Gaming machine

Abstract

To provide a game machine capable of preventing players from erroneously recognizing a winning assistance.SOLUTION: If a lottery-win area 'Pressing order bell 1' to a lottery-win area 'Pressing order bell 4' is won in a lottery, and if a left reel is stopped first, a winning of One coin winning combination A is achieved; if an operation is performed in an operation mode different from a correct answer pressing order that enables a winning of Bell A to Bell D and that stops a middle reel or a right reel first, a winning of One coin winning combination B or C is achieved with a 1 / 2 probability; and if a winning of the One coin winning combination B or C is not achieved, any winning combination will not be achieved. AT control means enables a shift into an advantageous section based on a win in a lottery of the lottery-win area 'Pressing order bell 1' to the lottery-win area 'Pressing order bell 4'. An area displaying a first Repnavi image 332a to a third Repnavi image 332c suggesting a pressing order enabling a winning of a Replay B and an area displaying a red 7 Repnavi image 333 overlap each other at least in some area.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a gaming machine (rotary gaming machine, slot machine) having a plurality of reels with symbols arranged on the outer peripheral surface is known. This type of gaming machine assigns a certain gaming value to gaming media such as medals or pachinko balls, and performs a game to obtain such gaming media. Also, in this type of gaming machine, upon a player's rotation start operation, an internal lottery is performed and the rotation of a plurality of reels is started, and upon the player's stop operation, control is performed to stop the plurality of reels in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery. Then, the result of the game is determined by the symbol combination displayed on the winning determination line in the state where the plurality of reels have stopped, and payouts such as medals are made according to the result of the game.

[0003] In the above-described gaming machine, as an effect state for executing a winning assistance effect that assists winning of a combination, a configuration is known in which the winning probability of a combination is varied by shifting to an assist time state, making it easier to obtain a gaming value (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In recent years, there has been a demand for gaming machines to enhance players' enjoyment of the game and improve the marketability of the gaming machine by realizing diverse gameplay using control related to instruction functions, including the assist time state. However, in gaming machines, when a configuration is made that enables multiple types of prize-winning assistance to be performed in order to enhance marketability, if a player misunderstands the content of the operation method being assisted by the prize-winning assistance, they may not be able to win the prize that was assisted, which could reduce the player's enjoyment of the game.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a gaming machine that can prevent players from misinterpreting prize-winning assistance. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This invention relates to a plurality of reels, Multiple stop buttons corresponding to each of the aforementioned multiple reels, An internal lottery method for conducting an internal lottery, Reel control means for controlling the rotation and stopping modes of the reel, A performance control means for controlling the performance, The system includes control means that perform control related to the transition between a non-advantageous period and an advantageous period, and that can execute control related to the instruction function in the advantageous period. The aforementioned plurality of reels include a first reel, a second reel, a third reel, In the aforementioned internal lottery, the success or failure of multiple types of winning scenarios is determined. The aforementioned multiple types of winning patterns include specific winning patterns. The aforementioned specific winning patterns are associated with the simultaneous winning of the first, second, and third minor roles. The aforementioned first minor role is set to have a higher payout than the aforementioned second minor role and the aforementioned third minor role. For each of the multiple types of specified winning patterns, a correct operation pattern is set as the operation pattern of the multiple stop buttons. The operation mode for stopping the first reel is not set as the correct operation mode in any of the specified winning modes. The specific winning mode includes a mode in which the operation to first stop the second reel is the correct operation mode, and a specific winning mode in which the operation to first stop the third reel is the correct operation mode, In the case where the aforementioned internal lottery results in the selection of the specific winning pattern, When the multiple stop buttons are operated in the correct operation mode described above, the first minor prize is awarded. If, among the operation modes different from the correct operation mode described above, the operation mode in which the first reel is stopped first is used to operate the multiple stop buttons, the second small win is awarded. If, among the operating modes different from the correct operating mode, the plurality of stop buttons are operated in an operating mode in which the second reel or the third reel is stopped first, and the reel that is stopped first is different from the reel that is stopped first in the correct operating mode, then the third small win is awarded with a predetermined probability, and if the third small win is not awarded, then no win is awarded. The control means is capable of performing control to transition from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section based on the fact that the specific winning pattern has been won in the internal lottery during the non-advantageous section. The aforementioned performance control means is capable of displaying a first display and a second display. The first display indicates the sequence of operations that will enable the winning of a specific role when a predetermined winning pattern for winning a specific role is achieved. The second indication is the When a predetermined winning pattern is achieved, the stop button is operated first in the sequence of operations that makes the specific role possible to win. This display indicates the timing of the operation. The first display is displayed before the second display. In cases where the second display is displayed after the first display, the second display is characterized in that it changes from a mode in which at least a portion of the range in which the first display is displayed overlaps with the range in which the first display is displayed to a mode in which the range in which the first display is displayed does not overlap with the range in which the first display is displayed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gaming machine that can prevent players from mistakenly believing that they are receiving prize assistance. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating the functional block of a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure shows the winning areas in the internal lottery of a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and the winning combinations included in each winning area. [Figure 4] This diagram illustrates the arrangement of symbols on the reels in a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This diagram illustrates the symbol combinations that represent the winning patterns for Replay A to Replay C in a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] (A) is a state transition diagram of the game state in a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and (B) is a transition diagram relating to the normal section and the advantageous section controlled by the AT control means, and the performance state during the advantageous section. [Figure 7] This figure shows the winning combinations that can be achieved in each batting order when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8", "Normal Replay 2", and "Rare Replay" in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] (A) is a diagram showing the presentation in the AT preparation state in a gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention, (B) is a diagram showing the state in which the assistance for winning Replay B has started in the AT preparation state, and (C) is a diagram showing the state in which the display of the first Replay Navi image to the third Replay Navi image in the assistance for winning Replay B has been completed. [Figure 9](A) shows a state where the display of the first to third replay navigation images in the winning assistance of replay B executed in the gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention in the AT preparation state, (B) shows a state where the display of the red 7 replay navigation image in the winning assistance of replay B is started, and (C) shows a state where the display of the red 7 replay navigation image in the winning assistance of replay B is completed. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing the winning assistance of bell B in the gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] It is a diagram showing the winning assistance of replay C in the gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart showing the AT preparation state process in the gaming machine of the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing the display mode of the winning assistance when the AT transition winning assistance is executed in the gaming machine of the second embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] [First Embodiment] Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described. Note that the first embodiment described below does not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Also, not all of the configurations described in the first embodiment are essential constituent elements of the present invention.

[0011] 1. Outline of the Configuration of the Gaming Machine FIG. 1 is a front view showing the external configuration of the slot machine 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is a so-called rotary drum type gaming machine, which is a type of gaming machine that plays a game using medals as gaming media.

[0012] The slot machine 1 of the first embodiment has a box-shaped casing consisting of a cabinet BX, an upper front door UD, and a lower front door DD, which houses a reel unit 310 (see Figure 2) consisting of multiple reels, from the left reel R1 to the right reel R3. A hopper unit 320 (see Figure 2), which serves as a medal dispensing device, is housed below the reel unit 310 inside the cabinet. The cabinet of the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment also houses a control board that controls the operation of the slot machine 1, which is equipped with a CPU, ROM (an example of an information storage medium), RAM, etc.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are each divided into 20 regions (hereinafter referred to as "frames") at regular intervals on their outer surface, and one of several types of symbols is arranged in each frame.

[0014] The front upper door UD and the front lower door DD are provided to be individually openable and closable. The front upper door UD is equipped with a display device 330, which serves as a display means for displaying various videos and images to assist or enhance the gameplay. The display device 330 has a display area 330a in which images are displayed, and a specific area 330b facing the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 is made of a transparent liquid crystal display, allowing the rotation and stopping states of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 to be observed through the display device 330. When the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 are stopped, three symbols (upper, middle, and lower) that are arranged consecutively on the outer surface of each of the multiple types of symbols arranged at regular intervals on the outer surface of each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 can be observed from the front of the slot machine 1 through the display device 330.

[0015] Furthermore, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, each reel is provided with upper, middle, and lower display positions for observing the symbols through the display device 330, and an active line L1 is set for the combination of display positions on each reel. In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the number of tokens required for one game, the so-called prescribed number of tokens, is set to 3 in all game states, and when tokens equivalent to the prescribed number of tokens are inserted, the active line L1, which is composed of the middle sections of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, is activated.

[0016] The game result is determined by the combination of symbols that stop and are displayed on the active line L1. If the combination of symbols on the active line L1 corresponds to a predetermined winning combination, the hopper unit 320 dispenses medals, etc., as if the winning combination has been achieved.

[0017] The front upper door UD is equipped with a game information display unit DS. The game information display unit DS consists of LEDs, lamps, a 7-segment display, etc., and displays various game information such as the number of medal credits, the number of medals paid out or acquired in one game, the total number of medals paid out or acquired in bonus mode, information on the winning combination in the current game, and information suggesting how to press stop buttons B1, B2, and B3, which are related to medal payouts.

[0018] The game information display unit DS includes a main control display device 500 consisting of a 7-segment display. When a specified number of tokens are inserted and the start lever SL is operated, a notification display is shown, which corresponds to a winning combination command, a control signal created based on winning information, which is information about the winning combination in this game. After the notification display is shown, when the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 stop, the notification display ends and the number of tokens dispensed or acquired is displayed. In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, a notification display is executed in which each segment of the main control display device 500 lights up and turns off in a display mode corresponding to the winning combination command.

[0019] Furthermore, the main control display device 500 is equipped with a section notification unit 500A, which is a dot on a 7-segment display and lights up when the advantageous section is started by the AT control means 200 (see Figure 2), described later, and the expected value of medal acquisition is 1 or more due to the assistance of winning small roles. In addition, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, multiple sound devices 340 for sound effects are provided on the front lower door DD. Various sounds are output from the sound devices 340 to assist in the game or to liven up the game.

[0020] The front lower door DD is equipped with various operating means. These operating means include a max bet button MB for inserting a predetermined number of credited (stored) medals, a start lever SL for initiating the start operation by rotating the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 to begin playing, stop buttons B1 to B3 for initiating the stop operation by the player, and a settlement button BS for settling the credited medals.

[0021] Furthermore, a medal payout port MO and a medal receiving tray MP are provided at the bottom of the front lower door DD, and the number of medals corresponding to the game result are dispensed from the medal payout port MO to the medal receiving tray MP. Also, when the settlement button BS is pressed while the number of credited medals is stored in the game machine, a settlement process is executed in response to the pressing of the settlement button BS, dispensing a number of medals corresponding to the number of credits (the number of medals credited) from the hopper unit 320, and the medals are dispensed from the medal payout port MO to the medal receiving tray MP.

[0022] Figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment. The slot machine 1 according to the first embodiment is controlled by a game control means 10 which serves as a control board. The game control means 10 receives input signals from input means, which are a plurality of operation detection means, such as a coin insertion switch 210, a bet switch 220, a start switch 230, a stop switch 240, a setting change switch 250, and a reset switch 260, and performs various calculations to execute the game. Based on the calculation results, it controls the operation of output means such as the performance device 300, the reel unit 310, the hopper unit 320, and the main control display device 500.

[0023] Furthermore, the game control means 10 includes a setting change means 100, an input acceptance means 105, a random number generation means 110, an internal lottery means 120, a reel control means 130, a prize determination means 140, a payout control means 150, a replay processing means 160, a game state transition control means 170, a performance control means 180, a storage means 190, and an assist time control means (AT control means) 200. Each means constituting the game control means 10 reads and executes the respective control program pre-stored in the storage means 190 when executing each control process.

[0024] The setting change means 100 performs control (setting change control) to change the setting value stored in the setting value storage means 191 of the storage means 190. When the setting change switch 250 is in the ON state and setting changes are permitted, the setting change means 100 receives an input signal output from the reset switch 260 provided on the power supply and cyclically changes the setting value in the order of setting 1 → setting 2 → ... → setting 6 → setting 1 → ... and confirms the setting value based on the operation of the start lever SL and the receipt of a start signal output from the start switch 230. In the slot machine 1, the probability of winning in some of the winning areas among the winning areas that can be won in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 is changed according to the setting value confirmed in the setting value storage means 191. In other words, the setting change means 100 is configured to change the setting value, which is a value that can change the probability of winning a role in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120.

[0025] In the first embodiment of the slot machine 1, when the setting change control by the setting change means 100 is executed, the control related to the game state executed by the game state transition control means 170 and the control related to the advantageous section executed by the AT control means 200 are initialized, the game state is set to the non-replay time state (hereinafter, replay time is also referred to as "RT"), and the control related to auxiliary games that the AT control means 200 was executing before the setting change is also initialized and the normal section is set. On the other hand, in the slot machine 1, when the power supply to the game control means 10 is cut off (power out) and then the power supply is resumed, the control related to the game state executed by the game state transition control means 170 and the control related to the advantageous section executed by the AT control means 200 are restarted from the state before the power outage, and the control related to auxiliary games that the AT control means 200 was executing before the power outage is also maintained in the state before the power outage.

[0026] The coin insertion acceptance means 105, during the coin insertion acceptance period, when a coin is inserted into the coin slot MI (see Figure 1) and the coin insertion switch 210 is activated, sets the inserted coin to the inserted state. When the bet switch 220 is activated, executing a bet operation by pressing the max bet button MB with the coins credited, the means sets the credited coins to the inserted state, up to a specified number of coins (3 coins). Based on the fact that a number of coins equivalent to the specified number of coins have been set to the inserted state, it performs a process to activate the game start operation on the start lever SL.

[0027] In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the first press of the start lever SL, which is activated based on the insertion of a specified number of tokens, is accepted as the player's operation to start playing, triggering the rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, and also triggering the internal lottery means 120, which will be described later, to perform an internal lottery.

[0028] The random number generation means 110 is a means for generating random numbers for the lottery. In the first embodiment, the term "random number" includes not only values ​​that occur randomly in a mathematical sense, but also values ​​that, even if their generation is regular, can function as effectively random numbers because the timing of their acquisition is irregular.

