JP7564474B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

As shown in Patent Document 1, slot machines are provided with multiple settings that determine the degree of advantage to the player, such as the payout rate. The store's operator (hereinafter, store staff) sets the settings for each slot machine before opening the store.

JP 2018-51142 A

A higher setting value corresponds to a higher payout rate. Therefore, if the setting value set on the slot machine is high, the player can receive a relatively larger number of medals than the number of medals inserted. In this case, the player's motivation to continue playing will be maintained.

However, if the setting is too low, it often happens that the total number of medals paid out is less than the number inserted. In that case, the player may lose the desire to continue playing.

The objective of the present invention is to provide a gaming machine that makes it difficult for players to lose the desire to continue playing, regardless of the settings set in the slot machine.

The first invention is
Multiple spinning reels;
a start switch that receives an operation for starting the rotation of the plurality of reels;
A setting unit sets one of a plurality of set values corresponding to a plurality of payout rates, each of which indicates a ratio of a total number of payouts to a total number of game media inserted by a player, based on an operation by an operator;
an internal lottery section that performs an internal lottery based on the operation of the start switch by the player, thereby drawing one flag out of a plurality of winning combination flags as a winning flag, and proceeding with the game;
an RT state control unit that sets one of a plurality of RT states in which a replay probability that a replay flag is established as the winning flag by the internal lottery during the game progress is preset;
Equipped with
The multiple RT states include a normal RT state in which a performance related to an instruction function that makes it easier to win the winning combination won by the internal lottery is exhibited according to the setting value set by the setting unit, and a special RT state in which an advantage level that expresses the performance related to the instruction function as a benefit related to the game received by the player is different from that of the normal RT state,
The RT state control unit sets the RT state to the special RT state when a transition condition for transitioning from the normal RT state to the special RT state is satisfied,
The internal lottery section is a gaming machine characterized in that while the RT state is the special RT state, the game progresses based on the degree of advantage corresponding to the special RT state.

In addition, in the first invention,
In the special RT state, the degree of advantage may be set higher than in the normal RT state.

In addition, in the first invention,
The plurality of set values include a maximum set value in which at least one of the ball output rate and the performance related to the instruction function is the highest, and one or more other set values in which at least one of the ball output rate and the performance related to the instruction function is lower than the maximum set value;
When the RT state is set to the special RT state while the other setting values are set, the internal lottery unit can proceed with the game by using the performance related to the instruction function of the highest setting value as the advantage degree corresponding to the special RT state.

In addition, in the first invention,
The plurality of set values include a maximum set value in which at least one of the ball output rate and the performance related to the instruction function is the highest, and one or more other set values in which at least one of the ball output rate and the performance related to the instruction function is lower than the maximum set value;
In the special RT state, the advantage is set higher than in the normal RT state,
When the RT state is set to the special RT state while the highest setting value is set, the internal lottery unit can proceed with the game by setting the advantage corresponding to the special RT state to a performance higher than the performance related to the instruction function corresponding to the highest setting value.

In addition, in the first invention,
The degree of advantage may further represent the occurrence rate of a setting suggestion effect that suggests the setting value.

In addition, in the first invention,
A RAM for storing the RT state;
A reception unit that receives an operation for initializing the RAM;
a reset unit that resets the RT state when the reception unit receives an operation for initializing the RAM;
Further comprising:
It is possible.

According to the present invention, players are less likely to lose motivation to continue playing.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the slot machine. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a slot machine. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an arrangement of symbols on a spinning reel. A diagram explaining state transitions in the RT state when the slot machine is an ART machine. A diagram explaining the relationship between the normal RT state and the special RT state and the degree of advantage. A diagram explaining state transitions in a game area. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating state transitions during game play. 11 is a flow diagram showing the flow of the operation process of the slot machine. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating state transitions in a game state, a game interval, and a RT state when the slot machine is an AT machine in another embodiment.

[Embodiment]
A slot machine 1 according to an embodiment of a gaming machine of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is merely one example of the present invention, and the embodiment of the present invention can be modified as appropriate without departing from the gist of the present invention.

<Configuration of Slot Machine>
1, the slot machine 1 has a cabinet 10. A front door 100 is provided on the front side of the cabinet 10.

A transparent reel window 200 is provided in the center of the front door 100. Through this reel window 200, the player can see the multiple symbols displayed on the surface of each of the multiple rotating reels 20, which will be described later.

Above the reel window 200, there are provided an LCD screen 3, a speaker 102, and an illumination unit (not shown) for various effects during play. The LCD screen 3, the speaker 102, and the illumination unit correspond to the notification unit.

The LCD screen 3 displays various presentation videos (presentation screens) while the player is playing.

The speaker 102 outputs a specified BGM (background music), SE (sound effects) and audio.

The illumination unit lights up or goes out in a predetermined pattern, for example, when a highly anticipated screen is displayed or when a winning combination is achieved.

The operation unit 4 is provided below the reel window 200. The operation unit 4 includes a number of stop switches 40, a medal insertion section 41 with an insertion slot, a bet switch 42, a lever 43, a medal display section 44, a settlement switch 45, and a performance button 46.

Each stop switch 40 is provided corresponding to each reel 20. Each stop switch 40 accepts an operation to stop the rotation of each reel 20 while the reel 20 is rotating.

Medal equivalents to game media are inserted into the insertion slot of the medal insertion unit 41. A medal sensor is provided near the insertion slot. The medal sensor detects the insertion of a medal into the insertion slot and outputs a detection signal to the control unit 6.

The bet switch 42 is used to bet medals.

The lever 43 functions as a start switch that accepts operations to spin each reel 20.

The medium display unit 44 displays the number of medal credits, the number of medals paid out, the number of medals bet, etc., and is composed of, for example, multiple seven segments. Alternatively, the medium display unit 44 displays that the gaming zone is an advantageous zone when the gaming zone is an advantageous zone and certain conditions are met. Specifically, some of the seven segments on the medium display unit 44 light up to notify that the gaming zone is an advantageous zone.

The settlement switch 45 is used when the player finishes playing and medals are paid out from the payout outlet 51.

The effect button 46 is a button that is pressed by the player during play in accordance with the effect. Pressing the effect button 46 may result in a change to the effect.

A sensor is provided near each switch of the operation unit 4 to detect the player's operation and output an operation signal to the control unit 6.

The housing 10 is provided below the operation unit 4 with a medal payout outlet 51 and a lower tray 52 for storing medals paid out from the payout outlet 51. A hopper unit 50 that receives and pays out medals is also provided inside the housing 10 (see Figure 2).

As shown in FIG. 2, the slot machine 1 includes a reel unit 2, a control unit 6, a RAM clear button 71, and a setting change button 72 (the RAM clear button 71 and the setting change button 72 correspond to a reception unit). The reel unit 2, the control unit 6, the RAM clear button 71, and the setting change button 72 are arranged inside the housing 10, along with a power supply device (not shown) that turns the main power supply of the slot machine 1 on and off, and the like.

The reel unit 2 includes three reels 20 and three stepping motors 21. The reel units 2 are arranged inside the housing 10 in correspondence with the positions of the reel windows 200. Each reel 20 has a number of symbols, as shown in FIG. 3, arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of the reel 20. A stepping motor 21 is provided corresponding to each reel 20, and drives the corresponding reel 20.

The stepping motor 21 stops the rotation of the reel 20 corresponding to the operated stop switch 40 within 190 ms after the stop switch 40 is operated while the reel 20 is rotating. The stepping motor 21 makes one rotation in 504 steps. As a result, the reel 20 rotates at a speed of 80 rotations per minute. In other words, the number of steps that can be advanced within 190 ms is 127.

