Slot machines

Abstract

To provide a slot machine that makes a player feel as if he has inherited the remaining number of AT execution rights remaining before the operation of a limiter when the player achieves consecutive wins in a so-called AT state across the operation of a limiter. [Solution] The number of remaining AT continuations (AT stock number) that have been notified and are displayed on the LCD display 16 before the pullback control is executed is stored in the sub-control device 101, and the screen content to be displayed on the LCD display 16 is determined according to the number of AT stocks acquired in the CZ state that is entered from the start of a new advantageous zone.

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 gaming media, an internal lottery is conducted to determine a 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 winning combination in the internal lottery is achieved, gaming media can be awarded as a payout for the winning combination.

[0003] Many conventional slot machines are equipped with an assist time (hereinafter referred to as AT) function that notifies the player of information (hereinafter referred to as winning navigation information) necessary to win a role that is advantageous to the player from among the multiple types of small roles or replay roles that have different winning combinations as a result of an internal lottery, before the stop button is operated.

[0004] Incidentally, the gaming machine industry has long been called upon to develop gaming machines with an appropriate level of gambling potential as a measure to combat the problem of "addiction." From the perspective of optimizing gambling potential, slot machines equipped with AT functions are required to be equipped with a limiter function that forcibly ends the advantageous zone if the difference in the number of coins won during a single advantageous zone (the number of coins paid out minus the number of coins inserted) exceeds 2,400. In addition, when the advantageous zone ends and the player falls into a non-advantageous zone where the instruction function cannot be activated, all information related to the advantageous zone that is ending (for example, the difference in number of coins information mentioned above) must also be erased from memory.

[0005] In slot machines equipped with a limiter function, the challenge is to reduce the sense of loss felt by players when the limiter is activated. Specifically, if there is a large amount of remaining rights to execute the AT (for example, the number of remaining games in which the AT can be executed) when the limiter is activated, it is inevitable that the player will feel a sense of loss. Therefore, when the limiter activation before the limiter activation is confirmed, the machine transitions to an ending state, and in this ending state, the remaining number of rights to execute the AT is concealed, thereby reducing the sense of loss (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-113397 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] After the limiter function is activated, the game returns to the advantageous zone via a non-advantageous zone where the instruction function cannot be activated. The game period required for this (hereinafter referred to as the return period) can be set arbitrarily, and if the return period is set short, the game can be transitioned to the AT state early in the advantageous zone after the return, making it possible to play consecutive games in the AT state. However, even in this case, the remaining number of AT execution rights remaining before the limiter was activated cannot be inherited, so the only thing that can be done is to start a new AT state.

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

[0009] The present invention will be described below. 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.

[0010] The slot machine (1) of the first invention is an instruction means for instructing a player on a playing method that will maximize profits in a game to be instructed, in which a specific result is obtained as a result of an internal lottery process that derives one lottery result from a plurality of types of lottery results; A zone control means for controlling the mutual transition between a non-advantageous zone in which the instruction means cannot be operated and an advantageous zone in which the instruction means can be operated; A performance control means (sub-control device 101) for controlling the performance displayed on the performance display device (liquid crystal display 16); A limiter means for forcibly terminating the advantageous zone and causing the zone to fall into a non-advantageous zone when the difference in the number of medals in the advantageous zone reaches a limiter value; a determination means for determining whether or not the time for activation of the limiter means is approaching; In a slot machine (1) comprising: The advantageous zone includes: In the instruction target game, an AT state in which the instruction means operates at a high frequency; a non-AT state in which the operation frequency of the instruction means in the instruction target game is lower than that in the AT state, The non-AT state includes a normal state and a CZ state in which the expectation of transition to the AT state is higher than that of the normal state, The section control means When the transition from the non-favorable zone to the favorable zone occurs, the CZ state is set, When the CZ state ends without satisfying the transition condition to the AT state, transition to the normal state is made; When a transition condition to the AT state is satisfied during the normal state or the CZ state, the state is transitioned to the AT state; The AT state is continued until the termination conditions of the AT state are satisfied, but when the judgment means judges that the time for operating the limiter means is approaching, a pullback control is executed to terminate the AT state and cause the vehicle to fall into the non-advantageous zone even if the termination conditions are not satisfied, The performance control means The number of remaining AT continuation rights that have been notified is stored, which is the remaining number of rights to continue the AT state that have been notified or suggested to the player during the AT state before the execution of the pullback control. The number of remaining AT continuation rights to be displayed on the performance display device at the start of a new AT state is determined based on the result of comparing the number of AT continuation rights acquired by satisfying the conditions for transitioning to the AT state in the CZ state to which the transition has been made after falling into an unfavorable state due to the pull-back control with the number of remaining AT continuation rights that have been notified. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a slot machine that, when a player achieves a series of consecutive wins in a so-called AT state across a non-advantageous zone, makes the player feel as if he or she has inherited the remaining number of AT execution rights that were remaining at the end of the previous advantageous zone. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a slot machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of a game ball etc. lending device 5 of a slot machine 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the slot machine 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is an enlarged view of the winning coin number display 10 and the indication monitor NM of the slot machine 1. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a slot machine 1 is installed in a pachinko parlor 301 and connected to an external device. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols drawn on the periphery (reel band) of each of the left reel, center reel, and right reel of the slot machine 1. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram for explaining symbol stop positions and pay lines of the slot machine 1. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 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] 1 is a table showing winning symbol combinations for winning roles allowed in the slot machine 1, and the benefits / payouts when winning. [Figure 10] This is a table showing the lottery values ​​for each lottery category for each set value and the advantageous zone transition role in the internal lottery processing of slot machine 1. [Figure 11] 1 is a diagram showing the transition of the gaming state in the slot machine 1. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of a non-advantageous zone of the slot machine 1. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the advantageous zone of the slot machine 1. [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the slot machine 1 in a normal state. [Figure 15] This is a lottery table showing the winning probability of the AT state and CZ state transition lottery of slot machine 1. [Figure 16] A flowchart showing the processing flow during the CZ state of slot machine 1. [Figure 17] This is a lottery table regarding the probability of winning the AT stock number lottery during the CZ state of slot machine 1. [Figure 18] 10 is a flowchart showing the processing flow during the AT state of the slot machine 1. [Figure 19] This is a lottery table regarding the winning probability of the stock lottery during the AT state of slot machine 1. [Figure 20] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the specialized zone state of the slot machine 1. [Figure 21] This is a lottery table regarding the probability of winning the AT stock number lottery during the specialized zone state of slot machine 1. [Figure 22]10 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the continuation preparation zone state of the slot machine 1. [Figure 23] This is a lottery table regarding the probability of winning the AT stock number lottery during the continuation preparation zone state of slot machine 1. [Figure 24] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the AT continuation end processing (sub) of the slot machine 1. [Figure 25] A flowchart showing the flow of processing during the CZ state when the slot machine 1 is under pullback control. [Figure 26] This is a screen displayed on the LCD display 16 of the slot machine 1 during the AT state and the CZ state. [Figure 27] This is an example of a screen displayed on the LCD display 16 of the slot machine 1 when the CZ state ends. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] <1. Definition of Terms>

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

[0015] "Gaming media" refers to the electromagnetic medals or gaming balls used in gaming machines. Information indicating the number of gaming media stored electrically or magnetically in a gaming machine is called "credits," and this number is called the "number of credits."