[0029] The internal lottery means 120 is a means for performing an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination is achieved based on a start signal output when the player performs a start operation on the start lever SL and the start switch 230 detects the start operation, and performs lottery table selection processing, random number determination processing, lottery flag setting processing, etc.

[0030] In the lottery table selection process, the system selects which of the multiple internal lottery tables stored in the internal lottery table storage means 192 of the storage means 190 will be used to perform the internal lottery, based on the current game state. In each internal lottery table, each of the multiple random numbers (for example, 65,536 random numbers from 0 to 65,535) is associated with various roles such as replays, minor roles, and bonuses, as well as losses (misses).

[0031] In the following description, "bonus" refers to a feature that activates a special mechanism or a continuous special mechanism activation device upon winning; "bonus activated" means that a bonus is won and the special mechanism or continuous special mechanism activation device is activated; and "bonus state" means the state in which the special mechanism or continuous special mechanism activation device is activated.

[0032] In the random number determination process, a random number (random number for drawing) generated by the random number generation means 110 for each game is obtained based on the start signal output from the start switch 230. The obtained random number is then compared with the internal drawing table selected in the drawing table selection process, and a determination is made based on the comparison result as to whether or not a winning combination has been achieved.

[0033] In the lottery flag setting process, based on the result of the random number determination process, the lottery flag corresponding to the winning combination is set from a non-established state (first flag state, OFF state) to an established state (second flag state, ON state). In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, if two or more combinations are won simultaneously, the lottery flag corresponding to each of the two or more combinations that were won simultaneously is set to an established state. In addition, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is provided with lottery flags whose established state can be carried over to subsequent games until a win is achieved (carry-over flags) and lottery flags whose established state is reset to a non-established state without being carried over to subsequent games regardless of whether a win is achieved (carry-over non-carry-over flags). Furthermore, the lottery flag setting information is stored in the lottery flag storage means 193 of the storage means 190.

[0034] The reel control means 130 starts the rotation drive of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 and performs reel rotation control to control the rotation pattern of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 based on the start signal output from the start switch 230, which is activated when the player performs a start operation on the start lever SL. Furthermore, when the rotation state of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 reaches a state of steady rotation at a predetermined speed (for example, about 80 rpm), the reel control means 130 performs control to activate the stop operation detected by the stop switch 240 when the stop buttons B1 to B3 corresponding to each reel are pressed. Then, when the stop switch 240 that detected the stop operation outputs a reel stop signal, the reel control means 130 performs control to stop each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 corresponding to the stop switch 240 that detected the stop operation (reel stop control).

[0035] In the following description, when the reel control means 130 starts the rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, and the player presses the valid stop buttons B1 to B3 respectively, the first press will be referred to as the first stop operation, the second press as the second stop operation, and the third press as the third stop operation.

[0036] In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, for the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, the rotating reel corresponding to the pressed stop button is stopped within a predetermined period of 190ms from the time when stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed (when the stop switch 240 detects the stop operation). Here, when stopping the rotating reels within 190ms from the time the stop button is pressed, the stopping position of each rotating reel is configured to allow a maximum of 4 frames of rotation from the time the stop button is pressed until the reel stops, based on the diameter and rotation speed of each reel.

[0037] Therefore, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, for the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, the range in which symbols can be pulled onto the active line L1 (pulling range) is a total of 5 frames from the frame displayed on the active line L1 at the time the stop button is pressed until it rotates 4 frames.

[0038] When reel stop control is executed, the reel control means 130 performs a logic calculation process to determine the stopping position of the rotating reel based on a predetermined priority order, which includes a pull-in process that stops the rotating reel so that as many winning combinations as possible with the lottery flag set to the "established" state can be awarded, and a kick-off process that stops the rotating reel so that winning combinations with the lottery flag set to the "not established" state cannot be awarded, and a table reference process that determines the stopping position of the rotating reel by referring to the stop control table stored in the reel control data storage means 194 of the storage means 190, thereby stopping the rotating reel and displaying a symbol on the active line L1 (hereinafter, stopping the rotating reel by reel stop control and displaying a symbol on the active line L1 is also referred to as "stop display").

[0039] In the first embodiment of the slot machine 1, when multiple types of small wins are won in the internal lottery, there are two methods for determining the priority of candidate stopping positions: one is to determine the priority according to the number of symbol combinations that can be displayed on the active line L1 (quantity priority control), and the other is to determine the priority according to the number of medals paid out based on the predetermined payout for each small win (coin priority control). However, when executing coin priority control, if the same small win with the same payout is won multiple times, the priority of candidate stopping positions that can award each of these small wins is treated as the same.

[0040] The prize determination means 140 performs a prize determination process to determine whether a winning combination has been achieved based on the stopping patterns of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3. Specifically, while referring to the prize determination table stored in the prize determination table storage means 195 of the storage means 190, it determines whether the symbol combinations displayed on the active line L1 when all of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 have stopped correspond to predetermined winning combinations. The prize determination table is provided so that the presence or absence of a bonus, replay, or minor win can be determined (hereinafter referred to as "prize determination") based on the symbol combinations displayed on the active line L1 in the state in which each reel has stopped. In the following description, the symbol combinations that indicate the winning combination will also be referred to as "prize symbol combinations".

[0041] In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, each process is executed based on the result of the prize determination means 140 in the prize determination process. As for the processes executed based on the result of the prize determination, for example, if a small win is achieved, the payout control means 150 is instructed to determine the number of medals to be paid out; if a replay is achieved, the replay processing means 160 is instructed to execute the next game without consuming medals; and if a win that triggers a transition to a game state such as a bonus is achieved, the game state transition control means 170 is instructed to transition to a new game state.

[0042] The payout control means 150 performs payout processing related to the payout of medals according to the game result. Specifically, when a minor win is achieved, it determines the number of medals to be paid out in the game based on the predetermined payout for each win, and controls the hopper unit 320, which acts as a payout device, to pay out the number of medals corresponding to the determined payout amount.

[0043] The hopper unit 320 dispenses the number of medals instructed by the dispensing control means 150. The hopper unit 320 is equipped with a dispensing medal detection switch 325 that operates each time a medal is dispensed. The dispensing control means 150 is configured to manage the number of medals actually dispensed from the hopper unit 320 based on the input signal from the dispensing medal detection switch 325. If medal credit is permitted, instead of actually dispensing medals, the hopper unit 320 performs a credit addition process, which adds the number of medals dispensed to the number of credits (number of credited medals) stored in the credit storage area (not shown) of the storage means 190, thereby virtually dispensing medals.

[0044] The replay processing means 160, when the winning determination means 140 determines that a combination of symbols indicating the winning of one of the multiple types of replay symbols described later has stopped and is displayed on the active line L1, performs a replay processing (re-play processing) to set the machine to a ready state that allows the next game to be played without requiring the insertion of tokens. In other words, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when a replay is won, an automatic insertion process is performed in which a predetermined number of tokens are automatically inserted without using the player's tokens (including credit tokens), and the machine waits for the start operation of the next start lever SL with the same active line L1 as the previous game set.

[0045] The game state transition control means 170 performs the process of transitioning game states between multiple game states, and the process of activating and terminating bonuses. Here, the transition conditions for each game state may be defined as one condition or multiple conditions. If multiple conditions are defined, the game state can be transitioned to another game state based on the fulfillment of any one of the multiple predetermined conditions, or on the fulfillment of all of the multiple predetermined conditions.

[0046] The performance control means 180 controls game-related effects based on performance data stored in the performance control data storage means 196 of the storage means 190, such as image and video effects using the display device 330 and sound effects using the sound device 340. Specifically, when a player operates various components of the slot machine 1, such as inserting medals, operating the max bet button MB, start lever SL, and stop buttons B1 to B3, or when a game event occurs, such as a change in the game state, the performance control means 180 controls the execution of effects that enhance the game or assist the game by lighting or flashing lamps and LEDs, outputting sound from the sound device 340, etc. Furthermore, the performance control means 180 causes each component of the performance device 300 to execute effects based on each performance state.

[0047] The AT control means 200 is an auxiliary game control means that performs control related to the transition between an advantageous section (advantageous period), which is a section (period) in which control related to instruction functions, including auxiliary games that display notifications assisting in winning specific roles on the main control display device 500, can be executed, and a normal section (non-advantageous period, non-advantageous section), which is a section (period) in which control related to auxiliary games (control related to instruction functions) based on the results of internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120 cannot be executed, using data stored in the AT control data storage means 197, thereby performing control related to the normal section, advantageous section, and auxiliary games.

[0048] The AT control data storage means 197 stores data used in various controls related to multiple types of performance states, including AT states and non-AT states, that are executed within the advantageous period (various flags, counters, etc., which are set to an ON state or an OFF state in a predetermined control process).

[0049] The AT control means 200 sets the performance state to the AT state (assist time state) under predetermined conditions during the advantageous section, and provides correct operation notification to assist in winning specific roles by displaying information (an example of operation instruction information) corresponding to the operation patterns of stop buttons B1 to B3 that enable the winning of specific roles on the main control display device 500, which consists of a 7-segment display. Furthermore, in the slot machine 1, when the correct operation notification by the AT control means 200 is executed, the performance control means 180, described later, executes a navigation performance that displays an indicator corresponding to the correct button sequence on the display device 330. In this way, in the slot machine 1, in the AT state, the operation patterns of stop buttons B1 to B3 are notified through the assistance of the correct operation notification and the navigation performance, thereby executing an advantageous auxiliary game (AT game, notification game) for the player.

[0050] The AT control means 200, when a predetermined termination condition for ending the advantageous period (more specifically described later) is met, executes a predetermined termination process to end the advantageous period and start the normal period from the next game, and a predetermined initialization process to initialize various flags, numerical values, and other information related to the advantageous period that were set within the advantageous period. Furthermore, the AT control means 200 lights up the section notification unit 500A when the expected value of medal acquisition becomes 1 or more due to the start of the advantageous period and the execution of prize-winning assistance. For this reason, even when the advantageous period has started, the AT control means 200 is configured to turn off the section notification unit 500A if the performance state does not involve prize-winning assistance.

[0051] The AT control means 200, in a game in which the advantageous period has started, adds a value "1", which is equivalent to one game, to the value stored in the first advantageous period counter 197a (stored value) each time a game is played, and performs a game count update process that cumulatively increments the stored value of the first advantageous period counter 197a. The AT control means 200 also performs a difference in tokens update process that cumulatively records the difference (difference in tokens) obtained by subtracting the number of tokens paid out by the number of tokens inserted from the game in which the advantageous period started, in the second advantageous period counter 197b.

[0052] In the first embodiment, the AT control means 200, when controlled in an advantageous section, performs a game count update process that cumulatively adds (updates) a value of "1", which corresponds to one game, to the stored value of the first advantageous section counter 197a each time a game is executed, regardless of the game state, and a difference in the number of medals update process that cumulatively updates the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b to a value corresponding to the difference in the number of medals.

[0053] Here, in the AT control means 200, in the difference in the number of tokens update process that updates the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b, if the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b becomes less than the value "0" when the number of tokens paid out in the game is less than the prescribed number of tokens inserted, the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b is set to the value "0". As a result, the AT control means 200 can fix the value of the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b at its lowest point to the value "0", so in the control process using the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b, it is no longer necessary to change the value that serves as the threshold for judgment according to the specific numerical value at the lowest point, and the load on the control process using the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b can be reduced.

[0054] The AT control means 200 determines that a specific termination condition has been met as a predetermined termination condition for ending the advantageous section when 3000 games have been played, that is, when the stored value of the first advantageous section counter 197a reaches the value "3000", or when the player has acquired more than 2400 medals from the point in the advantageous section when the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b reaches the value "2401" from the point in time when it was at its lowest value (lowest point), and executes a predetermined termination process to end the advantageous section and start the normal section from the next game.

[0055] The AT control means 200 initializes all information used in various control processes during the advantageous period, such as each flag set to the ON state during the advantageous period and values ​​set during the advantageous period, during a predetermined initialization process. The AT control means 200 can also terminate the advantageous period if a predetermined termination condition (normal termination condition) other than the specific termination condition is met, and executes the predetermined initialization process and predetermined termination process when the normal termination condition is met. Details of the normal termination conditions set by the AT control means 200 in the first embodiment will be described later.

[0056] 2. Configuration of the gaming machine in the first embodiment Next, with reference to Figures 3 to 11, the details of each component of the slot machine 1 in the first embodiment will be described.

[0057] <Winning areas subject to internal lottery> Figure 3 shows the winning areas that are subject to internal drawing in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, and the winning numbers and winning combinations associated with each winning area.

[0058] In the first embodiment of the slot machine 1, a regular big bonus (hereinafter, the regular big bonus is also referred to as "RBB") is provided as a bonus, which is a continuous activation device for a special first-class feature. Furthermore, the slot machine 1 has game states controlled by the game state transition control means 170, which include a non-RT state, which is a general state where the RBB is not set to be established and the RBB is not operating; a bonus established state, which is a state to which the player transitions when the RBB is set to be established, and in which the RBB is maintained internally until the RBB is activated; and a bonus state, which is a state to which the player transitions when the RBB is activated, and in which the RBB is operating.

[0059] As shown in Figure 3, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment has the following winning areas that are subject to internal drawing: winning area "All small wins", winning area "All single wins", winning area "Normal replay 1", winning area "Normal replay 2", winning area "Rare replay", winning area "Bat order bell 1" to winning area "Bat order bell 8", winning area "Rare win", winning area "RBB & single win", and winning area "RBB", and the winning numbers 1 to 16 are associated with each of these. re In addition, in slot machine 1, the winning number 0 is associated with the result of the internal lottery, which is a loss (a losing spin).

[0060] Here, "batting order" refers to the sequence in which the stop buttons B1 through B3 are pressed. In the following description, the timing at which the stop buttons B1 through B3 are pressed will also be referred to as "press timing."

