Slot machine

Abstract

The present invention provides a slot machine in which, in a bonus game initiated upon winning a bonus role, multiple bonus games are treated as a single bonus game, and multiple bonus games are represented as a single payout period. [Solution] In the normal state where the game can be played with a specified number of 3 coins, the first bonus role that is won has a wait that temporarily pauses the game when the first bonus role is won, and there is no wait when the bonus game ends. After the bonus game ends, the game transitions to a special state where the game can be played with a specified number of 2 coins. In the special state where the second bonus role is won, there is no wait when the bonus role is won, and there is a wait when the bonus game ends.

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 game media, and rotations of a plurality of reels are started. Then, by operating a stop button, the plurality of reels are stopped. When the combination won in the internal lottery wins, a slot machine is known in which game media can be acquired as a payout for the winning combination (for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] By the way, in the game machine industry, in order to address the "addiction" problem, the development of game machines having appropriate shooting randomness has been required. For example, in a normal type (so-called A type) slot machine capable of real bonus games, the total payout number during a bonus game started with the winning of a bonus combination is limited to a maximum of 300 sheets.

[0004] On the other hand, when a plurality of types of minor winning combinations or replay winning combinations with different winning combinations are won in the internal lottery, before the stop button is operated, among the plurality of types of minor winning combinations or replay winning combinations, information necessary for the player to win a favorable combination (hereinafter referred to as winning navigation information) is notified. In a slot machine (so-called AT machine) equipped with an assist time (hereinafter referred to as AT) function, although it is obligatory to install a limiter function that forcibly ends the favorable section when the number of difference sheets (the number obtained by subtracting the inserted number from the payout number) obtained during one favorable section exceeds 2400 sheets, the maximum number of balls that can be obtained in one ball payout section is overwhelmingly larger than that of an A type slot machine, and the proportion of slot machines equipped with an AT function in the current market is overwhelmingly large. Furthermore, among AT machines, there is a type (hereinafter referred to as pseudo A type) that incorporates a pseudo bonus in which the A type bonus game is reproduced by the AT function, and that has game properties similar to those of the A type and gives balls that cannot be obtained in the A type, and this type is also popular. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-113397 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] Although pseudo-Type A AT machines are popular, they are still AT machines, and during the pseudo-bonus, players must stop the reels according to the entry navigation information. Also, the payout of winnings is slower compared to the bonus game of a real bonus, so there are many voices calling for a relaxation of the limit on the total payout of Type A machines.

[0007] Therefore, the objective of the present invention is to provide a slot machine that complies with gaming regulations and allows players to feel that they have won a large number of balls in a single payout period, in an A-type slot machine rather than an AT machine with a pseudo-bonus. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] 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.

[0009] The first invention, a slot machine (1), A lottery means (S103) that draws a winning combination from among multiple types of combinations in response to the game start operation with the required number of game tokens for one game being bet, A bonus game initiation means that initiates a corresponding bonus game in accordance with the winning combination of the bonus role determined by the lottery by the aforementioned lottery means, In a slot machine equipped with, A means for setting the number of specified items, which is either a first specified number (3 items) or a second specified number (2 items) that is less than the first specified number, When the specified number is set to a first specified number by the specified number setting means and the bonus role has not yet been won, this state is called the first state (normal state), and when the specified number is set to a second specified number by the specified number setting means and the bonus role has not yet been won, this state is called the second state (special state). The probability of winning the bonus role by the lottery means is set to be higher in the second state than in the first state. The aforementioned bonus roles include the first bonus role (BB1 role) and the second bonus role (BB2 role), The predetermined number setting means sets the predetermined number to the second predetermined number in accordance with the end of the first bonus game (BB1 bonus game) corresponding to the first bonus role, and sets the predetermined number to the first predetermined number in accordance with the end of the second bonus game (BB2 bonus game) corresponding to the second bonus role. Upon winning the first bonus role, a freeze process is executed to temporarily halt the game's progress, and a bonus win notification animation is performed during the execution of the freeze process. However, upon winning the second bonus role, the freeze process and the bonus win notification animation are not performed. The system is characterized in that, upon the termination of the second bonus game, the freeze process is executed, and a bonus game termination animation is performed to notify the user that the bonus game has ended during the execution of the freeze process, while the freeze process and the bonus game termination animation are not executed upon the termination of the first bonus game.

[0010] In a specific configuration, the system includes a light-emitting means (special state lamp TL) that can signal that the system has transitioned to the second state by lighting up, The light-emitting means lights up in response to the end of the first bonus game and turns off in response to the end of the second bonus game. Upon the start of the first bonus game, a special performance (bonus game performance) spanning multiple games is executed, while upon the start of the second bonus game, the special performance is not executed anew. The special performance is terminated upon the end of the second bonus game, while the special performance is not terminated upon the end of the first bonus game.

[0011] Furthermore, the aforementioned multiple roles include a re-play role in which betting on the game medium is not required when the next game is played, depending on the outcome of the role. The probability of winning the re-spinning role can be changed in accordance with the start of the bonus game corresponding to the aforementioned bonus role, while the probability of winning the re-spinning role does not change in accordance with the winning of the aforementioned bonus role. The aforementioned second bonus role is characterized in that, in games in which it can be won, it is always awarded regardless of the timing and order of the stop instructions for multiple reels, and the combination of symbols that constitute the aforementioned second bonus role is a scattered combination that does not result in the alignment of specific symbols. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a slot machine that allows players to perceive multiple bonus games as a single bonus game. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [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 special status lamp TL 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] It is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols drawn on the circumferential surfaces (reel bands) of the left reel, middle reel, and right reel of the slot machine 1. [Figure 7] It is a diagram for explaining the symbol stop positions and winning lines of the slot machine 1. [Figure 8] It is a flowchart showing the flow of various processes from the start to the end of one game in the slot machine 1. [Figure 9] In the slot machine 1, it is a table showing the winning symbol combinations and the benefits / payouts at the time of winning for the winning-allowed roles. [Figure 10] It is a table showing the lottery values of each lottery category for each specified number and set value in the internal lottery process of the slot machine 1. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing the transition of the game states in the slot machine 1. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart representing the flow of the process in the normal state of the slot machine 1. [Figure 13] It is a flowchart representing the flow of the process in the special state of the slot machine 1. [Figure 14] It is a flowchart representing the flow of the process of the BB1 bonus game of the slot machine 1. [Figure 15] It is a flowchart representing the flow of the process of the BB2 bonus game of the slot machine 1. [Figure 16] It is a flowchart representing the flow of the process of the BB3 bonus game of the slot machine 1. [Figure 17] In the slot machine 1, it is a table showing the execution contents for each situation of each bonus role. [Figure 18] It is a diagram showing the transition of the game states of the modified example in the slot machine 1. [Figure 19] In the slot machine 1, it is a table showing the execution contents for each situation of each bonus role of the modified example.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] <1. Definitions of Terms>

[0015] The terms used in this specification are explained below.

[0016] "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."

[0017] "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.

[0018] "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."

[0019] The "winning line" refers to a combination of predetermined symbol stopping positions that determine whether a winning combination has been achieved. Depending on the bet, the winning determination changes from an invalid state to an active state.

[0020] "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.

[0021] <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.

[0022] 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).

