Slot machine

Abstract

To provide a slot machine that, when a player achieves a winning streak in what is known as an AT (Automatic Trigger) state, crossing the limiter activation threshold, makes the player feel as if they have inherited the remaining number of AT execution rights that were available before the limiter activated. [Solution] The initial display value is adjusted according to the value displayed before the fall and the number of AT continuation rights actually acquired from the start of the new advantageous period to the start of the AT state. In addition, the continuity between the value displayed before the fall and the initial display value is ensured by suppressing the value displayed before the fall to be less than or equal to the minimum number of AT continuation rights that can be acquired from the start of the new advantageous period to the start of the AT state.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an internal lottery is performed to determine a winning combination by operating a start lever while betting a gaming medium, and at the same time, rotation of a plurality of reels is started. By operating a stop button, the plurality of reels are stopped. When a winning combination is won in the internal lottery, a slot machine is known in which a gaming medium can be acquired as a payout for the winning combination.

[0003] In many conventional slot machines, when there is a duplicate win in a plurality of types of minor winning combinations or replay winning combinations with different winning combinations as a result of an internal lottery, before the stop button is operated, among the plurality of types of minor winning combinations or replay winning combinations, an assist time (hereinafter referred to as AT) function for notifying information necessary for a player to win a favorable combination (hereinafter referred to as winning navigation information) is installed.

[0004] By the way, in the gaming machine industry, in order to counter the "addiction" problem, the development of gaming machines having appropriate gambling properties has been required. For slot machines equipped with an AT function, from the viewpoint of optimizing the gambling properties, when the number of difference coins (the number obtained by subtracting the number of inserted coins from the number of paid-out coins) obtained during one favorable period exceeds 2400 coins, it is obligatory to install a limiter function for forcibly ending the favorable period. In addition, when ending the favorable period and falling into a non-favorable period where the operation of the instruction function is impossible, it is also obligatory to erase all information related to the ending favorable period (for example, the above-mentioned difference coin information, etc.) from the memory.

[0005] In slot machines equipped with a limiter function, a challenge is to mitigate the sense of loss experienced by players when the limiter is activated. Specifically, if a large number of execution rights related to AT (e.g., the number of remaining games in which AT can be executed) remain when the limiter is activated, it is unavoidable that players will experience a sense of loss. Therefore, it is common practice to transition to an ending state when the limiter activation is confirmed, and to conceal the remaining number of AT execution rights in this ending state in order to mitigate the sense of loss (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-113397 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] By the way, after the limiter function is activated, the game returns to the advantageous section via a non-advantageous section where the instruction function cannot be activated. The game period required for this (hereinafter referred to as the return period) can be set arbitrarily, and if the return period is set to be short, it is possible to transition to the AT state early in the advantageous section after returning, and thus achieve consecutive AT state wins. However, even in this case, it is not possible to carry over the remaining number of AT execution rights that remained before the limiter activated, so all that can be done is to start a new AT state.

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a slot machine that, while complying with the rules of play, can make a player feel as if they have inherited the remaining number of AT execution rights that remained at the end of the previous advantageous period when the player achieves a series of wins in a so-called AT state across a non-advantageous period. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The present invention will be described below. For the purpose of facilitating understanding of the invention, reference numerals and other symbols from the attached drawings are indicated in parentheses; however, this does not mean that the present invention is limited to the forms shown.

[0010] The first invention, a slot machine (1), An instruction means that in a target game where the result of an internal lottery process that derives one lottery result from multiple types of lottery results is a specific result, instructs the player on the method of playing that will yield the greatest profit, A section control means for controlling the transition between a non-favorable section in which the instruction means cannot be operated and a favorable section in which the instruction means can be operated. A limiter means that, when the difference in the number of medals during the advantageous period reaches a limiter value, forcibly terminates the advantageous period and returns to a non-advantageous period, An AT continuation right granting means that, when the granting conditions are met in the advantageous period, grants an AT continuation right that is consumed in accordance with the continuation of the AT period (AT state) in which the instruction means is activated in the instructed game, A slot machine (1) is equipped with a remaining AT continuation rights display means that determines a display value indicating the number of AT continuation rights that have not yet been used and displays it on a display device, The advantageous section includes a non-AT section in which the instruction means is not activated in the instructed game, and the non-AT section includes a normal section (normal state) and a special section (CZ state, continuation preparation zone state, special zone state, and SP zone state) in which the expected value of the AT continuation right granted by the AT continuation right granting means is greater than that of the normal section. The aforementioned interval control means is A special section initiation control that initiates the special section based on the fact that the transition conditions are met in the aforementioned AT section (AT state), or that a transition has been made from the aforementioned non-advantageous section to the aforementioned advantageous section, Based on the determination that the activation time of the limiter means is approaching in the aforementioned AT section (AT state), a forced fall-back control is executed, which causes the vehicle to fall into the unfavorable section (even if the right to continue the AT remains), and then, after passing through the special section that begins with the transition to the favorable section, the vehicle starts the AT section again. The AT continuation right granting means is configured to grant at least N(8) AT continuation rights during the advantageous period until the AT section (AT state) is started by the forced fall recovery control. The remaining AT continuation rights display means is characterized by suppressing the displayed value immediately before the forced fall recovery control to N(8) or less. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, when a player achieves a series of wins in a so-called AT state across a non-advantageous period, it is possible to provide a slot machine that makes the player feel as if they have inherited the remaining number of AT execution rights that remained at the end of the previous advantageous period. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a slot machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a magnified view of the area around the game ball dispensing device 5 of slot machine 1. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of slot machine 1. [Figure 4] This is an enlarged view of the coin count display 10 and the instruction monitor NM of slot machine 1. [Figure 5] This diagram shows slot machine 1 installed in pachinko hall 301 and connected to an external device. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the arrangement of symbols depicted on the sides (reel strips) of the left, middle, and right reels of slot machine 1. [Figure 7] This diagram illustrates the symbol stopping positions and winning lines of slot machine 1. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows the flow of various processes from the start to the end of a game in slot machine 1. [Figure 9]In the slot machine 1, it is a table showing winning symbol combinations and bonuses / payouts for winning combinations of winning eligible roles. [Figure 10] In the internal lottery process of the slot machine 1, it is a table showing lottery values for each lottery category for each set value and advantageous interval transition roles. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing the transition of the game state in the slot machine 1. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart representing the process flow of the non-advantageous interval of the slot machine 1. [Figure 13] It is a flowchart representing the process flow of the advantageous interval of the slot machine 1. [Figure 14] It is a flowchart representing the process flow of the normal state of the slot machine 1. [Figure 15] It is a lottery table regarding the winning probability of the AT state of the slot machine 1 and the CZ state transition lottery. [Figure 16] It is a flowchart showing the process flow during the CZ state of the slot machine 1. [Figure 17] It is a lottery table regarding the winning probability of the CZ state middle AT continuation right number lottery of the slot machine 1. [Figure 18] It is a flowchart showing the process flow during the AT state of the slot machine 1. [Figure 19] It is a lottery table regarding the winning probability of the AT state middle AT continuation right number lottery of the slot machine 1. [Figure 20] It is a flowchart showing the process flow during the continuation preparation zone state of the slot machine 1. [Figure 21] It is a lottery table regarding the winning probability of the continuation preparation zone state middle AT continuation right number lottery of the slot machine 1. [Figure 22] It is a flowchart showing the process flow during the specialization zone state of the slot machine 1. [Figure 23] It is a lottery table regarding the winning probability of the specialization zone state middle AT continuation right number lottery of the slot machine 1. [Figure 24]This is a flowchart showing the processing flow during the SP Zone state of slot machine 1. [Figure 25] This is a lottery table regarding the probability of winning the AT continuation rights lottery while in the SP Zone state of slot machine 1. [Figure 26] These are the screens displayed on the LCD display 16 of slot machine 1 during AT mode, special zone mode, SP zone mode, CZ mode, and continuation preparation zone mode. [Figure 27] This is an example of a screen pattern displayed on the LCD display 16 when slot machine 1 transitions from the AT state to the SP zone state and then to a new AT state. [Figure 28] This is a flowchart relating to the screen processing during the SP zone state displayed on the LCD display 16 of slot machine 1. [Figure 29] This is the animation screen displayed on the LCD display 16 of slot machine 1 during the AT (Automatic Trigger) state. [Figure 30] This is the animation screen displayed on the LCD display 16 of slot machine 1 during the SP zone state. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] <1. Definition of Terms>

[0014] The terms used in this specification are explained below.

[0015] "Gaming medium" refers to the electromagnetic tokens or balls used in gaming machines. "Credits" refers to the number of gaming mediums electrically or magnetically stored in a gaming machine, and the number of credits is called the "number of credits."

[0016] "Bet" refers to placing a bet using game currency to start a game. The betted game currency is consumed as soon as the game begins. The number of game currency bet to start the game is called the "number of bets." A "bet button" is a device that a player operates to place a bet.

[0017] "Gameplay" refers to the entire process from operating the start lever, through the rotation and stopping of the reels, to the completion of the processing based on the result of the prize determination. "One game" or "one play" refers to one instance of this entire process. Sometimes, "game" is used instead of "gameplay."

[0018] A "winning line" refers to a specific combination of symbols whose positions determine whether a winning combination is achieved. Depending on the bet placed, the winning line changes from an invalid state to an active state.

[0019] "Winning a prize" refers to a combination of symbols corresponding to a winning combination stopping and appearing on the winning line. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] <2. External structure of the gaming machine> Figure 1 is a perspective view of a slot machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The slot machine 1 comprises a box-shaped body 2 with an open front and a front door 3 provided to open and close the front of the body 2. Inside the body 2, the left reel R1, the middle reel R2, and the right reel R3 are arranged side by side, slightly above the center in the vertical direction. The left reel R1, the middle reel R2, and the right reel R3 have a configuration in which a reel strip is wrapped around the circumferential surface of a drum-shaped reel frame, and are provided to be rotatable around an axis extending horizontally from the center of the reel frame. Twenty symbols are arranged circumferentially on the reel strip.

