Game machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of increasing the merchantability of the game machine.SOLUTION: AT control means can control, in an advantageous section, a first AT state where a first mode in which an average value of the acquired number of game values in one game is a first average value and a second mode in which the average value of the acquired number of game values in one game is a second average value different from the first average value can be controlled, and a second AT state that continues until a specific end condition of the advantageous section is satisfied. In the first mode, when a value calculated based on a period during which the first AT state can be continued and the first average value reaches a second value, the AT control means transitions from the first AT state to the second AT state. In the second mode, when a value calculated based on the period during which the first AT state can be continued and the second average value reaches the second value, the AT control means transitions from the first AT state to the second AT state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, gaming machines (reel type gaming machines, slot machines) equipped with multiple reels with symbols arranged on the outer periphery are known. In this type of gaming machine, a certain gaming value is assigned to gaming media such as medals and pachinko balls, and a game is played to acquire such gaming media. In addition, in this type of gaming machine, an internal lottery is performed and the rotation of the multiple reels is started when the player operates to start the rotation, and the multiple reels are stopped in a manner according to the result of the internal lottery when the player operates to stop the rotation. The result of the game is determined by the combination of symbols displayed on the winning determination line when the multiple reels are stopped, and medals and the like are paid out according to the result of the game.

[0003] In the gaming machine described above, a configuration is known in which the probability of winning a winning role can be changed by transitioning to an assist time state, which is a presentation state that executes a winning assistance presentation that assists in the winning of a winning role, thereby making it easier to obtain gaming value (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2011-245157 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In recent years, there has been a demand for gaming machines to provide a variety of playability using control related to instruction functions, including assist time states, in order to increase players' interest in the game and improve the marketability of the gaming machine.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that can improve the marketability of the gaming machine. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention relates to a reel system comprising: Multiple stop buttons An internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery; A control means for controlling the normal section and the advantageous section and performing control related to the indication function in the advantageous section, The advantageous section ends when a predetermined end condition is met when the number of acquired game values ​​exceeds a first value, The control means controls a first state and a second state in the advantageous zone, The first state is capable of controlling a first mode and a second mode, The first mode and the second mode have different average values ​​of the game value acquired in one game, The first mode is such that the average value is set to a first average value; The second mode is set to a second average value different from the first average value, The second state continues until the predetermined end condition is satisfied in one set of the advantageous zones, the control means, in the first mode, transitions from the first state to the second state when a value calculated based on a period during which the first state can be continued and the first average value reaches a second value; The control means is characterized in that, when in the second mode, the control means transitions from the first state to the second state when a value calculated based on the period during which the first state can be continued and the second average value reaches the second value. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can improve the marketability of the gaming machine. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of an amusement machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating the functional blocks of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 3] 1 is a diagram showing winning areas that can be won by an internal lottery in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, and winning roles included in each winning area. FIG. [Figure 4] (A) is a state transition diagram of the game state in a gaming machine of an embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a transition diagram relating to the normal area and advantageous area controlled by the AT control means, and the presentation state during the advantageous area. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing game results for each batting order when a winning area including a small win is won in a non-RT state in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] A figure showing the game results for each batting order when a winning area including a small win is won in the RBB internal state in a gaming machine of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing game results for each batting order when a winning area including a small win is won in the RBB state in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing a process for setting an upper limit on the number of payouts in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 11 is a table summarizing the minor winning combinations that are awarded based on winnings for each game state in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] A flowchart showing control regarding the transition from a first AT state to another presentation state executed by an AT control means in an gaming machine of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] A flowchart showing the second AT transition determination process executed in the processing of step S14 of the control related to the transition from the first AT state shown in Figure 10 to another presentation state. [Figure 12] A table explaining the relationship between the triggers for ending the AT state in an embodiment of the gaming machine of the present invention and the control executed based on each trigger. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Note that the embodiment described below does not unduly limit the contents of the present invention described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in the embodiment are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

[0011] 1. Overview of the gaming machine configuration FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a slot machine 1 according to this embodiment of the present invention. The slot machine 1 according to this embodiment is a so-called reel type gaming machine, and is composed of a so-called medal-less gaming machine that records gaming value by electromagnetic means based on a lending signal output from an external device that is provided outside the slot machine 1 and that is configured to lend and settle electronic medals that become gaming value by electromagnetic means and a dedicated unit SU (see FIG. 2) as a specific unit, for gaming value that can be used by a player. The slot machine 1 is configured to store information on the number of recorded electronic medals as the number of gaming medals and to be able to transmit the stored number of gaming medals to the dedicated unit SU. The dedicated unit SU settles the electronic medals by recording the number of gaming medals received from the slot machine 1 on a recording medium such as an IC card and discharging it.

[0012] The slot machine 1 of this embodiment is housed in a box-shaped housing consisting of a housing BX, a front upper door UD, and a front lower door DD, and houses a reel unit RU consisting of a left reel R1 to a right reel R3 as multiple reels. The housing of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment also houses a control board equipped with a CPU, a ROM (an example of an information storage medium), a RAM, etc., which controls the operation of the slot machine 1.

[0013] The outer periphery of each of the left reel R1 to right reel R3 shown in Figure 1 is divided into 20 areas (hereinafter, each area will be referred to as a "frame") at regular intervals, and each frame has one of several types of patterns arranged on it.

[0014] The front upper door UD and the front lower door DD are provided so as to be able to be opened and closed separately. The front upper door UD is provided with a display device 410 as a display means for performing effects composed of various videos and images for assisting and livening up a game. In addition, the display device 410 is configured such that a specific area 410b facing the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 in a display area 410a for displaying images is composed of a transparent liquid crystal display, and the spinning state and stopped state of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 can be observed through the display device 410. When the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are stopped, three patterns (upper pattern, middle pattern, lower pattern) arranged consecutively on the outer periphery of each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 among a plurality of types of patterns arranged at regular intervals on the outer periphery of each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 can be observed through the display device 410 from the front of the slot machine 1.

[0015] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, an upper, middle, and lower row are provided for each reel as display positions for observing the symbols through the display device 410, and an activated line L1 is set for an activated line according to a combination of the display positions of each reel. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the number of electronic medals required for one game, the so-called prescribed number (prescribed number), is set to three (first prescribed number) or two (second prescribed number), and when electronic medals equivalent to the prescribed number are inserted, the activated line L1 formed by the middle row of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 is activated.

[0016] The game result is determined by the symbol combination stopped and displayed on the pay line L1 (on the pay line), and if the symbol combination on the pay line L1 corresponds to a predetermined role, that role is deemed to have won, and control according to the winning role is executed.

[0017] The front lower door DD is provided with various operating means. The operating means include a max bet button MB as an insert operating means for performing an operation to set the electronic medals stored in the slot machine 1 to an inserted state, a start lever SL as a game start operating means for allowing the player to perform a start operation that triggers the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 to spin and start a game, stop buttons B1 to B3 as stop operating means for allowing the player to perform a stop operation that triggers the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 that are rotated and driven by a stepping motor, a count button KB as a count operating means for performing a counting operation to send the number of game medals stored in the slot machine 1 to the dedicated unit SU, a settlement button AB for performing a settlement operation to release the inserted state and return the electronic medals set to the inserted state to the medal count counter 311 (see FIG. 2), a performance button EB used for performance, and a performance display button PU used for displaying a preset performance.

[0018] The effect button EB is an effect operation means for making the player execute an operation that triggers the display of the normal menu screen on the display device 410 when no medals are set to an inserted state and the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are stopped and no game is being played. The effect button EB has a plurality of selection buttons for selecting an object from the items displayed on the normal menu screen, and a decision button for deciding the selected object. The items displayed on the normal menu screen include an item for displaying a volume adjustment screen for adjusting the volume of the sound output from the slot machine 1, an item for displaying a brightness adjustment screen for adjusting the brightness of the display device 410, and the like.

[0019] The effect display button PU is a substantially rectangular button with "PUSH" written inside. In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the effect display button PU is operated to activate an effect signal outputted to the effect control means 200 (see FIG. 2), an effect is executed on the display device 410 to notify the player that the effect display button PU should be operated, and an effect corresponding to the operation of the effect display button PU is displayed.

[0020] The lower front door DD is provided with a main control display device 10D controlled by the CPU of the main control board 10 (see FIG. 2). The main control display device 10D is made up of a 7-segment display or the like, and displays various game information such as information on the winning combination in the current game, and information (alert display) suggesting how to press the stop button B1, stop button B2, and stop button B3 related to the payout of electronic medals. The alert display displayed on the main control display device 10D corresponds to a winning combination command, which is a control signal created based on winning information, which is information on the winning combination in the current game, when a specified number of electronic medals are inserted and the start lever SL is operated.

[0021] In addition, the front lower door DD is provided with a game medal count display device MD controlled by a medal count control CPU 31 (see FIG. 2). The game medal count display device MD is made up of a 7-segment display or the like, and functions as a conceptual receiver by displaying the number of game medals stored in the slot machine 1.

[0022] The front lower door DD is provided with a plurality of sound devices 420 for producing effects using sound. The sound devices 420 output various sounds to assist or liven up the game.

[0023] 2 is a functional block diagram of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment. The slot machine 1 of this embodiment has, as control boards, a main control board 10, a sub-control board 20, and a medal count control board 30. The main control board 10 has a main control CPU 11 (game control means) that controls the progress of a game by controlling a game played using a game value. The sub-control board 20 has a sub-control CPU 21 that controls the presentation related to the game. The medal count control board 30 has a medal count control CPU 31 that manages electronic medals and is configured to be able to communicate with a dedicated unit SU to perform control related to the number of game medals.

[0024] The main control CPU 11 functions as a setting change means 100, an input receiving means 105, a random number generation means 110, an internal lottery means 120, a reel control means 130, a winning determination means 140, a payout control means 150, a game state transition control means 160, an assist time control means (AT control means) 170, and a complete control means 180. Each means constituting the main control CPU 11 reads out and executes each control program prestored in the main storage means 190 when each control process is executed.

[0025] The setting change means 100 performs control (setting change control) to change the setting values ​​stored in the setting value storage means 191 of the main storage means 190. In the setting change means 100, a setting key is inserted into a setting key cylinder KC provided on the main control board 10, and a setting change switch SS provided inside the setting key cylinder KC is turned ON when the setting key is turned ON. When the power is turned on with the setting change switch SS in the ON state, the setting change means 100 transitions to a setting change permitted state in which a setting change is permitted. On the other hand, the setting change means 100 is configured not to transition to a setting change permitted state when the setting change switch SS is turned ON while the power is turned on.

[0026] In the setting change permission state, the setting change means 100 cyclically changes the setting value in the order of Setting 1 → Setting 2 →... → Setting 6 → Setting 1 →... each time it receives an input signal output by operating the setting change button BS provided on the power supply device, and determines the setting value based on receiving a start signal output by operating the start lever SL. In the slot machine 1, the winning probability of some of the winning areas that can be won in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 is changed according to the setting value determined in the setting value storage means 191. In other words, the setting change means 100 is configured to be able to change the setting value that is a value that can change the winning probability of a combination in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120.

[0027] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the setting change control is executed by the setting change means 100, the control related to the game state executed by the game state transition control means 160 and the control related to the advantageous zone executed by the AT control means 170 are configured to be initialized, the game state is set to a non-replay time (hereinafter, replay time is also referred to as "RT") state described later, and the control related to the auxiliary game executed by the AT control means 170 before the setting change is also initialized and a normal zone is set. On the other hand, in the slot machine 1, when the supply of power to the main control CPU 11 is cut off (power interruption) and then the supply of power is resumed again, the control related to the game state executed by the game state transition control means 160 and the control related to the advantageous zone executed by the AT control means 170 are configured to be resumed from the state before the power interruption, and the control related to the auxiliary game executed by the AT control means 170 before the power interruption is also configured to be maintained in the state before the power interruption.

[0028] The deposit acceptance means 105 accepts an input signal output when the max bet button MB is operated (bet operation) while a number of game medals equal to or greater than a specified number is stored in the medal count counter 311 described below during a deposit acceptance period for accepting the deposit of electronic medals, and sets the electronic medals stored in the medal count counter 311 to an inserted state up to the specified number set for each game state, and performs processing to enable a game start operation on the start lever SL based on the fact that the electronic medals equivalent to the specified number have been set to the inserted state.

[0029] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the first pressing operation of the start lever SL, which is enabled based on the setting of the inserted state of electronic medals equivalent to a prescribed number, is accepted as a game start operation by the player, which triggers the start of rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 and also triggers the internal lottery means 120, which will be described later, to execute an internal lottery. The prescribed number set for each game state will be described later in detail.

[0030] In addition, during the period when the electronic medals are set to the inserted state and until the start lever SL is operated to start, the deposit acceptance means 105 accepts an input signal outputted when the settlement button AB is operated, thereby cancelling the inserted state and adding the same number of electronic medals that were set to the inserted state to the number of game medals stored in the medal number counter 311, thereby settling the electronic medals that were set to the inserted state.

[0031] The random number generating means 110 is a means for generating random numbers for lotteries. In this embodiment, the term "random number" includes not only values ​​that are generated randomly in a mathematical sense, but also values ​​that may function as random numbers substantially because the timing of acquisition is irregular, even if the generation itself is regular.

[0032] The internal lottery means 120 is a means for conducting an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination will be achieved based on a start signal output when the player executes a start operation on the start lever SL, and performs lottery table selection processing, random number determination processing, lottery flag setting processing, etc.

[0033] In the lottery table selection process, which internal lottery table is to be used for the internal lottery is selected based on the current game state from among the multiple internal lottery tables stored in the internal lottery table storage means 192 of the main storage means 190. In each internal lottery table, various roles such as replay, small role, and bonus, and non-win (miss) are associated with each of multiple random numbers (for example, 65536 random numbers from 0 to 65535).

[0034] In the following description, a bonus means a role that activates a reel or a device for continuously operating a reel when it is won, a bonus being activated means that a bonus is won and activates a reel or a device for continuously operating a reel, and a bonus state means that the reel or device for continuously operating a reel is activated.