[0023] 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. One of the 3-digit segments also serves as a special status lamp TL.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] Button 7, the single-bet button, is used to add 1 to the bet amount by deducting tokens from the credit.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] The medal count display 10 shows the number of medals won through winning.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] Decorative lamps 18L, 18C, and 18R are provided around the LCD display 16 to enhance the atmosphere during gameplay through illumination.

[0036] <3. Electrical Configuration of Gaming Machines> Next, I will explain the electrical configuration of the gaming machine.

[0037] <3-1. Electrical Configuration of Gaming Machines (Main Control Device)> Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of slot machine 1.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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).

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the coin count display 10 of slot machine 1.

[0048] 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.

[0049] The acquired coin count display unit 10 also serves as the special status lamp TL. The special status lamp TL will be explained later.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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 medals inserted for gameplay, output information related to the number of medals dispensed as a result of gameplay, and special prize information indicating whether or not the player is in a special prize period (for example, 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] Returning to Figure 3, the main control unit 100a sends the necessary control signals as commands to the sub-control device 101.

[0054] <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.

[0055] 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, operation of the effect button PB, and operation of the directional keys JK. It also controls the lighting effects using decorative lamps 18L, 18C, and 18R, as well as the sounds (BGM and sound effects) output from speakers 6L and 6R, as one component of the effects.

[0056] <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.

[0057] 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".

[0058] The reel band on the left reel R1 has the following symbols arranged in this order: "Bar", "Bell", "Replay", "Watermelon", "Blank", "Blank", "Bell", "Replay", "Watermelon", "Cherry", "Bar", "Bell", "Replay", "Watermelon", "Red 7", "Blank", "Bell", "Replay", "Watermelon", and "Cherry". Each of these symbols is associated with a symbol number from "1" to "20".

[0059] The reel band of the middle reel R2 has the following symbols arranged in this order: "blank", "replay", "bell", "cherry", "bar", "watermelon", "replay", "bell", "cherry", "blank", "cherry", "replay", "bell", "cherry", "red 7", "watermelon", "replay", "bell", "cherry", and "blank". Each of these symbols is associated with a symbol number from "1" to "20".

[0060] The reel band on the right reel R3 has the following symbols arranged in this order: "Cherry", "Replay", "Bell", "Blank", "Watermelon", "Cherry", "Replay", "Bell", "Blank", "Watermelon", "Cherry", "Replay", "Bell", "Blank", "Red 7", "Bar", "Replay", "Bell", "Blank", and "Watermelon". Each of these symbols is associated with a symbol number from "1" to "20".

[0061] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the stopping positions of the symbols and the winning lines.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] <5.1 Explanation of Gameplay> Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the general flow of one game executed by the main control device 100 of slot machine 1.

[0065] <5-1. Processing Flow>

[0066] <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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] <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.

[0069] <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).

[0070] <5-1-4. 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 (S104).

[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] <5-1-5. 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 buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R, and the result of the internal lottery process, and stops the rotational movement of the corresponding R1, R2, and R3 at the determined stopping position (S105).

[0073] <5-1-6. 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 subject to judgment (S106).

[0074] <5-1-7. 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 (S107). 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.

[0075] <5-1-8. State Transition Process> If the main control device 100 determines, as a result of the pattern determination process, that the conditions for transitioning the game state have been met, it transitions the game state (S108).

[0076] <5-2. Details of the internal lottery process> Next, we will explain the details of the internal lottery process in slot machine 1. The internal lottery process is the process of determining, by lottery, which of several predetermined winning combinations will be allowed to be won.

[0077] In the slot machine 1, the winning combinations subject to internal lottery include bonus winning combinations, replay winning combinations, and minor winning combinations. Even if the player wins in the current game, the bonus winning combination will remain in the winning state until the player wins in the subsequent games. If the player wins, the bonus game state will start from the next game.

[0078] In contrast, for the replay winning combination and minor winning combination, when all the reels R1, R2, and R3 stop and one game ends, the winning state will disappear. Moreover, for the minor winning combination, medals will be paid out when winning. For the replay winning combination, the player can execute the next game without betting medals when winning.

[0079] Figure 9 is a table showing the winning symbol combinations and the benefits / payouts at the time of winning for the winning combinations allowed in the internal lottery process.

[0080] In the internal lottery process of the slot machine 1, as shown in Figure 9, the winning combinations allowed for winning are set as 8 types of winning combinations: BB1 winning combination, BB2 winning combination, BB3 winning combination, normal replay winning combination, watermelon winning combination, bell winning combination, cherry winning combination, and BB minor winning combination.

[0081] The BB1 winning combination is a bonus winning combination. More specifically, it is a device for continuous operation of winning combination related to the first type of special winning combination according to the game machine related rules. The winning symbol combination of the BB1 winning combination is set as the combination where the red 7 symbols line up on the middle line L1. When the BB1 winning combination wins, the bonus game corresponding to the BB1 winning combination will start from the next game. The bonus game ends when more than 266 medals are paid out. Note that the slot machine 1 adopts a reel stop control that gives priority to the bonus winning combination and allows the minor winning combination or replay winning combination to win in the games where the bonus winning combination and minor winning combination are both winning, and in the games where the bonus winning combination and replay winning combination are both winning.

[0082] The BB2 role is a bonus role, and more specifically, it is a continuous activation device for a special role of type 2 as defined in the regulations related to gaming machines. The winning combination for the BB2 role is set to a combination where the bell, replay, and replay symbols are lined up from left to right on the middle line L1. When the BB2 role is won, the bonus game corresponding to the BB2 role starts in the next game. The bonus game ends when more than 156 medals are paid out. Furthermore, the winning symbol combination for the BB2 role is a scattered symbol combination in which no specific symbols line up on any of the lines within reel window 8: the middle line L1, the upper line L2, the lower line L3, the downward-sloping line L4, and the upward-sloping line L5.

[0083] The BB3 role is a bonus role, and more specifically, it is a continuous activation device for a special role of type 1 as defined in the regulations related to gaming machines. The winning combination for the BB3 role is set to a combination where the red 7, red 7, and bar symbols are lined up from left to right on the middle line L1. When the BB3 role is achieved, the bonus game corresponding to the BB3 role starts in the next game. The bonus game ends when more than 99 medals are paid out.

[0084] Normally, the "Replay" symbol is the same as the "Replay" symbol. In games where the Replay symbol is won, the Replay symbol is awarded regardless of the timing and order of the reel stopping operation. In games where a regular replay is won, the replay symbol will line up on the middle line L1, regardless of the timing or order of the reel stopping operations.

[0085] The watermelon symbol is a minor win. Depending on the timing of the reel stopping operation, the watermelon symbol may or may not be awarded. If awarded, 5 medals are paid out.

[0086] The bell symbol is a minor win. The bell symbol is a minor win that can be achieved regardless of the timing or order of reel stopping operations, and when it is achieved, 10 medals are paid out.

[0087] The cherry symbol is a minor win. Depending on the timing of the reel stopping operation, the cherry symbol may or may not result in a win. If it is won, two medals are paid out. When a cherry symbol is won, the cherry symbol will stop on the bottom of the left reel (PL3 in Figure 7).