[0016] A "bet" refers to placing a bet on gaming media to start a game. The bet gaming media are consumed when the game begins. The number of gaming media bet to start a game is called the "number of bets." A "bet button" refers to a device that a player operates to place a bet.

[0017] A "game" refers to the entire process from operating the start lever, through the rotation and stopping of the reels, to the completion of processing based on the result of the winning determination. "One game" or "one game" refers to one of the entire process. Also, "game" may be written instead of "game."

[0018] The "win line" refers to a combination of predetermined symbol positions that is the target of determining whether a winning combination will occur. The determination of whether a winning combination will occur changes from an invalid state to a valid state depending on the bet.

[0019] A "win" refers to a symbol combination corresponding to a winning combination being stopped and displayed on a winning line. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] <2. 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 can be opened and closed from the front of the main body 2. Inside the main body 2, a left reel R1, a center reel R2, and a right reel R3 are arranged side by side slightly above the vertical center. The left reel R1, the center reel R2, and the right reel R3 are configured by wrapping a reel band 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. Twenty symbols are arranged circumferentially on the reel band.

[0021] The front door 3 is provided with an operation panel 4, a display panel unit 9, and a liquid crystal display 16. The display panel unit 9 is provided in a position facing the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3. A reel window 8 is provided in the center of the display panel unit 9 to make part of the circumferential surfaces of the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3 visible. 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 of the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3 are displayed in the reel window 8, for a total of nine symbols (stop symbol display).

[0022] Below the reel window 8, there is disposed a winning number display 10. The winning number display 10 is made up of a three-digit seven-segment display with dots. The three-digit segment also serves as an indication monitor NM.

[0023] An operation unit 4 is provided on the front door 3 below the display panel unit 9. The operation unit 4 is provided with a game medal count display device 5, a 1-coin bet button 7, a MAX bet button 11, a start lever 12, a left stop button 15L, a center stop button 15C, a right stop button 15R, and a settlement button 17.

[0024] In addition, in the center of the operation unit 4, an effect button PB, which is prompted to be operated when a player intervention type effect is executed on the liquid crystal display 16, and a cross key JK are arranged.

[0025] Furthermore, on the front door 3, below the operation unit 4, there are arranged a display panel 14 that displays the model name of the slot machine 1, a pair of speakers 6L, 6R that output sound effects to enhance the atmosphere during play, and a tray 13.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the game medal count display device 5 is provided with a credit count display 5a that displays the current number of credits in the slot machine 1, and a counting button 5b that is operated when returning credits to the medal lending device 60 described later.

[0027] Returning to FIG. 1, the MAX BET button 11 is a button that is operated to set the number of bets to the maximum of three by deducting medals from the credits.

[0028] The 1 coin bet button 7 is a button that is operated to add 1 to the number of bets by deducting medals from the credits.

[0029] The start lever 12 is a lever that is operated to start a game. After the number of medals required to play one game (hereinafter referred to as the specified number) is bet, when the start lever 12 is operated, the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3 start to spin.

[0030] The left stop button 15L corresponds to the left reel R1, the center stop button 15C corresponds to the center reel R2, and the right stop button 15R corresponds to the right reel R3, and are buttons operated 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 spinning, the left reel R1 will stop spinning.

[0031] The medal number display 10 displays the number of medals acquired by winning.

[0032] The settlement button 17 is a button that is operated to return the number of medals bet by operating the MAX BET button 11 and the 1 BET button 7 to credits, and when the settlement button 17 is operated with medals bet, the number of bets at the time of operation is added to the credits and the number of bets becomes zero.

[0033] Above the display panel unit 9, a liquid crystal display 16 is arranged for displaying effect images and the like in accordance with the progress of the game.

[0034] Around the liquid crystal display 16, decorative lamps 18L, 18C, and 18R are provided to enhance the atmosphere during the game by emitting light.

[0035] <3. Electrical configuration of gaming machine> Next, the electrical configuration of the gaming machine will be described. <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.

[0036] The slot machine 1 includes a main control device 100 that controls the game, and a sub-control device 101 that controls the effects associated with the game.

[0037] The main control device 100 comprises a main control unit 100a and a payout control unit 100b, each of which is configured with a single-chip microcomputer. The payout control unit 100b is dedicated to credit-related processing, while the main control unit 100a is responsible for overall game control except for credit-related processing.

[0038] The input / output ports of the main control unit 100a are connected to 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, settlement button 17, number of coins won 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 unit 101.

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

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

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

[0042] In the reel stop control, after the left stop button 15L, the middle stop button 15C, and the right stop button 15R are operated, the left reel R1, the middle 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.

[0043] When the game is started by operating the start lever 12, the main control unit 100a obtains a random number and executes an internal lottery in which multiple winning combinations are selected. If no winning combination is obtained through 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 occur. When a minor winning combination that pays out medals as a payout for winning is achieved, the main control unit 100a displays the number of medals to be paid out on the winning number display 10 and sends information about the number of medals to the payout control unit 100b.

[0044] The setting change switch 20 and setting change button 21 are provided inside the main body 2, and 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. The setting change switch 20 is a key switch that is turned on by inserting a setting key and rotating it clockwise, and the setting change button 21 is a push button.

[0045] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the winning coin number display 10 of the slot machine 1.

[0046] To select (change) a setting value, first, with the front door 3 open, insert a 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 the setting change mode is entered, the current setting value is displayed on the number of coins acquired indicator 10. In addition, in setting change mode, each time the setting change button 21 is pressed, the setting value displayed on the number of coins acquired indicator 10 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 number of coins acquired indicator 10. With the desired setting value displayed on the number of coins acquired indicator 10, the start lever 12 is operated to complete the selection (change) of the setting value. Then, the setting key inserted in the setting change switch 20 is rotated counterclockwise to return the operating mode to the normal (game) mode, and the setting key is removed from the setting change switch to complete the selection (change) of the setting value.

[0047] The input / output port of the payout control unit 100b is connected to a game ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 30, a credit number display 5a, and a counting button 5b. The credit number display 5a displays the current number of credits. A medal dispenser 60 that dispenses game medals to the slot machine 1 is connected to the game ball etc. dispenser connection terminal board 30. The counting button 5b is a button that is operated when returning the credits of the slot machine 1 to the medal lending device 60. By continuing to press the counting button 5b for a unit time, one is subtracted from the credits, and one game medal is returned to the medal lending device 60. In other words, the number of credits to be returned can be adjusted by the length of time that the counting button 5b is pressed.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which the slot machine 1 is installed in a pachinko parlor 301 and connected to an external device. The slot machine 1 outputs information (hereinafter referred to as operation information) from the game ball etc. lending device connection terminal board 30, including in information regarding the number of medals inserted for use in the game, out information regarding the number of medals paid out as a result of the game, and special prize information regarding whether or not the player is in a special prize period advantageous to the player (for example, during a bonus game). The operation information is transmitted from the medal dispenser 60 connected to the game ball dispenser connection terminal board 30 of the slot machine 1 to the hall computer 62 via the relay board 61 .

[0049] Meanwhile, information regarding the amount of money inserted into the medal lending device 60 for medal lending is transmitted from the medal lending 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 the data to the gaming machine management center 303 in order to strengthen security against fraud and to strengthen measures against gambling and other addictions.

