Slot machines

Abstract

To shorten a game time required till ending AT shift with respect to a set number management type AT machine that shifts to ending AT when reaching the target number of continuous sets.SOLUTION: In a slot machine 1 which shifts to ending AT continuing over limiter operation when 10 sets, when a shift lottery in AT set is won, an addition zone of the number of continuous sets during 5 games, in which continuous set number addition lottery processing corresponding to an internal lottery result is executed, is started; and when the continuous set number addition lottery processing is won, the count-up of the number of continuous sets is executed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, slot machines have been known in which, after betting medals, an internal lottery is held to determine the winning combination by operating a start lever, and multiple reels begin to spin, and a stop button is operated to stop the multiple reels, and if the combination selected in the internal lottery wins, medals are paid out as a payout for the winning combination. Many conventional slot machines are equipped with an assist time (hereinafter referred to as AT) function that notifies the player of the information necessary to win the most advantageous combination from among the multiple types of small winning combinations or replay combinations before the stop button is pressed when multiple types of small winning combinations or replay combinations with different winning combinations are won as a result of an internal lottery. Hereinafter, slot machines equipped with an AT function will be referred to as AT machines.

[0003] Incidentally, there is known a set number management type AT machine that defines a predetermined period as one set and manages the continuation and end of the AT period based on the presence or absence of a set execution right (hereinafter also referred to as set stock) (see Patent Document 1). In a set number management type AT machine, an AT set that continues for a predetermined period of time is started in exchange for consuming set stocks, and if there are set stocks remaining at the end of the AT set, one set stock is consumed and a new set is started. On the other hand, if the set stocks run out at the end of the AT set, this triggers the end of the AT period, but it is also common for a continuation lottery to be held at this time, and if the continuation lottery is won, the next set will start. Furthermore, it is also known that the number of continuation sets is related to the continuation of the AT period, for example, the probability of winning the continuation lottery increases as the number of continuation sets increases. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-104195 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In the set number management type AT machine in which the number of continuation sets affects the game result, the player aims to reach the target number of continuation sets, which is the number of continuation sets that will provide relatively more advantageous game control after it is reached compared to before it is reached. However, even if the target number of continuation sets has not yet been reached but it is expected that the target number of continuation sets will already be reached based on the current number of continuation sets and the remaining number of set stocks, advantageous game control will not be initiated unless the number of games equal to the target number of continuation sets is played, which could leave the player feeling frustrated.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an AT machine with set number management that can shorten the playing time required to reach a target number of continuing sets that becomes advantageous when reached. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention will be described below. In order to facilitate understanding of the invention, reference numerals in the accompanying drawings are given in parentheses, but the present invention is not limited to the form of the drawings. The slot machine (1) of the present invention is an execution right granting means for granting an execution right (set stock) based on a game result; a first specific period starting means for starting a specific period (AT set) that is more advantageous than a normal state in exchange for consuming the execution right (set stock) of 1; A second specific period starting means for starting a new specific period (AT set) on the condition that the termination condition of one specific period (AT set) is satisfied and the execution right (set stock) is not remaining, and the continuation lottery is won; and a continuous number counting means for counting the number of continuous sets (number of continuous sets) in the specific period (AT set), When the number of consecutive consecutive games (number of consecutive sets) reaches a predetermined value (10), game control (ending AT) that is more advantageous to the player than when the number is less than the predetermined value is executed. The continuous counting means The device is characterized in that the number of consecutive continuations (number of consecutive sets) is counted up in response to the start of a new specific period (AT set) by the first specific period start means or the second specific period start means, and the number of consecutive continuations (AT sets) is counted up on the condition that a specific lottery (lottery process for adding the number of consecutive sets) executed during one specific period (AT set) is won. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a set number management type AT machine that can shorten the playing time required to reach a target number of continuous sets that becomes advantageous when reached. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a slot machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the dual-purpose display of the slot machine 1. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the slot machine 1. FIG. [Figure 4] A diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on the left reel, center reel, and right reel. [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram for explaining the symbol stop positions and winning lines. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart showing the flow of a game process executed by a main control device of the slot machine 1. [Figure 7] 10 is a table showing the lottery categories and types to be drawn, as well as the payouts and winning numbers when winning, in the internal lottery process of the slot machine 1. [Figure 8] 10 is a table showing the lottery values ​​for each lottery category for each of a plurality of RT states in the internal lottery process of the slot machine 1. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing the processing flow during a non-advantageous period of slot machine 1. [Figure 10] 1 is a flowchart showing the processing flow during the advantageous zone of slot machine 1. [Figure 11] A flowchart showing the processing flow during the CZ period of slot machine 1. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing the processing flow during AT of the slot machine 1. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the continuous set number addition zone of slot machine 1. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of displaying the stop operation sequence for the most recent game on a liquid crystal display. [Figure 15] a) is a diagram showing an example of a menu screen, and b) is a diagram showing another example of displaying the stop operation sequence for the most recent game on the LCD display. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0011] <1. Appearance of the gaming machine> FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a slot machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The slot machine 1 includes a box-shaped main body 2 with an open front, and a front door 3 that is provided on the front of the main body 2 so as to be able to open and close. Inside the main body 2, the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3 are arranged side by side slightly above the vertical center. The left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3 each have a reel band wound around the periphery of a drum-shaped reel frame, and are rotatable around an axis extending left and right at the center of the reel frame. Each reel band has 20 symbols arranged circumferentially.

[0012] The front door 3 is provided with a display unit 5, an operation unit 6 and a performance display unit 7. The display unit 5 is located opposite the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3. A reel window 8 is provided in the center of the display unit 5 to allow a portion of the periphery of the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3 to be seen. While the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3 are spinning, the symbols of the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3 appear one after another in the reel window 8 (variable symbol display). When the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3 stop, three symbols each for the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3 are displayed in the reel window 8, for a total of nine symbols (stationary symbol display).

[0013] A dual-purpose display 23a and a payout number display 23b are arranged side by side below the reel window 8. The dual-purpose display 23a and the payout number display 23b are, for example, seven-segment displays capable of displaying two-digit numbers.

[0014] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the dual-purpose display 23a of the slot machine 1. As shown in FIG. The dual-purpose display 23a is configured as a two-digit seven-segment display with dots, and the two-digit seven-segment portion of the dual-purpose display 23a is used as both the credit number display CR and the indication monitor NM.

[0015] The instruction monitor NM displays identification information according to the type of command when a command instructing the operation order (hereinafter referred to as the stop operation order) of the left stop button 15L, middle stop button 15C, and right stop button 15R is sent from the main control device 100a (described later) to the performance sub-control device 100b.

[0016] Returning to FIG. 1, the operation unit 6 is disposed below the display unit 5. The operation unit 6 is provided with a medal insertion slot 10, a MAX BET button 11, a 1-coin BET button 12, a 2-coin BET button 13, a start lever 14, a left stop button 15L, a center stop button 15C, a right stop button 15R, and a settlement button 16.

[0017] When medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 10, if the number of bets is less than the maximum of three medals, the inserted medals will be bet. If the number of bets is three and medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 10, the inserted medals will be credited to the slot machine 1, up to a maximum of 50 medals. The current number of credits is displayed on the credit number indicator CR.