[0035] In the random number determination process, a random number (random number for lottery) generated by the random number generation means 110 is obtained for each game based on the start signal output when the start lever SL is operated to start the game, and the obtained random number is compared with the internal lottery table selected in the lottery table selection process, and it is determined whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the comparison result.

[0036] In the lottery flag setting process, based on the result of the random number determination process, the lottery flag corresponding to the winning combination is set from a non-established state (first flag state, OFF state) to an established state (second flag state, ON state). In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when two or more types of combinations are overlappingly won, the lottery flags corresponding to the two or more types of combinations that are overlappingly won are set to an established state. In addition, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, there are provided a lottery flag (carry-over flag) that can carry over the established state to the next or subsequent games until a prize is won, and a lottery flag (non-carry-over flag) that is reset to an unestablished state without carrying over the established state to the next or subsequent games regardless of whether a prize is won. In addition, the setting information of the lottery flag is stored in the lottery flag storage means 193 of the main storage means 190.

[0037] The reel control means 130 executes reel rotation control to start the rotation drive of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 and control the rotation mode of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 based on the start operation of the start lever SL performed by the player and the output of a start signal. In addition, when the rotation state of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 becomes a steady rotation state at a predetermined speed (for example, about 80 rpm), the reel control means 130 executes control to validate a stop operation in which the stop button B1 to the stop button B3 corresponding to each reel is operated. Then, when the stop button B1 to the stop button B3 is operated to stop and a reel stop signal is output, the reel control means 130 executes control to stop each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 corresponding to the stop button B1 to the stop button B3 that has been operated to stop (reel stop control).

[0038] In the following description, when the reel control means 130 starts the rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 and the player operates each of the active stop buttons B1 to B3, the first operation will be referred to as the first stop operation, the second operation will be referred to as the second stop operation, and the third operation will be referred to as the third stop operation.

[0039] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are stopped within a predetermined period of 190 ms (milliseconds, msec) from the time when the stop button B1 to the stop button B3 is pressed. In the following description, pressing the stop button B1 to the stop button B3 is also referred to as an operation. In addition, the slot machine 1 may be configured to output a stop signal not only when the stop button B1 to the stop button B3 are pressed, but also when an operation is performed in which the pressed stop button B1 to the stop button B3 are pressed and the pressed stop button B1 to the stop button B3 are released.

[0040] Here, when the reels are stopped within 190 ms from the time the stop button is pressed, the stop position of each reel can be rotated a maximum of four frames from the time the stop button is pressed until the reels stop, depending on the diameter and rotation speed of each reel. Therefore, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, for the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, a total of five frames from the frame displayed on the pay line L1 at the time the stop button is pressed until the reels stop four frames are the range in which the symbols can be pulled onto the pay line L1 (pulling-in range).

[0041] When executing reel stop control, the reel control means 130 performs a logic calculation process to determine the stop position of the spinning reel based on a preset priority order by logic calculation including a pull-in process to stop the spinning reel so that a combination with a lottery flag set to a hit state can be won as much as possible, and a kick-off process to stop the spinning reel so that a combination with a lottery flag set to a non-hit state cannot be won, and a table reference process to determine the stop position of the spinning reel by referring to a stop control table stored in the reel control data storage means 194 of the main storage means 190, thereby stopping the spinning reel and displaying a pattern on the pay line L1 (hereinafter, stopping the spinning reel by the reel stop control and displaying a pattern on the pay line L1 is also referred to as "stop display").

[0042] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when multiple types of small roles are won in the internal lottery, the priority of the candidate stop positions can be determined by either a method of determining the priority according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the pay line L1 (number priority control) or a method of determining the priority according to the number of electronic medals to be paid out based on the payout that is predetermined for the small role (number priority control). However, when the number priority control is executed, if the same payout is won twice for the small roles, the priority of the candidate stop positions that can win each small role is treated as being the same.

[0043] The winning determination means 140 performs a winning determination process to determine whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the stopping state of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3. Specifically, while referring to the winning determination table stored in the winning determination table storage means 195 of the main storage means 190, it is determined whether or not the symbol combination displayed on the pay line L1 at the time when all of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 have stopped is a winning form of a predetermined winning combination. Then, the winning determination table is prepared so that the presence or absence of a bonus, replay, or small winning combination can be determined (hereinafter, referred to as "winning determination") based on the symbol combination displayed on the pay line L1 when each reel has stopped. In the following description, the symbol combination showing the winning form of a winning combination is also referred to as "winning symbol combination".

[0044] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, each process is executed based on the judgment result of the winning judgment means 140 in the winning judgment process. As each process executed based on the judgment result of the winning combination, for example, when a small combination is won, a process is executed to determine the number of game medals to be paid out by the payout control means 150 of electronic medals when a replay is won, a process is executed to make the payout control means 150 execute the next game without consuming electronic medals when a replay is won, and a process is executed to make the game state transition control means 160 transition the game state when a combination that triggers a transition of the game state such as a bonus is won.

[0045] The payout control means 150 performs a payout process for paying out electronic medals according to game results. Specifically, when a small winning combination is won, the payout number of electronic medals in a game is determined based on a payout amount determined in advance for each combination, and the number of game medals corresponding to the determined payout number is added to the medal number counter 311 to virtually pay out the medals.

[0046] In addition, when the winning determination means 140 determines that a symbol combination indicating a winning replay among a plurality of types of replay roles described later is stopped and displayed on the pay line L1, and the replay wins, the payout control means 150 performs a replay process (replay process) for setting the machine in a ready state for the next game without the need to insert electronic medals. That is, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed for automatically inserting a specified number of electronic medals without using electronic medals held by the player, and the machine waits for the start operation of the start lever SL for the next game with the same winning line L1 as that of the previous game set.

[0047] In addition, in the slot machine 1, during the period from a game in which a replay is won until the start of the next game, i.e., during the period during which a specified number of electronic medals are automatically inserted by the replay process but the game has not started, the number of game medals equal to the specified number is not added to the medal count counter 311 even if the settlement button AB is operated.

[0048] The game state transition control means 160 performs a process of transitioning the game state between a plurality of game states, and a process related to the activation and termination of a bonus. Here, the transition condition for each game state may be one condition or multiple conditions. When multiple conditions are defined, the game state can be transitioned to another game state based on the establishment of any one of the multiple predetermined conditions, or the establishment of all of the multiple predetermined conditions.

[0049] The AT control means 170 uses data stored in the AT control data storage means 196 to control the transition between an advantageous zone (advantageous period), which is a zone (period) during which control related to instruction functions including an auxiliary game in which a notification to assist in the winning of a specific role is displayed on the main control display device 10D, and a normal zone (non-advantageous period), which is a zone (period) during which control related to auxiliary games (control related to instruction functions) based on the results of an internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 cannot be executed, and constitutes an auxiliary game control means that performs control related to the normal zone, advantageous zone, and auxiliary game.

[0050] The AT control data storage means 196 stores data (various flags, counters, etc. that are set to ON or OFF by a specified control process) used in various controls related to multiple types of presentation states including the normal state and AT state that are executed within the advantageous zone.

[0051] The AT control means 170 sets the presentation state to the AT state (assist time state) under a predetermined condition in the advantageous zone, and displays information (an example of operation instruction information) corresponding to the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3 that enables the winning of the specific role that has been won on the main control display device 10D consisting of a 7-segment display, thereby performing an operation notification to assist the winning of the specific role. In addition, in the slot machine 1, when the operation notification by the AT control means 170 is executed, a navigation presentation is executed by the presentation control means 200 described later, which displays an indicator corresponding to the correct hitting order on the display device 410. In this way, in the slot machine 1, in the AT state, the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3 is notified by the winning assistance of the operation notification and the navigation presentation, so that an auxiliary game (AT game, notification game) that is advantageous to the player is executed.

[0052] More specifically, when a predetermined termination condition for terminating the advantageous zone, described later, is met, the AT control means 170 executes a predetermined termination process for terminating the advantageous zone and starting the normal zone from the next game, and a predetermined initialization process for initializing information regarding the advantageous zone, such as various flags and numerical values ​​set within the advantageous zone.

[0053] The AT control means 170 executes an update process (advantageous zone difference number update process) for cumulatively recording in the advantageous zone counter 196a the difference value (difference in number of coins, number of coins won) obtained by subtracting the number of electronic medals paid out by the number of electronic medals inserted from the game that started the advantageous zone. When controlling in the advantageous zone, the AT control means 170 executes advantageous zone difference number update process for cumulatively updating the value equivalent to the difference in number of electronic medals to the stored value of the advantageous zone counter 196a, regardless of the game state.

[0054] In addition, in the advantageous zone difference number update process, when the stored value of the advantageous zone counter 196a is subtracted because the number of electronic medals paid out in the game is less than the specified number, the AT control means 170 also sets the subtracted result in the advantageous zone counter 196a if the stored value of the advantageous zone counter 196a is less than the value "0." In other words, the AT control means 170 is configured to be able to set a negative value in the advantageous zone counter 196a.

[0055] When more than 2400 electronic medals are acquired in the advantageous zone, that is, when the stored value of the advantageous zone counter 196a exceeds the value "2400", the AT control means 170 determines that a specific end condition is satisfied as a predetermined end condition for terminating the advantageous zone, and executes a predetermined end process for terminating the advantageous zone and starting the normal zone from the next game. For this reason, in the slot machine 1, for example, if the stored value of the advantageous zone counter 196a is a negative value of "-900" before the transition to a performance state in which electronic medals can be acquired, a total of 3301 electronic medals can be acquired in the performance state in which electronic medals can be acquired, including 900 medals until the stored value of the advantageous zone counter 196a becomes the value "0" and 2401 medals until the stored value of the advantageous zone counter 196a becomes the value "2401" or more.

[0056] In a predetermined initialization process, the AT control means 170 initializes all information used in various control processes in the advantageous zone, such as each flag set to the ON state in the advantageous zone and values ​​set in the advantageous zone. The AT control means 170 can also end the advantageous zone when a predetermined end condition (normal end condition) other than the specific end condition is met, and executes a predetermined initialization process and a predetermined end process even when the normal end condition is met. Details of the normal end condition set by the AT control means 170 in this embodiment will be described later.

[0057] The completion control means 180 performs control to activate a completion function as a function to stop the slot machine 1 when the cumulative value of the number of electronic medals acquired since the slot machine 1 was powered on reaches a predetermined value (for example, 19,000 medals). The completion control means 180 executes an update process (complete acquisition number update process) to cumulatively record a difference value (number of medals difference, number of medals acquired) obtained by subtracting the number of electronic medals paid out in each game by the number of electronic medals inserted after the slot machine 1 is powered on in the medal acquisition number counter 197a of the completion storage means 197. Note that the completion control means 180 does not update the stored value of the medal acquisition number counter 197a when a replay wins.

[0058] In a complete winning number update process for updating the stored value of the winning medal number counter 197a, if the stored value of the winning medal number counter 197a becomes less than the value "0" when the stored value of the winning medal number counter 197a is subtracted because the number of electronic medals paid out in the game is less than a specified number, the complete control means 180 sets the stored value of the winning medal number counter 197a to the value "0." This allows the complete control means 180 to fix the value when the stored value of the winning medal number counter 197a is at the lowest point to the value "0," so that in the control process using the stored value of the winning medal number counter 197a, it is not necessary to vary the value that serves as the judgment threshold according to the specific numerical value at the lowest point, and the load of the control process using the stored value of the winning medal number counter 197a can be reduced.

[0059] The complete control means 180 determines that the conditions for activating the complete function are met when the number of medals won from the lowest point of the number of electronic medals paid out after the slot machine 1 is turned on reaches 19,000, that is, when the stored value of the medal winning count counter 197a reaches the value "19,000."

[0060] When none of the Regular Bonus (RB) as a first type special feature, the Regular Big Bonus (RBB) as a feature continuous operation device related to the first type special feature, and the Challenge Big Bonus (CBB) as a feature continuous operation device related to the second type special feature are operating, the complete control means 180 operates the complete function based on the establishment of a condition for activating the complete function in a game in which the condition is established, after the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to stop and the left reel R1 to right reel R3 are stopped.

[0061] On the other hand, when any of RB, RBB or CBB is activated, the complete control means 180 activates the complete function after the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated to stop and the left reel R1 to right reel R3 are stopped in a game in which the activated RB, RBB or CBB has ended.

[0062] When the complete function is activated, the complete control means 180 sets the complete function activation flag stored in the complete flag storage means 197b of the complete storage means 197 to the ON state. When the complete function activation flag is set to the ON state, the slot machine 1 enters a play-stop state, and the slot machine 1 is in a state where play cannot be performed thereafter until the complete function activation flag is set to the OFF state. The complete function activation flag that has been set to the ON state is initialized by opening the front upper door UD of the slot machine 1 and operating the setting change button BS provided inside, and is set to the OFF state. Due to this configuration, in the slot machine 1, when the complete function is activated, the complete function is not released by the player's operation.

[0063] The sub-control CPU 21 functions as a performance control means 200. Each means constituting the sub-control CPU 21 reads out and executes each control program pre-stored in the sub-storage means 210 when executing each control process.

[0064] The performance control means 200 performs control related to performances related to the game, such as image and video performances performed using the display device 410 and sound performances performed using the sound device 420, based on the performance data stored in the performance control data storage means 211 of the sub-storage means 210. Specifically, when the player operates each component of the slot machine 1 by operating the max bet button MB, the start lever SL, the stop buttons B1 to B3, the count button KB, and the performance display button PU, or when a game event such as a change in the game state occurs, the performance control means 200 performs execution control of performances that liven up the game, assist the game, and notify the player that an operation has been performed by executing performances using lighting or blinking of lamps and LEDs, and sound output from the sound device 420. In addition, the performance control means 200 causes each component constituting the performance device 400 to execute a performance based on each performance state.