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

[0051] <3-2. Electrical configuration of gaming machine (sub-controller)> 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 cross key JK, the decorative lamps 18L, 18C, 18R, and the speakers 6L, 6R.

[0052] The sub-control device 101 controls the display contents of the liquid crystal display 16 relating to effects and the like accompanying the game, based on commands from the main control unit 100a, operation of the effect button PB, and operation of the cross key JK. In addition, as one component of the effects, it controls the light effects by the decorative lamps 18L, 18C, 18R, and the background music and sound effects output from the speakers 6L, 6R.

[0053] <4. Reel arrangement and stop position explanation> FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on the left reel R1, the center reel R2, and the right reel R3.

[0054] 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."

[0055] 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."

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

[0057] 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."

[0058] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the symbol stop positions and the pay lines.

[0059] 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.

[0060] The slot machine 1 is a so-called one-line machine in which a middle line L1 connecting the symbol stop positions PL2, PC2, and PR2 is set as a pay line NL. Hereinafter, the line connecting the three symbol stop positions PL1, PC1, PR1 aligned in a horizontal row on 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 PL3, PC3, PR3 aligned in a horizontal row on 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-to-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-to-right line L5.

[0061] <5.1 Game Description> FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the outline of the flow of one game executed by the main controller 100 of the slot machine 1.

[0062] <5-1. Processing flow>

[0063] <5-1-1. Betting Processing> First, the number of bets is set according to the operation of the 1-coin bet button 7, the MAX bet button 11, or the winning of a replay combination (S101).

[0064] Specifically, when the 1 coin bet button 7 is operated, if the current number of bets is equal to or less than the maximum number specified for that game and there are remaining credits, the main control device 100 subtracts 1 from the credits and adds 1 to the number of bets. Also, when the MAX bet button 11 is operated, if there are remaining credits, the main control device 100 subtracts the required number of coins from the credits and sets the number of bets to the maximum number specified for that game. Furthermore, when a replay role is won, the main control device 100 executes an automatic bet process in which the number of bets that was bet in the game is bet again in the next game without subtracting from the credits.

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

[0066] <5-1-3. Internal lottery processing> The main control device 100 acquires a random number value when a game starts, and executes an internal lottery process to determine information for deriving the game result by lottery based on the random number value (S103).

[0067] <5-1-4. AT-related lottery processing> The main control unit 100 acquires a random number value when the game starts, and executes various lottery processes related to the AT, i.e., AT-related lottery processes, based on the random number value, the game status, and the results of the internal lottery process (S104). AT refers to a state in which the instruction function that gives instructions necessary to win a winning combination advantageous to the player among the winning combinations obtained by the internal lottery is activated. Specifically, the player is instructed on the order in which to press the stop buttons provided for each of the left, center, and right reels, and by operating the stop buttons in the instructed order, the player can win a winning combination without missing any winning combinations and receive a dividend for that winning combination.

[0068] <5-1-5. Slot machine effect processing> After the AT-related lottery process is executed, the slot machine 1 executes a reel effect using each of the reels R1 to R3 based on the result of the AT-related lottery process (S105). The reel effect initiates a freeze state that temporarily delays the progress of the game, and during this freeze state, controls the execution of a pseudo-game process that spins each of the reels R1 to R3 and allows the player to perform a stopping operation that causes each of the reels R1 to R3 to vibrate.

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

[0070] <5-1-7. Reel rotation processing> After executing the internal lottery process, the main controller 100 spins each of the left reel R1, the center reel R2, and the right reel R3 to variably display the symbols arranged on each of the reels R1 to R3 (S107).

[0071] In addition, the reel effects and reel spinning process for the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3 in the next game do not start until 4.1 seconds have passed since the start of rotation of the left reel R1, center reel R2, and right reel R3 in the previous game. This keeps the time required for one game at 4.1 seconds or more.

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

[0073] <5-1-9. Pattern Determination Processing> 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 any one of a plurality of predetermined target symbol combinations (S109).

[0074] <5-1-10. Display monitor off process> After executing the symbol determination process, if the identification information is displayed on the instruction monitor NM, the slot machine 1 executes a process to turn off the instruction monitor NM (S110). That is, the instruction monitor NM is a monitor that is displayed during a game in which the instruction function is activated, and is turned off when the game ends.

[0075] <5-1-11. Medal payout process> When the main control device 100 determines that a winning symbol combination for a minor role has stopped and been displayed among the multiple types of symbol combinations to be determined, it executes a payout process of medals equal to the number of medals awarded for the winning minor role (S111). The slot machine 1 is a so-called smart pachislot that does not use medals as game medals, but lends or wins game medals, or uses game medals for play only electromagnetically, and therefore simply adds the number of award medals to the number of credits, and does not pay out actual medals.

[0076] <5-1-12. State transition processing> When the main control device 100 determines, as a result of the symbol determination process, that a state transition condition for transitioning the gaming state is met, it transitions the gaming state (S112).

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

[0078] In the slot machine 1, the combinations that are the subject of the internal lottery include a bonus combination, a 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 from the next game onwards until a winning is made, and if a winning is made, a bonus game state (bonus game state) is started from the next game.

[0079] In contrast, the replay role and the small role are roles in which the winning state disappears when all the reels R1, R2, and R3 stop and one game ends. In addition, a small winning combination is a combination in which medals are paid out upon winning, and a replay winning combination is a combination in which the next game can be played without the need to bet medals upon winning.

[0080] FIG. 9 is a table showing the lottery categories, types, and winning symbol combinations that are the subject of the lottery in the internal lottery process.

[0081] 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. 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 role has not been won; an internal state, which is an RT state in which the winning of a bonus role 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.

[0082] In the internal lottery process of slot machine 1, as shown in Figure 9, a total of 31 types of lottery categories are set as the objects of lottery: 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.

[0083] The BB lottery category is a lottery category where a bonus symbol, specifically a Type 1 special symbol under the gaming machine regulations, is won solely by the consecutive operation device. The winning symbol combination for 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 a bonus symbol is won, the bonus game begins from the next game. The bonus game ends when more than 140 medals are paid out. In addition, slot machine 1 employs reel stop control that prioritizes the minor symbol or replay symbol over the bonus symbol in games where a bonus symbol and a minor symbol are won simultaneously, or in games where a bonus symbol and a replay symbol are won simultaneously. Furthermore, because slot machine 1 is designed to always win minor symbols or replay symbols during bonus periods, the only chance for a bonus symbol to be won is in games where the BB lottery category is won solely during bonus periods. Since the probability of winning a BB symbol alone is extremely low, a bonus symbol is almost never won.

[0084] Normal Replay 1, Normal Replay 2, Red 7 Replay 1, Red 7 Replay 2, SR Replay, Watermelon Replay, Weak Chance Replay, Strong Cherry Replay, and Strong Chance Replay are lottery categories related to replay roles in which multiple different combinations of replay roles are won. In a game in which a lottery category related to a replay role is won, one of the replay roles will be awarded regardless of the timing and order of the reel stop operations. In a game in which Normal Replay 1 is won, replay symbols will be aligned on one of the five lines L1 to L5 shown in Figure 5 regardless of the timing and order of the reel stop operations. Hereinafter, the alignment of replay symbols on one of the five lines L1 to L5 shown in Figure 5 will be referred to as a replay symbol alignment. In a game in which Normal Replay 2 is won, when the left stop button 15L is operated first (hereinafter referred to as the left 1st), replay symbols will be aligned regardless of the timing and order of the reel stop 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 a characteristic result of a so-called red 7 tenpai miss.

