JP7535805B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

A known gaming machine is a pachinko gaming machine that includes a gaming area in which gaming balls (gaming value) move and a launching device that launches gaming balls into the gaming area. The pachinko gaming machine includes a starting port provided in the gaming area, and when the entry of a gaming ball into the starting port is detected, a special symbol lottery is held. If the result of the special symbol lottery is a jackpot, the gaming state transitions to a special gaming state, and multiple special games are played in the special gaming state. In each special game, a big prize opening provided in the gaming area opens, and gaming balls are paid out based on the entry of the gaming ball into the big prize opening.

Also known as a gaming machine is a slot machine that is equipped with multiple reels with multiple symbols arranged on the outer periphery, a start lever, a stop button, and the like. In a slot machine, the reels begin to spin based on a game start operation, and an internal lottery is held using a lottery table. When each reel stops, a symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination selected in the internal lottery is displayed, and if the winning combination is a winning combination, a process corresponding to the winning combination is performed, such as a medal payout process that pays out medals (game value) or a replay process that allows the player to play again without consuming any more medals.

Some of these gaming machines have a freeze function (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2022-126498 A

By the way, there is a demand for improving the quality of gaming machines.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an amusement machine with improved quality.

In order to achieve the above object, the gaming machine according to the present invention comprises:
A plurality of reels (e.g., reels 20a to 20c);
stop buttons (e.g., stop buttons 26a to 26c) corresponding to each of the plurality of reels;
A control means (e.g., a main control board 31) for controlling the progress of a game;
a notification means (e.g., a first main display 17a) capable of notifying an error;
The control means is capable of executing a process of stopping a process related to the progress of a game for a specific period of time,
If an error is detected during the specified period,
The notification means is capable of notifying the error,
The control means continues updating the timer means that manages the specific period while the error is being notified.

With this configuration, if an error is detected even during a specific period, the error can be reported. If the update of the clocking means is stopped (interrupted) while the error is being reported, it is possible to provide a process that stores the value of the clocking means at the time of interruption and resumes the update from the interruption point when the error is cleared, but in that case, the process becomes complicated and the possibility of a malfunction occurring due to this increases. According to the present invention, even if an error occurs during a specific period and the error is being reported, the update of the clocking means that manages the specific period continues. This simplifies the process, and by interrupting and resuming the update, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of malfunctions caused by the process becoming complicated, thereby improving the quality of the gaming machine.

The present invention makes it possible to provide gaming machines with improved quality.

1 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, as viewed from the front side. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration of the housing according to the first embodiment. 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining the receiving tray and the cancel chute, in which (a) shows the receiving tray and the cancel chute in close proximity to each other, and (b) shows the receiving tray and the cancel chute in a state separated from each other. 11A and 11B are diagrams for explaining the cancel chute, in which (a) shows the cancel chute as viewed from the front, and (b) shows the cancel chute as viewed from the rear. FIG. 2 is a front view of the hopper unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining the cancel chute, in which FIG. 13A is a diagram of the cancel chute as viewed from above, and FIG. 13B is a diagram of the cancel chute as viewed from the left side. 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining the cancel chute, in which (a) shows a see-through state of the front member of the cancel chute, and (b) shows only the rear member of the cancel chute. 13 is a diagram for explaining a cancel shot, showing a first virtual straight line. 13 is a diagram for explaining a cancel shot, showing a second imaginary line. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a cancel shot, showing a third imaginary line. 13 is a diagram for explaining a cancel shot, showing one end of a first virtual straight line. FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the cancel shot, showing the other end of the first virtual straight line. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 shows the arrangement of symbols on the reels. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the gaming machine. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the internal lottery table. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between the manner of stopping operation when each winning area is won and the winning combination. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between winning symbols and symbol combinations. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the relationship between winning symbols and symbol combinations. FIG. 11 is a state transition diagram of the game state. FIG. 11 is a state transition diagram of the game area and presentation state. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an error. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another gaming machine to which the present invention can be applied. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the main processing. 13 is a flowchart showing the pseudo-game management process. 13 is a flowchart showing a pseudo-game management process according to the modified example. 13A and 13B are diagrams for explaining modified examples of the liquid crystal display according to the first embodiment.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that, although a slot machine, which is one type of gaming machine, will be described below, the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to a slot machine, and may be a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine or a medal-less gaming machine.
In addition, in the following explanation, "front and back" basically means that when a player is in front of the slot machine, the player side is the "front" and the slot machine side is the "rear,""up and down" means that the top side of the slot machine is the "top" and the bottom side is the "bottom," and "left and right" means that the left-hand side of the player playing the slot machine is the "left" and the right-hand side is the "right."
It should be noted that, within the scope of the present invention, the components may be freely combined, or the components may be arbitrarily modified, or the components may be omitted.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a slot machine 100. Figure 2 is a perspective view showing the inside of a cabinet 1 of the slot machine 100. This slot machine 100 has a cabinet (game machine cabinet) 1. The cabinet 1 has a top plate 2, a back plate 3, a bottom plate 4, and left and right side plates 5, 6, and is formed in a box shape with a front opening that opens to the front side of the cabinet 1. The back plate 3 may be thinner than the top plate 2, the bottom plate 4, and the left and right side plates 5, 6.

In the following, the bottom surface of the top plate 2, the front surface of the back plate 3, the top surface of the bottom plate 4, the right surface of the left side plate 5, and the left surface of the right side plate 6, i.e., the plate surfaces facing the inside of the housing 1 on the top plate 2, back plate 3, bottom plate 4, side plate 5, or side plate 6, may be referred to as the "inner surface". Also, the top surface of the top plate 2, the back surface of the back plate 3, the bottom surface of the bottom plate 4, the left surface of the left side plate 5, and the right surface of the right side plate 6, i.e., the plate surfaces facing the outside of the housing 1 on the top plate 2, back plate 3, bottom plate 4, side plate 5, or side plate 6, may be referred to as the "outer surface". The housing 1 is made of wood, synthetic resin, metal, or the like. Also, the material of the housing 1 is not limited to one type, and for example, a part (top plate 2) may be made of wood and the others (back plate 3, bottom plate 4, and left and right side plates 5, 6) may be made of resin. Also, for example, the top plate 2 may be made of two types of materials (resin and metal).

A front door 20 is provided on the front side of the cabinet 1 to close and open the front opening of the cabinet 1. The front door 20 is rotatably connected to the cabinet 1 via a hinge 29, and opens and closes the opening of the cabinet 1. The front door 20 may be divided into a plurality of doors, such as an upper part (upper door) and a lower part (lower door). The slot machine 100 may be a so-called separated cabinet type in which the upper part of the front door 20 and the reel unit 14 can be replaced while the cabinet 1, the lower part of the front door 20, and the power supply unit 10 and the hopper unit 11 in the cabinet 1 are attached to the island equipment of the gaming facility when replacing the model in the gaming facility. When the front door 20 is divided into an upper door and a lower door, the upper door and the lower door can be opened and closed freely relative to the cabinet 1. That is, the upper door is rotatably connected via a hinge 29, and opens and closes the upper opening of the cabinet 1. The lower door is also rotatably connected via a hinge 29 to open and close the lower opening of the housing 1.

A flat panel 21 is provided on the upper side of the front door 20. A display device (display means, liquid crystal display) is provided on the back (rear side) of the panel 21 as a presentation device. The liquid crystal display shows various images (presentation images) to assist and liven up the game.

A transparent display window (window portion) 22 is provided in the center of the front door 20. Behind the display window 22, three reels 15a to 15c (see FIG. 2) are provided in a horizontal row. A part of the reels 15a to 15c can be seen through the display window 22. A number of types of symbols are arranged in a row along the circumferential direction on the outer periphery of each of the reels 15a to 15c, and when the reels 15a to 15c stop, three consecutive symbols (upper row symbols, middle row symbols, and lower row symbols) are displayed per reel through the display window 22. The display window 22 also has upper, middle, and lower rows as display positions for viewing the symbols of the reels 15a to 15c, and a winning line is set by a combination of the display positions of the reels 15a to 15c. In this embodiment of the gaming machine, the winning line is formed by the middle of the first reel 15a, the middle of the second reel 15b, and the middle of the third reel 15c.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the number of medals required for one game (prescribed number) is set to "3", and when the prescribed number of medals is inserted, the active line is activated. When the three reels 15a to 15c stop, the combination of symbols displayed through the display window 22 indicates whether or not a winning combination has been achieved. In the slot machine 100, the reels 15a to 15c start to spin when the game starts, and an internal lottery is executed to determine whether any of the winning combinations will be a win or a miss (no win). Then, when the reels 15a to 15c stop, if the symbol combination corresponding to the winning combination selected in the internal lottery is displayed on the active line, this winning combination will be a winning combination, and a process (winning process) corresponding to the winning combination that has been achieved will be executed.

The front door 20 is provided with lighting devices (lighting means) 24, 25, speakers (sound output means), etc., which serve as presentation devices for producing presentations (alerts), etc. The lighting device 24 is provided on the upper side of the panel 21 of the front door 20. The lighting devices 25, 25 are provided on both the left and right ends of the front door 20. A decorative member 26 having a luminous or non-luminous three-dimensional shape, including these lighting devices 24, 25, is provided at a predetermined part of the front door 20, and the outer shape of the front side of the gaming machine has projections and recesses. In other words, the gaming machine is decorated with the decorative member 26.

Speakers (not shown) are provided in multiple locations on the front door 20, for example at the top and bottom. The speakers output various types of sound effects (music, background music, sound effects, voice, etc.) to assist and liven up the game. Note that in addition to the LCD display, lighting devices 24, 25, and speakers, movable props that can be operated by actuators, etc., may also be provided as performance devices.

The operation unit 30 for operating the slot machine 100 is provided in the vertical center of the front door 20. The operation unit 30 includes a settlement button 60 operated when settling medals (game medals, game media, game value), a start lever 32 operated when starting a game, a stop button 33 (three stop buttons 33a, 33b, 33c) operated when stopping the rotation of each of the three reels 15a to 15c, a medal insertion port 34 for inserting medals, a reject button 70 operated when clearing a medal jam that occurs below the medal insertion port 34, and a MAX bet button 35 (bet button) operated when betting (investing) credited medals (operated when setting the maximum number of bets). In addition to the MAX bet button 35 (first bet button) operated when betting three medals (the specified number), a 1 bet button (second bet button) operated when betting one medal may be provided as the bet button. Additionally, the front door 20 is provided with a performance button 36 (performance operation section) that is operated to progress the performance (to change the mode of the performance), etc.

The operation unit 30 is also provided with an operation panel 57 that is operated when selecting game effects, etc., and a display unit 58 that displays game information. The operation panel 57 is provided in the approximate center of the width (left-right) of the operation unit 30, and the display unit 58 is provided to the right of the medal insertion slot 34. The operation panel 57 is equipped with, for example, a cross key, a decision button, and a cancel button.

In addition, at the bottom of the front door 20, there is provided a payout outlet 50 for discharging (sending out) medals from inside the slot machine 100, and a receiving tray 38 capable of storing medals discharged (paid out) from the payout outlet 50. In addition, between the operation unit 30 and the receiving tray 38, there is provided a lower panel 39 for decorating the exterior of the gaming machine. A light source (LED) for illumination is provided on the rear side of this lower panel 39, and the lower panel 39 is illuminated from behind by light from this light source. The lower panel 39 is formed to be pressable, and may be an effect operation unit having the same function as an effect button.

As shown in FIG. 2, a reel unit 14 is provided inside the housing 1. The reel unit 14 includes three reels 15a, 15b, and 15c with multiple symbols displayed around them, and a drive motor (stepping motor) for rotating the reels 15a to 15c. Each reel is fixed to the output shaft of the corresponding stepping motor.

Inside the housing 1, on the top surface of the bottom plate 4, there are provided a power supply unit (power supply means) 10 that supplies power to each component, a hopper unit (medal payout device 11) 11 (payout device) that stores medals and serves as a payout device that pays out the medals, and a cash box 12 from which surplus medals are sent out when the medals stored in the medal payout device 11 reach a certain amount. Note that the arrangement of components such as the power supply unit 10 inside the housing 1 may be referred to as a back box unit. The power supply unit 10 has a power switch, and when the power switch is turned ON, power is supplied from the power supply unit 10 to each component. Note that some components may be configured to receive power even when the power supply unit 10 is OFF.

The front door 20 is provided with a door key cylinder 66, and the front door 20 can be unlocked by inserting a door key into the door key cylinder 66. Specifically, the front door 20 can be unlocked by rotating (twisting) the door key inserted into the door key cylinder 66 clockwise from its initial position. In addition, an error can be cleared by rotating (twisting) the door key inserted into the door key cylinder 66 counterclockwise from its initial position.

When medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 34 of the slot machine 100, the inserted medals are set to an inserted state, up to a specified number (specified insertion number). In addition, the slot machine 100 is capable of storing (accumulating) a maximum of 50 medals as credits, and when the MAX BET button 35 is operated with medals stored as credits, the medals stored as credits are set to an inserted state, up to a specified number.

In the slot machine 100, when medals are inserted through the medal insertion slot 34 or the MAX BET button 35 is operated to bet a specified number of medals, the operation of the start lever 32 is enabled and the machine is in a state in which play can be started. In addition, when the enabled start lever 32 is operated, play begins. When play begins, each reel starts to rotate, and when the rotation speed of each reel reaches a certain speed and reaches a steady rotation, the operation of the stop button 33 is enabled. In addition, when the enabled stop button 33 is operated, the rotation of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button 33 stops. When all the reels have stopped, a process is performed in which medals are paid out according to the result of the game, or a process is performed in which play can be started again without consuming any more medals, and one round of play ends.

Inside the slot machine 100, a main control board (main control means) and a sub-control board (sub-control means) are provided. The sub-control board may be provided on the rear side of the front door 20. The main control board receives input signals from input means such as the MAX BET button 35, the start lever 32, the stop button 33, etc., performs various calculations to execute the game, and controls the output means such as the reel unit 14 and the hopper unit 11 based on the calculation results. In addition, the sub-control board receives signals (information) sent from the main control board, performs various calculations to execute the performance, and controls various performance devices such as the LCD display and speaker based on the calculation results.

The main control board and the sub-control board are electrically connected, and various information (signals) such as information indicating the game status can be sent from the main control board to the sub-control board, but information cannot be sent from the sub-control board to the main control board. The functions of each board, such as the main control board and the sub-control board, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ICs, or information storage media such as ROM and RAM, or software consisting of a predetermined program pre-stored in ROM, etc.

The main control board is provided with a setting change key cylinder (not shown) and a setting change button (not shown). The setting change key cylinder and the setting change button may be provided, for example, in the power supply unit 10.

As shown in FIG. 1, a receiving tray 38 and a dispensing opening 50 are provided at the bottom of the front door 20. Also, as shown in FIG. 3(a), a cancel chute 40 is provided behind the receiving tray 38. Although not shown, a hopper unit 11 (FIG. 2) is disposed behind (on the back side of) the cancel chute 40.

Figure 3 (b) is a diagram showing the state in which the receiving tray 38 and the cancel chute 40 are separated. The receiving tray 38 is formed in a generally square (rectangular) dish that is long in the left-right direction. The receiving tray 38 mainly comprises a bottom 381, an edge (wall) 382 that is formed (standing) so as to surround the bottom 381, and a payout outlet 50 formed in the rear edge 382. Note that in this embodiment, the receiving tray 38 has a concave storage section 383 that can store medals and the like, but the storage section 383 does not have to be provided. In other words, the storage section 383 may not be provided and the bottom 381 may be larger.

The edge 382 has the function of preventing medals paid out from the payout opening 50 from spilling out of the tray 38. The edge 382 is made up of a front edge (front wall 382a) provided on the front side of the bottom 381, a right edge provided on the right side of the bottom 381, a left edge provided on the left side of the bottom 381, and a rear edge provided on the rear side of the bottom 381. In this embodiment, the height of the front edge (height from the bottom 381) is the lowest, but this height is equal to or greater than the diameter of the medal.

The cancel chute 40 is formed to have a space on the inside (inside), allowing medals to pass through the inside. The cancel chute 40 functions as a medal passage (guide passage) that guides medals that have entered the inside to the receiving tray 38. In this embodiment, the cancel chute 40 may be referred to as a "medal passage." The cancel chute 40 has multiple openings (described below). In other words, the cancel chute 40 has an entrance section and an exit section for medals. In this embodiment, the cancel chute 40 is composed of two members, a first member (front member) and a second member (rear member) combined from the front and back, but is not limited to this and may be composed of one member, or may be composed of two or more members.

The medal passage (i.e., the cancel chute 40) is required to be shaped to allow medals to flow (pass) smoothly in order to prevent medals from clogging within the passage. However, if the medal passage is shaped in such a way that the smooth flow of medals is given too much priority in order to prevent medal clogging, it will cause the problem that it will be easier to commit fraud against the hopper unit 11 located at the rear (deteriorating anti-fraud performance). Furthermore, if the medal passage is shaped in a complex way in order to improve anti-fraud performance, it will be difficult to achieve the smooth flow of medals, and furthermore, the complex shape will cause the problem of interfering with the installation (positioning) of other components on the front door 20 (reducing the installation space for other components).

In this embodiment, we will explain the shape of the medal passage that can achieve a good balance between allowing the medals to flow smoothly, improving anti-fraud performance, and preventing interference with the installation of other components.

(Second opening 402)
As shown in FIG. 3B, a second opening 402 (a receiving tray side opening) that opens in the front-rear direction is provided at the lower front side of the cancel chute 40. 3A is a view of the chute 40 from the front side. The second opening 402 has a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front. As shown in FIG. 3A, the second opening 402 is a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the front. The second opening 402 is in contact with the dispensing outlet 50. In addition, "in contact" includes "close to" and "abutting". The second opening 402 is located at a position corresponding to (opposing) the dispensing outlet 50. It can also be said that the second opening 402 and the payout outlet 50 are formed to overlap in the front-rear direction. The second opening 402 is an outlet for medals from the cancel chute 40. It has become.

The cancel chute 40 is located between the receiving tray 38 and the medal payout device 11 (Figure 2) in the front-rear direction, and is capable of guiding medals sent out from the medal payout device 11 to the receiving tray 38 (details will be described later).

Figure 5 is a view of the medal payout device 11 (hopper) as seen from the front. A medal payout section 111 (payout section, launch port section) is provided on the front side (front surface) of the medal payout device 11. The medal payout section 111 is formed to allow medals to pass through, and medals are sent out (launched) from the medal payout section 111 when, for example, a small winning combination is achieved or when the settlement button 60 is pressed with credited medals present. The opening of the medal payout section 111 is roughly rectangular and slopes diagonally downward to the right when viewed from the front.