[0061] In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the order in which the three stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed consists of six types of pressing orders, from pressing order 1 to pressing order 6. Press order 1 is a pressing order called "sequential pressing," in which the stopping operations are performed in the order of stop button B1 → stop button B2 → stop button B3. Press order 2 is a pressing order called "scissors pressing," in which the stopping operations are performed in the order of stop button B1 → stop button B3 → stop button B2. Press order 3 is a pressing order in which the stopping operations are performed in the order of stop button B2 → stop button B1 → stop button B3. Press order 4 is a pressing order in which the stopping operations are performed in the order of stop button B2 → stop button B3 → stop button B1. Press order 5 is a pressing order in which the stopping operations are performed in the order of stop button B3 → stop button B1 → stop button B2. Furthermore, batting order 6 is a so-called reverse batting order, where the stopping operation is performed in the order of stop button B3 → stop button B2 → stop button B1.

[0062] The internal lottery means 120 determines whether each winning area is a winner or loser in the random number determination process, starting from the winning area associated with winning number 16 and moving towards the losing area associated with winning number 0.

[0063] In the first embodiment of the slot machine 1, the small wins that can be achieved when the internal lottery is won include Bell A to Bell D, Single Win A to Single Win C, and Rare Win, and the replays that can be won when the internal lottery is won include Replay A to Replay C. Each small win and each replay is associated with each winning area in the combinations shown in Figure 3.

[0064] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, in slot machine 1, the winning area "RBB&1-coin win" is set as a winning area that includes both bonuses and small wins, and the winning area "RBB" is set as a winning area that includes only bonuses.

[0065] The winning area "Rare Role" is a winning area where rare roles are won alone, and it has a lower winning probability than other winning areas that include minor roles (winning areas "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 8", winning area "RBB & 1-Coin Role"). In addition, the winning symbol combinations for rare roles consist of symbols that can be displayed on the active line L1 when stop button B1 is operated at the timing when 5 out of 20 symbols on the left reel R1 are rotating and displayed on the active line L1, and the symbols on the middle reel R2 and the right reel R3 consist of symbols that can be displayed on the active line L1 regardless of the timing of pressing stop buttons B2 and B3.

[0066] The winning area "Rare Replay" is a winning area where both Replay A and Replay C can be won simultaneously, and it has a lower winning probability than other winning areas that include replays (winning area "Normal Replay 1", winning area "Normal Replay 2"). In slot machine 1, when the winning area "Rare Replay" is won, Replay C is awarded if stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a manner that allows Replay C to be awarded, and Replay A is awarded if stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a manner different from the manner that allows Replay C to be awarded. Details of the manner that allows Replay C to be awarded will be described later.

[0067] In the first embodiment of the slot machine 1, the carry-over flag is associated with the RBB, while the minor role and replay are associated with the non-carry-over flag. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, if the internal lottery hits a winning area including the RBB, the state in which the RBB lottery flag is established is carried over until the RBB is won. At this time, the internal lottery means 120 also performs an internal lottery to determine whether the minor role and replay are won, even in a game where the RBB lottery flag's established state has been carried over. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, in a game where the RBB lottery flag's established state has been carried over, if a minor role or replay is won, the lottery flags corresponding to two or more roles, consisting of the already won RBB lottery flag and the minor role or replay lottery flag won in the internal lottery, are set to the established state.

[0068] <Internal Lottery Table> In the first embodiment, the slot machine 1 stores in the internal lottery table storage means 192 an internal lottery table used in the internal lottery conducted by the internal lottery means 120, which includes an internal lottery table used in the non-RT state (general mode) (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table A), an internal lottery table used in the bonus established state (internal mode) (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table B), and an internal lottery table used in the bonus state (operating mode) (hereinafter referred to as internal lottery table C). In each of the internal lottery tables A to C, a lottery value is associated with each winning area that is the target of the lottery.

[0069] <Random number generation process> In the first embodiment, the internal lottery means 120, in the random number determination process, sequentially subtracts the random number obtained from the random number generation means 110 by the number of lottery values ​​associated with each winning area in the internal lottery table obtained from the internal lottery table storage means 192. If the result of the subtraction is a negative value, it is determined that the player has won in the winning area corresponding to the number of lottery values ​​that was subtracted. Furthermore, if the result of the subtraction is a positive value after subtracting by all the number of lottery values ​​stored in the internal lottery table, it is determined that the player has not won any role and is therefore unsuccessful.

[0070] Furthermore, the random number generation means 110 of the first embodiment is configured to generate a total of 65,536 random numbers ranging from 0 to 65,535 for use in the internal lottery. In addition, in the internal lottery table A, the total number of lottery values ​​associated with the winning area "RBB" to the winning area "Normal Replay 1" is 65,536, and in the internal lottery table B, the total number of lottery values ​​associated with the winning area "RBB & 1-coin win" to the winning area "Normal Replay 1" is 65,536. Therefore, in the internal lottery during non-RT state or bonus state, the system is configured to ensure that one of the wins is achieved and that no loss occurs.

[0071] <Bonus Winning Determination Process> As described above, in the first embodiment, the internal lottery means 120 has a lottery value set in the winning area "RBB & 1-coin win" when a bonus is established. Therefore, in the internal lottery when the game state is a bonus established state, there is a possibility that an RBB may be won again when an RBB has already been set to be established. To prevent the newly won RBB from being set to be established, the internal lottery means 120 is configured to execute a bonus win determination process that determines whether the winning area, whose win or loss is determined by a random number determination process, is a winning area that includes a bonus.

[0072] In the bonus winning determination process, the internal lottery means 120, when it determines in the random number determination process that a winning area including a bonus is subject to determination of win or loss, executes a process to skip the process of setting the bonus to the winning state if the winning area including a bonus is a win and the game state is a bonus winning state. In this way, the slot machine 1 prevents a new RBB from being set to the winning state when an RBB is already set to the winning state.

[0073] <Arrangement of patterns> Figure 4 shows the symbols arranged on the circumferential surfaces of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment. In the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the red 7 symbol "Red 7", white 7 symbol "White 7", black BAR symbol "Black BAR", white BAR symbol "White BAR", replay symbol "RP", bell A symbol "BLA", bell B symbol "BLB", cherry symbol "CH", watermelon symbol "WM", and blank symbol "BK" are arranged on the circumferential surfaces of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3. In addition, 20 symbols are arranged on the circumferential surfaces of each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3.

[0074] In the first embodiment, the red 7 symbol "red 7" and the white 7 symbol "white 7" have a wider width than other symbols when viewed from the front, and are configured to be more visible than other symbols during the rotation of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3. In addition, in the first embodiment, the red 7 symbol "red 7" is composed of a red image, and the white 7 symbol "white 7" is composed of a white image.

[0075] <Reel control means> In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, regardless of the game state, the priority order for the winning combinations to be stopped on the active line L1 in the reel stop control is set to "replay > small win > bonus". In other words, when a bonus and a small win or a bonus and a replay are both won, the reel control means 130 performs a stop control that prioritizes the small win or replay over the bonus.

[0076] Furthermore, as described above, the reel control means 130 is configured to rotate up to 4 frames from the time the stop button is pressed until the reel stops. Therefore, it is configured to stop and display on the active line L1 regardless of the timing of pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 for symbols arranged at intervals of 4 frames or less among the symbols arranged on the left reel R1 to the right reel R3.

[0077] Specifically, the reel control means 130 is configured to stop the replay symbol "RP", bell A symbol "BLA", and watermelon symbol "WM" on the left reel R1, the replay symbol "RP", bell A symbol "BLA", and bell B symbol "BLB" on the middle reel R2, and the replay symbol "RP", bell A symbol "BLA", and watermelon symbol "WM" on the right reel R3, regardless of the timing of pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3, as long as they can be stopped on the active line L1.

[0078] Furthermore, the reel control means 130 is configured to stop any symbols that are not identical, as long as they are arranged at intervals of four frames or less. For example, if any of the following symbols can be stopped on the active line L1: the red 7 symbol "Red 7" arranged at stop number 4 of the left reel R1, the black BAR symbol "Black BAR" arranged at stop number 9, the white 7 symbol "White 7" arranged at stop number 14, or the blank symbol "BK" arranged at stop number 19, then the reel control means 130 is configured to stop any of the red 7 symbol "Red 7", black BAR symbol "Black BAR", white 7 symbol "White 7", or blank symbol "BK", regardless of the timing of pressing the stop button B2.

[0079] <Payouts for minor roles> In the first embodiment, the payout for Bells A to D is set to be more than the prescribed number of coins inserted (3 coins), with a payout of 8 coins. The payout for rare symbols is set to be the same as the prescribed number of coins inserted (3 coins). The payout for single symbols A to C is set to be less than the prescribed number of coins inserted (1 coin).

[0080] <Winning symbol combinations for replays> Figure 5 shows the winning symbol combinations for Replay A to Replay C. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the symbols that make up the winning symbol combination for Replay A are arranged at intervals of no more than 4 frames on each of the left reel R1 to the right reel R3, and are configured to stop and display on the active line L1 regardless of the timing of pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3. The symbols that make up the winning symbol combination for Replay B are composed of symbols arranged at intervals of no more than 4 frames on the left reel R1 and the right reel R3, with the pull-in range of the middle reel R2 set to 5 frames out of 20. The symbols that make up the winning symbol combination for Replay C are composed of symbols arranged at intervals of no more than 4 frames on the left reel R1 and the middle reel R2, with the pull-in range of the right reel R3 set to 5 frames out of 20.

[0081] <Game state transition control means> Figure 6(A) is a state transition diagram showing the game states that can be transitioned from each game state in the control related to the transition of game states performed by the game state transition control means 170 of the first embodiment.

[0082] As shown in Figure 6(A), the non-RT state is a game state that corresponds to the initial state among multiple types of game states (initial game state, normal game state), and is a non-bonus state in which a bonus is not activated or established. In the non-RT state, the game state transition control means 170 causes the internal lottery means 120 to execute an internal lottery using internal lottery table A, in which the probability of winning a replay is set to 8978 / 65536 (approximately 1 / 7.3).

[0083] The bonus-established state is a game state that is entered when, in the non-RT state, the player wins either the "RBB" winning area or the "RBB & 1-coin win" winning area in the internal lottery, and RBB is set to the established state. In the bonus-established state, the game state transition control means 170 causes the internal lottery means 120 to execute an internal lottery using internal lottery table B, in which the probability of winning a replay is set to 8982 / 65536 (approximately 1 / 7.3).

[0084] The bonus state is a game state that is entered when an RBB is won and the RBB is activated. In the bonus state, the game state transition control means 170 determines whether the termination condition of the activated RBB has been met based on the total number of medals paid out. If the number of medals paid out exceeds a predetermined number (for example, 100 medals), the bonus state is terminated by ending the operation of the RBB, and the game state is transitioned to the non-bonus state, the non-RT state. In the bonus state, the game state transition control means 170 causes the internal lottery means 120 to execute an internal lottery using the internal lottery table C.

[0085] As shown in Figure 3, in the internal lottery table C, random numbers are associated with two winning areas: "All Small Wins," which includes all small wins such as Bell A to Bell D, rare roles, and single-coin roles A to single-coin roles C; and "All Single-Coin Wins," which includes all small wins such as single-coin roles A to single-coin roles C, where the payout is set to 1 coin.

[0086] The bonus state will be explained in detail using Figure 3. In the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the probability of winning the "All Small Wins" area or the "All Single Wins" area in the bonus state in which internal lottery table C is selected is higher than the probability of winning any of the winning areas including small wins in internal lottery table A or internal lottery table B. In other words, the probability of winning a small win in the bonus state is set to be higher than the probability of winning any small win in any game state other than the bonus state. Furthermore, in internal lottery table C, the probability of winning the "All Small Wins" area is set to be the same as the sum of the probabilities of winning any two of the winning areas "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 8" in internal lottery table A and internal lottery table B.

[0087] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is configured such that, in the bonus state, the probability of winning all minor roles increases compared to the non-RT state (when the bonus is not activated) and the bonus state, and the probability of winning any minor role is the same or increases.

[0088] Furthermore, in the bonus state, slot machine 1 is configured such that the probability of winning in the winning area "All Small Wins" is lower than the probability of winning in any of the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" (the sum of the winning probabilities for each of the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8").

[0089] Thus, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment has multiple types of first winning patterns (winning area "Bell 1" to "Bell 8") in which multiple types of specific roles (Bell A to Bell D) set to pay out more than the number of game value inputs required to start the game are won in combination with other small roles without overlapping with each other, and a second winning pattern (winning area "All Small Roles") in which multiple types of specific small roles are won in combination. The internal lottery means 120 is configured to conduct an internal lottery so that multiple types of first winning patterns exist in the normal game state (non-RT state) and the bonus state, and to conduct an internal lottery so that a second winning pattern exists in the bonus state. Furthermore, in slot machine 1, the probability of winning the second winning pattern in the internal lottery during the bonus state is lower than the probability of winning any of the multiple first winning patterns in the internal lottery during normal gameplay and the bonus state, and the probability of winning each of the small roles in the internal lottery during the bonus state is set to be higher than or equal to the probability of winning each of the small roles in the internal lottery during normal gameplay and the bonus state.

[0090] Therefore, in the first embodiment of the slot machine 1, the expected value of the medal acquisition rate during the bonus state is less than 100%.

[0091] Here, in the bonus establishment state, although it will be described in more detail later, when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8", since it is configured such that winning cannot be achieved unless the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the correct batting order composed of batting orders 3 to 6, the probability of winning with any of Bells A to D is limited to the case where the stop buttons B1 to B3 can be operated in the correct batting order from four types of batting orders. On the other hand, when an auxiliary game in which winning assistance described later is executed is performed, since the correct batting order is notified by winning assistance when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8", the probability of winning with any of Bells A to D can be increased up to eight times at most compared to the case where winning assistance is not executed.

[0092] Thus, in the first embodiment, four types from Bell A to Bell D are set as winning roles (specific roles) that pay out more medals than the specified number of inserted medals that win when the stop operation is performed in the correct batting order. And the probability of obtaining a winning pattern including a specific role in the bonus state is compressed to about 1 / 4 of the probability of obtaining a winning pattern including a specific role in a game state other than the bonus state. By configuring it in this way, an internal lottery is performed by providing a mode in which N types of specific roles are won without overlapping each other in a game state other than the bonus state, and an internal lottery is performed by providing a mode in which N types of specific roles are won overlappingly in the bonus state. Thus, the probability of obtaining a winning pattern including a specific role in the bonus state can be compressed to about 1 / N of the probability of obtaining a winning pattern including a specific role in a game state other than the bonus state. As a result, since the lower limit of the expected value of the medal acquisition rate in the bonus state can be lowered to less than 百分百 and the medal acquisition performance regarding the auxiliary game can be designed, the design freedom of the slot machine 1 equipped with the AT function can be dramatically improved.

