embodiment, after reducing the lower limit of the expected value of the medal acquisition rate in the state where the RBB is operating to less than 100%, it is possible to design the medal acquisition performance regarding the state where the RBB is not operating. Therefore, the degree of freedom in designing the slot machine 1 can be significantly improved.

[0094] <AT control means> FIG. 4(B) is a state transition diagram showing details of a normal section and an advantageous section controlled by the AT control means 170 of the present embodiment, and a production state controlled during the advantageous section.

[0095] As described above, the normal section is a period in which control related to the auxiliary game based on the result of the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 is not executed. The AT control means 170 executes an advantageous section lottery, which is a lottery for determining whether to end the normal section and start the advantageous section based on the winning area won in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 in the game within the normal section.

[0096] In the advantageous section lottery, the AT control means 170 first acquires an advantageous section transition lottery table, which is a data table in which "start of advantageous section" and "loss (non-winning)" are associated with each of a plurality of random numbers, from the AT control data storage means 196. Then, the AT control means 170 acquires a random number from the random number generation means 110, compares the acquired random number with the advantageous section transition lottery table, and determines whether to start the advantageous section based on the comparison result.

[0097] The AT control means 170 executes the advantageous section lottery so that the probability obtained by multiplying the winning probability of the winning area won in the internal lottery by the winning probability of "start of advantageous section" in the advantageous section lottery is 1 / 17500 or more.

[0098] In this embodiment, the AT control means 170 is configured to perform a favorable section lottery when the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 12", the winning area "RBB & Rare Role", the winning area "RBB & 1-Coin Role", the winning area "Replay A", or the winning area "Replay C" is selected in the internal lottery, and not perform a favorable section lottery when any other winning area is selected. Furthermore, the AT control means 170 performs a favorable section lottery with a high probability of approximately 1 / 1.5 in which it selects "Start of Favourite Section".

[0099] During the advantageous period, the AT control means 170 has three states (performance states) related to the instruction function: a normal state, a CZ state, and an AT state. In the normal state, it is configured not to perform assistance for winning small roles 1 to 6 when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12". In the CZ state and the AT state, it is configured to perform assistance for winning small roles 1 to 6 when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12". Furthermore, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the proportion of time spent in the advantageous period during the overall gameplay can be 70% or more.

[0100] The normal state is the performance state that corresponds to the normal state among several types of performance states (normal performance state), which is set when the performance state has not transitioned to any other performance state. When the performance state transitions to the normal state, the AT control means 170 performs an incremental update to the normal game counter (not shown), which counts the number of games played in the normal state, by adding a value of "1" corresponding to one game each time a game is played. When the value of the normal game counter reaches the value of "700", the AT control means 170 determines that the conditions for transitioning to the CZ state (CZ transition conditions) have been met, and transitions the performance state from the normal state to the CZ state.

[0101] The AT control means 170 is configured to perform a CZ lottery to determine whether or not to transition to the CZ state in a game where the internal lottery in the normal state has resulted in a winning area that does not include RBB. Furthermore, the AT control means 170 is configured to perform a CZ lottery that is more likely to result in a favorable outcome for the player by making it easier to win "transition to CZ state" than when the winning area "Replay C" is won in the internal lottery, compared to when the winning area does not include RBB and is different from the winning area "Replay C". If "transition to CZ state" is won in the CZ lottery, the AT control means 170 transitions the performance state from the normal state to the CZ state.

[0102] Furthermore, the AT control means 170 performs a normal AT lottery to determine whether or not to transition to the AT state when it wins the winning area "RBB & Rare Role" in the internal lottery. If it wins "Transition to AT state", it determines that the conditions for transitioning to the AT state (AT transition conditions) have been met, and transitions from the normal state to the AT state.

[0103] The CZ state is configured to allow transition to the AT state with a higher probability than the normal state when a control is executed to determine whether or not to transition to the AT state as part of the auxiliary gameplay control, making it a more advantageous state for the player than the normal state. The AT control means 170 sets a value corresponding to a predetermined number of games (for example, 10 games) in the CZ game counter (not shown) of the AT control data storage means 196 at the start of the CZ state, and performs a decrement update each time a game is played by subtracting the stored value of the CZ game counter by a value of "1" which corresponds to 1 game.

[0104] The AT control means 170 is configured to perform a CZ-in AT lottery in each game played in the CZ state to determine whether or not to transition to the AT state. If the CZ-in AT lottery results in "transition to AT state", the AT control means 170 transitions the performance state from the CZ state to the AT state after 10 games have been played from the start of the CZ state.

[0105] The AT control means 170, in the gameplay from the end of the CZ until the "transition to AT state" is won in the AT lottery during the CZ, executes a lottery during the CZ to determine whether or not to add (add) the number of times one set of AT state is executed for the AT state to which the transition is made from the CZ state.

[0106] On the other hand, if 10 games are played in the CZ state without winning the "transition to AT state" lottery during the CZ, the AT control means 170 terminates the CZ state and transitions the performance state back to the normal state.

[0107] The AT control means 170 is configured to execute lotteries related to auxiliary games performed in the CZ state (AT lottery during CZ, lottery for adding sets during CZ) regardless of the results of the internal lottery. Furthermore, the AT control means 170 is configured such that, when the winning area "Replay C" or the winning area "RBB & Rare Role" is won in the internal lottery, the probability of "not winning (miss)" is lower than when other winning areas are won, resulting in a more favorable outcome for the player (in the case of the AT lottery during CZ, the probability of "transitioning to AT state" is higher).

[0108] The AT state is a more advantageous state for the player than the normal state because it provides assistance for winning small roles 1 to 6 when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 12".

[0109] The AT control means 170 sets an initial value (50 games) corresponding to a predetermined number of games in the AT game counter (not shown) of the AT control data storage means 196 at the start of the AT state, and performs a decrement update each time a game is played by subtracting the stored value of the AT game counter by a value of "1" which corresponds to one game.

[0110] Furthermore, the AT control means 170 is configured to perform an add-on lottery to determine whether to add (add) the duration of the AT state by deciding whether or not to add the value determined by the lottery to the stored value of the AT game counter when the winning area "RBB & Rare Role" is won by the internal lottery conducted by the internal lottery means 120, or when the winning area "Replay C" is won. If the value determined by the add-on lottery is 1 or greater, the AT control means 170 performs an add-on process to add the determined value to the AT game counter.

[0111] The AT control means 170 determines that the AT state termination condition (AT termination condition) has been met when the stored value of the AT game counter becomes "0" due to a decrement update performed each time a game is played in the AT state, terminates the AT state, and also determines that the normal termination condition among the termination conditions of the advantageous section has been met, and performs a predetermined initialization process which initializes information related to the advantageous section, and a predetermined termination process which terminates the advantageous section and starts the normal section from the next game.

[0112] Furthermore, the AT control means 170 also determines that the AT termination condition has been met if the stored value of the advantageous section counter 196a exceeds the value "2400" while in the AT state, terminates the AT state, and determines that a specific termination condition among the termination conditions of the advantageous section has been met, and executes a predetermined initialization process which initializes information related to the advantageous section, and a predetermined termination process which terminates the advantageous section and starts the normal section from the next game.