A peripheral wall 112 is provided around the medal payout section 111. The peripheral wall 112 is a portion (wall portion) of a predetermined range of the front surface of the medal payout device 11 around the medal payout section 111. The predetermined range is at least a range that includes the range facing the first opening 401 (opening area of the first opening 401) described below (for example, the range inside the dashed line Q in Figure 5). The peripheral wall 112 is a surface that is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction.

(First opening 401)
4B is a view of the cancel chute 40 as seen from the rear side (back side). At the rear side of the cancel chute 40, a first opening 401 (hopper side opening) that opens in the front-rear direction is provided. The first opening 401 is substantially rectangular and slopes downward to the left when viewed from the rear (and downward to the right when viewed from the front). When the front door 20 is closed, the medal payout unit 111 of the medal payout device 11 is in contact with the medal payout unit 111 of the medal payout device 11. Note that "in contact" includes being close to the medal payout unit 111 and being in contact with the medal payout unit 111.

When the front door 20 is closed, the first opening 401 and the medal payout section 111 face each other. The opening size of the first opening 401 is larger than that of the medal payout section 111. The first opening 401 is provided at a position corresponding to (facing) the medal payout section 111. It can also be said that the first opening 401 and the medal payout section 111 are formed to overlap in the front-to-rear direction. The first opening 401 serves as the entrance (first entrance) for medals to the cancel chute 40.

Figure 6 is a view of the front door 20 (lower door) as seen from the rear side. Below the medal insertion port 34 (Figure 1) in the front door 20, a medal selector (selector) 90 is provided. The medal selector 90 is provided above the cancel chute 40. The medal selector 90 has the function of selecting medals inserted through the medal insertion port 34. For example, if the inserted medal is not a genuine medal or if the timing of inserting the medal is not appropriate, the medal selector 90 guides the inserted medal downward to the cancel chute 40 (dropping the medal toward the cancel chute 40 downward).

(Third opening 403)
7A is a top view of the cancel chute 40. A third opening 403 (selector side opening) is provided on the upper side (upper right side) of the cancel chute 40. The third opening 403 is open in the vertical direction. The third opening 403 is in contact with the lower end of the medal selector 90. In addition, "in contact" refers to "close to" and "in contact with". The third opening 403 is a substantially rectangular shape. The third opening 403 serves as an entrance (second entrance) for medals to the cancel chute 40.

(Positional relationship of each opening)
7B is a view of the cancel chute 40 as seen from the left side (left side view). The first opening 401 and the second opening 402 are provided at different heights (shifted heights) in the up-down direction. The first opening 401 is provided above the second opening 402.
The third opening 403 and the second opening 402 are provided at different heights in the up-down direction. The third opening 403 is provided above the second opening 402.
The first opening 401 and the third opening 403 are provided at different heights in the up-down direction. The third opening 403 is provided above the first opening 401.

The medals fired from the medal payout section 111 of the medal payout device 11 enter the interior of the cancel chute 40 (medal passage) through the first opening 401. The cancel chute 40 then leads (guides) the medals that have entered the interior from the first opening 401 forward. The medals that have entered the interior of the cancel chute 40 from the first opening 401 pass through (flow down, slide) the interior of the cancel chute 40 and exit the cancel chute 40 from the second opening 402.

Furthermore, the medals sent out from the medal selector 90 (that have passed through the medal selector 90) enter the interior of the cancel chute 40 via the third opening 403. The cancel chute 40 then guides (leads) the medals that have entered the interior through the third opening 403 downward. The medals that have entered the interior of the cancel chute 40 through the third opening 403 pass through the interior of the cancel chute 40 and exit the cancel chute 40 through the second opening 402.

Figure 8 (a) is a view of the cancel chute 40 from the front, with the components constituting the front side of the cancel chute 40 seen through (transparent). The first opening 401 and the second opening 402 are provided at different positions (displaced positions) in the left-right direction. The first opening 401 is provided to the left of the second opening 402. The third opening 403 and the second opening 402 are provided at different positions (displaced positions) in the left-right direction. The third opening 403 is provided to the right of the second opening 402. The first opening 401 and the third opening 403 are provided at different positions (displaced positions) in the left-right direction.

In this embodiment, the left end of the first opening 401 is located to the left of the left end of the second opening 402, but the right end of the first opening 401 is located between the left end of the second opening 402 and the right end of the second opening 402. The first opening 401 and the second opening 402 have a relatively small misalignment in the left-right direction when viewed from the front, but a relatively large misalignment in the up-down direction (height direction), so there is no overlapping area (overlapping portion) when viewed from the front. In this embodiment, the first opening 401 and the second opening 402 are located in positions where they do not overlap when viewed from the front.

The left end of the third opening 403 is located to the right of the right end of the second opening 402. The third opening 403 and the second opening 402 are relatively largely offset in the left-right and up-down directions (height directions), and there is no overlapping area (overlapping portion) when viewed from the front. The third opening 403 and the second opening 402 have different opening directions (opening orientations). In this embodiment, the third opening 403 and the second opening 402 are located in positions where they do not overlap when viewed from the front.

The first opening 401 and the third opening 403 are relatively largely offset in the left-right and up-down directions (height directions), and there is no overlapping area (overlapping portion) when viewed from the front. The first opening 401 and the third opening 403 have different opening directions (opening orientations). In this embodiment, the first opening 401 and the third opening 403 are provided in positions where they do not overlap when viewed from the front.

Figure 8 (b) is a diagram showing (only) the components that make up the rear side of the cancel chute 40. The inner surface of the cancel chute 40 (the surface that makes up the medal passage) includes a first inclined surface 411, a second inclined surface 412, and a third inclined surface 413.

The first inclined surface 411 is a surface that slopes downward in the left-right direction toward the right (a surface that slopes downward to the right). The first inclined surface 411 is formed so that it can come into contact with a medal that enters through the first opening 401, and when a medal comes into contact with it, it guides the medal to the lower right (the second inclined surface 412).

The third inclined surface 413 is a surface that slopes downward in the left-right direction (a surface that slopes downward to the left). The third inclined surface 413 is formed so that it can come into contact with a medal that enters through the third opening 403, and when a medal comes into contact with it, it guides the medal to the lower left (the second inclined surface 412).

The second inclined surface 412 is provided below the first inclined surface 411 and the third inclined surface 413. The second inclined surface 412 is inclined downward in the front-rear direction. In this embodiment, the second inclined surface 412 is made up of two inclined surfaces with different gradients (inclinations), with the inclination (inclination with respect to the horizontal plane) of the inclined surface on the near side being greater than the inclined surface on the rear side.

The second inclined surface 412 is formed so that it can come into contact with a medal falling from above, and guides the medal that comes into contact with it forward (i.e., the second opening 402). The second inclined surface 412 is formed so that it continues to the second opening 402, and the medal that travels down the slope and reaches the second opening 402 is discharged from the second opening 402 to the outside (i.e., the receiving tray 38).

Here, the medal passage from the first opening 401 to the second opening 402 (connecting the first opening 401 and the second opening 402) is referred to as the first passage F1, and the medal passage from the third opening 403 to the second opening 402 (connecting the third opening 403 and the second opening 402) is referred to as the second passage F2.

The first passage F1 has a shape that allows the direction in which the medal moves (traveling direction) to be changed. It can also be said that the first passage F1 has at least one bent portion. In other words, the first passage F1 is crank-shaped.
The second passage F2 has a shape that allows the direction in which the medal moves (traveling direction) to be changed. It can also be said that the second passage F2 has at least one bent portion. In other words, the second passage F2 is crank-shaped.

The first passage F1 leading from the first opening 401 to the second opening 402 is a passage that proceeds from the rear to the front, turns at a bend (first bend) to proceed to the right side (lower right side), and then turns at the next bend (second bend) to proceed to the front side (lower front side), as shown by the arrow F1.
A medal launched from the rear to the front through the first opening 401 may collide with the flat front surface of the passage (surface marked with the symbol P in FIG. 12). A metal plate (buffer member) may be arranged on the front surface with which the medal collides to cushion the impact of the medal collision. In other words, a part (of the inner surface) of the medal passage may be formed from a metal plate. By arranging the metal plate, it is possible to prevent the inner surface of the passage from being deformed or damaged by the medal collision. The metal plate may be, for example, a stainless steel plate with a thickness of about 0.4 mm. Note that rubber (elastic body) may be used as the buffer member instead of a metal plate.
In the above, it has been described that the medal launched from the rear to the front collides with a flat front surface in the passage, but this is not limiting, and the medal may collide with a curved front surface in the passage. In other words, the front surface may be curved. A curved surface may be, for example, a shape that is concave (recessed) toward the front. When the front surface that the medal collides with is curved, the impact of the medal collision is mitigated compared to when it is flat. This allows the medal to be guided more smoothly to the receiving tray 38.

The second passage F2, which runs from the third opening 403 to the second opening 402, is a passage that, as shown by the arrow F2, proceeds from top to bottom, turns at a bend (third bend) to proceed to the left (lower left), and then turns at the next bend (second bend) to proceed forward (lower front).

The passage from the third opening 403 to the first opening 401 is referred to as the third passage F3. Although not shown in the figure, the third passage F3 has at least one bend, similar to the first passage F1 and the second passage F2.

If the first passage F1 and the second passage F2 were not shaped in a way that could change the direction in which the medals travel, but were straight (without any bends), it would be easy for a player to insert a tool (rod-shaped member) or the like to commit fraud (pranks). In this embodiment, as described above, the first passage F1 and the second passage F2 are shaped in a way that could change the direction in which the medals travel (because they have bends), making it difficult for a player to insert a tool (member) or the like. This makes it possible to improve fraud prevention performance. Note that being able to improve fraud prevention performance includes reducing the risk of parts being damaged by the insertion of a tool or the like.

Here, as shown in Fig. 9, a virtual line passing through (passing) the first opening 401 and the second opening 402 is defined as a first virtual line X. In this embodiment, it is possible to draw (draw) the first virtual line X without contacting the inner surface of the medal passage (first passage F1). In other words, the first virtual line X is a line that can be drawn without contacting the inner surface of the medal passage. In further other words, the first opening 401 and the second opening 402 can be connected by a straight line (first virtual line X) that does not contact the inner surface of the medal passage.
With this configuration, the medal passage (first passage F1) has a shape that allows the first virtual straight line X to be drawn without contacting the inner surface of the medal passage (a shape that has a linearly communicating space), which allows for smooth passage (payout) of medals. Also, compared to a medal passage (first passage) with a complicated shape that makes it impossible to draw the first virtual straight line X, this simple shape prevents it from interfering with the installation of other components.

As shown in FIG. 10, a virtual line passing through (passing) the first opening 401 and the third opening 403 is defined as a third virtual line Z. In this embodiment, it is impossible to draw (draw) the third virtual line Z without contacting the inner surface of the medal passage (third passage F3). In other words, the third virtual line Z is a line that cannot be drawn without contacting the inner surface of the medal passage. In other words, it is impossible to connect the first opening 401 and the third opening 403 with a line (third virtual line Z) that does not contact the inner surface of the medal passage. It can also be said that the third virtual line Z contacts the inner surface of the medal passage (the inner surface of the medal passage exists on the line).
According to this configuration, the medal passage (third passage F3) is shaped in such a way that the third virtual straight line Z cannot be drawn, so that it is difficult to insert a tool (rod-shaped member) or the like through the third opening 403 to access the first opening 401 (medal payout section 111). This makes it possible to improve fraud prevention performance.
In addition, since the shape of the ball makes it impossible to draw the third virtual straight line Z (because it is not linear), it is possible to prevent irregular movement of medals that enter the cancel chute 40 from the third opening 403 and flow down toward the first opening 401.

As shown in FIG. 11, a virtual line passing through (passing) the second opening 402 and the third opening 403 is defined as a second virtual line Y. In this embodiment, it is impossible to draw (draw) the second virtual line Y without contacting the inner surface of the medal passage (second passage F2). In other words, the second virtual line Y is a line that cannot be drawn without contacting the inner surface of the medal passage. In other words, it is impossible to connect the second opening 402 and the third opening 403 with a line (second virtual line Y) that does not contact the inner surface of the medal passage. It can also be said that the second virtual line Y contacts the inner surface of the medal passage (the inner surface of the medal passage exists on the line).
According to this configuration, the medal passage (second passage F2) is shaped in such a way that the second virtual straight line Y cannot be drawn, making it difficult to insert a tool (rod-shaped member) or the like through the second opening 402 to access the third opening 403 (medal selector 90). This makes it possible to improve fraud prevention performance.

In this embodiment, medals pass through the first passage F1 more frequently than through the second passage F2. The first passage F1 has a shape that allows the first virtual straight line X to be drawn, taking into account the high frequency of medals passing through it while strengthening fraud prevention measures, and realizing the smooth passage of medals. On the other hand, the second passage F2 has a shape that does not allow the second virtual straight line Y to be drawn, as medals pass through it less frequently, and thus provides stronger fraud prevention measures.

12, the front end (nearby end) of the first imaginary straight line X is defined as one end X1 (one end). The first imaginary straight line X can be drawn such that the one end X1 does not come into contact with the front edge (front wall 382a) of the tray 38, but comes into contact with the bottom 381 of the tray 38. In other words, the first imaginary straight line X is a line that can come into contact with the bottom 381 of the tray 38, without coming into contact with the front wall 382a of the tray 38.
According to this configuration, one end X1 contacts the bottom 381 instead of the front wall 382a, so that a medal that passes through the medal passage contacts the bottom 381 instead of the front wall 382a. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the medal from climbing over the front wall 382a and spilling out of the receiving tray 38.
In addition, when the one end X1 contacts the bottom 381 (when X1 is once positioned further back) than when it contacts the front wall 382a, it becomes more difficult to insert a tool (rod-shaped member) or the like into the first passage from the front side because the bottom 381 becomes an obstacle. This makes it possible to improve the fraud prevention performance.

As shown in Fig. 13, the rear end (deeper side) of the first imaginary straight line X is the other end X2 (other end). The first imaginary straight line X can be drawn so that the other end X2 comes into contact with the peripheral wall portion 112 (Fig. 5) without coming into contact with the medal payout portion 111 of the medal payout device 11. In other words, the first imaginary straight line X is a line that can come into contact with the peripheral wall portion 112 without coming into contact with the medal payout portion 111 of the medal payout device 11.
With this configuration, the other end X2 contacts the peripheral wall 112 instead of the medal payout section 111, so even if an implement (rod-shaped member) or the like is inserted into the first passage F1, it is difficult for the tip of the implement to contact (access) the medal payout section 111 (or to be inserted into) the medal payout section 111. This makes it possible to further improve fraud prevention performance.

(Component G)
Here, a rod-shaped member having a predetermined diameter (e.g., about 5 mm) and a predetermined length is defined as member G. The predetermined length is, for example, a length longer than the linear distance from the third opening 403 to the second opening 402.

When the front door 20 is open and a member G is inserted into the first opening 401 from the rear side, the member G can be inserted into the first passage F1 without contacting the inner surface of the first passage F1, and the tip of the member G coming out of the second opening 402 comes into contact with the bottom 381 of the receiving tray 38.
Furthermore, when the front door 20 is closed and the receiving tray 38 is not present, if a member G is inserted into the second opening 402, the member G can be inserted into the first passage F1 without contacting the inner surface of the first passage F1, and the tip of the member G protruding from the first opening 401 comes into contact with the peripheral wall 112 of the medal payout device 11. In reality, however, it is difficult to insert the member G into the first passage F1 from the front side, since the presence of the receiving tray 38 acts as an obstacle.

Furthermore, when the front door 20 is open and the member G is inserted into the third opening 403 on the rear side, the tip of the member G cannot be taken out of the second opening 402. In other words, the member G cannot be inserted into the second passage F2.
Furthermore, when the front door 20 is closed and the receiving tray 38 is not present, if the member G is inserted into the second opening 402, the tip of the member G cannot be ejected from the third opening 403. In other words, the member G cannot be inserted into the second passage F2.
Furthermore, when the front door 20 is open and a member G is inserted into the third opening 403 on the rear side, the tip of the member G cannot be taken out of the first opening 401. In other words, the member G cannot be inserted into the third passage F3.

The gaming machine of this embodiment is
A gaming machine including a cabinet (e.g., cabinet 1) and a front door (e.g., front door 20),
The housing includes a hopper (e.g., a hopper unit 11),
The front door includes a receiving tray (e.g., a receiving tray 38) and a guide passage (e.g., a cancel chute 40),
The hopper includes a launch port (e.g., a medal payout portion 111) from which the game value is launched, and a peripheral wall portion (e.g., a peripheral wall portion 112) of the launch port,
The tray includes a bottom portion (e.g., a bottom portion 381) and a front wall portion (e.g., a front wall portion 382a) provided on the front side of the bottom portion,
The guide passage includes a hopper side opening (e.g., a first opening 401) and a tray side opening (e.g., a second opening 402),
If the passage from the hopper side opening to the tray side opening is a first passage (for example, a first passage F1),
The first passage is capable of guiding the game value shot from the shot port to the tray,
The first passage has a shape capable of changing a direction in which the game value advances,
If a virtual line passing through the hopper-side opening and the tray-side opening is a first virtual line (for example, a first virtual line X),
The first imaginary straight line is a line that can be drawn without contacting the inner surface of the first passage.
According to this configuration, the first passage is shaped to be able to change the direction in which the game value advances, making it difficult for a player to insert a tool or the like. This improves the performance of the fraud prevention measures. In other words, it reduces the risk of parts being damaged by the insertion of a tool or the like.
In addition, the first passage is capable of drawing the first virtual straight line without contacting the inner surface of the first passage. This allows the game value to pass smoothly. In addition, the first passage has a simple shape compared to a case where the first virtual straight line is too complex to be drawn. This prevents the first passage from interfering with the installation of other components.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment,
The first imaginary straight line is a line that can be depicted so that one end (for example, end X1) contacts the bottom portion and the other end (for example, end X2) contacts the peripheral wall portion.
According to this configuration, the gaming value that passes through the guide passage comes into contact with the bottom portion instead of the front wall portion. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent the gaming value from climbing over the front wall portion and spilling out of the tray. In addition, since the bottom portion acts as an obstacle, it becomes more difficult to insert a tool or the like into the first passage from the front side. This makes it possible to further improve the fraud prevention performance.
In addition, even if an instrument or the like is inserted into the first passage, the tip of the instrument will contact the surrounding wall, not the launch port, making it difficult for the tip to contact the launch port (to access the launch port) (to be inserted into the launch port), thereby further improving the fraud prevention performance.