[0093] <AT control means> FIG. 6(B) is a state transition diagram showing details of the normal section and the advantageous section controlled by the AT control means 200 of the first embodiment, and the effect state controlled during the advantageous section.

[0094] As described above, the normal section is a period during which no control is performed regarding auxiliary games based on the results of the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120. In games played within the normal section, the AT control means 200 performs a favorable section lottery, which is a lottery to determine whether to end the normal section and start the favorable section, based on the winning area selected in the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120.

[0095] In the advantageous section lottery, the AT control means 200 first obtains an advantageous section transition lottery table from the AT control data storage means 197, which is a data table in which "start of advantageous section" and "failure (miss)" are associated with each of several random numbers. Then, the AT control means 200 obtains a random number from the random number generation means 110, compares the obtained random number with the advantageous section transition lottery table, and decides whether or not to start the advantageous section based on the comparison result.

[0096] The AT control means 200 performs a favorable section lottery so that the probability obtained by multiplying the winning probability of a winning area selected in the internal lottery and the winning probability of "start of favorable section" in the favorable section lottery is 1 / 17500 or more.

[0097] The AT control means 200 of the first embodiment is configured to perform a favorable section lottery when the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 8", the winning area "Rare Role", or the winning area "Normal Replay 2" is won in the internal lottery during the non-RT state and the bonus-established state, and when the winning area "RBB & 1-Coin Role" or the winning area "RBB" is won in the internal lottery during the non-RT state, and does not perform a favorable section lottery when any other winning area is won. Furthermore, the AT control means 200 performs a favorable section lottery with a high probability of winning "Start of Favourite Section" of approximately 1 / 1.5.

[0098] During the advantageous period, the AT control means 200 has states (performance states) related to the instruction function, namely a normal state, a CZ state, an AT preparation state, and an AT state. Furthermore, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment is configured such that the proportion of time spent in the advantageous period during the overall gameplay can be 70% or more.

[0099] The normal state is the performance state that corresponds to the normal state among several types of performance states (normal performance state), which is set when the performance state has not transitioned to any other performance state. When the performance state transitions to the normal state, the AT control means 200 performs an increment update to the non-AT game counter (not shown), which counts the number of games played in the normal state, by adding a value of "1" equivalent to 1 game to the stored value of the non-AT game counter each time a game is played. When the stored value of the non-AT game counter reaches the value of "700", the AT control means 200 determines that the conditions for transitioning to the CZ state (CZ transition conditions) have been met, and transitions the performance state from the normal state to the CZ state. In addition, when the winning area "rare role" is won in the internal lottery, or when the winning area "rare replay" is won, the AT control means 200 performs a state transition lottery to determine whether or not to transition to the CZ state or the AT preparation state.

[0100] The AT control means 200 conducts a lottery to determine one of the following outcomes in the state transition lottery: "transition to AT preparation state," "transition to CZ state," or "failure (miss)." If it wins the "transition to CZ state," it determines that the CZ transition condition has been met, and the performance state transitions from the normal state to the CZ state. If it wins the "transition to AT preparation state," it determines that the AT transition condition has been met, and the performance state transitions from the normal state to the AT preparation state.

[0101] The CZ state is configured such that, as a control related to auxiliary gameplay, when a control is executed to transition the performance state to the AT preparation state, it is possible to transition to the AT preparation state with a higher probability than the normal state, making it a performance state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state. The AT control means 200 sets a value corresponding to a predetermined number of games (for example, 10 games) in the CZ game counter (not shown) of the AT control data storage means 197 at the start of the CZ state, and performs a decrement update each time a game is played by subtracting the stored value of the CZ game counter by a value "1" which corresponds to 1 game.

[0102] The AT control means 200 is configured to perform a CZ-in AT lottery in each game played in the CZ state to determine whether or not to transition to the AT preparation state. If the CZ-in AT lottery results in "transition to AT preparation state," the AT control means 200 transitions the performance state from the CZ state to the winning performance state after 10 games have been played from the start of the CZ state.

[0103] The AT control means 200, in the gameplay until the CZ state ends after winning the AT lottery for "transition to AT preparation state" and transitioning from the AT preparation state to the AT state after the CZ state ends, executes a lottery to determine whether or not to add (add) the number of times one set of AT state is executed for the AT state.

[0104] On the other hand, the AT control means 200 terminates the CZ state if 10 games are played in the CZ state without winning the "transition to AT preparation state" in the AT lottery during the CZ. If the CZ state is terminated while the AT transition conditions are not met, the AT control means 200 determines that the normal termination condition among the conditions for terminating the advantageous section has been met, and executes a predetermined termination process to terminate the advantageous section and start the normal section from the next game.

[0105] The AT control means 200 is configured to execute lotteries related to auxiliary games performed in the CZ state (AT lottery during CZ, lottery for adding sets during CZ) regardless of the results of the internal lottery. Furthermore, the AT control means 200 is configured such that when the winning area "Rare Role" or the winning area "Rare Replay" is won in the internal lottery, the probability of "not winning (losing)" is lower than when other winning areas are won, resulting in a more favorable outcome for the player (in the case of the AT lottery during CZ, the probability of "transitioning to the AT preparation state" is higher). In other words, the CZ state is configured to allow transitioning to the AT preparation state after the end of the CZ state with a higher probability than the normal state where a state transition lottery is executed only when the winning area "Rare Role" is won.

[0106] In the AT preparation state, when a winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" is won, it is determined by lottery whether or not assistance for winning bells A to bells D will be performed. Therefore, this state is more advantageous for the player than the normal state where assistance for winning bells A to bells D is not performed when a winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" is won.

[0107] In the AT preparation state, the AT control means 200 performs an increment update, adding a value of "1" equivalent to one game to the stored value of the AT preparation state counter 197c of the AT control data storage means 197 each time a game is played.

[0108] In the first embodiment, the AT control means 200 performs assistance for winning Replay B when the winning area "Normal Replay 2" is selected in an internal lottery while the game state is in a bonus-established state and the performance state is in an AT preparation state. In a game in which the winning area "Normal Replay 2" is selected and assistance for winning Replay B is performed, the AT control means 200 determines that the conditions for starting the AT state (AT start conditions) have been met when the stop button is operated in the order and timing of the first stop operation in accordance with the assistance for winning, and the symbols constituting the winning symbol combination for Replay B are stopped and displayed on the active line L1, and transitions the performance state from the AT preparation state to the AT state. On the other hand, in a game in which the winning area "Normal Replay 2" is selected and assistance for winning Replay B is performed, if the game is played in a manner that does not conform to the assistance for winning and Replay B is not awarded, the AT control means 200 continues the AT preparation state.

[0109] Furthermore, the AT control means 200 determines that the AT start condition has been met when 1650 games have been played in the AT preparation state and the stored value of the AT preparation state counter 197c reaches the value "1650".

[0110] In other words, the AT control means 200 is configured to transition the performance state to the AT state as a bonus when the winning area "Normal Replay 2" is won and assistance for winning Replay B is performed, and the AT start conditions are met when the first stop operation matches the order in which Replay B can be won and the first stop operation is pressed at a timing that allows Replay B to be won, or when 1650 games of gameplay have been performed in the AT preparation state. If, during gameplay until 1650 games of gameplay have been performed in the AT preparation state, gameplay that does not conform to the assistance for winning is performed and the AT start conditions are not met, the AT preparation state can be continued without transitioning the performance state to the AT state.

[0111] Furthermore, the AT control means 200, when the game state is in a bonus-established state and the performance state is in an AT preparation state, performs an award assistance lottery to determine whether or not to perform award assistance for bells A to D if it wins in the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 8" in the internal lottery. In the award assistance lottery, the AT control means 200 performs a lottery to determine either "execute award assistance for bells A to D" or "fail (miss)".

[0112] In slot machine 1, when the prize-winning assistance lottery is triggered, there is a predetermined probability of winning "execution of prize-winning assistance for Bell A to Bell D," and when the game is played according to the prize-winning assistance for Bell A to Bell D, Bell A to Bell D, which are set to pay out 8 coins, can be won. Therefore, even if the game is played for a long period of time while the AT preparation state continues, the payout rate, which is the ratio of the total number of coins paid out to the total number of coins inserted when a predetermined number of games are played, is designed so that it does not fall below 60%. Furthermore, in slot machine 1, when prize-winning assistance for Bell A to Bell D is executed in the AT preparation state, the game is played according to the prize-winning assistance, but even if the AT preparation state continues for a long period of time, the payout rate in the AT preparation state is designed not to exceed 100%.

[0113] With this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, even if, when assisting in the winning of Replay B is performed in the AT preparation state, the game is played in a manner that ignores the operation method notified by the winning assistance and Replay B is not won, the game will not transition to the AT state, which is a benefit advantageous to the player. Continuing in the AT preparation state, which is less advantageous than the AT state, will not benefit the player, preventing the development of strategies that could arise from intentionally continuing the AT preparation state and thus preventing a decline in the marketability of the game machine. Furthermore, even if stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a manner different from the operation method notified by the winning assistance of Replay B, the AT preparation state will continue as long as the stored value of the AT preparation state counter 197c is not "1650", thus preventing a decline in the player's enjoyment of the game.

[0114] In AT mode, each time a win occurs in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8", assistance is provided for the entry of Bell A to Bell D, making it a more advantageous state for the player than the normal state or the AT preparation state.

[0115] The AT control means 200 sets an initial value (20 games) corresponding to a predetermined number of games in the AT game counter (not shown) of the AT control data storage means 197 at the start of the AT state, and performs a decrement update each time a game is played, subtracting the stored value of the AT game counter by a value of "1" equivalent to 1 game. The AT control means 200 also performs an AT continuation lottery in the game in which the AT state has started, with "continuation of AT state" and "failure (miss)" as the targets of the lottery. In the AT continuation lottery, if the AT control means 200 wins "continuation of AT state", it stores information related to the execution of one set of AT states in the AT control data storage means 197. The AT control means 200 also performs an AT set count increase lottery to determine whether to add (increase) the number of times one set of AT states is executed in the case of the internal lottery by the internal lottery means 120, when the winning area "rare role" is won, or when the winning area "rare replay" is won.

[0116] In slot machine 1, when the winning area "Rare Replay" is selected in the internal lottery during AT state, a navigation animation is performed to assist in winning a Replay C. The AT control means 200 is configured to add the determined number of sets in the AT state in the lottery for adding sets during AT based on the selection of the winning area "Rare Replay," regardless of whether a Replay C is awarded or not.

[0117] When the AT game counter's stored value becomes "0", the AT control means 200 determines that if one or more sets of AT states are stocked, it will continue the AT state and start the next set of AT states. On the other hand, when the AT game counter's stored value becomes "0", if no sets of AT states are stocked, the AT control means 200 determines that the normal termination condition among the termination conditions of the advantageous section has been met based on the fact that the termination condition of the AT state (AT termination condition) has been met, and executes a predetermined initialization process which initializes information related to the advantageous section along with the termination of the AT state, and a predetermined termination process which terminates the advantageous section and starts the normal section from the next game.

[0118] Furthermore, the AT control means 200 also determines that the AT termination conditions have been met when the stored value of the first advantageous section counter 197a reaches the value "3000" in the AT state, and when the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b exceeds the value "2400" in the AT state, and terminates the AT state. It also determines that a specific termination condition among the termination conditions of the advantageous section has been met and executes a predetermined initialization process which initializes information related to the advantageous section, and a predetermined termination process which terminates the advantageous section and starts the normal section from the next game.

[0119] Furthermore, even when the performance state transitions from the AT preparation state to the AT state, the AT control means 200 of the first embodiment performs an increment update, adding a value of "1" equivalent to one game to the stored value of the AT preparation state counter 197c each time a game is played. When 2000 games have been played since the start of the AT preparation state and the stored value of the AT preparation state counter 197c reaches the value of "2000", the AT control means 200 determines that the normal termination condition among the conditions for ending the advantageous section has been met, regardless of the stored value of the AT game counter and the number of AT state sets that have been stocked, and performs a predetermined initialization process which terminates the AT state and initializes information related to the advantageous section, and a predetermined termination process which terminates the advantageous section and starts the normal section from the next game.

[0120] In this first embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured such that when the game is played in accordance with the prize-winning assistance during the AT preparation state, that is, when the prize-winning assistance for Replay B is performed and the game is played in a manner that results in a Replay B win, it is possible to transition to the AT state within a few games to several tens of games. Furthermore, the slot machine 1 is configured such that the payout rate in the AT state, when prize-winning assistance is performed when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8", is approximately 200%.

[0121] With this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when a game is played in accordance with the prize-winning assistance, multiple sets of AT states are executed, and when approximately 1200 games are played in the AT state, the stored value of the second advantageous section counter 197b reaches the value "2400", the specific termination condition of the advantageous section is met, and the advantageous section ends. Therefore, unless a game is played in the AT preparation state that does not follow the AT transition prize-winning assistance, and the player remains in the AT preparation state for a long period of time, the advantageous section will not end based on the stored value of the AT preparation state counter 197c reaching the value "2000".

[0122] With this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, even if, when assisting in the winning of Replay B is performed in the AT preparation state, the player is subjected to gameplay that ignores the operation method notified by the assisting in the winning of Replay B and does not win Replay B, resulting in the AT preparation state continuing and the AT state starting, even if the AT state continues, only about 700 medals will be obtained, which is not sufficiently advantageous for the player, thus preventing the development of strategies that could be exploited by intentionally continuing the AT preparation state.

[0123] 3. Details of prize money Next, the details of the prize-winning assistance implemented in slot machine 1 will be explained using Figures 7 to 11.

