JP7464220B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

Gaming machines (reel type gaming machines, slot machines) equipped with multiple reels with patterns arranged on the outer circumference have been known for some time. This type of gaming machine provides a fixed gaming value for gaming media such as medals and pachinko balls, and players play to acquire such gaming media. This type of gaming machine also performs an internal lottery and starts the rotation of the multiple reels when the player operates to start the rotation, and controls the multiple reels to stop in a manner according to the result of the internal lottery when the player operates to stop the reels. The result of the game is determined by the combination of patterns displayed on the winning determination line when the multiple reels are stopped, and medals and the like are paid out according to the result of the game.

In recent years, gaming machines that can set normal and advantageous zones and provide operation instruction information to assist winning combinations in advantageous zones, thereby enabling auxiliary play known as assist time (AT), which makes it easier to win gaming media such as medals, have been popular (see non-patent document 1).

"Industry News Station", Pachislot Strategy Magazine May 2016 issue, Plantopia Co., Ltd., April 7, 2016, p. 138

However, when auxiliary games are played in advantageous zones, an upper limit is set on the number of times the game can be played in the advantageous zone (for example, 1,500 times). Therefore, when a so-called ceiling function, known as a function for rescuing players who have not been able to acquire the right to play auxiliary games for a long period of time, is installed, even if the ceiling function is activated, the number of times the game remains in the advantageous zone is reduced, and it is easy for a situation to occur in which it is not possible to fully enjoy the auxiliary games based on the activation of the ceiling function in the advantageous zone. This has created an issue of low design freedom regarding the installation of a ceiling function in advantageous zones.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide technology that improves the design freedom of gaming machines.

(1) The present invention relates to a gaming machine that includes a bonus granting means that can set a normal zone and a favorable zone, and a gaming state control means that can set a first gaming state and a second gaming state, in which the gaming state control means does not update the value of a first counter in the second gaming state, updates the value of the first counter in the first gaming state, and ends the first gaming state when the value of the first counter satisfies a termination condition, the bonus granting means can update the value of a second counter in the favorable zone, and grants a bonus when the value of the second counter satisfies a bonus granting condition, and the content of the bonus differs depending on whether the game in which the update of the value of the second counter starts is in the first gaming state or the second gaming state.

In the present invention, the design freedom of the gaming machine can be improved by making the content of the bonus different depending on whether the game in which the update of the value of the second counter begins in the advantageous zone is in the first gaming state or the second gaming state.

(2) The present invention relates to a gaming machine that includes a bonus granting means that can set a normal zone and an advantageous zone, and a gaming state control means that can set a plurality of types of gaming states including a specific gaming state, in which the gaming state control means updates the value of a first counter in the specific gaming state and ends the specific gaming state when the value of the first counter satisfies a termination condition, the bonus granting means updates the value of a second counter in the advantageous zone, grants a bonus when the value of the second counter satisfies a bonus granting condition, and differs the content of the bonus depending on whether the game in which the update of the value of the second counter starts is staying in the specific gaming state.

In the present invention, the design freedom of the gaming machine can be improved by varying the content of the bonus depending on whether the game in which the update of the value of the second counter begins in the advantageous zone remains in a specific game state.

(3) The present invention relates to a gaming machine that includes a bonus granting means that can set a normal zone and an advantageous zone, and a gaming state control means that can set a first gaming state and a second gaming state, in which the gaming state control means does not update the value of a first counter in the second gaming state, updates the value of the first counter in the first gaming state, and ends the first gaming state based on the value of the first counter satisfying a termination condition, and the bonus granting means does not update the value of a second counter if the first gaming state is in the first gaming state when the advantageous zone starts, and can update the value of the second counter if the second gaming state is in the second gaming state when the advantageous zone starts, and grants a bonus based on the value of the second counter satisfying a bonus granting condition.

In the present invention, if the player is in the first gaming state when the advantageous zone starts, the value of the second counter is not updated, but if the player is in the second gaming state when the advantageous zone starts, the value of the second counter can be updated, and a bonus is awarded based on the second counter value satisfying the bonus awarding condition, thereby improving the design freedom of the gaming machine.

(4) The present invention relates to a gaming machine that includes a bonus granting means that can set a normal zone and an advantageous zone, and a gaming state control means that can set a plurality of types of gaming states including a specific gaming state, in which the gaming state control means updates the value of a first counter in the specific gaming state and terminates the specific gaming state when the value of the first counter satisfies a termination condition, the bonus granting means is capable of updating the value of a second counter in the advantageous zone and grants a bonus when the value of the second counter satisfies a bonus granting condition, and determines whether to update the value of the second counter in the advantageous zone depending on whether the specific gaming state is being stayed in when the advantageous zone is started.

In the present invention, the value of the second counter can be updated in the advantageous zone, a bonus is awarded based on the value of the second counter satisfying the bonus awarding condition, and whether or not to update the value of the second counter in the advantageous zone is determined depending on whether or not a specific gaming state is being maintained at the start of the advantageous zone, thereby improving the design freedom of the gaming machine.

(5) The present invention relates to a gaming machine that includes a bonus granting means that can set a normal zone and an advantageous zone, and a gaming state control means that can set a first gaming state and a second gaming state, in which the gaming state control means does not update the value of a first counter in the second gaming state, updates the value of the first counter in the first gaming state, and terminates the first gaming state based on the value of the first counter satisfying a termination condition, the bonus granting means updates the value of the second counter if the second gaming state is in effect when the advantageous zone is started, and grants a bonus based on the value of the second counter satisfying the bonus granting condition, and, in the case where the first gaming state is in effect when the advantageous zone is started, determines that the bonus granting condition is satisfied based on the player being in the first gaming state and grants a bonus.

In the present invention, if the player is in the second gaming state when the advantageous zone starts, the value of the second counter can be updated, and a bonus is awarded based on the second counter value satisfying the bonus awarding condition, and if the player is in the first gaming state when the advantageous zone starts, the bonus awarding condition is determined to be satisfied based on the player being in the first gaming state, and a bonus is awarded, thereby improving the design freedom of the gaming machine.

(6) The present invention relates to a gaming machine that includes a bonus granting means that can set a normal zone and an advantageous zone, and a gaming state control means that can set a plurality of types of gaming states including a specific gaming state, in which the gaming state control means updates the value of a first counter in the specific gaming state and ends the specific gaming state when the value of the first counter satisfies a termination condition, the bonus granting means can update the value of a second counter in the advantageous zone and grants a bonus when the value of the second counter satisfies a bonus granting condition, and if the specific gaming state is present when the advantageous zone is started, the gaming machine grants a bonus by determining that the bonus granting condition is satisfied based on the presence of the specific gaming state.

In this invention, the value of the second counter can be updated in the advantageous zone, and a bonus is awarded based on the value of the second counter satisfying the bonus awarding condition. If a specific gaming state is being maintained at the start of the advantageous zone, the bonus is awarded based on the fact that the specific gaming state is being maintained, and the bonus is determined to have been satisfied based on that fact, thereby improving the design freedom of the gaming machine.

1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 1 is an oblique view showing the internal configuration of a cabinet of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a diagram illustrating functional blocks of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an internal lottery table in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the winning patterns of small prizes in the gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the winning patterns of small prizes in the gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a replay winning mode in the gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of symbols on a reel in a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the order in which stop buttons are pressed and winning combinations in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the order in which stop buttons are pressed and winning combinations in the gaming machine according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between winning roles and symbol combinations in the gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between winning roles and symbol combinations in the gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between winning roles and symbol combinations in the gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between winning roles and symbol combinations in the gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between winning roles and symbol combinations in the gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between winning roles and symbol combinations in the gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. A transition diagram of the game state in the gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention. A transition diagram of the presentation state in the gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention. A transition diagram of a game zone in the gaming machine of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a method according to a first embodiment of the present invention. A transition diagram of the game state in a gaming machine of a second embodiment of the present invention. A diagram illustrating the functional blocks of a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. 13 is a diagram illustrating an internal lottery table in a gaming machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. A transition diagram of the presentation state in the gaming machine of the second embodiment of the present invention. A transition diagram of a game zone in a gaming machine of a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a method according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a method according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention. Note that the embodiment described below does not unduly limit the content of the present invention described in the claims. Furthermore, not all of the configurations described in this embodiment are necessarily essential components of the present invention.

1. First embodiment Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the internal configuration (excluding the reel unit) of the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

The gaming machine of this embodiment is a so-called slot machine or reel type gaming machine, which is a type of gaming machine that uses medals as the gaming medium.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, a reel unit consisting of a first reel R1 to a fourth reel R4 (multiple reels) is stored in a box-shaped housing consisting of a storage box BX, an upper front door UD, and a lower front door DD. In addition, a power supply unit EU having a built-in power supply unit and various switches such as a power switch ES, a setting change key cylinder KS, and a setting change button BS, and a hopper unit HP as a medal payout device are stored in the lower part of the reel unit storage space PS in the storage box BX. The hopper unit HP is equipped with a medal storage tank MT for storing medals to be used in a game, a payout motor (not shown) consisting of a stepping motor, and a rotating disk (not shown) supported by the payout motor, and is configured so that the rotating disk is rotated by the payout motor to pay out medals one by one. In addition, when the amount of medals stored in the medal storage tank MT reaches a certain amount, the hopper unit HP sends out surplus medals to a cash box CB. In the housing of the gaming machine of this embodiment, for example, a main board MAIN is attached above the reel unit storage space PS, and a sub-board SUB is attached to the side of the reel unit storage space PS. These control boards (main board MAIN, sub-board SUB) are equipped with a CPU (an example of a calculation means), a ROM (an example of an information storage medium), a RAM (an example of a temporary storage means), etc., so that the operation of the gaming machine can be controlled. In this embodiment, the power supply unit EU is provided with a setting change key cylinder KS and a setting change button BS, but the setting change key cylinder KS and the setting change button BS may also be provided on the surface of the main board MAIN.

The first reel R1 to the fourth reel R4 shown in FIG. 1 are each divided into 20 regions (each region is called a "frame") at regular intervals on the outer periphery, and one of several types of symbols is arranged on each frame. The first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are supported by a stepping motor (reel driving means: not shown), and are each driven to rotate around the axis of the stepping motor, and are provided so that they can be stopped in frame units (predetermined rotation angle units, predetermined rotation amount units) by controlling the number of pulses and pulse width of the drive pulse of the stepping motor. That is, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the stepping motor drives the first reel R1 to the fourth reel R4 to rotate in response to the drive pulse supplied from the control board, and when a drive pulse of full phase excitation is supplied from the control board, the first reel R1 to the fourth reel R4 stop as the rotation of the stepping motor stops.

The upper front door UD and the lower front door DD can be opened and closed separately, and the upper front door UD has a display window DW that allows the spinning and stopped states of the first reel R1 to the fourth reel R4 to be observed. When the first reel R1 to the fourth reel R4 are stopped, three patterns (upper row pattern, middle row pattern, and lower row pattern) that are consecutively arranged on the outer periphery of each of the first reel R1 to the fourth reel R4 out of the multiple types of patterns arranged at regular intervals on the outer periphery of each of the first reel R1 to the fourth reel R4 can be observed from the front of the gaming machine through the display window DW.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, an upper, middle, and lower section is provided for each reel as a display position for observing the pattern through the display window DW, and a winning line is set by a combination of the display positions of each reel. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the number of medals required for one game, the so-called specified insertion number, is set to three, and when a number of medals equivalent to the specified insertion number are inserted, an active line L1 consisting of the middle section of the first reel R1, the middle section of the second reel R2, the top section of the third reel R3, and the middle section of the fourth reel R4, and an active line L2 consisting of the middle section of the first reel R1, the middle section of the second reel R2, the bottom section of the third reel R3, and the middle section of the fourth reel R4 are activated.

The game result is determined by the symbol combination that is stopped and displayed on the winning line in the display window DW, and if the symbol combination on the winning line corresponds to a predetermined winning combination, that winning combination is treated as a winning combination and medals are paid out from the hopper unit HP.

The upper front door UD is also provided with a game information display unit DS and a zone indicator SEC. The game information display unit DS is made up of LEDs, lamps, seven-segment displays, etc., and displays various game information such as the number of medal credits, the number of medals paid out or won in one game, and the total number of medals paid out or won in BB state. The zone indicator SEC also notifies whether or not the player is in an advantageous zone by turning on and off the built-in LED.

The upper front door UD is also provided with a liquid crystal display LCD for game presentation. Various videos (or images) for supporting or livening up the game are displayed on this liquid crystal display LCD. In addition, in this embodiment of the gaming machine, multiple speakers SP for game presentation are provided on the upper front door UD and the lower front door DD. Various sounds for supporting or livening up the game are output from these speakers SP.

The lower front door DD is also provided with various operating means. The operating means include a bet button (insertion operating means) B0 for inserting credited (stored) medals, a start lever (game start operating means) SL for spinning the first reel R1 to the fourth reel R4 to start a game, and stop buttons (stop operating means) B1 to B4 for stopping each of the first reel R1 to the fourth reel R4 that are driven to rotate by a stepping motor.