[0088] BB (Big Bonus) small wins are small wins. BB small wins are awarded regardless of the timing and order of reel stopping operations. When awarded, bell symbols line up on the upward-sloping line L5, and 15 medals are paid out. BB small wins are small wins that are drawn only during the bonus game mentioned above.

[0089] Figure 10 is a table showing the lottery values ​​for each lottery category for each specified number and set value in the internal lottery process. The internal lottery process involves comparing the acquired random number with the lottery value of the lottery category set according to the game state and settings. If the random number is lower, it is determined that the lottery category has been won. If the random number is equal to or higher than the lottery value, the lottery value is subtracted from the random number, and this is compared with the lottery value set for the next lottery category. This process is repeated to determine the winning combination. The range of random values ​​used in the internal lottery process is 0 to 65535, and the probability of winning in each lottery category can be calculated by dividing the lottery value by 65536. The game states, the normal state and the special state, will be described later.

[0090] I will now explain each lottery category. Lottery category BB1 is the lottery category in which the BB1 ​​role is won. Lottery category BB1 is a lottery category that is drawn only when the game state is the normal state, that is, when the number of playable tokens is 3. The lottery values ​​are set as follows: Setting 1 is 92, Setting 2 is 100, Setting 3 is 108, Setting 4 is 116, Setting 5 is 124, and Setting 6 is 125. The higher the setting, the easier it is to win.

[0091] Lottery category BB2 is the lottery category in which the BB2 role is won. Lottery category BB2 is a lottery category that is drawn only when the game state is a special state, meaning the number of playable tokens is 2. The lottery values ​​are set as follows: Setting 1 is 10990, Setting 2 is 10950, Setting 3 is 10910, Setting 4 is 10870, Setting 5 is 10830, and Setting 6 is 10790. The higher the setting, the less likely you are to win.

[0092] Lottery category BB3 is the lottery category in which the BB3 role is won. Lottery category BB3 is a lottery category that is drawn only when the game state is the normal state, that is, when the number of playable tokens is 3. The lottery values ​​are set as follows: Setting 1 is 58, Setting 2 is 86, Setting 3 is 114, Setting 4 is 142, Setting 5 is 170, and Setting 6 is 170. The higher the setting, the easier it is to win.

[0093] The Replay lottery category is a lottery category where the regular Replay role is won. The replay lottery category is a lottery category that is drawn regardless of whether the game state is normal or special. The lottery value is set to 8968 for all settings.

[0094] The Replay + BB1 lottery category is a lottery category where both the regular Replay and BB1 roles are awarded. The Replay + BB1 lottery category is a lottery category that is drawn only when the game state is the normal state, that is, when the number of playable coins is 3. The lottery value is set to 5 for all settings.

[0095] The Replay + BB2 lottery category is a lottery category where both the regular Replay and BB2 roles are awarded. The Replay + BB2 lottery category is a lottery category that is drawn only when the game state is a special state, meaning the number of playable coins is 2. The lottery value is set to 10 for all settings.

[0096] The Replay + BB3 lottery category is a lottery category where both the regular Replay and BB3 roles are awarded. The Replay + BB3 lottery category is a lottery category that is drawn only when the game state is the normal state, that is, when the number of playable coins is 3. The lottery value is set to 5 for all settings.

[0097] The "Bell" lottery category is the category in which the "Bell" role is won. The "Bell" lottery category is a lottery category that is drawn regardless of whether the game state is normal or special. The lottery value is set to 10685 for all settings under normal conditions, and to 20000 for setting 1, 20160 for setting 2, 20320 for setting 3, 20480 for setting 4, 20640 for setting 5, and 20800 for setting 6 under special conditions, with the probability of winning increasing as the setting increases.

[0098] The "Bell + BB1" lottery category is a lottery category where both the Bell and BB1 roles are awarded. The Bell + BB1 lottery category is a lottery category that is drawn only when the game state is the normal state, that is, when the number of playable coins is 3. The lottery value is set to 10 for all settings.

[0099] The "Bell + BB2" lottery category is a lottery category where you can win both the Bell role and the BB2 role. The "Bell + BB2" lottery category is a lottery category that is drawn only when the game state is a special state, meaning the number of playable tokens is 2. The lottery values ​​are set as follows: Setting 1 is 5000, Setting 2 is 5040, Setting 3 is 5080, Setting 4 is 5120, Setting 5 is 5160, and Setting 6 is 5200. The higher the setting, the easier it is to win.

[0100] The "Bell + BB3" lottery category is a lottery category where you can win both the Bell role and the BB3 role. The Bell + BB3 lottery category is a lottery category that is drawn only when the game state is the normal state, that is, when the number of playable coins is 3. The lottery value is set to 5 for all settings.

[0101] The Watermelon lottery category is a lottery category where the Watermelon prize is won. The Watermelon lottery category is a lottery category that is drawn only when the game state is the normal state, that is, when the prescribed number of playable tokens is 3. The lottery values ​​are set as follows: Setting 1 is 1610, Setting 2 is 1628, Setting 3 is 1646, Setting 4 is 1664, Setting 5 is 1682, and Setting 6 is 1700. The higher the setting, the easier it is to win.

[0102] The Watermelon + BB1 lottery category is a lottery category where you can win both the Watermelon and BB1 roles. The Watermelon + BB1 lottery category is a lottery category that is drawn only when the game state is the normal state, that is, when the number of playable coins is 3. The lottery values ​​are set as follows: Setting 1 is 60, Setting 2 is 61, Setting 3 is 62, Setting 4 is 63, Setting 5 is 64, and Setting 6 is 65. The higher the setting, the easier it is to win.

[0103] The Watermelon + BB3 lottery category is a lottery category where you can win both the Watermelon and BB3 roles. The Watermelon + BB3 lottery category is a lottery category that is drawn only when the game state is the normal state, that is, when the number of playable coins is 3. The lottery values ​​are set as follows: Setting 1 is 30, Setting 2 is 31, Setting 3 is 32, Setting 4 is 33, Setting 5 is 34, and Setting 6 is 35. The higher the setting, the easier it is to win.

[0104] The Cherry lottery category is the lottery category in which the Cherry role is won. The Cherry lottery category is a lottery category that is drawn only when the game state is the normal state, that is, when the number of playable tokens is 3. The lottery values ​​are set as follows: Setting 1 is 870, Setting 2 is 878, Setting 3 is 886, Setting 4 is 894, Setting 5 is 902, and Setting 6 is 910. The higher the setting, the easier it is to win.

[0105] The Cherry + BB1 lottery category is a lottery category where both the Cherry and BB1 roles can be won. The Cherry + BB1 lottery category is a lottery category that is drawn only when the game state is the normal state, that is, when the number of playable tokens is 3. The lottery values ​​are set as follows: Setting 1 is 70, Setting 2 is 71, Setting 3 is 72, Setting 4 is 73, Setting 5 is 74, and Setting 6 is 75. The higher the setting, the easier it is to win.

[0106] The Cherry + BB3 lottery category is a lottery category where you can win both the Cherry and BB3 roles. The Cherry + BB3 lottery category is a lottery category that is drawn only when the game state is the normal state, that is, when the number of playable coins is 3. The lottery values ​​are set as follows: Setting 1 is 60, Setting 2 is 61, Setting 3 is 62, Setting 4 is 63, Setting 5 is 64, and Setting 6 is 65. The higher the setting, the easier it is to win.