[0021] The front door 3 is equipped with an operating unit 4, a display panel unit 9, and a liquid crystal display 16. The display panel unit 9 is positioned opposite the left reel R1, the middle reel R2, and the right reel R3. A reel window 8 is provided in the center of the display panel unit 9 to allow visibility of a portion of the periphery of the left reel R1, the middle reel R2, and the right reel R3. While the left reel R1, middle reel R2, and right reel R3 are spinning, the symbols for the left reel R1, middle reel R2, and right reel R3 appear one after another in the reel window 8 (symbol variation display). When the left reel R1, middle reel R2, and right reel R3 stop, the three symbols for each of the left reel R1, middle reel R2, and right reel R3, a total of nine symbols, are displayed in the reel window 8 (symbol stop display).

[0022] Below the reel window 8, a coin count indicator 10 is located. The coin count indicator 10 consists of a 3-digit 7-segment display with dots. The 3-digit segments also serve as the indicator monitor NM.

[0023] The front door 3 has an operating section 4 located below the display panel unit 9. The operating section 4 is equipped with a game token count display device 5, a single-coin bet button 7, a MAX bet button 11, a start lever 12, a left stop button 15L, a middle stop button 15C, a right stop button 15R, and a payout button 17.

[0024] Furthermore, in the center of the control unit 4, there are special action buttons PB and a directional pad JK that prompt the player to operate when a player-intervention type special effect is performed on the LCD display 16.

[0025] Furthermore, the front door 3, below the control panel 4, houses a display panel 14 that shows the model name of the slot machine 1, a pair of speakers 6L and 6R that output sound effects to enhance the atmosphere during gameplay, and a tray 13.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the game token display device 5 is equipped with a credit display 5a that shows the current number of credits on the slot machine 1, and a counting button 5b that is operated when returning credits to the token dispensing device 60, which will be described later.

[0027] Returning to Figure 1, the MAX bet button 11 is a button used to set the bet to the maximum of 3 coins by deducting coins from the credit.

[0028] Button 7, the single-bet button, is used to add 1 to the bet amount by deducting tokens from the credit.

[0029] The start lever 12 is the lever operated when starting a game. After the required number of game tokens for one game (hereinafter referred to as the specified number) has been bet, when the start lever 12 is operated, the left reel R1, the middle reel R2, and the right reel R3 begin to rotate.

[0030] The left stop button 15L corresponds to the left reel R1, the middle stop button 15C corresponds to the middle reel R2, and the right stop button 15R corresponds to the right reel R3. These buttons are used to stop the corresponding reels R1, R2, and R3. For example, if the left stop button 15L is pressed while the left reel R1 is rotating, the rotation of the left reel R1 will stop.

[0031] The medal count display 10 shows the number of medals won through winning.

[0032] The payout button 17 is used to return the number of medals bet by the MAX bet button 11 and the 1-coin bet button 7 back into credits. When the payout button 17 is operated while medals are bet, the number of medals bet at that time is added to the credits, and the number of medals bet becomes zero.

[0033] Above the display panel unit 9, a liquid crystal display 16 is positioned to display visual effects and other information that correspond to the progress of the game.

[0034] Decorative lamps 18L, 18C, and 18R are provided around the LCD display 16 to enhance the atmosphere during gameplay through illumination.

[0035] <3. Electrical Configuration of Gaming Machines> Next, I will explain the electrical configuration of the gaming machine. <3-1. Electrical Configuration of Gaming Machines (Main Control Device)> Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of slot machine 1.

[0036] Slot machine 1 is equipped with a main control device 100 that controls the gameplay and a sub-control device 101 that controls the effects associated with the gameplay.

[0037] The main control device 100 comprises a main control unit 100a and a payout control unit 100b. Both the main control unit 100a and the payout control unit 100b are composed of a single-chip microcontroller. The payout control unit 100b specializes in credit-related processing. On the other hand, the main control unit 100a controls all aspects of game control except for credit-related processing.

[0038] The input / output ports of the main control unit 100a are connected to the following: MAX bet button 11, 1-coin bet button 7, start lever 12, left stop button 15L, middle stop button 15C, right stop button 15R, payout button 17, acquired coins display 10, left reel sensor 54L, middle reel sensor 54C, right reel sensor 54R, left reel motor 51L, middle reel motor 51C, right reel motor 51R, setting change switch 20, setting change button 21, payout control unit 100b, and sub-control device 101.

[0039] When any of the MAX bet button 11, 1-coin bet button 7, start lever 12, left stop button 15L, middle stop button 15C, right stop button 15R, or payout button 17 is operated, an operation signal is output from a switch (not shown) built into it, and this operation signal is input to the main control unit 100a.

[0040] When the start lever 12 is operated, the main control unit 100a outputs drive pulse signals to the left reel motor 51L, the middle reel motor 51C, and the right reel motor 51R, causing the left reel R1, the middle reel R2, and the right reel R3 to start rotating. Each time the left reel R1, the middle reel R2, and the right reel R3 rotate once, a detection signal is output from the left reel sensor 54L, the middle reel sensor 54C, and the right reel sensor 54R, respectively, and this detection signal is input to the main control unit 100a. The main control unit 100a constantly monitors the rotational positions of the left reel R1, middle reel R2, and right reel R3 based on the reel drive control details of the left reel R1, middle reel R2, and right reel R3, as well as detection signals from the left reel sensor 54L, middle reel sensor 54C, and right reel sensor 54R.

[0041] Subsequently, when any of the left stop button 15L, middle stop button 15C, or right stop button 15R is pressed, the main control unit 100a determines the stopping position based on the rotational position of the reels R1, R2, and R3 corresponding to the pressed stop button 15L, 15C, or 15R. When the rotational position of the corresponding reels R1, R2, and R3 reaches the stopping position, the main control unit 100a stops outputting drive pulse signals to the reel motors 51L, 51C, and 51R, thereby stopping the corresponding reels R1, R2, and R3 (reel stop control).

[0042] In reel stop control, after the left stop button 15L, middle stop button 15C, and right stop button 15R are operated, the rotation of the left reel R1, middle reel R2, and right reel R3 is stopped within a predetermined maximum number of retracted frames (for example, 4 frames) or less.

[0043] When the game starts by operating the start lever 12, the main control unit 100a obtains a random number and performs an internal lottery with multiple winning combinations as targets. If no winning combination is won in the internal lottery, the reel stop control prevents the nine symbols (three symbols each on the left reel R1, middle reel R2, and right reel R3) that are stopped and displayed in the reel window 8 from forming a winning combination, and no winning combination is awarded. When a winning combination that pays out medals as a reward is awarded, the main control unit 100a displays the number of medals awarded on the medal count display unit 10 and transmits the number of medals awarded information to the payout control unit 100b.

[0044] The setting change switch 20 and setting change button 21 are located inside the main unit 2, and by selecting a setting value of 1 from six levels ranging from 1 to 6, the payout rate of the slot machine 1 can be set to high or low. The higher the setting value, the higher the payout rate. The setting change switch 20 is a key switch that is turned on by inserting a setting key and rotating it clockwise, and the setting change button 21 is a push button.

[0045] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the coin count display 10 of slot machine 1.

[0046] To select (change) a setting value, first, with the front door 3 open, insert the setting key into the setting change switch 20 and rotate it clockwise to change the operating mode of the slot machine 1 to setting change mode. When in setting change mode, the current setting value is displayed on the acquired coins display 10. Also, in setting change mode, each time the setting change button 21 is pressed, the setting value displayed on the acquired coins display 10 is incremented by 1 if it is between 1 and 5, and returns to 1 if it is 6. In this way, the desired setting value can be selected by operating the setting change button while checking the setting value displayed on the acquired coins display 10. With the desired setting value displayed on the acquired coins display 10, the selection (change) of the setting value is completed by operating the start lever 12. Then, rotate the setting key inserted into the setting change switch 20 counterclockwise to return the operating mode to normal (game) mode, and remove the setting key from the setting change switch to complete the selection (change) of the setting value.

[0047] The input / output ports of the payout control unit 100b are connected to the game ball dispensing device connection terminal board 30, the credit count indicator 5a, and the counting button 5b. The current number of credits is displayed on the credit display unit 5a. A token dispensing device 60, which dispenses game tokens to the slot machine 1, is connected to the game ball dispensing device connection terminal board 30. The counting button 5b is used to return credits from slot machine 1 to the medal dispensing device 60. By pressing and holding the counting button 5b for a set amount of time, one credit is deducted, and one game medal is returned to the medal dispensing device 60. In other words, the number of credits returned can be adjusted by how long the counting button 5b is held down.

[0048] Figure 5 shows the slot machine 1 installed in the pachinko hall 301 and connected to an external device. Slot machine 1 outputs information (hereinafter referred to as "operation information") from the game ball dispensing device connection terminal board 30, including input information related to the number of tokens inserted for gameplay, output information related to the number of tokens dispensed as a result of gameplay, and special prize information indicating whether or not the player is in a special prize period (e.g., during a bonus game) that is advantageous to the player. Operation information is transmitted from the token dispensing device 60, which is connected to the game ball dispensing device connection terminal board 30 of slot machine 1, to the hall computer 62 via the relay board 61.

[0049] Meanwhile, information regarding the amount of money inserted into the medal dispensing device 60 for medal lending is transmitted from the medal dispensing device 60 to the hall computer 62, and also to the management computer company 302 via the management computer 63. The management computer company 302 provides this data to the gaming machine management center 303 to strengthen security against fraud and to enhance measures against gambling addiction.

[0050] Returning to Figure 3, the main control unit 100a sends the necessary control signals as commands to the sub-control device 101.

[0051] <3-2. Electrical Configuration of Gaming Machines (Sub-Control Devices)> The sub-control device 101 is responsible for controlling the effects associated with the game. The input / output ports of the sub-control device 101 are connected to the main control unit 100a, the liquid crystal display 16, the effect button PB, the directional pad JK, the decorative lamps 18L, 18C, 18R, and the speakers 6L, 6R.

[0052] The sub-control device 101 controls the display content of the liquid crystal display 16 related to game-related effects, etc., based on commands from the main control unit 100a, the operation of the effect button PB, and the operation of the directional keys JK. It also controls the lighting effects using decorative lamps 18L, 18C, and 18R, as well as the background music and sound effects output from speakers 6L and 6R, as one component of the effects.

[0053] <4. Explanation of Reel Arrangement and Stopping Position> Figure 6 shows the arrangement of symbols on the left reel R1, the middle reel R2, and the right reel R3.