In addition, the gaming machine of this embodiment has
The front door further includes a selector (e.g., a medal selector 90).
The guide passage further includes a selector side opening (e.g., a third opening 403),
If the passage from the selector side opening to the tray side opening is a second passage (e.g., a second passage F2),
the second passage is capable of guiding the game value sent from the selector to the receiving tray;
The second passage has a shape capable of changing a direction in which the game value advances,
If a virtual line passing through the tray side opening and the selector side opening is a second virtual line (for example, a second virtual line Y),
The second imaginary straight line is a line that cannot be drawn without contacting the inner surface of the second passage.
According to this configuration, the second passage cannot draw the second virtual straight line without contacting the inner surface of the second passage. Therefore, it is difficult to insert an implement or the like through the tray-side opening to access the selector-side opening (selector). This improves the fraud prevention performance.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment,
A passage from the selector side opening to the hopper side opening is a third passage (for example, a third passage F3),
If a virtual line passing through the selector side opening and the hopper side opening is a third virtual line (for example, a third virtual line Z),
The third imaginary straight line is a line that cannot be drawn without contacting the inner surface of the third passage.
According to this configuration, the third passage cannot draw the third virtual straight line without contacting the inner surface of the third passage. Therefore, for example, it is difficult to insert a tool or the like through the selector side opening to access the hopper side opening (launch port). This improves the fraud prevention performance.
In addition, since the third passage has a shape that does not allow the third virtual straight line to be drawn (because it is not linear), irregular movement of the game value that has entered the guide passage from the selector side opening and flows down toward the hopper side opening can be prevented.

Second Embodiment
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that, although a slot machine, which is one type of gaming machine, will be described below, the gaming machine according to the present invention is not limited to a slot machine, but may be a gaming machine such as a pachinko gaming machine or a medalless gaming machine.
In addition, in the following explanation, "front and back" basically means that when a player is in front of the slot machine, the player side is the "front" and the slot machine side is the "rear,""up and down" means that the top side of the slot machine is the "top" and the bottom side is the "bottom," and "left and right" means that the left-hand side of the player playing the slot machine is the "left" and the right-hand side is the "right."
It should be noted that, within the scope of the present invention, the components may be freely combined, or the components may be arbitrarily modified, or the components may be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 14, the slot machine (game machine) 10 of this embodiment includes a box-shaped housing 11 with an opening on the front side, which faces the player, and a front door (front door) 12 for opening and closing the front opening of the housing 11. The front door 12 is divided into an upper door 12a and a lower door 12b, and the upper door 12a and the lower door 12b can be opened and closed freely relative to the housing 11. The front door 12 may be an integrated structure that is not divided into the upper door 12a and the lower door 12b. Inside the housing 11, there are provided a hopper unit (payout means) for storing medals (game media, game value) and paying out the medals, a power supply unit with a built-in power supply device (power supply means) for supplying power to each component, a cash box from which medals are sent out from the hopper unit when the amount of medals in the hopper unit reaches a predetermined amount or more, and the like. The power supply unit includes a power switch, and when the power switch is turned on, power is supplied from the power supply unit to each component. Note that some of the components may be configured to receive power even when the power supply unit is turned off.
Also provided within the housing 11 are a reel unit in which the rotatable first reel 20a, second reel 20b, and third reel 20c are unitized, a main control board 31 (described later), a sub-control board 32 (described later), and the like. The reel unit has a drive motor (stepping motor) for rotating the reels 20a to 20c.

At the center of the top of the upper door 12a (above the display window 16), a liquid crystal display (display means) 13 is provided as a presentation device. Various images (presentation images) are displayed on the liquid crystal display 13 to assist and liven up the game. In addition, a speaker (sound output means) 14 is provided on the upper door 12a (and the lower door 12b) as a presentation device. Various presentation sounds (music, sound effects, voice, etc.) are output from the speaker 14 to assist and liven up the game. In addition, a lamp (lighting device, lighting means, peripheral lamp) 38 is provided on the front door 12 for providing notifications and presentations. Note that a movable part that can be operated by an actuator or the like may also be provided as a presentation device.

The upper door 12a is provided with a display window 16. A reel unit is arranged behind the display window 16 so that a part of the reel unit can be seen from outside the display window 16. The outer periphery of each of the reels 20a to 20c is divided into 20 frames (20 areas) at regular intervals, and one of multiple types of symbols is arranged in each frame. In other words, multiple types of symbols are arranged in a row on the outer periphery of each of the reels 20a to 20c. When each of the reels 20a to 20c stops, three symbols (upper row symbols, middle row symbols, lower row symbols) are displayed per reel through the display window 16. The display window 16 is provided with an upper row, middle row, and lower row as display positions for viewing the symbols of each of the reels 20a to 20c, and a winning line is set by a combination of the display positions of each of the reels 20a to 20c. In this embodiment, the pay line is formed by the bottom row of the first reel 20a, the middle row of the second reel 20b, and the top row of the third reel 20c.

In this embodiment, the number of medals required for one game (prescribed number, prescribed number of medals) is set to three, and when the prescribed number of medals is inserted, the active line is activated. When the game starts, each of the reels 20a to 20c starts to spin, and an internal lottery is executed to determine whether any of the winning roles will be a win or a miss (no win). Next, when the reels 20a to 20c stop, if a symbol combination corresponding to the winning role selected in the internal lottery is displayed on the active line, this winning role will be a winning role, and a process corresponding to the winning role that has been selected (winning process) will be executed.

As shown in FIG. 15, the following symbols are arranged on the outer periphery of each of the reels 20a to 20c: white 7 symbol "white 7", purple 7 symbol A "purple 7A", purple 7 symbol B "purple 7B", purple 7 symbol C "purple 7C", purple 7 symbol D "purple 7D", yellow 7 symbol "yellow 7", red 7 symbol "red 7", black BAR symbol "black BAR", red BAR symbol "red BAR", and blank symbol "BK". Symbol numbers 0 to 19 are assigned to the symbols on each of the reels 20a to 20c.

Below the display window 16 is a game information display unit 17. The game information display unit 17 is made up of LEDs, lamps, seven-segment displays, etc., and displays various game information such as the number of medal credits, the number of medals paid out or won in one game, and error information. The game information display unit 17 is equipped with a first main display 17a, a second main display 17b, a sub-display 17c, and a favorable zone indicator.

The lower door 12b is provided with a medal insertion port 22 for inserting medals, a bet button 23 operated when betting (inserting) credited medals, a start lever (game start operation means) 24 operated when starting a game, a top button (stop operation means) 26 (26a, 26b, 26c) operated when stopping the spinning reels, a settlement button operated when settling medals, a reject button operated when clearing a medal jam that has occurred in the medal passage below the medal insertion port 22, and a performance button (performance operation means) 25 operated when progressing a performance, etc. In addition, a medal sensor 29 (see FIG. 16) that detects the passage of medals inserted from the medal insertion port 22 is provided at the back of the medal insertion port 22. In this embodiment, as the bet buttons 23, a MAX bet button (first bet button) operated when betting three medals (prescribed number) and a 1 bet button (second bet button) operated when betting one medal are provided. The effect button 25 is operated when progressing the effect (changing the aspect of the effect), etc. The effect button 25 is formed to be operable by pressing, and when pressed, for example, the aspect of the effect image displayed on the liquid crystal display 13 changes. By providing the effect button 25 and enabling its operation at a predetermined opportunity, it is possible to increase the player's awareness of participating in the game and improve the enjoyment of the game. For example, the effect button 25 becomes operable during the execution of an effect that gives the player hope of transitioning to an advantageous state, and an image instructing the operation is displayed on the liquid crystal display 13. Then, when the effect button 25 is operated, the result of the game (for example, whether or not a transition to an advantageous state will occur) is notified. Note that the effect button 25 is not limited to being button-shaped, and may be configured to detect the player's operation.

In addition, a door key cylinder 69 is provided on the lower door 12b. The lower door 12b (front door 12) can be unlocked by inserting a door key into the door key cylinder 69. Specifically, the lower door 12b can be unlocked by rotating (twisting) the door key inserted into the door key cylinder 69 clockwise from its initial position. In addition, an error can be cleared by rotating (twisting) the door key inserted into the door key cylinder 69 counterclockwise from its initial position.
The lower door 12b is provided with a payout outlet 27 for paying out medals sent from a hopper device (hopper unit), a medal tray 28 for receiving (accumulating) the medals paid out from the payout outlet 27, and the like.
A lower panel 91 is provided above the medal tray 28 on the lower door 12b. A light source (LED) for illumination is provided on the rear side of the lower panel 91, so that the lower panel 91 is illuminated from behind by light emitted from this light source.

In the slot machine 10, (1) when medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 22 or when the bet button 23 is operated to bet a specified number of medals, the operation of the start lever 24 is enabled and the machine is ready to start playing. (2) When the enabled start lever 24 is operated (pressed), the machine starts playing and the reels 20a to 20c start spinning. (3) When the rotation speed of each of the reels 20a to 20c reaches a certain speed and enters a steady rotation state, the operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c is enabled. (4) When the enabled stop buttons 26a to 26c are operated (pressed), the rotation of the reel 20a to 20c corresponding to the operated stop button 26a to 26c stops. (5) When the rotation of all the reels 20a to 20c stops, a process of paying out medals or a process of making the machine ready to start playing again without consuming new medals is performed according to the result of the game, and one round of play ends.

When medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 22 of the slot machine 10, the inserted medals are set to an inserted state, up to a specified number. The slot machine 10 is also capable of storing (accumulating) a maximum of 50 medals as credits, and when the bet button 23 is operated with medals stored as credits, the medals stored as credits are set to an inserted state, up to a specified number.

A medal inserted through the medal insertion port 22 passes through the medal selector, then enters the hopper unit via the medal chute. However, under certain conditions, such as after the start of a game, a medal blocker built into the medal selector is activated to block the flow path to the medal chute, and the inserted medal is returned from the payout port 27.
The main control means 31 is also provided with a setting change key cylinder, a setting change button, and the like. The setting change key cylinder and the setting change button may be provided in other parts, such as a power supply unit. The setting change key cylinder (setting key switch) has two states, an OFF state and an ON state. In other words, it is possible to switch between the OFF state and the ON state. The setting change key cylinder is formed so that the setting key can be inserted. The setting change key cylinder is in the OFF state in the initial state. When the inserted setting key is rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the initial position, the state of the setting change key cylinder is switched from the OFF state to the ON state. When the setting key is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise so that the state of the setting change key cylinder is switched from the ON state to the initial position, it is switched from the ON state to the OFF state. The setting change button can be pressed.

As shown in FIG. 16, the slot machine 10 comprises a main control board (main control means) 31 and a sub-control board (sub-control means) 32. The main control board 31 receives input signals from input means such as the bet button 23, start lever 24, stop buttons 26a-26c, and medal sensor 29, performs various calculations to execute the game, and controls output means such as the reel unit and hopper device based on the calculation results. The sub-control board 32 receives signals sent from the main control board 31 and input signals from input means such as the performance button 25, performs various calculations to execute performance, and controls devices for performance such as the LCD display 13 and speaker 14 based on the calculation results.

In addition, the main control board 31 and the sub-control board 32 are electrically connected, and various information (signals), such as information indicating the game status, can be transmitted from the main control board 31 to the sub-control board 32, but information cannot be transmitted from the sub-control board 32 to the main control board 31.
In addition, the functions of each board, such as the main control board 31 and the sub-control board 32, are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ICs, or information storage media such as ROM and RAM, or by software consisting of a predetermined program pre-stored in a ROM, etc.

The main control board 31 includes an input receiving means 40, a random number generating means 41, an internal lottery means 42 for performing an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination has been achieved, a reel control means 43 for controlling the rotation of the reels, a winning determination means 44 for determining whether a winning combination has been achieved when all the reels have stopped, a payout control means 45, a replay control means 46, a setting change means 47, an initialization means 48, a game state control means 49, an instruction function control means 51, a performance main control means 52, and a storage means 60 (main storage means). The storage means 60 includes a ROM and a RAM.
The sub-control board 32 also includes a sub-performance control means 70 and a sub-side storage means (sub-memory) 72. The sub-side storage means 72 also includes a ROM and a RAM.

The main performance control means 52 and the sub-performance control means 70 constitute the performance control means 100. The main performance control means 52 issues instructions to the sub-performance control means 70 based on the game state, performance state, etc. The sub-performance control means 70 controls the performance device using the performance data stored in the sub-side storage means 72 based on the game state, information on the performance state, or information on whether or not to perform a performance instruction sent from the main performance control means 52. The control performed by the main performance control means 52 described in this embodiment may be performed by the sub-performance control means 70, and the control performed by the sub-performance control means 70 may be performed by the main performance control means 52. The control performed by the performance control means 100 described in this embodiment may be performed by the instruction function control means 51, and the control performed by the instruction function control means 51 may be performed by the performance control means 100.

The insertion acceptance means 40 accepts the insertion of medals for each game, and performs a process of validating a game start operation on the start lever 24 based on the insertion of a specified number of medals. Specifically, when medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 22, the medal sensor 29 detects the medals, and the insertion acceptance means 40 sets the inserted medals to an inserted state (bet state) up to a specified number. In addition, when the bet button 23 is pressed with medals credited, the insertion acceptance means 40 sets the credited medals to an inserted state up to a specified number. In this embodiment, the first press operation of the start lever 24, which is valid based on the insertion of a specified number of medals, is accepted as a game start operation, and this operation triggers the rotation of the reels 20a to 20c and a lottery such as an internal lottery is performed.

The insertion acceptance means 40 also controls so that medals owned by the player are not set to a newly inserted state in the next game after the game in which the replay was won. Specifically, if a replay was won in the previous game, even if medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 22 while the insertion of medals is being accepted, the inserted medals are not set to an inserted state, and the inserted medals are credited up to the credit upper limit (e.g., 50 medals). Also, while the insertion of medals is being accepted, operation of the bet button 23 is not accepted, so that the credited medals are not set to an inserted state even if the bet button 23 is pressed.

The random number generating means 41 generates random numbers for the lottery. The random numbers can be generated, for example, based on the count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numbers so as to circulate through a specified count range). In this embodiment, the "random numbers" include not only values that are generated randomly in the mathematical sense, but also values that are generated regularly but whose acquisition timing is irregular, and therefore can essentially function as random numbers.

The internal lottery means 42 performs an internal lottery using an internal lottery table based on the operation of the activated start lever 24 (i.e., the start of a game).
In the internal lottery table, various winning roles including small roles, replays and bonuses and losing roles (non-winning roles) are associated with each of a plurality of random numbers (for example, 65,536 random numbers from 0 to 65,535), and a plurality of internal lottery tables are stored in an internal lottery table storage area 61 provided in the ROM of the storage means 60. In this embodiment, as described later, a normal state, an RBB internal state and an RBB operating state can be set as the game state, and six setting values from setting 1 to setting 6 can be set as the setting value, and the internal lottery means 42 selects an internal lottery table according to the game state and the setting value to perform an internal lottery.
A minor win is a win that allows a player to receive a payout of a predetermined number of medals according to the minor win. A replay is a win (activation) that allows a player to play again without consuming any more medals. When a replay is won, the operation of the start lever 24 is enabled without the player using any medals, and the player can start playing by operating the start lever 24.

In the internal lottery, a random number value for lottery is obtained from the random number generating means 41, and this random number value is compared with the internal lottery table to determine whether or not a winning role has been won, and the winning role associated with the random number value is the winning role. Specifically, the internal lottery table is provided with a plurality of winning areas as shown in FIG. 17, and each random number value obtained from the random number generating means 41 is associated with one of the winning areas. In addition, the winning areas include winning areas that include one or more winning roles (are associated with winning roles), and winning areas that do not include any winning roles (are associated with losses). In addition, the combinations of winning roles included in each winning area are different. All winning roles that belong to the winning areas that are associated with the random number value obtained from the random number generating means 41 are the winning roles as a result of the internal lottery. In the following, when a role that belongs to a winning area wins in the internal lottery, it is also referred to as "the winning area wins". In addition, when no role wins, it is also referred to as "the winning area 'non-winning' wins".

As shown in FIG. 17, in this embodiment, small prizes 1 to 33 are prepared as small prizes. In addition, as winning areas including small prizes, "small prize ALL", "8 coins ALL", "3 coins ALL", "1 coin ALL", "4-choice yellow 7A" to "4-choice yellow 7H", "4-choice 3 coins A" to "4-choice 3 coins D", "eye-pressing batting order A" to "eye-pressing batting order D", "common 3 coins A", "common 3 coins B", "chance eye A", "chance eye B", "right-rising yellow 7", "middle yellow 7", "black BAR alignment", and "common 1 coin" are prepared. In addition, small prizes 1 to 3 are 15 coin prizes in which 15 medals are paid out when winning. In addition, small prizes 4 to 8 are 8 coin prizes in which 8 medals are paid out when winning. In addition, small prizes 9 to 14 are 3 coin prizes in which 3 medals are paid out when winning. In addition, small prizes 15 to 33 are one-coin prizes in which one medal is paid out when the prize is won.
In the following, the winning areas "4-choice yellow 7A" to "4-choice yellow 7H" may be collectively referred to as "4-choice yellow 7". In addition, the winning areas "4-choice 3-piece A" to "4-choice 3-piece D" may be collectively referred to as "4-choice 3-piece role". In addition, the winning areas "eye-pressing batting order A" to "eye-pressing batting order D" may be collectively referred to as "eye-pressing batting order role". In this embodiment, the batting order bell basically refers to the winning area of the 4-choice yellow 7, but the batting order bell may also refer to the winning area of the 4-choice 3-piece role, etc.

The winning area "small prize ALL" is a winning area where all small prizes (small prize 1 to small prize 33) overlap and win. The winning area "8 coins ALL" is a winning area where small prizes 4 to 33 overlap and win. The winning area "3 coins ALL" is a winning area where small prizes 9 to 33 overlap and win. The winning area "1 coin ALL" is a winning area where small prizes 15 to 33 overlap and win. The winning areas "4 choice yellow 7A" to "4 choice yellow 7H" are winning areas where one type of 8 coin role and multiple types of 1 coin roles overlap and win. The winning areas "4 choice 3 coins A" to "4 choice 3 coins D" are winning areas where one type of 3 coin role and multiple types of 1 coin roles overlap and win. In addition, the winning areas "Memoir Batting Order A" to "Memoir Batting Order D" are winning areas where 15-coin roles and multiple types of 1-coin roles overlap and win. In addition, the winning area "Common 3-coin A" is a winning area where multiple types of 3-coin roles overlap and win. In addition, the winning area "Common 3-coin B" is a winning area where multiple types of 3-coin roles and one type of 1-coin role (small role 25) overlap and win. In addition, the winning area "Chance Eye A" is a winning area where 3-coin roles (small role 11) are won alone. In addition, the winning area "Chance Eye B" is a winning area where multiple types of 3-coin roles overlap and win. In addition, the winning area "Right-up Yellow 7" is a winning area where 8-coin roles (small role 6) are won alone. In addition, the winning area "Middle Yellow 7" is a winning area where 8-coin roles (small role 4) are won alone. In addition, the winning area "Black BAR Alignment" is a winning area where multiple types of 8-coin roles overlap and win. In addition, the "Common 1-Coin" winning area is a winning area where multiple types of 1-coin roles can overlap and be won.