The rotation and stopping of these reels 20 and stepping motors 21 are controlled by a reel control unit 611 (described later) in the control unit 6.

The RAM clear button 71 is a button for accepting an operation to initialize the RAM that constitutes the control unit 6.

The setting change button 72 is a button that is pressed by a store staff member when setting one of the multiple setting values in the slot machine 1. Note that in this embodiment, an example is given of a case where the RAM constituting the control unit 6 is initialized even when the setting change button 72 is pressed.

The set value is a value that represents the payout rate, which indicates the ratio of the total number of medals paid out from the hopper unit 50 to the total number of medals inserted into the slot machine 1. The set value affects the internal lottery. This is because the probability of winning various roles, such as replays and bells, differs depending on the set value. The set value is set by store staff before the store opens.

<The flow of play by the player>
A player inserts medals into the medal insertion slot 41 or operates the bet switch 42 to use medals stored (credited) to bet medals on the slot machine 1. When a predetermined number of medals are bet on the slot machine 1, the pay line L is activated. After that, the lever 43 can be operated, i.e., the game can be started.

In FIG. 1, an example is shown in which the active lines L are composed of three lines: a line sloping downward to the right, a line sloping upward to the right, and a middle line. The active lines L are virtual lines that determine winning combinations. In this embodiment, when a MAX BET of three coins is placed, the three lines L are activated.

In the following, "winning" refers not only to a combination that results in a payout of medals, such as bells or watermelons, lining up on an active line L, but also to a combination of symbols corresponding to specific combinations, such as special replays, chance combinations, and bonuses, lining up on an active line L. In this embodiment, specific combinations also include special transition combinations, which will be described later.

In this embodiment, one game (one play) refers to a series of actions in which the player operates the bet switch 42, the lever 43, and the stop switch 40 to obtain the result of the game, including the medal payout process.

Specifically, when the lever 43 is operated (lever on) in a state in which play can begin, an internal lottery is held to determine the winning flag, and each reel 20 begins to spin. In this state, when any of the stop switches 40 is operated, the reel 20 corresponding to the operated stop switch 40 stops. When all reels 20 stop, a predetermined number of medals are paid out according to the combination of symbols (winning combination) that line up on the pay line L (winning combination). This ends one game.

<About the internal state during gameplay>
During a game, one RT state is set from among a plurality of RT states, and the type of game section is set. An internal lottery is performed based on the set RT state and game section.

-About RT state-
4, the multiple RT states according to this embodiment include a normal RT state and a special RT state. The normal RT state and the special RT state are mutually exclusive.

Furthermore, the normal RT state includes RT0 to RT2, while the special RT state includes RT3 to RT5. RT0 to RT5 are RT states that are established exclusively. For each of these RT0 to RT5, the replay probability that the replay flag will be established as a winning flag by an internal lottery is predetermined. A replay is a combination that allows the player to play the next game without betting medals.

In this embodiment, the "replay probability" refers to the probability of winning a replay combination, including all replay roles, such as replays and RT transition replays.

RT0, which is included in the normal RT state, is the RT state to which the game transitions when the RAM of the control unit 6 is cleared, or when a RT0 transition replay is won during RT2. The replay probability when the RT state is RT0 is, for example, 1/7.3.

RT1 is the RT state to which you transition when the "RT1 transition replay" role flag is established and a win is won during RT0. The replay probability when the RT state is RT1 is, for example, 1/7.3. This RT1 is the RT state you stay in when preparing for ART (Assisted Replay Time), etc.

RT2 is the RT state to which a player transitions if the role flag "RT2 transition replay" is established and a prize is won during RT1. The replay probability when the RT state is RT2 is, for example, 1/1.4. Thus, in RT2, replays appear with a higher probability than in RT0 and RT1. Therefore, RT2 is an RT state in which a player remains during ART. When the RT state is RT2, if an RT0 transition replay is established (a win) due to an internal win and a prize is won, the RT state transitions from RT2 to RT0.

Note that RT0 transition replay, RT1 transition replay, and RT2 transition replay are examples of transition roles that enable RT state transition.

The RT3 included in the special RT state is the RT state to which a player transitions when a special transition role is achieved and a win occurs in the normal RT state. A special transition role is a role that transitions the RT state to a special RT state, and the probability of winning is set to be much lower than replays including transition replays, bells, rare roles, and the like. An example of the probability of winning a special transition role is set to 1/65000. Note that in this embodiment, the probability of winning this special transition role is not limited to a set value, but is a fixed value, as an example.

RT4 is the RT state to which you transition if the "RT4 transition replay" role flag is established and you win during RT3. The replay probability when the RT state is RT4 is, for example, 1/7.3. This RT4 is the RT state you stay in when preparing for ART, etc.

RT5 is the RT state to which a player transitions if the "RT5 transition replay" role flag is established and a win is won during RT4. The probability of a replay when the RT state is RT5 is, for example, 1/1.4. Thus, in RT5, replays appear with a higher probability than in RT3 and RT4. Therefore, RT5 is an RT state in which a player remains during ART. When the RT state is RT5, if an RT3 transition replay is established (a win) due to an internal win and a win is won, the RT state transitions from RT5 to RT3.

When either the RAM clear button 71 or the setting change button 72 is pressed while in a special RT state, which is any of RT3 to RT5, the RT state transitions from the special RT state to the normal RT state, RT0.

In other words, RT0 corresponds to RT3, RT1 corresponds to RT4, and RT2 corresponds to RT5, although it is different whether it is under normal RT state or special RT state.

-Regarding normal RT state and special RT state-
In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5, each of the normal RT state and the special RT state is previously associated with an "advantage degree". The advantage degree represents the benefit related to the game that the player receives. The advantage degree includes the benefit related to the medal (corresponding to the game medium) and the performance benefit given to the player so that the player can play the game with peace of mind, even though it is not directly related to the ball output.

The benefits of medal payout include the performance of the instruction function (assist function) in the ART. The instruction function is a function that notifies the player of the correct pressing order of the stop switch 40 for a pressing order role via a notification unit such as the LCD screen 3 and speaker 102 when a pressing order role is established as a winning flag in an internal lottery. In other words, the instruction function is a function that makes it easier to win a role that has been won in an internal lottery. This instruction function can be activated when the play zone is an "advantageous zone." The probability of winning a zone transition lottery in which the play zone transitions to the "advantageous zone" varies depending on the setting value.

Specifically, the performance of the instruction function includes the probability of drawing the lottery for the zone transition lottery, as well as the ART winning rate, CZ winning rate, probability of adding to the number of ART games, drawing probability for the ART continuation rate, occurrence rate of correct button presses, and performance of the advantageous zone. The performance of the instruction function, including the processing related to such instruction functions, also differs depending on the setting value. In other words, the "degree of advantage" also includes the degree of increase in the probability of activating the condition device related to winning during the advantageous zone.

The degree of advantage in the normal RT state is based on the setting value already set in the slot machine 1. In other words, when the RT state is the normal RT state, the performance of the instruction function according to the already set setting value (for example, the lottery performance related to the instruction function according to the set value) is exercised and the game progresses. As a result, in the normal RT state, medals are paid out at a payout rate according to the already set setting value.

On the other hand, the degree of advantage in the special RT state is different from that in the normal RT state. In this embodiment, the degree of advantage in the special RT state is set higher than that in the normal RT state. For example, six levels (setting 1 to setting 6) are predefined as the setting values of the slot machine 1, and the above-mentioned benefit regarding ball output is set to be the lowest at setting 1 and the highest at setting 6. It is predefined that the degree of advantage, which is the benefit regarding ball output, gradually increases as the setting value increases from 1 to 6. Then, the setting values can be broadly divided into setting 6, which is the highest setting value that offers the highest benefit regarding ball output, and five other setting values (settings 1 to 5) that offer lower benefits regarding ball output than setting 6.