[0085] 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.

[0086] During the Chance Zone (hereinafter referred to as CZ) state described below, in a game in which either Normal Replay 2, Red 7 Replay 1, or Red 7 Replay 2 is won, the instruction "Aim for the Red 7 symbol by pressing the buttons in reverse!" is displayed on the LCD display 16. If the player performs the reel stop operation in accordance with this instruction, in a game in which Normal Replay 2 is won, the Red 7 symbol will be formed on the middle line L1 but will not line up, while in a game in which Red 7 Replay 1 or Red 7 Replay 2 is won, the Red 7 symbol will line up on the middle line L1. Furthermore, since 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 first left order during normal play (except during AT), players generally play the game by pressing the buttons in reverse order during normal play. Therefore, in a game in which either Normal Replay 2, Red 7 Replay 1, or Red 7 Replay 2 is won during normal play, the replay symbols will 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.

[0087] 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.

[0088] In a game where the watermelon replay is won, the watermelon symbols will be aligned on one of the five lines L1 to L5 shown in Figure 7, regardless of the timing and order of the reel stop operation. In a game where the weak chance replay is won, a weak chance symbol will be 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] In a game where a strong chance reel is won, a strong chance symbol is displayed regardless of the timing of the reel stop operation or the order of operations. Specifically, the strong chance symbol is a right-downward watermelon tenpai miss.

[0091] Weak Cherry, Common Bell, Push Order Bell A1-A8, Push Order Bell B1-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 different combinations of small roles can be won. Weak Cherry is a small role that may or may not win depending on the timing of the reel stop operation, and if it wins, three medals will be paid out. When it wins, a cherry symbol will stop on the bottom row of the left reel (PL3 in Figure 7). Common Bell is a small role that wins regardless of the timing of the reel stop operation, and if it wins, three medals will be paid out. When it wins, bell symbols will line up on the top line L2.

[0092] The push order bells A1-A8 and B1-B8 are so-called push order minor winning combinations, each with a predetermined correct stop operation that awards the small winning combination with the highest payout among multiple types of overlapping minor winning combinations. If the correct stop operation is performed, a small winning combination with a payout of nine coins is awarded. If the correct stop operation is not performed, a small winning combination with a payout of one coin is awarded, or the winning combination is lost. As mentioned above, because the slot machine 1 is a so-called penalty machine, the correct stop operation is set to a position other than the left 1st reel, and conditions are also imposed on the timing of the stop operation for the first reel to be stopped (hereinafter referred to as the first stop reel). In other words, during the AT, the correct stop operation is notified to the player by instructing the stop operation order and the target symbol on the first stop reel. Figure 9 shows the correct stop operations for each of the push order bells A1-A8 and B1-B8. Specifically, the symbol to aim for when the first reel stops is displayed before the "_", and the order of stopping operations is displayed after the "_". Red / black indicates that the symbol to aim for is the red 7 symbol / bar symbol, respectively.

[0093] As can be seen from FIG. 6, 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 within 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 within 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.

[0094] In a game where you win any of the push order bells A1 to A8 or B1 to B8, if the correct stopping operation corresponding to the type of push order bell you won is performed, you will win a small prize with a payout of 9 coins, and if not, you will win a small prize with a payout of 1 coin, or you will miss out.

[0095] BB small and medium role A, BB small and medium role B, and BB small and medium role C are small roles that are drawn only during the bonus state described above. BB small and medium role A is a lottery category included in the lottery category during the non-internal state and the internal state, where all small roles with a payout of 15 coins are won in duplicate, BB small and medium role B is a lottery category included in the lottery category during the non-internal state and the internal state, where all small roles with a payout of 3 coins are won in duplicate, and BB small and medium role C is a lottery category included in the lottery category during the non-internal state and the internal state, where all small roles with a payout of 1 coin are won in duplicate.

[0096] Figure 10 shows the contents of the lottery table used in the internal lottery process for each of the three RT states mentioned above. Figure 10 shows the lottery values ​​for each lottery category with setting 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 10, the lottery values ​​for the internal state are shown in parentheses. A detailed explanation of Figure 10 will be omitted.

[0097] Additionally, slot machine 1 is configured with a favorable zone transition role that transitions to a favorable zone upon winning in a non-favorable zone. As shown in Figure 10, a transition to a favorable zone occurs when the result of the internal lottery outside of the bonus state, i.e., during a non-internal state or an internal state, is anything other than a win for lottery category Normal Lip 1. In lottery category Normal Lip 1, even if the lottery category is won, a role that does not transition to a favorable zone is configured, meaning that the zone state cannot transition to a favorable zone. As shown in Figure 10, the probability of winning Normal Lip 1 is extremely low in both non-internal states (4 / 65536) and internal states (8 / 65536). Any other result transitions to a favorable zone. Therefore, after falling into a non-favorable zone, the player generally returns to the favorable zone in the next game. Note that even if a role that does not transition to a favorable zone is won during a favorable zone, the zone state does not transition to a non-favorable zone.

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

[0099] <6-1. Game state transition> Figure 11 is a diagram showing the transition of game states in the slot machine 1. The slot machine 1 is configured with a normal state, a CZ state in which it is easier to transition to the AT state than the normal state, and a continuation preparation zone state, and further, a specialized zone state in which the acquisition of the AT stock number, which is the number of rights to the AT state, is favored, for a total of five game states.

[0100] <6-2. About the gaming area (non-advantageous area, advantageous area)> The slot machine 1 is equipped with an instruction function that instructs the player to perform the correct stop operation that will maximize the payout in a game in which one of the push order bells A1-A8 or B1-B8 is selected. When the instruction function is activated, the main control unit 100a transmits type information to the sub-control unit 101, enabling identification of the type of the selected push order bell, in a game in which one of the push order bells A1-A8 or B1-B8 is selected. Identification information corresponding to the type information is displayed on the instruction monitor NM. Based on the type information from the main control unit 100a, the sub-control unit 101 notifies the player of the correct stop operation by displaying the information on the LCD 16 or by outputting audio from the speakers 6L and 6R. Hereinafter, the main control unit 100a displaying the identification information on the instruction monitor NM and transmitting the type information to the sub-control unit 101 is referred to as the activation of the instruction function.

[0101] The zone state related to the instruction function is roughly 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 transitioning to an advantageous zone is executed according to the result of an internal lottery process, and if the lottery for transitioning to an advantageous zone is won, the zone state is transitioned to an advantageous zone. In the slot machine 1, when the gaming state is in the normal state, it is possible to stay in the non-advantageous zone and the advantageous zone. On the other hand, when the gaming state is in each state other than the normal state, it is set to a gaming state where it is possible to stay only in the advantageous zone, and it is configured so that it is not possible to stay in the non-advantageous zone. In addition, in the slot machine 1, even during the advantageous zone, if the gaming state is other than the AT state, the instruction function is set not to be activated.

[0102] The slot machine 1 is also 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 when 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.