[0018] The MAX BET button 11 is a button that is operated to make the number of bets the maximum of three by deducting medals from the credits.

[0019] The 1 coin bet button 12 is a button that is operated to subtract one medal from the credit and add one to the number of bets.

[0020] The two-coin bet button 13 is a button that is operated to subtract two medals from the credit and add two to the number of bets.

[0021] The number of medals required to play one game is called the "prescribed number." After the prescribed number of medals have been bet, one game begins when the start lever 14 is operated, and the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3 begin to spin. The left stop button 15L, center stop button 15C, and right stop button 15R are provided corresponding to the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3, respectively. After the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3 begin to spin, pressing the left stop button 15L, center stop button 15C, or right stop button 15R stops the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3, respectively.

[0022] In the following description, operating the stop buttons in the order of left stop button 15L → middle stop button 15C → right stop button 15R will be referred to as "left → middle → right." Operating the stop buttons in the order of left stop button 15L → right stop button 15R → middle stop button 15C is called "left → right → middle." Operating the stop buttons in the order of center stop button 15C → right stop button 15R → left stop button 15L is called "center → right → left." Operating the stop buttons in the order of center stop button 15C → left stop button 15L → right stop button 15R is called "center → left → right." Operating the stop buttons in the order of right stop button 15R → left stop button 15L → middle stop button 15C is called "right → left → middle." Operating the stop buttons in the order of right stop button 15R → middle stop button 15C → left stop button 15L is called "right → middle → left."

[0023] When all reels R1, R2, and R3 have stopped, if a predetermined combination of symbols lines up on the activated winning line in the reel window 8, the player wins the combination of symbols. Depending on the winning combination, medals may be paid out as a payout. The number of medals paid out for this winning combination is displayed on the payout number indicator 23b. Furthermore, medals paid out for winning combinations are credited to the slot machine 1 up to a maximum of 50 medals, and any medals exceeding 50 are ejected from the medal ejection port 40 located at the bottom of the front door 3 to the medal tray 41. This completes one game.

[0024] When the settlement button 16 is pressed, the medals credited to the slot machine 1 are discharged from the medal discharge port 40 to the medal tray 41.

[0025] The effect display unit 7 is disposed above the display unit 5. The effect display unit 7 is provided with a liquid crystal display 30 for displaying effect images and the like that accompany the progress of the game. In addition, the effect display unit 7 is provided with a pair of speakers 31, 31 on the left and right sides of the liquid crystal display 30, which output sound effects and the like to enhance the atmosphere during the game.

[0026] In addition, a display panel 42 is attached to the front door 3 between the operation unit 6 and the medal tray 41 to display the model name of the slot machine 1 and the like.

[0027] <3. Electrical configuration of gaming machine> <3-1. Electrical configuration of gaming machine (main control device)> FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the slot machine 1.

[0028] The slot machine 1 is equipped with a main control device 100a that performs game control, a presentation sub-control device 100b that controls game presentation, and an illumination control board 100c that controls illumination using light and sound.

[0029] The main control device 100a includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, an input / output port 104, a random number generating circuit 105, and a signal sending circuit 106.

[0030] The CPU 101 is electrically connected to the ROM 102, the RAM 103, the input / output port 104, the random number generating circuit 105, and the signal sending circuit .

[0031] The ROM 102 stores various programs executed by the CPU 101. The ROM 102 also stores a lottery table 107 and a stop control table 108.

[0032] The RAM 103 is used as a work area when the CPU 101 executes a program.

[0033] The input / output port 104 is connected to, as control targets, stepping motors 51L, 51C, and 51R for rotating the dual-purpose display 23a, the payout number display 23b, the left reel R1, the center reel R2, and the right reel R3, respectively, a medal block solenoid 52 for switching the destination of medals inserted from the medal insertion port 10 between a medal storage section (not shown) in the main body 2 and the medal tray 41, and a medal payout drive motor 53 for discharging medals from the medal storage section to the medal tray 41 through the medal ejection port 40.

[0034] The stepping motors 51L, 51C, 51R, the medal block solenoid 52, and the medal payout drive motor 53 are provided inside the main body 2 (see FIG. 1).

[0035] In addition, the input / output port 104 is connected to a MAX bet button 11, a 1-coin bet button 12, a 2-coin bet button 13, a start lever 14, a left stop button 15L, a middle stop button 15C, a right stop button 15R, a settlement button 16, reel position detection sensors 54L, 54C, 54R, a medal insertion sensor 55, and a medal payout sensor 56.

[0036] When the MAX BET button 11, 1 BET button 12, 2 BET button 13, start lever 14, left stop button 15L, middle stop button 15C, right stop button 15R, and settlement button 16 are pressed, an operation signal is output from the switch (not shown) built into each button, and the operation signal is input to the CPU 101 via the input / output port 104.

[0037] Each time the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3 make one rotation, a detection signal is output from the reel position detection sensors 54L, 54C, and 54R, respectively, and the detection signal is input to the CPU 101 via the input / output port 104.

[0038] When the start lever 14 is operated, the CPU 101 outputs a drive pulse signal to the stepping motors 51L, 51C, and 51R, causing the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3 to start rotating. The CPU 101 constantly monitors the rotation positions of the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3 based on the number of steps of the stepping motors 51L, 51C, and 51R and the detection signals of the reel position detection sensors 54L, 54C, and 54R.

[0039] When the left stop button 15L, the center stop button 15C, and the right stop button 15R are pressed, the CPU 101 refers to the stop control table 108 and stops the output of drive pulse signals to the stepping motors 51L, 51C, and 51R based on the rotation positions of the left reel R1, the center reel R2, and the right reel R3, thereby controlling the stopping of the left reel R1, the center reel R2, and the right reel R3 (reel stop control).

[0040] In the reel stop control, after the left stop button 15L, the center stop button 15C, and the right stop button 15R are pressed, the left reel R1, the center reel R2, and the right reel R3 are stopped from rotating within a range of a predetermined maximum number of retracted frames (for example, 4 frames), respectively.

[0041] Every time a medal is inserted through the medal insertion slot 10, a detection signal is output from the medal insertion sensor 55, and this detection signal is input to the CPU 101 via the input / output port 104.

[0042] Each time a medal is discharged onto the medal tray 41 by the medal payout drive motor 53, a detection signal is output from the medal payout sensor 56, and this detection signal is input to the CPU 101 via the input / output port 104.

[0043] The number of credits is stored in RAM 103. CPU 101 controls credit number display CR to display the number of credits stored in RAM 103 on credit number display CR. CPU 101 controls medal block solenoid 52 to cause medals inserted from medal insertion slot 10 to be ejected to the medal storage section until the number of credits reaches 50, and then to eject the medals to medal tray 41 when the number of credits reaches 50. Furthermore, after the number of credits reaches 50, if a winning combination that results in a payout (the payment of medals) is achieved, CPU 101 controls medal payout drive motor 53 to eject the medals to medal tray 41.

[0044] The random number generation circuit 105 includes an increment counter that counts up in response to clock pulses output from an oscillator (not shown), and generates 16-bit random numbers. The generated random numbers range from 0 to 65535.

