JP7560862B2 - 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 symbols arranged on the outer periphery 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 symbols 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 perform assist time play, which changes the probability of winning a winning combination by executing a winning assistance effect that assists in the winning of a winning combination under specified conditions and makes it easier to win gaming media such as medals in the AT state in which the winning assistance effect can be executed, have become popular (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

JP 2011-125565 A JP 2011-156165 A

However, while the medal-winning performance of gaming machines that can play assist time games is improving year by year, there is a social demand to make it impossible to win a large number of medals at once, thereby reducing the risk of gambling.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a gaming machine that can suppress riskiness.

(1) The present invention relates to a gaming machine that includes a plurality of reels on which a plurality of types of symbols are arranged on the outer periphery, an internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery to determine whether a winning combination has been achieved, a reel control means for rotating the plurality of reels for each game and controlling the reels to stop in a manner corresponding to the result of the internal lottery when a stop operation is performed, a winning determination means for performing a winning determination process for determining that a winning combination has been achieved based on the fact that a symbol combination showing a winning form predetermined for each winning combination is displayed on an active line when the plurality of reels are stopped, a state control means for setting an auxiliary performance state, and a performance control means for controlling a performance device to execute a winning auxiliary performance that assists in the winning of a predetermined winning combination in the auxiliary performance state, wherein the state control means is capable of setting a first disadvantageous state and a second disadvantageous state that are disadvantageous to a player in the auxiliary performance state, and the first disadvantageous state and the second disadvantageous state are different in terms of disadvantages to the player.

In the present invention, in the support performance state in which the winning support performance can be executed, it is possible to set a first disadvantageous state and a second disadvantageous state that are disadvantageous to the player, thereby suppressing speculation.

In addition, in the present invention, the first disadvantageous state and the second disadvantageous state are different in terms of disadvantage to the player, which prevents the game from becoming monotonous.

1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of an amusement machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; 1 is a diagram illustrating the functional blocks of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an internal lottery table in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an internal lottery table in the gaming machine according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the winning patterns of minor prizes in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the winning patterns of minor prizes in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the winning mode of a replay in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of symbols on a reel in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the order in which stop buttons are pressed and winning combinations in a gaming machine according to an 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 a gaming machine according to an 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 a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between winning roles and symbol combinations in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between winning roles and symbol combinations in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between winning roles and symbol combinations in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between winning roles and symbol combinations in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between winning roles and symbol combinations in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a transition diagram of a gaming state in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. A transition diagram of game sections and presentation states in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating the AT mode in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an image displayed on the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating processing in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating processing in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating processing in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating processing in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating processing in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating processing in a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating processing in a gaming machine according to an 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. Configuration Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the external configuration of a gaming machine according to an 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 (gaming value).

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, a reel unit consisting of a first reel R1 to a third reel R3 (multiple reels) is housed 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 (not shown) with a built-in power supply device and various switches such as a power switch, and a hopper unit (not shown) as a medal payout device are housed below the reel unit in the storage box BX. The hopper unit is equipped with a medal storage tank (not shown) 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, a control board that is 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. and controls the operation of the gaming machine is also housed in the housing of the gaming machine of this embodiment. In this embodiment, multiple types of electronic circuit boards are provided, including a main board that acts as a control board to control the progress of the game, and a sub-board that receives signals sent from the main board and performs control to execute game presentations that match the progress of the game.

The first reel R1 to the third reel R3 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 third reel R3 to rotate in response to the drive pulse supplied from the control board, and when a drive pulse of all phases is supplied from the control board, the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 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 third reel R3 to be observed. When the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 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 third reel R3 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 row are provided for each reel as display positions for observing the patterns through the display window DW, and an active line is set by combining 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 (first insertion number) or two (second insertion number), and when medals equivalent to the specified insertion number are inserted, an active line L1 consisting of the middle row of the first reel R1, the middle row of the second reel R2, and the lower row of the third reel R3 is activated. Furthermore, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the specified number of coins to be inserted varies depending on the game state; in the normal state, the BB1 state, and the BB2 state, the specified number of coins to be inserted is set to be selectable between 3 and 2 coins; in the BB1 state (first bonus state), the specified number of coins to be inserted is set to 3 coins; and in the BB2 state (second bonus state), the specified number of coins to be inserted is set to 2 coins; and the activated line L1 is activated when 2 or 3 coins are inserted.

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.

The upper front door UD is also provided with a game information display section DS. The game information display section 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, the total number of medals paid out or won in BB1 state or BB2 state, etc.

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, the upper front door UD and the lower front door DD are provided with multiple speakers (not shown) for game presentation. Various sounds for supporting or livening up the game are output from these speakers.

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 third reel R3 to start a game, and stop buttons (stop operating means) B1 to B3 for stopping each of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 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 third reel R3. Then, when the player presses the start lever SL, the control board starts to rotate the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 by driving a 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 third reel R3 has increased to a predetermined speed, pressing the stop buttons B1 to B3 is permitted (enabled).

After that, when the player presses the stop buttons B1 to B3 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 B3 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 B3 at any time, the stop switches corresponding to the stop buttons B1 to B3 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 B3 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 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 the credit upper 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 2 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 and sub board) 100. The gaming control means 100 receives input signals from input means such as a medal insertion switch 210, a bet switch 220, a start switch 230, and a stop switch 240, performs various calculations to execute a game, and controls the operation of output means such as a reel unit 310, a hopper unit (payout device) 320, a display device 330, and a 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 prestored in a ROM or the like.

The game control means 100 includes a deposit 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 transition control means 170, a bonus granting means 175 (state control means), a performance control means 180, a game information storage means 190a, and a performance information storage means 190b. In this embodiment, the deposit acceptance means 105, the random number generation means 110, the internal lottery means 120, the reel control means 130, a winning determination means 140, a payout control means 150, a replay processing means 160, a game state transition control means 170, and a bonus granting means 175 are realized by the CPU of the main board executing various programs, and the performance control means 180 is realized by the CPU of the sub-board executing various programs. The game information storage means 190a is composed of a main ROM and a main RAM mounted on the main board, and the performance information storage means 190b is composed of a sub ROM and a sub RAM mounted on the sub board. The various programs executed by the CPU of the main board are stored in the main ROM of the game information storage means 190a, and the various programs executed by the CPU of the sub board are stored in the sub ROM of the performance information storage means 190b.

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 the specified number of medals (2 or 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 the specified number of medals, 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 addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot MI, the medal insertion switch 210 is operated, and the insertion acceptance means 105 sets the inserted medals to an inserted state (bet state) up to a specified insertion number. In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, it is possible to store (store and store) up to 50 medals as credits in the credit information storage area 1914 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a, and when the bet button B0 is pressed with medals stored as credits in the gaming machine, the bet switch 220 is operated, and the insertion acceptance means 105 sets the medals stored as credits in the credit information storage area 1914 to an inserted state up to a specified insertion number. Note that if any specified insertion number can be selected from multiple types of specified insertion numbers in one game, the inserted medals and credited medals are set to an inserted state up to the maximum specified insertion number among the multiple selectable types of specified insertion numbers.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the input receiving means 105 performs control to set the specified input number to three coins when the gaming state transitions to the BB1 state, to set the specified input number to two coins when the gaming state transitions to the BB2 state, and to set the specified input number to a selectable number between two and three coins when the gaming state returns to the normal state from the BB1 or BB2 state.

The random number generating means 110 is a means for generating random numbers for the lottery. The random numbers can be generated, for example, based on the count value of an increment counter (a counter that counts numbers so as to circulate through a specified count range). 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 by a game start operation on the start lever SL (the first press 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, eight types of internal lottery tables (internal lottery table 1 to internal lottery table 8) as shown in Figures 3 and 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 losses (non-winning) are associated with each of multiple random number values (for example, 65,536 random number values from 0 to 65,535).

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, minor roles 1 to 61 are prepared as minor roles, and the winning modes of the minor roles are set to be batting order bell (specific winning modes: batting order bell 1 blue A to batting order bell 1 red B, batting order bell 2 blue A to batting order bell 2 red B, batting order bell 3 blue A to batting order bell 3 red B, batting order bell 4 blue A to batting order bell 4 red B, batting order bell 5 blue A to batting order bell 5 red B, batting order bell 6 blue A to batting order bell 6 red B), watermelon, chance roles (chance roles A to B), common bell, common 1-coin role, and JAC.

The winning patterns of each small prize will be explained in detail with reference to Figures 5 and 6. As shown in Figure 5, the batting order bells 1 Blue A to 1 Red B, 2 Blue A to 2 Red B, 3 Blue A to 3 Red B, 4 Blue A to 4 Red B, 5 Blue A to 5 Red B, and 6 Blue A to 6 Red B are won by overlapping three, five, six, or ten types of 1-coin small prizes (small prizes with a payout of 1 coin (small prize 1 to small prize 29): incorrect small prize) and one type of 15-coin small prize (small prizes with a payout of 15 coins (small prize 30 to small prize 57): correct small prize), and as shown in Figure 6, , Watermelon is a combination of four types of 3-coin small prizes (small prizes with a payout of 3 coins), Chance A and Chance B are a combination of five or ten types of 1-coin small prizes and one or two types of 15-coin small prizes, Common Bell is a combination of two types of 1-coin small prizes and one type of 15-coin small prize, Common 1-coin prize is a combination of 29 types of 1-coin small prizes, and JAC is a combination of 29 types of 1-coin small prizes, 28 types of 15-coin small prizes, and four types of 3-coin small prizes.

In addition, in this embodiment of the gaming machine, replays are provided as Replay 1 to Replay 9, and the winning types of replays are set to normal replays (Normal Replay A to Normal Replay B) and cherry replays (Weak Cherry Replay to Strong Cherry Replay).

To explain in detail the winning patterns of each replay with reference to Figure 7, normal replay A is a winning combination of Replay 5 to Replay 9, normal replay B is a winning combination of Replay 1 and Replay 5 to Replay 9, weak cherry replay is a winning combination of Replay 1 and Replay 2, and strong cherry replay is a winning combination of Replay 3 and Replay 4.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the selection mode (winning probability and winning mode) of the small role is the same on internal lottery table 1 to internal lottery table 3, replays are won with a higher probability on internal lottery table 3 than on internal lottery table 1 to internal lottery table 2, and on internal lottery table 4, small roles are won in a different manner from internal lottery table 1 to internal lottery table 3, and all replays are excluded from the lottery. On internal lottery table 1 to internal lottery table 3, small roles 31 to 54 are won without overlapping with each other due to the batting order bell, and on internal lottery table 4, small roles 31 to 54 are won in overlapping with each other due to the JAC. Each batting order bell has the same winning probability.

The selection patterns (winning probability and winning pattern) of the small prizes are the same on internal lottery tables 5 to 8, and replays are won with a higher probability on internal lottery tables 6 to 7 than on internal lottery table 5, and on internal lottery table 8, small prizes are won in a different manner from internal lottery tables 5 to 7, and replays are won with a lower probability than on internal lottery tables 5 to 7. The overall winning probability of small prizes is the same on internal lottery tables 1 and 5, and the selection patterns (winning probability and winning pattern) of the small prizes are the same on internal lottery tables 4 and 8.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, a first big bonus (BB1: first bonus) and a second big bonus (BB2: second bonus) are prepared as bonuses, and in internal lottery table 1, the first big bonus (BB1) is set as the item to be selected, and in internal lottery table 5, the second big bonus (BB2) is set as the item to be selected, but in internal lottery table 2 to internal lottery table 4 and internal lottery table 6 to internal lottery table 8, neither bonus is selected as the item to be selected.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the game states can be set to normal state, BB1 established state, BB1 state, BB2 established state, and BB2 state, and in the lottery table selection process, one of internal lottery tables 1 to 8 is selected as the internal lottery table to be used in the internal lottery depending on the number of medals inserted (number of bets) and the game state.

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 flag corresponds to a bonus, and the latter non-carry-over flag corresponds to a small win and a replay. That is, in the lottery flag setting process, for example, when the first big bonus (BB1) is won in the internal lottery, a process is performed to carry over the winning state of the lottery flag of the first big bonus (BB1) until the first big bonus (BB1) is won. At this time, the internal lottery means 120 performs an internal lottery to determine whether the small win and the replay are won or not, even in a game in which the winning state of the lottery flag of the first big bonus (BB1) is carried over. The same is true for the second big bonus (BB2). Once the second big bonus (BB2) is won, the winning state of the lottery flag for the second big bonus (BB2) is carried over until a prize is won, and even in a game in which the winning state of the lottery flag for the second big bonus (BB2) is carried over, an internal lottery is held to determine whether or not the small role and replay will be won. In other words, in the lottery flag setting process, in a game in which the winning state of the bonus lottery flag is carried over, if a small role or replay is won, the lottery flag corresponding to two or more roles consisting of the lottery flag for the already won bonus and the lottery flag for the small role 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 third reel R3 by the stepping motor based on a start signal from the start switch 230, which is activated by the game start operation of the start lever SL, and controls the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 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 B3 (stop operation means) corresponding to the reel, and controls the first reel R1 to the third reel R3, which are rotated by the stepping motor, to stop in a manner according to the setting state of the lottery flag (result of the internal lottery).