[0054] Each of the reel strips on the left reel (R1), middle reel (R2), and right reel (R3) has 20 symbols arranged on it, and each of the 20 symbols on reels R1 to R3 is assigned a symbol number from "1" to "20".

[0055] The reel band on the left reel R1 has the following symbols arranged in this order: "Cherry", "Blank A", "Replay", "Bell A", "Watermelon", "Cherry", "Bar", "Replay", "Bell A", "Watermelon", "Blank C", "Blank B", "Replay", "Bell A", "Watermelon", "Cherry", "Red 7", "Replay", "Bell A", and "Watermelon". Each of these symbols is associated with a symbol number from "1" to "20".

[0056] The reel band of the middle reel R2 has the following symbols arranged in this order: "Replay", "Blank A", "Bell B", "Watermelon", "Bell A", "Replay", "Bar", "Bell B", "Watermelon", "Bell A", "Replay", "Cherry", "Bell B", "Watermelon", "Bell A", "Replay", "Red 7", "Bell B", "Watermelon", and "Bell A". Each of these symbols is associated with a symbol number from "1" to "20".

[0057] The reel band on the right reel R3 has the following symbols arranged in this order: "Replay", "Blank A", "Watermelon", "Bell B", "Bell A", "Replay", "Bar", "Watermelon", "Bell B", "Bell A", "Replay", "Cherry", "Watermelon", "Bell B", "Bell A", "Replay", "Red 7", "Watermelon", "Bell B", and "Bell A". Each of these symbols is associated with a symbol number from "1" to "20".

[0058] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the stopping positions of the symbols and the winning lines.

[0059] When the left reel R1 stops, one symbol will stop at each of the symbol stopping positions PL1, PL2, and PL3, which are arranged vertically within the reel window 8. When the middle reel R2 stops, one symbol will stop at each of the symbol stopping positions PC1, PC2, and PC3, which are arranged vertically within the reel window 8. When the right reel R3 stops, one symbol will stop at each of the symbol stopping positions PR1, PR2, and PR3, which are arranged vertically within the reel window 8.

[0060] Slot machine 1 is a so-called single-line machine, where the winning line NL is the middle line L1 connecting the symbol stopping positions PL2, PC2, and PR2. Hereinafter, the line connecting the three symbol stop positions PL1, PC1, and PR1 that are aligned horizontally in the upper row of the reel window 8 is called the upper line L2, the line connecting the three symbol stop positions PL3, PC3, and PR3 that are aligned horizontally in the lower row is called the lower line L3, the line connecting the three symbol stop positions PL1, PC2, and PR3 that are aligned on a downward-sloping diagonal line is called the downward-sloping line L4, and the line connecting the three symbol stop positions PL3, PC2, and PR1 that are aligned on an upward-sloping diagonal line is called the upward-sloping line L5.

[0061] <5.1 Explanation of the game> Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the general flow of one game executed by the main control device 100 of slot machine 1.

[0062] <5-1. Processing Flow>

[0063] <5-1-1. Betting> First, set the bet amount (S101) by operating the single bet button 7, the MAX bet button 11, or by hitting a re-spin winning combination.

[0064] Specifically, when the single-bet button 7 is pressed, the main control unit 100, if the current number of bets is less than or equal to the maximum number allowed for that game and there are remaining credits, subtracts 1 from the credits and adds 1 to the number of bets. Also, when the maximum bet button 11 is pressed, the main control unit 100, if there are remaining credits, subtracts the required number from the credits and sets the number of bets to the maximum number allowed for that game. Furthermore, if a re-play bonus is won, the main control unit 100 performs an automatic betting process that, without deducting from the credits, bets the same amount that was bet in that game again in the next game.

[0065] <5-1-2. Lever reception processing> The main control unit 100 starts the game when it receives an operation of the start lever 12 with the number of bets set to a predetermined number (S102). On the other hand, if the start lever 12 is operated when the number of bets is less than the predetermined number, the game will not start.

[0066] <5-1-3. Internal Lottery Process> The main control unit 100 acquires a random value when the game starts and performs an internal lottery process to determine information for deriving the game result based on the random value (S103).

[0067] <5-1-4. AT-related lottery processing> The main control unit 100 acquires a random value when the game starts, and based on this random value, it executes various lottery processes related to AT, i.e., AT-related lottery processes, based on the game state and the results of the internal lottery process (S104). AT refers to a state in which the instruction function is activated, which provides guidance necessary for winning advantageous combinations among the combinations won through internal lottery. Specifically, the player is instructed on the order in which to press the stop buttons located on the left, middle, and right reels. By operating the stop buttons in the instructed order, the player can ensure that advantageous combinations are won without missing any, and receive the payout for those combinations.

[0068] <5-1-5. Slot Machine Animation Processing> After the AT-related lottery process is executed, slot machine 1 performs a spinning animation using each reel R1 to R3 based on the result of the AT-related lottery process (S105). The reel animation initiates a freeze state that temporarily delays the game's progress, and during this freeze state, it performs a simulated game process that rotates each reel R1 to R3 and prompts the player to stop each reel R1 to R3 by causing it to vibrate.

[0069] <5-1-6. Instruction Monitor Display Processing> When the instruction function is activated, slot machine 1 displays identification information corresponding to the activation of the instruction function on the instruction monitor NM (S106). The activation of the instruction function is determined by the game state, the lottery category won by the internal lottery process, and the lottery for activation of the instruction function. The operation of the instruction function will be described later.

[0070] <5-1-7. Reel rotation processing> After the internal lottery process is completed, the main control device 100 rotates the left reel R1, the middle reel R2, and the right reel R3 respectively in order to change the symbols placed on each reel R1 to R3 (S107).

[0071] Furthermore, the reel animation and reel rotation process for the left reel R1, middle reel R2, and right reel R3 in the next game will not begin until 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the start of rotation of the left reel R1, middle reel R2, and right reel R3 in the previous game. This ensures that the time taken for one game is maintained at 4.1 seconds or more.

[0072] <5-1-8. Reel Stop Processing> When the stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R are operated while the reels R1, R2, and R3 are rotating, the main control device 100 determines a stopping position based on the rotational positions of R1, R2, and R3 corresponding to the operated stop button 15L, 15C, and 15R, and the internal lottery result, and stops the rotational movement of the corresponding R1, R2, and R3 at the determined stopping position (S108).

[0073] <5-1-9. Pattern Recognition Process> After all reels R1, R2, and R3 have stopped, the main control device 100 determines whether the symbol combination displayed on the winning line corresponds to one of several predetermined symbol combinations that are to be judged (S109).

[0074] <5-1-10. Instruction Monitor Light Off Process> After the slot machine 1 performs the symbol determination process, if it was displaying identification information on the instruction monitor NM, it performs the process of turning off the instruction monitor NM (S110). In other words, the instruction monitor NM is a monitor that is displayed during gameplay when the instruction function is activated and turns off when the game ends.

[0075] <5-1-11. Medal Dispensing Process> The main control device 100, when it determines that a winning combination of symbols for a minor role has stopped and been displayed among several types of target symbol combinations, executes a payout process for the number of medals awarded for the winning minor role (S111). The slot machine 1 is a so-called smart pachislo, which does not use medals as game medals, and instead uses electromagnetic methods to lend out or acquire game medals through winning, or to make game medals available for gameplay. Therefore, it simply adds the number of payout medals to the number of credits and does not actually pay out any medals.

[0076] <5-1-12. State Transition Process> If the main control device 100 determines, as a result of the pattern determination process, that the conditions for transitioning to a new game state have been met, it transitions to a new game state (S112).

[0077] <5-2. Details of the internal lottery process> Next, the details of the internal lottery process in the slot machine 1 will be described. The internal lottery process is a process for determining, by lottery, a winning-eligible combination from a plurality of predetermined combinations.

[0078] In the slot machine 1, the combinations subject to the internal lottery include bonus combinations, replay combinations, and minor combinations. The bonus combination is a combination that retains its winning status until a win occurs in subsequent games even if the win is nullified in the selected game, and when a win occurs, a bonus game state is started from the next game.

[0079] In contrast, the replay combination and the minor combination are combinations whose winning status disappears when all reels R1, R2, and R3 stop and one game ends. Also, the minor combination is a combination for which medals are paid out upon winning, and the replay combination is a combination for which the next game can be executed without betting medals upon winning.

[0080] Fig. 9 is a table showing the lottery categories, types, and symbol combinations at the time of winning in the internal lottery process.

[0081] The slot machine 1 is equipped with a plurality of types of RT states with different specifications of the internal lottery process, i.e., lottery tables. Specifically, the plurality of types of RT states are a non-internal-middle state that is an RT state in which the bonus combination is not won, an internal-middle state that is an RT state in which the bonus combination win is carried over, and a bonus state that is an RT state during the bonus game. The slot machine 1 is an AT machine that basically stays in either the non-internal-middle state or the internal-middle state.

[0082] In the internal lottery process of slot machine 1, as shown in Figure 9, a total of 31 types of lottery categories are set as targets for the lottery: BB, normal replay 1, normal replay 2, red 7 replay 1, red 7 replay 2, SR replay, watermelon replay, weak chance replay, strong cherry replay, strong chance replay, weak cherry, common bell, push order bell A1-A8, push order bell B1-B8, BB mid-minor role A, BB mid-minor role B, and BB mid-minor role C.

[0083] The BB lottery category is a lottery category in which a bonus role, or more specifically, a continuous activation device for a special role of type 1 as defined in the regulations related to gaming machines, is won alone. The winning symbol combination for the bonus role is set to a combination in which blank C, blank A, and blank A symbols are lined up from left to right on the middle line L1. When the bonus role is won, the bonus game starts from the next game. The bonus game ends when more than 140 medals are paid out. Slot machine 1 employs a reel stop control that prioritizes the winning of the minor role or replay role over the bonus role in games in which a bonus role and a minor role are won simultaneously, and in games in which a bonus role and a replay role are won simultaneously. Furthermore, since slot machine 1 employs a specification in which a minor role or replay role is always won during the bonus internal state, the only opportunity to win the bonus role is in games in which the BB lottery category is won alone during non-bonus internal state, and the probability of winning BB alone is extremely low, so it is rare for the bonus role to be won.