When the store staff has set the value to one of the other settings (settings 1-5), if a special transition role is internally won during play and the RT state transitions from the normal RT state to the special RT state, the advantage level, which is the benefit related to balls dispensed, is increased from the benefit based on the actual setting value (other setting value) to an advantage equivalent to setting 6. In this embodiment, the game progresses with reference to the advantage level linked to the RT state, so after the RT state transitions to the special RT state, the player can receive an advantage based on the advantage level corresponding to the special RT state (equivalent to setting 6), which is higher than the actual setting value (settings 1-5).

In particular, as shown in FIG. 4, state transitions between the normal RT state and the special RT state occur due to the winning of a special transition role or a RAM reset, and do not occur due to transitions in the game zone (from the normal zone to the advantageous zone, or from the advantageous zone to the normal zone) described below. No matter how many times the game zone transitions while the RT state is in the special RT state, the special RT state is maintained. Therefore, even if the advantageous zone ends during the course of play, the player is not affected by this and can continue to receive benefits according to the advantageous degree based on the maintained special RT state, unless the RAM is reset or the settings are changed.

In addition, if a special transition role is won during play when the slot machine 1 is set to setting 6, which is the highest setting value, and the RT state transitions from the normal RT state to the special RT state as a result, the advantage degree, which is the benefit regarding balls dispensed, can be further increased from the benefit based on the actual setting of 6. For example, if in the normal RT state the maximum number of added games during ART is 300G at setting 6, in the special RT state this maximum value is increased to 666G. In other words, in the special RT state, the performance of the instruction function is higher than in the normal RT state.

The "presentational benefit" included in the degree of advantage refers to the occurrence rate of setting suggestion effects that indicate the set setting value.

In the normal RT state, the appearance rate of the setting suggestion effect conforms to the set value. Therefore, when the RT state is the normal RT state, the setting suggestion effect corresponding to the set value that has already been set is notified via the LCD screen 3 and the speaker 102 with an appearance probability according to the set value.

On the other hand, in the special RT state, the advantage level, which is the appearance rate of the setting suggestion effect, is set higher than in the normal RT state. For example, for any setting suggestion effect, such as a setting suggestion effect specialized in a setting value, the appearance probability in the special RT state is higher (e.g. twice as high) than the appearance probability in the normal RT state, so it is more likely to appear.

In particular, if a game is played with the highest setting (setting 6) and a special transition role is internally won during that game, causing the RT state to transition from the normal RT state to the special RT state, setting suggestion effects will be more likely to appear than in the normal RT state. Among these, confirmation effects indicating that the setting is 6 will be more likely to appear than in the normal RT state. This increases the probability that a player will be able to grasp that the setting is 6 compared to the normal RT state. After confirming the confirmation effect of setting 6, the player can continue playing with peace of mind. Therefore, the increased probability of the appearance of setting suggestion effects can be said to be one of the benefits related to the game that players receive.

In summary, there is no transition from the normal RT state to the special RT state unless a special transition role is won and a prize is awarded. Therefore, unless a special transition role is drawn, the player plays on the slot machine 1 in which the RT state is the normal RT state, and the game progresses according to the degree of advantage corresponding to the normal RT state. After drawing a special transition role, the player plays on the slot machine 1 in which the RT state is the special RT state, and the game progresses according to the degree of advantage corresponding to the special RT state, which is higher than the normal RT state.

-About the gaming area-
The game zone is a state for determining whether or not a process related to the instruction function is performed. As shown in Fig. 6, the game zone has a normal zone and an advantageous zone. The normal zone and the advantageous zone are in an exclusive relationship, and the game zone can be either the normal zone or the advantageous zone.

The normal zone is a zone in which processing related to the instruction function and ART lottery cannot be executed, but where lotteries for transition to advantageous zones are conducted. As a result of playing in the normal zone, the play zone transitions from the normal zone to the advantageous zone depending on the internally drawn role.

The advantageous zone is a zone in which processing related to the instruction function and ART lottery can be executed. The advantageous zone includes an advantageous zone in a general gaming state that is not an ART state, and an advantageous zone in which the game progresses in an ART state. The state in which the gaming zone is an advantageous zone is maintained from the time the gaming zone transitions to the advantageous zone until a specified ending condition is met.

The above-mentioned game zone transition control and the above-mentioned transition control between the normal RT state and the special RT state are performed separately. Even if the game zone transitions, the RT state is maintained in the normal RT state or the special RT state. For example, even if the game zone transitions from the normal zone to the favorable zone, or from the favorable zone to the normal zone while the RT state is in the special RT state, the RT state will remain in the special RT state unless the settings are changed or the RAM is cleared.

As a result, even if the ART progresses in a special RT state and the ART ends and the advantageous zone transitions to the normal zone, the RT state will continue to be the special RT state. Therefore, after the player has achieved a special transition role and won, he or she can continue playing at the advantageous degree corresponding to the special transition role that was once won, regardless of the transition of the play zone.

-About ART-
In addition to the RT state and the game section, the internal state during play includes game states including a general game state and an ART (assisted replay time) state, as shown in Fig. 7. The general game state and the ART state are in an exclusive relationship, and the game state can be either the general game state or the ART state.

The general gaming state is a state that is not an ART state, that is, a state in which no instruction function occurs. For example, the gaming state is set to the general gaming state after the RAM is cleared using the RAM clear button 71, after the settings are changed using the setting change button 72, after the ART ends, etc., until the ART lottery is won. As an example, when the gaming zone is an advantageous zone, the ART lottery is held according to the winning combination (such as a rare combination) in the internal lottery.

The ART state is a state in which the instruction function is active, informing the player of the correct push order (correct operation order) of the stop switch 40 for the push order role that has been selected by internal lottery, via the LCD screen 3 and speaker 102. In the general game state, even if the push order role is selected internally, the function to assist with the correct push order (instruction function) does not work. Therefore, the ART state can be said to be a game state that is more advantageous to the player than the general game state.

For example, after an ART is won through an ART lottery in the general game state, the game state is transitioned from the general game state to the ART state. If the push order role flag is established during the period from when play begins in the ART state until a predetermined number of games (e.g., 50 games) have elapsed, or during the period from when play begins in the ART state until the total number of medals paid out reaches a predetermined number, the instruction function described above is executed.

When a predetermined number of games have elapsed since play began in the ART state, or when the total number of medals paid out since play began in the ART state reaches a predetermined number, the game state transitions from the ART game state to the general game state. The transition to the general game state means that ART has temporarily ended.

This ART is made up of 50 games in one set, and during that ART set, a lottery is held to determine whether or not the next set will continue. If a rare role is won during the ART, the number of ART games is increased according to the type of rare role won. This increase is performed in the ART state.

When ART is performed in the normal RT state, the instruction function works so that the game progresses in RT2, where there is a high probability of winning a replay in an internal lottery. Even if the RT state falls to RT0 during ART, assistance is provided so that an RT1 transition replay can win, and when that RT1 transition replay wins, the RT state transitions from RT0 to RT1. Furthermore, assistance is provided so that an RT2 transition replay can win, and when that RT2 transition replay wins, the RT state transitions from RT1 to RT2.

In addition, while the RT state is normal RT state and ART is being performed, an instruction function will be activated to maintain RT2.