[0107] The BB minor role lottery category is a lottery category in which the BB minor role, bell role, watermelon role, and cherry role can all be won at the same time. The BB (Big Bonus) small role lottery category is a lottery category that is drawn only during bonus games. The lottery value is set to 65536 for all settings, and during the bonus game, a BB (Big Bonus) small win is guaranteed in every game, ensuring that a BB small win is always awarded.

[0108] In slot machines, the same lottery table is used for the bonus games corresponding to BB1, BB2, and BB3 roles, but it is also permissible to use different lottery tables for each bonus role. Additionally, while the current system ensures that a small win in the BB lottery category is guaranteed during the bonus game, it would also be possible to assign a lottery value to the replay lottery category, allowing for a regular replay win during the bonus game. Furthermore, the probability of winning a replay during the bonus game may be determined by different lottery values ​​than those for the normal state and the special state.

[0109] In both the normal and special states, if you do not win in any of the lottery categories, you will lose (fail).

[0110] In the normal state, and when no bonus roles have been won, if either a bonus role, namely BB1 or BB3, is won, but no other bonus roles are awarded in that game, the game enters the 3-coin bet bonus internal state. The internal lottery process during the 3-coin bet bonus is the same as the internal lottery process during the normal state, but even if any of the following are won: lottery category BB1, lottery category BB3, lottery category Replay + BB1, lottery category Replay + BB3, lottery category Bell + BB1, lottery category Bell + BB3, lottery category Watermelon + BB1, lottery category Watermelon + BB3, lottery category Cherry + BB1, and lottery category Cherry + BB3, no new bonus role will be won. Therefore, for example, if the lottery category Replay + BB1 is won, and a regular Replay role is won in that game but the BB1 ​​role is not won, the game will enter an internal state of 3-coin betting bonus from the next game onwards. In the internal lottery process, even if the lottery category BB3 is won, the BB3 role of lottery category BB3 will not be won because the BB1 ​​role has already been won.

[0111] Furthermore, the probability of winning a replay in the internal lottery process during normal gameplay is the same as the probability of winning a replay during the internal bonus state for 3-coin betting.

[0112] In a special state where the BB2 role has not been won, if the BB2 role is won but the BB2 role is not awarded in that game, the game enters the internal state of a 2-coin bet bonus. The internal lottery process during the bonus round when betting two coins is the same as the internal lottery process during the special state, but even if you win one of the following: lottery category BB2, lottery category Replay + BB2, or lottery category Bell + BB2, it will not result in multiple BB2 wins.

[0113] Furthermore, the probability of winning a replay in the internal lottery process during a special state is the same as the probability of winning a replay in the internal state of a two-coin bet bonus.

[0114] As shown in Figure 10, the BB1 ​​and BB3 roles are only drawn in the normal state, i.e., when the number of playable tokens is 3, while the BB2 role is only drawn in the special state, i.e., when the number of playable tokens is 2. The probability of winning a BB1 role in normal circumstances is the sum of the probabilities of winning BB1, replay+BB1, bell+BB1, watermelon+BB1, and cherry+BB1, and is 237 for setting 1, 247 for setting 2, 257 for setting 3, 267 for setting 4, 277 for setting 5, and 280 for setting 6. The probability of winning a BB3 in normal conditions is the sum of the probabilities of winning BB3, replay + BB3, bell + BB3, watermelon + BB3, and cherry + BB3, and is 158 for setting 1, 188 for setting 2, 218 for setting 3, 248 for setting 4, 278 for setting 5, and 280 for setting 6.

[0115] Therefore, the total probability of winning any bonus role in the normal state is 395 for setting 1, 435 for setting 2, 475 for setting 3, 515 for setting 4, 555 for setting 5, and 560 for setting 6. The probability of winning a BB2 role in a special state is the sum of the values ​​for the BB2 lottery category, the Replay + BB2 lottery category, and the Bell + BB2 lottery category, and is 16000 for all settings. In other words, the probability of winning any bonus role in the normal state is 395 / 655536 = 1 / 166 for setting 1, 435 / 655536 = 1 / 150.5 for setting 2, 475 / 655536 = 1 / 138 for setting 3, 515 / 655536 = 1 / 127.3 for setting 4, 555 / 655536 = 1 / 118.2 for setting 5, and 560 / 655536 = 1 / 117.1 for setting 6. The probability of winning the BB2 role, or bonus role, in the special state is 16000 / 65536 = 1 / 4.1 for all settings. Thus, slot machine 1 is set up so that the probability of winning a bonus is higher in the special state than in the normal state.

[0116] <6. Detailed explanation of the game> Next, we will explain the details of playing slot machine 1.

[0117] <6-1. Regarding the game state> Figure 11 shows the transitions in the game state of slot machine 1. Details of each game state will be described later. First, let's explain the transitions between game states.

[0118] In slot machine 1, once the setting selection (change) process is complete, the game state is set to the normal state where it can only be played with the specified number of 3 coins. If the internal lottery process in the normal state results in a BB1 win, and the BB1 ​​win is achieved, the game transitions to the BB1 ​​bonus game corresponding to the BB1 ​​win. If, as a result of the internal lottery process in the normal state, the BB1 ​​role is selected but the BB1 ​​role is not awarded, the game state will be the 3-coin betting game bonus internal state, and this state will be maintained until the BB1 ​​role is awarded.

[0119] In the BB1 ​​bonus game, the game continues until the total number of medals paid out during the bonus game exceeds 266. Once the total number of medals paid out exceeds 266, the BB1 ​​bonus game ends, and the game state changes to a special state where it can only be played with a specified number of 2 medals.

[0120] If the internal lottery process in the special state results in a BB2 win and the BB2 win is achieved, the game will transition to the BB2 bonus game corresponding to the BB2 win. Furthermore, if, as a result of the internal lottery process in the special state, the BB2 role is selected but the BB2 role is not awarded, the game state will be the 2-coin betting game bonus internal state, and this state will be maintained until the BB2 role is awarded.

[0121] In the BB2 bonus game, the game continues until the total number of medals paid out during the bonus game exceeds 156. Once the total number of medals paid out exceeds 156, the BB2 bonus game ends, and the game returns to the normal state where it can only be played with a specified number of 3 medals.

[0122] If the internal lottery process in the normal state results in a BB3 win, and the BB3 win is achieved, the game transitions to the BB3 bonus game corresponding to the BB3 win. If, as a result of the internal lottery process in the normal state, the BB3 role is selected but the BB3 role is not awarded, the game state will be the 3-coin betting game bonus internal state, and this state will be maintained until the BB3 role is awarded.

[0123] In the BB3 bonus game, the game continues until the total number of medals paid out during the bonus game exceeds 99. Once the total number of medals paid out exceeds 99, the BB3 bonus game ends, and the game returns to the normal state where it can only be played with a specified number of 3 medals.

[0124] Thus, in slot machine 1, when a bonus role is won, a bonus game corresponding to the won bonus role is started, and when the bonus game ends, the game transitions to a state where a predetermined number of playable rounds, set for each bonus role, are fixed. Specifically, after the BB1 ​​bonus game ends, the game transitions to a special state where the number of playable tokens is fixed at 2, while after the BB2 and BB3 bonus games end, the game transitions to a normal state where the number of playable tokens is fixed at 3.