When the player presses the stop button B1 to B3 while the stop operation for the stop buttons B1 to B3 is enabled and the stop switch 240 is activated, the reel control means 130 controls the reels to stop, 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 B3 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 third reel R3, and controls the reel to stop at the determined stop position. Note that 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, and pressing the stop button B3 corresponds to an operation for stopping the third reel R3. That is, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, if the order in which the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed is changed, the stop order of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 is changed.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 are stopped within 190 ms from the time when the stop button B1 to B3 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 B3 that was pressed, so that when the symbol corresponding to the winning combination in the internal lottery 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, the symbol corresponding to the winning combination for which the lottery flag is set to the winning state is displayed at the display position on the pay line on the outer periphery of the reel that corresponds to the stop button B1 to B3 that was pressed.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the red 7 symbol "RED 7", blue 7 symbol "BLUE 7", replay symbol A "RPA", replay symbol B "RPB", bell symbol A "BLA", bell symbol B "BLB", bell symbol C "BLC", watermelon symbol "WM", cherry symbol "CH", and special symbol "SP" are arranged on the outer periphery of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 constituting the reel unit 310, and when symbols within four frames from the push detection position, which is the position of the reel at the time when the stop switch 240 is activated (the time when the push of the stop button is detected), 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 push detection position.

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 (table reference process) of determining 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. In the stop control table, a correspondence between the press detection position and the actual stop position is set according to the setting state of the lottery flag. Note that in the stop control table, a correspondence between the press detection position and the number of sliding frames indicating the amount of rotation from the press detection position to the actual stop position may also be set according to the setting state of the lottery flag.

First, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the order of priority is set as "replay > minor role > bonus", and when the lottery flags for two or more types of roles are set to a winning state, the stop control table in which table data corresponding to the priority associated with each role is set is referenced, and the stopping position of the spinning reel is determined so that the symbols that make up the winning form of the role with a higher priority are displayed on the winning line in priority to the symbols that make up the winning form of the role with a lower priority.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, when multiple types of small roles are won in the internal lottery, the stopping positions of the reels may be determined according to the number of symbol combinations that indicate winning forms of small roles that can be displayed on the winning line, or the number of medals paid out based on winning small roles. When the stopping positions are determined according to the number of symbol combinations that indicate winning forms of small roles that can be displayed on the winning line, the stopping positions of the spinning reels are determined so that the number of symbol combinations that indicate winning forms of small roles that can be displayed on the winning line is increased, and when the stopping positions are determined according to the number of medals paid out, the stopping positions of the spinning reels are determined so that the number of medals paid out based on winning small roles that correspond to the symbols that can be displayed at the display positions on the winning line is increased.

In particular, in this embodiment, when any of the batting order bells win, a correct batting order is set for each winning pattern, and a pressing order that differs from the correct batting order is treated as an incorrect batting order. When the stopping operation is performed according to the correct batting order, the stopping position of the spinning reels is determined so that the number of medals paid out based on the winning of minor roles corresponding to the patterns that can be displayed at the display position on the winning line is increased, and when the stopping operation is performed according to the incorrect batting order, the stopping position of the spinning reels is determined so that the number of pattern combinations that indicate the winning form of the winning role that can be displayed on the winning line is increased.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, the stopping positions of the spinning reels are determined so that combinations with lottery flags set to a winning state can be won as much as possible, and the stopping positions of the spinning reels are determined so that combinations with lottery flags set to a non-winning state cannot be won.

In the stop control table, which is referenced when any of the batting order bells wins in the internal lottery in the BB1 or BB2 state, the correct batting order is set for each batting order bell, as shown in Figures 9 to 10, and a pressing order different from the correct batting order is treated as an incorrect batting order. When the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in the correct batting order, there are cases where a 15-coin small prize is won or a 1-coin small prize is won depending on the timing of the first (first) stop operation. If the first stop operation (a part of the multiple stop operations) is performed at the correct press timing (correct press position), which is the appropriate press timing, a 15-coin small prize is won, and if the first stop operation is performed at an incorrect press timing (press position different from the correct press position) different from the correct press timing, a 1-coin small prize is won. The stop positions are set for the press detection positions so that. In the correct batting order, the 15-coin small prize is won with a probability of 1/2 (= 10/20 frames) depending on the timing of the first stop operation. In this embodiment, the 15-coin small prize can be won by performing a stop operation (so-called eye-pressing) with the red 7 symbol "red 7" or the blue 7 symbol "blue 7" as a guide. For example, when the batting order bell 1 blue A is won, the replay symbol A "RPA" constituting the winning form of the small prize 54 (15-coin small prize) included in the batting order bell 1 blue A is first performed by performing a stop operation on the stop button B1 so that the blue 7 symbol "blue 7" is included in the pull-in range (0 frames to 4 frames). When the batting order bell 1 red A is won, the replay pattern B "RPB" which constitutes the winning form of the minor prize 53 (15-coin minor prize) included in the batting order bell 1 red A is displayed at a display position on the effective line of the first reel R1, and the 15-coin minor prize is won regardless of the state of the remaining stopping operations, by first performing a stopping operation on the stop button B1 so that the red 7 pattern "red 7" is included within the reel-in range.

In addition, if the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in an incorrect batting order when either the batting order bell 1 Blue A to 1 Red B or 2 Blue A to 2 Red B is selected, the 1-coin small prize will be awarded in the pressing order where stop button B1 or stop button B2 is pressed first (batting order 1 to batting order 4), and the stop position relative to the pressing detection position is set so that there are cases where the 1-coin small prize will be awarded and cases where no prize will be awarded (missed out) in the pressing order where stop button B3 is pressed first (batting order 5 to batting order 6). Note that in the pressing order where stop button B3 is pressed first (batting order 5 to batting order 6), there is a 1/2 (= 10/20 frame) probability of the 1-coin small prize being awarded depending on the timing of the final stop operation.

In addition, if the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in an incorrect batting order when either the batting order bells 3 Blue A to 3 Red B or 4 Blue A to 4 Red B are won, a 1-coin small prize will be awarded in the pressing order where stop button B2 or stop button B3 is pressed first (batting order 3 to batting order 6), and in the pressing order where stop button B1 is pressed first (batting order 1 to batting order 2), the stop positions are set relative to the pressing detection position so that there are cases where a 1-coin small prize will be awarded and cases where no prize will be awarded (missed out). Note that in the pressing order where stop button B1 is pressed first (batting order 1 to batting order 2), there is a 1/2 (= 10/20 frame) probability of a 1-coin small prize being awarded depending on the timing of the final stop operation.

In addition, if the stop buttons B1 to B3 are pressed in an incorrect batting order when either the batting order bells 5 Blue A to 5 Red B or 6 Blue A to 6 Red B are won, a 1-coin small prize will be awarded in the pressing order where stop button B1 or stop button B3 is pressed first (batting order 1 to batting order 2, batting order 5 to batting order 6), and in the pressing order where stop button B2 is pressed first (batting order 3 to batting order 4), the stop positions are set relative to the pressing detection position so that there are cases where a 1-coin small prize will be awarded and cases where no prize will be awarded (missed out). Note that in the pressing order where stop button B2 is pressed first (batting order 3 to batting order 4), there is a 1/2 (= 10/20 frame) probability of a 1-coin small prize being awarded depending on the timing of the final stop operation.

In addition, in this embodiment, if either the batting order bell is won when BB1 or BB2 is established, the winning of a small role is prioritized over a bonus, so even if neither role is won, the winning of the first big bonus (BB1) or the second big bonus (BB2) is avoided.

In the stop control table that is referenced when any of the batting order bells are won in the internal lottery under normal conditions, as shown in FIG. 11, any pressing sequence is treated as an incorrect batting order, and the stop positions relative to the pressing detection positions are set so that a 1-coin minor win is won in any pressing sequence. In this way, in this embodiment, the reel stop control when the batting order bell is won changes depending on the game state, and in the normal state, any pressing sequence is treated as an incorrect batting order, and the winning of a 15-coin minor win is avoided. Note that in the stop control table that is referenced in this case, the stop positions relative to the pressing detection positions are set so that the number of symbol combinations that show the winning form of the winning role that can be displayed on the pay line is maximized in any pressing sequence.

In the stop control table referenced when a watermelon is won in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that a 3-coin small role will be awarded. In the stop control table referenced when a chance role A or chance role B is won in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that a 15-coin small role will be awarded. In the stop control table referenced when a common bell is won in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that a 15-coin small role will be awarded. In the stop control table referenced when a common 1-coin role is won in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that a 1-coin small role will be awarded. In the stop control table referenced when a JAC is won in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that a 15-coin small role will be awarded.

In addition, in the stop control table referenced when Normal Replay A or Normal Replay B is selected in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that one of Replay 5 to Replay 9 will win. In addition, in the stop control table referenced when Weak Cherry Replay is selected in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that Replay 1 or Replay 2 will win, and in the stop control table referenced when Strong Cherry Replay is selected in the internal lottery, the stop position relative to the press detection position is set so that Replay 3 or Replay 4 will win.

In this embodiment, the first big bonus (BB1) is set as a selection target for the internal lottery in a game in which three medals are inserted (a game in which the number of medals betted is three), and is excluded from the selection target for the internal lottery in a game in which two medals are inserted (a game in which the number of medals betted is two). Therefore, in a game in which two medals are inserted in the BB1 state, the first big bonus (BB1) is excluded from the selection target for the pull-in process and is selected as the selection target for the kick-off process. Therefore, the reel control means 130 selects the first big bonus (BB1) as the selection target for the pull-in process in a game in which three medals are inserted in the BB1 state, while selecting the first big bonus (BB1) as the selection target for the kick-off process in a game in which two medals are inserted in the BB1 state, thereby controlling the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 to stop so that the first big bonus (BB1) does not win.

Similarly, the second big bonus (BB2) is set as a selection target in the internal lottery in a game in which two medals are inserted (a game in which the number of medals betted is two), and is excluded from the selection target in a game in which three medals are inserted (a game in which the number of medals betted is three). Therefore, in a game in which three medals are inserted in the BB2 state, the second big bonus (BB2) is excluded from the selection target in the pull-in process and is selected as the selection target in the kick-off process. Therefore, the reel control means 130 selects the second big bonus (BB2) as the selection target in a game in which two medals are inserted in the BB2 state, while selecting the second big bonus (BB2) as the selection target in the kick-off process in a game in which three medals are inserted in the BB2 state, thereby controlling the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 to stop so that the second big bonus (BB2) does not win.

The winning determination means 140 performs a winning determination process to determine 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 determination means 140 refers to a winning determination table stored in the winning determination table storage area 1912 provided in the main ROM of the game information storage means 190a to determine whether or not the symbol combination displayed on the pay line at the time when all of the first reel R1 to the third reel R3 have stopped is a winning form of a predetermined winning combination. Then, a winning determination table is prepared so that the winning of the first big bonus (BB1), the second big bonus (BB2), replay 1 to replay 9, and small prize 1 to small prize 61 can be determined based on the symbol combination displayed on the pay line when each reel has stopped, as shown in Figures 12 to 16.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, a winning process is executed based on the result of the judgment by the winning judgment means 140. As the winning process, for example, when a small winning combination is won, a medal payout control process is executed by the payout control means 150, when a replay is won, a replay process is executed by the replay processing means 160, and when a bonus is won, a game state transition control process is executed by the game state transition 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 minor 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 to the hopper unit 320 (payout device).

The payout for minor prizes is set for each specified number of coins, and in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 13 to 16, the payout for each minor prize is set to be the same when the specified number of coins is three and when the specified number of coins is two.

The hopper unit 320 performs the operation of paying out the number of medals instructed by the payout control means 150. The hopper unit 320 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 320 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 320, 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 set corresponding to the number of medals inserted by the automatic insertion process.