[0045] When the start lever 14 is operated, the CPU 101 obtains a random number from the random number generation circuit 105 and executes an internal lottery in which multiple winning combinations are included in the lottery targets. In the internal lottery, one lottery table is read out from the lottery table 107 in the ROM 102, and a winning combination or a losing combination in the internal lottery is determined based on the lottery table and the 16-bit random number obtained from the random number generation circuit 105.

[0046] If no winning combination is achieved by the internal lottery, the nine symbols (three symbols on each of the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3) stopped and displayed in the reel window 8 by the reel stop control will not form a winning pattern, and no winning combination will be achieved. When a minor winning combination is achieved, the CPU 101 controls the payout number indicator 23b to display the number of medals to be paid out as the payout.

[0047] Furthermore, the CPU 101 sends signals necessary for control as commands to the performance sub-control device 100b and the illumination control board 100c via the signal sending circuit 106.

[0048] In addition, in the slot machine 1, by selecting a setting value from six setting values ​​from 1 to 6, it is possible to set the payout rate of the slot machine 1. The higher the setting value, the higher the payout rate. Although not shown in the figure, a setting change switch and a setting change button that are provided inside the main body 2 and are operated when selecting (changing) a setting value are connected to the input / output port 104. The setting change switch is a key switch that is turned on by inserting a setting key and turning it clockwise, and the setting change button is a push button.

[0049] To select (change) a setting value, first, with the front door 3 open, insert a setting key into the setting change switch and rotate it clockwise to change the operation mode of the slot machine 1 to the setting change mode. When the setting change mode is entered, the current setting value is displayed on the dual-purpose display 23a. In addition, each time the setting change button is pressed in the setting change mode, the setting value displayed on the dual-purpose display 23a is incremented by one 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 dual-purpose display 23a. With the desired setting value displayed on the dual-purpose display 23a, the selection (change) of the setting value is completed by operating the start lever 14. Then, the setting key inserted in the setting change switch is rotated counterclockwise to return the operation mode to the normal (game) mode, and the setting selection (change) process is completed by removing the setting key from the setting change switch.

[0050] <3-2. Electrical configuration of gaming machine (effect sub-control device, etc.)> The performance sub-control device 100b includes a CPU 200, a ROM 201, a RAM 202, a signal input circuit 203, a drive circuit 204, and a random number generation circuit 205.

[0051] The CPU 200 is electrically connected to a ROM 201 , a RAM 202 , a signal input circuit 203 , a drive circuit 204 , and a random number generation circuit 205 .

[0052] The ROM 201 stores various programs executed by the CPU 200 .

[0053] The RAM 202 is used as a work area when the CPU 200 executes a program.

[0054] A signal is input to the signal input circuit 203 from the signal transmission circuit 106 of the main control device 100a.

[0055] The random number generation circuit 205 includes an increment counter that counts up in response to clock pulses output from an oscillator (not shown), and generates 16-bit random numbers. The generated random numbers range from 0 to 65535.

[0056] The CPU 200 executes a program stored in the ROM 201, performs a performance lottery based on the signal input from the signal input circuit 203 and the random number obtained from the random number generation circuit 205, and controls the display of the LCD display 30 via the drive circuit 204 based on the result of the lottery.

[0057] The illumination control board 100c controls the lighting of the LEDs 32 built into the left stop button 15L, the center stop button 15C, the right stop button 15R, etc. based on commands sent from the main control device 100a. It also controls the output of sound effects from the speaker 31.

[0058] <4. Reel arrangement and stop position explanation> FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on the left reel R1, the center reel R2, and the right reel R3.

[0059] The reel bands of the left reel R1, the center reel R2, and the right reel R3 each have 20 symbols (20 frames) arranged on them, and the 20 symbols on each of the reels R1 to R3 are each assigned a symbol number from "1" to "20."

[0060] The reel band of 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," and each of these symbols is assigned a symbol number from "1" to "20."

[0061] 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," and each of these symbols is assigned a symbol number from "1" to "20."

[0062] The reel band of 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," and each of these symbols is assigned a symbol number from "1" to "20."

[0063] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the symbol stop positions and the pay line NL.

[0064] When the left reel R1 stops, one symbol stops at each of the symbol stop positions PL1, PL2, and PL3 arranged vertically within the reel window 8. When the center reel R2 stops, one symbol stops at each of the symbol stop positions PC1, PC2, and PC3 arranged vertically within the reel window 8. When the right reel R3 stops, one symbol stops at each of the symbol stop positions PR1, PR2, and PR3 arranged vertically within the reel window 8.

[0065] Hereinafter, the line connecting the three symbol stop positions PL1, PC1, PR1 aligned in a horizontal row in the upper row within the reel window 8 will be referred to as the upper line L2, the line connecting the three symbol stop positions PL2, PC2, PR2 aligned in a horizontal row in the middle row will be referred to as the middle line L1, the line connecting the three symbol stop positions PL3, PC3, PR3 aligned in a horizontal row in the lower row will be referred to as the lower line L3, the line connecting the three symbol stop positions PL1, PC2, PR3 aligned on a diagonal line sloping downward to the right will be referred to as the downward-right line L4, and the line connecting the three symbol stop positions PL3, PC2, PR1 aligned on a diagonal line sloping upward to the right will be referred to as the upward-right line L5. The slot machine 1 is a so-called one-line machine in which the middle line L1 is the pay line NL.

[0066] <5.1 Game Description> FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the game processing executed by the main controller 100a of the slot machine 1.

[0067] <5-1. Processing flow> <5-1-1. Medal reception process>

[0068] When a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 10, the slot machine 1 either accepts the inserted medal and takes it into the slot machine 1, or does not accept the inserted medal and returns it to the medal tray 41 (S100).

[0069] Specifically, when three medals have been bet on a game and the credit number is less than 50, if a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 10, the CPU 101 takes the inserted medal into the slot machine 1 and adds the credit number to the number of inserted medals. Also, when three medals have been bet on a game and the credit number is 50, if a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot 10, the CPU 101 drives the medal block solenoid 52 and returns the inserted medal to the medal tray 41.

[0070] <5-1-2. Betting Processing> The slot machine 1 sets the number of bets in response to the insertion of medals into the medal insertion slot 10, the operation of the MAX BET button 11, or the winning of a replay combination (S101).

[0071] Specifically, when medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 10 when the number of bets is less than three, the CPU 101 adds the number of bets by the number of inserted medals. Also, when the MAX BET button 11 is operated when the number of bets is less than the specified number, the CPU 101 subtracts the number of credits and adds the number of bets so that the number of bets becomes the specified number. Also, when a re-play combination is won, the CPU 101 executes an automatic bet process in which the number of bets that was bet on that game is bet again without subtracting the number of credits.

[0072] <5-1-3. Lever reception process> The slot machine 1 starts a game when it receives an operation of the start lever 14 when three medals have been bet (S102). Specifically, when the start lever 14 is operated when the number of bets is set to a specified number, the CPU 101 executes game processing from an internal lottery process described later. On the other hand, when the start lever 14 is operated when the number of bets is less than the specified number, the CPU 101 does not execute game processing from the internal lottery process onwards.

[0073] <5-1-4. Internal lottery processing> When the game starts, the slot machine 1 acquires a random number value from the random number generation circuit 105, and executes an internal lottery process to determine information for deriving the game result by lottery based on the random number value (S103). The internal lottery process will be described in detail later.