[0103] Furthermore, in the slot machine 1, in order to prevent the advantageous zone from being suddenly and forcibly ended by the aforementioned limiter function during the AT state, a monitoring parameter (hereinafter referred to as an ending flag) relating to the difference in the number of coins during the advantageous zone is managed, and processing is performed to determine whether or not to end the advantageous zone depending on whether or not the ending flag is present. The ending flag will be described later.

[0104] <6-2-1. Non-Advantageous Zone> Here, the flow of processing during the non-advantageous zone of the slot machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0105] During the non-advantageous section, first, an internal lottery process is executed in step S1201. The internal lottery process in the following description includes the internal lottery process (S103) described in FIG. 12, in the next step S1202, it is determined whether or not a favorable zone transition role has been won depending on the result of the internal lottery process, and if it is determined to be no, the process returns to step S1201, whereas if it is determined to be yes, in the next step S1203, various initial settings associated with the start of the favorable zone are set to 0, including the number of AT stocks, number of favorable zone games, number of favorable zone IN coins, number of favorable zone OUT coins, and number of favorable zone difference coins, and a process is performed to set the zone state to the favorable zone. In addition, the game state is set to the CZ zone state, and favorable zone in-processing (S1204) is initiated and returned.

[0106] <6-2-2. Advantageous Zone> In the slot machine 1, the advantageous zone is composed of an AT state in which the instruction function is activated and a non-AT state in which the instruction function is not activated. As shown in Figure 11, the non-AT state (no instruction function) is composed of a normal state, a CZ state in which it is easier to transition to the AT state than the normal state, and a continuation preparation zone state, and further composed of a specialized zone state in which the acquisition of AT stocks is favored. The non-AT state transitions to the AT state upon winning the AT state transition lottery and acquiring AT stocks. The AT state transition lottery can be acquired by winning the lottery for each lottery category in the lottery table during the normal state. Furthermore, AT stocks can be acquired by winning the AT stock number lottery for each lottery category in the lottery table for each state. Below, with reference to Figure 13, the processing flow during the advantageous zone of the slot machine 1 is explained.

[0107] In processing during an advantageous zone, first, as the game is executed, an update process for various variables is executed in step S1301. In the update process for various variables, for each game, the number of advantageous zone games is incremented by 1, the number of bets at the time of execution of that game is added to the number of IN advantageous zone coins, the number of payouts at the time of execution of that game is added to the number of OUT advantageous zone coins, and the value obtained by subtracting the number of IN advantageous zone coins from the current number of OUT advantageous zone coins is added to the current difference in advantageous zone coins as the advantageous zone difference number to update. Next, in step S1302, it is determined whether the gaming state is normal or not, and if it is determined to be YES, normal state processing is executed in step S1303. On the other hand, if it is determined to be NO in step S1302, it is determined in step S1304 whether the gaming state is CZ state or not. Next, if the answer is YES in step S1304, the process in the CZ state is executed in step S1305. On the other hand, if the answer is NO in step S1304, the process determines whether the gaming state is the AT state in step S1306. Next, if the answer is YES in step S1306, the AT state process is executed in step S1307. On the other hand, if the answer is NO in step S1306, it is determined in step S1308 whether the gaming state is a specialized zone state. Next, if the answer is YES in step S1308, processing during the specialized zone state is executed in step S1309. On the other hand, if the answer is NO in step S1308, it is determined in step S1310 whether the gaming state is the continuation preparation zone state. Next, if the answer is YES in step S1310, continuation preparation zone state processing is executed in step S1311. On the other hand, if the answer is NO in step S1310, it is determined in the next step S1312 whether or not an ending flag is held.

[0108] Furthermore, even after processing each game state (S1303, S1305, S1307, S1309, and S1311), it is determined in step S1312 whether or not the ending flag is held. In the slot machine 1, the main control unit 100a manages whether or not the ending flag is held so that the difference in the number of coins in the advantageous zone after the zone state transitions to the advantageous zone does not exceed 2400 coins, and the advantageous zone is ended in advance before the number of coins in the advantageous zone exceeds 2400 coins to avoid the advantageous zone being suddenly and forcibly ended during the AT state.

[0109] The winning condition for the ending flag of slot machine 1 is "when the difference in the number of coins in the advantageous zone exceeds 2000 coins."

[0110] Next, if the answer is YES in step S1312, the number of AT stocks displayed on the LCD display 16 and information related to the AT state (such as information on the number of coins acquired) are stored in the sub-control unit 101 in step S1313. On the other hand, the information regarding the number of gaming media in the advantageous zone managed by the main control unit 100a, such as the number of AT stocks, the number of games in the advantageous zone, the number of coins IN the advantageous zone, the number of coins OUT the advantageous zone, and the difference number of coins in the advantageous zone, is set to 0. Furthermore, the section state is set to a non-advantageous section, and non-advantageous section processing is executed in the next step S1314. On the other hand, if the answer is no in step S1312, the advantageous period continues and the process returns. The above is the processing flow during the advantageous period.

[0111] <6-3. About the game status> Next, the processing during each game state will be described.

[0112] <6-3-1. Normal state> FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the slot machine 1 in the normal state. When the normal state starts, first, an internal lottery process is executed in step S1401, and then in the next step S1402, a lottery is executed to transition to the AT state and CZ state. Next, in step S1403, it is determined whether or not the AT state transition lottery has been won, and if the result is yes, the process proceeds to step S1404 and AT state processing is called, while if the result is no, the process proceeds to step S1405. In the next step S1405, it is determined whether or not the CZ state transition lottery has been won, and if the result is yes, it proceeds to step S1406 and calls the CZ state processing, while if the result is no, it returns.

[0113] Figure 15 is a lottery table showing the winning probability of the AT state and CZ state transition lottery during the normal state. Figure 15(a) is a lottery table regarding the winning probability of the AT state transition lottery. The winning probability of the AT state transition lottery varies depending on the lottery category. As shown in Figure 15(a), the lottery categories with low winning probability, so-called rare roles, SR RIP, Strong Cherry RIP, and Strong Chance RIP, are set to make it easier to win the AT state transition lottery. Figure 15(b) is a lottery table regarding the probability of winning the CZ state transition lottery. The probability of winning the CZ state transition lottery varies depending on the lottery category. If the AT state transition lottery shown in Figure 15(a) is not won, the CZ state transition lottery is executed. As shown in Figure 15(b), the lottery categories, strong cherry rep, and strong chance rep, which are so-called rare roles, are set to make it easier to win the CZ state transition lottery.

[0114] <6-3-2. CZ State> Figure 16 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing during the CZ state of the slot machine 1.

[0115] When the CZ state starts, first in step S1601, the number of CZ games is set to 10. In the next step S1602, an internal lottery process is executed, and in the next step S1603, a process for drawing lots for the number of AT stocks during the CZ is executed. The AT stock number lottery process is a process in which, based on the lottery category won in the game, it is determined by lottery whether or not an AT stock number will be awarded, and if so, the number to be awarded is drawn by lottery.

[0116] In the next step S1604, it is determined whether or not the number of AT stocks has been acquired as a result of the internal lottery. If the result is no, the process proceeds to step S1606. If the result is yes, the number of AT stocks acquired in step S1605 is added and the process proceeds to step S1606.

[0117] In the next step S1606, the number of CZ games is subtracted by 1, and in the next step S1607, it is determined whether the number of CZ games is zero or not.If the determination is no, the process returns to step S1602 to continue the CZ state, while if the determination is yes, the process proceeds to the next step S1608.