[0113] The AT control means 170, when the value stored in the advantageous section counter 196a reaches the value "2000" in the AT state, decides to continue the AT state until the value stored in the advantageous section counter 196a exceeds the value "2400", and stops updating the AT game counter. This state, where the AT game counter is stopped updating and the AT state continues until the value stored in the advantageous section counter 196a exceeds the value "2400", constitutes the ending state in this embodiment. The fact that it is the ending state is indicated by an ending display by the performance control means 200.

[0114] The performance control means 200 executes a display related to the end of the AT state when the AT state ends. In the display related to the end of the AT state, the performance control means 200 displays an AT result image showing the results of the AT state, including the number of games played and the number of medals acquired in the current AT state, and a warning image intended to prevent the player from becoming excessively engrossed in the game, so-called addiction or dependence on the game, by drawing the player's attention to continuing the game.

[0115] As shown in Figure 4(B), the AT control means 170 is configured to set the performance state at the start of the advantageous period to the CZ state when it wins the "start of advantageous period" lottery in the advantageous period during the normal period and starts the advantageous period. Furthermore, as described above, the AT control means 170 is configured to end the advantageous period and start the normal period when the AT state ends.

[0116] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured such that when the AT state ends and the player transitions from the normal section to the advantageous section, the CZ state is started, and the probability of transitioning back to the AT state is higher than when the normal section is set to the normal state at the start of the normal section. As a result, once the AT state is started, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment can start the AT state again via the normal section and the CZ state, allowing the player to win medals through multiple AT states and increasing the player's enjoyment of the game.

[0117] <Complete control means> As described above, the complete control means 180 activates the complete function when the stored value of the medal acquisition counter 197a reaches the value "19000". In other words, the complete control means 180 is configured to control whether or not the complete function is activated by referring to a stored value of the medal acquisition counter 197a that is different from the medal count counter 311 controlled by the medal count control means 300.

[0118] The performance control means 200 executes a pre-completion notification performance to inform the user that the completion function will be activated by acquiring the remaining 1,000 medals when the stored value of the medal acquisition counter 197a reaches the value "18,000," that is, when the number of medals acquired since the lowest point of medal payouts after the slot machine 1 was powered on reaches 18,000 medals.

[0119] In the pre-completion notification sequence, the performance control means 200 outputs a pre-completion notification sound from the sound device 420 to alert the player that the completion function will be activated when 1000 more medals are acquired, thereby alerting the player that the completion function is about to be activated. The performance control means 200 also displays a pre-completion notification image on the display device 410 as a display indicating that the completion function will be activated when 1000 more medals are acquired.

[0120] The performance control means 200 terminates the display of the pre-completion notification image when it displays the pre-completion notification image, when the completion function is activated, or when the stored value of the medal acquisition counter 197a falls below a predetermined termination value (for example, the value "17970"). In other words, when the completion function is activated, the performance control means 200 terminates the display of the pre-completion notification image and displays a completion notification image (complete notification display) to notify that the completion function has been activated, and also outputs a completion notification sound as a sound to alert the player to the activation of the completion function. Furthermore, if the number of medals that need to be acquired before the completion function is activated becomes more than 30 from 1000, the performance control means 200 terminates the display of the pre-completion notification image and displays an image corresponding to the progress of the game.

[0121] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment can terminate the display of the pre-completion notification image if, after displaying the pre-completion notification image, the player fails to win medals and more than 30 medals are consumed, in accordance with the decreased likelihood of the completion function activating. This prevents the pre-completion notification image from being displayed for an extended period without the completion function activating, thus preventing a decrease in the player's interest in the presentation.

[0122] <Performance control means> The performance control means 200 is configured to display a demo screen on the display device 410 when the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 have stopped, a predetermined amount of time has elapsed without the coin being inserted, and the performance state controlled by the AT control means 170 is in the normal state. The performance control means 200 terminates the display of the demo screen when the max bet button MB is operated and the coin is inserted.

[0123] The performance control means 200 is configured to display a menu screen when the performance button EB is operated while the demo screen is in a state where it can be displayed, and it displays items that allow setting information about the volume and performance environment of the gaming machine to be issued. When the item to display the volume adjustment screen is selected from the menu screen and the volume adjustment screen is displayed, the performance control means 200 is configured to allow the volume to be adjusted in 5 stages from volume 1 to volume 5 by operating the performance button EB. Volume 1 is the lowest volume, and volume 5 is the highest volume. The performance control means 200 terminates the display of the menu screen when the max bet button MB is operated and the machine is set to the coin insertion state.

[0124] When the number of medals stored in the medal counter 311 exceeds 15,000, the performance control means 200 triggers a counting prompt animation to encourage the player to count their medals, as a medal count warning has been issued and no more medals are being dispensed. In the counting prompt animation, the performance control means 200 displays a counting prompt image on the display device 410 as a notification to encourage the player to count their medals by operating the counting button KB, as a warning has been issued.

[0125] Furthermore, when the number of medals stored in the medal counter 311 exceeds 16,369, the performance control means 200 executes an overflow notification performance to notify the player that a medal overflow has occurred and that a medal overflow error, described later, has occurred. In the overflow notification performance, the performance control means 200 outputs a medal overflow notification sound from the sound device 420 as a sound to alert the player to the medal overflow by notifying them that a medal overflow has occurred. The performance control means 200 also displays a medal overflow notification image on the display device 410 as a display to notify the player that a medal overflow has occurred.

[0126] When the counting button KB is operated and medals are counted, the performance control means 200 outputs a counting sound from the sound device 420 to indicate that counting is taking place each time a signal related to the number of medals is transmitted from the medal count control means 300 to the dedicated unit SU. In other words, if the counting button KB is pressed continuously for 500ms or more and more than 50 medals are counted, the performance control means 200 outputs a counting sound 500ms after the counting button KB is pressed, and thereafter outputs a counting sound each time 300ms have passed and medals are counted.

[0127] 3. The relationship between errors occurring in gaming machines and their effects. Next, we will describe in detail the case where the occurrence of an error and the execution of a performance overlap in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment.

[0128] <Errors that occur in gaming machines> Figure 5 is a table summarizing some of the errors that can occur in slot machine 1. Figure 5 shows excerpts of four types of errors: backup error, medal overload error, dispensing device connection error, stop error, and medal count warning. In addition to the errors shown in Figure 5, other errors may occur in slot machine 1, but details of those errors are omitted.

[0129] A backup error occurs when the RWM backup on the main control board 10 fails. The main control CPU 11 compares the checksum of the data backed up before the power was turned off with the checksum calculated when the power was turned on, and determines that a backup error has occurred if the values ​​are different. When a backup error occurs, the slot machine 1 cannot proceed with the game, and the error is cleared by opening the front upper door UD of the slot machine 1 and operating the setting change button BS located inside to initialize it. In other words, the operation of the setting change button BS is set as the method (clearance operation) to clear the situation in which a backup error has occurred.