As shown in FIG. 17, the game state transition control means 170 performs a game state transition control process that transitions the game state between the normal state, the BB1 established state, the BB1 state, the BB2 established state, and the BB2 state. The game state transition condition may be one condition or multiple conditions. When multiple conditions are defined, 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. 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 normal state is a game state that corresponds to the initial state among the multiple game states, and it is possible to transition from the normal state to the BB1 established state and the BB2 established state. Specifically, if the first big bonus (BB1) is won in the normal state, the game transitions to the BB1 established state, and if the second big bonus (BB2) is won in the normal state, the game transitions to the BB2 established state. In the normal state, among the internal lottery tables 1 to 8 shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the internal lottery is performed by referring to either the internal lottery table 1 or the internal lottery table 5 in which the bonus is set as the lottery object, depending on the number of medals inserted (the number of medals bet). In a game in which three medals are inserted (a game in which the number of medals bet is three), the first big bonus (BB1) is set as the lottery object, and the internal lottery is performed by referring to the internal lottery table 1 in which the second big bonus (BB2) is excluded from the lottery object. In a game in which two medals are inserted (a game in which the number of medals bet is two), the second big bonus (BB2) is set as the lottery object, and the internal lottery is performed by referring to the internal lottery table 5 in which the first big bonus (BB1) is excluded from the lottery object.

The BB1 established state is a game state to which the player transitions when the first big bonus (BB1) is won in the internal lottery. In the BB1 established state, the internal lottery is performed by referring to either the internal lottery table 3 or the internal lottery table 7, in which the lottery mode for the minor role is set to the same as in the normal state and the bonus is excluded from the lottery target, among the internal lottery tables 1 to 8 shown in Figs. 3 and 4, according to the number of medals inserted (number of medals bet). In a game in which three medals are inserted (a game in which the number of medals bet is three), the internal lottery is performed by referring to the internal lottery table 3, in which the probability of winning a replay is set higher than in the normal state (internal lottery table 1). In a game in which two medals are inserted (a game in which the number of medals bet is two), the internal lottery is performed by referring to the internal lottery table 7, in which the probability of winning a replay is set higher than in the normal state (internal lottery table 5).

In addition, in the BB1 established state, the lottery flag corresponding to the first big bonus (BB1) is maintained in a winning state until the first big bonus (BB1) is won, and when the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the first big bonus (BB1) is displayed on the pay line, the game state transition control means 170 transitions the game state from the BB1 established state to the BB1 state.

The BB1 state is a game state to which the game enters when a symbol combination indicating the winning form of the first big bonus (BB1) is displayed on an active line. In the BB1 state, an internal lottery is performed with reference to internal lottery table 4, which has a higher probability of winning all the small prizes than the normal state, among internal lottery tables 1 to 8 shown in Figures 3 and 4.

In addition, in the BB1 state, it is determined whether or not the termination condition is met based on the total number of medals paid out in the BB1 state, and when more than a predetermined number (e.g., 100 medals) have been paid out, the game state transition control means 170 performs control to terminate the BB1 state and return the game state to the normal state. Note that in this embodiment, the termination condition for the BB1 state is determined by the total number of medals paid out, but the termination condition may also be determined by the number of times the game is played in the BB1 state or the number of times a small winning combination is won. The termination condition for the BB1 state may also be determined so that the state ends after one game.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, in the BB1 formation state, when both the first big bonus (BB1) and the small bonus are won, the symbols constituting the winning form of the small bonus are displayed on the active line in priority to the symbols constituting the winning form of the first big bonus (BB1), and when both the first big bonus (BB1) and the replay are won, the reels are stopped while spinning so that the replay wins in priority to the first big bonus (BB1), thereby preventing the first big bonus (BB1) from winning if three medals are inserted, and when two medals are inserted, the first big bonus (BB1) is subject to a kick-away process, thereby preventing the first big bonus (BB1) from winning.

The BB2 state is a game state to which the player transitions when the second big bonus (BB2) is won in the internal lottery. In the BB2 state, the internal lottery is performed by referring to either the internal lottery table 2 or the internal lottery table 6, in which the lottery mode for the minor role is set to the same as in the normal state and the bonus is excluded from the lottery, among the internal lottery tables 1 to 8 shown in Figs. 3 and 4, according to the number of medals inserted (number of medals bet). In a game in which three medals are inserted (a game in which the number of medals bet is three), the internal lottery is performed by referring to the internal lottery table 2 in which the winning probability of the replay is set to the same as in the normal state (internal lottery table 1), and in a game in which two medals are inserted (a game in which the number of medals bet is two), the internal lottery is performed by referring to the internal lottery table 6 in which the winning probability of the replay is set higher than in the normal state (internal lottery table 5).

In addition, in the BB2 established state, the lottery flag corresponding to the second big bonus (BB2) is maintained in the winning state until the second big bonus (BB2) is won, and when the symbol combination indicating the winning form of the second big bonus (BB2) is displayed on the pay line, the game state transition control means 170 transitions the game state from the BB2 established state to the BB2 state.

The BB2 state is a game state to which the game enters when a symbol combination indicating the winning form of the second big bonus (BB2) is displayed on an active line. In the BB2 state, an internal lottery is performed with reference to internal lottery table 8, which has a higher probability of winning all the small prizes than in the normal state, out of internal lottery tables 1 to 8 shown in Figures 3 and 4.

In the BB2 state, the total number of medals paid out in the BB2 state determines whether or not the termination condition is met, and when more than a predetermined number of medals (e.g., 100 medals) are paid out, the game state transition control means 170 performs control to terminate the BB2 state and return the game state to the normal state. Note that in this embodiment, the termination condition for the BB2 state is determined by the total number of medals paid out, but the termination condition may also be determined by the number of games played in the BB2 state or the number of times a small winning combination is won. The termination condition for the BB2 state may also be set so that the state ends after one game. The BB2 state may have a different termination condition than the BB1 state.

In the gaming machine of this embodiment, in the BB2 established state, when both the second big bonus (BB2) and the small role are won, the symbols constituting the winning form of the small role are displayed on the pay line in priority to the symbols constituting the winning form of the second big bonus (BB2), and in the state where both the second big bonus (BB2) and the replay are won, the reels being rotated are stopped so that the replay wins in priority to the second big bonus (BB2), so that the winning of the second big bonus (BB2) is avoided when the number of medals inserted is two, and when the number of medals inserted is three, the second big bonus (BB2) is made the target of the kicking process, so that the winning of the second big bonus (BB2) is avoided. That is, in this embodiment, when the number of medals inserted is three in the BB2 established state, the winning of the second big bonus (BB2) is avoided even if neither role is won in the internal lottery.

In addition, in the gaming machine of this embodiment, in the normal state, the BB1 establishment state, and the BB2 establishment state, an internal lottery is performed so that there are multiple types of first winning modes (batting order bell 1 blue A to 1 red B, 2 blue A to 2 red B, 3 blue A to 3 red B, 4 blue A to 4 red B, 5 blue A to 5 red B, 6 blue A to 6 red B) in which multiple types of 15-coin small roles (small roles 31 to 54) do not overlap and win, and in each of the BB1 state and BB2 state, there is a second winning mode in which multiple types of 15-coin small roles (small roles 31 to 54) overlap and win. (JAC) exists, and the internal lottery is performed so that the probability of the second winning mode in the internal lottery in each of the BB1 state and the BB2 state is lower than the probability of any one of a plurality of first winning modes in the internal lottery in the normal state, the BB1 established state, and the BB2 established state, the winning probability of each small role is equal to or higher than the winning probability in the normal state, the BB1 established state, and the BB2 established state, and the winning probability of the entire small roles is higher than the normal state, the BB1 established state, and the BB2 established state. That is, in each of the BB1 state and BB2 state of this embodiment, the probability of winning at least one type of small win is higher than in the normal state, the BB1 state, or the BB2 state, and the probability of winning all small wins is also higher than in the normal state, the BB1 state, or the BB2 state. However, the probability of obtaining a second winning pattern (JAC) including small wins 31 to 54 with a higher payout than the specified number of coins inserted (3 coins) is lower than the probability of obtaining any of the first winning patterns including any of small wins 31 to 54 in the normal state, the BB1 state, or the BB2 state. Therefore, the expected value of the medal acquisition rate (number of coins paid out/number of coins inserted) in each of the BB1 state and the BB2 state can be set to less than 100%.

As shown in FIG. 18, the bonus granting means 175 changes the presentation state between multiple types of presentation states including a non-advantageous zone state, a normal presentation state, a premonition state, a special AT state (special presentation state, auxiliary presentation state), a normal AT state (special presentation state, auxiliary presentation state), and an end waiting state, and sets the presentation state to an AT state (special AT state or normal AT state) under a specified condition, and in this embodiment in particular, it is possible to set the AT state in the BB2 establishment state, and controls to end the special AT state when the end condition of the special AT state is established, and to end the normal AT state when the end condition of the normal AT state is established. In this embodiment, information indicating the current presentation state is stored in a presentation state memory area 1918 provided in the main RAM of the game information memory means 190a.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the player is in the AT state, the effect control means 180 performs a winning assistance effect to assist in the winning of a 15-coin minor prize (correct minor prize) by notifying the player of the correct batting order and the correct timing (correct position) for pressing the first stop operation (first stop operation) when the batting order bell is won, allowing the player to play in an assist time game in which it is easier to win medals than when the player is in the normal effect state or premonition state. Note that in this embodiment, when the player is in the AT state, the winning assistance effect is executed in the BB2 established state, and the winning assistance effect is not performed in the normal state, BB1 established state, BB1 state, or BB2 state.

As shown in FIG. 18, the bonus granting means 175 can set a non-advantageous zone and an advantageous zone as a game zone, and in the non-advantageous zone, the presentation state is fixed to the non-advantageous zone state regardless of the game state, and a favorable zone lottery is performed, and the advantageous zone is started based on winning the advantageous zone lottery, and the presentation state can be set to the AT state only if it is an advantageous zone. In particular, in this embodiment, a favorable zone lottery is performed in a game in which the game state is staying in the normal state or the BB2 establishment state, and when the game state is staying in the BB2 establishment state in the advantageous zone, the presentation state can be changed between the normal presentation state, the premonition state, the special AT state, the normal AT state, and the end waiting state. In this embodiment, information indicating the game zone in which the player is staying is stored in the game zone storage area 1917 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a.

In this embodiment, the bonus granting means 175 performs a favorable zone lottery to determine whether or not to move to a favorable zone based on whether any role has been won in the internal lottery in the non-favorable zone state. Note that in this embodiment, when the non-favorable zone state is in place, the favorable zone lottery is performed in the normal state or in the BB2 state, and in the BB1 state, BB1 state, and BB2 state, the favorable zone lottery is not performed regardless of the result of the internal lottery, and even in the normal state or the BB2 state, the favorable zone lottery is not performed in a game in which two medals are inserted (a game in which the number of medals bet is two), but is performed only in a game in which three medals are inserted (a game in which the number of medals bet is three).

In the advantageous zone lottery, the random number value acquired for the internal lottery is compared with the advantageous zone lottery table stored in the main lottery table storage area 1910, and whether or not the advantageous zone lottery has been won is determined based on the comparison result. In the advantageous zone lottery table, a win or a miss is assigned to each random number value for the internal lottery, and it is determined that the advantageous zone lottery has been won if the random number value acquired for the internal lottery is associated with a win in the advantageous zone lottery table. In this embodiment, the advantageous zone lottery table is set so that when a specific winning pattern (rare role) such as watermelon, chance role A, chance role B, weak cherry replay, and strong cherry replay is won, the advantageous zone lottery is always won. In addition, the probability of winning the advantageous zone lottery is constant in the non-advantageous zone. The lottery probability of the advantageous zone lottery can be set arbitrarily, not limited to the above example.

The bonus granting means 175 also performs an AT lottery to determine whether or not to transition to the AT state, based on whether watermelon, chance role A, chance role B, weak cherry replay, or strong cherry replay has been won in the internal lottery in the non-advantageous zone state. In this embodiment, when the non-advantageous zone state is in place, the AT lottery is performed in the normal state or in the BB2 state, and in the BB1 state, BB1 state, and BB2 state, the AT lottery is not performed regardless of the result of the internal lottery, and even in the normal state or the BB2 state, the AT lottery is not performed in a game in which two medals are inserted (a game in which the number of medals bet is two), but is performed only in a game in which three medals are inserted (a game in which the number of medals bet is three).

In the AT lottery, the random number value acquired for the internal lottery is compared with the AT lottery table stored in the main lottery table storage area 1910, and whether or not the AT lottery has been won is determined according to the comparison result. In the AT lottery table, a win or a miss is assigned to each random number value for the internal lottery, and if the random number value acquired for the internal lottery is associated with a win in the AT lottery table, it is determined that the AT lottery has been won. In addition, in a non-advantageous zone state, the AT lottery is performed so that the winning probability increases in the order of "Weak Cherry Replay < Chance Role A < Watermelon < Strong Cherry Replay < Chance Role B". In addition, in a non-advantageous zone (non-advantageous zone state), the winning probability of the AT lottery is constant. The lottery probability of the AT lottery can be set arbitrarily, not limited to the above example, and for example, the winning probability can be set according to the game state, and the AT lottery can be performed by referring to the game state.