[0124] <When a batting order is selected, the winning combinations that can be achieved for each batting order> Figure 7 shows the possible winning combinations when you win in a winning area (winning combination type) where the possible winning combinations differ depending on the order in which you press stop buttons B1 to B3 in the winning areas "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 8", "Normal Replay 2", and "Rare Replay".

[0125] As shown in Figure 7, in slot machine 1, when the internal lottery selects a winning area from "Beat Order Bell 1" to "Beat Order Bell 8", a batting order (correct batting order) is set for each winning area, which allows for the winning of bells A to Bell D, each of which is set to pay out 8 coins. These are set as batting orders 3 to 6, that is, batting orders in which stop button B2 or stop button B3 is the first stop operation.

[0126] In the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8", if Stop Button B1 to Stop Button B3 are operated in a batting order different from the correct batting order (incorrect batting order) where Stop Button B1 is the first stop, there is a 1 / 1 probability of winning a 1-coin payout A. In addition, in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 5" to "Batting Order Bell 8", if Stop Button B1 to Stop Button B3 are operated in a batting order where Stop Button B2 or Stop Button B3 is the first stop, there is a 1 / 1 probability of winning a 1-coin payout A.

[0127] Furthermore, in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 4", if stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in a batting order where stop button B2 or stop button B3 is the first stop operation among the incorrect batting orders, the small wins that can be awarded at the time of the first stop operation are limited to 1-coin wins B and C, which are set to pay out 1 coin each, the small wins that can be awarded at the time of the second stop operation are limited to either 1-coin win B or 1-coin win C, and the small wins that can be awarded at the time of the third stop operation are limited to either 1-coin win B or 1-coin win C. If the stop button is pressed at a timing that allows a small win to occur (when 10 out of 20 symbols are rotating and displayed on the active line L1, and when the single-coin wins B and C do not overlap), the small win that was possible to occur will be won. However, if the stop button is pressed at a timing that does not allow a small win that was possible to occur during the third stop operation, a combination of symbols that does not correspond to any of the winning patterns will be displayed on the active line L1 as a missed win.

[0128] In the winning area "Normal Replay 2," the batting order that allows for the winning of Replay B is set to batting order 3 and batting order 4. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the winning symbol combination for Replay B consists of "Red 7 (Black BAR, White 7, BK)-Red 7-Red 7 (Black BAR, White 7, CH)," and the symbol pull-in range of the middle reel R2 is 5 out of 20 symbols from the Red 7 symbol "Red 7" at stop number 4 to the Watermelon symbol "WM" at stop number 8.

[0129] Therefore, in slot machine 1, when the winning area "Normal Replay 2" is selected and stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in turn 3 or turn 4, if the timing of pressing stop button B2, which is the first stop operation, is such that 5 out of 20 symbols from stop number 4 (Red 7) to stop number 8 (Watermelon WM) are rotating and displayed on the active line L1, then the Red 7 symbol "Red 7" will be stopped and displayed on the active line L1, and the replays that can be won in that game will be limited to Replay B. If the timing is such that the Red 7 symbol "Red 7" cannot be stopped and displayed on the active line L1, then the Replay symbol "RP" will be stopped and displayed on the active line L1, and the replays that can be won in that game will be limited to Replay A.

[0130] The winning area, "Rare Replay," is set to allow Replay C to be awarded in batting orders 5 and 6. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the winning symbol combination for Replay C is "Red 7 (Black BAR, White 7, BK) - Red 7 (Black BAR, White 7, BK) - White 7," and the symbol pull-in range of the right reel R3 is 5 out of 20 symbols, from the White 7 symbol "White 7" at stop number 14 to the blank symbol "BK" at stop number 18.

[0131] Therefore, in slot machine 1, when the winning area "Rare Replay" is selected and stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in turn 5 or turn 6, if the timing of pressing stop button B3, which is the first stop operation, is such that 5 out of 20 symbols from stop number 14 (white 7) to stop number 18 (blank symbol "BK") are rotating and displayed on the active line L1, the white 7 symbol "white 7" will be stopped and displayed on the active line L1, and the replay that can be won in that game will be limited to replay C. If the timing is such that the white 7 symbol "white 7" cannot be stopped and displayed on the active line L1, the replay symbol "RP" will be stopped and displayed on the active line L1, and the replay that can be won in that game will be limited to replay A.

[0132] <Details of prize assistance for Replay B> Figures 8 and 9 illustrate the changing presentation patterns over time for the Replay B prize-winning assistance that is performed when the winning area "Normal Replay 2" is selected during the AT preparation state.

[0133] Figure 8(A) shows the state in which the AT preparation state is in progress and an effect is being executed that suggests the AT state will start if the AT start conditions are met. Figure 8(B) shows the state in which assistance for winning Replay B has started and an image indicating the batting order that will allow Replay B to be won has started to be displayed. Figure 8(C) shows the state in which the display of the image indicating the batting order that will allow Replay B to be won has finished.

[0134] Furthermore, Figure 9(A) shows the state immediately before the start of the animation that suggests the timing to press the first stop button to enable Replay B to be awarded, Figure 9(B) shows the state when the image suggesting the timing to press the first stop button to enable Replay B to be awarded has started to be displayed, and Figure 9(C) shows the state when the display of the image suggesting the timing to press the first stop button to enable Replay B to be awarded has finished and the assistance for awarding Replay B has been completed.

[0135] In slot machine 1, the process from the state shown in Figure 8(A) to the state shown in Figure 9(C) is completed in approximately 10 frames (approximately 333.3 ms), and the player will perceive that an image informing them of the order of play that will allow them to win Replay B and an image suggesting the timing for pressing the first stop button that will allow them to win Replay B are displayed almost simultaneously.

[0136] As shown in Figure 8(A), in the slot machine 1, when in the AT preparation state, an AT preparation image 331a consisting of the letters "AT!" is displayed in the display area 330a of the display device 330 near the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 to indicate that the AT state is being prepared.

[0137] As shown in Figures 8(B) and 8(C), slot machine 1 displays a first replay navigation image 332a that suggests the stop button to execute the first stop operation in the sequence of spins that makes replay B possible to be won, a second replay navigation image 332b that suggests the stop button to execute the second stop operation, and a third replay navigation image 332c that suggests the stop button to execute the third stop operation. In slot machine 1, since replay B can be won regardless of whether the spinning order is 3 or 4, the system is configured to determine by lottery whether to display one of the second replay navigation images 332b or the third replay navigation image 332c near the left reel R1 and the other near the right reel R3.

[0138] As shown in Figure 8(B), the first to third reply navigation images 332a to 332c are displayed in a first display mode, centered at position P1, which is width W1 from the left edge in the front-view horizontal direction of the display area 330a and height H1 from the bottom edge in the front-view vertical direction. The performance control means 180 performs a performance that changes the display mode by gradually enlarging the character "!" in the first reply navigation image 332a, the number "2" in the second reply navigation image 332b, and the number "3" in the third reply navigation image 332c from the size of the first display mode to the size of the second display mode, from the state shown in Figure 8(B) to the state shown in Figure 8(C).

[0139] In slot machine 1, at the point shown in Figure 8(C), the display of the first replay navigation image 332a to the third replay navigation image 332c is complete, meaning that the enlargement and changes in the display of the first replay navigation image 332a to the third replay navigation image 332c have finished. From the point where the display in Figure 8(C) is reached until the player performs a stop operation, the display of the first replay navigation image 332a to the third replay navigation image 332c in the display device 330 does not change significantly (the size of the numbers does not change, and the animation is limited to minor video effects that do not affect visibility, such as the effects around the numbers cycling).

[0140] Thus, in slot machine 1, for the first replay navigation images 332a to the third replay navigation images 332c, the second display mode, shown in Figure 8(C), where the display is completed, is a display mode in which the displayed image is larger and more visible to the player than the first display mode, shown in Figure 8(B), where the display has started and the displayed size is small.

[0141] As shown in Figures 9(A) and 9(B), in slot machine 1, after the display of the first replay navigation images 332a to the third replay navigation images 332c is completed, the display of the red 7 replay navigation image 333 begins as an image that suggests the timing to press the first stop button to enable the winning of replay B. As shown in Figures 9(B) and 9(C), in slot machine 1, by displaying the red 7 replay navigation image 333 as an image that suggests the timing to press the first stop button to enable the winning of replay B, the timing to press the first stop button B2 suggests that 5 out of 20 symbols, from the red 7 symbol "Red 7" at stop number 4 to the watermelon symbol "WM" at stop number 8, are rotating and displayed on the active line L1.

[0142] As shown in Figure 9(B), the red 7 reply navigation image 333 is displayed in a third display mode, centered on position P2, which is width W2 from the left edge in the front-view horizontal direction of the display area 330a and height H2 from the bottom edge in the front-view vertical direction. As shown in Figures 8(B) and 9(B), position P2 is higher in the vertical direction than position P1. The performance control means 180 performs a performance that changes the display mode by gradually reducing the display of the red 7 reply navigation image 333 from the size of the third display mode to the size of the fourth display mode, from the state shown in Figure 9(B) to the state shown in Figure 9(C). At this time, as shown in Figure 9(B), the red 7 reply navigation image 333 partially overlaps with the display of the first reply navigation images 332a to the third reply navigation images 332c.

[0143] In slot machine 1, at the point shown in Figure 9(C), the display of the red 7 replay navigation image 333 is complete, meaning that the enlargement and changes in the display of the red 7 replay navigation image 333 have finished. From the point where the display in Figure 9(C) is reached until the player performs a stop operation, the display of the red 7 replay navigation image 333 in the display device 330 does not change significantly (the size of the numbers does not change, and the animation remains minor, such as the effects around the numbers cycling, which does not affect visibility).

[0144] Thus, in slot machine 1, the fourth display mode, where the display is completed and the image fits within the display area 330a, as shown in Figure 9(C), is a display mode in which the entire image can be seen, and therefore the image is more visible to the player than the third display mode, where the display shown in Figure 9(B) is started and the image is displayed at a size larger than the display area 330a of the display device 330.

[0145] Furthermore, in the state shown in Figure 9(C), the performance control means 180 of the first embodiment outputs the voice message "Aim for the red 7" from the sound device 340, indicating the timing for pressing the stop button B2 to perform the first stop operation.

[0146] <Details of prize assistance for Bell A to Bell D> Figure 10 illustrates the presentation when a player wins in the AT preparation state or AT state and the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" is selected, and prize-winning assistance is performed. The example shown in Figure 10 shows the case when the player wins in the winning area "Batting Order Bell 2".

[0147] As shown in Figure 10, in slot machine 1, when prize assistance is performed based on winning the winning area "Bat Order Bell 2", the following navigation images are displayed to inform that the correct batting order to make bell B possible is batting order 4: a first bell navigation image 334a that notifies the stop button to perform the first stop operation, a second bell navigation image 334b ​​that notifies the stop button to perform the second stop operation, and a third bell navigation image 334c that notifies the stop button to perform the third stop operation.

[0148] As shown in Figures 8(C) and 10, the performance control means 180 of the first embodiment consists of first replay navigation images 332a to third replay navigation images 332c that suggest the batting order that will enable the winning of replay B in assisting the winning of replay B, and first bell navigation images 334a to third bell navigation images 334c that notify the batting order that will enable the winning of bell A to bell D. These are images that suggest or notify the batting order, but are composed of different images from each other.

[0149] With this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the navigation images displayed on the display device 330 are different depending on whether the prize assistance is performed based on a win in the winning area "Normal Replay 2" or based on a win in the winning areas "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 8". Therefore, the player can distinguish between the prize assistance for Replay B, which requires an appropriate pressing timing in the first stop operation, and the prize assistance for Bells A to Bell D, which will be awarded regardless of the pressing timing if the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the correct batting order, as soon as the navigation images of the first replay navigation images 332a to the third replay navigation image 332c are displayed, before the red 7 replay navigation image 333 is fully displayed. This prevents delays in the game's progress and prevents the player from becoming dissatisfied with the game's progress.

[0150] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 8(B) and 9(B), the performance control means 180 of the first embodiment is configured such that, in assisting the winning of replay B, the center position P1 when the first replay navigation images 332a to the third replay navigation images 332c are displayed is set to a different position from the center position P2 when the red 7 replay navigation image 333 is displayed.

[0151] With this configuration, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, the navigation image displayed on the display device 330 is different depending on whether the prize-winning assistance is performed based on a win in the winning area "Normal Replay 2" or based on a win in the winning areas "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 8". Furthermore, the red 7 replay navigation image 333 starts displaying from a position P2 different from the center position P1 when the display of the first replay navigation images 332a to the third replay navigation images 332c begins. Therefore, in the case of prize-winning assistance for replay B, which requires an appropriate pressing timing in the first stop operation, the navigation image suggesting the batting order and the pressing timing of the first stop operation are displayed. If the navigation image suggesting the winning combination and the navigation image suggesting the winning combination are displayed at different positions within the display area 330a of the display device 330, and if the player operates the stop buttons B1 to B3 in the correct order, the player will win bells A to bells D regardless of the timing of the button presses, and the navigation image indicating the order of play is displayed, the image suggesting the timing of the first stop operation is not displayed. Therefore, the player can easily distinguish whether the navigation image displayed on the display device 330 is a navigation image related to the winning combination of replay B or a navigation image related to the winning combination of bells A to bells D, and the player can be prevented from misidentifying the winning combination.

[0152] Furthermore, in the state shown in Figure 10, the performance control means 180 of the first embodiment outputs the sound "Middle" from the sound device 340, indicating the timing of pressing the stop button B2 which is to be stopped for the first time. As described above, when the performance control means 180 performs prize assistance for replay B, it is configured to output the sound "Aim for the red 7" from the sound device 340, indicating the timing of pressing the stop button B2 which is to be stopped for the first time.

[0153] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment outputs the voice message "Aim for the red 7" to indicate the timing of pressing the buttons in the first stop operation that will allow Replay B to be won, when it is assisting in the winning of Replay B, which requires an appropriate pressing timing in the first stop operation. When it is assisting in the winning of Bell A to Bell D, which will be won regardless of the pressing timing if the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the correct order, it outputs a sound (in the example shown in Figure 10) that indicates which stop button to press in the first stop operation to indicate the correct order that will allow Bell A to Bell D to be won. As a result, the player can easily distinguish between assisting in the winning of Replay B and assisting in the winning of Bell A to Bell D based on the sound output from the sound device 340, and the player can be prevented from misidentifying the winning assistance.