[0084] Normal Replay 1, Normal Replay 2, Red 7 Replay 1, Red 7 Replay 2, SR Replay, Watermelon Replay, Weak Chance Replay, Strong Cherry Replay, and Strong Chance Replay are lottery categories related to replay symbols, each with different combinations of multiple types of replay symbols that can be won simultaneously. In games where a lottery category related to replay symbols is won, one of the replay symbols will be awarded regardless of the timing and order of the reel stopping operations. In games where Normal Replay 1 is won, the replay symbols will line up on one of the five lines L1 to L5 shown in Figure 5, regardless of the timing and order of the reel stopping operations. Hereafter, the alignment of the replay symbols on one of the five lines L1 to L5 shown in Figure 5 will be referred to as the replay symbols aligning. In games where Normal Replay 2 is won, if the left stop button 15L is operated first (hereinafter referred to as Left 1st), the replay symbols will line up regardless of the timing and order of the reel stopping operations. If the first stop button other than the left stop button 15L is operated, in other words, the middle stop button 15C or the right stop button 15R (hereinafter referred to as "other than left 1st"), and the reel stop operation is performed at a timing when the red 7 symbol can be drawn into the middle line L1, the red 7 symbol will stop on PC2 and PC3 as shown in Figure 5, and the red 7 symbol will not stop on PL2, resulting in a characteristic display of what is known as a missed red 7 combination.

[0085] In games where either Red 7 Replay 1 or Red 7 Replay 2 is won, if the left reel is stopped first, the replay symbols will line up regardless of the timing of the reel stop operation or the order of subsequent operations. If the left reel is not stopped first, if the reel stop operation is performed at a timing that allows the Red 7 symbol to be drawn into the middle line L1, the characteristic display of the Red 7 symbol alignment will be shown on the middle line L1.

[0086] During the Chance Zone (hereinafter referred to as CZ), as described later, in games in which a normal replay 2, red 7 replay 1, or red 7 replay 2 is won, the instruction "Aim for the red 7 symbol by pressing the buttons in reverse order!" is displayed on the LCD display 16. If the player performs the reel stopping operation in accordance with this instruction, in games in which a normal replay 2 is won, the red 7 symbol will be lined up on the middle line L1 but will not align, and in games in which a red 7 replay 1 or red 7 replay 2 is won, the red 7 symbol will align on the middle line L1. In addition, slot machine 1 is a so-called penalty machine that imposes an unfavorable penalty on the player if the reel stopping operation is performed in an order other than left 1st during normal play outside of AT mode, so during normal play the player basically proceeds with the game by pressing the buttons in order. For this reason, in games in normal play in which a normal replay 2, red 7 replay 1, or red 7 replay 2 is won, the replay symbols will align. A lottery category for replays configured such that the outcome differs depending on the order in which the replay is stopped, such as Normal Replay 2, Red 7 Replay 1, and Red 7 Replay 2, will be referred to below as a push-order replay.

[0087] SR Replay is also a push-order replay. In the game in which an SR Replay is won, if the reel stop operation is performed with the left button first and at a timing that allows the bar symbol to be drawn into the middle line L1, a distinctive display of aligned bar symbols will be shown on the middle line L1. On the other hand, if the left button is not first, the replay symbols will line up regardless of the timing of the reel stop operation or the subsequent operation order.

[0088] In games where a Watermelon Replay is won, regardless of the timing and order of reel stopping operations, the watermelon symbol will line up on one of the five lines L1 to L5 shown in Figure 7. In games where a Weak Chance Replay is won, regardless of the timing and order of reel stopping operations, a Weak Chance symbol will be displayed. Specifically, Weak Chance symbols include a middle reel replay that doesn't line up, an upper reel bell that doesn't line up, etc.

[0089] Strong Cherry Replay is also a push-order replay. In the game in which a Strong Cherry Replay is won, if the reels are stopped with the left button first and at a timing that allows the cherry symbol to land on the lower line L3, the distinctive cherry symbol alignment will be displayed on the lower line L3. On the other hand, if the left button is not first, the replay symbols will align regardless of the timing of the reel stop operation or the subsequent operation order.

[0090] In games where a strong chance replay is won, a strong chance symbol will be displayed regardless of the timing or order of reel stopping operations. Specifically, the strong chance symbol is a diagonal watermelon combination that doesn't line up.

[0091] Weak Cherry, Common Bell, Push Order Bell A1-A8, Push Order Bell B1-B8, BB Small Win A, BB Small Win B, and BB Small Win C are all categories of small wins where multiple types of small wins with different combinations can be won simultaneously. The Weak Cherry is a small win that may or may not be awarded depending on the timing of the reel stopping operation, and if awarded, 3 medals are paid out. When awarded, the cherry symbol stops on the lower left reel (PL3 in Figure 7). The Common Bell is a small win that is awarded regardless of the timing of the reel stopping operation, and if awarded, 3 medals are paid out. When awarded, the bell symbol aligns on the upper line L2.

[0092] The push-order bells A1-A8 and B1-B8 are so-called push-order small wins, where the correct stopping operation is predetermined to award the small win with the highest payout among multiple types of small wins that can be won simultaneously. If the correct stopping operation is performed, a small win with a payout of 9 coins is awarded, while if the correct stopping operation is not performed, a small win with a payout of 1 coin is awarded or the win is missed. As mentioned above, slot machine 1 is a so-called penalty machine, so the correct stopping operation is set to something other than left 1st, and conditions are also imposed on the timing of the stopping operation of the first reel to be stopped (hereinafter referred to as the first stop reel). In other words, during AT, the correct stopping operation is notified to the player by indicating the order of stopping operations and the symbol to aim for on the first stop reel. Figure 9 shows the correct stopping operations for push-order bells A1-A8 and B1-B8. Specifically, the symbol to aim for when the reels first stop is shown before the underscore (_), and the stopping sequence is shown after the underscore (_). Red / black indicates that the symbol to aim for is the red 7 symbol / bar symbol, respectively.

[0093] As can be seen in Figure 6, in all of the reels R1 to R3, the red 7 symbol is positioned at symbol number 17 and the bar symbol at symbol number 7, that is, 10 symbols (frames) apart. In other words, the red 7 symbol and the bar symbol are positioned 180 degrees opposite each other in all of the reels R1 to R3. Therefore, the red 7 symbol can be stopped in the reel window 8 when the stop operation is performed at the timing when the symbols corresponding to symbol numbers 11 to 20 pass through the middle line L1 (hereinafter referred to as the first timing), and similarly, the bar symbol can be stopped in the reel window 8 when the stop operation is performed at the timing when the symbols corresponding to symbol numbers 1 to 10 pass through the middle line L1 (hereinafter referred to as the second timing). Therefore, in the description of the correct stopping operation in Figure 7, "red" indicates that the stopping timing for the first reel to be stopped is the first timing, and similarly, "black" indicates that the stopping timing for the first reel to be stopped is the second timing.

[0094] In games where a player wins either a push-order bell A1-A8 or a push-order bell B1-B8, if the correct stop operation corresponding to the type of push-order bell won is performed, a small win with a payout of 9 coins is awarded. If the operation is not performed, a small win with a payout of 1 coin is awarded, or the win is missed.

[0095] BB mid-bonus win A, BB mid-bonus win B, and BB mid-bonus win C are wins that are drawn only during the bonus state described above. BB mid-bonus win A is a draw category in which all wins with a payout of 15 coins are drawn simultaneously, included in the draw categories for non-internal mid-state and internal mid-state. BB mid-bonus win B is a draw category in which all wins with a payout of 3 coins are drawn simultaneously, included in the draw categories for non-internal mid-state and internal mid-state. BB mid-bonus win C is a draw category in which all wins with a payout of 1 coin are drawn simultaneously, included in the draw categories for non-internal mid-state and internal mid-state.

[0096] Figure 10 shows the contents of the lottery table used in the internal lottery process for each of the three RT states described above. Figure 10 shows the lottery values ​​for each lottery category for setting value 1 for each RT state. Since the range of random values ​​in the internal lottery process is 0 to 65535, the probability of winning each lottery category can be calculated by the lottery value / 65536. Since there is no difference between the non-internal state and the internal state except for the lottery values ​​for lottery category BB and normal replay 1, the lottery values ​​for the internal state are shown in parentheses in Figure 10. A detailed explanation of Figure 10 is omitted.

[0097] Furthermore, slot machine 1 has a feature that triggers a transition to the advantageous section, provided that a win occurs during the non-advantageous section. As shown in Figure 10, the game transitions to the advantageous section when the internal lottery result is anything other than winning the lottery category Normal Replay 1, outside of the bonus state. In the case of lottery category Normal Replay 1, even if this lottery category is won, it is set as a feature that prevents transition to the advantageous section, meaning the section state cannot be transitioned to the advantageous section. As shown in Figure 10, the probability of winning Normal Replay 1 is extremely low in both cases: 4 / 65536 in the non-internal state and 8 / 65536 in the internal state. Since any other result transitions to the advantageous section, after falling out of the non-advantageous section, the game basically returns to the advantageous section in the next game. Note that even if a feature that prevents transition to the advantageous section is won during the advantageous section, the section state will not be transitioned to the non-advantageous section.

[0098] <6. Detailed explanation of the game> Next, we will explain the details of playing slot machine 1.

[0099] <6-1. Regarding the game period (non-advantageous period, advantageous period)> Slot machine 1 is equipped with an instruction function that instructs the correct stop operation to obtain the maximum payout in games in which a player wins one of the push-order bells A1-A8 or push-order bells B1-B8. When the instruction function is activated, in games in which a player wins one of the push-order bells A1-A8 or push-order bells B1-B8, the main control unit 100a transmits type information that allows the type of push-order bell that was won to the sub-control unit 101, and identification information corresponding to this type information is displayed on the instruction monitor NM. Based on the type information from the main control unit 100a, the sub-control unit 101 notifies the player of the correct stop operation by displaying it on the liquid crystal display 16 or by outputting sound from speakers 6L and 6R. From now on, when the main control unit 100a displays the identification information on the instruction monitor NM and transmits the type information to the sub-control unit 101, this is referred to as the activation of the instruction function.