[0125] In the special state, the probability of winning a bonus role is set higher. Therefore, if you win a BB1 role in the normal state, you will go through the BB1 ​​bonus game and then transition to the special state. In the special state, you will win a BB2 role with a much higher probability of winning a bonus role than in the normal state, and the BB2 bonus game will be executed. In other words, by winning a BB1 role, you are almost guaranteed not only to play the BB1 ​​bonus game but also the BB2 bonus game, and you will also receive the payout from the BB2 bonus game. On the other hand, in the normal state, if the BB3 role is won, the game will not transition to a special state after the BB3 bonus game ends, but will return to the normal state. The above explains the transitions in the game state of slot machine 1.

[0126] <6-2. Regarding the normal state and the internal bonus state when betting 3 coins> Next, we will explain the processing flow for each game state.

[0127] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of slot machine 1 in its normal state and during the internal bonus state when betting 3 coins. During normal operation, the first step is to perform an internal lottery (S1201). In the following explanation, the internal lottery process will include the internal lottery process (S103) shown in Figure 8. Returning to Figure 12, it is determined whether the game state is in the state of a 3-coin bet bonus (S1202). If it is determined that the game state is in the state of a 3-coin bet bonus (YES in S1202), the process proceeds to step S1205. If it is determined that the game state is not in the state of a 3-coin bet bonus (NO in S1202), the game state is determined to be the normal state, and it is determined whether the bonus role, BB1 or BB3, has been won as a result of the internal lottery process (S1203). If the internal lottery process determines that either the BB1 ​​or BB3 bonus role has been won (YES in S1203), the game state is set to the 3-coin bet game bonus internal state (S1204), and the process proceeds to step S1205. If the internal lottery process determines that neither the BB1 ​​nor BB3 bonus roles have been won (NO in S1203), the process in step S1204 is skipped, and the process proceeds to step S1205.

[0128] In step S1205, the main control unit 100 determines whether or not the BB1 ​​role has been won (S1205). If it is determined that the BB1 ​​role has been won (YES in S1205), the game state is set to BB1 bonus game, the waiting time for game start is set to 3 seconds, and the main control unit 100 sends a command to the sub-control unit 101 indicating that the BB1 ​​role has been won. After the sub-control unit 101 receives the command indicating that the BB1 ​​role has been won, it uses the liquid crystal display 16, decorative lamps 18L, 18C, 18R, and speakers 6L, 6R to perform a bonus win notification performance (S1206) and then returns. In slot machine 1, the bonus win notification is performed using the LCD display 16, decorative lamps 18L, 18C, 18R, and speakers 6L, 6R, but it is also acceptable to simply play fanfare background music using speakers 6L, 6R.

[0129] On the other hand, if it is determined that the BB1 ​​role has not been won (NO in S1205), it is determined whether or not the BB3 role has been won (S1207). If it is determined that the BB3 role has been won (YES in S1207), the game state is set to BB3 bonus game, the waiting time for game start is set to 3 seconds, and the main control device 100 sends a command to the sub-control device 101 indicating that the BB3 role has been won. After the sub-control device 101 receives the command indicating that the BB3 role has been won, it uses the liquid crystal display 16, decorative lamps 18L, 18C, 18R, and speakers 6L, 6R to perform a bonus win notification performance (S1208) and then returns. The bonus win notification animation can be the same as when the BB1 ​​role is won, or it can be a different animation. On the other hand, if it is determined that BB3 has not won (NO S1207), the result is returned.

[0130] If a waiting time for the start of a game is set, operations related to starting the next game, such as betting and operating the start lever, will be disabled until the set time has elapsed. Once the set time has elapsed, operations related to starting the next game will be enabled. Therefore, when the BB1 ​​and BB3 roles are won, the waiting time for starting the game is set to 3 seconds, and until 3 seconds have passed since the BB1 ​​and BB3 roles were won, operations related to starting the next game will be invalid. In slot machine 1, a bonus win notification animation is performed during the game start waiting period, when operations related to the start of the next game are disabled. This makes it possible to let the player know that they have won a bonus.

[0131] The above describes the processing flow during normal gameplay and during the internal bonus state when betting 3 coins.

[0132] <6-3. Regarding Special Conditions> Next, we will explain the processing flow for special states.

[0133] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating the processing flow for the special state of slot machine 1. During processing in a special state, the internal lottery process (S1301) is executed first. After the internal lottery process, it is determined whether the game state is in the state of a 2-coin bet game bonus (S1302). If it is determined that the game state is in the state of a 2-coin bet game bonus (YES in S1302), the process proceeds to step S1305. If it is determined that the game state is not in the state of a 2-coin bet game bonus (NO in S1302), the game state is determined to be a special state, and it is determined whether the bonus role BB2 has been won as a result of the internal lottery process (S1303). If the internal lottery process determines that the bonus role BB2 has been won (YES in S1303), the game state is set to the 2-coin bet game bonus internal state (S1304), and the process proceeds to step S1305. If the internal lottery process determines that the bonus role BB2 has not been won (NO in S1303), the process in step S1304 is skipped, and the process proceeds to step S1305.

[0134] In step S1305, it is determined whether or not a BB2 win has occurred (S1305). If it is determined that a BB2 win has occurred (YES in S1305), the game state is set to BB2 bonus game, the game start waiting time is set to 0 seconds, and the main control unit 100 sends a command to the sub-control unit 101 indicating that a BB2 win has occurred. However, after receiving the command indicating that a BB2 win has occurred, the sub-control unit 101 does not execute a bonus win notification animation using the LCD display 16, decorative lamps 18L, 18C, 18R, and speakers 6L, 6R, but continues the bonus game animation described later (S1306) and returns. On the other hand, if it is determined that the BB2 role has not been awarded (NO S1305), the result is returned.

[0135] The waiting time before starting a game is set to 0 seconds, meaning there is no waiting time before starting a game, and operations related to starting the next game become available. In slot machine 1, when the BB2 combination is won, no bonus win notification animation is performed. Therefore, players are more likely to perform actions to start the next game without realizing that they have won the BB2 combination, which is a bonus combination. In other words, under normal conditions, when a bonus role is won, a waiting period is introduced to start the game, and a bonus win notification animation is performed during this waiting period. However, under special conditions, when a bonus role is won, there is no waiting period to start the game, and the bonus win notification animation is not performed.

[0136] As shown in Figure 9, the symbol combination for the BB2 role is set as bell-replay-replay from left to right. When the BB2 role is won, the symbol combination results in a scattered pattern where no specific symbols line up on any of the lines in the reel window 8: middle line L1, upper line L2, lower line L3, downward line L4, and upward line L5. As shown in Figure 6, the bell symbol on the left reel and the replay symbols on the middle and right reels are placed every four frames, so regardless of the timing and order of reel stopping operations, it is set to always result in a win. Therefore, when the BB2 role is won in the special state, or in the game following the win of the Replay + BB2 or Bell + BB2 role, the BB2 role is guaranteed to be awarded in any game where a role other than Replay, Replay + BB2, Bell, or Bell + BB2 is won, or in any game where no role is won.

[0137] The above describes the processing flow during special states and during the internal bonus state for two-coin betting games.