The bonus granting means 175 keeps the player in the non-advantageous zone if neither the advantageous zone lottery nor the AT lottery is won in the non-advantageous zone, and starts the advantageous zone if the advantageous zone lottery is won in the non-advantageous zone as shown in FIG. 18. In the non-advantageous zone, if the advantageous zone lottery is won in a game in which a specific winning pattern such as watermelon is won in the internal lottery, the bonus granting means 175 transitions the presentation state to a premonition state, and if the advantageous zone lottery is won in a game in which a winning pattern other than a specific winning pattern such as watermelon is won in the internal lottery, the bonus granting means 175 transitions the presentation state to a normal presentation state. Note that in this embodiment, if the AT lottery is held, the advantageous zone lottery is always won, in which case the game zone transitions to the advantageous zone and the presentation state transitions to the premonition state.

The bonus granting means 175 also performs an AT lottery when the presentation state is a normal presentation state or a premonition state in the advantageous zone. In the normal presentation state and the premonition state, the AT lottery is performed when a specific winning pattern such as watermelon is won in the internal lottery, as in the non-advantageous zone state. In the normal presentation state and the premonition state, the AT lottery is performed with the same winning probability as the non-advantageous zone state, but the AT lottery may be performed with a winning probability different from that in the non-advantageous zone state, or the AT lottery may be performed so that the winning probability is higher or lower than that in the non-advantageous zone state. In the advantageous zone, the winning probability of the AT lottery may be changed. For example, a high probability state in which the winning probability of the AT lottery is high and a low probability state in which the winning probability of the AT lottery is low may be set as the lottery state of the AT lottery, and the lottery state of the AT lottery may be changed in the normal presentation state, or the lottery state of the AT lottery may be changed according to the game state. In this embodiment, when in the normal presentation state or premonition state, the AT lottery is executed in the normal state or BB2 established state, and in the BB1 established state, BB1 state, and BB2 state, the AT lottery is not executed regardless of the result of the internal lottery, and even in the normal state or BB2 established state, the AT lottery is not executed in a game in which two medals are inserted (a game in which the number of medals bet is two), but is executed only in a game in which three medals are inserted (a game in which the number of medals bet is three).

When the AT lottery is won in a non-advantageous zone state, a normal performance state, or a premonition state, the bonus granting means 175 performs a stock process to stock (store) the right to continue the normal AT state by adding a value (e.g., 1) equivalent to the right to continue the normal AT state a predetermined number of times (e.g., once) to the value of the AT stock counter 1924 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a. In this embodiment, when the AT lottery is won in a non-advantageous zone state, a normal performance state, or a premonition state, a value (e.g., 1) equivalent to the right to continue the normal AT state for one time is added to the value of the AT stock counter 1924. Note that the number of rights to continue the normal AT state stocked when the AT lottery is won is not limited to the above example and can be set arbitrarily, and the right to continue the normal AT state multiple times may be stocked.

In addition, in this embodiment, if the player wins the AT lottery in the normal presentation state and then wins the AT lottery again in the premonition state, the rights for the AT lottery win in the normal presentation state and the AT lottery win in the premonition state are stocked (stored) in the AT stock counter 1924.

In addition, the bonus granting means 175 transitions the presentation state to a premonition state when a watermelon, chance role A, chance role B, weak cherry replay, or strong cherry replay is won in an internal lottery during the normal presentation state.

When transitioning the presentation state from a non-advantageous zone state or a normal presentation state to a premonition state, the bonus granting means 175 sets the value of the premonition counter 1920 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a to a value (e.g., 32) equivalent to a predetermined number of games (e.g., 32), and in the premonition state, a decrement update is performed by subtracting a fixed value (e.g., 1) equivalent to one game from the value of the premonition counter 1920 each time a game is played, and when the value of the premonition counter 1920 reaches a threshold value (e.g., 0), as shown in FIG. 18, if the value of the AT stock counter 1924 is greater than the initial value (e.g., 0) (if the AT lottery is won), the presentation state is transitioned to a special AT state, and if the value of the AT stock counter 1924 is not greater than the initial value (e.g., 0) (if the AT lottery is not won), the presentation state is transitioned to the normal presentation state. In this embodiment, when in a premonition state, the premonition counter 1920 is updated in the normal state or in the BB2 established state, but is not updated in the BB1 established state, BB1 state, or BB2 state. Also, even in the normal state or the BB2 established state, the premonition counter 1920 is not updated in a game in which two medals are inserted (a game in which the number of medals bet is two), but is updated only in a game in which three medals are inserted (a game in which the number of medals bet is three).

In addition, when the bonus granting means 175 is in the normal presentation state or the premonition state, it performs an incremental update to add a given value to the value of the AT mode point counter 1922 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a. In this embodiment, a value equivalent to one point (e.g., 1) is added each time a game is played, and in a game in which a specific winning mode such as watermelon is won in an internal lottery, a value equivalent to a predetermined number of points (e.g., 10, 20, 30, 50, 100, etc.) is added. In this embodiment, even if the presentation state transitions from the normal presentation state to the premonition state, the AT mode point counter 1922 continues to be updated. In other words, in this embodiment, the value of the AT mode point counter 1922 is inherited even if the presentation state changes. In this embodiment, the AT mode point counter 1922 is updated in the normal state or BB2 establishment state when the normal performance state or premonition state is in effect, and is not updated in the BB1 establishment state, BB1 state, and BB2 state. Also, even in the normal state or BB2 establishment state, the AT mode point counter 1922 is not updated in a game in which two medals are inserted (a game in which the number of medals bet is two), but is updated only in a game in which three medals are inserted (a game in which the number of medals bet is three). The value added to the AT mode point counter 1922 is not limited to the above example and can be set arbitrarily. For example, in a game in which a specific winning mode such as watermelon is won in an internal lottery, if the result of the AT lottery is a miss, more or less points may be added than if the AT lottery was won.

When the bonus granting means 175 transitions the presentation state from the premonition state to the special AT state, it subtracts a value (e.g., 1) equivalent to the right to continue the normal AT state for one time from the value of the AT stock counter 1924, and initializes the AT state. The initial setting of the AT state includes an AT mode setting process that sets the AT mode based on the value of the AT mode point counter 1922, an upper limit setting process that sets the upper limit number of times of added play and the upper limit number of times of AT continuation play based on the AT mode, and an upper limit release setting process that sets whether or not to release the upper limit of added play based on the upper limit number of times of added play and the upper limit of AT continuation play based on the upper limit number of times of AT continuation play.

In the AT mode setting process, an AT mode lottery is held to select an AT mode from AT mode 1 and AT mode 2, which is more advantageous to the player than AT mode 1, and the selected AT mode is set as the current AT mode.

In the AT mode lottery, for example, one of 32768 random numbers from 0 to 32767 is obtained, and the obtained random number is compared with the AT mode lottery table stored in the main lottery table storage area 1910 to determine which AT mode has been selected according to the comparison result. In the AT mode lottery table, AT mode 1 or AT mode 2 is assigned to each of the 32768 random numbers from 0 to 32767, and it is determined that AT mode 1 has been selected if the random number obtained in the AT mode lottery is associated with AT mode 1 selection in the AT mode lottery table, and it is determined that AT mode 2 has been selected if the random number is associated with AT mode 2 selection. In the AT mode lottery, the AT mode lottery is performed so that the probability of selecting AT mode 2 increases (so that AT mode 2 is more likely to be selected) as the value of the AT mode point counter 1922 increases, and the AT mode lottery is performed so that AT mode 2 is always selected when the value of the AT mode point counter 1922 is a specific value (for example, 1000) or more. The probability of the AT mode selection is not limited to the above example and can be set arbitrarily. In this embodiment, information indicating the AT mode is stored in the AT information storage area 1919 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a.

In the upper limit setting process, the upper limit number of times of addition is selected and set from among a plurality of types of number of times of play (e.g., 20 times, 55 times) based on the AT mode, and the upper limit number of times of AT continuation is selected and set from among a plurality of types of number of times of play (e.g., 50 times, 140 times). Specifically, by referring to the upper limit number of times of play table stored in the main lottery table storage area 1910, as shown in FIG. 19 (A), when the AT mode is AT mode 1, the upper limit number of times of addition is set to, for example, 20 times of play and the upper limit number of times of AT continuation is set to, for example, 50 times of play, and when the AT mode is AT mode 2, the upper limit number of times of addition is set to, for example, 55 times of play and the upper limit number of times of AT continuation is set to, for example, 140 times of play. In this embodiment, information indicating the upper limit number of times of addition and the upper limit number of times of AT continuation is stored in the AT information storage area 1919 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a.

The upper limit number of plays for the addition is intended to limit the addition that can extend the AT state, and when the number of plays in the AT state reaches the upper limit number of plays for the addition, the state becomes the addition restricted state and no addition is performed. The upper limit number of plays for the AT continuation is intended to limit the continuation of the AT state (particularly the normal AT state), and when the number of plays in the AT state reaches the upper limit number of plays for the AT continuation, the state becomes the AT continuation restricted state, making it easier for the normal AT state to end (easier to transition to the end waiting state).

In the upper limit release setting process, an upper limit release lottery is performed based on the AT mode to determine whether or not to release the upper limit of the added-on amount based on the number of times the added-on amount is played and the upper limit of the AT continuation amount based on the number of times the AT continuation amount is played. If the upper limit release lottery is won, the setting is made to release the upper limit of the added-on amount and the upper limit of the AT continuation amount.

In the upper limit removal lottery, for example, one of 32768 random numbers from 0 to 32767 is obtained, and the obtained random number is compared with the upper limit removal lottery table stored in the main lottery table storage area 1910 to determine whether or not the upper limit removal lottery has been won based on the comparison result. In the upper limit removal lottery table, each of the 32768 random numbers from 0 to 32767 is assigned a win or a miss, and it is determined that the upper limit removal lottery has been won if the random number obtained in the upper limit removal lottery is associated with a win in the upper limit removal lottery table. In addition, in the upper limit removal lottery, as shown in FIG. 19 (B), the upper limit removal lottery is performed so that the probability of winning is higher in AT mode 2 (for example, a 20% probability of winning) than in AT mode 1 (for example, a 5% probability of winning). The probability of winning the upper limit release lottery is not limited to the above example and can be set arbitrarily. For example, the probability of winning may be lower in AT mode 2 than in AT mode 1, the probability of winning may be the same for AT mode 1 and AT mode 2, or the probability of winning may be higher if a specific winning pattern such as Suica is won in the internal lottery than if the specific winning pattern is not won in the internal lottery.

If the upper limit release lottery is won, the bonus granting means 175 will set the upper limit release flag to on to release (invalidate) the upper limit added based on the upper limit number of plays and the upper limit for AT continuation based on the upper limit number of plays, and if the upper limit release lottery is lost, the upper limit release flag will be set to off to not release the upper limit added and the upper limit for AT continuation (set to valid). The setting information for the upper limit release flag is stored in the AT information storage area 1919 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a.

In addition, when transitioning the presentation state from the premonition state to the special AT state, the bonus granting means 175 performs initial settings for the normal AT state and initial settings for the special AT state.

In the initial setting of the normal AT state, the initial guarantee flag is set to the on state to set an initial guarantee period in which the normal AT state does not end. The setting information of the initial guarantee flag is stored in the AT information storage area 1919 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a.

In the initial setting of the special AT state, the number of times the winning support effect is to be executed is selected by lottery from among several types of the number of times the winning support effect is to be executed (for example, 10 times, 15 times, 20 times), and the value of the special AT counter 1928 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a is set to a value corresponding to the selected number of times the winning support effect is to be executed.

When the bonus granting means 175 transitions from the premonition state to the special AT state, the presentation control means 180 performs a winning assistance presentation when the batting order bell is won, so that a decrement update is performed by subtracting a fixed value (e.g., 1) equivalent to the execution of one winning assistance presentation from the value of the special AT counter 1928 each time a batting order bell is won in the internal lottery, and when the value of the special AT counter 1928 reaches a threshold value (e.g., 0), the presentation state transitions to the normal AT state as shown in FIG. 18. In this embodiment, when the special AT state is established, the special AT counter 1928 is updated in the BB2 established state, and the special AT counter 1928 is not updated in the normal state, BB1 established state, BB1 state, and BB2 state. Also, even in the BB2 established state, the special AT counter 1928 is not updated in a game in which two medals are inserted (a game in which the number of medals bet is two), but is updated only in a game in which three medals are inserted (a game in which the number of medals bet is three).