[0100] The interval states related to the instruction function are broadly divided into non-advantageous intervals where the instruction function cannot be operated and advantageous intervals where the instruction function can be operated. During non-advantageous intervals, an advantageous interval transition lottery is conducted according to the results of an internal lottery process, and if the advantageous interval transition lottery is won, the system transitions to an advantageous interval. In slot machine 1, when the game is in the normal state, it is configured to allow players to stay in both the non-advantageous and advantageous periods. On the other hand, in each state other than the normal state, the game is configured to allow players to stay only in the advantageous period, and it is not possible to stay in the non-advantageous period. Furthermore, in slot machine 1, even during the advantageous period, the instruction function is set not to activate if the game state is anything other than AT state.

[0101] Furthermore, slot machine 1 is equipped with a limiter function related to the advantageous period. Specifically, the limiter function forcibly ends the advantageous period and drops the player into the non-advantageous period if the difference in the number of tokens during the advantageous period (the difference between the number of game tokens acquired and the number of game tokens inserted during the advantageous period) exceeds 2400 tokens. For this reason, during the advantageous period, a process is executed to count the difference in tokens for each game, and a process is executed to determine whether the count has reached 2400 tokens or not. Specifically, in the process of counting the difference in tokens, for each game during the advantageous period, the number of tokens paid out in that game is added to the current difference in tokens counter (if a re-play is awarded, the number of game tokens inserted to execute the game (number inserted) is added as the number of tokens paid out), and the number of tokens inserted in that game is subtracted.

[0102] Furthermore, in slot machine 1, in order to prevent the advantageous period from being abruptly and forcibly terminated by the aforementioned limiter function during AT state, an SP zone flag is set when it is determined that the time for the limiter function to activate is approaching, and the system processes whether or not to terminate the advantageous period depending on whether or not the SP zone flag is set. The SP zone flag will be explained later.

[0103] <6-1-1. Non-Advantageous Period> Here, the processing flow during the non-advantageous period of slot machine 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 12.

[0104] During the non-advantageous period, an internal lottery process is first executed in step S1201. The internal lottery process described below includes the internal lottery process (S103) shown in Figure 8. Returning to Figure 12, in the next step S1202, it is determined whether or not the advantageous section transition role has been won, depending on the result of the internal lottery process. If it is determined to be no, it returns to step S1201. If it is determined to be yes, in the next step S1203, various initial settings associated with the start of the advantageous section are set to 0, including the number of AT continuation rights, the number of games in the advantageous section, the number of coins entered in the advantageous section, the number of coins exited in the advantageous section, and the difference in coins in the advantageous section, and the section state is set to the advantageous section. The game state is also set to the SP zone state, and in the next step S1204, the advantageous section processing begins and the system returns.

[0105] <6-1-2. Advantageous Period> In slot machine 1, the advantageous period consists of an AT state in which the instruction function is activated and a non-AT state in which the instruction function is not activated. Figure 11 is a diagram showing the transition of game states in the advantageous period of slot machine 1. As shown in Figure 11, the non-AT state (no instruction function) consists of a normal state, a CZ state and a continuation preparation zone state in which it is easier to transition to the AT state than the normal state, and an SP zone state and a special zone state in which the acquisition of AT continuation rights is further favored. The player transitions from the non-AT state to the AT state upon winning the AT state transition lottery or acquiring AT continuation rights. The AT state transition lottery can be won by winning the lottery for each lottery category in the lottery table during the normal state. In addition, AT continuation rights can be acquired by winning the lottery for the number of AT continuation rights for each lottery category in the lottery table for each state. The following describes the flow of processing during the advantageous period of slot machine 1 with reference to Figure 13.

[0106] During processing in the advantageous period, first, in conjunction with the execution of the game, the updating process for various variables is performed in step S1301. In the updating process for various variables, for each game, the number of games in the advantageous period is incremented by 1, the number of bets at the time of execution is added to the number of coins IN in the advantageous period, the number of coins paid out at the time of execution is added to the number of coins OUT in the advantageous period, and the value obtained by subtracting the number of coins IN in the advantageous period from the current number of coins OUT in the advantageous period is added to the current number of coins OUT in the advantageous period and updated. Next, in step S1302, it is determined whether the game state is the normal state or not. If it is determined to be yes, the normal state processing is executed in step S1303. On the other hand, if it is determined to be no in step S1302, it is determined in step S1304 whether the game state is the CZ state or not. Next, if the decision in step S1304 is "yes," the processing during the CZ state is executed in step S1305. On the other hand, if the decision in step S1304 is "no," it is determined in step S1306 whether the game state is the AT state or not. Next, if it is determined to be yes in step S1306, the AT state processing is executed in step S1307. On the other hand, if it is determined to be no in step S1306, it is determined in step S1308 whether the game state is in the continuation preparation zone state or not. Next, if the decision in step S1308 is "yes," the process for continuing in the preparation zone state is executed in step S1309. On the other hand, if the decision in step S1308 is "no," the game state is determined in step S1310 to be whether or not the game state is in the special zone state. Next, if the decision in step S1310 is "yes," the special zone state processing is executed in step S1311. On the other hand, if the decision in step S1310 is "no," the game state is determined in step S1312 to be whether or not the game state is the SP zone state. Next, if the decision in step S1312 is "yes," the SP zone state processing is executed in step S1313. On the other hand, if the decision in step S1312 is "no," the next step, S1314, determines whether the SP zone flag is 1 or not.

[0107] Furthermore, after processing each game state (S1303, S1305, S1307, S1309, S1311, and S1313), step S1314 determines whether the SP zone flag is 1 or not. In slot machine 1, the presence or absence of the SP zone flag is managed by the main control unit 100a so that the difference in the number of coins in the advantageous section after the section state has transitioned to the advantageous section does not exceed 2400 coins, and in order to avoid the advantageous section being suddenly and forcibly terminated during the AT state, the advantageous section is terminated in advance before the difference in the number of coins in the advantageous section exceeds 2400 coins.

[0108] The condition for setting the SP Zone flag on slot machine 1 is "when the difference in the number of coins in the advantageous section exceeds 2000," that is, when the time for the limiter function to activate is approaching.

[0109] Next, if the decision in step S1314 is yes, the sub-control device 101 stores the number of AT continuation rights and AT state-related information (such as the number of coins acquired) displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 in step S1315. Meanwhile, the main control unit 100a resets the number of AT continuation rights, the number of games in the advantageous section, the number of coins entered in the advantageous section, the number of coins exited in the advantageous section, and the difference in coins in the advantageous section to zero. Furthermore, it sets the section state to a non-advantageous section and executes the non-advantageous section processing in the next step S1316. Furthermore, if the result in step S1314 is "no," the advantageous period continues, and the process returns to step S1301. The above is the processing flow during the advantageous period.

[0110] <6-2. Regarding the game state> Next, we will explain the processing during each game state.

[0111] <6-2-1. Normal state> Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of slot machine 1 during its normal operation. When the normal state starts, first an internal lottery process is executed in step S1401, and in the next step S1402, a lottery is performed to determine whether to transition to the AT state or the CZ state. Next, in step S1403, it is determined whether or not the AT state transition lottery has been won. If it is determined to be yes, the process proceeds to step S1404, and the game state is set to the AT state. If it is determined to be no, the process proceeds to step S1405. In the next step, S1405, it is determined whether or not the player has won the lottery for transitioning to the CZ state. If the result is yes, the player proceeds to step S1406 and the game state is set to the CZ state. If the result is no, the player returns to the previous step.

[0112] Figure 15 is a lottery table showing the probability of winning the lottery for transitioning to the AT state and CZ state during the normal state. Figure 15(a) is a lottery table showing the probability of winning the AT state transition lottery. The probability of winning the AT state transition lottery differs depending on the lottery category won in the internal lottery. As shown in Figure 15(a), the lottery categories with low winning probabilities, so-called rare roles, such as SR Replay, Strong Cherry Replay, and Strong Chance Replay, are set to increase the likelihood of winning the AT state transition lottery. Figure 15(b) is a lottery table showing the probability of winning the CZ state transition lottery. The probability of winning the CZ state transition lottery differs depending on the lottery category won in the internal lottery. If the AT state transition lottery shown in Figure 15(a) is not won, the CZ state transition lottery is performed. As shown in Figure 15(b), the lottery categories that are so-called rare roles, strong cherry replay and strong chance replay are set to make it easier to win the CZ state transition lottery.

[0113] <6-2-2. CZ State> Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the processing flow during the CZ state of slot machine 1.

[0114] When the CZ state begins, first in step S1601, the number of CZ games is set to 10. In the next step, S1602, an internal lottery process is executed, and in the next step, S1603, a lottery process for the number of AT continuation rights during the CZ state is executed. The AT continuation rights lottery process determines by lottery whether or not to grant AT continuation rights based on the lottery category won in the game, and if granted, the number to be granted is determined by lottery. In the next step, S1604, it is determined whether or not the AT continuation right has been acquired as a result of the internal lottery. If it is determined to be no, it proceeds to step S1606. If it is determined to be yes, the number of AT continuation rights acquired in step S1605 is added, and it proceeds to step S1606. In the next step, S1606, the number of CZ games is decreased by 1. In the next step, S1607, it is determined whether or not the number of CZ games is zero. If it is determined to be no, it returns to step S1602 in order to continue the CZ state. If it is determined to be yes, it proceeds to the next step, S1608. In the next step, S1608, it is determined whether or not the number of AT continuation rights is 1 or more. If it is determined to be yes, it proceeds to the next step, S1609, and the AT state processing is called. If it is determined to be no, it returns.

[0115] Figure 17 is a lottery table showing the probability of winning the AT continuation rights lottery during the CZ state. The probability of winning the AT continuation rights lottery differs depending on the lottery category. Furthermore, during the CZ state, the probability of winning AT continuation rights is more favorable than in the normal state, and a lottery is held for AT continuation rights that can be obtained in multiple quantities, making it a game state where the expectation of obtaining AT continuation rights is higher than in the normal state. Details regarding the probability of winning AT continuation rights for each lottery category are omitted.