[0065] Furthermore, when the performance control means 200 executes control related to images and videos, it draws them on the corresponding layers among the multiple layers provided in the sub-storage means 210. The performance control means 200 superimposes the images drawn on the multiple layers into a single image in the frame buffer 213 provided in the sub-storage means 210, and displays the superimposed image in the display area 410a of the display device 410. When drawing an image in the frame buffer 213, the performance control means 200 draws the image in the frame buffer 213 in order from the image drawn on the lower layer, thereby displaying the image drawn on the upper layer in the display area 410a in priority to the image drawn on the lower layer.

[0066] The medal count control CPU 31 functions as medal count control means 300. Each means constituting the medal count control CPU 31 reads out and executes each control program pre-stored in the medal count storage means 310 when executing each control process.

[0067] The medal count control means 300 is configured to be able to transmit a signal to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and is also configured to be able to receive a signal transmitted from the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40. The medal count control CPU 31 stores the game medal count, which is the total number of electronic medals that can be used for games in the slot machine 1, using a medal count counter 311, and displays the game medal count stored in the medal count counter 311 on the game medal number display device MD.

[0068] The medal count control means 300 mainly updates (adds or subtracts) the number of game medals stored (held) in the medal count counter 311 in response to commands received from the main control board 10, notifications received from the dedicated unit SU, or the operation of the count button KB incorporating the count switch 126. The medal count control means 300 also displays the game medal number thus updated on the game medal count display device MD.

[0069] Specifically, when the count button KB is operated while the game is available, the medal count control means 300 transmits a value corresponding to the game medal count stored in the medal count counter 311 to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and subtracts the medal count corresponding to the transmitted value from the medal count counter 311. Here, "while the game is available" means a state in which the gaming machine and the dedicated unit SU are electrically connected, both the gaming machine and the dedicated unit SU are powered on, the gaming machine or the dedicated unit SU is not undergoing maintenance, and no error that makes it impossible to play the game has occurred. In addition, when the slot machine 1 is not connected to the dedicated unit SU, the slot machine 1 controls the count button KB so that the stored value of the medal count counter 311 is not subtracted by the operation of the count button KB, thereby preventing a state in which a signal is not transmitted to the dedicated unit SU even if the stored value of the medal count counter 311 has been subtracted.

[0070] If the count button KB is pressed for less than 500 ms, the medal count control means 300 transmits a value "1" corresponding to one medal to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and subtracts the value stored in the medal count counter 311 by the value "1." If the count button KB is pressed for 500 ms or more, the medal count control means 300 transmits a value "50" corresponding to 50 medals to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40 at the timing of counting after 500 ms has elapsed, and subtracts the value stored in the medal count counter 311 by the value "50." Thereafter, every time 300 ms has elapsed while the count button KB is pressed, the medal count control means 300 transmits a value "50" corresponding to 50 medals to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and subtracts the value stored in the medal count counter 311 by the value "50." In addition, if the stored value of the medal count counter 311 is less than the value "50" when 500 ms or more has elapsed since the counting button KB was pressed, the medal count control means 300 transmits a value corresponding to the stored value of the medal count counter 311 to the dedicated unit SU via the lending device connection terminal board 40, and subtracts the stored value of the medal count counter 311 by the value corresponding to the stored value, thereby setting the stored value of the medal count counter 311 to the value "0".

[0071] When the stored value of the medal count counter 311 becomes equal to or greater than the value "16369", the medal count control means 300 determines that a medal overflow has occurred, in which the number of game medals stored exceeds 16368, which is the limit set for storage in the slot machine 1. In the slot machine 1, a medal overflow error occurs based on the determination that a medal overflow has occurred, and when the count button KB is operated to count the number of game medals stored in the medal count counter 311 and the stored value of the medal count counter 311 becomes equal to or less than the value "16368", the medal overflow error is released.

[0072] When the power is turned on while a medal count clear button CL provided inside the gaming machine is pressed, the medal count control means 300 initializes the medal count counter 311 and clears (initializes) the medal count to set the stored value of the medal count counter 311 to the value "0." This allows the slot machine 1 to initialize, when the power is turned on, the information on the medal count remaining in the medal count counter 311 before the power was turned off.

[0073] 2. Configuration of the gaming machine in this embodiment Next, the components of the slot machine 1 in this embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0074] <Control of the prescribed number by the input receiving means> In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, during a deposit acceptance period during which the deposit acceptance means 105 accepts the deposit of electronic medals, when the max bet button MB is operated (bet operation) with the medal number counter 311 storing a number of game medals equal to or greater than a specified number, input signals are output in the same number as the specified number set for each game state. The deposit acceptance means 105 adds a value of "1" corresponding to one electronic medal to the deposit number storage means 198 of the main storage means 190 each time an input signal is input, and adds a value to the deposit number storage means 198 up to the specified number set for each game state.

[0075] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the specified number for the non-RT state and the RBB internal state is set to three coins (first specified number), and for the RBB state, the specified number is set to two coins (second specified number).

[0076] In other words, when the gaming state is a non-RT state or an RBB internal state, the input acceptance means 105 stores a value "3" in the input number storage means 198 based on the input signal being input three times by operating the max bet button MB with the medal count counter 311 storing three or more gaming medals. Also, when the gaming state is an RBB state, the input acceptance means 105 stores a value "2" in the input number storage means 198 based on the input signal being input two times by operating the max bet button MB with the medal count counter 311 storing two or more gaming medals.

[0077] <Winning areas subject to internal lottery> 3 is a diagram showing the winning areas that are the subject of the internal lottery in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, and the winning numbers and winning combinations that correspond to each winning area. Note that the slot machine 1 of this embodiment has an RBB as a bonus, which is a device for continuously operating a special combination related to the first type of combination.

[0078] As shown in Fig. 3, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the winning areas that are the subject of the internal lottery include the winning area "all small roles", the winning area "all 1-coin roles", the winning area "replay 1", the winning area "replay 2", the winning area "batting order bell 1" to the winning area "batting order bell 4", the winning area "rare roles", the winning area "RBB & 1-coin roles", and the winning area "RBB", which are associated with the winning numbers 1 to 11, respectively. In addition, in the slot machine 1, the winning number 0 is associated with a non-win (miss) as a result of the internal lottery.

[0079] Here, the "batting order" refers to the order in which the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated. In the following description, the timing at which the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated is also referred to as the "operation timing."

[0080] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the batting order, which is the order in which the three stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated, is composed of six types of batting orders, batting order 1 to batting order 6. Batting order 1 is a batting order in which the stop operation is performed in the order of stop button B1 → stop button B2 → stop button B3, which is called a so-called "scissors hit". Batting order 2 is a batting order in which the stop operation is performed in the order of stop button B1 → stop button B3 → stop button B2, which is called a "scissors hit". Batting order 3 is a batting order in which the stop operation is performed in the order of stop button B2 → stop button B1 → stop button B3. Batting order 4 is a batting order in which the stop operation is performed in the order of stop button B2 → stop button B3 → stop button B1. Batting order 5 is a batting order in which the stop operation is performed in the order of stop button B3 → stop button B1 → stop button B2. Batting order 6 is a batting order called reverse pressing, in which the stop operation is executed in the order of stop button B3 → stop button B2 → stop button B1.

[0081] In the random number determination process, the internal lottery means 120 determines whether each winning area is a winner in the order from the winning area corresponding to the winning number 11 to the non-winning area corresponding to the winning number 0.

[0082] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, there are small roles 1 to 9 as small roles that can be won if the internal lottery is won, and there are Replay 1 and Replay 2 as replays that can be won in the internal lottery. Each small role and each replay is associated with each winning area by the combination shown in FIG. 3. Also, as shown in FIG. 3, in the slot machine 1, a winning area "RBB & 1 coin role" is set as a winning area including a bonus and a small role, and a winning area "RBB" is set as a winning area including only a bonus.

[0083] In the slot machine 1, the winning area "Replay 2" is set to a lower winning probability than the winning area "Replay 1". Also, in the slot machine 1, the winning area "Rare Role" is set to a lower winning probability than each winning area including the winning areas "Battle Order Bell 1" to "Battle Order Bell 4" and the small role of the winning area "RBB & 1 piece role".

[0084] Here, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the role associated with the carryover possible flag is RBB, and the small role and replay are associated with the non-carryover possible flag. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, when a winning area including RBB is won in the internal lottery, a process is performed to carry over the established state of the lottery flag of the winning RBB until the RBB wins. At this time, the internal lottery means 120 performs an internal lottery to determine whether or not the small role and replay are won, even in a game in which the established state of the lottery flag of RBB is carried over. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, when a small role or replay is won in a game in which the established state of the lottery flag of RBB is carried over, the lottery flag corresponding to two or more roles consisting of the lottery flag of the already won RBB and the lottery flag of the small role or replay won in the internal lottery is set to an established state.

[0085] <Internal lottery table> In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, as the internal lottery tables used in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120, an internal lottery table used in the non-RT state (normal state) (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table A), an internal lottery table used in the RBB internal state (internal state) (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table B), and an internal lottery table used in the RBB state (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table C) are stored in the internal lottery table storage means 192. In each of the internal lottery tables A to C, a lottery value number is associated with each winning area that is the subject of the lottery.

[0086] In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the internal lottery table A is configured such that the 65,536 lottery values ​​correspond to any of the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4", the winning area "Rare Role", the winning area "Replay 1", the winning area "Replay 2", the winning area "RBB & 1 Coin Role", and the winning area "RBB", and is configured to win any of the small roles, replays, or bonuses in the internal lottery.

[0087] In addition, the internal lottery table B is configured so that the 65,536 lottery values ​​correspond to any of the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4", the winning area "Rare Role", the winning area "Replay 1", the winning area "Replay 2", and the winning area "RBB & 1 Coin Role", and is configured to win any of the small roles, replays, or bonuses in the internal lottery.

[0088] In the internal lottery table A and the internal lottery table B, the number of lottery values ​​associated with the winning area "RBB" in the internal lottery table A is associated with the winning area "Replay 2" in the internal lottery table B. The winning probability of each winning area other than the winning area "Replay 2" and the winning area "RBB" in the internal lottery table A is the same as the winning probability of each winning area other than the winning area "Replay 2" in the internal lottery table B. Specifically, for example, the winning probability of the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Batting Order Bell 4" in the internal lottery table A is the same as the winning probability of the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Batting Order Bell 4" in the internal lottery table B.

[0089] The internal lottery table C is configured such that the number of lottery values ​​of 65536 corresponds to either the winning area "all small prizes" or the winning area "all 1-coin prizes" and wins a small prize in the internal lottery. Also, in the internal lottery using the internal lottery table C, the probability of winning each of the small prizes 1 to 9 is higher than the probability of winning each of the small prizes 1 to 9 in the internal lottery using the internal lottery table A and the internal lottery table B.

[0090] Due to this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that there is no loss in the internal lottery in any of the gaming states of the non-RT state, the RBB internal state, and the RBB state.

[0091] <Random number determination process> In the random number determination process, the internal lottery means 120 of this embodiment sequentially subtracts the random number obtained from the random number generation means 110 by the lottery value numbers corresponding to each winning area in the internal lottery table obtained from the internal lottery table storage means 192, and when the result of the subtraction is a negative value, it determines that the winning area corresponding to the subtracted lottery value number has been won. Also, when the result of the subtraction is a positive value at the time when the internal lottery means 120 has finished subtracting all the lottery value numbers stored in the internal lottery table, it determines that none of the roles have been won.

[0092] <Reel control means> In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, in any game state, the priority order of the winning combinations to be stopped on the pay line L1 in the reel stop control is set in the order of "replay>small combination>bonus." In other words, when a bonus and a small combination or a bonus and a replay are won in combination, the reel control means 130 executes stop control to give priority to the bonus and win the small combination or the replay.

[0093] As described above, the reel control means 130 is configured to be capable of rotating the reels a maximum of four frames from the time the stop button is pressed until the reels stop, and is therefore configured to be capable of stopping and displaying the symbols arranged on the left reel R1 through the right reel R3 at intervals of four frames or less on the pay line L1 regardless of the timing of pressing the stop buttons B1 through B3.

[0094] <Small prize payout> In the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, payouts are set for minor prizes 1 to 9 when the first specified number of three electronic medals are inserted to start playing (3-coin bet) and when the first specified number of two electronic medals are inserted to start playing (2-coin bet).

[0095] The payout for minor win 1 is the same when a 3-coin bet game is played and when a 2-coin bet game is played, and is set to 15, which is more than the first specified number. The payout for minor win 2 is the same when a 3-coin bet game is played and when a 2-coin bet game is played, and is set to 3, which is the same as the first specified number. The payout for minor win 3 to minor win 9 is the same when a 3-coin bet game is played and when a 2-coin bet game is played, and is set to 1, which is less than the first specified number.

[0096] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment sets the same payout for all minor roles, from minor role 1 to minor role 9, when a three-coin bet game is played and when a two-coin bet game is played. This eliminates the need to set a prescribed number of parameters for data related to payout setting, and also eliminates the need to separately set payouts for a three-coin bet game and a two-coin bet game. This makes it possible to reduce the data capacity of data related to minor roles in the area of ​​the main memory means 190 that stores various data.

[0097] <Setting the number of payments> In the payout process for paying out electronic medals according to the game result, when a small winning combination is won, the payout control means 150 stores a value corresponding to a payout predetermined for each winning combination in the payout number memory means 199 (see Figure 2) of the main memory means 190.

[0098] Furthermore, in the payout process, the payout control means 150 of this embodiment compares the upper limit of the number of payouts that can be paid out with the value stored in the payout number storage means 199 when a two-coin bet game is played, and if the value stored in the payout number storage means 199 is greater than the upper limit, the payout number for that game is set to the upper limit, thereby determining the number of electronic medals to be paid out in that game, and the number of game medals equivalent to the determined payout number is added to the medal number counter 311 to virtually pay out the medals. Details of the process of referring to the upper limit of the number of payouts that can be paid out when a two-coin bet game is played will be described later.