The bonus granting means 175 also performs an incremental update by adding a fixed value (e.g., 1) equivalent to one game to the value of the AT upper limit counter 1926 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a each time one game is played in the special AT state or the normal AT state. In this embodiment, even if the presentation state transitions between the special AT state and the normal AT state, the update of the AT upper limit counter 1926 is continued, and when the presentation state transitions from the normal AT state to the end waiting state, the update of the AT upper limit counter 1926 is suspended, and when the presentation state returns from the end waiting state to the special AT state, the suspended update of the AT upper limit counter 1926 is resumed. In other words, in this embodiment, the value of the AT upper limit counter 1926 is inherited even if the presentation state changes. In this embodiment, when the special AT state or normal AT state is established, the AT upper limit counter 1926 is updated in the BB2 established state, and the AT upper limit counter 1926 is not updated in the normal state, BB1 established state, BB1 state, and BB2 state. Also, even in the BB2 established state, the AT upper limit counter 1926 is not updated in a game in which two medals are inserted (a game in which the number of medals bet is two), but is updated only in a game in which three medals are inserted (a game in which the number of medals bet is three).

When the value of the AT upper limit counter 1926 reaches a value (e.g., 20) that corresponds to the upper limit number of times that can be played on top of the other bonuses (e.g., 20 times in AT mode 1), the upper limit flag for added bonuses is set from the OFF state to the ON state, provided that the upper limit release flag is OFF. This sets the state to an added bonus restricted state (a first disadvantageous state that is disadvantageous to the player), in which no added bonuses are performed. Note that if the upper limit release flag is ON, the added bonus upper limit flag is maintained in the OFF state.

In addition, when the value of the AT upper limit counter 1926 reaches a value (e.g., 50) that corresponds to the AT continuation upper limit number of plays (e.g., 50 plays in AT mode 1), the AT continuation upper limit flag is set from the OFF state to the ON state, provided that the upper limit release flag is in the OFF state. This sets the AT continuation restricted state (a second disadvantageous state that is disadvantageous to the player), which is a state in which the normal AT state is likely to end. Note that when the upper limit release flag is in the ON state, the AT continuation upper limit flag is maintained in the OFF state.

In addition, when the value of the AT upper limit counter 1926 reaches a value (e.g., 165) corresponding to a predetermined number of plays to remove the upper limit (e.g., 165 plays in AT mode 1), if the added upper limit flag is in the on state, the added upper limit flag is set from the on state to the off state to remove the added upper limit state, and if the AT continuation upper limit flag is in the on state, the AT continuation upper limit flag is set from the on state to the off state to remove the AT continuation upper limit state. Note that the number of plays to remove the upper limit can be set arbitrarily and is not limited to the above example.

In addition, the bonus granting means 175 performs an add-on lottery to determine whether or not to add (add) the number of times the winning assistance performance is executed when a watermelon, chance role A, chance role B, weak cherry replay, or strong cherry replay is won in the internal lottery in the special AT state, provided that the add-on limit state is not in effect. Note that the add-on lottery is not performed if the add-on limit state is in effect. In addition, in this embodiment, when the special AT state is in effect, the add-on lottery is performed in the normal state or BB2 state, and in the BB1 state, BB1 state, and BB2 state, the add-on lottery is not performed regardless of the result of the internal lottery, and even in the normal state or BB2 state, the add-on lottery is not performed in a game in which two medals are inserted (a game in which the number of medals bet is two), but is performed only in a game in which three medals are inserted (a game in which the number of medals bet is three).

In the top-up lottery, the random number value acquired for the internal lottery is compared with the top-up lottery table stored in the main lottery table memory area 1910 provided in the main ROM of the game information storage means 190a, and it is determined whether or not the top-up lottery has been won based on the comparison result. In the top-up lottery table, a win or a loss is assigned to each random number value for the internal lottery, and it is determined that the top-up lottery has been won if the random number value acquired for the internal lottery is associated with a win in the top-up lottery table.

When the add-on lottery is won, the bonus granting means 175 performs an add-on process to add a given value to the value of the special AT counter 1928. The value added to the special AT counter 1928 can be set arbitrarily, and may be selected by lottery from a number of different values (e.g., 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, etc.).

When the special AT state transitions to the normal AT state, the bonus granting means 175 performs a navigation lottery to determine whether or not to execute a winning assistance performance each time any of the batting order bells are selected in the internal lottery. In this embodiment, when the normal AT state is selected, the navigation lottery is performed in the BB2 state, and the navigation lottery is not performed in the normal state, the BB1 state, the BB1 state, and the BB2 state. Even in the BB2 state, the navigation lottery is not performed in a game in which two medals are inserted (a game in which the number of medals bet is two), but is performed only in a game in which three medals are inserted (a game in which the number of medals bet is three).

In the navigation lottery, the random number acquired for the internal lottery is compared with the navigation lottery table stored in the main lottery table storage area 1910 provided in the main ROM of the game information storage means 190a, and whether or not the navigation lottery has been won is determined according to the comparison result. In the navigation lottery table, a win or a miss is assigned to each random number for the internal lottery, and if the random number acquired for the internal lottery is associated with a win in the navigation lottery table, it is determined that the navigation lottery has been won. In addition, as shown in FIG. 19 (B), in the navigation lottery, the navigation lottery is performed so that the probability of winning is higher in the case of AT mode 2 (e.g., winning probability 90%) than in the case of AT mode 1 (e.g., winning probability 70%). Note that the lottery probability of the navigation lottery is not limited to the above example and can be set arbitrarily. For example, the probability of winning may be lower in the case of AT mode 2 than in the case of AT mode 1, or the winning probability may be the same for AT mode 1 and AT mode 2.

If the navigation lottery is won, the effect control means 180 executes the winning assistance effect, but if the navigation lottery is lost, the winning assistance effect is not executed. In this embodiment, in the normal AT state, the winning assistance effect is executed only if the navigation lottery is won, whereas in the special AT state, the winning assistance effect is always executed when the batting order bell is won.

When the navigation lottery is won, the bonus granting means 175 performs an incremental update by adding a fixed value (e.g., 1) equivalent to the execution of one winning support performance to the value of the navigation counter 1930 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a, and when the value of the navigation counter 1930 reaches a value equivalent to a multiple of 10 (e.g., 10, 20, 30, etc.), a stock lottery is performed to determine whether or not to add (add) the right to continue the normal AT state, provided that the player is not in a state of limited addition. That is, in this embodiment, a stock lottery is performed every time the winning support performance is executed 10 times. Furthermore, if the player is in a state of limited addition, a stock lottery is not performed.

In the stock lottery, for example, one of 32768 random numbers from 0 to 32767 is obtained, and the obtained random number is compared with the stock lottery table stored in the main lottery table storage area 1910 to determine whether or not the stock lottery has been won based on the comparison result. In the stock lottery table, a win or a miss is assigned to each of the 32768 random numbers from 0 to 32767, and it is determined that the stock lottery has been won if the random number obtained in the stock lottery is associated with a win in the stock lottery table. In addition, in the stock lottery, as shown in FIG. 19 (B), the stock lottery is performed so that the probability of winning is higher in AT mode 2 (for example, a winning probability of 25%) than in AT mode 1 (for example, a winning probability of 10%). The lottery probability of the stock lottery is not limited to the above example and can be set arbitrarily. For example, the probability of winning may be lower in AT mode 2 than in AT mode 1, or the winning probability may be the same in AT mode 1 and AT mode 2.

When the stock lottery is won, the bonus granting means 175 performs a stock process (addition process) to stock (store) the right to continue the normal AT state by adding (adding) a value (e.g., 1) equivalent to the right to continue the normal AT state for one time to the value of the AT stock counter 1924. Note that the number of rights to continue the normal AT state that are stocked when the stock lottery is won is not limited to the above example and can be set arbitrarily, and the right to continue the normal AT state multiple times may be stocked.

The bonus granting means 175 also performs a special AT lottery to determine whether or not to transition to a special AT state when a watermelon, chance role A, chance role B, weak cherry replay, or strong cherry replay is selected in the internal lottery during the normal AT state. In this embodiment, when the normal AT state is in effect, a special AT lottery is performed in the normal state or in the BB2 state, and in the BB1 state, BB1 state, and BB2 state, the special AT lottery is not performed regardless of the result of the internal lottery, and even in the normal state or the BB2 state, the special AT lottery is not performed in a game in which two medals are inserted (a game in which the number of medals bet is two), but is performed only in a game in which three medals are inserted (a game in which the number of medals bet is three).

In the special AT lottery, the random number acquired for the internal lottery is compared with the special AT lottery table stored in the main lottery table storage area 1910 provided in the main ROM of the game information storage means 190a, and whether or not the special AT lottery has been won is determined according to the comparison result. In the special AT lottery table, a win or a miss is assigned to each random number for the internal lottery, and if the random number acquired for the internal lottery is associated with a win in the special AT lottery table, it is determined that the special AT lottery has been won. In addition, in the special AT lottery, the special AT lottery is performed so that the winning probability increases in the order of "Weak Cherry Replay < Chance Role A < Watermelon < Strong Cherry Replay < Chance Role B". The lottery probability of the special AT lottery can be set arbitrarily, not limited to the above example, and for example, the winning probability can be set according to the game state, and the special AT lottery can be performed by referring to the game state.

When the special AT lottery is won, the bonus granting means 175 transitions the presentation state to the special AT state as shown in FIG. 18, and performs the initial setting of the special AT state when transitioning the presentation state to the special AT state. In the initial setting of the special AT state, the number of times the winning support presentation is executed is set by setting the value of the special AT counter 1928, in the same way as when transitioning the presentation state from the premonition state to the special AT state. Then, when the value of the special AT counter 1928 reaches a threshold value (e.g., 0) in the special AT state, the state transitions again to the normal AT state.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the presentation state transitions from the normal AT state to the special AT state or the fall waiting state, the updating of the navigation counter 1930 is suspended, and when the presentation state returns from the special AT state or the fall waiting state to the normal AT state, the suspended updating of the navigation counter 1930 is resumed. In other words, in this embodiment, the value of the navigation counter 1930 is carried over even if the presentation state changes.

In addition, when the value of the navigation counter 1930 reaches a value (e.g., 20) corresponding to a predetermined number of initial guarantees (e.g., 20 times) in the normal AT state, the bonus granting means 175 ends the initial guarantee period by setting the initial guarantee flag from the ON state to the OFF state. Note that the number of initial guarantees is not limited to the above example and can be set arbitrarily.

In addition, in the normal AT state, when normal replay A or normal replay B is selected in the internal lottery or when the internal lottery result is a miss, the bonus granting means 175 performs an end lottery to determine whether or not the normal AT state will end, provided that the initial guarantee period is not in effect. Note that if the initial guarantee period is in effect (the initial guarantee flag is on), the end lottery is not performed. In this embodiment, the end lottery is not performed in the special AT state or the end waiting state, but is performed only in the normal AT state. In the normal AT state, the end lottery is performed in the normal state or the BB2 establishment state, and the end lottery is not performed in the BB1 establishment state, BB1 state, and BB2 state regardless of the result of the internal lottery. Also, even in the normal state or the BB2 establishment state, the end lottery is not performed in a game in which two medals are inserted (a game in which the number of medals bet is two), but is performed only in a game in which three medals are inserted (a game in which the number of medals bet is three).

In the end lottery, the random number acquired for the internal lottery is compared with the end lottery table stored in the main lottery table storage area 1910 provided in the main ROM of the game information storage means 190a, and whether or not the end lottery has been won is determined according to the comparison result. In the end lottery table, a win or a miss is assigned to each random number for the internal lottery, and it is determined that the end lottery has been won when the random number acquired for the internal lottery is associated with a win in the end lottery table. In addition, in the end lottery, as shown in FIG. 19 (C), the end lottery is performed so that the probability of winning is higher in the case of AT mode 1 (e.g., 75% probability of winning) than in the case of AT mode 2 (e.g., 10% probability of winning), and the end lottery is performed so that the winning is guaranteed in the case of the AT continuation restriction state. The lottery probability of the end lottery is not limited to the above example and can be set arbitrarily. For example, the probability of winning may be lower in AT mode 1 than in AT mode 2, the winning probability may be the same for AT mode 1 and AT mode 2, the winning probability may be different for winning normal replay A in the internal lottery, winning normal replay B in the internal lottery, and the result of the internal lottery may be a miss, or the probability of winning may be higher in the AT continuation limited state than in the non-AT continuation limited state. In the AT continuation limited state, the probability of winning may be higher in AT mode 1 (e.g., 100% winning probability) than in AT mode 2 (e.g., 90% winning probability), or the probability of winning may be higher in AT mode 2 (e.g., 100% winning probability) than in AT mode 1 (e.g., 90% winning probability). Also, when the AT continuation limit state occurs, if a specific winning pattern such as Suica is won in the internal lottery, the winning probability may be less than 100%, or the final lottery may always result in a loss, or the probability of a loss in the final lottery may be higher than the probability of a win.