[0138] <6-4. About the BB1 ​​Bonus Game> Next, I will explain the processing flow of the BB1 ​​bonus game.

[0139] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the BB1 ​​bonus game on slot machine 1. During the BB1 ​​bonus game, the first step is to determine whether or not it is the start of a bonus game (S1401). If it is determined that it is the start of a bonus game (YES in S1401), the main control unit 100 sends a command to the sub-control unit 101 indicating the start of the BB1 ​​bonus game. After receiving the command indicating the start of the BB1 ​​bonus game, the sub-control unit 101 uses the liquid crystal display 16, decorative lamps 18L, 18C, 18R, and speakers 6L, 6R to execute the bonus game effects (S1402). On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not the start of a bonus game (NO in S1401), the bonus game animation is already being executed by the sub-control device 101, so the process in step S1402 is not executed, and the next step S1403 is executed.

[0140] Next, the internal lottery process (S1403) is executed. In slot machine 1, during the BB1 ​​bonus game, a BB-level small win is guaranteed to be drawn in every game, and a BB-level small win is guaranteed to be awarded in that game.

[0141] After a BB (Big Bonus) small win occurs, the payout for the BB small win, 15, is added to the total payout for the BB1 ​​bonus game (S1404). Next, it is determined whether the total number of payouts exceeds 266 coins, which is the condition for ending the BB1 ​​bonus game (S1405). If it is determined that the total number of payouts does not exceed 266 (NO in S1405), the machine is returned.

[0142] On the other hand, if it is determined that the total number of payouts exceeds 266 (YES in S1405), the game state is set to a special state where the number of playable coins is set to 2, the game end waiting time is set to 0 seconds, the special state lamp TL is lit, and the main control device 100 sends a command to the sub-control device 101 indicating the end of the BB1 ​​bonus game. However, even if the sub-control device 101 receives the command indicating the end of the BB1 ​​bonus game, it does not execute the bonus game end animation using the liquid crystal display 16, decorative lamps 18L, 18C, 18R, and speakers 6L, 6R, and returns to the starting state of the BB1 ​​bonus game using the liquid crystal display 16, decorative lamps 18L, 18C, 18R, and speakers 6L, 6R.

[0143] The special state lamp TL corresponds to the dot portion of the rightmost 7-segment display on the three-digit 7-segment display with dots on the acquired coin display unit 10 in Figure 4, when viewed from the front. It lights up at the end of a bonus game when the game state transitions to a special state, and turns off at the end of a bonus game when the game state transitions back to a normal state. Therefore, when the special state lamp TL lights up, it indicates that the game state has transitioned to a special state.

[0144] As described above, in slot machine 1, the bonus game animation is executed at the start of the BB1 ​​bonus game, and this animation continues to run throughout the BB1 ​​bonus game. Furthermore, at the end of the BB1 ​​bonus game, the game end waiting time is set to 0 seconds, the bonus game end animation is not executed, and the bonus game animation that was running during the BB1 ​​bonus game continues to run. The system is designed so that the bonus game animation will also run during the special state that starts from the next game.

[0145] Furthermore, the game end wait time is set to 0 seconds, so operations related to starting the next game become effective immediately, and the bonus game end animation indicating the end of the bonus game is not executed, and the bonus game animation continues to run. As a result, players mistakenly believe that the BB1 ​​bonus game is continuing and continue playing.

[0146] The above is the processing flow during the BB1 ​​bonus game.

[0147] <6-5. About the BB2 Bonus Game> Next, I will explain the processing flow of the BB2 bonus game.

[0148] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the BB2 bonus game on slot machine 1. During the BB2 bonus game, the first step is to determine whether or not it is the start of a bonus game (S1501). If it is determined that it is the start of a bonus game (YES in S1501), the main control unit 100 sends a command to the sub-control unit 101 indicating the start of the BB2 bonus game. However, even after receiving the command indicating the start of the BB2 bonus game, the sub-control unit 101 continues to execute the bonus game effects using the liquid crystal display 16, decorative lamps 18L, 18C, 18R, and speakers 6L, 6R (S1502). On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not the start of a bonus game (NO in S1501), the bonus game animation is already being executed by the sub-control device 101, so the process in step S1502 is not executed, and the next step S1503 is executed. Therefore, the main control unit 100 sends a command to the sub-control unit 101 indicating the start of the BB2 bonus game only when the bonus game has started, but the sub-control unit 101 continues to execute the bonus game effects that were being performed before the bonus game started, regardless of whether the bonus game has started or not.

[0149] Next, the internal lottery process (S1503) is executed. During the BB2 bonus game, the first step is to execute the internal lottery process (S1503). In slot machine 1, during the BB2 bonus game, a BB-level small win is guaranteed to be drawn in every game, and a BB-level small win is guaranteed to be awarded in that game.

[0150] After a BB (Big Bonus) small win occurs, the payout for the BB small win, 15, is added to the total payout for the BB2 bonus game (S1504). Next, it is determined whether the total number of payouts exceeds 156 coins, which is the condition for ending the BB2 bonus game (S1505). If it is determined that the total number of payouts does not exceed 156 (NO in S1505), the machine is returned.

[0151] On the other hand, if it is determined that the total number of payouts exceeds 156 (YES in S1505), the game state is set to the normal state with a predetermined number of playable coins set to 3, the game end waiting time is set to 3 seconds, the special state lamp TL is turned off, the main control device 100 sends a command to the sub-control device 101 indicating the end of the BB2 bonus game, and after the sub-control device 101 receives the command indicating the end of the BB2 bonus game, it ends the bonus game performance and performs the bonus game end performance using the LCD display 16, decorative lamps 18L, 18C, 18R, and speakers 6L, 6R (S1506), and returns.

[0152] As described above, in slot machine 1, during the BB2 bonus game, the bonus game animations that were executed at the start of the BB1 ​​bonus game and continue to be executed even after the special state following the end of the BB1 ​​bonus game continue to be executed. Also, at the end of the BB2 bonus game, the bonus game animations end, and the game end waiting period is set to 3 seconds, during which the bonus game end animation is executed.

[0153] If a waiting time for the end of a game is set, operations related to starting the next game, such as betting and operating the start lever, will be disabled until the set time has elapsed. Once the set time has elapsed, operations related to starting the next game will be enabled. Therefore, when the BB2 bonus game ends, the bonus game animation ends, and the bonus game ending animation is executed during the waiting period before the game ends. This leads the player to mistakenly believe that the bonus game, which had continued from the start of the BB1 ​​bonus game, had continued until the end of the BB2 bonus game. In other words, one bonus game has ended.

[0154] The above is the processing flow during the BB2 bonus game.

[0155] <6-6. About BB3 Bonus Game> Next, I will explain the processing flow of the BB3 bonus game.

[0156] Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the BB3 bonus game on slot machine 1. During the BB3 bonus game, the first step is to determine whether or not it is the start of a bonus game (S1601). If it is determined that it is the start of a bonus game (YES in S1601), the main control unit 100 sends a command to the sub-control unit 101 indicating the start of the BB3 bonus game. After receiving the command indicating the start of the BB3 bonus game, the sub-control unit 101 uses the liquid crystal display 16, decorative lamps 18L, 18C, 18R, and speakers 6L, 6R to execute the bonus game effects (S1602). On the other hand, if it is determined that it is not the start of a bonus game (NO in S1601), the bonus game animation is already being executed by the sub-control device 101, so the process in step S1602 is not executed, and the next step S1603 is executed.