In this embodiment of the gaming machine, when a player inserts a medal into the medal slot MI or presses the bet button B0, the machine is set to a ready state in which it is possible to start controlling the rotation of the first reel R1 to the fourth reel R4. Then, when the player presses the start lever SL, the control board starts to rotate the first reel R1 to the fourth reel R4 by driving the stepping motor, and an internal lottery is performed using a random number value. On the condition that the rotation speed of the first reel R1 to the fourth reel R4 has increased to a predetermined speed, pressing the stop buttons B1 to B4 is permitted (enabled).

After that, when the player presses the stop buttons B1 to B4 at any timing, the stop switch (stop signal output means: for example, a photosensor, a continuity sensor, a pressure sensor, etc.) built into each of the stop buttons B1 to B4 turns on, changing the reel stop signal input to the control board from the OFF state to the ON state.

When the player releases any of the pressed stop buttons B1 to B4 at any time, the stop switches corresponding to the stop buttons B1 to B4 turn off, changing the reel stop signal input to the control board from on to off.

The control board then stops the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 at a stop position that corresponds to the result of the internal lottery based on the change from OFF to ON of the reel stop signal, whose state changes depending on when the stop buttons B1 to B4 are pressed and released.

A medal payout port MO and a medal tray MP are provided at the bottom of the lower front door DD, and a number of medals according to the results of a game are paid out from the hopper unit HP through the medal payout port MO to the medal tray MP. When medals are paid out according to the results of a game, if crediting (internal storage) of medals is permitted, medals equivalent to some or all of the payout number are credited up to a credit limit (50 in this embodiment), and the display value of the credit indicator consisting of a 7-segment display of the game information display unit DS is changed in accordance with the change in the number of medals credited.

Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of the gaming machine of this embodiment.

The gaming machine of this embodiment is controlled by a gaming control means (main board MAIN and sub board SUB) 100. The gaming control means 100 is started by power supplied from the power supply unit EU by the operation of the power switch ES, and receives input signals from input means such as the medal insertion switch 210, the bet switch 220, the start switch 230, the stop switch 240, the setting change permission switch 250, and the setting change switch 260, and performs various calculations to execute a game, and controls the operation of output means such as the reel unit 310, the hopper unit (payout device) HP, the display device 330, and the sound device 340 based on the calculation results. The functions of the gaming control means 100 are realized by hardware such as various processors (CPU, DSP, etc.), ASICs (gate arrays, etc.), ROMs (an example of information storage media), or RAMs, or software consisting of a given program pre-stored in the ROMs, etc.

The game control means 100 includes a setting change means 103, a throw-in acceptance means 105, a random number generation means 110, an internal lottery means 120, a reel control means 130, a winning determination means 140, a payout control means 150, a replay processing means 160, a game state control means 170, an AT control means 175, a performance control means 180, a game information storage means 190a, and a performance information storage means 190b. In this embodiment, the setting change means 103, the throw-in acceptance means 105, the random number generation means 110, the internal lottery means 120, a reel control means 130, a winning determination means 140, a payout control means 150, a replay processing means 160, a game state control means 170, and an AT control means 175 are realized by the CPU of the main board MAIN executing various programs, and the performance control means 180 is realized by the CPU of the sub board SUB executing various programs. The game information storage means 190a is composed of a main ROM and a main RAM mounted on the main board MAIN, and the performance information storage means 190b is composed of a sub ROM and a sub RAM mounted on the sub board SUB. Various programs executed by the CPU of the main board MAIN are stored in the main ROM of the game information storage means 190a, and various programs executed by the CPU of the sub board SUB are stored in the sub ROM of the performance information storage means 190b. The setting change means 103 controls changing the setting values stored in the setting value storage area 1913 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a. In this embodiment, the game machine is switched between being started in the game mode and being started in the setting change mode depending on the state of the setting change permission switch 250 when the power is turned on. When the setting key is inserted into the setting change key cylinder KS and turned clockwise from the initial position, the signal state of the setting change permission switch 250 becomes ON. When the power switch ES is operated in this state to supply power from the power supply unit EU, the setting change means 103 starts the game machine in the setting change mode. In this embodiment, the setting value can be selected from six setting values from setting 1 to setting 6, and the winning probability of the internal lottery is changed so that the expected value of the ball payout rate increases from setting 1 to setting 6. In this embodiment, the setting values are expressed in the order of setting 1 < setting 2 < setting 3 < setting 4 < setting 5 < setting 6.

When the setting change switch 260 is activated by pressing the setting change button BS in the setting change mode, the setting change means 103 changes the setting value in the order of setting 1 → setting 2 → ... setting 6 → setting 1 → ... each time it receives an input signal from the setting change switch 260, confirms the setting value based on a game start signal from the start switch 230 that is activated by pressing the start lever SL, and controls the confirmed setting value to be stored in the setting value memory area 1913. In this embodiment, the signal state of the setting change permission switch 250 can be changed to the OFF state by returning the setting key inserted into the setting change key cylinder KS to its initial position, thereby making it possible to transition from the setting change mode to the game mode.

In this embodiment, when the power is turned on with the setting change key cylinder KS in the initial position, the gaming machine is started in the game mode based on the signal state of the setting change permission switch 260 being in the off state. In this embodiment, in the game mode, it is possible to play games but it is not possible to change the setting values, and in the setting change mode, it is possible to change the setting values but it is not possible to play games.

In addition, in the setting change mode, the setting change means 103 performs an initialization process to initialize information stored in a predetermined memory area of the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a. In particular, in this embodiment, with respect to the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a, the information stored in the lottery flag memory area 1915, the game status memory area 1916, the performance status memory area 1917, the AT stock number counter 1918, the AT game number counter 1919, the ceiling game number counter 1920, the CZ game number counter 1921, the first clear counter 1922, and the second clear counter 1923 is initialized by the initialization process in the setting change mode. More specifically, the memory areas in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a other than the lottery flag memory area 1915, game status memory area 1916, performance status memory area 1917, AT stock number counter 1918, AT game number counter 1919, ceiling game number counter 1920, CZ game number counter 1921, first clear counter 1922, and second clear counter 1923 are designated as information holding areas, and information stored in the memory areas other than the information holding areas of the main RAM is initialized. For this reason, in the main RAM, the setting value memory area 1913 and credit information memory area 1914 are designated as information holding areas, and the information stored in these memory areas is retained without being initialized by the initialization process in the setting change mode.

The insertion acceptance means 105 accepts the insertion of medals for each game, and performs a process to activate the game start operation for the start lever SL (game start operation means) based on the insertion of medals equivalent to the specified insertion number (3 medals). In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the first press of the start lever SL, which is activated based on the insertion of medals equivalent to the specified insertion number, is accepted as the game start operation, and serves as a trigger to start the rotation of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 and also serves as a trigger to execute an internal lottery.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a medal is inserted into the medal insertion slot MI, the medal insertion switch 210 is actuated, and the insertion acceptance means 105 sets the inserted medal to an inserted state, up to a specified insertion number. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, a maximum of 50 medals can be stored (accumulated) in the credit information storage area 1914 provided in the main RAM of the gaming information storage means 190a, and when the bet button B0 is pressed with medals credit-stored in the gaming machine, the bet switch 220 is actuated, and the insertion acceptance means 105 sets the medals credit-stored in the credit information storage area 1914 to an inserted state, up to a specified insertion number.

The random number generating means 110 is a means for generating random numbers for the lottery. The random numbers can be generated, for example, by a 16-bit random number circuit that generates 65,536 random numbers from 0 to 65,535 without duplication within one period. Note that in this embodiment, the "random number" includes not only values that are generated randomly in the mathematical sense, but also values that, even if their generation is regular, can actually function as random numbers because the timing of their acquisition is irregular.

The internal lottery means 120 is a means for conducting an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination will be achieved based on a start signal from the start switch 230, which is activated when the player operates the start lever SL to start playing (first pressing of the activated start lever SL), and performs lottery table selection processing, random number determination processing, lottery flag setting processing, etc.

In the lottery table selection process, it is determined which of the multiple internal lottery tables stored in the main lottery table storage area 1910 provided in the main ROM of the game information storage means 190a is to be used to perform the internal lottery. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, four types of internal lottery tables (internal lottery table 1 to internal lottery table 4) as shown in FIG. 4 are stored in the main lottery table storage area 1910. In each internal lottery table, various roles such as replays, small roles, and bonuses and misses (non-wins) are associated with each of multiple random number values (for example, 65,536 random number values from 0 to 65,535). In this embodiment, four types of internal lottery tables are prepared for each of the six setting values, and the probability of obtaining some winning modes in the internal lottery differs depending on the setting value, and the correspondence between roles and random number values is set so that the higher the setting value, the higher the expected value of the ball payout rate.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, minor roles are provided as minor roles 1 to 47, and the winning patterns of the minor roles are set as shown in Figures 5 and 6, and include batting order bell group A (batting order bell A1 to batting order bell A24), batting order bell group B (batting order bell B1 to batting order bell B24), batting order bell group C (batting order bell C1 to batting order bell C24), special batting order role group A (special batting order role A1 to special batting order role A8), weak cherry, strong cherry, JAC1, and JAC2.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, replays are provided as Replay 1 to Replay 4, and the winning types of replays are set as Normal Replay 1, Normal Replay 2, Chance Replay, and Bell Replay, as shown in FIG. 7.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the selection mode and winning probability of the small role are the same on internal lottery table 1 to internal lottery table 3, and the selection mode and winning probability of the replay are the same on internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2, but replays are not included in the selection on internal lottery table 3, and internal lottery table 4 has a different selection mode of the small role from internal lottery table 1 to internal lottery table 3, and has a higher winning probability of the small role.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the following bonuses are provided: a big bonus (BB), a first regular bonus (RB1), a second regular bonus (RB2), a third regular bonus (RB3), and a fourth regular bonus (RB4). In internal lottery table 1, the big bonus (BB) is the subject of the lottery, and in internal lottery table 3, the first regular bonus (RB1) through the fourth regular bonus (RB4) are the subjects of the lottery.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the game state can be set to a normal state, a BB state, and a BB state (a state in which the special feature is not activated, a state in which the special feature is activated), and in the lottery table selection process, one of internal lottery tables 1 to 4 is selected as the internal lottery table to be used in the internal lottery depending on the game state.

In this embodiment, the probability of winning bonuses and replays does not change depending on the setting value, but the probability of winning some minor winning patterns changes depending on the setting value, and the higher the setting value, the higher the probability of winning JAC1 and JAC2.

In the random number determination process, a random number value (random number for lottery) is obtained from the random number generating means 110 for each game based on a start signal from the start switch 230, and the obtained random number value is used to determine whether or not it has won a winning combination by referring to the internal lottery table stored in the main lottery table memory area 1910 provided in the main ROM of the game information memory means 190a.

In the lottery flag setting process, the lottery flag corresponding to the winning combination determined to be a winning combination is set from a non-winning state (first flag state, off state) to a winning state (second flag state, on state) based on the result of the random number determination process. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when two or more types of combinations are won in a overlapping manner, the lottery flags corresponding to each of the two or more types of combinations that are won in a overlapping manner are set to a winning state. The setting information for the lottery flag is stored in the lottery flag storage area 1915 provided in the main RAM of the gaming information storage means 190a.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a lottery flag (carry-over flag) that can carry over the winning state to the next game or later until a prize is won, and a lottery flag (non-carry-over flag) that is reset to a non-winning state without carrying over the winning state to the next game or later regardless of whether a prize is won are prepared. The former carry-over flags correspond to the big bonus (BB), first regular bonus (RB1), second regular bonus (RB2), third regular bonus (RB3), and fourth regular bonus (RB4), while the latter non-carry-over flags correspond to the small bonus and replay. In the lottery flag setting process, for example, when the big bonus (BB) is won in the internal lottery, a process is performed to carry over the winning state of the lottery flag of the big bonus (BB) until the big bonus (BB) is won. At this time, the internal lottery means 120 performs an internal lottery to determine whether the small bonus and replay will be won or not, even in a game in which the winning state of the lottery flag of the big bonus (BB) is carried over. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, in a game in which the winning state of the lottery flag of a bonus associated with a carryover flag such as a big bonus (BB) is carried over, if a small win or replay is won, the lottery flag corresponding to two or more types of roles consisting of the lottery flag of the already won bonus and the lottery flag of the small win or replay won in the internal lottery is set to the winning state.

The reel control means 130 starts the rotation drive of the first reel R1 to the fourth reel R4 by the stepping motor based on a start signal from the start switch 230, which is operated by the player's operation to start playing by operating the start lever SL, and controls the first reel R1 to the fourth reel R4 to start rotating at a predetermined speed (approximately 80 rpm: a rotation speed of approximately 80 rotations per minute) by pressing the stop button B1 to B4 (stop operation means) corresponding to the reel, and controls the first reel R1 to the fourth reel R4, which are rotated by the stepping motor, to stop in a manner according to the setting state of the lottery flag (the result of the internal lottery).

When the player presses the stop button B1 to B4 and the stop switch 240 is activated with the stop operation for the stop buttons B1 to B4 enabled, the reel control means 130 controls the reels to stop, from the first reel R1 to the fourth reel R4, by supplying a full-phase excitation drive pulse to the stepping motor of the reel unit 310 based on the reel stop signal from the stop switch 240.