[0130] A medal overflow error occurs when the number of medals stored in the medal counter 311 exceeds 16,369. When a medal overflow error occurs, the slot machine 1 cannot continue playing. The counting button KB is operated to count the medals, and the error is cleared when the number of medals stored in the medal counter 311 becomes 16,368 or less. In other words, operating the counting button KB is set as the method (clear operation) to clear the medal overflow error.

[0131] The loan device connection error occurs when the dedicated unit SU is not connected to the loan device connection terminal board 40. When a loan device connection error occurs, the slot machine 1 is unable to proceed with the game, and the error is resolved when the dedicated unit SU is connected to the loan device connection terminal board 40. In other words, the connection of the dedicated unit SU to the loan device connection terminal board 40 is set as the method (resolve operation) for resolving the situation in which the loan device connection error occurred.

[0132] The stop-play error occurs when the number of medals acquired since power-on exceeds 19,000, and the complete function is activated by the complete control means 180. When a stop-play error occurs, the slot machine 1 cannot continue playing. The error is cleared by opening the front upper door UD of the slot machine 1 and operating the setting change button BS located inside to reset it. In other words, the operation of the setting change button BS is set as the method (clearance operation) to clear the stop-play error.

[0133] The medal count warning is an error that occurs when the number of medals stored in the medal counter 311 exceeds 15,000. When the medal count warning occurs, slot machine 1 can continue playing, but when it receives a lending signal from the dedicated unit SU, it sends a signal indicating that a medal count warning has occurred, preventing it from lending medals and not adding to the stored value in the medal counter 311. In slot machine 1, the medal count warning is cleared when the counting button KB is operated to count medals and the number of medals stored in the medal counter 311 falls below 14,999, or when the number of medals stored in the medal counter 311 falls below 14,999 due to the execution of the game and the medal insertion state being set. In other words, the methods (clearance operations) for clearing the medal count warning are operating the counting button KB and operating the max bet button MB to play the game and consume medals.

[0134] In slot machine 1, the presence or absence of a medal count warning and a medal overflow error are determined by referring to the stored value of the medal count counter 311. If the stored value of the medal count counter 311 exceeds "15000", a medal count warning is issued and the dispensing of medals by the dedicated unit SU is stopped. If the stored value of the medal count counter 311 exceeds "16369", a medal overflow error occurs and the game cannot proceed until the medals are counted. In addition, in slot machine 1, the presence or absence of a stop error is determined by referring to the stored value of the medal acquisition counter 197a, and the stored value of the medal count counter 311 is not referred to when determining whether or not a stop error occurs.

[0135] Given this configuration, in slot machine 1, if a stop error occurs while the stored value of the medal counter 311 is less than "15000", the machine is configured to not only count medals but also dispense them.

[0136] Furthermore, in slot machine 1, if a backup error, medal overflow error, or stop error occurs, an error code indicating the type of error will be displayed on an error indicator (not shown) located on the main control board 10. Note that in slot machine 1, if a medal count warning occurs, gameplay can continue, and there is no need to open the machine to resolve the issue; therefore, the error indicator does not display an error code indicating a medal count warning.

[0137] Furthermore, if the conditions for a stop error and the conditions for a medal overflow error occur at the same time, specifically in a game where any of the small wins 1 to 6 are won, and the stored value of the medal counter 311 becomes "16369" or more, and the stored value of the medal acquisition counter 197a becomes "19000" or more, the performance control means 200 will display a medal overflow notification image 411 (see Figure 8) which notifies the occurrence of a medal overflow error, taking precedence over the complete notification image which notifies the occurrence of a stop error due to the activation of the complete function.

[0138] As mentioned above, the stop error occurs based on the activation of the complete function, and the gaming establishment is configured to stop the operation of a gaming machine that has an stop error occurring on that day. On the other hand, the medal overflow error is an error that is cleared when the stored value of the medal counter 311 becomes "16368" or less after the counting button KB is operated and medals are counted.

[0139] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment prioritizes notifying the player of a medal overflow error, which can be quickly resolved by the player's operation of the counting button KB, over a stop error, which cannot be resolved by the player and remains unresolved until the end of business hours at the arcade. This prevents a state in which multiple errors occur simultaneously from continuing for a long period of time, and suppresses an excessive increase in the processing load of the main control CPU 11 due to the occurrence of multiple errors.

[0140] Furthermore, if a stop error occurs and another error occurs, specifically if the dedicated unit SU becomes disconnected from the loan device connection terminal board 40 while a stop error is occurring, the performance control means 200 will display a loan device connection error notification image, which takes precedence over the complete notification image, to notify the occurrence of the loan device connection error. As described above, the loan device connection error is an error that is resolved when the dedicated unit SU is connected to the loan device connection terminal board 40.

[0141] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment prioritizes notifying the player of a loan device connection error, which can be quickly resolved by the staff of the amusement arcade, over a player of a stop error, which cannot be resolved by the player and remains unresolved until the end of the amusement arcade's business hours. This prevents a state in which multiple errors occur simultaneously from continuing for a long period of time, and suppresses an excessive increase in the processing load of the main control CPU 11 due to the occurrence of multiple errors.

[0142] <Control related to sound output> The performance control means 200 of this embodiment sets the sound output from the gaming machine to the corresponding sound layer among the multiple sound layers provided in the sub-storage means 210 and outputs it. The performance control means 200 outputs multiple sounds simultaneously by superimposing the sounds set in each of the multiple sound layers. The multiple sound layers include sound layers classified as volume-fixed layers that do not accept volume adjustment by the user, and sound layers classified as volume-variable layers that accept volume adjustment by the user. Sounds set in sound layers classified as volume-fixed layers are output at volume 5.

[0143] <Control processing related to counting notification sound> Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the control processing related to the counting notification sound that the performance control means 200 executes when the counting button KB is pressed and the counting notification sound is output. The performance control means 200 executes the control processing related to the counting notification sound each time it receives a signal related to the execution of the counting process transmitted from the medal count control means 300.

[0144] In the control process related to the counting notification sound, the performance control means 200 first determines whether or not a medal overflow is occurring (S1). In this process, the performance control means 200 determines whether or not it has received a signal from the medal count control means 300 indicating that a medal overflow has occurred.

[0145] In step S1, if it is determined that a medal overflow is occurring (YES), the performance control means 200 outputs a medal overflow notification sound at volume 5 (S2). In this process, the performance control means 200 sets the medal overflow notification sound to a sound layer classified as a volume fixed layer, thereby outputting the medal overflow notification sound at volume 5, which is the maximum volume for the slot machine 1.

[0146] In step S1, if it is determined that there is no medal overflow (NO), the performance control means 200 determines whether or not to perform a pre-completion notification (S3). In this process, the performance control means 200 determines whether or not it is time to output a pre-completion notification sound that indicates that the completion function will be activated when 1000 medals remain to be acquired.