When the end lottery is won, the bonus granting means 175 transitions the presentation state to an end standby state, as shown in FIG. 18. Note that in this embodiment, since the end lottery is not held during the initial guarantee period, even if the AT continuation limit state is in effect, if the initial guarantee period is in effect, the normal AT state will continue until the end lottery is won after the end of the initial guarantee period.

In addition, in this embodiment, the AT continuation limit state is not released due to changes in the presentation state, so there are cases where the AT continuation limit state is in a special AT state, but since an end lottery is not held in the special AT state, the special AT state will not end midway due to an end lottery even if it is in an AT continuation limit state.

When the bonus granting means 175 transitions from the normal AT state to the end waiting state, as shown in FIG. 18, in the end waiting state, if a 15-coin small win is won in a game in which the batting order bell is won in a BB2 established state, the bonus granting means 175 transitions the presentation state to the special AT state, and if the 15-coin small win is not won, the bonus granting means 175 transitions the presentation state to the non-advantageous zone state. Note that in a game in which the batting order bell is won, if the value of the AT stock counter 1924 is not the initial value (e.g., 0) (if the right to continue the normal AT state is stocked), the bonus granting means 175 transitions the presentation state to the special AT state regardless of whether or not a 15-coin small win is won, and performs a decrement update by subtracting a fixed value (e.g., 1) corresponding to the right to continue the normal AT state for one time from the value of the AT stock counter 1924. In addition, in the normal state and the BB1 established state, the end waiting state is maintained even if the batting order bell is won.

The bonus granting means 175 also performs the initial setting of the special AT state when transitioning the presentation state from the end waiting state to the special AT state. In the initial setting of the special AT state, the number of times the winning assistance presentation is to be executed is set by setting the value of the special AT counter 1928, in the same way as when transitioning the presentation state from the premonition state to the special AT state. Then, when the value of the special AT counter 1928 reaches a threshold value (e.g., 0) in the special AT state, transition is made again to the normal AT state.

In addition, in this embodiment, in the end waiting state, if the value of the AT stock counter 1924 is not the initial value (e.g., 0), the presentation control means 180 performs a winning assistance presentation when the batting order bell is won, and if the value of the AT stock counter 1924 is the initial value (e.g., 0) (if the right to continue the normal AT state is not stocked), the presentation control means 180 performs a first special presentation that notifies the player that the player will hit the correct timing (correct press position) for the first stop operation on his/her own when the batting order bell is won, or a second special presentation that notifies the player that the player will hit the correct batting order and the correct timing (correct press position) for the first stop operation on his/her own.

In addition, the bonus granting means 175 performs a stock lottery when the internal lottery wins watermelon, chance role A, chance role B, weak cherry replay, strong cherry replay, normal replay A, or normal replay B in the end waiting state, on the condition that the add-on limit state is not in effect. If the add-on limit state is in effect, the stock lottery is not performed. In this embodiment, when the end waiting state is in effect, the stock lottery is performed in the normal state or BB2 establishment state, and in the BB1 establishment state, BB1 state, and BB2 state, the stock lottery is not performed regardless of the result of the internal lottery, and even in the normal state or BB2 establishment state, the stock lottery is not performed in a game in which two medals are inserted (a game in which the number of medals bet is two), but is performed only in a game in which three medals are inserted (a game in which the number of medals bet is three). In addition, in the end waiting state, the stock lottery is performed so that the winning probability increases in the following order: "Normal Replay B < Normal Replay A < Weak Cherry Replay < Chance A < Watermelon < Strong Cherry Replay < Chance B." The lottery probability for the stock lottery is not limited to the above example and can be set arbitrarily. For example, the winning probability can be set according to the game state or the presentation state, and the stock lottery can be performed with reference to the game state or the presentation state.

When the stock lottery is won, the bonus granting means 175 performs a stock process (addition process). Note that the number of rights to continue the normal AT state that are stocked when the stock lottery is won can be set arbitrarily, and the rights to continue the normal AT state multiple times may be stocked.

When the bonus granting means 175 wins the advantageous zone lottery in the non-advantageous zone, it sets the value of the clear counter 1932 provided in the main RAM of the game information storage means 190a to a predetermined value (e.g., 1), and increments the value of the clear counter 1932 by adding a certain value (e.g., 1) equivalent to one game to the value of the clear counter 1932 every time one game is played in the advantageous zone, and when the value of the clear counter 1932 exceeds a threshold value (e.g., 1500) (when the value of the clear counter reaches 1501), it determines that the end condition of the advantageous zone is met. In the advantageous zone, unless the end condition of the advantageous zone is met, the advantageous zone is maintained and the clear counter 1932 is updated even if a transition in the game state or the presentation state occurs, and the clear counter 1932 is updated in both the game in which three medals are inserted (the game in which the number of medals bet is three) and the game in which two medals are inserted (the game in which the number of medals bet is two). In this embodiment, the threshold value of the clear counter 1932 is set to "1500" so that the maximum number of plays in the advantageous zone is 1500, but the threshold value of the clear counter 1932 can be any value as long as the maximum number of plays in the advantageous zone is within 1500.

In addition, when the bonus awarding means 175 is in a favorable zone, it counts the difference between the number of medals inserted (the number of medals inserted, the number of medals bet) and the number of medals paid out (the number of medals paid out), known as the difference in number, and when the difference in number exceeds a predetermined upper limit (for example, 2,400 medals), it determines that the condition for ending the favorable zone has been met. Specifically, each time a game is played, a decrement update is performed in which a value equivalent to the number of medals inserted (for example, a value "3" corresponding to three medals inserted) is subtracted from the value of difference number counter 1934 provided in the main RAM of game information storage means 190a, and when a minor winning combination is won and medals are paid out, an increment update is performed in which a value equivalent to the number of medals paid out (for example, a value "1" corresponding to one medal paid out) is added to the value of difference number counter 1934, and when the value of difference number counter 1934 exceeds a threshold value (for example, 2400) (when the value of difference number counter 1934 exceeds 2400), it is determined that the condition for the end of the advantageous period has been met. Also, when a replay wins, it is assumed that medals equivalent to the prescribed number of medals have been paid out, and an increment update is performed by adding a value equivalent to the prescribed number of medals (for example, a value "3" corresponding to the number of medals inserted of three medals) to the value of the difference number counter 1934, and in the next game (replay) of the game in which a replay wins, it is assumed that medals equivalent to the prescribed number of medals have been inserted, and a decrement update is performed by subtracting a value equivalent to the prescribed number of medals (for example, a value "3" corresponding to the number of medals inserted of three medals) from the value of the difference number counter 1934. Note that when a replay wins, the number of medals paid out is treated as "0" and no increment update is performed for the difference number counter 1934, and in the next game (replay) of the game in which a replay wins, the number of medals inserted is treated as "0" and no decrement update is performed for the difference number counter 1934. Also, when the difference number counter 1934 is at its initial value (e.g., 0), the difference number counter 1934 is not decremented and is maintained at its initial value (e.g., 0), while the difference number counter 1934 is incremented as medals are paid out. This makes it possible to count the difference in the number of medals from the situation where the difference in the number of medals in the advantageous zone is at its lowest.

In addition, in the favorable zone, the difference number counter 1934 is updated regardless of the game state or presentation state. In this embodiment, the threshold value of the difference number counter 1934 is set to "2400" so that the maximum difference in the number of medals in the favorable zone is 2400, but the threshold value of the difference number counter 1934 can be any value as long as the maximum difference in the number of medals in the favorable zone is within 2400. In addition, as long as the trigger for updating the clear counter 1932 and the difference number counter 1934 is predetermined for each game, they may be updated at any trigger.

In addition, in this embodiment, when the value of the AT stock counter 1924 is the initial value (e.g., 0) in the end waiting state, if a 15-coin minor combination is not won when the batting order bell is won, it is determined that the end condition of the advantageous period has been met.

Then, the bonus granting means 175 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 establishment of the end condition of the advantageous zone. In particular, in this embodiment, with respect to the main RAM of the game information storage means 190, the information stored in the game zone storage area 1917, the performance state storage area 1918, the AT information storage area 1919, the premonition counter 1920, the AT mode point counter 1922, the AT stock counter 1924, the AT upper limit counter 1926, the special AT counter 1928, the navigation counter 1930, the clear counter 1932, and the difference number counter 1934 is initialized. Note that in the main RAM, the information stored in the credit information storage area 1914, the lottery flag storage area 1915, and the game state storage area 1916 is retained without being initialized. When the initialization process is performed, the game zone is initialized to a non-advantageous zone, the presentation state is initialized to a non-advantageous zone state, the upper limit release flag, initial guarantee flag, added upper limit flag, and AT continuation upper limit flag stored in the AT information storage area 1919 are initialized to the off state, and the values of the premonition counter 1920, AT mode point counter 1922, AT stock counter 1924, AT upper limit counter 1926, special AT counter 1928, navigation counter 1930, clear counter 1932, and difference number counter 1934 are initialized to their initial values (e.g., 0), and the zone is restored to the non-advantageous zone.

In addition, in this embodiment, an initialization process is executed at the end of the favorable zone to return to the non-favorable zone, so that, as shown in FIG. 18, when the value of the clear counter 1932 exceeds a threshold value or the value of the difference number counter 1934 exceeds a threshold value while remaining in the special AT state or normal AT state, the initialization process at the end of the favorable zone forces the current presentation state (special AT state or normal AT state) to terminate and the presentation state is initialized to the non-favorable zone state. Also, when the value of the clear counter 1932 exceeds a threshold value or the value of the difference number counter 1934 exceeds a threshold value while remaining in any other presentation state, the initialization process at the end of the favorable zone forces the current presentation state to terminate and the presentation state is initialized to the non-favorable zone state.

In addition, in this embodiment, the game state is not initialized by the initialization process associated with the end of the favorable zone, so if the end condition of the favorable zone is met in the normal state and initialization process is performed, the game state will remain in the normal state after the initialization process; if the end condition of the favorable zone is met in the BB1 state and initialization process is performed, the game state will remain in the BB1 state after the initialization process; if the end condition of the favorable zone is met in the BB2 state and initialization process is performed, the game state will remain in the BB2 state after the initialization process; if the end condition of the favorable zone is met in the BB1 state and initialization process is performed, the game state will remain in the BB1 state after the initialization process; and if the end condition of the favorable zone is met in the BB2 state and initialization process is performed, the game state will remain in the BB2 state after the initialization process.

In addition, if the value of the clear counter 1932 exceeds a threshold value or the value of the difference number counter 1934 exceeds a threshold value while remaining in the BB1 or BB2 state, the game will switch to a non-favorable zone while maintaining the BB1 or BB2 state. However, the count information in the BB1 or BB2 state (information indicating the total number of medals paid out in the BB1 or BB2 state) is not initialized by the initialization process that accompanies the end of the favorable zone, and therefore the count information in the BB1 or BB2 state will be carried over to the non-favorable zone after the initialization process.

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 1940 provided in the sub-ROM of the performance information storage means 190b. For example, in response to the insertion of a medal, the operation of the bet button B0, the start lever SL, and the stop buttons B1 to B3, and the occurrence of game events such as changes in the game zone, game state, and performance state, the lamps and LEDs are turned on or off, the display content of the liquid crystal display LCD is changed, and sounds are output from the speaker, thereby controlling the execution of performances to liven up the game or assist the game according to the progress of the game. 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 1941 provided in the sub-ROM of the performance information storage means 190b according to the game state, 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 effect data storage area 1940 of the sub-ROM into an image buffer 1942 provided in the sub-RAM, and an image based on the image data read into the image buffer 1942 is output to the liquid crystal display LCD, and sound data corresponding to the progress of the game, etc. is read from the effect data storage area 1940 of the sub-ROM into a sound buffer 1943 provided in the sub-RAM, and sound based on the sound data read into the sound buffer 1943 is output from the speaker.

In addition, in this embodiment, information such as the results of the internal lottery, the results of various lotteries such as the game zone, game state, presentation state, and advantageous zone lottery, the values of various counters such as the premonition counter 1920, and the setting information of various flags such as the upper limit release flag, is notified from the main board to the sub-board, and the presentation control means 180 controls the execution of the presentation based on the information notified from the main board.

The presentation control means 180 then causes the display device 330 and the sound device 340 to execute a premonition presentation that indicates whether or not there will be a transition to the AT state during the premonition state, and causes the display device 330 and the sound device 340 to execute a presentation that notifies the player of whether or not there will be a transition to the AT state during the final play in the premonition state.