That is, each time one of the stop buttons B1 to B4 is pressed, the reel control means 130 determines the stop position of the reel corresponding to the pressed button among the first reel R1 to the fourth reel R4, and controls the reel to stop at the determined stop position. In the gaming machine of this embodiment, pressing the stop button B1 corresponds to an operation for stopping the first reel R1, pressing the stop button B2 corresponds to an operation for stopping the second reel R2, pressing the stop button B3 corresponds to an operation for stopping the third reel R3, and pressing the stop button B4 corresponds to an operation for stopping the fourth reel R4. In other words, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, if the order in which the stop buttons B1 to B4 are pressed is changed, the stop order of the first reel R1 to the fourth reel R4 is changed.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the first reel R1 to the fourth reel R4 are stopped within 190 ms from the time when the stop button B1 to B4 is pressed. When the reels are stopped within 190 ms from the time when the stop button is pressed, the stop position of each reel is determined by the number of frames required from the time when the stop button is pressed until the reel stops, which is within the range of 0 to 4 frames (predetermined pull-in range). The reel control means 130 controls the reel to stop, which corresponds to the stop button B1 to B4 that was pressed, so that the symbol corresponding to the role that was won in the internal lottery is displayed at the display position on the pay line when the symbol corresponding to the role for which the lottery flag is set to the winning state is located within the range of 0 to 4 frames from the display position on the pay line at the time when the stop button was pressed.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the red 7 symbol "RED 7", bar symbol "BAR", special symbol 1 "SP1", special symbol 2 "SP2", special symbol 3 "SP3", replay symbol "RP", bell symbol "BL", watermelon symbol 1 "WM1", watermelon symbol 2 "WM2", and cherry symbol "CH" are arranged on the outer periphery of the first reel R1 to the fourth reel R4 constituting the reel unit 310, and when symbols existing within four frames from the pressing detection position are drawn onto the active line, the symbols arranged at intervals of four frames or less on the outer periphery of each reel can be displayed on the active line regardless of the pressing detection position, which is the position of the reel at the time when the stop switch 240 is activated (the time when the pressing of the stop button is detected).

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the reel unit 310 is equipped with a reel index 315 consisting of a photosensor, and the reel control means 130 is able to monitor the current rotation state of the reel by determining the rotation angle (the number of rotation steps of the rotating shaft of the stepping motor) from the reference position of the reel (the frame detected by the reel index 315) based on the reference position signal detected by the reel index 315 each time the reel rotates once. In other words, the reel control means 130 can obtain the position of the reel when the stop switch 240 is activated by determining the rotation angle from the reference position of the reel.

The reel control means 130 also performs a process (logic calculation) to determine the stop position of the spinning reel based on priority, and a process (table reference process) to determine the stop position of the spinning reel by referring to the stop control table stored in the stop control table storage area 1911 provided in the main ROM of the game information storage means 190a.

First, in the logic calculation, the priority is calculated for the 5 candidate stop positions within a range of 0 to 4 frames from the press detection position according to the priority data defined for each role. Then, the candidate stop position with the highest priority among the candidate stop positions is determined as the actual stop position. However, in the logic calculation process, the same priority may be calculated for multiple candidate stop positions depending on the results of the internal lottery and the press detection position, and if there are multiple candidates for the highest priority stop position, the actual stop position is determined by a table reference process described below.

In particular, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the order of priority is set as "replay > bonus" and then "minor role > bonus", and in the logic calculation, when the lottery flags for two or more types of roles are set to a winning state, the priority is determined according to the priority associated with each role, so that the candidate stop positions including the symbols that make up the winning form of a role with a higher priority are given a higher priority than the candidate stop positions including the symbols that make up the winning form of a role with a lower priority.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when multiple types of minor roles are won in the internal lottery, the priority of the candidate stop positions may be determined according to the number of symbol combinations that indicate winning forms that can be displayed on the active line, or the number of medals paid out based on a predetermined payout for the minor role. When the priority of the candidate stop positions is determined according to the number of symbol combinations that indicate winning forms that can be displayed on the active line, the priority of each candidate stop position is determined so that the priority is higher for the stop positions with a greater number of symbol combinations that indicate winning forms that can be displayed on the active line. When the priority of the candidate stop positions is determined according to the number of medals paid out, the priority of each candidate stop position is determined so that the priority is higher for the stop positions with a greater number of medals paid out based on the payout for the minor role corresponding to the symbol displayed at the display position on the active line (stop positions that can win minor roles with a greater payout). However, when determining the priority of candidate stop positions according to the number of medals paid out, if multiple minor prizes with the same payout are won, the priority of candidate stop positions that can win each minor prize is treated as being the same, and when determining the priority of candidate stop positions according to the number of symbol combinations that can show winning patterns that can be displayed on an active line, the priority of candidate stop positions that have the same number of symbol combinations that can show winning patterns that can be displayed on an active line is treated as being the same.

In this embodiment, when a batting order bell (batting order bell A1 to batting order bell A24, batting order bell B1 to batting order bell B24, batting order bell C1 to batting order bell C24) is selected, a logic calculation is performed according to the order in which the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed. Specifically, a correct batting order is set for each of the batting order bells A1 to A24, batting order bell B1 to batting order bell B24, and batting order bell C1 to batting order bell C24, and a pressing order that differs from the correct batting order is treated as an incorrect batting order. When any of the batting order bells is selected and the stop buttons B1 to B4 are pressed in the correct batting order, a priority is determined so that the candidate stop position that will result in the greatest number of medals being paid out has the highest priority. Furthermore, if any of the batting order bells are won, and stop buttons B1-B4 are pressed in an incorrect batting order, the priority is determined so that the candidate stopping position that can display the most winning combinations on the pay line at the stage of stopping each reel has the highest priority.

In this embodiment, if any of the batting order bells is won, when stop buttons B1 to B4 are pressed in the correct batting order, logic calculations are performed so that the candidate stop position that can win a 15-coin minor win (a minor win with a payout of 15 coins: an example of a specific minor win) has the highest priority, and when stop buttons B1 to B4 are pressed in the incorrect batting order, logic calculations are performed so that the candidate stop position that can win a 1-coin minor win (a minor win with a payout of 1 coin) has the highest priority. In this embodiment, 15 different small prizes are set depending on the type of batting order bell. When the batting order bell A1, batting order bell A2, batting order bell B1, batting order bell B2, batting order bell C1, and batting order bell C2 are won, small prize 1 is won. When the batting order bell A3, batting order bell A4, batting order bell B3, batting order bell B4, batting order bell C3, and batting order bell C4 are won, small prize 2 is won. When the batting order bell A5, batting order bell A6, batting order bell B5, batting order bell B6, batting order bell C5, and batting order bell C6 are won, small prize 3 is won. When the batting order bell A7, batting order bell A8, batting order bell B7, batting order bell B8, batting order bell C7, and batting order bell C8 are won, the small prize 4 is won. When the batting order bell A9, batting order bell A10, batting order bell B9, batting order bell B10, batting order bell C9, and batting order bell C10 are won, the small prize 5 is won. When the batting order bell A11, batting order bell A12, batting order bell B11, batting order bell B12, batting order bell C11, and batting order bell C12 are won, the small prize 6 is won. When the order bell A13, batting order bell A14, batting order bell B13, batting order bell B14, batting order bell C13, and batting order bell C14 are selected, small prize 7 is awarded. When the order bell A15, batting order bell A16, batting order bell B15, batting order bell B16, batting order bell C15, and batting order bell C16 are selected, small prize 8 is awarded. When the order bell A17, batting order bell A18, batting order bell B17, batting order bell B18, batting order bell C17, and batting order bell C18 are selected, small prize 9 is awarded. When the order bell A19, batting order bell A20, batting order bell B21, batting order bell B22, batting order bell C23, and batting order bell C24 are selected, small prize 10 is awarded. When batting order bell A20, batting order bell B19, batting order bell B20, batting order bell C19, and batting order bell C20 are selected, minor prize 10 is awarded; when batting order bell A21, batting order bell A22, batting order bell B21, batting order bell B22, batting order bell C21, and batting order bell C22 are selected, minor prize 11 is awarded; and when batting order bell A23, batting order bell A24, batting order bell B23, batting order bell B24, batting order bell C23, and batting order bell C24 are selected, minor prize 12 is awarded.

In this embodiment, the manner of control when the batting order bell is won may differ depending on the game state. In the normal state, the order of all stop operations for the batting order bells A, B, and C are set as incorrect batting orders. For the batting order bells B (an example of a specific winning mode), the order of all stop operations is set as correct batting orders when inside the RB and the device is not operating in the BB state. For the batting order bells C (an example of a specific winning mode), the order of all stop operations is set as correct batting orders when inside the RB and the device is not operating in the BB state.

In addition, in this embodiment, when a special batting order role (special batting order role A1 to special batting order role A8) belonging to special batting order role group A is won in a game state other than the BB state, the priority is determined so that the candidate stopping position that can display the symbol combination showing the most winning forms on the winning line at the stage of stopping each reel has the highest priority. In this case, regardless of the operation mode used to perform the stopping operation, a one-coin minor role included in the special batting order role belonging to special batting order role group A will always win.

On the other hand, when a special batting order role belonging to special batting order role group A is won in a BB state, there are correct and incorrect batting orders for the stopping operation sequence, and when the stop buttons B1 to B4 are pressed in the correct batting order, the priority is determined so that the candidate for the stopping position that can display the symbol combination that constitutes the most winning form on the pay line at the stage of stopping each reel has the highest priority, and when the stop buttons B1 to B4 are pressed in the incorrect batting order, the priority is determined so that the candidate for the stopping position that will result in the largest number of medals being paid out has the highest priority.

In this embodiment, when determining the priority according to the number of medals paid out, within the pull-in range of the pressing detection position, there are candidates for the stop positions where there is a possibility of winning bonuses and small prizes, and candidates for the stop positions where there is a possibility of winning only small prizes, and if the number of medals paid out for these candidates for the stop positions is the same, a logic calculation is performed so that the candidate for the stop position where there is a possibility of winning bonuses and small prizes has a higher priority than the candidate for the stop position where there is a possibility of winning only small prizes. Therefore, when a special batting order role belonging to the special batting order role group A is won in the BB establishment state, if the stop buttons B1 to B4 are pressed in the incorrect batting order, there are cases where a one-coin small prize included in the winning special batting order role is won, and cases where a big bonus (BB) is won. Note that when a special batting order role belonging to the special batting order role group A is won in the BB establishment state, if the stop buttons B1 to B4 are pressed in the correct batting order, the one-coin small prize included in the winning special batting order role is always won.

In addition, in this embodiment, in addition to the batting order bell and special batting order role, there are also the weak cherry, strong cherry, JAC1, and JAC2 winning patterns in which multiple types of minor roles overlap and are won. For these winning patterns, the priority is determined so that the candidate stopping position that will pay out the most medals has the highest priority.

In addition, the logic calculation performs so-called pull-in processing and kick-off processing as processing for determining candidates for the reel stop positions. The pull-in processing is processing for determining the priority of candidates for the reel stop positions so that roles with the lottery flag set to a winning state can win as much as possible. On the other hand, the kick-off processing is processing for determining the priority of candidates for the reel stop positions so that roles with the lottery flag set to a non-winning state cannot win. In this way, the reel control means 130 performs logic calculations to determine candidates for the reel stop positions so that symbols of roles with the lottery flag set to a winning state can stop in a winning form, while symbols of roles with the lottery flag set to a non-winning state cannot stop in a winning form.

In the table reference process, when multiple candidates for the highest priority stop position are obtained as a result of the logic calculation, the stop control table stored in the stop control table memory area 1911 provided in the main ROM of the game information storage means 190a is referenced to determine which position should be the stop position.

The stop control table sets the correspondence between the push detection position, which is the position of the reel at the time the stop switch 240 is activated (the time the push of the stop button is detected), and the actual stop position, depending on the setting state of the lottery flag. Note that the stop control table may also set the correspondence between the push detection position and the number of sliding frames, which indicates the amount of rotation from the push detection position to the actual stop position, depending on the setting state of the lottery flag.

In this embodiment, in the stop control table that is referenced when any of the batting order bells A1 to A24, B1 to B24, and C1 to C24 wins, the stop positions for the press detection positions are set so that when the stop buttons B1 to B4 are pressed in the correct batting order, 15 small prizes are awarded, and when the stop buttons B1 to B4 are pressed in the incorrect batting order, 1 small prize is awarded. As described above, in the normal state, the order of all stop operations for the batting order bells A, B, and C are set as incorrect batting orders, and for the batting order bells B, the order of all stop operations inside the RB when the special features are not activated in the BB state is set as the correct batting order, and for the batting order bells C, the order of all stop operations inside the RB when the special features are not activated in the BB state is set as the correct batting order.

In addition, in the stop control table that is referenced when any of the special batting order roles A1 to A8 is selected in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that the content of the stop control differs depending on the game status.

First, in a game state other than the BB state, the stop control table that is referenced when special batting order roles A1 to A8 are won has a stop position set relative to the press detection position so that the 1-coin minor role included in the winning special batting order role will always win, regardless of the operation mode used to perform the stop operation.

On the other hand, in the stop control table that is referenced when the special batting order roles A1 to A8 are won in the BB state, the correct batting order is set for each special batting order role as shown in FIG. 10, and a pressing order that differs from the correct batting order is treated as an incorrect batting order. When the stop buttons B1 to B4 are pressed in the correct batting order, the 1-coin small role included in the winning special batting order role is always won, and when the stop buttons B1 to B4 are pressed in the incorrect batting order, the stop positions are set so that there are cases where the 1-coin small role included in the winning special batting order role is won and cases where the big bonus (BB) is won.