[0147] In step S3, if it is determined that it is time to give a pre-completion notification (YES), the performance control means 200 outputs a pre-completion notification sound at volume 5 (S4). In this process, the performance control means 200 sets the pre-completion notification sound to a sound layer classified as a volume-fixed layer, thereby outputting the pre-completion notification sound at volume 5, which is the maximum volume in the slot machine 1.

[0148] After executing the process in step S2 or step S4, the performance control means 200 sets the volume of the counting notification sound to volume 5 (S5). In this process, the performance control means 200 sets the volume of the sound layer on which the counting notification sound is set to volume 5, regardless of the volume specified by the user.

[0149] If, after executing the process in step S5, or during the process in step S3, it is determined that it is not time to perform a completion pre-notification (NO), the performance control means 200 determines whether or not to output a sound to be reduced, such as background music (S6). In this process, the performance control means 200 determines whether or not there is a sound layer to which sounds to be reduced, which are the target of the process in step S7, are set, such as background music, notification sounds related to the progress of the game (for example, the sound that notifies the correct sequence of hits output in the navigation performance executed in AT state) and sound effects (for example, the start operation sound that is output when the start operation to the start lever SL is performed). Sounds to be reduced are sounds that are set in a sound layer classified as a volume fluctuation layer.

[0150] In step S6, if it is determined that the sound to be reduced should be output (YES), the performance control means 200 performs volume reduction processing for the sound to be reduced (S7). In this process, the performance control means 200 reduces the volume of the sound to be reduced when it is output by multiplying the volume currently specified by the user by a predetermined coefficient value less than 1 (for example, a value of "0.5") in the sound layer where the sound to be reduced is set.

[0151] If, after executing the process in step S7, or during the process in step S6, it is determined that the sound to be reduced should not be output (NO), the performance control means 200 outputs the counting notification sound at the set volume (S8) and terminates the control process related to the counting notification sound.

[0152] By executing the processes in steps S1 to S8, the performance control means 200 of this embodiment, if the timing for outputting the medal overflow notification sound or the complete pre-notification sound overlaps with the timing for outputting the count notification sound, sets the volume of the count notification sound to volume 5, which is the same volume as the medal overflow notification sound or the complete pre-notification sound and is the maximum volume in the slot machine 1, regardless of the volume specified by the user, and then outputs the count notification sound. In addition, the performance control means 200 reduces the volume of the sound to be reduced in conjunction with the output of the count notification sound.

[0153] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment makes the counting notification sound, which notifies that medal counting is being performed and notifies the counting process that directly affects the player's benefit, at the same volume as sounds that are extremely important for notifying and alerting the player because they are related to the continuation of the game, such as the medal overflow notification sound and the complete pre-notification sound. This makes the counting notification sound stand out while allowing the player to clearly hear the medal overflow notification sound or the complete pre-notification sound.

[0154] Furthermore, Slot Machine 1 outputs sounds that are subject to reduction, such as background music, at a volume lower than the volume specified by the user, and outputs the count notification sound at the volume specified by the user unless the medal overflow notification sound or the complete pre-notification sound is not being announced. As a result, the count notification sound is configured to be louder than sounds that are subject to reduction, such as background music, preventing the count notification sound from being drowned out by sounds that are subject to reduction, and making it easier for players to hear the count notification sound.

[0155] Furthermore, when slot machine 1 outputs a counting notification sound, it outputs sounds that are subject to reduction, such as background music, at a volume lower than the volume specified by the user, while not reducing the output volume of sounds that are extremely important for notifying and alerting the player because they are related to the continuation of the game, such as the medal overflow notification sound and the completion pre-notification sound. This allows the output volume of the sounds to be set to an appropriate volume, preventing the counting notification sound from making it difficult to hear the medal overflow notification sound or the completion pre-notification sound, while making the counting notification sound stand out and allowing the player to clearly hear the medal overflow notification sound or the completion pre-notification sound.

[0156] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the performance control means 200 is configured to prioritize the output of the medal overflow notification sound over the output of the complete pre-notification sound when the timing of outputting the medal overflow notification sound and the outputting the complete pre-notification sound overlap, by skipping the processing of steps S3 and S4 after executing the processing of steps S1 and S2.

[0157] With this configuration, the performance control means 200 of this embodiment outputs a medal overflow notification sound, which is more important to notify the player than the complete pre-notification sound because it is notified when the game cannot be played, in priority to the complete pre-notification sound which is notified when the game can be played. This makes the counting notification sound stand out while allowing the player to clearly hear the medal overflow notification sound.

[0158] Although the flowchart illustrated in Figure 6 describes the output of the pre-completion notification sound, the performance control means 200 is configured to set the completion notification sound, which is the sound output when the completion function is activated, to a sound layer classified as a volume-fixed layer. When the execution timing of the counting notification sound output when the counting button KB is operated and the completion notification sound overlap, the complete notification sound is output without reducing its volume.

[0159] The situation in which a medal overflow error occurs, which can be canceled by operating the counting button KB; the situation in which a stop error occurs, which can be canceled by operating the setting change button BS; and the situation in which the complete function is activated when the remaining 1000 medals are acquired, and the timing of outputting the complete pre-notification sound, which can be canceled by consuming or acquiring medals by playing the game, constitute a predetermined situation in which a predetermined cancellation method is set in this embodiment. The medal overflow notification sound output based on the occurrence of a medal overflow error, the complete pre-notification sound output based on the fact that the complete function is about to be activated (the occurrence of a stop error is about to occur), and the complete notification sound output based on the activation of the complete function (occurrence of a stop error) constitute the first sound related to warning in this embodiment. The sound to be reduced, such as BGM, constitutes the second sound in this embodiment. The counting notification sound output each time a medal is counted based on the operation of the counting button KB constitutes the third sound in this embodiment. Furthermore, an acoustic device 420 that outputs sounds such as counting notification sounds, medal overflow notification sounds, completion pre-notification sounds, completion notification sounds, and reduction target sounds constitutes the sound output means in this embodiment.

[0160] Furthermore, when counting notification sounds are output by operating the counting button KB, the output volume of the medal overflow notification sound, the pre-completion notification sound, and the completion notification sound is not reduced, while the output volume of the sounds that are subject to reduction is reduced. However, the performance control means 200 is a button provided on the dedicated unit SU, and when the lending button, which is operated with banknotes inserted, is operated to dispense medals corresponding to the amount inserted, it outputs a lending notification sound to indicate that a lending has taken place. When outputting the lending notification sound, the output volume of the pre-completion notification sound and the completion notification sound is not reduced, while the output volume of the sounds that are subject to reduction is reduced.

[0161] With this configuration, when slot machine 1 outputs a loan notification sound, it outputs sounds that are subject to reduction, such as background music, at a volume lower than the volume specified by the user, while not reducing the output volume of sounds that are extremely important for notifying and alerting the player because they are related to the continuation of the game, such as the pre-completion notification sound and the completion notification sound. This allows the output volume of the sounds to be set to an appropriate volume, preventing the pre-completion notification sound and the completion notification sound from becoming difficult to hear due to the loan notification sound, while still making the loan notification sound stand out and allowing the pre-completion notification sound and the completion notification sound to be clearly heard by the player.