In this way, in the normal RT state, ART can be said to be a gaming state that is executed mainly in the RT2 state of the normal RT state. Also, in the normal RT state, even if it is RT0 or RT1 rather than RT2, the gaming state may be the ART state. For example, this applies when ART is won in the ART lottery, but the RT state has not yet reached RT2, which is an ART preparation state. An example of an ART preparation state is the state when the RT state is RT1 and before the RT2 transition replay is won.

Also, when the RT state is RT2 during ART, if the role flag "RT0 transition replay" is established, an instruction function is activated to notify the player of a push order or keystrokes that are not the correct push order for RT0 in order to avoid winning the RT0 transition replay, but if the notification is not followed and the RT0 transition replay ends up winning, the RT state will fall from RT2 to RT0. In this case, the game state will remain in the ART state.

As mentioned above, ART, which is performed in the normal RT state, is mainly executed when the RT state is RT2. However, ART is not necessarily being executed when the RT state is RT2. There are also cases where the RT state is RT2 even when not in ART. Specifically, in a general gaming state that is not an ART state, while the RT state is RT1, an RT2 transition replay may happen to be won, causing the RT state to transition from RT1 to RT2.

The above describes the case where the RT state is the normal RT state, but ART is performed in the same manner as above when the RT state is the special RT state. In the case of a special RT state, the "RT0" described above should be read as "RT3", "RT1" as "RT4", and "RT2" as "RT5", and detailed explanations will be omitted.

<Configuration of control unit>
2, the control unit 6 mainly includes a main control unit 61 and a sub-control unit 62. The main control unit 61 controls the progress of the game, such as controlling the internal lottery and the spinning reel 20. The sub-control unit 62 controls the presentation based on signals transmitted from the main control unit 61.

The main control unit 61 and the sub-control unit 62 each comprise a CPU, RAM, and ROM. The ROM of each of the main control unit 61 and the sub-control unit 62 stores programs necessary for game progress. The RAM of the main control unit 61 stores game data necessary for game progress. The game data includes the current number of games, as well as data indicating the RT state, game state, and game section, respectively. The RAM of the sub-control unit 62 stores various data related to presentation control.

When the CPU reads and executes the programs in the ROM, the main control unit 61 functions as an internal lottery unit 610, a reel control unit 611, a game result determination unit 612, a medium management unit 613, a setting unit 614, a section control unit 615, an RT state control unit 616, a game state control unit 617, and a reset unit 618. The sub-control unit 62 functions as a performance control unit 620.

- Internal lottery section -
The internal lottery unit 610 performs an internal lottery based on the operation of the lever 43, and sets one of the flags of a plurality of roles as a winning flag to win, thereby proceeding with the game. Specifically, the internal lottery unit 610 performs an internal lottery based on the RT state, game state, and game section at the time the lever 43 is operated, according to an internal lottery table (not shown) and a random number obtained when the lever 43 is operated. The internal lottery unit 610 generates an internal lottery result signal based on the result of the internal lottery. The internal lottery result signal is transmitted to the spinning reel control unit 611, etc.

The internal lottery table shows information on roles that may result in a winning combination through an internal lottery. The internal lottery unit 610 performs an internal lottery based on the internal lottery table, in accordance with the RT state and the combination of settings when the lever 43 is operated. The role information shown in the internal lottery table includes one or more combinations of symbols associated with roles corresponding to those combinations. The roles include losing roles that do not result in a payout of medals, push order roles that result in a payout of medals, RT0 transition replays to RT2 transition replays, RT3 transition replays to RT5 transition replays, etc.

When playing in ART mode, push order roles such as push order bells and push order replays may be won through an internal lottery. Push order replays include RT0 transition replays to RT5 transition replays.

If the push order bell wins and the stop switch 40 is pressed in the correct push order, the push order bell wins and multiple medals (e.g., 8 medals) according to the role are paid out. If the push order bell wins but the stop switch 40 is not pressed in the correct push order, the push order bell will not win or a different role (such as a 1-coin role) will win.

If the push order replay wins and the stop switch 40 is pressed in the correct push order, the push order replay wins and the RT state transitions according to the role. If the push order replay wins but the stop switch 40 is not pressed in the correct push order, the push order replay will not win or another role (such as a 1-coin role) will win. If the push order replay itself does not win, the RT state will not transition.

Note that push order roles can be won during normal gameplay, but the correct push order is not announced. If the push order happens to be correct, the role will win, but if it is incorrect, the push order role will be missed or only one coin will be paid out.

In this embodiment, the internal lottery unit 610 also performs an internal lottery to determine whether the flag for the special transition role for transitioning the RT state from the normal RT state to the special RT state is a winning combination. If the flag for the special transition role is a winning combination, this is transmitted to the RT state control unit 616.

In particular, the internal lottery unit 610 of this embodiment determines whether the RT state is a normal RT state or a special RT state, and performs the internal lottery and progresses the game based on the degree of advantage corresponding to the determined normal RT state or special RT state. Therefore, when the RT state is a special RT state, the internal lottery unit 610 performs the game progress based on the degree of advantage corresponding to the special RT state, which is higher than the normal RT state.

Specifically, when the slot machine 1 is set to setting 6, which is the highest setting value, and the RT state is set to the special RT state, the internal lottery unit 610 proceeds with the game by considering the number of added games in the ART to be higher than in the normal RT state as the degree of advantage corresponding to the special RT state. Also, the internal lottery unit 610 proceeds with the game by considering the probability of the appearance of the setting suggestion effect to be higher than in the normal RT state as the degree of advantage corresponding to the special RT state.

On the other hand, when the slot machine 1 is set to any of settings 1 to 5 that are not the highest setting value, and the RT state is set to the special RT state, the internal lottery unit 610 proceeds with the game by using the performance of the instruction function that corresponds to the highest setting value (setting 6) as the advantage corresponding to the special RT state.

- Rotating reel control unit -
The spinning reel control unit 611 controls the drive of each stepping motor 21 based on the operation of the lever 43 or each stop switch 40, and performs rotation start control to start the rotation of each spinning reel 20 or rotation stop control to stop the rotation.

Specifically, when the lever 43 is operated while all of the reels 20 have stopped spinning, the reel control unit 611 starts the rotation of all of the reels 20. When the stop switch 40 corresponding to the spinning reel 20 is operated while at least one reel 20 is spinning, the reel control unit 611 stops the rotation of the reel 20 corresponding to the operated stop switch 40.

When the player controls the stopping of the rotation during play, the reel control unit 611 can stop the rotation of the reel 20 based on the operation of the stop switch 40 so that the combination of symbols corresponding to the role (including special transition roles) indicated by the winning flag, which is the internal lottery result, is positioned on the pay line L of the reel 20, resulting in the role winning.

When the winning flag is a push order role such as a push order bell or push order replay, the reel control unit 611 determines in what order the player operated the three stop switches 40. The result of this determination is sent to the game result determination unit 613, etc.

In addition, when the player controls the stopping of the reels while playing, the reel control unit 611 performs pull-in control or kick-off control depending on the winning combination obtained by the internal drawing and the position of the corresponding reel 40 when each stop switch 40 is operated. Pull-in control is control that stops the rotation of the reel 20 by pulling the symbols corresponding to the winning combination onto the pay line L. Kick-off control is control that stops the rotation of the reel 20 so that symbols corresponding to non-winning combinations do not line up on the pay line L.

-Game result judgment section-
The game result determination unit 612 determines the game result based on the results of the internal lottery and the spin stop control of the spin reel 20. The game result means the result of determining whether or not the winning combination has been awarded based on the symbols that have lined up on the pay line L. Specifically, when the combination of symbols that have stopped on the pay line L matches a predetermined combination of symbols, the game result determination unit 612 determines that the winning combination has been awarded.