In addition, in the stop control table that is referenced when a weak cherry is won in the internal lottery, priority is given to the winning of the small prize 33, and the stop position for the press detection position is set so that there are cases where the small prize 33 wins and cases where the small prize 21 wins. Note that in this embodiment, in the stop control table that is referenced when a weak cherry is won in the BB state when the reels are not operating, the stop position for the press detection position is set in a different manner from the above, specifically, priority is given to the winning of the small prize 21, and the stop position for the press detection position is set so that the replay symbol "RP" is always displayed on the first reel R1.

In addition, in the stop control table that is referenced when a strong cherry is won in the internal lottery, priority is given to the winning of small prize 47, and the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that there are cases in which small prize 47 wins and cases in which small prize 19, small prize 35, or small prize 46 wins.

In addition, in the stop control table that is referenced when JAC1 is selected in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that a 15-coin small win (any of small wins 1 to 12) will be awarded regardless of the type of stop operation, and in the stop control table that is referenced when JAC2 is selected in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that a 1-coin small win (any of small wins 13 to 46) will be awarded regardless of the type of stop operation.

In addition, in the stop control table referenced when Normal Replay 1 or Normal Replay 2 is selected in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that Replay 1 will win regardless of the type of stop operation, in the stop control table referenced when Chance Replay is selected in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that Replay 2 will win regardless of the type of stop operation, and in the stop control table referenced when Bell Replay is selected in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that Replay 3 will win regardless of the type of stop operation. Note that in the stop control table referenced inside RB when the reels are not activated in the BB state, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that Replay 1 will win regardless of which replay is selected.

The winning judgment means 140 performs a winning judgment process to judge whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the stopping state of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3. Specifically, the winning judgment means 140 judges whether or not the symbol combination displayed on the pay line when all of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 have stopped is a winning form of a predetermined winning combination, etc., while referring to the winning judgment table stored in the winning judgment table storage area 1912 provided in the main ROM of the game information storage means 190a. Then, the winning judgment table is prepared so that the presence or absence of a winning combination of the big bonus (BB), the first regular bonus (RB1), the second regular bonus (RB2), the third regular bonus (RB3), the fourth regular bonus (RB4), the replay 1 to replay 4, and the small prize 1 to small prize 47 can be judged based on the symbol combination displayed on the pay line when each reel has stopped, as shown in Figures 11 to 16.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a winning combination is achieved, a winning process is executed based on the result of the determination by the winning determination means 140. As the winning process, for example, when a small combination is achieved, a medal payout control process is executed by the payout control means 150, when a replay is achieved, a replay process is executed by the replay processing means 160, and when a bonus is achieved, a game state transition control process is executed by the game state control means 170 to transition the game state.

The payout control means 150 performs a payout control process for the payout of medals according to the game results. Specifically, when a small winning combination is achieved, the payout number of medals in the game is determined based on the payout amount predetermined for each combination, and the payout number of medals corresponding to the determined payout number is controlled to be paid out by the hopper unit HP (payout device).

The hopper unit HP performs the operation of paying out the number of medals instructed by the payout control means 150. The hopper unit HP is equipped with a payout medal detection switch 325 that is activated each time a medal is paid out, and the payout control means 150 is configured to be able to manage the number of medals actually paid out from the hopper unit HP based on the input signal from the payout medal detection switch 325.

When credit storage (accumulation storage) of medals is permitted, instead of actually paying out medals using the hopper unit HP, a credit addition process is performed to add the payout number to the credit number (the number of medals stored as credits) stored in the credit information storage area 1914 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a, and a process of virtually paying out medals is performed.

When a replay wins, the replay processing means 160 performs a replay process (replay process) that sets the next game to the same preparation state as the previous game without the player having to insert any medals owned by the player. That is, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when a replay wins, an automatic insertion process is performed that automatically inserts a number of medals equivalent to the specified insertion number required for the next game without using any medals (including credit medals) held by the player, and the machine waits for the next game start operation of the start lever SL with a winning line corresponding to the specified insertion number set.

As shown in FIG. 17(A) and FIG. 17(B), the game state control means 170 performs a game state transition control process that transitions the game state between the normal state, the BB established state, and the BB state (the role device is not operating, the role device is operating). In this embodiment, information indicating the current game state is stored in a game state storage area 1916 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a. The game state transition condition may be one condition or multiple conditions. When multiple conditions are set, the game state can be transitioned to another game state based on the establishment of one of the multiple predetermined conditions or the establishment of all of the multiple predetermined conditions.

The normal state is a game state that corresponds to the initial state among multiple game states, and it is possible to transition from the normal state to the BB established state or the BB state. Specifically, if a big bonus (BB) is won in the normal state but the big bonus (BB) is not awarded, the state transitions to the BB established state, and if a big bonus (BB) is won and also awarded in the normal state, the state transitions to the BB state. In the normal state, the internal lottery is performed by referring to internal lottery table 1, in which the probability of winning a replay is set to about 1/7.3 or more and the big bonus (BB) is set as a lottery target, among internal lottery tables 1 to 4 shown in FIG. 4.

The BB state is a game state to which a player transitions when a big bonus (BB) is won in an internal lottery in the normal state, but the big bonus (BB) is not awarded. Of the internal lottery tables 1 to 4 shown in Figure 4, the probability of a replay winning is higher than that of internal lottery table 1, so no misses (no wins) occur, and an internal lottery is held with reference to internal lottery table 2, which excludes all bonuses from the lottery.

In addition, in the BB established state, the lottery flag corresponding to the big bonus (BB) is maintained in the winning state until the big bonus (BB) is won, and when the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the big bonus (BB) is displayed on the pay line, the game state control means 170 transitions the game state from the BB established state to the BB state.

The BB state is a game state to which the player enters when a symbol combination indicating a big bonus (BB) winning form is displayed on an active line, and as shown in FIG. 17(B), the game state transitions between a non-operating state of the device (not in the internal state, in the RB state) and an operating state of the device until the end condition of the BB state is met. In the BB state, an internal lottery is performed by referencing one of the internal lottery tables 2 to 4 among the internal lottery tables 1 to 4 shown in FIG. 4.

The non-operating role state is the game state that is set when the BB state is initiated by winning a big bonus (BB). In the non-operating role state, an internal lottery is performed by referencing either internal lottery table 2 or internal lottery table 3 out of internal lottery tables 2 to 4 that are used in the BB state.

Specifically, at the beginning of the BB state, the game state is set to the non-internal state of the non-operating role device, and in the non-internal state of the non-operating role device, the lottery flags for the first regular bonus (RB1) to the fourth regular bonus (RB4) are all in the non-winning state, the first regular bonus (RB1) to the fourth regular bonus (RB4) are the objects of the lottery, replays are not the objects of the lottery, and an internal lottery is performed with reference to internal lottery table 3, in which the winning probability of the minor role is set to the same as internal lottery table 1 and internal lottery table 2.

If any of the first regular bonus (RB1) through fourth regular bonus (RB4) is won while in the non-interior state where the reel is not in operation, the reel enters the RB interior state where the reel is not in operation, and while in the RB interior state where the reel is not in operation, if the first regular bonus (RB1) is won, the winning state of the lottery flag for the first regular bonus (RB1) is maintained until the first regular bonus (RB1) is won, if the second regular bonus (RB2) is won, the winning state of the lottery flag for the second regular bonus (RB2) is maintained until the second regular bonus (RB2) is won, if the third regular bonus (RB3) is won, the winning state of the lottery flag for the third regular bonus (RB3) is maintained until the third regular bonus (RB3) is won, and if the fourth regular bonus (RB4) is won, the winning state of the lottery flag for the fourth regular bonus (RB4) is maintained until the fourth regular bonus (RB4) is won. Additionally, inside the RB when the reel is not in operation, the probability of winning a replay is higher than that of internal lottery table 3, so there are no misses (no wins), and an internal lottery is performed with reference to internal lottery table 2, which excludes all bonuses from the lottery.

The reel can also transition from the non-operating reel state to the operating reel state, and transition to the operating reel state occurs when any of the first regular bonus (RB1) through the fourth regular bonus (RB4) is won while the reel is in the non-operating reel state. Note that in this embodiment, even if the operating reel state ends, if the end condition for the BB state is not met, transition will occur to the non-internal state of the non-operating reel state.

The role activation state is a game state to which the player transitions when the first regular bonus (RB1) through the fourth regular bonus (RB4) are won. In the role activation state, an internal lottery is performed by referencing internal lottery table 4, which is one of internal lottery tables 2 through 4 used in the BB state, and in which the winning pattern for minor roles is different from internal lottery table 2 and internal lottery table 3.

In addition, in the reel operation state, whether or not the termination condition is met is determined based on the number of times that a small prize has been won and the number of times that the game has been played. In this embodiment, the termination condition of the reel operation state is met when the number of times that a small prize has been won reaches 8 times or the number of times that the game has been played reaches 12 times. When the termination condition of the reel operation state is met, if the termination condition of the BB state is not met, the game state control means 170 performs control to end the reel operation state and return to the non-internal state of the reel non-operation state.

In addition, in the BB state, whether or not the termination condition has been met is determined based on the total number of medals paid out during play in the BB state. When medals are paid out as a result of winning a minor winning combination during play in the BB state, a value corresponding to the number of medals paid out is added to the value of the BB payout number counter 1924. When it is determined based on the value of the BB payout number counter 1924 that more than a predetermined number (e.g., 200 medals) have been paid out (the value of the BB payout number counter 1924 exceeds the threshold value "200"), the game state control means 170 terminates the BB state and controls the game state to return to the normal state. In this embodiment, the value of the BB payout counter 1924 is reset to the initial value "0" when the BB state ends, and even if the lottery flags for the first regular bonus (RB1) to the fourth regular bonus (RB4) are set to a winning state, the lottery flags for the first regular bonus (RB1) to the fourth regular bonus (RB4) are all reset to a non-winning state when the BB state ends.

The AT control means 175 (an example of a bonus granting means) changes the presentation state between multiple presentation states including a non-AT state, a low AT state, a CZ state, and an AT state, as shown in Figure 18, sets the presentation state to an AT state (assist time state) under a predetermined condition, determines whether the AT state termination condition is met based on the value of the AT game number counter 1919, and controls the AT state to end when the AT state termination condition is met. In this embodiment, information indicating the current presentation state is stored in a presentation state memory area 1917 provided in the main RAM of the game information memory means 190a. In this embodiment, when the player is in the AT state, the AT control means 175 notifies the player of the correct batting order by displaying information (an example of operation instruction information) corresponding to the correct batting order on the main display 300, which is a 7-segment display provided in the game information display unit DS, when the batting order bell is won, thereby assisting in the winning of the 15-coin minor role (minor role 1 to minor role 12). The performance control means 180 also displays an image corresponding to the correct batting order on the liquid crystal display LCD when the batting order bell is won, thereby providing a winning assistance performance that assists in the winning of the 15-coin minor role (minor role 1 to minor role 12). This allows the player to play an assist time game (an example of an auxiliary game) in which it is easier to win medals than when playing in a non-AT state.

As shown in FIG. 19, the AT control means 175 is capable of setting a normal zone (non-advantageous zone) and an advantageous zone, and in the normal zone, the presentation state is fixed to the initial non-AT state and a lottery for transition to an advantageous zone is conducted, and by winning the lottery for transition to an advantageous zone, an advantageous zone is initiated and the presentation state can be set to the AT state on the condition that the advantageous zone is a beneficial zone. In the normal zone game, when the game state is normal, the AT control means 175 performs a lottery for transition to a favorable zone based on the fact that any of the winning patterns of batting order bell group A (batting order bell A1 to A24), batting order bell group B (batting order bell B1 to B24), batting order bell group C (batting order bell C1 to C24), special batting order role A (special batting order role A1 to A8), weak cherry + big bonus (BB), strong cherry + big bonus (BB), chance replay + big bonus (BB), bell replay + big bonus (BB), normal replay 1 + big bonus (BB), or big bonus (BB) has been obtained by an internal lottery. When the game state is in a BB establishment state, the AT control means 175 performs a lottery for transition to a favorable zone based on the fact that any of the winning patterns of batting order bell group A (batting order bell B1 to B24), batting order bell group C (batting order bell C1 to C24), special batting order role A (special batting order role A1 to A8), weak cherry + big bonus (BB), strong cherry + big bonus (BB), chance replay + big bonus (BB), bell replay + big bonus (BB), normal replay 1 + big bonus (BB), or big bonus (BB) has been obtained by an internal lottery. A lottery for transition to a favorable zone is held based on whether any of the winning patterns of batting order bell group A (batting order bell A1 to A24), batting order bell group B (batting order bell B1 to B24), batting order bell group C (batting order bell C1 to C24), special batting order role group A (special batting order role group A1 to A8), weak cherry, strong cherry, chance replay, bell replay, or normal replay 1 has been obtained, and if the game state is in the BB state, in which the role devices are not in operation, a lottery for transition to a favorable zone is held based on whether any of the winning patterns of batting order bell group A (batting order bell A1 to A24), batting order bell group B (batting order bell B1 to B24), batting order bell group C (batting order bell C1 to C24), special batting order role group A (special batting order role group A1 to A8), weak cherry, or strong cherry has been obtained. In this embodiment, even if the game state is normal or BB established, obtaining a winning pattern including normal replay 2 does not trigger a lottery for transition to a favorable zone, and obtaining a winning pattern related to a replay inside RB when the game state is BB and the device is not operating does not trigger a lottery for transition to a favorable zone, and when the game state is BB and the device is operating, a lottery for transition to a favorable zone is not held.