[0099] <Game state transition control means> FIG. 4(A) is a state transition diagram showing game states to which a transition can be made from each game state in the control relating to the transition of the game state executed by the game state transition control means 160 of this embodiment.

[0100] As shown in Fig. 4(A), the non-RT state is a gaming state (initial gaming state, normal gaming state) that corresponds to the initial state among a plurality of types of gaming states, and is a non-bonus state in which a bonus is not activated or established. In the non-RT state, the gaming state transition control means 160 causes the internal lottery means 120 to execute an internal lottery using the internal lottery table A in which the winning probability of a replay is set to 8978 / 65536 (approximately 1 / 7.3). In the slot machine 1, when the gaming state is the non-RT state, a first specified number (3) of electronic medals are set to an inserted state, so that a game can be started.

[0101] The internal RBB state is a gaming state that transitions when winning in the internal lottery in the non-RT state in either the winning area "RBB & 1 card combination" or the winning area "RBB", and the RBB is set to the established state, and it is in the bonus established state where the bonus is established. In the internal RBB state, the game state transition control means 160 causes the internal lottery means 120 to perform an internal lottery using the internal lottery table B in which the winning probability of replay is set to 8982 / 65536 (about 1 / 7.3). In the slot machine 1, when the game state is the internal RBB state, the game can be started by setting the first specified number (3 pieces) of electronic medals to the inserted state.

[0102] The RBB state is a gaming state that transitions when the RBB wins and the RBB activates. In the RBB state, when the game state transition control means 160 determines that the end condition of the RBB is satisfied when more than a predetermined number of payouts (for example, 100 pieces) of electronic medals are paid out, it ends the operation of the RBB and transitions the game state to the non-RT state. In the RBB state, the game state transition control means 160 causes the internal lottery means 120 to perform an internal lottery using the internal lottery table C. In the slot machine 1, when the game state is the RBB state, the game can be started by setting the second specified number (2 pieces) of electronic medals to the inserted state. Details of the gameplay in the RBB state will be described later.

[0103] <AT control means> FIG. 4(B) is a state transition diagram showing details of the normal section and the advantageous section controlled by the AT control means 170 of the present embodiment, and the effect state controlled during the advantageous section.

[0104] As described above, the normal section is a period in which control related to the auxiliary game based on the result of the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 is not executed. The AT control means 170 executes an advantageous section lottery, which is a lottery for determining whether to end the normal section and start the advantageous section based on the winning area won in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 during the game in the normal section.

[0105] In the advantageous zone lottery, the AT control means 170 first obtains an advantageous zone transition lottery table, which is a data table in which "start of advantageous zone" and "miss (no win)" are associated with each of a plurality of random numbers, from the AT control data storage means 196. Then, the AT control means 170 obtains a random number from the random number generation means 110, compares the obtained random number with the advantageous zone transition lottery table, and determines whether or not to start an advantageous zone based on the comparison result.

[0106] The AT control means 170 executes the advantageous zone lottery so that the probability obtained by multiplying the winning probability of the winning area selected in the internal lottery by the winning probability of the "start of the advantageous zone" in the advantageous zone lottery is 1 / 17500 or more.

[0107] The AT control means 170 of this embodiment is configured to execute a favorable zone lottery when the winning area "batting order bell 1" to the winning area "batting order bell 4", the winning area "rare role", the winning area "replay 1", or the winning area "RBB" is won in the internal lottery, and not to execute a favorable zone lottery when the other winning areas (the winning area "replay 2", the winning area "RBB & 1 coin role") are won. Also, the AT control means 170 executes a favorable zone lottery that wins the "start of the favorable zone" with a high probability of about 1 / 1.5.

[0108] In the advantageous zone, the AT control means 170 has a first start state, a second start state, a normal state, a CZ state, a specific CZ state, and an AT state having a first AT state and a second AT state as states (presentation states) related to the instruction function, and is configured not to execute the winning assistance of the small role 1 when the winning area "batting order bell 1" to the winning area "batting order bell 4" are won in the normal state and the specific CZ state, and is configured to execute the winning assistance of the small role 1 when the winning area "batting order bell 1" to the winning area "batting order bell 4" are won in the CZ state and the AT state. In addition, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the staying ratio of the advantageous zone in the entire game can be 70% or more.

[0109] The first start state is a presentation state that is set when the game state is in a non-RT state and in a normal zone, and the normal zone is transitioned to by a favorable zone lottery based on winning the winning area "RBB", which is set as a target of the favorable zone lottery and is a winning area including RBB, in an internal lottery. In the first start state, the AT control means 170 ends the first start state and transitions the presentation state to the normal state when one game is executed.

[0110] The second start state is a presentation state that is set when the game state is in a non-RT state or an internal RBB state and is in the normal zone, and the game moves from the normal zone to the advantageous zone by a favorable zone lottery based on winning the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4", the winning area "Rare Role", and the winning area "Replay 1", which are set as the target of the advantageous zone lottery and do not include RBB, in an internal lottery.

[0111] In the second start state, the AT control means 170 refers to the game state at the time when the second start state is started. When the game state at the time when the second start state is started is a non-RT state, the AT control means 170 ends the second start state after one game is played, and transitions the presentation state to a normal state. In addition, when the game state at the time when the second start state is started is an RBB internal state, the AT control means 170 decides to execute a specific CZ state after the end of the second start state, and after one game is played, ends the second start state and transitions the presentation state to a specific CZ state.

[0112] Due to this configuration, in the slot machine 1, when a transition occurs from the normal zone to the advantageous zone during play in the normal zone (first game), the presentation state is set to the first start state or the second start state by a control process for setting the presentation state by the AT control means 170 during the first game. Next, in the slot machine 1, in a game following the first game (second game), a game is played with the presentation state set to the first start state or the second start state, and if the presentation state is the first start state, the presentation state is transitioned to the normal state, and if the presentation state is the second start state, the presentation state is transitioned to the normal state or the specific CZ state depending on the game state in the second game.

[0113] The normal state is a presentation state (normal presentation state) that corresponds to a normal state among a plurality of presentation states, which is set when there is no transition to another presentation state. When the presentation state transitions to the normal state, the AT control means 170 judges whether a value of 1 or more is set in the AT transition game number counter 196b, which is a counter that counts the number of games played until the transition to the AT state, and sets the value "700" as an initial value when a value of 1 or more is not set, that is, when the value "0" is set. The AT control means 170 executes a decrement update that subtracts the value "1" corresponding to one game from the stored value of the AT transition game number counter 196b each time a game is played in any of the presentation states of the normal state, the CZ state, and the specific CZ state. When the stored value of the AT transition game number counter 196b becomes the value "0", the AT control means 170 judges that the transition condition to the AT state (AT transition condition) is established, and transitions the presentation state from the normal state to the first AT state.

[0114] The AT control means 170 is configured to execute a CZ lottery to determine whether or not to transition to the CZ state in a game in which a winning area not including an RBB is won in an internal lottery in a normal state. In addition, the AT control means 170 is configured to execute a CZ lottery in which the probability of "not winning (missing)" is lowered and the probability of "transition to the CZ state" is higher for the CZ lottery executed when the winning area "rare role" is won in the internal lottery than when other winning areas are won.

[0115] The CZ state is configured to be able to transition to the AT state with a higher probability than the normal state when control for determining whether or not to transition the presentation state to the AT state is executed as a control related to auxiliary games, and is a presentation state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state. At the start of the CZ state, the AT control means 170 sets a value corresponding to a predetermined number of games (for example, 10 games) to the CZ game number counter (not shown) of the AT control data storage means 196, and executes a decrement update that subtracts the stored value of the CZ game number counter by the value "1" corresponding to one game each time a game is executed.

[0116] The AT control means 170 is configured to execute a CZ AT lottery to determine whether or not to transition to the AT state during each game in the CZ state. If the "transition to the AT state" is selected in the CZ AT lottery, the AT control means 170 transitions the presentation state from the CZ state to the AT state after 10 games have been played since the start of the CZ state.

[0117] The AT control means 170 executes a CZ set number addition lottery to determine whether or not to add (add) to the number of times one set of the AT state is executed for the AT state to which the CZ state is transitioned during play until the CZ state ends when the "transition to AT state" is won in the CZ AT lottery.

[0118] On the other hand, if 10 games are played in the CZ state without winning the ``transition to AT state'' in the AT lottery during the CZ, the AT control means 170 ends the CZ state and transitions the presentation state to the normal state.

[0119] The AT control means 170 is configured to execute the lottery for the auxiliary game executed in the CZ state (AT lottery during CZ, set number addition lottery during CZ) regardless of the result of the internal lottery. In addition, the AT control means 170 is configured to execute the lottery for the auxiliary game executed in the CZ state so that, when the winning area "rare role" is won in the internal lottery, the probability of "not winning (missing)" is lower than when other winning areas are won, and the probability of a result advantageous to the player (in the case of AT lottery during CZ, "transition to AT state" is higher. In this embodiment, specifically, when the winning area "rare role" is won in the AT lottery during CZ, there is about a 50% probability of winning "transition to AT state", and when a winning area other than the winning area "rare role" is won, there is about a 30% probability of winning "transition to AT state".

[0120] The AT state is configured to be able to execute the winning assistance of minor prize 1 when the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 4" are won, and is a presentation state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state. The AT control means 170 of this embodiment is configured to set the presentation state to the first AT state when the AT state starts. In addition, the AT control means 170 is configured to initialize the stored value of the AT shift game number counter 196b to the value "0" when the AT state starts.

[0121] The first AT state is a presentation state in which the duration that can be continued is managed by the number of games. At the start of the first AT state, the AT control means 170 sets an initial value (e.g., 50 games) corresponding to a predetermined number of games to the first AT game number counter 196c of the AT control data storage means 196, and executes a decrement update to subtract the value "1" corresponding to one game from the stored value of the first AT game number counter 196c every time a game is executed. In this embodiment, one set of the first AT state is configured from when the initial value is set to the first AT game number counter 196c until the stored value of the first AT game number counter 196c becomes the value "0".

[0122] The AT control means 170 is configured to, when a "rare role" winning area is won in an internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120, execute an add-on lottery to determine whether or not to add (add to) the period during which the AT state continues by determining whether or not to add a value determined by lottery to the stored value of the first AT game number counter 196c, and, when the value determined by the add-on lottery is a value of 1 or greater, execute an add-on process to add the determined value to the first AT game number counter 196c.

[0123] The AT control means 170 is configured to set one of a plurality of modes, a first mode and a second mode, when the presentation state is the first AT state. The first mode and the second mode of this embodiment are configured as modes with different degrees of advantage to the player, by having different probabilities of executing the winning assistance of the small role 1 when the winning area "batting order bell 1" to the winning area "batting order bell 4" are won in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120.

[0124] In the first mode, when the winning area "batting order bell 1" to the winning area "batting order bell 4" are selected in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120, a winning assistance lottery is executed to determine whether or not to execute the winning assistance for the minor role 1. The winning assistance lottery is configured so that there is an approximately 50% probability of winning "executing the winning assistance" and an approximately 50% probability of "missing (not winning)." In the second mode, when the winning area "batting order bell 1" to the winning area "batting order bell 4" are selected in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120, the winning assistance for the minor role 1 is executed.

[0125] Due to this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the net increase in the number of coins, which is the average value of the difference (number won) between the number of electronic medals that can be won in each playing method in the first AT state and the number of electronic medals inserted, is configured to be approximately 2.5 coins in the first mode, and approximately 5.0 coins in the second mode in which winning assistance is executed twice as frequently as in the first mode.

[0126] When the first AT state of one set is started and the mode to be executed in the first AT state of this set is not set (determined), the AT control means 170 executes a mode lottery to determine which mode to set from the first mode and the second mode in the game to start the first AT state. In addition, when the AT control means 170 is set to the first mode, if the winning area "rare role" is won in the internal lottery, the AT control means 170 executes a mode transition lottery to determine whether to transition to the second mode, and if "transition to the second mode" is won, the AT control means 170 transitions from the first mode to the second mode. On the other hand, when the AT control means 170 transitions to the second mode, the AT control means 170 is configured to maintain the second mode while the AT state continues when the AT control means 170 transitions to the second mode.

[0127] In addition, the AT control means 170 of this embodiment is configured to update the stored value of the first AT duration counter 196d of the AT control data storage means 196 every time a game is played in the first AT state. When a game is played in the first AT state and in a state set to the first mode, the AT control means 170 adds a value "1" to the first AT duration counter 196d, and when a game is played in the first AT state and in a state set to the second mode, the AT control means 170 adds a value "2" to the first AT duration counter 196d.

[0128] When the stored value of the first AT game number counter 196c becomes "0" by the decrement update executed every time a game is executed in the first AT state, the AT control means 170 executes an AT continuation lottery to determine whether or not to continue the AT state. When the AT control means 170 wins "continuation of the AT state" in the AT continuation lottery, it sets the first AT game number counter 196c to an initial value of "50" and continues the first AT state. On the other hand, when the AT control means 170 wins "end of the AT state" in the AT continuation lottery, it refers to the stored value of the first AT duration counter 196d, and when the stored value of the first AT duration counter 196d is a value of "720" or more, it transitions the presentation state from the first AT state to a specific CZ state, and when the stored value of the first AT duration counter 196d is a value of "719" or less, it transitions the presentation state from the first AT state to a normal state.

[0129] The AT control means 170 is configured to transition from the first AT state to the second AT state when the value calculated from the stored value of the first AT game number counter 196c, the current mode, and the stored value of the advantageous zone counter 196a reaches a specified value of "2300." Details of the control for transitioning from the first AT state to each performance state will be described later.

[0130] The second AT state is a presentation state that continues until a specific end condition is met, which is met when the value stored in the advantageous zone counter 196a exceeds the value "2400" as the end condition of the advantageous zone. In the second AT state, the AT control means 170 executes the winning assistance of the minor prize 1 when the winning area "batting order bell 1" to the winning area "batting order bell 4" are won in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120. For this reason, the second AT state is configured to have a net increase of about 5.0 coins.