[0154] In this winning area, "Normal Replay 2" constitutes the first and third winning modes in the first embodiment, Replay B constitutes the first and fifth roles in the first embodiment, Replay A constitutes the second and sixth roles in the first embodiment, Winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" constitute the second winning mode in the first embodiment, Bells A to D constitute the third role in the first embodiment, and Single Coin Roles A to C constitute the fourth role in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the batting order 3 and batting order 4 that enable the winning of Replay B constitute the first sequence and specific sequence in the first embodiment, the middle reel R2 constitutes the specific reel, the first specific reel and the second specific reel in the first embodiment, the stop button B2 constitutes the specific stop button, the first specific stop button and the second specific stop button in the first embodiment, and the timing at which the red 7 symbol "Red 7" at stop number 4 to the cherry symbol "CH" at stop number 8 among the symbols arranged on the middle reel R2 are rotated and displayed on the active line L1 constitutes the specific timing, the first specific timing and the second specific timing in the first embodiment. In addition, the correct batting order that enables the winning of Bell A to Bell D constitutes the second sequence in the first embodiment.

[0155] Furthermore, the first replay navigation images 332a to the third replay navigation images 332c displayed in the prize-winning area "Normal Replay 2" constitute the first image in the first embodiment, the red 7 replay navigation image 333 constitutes the second image in the first embodiment, the "Aim for the red 7" sound indicating the timing of pressing the stop button B2 to be first stopped constitutes the first sound in the first embodiment, the navigation effect indicating the operation mode that makes it possible to win replay B by displaying the first replay navigation images 332a to the third replay navigation images 332c, the red 7 replay navigation image 333 and the "Aim for the red 7" sound constitutes the first effect in the first embodiment, and the operation modes of stop buttons B1 to stop buttons B3 indicated by the navigation effect displaying the first replay navigation images 332a to the third replay navigation images 332c and the red 7 replay navigation image 333 constitute the first and third operation modes in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the first bell navigation images 334a to the third bell navigation images 334c constitute the third image in the first embodiment, the sound that suggests the stop button to be stopped first in the correct hitting sequence constitutes the second sound in the first embodiment, the navigation performance that suggests the correct hitting sequence using the first bell navigation images 334a to the third bell navigation images 334c and the second sound constitutes the second performance in the first embodiment, and the correct hitting sequence suggested by the navigation performance displaying the first bell navigation images 334a to the third bell navigation images 334c constitutes the second operation mode.

[0156] <Prize assistance for Replay C> Figure 11 illustrates the presentation of the replay C prize-winning assistance that is performed when the winning area "Rare Replay" is selected in AT mode.

[0157] As shown in Figure 11, the performance control means 180 displays a batting order suggestion image 335a indicating that the batting order that makes it possible to win Replay C is batting order 5 or batting order 6, and that this is the batting order in which the stop button B3 is pressed as the first stop operation, and a white 7 Replay Navi image 335b as an image that suggests the timing of pressing the first stop operation that makes it possible to win Replay C. As shown in Figures 8(C) and 11, the batting order suggestion image 335a differs from the first Replay Navi images 332a to the third Replay Navi images 332c, which are displayed in the assistance for winning Replay B and which notify the batting order to be operated with numbers, in that the image only suggests the batting order with an arrow.

[0158] Furthermore, the performance control means 180 displays the white 7 reply navigation image 335b, indicating that the timing of pressing the first stop operation on the stop button B3 is the timing when 5 out of 20 frames of the white 7 symbol "White 7" at stop number 14 to the blank symbol "BK" at stop number 18 are rotated and displayed on the active line L1. The white 7 reply navigation image 335b is displayed centered at position P3, which is width W3 from the left edge in the front view left-right direction and height H3 from the bottom edge in the front view up-down direction of the display area 330a. As shown in Figures 9(B) and 11, position P3 is a different position from position P2 in the left-right and up-down directions. In addition, in the state shown in Figure 11, the performance control means 180 of the first embodiment outputs the sound "Aim" from the sound device 340, indicating that it is the batting order 6.

[0159] <Comparison of presentation methods for award-winning prizes> As shown in Figures 8(A) to 8(C) and 9(A) to 9(C), in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when the winning area "Normal Replay 2" is won while the bonus is established and the AT is in preparation state, the machine is configured to suggest an operation that will allow Replay B to be won by first Replay Navigation Images 332a to 3rd Replay Navigation Images 332c which suggest batting order 3 or batting order 4 which are batting orders that will allow Replay B to be won, and by red 7 Replay Navigation Image 333 which suggests the timing of pressing the stop button B2 which is the first stop operation.

[0160] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, in the slot machine 1 of the first embodiment, when the winning area "Rare Replay" is won while the bonus is established and the AT state is active, the machine is configured to suggest an operation that will enable the winning of Replay C by indicating the batting order suggestion image 335a which suggests batting order 6 out of batting order 5 and batting order 6 that enable the winning of Replay C, and by indicating the timing of pressing the stop button B3 which is the first stop operation.

[0161] As described above, the AT control means 200 of the first embodiment is configured to determine that the conditions for starting the AT have been met when the winning area "Normal Replay 2" is won while the bonus has been established and the AT is in preparation state, and a Replay B is awarded. It is configured to execute a control that transitions the performance state to the AT state as a control related to the benefits based on the awarding of Replay B, and to continue the AT preparation state if a Replay B is not awarded.

[0162] On the other hand, the AT control means 200 is configured to perform a lottery to increase the number of sets during AT as a control related to the bonus when the winning area "Rare Replay" is won in the AT state, regardless of whether or not a replay C is awarded, and to add the determined number of sets when it is decided in the lottery to increase the number of sets in the AT state.

[0163] Thus, in the first embodiment, the slot machine 1 provides detailed indications for replay B, which is related to whether or not a win is achieved, using the first replay navigation images 332a to the third replay navigation images 332c and the red 7 replay navigation image 333. For replay C, which allows the execution of control related to a bonus regardless of whether or not a win is achieved, the slot machine 1 provides indications using the batting order indication image 335a and the white 7 replay navigation image 335b, which are less clear than the first replay navigation images 332a to the third replay navigation images 332c and the red 7 replay navigation image 333, and are different from the first replay navigation images 332a to the third replay navigation images 332c and the red 7 replay navigation image 333. This allows the machine to indicate whether or not precise operation is required to obtain a bonus depending on the type of image displayed as a win assistance, and reduces the possibility of the player misinterpreting which operation is being indicated.

[0164] Furthermore, as described above, the performance control means 180 of the first embodiment is configured to output the voice "Aim for the red 7" which specifies the symbol to be stopped on the active line L1 in order to suggest the timing of pressing the first stop operation that will enable the win of Replay B, when assisting the win of Replay C, and to output the voice "Aim" which does not specify the symbol to be stopped on the active line L1 in order to suggest the timing of pressing the first stop operation that will enable the win of Replay C.

[0165] Thus, in the first embodiment, the slot machine 1 provides detailed indications for replay B, which is related to whether or not a win is achieved, through the first replay navigation images 332a to 3rd replay navigation images 332c, the red 7 replay navigation image 333, and the voice prompt "Aim for the red 7." For replay C, which allows the execution of control related to the bonus regardless of whether or not a win is achieved, the slot machine 1 provides indications through the batting order indication image 335a and the white 7 replay navigation image 335b, which are less clear than the first replay navigation images 332a to 3rd replay navigation images 332c and the red 7 replay navigation image 333, and also outputs the voice prompt "Aim for it," which does not specify the timing of pressing the button. This allows the slot machine 1 to indicate whether or not precise operation is required to obtain the bonus depending on the type of image displayed as a win assistance, and reduces the possibility of the player misinterpreting which operation is being suggested.

[0166] 4. Summary of the First Embodiment As described above, in the first embodiment of the slot machine 1, when assisting in the winning of Replay B, which requires an appropriate pressing timing in the first stop operation, the machine outputs the voice message "Aim for the red 7" to indicate the pressing timing of the first stop operation that will enable the winning of Replay B. When assisting in the winning of Bells A to Bell D, which will be awarded regardless of the pressing timing if the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the correct order, the machine outputs a sound that indicates the stop buttons to be pressed in the first stop operation to indicate the correct order that will enable the winning of Bells A to Bell D. As a result, the player can easily distinguish between assisting in the winning of Replay B and assisting in the winning of Bells A to Bell D from the sound output from the sound device 340, and the player can be prevented from mistaking the winning assistance.

[0167] [Second Embodiment] Next, the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment, which is a partial modification of the first embodiment, will be described. The slot machine 1 of the second embodiment does not include the winning area "RARE REPLAY" as a winning area set for internal lottery, and is configured such that the winning assistance executed in the AT preparation state and the AT start condition are different. Regarding other configurations, since they are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the components common to the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0168] 1. Configuration of the gaming machine in the second embodiment <AT control means> In the AT preparation state, when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8", it is determined by lottery whether to execute the winning assistance of Bell A to Bell D. Therefore, it is a performance state more advantageous to the player than the normal state in which the winning assistance of Bell A to Bell D is not executed when winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8". When winning in the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" in the internal lottery in a state where the gaming state is the bonus establishment state and the performance state is the AT preparation state, the AT control means 200 performs the normal winning assistance for notifying the correct batting order of Bell A to Bell D, and notifies that the stop button operated by the first stop operation is not the stop button B1, thereby notifying the operation mode including the correct batting order. When the first stop operation matches the correct batting order, it is configured to be able to execute either the AT transition winning assistance as a specific winning assistance for determining the transition to the AT state.

[0169] In the AT preparation state, the AT control means 200 executes an incremental update to add the value "1" corresponding to one game each time the game is executed to the stored value of the AT preparation state counter 197c in the AT control data storage means 197.

[0170] The AT control means 200 performs a prize-winning assistance lottery to determine whether or not to perform prize-winning assistance when the game state is in a bonus-established state and the performance state is in an AT preparation state, and the internal lottery results in a win in the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 8". In the prize-winning assistance lottery, the AT control means 200 performs a lottery to determine one of the following: "Perform normal prize-winning assistance", "Perform AT transition prize-winning assistance", or "Not win (miss)".

[0171] In slot machine 1, when the prize-winning assistance lottery is won with a predetermined probability, and the game is played according to the normal prize-winning assistance, Bell A to Bell D, which are set to pay out 8 coins, can be won. Therefore, even if the game is played in a way that the stop button B1 is operated when the AT transition prize-winning assistance is performed, and a 1-coin prize A, which is set to pay out 1 coin, is won and the AT preparation state continues, the payout rate, which is the ratio of the total number of coins paid out to the total number of coins inserted when a predetermined number of games are played, is configured so that it does not fall below 60%.

[0172] In slot machine 1, if a normal prize-winning assist is performed during the AT preparation state, the game is played in accordance with the prize-winning assist. If a prize-winning assist is performed during the AT transition, the game is played in accordance with the prize-winning assist. If a prize-winning assist is performed during the AT transition, the game is played in a manner that does not conform to the prize-winning assist. This ensures that even if the AT preparation state continues for an extended period, the payout rate during the AT preparation state does not exceed 100%. With this configuration, in the second embodiment of slot machine 1, even if the AT preparation state continues due to a game played in a manner that ignores the operation pattern indicated by the prize-winning assist when a prize-winning assist is performed during the AT preparation state, it does not become advantageous for the player, and it prevents the development of strategies that could be exploited by intentionally continuing the AT preparation state.

[0173] The AT control means 200 is configured to transition the production state from the AT preparation state to the AT state and continue the AT preparation state until the condition for starting the AT state (AT start condition) is satisfied. The AT control means 200 of the second embodiment determines that the AT start condition is satisfied when the AT transition winning assistance is executed and the first stop operation matches the correct batting order, and when 1650 games are played in the AT preparation state and the stored value of the AT preparation state counter 197c becomes the value "1650".

[0174] In other words, when the AT control means 200 wins in the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 8" and executes the AT transition winning assistance, if the first stop operation matches the correct batting order, as a privilege, the production state is transitioned to the AT state, and if the first stop operation does not match the correct batting order, the AT preparation state can be continued without transitioning the production state to the AT state.

[0175] With such a configuration, even when a game ignoring the operation mode notified by the AT transition winning assistance is executed when the AT transition winning assistance is executed in the AT preparation state, the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment does not transition to the AT state, which is an advantageous privilege for the player, and can prevent the occurrence of exploitability by deliberately continuing the AT preparation state, thereby preventing a decrease in the commercial value of the gaming machine. Also, even when the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in an operation mode different from the operation mode erroneously notified by the AT transition winning assistance, if the stored value of the AT preparation state counter 197c is not the value "1650", the interest of the player in the game can be prevented from decreasing by continuing the AT preparation state.

[0176] 2. Details of the gameplay in the AT preparation state Next, the details of the gameplay in the AT preparation state will be described using FIGS. 12 and 13.

[0177] <Control in the AT preparation state> Figure 12 is a flowchart showing the AT preparation state processing, which is control related to the instruction function executed by the AT control means 200 of the second embodiment in the AT preparation state.

[0178] As shown in Figure 12, the AT control means 200 first adds the value "1" to the AT preparation state counter 197c because one game is executed in the AT preparation state (S1). Next, the AT control means 200 determines whether or not the internal lottery has resulted in a win in the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Batting Order Bell 8" (S2). In this process, the AT control means 200 determines whether or not the result of the internal lottery is the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Batting Order Bell 8", which is the winning area that triggers the execution of control related to the transition to the AT state using prize assistance.

[0179] In step S2, if it is determined that a win has been made in the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Batting Order Bell 8" (YES), the AT control means 200 executes a prize-winning assistance lottery (S3). In this process, the AT control means 200 conducts a lottery to determine one of the following: "Execute normal prize-winning assistance", "Execute AT transition prize-winning assistance", or "Not win (miss)".