In this embodiment, replays are available in the form of Replay 1 to Replay 6. The winning areas that contain replays are "Replay A", "Replay B", "7 in batting order replay", "middle row replay", "fake red 7 replay", "7 in red", and "BAR replay".

The winning areas "Replay A", "Replay B", "7 in batting order replay", "Red 7" and "BAR replay" are areas where multiple types of replays can be won by overlapping. In addition, the winning areas "Middle row replay" and "Red 7 fake replay" are areas where only one type of replay can be won by itself.

In addition, in this embodiment, a big bonus (RBB: special role) is prepared as a bonus. In addition, as a winning area associated with the bonus, a winning area "RBB" in which the big bonus is won alone is prepared, and the winning areas "red 7 line up", "BAR line up", "black BAR line up" and "common one coin" are set so that the big bonus is won in duplicate. In addition, when the game state is in the normal state, the winning areas "red 7 line up", "BAR line up", "black BAR line up" and "common one coin" are set so that the big bonus is won in duplicate, while when the game state is in the RBB inside state, the big bonus is not won in duplicate.
In this embodiment, the bonus is assumed to be a continuous operation device related to a so-called first-class special bonus, but other bonuses may be used. In addition, other bonuses may also be installed. In addition, the installed bonuses may be set to win independently, or may be set to win in combination with replays or small prizes.

There is also a "No Win" area that corresponds to a losing prize.

Each winning area is set to be winable or non-winable depending on the game state. In other words, the internal lottery means 42 selects an internal lottery table according to the game state and performs an internal lottery, thereby changing the winning combination that can be won. In other words, in each game state, an internal lottery is performed using an internal lottery table in which the winning areas that can be won in each game state are included in the lottery objects.
In Fig. 17, whether each winning area can be won in each game state is indicated by a "◯" mark. That is, the winning areas "No Win", "Small Win", "8 Coins ALL", "3 Coins ALL" and "1 Coin ALL" are won when the game state is in the RBB operation state, but are not won in the normal state or the RBB inside state. In addition, the winning areas "Replay A", "Replay B", "7-line replay in batting order", "Middle replay", "Red 7 fake replay", "4-choice yellow 7A" to "4-choice yellow 7H", "4-choice 3-card A" to "4-choice 3-card D", "Mass batting order A" to "Mass batting order D", "Common 3-card A", "Common 3-card B", "Chance A", "Chance B", "Right-up yellow 7", "Middle yellow 7", "Red 7-line", "BAR-line", "Black BAR-line" and "Common 1-card" are won when the game state is in the normal state or the RBB inside state, and are not won when the RBB is operating. In addition, the winning area "RBB" is won when the game state is in the normal state, and is not won when the RBB is inside the state or the RBB is operating.

In addition, in this embodiment, the probability of winning a small prize is the same in the normal state and the RBB internal state. Also, replays cannot be won when the RBB is in operation. In other words, the probability of winning a replay is higher in the normal state and the RBB internal state than in the RBB operation state.

The internal lottery means 42 sets the winning flag corresponding to the winning combination as a result of the internal lottery from a non-winning state (off state) to a winning state (on state). In addition, when multiple winning combinations are won at the same time, the winning flag corresponding to each of the overlapping winning combinations is set from a non-winning state to a winning state. In addition, the setting information of the winning flag is stored in the winning flag memory area 62 provided in the RAM of the memory means 60.

There are two types of winning flags: a winning flag (carry-over flag) that can carry over the winning state to the next game or later until a prize is won, and a winning flag (non-carry-over flag) that is reset to a non-winning state and does not carry over the winning state to the next game or later regardless of whether a prize is won. A big bonus is an example of a role that can be associated with a carry-over flag. A small role and a replay are examples of roles that can be associated with a non-carry-over flag. For example, when a big bonus is won in an internal lottery, the internal lottery means 42 carries over the winning state of the big bonus winning flag until the big bonus is won. At this time, the internal lottery means 42 also carries out an internal lottery to determine whether a small role and a replay will be won or not, even in a game in which the winning state of the big bonus winning flag is carried over. In other words, in a game in which the winning state of the big bonus winning flag is carried over, if a small win or replay is won, the winning flags corresponding to two or more types of roles, the winning flag of the already won big bonus and the winning flag of the small win or replay won by the internal lottery, are set to the winning state.

In addition, the slot machine 10 has six setting values, from setting 1 to setting 6, and the probability of winning a role varies depending on the setting value. Specifically, when the setting is changed, the internal lottery table group, which is made up of multiple internal lottery tables selected according to the game state, is changed to an internal lottery table group associated with each setting, and the internal lottery table group changes to one with different winning probabilities for minor roles, replays, and bonuses depending on the setting.

The setting change means 47 controls changing of the setting values stored in the setting value storage area 63 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60. Specifically, when the setting change key is inserted into the setting change key cylinder provided inside the slot machine 10 and the power supply of the slot machine 10 is turned on with the setting change key (setting change key cylinder) rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the initial position, the setting change means 47 starts the slot machine 10 in the setting change mode. The setting value can be selected from six setting values from setting 1 to setting 6. In this embodiment, the winning probability of the internal lottery is changed so that the expected value of the ball payout rate increases in order from setting 1 to setting 6. The setting change means 47 changes the setting value in the order of setting 1 → setting 2 → setting 3 → ... setting 6 → setting 1 → ... each time the setting change button provided inside the slot machine 10 is pressed in the setting change mode, and when the start lever 24 is pressed, the setting value is confirmed and the confirmed setting value is stored in the setting value storage area 63. In addition, the setting change mode can be switched to the game mode by returning the setting change key inserted into the setting change key cylinder to its initial position. In this embodiment, in the setting change mode, the first main display 17a displays the currently selected setting value.
In this embodiment, the setting values are expressed in the order of setting 1<setting 2<setting 3<setting 4<setting 5<setting 6.

Furthermore, when the power is turned on with the setting change key cylinder in the initial position, the slot machine 10 is started in a game mode. In this embodiment, in the game mode, a game can be played but the setting values cannot be changed, whereas in the setting change mode, the setting values can be changed but a game cannot be played.
The main control board 31 may include a setting confirmation means. When the setting key is inserted into the setting change key cylinder in the game mode with the power turned on and the setting key is rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the initial position, the setting confirmation means shifts the gaming machine (slot machine X) from the game mode to the setting confirmation mode, and performs a process (setting notification process) of notifying the current setting value via the liquid crystal display 13, the game information display unit 17, etc. In the setting confirmation mode, an image (for example, the text "setting reference in progress") is displayed on the liquid crystal display 13 to notify the fact that the setting confirmation mode is active. In the setting confirmation mode, the first main display 17a in the game information display unit 17 displays the currently set setting value. In the setting confirmation mode, the current setting value can be referenced (notified), but a game cannot be played. In the setting confirmation mode, the setting value can be referenced, but the setting value cannot be changed.

When the setting value is changed, the initialization means 48 performs an initialization process to initialize at least a part of the information stored in the RAM of the storage means 60. Specifically, when the setting value is changed, the initialization means 48 performs a process to return the game state, game zone, and presentation state to their initial states, which will be described later. That is, when the setting value is changed, the game state becomes a normal state, the game zone becomes a non-advantageous zone, and the presentation state becomes a non-advantageous zone presentation state, and these states become the same as when the power is turned on for the first time after shipping from the factory. In addition, the initialization means 48 initializes other information related to presentation stored in the RAM of the storage means 60 in the initialization process. In addition, the sub-control board 32 also has an initialization means (not shown), and when a signal notifying that the setting value has been changed is transmitted from the main control board 31, the initialization means of the sub-control board 32 initializes information related to presentation stored in the RAM of the sub-side storage means 72.
In addition, even if the setting value is changed, the game state, game section, and presentation state may not return to their initial states.

The reel control means 43 starts the rotation of each of the reels 20a-20c when the enabled start lever 24 is operated (i.e., the start of a game) under the control of the main control board 31, and when the enabled stop buttons 26a-26c are operated, it controls the stopping of the reel corresponding to the operated stop button.

That is, each time one of the stop buttons 26a to 26c is operated, the reel control means 43 determines the stop position of the reel from the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c that corresponds to the operated button, and controls the reel to stop at the determined stop position. In the slot machine 10, when the stop button 26a is operated, the rotation of the first reel 20a is stopped, when the stop button 26b is operated, the rotation of the second reel 20b is stopped, and when the stop button 26c is operated, the rotation of the third reel 20c is stopped. Therefore, the stop order of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c changes depending on the operation order (batting order) of the stop buttons 26a to 26c.

In the following, regarding the order of the stop operations (the order of operation of stop buttons 26a to 26c), the order of a group of stop operations in which all stop buttons 26a to 26c are operated is referred to as the "batting order." Furthermore, of the stop operations that make up the batting order, the first stop operation performed is referred to as the "first stop operation," the second stop operation performed as the "second stop operation," and the third stop operation performed as the "third stop operation."

In the following, the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stop the reels in the order of the first reel 20a, the second reel 20b, and the third reel 20c is referred to as "batting order 1," the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stop the reels in the order of the first reel 20a, the third reel 20c, and the second reel 20b is referred to as "batting order 2," and the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stop the reels in the order of the second reel 20b, the first reel 20a, and the third reel 20c is referred to as "batting order 3." " Batting order 4" refers to the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stop the reels in the order of the second reel 20b, the third reel 20c, and the first reel 20a. Batting order 5 refers to the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stop the reels in the order of the third reel 20c, the first reel 20a, and the second reel 20b. Batting order 6 refers to the operation of the stop buttons 26a, 26b, and 26c that stop the reels in the order of the third reel 20c, the second reel 20b, and the first reel 20a. Batting order 1 and 2 are collectively called "left push", batting order 3 and 4 are collectively called "center push", and batting order 5 and 6 are collectively called "right push". Center push and right push are sometimes collectively called "irregular push".

In this embodiment, the reel that is rotating corresponding to the pressed stop button of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c is stopped within 190 ms from the time when the stop button 26a to 26c is operated. In addition, the reel can rotate a maximum of four frames (four patterns) from the time when each stop button 26a to 26c is operated until each reel 20a to 20c stops. Then, the reel control means 43 controls the reel 20a to 20c corresponding to the stop button 26a to 26c that has been stopped to stop the pattern corresponding to the role that has the winning flag set to a winning state, so that the pattern corresponding to the role that has the winning state is displayed on the winning line when the pattern corresponding to the role that has the winning flag set to a winning state is located within a range of 0 frames to 4 frames (a predetermined pull-in range) from the display position on the winning line at the time when the stop operation is performed on the outer peripheral surface of the reel 20a to 20c corresponding to the stop button 26a to 26c that has been stopped. In other words, the reel control means 43 stops the reels 20a to 20c corresponding to the stop button 26a to 26c for which the stop operation was performed so that any one of the symbols from the symbol on the pay line at the time the stop operation was performed up to the symbol four symbols away is displayed on the pay line.

In addition, in the stop control when the stop buttons 26a to 26c are operated, the reel control means 43 stops each of the reels 20a to 20c so that a winning combination with a winning flag set to a winning state wins. Specifically, when the winning flag of one winning combination is set to a winning state, the reels 20a to 20c are stopped so that this winning combination wins. In addition, when the winning flags of multiple winning combinations are set to a winning state in a overlapping manner, the reels 20a to 20c are stopped so that a predetermined winning combination wins according to the priority order set for each combination. In this embodiment, the priority order is set in the order of "replay > minor combination > bonus". Then, the reel control means 43 stops the reels 20a to 20c so that the symbols constituting the symbol combination showing the winning form of the combination with a higher priority are displayed on the pay line in priority to the symbols constituting the symbol combination showing the winning form of the combination with a lower priority.

In addition, when multiple types of small roles are won in the internal lottery, the priority order of the candidate stop positions can be determined according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the valid line (number priority control), or according to the number of medals paid out (number priority control). When executing number priority control, which determines the priority order of the candidate stop positions according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the valid line, the priority order of each candidate stop position is determined so that the priority order is higher for the stop positions (symbols) that have a larger number of symbol combinations that show winning forms that can be displayed on the valid line. When executing number priority control, which determines the priority order of the candidate stop positions according to the number of medals paid out, the priority order of each candidate stop position is determined so that the priority order is higher for the stop positions that have a larger number of medals paid out based on the payout of the small roles corresponding to the symbols displayed at the display positions on the valid line (stop positions that can win small roles with a larger payout). Note that when determining the priority order of the candidate stop positions according to the number of medals paid out, if small roles with the same payout are won multiple times, the priority order of the candidate stop positions that can win each small role is treated as being the same.

FIG. 18 shows the relationship between the manner of stopping operation and winning combinations when each winning area is won in the RBB internal state.
As shown in FIG. 18, the four-choice yellow 7 has a correct batting order and an incorrect batting order set for each. When each winning area of the four-choice yellow 7 is won in the RBB inside state, if the operation is performed in the correct batting order, an 8-coin role (correct role) can be won, and if the operation is performed in the incorrect batting order, a 1-coin role (incorrect role) can be won. In other words, when any of the four-choice yellow 7 is won in the RBB inside state, if the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the correct batting order, the priority is determined so that the priority of the candidate stop position that can win the small role 4 to the small role 7 is the highest, and if the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the incorrect batting order, the priority is determined so that the priority of the candidate stop position that can win the small role 15, the small role 17 to the small role 28, and the small role 31 is the highest.

There is only one correct batting order for each of the four-choice yellow 7s, and the other five batting orders are considered to be incorrect batting orders. In addition, the winning areas "four-choice yellow 7A" to "four-choice yellow 7D" have different correct batting orders set, and the winning areas "four-choice yellow 7E" to "four-choice yellow 7H" have different correct batting orders set. In addition, the winning areas "four-choice yellow 7A" to "four-choice yellow 7D" have any of batting orders 3 to 6 set as the correct batting order, and batting orders 1 and 2 are set as the incorrect batting order. In addition, the winning areas "four-choice yellow 7E" to "four-choice yellow 7H" have any of batting orders 3 to 6 set as the correct batting order, and batting orders 1 and 2 are set as the incorrect batting order.

The contents in parentheses in FIG. 18 indicate the winning rate of a 1-piece role when a stopping operation is performed in that batting order. For example, the notation "1 piece (1/2)" indicates that there is a 1/2 probability that a 1-piece role will win, and a 1/2 probability that the 1-piece role will be missed (the 1-piece role will not win). Also, the notation "1 piece (1/4)" indicates that there is a 1/4 probability that a 1-piece role will win, and a 3/4 probability that the 1-piece role will be missed (the 1-piece role will not win).

When the winning areas "4-choice Yellow 7A" through "4-choice Yellow 7H" are operated in the correct batting order, an 8-coin winning combination will be awarded. When the winning areas "4-choice Yellow 7A" through "4-choice Yellow 7H" are operated in the incorrect batting order, a 1-coin winning combination or no winning combination will be awarded.

In addition, when each of the four-choice yellow 7 winning areas is selected in the normal middle state, if the RBB is in the middle state and the stopping operation is performed in a batting order in which an 8-coin role will win (the correct batting order), the 8-coin role will not win, and there is a 1/2 probability that a 1-coin role will win, and a 1/2 probability that a 1-coin role will be missed (the 1-coin role will not win).

As shown in FIG. 18, each of the four-choice three-coin roles has a correct batting order and an incorrect batting order. When each winning area of the four-choice three-coin role is won in the RBB internal state, if the player operates in the correct batting order, a three-coin role (correct role) will be won, and if the player operates in the incorrect batting order, a one-coin role (incorrect role) will be won. In other words, if any of the four-choice three-coin roles is won in the RBB internal state, when the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the correct batting order, the priority is determined so that the candidate stop positions that can win small roles 9 to 10 have the highest priority, and when the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the incorrect batting order, the priority is determined so that the candidate stop positions that can win small roles 15 to 28 and small roles 31 have the highest priority.

There is only one correct batting order for each 4-choice 3-card role, and the other five batting orders are considered incorrect. Also, the winning areas "4-choice 3-card A" through "4-choice 3-card D" have different correct batting orders. Also, the winning areas "4-choice 3-card A" through "4-choice 3-card D" have any of batting orders 3 through 6 set as the correct batting order, and batting orders 1 and 2 are set as incorrect batting orders.

In the winning areas "4 Choice 3 Cards A" through "4 Choice 3 Cards D," if the players play in the correct batting order, a 3-card role will be awarded. In addition, in the winning areas "4 Choice 3 Cards A" through "4 Choice 3 Cards D," if the players play in the incorrect batting order, a 1-card role will be awarded.

In addition, when the winning areas "4-choice 3-card A" to "4-choice 3-card D" are won in the normal state, if the operation is performed in the correct batting order, a 3-card role will be won, and if the operation is performed in the incorrect batting order, a 1-card role will be won. In the normal state, the winning areas "4-choice 3-card A" to "4-choice 3-card D" have two correct batting orders, and the other four batting orders are incorrect batting orders. In addition, in the winning areas "4-choice 3-card A" to "4-choice 3-card D" in the normal state, any two of batting orders 3 to 6 are set as correct batting orders, and batting orders 1 and 2 are set as incorrect batting orders. Specifically, in the winning areas "4-choice 3-card A" and "4-choice 3-card B" in the normal state, batting orders 3 and 4 are set as correct batting orders, and batting orders 1, 2, 5, and 6 are set as incorrect batting orders. In addition, in the winning areas "4 Choice 3 C" and "4 Choice 3 D" in the normal state, batting order 5 and batting order 6 are set as correct batting orders, and batting orders 1 to 4 are set as incorrect batting orders. In other words, the winning areas "4 Choice 3 A" to "4 Choice 3 D" are set with a higher number of correct batting orders in the normal state compared to the RBB internal state, and the probability of winning a 3-coin role (expected value for winning medals) is higher if you win.

As shown in FIG. 18, each of the eye-pressing batting order roles has a correct batting order and an incorrect batting order. When each winning area of the eye-pressing batting order role is won in the RBB internal state, if the operation is performed in the correct batting order, a 15-coin role (correct role) can be won, and if the operation is performed in the incorrect batting order, a 1-coin role (incorrect role) can be won. In other words, when any of the eye-pressing batting order roles is won in the RBB internal state, if the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the correct stop operation mode, the priority is determined so that the candidate stop positions that can win small roles 1 to 3 have the highest priority, and if the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed in the incorrect stop operation mode, the priority is determined so that the candidate stop positions that can win small roles 15 to 20, small role 22, and small roles 31 to 33 have the highest priority.