[0131] The specific CZ state is configured to be able to transition to the AT state with a higher probability than the normal state and the CZ state when control for determining whether or not to transition the presentation state to the AT state is executed as a control related to auxiliary games, and is a presentation state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state and the CZ state. The AT control means 170 sets a value corresponding to a predetermined number of games (e.g., 20 games) to the specific CZ game number counter (not shown) of the AT control data storage means 196 at the start of the specific CZ state, and executes a decrement update that subtracts the stored value of the specific CZ game number counter by the value "1" corresponding to one game each time a game is executed.

[0132] The AT control means 170 is configured to execute a specific CZ AT lottery to determine whether or not to transition to the AT state in a game in which the memory value of the specific CZ game number counter becomes the value "0". If the "transition to AT state" is selected in the specific CZ AT lottery, the AT control means 170 transitions the presentation state from the specific CZ state to the first AT state. On the other hand, if the "transition to normal state" is selected in the specific CZ AT lottery, the AT control means 170 transitions the presentation state from the specific CZ state to the normal state.

[0133] Also, as shown in Fig. 4(B), the AT control means 170 is configured to be able to transition the presentation state from the first AT state and the second start state to the specific CZ state. Details of the playability of the slot machine 1 using the specific CZ state will be described later.

[0134] 3. Playability in each game state Next, the game characteristics in each game state of the slot machine 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0135] <Game results in each game state> Figure 5 is a diagram showing game results for each operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3 when a winning area including a small prize is won in an internal lottery in a non-RT state, Figure 6 is a diagram showing game results for each operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3 when a winning area including a small prize is won in an internal lottery in an RBB internal state, and Figure 7 is a diagram showing game results for each operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3 when a winning area including a small prize is won in an internal lottery in an RBB state.

[0136] As shown in FIG. 5, in the slot machine 1, when the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Batting Order Bell 4" are won in the non-RT state, any of the small winning symbols 3 to 8, which have a payout of 1 coin in a game with a bet of 3 coins, can be won, regardless of the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0137] In other words, in the slot machine 1, when in a non-RT state, even if the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4", which includes the small winning feature 1 with a payout set to 15 coins in a 3-coin bet game, is won, the small winning feature 1 cannot be won.

[0138] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 6, in the slot machine 1, when the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4" are won in the RBB internal state, the batting order (correct batting order) of the stop buttons B1 to B3 is set so that the payout for the minor prize 1, which is set to 15 coins in a 3-coin bet game, can be won with a 1 / 1 probability.

[0139] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, when the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4" are won in the non-RT state or the RBB internal state, small prize 3 and small prize 4 will be won with a 1 / 1 probability if stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a batting order that allows for a win, and small prize 5 to small prize 8 will be won with a 1 / 2 probability if stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a batting order that allows for a win.

[0140] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, when the winning area "rare role" is won in the non-RT state or the RBB internal state, the stop button B3 is stopped at the operation timing when the small role 2 can be won, and the small role 2 with a payout of 3 coins in a 3-coin bet game is won, and the winning probability is about 1 / 1.3. In the slot machine 1, when the winning area "rare role" is won and the small role 2 is not won, it is a missed opportunity (non-winning).

[0141] In addition, if the winning area "RBB & 1 coin role" is won in a non-RT state or an RBB internal state, regardless of the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3, one of the minor roles 9 with a payout set to 1 coin in a 3-coin bet game will win with a 1 / 1 probability.

[0142] As shown in FIG. 7, in the slot machine 1, when the winning area “all small symbols” is won in the RBB state, if the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 1 and batting order 2, either small symbol 2, which has a payout set to 3 coins in a game with two bets, or small symbol 9, which has a payout set to 1 coin in a game with two bets, will win with a probability of 1 / 1, and if the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 3 to batting order 6, small symbol 1, which has a payout set to 15 coins in a game with two bets, will win with a probability of 1 / 1.

[0143] The winning symbol combination of the small win 2 and the winning symbol combination of the small win 9 are configured to include symbols common to the symbols on the left reel R1 and the middle reel R2. The winning symbol combination of the small win 2 and the winning symbol combination of the small win 9 are configured to include different symbols on the right reel R3. The symbols on the right reel R3 that constitute the winning symbol combination of the small win 2 are symbols that have a pull-in range of 15 frames out of 20 frames on the right reel R3, and the symbols on the right reel R3 that constitute the winning symbol combination of the small win 9 are symbols that are arranged so that they can be stopped and displayed on the pay line L1 regardless of the operation timing of the stop button B3.

[0144] Due to this configuration, in the slot machine 1, when the winning area "all small prizes" is won and the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in batting order 1 and batting order 2, if the stop button B3 is operated at a timing when the symbols on the right reel R3 that make up the winning pattern combination of small prize 2 can be stopped and displayed on the pay line L1, small prize 2 will be won, and if the stop button B3 is operated at a timing when the symbols on the right reel R3 that make up the winning pattern combination of small prize 2 cannot be stopped and displayed on the pay line L1, small prize 9 will be won.

[0145] In the slot machine 1, when the winning area “All 1 Coin Role” is won in the RBB state, regardless of the order of the stop buttons B1 to B3, the minor role 9, which has a payout of 1 coin in a 2-coin bet game, will be won with a probability of 1 / 1.

[0146] Here, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured to set an upper limit for the number of electronic medals that can be paid out when a game with two bets is played, and is configured to set the payout number to the upper limit and pay out electronic medals when a minor combination with a payout set equal to or greater than the upper limit is won. Specifically, the slot machine 1 is configured to set the upper limit for the number of electronic medals that can be paid out to one medal when a game with two bets is played.

[0147] <Setting the upper limit of the payout amount> Fig. 8 is a flow chart showing the upper limit setting process in which the slot machine 1 sets the upper limit of the payout amount. The process shown in Fig. 8 is executed after the payout value set for the winning minor winning combination is stored in the payout amount storage means 199 in the payout process by the payout control means 150, which is executed when a minor winning combination is won.

[0148] 8, the payout control means 150 first obtains the payout amount stored in the payout amount storage means 199 (S1). In this process, the payout control means 150 obtains the stored value of the payout amount storage means 199 in which the payout value set for the small combination won in the current game is stored.

[0149] Next, the payout control means 150 checks the number of electronic medals set to the inserted state for the current game (S2). In this process, the payout control means 150 checks the value stored in the inserted number storage means 198, thereby making it possible to determine whether the current game is a two-coin bet game or a three-coin bet game.

[0150] Next, the payout control means 150 judges whether or not the number of electronic medals set to the inserted state in the current game is two (S3). In this process, the payout control means 150 judges whether or not the stored value of the inserted number storage means 198 confirmed in the process of step S2 is the value "2". By the payout control means 150 executing the process of step S3, the slot machine 1 can judge whether or not the current game has been executed in the RBB state in which the second specified number (two medals) is set.

[0151] In the process of step S3, when it is determined that the number of electronic medals set to the inserted state in the current game is two (YES), the payout control means 150 determines whether the number of payouts in the current game is two or more (S4). In this process, the payout control means 150 determines whether the number of payouts stored in the payout number storage means 199 obtained in the process of step S1 is a value of "2" or more.

[0152] In the process of step S4, when it is determined that the payout number in the current game is 2 or more (YES), the payout control means 150 sets the payout number to 1 (S5). In this process, the payout control means 150 changes the value of 2 or more stored in the payout number storage means 199 to the value "1", thereby setting the payout number in the current game to 1.

[0153] This processing in step S5 constitutes a process for setting the upper limit of the number of electronic medals that can be paid out to a specific number (1 medal) less than the second specified number when a second specified number (2 medals) less than the first specified number (3 medals) is inserted and game play is started.

[0154] After executing the process of step S5, if it is determined in the process of step S3 that the number of electronic medals set to the inserted state in the current game is three (NO), or if it is determined in the process of step S4 that the number of medals to be paid out in the current game is one (NO), the payout control means 150 executes a process to pay out the electronic medals (S6) and ends the payout process. In this process, the payout control means 150 determines the stored value in the payout number storage means 199 as the number of electronic medals to be paid out in the game, and adds the number of electronic medals corresponding to the determined number to be paid out to the medal number counter 311.

[0155] <Payout of digitalized medals in each game state> As shown in Fig. 5, the slot machine 1 is configured so that a prize is not awarded based on the winning of the minor winning combination 1, which is set to a payout greater than the first specified number, in the non-RT state. For this reason, the payout rate in the non-RT state is configured to be less than 50% regardless of the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0156] The payout rate is the ratio of the total number of electronic medals won during a specified number of games (e.g., 17,500 games) to the total number of electronic medals inserted during the specified number of games, when the game is played a sufficient number of games to sufficiently ignore the effects of temporary probability bias.

[0157] Also, as shown in FIG. 6, in the slot machine 1, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the batting order 1 or batting order 2 in the RBB internal state, the small prize 1 set to a payout greater than the first prescribed number does not win, and when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the batting order 3 to batting order 6, the small prize 1 can win. Therefore, the payout rate in the RBB internal state is configured to be less than 50% when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the batting order 1 or batting order 2, and is configured to exceed 50% when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in any of the batting orders 3 to 6. Also, when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a random batting order in the RBB internal state, the payout rate is configured to be less than 50%.

[0158] As shown in FIG. 8, when a three-coin bet game is being played, the payout control means 150 is configured to skip steps S4 and S5 from step S3 and proceed to step S6, determine the stored value of the payout number storage means 199, which stores the value set as the payout for the minor winning combination in that game, as the payout number of electronic medals for that game, and add the number of electronic medals corresponding to the determined payout number to the medal number counter 311.

[0159] Due to this configuration, the slot machine 1 is configured to pay out electronic medals in the same number as the payout set for the winning minor role in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state. In other words, the slot machine 1 is configured to pay out more than the first specified number when the minor role 1 wins in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state where the specified number is set to the first specified number (3 medals).

[0160] On the other hand, the payout control means 150 is configured to execute the processing of step S5 and then proceed to step S6 when a two-coin bet game is played and a minor role with a payout of two or more coins set as the payout for the two-coin bet game is won, and determines the stored value of the payout number memory means 199, which is set to the value "1", as the payout number of electronic medals for that game, regardless of the value set as the payout for the minor role won in that game, and adds the number of electronic medals (1 medal) corresponding to the determined payout number to the medal number counter 311.

[0161] As described above, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, in the RBB state in which the specified number is set to 2, the winning area "all small prizes" is won by an internal lottery, and small prize 2, which has a payout of 3 coins in a game in which 2 coins are bet, can be won by operating stop buttons B1 to B3 in batting order 1 and batting order 2, and small prize 1, which has a payout of 15 coins in a game in which 2 coins are bet, can be won by operating stop buttons B1 to B3 in batting order 3 to 6. However, the payout control means 150 shown in FIG. 8 executes the upper limit value setting process for the payout number, so that the number of electronic medals paid out in a game in which small prize 1 is won is 1 medal.

[0162] Due to this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment has the same payout when a three-coin bet game is played and when a two-coin bet game is played, and when minor winning symbols 1 and 2, which are set to a payout of more than one coin, are won in the RBB state in which a two-coin bet game is played, a payout of one coin is executed, which is less than the set payout and is less than the specified number (2 coins) in the RBB state.

[0163] As described above, when a two-coin bet game is executed, the payout for small winning combinations 3 to 9 is set to one coin.

[0164] That is, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the prescribed number is set to 2 and the winning area including the small win is won, one coin is paid out regardless of which of all the small wins is won. In other words, in the slot machine 1, when the prescribed number is set to the second prescribed number (2) in the RBB state and the small win 1 is won, the payout is less than the second prescribed number.

[0165] Also, as described above, in the slot machine 1, in the internal lottery in the RBB state in which the internal lottery table C is used, the winning area is configured to win either the "all small roles" winning area or the "all 1-coin roles" winning area.

[0166] In other words, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when a first specified number of game values ​​is inserted and play is started, it is possible to pay out game values ​​exceeding the first specified number, and when a second specified number of game values ​​less than the first specified number is inserted and play is started, the upper limit of the number of game values ​​that can be paid out is set to a specific number less than the second specified number.

[0167] Due to this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, in the RBB state, two electronic medals are set to the inserted state and a game is executed in which one electronic medal is paid out. Therefore, the payout rate in the RBB state can be reduced to 50%, and the performance of acquiring game value for the state in which the RBB is not operating can be designed, thereby dramatically improving the design freedom of the slot machine 1.

[0168] Furthermore, as described above, the slot machine 1 is configured so that the ball payout rate in the non-RT state and the inside RBB state when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a random order is less than 50%, and the ball payout rate in the non-RT state and the inside RBB state is lower than the ball payout rate in the RBB state (50%).

[0169] Due to this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment has a lower ball payout rate in the RBB state than in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state in which the RBB is not activated, and the performance of the RBB state does not deteriorate excessively, so the performance of the gaming machine can be fully guaranteed.

[0170] <Small prizes that can be won in each game state> Next, FIG. 9 is a table summarizing minor winning combinations that are awarded based on winning in each gaming state of the non-RT state, the RBB inside state, and the RBB state in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment.

[0171] As shown in FIG. 9, minor prize 1, which has a payout set to 15 coins when a three-coin bet game is played and a payout set to 15 coins when a two-coin bet game is played, is configured not to win if it is won in a non-RT state, but to win if it is won in an RBB internal state or in an RBB state.

[0172] In addition, minor prize 2, which has a payout set to three coins when a three-coin bet game is played and a payout set to three coins when a two-coin bet game is played, is configured to win based on winning in the non-RT state, the RBB inside state, and the RBB state.

[0173] Of small prizes 3 to 9, for which the payout when a three-coin bet game is executed and the payout when a two-coin bet game is executed are both set to one coin, small prize 9 is awarded based on winning in the non-RT state, the state inside the RBB, and the RBB state, and small prizes 3 to 8 are configured not to award a prize if they are won in the RBB state, but to award a prize based on winning in the non-RT state and the state inside the RBB.