[0118] In the next step S1608, it is determined whether the AT stock number is 1 or more, and if the answer is yes, the process proceeds to the next step S1609 and calls the AT state processing, while if the answer is no, the process returns.

[0119] Figure 17 is a lottery table regarding the probability of winning the AT stock number lottery during the CZ state. The probability of winning the AT stock number lottery varies depending on the lottery category. Also, during the CZ state, the probability of winning the AT stock number is more favorable than in the normal state, and since the AT stock number lottery is held in which multiple numbers can be acquired, this is a gaming state in which the expectation of acquiring AT stock numbers is higher than in the normal state. Details of the AT stock number winning probability for each lottery category will be omitted.

[0120] <6-3-3. AT State> The AT state is a game in which a winning push order bell A1-A8 or a winning push order bell B1-B8 is selected, and is a favorable zone in which a correct stop operation is instructed, i.e., a gaming state in which the instruction function is activated. In the slot machine 1, the number of games in one AT state (hereinafter referred to as the AT game number) is set to 30 games. When the AT game number reaches zero, the AT state ends, and if there are AT stocks, the system goes through the continuation preparation zone state, and after the continuation preparation zone state ends, the next AT state begins. Details of the continuation preparation zone state will be described later. On the other hand, if the AT stock number is zero, the system transitions to the CZ state described above, and if AT stocks are acquired during the CZ state, a new AT state begins after the CZ state ends.

[0121] Furthermore, during the AT state, a lottery is held to enter a specialized zone state in which the number of AT stocks acquired is favored. The specialized zone state will be described later.

[0122] 18, the flow of processing during the AT state of the slot machine 1 will be described. When the AT state starts, first, in step S1801, the AT stock number is subtracted by 1. Next, in step S1802, the number of AT games is set to 30.

[0123] In the next step S1803, an internal lottery process is executed, and in the next step S1804, a stock lottery during the AT state is executed, and if a winner is won, the winning amount is added to the AT stock number.

[0124] Next, in step S1805, it is determined whether the ending flag winning conditions have been met, and if the determination is yes, in step S1806, ending is set to 1, and the process proceeds to the next step S1809. On the other hand, if the determination is no in step S1805, it is determined in step S1807 whether the specialized zone winning conditions have been met, and if the determination is yes, in step S1808, the specialized zone flag is set to 1, and the process proceeds to the next step S1809.

[0125] Next, in step S1809, the number of AT games is subtracted by 1, and in the next step S1810, it is determined whether the number of AT games is zero or not.If the determination is no, the AT state is continued by returning to step S1803, while if the determination is yes, the process proceeds to step S1811.

[0126] Next, in step S1811, it is determined whether the ending flag is 1 or not, and if it is determined to be 1, in step S1812, the number of AT stocks displayed on the LCD display 16 and other information related to the AT state (for example, information on the number of coins acquired) are stored in the sub-control unit 101, and the information regarding the number of gaming media in the advantageous zone managed by the main control unit 100a, namely the number of AT stocks, the number of games in the advantageous zone, the number of coins IN the advantageous zone, the number of coins OUT the advantageous zone, and the difference number of coins in the advantageous zone, are set to 0. Furthermore, the section state is set to a non-advantageous section and the process returns. On the other hand, if the answer is NO in step S1811, the process proceeds to the next step S1813.

[0127] Next, in step S1813, it is determined whether the specialized zone flag is 1 or not, and if determined to be 1, in step S1813, specialized zone state processing is executed, and the flow returns. On the other hand, if the answer is no, the process moves to the next step S1815.

[0128] Next, in step S1815, it is determined whether the AT stock number is greater than zero, and if the determination is yes, in step S1816, continuation preparation zone state processing is called and the program returns. On the other hand, if the answer is no, then in the next step S1817, the CZ state processing is called and the process returns.

[0129] As explained above, processing during the AT state aims to acquire AT stocks and transition to a specialized zone state during the 30 games granted at the start of the AT state. When the number of AT games is 0 (when 30 games have passed), that is, when the AT state ends, the game state transitions to one depending on the presence or absence of the ending flag, specialized zone flag, and AT stock number. When the ending flag is 1, the main control unit 100a forcibly ends the advantageous zone, clears all information related to the advantageous zone stored in the main control unit 100a, and sets the zone state to a non-advantageous zone.

[0130] Figure 19 is a lottery table regarding the probability of winning the AT stock number lottery during the AT state. Figure 19 is a table showing the probability of winning the AT stock number lottery during the AT state, and the probability of winning varies depending on the lottery category. Up to three AT stocks can be acquired per trigger, and at the same time, a lottery is held to determine whether to transition to the specialized zone state. If the lottery is won, the specialized zone flag is set to 1, and the state transitions to the specialized zone state after the AT state ends.

[0131] <6-3-4. Specialized Zone State> FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing in the specialized zone state.

[0132] When the specialized zone state starts, first in step S2001, the number of specialized zone games is set to 10. In the next step S2002, an internal lottery process is executed, and in the next step S2003, a lottery is held to determine the number of AT stocks in the specialized zone. If the lottery is won, the amount won is added to the number of AT stocks. Next, in step S2004, the number of specialized zone games is subtracted by 1, and in the next step S2005, it is determined whether the number of specialized zone games is 0. If the determination is no, the process returns to step S2002 to continue the specialized zone state, but if the determination is yes, in the next step S2006, AT state processing is called and the process returns.

[0133] FIG. 21 is a lottery table regarding the winning probability of the AT stock number lottery in the specialized zone. The winning probability differs depending on the lottery category. Detailed explanations will be omitted. <6-3-5. Processing during continuation preparation zone state> FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing during the continuation preparation zone state.

[0134] The continuation preparation zone state is a game state to which the player transitions when the number of AT games reaches 0 during the AT state, the ending flag and the specialized zone flag are both zero, and the number of AT stocks is 1 or more.

[0135] During the continuation preparation zone state, first, in step 2201, the continuation preparation zone game number is set to 10.

[0136] In the next step S2202, an internal lottery process is executed, and in the next step S2203, a lottery is conducted to determine the number of AT stocks during the continuation preparation zone state. Next, in step S2204, the number of continuation preparation zone games is decremented by 1, and in the next step S2205, it is determined whether the number of continuation preparation zone games is 0 or not. If the determination is no, the process returns to step S2205 to continue the continuation preparation zone state, while if the determination is yes, the process calls AT state processing in the next step S2206 and returns.

[0137] Figure 23 is a lottery table regarding the probability of winning the AT stock number lottery during the continuation preparation zone state. The probability of winning the AT stock number varies depending on the lottery category. Detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0138] In this way, the continuation preparation zone state has basically the same processing flow as the CZ state described above, except that there is still AT stock remaining. Therefore, the screen displayed on the LCD display 16 is also the same as the screen displayed in the CZ state. The display screen will be described later. <6-4. Pullback control processing>

[0139] Next, we will explain the pullback control process that forcibly ends the advantageous zone and transitions to the non-advantageous zone when the time to reach the limit due to the difference in the number of sheets in the advantageous zone approaches.

[0140] <6-4-1. Internal processing when limit is reached and display of AT stock number> From here on, an example of a screen displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 during the pull-back control and the displayed contents will be mainly explained.