In addition, when any of the batting order bells is selected in the internal lottery in the special AT state, when the navigation lottery is selected when the batting order bell is selected in the normal AT state, or when the value of the AT stock counter 1924 is not the initial value (for example, 0) when the batting order bell is selected in the end waiting state, the display device 330 and the audio device 340 execute a winning assistance performance that notifies the correct batting order and the correct pressing timing of the first stop operation by displaying an image corresponding to the correct batting order and the correct pressing timing (correct pressing position) of the first stop operation on the liquid crystal display LCD as shown in FIG. 20(A), and assists in the winning of the 15-piece small role (correct small role). Note that FIG. 20(A) is an example showing a winning assistance performance that notifies that the correct batting order is batting order 1 (B1 → B2 → B3) and that the correct pressing timing of the first stop operation is the pressing timing that includes the blue 7 pattern "blue 7" within the pull-in range. In this embodiment, when in the special AT state, normal AT state, or end waiting state, the winning assistance performance is executed in the BB2 established state, and is not executed in the normal state, BB1 established state, BB1 state, and BB2 state, and in a game in which two medals are inserted, the batting order bell is not drawn, so the winning assistance performance is not executed. Also, in the normal state, when the batting order bell is won, all pressing orders are treated as incorrect batting orders, so the winning assistance performance is not executed.

In addition, when the value of the AT stock counter 1924 is an initial value (e.g., 0) when the batting order bell is won in the end waiting state, the effect control means 180 selects by lottery the effect to be executed from the first special effect and the second special effect, and causes the display device 330 and the sound device 340 to execute the selected effect. In this embodiment, when in the end waiting state, the first special effect or the second special effect is executed in the BB2 establishment state, and the first special effect and the second special effect are not executed in the normal state, the BB1 establishment state, the BB1 state, and the BB2 state, and the first special effect and the second special effect are not executed in a game in which two medals are inserted.

When the first special effect is selected, as shown in FIG. 20(B), the display device 330 and the sound device 340 are caused to execute the first special effect, which notifies the player that the correct press timing for the first stop operation will be hit by the player himself/herself, by displaying an image on the liquid crystal display LCD indicating that the player will hit the correct press timing (correct press position) for the first stop operation. Note that FIG. 20(B) shows an example of the first special effect, which notifies the player that the correct batting order is batting order 1 (B1→B2→B3), and that the correct press timing for the first stop operation will be hit among the press timings when the blue 7 symbol "blue 7" is within the pull-in range and the press timings when the red 7 symbol "red 7" is within the pull-in range.

When the second special effect is selected, as shown in FIG. 20(C), an image indicating that the player has hit the correct batting order and the correct press timing (correct press position) for the first stop operation is displayed on the liquid crystal display LCD, thereby causing the display device 330 and sound device 340 to execute a second special effect that notifies the player that the player has hit the correct batting order and the correct press timing for the first stop operation on his or her own.

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 320, 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).

2. Method of the present embodiment In this embodiment, a method is adopted in which the player is made to play in a disadvantageous state (addition restricted state or AT continuation restricted state) when the number of times of play in the AT state reaches the upper limit of the added amount or the upper limit of the AT continuation. The method adopted in the gaming machine of this embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 21 to 27. Figures 21 to 27 are flowcharts showing the control process in the gaming machine of this embodiment.

First, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 21, when a game start operation is performed on the start lever SL (Y in step S100), an internal lottery process is performed (step S101) to perform an internal lottery, a reel control process is performed to start the rotation of each reel and to stop the rotating reel in response to a stop operation on the stop button (step S102), and when all the reels have stopped, a winning determination process is performed to determine whether or not a winning combination has been achieved based on the stopped state of each reel (step S103), and a winning process is performed based on the result of the winning determination (step S104).

In this embodiment, when the presentation state is the premonition state, as shown in FIG. 22, when a game start operation is performed on the start lever SL (Y in step S200), if the value of the premonition counter 1920 is greater than a threshold value (e.g., 0) (Y in step S201), a decrement update is performed to subtract a fixed value (e.g., 1) equivalent to one game from the value of the premonition counter 1920 (step S202). When the value of the premonition counter 1920 reaches the threshold value (e.g., 0) (Y in step S203), if the value of the AT stock counter 1924 is greater than an initial value (e.g., 0) (if the AT lottery is won) (Y in step S204), the AT stock is updated. A process of subtracting a value (e.g., 1) corresponding to the right to continue the normal AT state for one time from the value of the stock counter 1924 (step S205), AT mode setting process (step S206), upper limit setting process (step S207), upper limit release setting process (step S208), initial setting process for the normal AT state (step S209), and initial setting process for the special AT state (step S210) are performed, and the presentation state is transitioned to the special AT state (step S211). On the other hand, if the value of the AT stock counter 1924 is not greater than the initial value (e.g., 0) (if the AT lottery has not been won) (N in step S204), the presentation state is transitioned to the normal presentation state (step S212).

In this embodiment, when the presentation state is the special AT state, as shown in FIG. 23(A), when the start lever SL is operated to start the game (Y in step S300), and when any of the batting order bells is won in the internal lottery (Y in step S301), the special AT counter process is performed (step S302). In the special AT counter process, as shown in FIG. 23(B), when the value of the special AT counter 1928 is greater than a threshold value (e.g., 0) (Y in step S310), a decrement update is performed to subtract a fixed value (e.g., 1) equivalent to the execution of one winning assistance presentation from the value of the special AT counter 1928 (step S311), and when the value of the special AT counter 1928 reaches a threshold value (e.g., 0) (Y in step S312), the presentation state is transitioned to the normal AT state (step S313).

In addition, in the special AT state, as shown in FIG. 23(A), if a specific winning pattern such as Suica is won in the internal lottery (Y in step S303), an additional lottery process is performed (step S304). In the additional lottery process, as shown in FIG. 23(C), if the additional lottery is not in the restricted state (N in step S320), an additional lottery is performed (step S321), and if the additional lottery is won, an additional process is performed to add a given value to the value of the special AT counter 1928 (step S322).

In the special AT state, as shown in FIG. 23(A), when the start lever SL is operated to start the game (Y in step S300), AT upper limit counter processing is performed (step S305). In the AT upper limit counter processing, as shown in FIG. 24, an increment update is performed to add a certain value (e.g., 1) equivalent to one game to the value of the AT upper limit counter 1926 (step S330), and when the value of the AT upper limit counter 1926 reaches a value (e.g., 165) equivalent to a predetermined number of games to release the upper limit (e.g., 165 games in AT mode 1) (Y in step S331), if the added upper limit flag is in the on state, the added upper limit flag is set from the on state to the off state to release the added upper limit state, and if the AT continuation upper limit flag is in the on state, the AT continuation upper limit flag is set from the on state to the off state to release the AT continuation upper limit state (step S332).

In addition, when the value of the AT upper limit counter 1926 reaches a value (e.g., 50) equivalent to the AT continuation upper limit number of plays (e.g., 50 plays in AT mode 1) (N in step S331, Y in step S333), if the upper limit release flag is in the OFF state (N in step S334), the AT continuation upper limit flag is set from the OFF state to the ON state, thereby setting the AT continuation restricted state (step S335).

In addition, when the value of the AT upper limit counter 1926 reaches a value (e.g., 20) equivalent to the upper limit number of times of added play (e.g., 20 times of play in AT mode 1) (N in step S331, N in step S333, Y in step S336), if the upper limit release flag is in the OFF state (step S337), the added upper limit flag is set from the OFF state to the ON state, thereby setting the added limit state (step S338).

In this embodiment, when the presentation state is the normal AT state, as shown in FIG. 25, when a game start operation is performed on the start lever SL (Y in step S400), if any of the batting order bells is won in the internal lottery (Y in step S401), a navigation lottery process is performed (step S402). In the navigation lottery process, as shown in FIG. 26(A), a navigation lottery is performed (step S420), and if the navigation lottery is won (Y in step S421), an incremental update is performed to add a fixed value (e.g., 1) equivalent to the execution of one winning assistance presentation to the value of the navigation counter 1930 (step S422).

When the navigation lottery process is performed (step S402), as shown in FIG. 25, the value of the navigation counter 1930 is determined, and when the value of the navigation counter 1930 reaches a value (e.g., 10, 20, 30, etc.) that is a multiple of 10 (e.g., 10, 20, 30, etc.) (Y in step S403), the stock lottery process is performed (step S404). In the stock lottery process, as shown in FIG. 26 (B), if the addition limit state is not reached (N in step S430), the stock lottery is performed (step S431), and if the stock lottery is won, a stock process (addition process) is performed in which the right to continue the normal AT state is stocked (accumulated) by adding (adding) a value (e.g., 1) that is equivalent to the right to continue the normal AT state for one time to the value of the AT stock counter 1924 (step S432).

When the stock lottery process is performed (step S404), the value of the navigation counter 1930 is determined as shown in FIG. 25. When the value of the navigation counter 1930 reaches a value (e.g., 20) corresponding to a predetermined number of initial guarantee times (e.g., 20 times) (Y in step S405), the initial guarantee period ends by setting the initial guarantee flag from the ON state to the OFF state (step S406).

In addition, in the normal AT state, as shown in FIG. 25, if a specific winning pattern such as Suica is won in the internal lottery (Y in step S408), a special AT lottery process is performed (step S409). In the special AT lottery process, as shown in FIG. 26(C), a special AT lottery is performed (step S440), and if the special AT lottery is won (Y in step S441), an initial setting process for the special AT state is performed (step S442), and the presentation state is transitioned to the special AT state (step S443).

In the normal AT state, as shown in FIG. 25, if normal replay A or normal replay B is selected in the internal lottery or if the internal lottery results in a loss (step S410), an end lottery process is performed (step S411). In the end lottery process, as shown in FIG. 26(D), if the initial guarantee period is not in progress (N in step S450), an end lottery is performed (step S451), and if the end lottery is selected (step S452), the presentation state is transitioned to an end standby state (step S453).

In addition, in the normal AT state, as shown in FIG. 25, when a game start operation is performed on the start lever SL (Y in step S400), the AT upper limit counter processing shown in FIG. 24 described above is performed (step S407).

In this embodiment, when the presentation state is in the end waiting state, as shown in FIG. 27, when the start lever SL is operated to start the game (Y in step S500), if any of the batting order bells is won in the internal lottery (Y in step S501), the value of the AT stock counter 1924 is determined, and if the value of the AT stock counter 1924 is not the initial value (e.g., 0) (if the right to continue the normal AT state is stocked) (Y in step S502), a decrement update is performed to subtract a fixed value (e.g., 1) equivalent to the right to continue the normal AT state for one time from the value of the AT stock counter 1924 (step S503), and the initial setting process for the special AT state is performed (step S504), and the presentation state is transitioned to the special AT state (step S505).

On the other hand, if any of the batting order bells is won in the internal lottery (Y in step S501), and the value of the AT stock counter 1924 is the initial value (e.g., 0) (if the right to continue the normal AT state is not stocked) (N in step S502), it is determined whether or not a 15-coin small win has been won, and if a 15-coin small win has been won (Y in step S506), the initial setting process for the special AT state is performed (step S504), and the presentation state is transitioned to the special AT state (step S505), and if a 15-coin small win has not been won (N in step S506), the initialization process is performed, the presentation state is initialized to the non-advantageous zone state, and the play zone is transitioned to the non-advantageous zone (step S507).

In addition, in the end waiting state, if a specific winning pattern such as watermelon, normal replay A, or normal replay B is won in the internal lottery (Y in step S508), the stock lottery process shown in Figure 26 (B) described above is performed (step S509).

As described above, in this embodiment, in the special AT state, normal AT state, and end waiting state, it is possible to set an add-on limited state in which no add-on is performed, and an AT continuation limited state in which the normal AT state is more likely to end. When the number of plays in the AT state (special AT state and normal AT state) reaches the upper limit number of plays for add-on, the state is set to the add-on limited state, and when the number of plays in the AT state reaches the upper limit number of plays for AT continuation, the state is set to the AT continuation limited state. In the add-on limited state, no add-on lottery and stock lottery are held, and in the AT continuation limited state, the end lottery is always won, so speculation can be suppressed.

In addition, in gaming machines such as this embodiment, it is socially required that the payout rate for a short period of time (for example, 400 plays) be within a predetermined range, and according to this embodiment, by providing an AT continuation limit state, it is possible to prevent the AT state from being unnecessarily prolonged, so that the payout rate for a short period of time can be reliably kept within the range required by society, and speculativeness can be suppressed.

In particular, in this embodiment, the add-on limit state and AT continuation limit state are not released by changes in the presentation state, so when the presentation state transitions from the normal AT state to the end waiting state in the add-on limit state or AT continuation limit state, the add-on limit state or AT continuation limit state is maintained even if the presentation state transitions from the end waiting state to the special AT state. In other words, once the state transitions to the add-on limit state or AT continuation limit state, even if the state transitions from the end waiting state to the special AT state, the player will continue to be in a disadvantageous state in the special AT state or normal AT state after the return, so it is possible to prevent the AT state from being unnecessarily prolonged.