In addition, when a push order role such as a push order bell or push order replay is internally won, the game result determination unit 612 determines whether or not the push order role has won a prize according to the order in which the stop switch 40 was operated by the player. If the stop switch 40 was operated in the correct push order, the game result determination unit 612 determines that the push order role has won a prize. If the stop switch 40 was not operated in the correct push order, the game result determination unit 612 determines that the push order role did not win a prize (was missed).

-Media Management Department-
The medium management unit 613 controls the increase and decrease of the number of credits, and controls the medal payout operation by the hopper unit 50 .

Specifically, when medals are bet based on the player's operation, the media management unit 613 decreases the number of credits according to the number of medals bet, and when medals are credited based on the player's operation, the media management unit 613 increases the number of credits.

When the internal lottery results in the flag of a role that includes a payout being established as a winning flag, and the role wins based on the player's operation, the media management unit 613 increases the number of credits based on the number of medals paid out based on the type of winning role.

The media management unit 613 also controls the hopper unit 50 based on the game result determined by the game result determination unit 612 or the operation signal output by operating the settlement switch 45.

Specifically, medals obtained by winning a winning combination are first stored as credits. If the number of credits exceeds the upper limit (for example, 50) as a result of storing medals, the medals exceeding the upper limit are paid out from the hopper unit 50. Also, if the settlement switch 45 is operated when there is one or more medals stored, at least a portion of the stored medals are paid out from the hopper unit 50.

Furthermore, the media management unit 613 calculates the difference in number of medals, which is the cumulative value of the number of medals paid out minus the number of medals bet during the favorable zone, and the range, which is the difference between the maximum and minimum values of the difference in number of medals. The difference in number of medals and the range are sent to the zone control unit 615. The media management unit 613 resets the difference in number of medals and the range after the favorable zone ends.

-Settings-
The setting unit 614 sets one of a plurality of setting values based on an operation by a store staff member using the setting change button 72. The set setting value is stored in the RAM of the main control unit 61.

- Section control unit -
The interval control unit 615 performs interval control for the game interval including the advantageous interval and the normal interval by setting either the advantageous interval or the normal interval when the player is playing.

Specifically, when the gaming zone is a normal zone, the zone control unit 615 performs a zone transition lottery to determine whether to maintain the normal zone state or transition to an advantageous zone. If the zone transition lottery is won, the zone control unit 615 sets (transitions) the gaming zone to an advantageous zone. When a specific lottery target role is won, a lottery is performed to determine whether or not to conduct a zone transition lottery, and if the result is a win, a zone transition lottery is performed.

The probability of winning the section transition lottery differs depending on the degree of advantage corresponding to the RT state. As an example, the probability of winning the specified lottery target role differs depending on the degree of advantage corresponding to the RT state, or the probability of winning the lottery held when the specified winning target role is won differs.

In addition, when the gaming zone is an advantageous zone, the zone control unit 615 determines whether to maintain the advantageous zone state or transition to a normal zone. For example, when the gaming zone is an advantageous zone, the zone control unit 615 determines whether the gaming state has transitioned from the ART state to the general gaming state. If it is determined that the gaming state has transitioned to the general gaming state, the zone control unit 615 transitions the gaming zone from the advantageous zone to the normal zone.

In addition, the interval control unit 615 forcibly transitions the play interval from the advantageous interval to the normal interval when the number of games played in the advantageous interval reaches 1,500, or when the difference in the number of medals during the advantageous interval reaches 2,400.

In addition, when the RAM is cleared by pressing the RAM clear button 71 or when the setting change button 72 is pressed, the interval control unit 615 sets the play interval to the normal interval, regardless of the play interval immediately before the buttons 71 and 72 are pressed.

The section control unit 615 sends a signal indicating the type of section that has been set (transitioned) to the medium display unit 44. As a result, the medium display unit 44 displays whether or not the section is favorable.

-RT state control section-
The RT state control unit 616 controls the setting (transition) of the RT state during the game progress.

Specifically, immediately after the RAM of the main control unit 61 is cleared, the RT state control unit 616 sets the RT state to RT0, which is the normal RT state. From the start of play until a special transition role is achieved and a win is won, the RT state control unit 616 sets (transitions) the RT state to one of RT0 to RT2 in the normal RT state, depending on the transition replay that is achieved and won during the game progress.

When a special transition role is achieved during play and a win is won, the RT state control unit 616 transitions (sets) the RT state from the normal RT state to RT3 in the special RT state. After that, the RT state control unit 616 sets (transitions) the RT state to one of RT3 to RT5 in the special RT state, depending on the transition replay that is achieved and won during the game progress.

In particular, even if the game zone transitions from an advantageous zone to a normal zone or vice versa while the RT state is in the special RT state, the RT state control unit 616 maintains the special RT state. In other words, once a special transition role is won and the RT state transitions to the special RT state, the special RT state is maintained regardless of the transition of the game zone unless the RAM of the main control unit 616 is cleared.

-Game status control unit-
The gaming state control unit 617 sets the gaming state to either a general gaming state or an ART state.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, the game status setting unit 617 determines whether or not to set the game status to the ART status (i.e., whether or not the ART has been won) based on the result of the ART lottery. If the ART lottery, which is performed when the game zone is a favorable zone, is won, the game status setting unit 617 sets the game status to the ART status. Conversely, if the ART lottery is not won, the game status setting unit 617 can set the game status to the general game status. When the ART ends, the game status setting unit 617 transitions the game status from the ART status to the general game status.

-Reset section-
The reset unit 618 performs a reset process to reset the game data including the RT state described above based on the operation of the store staff. Specifically, the game data including the RT state is stored in the RAM of the main control unit 61. When the store staff presses the RAM clear button 71 or the setting change button 72, the reset unit 618 initializes the RAM of the main control unit 61 to erase the stored RT state. As a result, in addition to erasing the current number of games, etc., even if the current RT state is a special RT state, the RT state is released and the RT state is set to the normal RT state, which is the default setting.

-Direction Control Department-
The performance control unit 620 displays a performance image selected from a plurality of types of performance images on the liquid crystal screen 3 based on the progress of the game, and outputs sound effects, background music, voice, etc. corresponding to the performance image from the speaker 102. For example, when an ART is won, the performance control unit 620 selects a performance pattern for displaying that fact on the liquid crystal screen 3, and controls the display on the liquid crystal screen 3 and the voice output of the speaker 102 according to the performance pattern.

The performance control unit 620 causes at least one of the LCD screen 3 and the speaker 102 to announce the correct push order for each successive winning push order role during the ART.

In addition, when the notification conditions for the setting suggestion effect are met while the player is playing, the effect control unit 620 causes at least one of the LCD screen 3 and the speaker 102 to notify the player of the setting suggestion effect. The player can use this effect as a means of understanding the setting value of the slot machine 1 currently being played.

Here, the notification conditions include when a flag for a specified rare role is hit internally, when an ART state is hit, when an ART ends, etc.

<Flow of Operation Processing of Slot Machine 1>
Using FIG. 8, the flow of the operation process of the slot machine 1 according to this embodiment will be described, focusing mainly on the transition to the RT state and the progress of the game with reference to the RT state.

First, when the store staff presses the RAM clear button 71 or the setting change button 72 and the reset unit 618 performs the reset process (Yes in step st11), the RT state control unit 616 resets the RT state and sets it to the normal RT state (step st12). The RT state control unit 616 sets the normal RT state to RT0, which is the default setting (step st13).

After the player starts playing, the internal lottery unit 610 performs an internal lottery in response to the player's operation of the lever 43 and progresses the game. If a transition replay is won as a result of this internal lottery (Yes in step st14), the RT state control unit 616 transitions the RT state within RT0 to RT2 in the normal RT state according to the type of transition replay that has been won (step st15). This operation is performed until a special transition role is won as a result of the internal lottery (No in step st16).