[0074] <5-1-5. Reel rotation processing> After executing the internal lottery process, the slot machine 1 rotates each of the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3 to variably display the symbols arranged on each of the reels R1 to R3 (S104). Specifically, after executing the internal lottery process, the CPU 101 continuously supplies pulses to each of the stepping motors 51L, 51C, and 51R, thereby rotating each of the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3. Note that the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3 do not start spinning in the next game until 4.1 seconds have elapsed since the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3 started spinning in the previous game. This ensures that the time required for one game is kept at 4.1 seconds or longer.

[0075] <5-1-6. Reel stop processing> When the stop buttons 15L, 15C, and 15R are operated while the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3 are spinning, the slot machine 1 stops the rotation of the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3 (S105). When the left stop button 15L, center stop button 15C, or right stop button 15R is operated while the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3 are spinning, the CPU 101 stops the rotation of the corresponding reels R1 to R3 by supplying a predetermined pulse to the stepping motors (stepping motor 51L corresponding to the left reel R1, stepping motor 51C corresponding to the center reel R2, and stepping motor 51R corresponding to the right reel R3) to which the reels corresponding to the operated stop button (left reel R1 corresponding to the left stop button 15L, center reel R2 corresponding to the center stop button 15C, and right reel R3 corresponding to the right stop button 15R) are fixed.

[0076] <5-1-7. Pattern Determination Processing> After the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3 have all stopped, the slot machine 1 determines the symbol combination stopped and displayed on the pay line NL (S106). After the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3 have all stopped, the CPU 101 determines whether the symbol combination stopped and displayed on the pay line NL is a predetermined symbol combination. For example, it determines whether the symbol combination stopped and displayed on the pay line NL is a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination.

[0077] <5-1-8. Medal payout process> When it is determined that a symbol combination corresponding to a small winning combination is stopped and displayed on the pay line NL, the slot machine 1 executes a medal payout process (S107).

[0078] <5-1-9. State transition processing> When it is determined as a result of the symbol determination process that a state transition condition for transitioning the gaming state is met, the slot machine 1 transitions the gaming state. The gaming state of the slot machine 1 will be described later.

[0079] <5-2. Detailed explanation of each process> Hereinafter, each of the above processes will be described in detail.

[0080] <5-2-1. Details of internal lottery process> The following describes details of the internal lottery process in the slot machine 1. The internal lottery process is a process for determining, by lottery, a winning combination that allows a win from a plurality of predetermined winning combinations (also called condition devices).

[0081] In the slot machine 1, the combinations that are the subject of the internal lottery include a bonus combination, a replay (replay) combination, and a small combination. The bonus role is a role in which even if a winning game is won and then lost, the winning state is carried over to the next game and thereafter until a winning is made, and if a winning is made, a bonus game is started from the next game. In contrast, the replay and small winning combinations are combinations that do not carry over the winning state even if the winning combination is lost in the winning game. The replay combination allows the next game to be played without betting upon winning, and the small winning combination is a combination that pays out medals upon winning.

[0082] The slot machine 1 is equipped with multiple types of RT states with different specifications for the internal lottery process, i.e., different lottery tables 107. Specifically, the multiple types of RT states are three states: a non-internal state, which is an RT state in which the above-mentioned bonus combination has not been won; an internal state, which is an RT state in which the winning of the bonus combination has been carried over; and a bonus state, which is an RT state during a bonus game. The slot machine 1 is an AT machine that basically stays in either the non-internal state or the internal state.

[0083] In the internal lottery process of slot machine 1, as shown in Figure 7, a total of 31 types of lottery categories are set as the objects of lottery selection: BB, normal reply 1, normal reply 2, red 7 reply 1, red 7 reply 2, SR reply, watermelon reply, weak chance reply, strong cherry reply, strong chance reply, weak cherry, common bell, push order bell A1 to A8, push order bell B1 to B8, BB small / medium role A, BB small / medium role B, and BB small / medium role C.

[0084] The lottery category BB is a lottery category in which a bonus role, more specifically, a role continuous operating device relating to a first-class special role under the gaming machine related regulations, is won alone. The winning combination of the bonus symbol is set to a combination of Blank C, Blank A, and Blank A symbols lined up from left to right on the middle line L1. When the bonus symbol is won, the Big Bonus Game starts from the next game. The Big Bonus Game ends when more than 140 medals are paid out. In addition, in the slot machine 1, in a game in which a bonus role and a small role are won at the same time, and in a game in which a bonus role and a replay role are won at the same time, the reel stop control is adopted to give priority to the bonus role and to win the small role or the replay role. Also, as will be described later, the slot machine 1 adopts a specification in which a small role or a replay role is always won during a bonus role, so the chance of winning a bonus role is only in a game in which the lottery category BB is won during a non-bonus role, and since the probability of winning the lottery category BB during a non-bonus role is also extremely low, it is almost impossible for a bonus role to be won.

[0085] 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 roles, in which multiple different combinations of replay roles can be won. In a game that wins a lottery category related to replay roles, any of the replay roles will be won regardless of the timing and order of the reel stop operation. In a game where you win Regular Replay 1, regardless of the timing and order of reel stop operation, the replay symbols will line up on one of the five lines L1 to L5 shown in Figure 5. Hereinafter, when the replay symbols line up on one of the five lines L1 to L5 shown in Figure 5, it will be referred to as the replay symbols lining up. In a game in which a normal replay win occurs, if the left stop button 15L is operated first (hereinafter referred to as the left 1st), the replay symbols will line up regardless of the timing of the reel stop operation and the order of subsequent operations. If a button other than the left stop button 15L, in other words the middle stop button 15C or the right stop button 15R, is operated first (hereinafter referred to as other than the left 1st), and the reel stop operation is performed at a timing when the red 7 symbol can be drawn onto the middle line L1, the red 7 symbol will stop on PC2 and PC3 as shown in Figure 5, but the red 7 symbol will not stop on PL2, displaying the characteristic results of a so-called red 7 tenpai miss.

[0086] In a game where either Red 7 Replay 1 or Red 7 Replay 2 is won, if it is the first left reel, the replay symbols will line up regardless of the timing of the reel stop operation and the order of subsequent operations. In cases other than the first left reel, if the reel stop operation is performed at a time when the Red 7 symbol can be drawn onto the middle line L1, the characteristic results of the Red 7 symbol line up will be displayed on the middle line L1.

[0087] During the CZ described below, in a game in which either the normal reel 2, the red 7 reel 1, or the red 7 reel 2 is won, the instruction "Aim for the red 7 symbol by pushing backwards!" is displayed on the LCD display 30. If the player performs the reel stop operation in accordance with this instruction, in a game in which the normal reel 2 is won, the red 7 symbol will be formed on the middle line L1 but will not line up, and in a game in which the red 7 reel 1 or the red 7 reel 2 is won, the red 7 symbol will line up on the middle line L1. In addition, the slot machine 1 is a so-called penalty machine that imposes a disadvantageous penalty on the player if the reels are stopped in an order other than the left 1st during normal play other than during AT, so during normal play the player basically plays the game by pressing the buttons in order. Therefore, in games where the player wins any of the normal replay 2, red 7 replay 1, and red 7 replay 2 during normal play, the replay symbols line up. The lottery category for replays that are configured so that the results differ depending on the order of stopping operations, such as Normal Replay 2, Red 7 Replay 1, and Red 7 Replay 2, will be referred to as Push Order Replay hereinafter.