[0116] <6-2-3. AT State> The AT state is a game state in which the player wins one of the push-order bells A1-A8 or B1-B8, and is in an advantageous section where the player is instructed to perform the correct stop operation, i.e., the instruction function is activated. In slot machine 1, the number of games in one AT state (hereinafter referred to as AT game count) is set to 30 games. When the AT game count reaches zero, the AT state ends, and if there are AT continuation rights, the player goes through the continuation preparation zone state, and after the continuation preparation zone state ends, the next AT state begins. Details of the continuation preparation zone state will be described later. On the other hand, if there are zero AT continuation rights, the player moves to the CZ state described above, and if AT continuation rights are acquired during the CZ state, a new AT state will begin after the CZ state ends.

[0117] Furthermore, during AT mode, a lottery is held for a special zone state in which the chances of acquiring AT continuation rights are increased. Slot machine 1 has two types of special zones: SP zone state and special zone state (see Figure 11). Details of the SP zone state and special zone state will be described later.

[0118] The following describes the processing flow during the AT state of slot machine 1, referring to Figure 18. At the start of the AT state, first, in step S1801, the number of AT continuation rights is deducted by 1. Next, in step S1802, the number of AT games is set to 30.

[0119] In the next step S1803, an internal lottery process is executed. In the next step S1804, it is determined whether the number of AT continuation rights is 2 or less. If it is determined to be yes, in step S1805, an AT continuation rights lottery (Lv.0) is executed according to each winning category of the internal lottery result. On the other hand, if it is determined to be no in step S1804, in step S1806, it is determined whether the number of AT continuation rights is 4 or less. If it is determined to be yes, in step S1807, an AT continuation rights lottery (Lv.1) is executed according to each winning category of the internal lottery result. Also, if it is determined to be no in step S1806, in step S1808, an AT continuation rights lottery (Lv.2) is executed according to each winning category of the internal lottery result. In this way, during the AT state processing, the Lv value of the AT continuation rights lottery is determined according to the number of AT continuation rights currently held by the main control unit 100a, and the AT continuation rights lottery is executed according to each Lv value. If you win the lottery for AT continuation rights, the amount you win will be added to your total number of AT continuation rights.

[0120] Next, in step S1809, it is determined whether the conditions for the SP Zone flag to be established have been met. If it is determined to be yes, in step S1810 the SP Zone flag is set to 1 and the process moves to step S1813. On the other hand, if it is determined to be no in step S1809, it is determined in step S1811 whether the conditions for winning the Special Zone have been met. If it is determined to be yes, in step S1812 the Special Zone flag is set to 1 and the process moves to step S1813.

[0121] Next, in step S1813, the number of AT games is deducted by 1. In the next step, S1814, it is determined whether the number of AT games is zero or not. If it is determined to be no, the process returns to step S1803 to continue the AT state. If it is determined to be yes, the process proceeds to step S1815.

[0122] Next, in step S1815, it is determined whether the SP zone flag is 1 or not. If it is determined to be yes, in step S1816, the number of AT continuation rights displayed on the LCD display 16 and other AT state-related information (such as the number of coins acquired) are stored in the sub-control device 101. The information regarding the number of game media in the advantageous section managed by the main control unit 100a, namely the number of AT continuation rights, the number of games in the advantageous section, the number of coins entered in the advantageous section, the number of coins exited in the advantageous section, and the difference in coins in the advantageous section are set to 0. Furthermore, the section state is set to a non-advantageous section, and the process returns. On the other hand, if the result in step S1815 is "no", the process proceeds to the next step, S1817.

[0123] Next, in step S1817, it is determined whether the special zone flag is 1 or not. If it is determined to be yes, in step S1818, the special zone state processing is called and the process returns. On the other hand, if it is determined to be no, the process proceeds to the next step S1819.

[0124] Next, in step S1819, it is determined whether the number of AT continuation rights is greater than zero. If it is determined to be yes, in step S1820, the continuation preparation zone state processing is called and the system returns. On the other hand, if it is determined to be no, in the next step S1821, the CZ state processing is called and the system returns.

[0125] As explained above, during the AT state, the goal is to acquire the right to continue the AT or to transition to the special zone state within the 30 games granted at the start of the AT state. When the number of AT games is 0 (after 30 games have elapsed), i.e., when the AT state ends, the game transitions to a game state corresponding to the presence or absence of the SP zone flag, special zone flag, and AT continuation rights. If the SP zone flag is 1, the main control unit 100a forcibly ends the advantageous section, clears all information related to the advantageous section stored in the main control unit 100a, and sets the section state to a non-advantageous section.

[0126] Figure 19 is a lottery table showing the probability of winning the lottery for the number of AT continuation rights during AT state. Figure 19(a) is a table showing the probability of winning AT continuation rights in the AT continuation rights lottery (Lv.0) during the AT state, with different winning probabilities for each lottery category. Up to 3 AT continuation rights can be obtained in a single trigger, and a lottery for transitioning to the special zone state is also conducted at the same time. If successful, the special zone flag is retained, and the player transitions to the special zone state after the AT state ends.

[0127] Figure 19(b) is a table showing the probability of winning AT continuation rights in the AT continuation rights lottery (Lv.1) during AT state, with different winning probabilities depending on the lottery category. Here, the lottery is conducted using the same lottery categories as the AT continuation rights lottery (Lv.0) during AT state, but the winning probabilities are generally set lower for the AT continuation rights lottery (Lv.1) during AT state. The AT continuation rights lottery (Lv.1) during AT state is a category where a lottery is held when the number of AT continuation rights is between 3 and 4. Therefore, by making the probability of winning lower than the AT continuation rights lottery (Lv.0) during AT state, the acquisition of new AT continuation rights is suppressed.

[0128] Figure 19(c) is a table showing the probability of winning AT continuation rights in the AT continuation rights lottery (Lv.2) during AT state, with different winning probabilities depending on the lottery category. Here, the same lottery categories as the AT continuation rights lottery (Lv.0) and AT continuation rights lottery (Lv.1) during AT state described above are used for the lottery, but the winning probabilities are generally set lower for the AT continuation rights lottery (Lv.2) during AT state. The AT continuation rights lottery (Lv.2) during AT state is a category where a lottery is held when there are 5 or more AT continuation rights. Therefore, the probability of winning is even lower than the AT continuation rights lottery (Lv.1) during AT state, further suppressing the acquisition of new AT continuation rights. As explained above, when there are many remaining AT continuation rights, the system suppresses the acquisition of new AT continuation rights compared to when there are few, thereby accelerating the use of the remaining AT continuation rights. This control to suppress the addition of AT continuation rights prevents a large number of AT continuation rights from remaining when the limiter function is about to activate.

[0129] <6-2-4. Continuation Preparation Zone State> Figure 20 is a flowchart showing the processing flow during the Continuation Preparation Zone state.

[0130] The continuation preparation zone state is a game state that is entered when the number of AT games becomes 0 during the AT state, and both the SP zone flag and the special zone flag are zero, and the number of AT continuation rights is 1 or more.

[0131] While in the continuation preparation zone state, first in step S2001, the number of games in the continuation preparation zone is set to 10.

[0132] In the next step, S2002, an internal lottery process is executed to determine the number of AT continuation rights. As shown in the next steps, S2003 to S2007, similar to the AT state processing described above, the lottery is designed so that the probability of winning AT continuation rights differs depending on the number of AT continuation rights held by the main control unit 100a. Further details are omitted. Next, in step S2008, the number of games in the continuation preparation zone is deducted by 1. In the next step S2009, it is determined whether the number of games in the continuation preparation zone is 0 or not. If it is determined to be no, the process returns to step S2002 to continue the continuation preparation zone state. If it is determined to be yes, the process during the AT state is called in the next step S2010 and the process returns.

[0133] Figure 21 shows that, similar to the AT continuation rights lottery during AT (see Figure 19) described above, a Lv value is set according to the number of AT continuation rights held by the main control unit 100a, and a lottery for acquiring AT continuation rights is performed according to each Lv value. The higher the Lv value, the lower the probability of winning AT continuation rights, and the rate of acquiring AT continuation rights is suppressed so as not to exceed the upper limit of the difference in the number of coins in the advantageous section. Further details are omitted.

[0134] Thus, the continuation preparation zone state basically follows the same processing flow as the CZ state described above, except that there are remaining AT continuation rights and the rate of acquiring AT continuation rights in the AT continuation rights acquisition lottery is suppressed. For this reason, the screen displayed on the LCD display 16 is the same as the screen displayed in the CZ state.

[0135] <6-2-5. Specialized Zone State> Figure 22 is a flowchart showing the processing flow during the specialized zone state.

[0136] The Special Zone state, like the SP Zone state described later, is a special zone where the acquisition of AT continuation rights is favored. Unlike the SP Zone state, the Special Zone state is a special zone that is processed within the same advantageous period as the AT state before entering the Special Zone state, without going through processing during the non-advantageous period.

[0137] At the start of the special zone state, first in step S2201, the number of AT continuation rights is increased by 1, and in the next step S2202, the number of special zone games is set to 10. In the next step S2203, an internal lottery process is executed to determine the acquisition of AT continuation rights. As shown in the following steps S2204 to S2208, similar to the AT state processing and the continuation preparation zone state processing described above, the lottery is designed so that the probability of winning AT continuation rights differs depending on the number of AT continuation rights held by the main control unit 100a. Further details are omitted. Next, in step S2209, the number of special zone games is decreased by 1, and in the next step S2210, it is determined whether the number of special zone games is zero or not. If it is determined to be no, the system returns to step S2203 in order to continue the special zone state, while if it is determined to be yes, the system calls the AT state processing in the next step S2211 and returns.

[0138] Figure 23 is a lottery table relating to the probability of winning the AT continuation rights lottery during the special zone. Similar to the AT continuation rights lottery during AT (see Figure 19) and the AT continuation rights lottery during the continuation preparation zone state (see Figure 21), a Lv value is set according to the number of AT continuation rights held by the main control unit 100a, and a lottery for acquiring AT continuation rights is conducted according to each Lv value. The higher the Lv value, the lower the probability of winning AT continuation rights, and this is suppressed so as not to exceed the upper limit of the difference in the number of coins in the advantageous section. Further details are omitted.

[0139] <6-2-6. Processing during SP Zone state>

[0140] The SP Zone state, like the Special Zone state mentioned earlier, is a special zone state in which the acquisition of AT continuation rights is favored. The SP Zone state is a game state in which, when the number of AT games reaches zero while the SP Zone flag is held, the player is forcibly dropped to a non-advantageous section, and then transitions to the next advantageous section at the start of the next period (hereinafter referred to as forced drop-back control). (See Figure 12).