[0162] <Control processing related to the operation of the operating means and the display on the display device> Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the control processing related to the operation of the operating means and the display of the display device 410, specifically the control processing related to the display of the display device 410 executed by the performance control means 200 when the counting button KB is operated, and the control processing related to the display of the display device 410 executed by the performance control means 200 when the max bet button MB is operated.

[0163] In the control process relating to the operation of the operating means and the display of the display device 410, the performance control means 200 first determines whether the counting button KB has been operated (S11). If it is determined in this process that the counting button KB has not been operated (NO), the performance control means 200 proceeds to step S19. On the other hand, if it is determined that the counting button KB has been operated (YES), the performance control means 200 determines whether or not there is a medal overflow (S12). In this process, the performance control means 200 determines whether or not there is a medal overflow, which means that the display of the display device 410 can be changed by the operation of the counting button KB.

[0164] In step S12, if it is determined that there is no medal overflow (NO), the performance control means 200 determines whether or not a medal count warning is in effect (S13). In this process, the performance control means 200 determines whether or not the number of medals stored in the medal counter 311 is less than 15,000.

[0165] In step S12, if it is determined that a medal overflow is occurring (YES), the performance control means 200 determines whether the number of medals has become 16,968 or less (S14). In this process, the performance control means 200 determines whether the number of medals stored in the medal counter 311 has become 16,968 or less, after the counting button KB is pressed and the counting process by the medal control means 300 is executed.

[0166] In step S14, if the number of medals stored in the medal counter 311 is determined to be 16,969 or more (NO), the performance control means 200 determines that a medal overflow is continuing, executes a medal overflow notification display (S15), and terminates the control processing related to the operation of the operation means and the display on the display device 410.

[0167] In step S13, if it is determined that a warning about the number of medals held is in effect (YES), or in step S14, if it is determined that the number of medals stored in the medal counter 311 is less than or equal to the value "16968" (YES), the performance control means 200 determines whether the number of medals has fallen below 15000 (S16). In this process, the performance control means 200 determines whether the number of medals stored in the medal counter 311 has fallen below 15000 when the counting button KB is pressed and the counting process by the medal control means 300 is executed.

[0168] In step S16, if the number of medals stored in the medal counter 311 is determined to be 15,000 or more (NO), the performance control means 200 determines that the medal count warning is still in effect and executes a medal count warning notification display (S17). On the other hand, if the number of medals stored in the medal counter 311 is determined to be less than 15,000 (YES), the performance control means 200 determines that errors that can be cleared by operating the counting button KB, such as medal overflow or medal count warning, have been cleared, terminates the error notification display, and executes a display corresponding to the progress of the game (S18).

[0169] Details of the processing in steps S11 to S18 will be explained with reference to Figure 8. Figure 8(A) is an example showing the state in which the medal overflow notification image 411 is displayed on the display device 410. As shown in Figure 8(A), in the slot machine 1, the number of medals displayed on the medal count display device MD is 16,369, and a medal overflow is occurring. Therefore, the display device 410 displays the medal overflow notification image 411, which is an image that notifies the user that a medal overflow has occurred and prompts the user to press the counting button KB to count the medals.

[0170] Figure 8(B) is an example showing the state in which the possession count warning notification image 412 is displayed on the display device 410. In slot machine 1, the process proceeds from the state shown in Figure 8(A) through steps S11, S12, S14, S16, and S17, resulting in the state shown in Figure 8(B).

[0171] As shown in Figure 8(B), in slot machine 1, the number of medals displayed on the medal count display device MD is 16,319, and since the medal overflow has been cleared and a medal count warning is in effect, the device displays a medal count warning image 412 on the display device 410, which indicates that there are more than 15,000 medals stored, a condition for triggering a medal count warning. The display device 410 then prompts the user to press the count button KB to count the medals.

[0172] Figure 8(C) illustrates the state in which the display device 410 has finished displaying the medal overflow notification image 411 and the medal count warning notification image 412, and has displayed the AT mode image 413, which indicates that the player is in AT mode as an image corresponding to the progress of the game. In slot machine 1, the process proceeds from the state shown in Figure 8(B) through steps S11 to S13, S16, and S18, resulting in the state shown in Figure 8(C).

[0173] As shown in Figure 8(C), in slot machine 1, the number of medals displayed on the medal count display device MD is 14,969. Based on the fact that errors that can be cleared by operating the counting button KB, such as medal overflow and medal count warning, have been cleared, the game executes effects according to the progress of the game. In the example shown in Figure 8(C), an AT image 413 indicating that the game is currently in AT mode is displayed on the display device 410 as the progress of the game.

[0174] As described above, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the counting button KB is operated while the medal overflow notification image 411 is displayed, the display of the medal overflow notification image 411 can be terminated based on the fact that the number of medals stored in the medal counter 311 due to the operation of the counting button KB becomes 16,368 or less. In addition, in the slot machine 1, when the counting button KB is operated while the medal count warning notification image 412 is displayed, the display of the medal count warning notification image 412 can be terminated based on the fact that the number of medals stored in the medal counter 311 due to the operation of the counting button KB becomes less than 15,000.

[0175] After executing the processes in steps S17 and S18, if it is determined in step S11 that the counting button KB has not been operated (NO), or if it is determined in step S13 that there is no warning about the number of tokens held (NO), the performance control means 200 determines whether or not a display maintenance screen, such as a demo screen, is being displayed on the display device 410 (S19). In this process, the performance control means 200 determines whether or not a display maintenance screen, such as a menu screen or demo screen, is being displayed when the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are stopped and no tokens are inserted, and the display is maintained until tokens are inserted by operating the max bet button MB, which is an operation related to starting the game. If it is determined that the display maintenance screen is not being displayed (NO), the control process related to the operation of the operation means and the display on the display device 410 is terminated.

[0176] On the other hand, if it is determined that the display maintenance screen is being displayed (YES), the performance control means 200 determines whether or not the medals have been set to the insert state (S20). In this process, the performance control means 200 determines whether or not the max bet button MB has been operated and whether or not the medals have been set to the insert state. If it is determined that the medals have not been set to the insert state (NO), the control process relating to the operation of the operation means and the display of the display device 410 is terminated while maintaining the display of the display maintenance screen.

[0177] On the other hand, if it is determined that the medals have been set to the inserted state (YES), the performance control means 200 determines that the player has operated the max bet button MB to start playing and that the medals stored in the medal counter 311 have been set to the inserted state, terminates the display of the display maintenance screen (S21), and terminates the control processing related to the operation of the operation means and the display of the display device 410.

[0178] Details of the processing in steps S11 to S21 will be explained with reference to Figure 9. Figure 9(A) is an example showing the state in which the demo screen 414 is displayed as the display maintenance screen. In the slot machine 1 shown in Figure 9(A), the number of medals displayed on the medal count display device MD is 50.