From step st11 until the special transition role is won in step st16, the game zone transition control and game state control according to the internal lottery results are performed according to the degree of advantage corresponding to the normal RT state. Therefore, from step st11 to step st16, roles and ART are won, the game zone transition control is performed, and medals are paid out according to the set value, with the degree of advantage conforming to the set value set in the slot machine 1.

During play, if a special transition role is internally won in response to the player's operation (Yes in step st16), the RT state control unit 616 transitions the RT state from the normal RT state to the special RT state (step st17). The RT state control unit 616 sets the special RT state to RT3, which is the default setting (step st18).

The internal lottery unit 610 performs an internal lottery in response to the player's operation of the lever 43 and progresses the game. If the internal lottery results in a winning transition replay (Yes in step st19), the RT state control unit 616 transitions the RT state within RT3 to RT5 in the special RT state according to the type of winning transition replay (step st20). This operation continues until the RAM of the main control unit 61 is reset (No in step st21).

After the RT state is set to the special RT state in step st17, the game zone transition control and game state control according to the internal lottery results are performed according to the degree of advantage corresponding to the special RT state. Therefore, between steps st17 and st21, winning combinations and ART are won, the game zone transition control is performed, and medals are paid out according to the set value with a higher degree of advantage than in the normal RT state.

For example, if the setting value is between 1 and 5, winning combinations and ART will be achieved with an advantage level that conforms to setting 6, game zone transition control will be performed, and medals will be paid out according to the setting value. When the setting value is already set to 6, if the number of games in ART is added, the number of games will be greater than in the normal RT state.

To summarise the above, the slot machine 1 (gaming machine) comprises a plurality of rotating reels 20, a lever 43 (start switch) that accepts an operation to start the rotation of the plurality of rotating reels 20, a setting unit 614 that sets one of a plurality of set values corresponding to each of a plurality of payout rates, which indicate the ratio of the total number of medals (gaming media) inserted by the player to the total number of medals (gaming media) that are to be received, based on the operation of the store staff (operator), an internal drawing unit 610 that performs an internal drawing based on the operation of the lever 43 (start switch) by the player to set one of a plurality of role flags as a winning flag, and proceeds with the game, and a replay unit that sets a replay flag as a winning flag by the internal drawing during the game. and an RT state control unit 616 that sets one of a plurality of RT states, each of which has a preset probability of winning, and the plurality of RT states include a normal RT state in which the performance related to the instruction function that makes it easier to win a winning combination by the internal lottery 610 is exerted according to a setting value set by the setting unit 614, and a special RT state in which the degree of advantage, which represents the performance related to the instruction function as a benefit to the player in the game, differs from that of the normal RT state, and when a transition condition for transitioning from the normal RT state to the special RT state is established, the RT state control unit 616 sets the RT state to the special RT state, and while the RT state is the special RT state, the internal lottery unit 610 progresses the game based on the degree of advantage corresponding to the special RT state.

<Effects of the Invention>
In this embodiment, the RT state includes a normal RT state in which the performance related to the instruction function is exhibited according to a set value, and a special RT state in which the degree of advantage representing the performance related to the instruction function as a benefit related to the game is higher than that in the normal RT state. When a transition condition for transitioning to the special RT state is established during a game, the RT state transitions from the normal RT state to the special RT state, and the game progresses based on the degree of advantage corresponding to the special RT state. In other words, if the transition condition to the special RT state is established during a game, the player can play in a state in which the performance related to the instruction function is more advantageous than before the transition condition was established. The higher the function related to the instruction function, the more the player can obtain a benefit in terms of balls. Therefore, the player can play while hoping to transition to the special RT state, and if the player transitions to the special RT state, he or she can maintain the desire to continue playing.

The degree of advantage also represents the appearance rate of the setting suggestion effect that suggests the setting value that has been set for the slot machine 1. In other words, after the transition to the special RT state, the player not only receives a benefit in terms of ball payout, but can also see more setting suggestion effects than in the normal RT state.

In addition, when the RT state is set to the special RT state when a setting other than the highest setting (any of settings 1 to 5) is set, the internal lottery unit 610 proceeds with the game with the performance related to the instruction function of setting 6 as the advantage corresponding to the special RT state. As a result, after the transition to the special RT state, the player can play the ART with a performance higher than the performance related to the instruction function corresponding to the actual setting value (settings 1 to 5), and thus can obtain more balls than the actual setting value (settings 1 to 5).

In addition, when the RT state is set to the special RT state with the highest setting of setting 6, the internal lottery unit 610 proceeds with the game with the advantage corresponding to the special RT state being a performance higher than the performance related to the instruction function corresponding to setting 6. This allows the player to play the ART with a performance higher than the performance related to the instruction function corresponding to setting 6 after the transition to the special RT state.

The RT state is also stored in the RAM of the main control unit 61, but when the RAM clear button 71 or the setting change button 72 is pressed, the reset unit 618 resets the RAM. This causes the RT state to transition from the special RT state to the normal RT state, and the RT state of the slot machine 1 returns to the state before the special transition role was won. Therefore, the player can play again from 1, hoping to transition the RT state to the special RT state.

[Other embodiments]
The various control means and processing procedures described in the above embodiment are merely examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, its applications, or its uses. The various control means and processing procedures can be appropriately modified in design without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

In the above embodiment, both the RAM clear button 71 and the setting change button 72 are provided, and it has been explained that the RT state can be reset by operating either button 71, 72. However, only one of the RAM clear button 71 and the setting change button 72 may function as a button that accepts an operation to reset the RT state. For example, the RT state may be maintained without being reset even when the setting change button 72 is pressed, and may be reset only when the RAM clear button 71 is pressed.

The trigger for resetting the RT state may be something other than pressing the buttons 71 and 72. For example, the reset process of the RT state may be triggered by temporarily disconnecting the harness that electrically connects the main control unit 61 and the sub-control unit 62. The reset process of the RT state may also be performed when a certain amount of time has passed since the player stopped playing, or when a certain amount of time has passed since the player left the slot machine 1.

Also, the reset unit 618 does not have to be provided. For example, a fall transition role for falling (transitioning) from the special RT state to the normal RT state may be provided in advance, and the RT state may transition from the special RT state to the normal RT state when the fall transition role is won and a prize is awarded during play. In this case, the probability of winning the fall transition role may be higher, lower, or the same as the probability of winning the special transition role.

In addition, a button for receiving an instruction to execute a reset process for the special RT state may be provided on the outside of the cabinet 10, and the player may be able to press that button. In other words, the specification may be such that the special RT state can be reset at the player's will.

In the above embodiment, the winning probability of the special transition role is constant regardless of the setting value, but the winning probability of the special transition role may differ depending on the setting value. For example, the winning probability of the special transition role can be set to be higher the lower the setting value and lower the higher the setting value, or higher for odd-number settings and lower for even-number settings.

In addition, in the above embodiment, three setting values (settings 1, 6, and H) with ball payout rates of 98%, 108%, and 115%, respectively, may be preset as setting values for the slot machine 1, and the setting values that can be set by the setting change button 72 may be two of these (settings 1 and 6). The benefit regarding ball payout for setting H may be associated with an advantage corresponding to the special RT state. In this case, the player can experience playing at setting H, which corresponds to the special RT state, only if, during play at setting 1 or setting 6, the player wins a special transition role by an internal lottery, causing the RT state to transition to the special RT state.