In addition, in this embodiment, the add-on lottery and stock lottery are not executed in the add-on limit state, and the end lottery is always won in the AT continuation limit state, and since the disadvantageous contents for the player are different between the add-on limit state and the AT continuation limit state, it is possible to prevent the game from becoming monotonous.

In addition, in this embodiment, while there are cases where the AT continuation limit state is not in effect when the add-on limit state is in effect, the AT continuation limit state is always in effect when the add-on limit state is in effect, and even if the add-on limit state or the AT continuation limit state is set, the add-on limit state and the AT continuation limit state are released when the number of plays in the AT state reaches the upper limit release number of plays, which increases the interest in the game.

In addition, in this embodiment, it is possible to remain in the AT state (special AT state and normal AT state) only when it is in an advantageous zone, and when the conditions for ending the advantageous zone are met, all information related to the AT is initialized and the zone is transitioned to a non-advantageous zone, thereby suppressing speculativeness.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible, and modifications are introduced below. Note that the above embodiment and the various methods described below as modifications can be appropriately combined and adopted as a control method for realizing the present invention.

In the above embodiment, an example was given of updating the AT upper limit counter 1926 in the BB2 establishment state when in a special AT state or a normal AT state, but the AT upper limit counter 1926 may also be updated in the normal state, or the AT upper limit counter 1926 may be updated regardless of the game state when in a special AT state or a normal AT state, or the AT upper limit counter 1926 may be updated regardless of the number of medals inserted (number of medals bet), or the AT upper limit counter 1926 may be updated even when in a waiting-for-end state.

In the above embodiment, the number of times to remove the upper limit is the same regardless of the AT mode. However, the number of times to remove the upper limit may be selected and set from a number of different numbers of times to remove the upper limit (e.g., 165 times, 180 times) based on the AT mode. For example, in AT mode 1, the number of times to remove the upper limit may be set to 180 times, and in AT mode 2, the number of times to remove the upper limit may be set to 165 times.

In addition, the number of times to remove the upper limit may be set separately for the number of times to remove the upper limit of the added upper limit and the number of times to remove the upper limit of the AT continuation upper limit. For example, in AT mode 1, the number of times to remove the upper limit of the added upper limit may be set to, for example, 150 times, and the number of times to remove the upper limit of the AT continuation upper limit may be set to, for example, 165 times, and in AT mode 2, the number of times to remove the upper limit of the added upper limit may be set to, for example, 140 times, and the number of times to remove the upper limit of the AT continuation upper limit may be set to, for example, 165 times.

In the above embodiment, an example was given of the case where the added upper limit and AT continuation upper limit are lifted when the upper limit removal lottery is won, but it is also possible to lift only the added upper limit or only the AT continuation upper limit. In this example, an added upper limit removal flag and an AT continuation upper limit removal flag are prepared as upper limit removal flags, and when only the added upper limit is removed, only the added upper limit removal flag is set to the on state, and when only the AT continuation upper limit is removed, only the AT continuation upper limit removal flag is set to the on state.

In the above embodiment, an example was given of the case where the add-on limit state and the AT continuation limit state were set based on the number of times the AT state was played, but the add-on limit state and the AT continuation limit state may also be set based on the number of times the winning assistance performance was performed, the number of medals won (total number paid out) since the start of the AT state, the difference in the number of medals since the start of the AT state, etc. Similarly, the add-on limit state and the AT continuation limit state may also be released based on the number of times the winning assistance performance was performed, the number of medals won (total number paid out) since the start of the AT state, the difference in the number of medals since the start of the AT state, etc.

The top-up limit state and the AT continuation limit state may also be set based on different counting targets; for example, the top-up limit state may be set based on the number of times the AT state is played, and the AT continuation limit state may be set based on the difference in the number of medals since the AT state began; similarly, the top-up limit state and the AT continuation limit state may be released, with the top-up limit state being released based on the number of times the AT state is played, and the AT continuation limit state being released based on the difference in the number of medals since the AT state began.

The setting and release of the top-up limit state and the AT continuation limit state may also be based on different counting targets. For example, the top-up limit state and the AT continuation limit state may be set based on the number of plays in the AT state, and the top-up limit state and the AT continuation limit state may be released based on the difference in the number of medals since the start of the AT state.

In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the add-on lottery and stock lottery are not performed in the add-on restricted state, but the add-on lottery and stock lottery may be performed but the lottery results may be discarded and the add-on processing or stock processing may not be performed.

In addition, in the add-on restricted state, the add-on lottery or stock lottery may be conducted so that the probability of winning is lower than when the add-on restricted state is not in effect, and the expected value of the value added in the add-on process or stock process may be smaller than when the add-on restricted state is not in effect.

In the above embodiment, an example was given of a case where the termination lottery is not performed if the game is in the initial guarantee period in the normal AT state, but the termination lottery may be performed if the game is in the AT continuation restricted state even during the initial guarantee period.

In the above embodiment, an example was given of a case where a transition to a special AT state occurs when a 15-coin minor combination is won when the batting order bell is won in the end waiting state. However, if any combination is won in the internal lottery in the end waiting state, a return lottery may be held with a winning probability according to the result of the internal lottery, and if the return lottery is won, a transition to the special AT state may occur, and if the return lottery is lost, the end waiting state may end.

In the above embodiment, an example was given in which two types of AT upper limits, an added upper limit and an AT continuation upper limit, were set, but the AT upper limit may be one type or three or more types.

In the above embodiment, an example was described in which two types of AT modes are provided, but AT mode 1 may be one type, or three or more types.

In addition, in the above embodiment, when an initialization process is performed and a transition is made from a favorable zone to a non-favorable zone, a value equivalent to a predetermined number of points (e.g., 30, 50, 100, 150, 200, 300, etc.) may be added to the value of the AT mode point counter 1922 in the next game (the first game in the non-favorable zone) after the game in which the initialization process was performed.

In addition, in the above embodiment, a high probability state in which it is easier to earn points and a low probability state in which it is harder to earn points than in the high probability state are provided, and when an initialization process is performed and a transition is made from an advantageous zone to a non-advantageous zone, the next game after the initialization process (the first game in the non-advantageous zone) is set to the high probability state, allowing a game in which it is easier to earn points in the non-advantageous zone to be played.

In addition, in the above embodiment, if the game state transitions to BB1 state or BB2 state in the special AT state, normal AT state, or end waiting state, the presentation state may transition from the currently present presentation state to a return waiting state, the value of the active counter may be retained, and the update may be suspended, and if the game state transitions to the BB2 establishment state, the presentation state may be restored to the presentation state before the interruption, and the update of the suspended counter value may be resumed.

In the above embodiment, the case where the selection pattern (winning probability and winning pattern) of the small prize is the same in all bonus states including the BB1 state and the BB2 state has been described as an example, but for example, the JAC may be selected with a lower probability in the BB1 state than in the BB2 state, the winning probability of the common 1-piece prize may be higher or lower in the BB1 state than in the BB2 state, the winning probability of all small prizes may be higher or lower than in the BB2 state, a winning pattern that is not selected in the BB2 state may be selected, or different winning patterns of the small prize may be selected between the BB1 state and the BB2 state.

In the above embodiment, the case where normal replay A is drawn in BB1 state or BB2 state has been described as an example, but the replay drawn in BB1 state and BB2 state is not limited to normal replay A, and may be normal replay B, or both normal replay A and normal replay B may be drawn, or a winning form of a replay that is not drawn in the normal state may be drawn, or a winning form of a replay that differs between BB1 state and BB2 state may be drawn.

In the above embodiment, the example was described in which the reels are stopped so that a 15-coin small prize is awarded if the first stop operation is performed at the appropriate time (correct press timing) in the correct batting order when the batting order bell is won. However, in the correct batting order, the reels may be stopped so that a 15-coin small prize is awarded if the second or third stop operation is performed at the appropriate time (correct press timing), or the reels may be stopped so that a 15-coin small prize is awarded if two of the first to third stop operations (for example, the first and second stop operations, the second and third stop operations, etc.) are performed at the appropriate time (correct press timing). In this example, the correct press timing may be announced along with the correct batting order when the prize-winning assistance performance is executed, as in the above embodiment.

In the above embodiment, an example was given of the case where the spinning reels are stopped so that a one-coin small win is awarded if the first stop operation is performed at a time other than the appropriate time (the correct press timing) in the correct batting order when the batting order bell is won, but in the correct batting order, if the operation is performed at a time other than the appropriate time (the correct press timing), the spinning reels may be stopped so that no win is awarded, or the spinning reels may be stopped so that a one-coin small win is awarded and no win is awarded.

In the above embodiment, an example was given in which the reels are stopped so that when the batting order bell is won, in the correct batting order, there is a 1/2 probability that a 15-coin small win will be awarded, and a 1/2 probability that a 1-coin small win will be awarded. However, in the correct batting order, the reels may be stopped so that a 15-coin small win has a higher probability of being awarded than a 1-coin small win, or a 1-coin small win has a higher probability of being awarded than a 15-coin small win.

In the above embodiment, the example was described in which the spinning reels are stopped so that there are cases in which no winning combination will be awarded in an incorrect batting order when the batting order bell is won, but the spinning reels may be stopped so that a one-coin minor combination will always be awarded in an incorrect batting order.

In the above embodiment, the winning probability of all small prizes in the BB1 and BB2 states is increased compared to the normal state, the BB1 state, and the BB2 state. However, in the BB1 and BB2 states, it is sufficient to increase the winning probability of at least one small prize (e.g., small prize 1, small prize 31, or small prize 61) compared to the normal state, the BB1 state, or the BB2 state, and the remaining small prizes may have the same winning probability as the normal state, the BB1 state, or the BB2 state.

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,
R1 1st reel, R2 2nd reel, R3 3rd reel, B0 bet button,
SL Start lever, B1-B3 Stop buttons,
MI medal insertion slot, MO medal payout slot, MP medal tray,
100 Game control means,
105: input receiving means, 110: random number generating means, 120: internal lottery means,
130 reel control means, 140 winning determination means, 150 payout control means,
160 replay processing means, 170 game state transition control means, 175 bonus granting 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,
1914: Credit information storage area; 1915: Lottery flag storage area;
1916 game status memory area, 1917 game section memory area,
1918 performance state storage area, 1919 AT information storage area,
1920 Premonition counter, 1922 AT mode point counter,
1924 AT stock counter, 1926 AT upper limit counter,
1928 Special AT counter, 1930 Navigation counter, 1932 Clear counter,
1934 difference number counter,
190b performance information storage means, 1940 performance data storage area,
1941 Sub lottery table storage area,
1942 Image buffer, 1943 Sound buffer,
210 coin insertion switch, 220 bet switch, 230 start switch,
240 Stop switch,
310 reel unit, 315 reel index,
320 hopper unit, 325 payout medal detection switch,
330 Display device, 340 Sound device

Claims (2)

A plurality of reels having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer circumferential surface thereof;
An internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery for determining whether a winning combination is achieved;
a reel control means for rotating the plurality of reels for each game and controlling the reels to stop in a manner corresponding to a result of an internal lottery when a stop operation is initiated;
A winning determination means for performing a winning determination process for determining that a winning combination has been achieved based on whether a symbol combination showing a winning form predetermined for each winning combination is displayed on an active line while the reels are stopped;
A state control means for setting an auxiliary performance state;
A performance control means for controlling a performance device to execute a winning support performance that supports a winning of a predetermined role in the support performance state,
The state control means
In the auxiliary performance state, a first disadvantageous state and a second disadvantageous state which are disadvantageous to the player can be set;
A situation exists in which both the first disadvantageous state and the second disadvantageous state are set,
The first disadvantageous state and the second disadvantageous state are different in terms of disadvantage to a player. A plurality of reels having a plurality of types of symbols arranged on the outer circumferential surface thereof;
An internal lottery means for performing an internal lottery for determining whether a winning combination is achieved;
a reel control means for rotating the plurality of reels for each game and controlling the reels to stop in a manner corresponding to a result of an internal lottery when a stop operation is initiated;
A winning determination means for performing a winning determination process for determining that a winning combination has been achieved based on whether a symbol combination showing a winning form predetermined for each winning combination is displayed on an active line while the reels are stopped;
A state control means for setting an auxiliary performance state;
A performance control means for controlling a performance device to execute a winning support performance that supports a winning of a predetermined role in the support performance state,
The state control means
In the auxiliary performance state, a first disadvantageous state and a second disadvantageous state which are disadvantageous to the player can be set;
The first disadvantageous state and the second disadvantageous state have different disadvantageous contents for the player,
When a predetermined number of games have been played, the first disadvantageous state or the second disadvantageous state is released,
A gaming machine, characterized in that the predetermined number of games is different between the first disadvantageous state and the second disadvantageous state.

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