[0179] Figure 9(B) shows the state shown in Figure 9(A), where the counting button KB has been operated and the 50 medals stored in the medal counter 311 have been counted. In the slot machine 1, the process proceeds from the state shown in Figure 9(A) through steps S11 to S13, S19, and S20, and the control process related to the operation of the operating means and the display on the display device 410 is terminated without executing the process in step S21, so the state changes from the state shown in Figure 9(A) to the state shown in Figure 9(B).

[0180] As shown in Figure 9(B), in slot machine 1, when the counting button KB is operated and the 50 medals stored in the medal counter 311 are counted, the number of medals displayed on the medal display device MD becomes 0. Also, as shown in Figure 9(B), in slot machine 1, when the counting button KB is operated and the medals stored in the medal counter 311 are counted, the demo screen displayed on the display device 410 is maintained.

[0181] Figure 9(C) shows the state shown in Figure 9(A) where the Max Bet button MB is operated and the specified number of 3 tokens are inserted. In slot machine 1, the process proceeds from the state shown in Figure 9(A) through steps S11 to S13 and S19 to S21, and the control processing related to the operation of the operating means and the display on the display device 410 is completed, resulting in the state shown in Figure 9(C) from the state shown in Figure 9(A).

[0182] As shown in Figure 9(C), in slot machine 1, when the max bet button MB is operated, 3 medals, which is the prescribed number of medals to be inserted, are set to the inserted state from the 50 medals stored in the medal counter 311, and the number of medals displayed on the medal display device MD becomes 47. Also, as shown in Figure 9(C), in slot machine 1, when the max bet button MB is operated and the prescribed number of medals to be inserted are set to the inserted state, the demo screen displayed on the display device 410 ends, and an effect corresponding to the progress of the game is executed. In the example shown in Figure 9(C), as the progress of the game, a normal state image 415 is displayed on the display device 410 to indicate that the game is currently in the normal state.

[0183] Thus, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, even if the counting button KB is operated while a display-retention image such as the demo screen 414 is being displayed, the display of the demo screen 414 will not be terminated by the operation of the counting button KB. In other words, in the slot machine 1, even if the counting button KB is operated while a display-retention image is being displayed and a counting signal indicating that counting processing has been performed is sent from the medal count control CPU 31 to the sub-control CPU 21, and the sub-control CPU 21 receives it, the performance control means 200 is configured to maintain the display of the display-retention image by not referring to the counting signal when determining the termination of the display of the display-retention image in the processing of steps S19 to S21.

[0184] This prevents the display of the demo screen 414 from ending prematurely when the demo screen 414 is displayed and the player uses the counting button KB to count the tokens, even though the player has no intention of starting a game, thus preventing the player from feeling confused or uneasy.

[0185] Furthermore, in slot machine 1, even if the counting button KB is operated while the menu screen, the volume adjustment screen selectable from the menu screen, or the settings change screen included in the display-maintaining image is displayed, the display of the menu screen will not be terminated by the operation of the counting button KB. This prevents a situation where, for example, when the settings information screen is selected from the menu screen and setting information about the performance environment is issued and displayed via a QR code (registered trademark), the player operates the counting button KB to count the medals in order to end the game, and the settings change screen is terminated even though the player has no intention of starting a game and is trying to read the QR code (registered trademark), thus preventing the player from feeling uncomfortable.

[0186] Furthermore, as described above, the slot machine 1 is configured such that when the counting button KB is operated while the medal overflow notification image 411 or the medal count warning notification image 412 is displayed, the display of the medal overflow notification image 411 or the medal count warning notification image 412 will be terminated based on the fact that medals are counted by operating the counting button KB. In cases such as when the player operates the counting button KB to cancel a medal overflow and proceed with the game, or when the player operates the counting button KB to prevent a medal overflow from occurring in advance based on the notification of the medal count, the display of the display device 410 can be switched according to the player's intention to continue playing, thus preventing the player from feeling uncomfortable.

[0187] Thus, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment can perform control over the display of the display device 410 in accordance with the player's intention when the counting button KB is operated, thereby suppressing the player from feeling any discomfort with the visual effects.

[0188] This medal overflow notification image 411 and the holding quantity warning notification image 412 constitute the first image in the present embodiment, and images displayed on the demo screen 414, menu screens, and screens that can be selected and displayed from the menu screens constitute the second image in the present embodiment.

[0189] Although FIGS. 7 to 9 describe operations on the count button KB and maintenance of the display on the display maintenance screen, the effect control means 200 is configured to maintain the display on the display maintenance screen even when the lending button provided in the dedicated unit SU is operated while the display maintenance screen is being displayed.

[0190] Thereby, when the player operates the lending button provided in the dedicated unit SU to lend medals in a state where the display maintenance screen is being displayed and the medals are lent out, even though the player has no intention of starting the game, the display of the display maintenance screen ends, which can prevent the player from feeling uncomfortable.

[0191] Also, in the example shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, as the display maintenance screen, an image whose display ends when medals are set to the inserted state by operating the max bet button MB is used, but an image that is displayed in the navigation effect and notifies the correct batting order whose display ends when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated is also included in the display maintenance image.

[0192] <Control Process Related to the Effect When the Complete Function Operates in the AT State> FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing details of the control process related to the effect by the effect control means 200 (control process related to the effect when the complete function operates) when the complete function operates by the complete control means 180 in the AT state.

[0193] In the control processing related to the performance when the complete function is activated, the performance control means 200 first determines whether or not a complete state has been achieved (S31). In this process, the performance control means 200 determines whether or not a complete state has been achieved as a result of the current game by determining whether or not it has received a signal from the complete control means 180 indicating that in this game, small wins 1 to 6 were awarded, and a payout exceeding the prescribed number of coins inserted was performed, causing the stored value of the medal acquisition counter 197a to reach the value "19000", and that the complete flag stored in the complete flag storage means 197b has been set to the ON state.

[0194] In the process of step S31, if it is determined that completion has been achieved (YES), the performance control means 200 executes a completion notification display, which displays a completion notification image on the display device 410 (S32), and terminates the control processing related to the performance when the completion function is activated. On the other hand, if it is determined that completion has not been achieved (NO), the performance control means 200 determines whether or not the AT state will end (S33).

[0195] In step S33, if it is determined that the AT state has ended (YES), the performance control means 200 displays, as an indication related to the end of the AT state, an AT result image showing the number of games played and the number of medals acquired in the current AT state, and a warning image intended to prevent the player from becoming excessively engrossed in the game, so-called addiction or dependence on the game, by drawing the player's attention to continuing the game (S34), and terminates the control processing related to the performance when the complete function is activated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the AT state has not ended (NO), the performance control means 200 determines whether or not to execute an ending display that indicates that the AT state has entered the ending state (S35).

[0196] In step S35, if it is determined that the ending is not being displayed (NO), the performance control means 200 terminates the control processing related to the performance when the complete function is activated without executing the processing in step S36. On the other hand, if it is determined that the ending is being displayed (YES), the performance control means 200 executes the ending display (S36) and terminates the control processing related to the performance when the complete function is activated.