In the above embodiment, the case where the degree of advantage is related to the set value has been described. However, the degree of advantage may be a concept separate from the set value. For example, in the special RT state, the way in which balls are paid out that differs from the normal RT (for example, calm waves, rough waves, or repeating the payment of a predetermined number of medals as in Type A) can be defined as the degree of advantage. In other words, the degree of advantage in the special RT state only needs to differ from the performance related to the instruction function in the normal RT state according to the set value. When the RT state transitions from the normal RT state to the special RT state, the player can enjoy a way in which balls are paid out that differs from the normal RT state.

In this way, by making the advantage level and the set value different, and by providing multiple levels of advantage level and set value, it becomes possible to control the progress of the game as many times as there are combinations of advantage level and set value. This allows players to enjoy a wide variety of games.

The presentation control unit 620 may notify the player through presentation or a history screen that the RT state has transitioned to a special RT state.

The setting suggestion effects described in the above embodiment may be effected images or may be other than effected images. Examples of setting suggestion effects other than effected images include the following.
(a) During play in the special RT state, a rare replay or special symbol that can only be achieved during the special RT state and/or with setting 6 is aligned on the rotating reel 20, and a special sound is generated.
(b) When a winning combination that can also be won during normal RT is won during play in the special RT state, the winning combination is aligned on the rotating reel 20 in a way that can only be achieved during the special RT state and/or at the highest setting value (e.g., a seven-match, a V-match, etc.), and a special sound is generated.
(c) During play in the special RT state, an image encouraging reverse push is displayed on the liquid crystal screen 3, and by pressing the stop switch 40 in the correct push order, a special pattern (V-shaped arrangement, 7-shaped arrangement) is aligned on the rotating reel 20.
(d) During play in the special RT state, in some cases of winning rare replays, an effect occurs in which the player is prompted to guess the push order. If the player presses the buttons in the correct order, the reel 20 automatically spins and stops again, and a special pattern (a V-shaped arrangement of red 7s) is formed.
(e) A screen associated with setting 6 is displayed on the ending screen of ART in the special RT state.

Note that setting hints are not required.

In the above embodiment, it was explained that after transitioning to the special RT state with the highest setting value set to 6, the appearance rate of setting suggestion effects becomes higher than in the normal RT state, but this is not required.

In the above embodiment, a bet switch 42 is provided, but the bet switch 42 may be omitted.

The gaming state of the above embodiment may include a CZ state in addition to the general gaming state and the ART state. The CZ state is a state that is not the general gaming state or the ART state, but in which the probability of entering the ART and the probability of replaying are higher than in the general gaming state. After transitioning to the special RT state, the probability of entering the CZ state may change depending on the degree of advantage corresponding to the special RT state, similar to the probability of entering the ART.

Depending on the specifications of the model of slot machine 1, the ART state or advantageous zone may end at any time before the advantageous zone reaches a maximum of 1500G or before the number of balls won by the player reaches 2400.

In the above embodiment, the slot machine 1 is an ART machine. However, the slot machine 1 may be a combination machine of ART and bonus, or an AT machine.

Figure 9 shows the transitions between the game interval, game state, and RT state when the slot machine 1 is an AT machine. In an AT machine, there exists an internal bonus state in which a bonus has been internally won but has not been awarded. Generally, in this internal bonus state, a transition to the RT state is prohibited. However, in this example, the bonus is deliberately lined up and awarded, which cancels the internal bonus state and transitions to the RT state at that point.

As a premise of Figure 9, there are two types of RT states: a normal RT state and a special RT state that is set to be more advantageous than the normal RT state. There are two types of bonuses, BB1 and BB2. Of these bonuses, BB2 corresponds to the special transition role explained in the above embodiment.

First, in the case of a non-bonus internal state where no bonus has been won, the RT state control unit 616 sets the RT state to the normal RT state, and the interval control unit 615 sets the game interval to the normal interval (step #1). The game state control unit 617 sets the game state to the normal game state. Game starts in this non-bonus internal state.

During play, the internal lottery unit 610 performs internal lotteries for various roles, including bonuses BB1 and BB2, in accordance with the player's operation of the lever 43. The section control unit 615 performs section lotteries for play sections at the timing of winning a rare role, etc.

When the internal lottery results in a winning combination for shifting the play zone, the zone control unit 615 shifts the play zone to the advantageous zone (steps #11, #21). There are two operational flows for the slot machine 1: "Route 1" located at the top right of the bonus non-internal state (step #11), and "Route 2" located at the bottom right. If the internal lottery results in the winning combination of Bonus BB1, the operation follows "Route 1" (step #12), and if the internal lottery results in the winning combination of Bonus BB2, the operation follows "Route 2" (step #22).

In both steps #12 and #22, the bonuses BB1 and BB2 have been internally won, but the bonus symbols have not yet lined up on the reel 20 to win. In other words, in both steps #12 and #22, the game transitions to the bonus internal state.

In both Route 1 of Steps #11 and #12 and Route 2 of Steps #21 and #22, the internal lottery unit 610 performs a separate AT lottery under the internal bonus state (Steps #13 and #23). In both Routes 1 and 2, the reel control unit 611 controls the symbols corresponding to the internally winning bonuses BB1 and BB2 to be aligned on the reel 20, and the bonuses BB1 and BB2 are awarded (Steps #14 and #24).

After winning the bonus (steps #14, #24), the player plays the games for the bonuses BB1 and BB2 that he or she won. During the game, the correct push order role is assisted until the number of medals paid out reaches the specified number of medals paid out.

After the end of bonuses BB1 and BB2, if the AT is won in the AT drawing in steps #13 and #23 (including the continuation of the AT), AT play begins. During the AT, the AT drawing in the bonus internal state, and the winning and consumption of the winning bonuses BB1 and BB2 by matching the symbols are repeated. After the AT ends, the flow of the slot machine 1 returns to the non-bonus internal state (step #1).

If the AT is not won in the AT drawing in steps #13 and #23, the game state will remain in the general game state. In this case, general play will be played in the advantageous zone, and when the number of games reaches the ceiling number of games, an instruction to line up the bonus BB1 and BB2 symbols will be displayed. When the player lines up the symbols, the bonus BB1 and BB2 will be won, and the correct pressing order of the pressing order role will be assisted until the payout number is reached, and the bonus BB1 and BB2 games will be consumed.

Of the two routes described above, the bonus BB1 won on "Route 1" is not a special transition role for transitioning the RT state to a special RT state. Therefore, on "Route 1", even if the bonus BB1 is won and the bonus internal state is released, the RT state control unit 616 does not transition the RT state. In other words, on Route 1, the RT state is fixed (maintained).

On the other hand, the bonus BB2 won on "Route 2" is a special transition role for transitioning the RT state to a special RT state. Therefore, on "Route 2", the RT state control unit 616 sets (transitions) the RT state to the special RT state either when bonus BB2 is won (step #22), when bonus B22 is won, or when bonus B22 has been consumed (step #24). In other words, by going via Route 2, the RT state is transitioned to the special RT state in connection with the winning of bonus BB2.

In summary, if Bonus BB2 is won even once, the RT state will transition from the normal RT state to the special RT state via "Route 2". Winning Bonus BB2 cancels the bonus internal state, making it possible to transition to the RT state. In "Route 1", the RT state is maintained without transition, so if "Route 2" is passed even once, the RT state will be maintained in the special RT state, even if it subsequently passes through a non-bonus internal state or "Route 1".

Therefore, after going through "Route 2", the game progresses, such as the AT lottery, based on the advantage corresponding to the special RT state, i.e., an advantage higher than that of the normal RT state. This allows players to play AT machines while hoping for the special transition role, Bonus BB2, to be won, regardless of the actual set value, and if Bonus BB2 is won, they can maintain their desire to continue playing.