[0088] SR Replay is also a push order replay. In a game where you win an SR Replay, if the reel stop operation is performed at the timing when the bar symbol can be drawn on the left 1st and the middle line L1, the characteristic results of the bar symbol alignment will be displayed on the middle line L1. On the other hand, if it is not the left 1st, the replay symbol will be aligned regardless of the timing of the reel stop operation and the subsequent operation order.

[0089] In a game in which the watermelon reel is won, the watermelon symbols are aligned on any of the five lines L1 to L5 shown in FIG. 5, regardless of the timing and order of the reel stop operations. In a game where a weak chance replay is won, a weak chance symbol is displayed regardless of the timing and order of the reel stop operation. Specifically, the weak chance symbol is a middle row replay tenpai miss, an upper row bell tenpai miss, etc.

[0090] Strong Cherry Replay is also a push order replay. In a game where you win Strong Cherry Replay, if the reel stop operation is performed at the timing when the cherry symbol can be drawn on the left 1st and the bottom line L3, the characteristic results of the cherry symbol alignment will be displayed on the bottom line L3. On the other hand, if it is not the left 1st, the replay symbol will be aligned regardless of the timing of the reel stop operation and the subsequent operation order.

[0091] In a game where a strong chance reel is won, a strong chance symbol is displayed regardless of the timing and order of the reel stop operation. Specifically, the strong chance symbol is a right-downward watermelon tenpai miss.

[0092] Weak cherries, common bells, push order bells A1 to A8, push order bells B1 to B8, BB small / medium role A, BB small / medium role B, and BB small / medium role C are lottery categories related to small roles, in which multiple types of small roles with different combinations can be won at the same time. The weak cherry is a small win that may or may not be won depending on the timing of the reel stop operation, and if it wins, three medals will be paid out. When it wins, the cherry symbol stops on the bottom row of the left reel (PL3 in Figure 5). The common bell is a small win that occurs regardless of the timing of the reel stop operation, and three medals are paid out when it is won. When it is won, the bell pattern is aligned on the upper line L2.

[0093] The push order bells A1 to A8 and B1 to B8 are each so-called push order minor winning combinations, in which the correct stopping operation is predetermined to win the minor winning combination with the highest payout among multiple types of minor winning combinations. If the correct stopping operation is performed, a minor winning combination with a payout of 15 coins will be won, while if the correct stopping operation is not performed, a minor winning combination with a payout of 1 coin will be won, or the winning combination will be lost. As mentioned above, since this slot machine 1 is a so-called penalty machine, the correct stop operation is set to a reel other than the left 1st, and conditions are also imposed on the timing of the stop operation of the first reel to be stopped (hereinafter referred to as the first stop reel). In other words, during AT, the correct stop operation is notified to the player by instructing the stop operation order and the symbol to be aimed for on the first stop reel. Figure 7 shows the correct stop operation for each of the push order bells A1 to A8 and push order bells B1 to B8. Specifically, the symbol to be aimed for when the first reel stops is shown before the "_", and the stop operation order is shown after the "_". Red / black indicate that the symbol to be aimed for is the red 7 symbol / bar symbol, respectively.

[0094] As can be seen from FIG. 4, on all reels R1 to R3, the red 7 symbol is number 17, and the bar symbol is number 7, i.e., they are spaced 10 symbols (frames) apart. In other words, on all reels R1 to R3, the red 7 symbol and the bar symbol are positioned 180 degrees apart. Therefore, the red 7 symbol can be stopped in the reel window 8 when a stop operation is performed at the timing when symbols corresponding to symbol numbers 11 to 20 pass through the middle line L1 (hereinafter referred to as the first timing). Similarly, the bar symbol can be stopped in the reel window 8 when a stop operation is performed at the timing when 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 timing of the stopping operation for the reel that should be stopped first is the first timing, and similarly, "black" indicates that the timing of the stopping operation for the reel that should be stopped first is the second timing.

[0095] In a game where either the push order bell A1 to A8 or the push order bell B1 to B8 is won, if the correct stopping operation corresponding to the type of the winning push order bell is performed, a small prize with a payout of 15 coins will be won, and if this is not the case, a small prize with a payout of 1 coin will be won, or the player will miss out.

[0096] BB small / medium role A, BB small / medium role B, and BB small / medium role C are small roles that are drawn only during the bonus state described above. BB small / medium role A is a lottery category included in the lottery category during the non-internal middle state and the internal middle state, where all small roles with a payout of 15 coins are won in duplicate, BB small / medium role B is a lottery category included in the lottery category during the non-internal middle state and the internal middle state, where all small roles with a payout of 3 coins are won in duplicate, and BB small / medium role C is a lottery category included in the lottery category during the non-internal middle state and the internal middle state, where all small roles with a payout of 1 coin are won in duplicate.

[0097] Figure 8 shows the contents of the lottery table 107 used in the internal lottery process for each of the three RT states mentioned above. Figure 8 shows the lottery values ​​for each lottery category of set value 1 for each RT state. Since the range of random numbers in the internal lottery process is 0 to 65535, the winning probability for each lottery category can be calculated by dividing the lottery value by 65536. Since the only difference between the non-internal state and the internal state is the lottery values ​​for lottery category BB and normal reply 1, in Figure 8, the lottery values ​​for the internal state are shown in parentheses. A detailed explanation of Figure 8 will be omitted.

[0098] <6. Detailed explanation of the game> Next, the details of the game on the slot machine 1 will be explained.

[0099] <6-1. Instruction function, and unfavorable and favorable zones> The slot machine 1 is equipped with an instruction function that instructs the correct stop operation to obtain the maximum payout in a game in which either the push order bells A1-A8 or the push order bells B1-B8 are selected. When the instruction function is activated, type information that identifies the type of the selected push order bell is sent from the main control device 100a to the performance sub-control device 100b in a game in which either the push order bells A1-A8 or the push order bells B1-B8 are selected, and identification information corresponding to the type information is displayed on the instruction monitor NM. Based on the type information from the main control device 100a, the performance sub-control device 100b notifies the player of the correct stop operation by displaying on the LCD display 30 and outputting audio from the speakers 31, 31. Hereinafter, the main control device 100a displaying the identification information on the instruction monitor NM and sending the type information to the performance sub-control device 100b is referred to as the activation of the instruction function. The game zone related to the instruction function is broadly divided into a non-advantageous zone where the instruction function cannot be operated, and an advantageous zone where the instruction function can be operated. In the non-advantageous zone, a lottery for transition to an advantageous zone is executed according to the result of an internal lottery process, and if the lottery for transition to an advantageous zone is won, the player transitions to the advantageous zone.