[0197] Thus, the performance control means 200 of this embodiment is configured such that, when the complete function is activated, after executing the complete notification display in the process of step S32, it terminates the control processing related to the performance when the complete function is activated without executing the processes of steps S33 to S36. In the case of a game where the AT state is to end, if the complete function is activated, the game cannot be continued due to the activation of the complete function and the AT state effectively ends, but the complete notification image is displayed in priority to displays related to the end of the AT state, such as AT result images and warning images.

[0198] In other words, slot machine 1 is set to a stop-play state, which stops the operation of the gaming machine when the number of coins won from the lowest point of the number of payouts of game value after power-on reaches a specific value of 19,000 coins. When the AT state ends in a game that is set to the stop-play state, a complete notification image is displayed to inform that the machine has been set to the stop-play state, taking precedence over the warning image displayed when the AT state ends.

[0199] With this configuration, in the case of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, if the complete function is activated, which results in a stop error that cannot be undone by the player and cannot be undone until the end of business hours at the amusement arcade, the complete notification image is displayed in priority to warning images that are difficult to adequately attract attention to, and the status of the amusement machine can be notified to the player in a manner that is easy to understand.

[0200] Furthermore, the performance control means 200 of this embodiment is configured such that, when the complete function is activated in the ending state, the game cannot proceed due to the activation of the complete function and the ending state effectively ends, but the complete notification image is displayed in priority over the ending display.

[0201] In other words, slot machine 1 is set to a stop-play state, which stops the operation of the game machine when the number of coins won from the lowest point of payouts after power-on reaches a specific value of 19,000. If it is determined that the AT state will continue until the end of the advantageous period in a game set to the stop-play state, a complete notification image is displayed to inform the player that the machine has been set to the stop-play state, taking precedence over the ending display that is shown until the end of the advantageous period.

[0202] With this configuration, in the case of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, if the complete function is activated, which is a stop error that cannot be canceled by the player and cannot be canceled until the end of business hours at the arcade, the player cannot continue playing on the machine regardless of the conditions for ending the advantageous section or AT state. Therefore, the complete notification image is displayed in priority to the ending display, which would not enhance the player's interest in the performance, and the status of the machine can be notified to the player in a manner that is easy to understand.

[0203] As described above, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is set to a stop-play state, which stops the operation of the gaming machine when the number of coins won from the lowest point of the number of payouts of game value after power-on reaches a specific value of 19,000 coins, and when the game is set to the stop-play state and the AT state is set, a complete notification image is displayed to notify that the game has been set to the stop-play state, taking precedence over the effects that are performed in the AT state.

[0204] With this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, if a complete function is activated that causes a stop error that cannot be canceled by the player and cannot be canceled until the end of business hours at the arcade, the player cannot continue playing on the machine regardless of the conditions for ending the advantageous section or AT state. Therefore, the complete notification image is displayed in priority to the display corresponding to the progress of the AT state, which would not enhance the player's interest in the effects even if displayed, and the status of the machine can be notified to the player in a manner that is easy to understand.

[0205] 4. Structure of the sub-control board Next, the structure of the sub-control board 20 provided in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. Figure 11(A) is a top view showing the sub-control board 20. As shown in Figure 11(A), the sub-control board 20 is provided with a plurality of electrolytic capacitors 22 and is housed in a board case 23 having a transparent case cover 23a.

[0206] Figure 11(B) is a schematic diagram of the electrolytic capacitor 22. As shown in Figure 11(B), the electrolytic capacitor 22 has a thin-walled shape with a thinner top surface 22a than other parts. An explosion-proof valve 22b is provided to release gas from inside the electrolytic capacitor 22 to the outside and reduce the internal pressure when the internal pressure rises due to the heat generated by the electrolytic capacitor 22. The explosion-proof valve 22b releases gas from inside the electrolytic capacitor 22 to the outside by opening the top surface 22a toward the top of the electrolytic capacitor 22.

[0207] Figure 11(C) is a schematic, enlarged cross-sectional view of an electrolytic capacitor 22 disposed on the sub-control board 20 as part of the sub-control board 20. As shown in Figure 11(C), the electrolytic capacitor 22 has a cylindrical shape with a diameter of φ1 and a radius of φ1 / 2. The sub-control board 20 is configured such that the distance from the top surface 22a of the electrolytic capacitor 22 to the case cover 23a is distance D1. Distance D1 is configured to be longer than the diameter φ1 of the electrolytic capacitor 22.

[0208] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment can prevent the upper surface 22a from interfering with the case cover 23a and hindering its opening when the explosion-proof valve 22b of the electrolytic capacitor 22 is activated and the upper surface 22a is opened. Therefore, the electrolytic capacitor 22 with the activated explosion-proof valve 22b can be easily seen through the case cover 23a.

[0209] Furthermore, the distance D1 only needs to be set to be longer than the radius φ1 / 2 of the electrolytic capacitor 22. By setting the distance D1 to be longer than the radius φ1 / 2, in the slot machine 1, when the explosion-proof valve 22b of the electrolytic capacitor 22 is activated and opens the top surface 22a, it is possible to prevent the top surface 22a from interfering with the case cover 23a and preventing the top surface 22a from opening.

[0210] In this embodiment, the case cover 23a is configured without heat dissipation holes, as shown in Figure 11(C). However, as illustrated in Figure 11(D), a heat dissipation hole 23b with a diameter of φ2 may be provided on the upper part of the electrolytic capacitor 22. In this configuration, the sub-control board 20 is configured such that the distance D2 from the upper surface 22a of the electrolytic capacitor 22 to the case cover 23a is longer than the length D3 of the screw with a screw diameter φ3 smaller than the diameter φ2 of the heat dissipation hole 23b, which is installed on the slot machine 1.

[0211] With this configuration, even if a screw gets into the heat dissipation hole 23b of the case cover 23a, the slot machine 1 can prevent the top surface 22a from interfering with the screw and preventing it from opening when the explosion-proof valve 22b of the electrolytic capacitor 22 is activated and opens the top surface 22a.

[0212] 5. Summary of this embodiment As described above, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when outputting counting notification sounds, the output volume of sounds that are subject to reduction, such as BGM, is reduced, while the output volume of sounds that are extremely necessary to notify the player and are involved in the continuation of the game, such as medal overflow notification sounds, pre-completion notification sounds, and completion notification sounds, is not reduced. This allows the output volume of sounds to be set to an appropriate level, preventing the counting notification sounds from making it difficult to hear the medal overflow notification sounds, pre-completion notification sounds, or completion notification sounds, while still making the counting notification sounds stand out and allowing the player to clearly hear the medal overflow notification sounds, pre-completion notification sounds, or completion notification sounds.

[0213] 6. Variations In this embodiment, the performance control means 200 is configured to output the first sound, which can be output in a predetermined situation where a predetermined release method is set, at the maximum volume regardless of the user's settings by setting it to a volume-fixed layer fixed at volume 5, but is not limited to this. The performance control means 200 may also be configured to output the first sound at a volume specified by the user.