[0141] 24 is a flowchart showing the processing flow of the sub-control device 101 when the AT state ends. First, in step S2401, it is determined whether the ending flag is 1, and if it is determined to be 1, it proceeds to step S2402. On the other hand, if it is determined to be no, it proceeds to step S2403. Next, in step S2402, the remaining AT stock number currently displayed on the LCD display 16 is set to the notified remaining AT continuation right number N, and in the next step S2403, an AT continuation state end screen is displayed and the process ends.

[0142] Figure 25 is a flowchart showing the flow of screen processing displayed on the LCD display 16 regarding processing during the CZ state when the advantageous zone is forcibly ended by pullback control, falling into a non-advantageous zone, and then transitioning to an advantageous zone.

[0143] First, in step S2501, it is determined whether or not the game has transitioned from a non-advantageous zone to an advantageous zone. If the answer is yes, the game proceeds to step S2502, and the CZ state screen is displayed. On the other hand, if the answer is no in step S2501, the process is repeated.

[0144] Next, in step S2503, it is determined whether the number of CZ games is zero or not, and if it is determined to be yes, it proceeds to the next step S2504, while if it is determined to be no, it returns to step S2502 and repeats the CZ state.

[0145] In the next step S2504, it is determined whether the AT stock number is greater than zero, and if it is determined to be no, an ending screen is displayed in step S2505. On the other hand, if it is determined to be yes in step S2504, it proceeds to the next step S2506, and it is determined whether the current AT stock number is equal to or greater than the notified remaining AT continuation right number N set in step S2402 of Fig. 24, and if it is determined to be no, an AT state continuation screen A is displayed in step S2507. On the other hand, if it is determined to be yes in step S2506, an AT state continuation screen B is displayed in the next step S2508.

[0146] In this way, the sub-control device 101 memorizes the number of remaining AT continuation rights (AT stock number) that have been notified and that were displayed on the LCD display 16 before the execution of the pullback control, and in the CZ state to which it transitions with the start of the subsequent advantageous zone, it determines the screen content to be displayed on the LCD display 16 according to the number of AT stocks acquired.

[0147] <6-4-2. Example of display screen during pullback control>

[0148] From here on, specific examples of screens displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 regarding the pullback control will be described.

[0149] FIG. 26 shows examples of screens displayed on the liquid crystal display 16 of the slot machine 1 during the AT state, the CZ state, and the continuation preparation zone state.

[0150] FIG. 26(a) is an example of a screen in which the instruction function is activated when either the push order bell A1 to A8 or the push order bell B1 to B8 is won during the AT state. First, the display area 2601 in the upper left of the LCD display 16 displays the number of games remaining in the current AT state and the number of AT states that have been completed so far, including the current AT state (hereinafter referred to as the number of continuing sets), as "SET XX." Additionally, the display area 2602 in the upper right of the LCD display 16 displays the difference in the number of gaming media since the start of the first AT state (hereinafter referred to as the AT difference). The display area 2603 below that displays an indication of the number of AT stocks currently held. In FIG. 26(a), "V x 1" is displayed, suggesting that one or more AT stocks are held. The display area 2603 does not directly display the number of AT stocks managed by the main control unit 100a, and even if "V x XX" is not displayed, there is a possibility that the number of AT stocks is being held internally.

[0151] Figure 26(b) is the AT end screen that is displayed on the LCD display 16 when the AT state ends. As shown in Figure 11 above, when the AT state ends, the game state transitions to one of the specialized zone state, continuation preparation zone state, or CZ state. Figure 26(b) is an example of a screen when both the specialized zone flag and the AT stock number are zero, and in this case, the game transitions to CZ, so "NEXT CZ" is displayed in the display area 2604.

[0152] Figure 26(c) is an example of a screen displayed on the LCD display 16 during the CZ state. When the flower object 2605 lights up during the CZ state, the transition to the AT state is confirmed. The conditions for the flower object 2605 to light up are "winning the AT stock number lottery during the CZ state" (see Figure 17) and "if the AT stock number is maintained." Also, the number of games remaining in the CZ state is displayed in the display area 2606, but unlike during the AT state, the AT difference number and the number of continuation sets are not displayed. However, the AT difference number continues to be updated internally even during the CZ state, and the number of continuation sets is also maintained internally. The screen display on the LCD display 16 is the same during the continuation preparation zone state, and the CZ state and the continuation preparation zone state cannot be distinguished visually.

[0153] In Figure 27, to the left of "⇒" is shown an example of the CZ end screen displayed on the LCD display 16 when the CZ state ends, and to the right of "⇒" is shown an example of the initial screen displayed in the game state entered after the CZ state ends.

[0154] Figures 27(a) and (b) show the transition of the presentation screen when the ending flag is zero. Figure 27(a) shows the transition of the screen when the AT stock number cannot be acquired during the CZ state and the state falls back to normal. In this case, the CZ end screen displays the AT difference number at this point, and the value at the end of the AT for the number of continuing sets. Also, in this case, the AT stock number is not held and the state transitions to normal, so "END" is displayed in the display area 2701.

[0155] Figure 27(b) shows the screen transition when AT stocks are acquired during the CZ state and the transition to the AT state occurs. In this case, the display area 2702 of the CZ end screen displays "CZ End," indicating that the CZ state has ended. The display area 2703 indicates the number of AT stocks acquired during the CZ state. In this figure, the display "V x 3" indicates that three or more AT stocks are held. Since AT stocks are held, a transition to the AT state is guaranteed, so the display area 2704 displays "NEXT AT."

[0156] Figures 27(c), (d), and (e) show the transition of the presentation screen when the ending flag is 1. Figure 27(c) shows the transition of the screen when, after falling into a non-advantageous zone due to pull-back control, the AT stock number cannot be acquired during the CZ state transitioned with the start of an advantageous zone, and the state falls back to normal (step S2505 in Figure 25). The execution of pull-back control means that the game media in the previous advantageous zone have been acquired in the difference number of coins that is close to the limiter activation, so to celebrate this, "Congratulations!" is displayed in the display area 2705. Furthermore, the AT difference number is displayed as the AT difference number at this point, and the value at the end of the previous AT is displayed as the number of continuing sets. Furthermore, in this case, the AT stock number is not held and the state transitions to normal, so "END" is displayed in the display area 2706.

[0157] Figure 27(d) shows an example screen when, after a fall into a non-advantageous zone due to pullback control, the player enters a CZ state upon entering a favorable zone, and the number of AT stocks acquired is less than the number of remaining AT continuation rights N that have been notified (step S2507 in Figure 25). As in Figure 27(c), "Congratulations!" is displayed in the display area 2707. Since the AT stocks acquired are guaranteed to transition to the AT state, "NEXT AT" is displayed in the display area 2708. In this case, the number of AT stocks acquired during the CZ state falls below the number of remaining AT continuation rights N that have been notified. Therefore, if the display is left as is, the number of AT stocks will be reduced through the pullback process, which would dissatisfy the player who recognizes this. Therefore, in this case, the result (outcome) of the previous AT state is notified on the CZ end screen, and then the screen transition begins, starting a new AT state. This achieves a natural and unnatural screen transition without dissatisfying the player.