In addition, in AT machines, the degree of advantage corresponding to the special RT state, as in the above embodiment, includes the performance of the instruction function, the payout rate, and the occurrence rate of setting suggestion effects that are higher than in the normal RT state. The performance of the instruction function includes the probability of winning the AT, the probability of winning the CZ, the probability of adding to the number of AT games, the probability of drawing the AT continuation rate, and the occurrence rate of the correct button press sequence. In addition, the degree of advantage includes the probability of a rare replay being achieved, the probability of a freeze occurring, etc.

Note that FIG. 9 illustrates an example in which steps #11 and #12, and steps #21 and #22 are performed individually. However, steps #11 and #12 may be performed simultaneously, and steps #21 and #22 may be performed simultaneously.

The slot machine 1 may be equipped with a bonus in addition to the special transition role that transitions the RT to a special RT state. In that case, even if a bonus is won, a prize is awarded, or the bonus game ends, the RT state control unit 616 will not set the RT state (will not transition the RT state). The bonus that maintains the RT state immediately before the bonus is won can be a Type 1 BB or Type 2 BB, but it is preferable that it is a Type 2 BB.

In the above embodiment, it was explained that the transition to the RT state is caused by the winning of a transition replay. However, the trigger for the transition to the RT state may be something other than the winning of a transition replay, such as the occurrence of a missed push order bell.

In the above embodiment, it has been described that the winning probability of the zone transition lottery to transition to the advantageous zone varies depending on the set value, but this is not limited to this. The winning probability of the zone transition lottery to transition to the advantageous zone may be constant regardless of the set value.

In the above embodiment, the transition condition for transitioning to the special RT state is when a special transition role is won (when the symbols are aligned), but the transition condition is not limited to this. Other transition conditions include when a special transition role is won but not won, when the bonus game ends when the special transition role is a bonus, when the spinning reel 20 stops with a specific number appearing in the reel window 200, when a bonus game ends or when a specific number appears and a predetermined number has been played, etc.

In FIG. 4, if a special transition role is won when the RT state is RT2, the RT state transitions to RT3, which reduces the probability of replay and may result in a return to ART preparation even though the ART is being played, resulting in a loss of medals. In this case, to compensate for the number of medals lost during ART preparation, the game state control unit 617 may add to the number of games in ART based on the number of games played during ART preparation, or may add a fixed number of games regardless of the games played during ART preparation.

In the above embodiment, the degree of advantage is described as representing the performance of the instruction function and the occurrence rate of the setting suggestion effect as the benefit to the player in the game. However, the degree of advantage may represent only the performance of the instruction function as the benefit to the player in the game.

1. Slot machine (amusement machine)
20 Rotating reel 40 Stop switch 43 Lever (start switch)
71 RAM clear button (reception area)
72 Setting change button (reception section)
610: Internal lottery unit 614: Setting unit 615: Section control unit 616: RT state control unit 618: Reset unit

Claims (3)

Multiple spinning reels;
a start switch that receives an operation for starting the rotation of the plurality of reels;
A setting unit sets one of a plurality of set values corresponding to a plurality of payout rates, each of which indicates a ratio of a total number of payouts to a total number of game media inserted by a player, based on an operation by an operator;
an internal lottery section that performs an internal lottery based on the operation of the start switch by the player, thereby drawing one of a plurality of winning combination flags as a winning flag, and proceeding with the game;
an RT state control unit that sets one of a plurality of RT states in which a replay probability that a replay flag is established as the winning flag by the internal lottery during the game progress is preset;
Equipped with
The plurality of RT states include:
A normal RT state in which the performance related to the instruction function for facilitating the winning of the winning combination by the internal lottery is exerted according to the setting value set by the setting unit;
A special RT state in which the advantage including the benefit regarding the performance related to the instruction function is higher than that in the normal RT state and is exerted in a state exceeding the setting value set by the setting unit;
Includes:
the setting value set by the setting unit includes a best setting value that can be set by the setting unit,
The RT state control unit sets the RT state to the special RT state when a transition condition for transitioning from the normal RT state to the special RT state is satisfied,
The internal lottery unit is capable of progressing the game based on the advantageous degree corresponding to the special RT state while the RT state is the special RT state,
The special RT state is:
The RT state is one to which a transition from the normal RT state can be made based on an operation performed by the player during play in the normal RT state, and
After the normal RT state has been switched to the special RT state, the RT state will not transition back to the normal RT state unless a cancellation operation for the RT state is performed by a person other than the player.
A gaming machine characterized by: Multiple spinning reels;
a start switch that receives an operation for starting the rotation of the plurality of reels;
A setting unit sets one of a plurality of set values corresponding to a plurality of payout rates, each of which indicates a ratio of a total number of payouts to a total number of game media inserted by a player, based on an operation by an operator;
an internal lottery section that performs an internal lottery based on the operation of the start switch by the player, thereby drawing one flag out of a plurality of winning combination flags as a winning flag, and proceeding with the game;
an RT state control unit that sets one of a plurality of RT states in which a replay probability that a replay flag is established as the winning flag by the internal lottery during the game progress is preset;
Equipped with
The multiple RT states include a normal RT state in which a performance related to an instruction function that makes it easier to win the winning combination won by the internal lottery is exhibited according to the setting value set by the setting unit, and a special RT state in which the degree of advantage including the benefit related to the performance related to the instruction function is higher than that of the normal RT state,
The RT state control unit sets the RT state to the special RT state when a transition condition for transitioning from the normal RT state to the special RT state is satisfied,
The internal lottery unit is capable of progressing the game based on the advantageous degree corresponding to the special RT state while the RT state is the special RT state,
The special RT state is:
The RT state is one to which a transition from the normal RT state can be made based on an operation performed by the player during play in the normal RT state, and
After the normal RT state has been switched to the special RT state, the state will not transition back to the normal RT state unless a cancellation operation for the RT state is performed by a person other than the player.
The normal RT state and the special RT state are each composed of a plurality of RT states.
A gaming machine characterized by: Multiple spinning reels;
a start switch that receives an operation for starting the rotation of the plurality of reels;
A setting unit sets one of a plurality of set values corresponding to a plurality of payout rates, each of which indicates a ratio of a total number of payouts to a total number of game media inserted by a player, based on an operation by an operator;
an internal lottery section that performs an internal lottery based on the operation of the start switch by the player, thereby drawing one flag out of a plurality of winning combination flags as a winning flag, and proceeding with the game;
an RT state control unit that sets one of a plurality of RT states in which a replay probability that a replay flag is established as the winning flag by the internal lottery during the game progress is preset;
Equipped with
The plurality of RT states include:
A normal RT state in which the performance related to the instruction function for facilitating the winning of the winning combination by the internal lottery is exerted according to the setting value set by the setting unit;
A special RT state in which the degree of advantage including the benefit regarding the performance related to the instruction function is higher than that in the normal RT state and is exerted in a state exceeding the setting value set by the setting unit;
Includes:
The RT state control unit sets the RT state to the special RT state when a transition condition for transitioning from the normal RT state to the special RT state is satisfied,
The internal lottery unit is capable of progressing the game based on the advantageous degree corresponding to the special RT state while the RT state is the special RT state,
The special RT state is:
The RT state is one to which a transition from the normal RT state can be made based on an operation performed by the player during play in the normal RT state, and
After the normal RT state has been switched to the special RT state, the state will not transition back to the normal RT state unless a cancellation operation for the RT state is performed by a person other than the player.
The special RT state is composed of a plurality of special RT states, and after transitioning from one of the special RT states to another of the special RT states, it is possible to transition back to the one of the special RT states without transitioning from the special RT state to the normal RT state.
A gaming machine characterized by:

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