In the advantageous zone transition lottery, the random number value acquired for the internal lottery is compared with the advantageous zone transition lottery table stored in the main lottery table memory area 1910, and it is determined whether or not the advantageous zone transition lottery has been won (advantageous zone win) based on the comparison result. In the advantageous zone transition lottery table, advantageous zone win or loss is assigned to the random number value for the internal lottery associated with each winning mode that triggers the execution of the advantageous zone transition lottery, and it is determined that the advantageous zone transition lottery has been won if the random number value acquired for the internal lottery is associated with the winning mode that triggers the execution of the advantageous zone transition lottery and is associated with advantageous zone win in the advantageous zone transition lottery table.

When the AT control means 175 wins the advantageous zone transition lottery in the normal zone, it performs advantageous zone transition processing based on the fact that the advantageous zone transition lottery has been won, and starts the advantageous zone from the next game of the game in which the advantageous zone transition lottery was won. In this embodiment, if the result of the advantageous zone transition lottery is a win, the presentation state is transitioned to an AT low probability state in the advantageous zone transition processing. In this embodiment, the advantageous zone transition processing is performed after the game progress processing for the stop results of all reels, such as the winning processing, is completed. Note that it is also possible to determine whether the presentation state is transitioned to an AT low probability state or an AT state in the advantageous zone transition processing by setting there to two or more winning modes of the advantageous zone transition lottery, or to determine whether the presentation state is transitioned to an AT low probability state, a CZ state, or an AT state in the advantageous zone transition processing by setting there to three or more winning modes of the advantageous zone transition lottery.

Then, when the presentation state is in the AT low probability state in the advantageous zone, the AT control means 175 performs a first AT lottery based on the fact that the batting order bell group A (batting order bell A1 to A24), batting order bell group B (batting order bell B1 to B24), batting order bell group C (batting order bell C1 to C24), special batting order role A group (special batting order role A1 to A8), special batting order role B group (special batting order role B1 to B24), weak cherry, strong cherry, chance replay, bell replay, normal replay 1, or normal replay 2 has been won in the internal lottery. In the first AT lottery, the random number value acquired for the internal lottery is compared with the first AT lottery table stored in the main lottery table storage area 1910, and it is determined whether or not the first AT lottery has been won based on the comparison result. In the first AT lottery table, a CZ win, an AT win, or a miss is assigned to the random number value for the internal lottery that corresponds to the winning mode that triggers the execution of the first AT lottery, and if the random number value obtained for the internal lottery corresponds to any of batting order bell group A (batting order bell A1-A24), batting order bell group B (batting order bell B1-B24), batting order bell group C (batting order bell C1-C24), special batting order role group A (special batting order role A1-A8), special batting order role group B (special batting order role B1-B24), weak cherry, strong cherry, chance replay, bell replay, normal replay 1, or normal replay 2, and corresponds to a CZ win or an AT win in the first AT lottery table, it is determined that the first AT lottery has been won.

In addition, when the presentation state is the CZ state in the advantageous zone, the AT control means 175 performs a second AT lottery based on the fact that the batting order bell group A (batting order bell A1-A24), batting order bell group B (batting order bell B1-B24), batting order bell group C (batting order bell C1-C24), special batting order role A group (special batting order role A1-A8), special batting order role B group (special batting order role B1-B24), weak cherry, strong cherry, chance replay, bell replay, normal replay 1, or normal replay 2 has been won in the internal lottery. In the second AT lottery, the random number value obtained for the internal lottery is compared with the second AT lottery table stored in the main lottery table storage area 1910, and whether or not the second AT lottery has been won is determined based on the comparison result. In the second AT lottery table, an AT win or miss is assigned to the random number value for the internal lottery associated with the winning mode that triggers the execution of the second AT lottery, and if the random number value acquired for the internal lottery is associated with any of the batting order bell group A (batting order bell A1 to A24), batting order bell group B (batting order bell B1 to B24), batting order bell group C (batting order bell C1 to C24), special batting order role A group (special batting order role A1 to A8), special batting order role B group (special batting order role B1 to B24), weak cherry, strong cherry, chance replay, bell replay, normal replay 1, or normal replay 2, and is associated with an AT win in the second AT lottery table, it is determined that the AT lottery has been won. Note that in this embodiment, the probability of winning the AT is different between the AT low probability state and the CZ state, and the probability of winning the AT is set higher in the CZ state than in the AT low probability state. Also, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, when in a normal zone, the execution of the AT lottery (first AT lottery and second AT lottery) is prohibited, and the AT lottery is executed only when the player is in a favorable zone.

Then, when the result of the first AT lottery in the AT low probability state is a CZ win, the AT control means 175 performs control to transition the presentation state to the CZ state. At this time, based on obtaining the lottery result of a CZ win, the AT control means 175 sets the value "10" corresponding to 10 times, which is the number of times of play that is the end condition of the CZ state, to the CZ game number counter 1921, and subtracts a fixed value "1" corresponding to one time of play from the value of the CZ game number counter 1921 each time play is performed in the CZ state. Then, when the value of the CZ game number counter 1921, which is subtracted by a fixed value each time play is performed in the CZ state, reaches the initial value "0" and the value of the AT stock number counter 1918 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the AT stock number) is the initial value "0", the AT control means 175 determines that the end condition of the CZ state has been established.

The AT control means 175 also controls the transition of the presentation state to the AT state when the result of the first AT lottery in the AT low probability state is an AT win, and when the result of the second AT lottery in the CZ state is an AT win. At this time, the AT control means 175 adds a fixed value "1" to the AT stock number counter 1918 based on the lottery result of the AT win, and when transitioning the presentation state to the AT state upon the end of the game based on the AT stock number being > 0, subtracts a fixed value "1" from the AT stock number counter 1920 and sets the value "50" corresponding to 50 times, which is the number of games that is the end condition of the AT state, to the AT game number counter 1919. When transitioning from the CZ state to the AT state, the value of the CZ game number counter 1921 is reset to the initial value "0" upon transition to the AT state.

The AT control means 175 then plays an assist time game based on the fact that the presentation state is the AT state, and subtracts a fixed value "1" equivalent to one game from the value of the AT game number counter 1919 each time an assist time game is played. In this embodiment, when a batting order bell belonging to batting order bell group A, batting order bell group B, or batting order bell group C is won in the AT state, a correct batting order announcement that announces the correct batting order and a winning assistance presentation are performed.

In this embodiment, when the game state is in the favorable zone and the BB establishment state, a correct batting order notification and a winning assistance effect are performed when a special batting order role belonging to the special batting order role A group is won, except when the performance state is in the end waiting state. That is, the AT control means 175 executes the correct batting order notification when a batting order bell belonging to the batting order bell A group, the batting order bell B group, or the batting order bell C group is won in the favorable zone, and when a special batting order role belonging to the special batting order role A group is won, the correct batting order notification for the batting order bell is executed when the performance state is in the AT state even in the favorable zone, and the correct batting order notification for the special batting order role is executed when the performance state is in the AT low probability state, CZ state, or AT state if the game state is in the favorable zone and the BB establishment state, but is not executed when the performance state is in the end waiting state.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the AT control means 175 notifies the correct batting order, information corresponding to the correct batting order is displayed on the main display 300. Specifically, a batting order number is set for each correct batting order, and batting orders 1 to 6 shown in FIG. 7 correspond to the batting order numbers, and the main display 300 displays "01" (batting order 1), "02" (batting order 2), "03" (batting order 3), "04" (batting order 4), "05" (batting order 5), "06" (batting order 6), "07" (batting order 7), "08" (batting order 9), and "100" (batting order 101). The batting order number is displayed as one of the following: "09" (batting order 9), "10" (batting order 10), "11" (batting order 11), "12" (batting order 12), "13" (batting order 13), "14" (batting order 14), "15" (batting order 15), "16" (batting order 16), "17" (batting order 17), "18" (batting order 18), "19" (batting order 19), "20" (batting order 20), "21" (batting order 21), "22" (batting order 22), "23" (batting order 23), or "24" (batting order 24).

When the performance state is in the AT state in the favorable zone, the AT control means 175 performs an add-on lottery based on the fact that a weak cherry, a strong cherry, a chance replay, or a bell replay has been won in the internal lottery. In the add-on lottery, the random number value acquired for the internal lottery is compared with the add-on lottery table stored in the main lottery table storage area 1910, and whether or not the add-on lottery has been won is determined based on the comparison result. In the add-on lottery table, an add-on win or a miss is assigned to the random number value for the internal lottery associated with the winning mode that triggers the execution of the add-on lottery, and it is determined that the add-on lottery has been won when the random number value acquired for the internal lottery is associated with either a weak cherry, a strong cherry, a chance replay, or a bell replay, and is associated with an add-on win in the add-on lottery table. In this embodiment, the AT control means 175 increases the AT stock number by adding a fixed value "1" to the AT stock number counter 1918 based on the fact that the lottery result of the add-on lottery is obtained.

Then, when the value of the AT game number counter 1919, which is subtracted by a fixed value each time an assist time game is played, reaches the initial value "0", if the AT stock number > 0, the AT control means 175 subtracts a fixed value "1" from the value of the AT stock number counter 1918 and sets the value of the AT game number counter 1919 to "50" to continue the AT state, and if the AT stock number = 0, it determines that the condition for terminating the AT state has been met and sets the presentation state to a waiting for termination state.

In the AT low probability state and CZ state in this embodiment, when a special batting order role is won, a correct batting order notification and a winning assistance performance are performed, but even if a batting order bell belonging to the batting order bell group A, batting order bell group B, or batting order bell group C is won, a correct batting order notification and a winning assistance performance are not performed, so the medal acquisition performance is such that the medals held by the player gradually decrease (the expected value of the ball payout rate is less than 100%). And in the end waiting state in this embodiment, not only the batting order bell group A, batting order bell group B, and batting order bell group C, but also the special batting order role are excluded from the target of the correct batting order notification and the winning assistance performance, and the medal acquisition performance is even lower than the AT low probability state and CZ state, and when the game state is a BB establishment state, a big bonus (BB) is easily won when a special batting order role is won, and when a big bonus (BB) is won in the end waiting state, it is determined that the end condition of the end waiting state has been established. In addition, in this embodiment, the medal acquisition performance in the AT state is significantly higher than in the AT low probability state, CZ state, and end waiting state, with a net increase in medals per game of 5.5 medals (expected payout rate of approximately 283%).

In addition, in this embodiment, when the presentation state is in an AT low probability state in a favorable zone, the AT control means 175 adds a fixed value "1" equivalent to one game to the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a each time a game is played, and also performs processing to grant the right to transition to the CZ state or the AT state when the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 reaches a predetermined value (e.g., 750).

In particular, in this embodiment, in the favorable zone transition process, the processing contents when the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 reaches a predetermined value (for example, 750) are set according to the game state in which the player is present at the start of the favorable zone (the game state of the game following the game in which the favorable zone win has been obtained). If the game state in which the player is present at the start of the favorable zone is the normal state or the BB state, the processing is set to transition the presentation state to the CZ state based on the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 reaching the predetermined value. If the game state in which the player is present at the start of the favorable zone is the BB establishment state, the processing is set to add a fixed value "1" to the AT stock number counter 1918 based on the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 reaching the predetermined value, and transition the presentation state to the AT state when the AT stock number is > 0. Note that in this embodiment, the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 is reset to the initial value "0" based on the transition to a presentation state other than the AT low probability state such as the CZ state or the AT state in the favorable zone.

In this embodiment, the AT control means 175 sets the value of the first clear counter 1922 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a to a predetermined value "1" in the advantageous zone transition process, and in the advantageous zone, an incremental update is performed by adding a certain value (e.g., 1) equivalent to one game to the value of the first clear counter 1922 each time one game is played, and when the value of the first clear counter 1922 exceeds a threshold value (e.g., 1500) (when the value of the first clear counter 1922 reaches "1501"), it is determined that the end condition of the advantageous zone is met. In this embodiment, the first clear counter 1922 is updated after all reels rotating in each game have stopped, but the first clear counter 1922 may be updated at any time as long as it is predetermined for each game. For example, the update may be triggered by the game start operation on the start lever SL.

In this embodiment, the AT control means 175 sets the value of the second clear counter 1923 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a to an initial value of "0" in the advantageous zone transition process, and in the advantageous zone, updates the value of the second clear counter 1923 according to the difference in the number of medals in each game, subtracts the value "3" corresponding to the number of medals inserted in the game (3 medals) from the value corresponding to the number of medals paid out (for example, "15" if 15 medals are paid out, and "0" if no role is won and no medals are paid out) to obtain a calculation result of the difference in the number of medals in that game, and performs an update process in which this calculation result is added to the value of the second clear counter 1923, and also determines that the condition for ending the advantageous zone has been met if the value of the second clear counter 1923 exceeds a threshold value (for example, 2400). The value of the second clear counter 1923 is controlled so that it does not fall below the initial value "0". For example, if the value of the second clear counter 1923 at the start of a game is "2" and no winning combination is won as a result of playing the game and no medals are paid out, the calculation result of the difference in the number of medals in that game will be "-3", and if the calculation result of the difference in the number of medals is added to the value of the second clear counter 1923, it will fall below the initial value "0". However, the count of the updated value of the second clear counter 1923 is stopped with the initial value "0" as the lower limit. Also, if a replay is won in a game, the difference in the number of medals is calculated by treating the game in which the replay was won as having been paid out with medals equivalent to the specified number of medals for that game, and the difference in the number of medals for the next game provided free of charge due to the replay winning as having been inserted with medals equivalent to the specified number of medals for that game, even if no actual medals have been inserted.