There is only one correct batting order for each button press batting order role, and the other five batting orders are considered incorrect. Also, different batting orders are set as the correct batting orders for the winning areas "Button Press Batting Order A" to "Button Press Batting Order D". Also, any of batting orders 3 to 6 are set as the correct batting order for the winning areas "Button Press Batting Order A" to "Button Press Batting Order D", and batting orders 1 and 2 are set as incorrect batting orders.

The winning areas "eye-pressing batting order A" to "eye-pressing batting order D" are designed to win a 15-coin prize when the reels are operated in the correct batting order and a predetermined stop operation is performed at a predetermined timing (first predetermined timing). When a predetermined stop operation is performed at the first predetermined timing, for example, the first stop operation may be performed when a pattern within a predetermined range including a specific pattern (for example, a red BAR pattern "red BAR") on the reels 20a to 20c that are stopped first is located at a predetermined display position (for example, on an effective line). In other words, it is possible to win a 15-coin prize by operating in the correct batting order and performing the first stop operation aiming at the specific pattern.
In addition, the winning areas "Striking Order A" to "Striking Order D" are designed to win a one-coin combination when an incorrect batting order is operated, and when a correct batting order is operated and a predetermined stop operation is performed at a predetermined timing (second predetermined timing). When a predetermined stop operation is performed at a second predetermined timing, for example, the first stop operation may be performed when a pattern within a predetermined range that does not include the specific pattern on the reels 20a to 20c that are stopped first is located at a predetermined display position (for example, on an active line).

The four-choice yellow 7 is a winning area where an 8-coin role will be awarded if the player operates in the correct batting order when the player wins, and the eye-pushing batting order role is a winning area where a 15-coin role will be awarded if the player operates in the correct batting order when the player wins and a specified stop operation is performed at a specified timing (first specified timing). In this embodiment, the eye-pushing batting order role is provided as a winning area where the number of medals that can be paid out when the player wins is greater than that of the four-choice yellow 7.

In addition, when the winning areas "Sight-pressing Batting Order A" to "Sight-pressing Batting Order D" are won in the normal middle state, if the operation is performed in the correct batting order and the specified stop operation is performed at the specified timing (first specified timing), a 15-coin role will be won. In addition, when the winning areas "Sight-pressing Batting Order A" to "Sight-pressing Batting Order D" are won in the normal middle state, if the operation is performed in the incorrect batting order, or if the operation is performed in the correct batting order and the specified stop operation is performed at the specified timing (second specified timing), a 1-coin role will be won. In the normal middle state, the winning areas "Sight-pressing Batting Order A" to "Sight-pressing Batting Order D" have two correct batting orders, and the other four batting orders are incorrect batting orders. In the normal middle state, the winning areas "Sight-pressing Batting Order A" to "Sight-pressing Batting Order D" have two correct batting orders from batting order 3 to batting order 6, and batting orders 1 and 2 are incorrect batting orders. Specifically, in the winning areas "Battle Order A" and "Battle Order B," batting orders 3 and 4 are set as correct batting orders, and batting orders 1, 2, 5, and 6 are set as incorrect batting orders. In the winning areas "Battle Order C" and "Battle Order D," batting orders 5 and 6 are set as correct batting orders, and batting orders 1 to 4 are set as incorrect batting orders. In other words, the winning areas "Battle Order A" to "Battle Order D" are set with a higher number of correct batting orders in the normal middle state than in the RBB internal middle state, and the probability of winning a 15-coin role (expected value for winning medals) is higher if a win is made.

The winning determination means 44 is activated when the reels 20a to 20c stop spinning, and determines whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the stopping state of the reels 20a to 20c. Specifically, the symbol combination displayed (stopped display) on the pay line by the stopping of the reels 20a to 20c is compared to the winning determination table stored in the ROM of the storage means 60. The winning form (the symbol combination that will win when stopped and displayed) of each winning combination is stored in the winning determination table, and the above-mentioned comparison determines whether or not a winning combination has been achieved and the type of winning combination that has been achieved. The correspondence between the symbol combination displayed on the pay line and the winning combination in this embodiment is shown in Figures 19 and 20. As shown in Figures 19 and 20, for example, if the black BAR symbol "BLACK BAR" stops on the bottom of the first reel 20a, the red 7 symbol "RED 7" or the white 7 symbol "WHITE 7" stops on the middle of the second reel 20b, and the yellow 7 symbol "YELLOW 7" stops on the top of the third reel 20c, then minor win 1 will be won.

When a winning combination is achieved, the main control board 31 executes a winning process corresponding to the winning combination that has been achieved. Specifically, the winning process involves a payout process when a minor combination is achieved, a replay process (replay process) when a replay is achieved (activated), and a process to transition the game state (game state transition control process) when a bonus is achieved (activated).

The payout process is a process of paying out a number of medals determined based on the payout determined for each role when a minor winning combination is achieved, and is performed by the payout control means 45. When a minor winning combination is achieved, the payout control means 45 determines the number of medals to be paid out based on the payout determined for each role, and causes the hopper device to pay out the determined number of medals to be paid out. Note that when credit is permitted, instead of actually paying out medals using the hopper device, a credit addition process is performed to add the payout number to the number of credits (the number of credited medals) stored in the credit storage area provided in the RAM of the storage means 60, and medals are virtually paid out.

In this embodiment, 15 medals are paid out when small prizes 1 to 3 are won, 8 medals are paid out when small prizes 4 to 8 are won, 3 medals are paid out when small prizes 9 to 14 are won, and 1 medal is paid out when small prizes 15 to 33 are won.

In addition, the replay process is a process in which, when a replay wins, the next game is set to the same game start waiting state as the previous game without the player having to insert any medals owned by the player, and is performed by the replay control means 46. When a replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed in which the same number of medals as the number set to the inserted state in the previous game (the game in which the replay won) are automatically inserted without using the player's medals (including credited medals), and the game waits for the next game start operation on the start lever 24 with a winning line set corresponding to the number of medals inserted by the automatic insertion process. In addition, when the automatic insertion process is performed, it is not possible to insert additional medals.

As shown in FIG. 21, the game state control means 49 performs a game state transition control process that transitions the game state between the general state, the RBB internal state (bonus established state), and the RBB operating state (bonus state). A single condition may be set as the game state transition condition, or multiple conditions may be set. When multiple conditions are set, the game state may be transitioned based on one of the multiple predefined conditions being established, or the game state may be transitioned based on multiple or all of the multiple predefined conditions being established.

As described above, the internal lottery means 42 selects an internal lottery table according to the game state and performs an internal lottery. Specifically, in the normal state, the internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which the big bonus is set as a lottery target. In the RBB internal state, the internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which the big bonus is excluded from the lottery target. In the RBB operation state, the internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which the big bonus is excluded from the lottery target.

The game state is initially in the general middle state. In the general middle state, an internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which all winning areas except for the winning areas "No Win", "Small Win ALL", "8 Coins ALL", "3 Coins ALL" and "1 Coin ALL" are set as lottery targets. In addition, it is possible to transition from the general middle state to the RBB internal middle state. The game state control means 49 transitions the game state to the RBB internal middle state when a big bonus is won in the general middle state.

The RBB internal state (first game state) is a game state to which the player enters when a big bonus (special role) is won in an internal lottery. In the RBB internal state, the internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which all winning areas except for the winning areas "No Win", "Small Role ALL", "8 Coins ALL", "3 Coins ALL", "1 Coin ALL" and "RBB" are set as lottery targets. In the RBB internal state, the lottery flag corresponding to the big bonus is maintained in the winning state until the big bonus is won, and when the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the big bonus is displayed on the pay line, the game state control means 49 transitions the game state from the RBB internal state to the RBB operating state.

The RBB operating state (second gaming state) is a gaming state to which the game state is switched when a symbol combination indicating a winning form of a big bonus is displayed on an active line. In the RBB operating state, an internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table in which the winning areas "no win", "small win ALL", "8 coins ALL", "3 coins ALL" and "1 coin ALL" are set as the lottery targets. In the RBB operating state, the game state control means 49 judges whether or not the termination condition is established based on the total number of medals paid out in the RBB operating state, and when the number of medals paid out exceeds a predetermined number, the game state control means 49 terminates the RBB operating state and switches the game state to the normal state.
In this embodiment, the end condition of the RBB operating state is determined by the total number of medals paid out, but the end condition may be determined by the number of games played in the RBB operating state, the number of times a small win has been won, etc. Also, the end condition of the RBB operating state may be determined so that the state ends after one game.

As shown in FIG. 16, the instruction function control means 51 includes a game zone control means 80, a presentation state control means 81, and a bonus granting means 82. The instruction function control means 51 performs processing related to the operation of an instruction function that assists the winning of a specific role in an advantageous zone. Specifically, when a specific role is won, the instruction function control means 51 determines whether or not to perform an instruction presentation that assists the winning of this role. More specifically, when, for example, a four-choice yellow 7 is won, the instruction function control means 51 determines whether or not to perform an instruction presentation (batting order navigation presentation) that notifies the player of the correct batting order and assists the winning of an 8-piece role. When the instruction function control means 51 determines to perform the batting order navigation presentation, the presentation control means 100 causes the presentation devices such as the liquid crystal display 13 and the speaker 14 to execute the batting order navigation presentation. Note that when the batting order navigation presentation is performed, information indicating the correct batting order is also displayed on the 7-segment display of the game information display unit 17.

As shown in FIG. 22, the game zone control means 80 performs a game zone transition control process that transitions the game zone between a non-advantageous zone and an advantageous zone according to the progress of the game. The non-advantageous zone is a game zone that corresponds to the initial state among multiple types of game zones. In the non-advantageous zone, the bonus granting means 82 performs a lottery for transition to an advantageous zone, and when the lottery for transition to an advantageous zone is won, the game zone control means 80 transitions the game zone to an advantageous zone. The advantageous zone is a game zone in which an upper limit (3000 times in this example) is set for the number of times that the game can be played. In addition, when the game zone is set to a non-advantageous zone, the instruction presentation cannot be performed, and the instruction presentation can be performed only when the game zone is set to an advantageous zone. When the number of times that the game zone has been played in the advantageous zone reaches the upper limit of 3000 times, the game zone control means 80 ends the advantageous zone and transitions the game zone to a non-advantageous zone.

In the non-advantageous zone, the bonus granting means 82 conducts a lottery (advantageous zone transition lottery) to determine whether or not to transition to the advantageous zone at a predetermined trigger. Specifically, the bonus granting means 82 conducts a lottery (advantageous zone transition lottery) to determine whether or not to transition to the advantageous zone based on the result of the internal lottery (winning a predetermined role (winning area)). Then, when the advantageous zone transition lottery is won, the game zone control means 80 transitions the game zone from the non-advantageous zone to the advantageous zone.

In addition, the game zone control means 80 performs an increment process, which adds "1" to the memory value of the advantageous zone play count counter 65 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60 as a value corresponding to one play, triggered by the game start operation on the start lever 24 each time one play is performed in the advantageous zone. Note that the game zone control means 80 does not add to the advantageous zone play count counter 65 in the non-advantageous zone. Also, at the time of transition from the non-advantageous zone to the advantageous zone, the memory value of the advantageous zone play count counter 65 is "0". Then, when the memory value of the advantageous zone play count counter 65 reaches a threshold value (upper limit value) "3000", the game zone control means 80 transitions the game zone from the advantageous zone to the non-advantageous zone, assuming that the end condition of the advantageous zone is established. In other words, the upper limit value of the number of plays in the advantageous zone is set to 3000 times, and it is so arranged that more than 3000 plays are not played consecutively in the advantageous zone.

In addition, the game zone control means 80 performs an update process in which the storage value of the first difference number counter 64 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60 is updated by the difference number of medals in the advantageous zone, subtracting a value corresponding to the number of medals inserted in the game (for example, "3" if three medals are inserted) from a value corresponding to the number of medals paid out (for example, "8" if eight medals are paid out, and "0" if no combination is won and no payout is made) to obtain a calculation result of the difference number in the game, and adding this calculation result to the storage value of the first difference number counter 64. Note that the game zone control means 80 does not perform addition to the first difference number counter 64 in the non-advantageous zone. Also, at the time of transition from the non-advantageous zone to the advantageous zone, the storage value of the first difference number counter 64 is "0". Then, when the stored value of the first difference number counter 64 exceeds a threshold value (for example, "2400"), the game zone control means 80 determines that the end condition of the advantageous zone is met and shifts the game zone from the advantageous zone to the non-advantageous zone. The stored value of the first difference number counter 64 is controlled so as not to fall below the initial value "0". For example, when the stored value of the first difference number counter 64 at the start of the game is "2" and as a result of playing the game, no winning combination is won and no medals are paid out, the calculation result of the difference number in that game becomes "-3", and when the calculation result of the difference number is added to the stored value of the first difference number counter 64, it falls below the initial value "0". However, the stored value of the first difference number counter 64 after updating is counted and stopped with the initial value "0" as the lower limit. In other words, an upper limit is set for the number of medals that can be acquired in the advantageous zone, and the advantageous zone ends when the number of medals that has decreased the most in the advantageous zone exceeds 2400 medals from the reference "0". Also, if a replay is won in a game, the game in which the replay was won may be treated as having had a payout of medals equivalent to the specified number of medals inserted for that game, and the difference in the number of medals may be calculated, and for the next game that is provided free of charge as a result of the replay being won, even if no actual medals are inserted, the difference in the number of medals may be calculated as if a medal equivalent to the specified number of medals has been inserted for that game.

The advantageous zone indicator is turned off in non-advantageous zones and turned on in advantageous zones. The advantageous zone indicator does not need to be turned on as soon as the player enters an advantageous zone, but only needs to be turned on before the first instruction is given. Once turned on, it will not be turned off until the advantageous zone ends.

As shown in FIG. 22, the presentation state control means 81 performs a presentation state transition control process that transitions the presentation state between multiple types of presentation states, including a non-advantageous zone presentation state, a normal presentation state, a special presentation state, a chance presentation state, and an AT presentation state (instruction presentation state). The AT presentation state also includes a normal AT presentation state and a special AT presentation state. The presentation state transition condition may be one condition or multiple conditions. When multiple conditions are defined, the presentation state may be transitioned when one of the multiple predetermined conditions is met, or the presentation state may be transitioned based on the fulfillment of multiple or all of the multiple predetermined conditions.

The non-advantageous zone presentation state is a presentation state that corresponds to the initial state among multiple types of presentation states. In a non-advantageous zone, the presentation state control means 81 sets the presentation state to the non-advantageous zone presentation state. In a non-advantageous zone presentation state (non-advantageous zone), the bonus granting means 82 performs a lottery for transition to an advantageous zone as described above, and when a transition to an advantageous zone is determined in the lottery for transition to an advantageous zone, the presentation state control means 81 transitions the presentation state to the normal presentation state.

The normal presentation state is a presentation state that is basically transitioned to when the advantageous zone starts, and at the start of the advantageous zone, the probability of transitioning to the normal presentation state is set higher than the probability of transitioning to other presentation states. In addition, in the normal presentation state, the batting order navigation presentation is executed less frequently than in the special presentation state and the AT presentation state, and the batting order navigation presentation is executed almost never or not at all. In this embodiment, the normal presentation state is a period during which the batting order navigation presentation is not executed. In the normal presentation state, the bonus granting means 82 executes a lottery (special lottery) to determine whether or not to transition to the special presentation state depending on the result of the internal lottery (for example, winning a specified role (winning area)). In the normal presentation state, if the special lottery is won, the presentation state control means 81 transitions the presentation state to the special presentation state.

Hereinafter, the normal presentation state may be referred to as the first presentation state. Note that the first presentation state may also include the non-advantageous zone presentation state described above.

In the special presentation state (pseudo bonus presentation state), a predetermined number of games (for example, 25 games) are played. In other words, the presentation state control means 81 ends the special presentation state when a predetermined number of games are played in the special presentation state. The special presentation state is a section in which the batting order navigation presentation can be executed. In other words, in the special presentation state, when the batting order bell (predetermined role (winning area): 4-choice yellow 7) is won, the instruction function control means 51 decides to execute the batting order navigation presentation that notifies the player of the correct batting order. When the execution of the batting order navigation presentation is decided, the presentation control means 100 causes the presentation devices such as the liquid crystal display 13 and the speaker 14 to execute the batting order navigation presentation that notifies the player of the correct batting order and assists in the winning of the 8-coin role. When the batting order bell is won and the stop buttons 26a to 26c are pressed according to the correct batting order notified in the batting order navigation presentation, the 8-coin role is won and the player can win 8 medals. The special presentation state in which the batting order navigation presentation is executed is a state that is more advantageous to the player than the first presentation state. The presentation state control means 81 transitions the presentation state to a chance presentation state based on the end of the special presentation state.
In this embodiment, a transition to a special presentation state occurs based on winning a special lottery in the normal presentation state, and then a transition to a chance presentation state occurs via the special presentation state; however, it is also possible to transition directly from the normal presentation state to the chance presentation state.

In the chance presentation state, a predetermined number of plays (e.g., 10 plays) are played. In other words, the presentation state control means 81 ends the chance presentation state when a predetermined number of plays are played in the chance presentation state. In the chance presentation state, the batting order navigation presentation is executed less frequently than in the special presentation state or the AT presentation state, and the batting order navigation presentation is executed almost infrequently or not at all. In this embodiment, the chance presentation state is a period during which the batting order navigation presentation is not executed.

In the chance presentation state, the bonus granting means 82 conducts a lottery (AT lottery) to determine whether or not to transition to the AT presentation state. Specifically, in the chance presentation state, the bonus granting means 82 conducts an AT lottery depending on the result of the internal lottery (for example, winning a specified role (winning area)). If this AT lottery is won, the right to transition to the AT presentation state is granted as a bonus that is advantageous to the player. Note that in the chance presentation state, multiple rights to transition to the AT presentation state may be granted.

The chance presentation state is a period during which an AT lottery may be executed, and the expectation level for determining a transition to the AT presentation state (expectation level for the provision of a predetermined benefit related to the instruction presentation) is set higher than that of the first presentation state. In other words, if the chance presentation state is the second presentation state, the second presentation state is more advantageous to the player than the first presentation state.
In addition, in the first presentation state, an AT lottery may be executed based on the results of an internal lottery, but even in that case, the chance presentation state (second presentation state) has a higher expectation of determining a transition to the AT presentation state than the first presentation state, making it an advantageous state for the player.