[0100] <6-2. Limiter function> The slot machine 1 is equipped with a limiter function related to the advantageous zone. Specifically, the limiter function forcibly ends the advantageous zone and causes the machine to fall into a non-advantageous zone if the difference in number of coins during the advantageous zone (the difference between the number of medals acquired during the advantageous zone and the number of medals inserted) exceeds 2,400. For this reason, a process of counting the difference in number of coins is executed for each game during the advantageous zone, and a process of determining whether the count result has reached 2,400 coins is executed. Specifically, in the process of counting the difference in number of coins, the number of coins paid out in that game is added to the current difference in number counter for each game during the advantageous zone (if a replay wins, the number of medals inserted to play the game (the number of coins inserted) is added as the payout number), and the number of coins inserted in that game is subtracted. In the following, the processing during the advantageous period will be explained using flowcharts, but in each flowchart, the process of updating the difference number counter and the process of determining whether the difference number counter value has reached the limiter value will be omitted.

[0101] <6-3. Non-advantageous areas> First, the flow of processing during the non-advantageous zone of the slot machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0102] During the non-advantageous zone, first, an internal lottery process is executed in step S901, and then an advantageous zone transition lottery process is executed in the next step S902. In the next step S903, it is determined whether or not the advantageous zone transition lottery process has been won, and if the determination is no, the process returns to step S901, whereas if the determination is yes, the process proceeds to advantageous zone processing in the next step S904 and returns. In the lottery process for transitioning to an advantageous zone, if the result of the internal lottery outside the bonus state, that is, in the non-internal state or in the internal state, is a result other than winning normal RIP 1, the state will transition to an advantageous state. As shown in Figure 8, the probability of winning normal RIP 1 is extremely low in both cases, at 4 / 65536 in the non-internal state and 8 / 65536 in the internal state, and any other result will transition to an advantageous state, so after falling into a non-advantageous state, the state will basically return to an advantageous state in the next game.

[0103] <6-4.Advantageous Zone> In slot machine 1, the advantageous zone is made up of an AT zone where the instruction function is activated and a non-AT zone where it is not activated. The non-AT zone is made up of a normal zone and a CZ zone where it is easier to transition to the AT zone than the normal zone. A transition from the non-AT zone to the AT zone is made on the condition that set stocks, which are the right to execute an AT set, are acquired, and set stocks can be acquired when the number of points acquired in the normal zone reaches the target number of points or when Red 7 Lip 1 or Red 7 Lip 2 is won in the CZ zone. A transition from the normal zone to the CZ zone is made on the condition that the CZ transition lottery is won. Hereinafter, the flow of processing during the advantageous zone of the slot machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0104] At the start of the advantageous period, first, in step S1001, various counters are initialized. Specifically, in addition to the initialization process of various counters including the difference number counter described above, the number of set stocks and the number of points are set to zero. The number of set stocks indicates the number of set stocks that have been acquired, and the number of points indicates the number of points that have been acquired. In the next step S1002, a target point determination process is performed. When the number of points mentioned above reaches the target point, a set stock is awarded. In the target point determination process, the target point is determined by lottery, and as a result, one of four levels of 1280, 768, 384, and 128 is set as the target point. It is rare for a number other than 1280 to be selected, and 1280 is generally set.

[0105] In the next step S1003, an internal lottery process is executed, and in the next step S1004, an added point determination process is executed to determine the number of added points to be added to the number of points according to the result of the internal lottery. In the next step S1005, a target point change lottery process is executed. Specifically, in the target point change lottery process, if the target point number is set to a value other than the minimum of 128, a lottery is held to determine whether or not to change the target point number to a target point number one level smaller according to the result of the internal lottery. For example, if the target point number is set to 1280 and the target point change lottery process is won, the target point number will be changed to 768. In the next step S1006, a CZ transition lottery process is executed to determine whether or not to transition to the CZ zone depending on the internal lottery result, and then the process proceeds to step S1007.

[0106] In step S1007, it is determined whether the stop operation order is left first, and if the determination is yes, in S1008, the number of added points determined in the added point determination process in step S1004 is added to the number of points, and the target number of points is changed depending on the result of the target point change lottery process in step S1005. In the next step S1009, it is determined whether or not the CZ transition lottery process in step S1006 was won, and if the determination is yes, CZ in-progress processing is called in step S1010 to start the CZ period, but if the determination is no, step S1010 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S1011. CZ in-progress processing will be described later.

[0107] If the answer is no in step S1007, i.e., if the stop operation order is other than 1st left, steps S1008 to S1010 are skipped and the process proceeds to step S1011. In other words, as a penalty for performing a stop operation other than 1st left, a measure is imposed in which the results of the additional point determination process in step S1004, the target point change lottery process in step S1005, and the CZ transition lottery process in step S1006 are all nullified.

[0108] In the next step S1011, it is determined whether the number of points has reached the target number of points. If the answer is yes, in step S1012, 1 is added to the set stock number and the process proceeds to step S1013. If the answer is no, step S1012 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S1013.

[0109] In step S1013, it is determined whether the set stock number is 1 or more, and if the determination is no, the process returns to step S1003 to continue the normal section. On the other hand, if the determination is yes in step S1013, the set stock number is decremented by 1 in step S1014 to start the AT section, and in step S1016, the AT processing is called and the process returns.

[0110] <6-4-1.CZ Section> The difference between the CZ section and the normal section is that in the former, if you win Red 7 Lip 1 or Red 7 Lip 2 as a result of the internal lottery, you will receive a set stock, but in the latter, you will not receive a set stock, and of course, in the former, the CZ transition lottery process is not performed, but other than these differences, they are the same. Therefore, the CZ section is a favorable section with a higher chance of receiving a set stock than the normal section, and its length is 5 games. Hereinafter, the flow of processing during the CZ period of the slot machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0111] At the start of the CZ period, first in step S1101, the number of CZ games is set to 5. In the next step S1102, an internal lottery process is executed, in the next step S1103, an additional point determination process is executed, and in step S1104, a target point change lottery process is executed. The additional point determination process and the target point change lottery process are the same as those in the normal period (S1004 and S1005 in FIG. 10), so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0112] In the next step S1105, it is determined whether the result of the internal lottery is that the normal reply 2, the red 7 reply 1, or the red 7 reply 2 has been won, and if it is determined that the result is no, the process proceeds to step S1106. Steps S1106 and S1107 are the same as the normal section (S1007 and S1008 in FIG. 10), so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0113] In the next step S1108, it is determined whether the number of points has reached the target number of points, and if the determination is yes, 1 is added to the set stock number in step S1113 and the process proceeds to step S1013 of Figure 10, while if the determination is no, the number of CZ games is subtracted by 1 in step S1109. In the next step S1110, it is determined whether the number of CZ games is zero, and if the determination is no, the process returns to step S1102 to continue the CZ interval, while if the determination is yes, the process returns to end the CZ interval and return to the normal interval.

[0114] On the other hand, if the answer is YES in step S1105, the player is instructed in step S1111 to aim for the red 7 by pushing backward. As explained in Fig. 7, the normal lip 2 is a lottery division in which the red 7 symbol is formed but not aligned even if the red 7 is aimed for by pushing backward, whereas the red 7 lip 1 and red 7 lip 2 are lottery divisions in which the red 7 symbol is aligned if the red 7 is aimed for by pushing backward. As mentioned above, the CZ zone is a favorable zone in which winning either Red 7 Lip 1 or Red 7 Lip 2 guarantees the acquisition of a set stock. Therefore, when this win occurs, the player is instructed to aim for the red 7 by pressing the buttons in reverse, and if the player performs the stop operation as instructed, the red 7 symbols will line up and the set stock will be acquired. This allows the slot machine 1 to realize the traditional route to acquiring a set stock by lining up the red 7 symbols. On the other hand, in a game in which the red 7 symbols line up until the second stop, but do not line up on the third stop, resulting in a loss, which is a route that fails to acquire the prize.