[0174] As described above, in the slot machine 1, in the RBB state in which the second specified number (2) of electronic medals are set to the inserted state and play is started, even if a minor winning combination with a payout of 2 or more medals is won, the upper limit value setting process for the payout number shown in Figure 8 is executed, so that 1 medal is paid out.

[0175] In other words, in the slot machine 1, the payout when three electronic medals are inserted and play is started and the payout when two electronic medals are inserted and play is started are both set to a payout greater than one medal, and when minor prize 1 and minor prize 2 are won in the RBB state in which two electronic medals are inserted and play is started, the payout amount is configured to be different from the payout amount when three electronic medals are inserted and play is started.

[0176] In other words, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that when each of small prize 1 and small prize 2 is won in the RBB state in which two electronic medals are set to the inserted state and game play is started, the payout amount is different from the case in which three electronic medals are set to the inserted state and game play is started, and also configured so that when the game state is the RBB state for small prize 1 and small prize 2, a prize is won based on the fact that they have been won.

[0177] In other words, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, an internal lottery determines whether multiple types of roles will be won, and the multiple types of roles include minor roles included in a predetermined group, and the predetermined group is a group of minor roles that have different numbers of game value paid out based on winning when a game is started by inserting a first specified number of game values ​​and when a game is started by inserting a second specified number that is less than the first specified number, and each of the minor roles included in the predetermined group wins based on winning the internal lottery in both a game started by inserting the first specified number of game values ​​and a game started by inserting the second specified number of game values.

[0178] In addition, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the minor roles included in the predetermined group include a first minor role (minor role 1) and a second minor role (minor role 2), and if the first minor role is won in an internal lottery in a game started after a second specified number of game values ​​is inserted, the first minor role can be won by operating the multiple stop buttons in a first operation mode (batting order 3 to batting order 6), and if the second minor role is won in an internal lottery in a game started after a second specified number of game values ​​is inserted, the second minor role can be won by operating the multiple stop buttons in a second operation mode (batting order 1, batting order 2) different from the first operation mode.

[0179] With this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, in the RBB state where the specified number is set to a second specified number, which is different from the non-RT state and the state inside the RBB, the number of electronic medals paid out when small prize 1 and small prize 2 are won is less than the number of electronic medals paid out when a prize is won in the non-RT state and the state inside the RBB. However, by winning based on both small prize 1 and small prize 2 being won in the RBB state, excessive degradation of the performance of small prize 1 and small prize 2 can be prevented, and the performance of the gaming machine can be fully guaranteed.

[0180] As shown in FIG. 9, in the slot machine 1, the payout when three electronic medals are inserted and play is started and the payout when two electronic medals are inserted and play is started are both set to one, and for small prizes 3 to 9, which have the same payout amount when winning in the RBB state in which two electronic medals are inserted and play is started and when three electronic medals are inserted and play is started, the slot machine is configured to win a prize based on winning in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state. However, in the RBB state, although small prize 9 is won based on winning, small prizes 3 to 8 will not be won if they are won regardless of the operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3.

[0181] In other words, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the internal lottery determines whether or not multiple types of roles will be won, and the multiple types of roles include minor roles included in a first group and minor roles included in a second group, and the first group is a group of minor roles that have the same number of game values ​​paid out based on winning when a first specified number of game values ​​is inserted and a game is started and a game is started and a second specified number of game values ​​that is less than the first specified number is inserted and a game is started, and the second group is a group of minor roles that have different numbers of game values ​​paid out based on winning when a first specified number of game values ​​is inserted and a game is started and a game is started and a game is started, and the minor roles included in the first group include minor roles that do not win when a second specified number of game values ​​is inserted and a game is started, regardless of the operation mode of the multiple stop buttons.

[0182] With this configuration, in the RBB state in which the specified number is set to a second specified number, which is different from the specified number in the non-RT state and the state inside the RBB, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that small prizes 3 to 8, which do not result in any change in the number of electronic medals paid out when won in the RBB state and when won in the non-RT state and the state inside the RBB, are not won in the RBB state. This eliminates the need to pre-store in the reel control data storage means 194 the stop control data related to the reel stop control that enables small prizes 3 to 8 to be won, thereby reducing the data capacity related to the stop control data in the RBB state.

[0183] The small winning combinations 1 and 2 constitute the second group of small winning combinations and the small winning combinations included in the specified group, which are made up of small winning combinations with different numbers of game values ​​paid out based on winning when a first specified number of game values ​​is inserted and a game is started, and when a second specified number of game values ​​is inserted and a game is started, and the small winning combinations 3 to 9 constitute the small winning combinations included in the first group of small winning combinations with the same payout set when a first specified number of game values ​​is inserted and a game is started, and when a second specified number of game values ​​less than the first specified number is inserted and a game is started.

[0184] <Summary of gameplay in each game state> In this way, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state as the first gaming state in which the RBB is not operating, the specified number is fixed to the first specified number (3 coins), and in the RBB state as the second gaming state in which the RBB is operating, the specified number is fixed to the second specified number (2 coins). Also, the slot machine 1 is configured so that the payout rate in the RBB state is higher than the payout rate in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state. Also, the slot machine 1 is configured so that the probability of winning each small role in the RBB state is higher than the probability of winning each small role in the non-RT state and the RBB internal state.

[0185] In addition, the slot machine 1 is configured such that when a prize is won in the RBB state in which a second specified number of electronic medals are set to the inserted state and play is started, the minor prize 1 and minor prize 2 are configured to have a different payout amount from when a first specified number of electronic medals are set to the inserted state and play is started, and when a prize is won ... prize is won in the RBB state in which a prize is won, and when a prize is won in the RBB state.

[0186] Then, in the RBB state in which the second specified number of electronic medals is set to an inserted state and play begins, the slot machine 1 executes a process for setting an upper limit on the number of payouts, so that the upper limit on the number of electronic medals that can be paid out in that game is set to a specific number (one medal) that is less than the second specified number, and therefore one medal is paid out even if small prize 1 and small prize 2 are won.

[0187] Due to this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment can reduce the ball payout rate in the RBB state to less than 100% (50% in this embodiment), and the performance in the RBB state can be designed to obtain game value when the RBB is not in operation while complying with the performance required for a gaming machine, thereby dramatically improving the design freedom of the slot machine 1.

[0188] In other words, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the slot machine transitions to an RBB state in which the specified number is set to two coins, and when a winning area including a small win is won, an upper limit value setting process for the payout number (see FIG. 8) is executed, and one coin is paid out regardless of which of all small wins is won. Therefore, the payout rate in the RBB state can be reduced to 50%, and the performance of acquiring game value for the state in which the RBB is not activated can be designed, thereby dramatically improving the design freedom of the slot machine 1.

[0189] Furthermore, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, in the RBB state where the specified number is set to a second specified number, which is different from the specified number in the non-RT state and the state inside the RBB, the number of electronic medals paid out when small prize 1 and small prize 2 are won is less than the number of electronic medals paid out when a prize is won in the non-RT state and the state inside the RBB. However, by winning based on both small prize 1 and small prize 2 being won in the RBB state, the performance of small prize 1 and small prize 2 is prevented from deteriorating excessively, and the performance of the gaming machine can be fully guaranteed.

[0190] Furthermore, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, in the RBB state where the specified number is set to a second specified number different from the non-RT state and the state inside the RBB where the specified number is set to a first specified number, small prizes 3 to 8, which do not result in any change in the number of electronic medals paid out when won in the RBB state and when won in the non-RT state and the state inside the RBB, are configured not to be won in the RBB state. This eliminates the need to previously store in the reel control data storage means 194 the stop control data related to the reel stop control that enables small prizes 3 to 8 to be won, thereby reducing the data capacity related to the stop control data in the RBB state.

[0191] Furthermore, as described above, in the RBB state in which the specified number is set to a second specified number (2 coins) different from the first specified number (3 coins), the slot machine 1 is configured to set the payout rate to 50% by executing an upper limit value setting process for the payout number.

[0192] Here, as a gaming machine that suppresses the payout rate in a bonus state and enables medals to be won by executing an AT game in a gaming state different from the bonus state (for example, a non-bonus state in which a bonus is not operating such as a bonus establishment state), there has conventionally been a gaming machine that has multiple types of first winning modes in which multiple types of first specific minor roles set to a payout greater than the number of game values ​​inserted required to start a game are overlapped and won with a second specific minor role different from the first specific minor role without overlapping with each other, and a third winning mode in which multiple types of first specific minor roles are overlapped and won, and an internal lottery means is In one known configuration, an internal lottery is conducted in the bonus state so that a plurality of first winning modes are present, and in the bonus state so that a third winning mode is present, the probability of winning the third winning mode in the internal lottery in the bonus state being lower than the probability of winning any of the plurality of first winning modes in the internal lottery in the normal game state and the bonus establishment state, and the winning probability of each of all minor roles in the internal lottery in the bonus state being equal to or higher than the winning probability of each of all minor roles in the internal lottery in the normal game state and the bonus establishment state.

[0193] In a gaming machine configured in this manner, the probability of winning the first specific minor role in the bonus state is compressed to the inverse of the number of types of first specific minor roles (for example, 1 / 4 if the configuration has four types of first specific minor roles), while ensuring that the performance of the bonus state is sufficient as required of a gaming machine, and by executing winning assistance for the first specific minor role in the non-bonus state, the probability of winning the first specific minor role is increased compared to when winning assistance is not executed, making it possible to win medals in AT play; however, it is necessary to have multiple types of first specific minor roles.

[0194] In gaming machines, it is common for small winning symbols that can be used to win medals to be displayed as stopped symbols (e.g., a bell symbol) that are visible to the player. However, if the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are configured so that three frames each are visible in a specific area that makes the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 visible, the number of patterns in which the small winning symbols are displayed in a row is limited to five. Therefore, if the number of types of the first small winning symbols exceeds five, it becomes necessary to display them in the specific area in a display mode other than a display mode in which they are displayed in a row.

[0195] In addition, in gaming machines, when multiple types of minor roles are won in an internal lottery, there are two methods for determining the priority of the candidate stopping positions: a method for determining the priority based on the number of pattern combinations that can be displayed on the active line L1 (number priority control), and a method for determining the priority based on the number of medals paid out based on a predetermined payout for the minor role (number priority control).

[0196] For this reason, in a gaming machine, when setting an operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3 that makes it possible to win a first specific minor role, and an operation mode of stop buttons B1 to B3 that makes it impossible to win the first specific minor role and makes it possible to win a second specific minor role, in order to make it possible to win the second specific minor role, it is necessary to make it possible to win the second specific minor role by using number priority control.

[0197] Due to such restrictions, in gaming machines, the more the types of first specific small roles are increased and the payout rate in the bonus state is compressed, the more the types of second specific small roles will also increase, and an arrangement of patterns that makes the second specific small roles winable is also required. Therefore, compressing the payout rate in the bonus state increases the data volume related to the small roles, and the design difficulty also tends to increase.

[0198] In contrast, in a slot machine 1 configured to have a payout rate of 50% by executing an upper limit payout value setting process in the RBB state in which the specified number is set to a second specified number (2 coins) different from the first specified number (3 coins), even if the slot machine 1 is configured to have one minor role with a payout greater than the first specified number as the payout when the first specified number of medals is set to the inserted state and play begins, the performance of the RBB state can be ensured as being sufficient performance required of a gaming machine, while still sufficiently reducing the payout rate in the RBB state.

[0199] By being configured in this manner, the slot machine 1 can reduce the payout rate in the RBB state and prevent an increase in the data capacity related to minor roles when designing the medal acquisition performance for a state in which the RBB is not activated. This reduces the data capacity related to minor roles and improves the design freedom related to the arrangement of patterns. Furthermore, by reducing the data capacity related to minor roles, data capacity can be allocated to various data used in other control processes executed by the main control CPU 11, improving the design freedom of the gaming machine.

[0200] 4. Details of control related to the performance state Next, details of the control relating to the transition from the first AT state to another presentation state performed by the AT control means 170 of this embodiment and details of the control relating to a specific CZ state will be explained.

[0201] <Control of transition from the first AT state to another performance state> FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the control executed by the AT control means 170 regarding the transition from the first AT state to another presentation state.

[0202] As shown in Fig. 10, the AT control means 170 first judges whether the current mode is the first mode or not (S11). In this process, if it is judged that the current mode is the first mode (YES), the AT control means 170 adds a value "1" to the stored value of the first AT duration counter 196d (S12). In these processes, the AT control means 170 adds a value "1" corresponding to one game to the first AT duration counter 196d because one game is executed in the first AT state set to the first mode.

[0203] On the other hand, in the process of step S11, when it is determined that the current mode is the second mode (NO), the AT control means 170 adds the value "2" to the stored value of the first AT duration counter 196d (S13). In this process, since one game is played in the first AT state set to the second mode, which is about twice the net increase in the number of coins in the first mode, the AT control means 170 considers that about two games of the first AT state set to the first mode have been played, and adds the value "2" to the first AT duration counter 196d.

[0204] After executing the processes of steps S12 and S13, the AT control means 170 executes a second AT transition judgment process (S14). In this process, the AT control means 170 executes a process for calculating a value used in a process for determining whether or not to transition to the second AT state, and a process for determining whether or not to transition the presentation state to the second AT state.

[0205] <Second AT transition determination process> Details of the control process executed by the AT control means 170 in the process of step S14 will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a sub-flowchart showing the second AT transition determination process executed in the process of step S14 of the control related to the transition from the first AT state to another presentation state.

[0206] As shown in Fig. 11, in the second AT transition judgment process, the AT control means 170 first calculates whether the current mode is the first mode or not (S31). In this process, if it is judged that the current mode is the first mode (YES), the AT control means 170 multiplies the stored value of the first AT game number counter 196c by 2.5 and stores it in the judgment counter 196e (S32). In this process, the AT control means 170 multiplies the stored value of the first AT game number counter 196c, which stores the number of games during which the first AT state continues, by a value "2.5" that is approximately equivalent to the net increase in the first mode, to calculate the number of electronic medals expected to be acquired in the subsequent games, and stores the calculated result in the judgment counter 196e. Here, the AT control means 170 is configured to multiply the stored value of the first AT game number counter 196c by 5 and then dividing it by 2 in the calculation to multiply the stored value of the first AT game number counter 196c by 2.5.