In addition, in the advantageous zone, the first clear counter 1922 and the second clear counter 1923 are updated even if a transition in the game state or presentation state occurs, unless the conditions for ending the advantageous zone are met.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the presentation state remains in the CZ state during the favorable zone, the value of the CZ game number counter 1921 reaches the initial value "0", and the value of the AT stock number counter 1918 is also the initial value "0", so that the CZ state ends without acquiring the right to transition to the AT state, and it is determined that the conditions for the end of the favorable zone have been met.

In addition, in this embodiment, if the presentation state remains in the end waiting state in the advantageous zone, the end condition of the advantageous zone is also determined to be met if the end waiting state ends when a big bonus (BB) is won and the game state transitions to the BB state.

The AT control means 175 also performs an initialization process to initialize information stored in a predetermined storage area of the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a based on the end of the favorable zone. In particular, in this embodiment, with respect to the main RAM of the game information storage means 190, the information stored in the performance state storage area 1917, the AT stock number counter 1918, the AT game number counter 1919, the ceiling game number counter 1920, the CZ game number counter 1921, the first clear counter 1922, and the second clear counter 1923 is initialized by an initialization process associated with the end of the favorable zone. More specifically, the storage areas other than the performance state storage area 1917, the AT stock number counter 1918, the AT game number counter 1919, the ceiling game number counter 1920, the CZ game number counter 1921, the first clear counter 1922, and the second clear counter 1923 in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a are designated as information storage areas, and the information stored in the storage areas other than the information storage areas of the main RAM is initialized. Therefore, when the initialization process is performed following the end of the favorable zone, unlike the case where the initialization process is performed in the setting change mode, in addition to the setting value storage area 1913 and the credit information storage area 1914, the lottery flag storage area 1915 and the game status storage area 1916 are also designated as information storage areas, and the information stored in these storage areas is retained without being initialized by the initialization process following the end of the favorable zone. When the initialization process is performed following the end of the favorable zone, the presentation state is initialized to a non-AT state, and the values of the AT stock number counter 1918, the AT game number counter 1919, the ceiling game number counter 1920, the CZ game number counter 1921, the first clear counter 1922, and the second clear counter 1923 are initialized to their initial values (e.g., 0) to return to the normal zone.

In this embodiment, an initialization process is executed upon the end of the favorable zone to return to the normal zone, so that if the value of the first clear counter 1922 or the second clear counter 1923 exceeds a threshold value while remaining in the AT state, the initialization process upon the end of the favorable zone forcibly terminates the AT state and initializes the presentation state to a non-AT state, and the values of the AT stock number counter 1918, AT game number counter 1919, ceiling game number counter 1920, CZ game number counter 1921, first clear counter 1922, and second clear counter 1923 are initialized to their initial values (e.g., 0). Also, when the value of the first clear counter 1922 or the second clear counter 1923 exceeds the threshold value while remaining in another presentation state, the currently present presentation state is forcibly terminated by the initialization process associated with the end of the favorable zone, the presentation state is initialized to a non-AT state, and the values of the AT stock number counter 1918, the AT game number counter 1919, the ceiling game number counter 1920, the CZ game number counter 1921, the first clear counter 1922, and the second clear counter 1923 are initialized to their initial values (e.g., 0). In this embodiment, the presentation state is not initialized by turning the power on/off, but when the game is started in the setting change mode, even if the initialization process is performed in the setting change mode, the presentation state is initialized to a non-AT state, and the values of the AT stock number counter 1918, the AT game number counter 1919, the ceiling game number counter 1920, the CZ game number counter 1921, the first clear counter 1922, and the second clear counter 1923 are initialized to their initial values (e.g., 0).

In addition, in this embodiment, the advantageous zone begins when the advantageous zone transition lottery is won in the normal zone, and within the advantageous zone, the presentation state is set to the AT state under certain conditions to play the assist time, but even if the AT state ends, the advantageous zone is maintained as long as the conditions for the advantageous zone termination are not met. In other words, in this embodiment, since the advantageous zone continues even after the AT state ends, there are cases where the player remains in the advantageous zone even if the presentation state transitions from the AT state to a presentation state different from the AT state.

The AT control means 175 also controls the LED built into the section indicator SEC to light up when the advantageous section starts, to indicate that the user is in the advantageous section, and the LED built into the section indicator SEC to turn off when the advantageous section ends. In this embodiment, the LED built into the section indicator SEC is turned off during normal sections, so that it is possible to determine whether or not the user is in an advantageous section by checking the lighting state of the section indicator SEC.

In this embodiment, the AT control means 175 starts or ends a favorable zone notification, which is a notification that the player is staying in a favorable zone, based on the value of the first clear counter 1922. For example, when a predetermined value "1" is set to the first clear counter 1922 upon transition to a favorable zone, the favorable zone notification is started based on the value of the first clear counter 1922 becoming greater than the initial value "0" (the value of the first clear counter 1922 not being the initial value "0"), and when the value of the first clear counter 1922 is initialized to the initial value "0" upon the end of the favorable zone and transition to the normal zone, the favorable zone notification is ended based on the value of the first clear counter 1922 becoming the initial value "0".

The section indicator SEC does not need to be provided exclusively as in this embodiment, and may be used in combination with the main display 300. For example, whether or not the player is in an advantageous section may be indicated by switching on and off a dot display section that displays decimal points and the like on a seven-segment display, and the dot display section may be turned off in normal sections, and turned on in advantageous sections to notify the player of the advantageous section. When an advantageous section starts, an LED built into the section indicator SEC lights up to immediately notify the player of the advantageous section, but the advantageous section may be a non-notification section that does not notify the player of the advantageous section until a predetermined number of plays have been played since the start of the advantageous section, or a non-notification section that does not notify the player of the advantageous section until the first correct batting order notification in the advantageous section is executed.

The performance control means 180 controls the display performance using the display device 330 (an example of a performance device) and the sound performance using the sound device 340 (an example of a performance device) based on the performance data stored in the performance data storage area 1926 provided in the sub-ROM of the performance information storage means 190b. For example, in response to the occurrence of game events such as the insertion of medals, the operation of the bet button B0, the start lever SL, and the stop buttons B1 to B3, and changes in the game state, the means 180 controls the execution of performances to liven up the game or assist the game according to the progress of the game, by turning on or blinking lamps and LEDs, changing the display content of the liquid crystal display LCD, and outputting sounds from the speaker SP. The content of the performance executed in the game is determined by referring to the performance lottery table stored in the sub-lottery table storage area 1927 provided in the sub-ROM of the performance information storage means 190b, depending on the game state, the performance state, the result of the internal lottery, etc. In this embodiment, image data corresponding to the progress of the game, etc. is read from the performance data memory area 1926 of the sub-ROM into an image buffer 1928 provided in the sub-RAM, and an image based on the image data read into the image buffer 1928 is output to the liquid crystal display LCD, and sound data corresponding to the progress of the game, etc. is read from the performance data memory area 1926 of the sub-ROM into a sound buffer 1929 provided in the sub-RAM, and sound based on the sound data read into the sound buffer 1929 is output from the speaker SP.

Then, when the presentation state is the AT state, the presentation control means 180 controls the display device 330 and the audio device 340 to execute a winning assistance presentation that notifies the player of the correct batting order when a batting order bell belonging to batting order bell group A, batting order bell group B, or batting order bell group C is won, and assists in the winning of 15 small prizes (small prize 1 to small prize 12).

In addition, when the game state is in the favorable zone and BB is established, if the state of presentation is AT low probability state, CZ state, or AT state, the presentation control means 180 controls the display device 330 and the audio device 340 to execute a winning assistance presentation that notifies the correct batting order when a special batting order role belonging to the special batting order role group A is won, and assists in the winning of a single small role (small role 20 to small role 22, small role 28, small role 41 to small role 46).

When playing in the AT state or the CZ state, the presentation control means 180 also controls the execution of a remaining number display presentation that displays the remaining number of plays until the AT state or the CZ state ends on the display device 330 such as a liquid crystal display LCD. In the remaining number display presentation, when the value of the AT game number counter 1919 or the CZ game number counter 1921 is subtracted by playing, the display content is changed so that the remaining number of plays also decreases to reflect the subtraction.

The functional block configuration of this embodiment can also be applied to computer systems (including game systems). In these systems, the functions of the game control means 100 of this embodiment can be realized by downloading a program that causes a computer to function from an information storage medium such as a CD or DVD, or from a web server on the Internet via a network. In the above computer system, the medal insertion switch 210, bet switch 220, start switch 230, stop switch 240, etc. can be realized by virtually assigning their functions to operating means such as a keyboard, pointing device (mouse, etc.), touch panel, or controller. In the above computer system, the reel unit 310, hopper unit HP, etc. are not essential components, and these device units can virtually realize their functions by controlling the images displayed and output on the display (display device 330).

The method of the first embodiment will be described in detail below, mainly with reference to FIG. 20.

In this embodiment, the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 can be updated in the advantageous zone, and the right to transition to the CZ state or the right to transition to the AT state is granted as a bonus based on the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 satisfying the bonus granting conditions, and a method is adopted in which the content of the bonus differs depending on whether the game at which the update of the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 begins is in the BB state or the BB establishment state.

First, assume that the game state is in the BB state and the game is won in the favorable zone. In this embodiment, if the game device is in the non-operating state in the BB state, there is a possibility of winning the favorable zone. In this case, as shown in FIG. 20(A), the favorable zone transition process based on the favorable zone winning is set to grant the right to transition to the CZ state when the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 reaches a predetermined value "750" based on the fact that the first game in the favorable zone is in the BB state. Then, in the favorable zone, after the BB state ends, the game transitions to the BB establishment state via the normal state, but in the favorable zone, the correct batting order is notified when the special batting order role is won, except when the performance state is in the end waiting state, so that the game can be played in the favorable zone while avoiding the winning of the big bonus (BB) and maintaining the BB establishment state.

When the presentation state is in the AT low probability state during the favorable zone, the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 is counted up, and when the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 reaches a predetermined value of "750", the presentation state transitions to the CZ state due to the satisfaction of the bonus granting conditions. In this case, in the CZ state, AT stocks, which are the right to transition to the AT state, can be acquired under more favorable conditions than in the AT low probability state, but if AT stocks cannot be acquired by the end of the CZ state, the CZ state ends and the conditions for the end of the favorable zone are met. Then, an initialization process is performed due to the end of the favorable zone, but since the game state is not initialized in this initialization process, the BB establishment state will continue even after the end of the favorable zone.

When returning to the normal zone in this situation, as shown in FIG. 20(B), it is possible to obtain a win in the favorable zone in the BB established state, so in this case, the favorable zone transition process based on the win in the favorable zone is set to grant the right to transition to the AT state when the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 reaches a predetermined value of "750" based on the fact that the first play in the favorable zone remains in the BB established state. Even in this favorable zone, in the AT low probability state, the correct batting order is announced when a special batting order role is won, so it is possible to avoid winning a big bonus (BB) and continue playing in the favorable zone while maintaining the BB established state.

When the presentation state is in the favorable zone and the AT low probability state, the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 is counted up, and when the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 reaches a predetermined value of "750", the bonus granting condition is met and the presentation state transitions to the AT state.

If you continue playing in the AT state, the end conditions will eventually be met and the AT state will end, but in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 20 (C), the end of the AT state transitions the presentation state to an end standby state. In this end standby state, unlike the AT low probability state, CZ state, and AT state, the correct batting order is not announced when a special batting order role is won, so it is difficult to avoid winning a big bonus (BB) in the end standby state, and if a big bonus (BB) is won in the end standby state, the end conditions of the advantageous zone will be met. Then, the transition to the BB state will result in a return to the normal zone, resulting in a situation similar to that of Figure 20 (A).

In this embodiment, the game state is not reset by the end of the favorable zone, so that the winning of a big bonus (BB) is induced in the end waiting state after the end of the AT state, and the normal zone is returned while remaining in the BB state. In the BB state, an opportunity to win the favorable zone is provided in the non-operating state of the reels, and in the BB state, medals are paid out by winning a small prize, and the success or failure of the end condition is determined by the value of the BB payout counter 1924, which counts the total number of medals paid out. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the winning mode of the small prize is the trigger for the execution of the favorable zone transition lottery, so when the favorable zone ends with the transition to the BB state and the normal zone is returned, it is easier to obtain the lottery result of the favorable zone win while remaining in the BB state. On the other hand, in the normal zone, it is easier to obtain the lottery result of the favorable zone win while remaining in the BB state when the favorable zone ends with the end of the CZ state.