The presentation state control means 81 determines whether or not the right to transition to the AT presentation state is granted at the end of the chance presentation state, and if the right is granted, transitions the presentation state to the AT presentation state (special AT presentation state). On the other hand, if the right is not granted, transitions the presentation state to a non-advantageous zone presentation state. At this time, the game zone control means 80 transitions the game zone from the advantageous zone to the non-advantageous zone. Note that if the end condition of the advantageous zone is not met at the end of the chance presentation state, the presentation state may transition to the normal presentation state, and the advantageous zone may continue (without transitioning to the non-advantageous zone).

In the AT presentation state, when the batting order bell (predetermined role (winning area): 4-choice yellow 7) is won, the instruction function control means 51 decides to execute a batting order navigation presentation (instruction presentation) that notifies the player of the correct batting order. When it is decided to execute the batting order navigation presentation, the presentation control means 100 executes a batting order navigation presentation that notifies the player of the correct batting order. The AT presentation state in which the batting order navigation presentation is executed is more advantageous to the player than the first presentation state.
In this embodiment, in both the normal AT presentation state and the special AT presentation state, when the batting order bell is won, the batting order navigation presentation is executed, but the frequency of occurrence of the batting order navigation presentation in the special AT presentation state may be lower or higher than that of the normal AT presentation state. Here, low frequency includes the case where the batting order navigation presentation is not performed at all.

In this embodiment, the continuation of the AT performance state is managed by the difference in the number of medals acquired in the AT performance state. Specifically, the continuation of the AT performance state is managed based on the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 provided in the RAM of the storage means 60. The bonus granting means 82 determines the value to be set in the AT end judgment counter 67 in the special AT performance state to which the transition is made at the start of the AT performance state. In other words, the bonus granting means 82 performs an addition to increase the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 in the special AT performance state to which the transition is made at the start of the AT performance state. In this embodiment, the bonus granting means 82 determines a value (initial value) equivalent to a predetermined difference number to be set in the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 in the special AT performance state to which the transition is made at the start of the AT performance state. In other words, the bonus granting means 82 increases the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 in the special AT performance state. Note that there may be cases where the special AT performance state is not passed through at the start of the AT performance state, and in that case, a value equivalent to a predetermined difference number may be set in the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 at the start of the AT performance state. The value may also be determined by lottery or other means.

The special AT presentation state is a presentation state that determines the initial value of the value related to the continuation of the AT presentation state (the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67). The presentation state control means 81 transitions the presentation state to the normal AT presentation state based on the end of the special AT presentation state. In the special AT presentation state, a predetermined number of games (e.g., three games) are played, and the value to be added to the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 is determined by lottery (addition lottery) for each game. In the addition lottery, it may be determined that the value to be added to the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 is "0". In this embodiment, in the special AT presentation state, the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 is increased by a predetermined value (e.g., 30) or more.
In addition, the transition to the special AT performance state is not limited to the start of the AT performance state. For example, in the AT performance state, a lottery is held based on the winning of a predetermined role (winning area), and the right to transition to the special AT performance state as a privilege is granted by winning the lottery, and the transition to the special AT performance state may be based on that. In addition, in a performance state other than the special AT performance state, an addition (addition lottery) that increases the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 as a privilege may be executed based on the winning of a predetermined role (winning area).

The presentation state control means 81 transitions the presentation state to the normal AT presentation state based on the end of the special AT presentation state. In other words, when a predetermined number of plays (e.g., three times) have been played in the special AT presentation state, the normal AT presentation state begins.

The presentation state control means 81 performs a process of subtracting a value corresponding to the difference in the number of medals used in the game from the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 each time a game is played in the normal AT presentation state. The difference in the number of medals used in the game (one game) is obtained by subtracting a value corresponding to the number of medals inserted (for example, "3" if three medals are inserted) from a value corresponding to the number of medals paid out (for example, "8" if eight medals are paid out, and "0" if no combination is won and no payout is made). Then, when the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 reaches the threshold value "0" in the normal AT presentation state, the presentation state control means 81 terminates the AT presentation state (normal AT presentation state) as the end condition of the AT presentation state (one of the end conditions) is established, and transitions the presentation state to a non-advantageous zone presentation state. At this time, the play zone control means 80 transitions the play zone from the advantageous zone to the non-advantageous zone. If the conditions for ending the advantageous zone are not met at the end of the AT presentation state, the presentation state may transition to the normal presentation state, and the advantageous zone may continue (without transitioning to the non-advantageous zone). In this embodiment, the AT presentation state ends when the difference in the number of medals acquired in the AT presentation state (normal AT presentation state) reaches a predetermined difference (the difference set in the special AT presentation state).

When the stored value of the AT end determination counter 67 reaches the threshold value "0" in the normal AT presentation state, if there is a right to transition to the AT presentation state (or a right to transition to the special AT presentation state), the presentation state control means 81 may start the AT presentation state (or the special AT presentation state).

In this embodiment, the continuation of the AT performance state is managed by the difference in the number of medals acquired in the AT performance state, but it may be managed based on the number of medals acquired in the AT performance state, or the continuation of the AT performance state may be managed based on the number of games played in the AT performance state, the number of batting order navigation effects executed in the AT performance state, etc. The stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 may represent, for example, the number of games that can be executed in the AT performance state, or the number of batting order navigation effects that can be executed in the AT performance state (batting order navigation number of times). In other words, a value equivalent to the number of games that can be executed in the special AT performance state or the number of batting order navigations that can be executed, etc., is set in the AT end judgment counter 67, and the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 is updated every time a game or batting order navigation effect is executed in the normal AT performance state, and the AT performance state may be terminated based on the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67 reaching a threshold value.

In addition, in this embodiment, the non-advantageous zone presentation state may be directly transitioned to the AT presentation state. For example, in the advantageous zone transition lottery, instead of simply determining whether or not to transition to the advantageous zone (normal presentation state), a lottery may be held to determine whether the presentation state is to be transitioned to the AT presentation state, the normal presentation state, or the non-advantageous zone presentation state. In other words, the AT lottery may be held in the non-advantageous zone presentation state.
Also, the normal presentation state may be directly transitioned to the AT presentation state. For example, in the special lottery, instead of simply deciding whether or not to transition to the special presentation state, a lottery may be held to determine whether the presentation state is to be transitioned to the AT presentation state, the special presentation state, or the normal presentation state. In other words, the AT lottery may be held in the normal presentation state.

The AT presentation state may also be set according to the game state to which a transition occurs based on winning a bonus or winning a prize. For example, a transition to the AT presentation state may be possible when the game state is in the RBB internal state, and transition to the AT presentation state may not be possible in the general state or the RBB operating state. In other words, in the general state or the RBB operating state, for example, a transition to the AT presentation state may not be allowed even if an AT lottery is won, and an AT lottery may not be held.

In addition, if a bonus is won while the presentation state is the AT presentation state and the game state is in the RBB internal state, the AT presentation state may be interrupted until the state transitions back to the RBB internal state via the general internal state after the RBB operating state that is transitioned to by the winning of this bonus ends. In other words, the batting order navigation presentation may be stopped when a bonus is won, and resumed when the state transitions back to the RBB internal state.

When the advantageous zone ends and the play zone transitions to a non-advantageous zone, the instruction function control means 51 performs an instruction function information initialization process to initialize information stored in the RAM of the storage means 60 as information related to the instruction function. Specifically, the instruction function control means 51 initializes the stored value of the advantageous zone play count counter 65, the stored value of the first difference number counter 64, the flag (lottery result) related to the lottery related to the instruction function, and the stored value of the AT end judgment counter 67. In other words, information related to the instruction function is not carried over across multiple advantageous zones. In addition, when the initialization means 48 performs the above-mentioned initialization process when the setting value is changed, the information related to the instruction function (instruction performance) shown here is also initialized.

In this embodiment, when the game state is in the RBB internal state, the instruction function control means 51 (presentation control means 100) performs lotteries related to instruction functions (e.g. lotteries related to transition to the AT presentation state), granting of benefits related to the batting order navigation presentation (e.g. benefits that increase the probability of transitioning to the AT presentation state), and processing related to instruction functions such as the batting order navigation presentation, but when the game state is in the general state or the RBB operating state, it does not perform lotteries related to instruction functions, granting of benefits related to the batting order navigation presentation, or processing related to instruction functions such as the batting order navigation presentation. In this embodiment, the player is basically designed to play when in the RBB internal state, so the following explanation will be given assuming that the game state is basically in the RBB internal state.

As shown in FIG. 16 , the sub-control board 32 includes a performance sub-control means 70 and a sub-memory 72 .
The effect sub-control means 70 controls the effects performed using the liquid crystal display 13, the speaker 14, and the lighting device 38, based on the effect data stored in the sub-memory 72. For example, the lighting device 38 is turned on or off in response to the insertion of medals, the operation of the bet button 23, the start lever 24, and the stop buttons 26a to 26c, the occurrence of game events such as changes in the game state, changes in the display content of the liquid crystal display 13, and sounds are output from the speaker 14, thereby controlling the execution of effects to liven up the game or to assist the game, depending on the progress of the game.

The content of the effects executed during play is determined using an effect lottery table stored in the sub-memory 72 in response to commands sent from the main control board 31 in response to the game state, the effect state, and the result of the internal lottery. In this embodiment, image data stored in the ROM of the sub-memory 72 is read into an image buffer provided in the sub-memory 72, and an image based on the image data read into the image buffer is output (displayed) on the liquid crystal display 13. In addition, sound data stored in the ROM of the sub-memory 72 is read into a sound buffer provided in the sub-memory 72, and a sound based on the sound data read into the sound buffer is output from the speaker 14.

(error)
16, the main control board 31 includes a main error detection means 106 and a main error management means 107. The main error detection means 106 monitors the signal states of various sensors, determines whether an error detection condition is satisfied, and identifies an occurring main error based on whether the error detection condition is satisfied, thereby detecting the main error.

The main error detection means 106 detects backflow errors, empty errors, dispensing jam errors, dispensing abnormal errors, over errors, retention errors, backup errors, injection abnormal errors, display judgment abnormal errors, RWM abnormal errors, and set value abnormal errors based on the signal states of various sensors. When the main error detection means 106 detects a specific main error, it sets a corresponding error detection flag in the storage means 60 (main storage means).

The backflow error is an error caused by medals flowing backward in the flow path.
The empty error occurs when there are no more medals stored in the hopper unit.
The payout jam error is an error caused when medals that should be paid out are jammed in the hopper unit and cannot be discharged.
An abnormal payout error is an error that occurs when medals are paid out in a situation in which they should not be paid out.
An over error is an error that occurs when the amount of surplus medals stored in the cash box exceeds a predetermined amount.
A stuck error is an error caused by a medal being stuck in the medal selector.
A backup error is an error caused by a problem occurring in the RWM backup, specifically, an error that is detected when an abnormality in the RWM backup is detected when the power is turned on.
An abnormal insertion error occurs when the medals pass through a flow path different from the normal flow path (here, the flow path that returns to the medal payout outlet) even though the medal flow path has been switched by activating the blocker and blocking the flow path to the medal chute. Another type of abnormal insertion error is a chute error. A chute error is an error caused by a difference of more than a certain amount between the number of medals that pass through the medal selector and the number of medals that pass through the medal chute. Another type of abnormal insertion error is an insertion detection error. A insertion detection error is an error caused by medals being stuck near the medal insertion port 22.
The display determination abnormality error is an error that is detected when a symbol that is not a winning symbol is displayed.
The RWM abnormal error is an error that is detected when the reading and writing of the RWM is not performed normally.
A setting value abnormality error is an error that is detected when a setting value is outside the allowable range during an internal lottery.

As shown in FIG. 16, the sub-control board 32 also includes a sub-error detection means 202 and a sub-error management means 203. The sub-error detection means 202 determines whether or not an error detection condition is met based on a command sent from the main control board 31, identifies the sub-error that has occurred based on whether the error detection condition is met, and detects the sub-error.

The sub-error detection means 202 detects door open errors, communication errors, etc. A door open error is an error caused by the lower door 12b (front door 12) being open. Specifically, it is an error detected when the signal state of the door open/close switch that is activated when the lower door 12b is opened continues to be in the on state (signal state indicating that the lower door 12b is open) for a certain period (approximately 48 ms) or more. A communication error is a sub-error caused by a communication failure due to a break in the communication cable between the main control board 31 and the sub-control board 32, and is detected when a certain period (e.g., 20 ms) or more has passed since the reception of a break monitoring command that is periodically transmitted from the main control board 31.

When any error detection flag is set in the storage means 60, the main error management means 107 performs an error wait process to wait for a predetermined release operation to be performed. In this error wait process, the main error (error code) detected by the main error detection means 106 is notified via the first main display 17a, and a release process (error release process) is performed to clear the error detection flag, etc., based on the predetermined release operation being performed. As shown in FIG. 23, an error code is assigned to each error according to the type of error. Examples of the predetermined release operation (error release operation) include inserting the door key into the door key cylinder 69 and rotating (twisting) the door key counterclockwise, and pressing the setting change button. As shown in FIG. 23, an error release operation is set for each type of error.

In error wait processing, the main error management means 107 accepts a release operation and performs a release process (error release process) that clears (deletes) error-related information such as the detection flag and timer (error management timer) timing information stored in the storage means 60.

In this embodiment, information is sent from the main control board 31 to the sub-control board 32 by sending commands via serial communication. The information contained in the commands sent from the main control board 31 to the sub-control board 32 includes setting values, game status, number of medals inserted and paid out, results of internal lotteries, signal status of various switches, details of reel stop control, results of winning determination, and information related to main errors that have occurred.

In this embodiment, when a main error occurs, the main control board 31 transmits to the sub-control board 32 an error occurrence command corresponding to the error type for which the error detection flag is set, or an error cancellation command indicating that a cancellation operation has been performed. In addition, when the signal state of the door opening/closing switch changes, the main control board 31 transmits a door open command to the sub-control board 32 based on the change in the signal state from an OFF state (a signal state indicating that the front door 12 is closed) to an ON state (a signal state indicating that the front door 12 is open), and transmits a door close command to the sub-control board 32 based on the change in the signal state from an ON state to an OFF state. In this embodiment, even if the front door 12 is open, this is not treated as a main error in itself, and the main loop processing described below can continue unless another main error occurs.

When the sub-error detection means 202 receives an error occurrence command sent from the main control board 31, it sets an error detection flag in the sub-memory 72 that corresponds to the main error identified by the error occurrence command.

When the sub-error detection means 202 detects a sub-error, it sets a corresponding error detection flag in the sub-memory 72 (sub-storage means). When an error detection flag corresponding to a sub-error is set in the sub-memory 72, the sub-error management means 203 causes the sub-display 17c to display an error code corresponding to the type of the error detection flag. The door open error is cleared when the front door 12 is closed (when a door close command is sent). The door open error may be a main error. In other words, the door open error may be an error detected by the main error detection means 106. The communication error can be recovered from only by initializing the sub-memory 72 by restoring power after interruption.
In this embodiment, an error described as a sub-error may be a main error, and an error described as a main error may be a sub-error.

When an error detection flag is set in the sub-memory 72, the sub-error management means 203 determines the error to be notified, and controls the performance devices (LCD display 13, lamp 38, speaker 14) in a performance mode corresponding to the error to perform error notification processing (error notification performance). Note that in this embodiment, error notification is not limited to those executed via various performance devices, but also includes those executed via the first main display 17a and the sub-display 17c.

The sub-error management means 203 also notifies of the error to be notified in the error notification process, waits for an error reset command or a door close command to be sent from the main control board 31, and performs an error recovery process (error release process) that clears the error detection flag, etc. set in the sub-memory 72 based on the establishment of the error recovery condition, and returns the state of the performance device to the original state. In other words, the sub-error management means 203 performs the error recovery process based on the operation of pressing the setting change button, the operation of rotating (twisting) the door key inserted in the door key cylinder 69 counterclockwise, etc.
In this embodiment, no information is sent from the sub-control board 32 to the main control board 31, so the occurrence of a sub-error does not affect the progress of the main loop processing in the main control board 31.If a main error does not occur, the main loop processing can continue even if a sub-error occurs.

In this embodiment, a slot machine 10 has been shown in which medals (gaming media) are inserted to play a game, and medals are paid out to the medal tray 28 based on the winning of a predetermined winning combination, but the invention is not limited to this. The gaming machine may be one in which games are played by consuming or granting gaming value (a so-called medal-less gaming machine) using gaming value as electronic information without using gaming media. In a medal-less gaming machine, gaming value is consumed instead of inserting medals, and gaming value is granted instead of paying out medals.

The medalless gaming machine 1000 will now be described with reference to FIG. 24. Descriptions of configurations similar to those of the slot machine 10 will be omitted or simplified. FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the medalless gaming machine 1000 as seen from the front side. Although not shown, a card unit (game value lending device, game medal lending device) is provided on the side (right side) of the medalless gaming machine 1000. Unlike the slot machine 10, the medalless gaming machine 1000 does not have components such as a medal insertion port, medal payout port, and medal tray, nor does it have a device for controlling inserted medals, such as a medal selector or hopper unit.

In the medal-less gaming machine 1000, a value equivalent to a predetermined number of game values is set as credits (a stored value in the credit storage area in the storage means 60) based on a lending operation for a card unit, etc. The stored value in the credit storage area in the storage means 60 can be called the number of credits (a reserved number). The number of credits (the number of game medals available for play) is displayed on the game medal number display device 111. In the medal-less gaming machine 1000, the upper limit of the number of credits is not set to "50" as in the slot machine 10, and the upper limit may be set, for example, within the range of the numbers that can be displayed on the game medal number display device 111.

The operation area 50 of the medalless gaming machine 1000 is provided with a game medal count display device 111. The game medal count display device 111 is composed of a 7-segment LED display, and in this embodiment, is capable of displaying a 5-digit number. The operation area 50 is also provided with a counting button 112. The counting button 112 is a button that is operated when transmitting (returning) information indicating a value equivalent to a predetermined number of credits (all or part of the number of credits) to the card unit. The counting button 112 has a pressing portion, and the pressing portion is formed so as to be pressable. Hereinafter, pressing the pressing portion of the counting button 112 is referred to as operating the counting button 112.

Although not shown in the figure, a power supply unit (power supply box) is provided inside the housing 10, and a setting change key cylinder, setting change buttons, etc. are provided on the front of the power supply unit.

Here, we will explain the basic flow of play in the medal-less gaming machine 1000. First, a predetermined number of gaming medals are awarded based on the lending operation of the card unit (the number of credits is added). Next, when the MAX BET button 23 is operated, gaming medals are set to an inserted state up to a specified number, and a value equivalent to the number of gaming medals set to the inserted state is subtracted from the number of credits (the number of gaming medals displayed on the gaming medal number display device 111 decreases).