[0180] Next, the AT control means 200 determines whether or not it has won the "execution of AT transition prize assistance" in the prize assistance lottery (S4). If it determines in this process that it has won the "execution of AT transition prize assistance" (YES), the AT control means 200 determines whether or not the first stop operation matches the correct sequence of hits (S5). In the processes of steps S4 and S5, the AT control means 200 determines whether or not the AT start condition has been met.

[0181] In the process of step S2, if it is determined that the winning areas from "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" are not won (NO), in the process of step S4, if it is determined that "Execution of AT Transition Winning Assistance" is not won (NO), or in the process of step S5, if it is determined that the first stop operation does not match the correct batting order (NO), the AT control means 200 determines whether the stored value of the AT preparation state counter 197c is the value "1650" (S6). In this process, the AT control means 200 determines whether the AT start condition is satisfied by executing 1650 games in the AT preparation state. If it is determined that the stored value of the AT preparation state counter 197c is not the value "1650" (NO), the AT preparation state process ends while maintaining the production state in the AT preparation state.

[0182] In the process of step S5, if it is determined that the first stop operation matches the correct batting order (YES), or in the process of step S6, if it is determined that the stored value of the AT preparation state counter 197c is the value "1650" (YES), the AT control means 200 determines that the AT start condition is satisfied, and the production state is shifted to the AT state (S7), and the AT preparation state process ends.

[0183] <Details of AT Transition Winning Assistance> Figure 13 shows the display modes of the display device 330 and the main control display device 500 when AT transition prize assistance is performed. As shown in Figure 13, the slot machine 1 displays a status display 336a indicating that it is in the AT preparation state by displaying "AT preparation in progress", an operation instruction index 336b indicating that the first stop operation is not stop button B1, a first stop operation suggestion index 336c indicating that the first stop operation is either stop button B2 or stop button B3, and an AT start condition display 336d indicating that the AT state will start when the first stop operation matches the correct batting order, that is, when either the correct stop button of the two choices, stop button B2 or stop button B3, is operated. The main control display device 500 then displays a unique display (in the second embodiment, "07") which is different from the display that identifies the correct batting order, as a correct operation notification indicating that the batting order in which stop button B2 or stop button B3 is operated as the first stop operation is the correct batting order.

[0184] Thus, in slot machine 1, the operation patterns notified by the navigation display of the non-operation instruction indicator 336b and the first stop operation suggestion indicator 336c, the notification of the correct hit order for "07", and the AT transition prize entry assistance do not include the operation pattern in which stop button B1 is operated first.

[0185] When the navigation display for the non-operation instruction indicator 336b and the first stop operation suggestion indicator 336c, and the notification of the correct hit order for "07", are performed, in slot machine 1, if gameplay is performed in accordance with the prize-winning assistance, gameplay in which stop button B2 or stop button B3 is operated is performed, and if gameplay is performed in accordance with the prize-winning assistance, gameplay in which stop button B1 is operated is performed.

[0186] As shown in Figure 7, the correct batting order for each of the winning areas "Batting Order Bell 1" to "Batting Order Bell 8" is set to one of batting orders 3 to 6, and the stop button used for the first stop operation that matches the correct batting order is configured to be either stop button B2 or stop button B3.

[0187] Given this configuration, in slot machine 1, when the AT transition prize assist is performed and the game is played in accordance with the AT transition prize assist, there is a 1 / 2 probability that the AT state will start and a 1 / 2 probability that the AT preparation state will continue.

[0188] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7, in the second embodiment of the slot machine 1, when the player has won in the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 8", if stop button B1 is pressed as the first stop, bells A to D, which are set to pay 8 coins, will not be awarded, and only the 1-coin award A, which is set to pay 1 coin, will be awarded. However, if stop button B2 or stop button B3 is pressed as the first stop, bells A to D, which are set to pay 8 coins, will be awarded. Thus, the payout rate when stop button B1 is pressed as the first stop is lower than the payout rate when a different stop button (stop button B2, stop button B3) is pressed as the first stop.

[0189] With this configuration, the slot machine 1 of the second embodiment, when a player wins in the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 8" during the AT preparation state, executes an AT transition prize-winning assistance that notifies the player to operate stop button B2 or stop button B3 as the first stop operation, thereby enabling diverse gameplay by determining whether or not to start a bonus AT state based on the player's operation, while maintaining fairness in the game through AT transition prize-winning assistance, which is a control that does not disadvantage the player.

[0190] In this embodiment, the left reel R1 constitutes the first reel, the middle reel R2 constitutes the second reel, and the right reel R3 constitutes the third reel. Furthermore, stop button B1 constitutes the first stop button, stop button B2 constitutes the second stop button, and stop button B3 constitutes the third stop button. Additionally, the winning areas "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 8" constitute the fourth winning pattern in the second embodiment, bells A to D constitute the seventh role in the second embodiment, single-coin roles A to C constitute the eighth role in the second embodiment, and the correct batting order that allows bells A to D to be awarded when winning in the winning areas "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 8" constitutes a specific operation pattern in the second embodiment. Furthermore, the AT control means 200 and the performance control means 180, which perform AT transition prize assistance, constitute the prize assistance control means in the second embodiment.

[0191] 3. Summary of the second embodiment As described above, in the second embodiment of the slot machine 1, when AT transition prize assistance is performed in the AT preparation state, even if the player performs a game that ignores the operation method notified by the AT transition prize assistance, the player will not transition to the AT state, which is a benefit advantageous to the player. This prevents the development of strategies that can be exploited by intentionally continuing the AT preparation state, thus preventing a decrease in the marketability of the gaming machine. Furthermore, even if stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated by mistake in an operation method different from the operation method notified by the AT transition prize assistance, the AT preparation state will continue, preventing a decrease in the player's enjoyment of the game.

[0192] [Other embodiments] In the first embodiment, the performance control means 180 is configured to complete the display of the red 7 replay navigation image 333 after the display of the first replay navigation images 332a to the third replay navigation images 332c has been completed in the navigation performance of replay B, but it is not limited to this. The performance control means 180 may be configured to complete the display of the first replay navigation images 332a to the third replay navigation images 332c and the red 7 replay navigation image 333 approximately simultaneously.

[0193] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the performance control means 180 is configured to partially overlap with the first replay navigation images 332a to the third replay navigation images 332c from the start to the completion of the display of the red 7 replay navigation image 333 in the navigation performance of replay B. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, it may be configured to start and complete the display of the red 7 replay navigation image 333 within the range in which the first replay navigation images 332a to the third replay navigation images 332c are not displayed.

[0194] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured to perform assistance in awarding a replay C when the winning area "Rare Replay" is selected in the AT state, but it is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may also be configured to perform assistance in awarding a replay C when the winning area "Rare Replay" is selected in the normal state or the CZ state.

[0195] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the slot machine 1 has a winning area "Normal Replay 2" which is a winning area where a replay is won as a first winning mode and a third winning mode, but is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may have, for example, a winning area for small wins configured such that a first small win (first win, fifth win) is awarded when the correct spinning sequence is followed and the first stop operation is performed at a preset pressing timing, and a second small win (second win, sixth win) different from the first small win (first win) is awarded when the spinning sequence is different from the correct spinning sequence or when the correct spinning sequence is followed and the first stop operation is performed at a preset pressing timing.

[0196] In this configuration, the first minor role may be set to pay out more than the prescribed number of tokens, or to pay out the same number of tokens as the prescribed number of tokens, or to pay out less than the prescribed number of tokens. Furthermore, it is preferable that the second minor role be set to pay out the same number of tokens as the first minor role or less than the first minor role.

[0197] Furthermore, when the payout for the first minor role is set to be greater than the payout for the second minor role, the slot machine 1 is configured to perform a navigation performance using the performance device 300 controlled by the performance control means 180, and to provide correct operation notification using the main control display device 500 controlled by the AT control means 200, in order to assist in winning when a specific winning pattern is achieved.

[0198] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured such that the batting order that enables the winning of Replay B when the winning area "Normal Replay 2" is won is set to batting order 3 and batting order 4, but it is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may also be configured such that the batting order that enables the winning of Replay B when the winning area "Normal Replay 2" is won is set to batting order 1 and batting order 2, or the batting order that enables the winning of Replay B may be set to batting order 5 and batting order 6. In addition, the pressing timing for the first stop operation that enables the winning of Replay B is set to be within the pull-in range of the red 7 symbol "Red 7", but for example, the symbols that make up the winning symbol combination of Replay B and the symbols on the reel corresponding to the stop button that is first stopped may be configured such that they can be stopped and displayed on the active line L1 when the pressing timing is appropriate, and cannot be stopped and displayed on the active line L1 when the pressing timing is different from the appropriate timing.

[0199] In other words, the specific operation mode can be any operation mode that consists of a predetermined batting order and a specific pressing timing for the first stop operation, and the specific reel and the first reel are not limited to the middle reel R2, but can be any reel that corresponds to the first stop operation in the specific operation mode.

[0200] Furthermore, in slot machine 1, with regard to replay C, which can be won by operating stop buttons B1 to B3 in the second operation mode when the winning area "Rare Replay" is won, the second operation mode may be configured to be able to be won from any operation mode as long as it consists of a predetermined sequence of hits and a specific pressing timing of the first stop operation, and the second reel is not limited to the right reel R3, but may be any reel that corresponds to the first stop operation in the second operation mode.

[0201] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the performance control means 180 is configured to display images with different display modes for the first replay navigation images 332a to the third replay navigation images 332c that suggest the batting order in the navigation performance of replay B, and the first bell navigation images 334a to the third bell navigation images 334c that notify the correct batting order for bells A to bells D, but is not limited to this. The performance control means 180 may be configured to display the same image for the first replay navigation images 332a to the third replay navigation images 332c and the first bell navigation images 334a to the third bell navigation images 334c. Alternatively, the performance control means 180 may be configured to display images with similar display modes for the first replay navigation images 332a to the third replay navigation images 332c and the first bell navigation images 334a to the third bell navigation images 334c, which may have slight differences in shape but are composed of images of the same color.

[0202] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the slot machine 1 has, but is not limited to, a specific winning pattern in which any of Bell A to Bell D, which is set to pay out 8 coins as the first role, and at least one of 1-coin role A to 1-coin role C, which is set to pay out 1 coin as the second role, are won in combination with the winning patterns in the winning areas "Ball Order Bell 1" to "Ball Order Bell 8". The slot machine 1 may be configured to have a specific winning pattern in which different small roles, each set to pay out the same amount, are won in combination with the first role and the second role, or it may be configured to have a specific winning pattern in which different replays are won in combination with the first role and the second role.

[0203] In configurations such as these, the slot machine 1 may be configured so that, with respect to specific prize-winning assistance, the AT control means 200 does not provide correct operation notification using the main control display device 500, but only performs navigation effects using the performance control means 180. In this case, the performance control means 180 constitutes the prize-winning assistance control means.

[0204] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured with batting orders 3 to 6 for the correct batting orders set in each of the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 8," but is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may have winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 12" as a specific winning mode, and may be configured so that one of batting orders 1 to 6 is set as the correct batting order for each of the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 12."

[0205] In this configuration, the slot machine 1 may be configured such that the payout rate when stop button B1 is pressed first is lower than the payout rate when a different stop button is pressed first, in order to determine the winning combination of rare symbols that are won in the winning area "rare symbols" (for example, a combination of cherry symbols arranged in one position on left reel R1, replay symbols arranged at intervals of 4 positions or less on middle reel R2, and bell symbols arranged at intervals of 4 positions or less on right reel R3).

[0206] Furthermore, in this configuration, the AT control means 200 may be configured such that, when a winning area is won where batting order 1 and batting order 2 are set as the correct batting order among the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 12", it performs normal prize-winning assistance, and when a winning area is won where batting order 3 to batting order 6 are set as the correct batting order among the winning areas "batting order bell 1" to "batting order bell 12", it performs AT transition prize-winning assistance. In this way, when a winning area is won where batting order 1 and batting order 2 are set as the correct batting order, the system will not transition from the AT preparation state to the AT state regardless of the operation method used to operate the stop buttons B1 to B3, and when a winning area is won where batting order 3 to batting order 6 are set as the correct batting order, and AT transition prize-winning assistance is performed, and a first stop operation matching the correct batting order is performed, the system will transition from the AT preparation state to the AT state.

[0207] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the slot machine 1 is configured such that the payout rate when stop button B1 is pressed for the first stop operation is lower than the payout rate when a stop button other than stop button B1 is pressed for the first stop operation, but is not limited to this. The slot machine 1 may be configured such that, for example, the payout rate when stop button B2 is pressed for the first stop operation is lower than the payout rate when a stop button other than stop button B2 is pressed for the first stop operation, or the payout rate when stop button B3 is pressed for the first stop operation is lower than the payout rate when a stop button other than stop button B3 is pressed for the first stop operation.

[0208] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the slot machine 1 has multiple reels, specifically left reel R1 to right reel R3, and multiple stop buttons, specifically stop buttons B1 to B3 corresponding to left reel R1 to right reel R3. However, it is not limited to this, and may also have, for example, a fourth reel and a stop button corresponding to the fourth reel.

[0209] In this configuration, the performance control means 180 may be configured to display, for navigation performances performed as AT transition prize assistance, one non-operation indicator indicating that the first stop operation is not the first stop button, and three first stop operation suggestion indicators indicating that the first stop operation is one of the second to fourth stop buttons. Any performance mode is acceptable as long as the navigation performance includes a specific operation mode but does not include an operation mode in which the first stop button is operated first. Furthermore, the AT control means 200 may display any display mode as long as the main control display device 500 provides notification of the correct operation performed as AT transition prize assistance, with a unique display.

[0210] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the slot machine 1's AT transition prize assistance consists of a navigation display of the non-operation instruction indicator 336b and the first stop operation suggestion indicator 336c, and notification of the correct hit order for "07". However, it is not limited to this, and any display and presentation method is acceptable as long as it allows the player to recognize that the operation method notified by the AT transition prize assistance does not include the operation method in which the first stop button is operated first, and does not impair the fairness of the game.