[0207] On the other hand, in the process of step S31, when it is determined that the current mode is the second mode (NO), the AT control means 170 multiplies the stored value of the first AT game number counter 196c by 5 and stores it in the judgment counter 196e (S33). In this process, the AT control means 170 multiplies the stored value of the first AT game number counter 196c, which stores the number of games during which the first AT state continues, by the value "5", which is approximately equivalent to the net increase in the number of medals in the second mode, to calculate the number of electronic medals expected to be won in the subsequent games, and stores the calculated result in the judgment counter 196e.

[0208] After executing the processes of steps S32 and S33, the AT control means 170 adds the stored value of the advantageous zone counter 196a to the judgment counter 196e (S34). In this process, the AT control means 170 adds the number of electronic medals acquired in one set of advantageous zones to the judgment counter 196e of the advantageous zone counter 196a, which stores therein, and stores the calculated number of electronic medals acquired up to the time when the current game is executed and the number of electronic medals predicted to be acquired in the following first AT state in the judgment counter 196e.

[0209] By executing the processing of steps S31 to S34, the AT control means 170 of this embodiment can store in the judgment counter 196e the calculation result obtained by adding up the number of electronic medals won in one set of advantageous zones and the number of electronic medals predicted to be won if the first AT state continues.

[0210] Next, the AT control means 170 judges whether the calculation result has reached a specified value (S35). In this process, the AT control means 170 judges whether the stored value of the judgment counter 196e, which stores the calculation result calculated in the process of step S34, has reached a preset specified value. In this embodiment, the value "2300" is set as the specified value, and if it is judged that the calculation result has reached the specified value (YES), the presentation state is shifted from the first AT state to the second AT state (S36) and the second AT shift judgment process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is judged that the calculation result has not reached the specified value (NO), the AT control means 170 does not shift the presentation state from the first AT state to the second AT state in this game and terminates the second AT shift judgment process.

[0211] As described above, the AT control means 170 of this embodiment is configured to execute the winning assistance of the minor prize 1 when the winning area "batting order bell 1" to the winning area "batting order bell 4" are won in the internal lottery in the second AT state, so that the net increase in the number of medals in the second AT state is about 5.0 medals. In addition, the AT control means 170 is configured to determine that the specific end condition of the advantageous zone is established when the number of electronic medals won in one set of advantageous zone exceeds 2400 medals, and the advantageous zone ends and a predetermined end process and a predetermined initialization process are executed.

[0212] Due to this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment can set the default value to "2300", which is less than the value "2400", which is the number of winnings at which a specific ending condition of the advantageous zone is met, making it possible to play approximately 20 games in the second AT state.This prevents a situation in which the second AT state ends quickly when transitioning to the second AT state, preventing the player from being unable to enjoy the playability of the second AT state.

[0213] In this way, the AT control means 170 of this embodiment is configured to be able to control a first mode (net increase of about 2.5 coins) and a second mode (net increase of about 5.0 coins) in which the net increase in coins is different in the first AT state. When the AT control means 170 determines whether to transition from the first AT state, whose continuable period is managed by the number of games played, to the second AT state, whose continuable period is managed by the number of electronic medals acquired, in the first mode, if the AT control means 170 is in the first mode, the value obtained by multiplying the stored value of the first AT game number counter 196c, which is the period during which the first AT state can be continued, by the value "2.5" corresponding to the net increase in coins in the first mode, and the stored value of the advantageous zone counter 196a, which is the sum of the multiplied value, reaches the specified value "2300". In addition, when in the second mode, the AT control means 170 transitions from the first AT state to the second AT state when the value obtained by multiplying the stored value of the first AT game number counter 196c, which is the period during which the first AT state can be continued, by the value "5" corresponding to the net increase in the number of coins in the second mode, and adding the stored value of the advantageous zone counter 196a reaches the specified value "2300".

[0214] With this configuration, when the slot machine 1 of this embodiment determines whether to transition from a first AT state, which has a first mode and a second mode each with a different net increase in the number of coins, to a second AT state that continues until a specific end condition of the advantageous zone is met, the calculation result calculated from the period in which the first AT state can be continued is changed according to the net increase in the number of coins set in the current mode, thereby preventing the advantageous zone from ending without transitioning to the second AT state, or transitioning to the second AT state even though the advantageous zone has not ended even if the first AT state is continued until the period in which it can be continued has elapsed.This means that even though the slot machine has multiple modes with different net increase in the number of coins and a first AT state managed by the number of plays, it can appropriately transition to the second AT state and appropriately maintain a state advantageous to the player until the end of the advantageous zone, thereby improving the marketability of the gaming machine.

[0215] In addition, the AT control means 170 of this embodiment is configured to determine whether or not to transition from the first AT state to the second AT state without changing the specified value that serves as the threshold value used to determine the transition of the presentation state by performing calculations using the period during which the first AT state can be continued and the net increase in the number of coins set in the current mode.

[0216] With this configuration, when the slot machine 1 of this embodiment determines whether or not to transition from a first AT state having a first mode and a second mode each with a different net increase in the number of coins to a second AT state that continues until a specific end condition of the advantageous zone is met, it calculates a value equivalent to the net increase in the number of coins in each mode, which is composed of one or two digits and has a small data capacity, by changing it according to the current mode, and compares the calculated result with a specified value to determine whether or not to transition to the second AT state.Since the determination can be made by simply preparing one specified value as a threshold for determination, which is composed of four or more digits and has a large data capacity, the data capacity related to the specified value that is pre-stored in the main memory means 190 can be reduced.

[0217] This AT control means 170 constitutes the control means in this embodiment, the first AT state constitutes the first state in this embodiment, the second AT state constitutes the second state in this embodiment, the net increase in the number of medals in the first mode, approximately 2.5 medals, constitutes the first average value which is the average number of electronic medals won in one game set in the first mode in this embodiment, the net increase in the number of medals in the second mode, approximately 5.0 medals, constitutes the second average value which is the average number of electronic medals won in one game set in the second mode in this embodiment, the acquisition of more than 2400 electronic medals as the first value which is the specific end condition of the advantageous zone constitutes the specified end condition of the advantageous zone in this embodiment, and the specified value "2300" constitutes the second value in this embodiment.

[0218] <Processing after step S14 in control of transition from the first AT state to another performance state> As shown in Fig. 10, after executing the process of step S14, the AT control means 170 judges whether or not the transition to the second AT state has been determined (S15). In this process, if it is determined that the transition to the second AT state has been determined (YES), the AT control means 170 ends the control related to the transition from the first AT state to another performance state.

[0219] In the process of step S15, if it is determined that the transition to the second AT state has not been determined (NO), the AT control means 170 subtracts the value "1" from the stored value of the first AT game number counter 196c since one game has been played in the first AT state (S16). Next, the AT control means 170 determines whether the first AT state ends (S17). In this process, the AT control means 170 determines whether the stored value of the first AT game number counter 196c is the value "0" or not, and if the stored value of the first AT game number counter 196c is not the value "0" (NO), the first AT state will continue in the next game, so the control related to the transition from the first AT state to another presentation state ends.

[0220] On the other hand, in the process of step S17, if it is determined that the stored value of the first AT game number counter 196c is the value "0" (YES), the AT control means 170 determines whether or not the stored value of the first AT duration counter 196d is the value "720" or more (S18). In this process, the AT control means 170 determines whether or not about 5000 electronic medals have been acquired in the first AT state, even though the end condition of the advantageous zone is not established, and if it is determined that the stored value of the first AT duration counter 196d is the value "720" or more (YES), the presentation state is shifted from the first AT state to a specific CZ state (S19), and the control related to the transition from the first AT state to another presentation state is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the stored value of the first AT duration counter 196d is the value "719" or less (NO), the AT control means 170 shifts the presentation state from the first AT state to a normal state (S20), and the control related to the transition from the first AT state to another presentation state is terminated.

[0221] <Details of gameplay in specific CZ states> Next, the details of the game characteristics using the specific CZ state in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment will be described. Fig. 12 is a table explaining the relationship between the triggers for ending the AT state and the controls executed based on each trigger.

[0222] As described above, the slot machine 1 is configured to end the AT state when the advantageous period ends and when the stored value of the first AT game number counter 196c becomes the value "0." As shown in Fig. 12, the slot machine 1 is configured to transition to a specific CZ state when the advantageous period ends and when the stored value of the first AT duration counter 196d at the time when the first AT state ends is equal to or greater than the value "720."

[0223] The AT control means 170 is configured to execute the AT lottery during the specific CZ executed in the specific CZ state regardless of the result of the internal lottery. In addition, the AT control means 170 is configured to execute the AT lottery during the specific CZ, so that when the winning area "rare role" is won in the internal lottery, the probability of "not winning (missing)" is lower than when other winning areas are won, and the probability of "transition to AT state" is higher. In this embodiment, specifically, in the AT lottery during the specific CZ, when the winning area "rare role" is won, the "transition to AT state" is won with a probability of about 100%, and when a winning area other than the winning area "rare role" is won, the "transition to AT state" is won with a probability of about 70%.

[0224] In other words, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the probability of winning the "transition to AT state" in the specific CZ AT lottery executed in the specific CZ state is approximately 70% or more regardless of the result of the internal lottery, and the probability of transitioning from a specific CZ state to an AT state is higher than the probability of transitioning from a CZ state to an AT state (approximately 50% even if the winning area "rare role" is won in the internal lottery).

[0225] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that the probability of transitioning to the AT state by executing an AT lottery during a specific CZ is higher when transitioning to a specific CZ state with a continuing advantageous zone after the end of the AT state, or when transitioning to a specific CZ state by ending the AT state with the advantageous zone ending and starting again at the end of the advantageous zone, than when transitioning to the normal state with the advantageous zone continuing after the end of the AT state.Transitioning to a specific CZ state increases the possibility of starting the AT state again after the end of the AT state and winning electronic medals, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game.

[0226] Also, as shown in FIG. 12, the AT control means 170 of this embodiment is configured to set the value "100" as the initial value in the AT transition game number counter 196b when a transition occurs from the second start state to a specific CZ state.

[0227] As described above, the AT control means 170 is configured to subtract the value "1" corresponding to one game from the stored value of the AT shift game number counter 196b each time a game is played until the transition to the AT state, and is therefore configured to subtract the value "1" from the stored value of the AT shift game number counter 196b each time a game is played in the specific CZ state. In addition, the AT control means 170 is configured to transition the presentation state from the specific CZ state to the normal state when the "transition to the AT state" is not won in the specific CZ AT lottery executed in the specific CZ state, that is, when the "transition to the normal state" is won. When the normal state is started, if the AT transition game number counter 196b is set to a value equal to or greater than "1", the AT control means 170 is configured to subtract the stored value of the AT transition game number counter 196b by the value "1" each time a game is executed without overwriting the value of the AT transition game number counter 196b to the value "700", and is configured to transition the presentation state from the normal state to the first AT state when the stored value of the AT transition game number counter 196b becomes the value "0".

[0228] In other words, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the AT state continues and more than 2,400 electronic medals are paid out in one set of advantageous zone, and a specific ending condition is met, resulting in the AT state ending with the end of the advantageous zone, and if a transition to a specific CZ state is then made by moving to the advantageous zone, even if the transition from the specific CZ state to the normal state is made without moving to the first AT state, the stored value of the first AT game number counter 196c becomes the value "0" after 80 games are played after the transition to the normal state, and the transition to the first AT state is made.

[0229] On the other hand, in the slot machine 1, when the slot machine transitions from the AT state to a specific CZ state, and when the slot machine transitions from the specific CZ state to the normal state without transitioning from the first AT state, since the stored value of the first AT game number counter 196c at the start of the normal state is the value "0", the value "700" is set to the first AT game number counter 196c, so that a maximum of 700 games are played before transitioning to the first AT state.

[0230] In this way, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured so that it is more advantageous for the player if the AT state ends with the end of the advantageous zone and then transitions to a specific CZ state by transitioning to an advantageous zone, by setting the value "100" to the AT transition game number counter 196b, than if the slot machine 1 transitions from the first AT state while one set of advantageous zones continues.If the advantageous zone ends by transitioning to the second AT state and acquiring more electronic medals, there is a higher chance of starting the AT state again and acquiring electronic medals than if the advantageous zone had not ended, thereby increasing the player's interest in the game.

[0231] Also, as described above, the AT control means 170 of this embodiment is configured to initialize the stored value of the AT shift game number counter 196b and set the value to "0" when the AT state is started.

[0232] In other words, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when the AT state ends with the end of the advantageous zone and then the player transitions to a specific CZ state by transitioning to a beneficial zone, the value of the AT transition game number counter 196b is set to "100", but if the player wins the "transition to AT state" in the AT lottery during the specific CZ, the stored value of the AT transition game number counter 196b is initialized.

[0233] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment keeps the difference in the degree of advantage between a transition from the first AT state to a specific CZ state while one set of advantageous zones continues, and a transition to a specific CZ state when the AT state ends with the end of the advantageous zone and then transitions to a favorable zone, to a minor difference. This prevents a decrease in the player's interest in the game, even when transitioning from the first AT state to the specific CZ state without transitioning to the second AT state.

[0234] Here, as described above, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when more than 2400 electronic medals are acquired in one set of advantageous zone, the advantageous zone ends, and the advantageous zone end condition conditioned on the number of games played in the advantageous zone and the advantageous zone end condition conditioned on the end of a predetermined performance state are not set. In addition, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, the total of the number of electronic medals acquired in one set of advantageous zone and the number of electronic medals expected to be acquired within the range in which the first AT state can be continued is calculated, and the calculation result is compared with the value "2300" which is a specified value to determine whether or not to transition from the first AT state to the second AT state, and the advantageous zone does not end unless at least 100 electronic medals are acquired after transition to the second AT state. In addition, in the slot machine 1, the payout of the minor role 1 set to a payout greater than the first specified number (3 medals) is 15 medals, and the number of electronic medals that can be acquired in one game is 12 medals.