[0157] Next, the internal lottery process (S1603) is executed. In slot machine 1, during the BB3 bonus game, a BB-level small win is guaranteed to be drawn in every game, and a BB-level small win is guaranteed to be awarded in that game.

[0158] After a BB (Big Bonus) small win occurs, the payout for the BB small win, 15, is added to the total payout for the BB3 bonus game (S1604). Next, it is determined whether the total number of payouts exceeds 99 coins, which is the condition for ending the BB3 bonus game (S1605). If it is determined that the total number of payouts does not exceed 99 (NO in S1605), the machine is returned.

[0159] On the other hand, if it is determined that the total number of payouts exceeds 99 (YES in S1605), the game state is set to the normal state with a predetermined number of playable coins set to 3, and the game end waiting time is set to 3 seconds. The main control device 100 sends a command to the sub-control device 101 indicating the end of the BB3 bonus game. After receiving the command indicating the end of the BB3 bonus game, the sub-control device 101 ends the bonus game performance and executes a bonus game end performance using the LCD display 16, decorative lamps 18L, 18C, 18R, and speakers 6L, 6R (S1606), and then returns.

[0160] As described above, in slot machine 1, during the BB3 bonus game, the bonus game animation is executed at the start of the BB3 bonus game. Also, at the end of the BB3 bonus game, the bonus game animation ends, and a game end waiting period is set to 3 seconds, during which the bonus game end animation is executed.

[0161] If a waiting time for the end of a game is set, operations related to starting the next game, such as betting and operating the start lever, will be disabled until the set time has elapsed. Once the set time has elapsed, operations related to starting the next game will be enabled. Therefore, in the BB3 bonus game, the bonus game animation is executed at the start of the bonus game, the bonus game animation continues throughout the BB3 bonus game, and at the end of the BB3 bonus game, the bonus game animation ends and the bonus game ending animation is executed.

[0162] The above is the processing flow during the BB3 bonus game.

[0163] <7. Explanation of specifications for each bonus role> Next, we will explain the details of the specifications for each bonus role in slot machine 1.

[0164] Figure 17 is a table showing the actions taken for each bonus role in slot machine 1. First, regarding the specifications when each bonus role is won, the BB1 ​​and BB3 roles, which are drawn during the normal state where the game can be played with a set number of 3 coins, have a waiting time of 3 seconds before the game starts when the bonus role is won. In contrast, the BB2 role, which is drawn during the special state where the game can be played with a set number of 2 coins, has a waiting time of 0 seconds before the game starts when the bonus role is won; in other words, there is no waiting time set. Therefore, the bonus win notification animation is performed when a bonus role is won, specifically for BB1 and BB3 roles which are drawn during the normal state, but not for BB2 role which is drawn during the special state.

[0165] Next, regarding the specifications of the bonus games that start when each bonus role is won, the bonus game animations that are performed at the start of the bonus game also differ. For BB1 and BB3 roles, which are drawn during the normal state, a new bonus game animation is performed at the start of the bonus game. However, for BB2 role, which is drawn during the special state, a new animation is not performed at the start of the bonus game. Instead, the bonus game animation that was performed before the start of the bonus game corresponding to BB2 role, that is, the bonus game animation that was performed at the start of the bonus game corresponding to BB1 role, continues to be performed.

[0166] Next, regarding the specifications when each bonus game ends, the waiting time for game termination after each bonus game ends is set to 3 seconds for the BB2 bonus game corresponding to the BB2 role and the BB3 bonus game corresponding to the BB3 role, but the waiting time for game termination after the BB1 ​​bonus game corresponding to the BB1 ​​role ends is 0 seconds, meaning no waiting time is set. Therefore, the bonus game ending animation is performed during BB2 and BB3 bonus games, but not during BB1.

[0167] Additionally, the special state lamp TL lights up at the end of the BB1 ​​bonus game, which corresponds to the BB1 ​​role where the predetermined number is set to 2 after the bonus game ends, and turns off at the end of the BB2 bonus game, which starts when the BB2 role is won during the special state. In the BB3 bonus game, which begins upon winning the BB3 role, the number of coins required after the bonus game ends is set to 3, so the special state lamp TL will always be off.

[0168] Furthermore, when the BB2 role is won, the symbols will be scattered in a state where no specific symbols line up on any of the lines in reel window 8. As a result, there is no waiting time to start the game or a bonus win notification animation, so the player will start the BB2 bonus game without realizing that the BB2 role has been won. The above outlines the actions to be taken for each bonus role depending on the situation.

[0169] With this setting, in the normal state where the number of coins is set to 3, if the BB1 ​​role is won and the BB1 ​​role is awarded, a bonus award notification animation will be executed, the bonus game animation will be executed from the start of the BB1 ​​bonus game which begins when the BB1 ​​role is awarded, the bonus game animation will continue to be executed even after the BB1 ​​bonus game ends, the bonus game animation will continue to be executed even in the special state where the number of coins is set to 2 after the BB1 ​​bonus game ends, and if the BB2 role is won and the BB2 role is awarded, the game start waiting wait and bonus award notification animation will not be executed, and the bonus game animation will continue to be executed. During the BB2 bonus game, which begins upon winning the BB2 role, the bonus game animations that were running before the BB2 bonus game started continue. At the end of the BB2 bonus game, the bonus game animations end, and the bonus game end animation is performed during the waiting period before the game ends. Therefore, when the BB1 ​​role is won, a bonus win notification animation is performed, and when the BB1 ​​bonus game starts, a bonus game animation is performed, and the bonus game animation continues to run throughout the BB1 ​​bonus game, the special state, and the BB2 bonus game, and a bonus game end animation is performed during the game end waiting period at the end of the BB2 bonus game. In other words, slot machine 1 does not have a waiting time set for when the BB1 ​​bonus game ends or when the BB2 combination is won, so the feel of playing from one game to the next is the same as in the special state and during the bonus game, and the series of intervals from the BB1 ​​bonus game to the special state and then to the BB2 bonus game appears as a single bonus game interval.

[0170] Thus, in slot machine 1, to make it appear as a series of bonus game intervals, a waiting period is set when a bonus role that marks the start of a series of bonus game intervals is won, a bonus win notification animation is performed, bonus game animations are performed during the series of bonus games, and when the series of bonus games ends, the bonus game animations end, a waiting period is set when the game ends, and a bonus game end animation is performed.

[0171] Furthermore, in order to make the series of sections from the BB1 ​​bonus game to the special state and then to the BB2 bonus game appear as a single bonus game section, the cumulative count of medals acquired may be started from the beginning of the BB1 ​​bonus game, continued until the end of the BB2 bonus game, and the acquired cumulative count may be announced during the bonus game ending animation that is performed when the BB2 bonus game ends. In slot machine 1, if a BB (Big Bonus) small win occurs during the BB1 ​​bonus game, the game transitions to a special state after the BB1 ​​bonus game ends. In the special state, if a miss, replay, or bell win occurs, the special state continues, and the BB2 bonus game begins when a BB2 win occurs. Therefore, to the player, it appears as though the bell symbols continue to line up after the BB1 ​​bonus game begins, and after a replay symbol or a miss (scattered symbols) is displayed, the bell symbols continue to line up again. As a result, the player is under the illusion that the BB1 ​​bonus game continues until the end of the BB2 bonus game.