[0141] First, at the start of the SP Zone state, step S2401 adds 8 to the number of AT continuation rights. Next, in step S2402, the number of SP Zone games is set to 10. In the next step S2403, an internal lottery process is executed, and in the next step S2404, a lottery process for the number of AT continuation rights during the SP Zone state is executed. If the lottery result is a win for the number of AT continuation rights, the acquired amount is added to the number of AT continuation rights. Next, in step S2405, the number of SP Zone games is subtracted by 1, and in the next step S2406, it is determined whether the number of SP Zone games is zero or not. If it is determined to be no, the process returns to step S2403 in order to continue the SP Zone state, while if it is determined to be yes, the process during the AT state is called in the next step S2407 and the process returns.

[0142] Figure 25 is a lottery table showing the probability of winning the AT continuation rights lottery during the SP Zone state. The probability of winning AT continuation rights differs depending on the lottery category. As mentioned above, the SP Zone state is a special zone where the expectation of acquiring AT continuation rights is very high because the number of AT continuation rights is increased by 8 at the start and a lottery for acquiring AT continuation rights is held every game. The SP Zone state is a game state that is entered at the start of a new advantageous period. Since the difference in the number of coins in the advantageous period at the start of the SP Zone state is 0, there is no limit set to the Lv value for the AT continuation rights lottery. Instead, a uniform lottery is conducted according to each lottery category based on the results of the internal lottery process. Further details regarding the winning probabilities are omitted.

[0143] In this way, the forced fall recovery control ensures that when a new advantageous period begins after passing through a non-advantageous period, the player enters the SP zone state, allowing the AT state to start with a large number of AT continuation rights acquired.

[0144] <6-3. Control to suppress the addition of AT continuation rights and processing of the display screen> From here, we will explain the internal processing at the end of the advantageous period and the processing of the screen displayed on the LCD display 16.

[0145] Figure 26 shows example screens of the AT state, CZ state, continuation preparation zone state, special zone state, and SP zone state displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 of slot machine 1.

[0146] Figure 26(a) is an example of the screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 of slot machine 1 when a push-order bell A1-A8 or push-order bell B1-B8 has been won during AT mode and the instruction function is activated. The display area 2601 in the upper left of the liquid crystal display 16 displays the remaining number of games in the current AT mode and the total number of AT modes played so far, including the current AT mode, as the number of continuations. Furthermore, the upper right display area 2602 of the LCD display 16 displays the difference in the number of game tokens acquired so far. Below that, the display area 2603 displays an indication (hereinafter referred to as the displayed value) of the number of AT continuation rights acquired so far. Figure 26(a) displays "V×2", which indicates that the player has two or more AT continuation rights. The display area 2603 does not simply display the number of AT continuation rights managed by the main control unit 100a, and even if there is no "V×〇〇" display, the player may still be internally holding the number of AT continuation rights.

[0147] Figure 26(b) shows an example of the screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 during the special zone state. As described above, during the special zone state, a lottery for acquiring AT continuation rights is held each game according to the lottery category determined by the internal lottery process. Display area 2604 displays the remaining number of games for each state. The current expectation level for acquiring AT continuation rights is indicated by the color of the power gauge shown in display area 2605. The power gauge colors indicate increasing expectation levels in the order of colorless < white < blue < yellow < green < purple < red < rainbow. In addition, display area 2606 displays "Special Zone" to indicate the special zone state.

[0148] Figure 26(c) shows an example of the screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 during the SP Zone state. Similar to the Special Zone state, during the SP Zone state, a lottery for acquiring AT continuation rights is conducted each game according to the lottery category determined by the internal lottery process. The basic screen configuration is the same as the Special Zone state, but the display area 2607 displays "SP Zone" to distinguish it from the Special Zone state.

[0149] Figure 26(d) shows an example of the screen displayed during the CZ state and the continuation preparation zone state. When the flower object 2608 lights up during each state, the transition to the AT state is confirmed. The conditions for the flower object 2608 to light up are "winning the AT continuation rights lottery during the CZ state" (see Figure 17) and "having AT continuation rights." In addition, the remaining number of games is displayed in the display area 2609, but unlike in the AT state, the AT difference in tokens and the number of continuation sets are not displayed. However, the AT difference in tokens is internally updated even during the CZ state, and the number of continuation sets is also internally maintained. As described above, the screen during the CZ state and the screen during the continuation preparation zone state are the same, so it is not possible to distinguish which state is being played just by looking at it.

[0150] Next, with reference to Figure 27, we will specifically explain the sequence of events from the SP Zone flag being set, the forced return control from the advantageous section to the non-advantageous section, the transition to the SP Zone state along with the transition to the advantageous section, and the subsequent start of the AT state, using an example of the screen displayed on the LCD display 16. Note that the example screen in Figure 27 assumes that 5 AT continuation rights were held when the SP Zone flag was set.

[0151] Figure 27(a) shows a screen during the last AT state of the forced fall return control. In the display area 2701 in the upper left of the liquid crystal display 16, the remaining number of games in the AT state is displayed as "1G", and the continuous number of AT states consumed so far, including this AT state, is displayed as "12". Also, in the display area 2702 in the upper right of the liquid crystal display 16, the difference in the number of game media acquired so far is displayed as "2,123 sheets". In the display area 2703 below it, it is displayed as "V×3". As described above, although the number of AT continuation rights held is 5, in this example, it is "V×3", that is, the display value is 3. Next, in the display area 2704 in the center right of the liquid crystal display 16, an icon displayed as "Special", indicating that the condition of the SP zone flag is satisfied, is displayed. Even when the condition for entering the specialized zone state is satisfied, an icon displayed as "Special" is displayed.

[0152] Figure 27(b) is an AT end screen when the number of games in the AT state displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 of the slot machine 1 becomes 0. In the display area 2705 in the lower right of the liquid crystal display 16, since the entry into the SP zone state is promised, it is displayed as "NEXT SP zone". Since the SP zone state starts with the transition to the next advantageous section via the non-advantageous section, the screen of Figure 27(b) is displayed during this period.

[0153] Figure 27(c) shows the ending screen of the SP Zone state. As shown in Figure 24, at the start of the SP Zone state, the number of AT continuation rights is increased by 8, and a lottery for acquiring AT continuation rights is held every game during the 10 games of the SP Zone. As mentioned above, the sub-control device 101 stores the fact that the displayed value on the LCD display 16 was 3 immediately before the forced fall recovery control. In the display area 2706 of Figure 27(c), the sum of the number of AT continuation rights acquired in this SP Zone state and the displayed value on the LCD display 16 immediately before the forced fall recovery control is displayed as "V × 7". In reality, more than 8 AT continuation rights have been acquired, but visually it appears as if 4 AT continuation rights were acquired during the SP Zone state, bringing the total to 7. The apparent number of AT continuation rights acquired during the SP Zone state can be arbitrarily set to be less than or equal to the value obtained by subtracting the displayed value before the forced fall recovery control (hereinafter referred to as the pre-fall display value) from the actual number of AT continuation rights acquired. Furthermore, since the game always transitions to the AT state after the SP zone state ends, "NEXT AT" is displayed in display area 2707.

[0154] Figure 27(d) shows the initial screen of the AT state after the SP Zone state ends. When the player falls into the non-advantageous section, the actual number of AT continuation rights is reset to zero. However, during the SP Zone state, which begins when the player transitions from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section, it is possible to acquire at least 8 AT continuation rights according to the specifications. Therefore, by limiting the displayed value before the fall to 8 or less, and by setting the displayed value on the initial screen of the AT state that begins after going through the non-advantageous section and the SP Zone state to (displayed value before fall - 1) ≤ (number of AT continuation rights acquired during the SP Zone state - 1), it is possible to make it appear as if the displayed value, which is the apparent number of AT continuation rights, was maintained without being reset to zero when the player falls into the non-advantageous section, even though the actual number of AT continuation rights was reset to zero when the player fell into the non-advantageous section. Note that when a new AT state starts, the displayed value is reduced by one, and the display area 2710 shows "V × 6", meaning there are 6 displayed values. In the upper left display area 2708 of the LCD display 16, it is displayed that a new AT state has started, and the remaining number of games in the AT state is "30G". ​​The total number of AT states played so far, including the current AT state, is displayed as "13". In addition, the upper right display area 2709 of the LCD display 16 displays the difference in the number of game tokens acquired so far as "2208 tokens".

[0155] In this way, the sub-control device 101 adjusts the display value for the first AT state after returning to the advantageous section (hereinafter referred to as the initial display value) according to the display value before the fall and the number of AT continuation rights actually acquired during the SP zone state, and also suppresses the display value before the fall to less than or equal to the minimum number of AT continuation rights that can be acquired during the SP zone state, thereby ensuring continuity between the display value before the fall and the initial display value. As a result, even after falling into a non-advantageous section, it is possible to make it appear as if the AT state is continuing seamlessly.

[0156] Figure 28 is a flowchart showing the screen processing that, according to the value displayed before the fall, the game state of the main control unit 100a is displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 while in the SP zone state.

[0157] First, in step S2801, it is determined whether the pre-fall display value is 3 or less. If it is determined to be yes, in step S2802 the SP Zone state screen is displayed (see Figure 26(c)). On the other hand, if it is determined to be no in step S2801, the system moves to the next step S2803, where it is determined whether the pre-fall display value is 6 or less. If it is determined to be yes, in step S2804 the Special Zone state screen is displayed (see Figure 26(b)). On the other hand, if it is determined to be no in step S2803, in the next step S2805 the Continuation Preparation Zone state screen is displayed (see Figure 26(d)). Thus, even though the game state of the main control unit 100a is the SP Zone state, the sub-control device 101 decides which of the SP Zone state screen, Special Zone screen, and Continuation Preparation Zone screen to display, depending on the pre-fall display value. In relation to the minimum number of AT continuation rights obtainable during the SP Zone state (hereinafter referred to as the minimum initial value), which is 8, if the pre-drop display value is 3 or less, it is possible to show the acquisition of a relatively large number of AT continuation rights, so the SP Zone state screen is selected. Also, if the pre-drop display value is a moderate 4 to 6, in relation to the minimum initial value of 8, it is possible to show the acquisition of a fair number of AT continuation rights, so the Special Zone state screen is selected. On the other hand, if the pre-drop display value is 7 to 8, in relation to the minimum initial value of 8, it is not possible to show the acquisition of many AT continuation rights, so the continuation preparation zone state screen is selected. This prevents players from feeling a discrepancy between the screen displayed on the LCD display 16 and the expected value of acquiring AT continuation rights.