[0158] Figure 27(e) is an example of a screen transition when an AT stock number equal to or greater than the number of remaining AT continuation rights N that has been notified is acquired during the CZ state, which is entered with the start of the advantageous zone after falling into a non-advantageous zone due to pullback control (step S2508 in Figure 25). In this case, unlike Figures 27(c) and 27(d), display area 2709 displays "CZ End" as in Figures 27(a) and 27(b), and display area 2710 displays the number of AT stocks acquired during the CZ state. Since AT stocks have been acquired, the next AT state is promised, so display area 2711 displays "NEXT AT." As is clear from the comparison, this is the same screen transition as Figure 27(b), in which AT stocks are acquired and the player returns to the AT state during the CZ state, which was entered with no remaining AT stocks.

[0159] As described above, in the slot machine 1, after the AT state ends, it transitions to the CZ state or the continuation preparation zone state. During both the CZ state and the continuation preparation zone state, the instruction function is not activated, and as explained with reference to FIG. 26, the same screen is displayed on the LCD display 16 during both states. Therefore, it is not possible to distinguish between the CZ state and the continuation preparation zone state based on the display on the LCD display 16. Therefore, the player recognizes that during the previous AT state, the AT stock count displayed on the LCD display 16, i.e., the number of remaining AT continuation rights N that have been notified, is zero if it is zero, and that it is the CZ state if it is not zero, and that it is the continuation preparation zone state if it is not zero.

[0160] 27(c), (d), and (e) are all examples of screen transitions that involve a fall into a non-advantageous zone due to pullback control, and the number of AT stocks that remained unconsumed in the previous advantageous zone (hereinafter referred to as the unconsumed AT stock number) is cleared in the main control unit 100a at the end of the advantageous zone. Therefore, it is virtually impossible to carry over the number of unconsumed AT stocks across a fall into a non-advantageous zone.

[0161] On the other hand, the sub-controller 101 is not required to clear parameters related to the advantageous zone at the end of the advantageous zone. Therefore, in the slot machine 1, the sub-controller 101 maintains the number of remaining AT continuation rights N that has been notified across the transition to the non-advantageous zone during retraction control. The number of AT stocks acquired in the CZ state to which the game transitions at the start of the advantageous zone after transitioning to the non-advantageous zone is compared with the number of remaining AT continuation rights N that has been notified. If the newly acquired number of AT stocks is equal to or greater than the number of remaining AT continuation rights N that has been notified, it is made to appear as if the AT stocks were acquired in the CZ state within a favorable zone without transitioning to the non-advantageous zone, or that the AT states had continued (continuous wins) through the continuation preparation zone state. On the other hand, if the number of AT stocks acquired in the CZ state to which the game transitions at the start of the advantageous zone after transitioning to the non-advantageous zone is less than the number of remaining AT continuation rights N that has been notified, the number of AT stocks cannot guarantee the number of remaining AT continuation rights N that has been notified, and therefore the AT states cannot appear to have continued (continuous wins). Therefore, in this case, the screen will display a message indicating that a new AT state has started, rather than that the AT state has continued (consecutive wins).

[0162] As explained above, according to the slot machine of the present invention, even if the AT state continues (a series of consecutive wins) across a non-advantageous zone, if it does not appear unnatural to the eye as if the consecutive wins were made within a single advantageous zone without falling into the non-advantageous zone, this will be done as much as possible. This allows the player, when he achieves a series of consecutive wins in the AT state across a non-advantageous zone, to feel as if he has inherited the remaining number of AT execution rights remaining at the end of the previous advantageous zone.

[0163] In the above-described embodiment, the number of AT stocks displayed on the LCD display 16 during the last AT state in the advantageous zone before the player fell into the non-advantageous zone was used as the notified remaining AT continuation right number N. However, slot machines are also known that suggest the remaining AT stock number without explicitly stating it. For example, when an AT stock number is acquired, a treasure chest is displayed on the LCD display 16, and the color of the treasure chest suggests the number of acquired AT stocks. More specifically, a "gold treasure chest" suggests the acquisition of 5 or more AT stocks, a "silver treasure chest" suggests the acquisition of 3 or more AT stocks, and a "wooden treasure chest" suggests the acquisition of 1 or more AT stocks. In this case, the notified remaining AT continuation right number N can be determined based on the minimum guaranteed AT stock number for each type (suggestion mode) of treasure chest displayed on the LCD display 16. Specifically, if you acquire one "Gold Treasure Chest," one "Silver Treasure Chest," and one "Wooden Treasure Chest," the minimum guaranteed number of AT stocks will be 9 (= 5 + 3 + 1), so you can subtract the number of AT sets you have consumed from this and use that as the number of remaining AT continuation rights N that have been announced.

[0164] In addition, in the slot machine 1, the condition for setting the ending flag, i.e., the condition for ending the advantageous zone, is set to "when the difference in the number of coins in the advantageous zone exceeds 2000 coins," but this is not limited to this. For example, the advantageous zone may be managed only by the difference in the number of coins in the advantageous zone, or the ending condition may be determined by the lottery results for each lottery section.

[0165] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, various design modifications can be made to the present invention within the scope of the claims. For example, the slot machine 1 is a so-called smart pachislot, which does not require actual medals and can be played using only electronically stored gaming media, but it may also be applied to slot machines that require medals as gaming media. [Explanation of symbols]

[0166] 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 device 101 Sub-controller

Claims

[Claim 1] an instruction means for instructing a player on a playing method that will maximize profits in a game to be instructed, in which a specific result is obtained as a result of an internal lottery process that derives one lottery result from a plurality of types of lottery results; A zone control means for controlling the mutual transition between a non-advantageous zone in which the instruction means cannot be operated and an advantageous zone in which the instruction means can be operated; a performance control means for controlling the performance displayed on the performance display device; A limiter means for forcibly terminating the advantageous zone and causing the zone to fall into a non-advantageous zone when the difference in the number of medals in the advantageous zone reaches a limiter value; a determination means for determining whether or not the time for activation of the limiter means is approaching; In a slot machine comprising: The advantageous zone includes: an AT state in which the instruction means operates frequently in the instruction target game; a non-AT state in which the operation frequency of the instruction means in the instruction target game is lower than that in the AT state, The non-AT state includes a normal state and a CZ state in which the probability of transition to the AT state is higher than that of the normal state, The section control means When the transition from the non-favorable zone to the favorable zone occurs, the CZ state is set, When the CZ state is terminated without satisfying the transition condition to the AT state, the state is transitioned to the normal state; When a transition condition to the AT state is satisfied during the normal state or the CZ state, the state is transitioned to the AT state; The AT state is continued until the termination conditions of the AT state are satisfied, but when the determination means determines that the time for operating the limiter means is approaching, a pullback control is executed to terminate the AT state and cause the vehicle to fall into the non-advantageous zone even if the termination conditions are not satisfied, The performance control means The number of remaining AT continuation rights that have been notified is stored, which is the remaining number of rights to continue the AT state that have been notified or suggested to the player during the AT state before the execution of the pullback control. A slot machine characterized in that the number of remaining AT continuation rights to be displayed on the performance display device at the start of a new AT state is determined based on the result of comparing the number of AT continuation rights acquired by satisfying the conditions for transitioning to the AT state in the CZ state to which the state has been transitioned after falling into a non-advantageous zone due to the pull-back control with the number of remaining AT continuation rights that have been notified.

Images