[0115] In the next step S1112, it is determined whether or not either Red 7 Lip 1 or Red 7 Lip 2 has been won. If the determination is no, i.e., in a game in which normal Lip 2 has been won, the process proceeds to step S1107. On the other hand, if the determination is yes, the set stock number is increased by 1 in step S1113, and the process proceeds to step S1013 in Figure 10.

[0116] <6-4-2.Automatic travel section> The AT section is a game in which the player wins either the push order bells A1 to A8 or the push order bells B1 to B8, and is an advantageous section in which the correct stop operation is instructed, that is, a game section in which the instruction function is activated. In this slot machine 1, an AT set has a minimum game interval of 20 games. When the number of continuing games in an AT set reaches zero, the AT set ends. If there are any remaining set stocks, one is consumed and the next AT set begins. If there are no remaining set stocks, an AT continuation lottery is held. If the lottery is won, the next AT set begins. If the lottery is lost, the advantageous period ends and the player falls into a non-advantageous period. On the other hand, when the number of continuing AT sets reaches 10, the machine transitions to an ending AT, which continues until the aforementioned limiter function is activated. Therefore, the player aims to reach the ending AT by continuing the AT set 10 times in the AT interval.

[0117] Hereinafter, the flow of processing during the AT period of the slot machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. At the start of the AT section, first in step S1201, the status flag and the number of continuing sets are both set to zero. The AT section is made up of two types of zones: a normal zone and a continuing set number addition zone, which will be described later. The status flag is a flag used to determine which zone the player is currently in, and is set to zero in the normal zone and to one in the continuing set number addition zone. The continuing set number addition zone will be described later. The number of continuing sets is a counter that indicates the number of continuing AT sets.

[0118] In the next step S1202, the number of continuing games for the AT set that is about to start is determined by lottery; in most cases, the number of continuing games is set to 20 games, and occasionally to 40 games. In the next step S1203, an internal lottery process is executed, and in the next step S1204, a set stock number addition process is executed to determine whether or not to add the number of set stocks depending on the result of the internal lottery, and if so, to add the number of set stocks by lottery. In the next step S1205, a set game number addition process is executed to determine whether or not to add the number of set games depending on the result of the internal lottery, and if so, to add the number of set games by lottery. In the next step S1206, a state transition lottery process is executed to determine whether or not to transition from the normal zone to the continuing set number addition zone depending on the result of the internal lottery.

[0119] In the next step S1207, it is determined whether or not the state transition lottery process of step S1206 has been won, and if the determination is yes, the state flag is set to 1 and the number of battle games is set to 5 in step S1208, and the process proceeds to step S1209, whereas if the determination is no, step S1208 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S1209. In step S1209, it is determined whether or not the state flag is 1, and if the determination is yes, the process invokes a continuous set number addition zone process in step S1210, whereas if the determination is no, the number of set games is decremented by 1 in step S1211, and the process proceeds to step S1212. The continuous set number addition zone process will be described later.

[0120] In step S1212, it is determined whether the number of set games is zero, and if it is determined to be no, the process returns to step S1203 to continue the AT set. On the other hand, if it is determined to be yes, the next step S1213 determines whether or not the number of set stocks remains, and if it is determined to be yes, the next step S1214 subtracts 1 from the number of set stocks, and the next step S1215 adds 1 to the number of continued sets. In the next step S1216, it is determined whether or not the number of continued sets has reached 10, and if it is determined to be yes, in step S1217, ending AT processing is called to transition to the ending AT, while if it is determined to be no, the process returns to step S1202 to start the next AT set.

[0121] On the other hand, if the answer is NO in step S1213, that is, if there are no set stocks remaining, the AT continuation lottery process is executed in step S1218. Note that this slot machine 1 employs specifications in which the probability of winning in the AT continuation lottery, i.e., the continuation rate, is predetermined for each number of continuation sets, such as 50% if the number of continuation sets is 1, and 55% if the number is 2. In the next step S1219, it is determined whether or not the AT continuation lottery process in step S1218 has been won, and if the determination is yes, the process proceeds to step S1215. The process from step S1215 onwards is as described above, so the explanation will be omitted. On the other hand, if the answer is NO in step S1219, advantageous zone end processing is executed to end the advantageous zone in step S1220, and then non-advantageous zone processing is called to start the non-advantageous zone in the next step S1221, and the process returns. Specifically, in the advantageous zone end processing, all data related to the advantageous zone stored in RAM 103 of the main control device 100a is cleared.

[0122] <6-4-3. Continuation Set Addition Zone> Next, the continuous set number addition zone will be described. As the number of battle games is set to 5 in step S1208 of FIG. 12, the continuous set number addition zone continues for 5 games, and is a game period in which the subtraction of the set game number in step S1211 is not performed. As explained above, in this slot machine 1, there are two ways to add to the number of continuing sets: one is to consume one set stock and continue the AT set (the route from step S1214 to S1215), and the other is to win the AT continuation lottery in step S1218 and continue the AT set (the route from yes in step S1219 to S1215). However, this slot machine 1 employs a gameplay feature that provides another route for adding to the number of continuing sets, and this is made possible by the continuing set number addition zone.

[0123] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 13, the flow of processing in the continuous set number addition zone of the slot machine 1 will be described. First, in step S1301, a lottery process for adding the number of continued sets is executed according to the result of the internal lottery. In the next step S1302, it is determined whether or not the lottery process for adding the number of continued sets in step S1301 has been won. If the result is YES, in step S1303, 1 is added to the number of continued sets and 20 is added to the number of set games. If the result is NO, step S1303 is skipped and the process proceeds to step S1304. As described above, in the set game number setting process (step S1202) at the start of the AT set, the number of continued games is set to approximately 20 games, so this amount is added to the number of set games. However, instead of this, the set game number setting process may be executed and the result may be added to the number of set games, or the number of set games may not be added.

[0124] In the next step S1304, it is determined whether the number of continuing sets has reached 10, and if the determination is yes, in step S1308, processing during the ending AT is called to transition to the ending AT, and the process returns. On the other hand, if the determination is no in step S1304, the number of battle games is subtracted by 1 in step S1305. In the next step S1306, it is determined whether the number of battle games is zero, and if the determination is yes, the status flag is set to zero in step S1307, while if the determination is no, step S1307 is skipped and the process returns.

[0125] As can be seen from the above explanation, the continuation set number addition zone is a 5-game AT section in which a continuation set number addition lottery process, which is not executed in the normal zone, is executed and the number of set games is not subtracted. Furthermore, winning the continuation set number addition lottery process can be said to be the acquisition of the right to avoid the AT continuation lottery process in the current AT set and move on to the next AT set while maintaining the current number of set games. Additionally, if you win, there is the benefit of shortening the play time required to reach 10 continuation sets, i.e., to move on to the ending AT. Therefore, especially for players who have not acquired set stocks and are in an AT set where the continuation rate corresponding to the current number of continuation sets is relatively low, winning the lottery process to add the number of continuation sets can provide a moment of ultimate joy, freeing them from the pressure of the AT ending.