[0235] Due to this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, if the stored value of the favorable zone counter 196a, which is configured to be able to store negative values ​​as the difference in the number of coins in the favorable zone, is a negative value at the time the first AT state is started, it is difficult to transition to the second AT state and continue the first AT state until a specific end condition of the favorable zone is met.

[0236] For this reason, if the slot machine 1 were configured so as not to transition from the first AT state to a specific CZ state, when the number of electronic medals won in one set of advantageous zones becomes a negative value, the state would transition to the normal state after the end of the first AT state, making it difficult to maintain the first AT state continuously within a short period of time, and there is a risk that the player will lose interest in the game when the number of electronic medals won in one set of advantageous zones becomes a negative value.

[0237] In contrast, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment is configured to record the period during which the first AT state continues by cumulatively updating it using a first AT duration counter 196d, and when the stored value of the first AT duration counter 196d reaches a value of "720" or more, to transition the presentation state from the first AT state to a specific CZ state while maintaining the continuation of the advantageous zone without ending one set of the advantageous zone.

[0238] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of this embodiment can transition to a specific CZ state based on the stored value of the first AT duration counter 196d, which is cumulatively updated in the first AT state, reaching a value of "720" or more, even if the number of electronic medals won in one set of advantageous zones becomes a negative value, thereby granting the player the privilege of executing an AT lottery during a specific CZ in the specific CZ state, which is granted when the advantageous zone begins, even if the advantageous zone continues after the end of the first AT state. This can increase the player's interest in the game in both cases, whether the advantageous zone ends after the end of the AT state or the advantageous zone continues after the end of the AT state, and can improve the marketability of the gaming machine.

[0239] In addition, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, since the specified value is set to "2300", when the stored value of the first AT duration counter 196d reaches the value "720" and the first AT state continues, if the first mode is selected, the value "1" is added to the stored value of the first AT duration counter 196d, and if the second mode is selected, which is set to a net increase in the number of coins that is approximately twice that of the first mode, the value "2" is added to the stored value of the first AT duration counter 196d. This results in a state in which 720 games have been played with a net increase in the number of coins of approximately 2.5 coins, that is, even if approximately 2300 electronic medals have been won, the first AT state continues, and is configured to be extremely likely to occur when the stored value of the advantageous zone counter 196a at the time the first AT state begins is a negative value.

[0240] In other words, the AT control means 170 is configured to transition to a specific CZ state based on the end of the AT state and execute an AT lottery during the specific CZ when the number of electronic medals won in one set of advantageous zones at the time the AT state begins is a negative value, when the first AT state ends and the advantageous zone continues, and when the stored value of the AT duration counter 196d reaches the value "720".

[0241] With this configuration, when the slot machine 1 of this embodiment transitions from the first AT state to a specific CZ state and then the first AT state is initiated, the conditions for transitioning to the second AT state are met early, which prevents the slot machine 1 from transitioning back to the specific CZ state, resulting in excessive payout of electronic medals and a decline in the marketability of the gaming machine.

[0242] This AT control means 170 constitutes the control means in this embodiment, and the AT state including the first AT state in which the winning assistance of the minor role 1 set to a payout of 15 coins, which is more than the first specified number (3 coins), can be executed and is advantageous to the player constitutes the specific state in this embodiment, the first AT duration counter 196d, which is cumulatively updated in the first AT state and is not updated in the second AT state, constitutes the counter in this embodiment, and the specific CZ AT lottery executed in the specific CZ state in which the transition occurs when the advantageous zone starts, when the first AT state ends and the advantageous zone continues, and when the memory value of the first AT duration counter 196d reaches the predetermined value of "720", constitutes the benefit and the first benefit, and the process of setting the value "100" to the AT transition game number counter 196b, which is executed in the specific CZ state in which the transition occurs when the advantageous zone starts, constitutes the second benefit that is erased when the transition occurs to the specific state based on the granting of the first benefit in this embodiment.

[0243] 5. Summary of this embodiment As described above, in the slot machine 1 of this embodiment, when determining whether to transition from a first AT state having a first mode and a second mode each with a different net increase in the number of coins to a second AT state that continues until a specific end condition of the advantageous zone is met, the calculation result calculated from the period during which the first AT state can be continued is changed according to the net increase in the number of coins set in the current mode, thereby preventing the advantageous zone from ending without transitioning to the second AT state, or transitioning to the second AT state even though the advantageous zone has not ended even if the first AT state is continued until the period during which it can be continued has elapsed.Thus, although the slot machine has a configuration having multiple modes with different net increase in the number of coins and a first AT state managed by the number of plays, it is possible to appropriately transition to the second AT state and appropriately maintain a state advantageous to the player until the end of the advantageous zone, thereby improving the marketability of the gaming machine.

[0244] 6. Variations In this embodiment, the slot machine 1 has one minor role with a payout greater than the first specified number as a payout when the first specified number of medals is set to the inserted state and a game is started, but is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 only needs to have at least one minor role with a payout greater than the first specified number as a payout when the first specified number of medals is set to the inserted state and a game is started, and may be configured to have multiple types, for example.

[0245] In the present embodiment, the payouts for the small roles 1 to 9 in a three-coin bet game and the payouts for the small roles 1 to 9 in a two-coin bet game are set to the same payouts, but are not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured such that, for example, when a two-coin bet game is played, the payouts for the small roles 1 to 9 are set to one for each of the small roles.

[0246] By being configured in this manner, the slot machine 1 does not need to store in the main memory means 190 the upper limit value setting process for the payout number that was executed to set the payout rate to 50% in the RBB state in which a two-coin bet game is played, and therefore the data capacity of the program code required for the upper limit value setting process for the payout number can be reduced in the area of ​​the main memory means 190 that stores various program codes.

[0247] In addition, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to switch the small winning combination that can be won depending on the batting order of the stop buttons B1 to B3 when the winning area "all small winning combination" is won, and the first operation mode is configured from batting order 3 to batting order 6, and the second operation mode is configured from batting order 1 and batting order 2, but is not limited thereto. The slot machine 1 only needs to be configured to switch the small winning combination that can be won depending on the operation mode of the stop buttons B1 to B3 when the winning area "all small winning combination" is won, and for example, the first operation mode and the second operation mode may be configured from the same batting order and different operation timings.

[0248] In addition, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 has a first AT state in which the continuation period is managed by the number of times of playing, but is not limited to this. For example, the slot machine 1 may have a first AT state in which the continuation period is managed by the number of times of winning the small role 1.

[0249] In addition, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to have a difference between the net increase in the number of coins in the first mode and the net increase in the number of coins in the second mode by differentiating the frequency of execution of winning assistance when the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Batting Order Bell 4" are won in the internal lottery between the first mode and the second mode in the first AT state, but is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 is configured, for example, as an operation mode that allows the small prize 1 to be won when the winning area "batting order bell 1" to the winning area "batting order bell 4" is won, so that the small prize 1 can be won when the stop button that is the target of the first stop operation is operated in the correct batting order and at a timing when the patterns within a first range of 10 frames out of 20 frames are rotated and displayed on the valid line L1 as a preset operation timing, and the small prize 1 cannot be won when the stop button that is the target of the first stop operation is operated in the correct batting order and at a timing when the patterns within a second range that does not overlap with the first range are rotated and displayed on the valid line L1, and the slot machine 1 is configured to notify only the correct batting order in the first mode and to notify the correct batting order and the operation timing of the first stop operation that allows the small prize 1 to be won in the second mode, so that there is a difference between the net increase in the number of coins in the first mode and the net increase in the number of coins in the second mode.

[0250] In addition, the slot machine 1 may be configured, for example, so that when the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to winning area "Batting Order Bell 4" is won in the first mode, only the stop button to be operated for the first stop in the correct batting order is notified, and when the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to winning area "Batting Order Bell 4" is won in the second mode, the entire correct batting order is notified, thereby creating a difference between the net increase in the number of coins in the first mode and the net increase in the number of coins in the second mode.

[0251] In other words, the slot machine 1 may be configured such that, with respect to the difference between the net increase in the number of coins in the first mode and the net increase in the number of coins in the second mode, the difference is not limited to the frequency with which the winning assistance is executed, but may also be configured to differ by the content notified by the winning assistance.

[0252] In addition, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is set to have a net increase in the number of coins in the first mode set to approximately 2.5 coins, and a net increase in the number of coins in the second mode set to approximately 5.0 coins, but this is not limited to this. For example, the net increase in the number of coins in the first mode may be set to approximately 5.0 coins, and the net increase in the number of coins in the second mode may be set to approximately 2.5 coins, as long as the net increase in the number of coins in the first mode and the net increase in the number of coins in the second mode are different.

[0253] In addition, in this embodiment, when determining whether to transition from the first AT state to the second AT state, the AT control means 170 is configured to multiply the stored value of the first AT game number counter 196c by the net increase in number set in the current mode, add the stored value of the advantageous zone counter 196a, and store it in the determination counter 196e, but is not limited to this. The AT control means 170 may be configured to transition from the first AT state to the second AT state when the result of multiplying the stored value of the first AT game number counter 196c by the net increase in number set in the current mode reaches a specified value.

[0254] In addition, in this embodiment, the AT control means 170 is configured to transition to a specific CZ state when the first AT state ends with the stored value of the first AT duration counter 196d, which is cumulatively updated each time a game is executed in the first AT state, reaching the value "720", but is not limited thereto. The AT control means 170 may be configured to transition to a specific CZ state based on the end of the first AT state, for example, when the stored value of the counter cumulatively updates the number of electronic medals acquired in one set of the first AT state (for example, the value "2000" corresponding to 2000 electronic medals) has reached a predetermined value.

[0255] In addition, in this embodiment, the AT control means 170 is configured to execute the AT lottery during the specific CZ when the first AT state transitions to the specific CZ state, and execute the AT lottery during the specific CZ and set the AT shift game number counter 196b to the value "100" when the specific CZ state transitions based on the start of the advantageous zone, but is not limited thereto. For example, the AT control means 170 may be configured to execute the AT lottery during the specific CZ and set the AT shift game number counter 196b to the value "100" even when the first AT state transitions to the specific CZ state, and may be configured to grant the same or the same degree of advantage of the benefit granted when the first AT state transitions to the specific CZ state and when the specific CZ state transitions based on the start of the advantageous zone.

[0256] In addition, in this embodiment, the AT control means 170 is configured to transition the presentation state from the first AT state to a specific CZ state when the storage value of the first AT duration counter 196d at the time when the first AT state ends has reached the value "720", but is not limited thereto. For example, the AT control means 170 may be configured to transition the presentation state from the first AT state to a specific CZ state when the storage value of the first AT duration counter 196d has reached the value "500", so that the presentation state can be transitioned to the specific CZ state after the end of the first AT state even in a state in which the number of electronic medals acquired in one set of advantageous zones at the time when the first AT state starts is a positive value.

[0257] In this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to include a medal count control means 300 of the medal count control CPU 31 as a management control means capable of managing the digitized medals and communicating with the dedicated unit SU, and a main control CPU 11 as a game control means for controlling games played using the digitized medals, but is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured not to include the medal count control board 30, and various functions mounted on the medal count control board 30 are realized by various functions mounted on the main control board 10, so that the main control CPU 11 functions as a management control means for managing the digitized medals and communicating with the dedicated unit SU.

[0258] In addition, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured not to notify whether or not it is in an advantageous zone, but is not limited to this. For example, the slot machine 1 may be configured to notify that it is in an advantageous zone when the expected value of winning electronic medals is 1 or more due to the assistance of winning a small prize.

[0259] In addition, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 has a left reel R1 to a right reel R3 as a plurality of reels, and a stop button B1 to a stop button B3 corresponding to the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 as a plurality of stop buttons, but is not limited to this and may have, for example, a fourth reel and a stop button corresponding to the fourth reel.

[0260] In addition, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 has a max bet button MB for inserting a specified number of electronic medals, but is not limited to this, and may be configured to have, for example, in addition to the max bet button MB, a single bet button for inserting one electronic medal.

[0261] When configured in this way, the slot machine 1 may be configured to be able to start a game when either the first specified number or the second specified number of electronic medals is set to the inserted state with respect to the specified number in the non-RT state or the RBB internal state. When configured in this way, the slot machine 1 may be configured to set the first specified number of electronic medals to the inserted state when the max bet button MB is operated when the game state is the non-RT state or the RBB internal state, and set the second specified number of electronic medals to the inserted state when the single bet button is operated twice.

[0262] Also, in this embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to set the stored value of each counter or memory means as an initial value, and perform a decrement update in which one is subtracted each time a game is played, or an increment update in which one is added each time a game is played, but this is not limited, and the method of updating each counter or memory means may be configured to perform multiplication, division, etc., and is not particularly limited. [Explanation of symbols]

[0263] 1. Slot machines (amusement machines) 120 Internal lottery method 170 AT control means (control means) B1 Stop button B2 Stop button B3 Stop button R1 Left reel R2 Middle reel R3 Right reel

Claims

[Claim 1] Multiple reels and Multiple stop buttons An internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery; A control means for controlling the normal section and the advantageous section and performing control related to the indication function in the advantageous section, The advantageous section ends when a predetermined end condition is met when the number of acquired game values ​​exceeds a first value, The control means controls a first state and a second state in the advantageous zone, The first state is capable of controlling a first mode and a second mode, The first mode and the second mode have different average values ​​of the game value acquired in one game, The first mode is such that the average value is set to a first average value; The second mode is set to a second average value different from the first average value, The second state continues until the predetermined end condition is satisfied in one set of the advantageous zones, the control means, in the first mode, transitions from the first state to the second state when a value calculated based on a period during which the first state can be continued and the first average value reaches a second value; the control means, in the second mode, transitions from the first state to the second state when a value calculated based on a period during which the first state can be continued and the second average value reaches the second value. A gaming machine characterized by:

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