In this embodiment, if the first play in the favorable zone is in the BB state, the privilege upon reaching the ceiling in the favorable zone transition process (when the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 reaches the predetermined value "750") is the right to transition to the CZ state, and if the first play in the favorable zone is in the BB establishment state, the privilege upon reaching the ceiling in the favorable zone transition process is given as AT stock and the right to transition to the AT state is granted, thereby making it possible to realize a game specification in which the right to transition to the AT state is acquired across multiple favorable zones.

In particular, in this embodiment, the number of times that the ceiling is reached in a series of advantageous zones is 750 times, but in order to acquire the right to transition to the AT state by reaching the ceiling across two advantageous zones, it is necessary to play more than 1500 times (the upper limit of the number of times of play in the advantageous zone). Then, by updating the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 from the start of a series of advantageous zones, even if 750 times of play are consumed and the ceiling is reached and the AT state is transitioned to, the remaining number of times of play in the advantageous zone is 750 times, and assist time play can be performed in a situation where a sufficient number of times of play remains. In other words, in this embodiment, the number of times of play for activating the ceiling function as a relief from the situation in which the right to transition to the AT state cannot be acquired continues for a long period of time is set to be large, while the remaining number of times of play up to the upper limit of the number of times of play in the advantageous zone can be sufficiently secured when the right to transition to the AT state is acquired by activating the ceiling function. In this way, according to the method of this embodiment, it is possible to bring diversity to the game specifications when the ceiling function is adopted in the advantageous zone, and to improve the design freedom of the gaming machine.

In this embodiment, if the first play in the advantageous zone stays in the normal state, the bonus when the ceiling is reached is the right to transition to the CZ state. However, since it is rare for the game state to stay in the normal state in the normal zone, if the first play in the advantageous zone stays in the normal state, the bonus when the ceiling is reached may be AT stock, granting the right to transition to the AT state.

In addition, in this embodiment, in the advantageous zone transition process, a bonus is set when the ceiling is reached regardless of whether the first play in the advantageous zone is in the normal state, the BB established state, or the BB state. However, there may be a game state in which a bonus is not set when the ceiling is reached and the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 is not updated in that case, and it is also possible not to set a bonus when the ceiling is reached for at least one of the normal state and the BB state.

In particular, in this embodiment, after the AT state ends, the winning of a big bonus (BB) is induced in the end waiting state, and then the advantageous zone is ended and a return to the normal zone is made. Therefore, for example, if a configuration is configured in which a bonus is not awarded when the ceiling is reached in the BB state, when the advantageous zone ends with the end of the CZ state, it becomes easier to acquire the right to transition to the AT state because a bonus for reaching the ceiling is likely to be set in the advantageous zone immediately following, making it easier to acquire the right to transition to the AT state. When the advantageous zone ends with the winning of a big bonus (BB) in the end waiting state, it becomes difficult to set a bonus for reaching the ceiling in the advantageous zone immediately following, creating a gaming situation in which it becomes difficult to acquire the right to transition to the AT state.

In this embodiment, the presentation state is set to the end waiting state after the AT state ends, and when a special batting order role is won in the end waiting state, the correct batting order is not announced, thereby inducing the winning of a big bonus (BB) and ending the advantageous zone. However, a configuration that allows a return to the AT state from the end waiting state may be made. For example, if a weak cherry, strong cherry, chance replay, or bell replay is won in the end waiting state, an AT stock may be awarded to return to the AT state. In this way, a game specification can be realized in which the advantageous zone can be continued if a winning pattern that triggers a return to the AT state is obtained before the big bonus (BB) is won in the end waiting state. When it is possible to return to the AT state from the end waiting state, it may be determined by lottery whether or not to return to the AT state.

In the present embodiment, the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 is updated when the presentation state remains in the AT low probability state in the advantageous zone, but the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 may continue to be updated even in the CZ state, and a bonus may be awarded when the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 reaches a predetermined value. In other words, even if the presentation state transitions to the CZ state when the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 is updated in the advantageous zone, the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 may not be reset to the initial value "0". For example, if the bonus when the ceiling is reached is a right to transition to the CZ state, if the ceiling is reached while staying in the CZ state, the value of the CZ game number counter 1921 may be added. For example, if the bonus when the ceiling is reached is an AT stock (right to transition to the AT state), if the ceiling is reached while staying in the CZ state, the CZ state may be terminated and transitioned to the AT state.

2. Second embodiment In the first embodiment, the normal state, the BB state, and the BB state can be set as the game state, but in the second embodiment, the normal state and the BB state can have different winning probabilities for replays. Below, detailed explanations of the configurations common to the first embodiment will be omitted, and the main differences will be explained.

Figure 21 shows the transition diagram of the game state in this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the game states are normal non-RT, normal RT, non-RT with BB established, RT with BB established, and BB state, and the probability of winning a replay is different in non-RT and RT. Note that the initial state of the game state in this embodiment is normal non-RT.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, the game information storage means 190a is provided with an RT game number counter 1925, and the game state control means 170, based on the end of the BB state, transitions the game state to a normal RT, sets the RT game number counter 1925 to a value (e.g., "700") equivalent to 700 games, which is the number of games that is the end condition of the RT, and subtracts a fixed value "1" equivalent to one game from the value of the RT game number counter 1925 each time a game is played during the RT. Note that the value of the RT game number counter 1925 continues to be updated even when transitioning from a normal RT to an RT with a BB established. That is, in this embodiment, even if a big bonus (BB) is won, the value of the RT game number counter 1925 continues to be updated and the probability of winning a replay is also maintained, but when a big bonus (BB) is won and the game state transitions to the BB state, the updating of the value of the RT game number counter 1925 is terminated and the value is reset to the initial value "0".

When the value of the RT game number counter 1925 reaches the initial value "0", the game state control means 170 determines that the end condition during RT has been met and transitions to non-RT. If the end condition is met during a normal RT, the game will generally transition to a normal non-RT state, and if a big bonus (BB) is won in a game in which the end condition is met, but the big bonus (BB) is not won, the game will transition to a non-RT state in which the BB has been met. If the end condition is met during an RT in which the BB has been met, the game will transition to a non-RT state in which the BB has been met. If a big bonus (BB) is won in a game in which the end condition is met during an RT in which the BB has been met, the game will transition to the BB state without transitioning to a non-RT state in which the BB has been met.

In addition, in this embodiment, the manner of the internal lottery in the BB state is the same as in the first embodiment, but in the normal state and the BB established state, the internal lottery is performed by referring to an internal lottery table that differs depending on whether it is in a non-RT or RT state.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 23, internal lottery table 1a, internal lottery table 2a, internal lottery table 1b, and internal lottery table 2b are prepared, and internal lottery table 1a and internal lottery table 2a have the same winning probability for a replay, and internal lottery table 1b and internal lottery table 2b have the same winning probability for a replay, and the relationship between the random number value and the winning pattern is set so that internal lottery table 1b and internal lottery table 2b have a higher winning probability for a replay than internal lottery table 1a and internal lottery table 2a.

In this embodiment, the internal lottery is performed by referring to internal lottery table 1a during non-RT in the normal state, by referring to internal lottery table 1b during RT in the normal state, by referring to internal lottery table 2a during non-RT in the BB state, and by referring to internal lottery table 2b during RT in the BB state.

Next, FIG. 24 is a transition diagram of the presentation state in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the trigger for executing the advantageous zone transition lottery is the same as in the first embodiment, but the advantageous zone transition process that is performed by winning the advantageous zone is different from that in the first embodiment.

To be more specific, the AT control means 170 is configured to perform processing to transition the presentation state to the CZ state when the game state at the start of the favorable zone is in a normal RT or a BB established RT based on the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 reaching a predetermined value, and when the game state at the start of the favorable zone is in a normal non-RT or a BB established non-RT, the AT control means 170 is configured to perform processing to transition the presentation state to the AT state when the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 reaches a predetermined value, and when the AT stock number is > 0, the AT control means 170 is configured to perform processing to transition the presentation state to the AT state when the game state at the start of the favorable zone is the BB state, and to add a constant value of "1" to the AT stock number counter 1918 in the favorable zone transition processing, and to immediately transition the presentation state to the AT state by consuming the granted AT stock.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the presentation state is in the AT low probability state or CZ state in the advantageous zone, the AT control means 170 notifies the player of the correct batting order and the presentation control means 180 performs a winning assistance presentation when a special batting order role is won, so that the winning of a big bonus (BB) is avoided. However, as shown in FIG. 24, unlike the first embodiment, there is no end waiting state, and when the presentation state is in the AT state, the AT control means 170 does not notify the player of the correct batting order and the presentation control means 180 does not perform a winning assistance presentation when a special batting order role is won. In other words, in this embodiment, in the AT state, control is exercised to win a big bonus (BB) and guide the game state to the BB state.

In this embodiment, since there is no waiting state for the end of the AT state as a presentation state, the end condition of the advantageous period differs from that of the first embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 25, the end condition of the advantageous period is met based on the end of the AT state.

The method of the second embodiment will be described in detail below, mainly with reference to Figures 26 and 27.

In this embodiment, the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 can be updated in the advantageous zone, and the right to transition to the CZ state or the right to transition to the AT state is granted as a bonus based on the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 satisfying the bonus granting conditions, and a method is adopted in which the content of the bonus differs depending on whether the game at which the update of the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 starts is during a non-RT period or during an RT period.

First, assume that the game state is in the RT of the BB establishment state and the game is won in the favorable zone. In this case, as shown in FIG. 26(A), the favorable zone transition process based on the winning of the favorable zone is set to grant the right to transition to the CZ state when the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 reaches a predetermined value "750" based on the fact that the first game in the favorable zone is in the RT. Then, in the favorable zone started in the situation shown in FIG. 26(A), the value of the RT game number counter 1925 reaches the initial value "0" before the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 reaches the predetermined value "750", and a state transition occurs from the RT of the BB establishment state to the non-RT of the BB establishment state. Also, in the favorable zone, if the performance state is in the AT low probability state, the correct batting order is notified when the special batting order role is won, so that the game in the favorable zone can be played while maintaining the BB establishment state by avoiding the winning of the big bonus (BB).

When the presentation state is in the AT low probability state during the favorable zone, the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 is counted up, and when the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 reaches a predetermined value of "750", the presentation state transitions to the CZ state due to the satisfaction of the bonus granting conditions. In this case, in the CZ state, AT stocks, which are the right to transition to the AT state, can be acquired under more favorable conditions than in the AT low probability state, but if AT stocks cannot be acquired by the end of the CZ state, the CZ state ends and the conditions for the end of the favorable zone are met. Then, an initialization process is performed due to the end of the favorable zone, but since the game state is not initialized in this initialization process, the non-RT state with BB establishment will continue even after the end of the favorable zone.

When returning to the normal zone in this situation, as shown in FIG. 26(B), it is possible to win the favorable zone during non-RT in the BB established state, so in this case, the favorable zone transition process based on the favorable zone win sets the right to transition to the AT state when the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 reaches a predetermined value of "750" based on the fact that the first play in the favorable zone is during non-RT. Even in this favorable zone, in the AT low probability state, the correct batting order is announced when a special batting order role is won, so it is possible to avoid winning a big bonus (BB) and continue playing in the favorable zone while maintaining the BB established state.

When the presentation state is in the favorable zone and the AT low probability state, the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 is counted up, and when the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 reaches a predetermined value of "750", the bonus granting condition is met and the presentation state transitions to the AT state.

In this embodiment, since the correct batting order is not announced when a special batting order role is won in the AT state, it becomes easier to win a big bonus (BB), and as shown in FIG. 26(C), the state transitions to the BB state while the player is in the AT state. If the BB state ends before the AT state termination conditions are met while playing in this AT state, the game state transitions to the normal RT state and the value of the RT game number counter 1925 starts to be updated. In the normal state, the big bonus (BB) is won with a relatively high probability, and the state transitions to the RT state of the BB establishment state. Eventually, the AT state will end when the AT state termination conditions are met, but in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 26(C), the end of the AT state will establish the termination conditions of the advantageous zone. Then, the player will return to the normal zone while still in the RT state of the BB establishment state, resulting in a situation similar to that of FIG. 26(A).

In addition, in this embodiment, even if the correct batting order is not announced when a special batting order role is won in the AT state, it is conceivable that the player miraculously continues to avoid winning a big bonus (BB), and the conditions for terminating the AT state are met while remaining in a non-RT state in which the BB has been achieved, as shown in FIG. 27(A). In this case, when the favorable zone transition process is performed upon the next favorable zone win, it is set so that the right to transition to the AT state is granted when the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 reaches a predetermined value of "750", based on the fact that the first play in the favorable zone is in a non-RT state.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27(B), a game is played in the AT state while staying in the RT of the BB state, and the value of the RT game number counter 1925 may reach the initial value "0" before the end condition of the AT state is met, and a transition from the RT of the BB state to the non-RT of the BB state may occur. In this case, when the next favorable zone is won and the favorable zone transition process is performed, the right to transition to the AT state is granted when the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 reaches a predetermined value "750", based on the fact that the first play in the favorable zone is staying in a non-RT state.