When a specified number of game medals are set to the inserted state, the operation of the start lever 24 is valid, that is, the game can be started. Next, when the activated start lever 24 is operated to start the game, the reels 20a to 20c start to rotate. Next, when the rotation speed of the reels 20a to 20c increases to a specified speed and reaches a steady rotation state, the operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c becomes valid. Next, when any of the stop buttons 26a to 26c is operated, the rotation of the corresponding reel 20a to 20c stops. Next, when the rotation of all the reels 20a to 20c stops, depending on the result of the game, a process is performed in which a specified number of game medals are awarded (added to credits) or a process is performed in which the game can be started again without consuming new game medals (replay process).

When the count button 112 is operated, a predetermined number of credits (game medals) is sent (returned) to the card unit. Then, when a card return operation is performed on the card unit, a card with a predetermined value stored therein is ejected from the card unit.

In the medalless gaming machine 1000, the main error detection means 106 can detect main errors such as backup errors, door open errors, RWM errors, set value (abnormal) errors, medal over errors, lending device connection errors, medal count control errors, etc. based on the signal states of various sensors. A medal over error is an error caused by the number of credits being equal to or greater than a predetermined value (e.g., 16,369). A lending device connection error is an error caused by the lending unit (card unit) not being connected. A medal count control error is an error caused by an abnormality in the communication between the main control board 31 and the medal count control board. Also, in the medalless gaming machine 1000, when an error is detected, an error is notified in the same way as in the slot machine 10.

(Main processing)
The main control board 31 provided in the slot machine 10 (or the medal-less gaming machine 1000) performs main processing (main loop processing) for progressing the game. Here, the main loop processing will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
The main control board 31 performs an insertion reception process that receives the insertion of the number of medals required to play a game (step S100). In the insertion reception process, medals inserted based on the player inserting medals into the medal insertion slot 22, or medals credited to the gaming machine based on the player pressing the bet button 23, are set to an inserted state. In addition, if a replay is won in the previous game, the same number of medals as the number inserted in the previous game (the same number of medals inserted as in the previous game) are automatically set to an inserted state.

Next, the main control board 31 determines whether the specified number (3 medals) set as the game start condition has been inserted (step S101).

If it is determined in step S101 that the specified number of medals have been inserted (if it is determined that the specified number of medals have been set to an inserted state) (step S101: YES), the main control board 31 enables the operation of the start lever 24 (step S102). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S101 that the specified number of medals have not been inserted (step S101: NO), the process returns to step S100.

Next, the main control board 31 determines whether or not the start lever 24 has been operated (step S103). If it is determined in step S103 that the start lever 24 has been operated (step S103: YES), the main control board 31 performs an internal lottery (step S104) and starts the rotation of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c (step S105). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S103 that the start lever 24 has not been operated (step S103: NO), the process of step S103 is repeated.

Next, the main control board 31 determines whether the rotation speed of each reel is equal to or greater than a predetermined speed (step S106). If it is determined in step S106 that the rotation speed of each reel is equal to or greater than the predetermined speed (step S106: YES), the main control board 31 enables the operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c (step S107). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S106 that the rotation speed of each reel is not equal to or greater than the predetermined speed (step S106: NO), the process of step S106 is repeated.

Next, the main control board 31 determines whether or not a specific stop button has been operated (step S108). If it is determined in step S108 that a specific stop button has been operated (step S108: YES), the main control board 31 stops the rotation of the reel corresponding to that stop button (step S109) and determines whether or not all reels have stopped (step S110). If it is determined in step S108 that a specific stop button has not been operated (step S108: NO), the process of step S108 is repeated.

If the main control board 31 determines in step S110 that all reels have not stopped (step S110: NO), the process returns to step S108. On the other hand, if the main control board 31 determines in step S110 that all reels have stopped (step S110: YES), the main control board 31 determines whether or not the winning combination selected in the internal lottery has been achieved based on the stopped state (stopping pattern) of each reel (step S111).

If it is determined in step S111 that the winning combination in the internal lottery has been won (step S111: YES), the main control board 31 executes the process corresponding to the winning combination (winning process) (step S112) and ends the series of processes (one game). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S111 that the winning combination in the internal lottery has not been won (or the result of the internal lottery is a miss (non-win)) (step S111: NO), the main control board 31 ends the series of processes (one game) when all of the reels 20a to 20c have stopped.

Hereinafter, one game in which a game is started, an internal lottery is executed, and the winning determination means 44 determines whether or not a winning combination has been achieved (i.e., one game in which one game of game value may be paid out (awarded) once) is referred to as a normal game (main game) to distinguish it from the pseudo game described below. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, there are cases where the normal game is executed alone and cases where the normal game and the pseudo game are executed in combination. In either case, the end of one game is regarded as the end of the normal game.

The reel control means 43 executes a wait process to adjust the interval between plays. The reel control means 43 measures (times) the interval between the start of rotation of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c, and executes a wait process to hold off the start of rotation of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c until the wait period has elapsed, if a wait period (e.g., 4.1 seconds) has not elapsed since the start of rotation of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c in the previous play when a play start operation is performed on the start lever 24. In the above-mentioned step S105, the reel control means 43 starts the rotation of the first reel 26a to the third reel 26c, on the condition that the wait period has elapsed, when a play start operation is performed on the start lever 24.

As shown in FIG. 16, the main control board 31 includes a freeze control means 90. The storage means 60 of the main control board 31 also includes a timer 66 (timekeeping means).

(Slot machine performance)
The freeze control means 90 performs a lottery (reel performance lottery) to determine whether or not a reel performance (reel performance) can be performed based on, for example, a winning in a predetermined winning area. The freeze control means 90 determines the execution of a reel performance based on winning the reel performance lottery. In a game in which a reel performance is performed, in the processing of step S105 described above, the freeze control means 90 performs a freeze process to generate a freeze that stops (interrupts) the progress of a normal game for a specific period (predetermined time). When the freeze process is performed, the period from when a game start operation is performed on the start lever 24 to when a stop operation (stop operation related to a normal game) of the stop buttons 26a to 26c is enabled is extended.
In normal play, after the start lever 24 is operated to start the game, an acceleration process is executed for the rotation of each of the reels 20a to 20c, and when the rotation speed reaches a constant speed (predetermined speed), the stop operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c is enabled. From this, it can be said that when the freeze process is executed, the period until the rotation speed of the reels reaches a constant speed and the stop operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c is enabled is lengthened.

Hereinafter, when the freeze process is executed, the period during which the progress of the normal game (processing related to the progress of the game) is stopped (interrupted) is referred to as the freeze period (specific period). When the freeze period ends, the progress of the normal game is resumed. Specifically, the rotation of the reels 20a to 20c related to the normal game is started. During the freeze period, the stop operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c related to the normal game is disabled.
The stop operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c in the normal game refers to a stop operation in which the reels stop in a manner according to the result of the internal lottery (a winning combination). Also, the rotation of the reels 20a to 20c in the normal game can be said to be the rotation of the reels in which the stop operation of the stop buttons in the normal game is effective.

Note that multiple lengths of the freeze period may be prepared, and the length to be used may be determined by lottery. In that case, a freeze with a relatively long freeze period may be referred to as a long freeze.

In a game in which a reel effect is executed, in the process of step S105 described above, the freeze control means 90 executes a freeze process and causes the reel control means 43 to execute a reel effect during the freeze period. In this case, even if a game start operation is performed on the start lever 24 during the wait period, the reel control means 43 does not start the rotation of the reels 20a to 20c related to the normal game when the wait period has elapsed. The reel control means 43 executes a reel effect and spins the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c in a specific manner.
The reel effect executed during the freeze period may be an effect suggesting the award of a special benefit. In other words, the reel effect may be an effect that can give the player a sense of expectation that a special benefit may be awarded. An example of the special benefit is the right to transition to a favorable performance state (e.g., a pseudo-bonus performance state). Also, the reel effect may be set so that the longer the period (freeze period) during which the reel effect is executed, the higher the expectation of the special benefit being awarded.

In this embodiment, a pseudo game (pseudo game presentation) may be executed as a reel presentation. A pseudo game is a game that imitates a normal game, in which the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c spin, and the spinning of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c can be stopped based on the stopping operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c. Note that no winning process (payout process or replay process) is executed based on the result of the pseudo game. A pseudo game can give the player the feeling that he or she is playing a normal game.

Below, we will explain the case where a pseudo game is executed as a reel effect, but the reel effect is not limited to a pseudo game, and may be an effect in which the rotation of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c cannot be stopped based on the stopping operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c. The reel effect may be an effect in which the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c start to rotate, and then the rotation stops (automatically stops) so that, for example, predetermined patterns are lined up in a horizontal row, and this state is maintained for a predetermined time, or an effect in which all reels rotate in the opposite direction. In other words, it may be a reel lock effect.

If it is determined in the processing of step S105 described above that a pseudo game is to be executed, the reel control means 43 starts the pseudo game and starts the rotation of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c related to the pseudo game. Note that this rotation may also be referred to as pseudo rotation.

Next, when the stop button 26a to 26c related to the pseudo game is operated to stop (temporarily stop, pseudo stop), the reel control means 43 stops (temporarily stop, pseudo stop) the rotation of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c based on the stop operation of the stop button 26a to 26c. In the pseudo game, the reel control means 43 controls the reels (the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c) to stop based on rules different from those in the normal game. Note that the reel control means 43 temporarily stops a predetermined pattern on the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c on a pay line based on the stop operation (temporarily stop operation) of the stop button 26a to 26c related to the pseudo game, but in this pseudo game, it may be set so that more frames can be drawn than in the normal game (maximum of four frames). In addition, the pattern combination to be stopped on the pay line in the pseudo game may be determined by lottery.

In this embodiment, the freeze control means 90 ends the pseudo game (freeze period) based on the fact that the rotation (pseudo rotation) of all reels has stopped (temporarily stopped). In this specification, in order to prevent the pseudo game (freeze period) from not ending (not proceeding to the next step) due to the stop operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c not being performed in the pseudo game, the freeze control means 90 is configured as follows. The freeze control means 90 starts timing by the timer 66 (freeze management timer, timing means) at the start of the pseudo game (freeze period), and if at least one reel is spinning when the maximum time (e.g., 60 seconds) for which the pseudo game can be continued has elapsed, the freeze control means 90 stops (temporarily stops) the reel that is spinning. When the rotation of all reels has stopped and the pseudo game has ended, the rotation of the first reel 20a to the third reel 20c related to the normal game starts (i.e., the process of step S105 is executed). In other words, the normal game (main process) is resumed.

Here, the pseudo game management process performed by the freeze control means 90 will be described with reference to Fig. 26. Fig. 26 is a flow chart showing the flow of the pseudo game management process.
The freeze control means 90 starts the timer 66 with the start of the pseudo game (step S1). Specifically, a first value (e.g., 60) is set as the stored value (time count information) of the timer 66, and one is subtracted from the value (each second) as time passes (the timer is updated). This first value can be said to be the time (maximum time) required to temporarily stop all reels in the pseudo game.

Next, the freeze control means 90 judges whether or not all the reels have stopped spinning (temporarily stopped) based on the stop operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c (step S2). If it is judged in step S2 that all the reels have stopped spinning (step S2: YES), the freeze control means 90 ends the simulated game (step S3). On the other hand, if it is judged in step S2 that all the reels have not stopped spinning (there is a reel that is spinning) (step S2: NO), the freeze control means 90 judges whether or not the value stored in the timer 66 is "0" (a specific value) (step S4).

In step S4, if it is determined that the stored value of the timer 66 is not "0" (step S4: NO), the process returns to step S2. On the other hand, in step S4, if it is determined that the stored value of the timer 66 is "0" (step S4: YES), the freeze control means 90 stops the rotation of all reels (putting the state in which the rotation of all reels has stopped) without depending on the stop operation of the stop button, and ends the pseudo game (step S5). This can be said to be the automatic stopping (temporary stopping) of the rotation of the reels based on the stored value of the timer 66 becoming a specific value. Note that, when the freeze control means 90 stops the rotation of the reels (temporary stopping), specifically, the freeze control means 90 instructs the reel control means 43 to stop the rotation of the reels, and the reel control means 43 stops the rotation of the reels based on the instruction.

In this embodiment, the pseudo game ends when all the reels stop spinning, but the pseudo game may end when the start lever 24 is operated. Here, the pseudo game management process in this case (modified example) will be described with reference to Fig. 27. Fig. 27 is a flowchart showing the flow of the pseudo game management process.
The freeze control means 90 starts the timer 66 with the start of the pseudo game (step S11). Specifically, the timer 66 is set to a first value (for example, 60) and decrements the first value by 1 every second.

Next, the freeze control means 90 judges whether or not all the reels have stopped spinning (temporarily stopped) based on the stop operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c (step S12). If it is judged in step S12 that all the reels have stopped spinning (step S12: YES), the process proceeds to step S15, which will be described later. On the other hand, if it is judged in step S12 that all the reels have not stopped spinning (there is a reel that is spinning) (step S12: NO), the freeze control means 90 judges whether or not the value stored in the timer 66 is "0" (a specific value) (step S13).

If it is determined in step S13 that the value stored in the timer 66 is not "0" (step S13: NO), the process returns to step S12. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13 that the value stored in the timer 66 is "0" (step S13: YES), the freeze control means 90 stops the rotation of all reels regardless of the stop operation of the stop button (step S14).

Next, the freeze control means 90 restarts the timer 66 based on the fact that all reels have stopped spinning (step S15). Specifically, the freeze control means 90 sets a new second value (e.g., 10) as the stored value of the timer 66, and subtracts 1 every second.

Next, the freeze control means 90 judges whether or not the start lever 24 has been operated (step S16). If it is judged in step S16 that the start lever 24 has been operated (step S16: YES), the freeze control means 90 ends the pseudo-game (step S17). On the other hand, if it is judged in step S16 that the start lever 24 has not been operated (step S16: NO), the freeze control means 90 judges whether or not the stored value of the timer 66 is "0" (a specific value) (step S18).

If it is determined in step S18 that the value stored in the timer 66 is not "0" (step S18: NO), the process returns to step S16. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S18 that the value stored in the timer 66 is "0" (step S18: YES), the freeze control means 90 ends the pseudo-game without depending on the operation of the start lever 24 (step S19).

When the pseudo game (freeze) ends, a predetermined symbol combination is displayed on the pay line. In this case, if the rotation start timing of each reel immediately after the freeze is synchronized (simultaneous), the winning combination may be assisted, which may undermine the fairness of the game. In this embodiment, when the freeze is executed, the reel control means 43 executes a random delay process that randomly delays the timing at which each reel starts spinning immediately after the freeze. The extent to which the rotation start timing of each reel is delayed may be determined by lottery. When the random delay process is executed when the freeze is executed, the rotation start timing of each reel is not synchronized. In other words, the rotation start timing of each reel immediately after the freeze is shifted. This ensures the fairness of the game even when the freeze (pseudo game) is executed.

(Error Notification)
As shown in FIG. 16, the main error detection means 106 and the sub-error detection means 202 are collectively referred to as the error detection means 300. The main error management means 107 and the sub-error management means 203 are collectively referred to as the error management means 400. When an error is detected by the error detection means 300, the error management means 400 notifies the error as described above. The error is notified through at least one of various performance devices (liquid crystal display 13, lamp 38, speaker 14), the first main display 17a, and the sub display 17c as notification means. Also, while the error management means 400 (main error management means 107) is executing an error wait process based on the detection of an error (main error) (while waiting for a predetermined release operation to be executed), the main process (execution of the main process) is interrupted. The main process is resumed based on the execution of the error release process.
In this embodiment, the period (state) during which an error is notified can be referred to as the period (state) during which an error detection flag corresponding to the error is set in the storage means.

In this embodiment, during the freeze period, processing related to the progress of the freeze is performed, but processing (main processing) related to the progress of the game (normal game) is stopped. Note that processing related to the progress of the game may include, for example, processing to progress a presentation (e.g., an AT presentation) that is executed while remaining in a specified presentation state (e.g., an AT presentation state).

Here, the control when an error occurs during the freeze period (during the pseudo game) will be described. In the slot machine 10, for example, an error related to inserting and paying out medals and a door open error may occur during the freeze period. In the medalless gaming machine 1000, for example, a lending device connection error, a medal count control error, and a door open error may occur during the freeze period. In this embodiment, if an error (main error or sub error) is detected even during the freeze period, the error management means 400 notifies the error. In other words, the gaming machine of this embodiment is capable of notifying an error even during the freeze period (during the execution of the pseudo game). For example, if an insertion abnormality error occurs during the rotation of the reel related to the pseudo game, an error corresponding to the insertion abnormality error is notified. In addition, if a door open error occurs during the rotation of the reel related to the pseudo game, an error corresponding to the door open error is notified.

In this embodiment, during the freeze period, i.e., from when the pseudo game starts to when it ends (during the pseudo game), the pseudo game management process is executed and the stored value of the timer 66 is updated. Even if an error is detected during this pseudo game (freeze period), the freeze control means 90 does not interrupt (stop) the timer 66 from timing based on the detection of the error (while the error is detected). In other words, even if an error is detected, the timer 66 continues timing (the timer 66's stored value is updated).

In the pseudo game management process, the freeze control means 90 stops the rotation of all reels when the stored value of the timer 66 becomes "0" (a specific value) while the reels are spinning, but if the stored value of the timer 66 becomes "0" (a specific value) while an error is being notified (while an error is being detected), the freeze control means 90 performs control that differs depending on the type (classification) of the error being notified (detected).

(When a main error is being reported)
When the reel is spinning (pseudo spinning) and the stored value of the timer 66 becomes "0" (a specific value) while the main error is being notified (while the main error is being detected), the freeze control means 90 continues the spinning of the reel (does not end the pseudo game), and stops the spinning of the reel based on the fact that the main error has been released. In other words, the spinning of the reel is maintained until the main error is released (resolved).

(If a sub-error is being reported)
The freeze control means 90 stops the rotation of all the reels when the reels are rotating (pseudo rotation) and the stored value of the timer 66 becomes "0" (a specific value) while a sub-error is being notified (while a sub-error is being detected). In this embodiment, the pseudo game ends when the rotation of all the reels stops, and the rotation of the reels related to the normal game starts.

In this embodiment, if an error is detected during the freeze period (during pseudo play), it becomes impossible to stop the pseudo play using the stop buttons 26a to 26c. In other words, if the reels are spinning (pseudo spinning) and an error is being notified (only when a main error is being notified), the reels will not stop spinning based on the stop operation, even if the stop button is operated to stop.

The gaming machine of this embodiment is
A plurality of reels (e.g., reels 20a to 20c);
stop buttons (e.g., stop buttons 26a to 26c) corresponding to each of the plurality of reels;
A control means (e.g., a main control board 31) for controlling the progress of a game;
a notification means (e.g., a first main display 17a) capable of notifying an error;
The control means is capable of executing a process of stopping (suspending) a process related to the progress of a game for a specific period of time,
If an error is detected during the specified period,
The notification means is capable of notifying the error,
The control means continues updating the timer means that manages the specific period while the error is being notified.