[0126] Furthermore, even for players who are likely to transition to the ending AT based on their current number of continuing sets and number of set stocks, winning the lottery process for adding the number of continuing sets can bring joy, as, as mentioned above, it means nothing more than a reduction in the playing time required to transition to the ending AT. Therefore, the transition to the continuation set number addition zone can increase the sense of expectation of all players regardless of the game situation related to the expectation of transition to the ending AT, and winning the continuation set number addition lottery process can bring joy to all players.

[0127] <7. Display of the order of stop operations in the previous game> As mentioned above, in the non-AT section of this slot machine 1, penalties are imposed for any stop operation sequence other than the left 1st. However, as explained in the processing during the CZ section in Figure 11, only when the result of the internal lottery during the CZ is that the lottery categories Normal Lip 2, Red 7 Lip 1 and Red 7 Lip 2 are won (when a yes is determined in step S1105 in Figure 11), an instruction is given to aim for Red 7 by pressing in reverse (step S1111), so no penalty is imposed only when this instruction is given.

[0128] In other words, if a stopping operation is performed in an order other than left 1st during a non-AT section other than this scene (hereinafter referred to as a penalty operation), a penalty will be imposed, and when a penalty operation is detected, a warning sound will be emitted from the speakers 31, 31.Therefore, basically, no player will perform a penalty operation, but there are rare cases where a player is not afraid of a penalty operation.

[0129] In addition, slot machines that reproduce the traditional game flow, such as lottery categories Red 7 Lip 1 and Red 7 Lip 2 of the present slot machine 1, use lottery categories in which symbolic symbol combinations such as a line of red 7 symbols can only be displayed in a specific operation sequence, such as the first move from the left, and only when the lottery category is won and a bonus other than compensation for winning an AT stock or other prize is awarded, by instructing a specific operation sequence and the symbols to aim for, the bonus is awarded through the display of the symbolic symbol combination. As described above, the present slot machine 1 employs this game flow in games in which lottery categories Red 7 Lip 1 and Red 7 Lip 2 are won as a result of an internal lottery during the CZ.

[0130] However, in the normal section where there is no instruction to aim for the red 7 by pressing the buttons backwards in games where the lottery categories Red 7 Lip 1 and Red 7 Lip 2 are won, if you continue to press the buttons backwards at all times, even if you are prepared to accept the penalty, it is possible to display the red 7 pattern in games where the lottery categories Red 7 Lip 1 and Red 7 Lip 2 are won. In this situation, there are very rare cases where malicious players call the hall staff and start a fight because they have lined up the red 7s but have not been awarded AT stocks.

[0131] When dealing with such trouble with players, it is common to check for cheating by looking at footage from cameras installed inside the hall, but the areas where camera footage can be checked are naturally off-limits to outsiders, and it is difficult to get the player to check the footage directly.As a result, the only thing they can do is tell them that they have confirmed on footage that cheating has occurred, and they can be convinced.However, even then, they will make a fuss, saying, "That's a lie! Show us the footage!", and this can sometimes lead to further trouble.

[0132] Therefore, in order to assist in checking for fraudulent play in the event of the above-mentioned trouble, the slot machine 1 stores the stop operation sequence of the most recent game. After one game ends, i.e., after the three reels R1, R2, and R3 have stopped, and before a command to start the next game, i.e., a valid start lever operation, the stop operation sequence of the most recent game is displayed in a stop operation sequence display area 300 located in the lower right corner of the LCD display 30, as shown in Fig. 14. The stop operation sequence display area 300 displays three horizontally arranged squares, which correspond, from left to right, to the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3, and the numbers within each square indicate the stop operation sequence. Fig. 14 indicates that a reverse push operation was performed in the most recent game.

[0133] Therefore, in the slot machine 1, even if a player continues to aim for the red 7 by constantly pressing the reels backwards during the normal interval, even if he is prepared to incur a penalty, and the red 7 symbol is displayed, the stop operation sequence display area 300 of the LCD display 30 will also display, as shown in FIG. 14, that the stop operation sequence was other than the first left. Therefore, compared to conventional slot machines, this can suppress the player's thoughts of trying to pick a fight with the parlor staff by doing such things. Furthermore, if a player still tries to pick a fight, he can have the player check with his own eyes the stop operation sequence of the most recent game displayed in the stop operation sequence display area 300, which can suppress further trouble compared to conventional slot machines.

[0134] As another method for displaying the stop operation sequence for the most recent game, it may be displayed via a so-called menu screen. FIG. 15(a) shows an example of a menu screen, and FIG. 15(b) shows an example of a display of the stop operation sequence for the most recent game. The menu screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 30 by operating an effect button (not shown) outside of the game, and as shown in FIG. 15(a), multiple menus such as volume setting and character customization are displayed on the menu screen. The multiple menus may include a stop operation history display menu 301, and selecting this menu may display the stop operation sequence for the most recent game, as shown in FIG. 15(b). In the configuration via the menu screen, the stop operation sequences for not only the most recent game but also each game over a predetermined number of most recent games (e.g., 10 games) may be stored and displayed by selecting the stop operation history display menu 301.

[0135] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, various design modifications can be made to the present invention within the scope of the claims. For example, in this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a slot machine that uses real medals, but it can also be applied to a slot machine that does not use real medals, commonly known as a smart slot (also called a sma-ro). [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 1. Slot Machine R1 Left reel R2 middle reel R3 Right reel 14 Start lever 15L Left stop button 15C Middle stop button 15R Right Stop Button 100a Main control unit 101 CPU 102 ROM

Claims

[Claim 1] A lottery means for drawing a winning combination that allows a win from a plurality of types of combinations in response to a game start operation; a reel start means for starting the rotation of a plurality of reels, each having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on its outer periphery, in response to the game start operation; a reel control means for controlling, after the rotation of the plurality of reels has started, the reels corresponding to the stop instruction operation to be stopped within a predetermined maximum reel-in range, based on the result of the lottery by the lottery means and the stop instruction operation for the plurality of reels; In the instruction target game in which the result of the lottery by the lottery means is an instruction target result in which a plurality of types of small roles are determined as winning roles, an instruction means for indicating information including a stop instruction operation sequence required to win a small role with the maximum payout among the plurality of types of small roles determined as winning roles; an execution right granting means for granting an execution right relating to a specific period during which the instruction means is operated in the instruction target game; a first specific period initiation means for initiating the specific period in exchange for the consumption of one of the execution rights; a second specific period starting means for starting a new specific period on the condition that a continuation lottery that is executed when the termination condition of one specific period is satisfied and there are no remaining execution rights is won; a continuous number counting means for counting the number of continuous times during the specific period, In a slot machine, when the number of consecutive wins reaches a predetermined value, a game control that is more advantageous to a player is executed compared to when the number of consecutive wins is less than the predetermined value, The continuous counting means The number of consecutive consecutive wins is counted up in response to the start of a new specific period by the first specific period start means or the second specific period start means, and the number of consecutive consecutive wins is counted up on the condition that a specific lottery held during one specific period is won. A slot machine characterized by:

Images