[0211] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the AT control means 200 is configured to transition the performance state to the AT state as a bonus, but is not limited thereto. The AT control means 200 may, for example, have as a bonus the transition to a special bonus state in which the probability of increasing the number of sets in which the AT state is performed is higher than that of the AT state, and may consist of any content as long as the bonus can be granted by the control related to the instruction function. In other words, the bonus should consist of content in which the probability of winning a role in the internal lottery does not change whether or not it is granted, and content that is advantageous to the player only depending on whether or not the instruction function is enabled.

[0212] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the AT control means 200 executes a prize-winning assistance lottery when it wins in the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 8" in the internal lottery during the AT preparation state, and performs normal prize-winning assistance with a probability such that the payout rate in the AT preparation state does not exceed 100%, assisting in the winning of Bells A to Bells D, but is not limited to this. The AT control means 200 may be configured to execute normal prize-winning assistance regardless of the lottery result when it wins in the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 8" in the internal lottery during the AT preparation state, assisting in the winning of Bells A to Bells D.

[0213] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the AT control means 200 executes a prize-winning assistance lottery when it wins in the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 8" in the internal lottery during the AT preparation state, and performs normal prize-winning assistance with a probability such that the payout rate in the AT preparation state does not exceed 100%, assisting in the winning of Bells A to Bells D, but is not limited to this. The AT control means 200 may be configured such that when it wins in the winning area "Normal Replay 2" and Replay B is not won in the AT preparation state, the probability of winning "Execution of Normal Prize-Winning Assistance" in the prize-winning assistance lottery when it wins in the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Bat Order Bell 8" in the internal lottery during subsequent games is reduced.

[0214] Specifically, the AT control means 200 may be configured such that, in a game played while in the AT preparation state and before winning the winning area "Normal Replay 2" in the internal lottery, if the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Batting Order Bell 8" is won, the prize-winning assistance lottery will result in a win of "Execution of Normal Prize Assistance" with a probability of approximately 50%, and in a game played while in the AT preparation state and after winning the winning area "Normal Replay 2" but not winning Replay B, if the winning area "Batting Order Bell 1" to the winning area "Batting Order Bell 8" is won, the prize-winning assistance lottery will result in a win of "Execution of Normal Prize Assistance" with a probability of approximately 45%.

[0215] Furthermore, the AT control means 200 may be configured such that, for example, when the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 8" is selected in the internal lottery during the AT preparation state, it performs normal prize-winning assistance regardless of the lottery result and assists in the winning of Bells A to Bells D. Alternatively, if the winning area "Normal Replay 2" is selected in the AT preparation state and Replay B is not won, the AT control means 200 may be configured such that when the winning area "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 8" is selected in the internal lottery during subsequent games, it performs prize-winning assistance lottery and wins "Performance of Normal Prize-Winning Assistance" with a probability of less than 100%.

[0216] Furthermore, when configured in this way, slot machine 1 is designed so that if the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the correct order for the winning areas "Bat Order Bell 1" to "Bat Order Bell 8", bells A to D will be awarded regardless of the timing of the first stop operation, thereby reducing the burden on the player.

[0217] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the slot machine 1 is configured such that if the stop buttons B1 to B3 are operated in the correct order for the winning areas "Battle Order Bell 1" to "Battle Order Bell 8", bells A to D will be awarded regardless of the timing of pressing the first stop button, but the machine is not limited to this configuration. For example, the slot machine 1 may be configured such that, when the correct order is used and the timing of pressing the first stop button is appropriate, a small prize with a payout set to be greater than the specified number of balls will be awarded, but when the order is incorrect or when the timing of pressing the first stop button is different from the appropriate timing for the correct order, a small prize with a payout set to be greater than the specified number of balls will not be awarded.

[0218] The details of this configuration are described below. Slot machine 1 has a second specific winning pattern as the target of internal drawing, and the second specific winning pattern is configured so that multiple types of specific small wins are won simultaneously. The multiple types of specific small wins include a first specific small win and a second specific small win, and the first specific small win is set to have a higher payout than the second specific small win. In addition, there are multiple reels, including a third specific reel, and multiple stop buttons, including a third specific stop button corresponding to the third specific reel, and the third specific reel is arranged with the first symbol, the second symbol, and the third symbol.

[0219] Furthermore, the first symbol is included in the symbols of the third specific reel that constitute the winning symbol combination for the first specific small win, and both the second and third symbols are configured to be more visible than the first symbol, and in the third specific reel, the second symbol is included in the pull-in range of the first symbol but the third symbol is not. Also, the second symbol is included in the symbols of the third specific reel that constitute the winning symbol combination for at least one of the multiple types of specific small wins. The performance control means 180 is configured to perform a specific performance that assists in winning the first specific small win by displaying a message that prompts the player to aim to operate the third specific stop button at the timing when the second symbol is displayed in a specific area 330b, which is a visible means that faces the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 and makes the left reel R1 to the right reel R3 visible, when the third specific winning pattern is won.

[0220] In other words, gaming machines are, Multiple reels, A means for making the multiple reels visible, Multiple stop buttons corresponding to each of the aforementioned multiple reels, An internal lottery method that performs internal lotteries for multiple types of roles, Reel control means for controlling the rotation and stopping modes of the reel, A means for determining winning combinations based on the combination of symbols displayed on the active lines, It comprises a performance control means for controlling the performance related to the game, The aforementioned internal lottery includes the third specific winning pattern as the subject of the lottery. The aforementioned specific winning pattern involves multiple types of specific winning combinations being won simultaneously. The aforementioned multiple types of specific minor roles include the first specific minor role, the second specific minor role, and The aforementioned first specific small win is set to pay out more than the second specific small win. The aforementioned plurality of reels include a third specific reel, The aforementioned plurality of stop buttons include a third specific stop button, The third specific stop button corresponds to the third specific reel, The symbols arranged on the aforementioned third specific reel include a first symbol, a second symbol, and a third symbol. The aforementioned first symbol is included in the symbols of the third specific reel that constitute the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the aforementioned first small win, The second design is more visible than the first design. The third design is more visible than the first design. The reel control means stops the symbols within the pull-in range corresponding to the position of the reel at the time the stop button is pressed onto the active line. When the third specific winning pattern is achieved, and the plurality of stop buttons are pressed in a predetermined order, and the third specific stop button is operated within the pull-in range of the first symbol on the third specific reel, the first specific small win becomes possible. When the third specific winning pattern is achieved, if the multiple stop buttons are operated in an order different from the predetermined order, the second specific small win becomes possible. In the third specific reel, the second symbol is included within the retraction range of the first symbol. In the third specific reel, the third symbol is not included within the retraction range of the first symbol. The second symbol is included in the symbols of the third specific reel that constitute a symbol combination showing the winning form of at least one of the multiple types of specific small wins, The aforementioned performance control means is capable of executing a specific performance, The aforementioned specific performance is a performance that assists in winning the first small prize by displaying a message that prompts the player to press the third specific stop button at the timing when the second symbol is displayed in the visible means when the third specific winning pattern is won.

[0221] With this configuration, when the slot machine 1 wins a third specific winning pattern in which the first specific small win can be achieved if the order in which stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed is the correct order and the first stop operation is pressed at the appropriate timing, in a specific performance that notifies the third specific stop button to execute the first stop operation and the timing of pressing the third specific stop button, an image having a design similar to the second symbol arranged within the pull-in range of the first symbol, which is the symbol of the third specific reel that constitutes the winning symbol combination of the first specific small win, is displayed in the specific area 330. By notifying the operation of the third specific stop button at the timing when the second symbol, which is more visible than the first symbol, is displayed in b, the first symbol can be stopped and displayed on the active line L1 on the third specific reel to assist in winning the first specific small win. This allows for the execution of appropriate effects to assist in winning the first specific small win, and because the second symbol is included as a symbol on the specific reel that constitutes the winning symbol combination of at least one of the multiple types of specific small wins that can be won simultaneously when the third specific winning pattern is won, it is possible to assist in winning the first specific small win without compromising the fairness of the game.

[0222] Furthermore, in this configuration, the third specific reel may be configured such that the retraction range of the second symbol is included within the retraction range of the first symbol, and when a third specific winning pattern is achieved, the first symbol is stopped and displayed on the active line L1 when a plurality of stop buttons are operated in a predetermined order and within the retraction range of the second symbol on the third specific reel.

[0223] In other words, in the gaming machine, the pull-in range of the second symbol in the third specific reel is included in the pull-in range of the first symbol. When the third specific winning pattern is achieved, the first symbol stops on the active line if the plurality of stop buttons are pressed in a predetermined order and the specific stop button is operated within the pull-in range of the second symbol on the third specific reel.

[0224] With this configuration, when the slot machine 1 wins the third specific winning pattern, a navigation animation is performed that displays an image with a design similar to the second symbol. When the game is played according to the navigation animation, even if the third specific stop button corresponding to the third specific reel is operated within the pull-in range of the second symbol, the first symbol, not the second symbol, is stopped and displayed on the active line L1. This ensures that the first symbol is reliably displayed on the third specific reel, and an animation using the symbol stopped and displayed within the specific area 330b can be performed. Furthermore, in the program related to reel stop control for winning the first specific small win, it is only necessary to create a program that stops and displays the first symbol on the third specific reel, thus reducing the program capacity.

[0225] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the slot machine 1 has a max bet button MB for inserting a predetermined number of tokens, but it is not limited to this, and may be configured to have, for example, a single bet button for inserting one token in addition to the max bet button MB.

[0226] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the slot machine 1 is configured to be able to insert and dispense tokens as game value, but is not limited thereto. The slot machine 1 may be configured such that, for example, it sets the game value to an inserted state based on an insertion signal output from a game value management device (dedicated unit) provided outside the slot machine 1 and capable of recording the total number of game values ​​that the player can use for playing by electromagnetic means, and outputs a payout signal to the game value management device when it is time to pay out game value, and the game value management device records the game value corresponding to the payout signal on a predetermined recording medium by electromagnetic means. In other words, the slot machine 1 may be composed of a so-called tokenless game machine.

[0227] In this configuration, the slot machine 1 is configured to have, for example, a credit display means that displays the number of credits corresponding to the amount of money inserted into the game value management device by the player. The slot machine 1 is also configured to be able to credit game value equivalent to a maximum of 16,368 tokens, and if game value exceeding 16,368 tokens is credited, the game control means may be set to an error state, and the game may be disabled (the game value is not set to the inserted state and the start operation to the start lever SL is not activated) until the number of credits reaches 16,368 tokens or less by dispensing game value through a method that is electromagnetically recorded on a predetermined recording medium via the game value management device.

[0228] Furthermore, in this configuration, the slot machine 1 may not have an upper limit set on the number of games that can be played in the advantageous period, and the advantageous period may have a configuration in which only an upper limit on the difference in the number of tokens is set as a specific termination condition.

[0229] Furthermore, in the first and second embodiments, the slot machine 1 is configured to set initial values ​​for the stored values ​​of each counter and storage means, and to perform decrement updates that subtract 1 each time a game is played, or increment updates that add 1 each time a game is played. However, the method for updating each counter and storage means may be configured to perform multiplication, division, etc., and is not particularly limited. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0230] 1. Slot machine (amusement machine) 120 Internal drawing method 170 Game state transition control means 180 Performance control means (prize winning assistance means) 200 AT control means (auxiliary game control means, prize winning assistance means) 332a First Reply Navigation Image (First Image) 332b Second Reply Navigation Image (First Image) 332c Third reply navigation image (first image) 333 Red 7 Reply Navi Image (Second Image) 334a First Bell Navi image (third image) 334b Second Bell Navi image (third image) 334c Third Bell Navigation Image (Third Image) B1 Stop button (1st stop button) B2 Stop button (2nd stop button) B3 Stop button (3rd stop button) R1 Left reel (1st reel) R2 Middle reel (2nd reel) R3 Right reel (3rd reel)

Claims

[Claim 1] Multiple reels, Multiple stop buttons corresponding to each of the aforementioned multiple reels, An internal lottery method for conducting an internal lottery, Reel control means for controlling the rotation and stopping modes of the reel, A performance control means for controlling the performance, The system includes control means that perform control related to the transition between a non-advantageous period and an advantageous period, and that can execute control related to the instruction function in the advantageous period. The aforementioned plurality of reels include a first reel, a second reel, and a third reel. In the aforementioned internal lottery, the success or failure of multiple types of winning scenarios is determined. The aforementioned multiple types of winning patterns include specific winning patterns. The aforementioned specific winning patterns are associated with the simultaneous winning of the first, second, and third minor roles. The aforementioned first minor role is set to have a higher payout than the aforementioned second minor role and the aforementioned third minor role. For each of the multiple types of specified winning patterns, a correct operation pattern is set as the operation pattern of the multiple stop buttons. The operation mode for stopping the first reel for the first time is not set as the correct operation mode in any of the specified winning modes. The specific winning mode includes a mode in which the operation to first stop the second reel is the correct operation mode, and a specific winning mode in which the operation to first stop the third reel is the correct operation mode, In the case where the aforementioned internal lottery results in the selection of the specific winning pattern, When the multiple stop buttons are operated in the correct operation mode described above, the first minor prize is awarded. If, among the operation modes different from the correct operation mode described above, the operation mode in which the first reel is stopped first is used to operate the multiple stop buttons, the second small win is awarded. If, among the operating modes different from the correct operating mode, the plurality of stop buttons are operated in an operating mode in which the second reel or the third reel is stopped first, and the reel that is stopped first is different from the reel that is stopped first in the correct operating mode, then the third small win is awarded with a predetermined probability, and if the third small win is not awarded, then no win is awarded. The control means is capable of performing control to transition from the non-advantageous section to the advantageous section based on the fact that the specific winning pattern has been won in the internal lottery during the non-advantageous section. The aforementioned performance control means is capable of displaying a first display and a second display. The first display indicates the sequence of operations that will enable the winning of a specific role when a predetermined winning pattern for winning a specific role is achieved. The second display indicates the timing of the first stop button operation in the sequence of operations that makes the specific role possible when the predetermined winning pattern is achieved. The first display is displayed before the second display. In cases where the second display is displayed after the first display, the second display changes from a configuration in which at least a portion overlaps with the range in which the first display is displayed to a configuration in which the range in which the first display is displayed does not overlap. A gaming machine characterized by the following features.

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