[0214] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the sound control means 200 is configured to output the first sound at a louder volume than the second sound, but is not limited to this. The sound control means 200 is configured to output the first sound with a sound that is more audible than the second sound, and if the counting button KB is operated while the second sound is being output, the pitch of the second sound may be changed to a less audible pitch, and if the counting button KB is operated while the first sound is being output, the pitch of the first sound may not be changed. Alternatively, the sound control means 200 may be configured to change the timbre of the second sound to a less audible timbre if the counting button KB is operated while the second sound is being output, and if the counting button KB is operated while the first sound is being output, the timbre of the first sound may not be changed.

[0215] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the display maintenance screen includes, but is not limited to, the demo screen 414 and the menu screen. The performance control means 200 may be configured, for example, to terminate the display of the demo screen 414 when the counting button KB is operated while the demo screen 414 is displayed.

[0216] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the performance control means 200 is configured to terminate the display of the display maintenance screen when the max bet button MB is operated and the medal is set to the inserted state while the display maintenance screen is being displayed, but it is not limited to this. The performance control means 200 may be configured to terminate the display of the display maintenance screen when the max bet button MB is operated, regardless of whether or not the medal is set to the inserted state.

[0217] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the performance control means 200 is configured to maintain the display of the display maintenance screen when the lend button provided on the dedicated unit SU is operated while the display maintenance screen is being displayed, but it is not limited to this. For example, if the performance control means 200 is displaying the demo screen 414 as the display maintenance screen, it may be configured to terminate the display of the demo screen 414 based on the operation of the lend button.

[0218] In this configuration, the performance control means 200 may be configured to maintain the display even when the lend button is operated, or it may be configured to terminate the display when the lend button is operated, if it is displaying the menu screen or a screen that can be selected from the menu screen as the display maintenance screen.

[0219] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the electrolytic capacitor 22 disposed on the sub-control board 20 and the board case 23 housing the sub-control board 20 are configured such that the distance D1 from the top surface 22a of the electrolytic capacitor 22 to the case cover 23a is longer than the diameter φ1 of the electrolytic capacitor 22. However, the electrolytic capacitor disposed on the main control board 10 and the board case housing the main control board 10 may also be configured such that the distance from the top surface of the electrolytic capacitor to the case cover is longer than the diameter of the electrolytic capacitor.

[0220] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to have two CPUs, a main control CPU 11 and a medal count control CPU 31, on the main control board 10, but is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured so that one main control CPU 11 controls the progress of the game and controls the number of medals. Alternatively, the slot machine 1 may be configured to have a main control CPU 11 on the main control board 10 and a medal count control CPU 31 on a medal count control board electrically connected to the main control board 10. In the case of a configuration having multiple control boards, such as the main control board 10 and the medal count control board, the slot machine 1 may be configured to house the main control board 10 and the medal count control board in a single case, and the case housing the main control board 10 and the case housing the medal count control board may be different cases.

[0221] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured not to notify whether or not it is in a favorable period, but it is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured to notify, for example, that it is in a favorable period when the expected value of medal acquisition becomes 1 or more due to the assistance of winning small roles.

[0222] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 has multiple reels, from the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, and multiple stop buttons, from stop buttons B1 to stop buttons B3, corresponding to the left reel R1 to the right reel R3. However, it is not limited to this, and may also have, for example, a fourth reel and a stop button corresponding to the fourth reel.

[0223] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 has a max bet button MB for inserting a predetermined number of tokens, but it is not limited to this, and for example, it may be configured to have a single bet button for inserting one token in addition to the max bet button MB.

[0224] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured as a so-called medalless gaming machine that records game value by an electromagnetic method, but is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured to accept medals, which serve as a physical medium for game value, and to be configured to dispense the medals using a hopper unit when paying out. In this configuration, the slot machine 1 is configured to credit up to 50 medals for each inserted medal. Also in this configuration, the AT control means 170 terminates the advantageous period when 4000 games have been played since the start of the advantageous period.

[0225] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to set initial values ​​for the stored values ​​of each counter and storage means, and to perform decrement updates that subtract 1 each time a game is played, or increment updates that add 1 each time a game is played. However, the method for updating each counter and storage means may be configured to perform multiplication, division, etc., and is not particularly limited.

[0226] Furthermore, although a revolving-type gaming machine was used as an example in this embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this, and can also be applied to a pachinko machine capable of so-called Type 1 games, which includes, for example, a symbol determination means for determining one of several types of symbols including a jackpot symbol; a symbol display means for displaying a symbol on a symbol display unit after a predetermined variation time has elapsed since the symbol was determined; a jackpot game execution means for executing a jackpot game consisting of multiple round games when a jackpot symbol is displayed on the symbol display unit; a game benefit granting means for granting a predetermined game benefit when a game ball that has entered the jackpot pocket enters a specific area during a predetermined specific round game in the jackpot game; and an effect execution means for executing effects during the jackpot game. If the system consists of pachinko machines, the gaming machine only needs to be configured to circulate game balls within the machine and to record the game value used for the game by electromagnetic means. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0227] 1. Slot machine (amusement machine) 420 Acoustic device (sound output means) KB Counting Button

Claims

1. A circuit board on which a predetermined electronic component is installed, A substrate case for housing the aforementioned substrate, It comprises a sound output means for outputting sound, An explosion-proof valve is formed on the upper surface of the aforementioned electronic component. The first distance from the top surface of the electronic component to the top surface of the substrate case is longer than the second distance from the outer periphery to the center of the top surface of the electronic component. A through-hole is provided in the upper surface of the aforementioned circuit board case, at a position facing the upper surface of the aforementioned electronic component. The first distance is longer than the length of the threaded portion of any screw that is installed in the gaming machine and can be inserted into the through hole. The explosion-proof valve is visible from the outside of the circuit board case. The sound output from the sound output means includes: The first sound related to the game, The second sound is output when the game value stored in the gaming machine changes, It includes a third sound related to warning, The second sound can be output simultaneously with the first sound. The aforementioned third tone can be output simultaneously with the aforementioned second tone. The aforementioned second sound is output each time the condition is met. When the second sound and the third sound are output simultaneously, the volume of the third sound does not decrease. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

2. A circuit board on which a predetermined electronic component is installed, A substrate case for housing the aforementioned substrate, It comprises a sound output means for outputting sound, An explosion-proof valve is formed on the upper surface of the aforementioned electronic component. The first distance from the top surface of the electronic component to the top surface of the substrate case is longer than the second distance from the outer periphery to the center of the top surface of the electronic component. A through-hole is provided in the upper surface of the aforementioned circuit board case, at a position facing the upper surface of the aforementioned electronic component. The first distance is longer than the length of the threaded portion of any screw that is installed in the gaming machine and can be inserted into the through hole. The explosion-proof valve is visible from the outside of the circuit board case. The sound output from the sound output means includes: The first sound related to the game, The second sound is output when the game value stored in the gaming machine changes, It includes a third sound related to warning, The second sound can be output simultaneously with the first sound. The aforementioned third tone can be output simultaneously with the aforementioned second tone. When the first sound and the second sound are output simultaneously, the volume of the first sound decreases. When the second sound and the third sound are output simultaneously, the volume of the third sound does not decrease. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

Images