In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 27(C), in a situation where the AT state ends during RT in the BB state (or during a non-RT in the BB state) and the normal zone is restored, a big bonus (BB) can be won by performing a stop operation in an incorrect batting order when a special batting order role is won before the advantageous zone is won. Therefore, in this embodiment, if the first game in the advantageous zone stays in the BB state, AT stock is given in the advantageous zone transition process and the presentation state is set to the AT state. In other words, even if the advantageous zone ends with the end of the AT state, a situation is created in which the AT state is immediately restored in the next advantageous zone, so that the consecutive win nature of the assist time game can be achieved. Note that if the first game in the advantageous zone stays in the BB state, the AT state is immediately transitioned to, so that a bonus when the ceiling is reached is not set, and the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 is not updated in that advantageous zone.

In this embodiment, the end of the BB state is used as a trigger to transition to the normal RT state, and the RT game number counter 1925 begins to be updated. Taking advantage of the fact that the game state is not reset by the end of the favorable zone, when a special batting order role is won in the favorable zone other than the AT state, the correct batting order is announced to avoid the winning of a big bonus (BB) and maintain the BB state, and when a special batting order role is won in the AT state, the winning of a big bonus (BB) is induced, and the favorable zone is ended while staying in the RT as long as possible, and a return to the normal zone is made. Therefore, when the favorable zone ends due to the end of the AT state, it is easier to win the next favorable zone while staying in the normal RT state or the RT with the BB state.

In this embodiment, if the first play in the favorable zone is during a normal RT or a BB established RT, the bonus when the ceiling is reached in the favorable zone transition process is the right to transition to the CZ state, and if the first play in the favorable zone is during a normal non-RT or a BB established non-RT, the bonus when the ceiling is reached in the favorable zone transition process is AT stock and the right to transition to the AT state is granted. If the right to transition to the CZ state is obtained as a bonus when the ceiling is reached, even if the favorable zone ends without AT stock being obtained in the CZ state, there is a very high possibility that the RT will end in the favorable zone and the zone will return to the normal zone in a non-RT, making it possible to realize a game specification in which the right to transition to the AT state is obtained across multiple favorable zones.

In addition, in this embodiment, since the period spent in the normal zone is relatively short, it is rare for the player to reach a situation where they are in the BB state in the normal zone. Therefore, if the first game in the favorable zone is in the BB state, the player can immediately transition to the AT state by granting AT stocks in the favorable zone transition process, thereby realizing a game specification that allows for consecutive AT states across multiple favorable zones.

In addition, in this embodiment, the number of plays required to reach the ceiling in the advantageous zone is 750, while the number of plays required to move from RT to non-RT is 700, so that the transition from RT to non-RT can be achieved before the ceiling is reached in a series of advantageous zones. When the advantageous zone ends due to the end of the CZ state, there is no induction to the BB state in the advantageous zone, so the player returns to the normal zone while remaining in a non-RT, and the bonus when the ceiling is reached in the next advantageous zone can be AT stock. In this way, the method of this embodiment can also bring diversity to the game specifications when a ceiling function is adopted in the advantageous zone, and the design freedom of the gaming machine can be improved.

In this embodiment, in the advantageous zone transition process, a bonus is set when the ceiling is reached regardless of whether the first play in the advantageous zone is during non-RT in normal state, non-RT in BB state, RT in normal state, or RT in BB state. However, there may be a game state in which a bonus is not set when the ceiling is reached, and in that case the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 is not updated.

In particular, in this embodiment, the winning of a big bonus (BB) is induced in the AT state, and a return to the normal zone occurs during the RT of the normal state or the RT of the BB state that is transitioned to after the BB state ends. Therefore, for example, if a configuration is used in which a bonus is not awarded when the ceiling is reached during the RT of the normal state or the RT of the BB state, when a favorable zone ends due to the end of the CZ state, a bonus is likely to be set when the ceiling is reached in the favorable zone immediately following, making it easier to acquire the right to transition to the AT state, and when a favorable zone ends due to the end of the AT state, a bonus is unlikely to be set when the ceiling is reached in the favorable zone immediately following, creating a game situation in which it is difficult to acquire the right to transition to the AT state.

In this embodiment, the advantageous zone is ended by the end of the AT state, but the configuration may be such that the presentation state is set to an end waiting state after the end of the AT state, and the advantageous zone is ended by satisfying a predetermined end condition in the end waiting state, and the return to the AT state from the end waiting state is achieved. For example, if a weak cherry, a strong cherry, a chance replay, or a bell replay is won in the end waiting state, the AT state may be returned to by granting an AT stock. In this way, a game specification can be realized in which the advantageous zone can be continued if a winning pattern that triggers a return to the AT state is obtained before the end condition is met in the end waiting state. In addition, when it is possible to return to the AT state from the end waiting state, it may be determined by lottery whether or not to return to the AT state. In addition, the end condition of the end waiting state can be any condition, such as the number of games played, a predetermined lottery result being obtained in an internal lottery, or a stop operation being performed in an incorrect batting order when the batting order bell is won.

In the present embodiment, the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 is updated when the presentation state remains in the AT low probability state in the advantageous zone, but the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 may continue to be updated even in the CZ state, and a bonus may be awarded when the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 reaches a predetermined value. In other words, even if the presentation state transitions to the CZ state when the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 is updated in the advantageous zone, the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 may not be reset to the initial value "0". For example, if the bonus when the ceiling is reached is a right to transition to the CZ state, if the ceiling is reached while staying in the CZ state, the value of the CZ game number counter 1921 may be added. For example, if the bonus when the ceiling is reached is an AT stock (right to transition to the AT state), if the ceiling is reached while staying in the CZ state, the CZ state may be terminated and transitioned to the AT state.

3. Modifications In the first and second embodiments, in the advantageous zone transition process, whether or not to set a bonus when the ceiling is reached and the contents of the bonus when the ceiling is reached are determined by referring to the game state in which the first game in the advantageous zone is staying, but whether or not to set a bonus when the ceiling is reached and the contents of the bonus when the ceiling is reached may be determined by referring to the game state in which the game in which a predetermined condition is satisfied after the advantageous zone starts staying, and the update of the value of the ceiling game number counter 1920 is started from the next game of the game. For example, the setting of the ceiling function can be performed based on any condition, such as a predetermined number of games being played after the advantageous zone starts, a first correct batting order being notified after the advantageous zone starts, a predetermined lottery result being obtained in an internal lottery after the advantageous zone starts, or an advantageous zone notification being started after the advantageous zone starts.

In the first and second embodiments, when the right to transition to the CZ state is a bonus given when the ceiling is reached, the probability of winning the AT in that CZ state is set to be equal to that of the CZ state transitioned to by winning the CZ, but it may be possible to make it possible to win the AT under more favorable conditions for the CZ state transitioned to by reaching the ceiling than for the CZ state transitioned to by winning the CZ.

In the first and second embodiments, when the right to transition to the AT state is a bonus given when the ceiling is reached, the number of AT stocks awarded is the same as when an AT win is obtained, but it is also possible to have more AT stocks awarded when the ceiling is reached than would be awarded in an AT lottery, or to have the possibility of having more AT stocks awarded when the ceiling is reached than would be awarded in an AT lottery.

In the first and second embodiments, the number of reels is four, but the number of reels may be three. However, if the number of reels is three, it is not possible to provide a big bonus (BB) that can be won regardless of the type of stopping operation.

Here, in a configuration with three reels and 20 symbols per reel, in order to display symbol combinations regardless of the type of stopping operation, it is necessary to arrange symbols in four locations on each reel at four-frame intervals, making it possible for 64 different stopping patterns (4 x 4 x 4) to appear. However, in the above configuration, the number of stopping patterns in which symbol combinations indicating a big bonus (BB) winning form are displayed on an active line is limited to 10, making it impossible to display symbol combinations indicating a big bonus (BB) winning form on an active line regardless of the type of stopping operation.

On the other hand, if the number of symbols per reel is 20 and there are four reels, as in the first and second embodiments, then symbols must be arranged in four locations on each reel at four-frame intervals to allow for 256 possible stopping patterns (4 x 4 x 4 x 4). In the above configuration, the upper limit of the number of stop patterns in which a symbol combination indicating a winning form of a big bonus (BB) is displayed on an active line is 213. With one active line, it is not possible to display a symbol combination indicating a winning form of a big bonus (BB) on an active line regardless of the type of the stop operation. However, if a two-line configuration is used in which the upper and lower rows of one reel are displayed on the active line as in the first and second embodiments, the spacing required to display symbols on either the upper or lower row of the reel is six frames, so the number of symbols required to be arranged on the reel is reduced to three, and 192 stop patterns (4 x 4 x 3 x 4) can be made possible, making it possible to display a symbol combination indicating a winning form of a big bonus (BB) on an active line regardless of the type of the stop operation.

In addition, in this embodiment, the gaming machine inserts gaming media such as medals when playing a game, and pays out gaming media when winning combinations are achieved, but games may also be played by consuming or granting gaming value as electronic information without using gaming media. For example, the gaming machine or an external unit connected to the gaming machine may be configured to store information on gaming value owned by the player, so that consuming gaming value by subtracting the number of gaming values is replaced by inserting gaming media, and granting gaming value by adding the number of gaming values is replaced by paying out gaming media.

BX storage box, UD front upper door, DD front lower door, DW display window,
L1: active line, DS: game information display, LCD: liquid crystal display,
BS Setting change button, KS Setting change key cylinder, SEC Section indicator,
EU power supply unit, ES power switch, SP speaker,
PS Reel unit storage space, MAIN Main board, SUB Sub board,
HP Hopper unit, MT Medal storage tank, CB Cash box,
R1 1st reel, R2 2nd reel, R3 3rd reel, R4 4th reel,
B0 bet button, SL start lever, B1-B4 stop buttons,
MI medal insertion slot, MO medal payout slot, MP medal tray,
100 Game control means,
103 setting change means, 105 input acceptance means, 110 random number generation means,
120 Internal lottery means, 130 Reel control means, 140 Winning determination means,
150 Payout control means, 160 Replay processing means,
170 game state control means, 175 AT control means,
180 performance control means,
190a game information storage means, 1910 main lottery table storage area,
1911 stop control table storage area, 1912 winning determination table storage area,
1913: setting value storage area; 1914: credit information storage area;
1915 lottery flag storage area, 1916 game status storage area,
1917 performance state memory area,
1918 AT stock number counter, 1919 AT game number counter,
1920 Ceiling game number counter, 1921 CZ game number counter,
1922 first clear counter, 1923 second clear counter,
1924 BB payout counter, 1925 RT game number counter,
190b performance information storage means, 1926 performance data storage area,
1927 Sub lottery table storage area,
1928 Image buffer, 1929 Sound buffer,
210 coin insertion switch, 220 bet switch, 230 start switch,
240 stop switch, 250 setting change permission switch,
260 setting change switch, 300 main display unit,
310 reel unit, 315 reel index,
325 payout medal detection switch, 330 display device, 340 sound device,

Claims (3)

An internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery for determining whether a winning combination is achieved;
A privilege granting means for setting a normal zone and an advantageous zone;
A gaming machine including a gaming state control means for setting a first gaming state and a second gaming state in which the manner of the internal lottery is different from each other,
The game state control means
a value of a first counter is not updated in the second gaming state, the value of the first counter is updated in the first gaming state regardless of whether the gaming state is in the normal zone or the advantageous zone, and the first gaming state is terminated based on the value of the first counter satisfying a termination condition;
The reward granting means,
A gaming machine characterized in that it determines whether or not to update the value of a second counter by referring to the game state in which the player is staying at the start of the advantageous zone, does not update the value of the second counter if the player is staying in the first game state when the advantageous zone starts, and allows the value of the second counter to be updated if the player is staying in the second game state when the advantageous zone starts, and awards a bonus based on the value of the second counter satisfying a bonus awarding condition. An internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery for determining whether a winning combination is achieved;
A privilege granting means for setting a normal zone and an advantageous zone;
A gaming machine including a gaming state control means for setting a plurality of types of gaming states including specific gaming states in which the internal lottery patterns are different from each other,
The game state control means
updating a value of a first counter in the specific gaming state regardless of whether the specific gaming state is in the normal zone or the advantageous zone, and terminating the specific gaming state based on the value of the first counter satisfying a termination condition;
The reward granting means,
A gaming machine characterized in that the value of a second counter can be updated in the advantageous zone, a bonus is awarded based on the value of the second counter satisfying a bonus awarding condition, and whether or not to update the value of the second counter in the advantageous zone is determined by referring to the game state in which the player is staying at the start of the advantageous zone and depending on whether or not the player is staying in a specific game state when the advantageous zone starts. An internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery for determining whether a winning combination is achieved;
A privilege granting means for setting a normal zone and an advantageous zone;
A gaming machine including a gaming state control means for setting a first gaming state and a second gaming state in which the manner of the internal lottery is different from each other,
The game state control means
a value of a first counter is not updated in the second gaming state, the value of the first counter is updated in the first gaming state regardless of whether the gaming state is in the normal zone or the advantageous zone, and the first gaming state is terminated based on the value of the first counter satisfying a termination condition;
The reward granting means,
A gaming machine characterized in that, by referring to the game state in which the player is present at the start of the advantageous zone, if the player is present in the second game state when the advantageous zone is started, the value of a second counter can be updated, and a bonus is awarded based on the value of the second counter satisfying a bonus awarding condition, and, by referring to the game state in which the player is present at the start of the advantageous zone, if the player is present in the first game state when the advantageous zone is started, the game machine determines that the bonus awarding condition has been satisfied based on the player being present in the first game state and awards a bonus.

Images