[0158] In slot machine 1, the condition for setting the SP zone flag is when the difference in the advantageous section exceeds 2000 coins. Therefore, it may be predetermined that the SP zone flag will be set based on the current difference in the advantageous section and the number of AT continuation rights. Even in this case, the number of displayed values ​​at the point when the difference in the advantageous section exceeds 2000 coins must be kept to 8 or less. However, the number of displayed values ​​during the period from the point of predetermined determination until the number exceeds 2000 coins can be freely set within a range that does not appear unnatural. For this reason, it is possible to set the displayed value to a value greater than the current number of AT continuation rights during this period.

[0159] <6-4. Control to Suppress the Number of AT Continuation Rights>

[0160] From here, we will explain in detail the control mechanism for limiting the number of AT continuation rights.

[0161] As explained with reference to Figures 19, 21, and 23, the main control unit 100a of slot machine 1 sets a Lv value according to the current number of AT continuation rights and conducts a lottery for the number of AT continuation rights according to the Lv value. The higher the Lv value, the lower the probability of winning the lottery for the number of AT continuation rights, and the lower the expected value of the number of AT continuation rights that can be obtained when winning, so that when the difference in tokens exceeds 2000 and the SP zone flag is set, a large number of AT continuation rights will not remain.

[0162] Figure 29 shows an example of the screen displayed when you win either a normal replay 2, a red 7 replay 1, a red 7 replay 2, or a common bell during AT mode. Figure 29(a) shows the case when you lose the lottery for acquiring AT continuation rights during AT mode, and Figure 29(b) shows the case when you win the same lottery. If you lose the lottery for acquiring AT continuation rights during AT mode, as shown in Figure 29(a), the display area 2901 will show instructions to press the left stop button 15L first (hereinafter referred to as left 1st). If you perform the stop operation according to these instructions, a normal replay will be lined up as described above. On the other hand, if you win the lottery for acquiring AT continuation rights during AT mode, as shown in the display area 2902 of Figure 29(b), the display area 2902 will show instructions to press the right stop button 15R → middle stop button 15C → left stop button 15L (hereinafter referred to as reverse press) and to aim for the red 7 symbol. If you perform the stopping operation as instructed, the red 7 symbols will line up on the winning line as described above.

[0163] Furthermore, if the lottery category SR Replay or Strong Cherry Replay is selected, as mentioned above, if the left reel is stopped first, the former will stop on an SR symbol and the latter on a Strong Cherry symbol, while if the left reel is not stopped first, a normal replay will stop. Therefore, if the AT continuation rights lottery is unsuccessful, the display area 2901 in Figure 29(a) will show "― ― 1" or "- 1 -" to instruct the user to stop the reels in a way other than left first, preventing the SR symbol or Strong Cherry symbol from being displayed.

[0164] Thus, even if a so-called rare role, which has a high probability of granting AT continuation rights, is won, if the AT continuation rights lottery is unsuccessful, the system instructs the player to stop the reels in a way that does not display the specific outcome of the rare role, so as not to realize that a rare role has been won. On the other hand, if the AT continuation rights lottery is successful, the system instructs the player to stop the reels in a way that displays the specific outcome of the rare role.

[0165] <6-5. Suppression of Display Values>

[0166] From here, we will explain the suppression of the display of the AT continuation rights indication shown on the LCD display 16.

[0167] Figure 30(a) shows the screen during the SP Zone as described above. During the SP Zone, a lottery for acquiring AT continuation rights is held each game according to the lottery category determined by an internal lottery process. The SP Zone lasts for 10 games, and the remaining number of games is displayed in display area 3001. As mentioned above, the power gauge shown in display area 3002 indicates whether or not AT has been acquired within the number of games played. The color of the power gauge indicates the expected number of AT continuation rights acquired in the order of colorless < white < blue < yellow < green < purple < red < rainbow. Even if the AT continuation rights lottery is won and AT continuation rights are acquired, the displayed value is not updated each time, and the size of the acquired number is indicated by the color of the power gauge. However, for example, as shown in Figure 29(b), if the stopping operation order and target symbols that display a specific outcome for a rare role are indicated, the winning of the AT continuation rights lottery has already been notified by this display, so a notification that AT continuation rights have been acquired is displayed in display area 3003. Figure 30(b) shows the screen for the final game of the SP Zone state, where the power gauge, which had previously indicated the acquisition of AT continuation rights, is opened. At this point, the display area 3004 is instructed to press the performance button PB on slot machine 1. After pressing the performance button PB, the SP Zone state end screen shown in Figure 27(c) is displayed. In this way, during the SP Zone, the displayed value is not updated after each game, and the displayed value is announced on the SP Zone state end screen.

[0168] As explained above, according to the slot machine 1 of the present invention, the initial display value is adjusted according to the display value before the fall and the number of AT continuation rights actually acquired during the SP zone state, and the display value before the fall is suppressed to be less than or equal to the minimum number of AT continuation rights that can be acquired during the SP zone state, thereby ensuring continuity between the display value before the fall and the initial display value. Therefore, when a so-called AT state is achieved in a chain reaction across a non-advantageous section, the player can be made to feel as if they have inherited the remaining number of AT execution rights that remained at the end of the previous advantageous section.

[0169] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, various design modifications can be made to the present invention within the scope of the matters described in the claims.

[0170] For example, in slot machine 1, the SP zone state is started when transitioning from a non-advantageous section to an advantageous section, and the initial value of the number of AT continuation rights is set to 8 in the SP zone state (S2401 in Figure 24), guaranteeing the acquisition of 8 or more AT continuation rights. However, the method of guaranteeing the acquisition of AT continuation rights when transitioning from a non-advantageous section to an advantageous section is not limited to this. For example, if it is desired to guarantee N or more AT continuations, the slot machine 1 may transition from a non-advantageous section to an advantageous section to a state that is more advantageous than the normal state and in which the instruction function is not activated, such as the special zone state, CZ state, or continuation preparation state, and the AT state may be started via this state, and N AT continuation rights may be added at the start of the AT state. In other words, it is sufficient if the specification guarantees the acquisition of N or more AT continuation rights between the transition from a non-advantageous section to an advantageous section and the start of the AT state.

[0171] Furthermore, in slot machine 1, if there are still AT continuation rights remaining at the end of the AT state when the number of AT games reaches zero, the system will transition to the continuation preparation zone (determined as YES in S1819 in Figure 18). However, the continuation preparation zone can be omitted, and if there are AT continuation rights remaining, and the SP zone flag is not set, one AT continuation right may be consumed to start the next AT state.

[0172] Furthermore, in slot machine 1, if the conditions for winning a special zone are met during the AT state (determined as YES in S1811 in Figure 18), the special zone flag is set, and if the special zone flag is set at the end of the AT state when the number of AT games becomes zero (determined as YES in S1817 in Figure 18), the machine transitions to the special zone state. However, instead, if the conditions for winning a special zone are met during the AT state, the AT state may be interrupted and the machine immediately transitions to the special zone state, and after the special zone ends, the machine may return to the interrupted AT state.

[0173] Furthermore, in slot machine 1, the condition for winning the SP zone flag, that is, the condition for forcibly ending the advantageous period, is set as "when the difference in the number of coins in the advantageous period exceeds 2000 coins," but it is sufficient if the time for the limiter function to activate is approaching, and any other condition equivalent to this can be adopted.

[0174] Furthermore, in slot machine 1, the displayed value and the number of AT continuation rights do not necessarily match. However, if it is desired that they match, the main control unit 100a can suppress the remaining number of AT continuation rights when the SP zone flag is set to less than or equal to the minimum number of AT continuation rights that can be obtained during the SP zone state. In this case, the display value suppression control on the sub-control device 101 side, as explained in section <6-5. Suppression of Display Values>, becomes unnecessary.

[0175] Furthermore, while slot machine 1 is a slot machine that does not use physical tokens as a game medium, a so-called smart pachislo, it may also be applied to slot machines that use physical tokens as a game medium. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0176] 1 Slot Machine R1 Left reel R2 Middle Reel R3 Right reel 12. Start lever 15L Left stop button 15C Middle Stop Button 15R Right Stop Button 16 LCD display 100 Main control unit 101 Sub-control unit

Claims

[Claim 1] An instruction means that in a target game where the result of an internal lottery process that derives one lottery result from multiple types of lottery results is a specific result, instructs the player on the method of playing that will yield the greatest profit, A section control means for controlling the transition between a non-favorable section in which the instruction means cannot be operated and a favorable section in which the instruction means can be operated. A limiter means that, when the difference in the number of medals during the advantageous period reaches a limiter value, forcibly terminates the advantageous period and returns to a non-advantageous period, An AT continuation right granting means that, when the granting conditions are met in the advantageous section, grants an AT continuation right that is consumed in accordance with the continuation of the AT section in which the instruction means is activated in the instructed game, A slot machine comprising: a means for displaying the number of remaining AT continuation rights, which determines a display value indicating the number of AT continuation rights that have not yet been used up and displays it on a display device; The advantageous section includes a non-AT section in which the instruction means is not activated in the instructed game, and the non-AT section includes a normal section and a special section in which the expected value of the AT continuation right granted by the AT continuation right granting means is greater than that of the normal section. The aforementioned interval control means is A special section initiation control that initiates the special section based on the fulfillment of transition conditions in the aforementioned AT section, or the transition from the aforementioned non-advantageous section to the aforementioned advantageous section, Based on the determination that the time for activation of the limiter means is approaching in the AT section, a forced fall-back control is executed, which causes the vehicle to fall into the non-advantageous section (even if the right to continue the AT remains), and then, after passing through the special section that begins with the transition to the advantageous section, the AT section is started. The AT continuation right granting means is configured to grant at least N AT continuation rights during the advantageous period until the AT section is started by the forced fall recovery control. The slot machine is characterized in that the remaining AT continuation rights display means suppresses the displayed value immediately before the forced fall recovery control to N or less.

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