Even if an error is detected during a specific period, the error can be reported. If the update of the clock means is stopped (interrupted) while the error is being reported, it is possible to provide a process in which, for example, the value of the clock means at the time of interruption is stored and the update is resumed from the interruption point when the error is cleared. However, in that case, the process becomes complicated and the possibility of a malfunction occurring due to this increases. According to this embodiment, even if an error occurs during a specific period and the error is being reported, the update of the clock means that manages the specific period continues. This simplifies the process, and by interrupting and resuming the update, the occurrence of malfunctions due to the process becoming complicated can be suppressed, thereby improving the quality of the gaming machine.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, a pseudo game is executed for a specific period of time, and in the pseudo game, the rotation of the reels related to the pseudo game is started, and it is possible to operate the stop button related to the pseudo game to stop it; however, if an error (e.g., a main error) is detected, (1) it is impossible to operate the stop button related to the pseudo game to stop it while the error is being notified, and (2) even if the value of the timing means is updated to a specific value (e.g., 0) while the error is being notified, the rotation of the reels related to the pseudo game continues until the error is released.
In other words,
The control means executes a pseudo game during the specific period,
In the pseudo game, the rotation of the reel related to the pseudo game is started, and a stop operation of a stop button related to the pseudo game is possible;
If the error is detected during the specified period,
The control means makes it impossible to operate the stop button related to the pseudo game while the error is being notified, and continues the rotation of the reel related to the pseudo game even if the value of the timing means reaches a specific value while the error is being notified.

In addition, a pseudo game is executed for a specific period of time, and in the pseudo game, the rotation of the reels related to the pseudo game is started and a stop button related to the pseudo game can be operated to stop the game. However, if an error is detected, (1) the stop button related to the pseudo game cannot be operated to stop the game while the error is being notified, and (2) when the value of the timing means is updated while the error is being notified and reaches a specific value (e.g., 0), the rotation of the reels related to the pseudo game can be stopped.
In other words,
The control means executes a pseudo game during the specific period,
In the pseudo game, the rotation of the reel related to the pseudo game is started, and a stop operation of a stop button related to the pseudo game is possible;
If the error is detected during the specified period,
The control means may be configured to make it impossible to operate a stop button related to the pseudo game while the error is being notified, and to stop the rotation of the reel related to the pseudo game when the value of the timing means reaches a specific value while the error is being notified.
When the rotation of the reels in the pseudo game is stopped (temporarily stopped), a random delay process is executed, the rotation of the reels in the normal game is started, and an acceleration process is executed to accelerate the rotation of the reels. Then, when the rotation speed of the reels reaches a predetermined speed, the stop operation of the stop button in the normal game becomes effective.

In addition, the present embodiment may be configured as follows.
A reel performance (reel lock performance) is executed during a specific period, and the front door 12 is opened while the reel performance is being executed, and even if a door open error as a main error is being notified (detected), the timer continues to be updated. Then, when the value of the timer reaches a specific value (for example, 0) while the door open error is being notified (detected), the specific period (reel performance) ends, and the rotation of the reel related to the normal game starts. Specifically, a random delay process is executed to start the rotation of the reel related to the normal game, and an acceleration process is executed to accelerate the rotation of the reel. However, in this case, even if the rotation speed of the reel reaches a predetermined speed, the stop button related to the normal game may not be able to be stopped while the door open error is detected (until the door open error is released).
In other words,
The control means
Execute a reel lock effect during the specific period,
The front door is opened while the reel performance is being executed, and even if an opening error based on the opening of the front door is notified (detected), the updating of the timing means is continued,
When the value of the timing means reaches a specific value while the opening error is being notified (detected), the specific period ends, processing related to the progress of the game is resumed, and the rotation of the reel is started, but the stop operation of the stop button is not enabled while the opening error is being notified (detected).

As shown in FIG. 16, the main control board 31 is equipped with an external signal output means 91. The external signal output means 91 can transmit multiple types of external signals to an external device via an external central terminal board provided inside the cabinet. The external signal is a signal that notifies the status of the gaming machine. Examples of external devices include a hall computer that centrally manages the gaming machines set in the gaming facility, and a data counter that is individually connected to the gaming machines and can display information about the gaming history. In this embodiment, the external signal is configured to be able to output signals such as a security signal (external signal 4) and a door opening signal (external signal 5). The hall computer monitors the presence or absence of abnormalities in the gaming machines based on the received external signals.

The external signal output means 91 outputs a security signal (external signal 4) when it is determined that fraudulent activity is occurring (or is likely to occur). In other words, the security signal is a signal that is output when it is determined that fraudulent activity is occurring. In this embodiment, the security signal is output when an insertion abnormality is detected in the gaming machine, when a payout abnormality is detected, when a setting change during business hours is detected, or when a setting confirmation during business hours is detected. In addition, the external signal output means 91 outputs a door open signal when it is determined that the front door 12 (lower door 12b) is open. In other words, the door open signal is a signal that is output when it is determined that the front door 12 is open.

As described above, when the error detection means 300 detects, for example, a dispensing abnormal error (E4), it sets an error detection flag corresponding to the error in the storage means (storage means 60). Based on this, the error management means 400 causes the 7-segment display (first main display 17a) to display an error code (E4) corresponding to the error. In addition, the external signal output means 91 outputs an external signal (external signal 4: security signal) corresponding to the error.

As described above, when the error detection means 300 detects, for example, a door open error (E8) as a main error, it sets an error detection flag corresponding to the error in the storage means (storage means 60). Based on this, the error management means 400 causes the seven-segment display (first main display 17a) to display an error code (E8) corresponding to the error. In addition, the external signal output means 91 outputs an external signal (external signal 5: door open signal) corresponding to the error.

In this embodiment, if an error (e.g., an abnormal payout error) is detected "while processing related to the progress of the game is being executed," a security signal corresponding to the error is output based on that, and an error code corresponding to the error is displayed on the seven-segment display (the error is notified).
On the other hand, if an error (e.g., a payout error) is detected while "the freeze process is being executed and the process related to the progress of the game is stopped for a specific period (i.e., the freeze period)", a security signal corresponding to the error is output based on the error, but the error code corresponding to the error is not displayed on the 7-segment display (the error is not notified). In this case, the error code is displayed on the 7-segment display based on the end of the freeze period (the reel performance) (the error is notified).

If an error (e.g., an abnormal payout error) is detected even during the freeze period, the external signal output means 91 outputs a security signal corresponding to the error to an external device based on the detection. On the other hand, if an error (e.g., an abnormal payout error) is detected during the freeze period (during reel performance), the error management means 400 does not display an error code (does not report an error) on the 7-segment display based on the detection (at the time of detection), but displays an error code (reports an error) based on the end of the freeze period (at the end of the freeze period).

According to this configuration, if an error occurs while the game progress is stopped for a specific period of time and the reel performance is being executed, (1) the error code is not displayed on the seven-segment display, so the player can concentrate on the reel performance. In other words, by displaying the error code on the seven-segment display, the player's attention is directed to the reel performance, and the effect of the reel performance can be prevented from decreasing. (2) In addition, an external signal (security signal) corresponding to the detected error is output to an external device when the error is detected, without waiting for the end of the reel performance. Therefore, the staff at the game center can notice the error immediately after it occurs. This makes it possible to prevent fraudulent acts by taking advantage of the fact that the error is not immediately notified when an error occurs during the execution of the reel performance.

When the error detection means 300 detects an error, it sets an error detection flag corresponding to the detected error in the storage means (storage means 60 or sub-memory 72). For example, when the error detection means 300 detects a dispensing abnormal error (E4), it sets a corresponding error detection flag (information related to the detection of the error, information related to the type of error) in the storage means. When an error is detected, the external signal output means 91 sets an external signal output flag (information related to the output of the external signal) corresponding to the detected error in the storage means. When the error is resolved, the external signal output means 91 clears the external signal output flag. When a dispensing abnormal error (E4), for example, is detected, the external signal output means 91 sets a security signal output flag as an external signal output flag in the storage means. When a door open error (E8), for example, is detected, the external signal output means 91 sets a door open signal output flag as an external signal output flag in the storage means. Furthermore, at the start of the freeze period, the freeze control means 90 sets a first value (e.g., 60) in the timer 66 and sets a freeze execution flag (information related to the execution of the freeze process (specific process)) in the storage means. Note that, when the freeze period ends, the freeze control means 90 clears the freeze execution flag.

Here, we will explain the control that occurs when an error is detected during the freeze period (while the reel performance is being performed) and a power outage (power cut) occurs. In this embodiment, a power outage (power cut) refers to a state in which the power supply from the power supply unit to each component is cut off. Furthermore, a power recovery refers to a state in which power is supplied to each component from that state (returning).

In this embodiment, even if a power outage occurs, at least the error detection flag, external signal output flag, and freeze execution flag (information related to the execution of the freeze) stored (set) in the storage means are not initialized (cleared) and are retained (carried over) across the power outage. Note that the information related to the execution of the freeze includes the stored value of the timer 66 at the time the power outage occurred.

In this embodiment, when power is restored, in an interrupt process that is executed at a predetermined interval (e.g., 5.96 ms), the external signal output means 91 outputs an external signal (e.g., a security signal) to an external device based on an external signal output flag (e.g., a security signal output flag) being set in the storage means.

In addition, when the power is restored after a power outage, the freeze control means 90 executes the freeze process in an interrupt process that is executed at a predetermined interval (e.g., every 5.96 ms) based on the fact that a freeze execution flag (reel performance flag) is set in the storage means, and starts (resumes) the reel performance. At this time, the freeze control means 90 resumes the freeze period (reel performance) from the point where it was interrupted due to the power outage, based on the stored value of the timer 66.

In addition, when power is restored after an interruption, the error management means 400 determines that an error has been detected during the freeze period based on the fact that an error detection flag is set in the storage means and that the freeze execution flag is set, and does not cause the seven-segment display to display an error code. When the freeze period (freeze period after power is restored) ends, the error management means 400 causes the seven-segment display to display an error code (notify an error).

The gaming machine of this embodiment is
A plurality of reels (e.g., reels 20a to 20c);
stop buttons (e.g., stop buttons 26a to 26c) corresponding to each of the plurality of reels;
A control means (e.g., a main control board 31) for controlling the progress of a game;
A notification means (e.g., a first main display 17a) capable of notifying an error;
A storage means (e.g., storage means 60),
The control means is capable of executing a process (specific process) for stopping (suspending) a process related to the progress of a game for a specific period of time,
When an error is detected during the specified period, the control means outputs an external signal corresponding to the error to an external device, but does not notify the error via the notification means;
If a power outage occurs while the error is detected during the specified period,
In the storage means, at least information related to the detection of the error and information related to the output of an external signal corresponding to the error are held without being initialized;
When recovering from the power interruption, the control means outputs an external signal based on information related to the output of the external signal corresponding to the error.

If an error is detected during a specific period, an external signal corresponding to the error is output to an external device, but the error is not notified via the notification means. This allows arcade staff to immediately notice the occurrence of the error, while preventing a decrease in the presentation effect caused by the error being notified during the specific period.
In addition, in such a specification, if a power outage occurs while the error is detected during the specific period, and the information related to the output of the external signal corresponding to the error is initialized, the output of the external signal corresponding to the error will not be executed when the power is restored. Also, since the error occurs during the specific period, the error will not be notified via the notification means. Therefore, even though the game cannot be played due to the error, there is a risk that the staff and players at the game arcade will not notice the occurrence of the error.
According to this embodiment, when a power outage occurs while an error is detected during a specific period, information related to the output of an external signal corresponding to the error is not initialized, and the external signal corresponding to the error is output again during the process of power recovery. This allows the arcade staff to notice the occurrence of an error and perform an operation to cancel the error. In this way, when a power outage occurs under special circumstances, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of an error from being difficult to notice, and improve the quality of the gaming machine.

In this embodiment, if an error is detected during the freeze period (while the reel performance is being executed) and a power outage (power cut) occurs, when the power is restored from the power outage, the freeze (reel performance) is resumed based on the fact that the freeze execution flag is set, and an external signal is output based on the fact that the external signal output flag is set, but the external signal is output before the freeze (reel performance) ends.
In other words,
When a power outage occurs while the error is detected during the specific period, information related to the execution of the specific process in the storage means is retained without being initialized,
When recovering from the power outage, the control means resumes the specific process based on information related to the execution of the specific process, and outputs an external signal based on information related to the output of an external signal corresponding to the error before the specific process is terminated.
Since the external signal is output without waiting for the specific process (freeze process) to end, it is possible to prevent fraudulent acts from being performed while the specific process is being executed.

In addition, in this embodiment, if an error is detected during the freeze period (while the reel performance is being executed) and a power outage (power cut) occurs, when the power is restored from the power outage, it may be possible to output an external signal based on the external signal output flag being set before the reel performance is resumed (restored).
In other words,
When recovering from the power outage, the control means is capable of outputting an external signal based on information related to the output of an external signal corresponding to the error before resuming the specific process based on information related to the execution of the specific process.
Since the external signal is output before the specific process (freeze process) is resumed, it is possible to prevent fraudulent acts from being performed while the specific process is being executed.

In addition, the present embodiment may be configured as follows.
The liquid crystal display 13 shown in Fig. 14 may be a liquid crystal display 99 (so-called full-surface liquid crystal) as shown in Fig. 28. The liquid crystal display 99 has, as display areas, an outside-reel display area which is a display area that does not overlap with the reels 20a to 20c when viewed from the front (front), and a front-reel display area which is a display area that overlaps with the reels 20a to 20c when viewed from the front (front). The front-reel display area (transparent area) is capable of displaying display objects, and also allows the reels 20a to 20c arranged behind it to be viewed. The outside-reel display area is formed to surround the front-reel display area.

If an error (error related to inserting and paying out medals) is detected during the rotation of the reels in normal play, the error is notified via the seven-segment display (first main display 17a) and via the liquid crystal display 99. In addition, while the error is detected, the stop button for normal play cannot be operated to stop the game. On the other hand, if an error (error related to inserting and paying out medals) is detected during the rotation of the reels in pseudo play (freeze period), the error is not notified via the seven-segment display (first main display 17a), but is notified via the liquid crystal display 99 (the liquid crystal display 99 notifies the error at the same timing as in normal play). In addition, even while the error is detected, the stop buttons 26a to 26c for pseudo play can be operated to stop the game.

The error detection means 300 (sub-error detection means 202) does not set (store) the history of the error (error information) in the storage means (sub-memory 72) when an error is notified via the LCD display 99, but sets the history of the error (error information) in the storage means (sub-memory 72) when an error is notified via the first main display 17a (main segment) (specifically, when an error occurrence command is received from the main control board 31).

In addition, if an error is detected during the pseudo game (reel performance) (with the error being notified via the LCD display 99) and a power outage occurs, when the setting key (setting change key) inserted into the setting change key cylinder is rotated 90 degrees clockwise from the initial position (turned ON) and the power is restored, the setting change mode (setting change state) is not entered (initialization of information associated with the change of setting value is not performed), and the interrupted pseudo game (reel performance) is resumed (from the point of interruption) (returning from the middle of the reel performance). Then, after all the reels related to the pseudo game (reel performance) have stopped (after the third stop operation of the stop buttons 26a to 26c related to the pseudo game), the pseudo game ends and normal game starts (restarts), and an error code is displayed on the 7-segment display (an error is notified).

If an error is detected during the execution of a reel performance (with the error being notified via the LCD display 99) and a power outage occurs, the interrupted reel performance will resume after the power is restored, as described above, but the LCD display 99 is in preparation (screen is being prepared) and the error is not notified via the LCD display 99. Specifically, the LCD display 99 displays the words "screen is being prepared" and a display (e.g. a meter) showing the time required for recovery, and is in a blacked-out state, making it difficult to see the reels 20a to 20c (the reel performance).

In this embodiment, when the reel performance (simulated game) ends, a predetermined sound (e.g., a character's lines) is output via the speaker 14. By outputting this predetermined sound, the player can notice that the reel performance has ended, even though he or she cannot see the reels 20a to 20c. In other words, the output of the predetermined sound indicates the end of the reel performance. Note that the LCD display 99 notifies the error when the screen preparation is complete.

If an error is detected during the rotation of the reels involved in the pseudo game (freeze period), the error is not notified via the seven-segment display, and the power is cut off while the error is being notified via the LCD display 99, and then the power is restored, the error detection flag in the storage means is retained, so that the error is notified via the seven-segment display when normal gameplay resumes after power is restored.

After the error is cleared, a predetermined display (warning) may be displayed on the LCD display 99 based on the fact that the setting change key is in the ON state. The predetermined display may be, for example, the display of information (text) stating "Settings cannot be changed."

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and the embodiments may be freely combined, or any of the components of each embodiment may be modified, or any of the components of each embodiment may be omitted, without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the game control form and configuration of the slot machine are not limited to those of the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, the above-described control operation is not limited to slot machines, but can also be applied to other gaming machines such as managed slot machines (medalless gaming machines) that are structured so that players can play without using gaming medals.

1 Housing 11 Hopper unit (hopper)
20 Front door 38 Receiving tray 40 Cancel chute (guide passage)
90 Medal Selector (Selector)
111 Medal payout section (launch section)
112 Peripheral wall portion 381 Bottom portion 382a Front wall portion 401 First opening portion (hopper side opening portion)
402 Second opening (receiving tray side opening)
403 Third opening (selector side opening)
F1 First path F2 Second path F3 Third path X First virtual line Y Second virtual line Z Third virtual line X1 One end X2 (of the first virtual line) The other end 20a First reel 20b Second reel 20c Third reel 26a Stop button 26b Stop button 26c Stop button 31 Main control board (control means)
17a First main display 17a (notification means)
17c Sub-display (notification means)

Claims (1)

The start lever and
Multiple reels and
a stop button corresponding to each of the plurality of reels;
A control means for controlling the progress of a game;
A notification means capable of notifying an error,
The control means is capable of executing a process for stopping a process related to the progress of a game for a specific period of time based on the operation of the start lever, and starts timing by a timing means for managing the specific period of time when the process is started.
the control means is capable of executing an effect of spinning the reels in a specific manner during the specific period , and stopping the rotation of the reels related to the effect based on the operation of the stop button;
The control means continues the rotation of the reel even if a predetermined error is detected during the rotation of the reel related to the effect,
The notification means notifies of the predetermined error upon detection of the error ,
The control means does not stop the rotation of the reels related to the effect even if the stop button is operated while the error is being notified,
The control means continues timing by the timing means while the error is being notified .

Images