[0172] In slot machine 1, the setting is such that small wins are always awarded during the bonus game, and replay wins are not awarded. However, it is also possible to include cases where replay wins or misses are awarded. Furthermore, during bonus games, it is preferable to set the probability of winning misses and replays lower than in normal and special states in order to minimize the reduction in the number of medals acquired. During the bonus game, if a losing or replay combination is achieved, it becomes difficult for the player to recognize that they are in a special state, even if a losing or replay combination is achieved during that state.

[0173] In slot machine 1, a waiting period is set when a bonus symbol, which marks the start of a series of bonus game periods, is won, in order to make it easier for the player to recognize the sequence of bonus game periods. However, the bonus win notification animation may be executed without setting a waiting period. Furthermore, while a waiting period for game completion is provided at the end of a series of bonus games, and the bonus game completion animation is executed during this waiting period, the bonus game completion animation may be executed without providing a waiting period for game completion. Therefore, if the player can recognize a series of bonus game intervals through the bonus win notification and bonus game end animations, it is not necessary to provide either one or both of the waiting waits at the start and end of a series of bonus game intervals. However, if there is no waiting time before starting a game or waiting time before ending a game, the next game can be played while the bonus win notification animation or the bonus game ending animation is being played. As a result of the game being played, the animation may be canceled, and the player may not recognize it as a series of bonus game intervals. Therefore, it is ideal to include a waiting time.

[0174] The rules of the game stipulate that the probability of winning a replay can be changed when a bonus is won, when a bonus game starts, or when a bonus game ends. However, in slot machine 1, the probability of winning a replay is changed when a bonus game starts, but it is not changed when a bonus is won. In slot machine 1, to make it difficult for players to infer that a bonus has been won based on the frequency of replay wins, the probability of winning a replay win is not changed in either the normal state or the special state when a bonus win is triggered.

[0175] <8. Variation> Next, we will explain a variation of slot machine 1.

[0176] Figure 18 shows a modified example of the transition of game states in slot machine 1. As shown in Figure 18, the configuration of slot machine 1 in Figure 11 is modified by adding the BB4 role, which is drawn during a special state, and the BB4 bonus game, which is a bonus game corresponding to the BB4 role. After the BB4 bonus game ends, the game is set to enter a special state where the set number of coins is set to 2.

[0177] Figure 19 is a table showing the actions taken for each bonus role in the modified version of slot machine 1. The specifications for roles BB1 to BB3 in Figure 19 are the same as in Figure 17, so no explanation is provided. The BB4 role is set to be drawn during a special state where the prescribed number is set to 2. The weight and bonus winning notification effects when the BB4 role is won are set to none, just like with the BB2 role. At the start of the bonus game, just like with the BB2 role, the bonus game animation continues from the one that was running before the start of the BB4 bonus game. At the end of the bonus game, similar to the BB1 ​​role, there is no wait period at the end of the bonus game, and the bonus game ending animation is also omitted, allowing the bonus game animation to continue. The special status lamp TL is lit from before the BB4 bonus game starts and remains lit after the BB4 bonus game ends. After the BB4 bonus game ends, a special state is set where the set number of coins is 2.

[0178] Therefore, the specifications for the BB4 role are that there is no wait time when the bonus role is won, and no wait time when the bonus game ends. Furthermore, the bonus win notification animation and the bonus game end animation are not performed, and the bonus game animation continues to run from before the BB4 bonus game starts until after the BB4 bonus game ends. In this way, by introducing the BB4 role, as long as the BB4 role continues to be triggered before the BB2 role during the special state, the special state can be continued, making it possible to win more payouts. Furthermore, just like the BB2, the BB4 role uses a different combination of symbols than the BB2 role, where no specific symbols line up within the reel window 8. By ensuring that the win is awarded regardless of the timing and order of the reel stopping operation, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to recognize that they have won the BB4 role, just like with the BB2 role. Conversely, the BB4 role could be made similar to the BB1 ​​role, with a specific combination of symbols appearing on the winning line NL, encouraging players to aim for the BB4 role and win. In that case, while continuing the bonus game sequence, a cut-in sequence may be inserted that overlaps with the screen to encourage the player to aim for the BB4 role, and when the BB4 role is achieved, a notification sequence such as "Bonus game continues!" may be displayed to indicate continuation.

[0179] By configuring slot machine 1 as shown in the modified example, it becomes possible to add variations during the bonus game presentation, which is presented as a series of bonus games, and to prevent the section of the bonus game from becoming monotonous.

[0180] 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]

[0181] 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

1. A lottery mechanism that, upon the start of a game with a predetermined number of game tokens required for one game to be played, selects a winning combination from among several types of combinations that allows for a prize, A bonus game initiation means that initiates a corresponding bonus game in accordance with the winning combination of the bonus role determined by the lottery by the aforementioned lottery means, In a slot machine equipped with, A means for setting a specified number, which sets either a first specified number or a second specified number less than the first specified number as the specified number. When the specified number is set to a first specified number by the specified number setting means and the bonus role has not yet been won, the state is called the first state, and when the specified number is set to a second specified number by the specified number setting means and the bonus role has not yet been won, the probability of winning the bonus role by the lottery means is set to be higher in the second state than in the first state. The aforementioned bonus roles include the first bonus role and the second bonus role. The aforementioned predetermined number setting means sets the predetermined number to the second predetermined number in response to the end of the first bonus game corresponding to the first bonus role, and sets the predetermined number to the first predetermined number in response to the end of the second bonus game corresponding to the second bonus role. Upon winning the first bonus role, a freeze process is executed to temporarily halt the game's progress, and a bonus win notification animation is performed during the execution of the freeze process. However, upon winning the second bonus role, the freeze process and the bonus win notification animation are not performed. A slot machine characterized in that, upon the termination of the second bonus game, the freeze process is executed, and a bonus game termination animation is performed to notify that the bonus game has ended during the execution of the freeze process, while the freeze process and the bonus game termination animation are not executed upon the termination of the first bonus game.

2. It includes a light-emitting means capable of indicating that the device has transitioned to the second state by turning on, The light-emitting means lights up in response to the end of the first bonus game and turns off in response to the end of the second bonus game. In response to the start of the first bonus game, a special performance spanning multiple games is executed, while in response to the start of the second bonus game, the special performance is not executed anew. The special performance is terminated upon the termination of the second bonus game, while the special performance is not terminated upon the termination of the first bonus game. The slot machine according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned multiple roles include a re-play role in which, depending on the outcome of the role, betting on the game medium is not required when the next game is played. The probability of winning the re-spinning role can be changed in accordance with the start of the bonus game corresponding to the aforementioned bonus role, while the probability of winning the re-spinning role does not change in accordance with the winning of the aforementioned bonus role. The aforementioned second bonus combination is guaranteed to be awarded in any game in which it can be won, regardless of the timing and order of the stop instructions for multiple reels, and the combination of symbols that constitutes the aforementioned second bonus combination is a scattered combination that does not involve the alignment of specific symbols. The slot machine according to claim 2.

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