JP7617456B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an amusement machine.

Patent document 1 discloses a gaming machine that transitions from a non-advantageous zone to an advantageous zone by winning a lottery.

JP 2021-122451 A

In the gaming machine, if the increase in the number of medals in the advantageous zone exceeds 2,400, the machine moves to a non-advantageous zone, but the number of medals increased in the advantageous zone is not notified or indicated. For this reason, it is difficult to determine how many medals a player can potentially win on the gaming machine, which may lead to a decrease in the player's motivation to play.

The present invention aims to create a gaming machine that can avoid the decline in motivation to play caused by advantageous zones.

The gaming machine according to one aspect of the present invention comprises:
When the game zone is an advantageous zone and a termination condition is satisfied, the advantageous zone is transitioned to a normal zone;
a control device that measures a difference between the number of game media paid out and the number of game media inserted in the advantageous zone based on a transition time to the advantageous zone;
The termination condition includes that the difference number reaches a predetermined value equal to or greater than zero.
The control device includes:
During the advantageous period, the device is configured to be able to notify or suggest first information, which is information regarding the remaining difference number until the difference number reaches the specified value, in a manner that can be understood by the player.

A gaming system according to one aspect of the present invention comprises:
When the game zone is an advantageous zone and a termination condition is satisfied, the advantageous zone is transitioned to a normal zone;
a control device that measures a difference between the number of game media paid out and the number of game media inserted in the advantageous zone based on a transition time to the advantageous zone;
The termination condition includes that the difference number reaches a predetermined value equal to or greater than zero.
The control device includes:
A gaming machine configured to be able to notify or suggest, during the advantageous period, first information, which is information regarding the remaining difference number until the difference number reaches the predetermined value, in a manner that can be grasped by a player;
and an alarm device capable of notifying or suggesting the first information.

The gaming machine and gaming system of the above aspect can realize a gaming machine that can avoid the decline in motivation to play caused by advantageous zones.

1 is a front view of a slot machine which is a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the slot machine of FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the arrangement of the rotating reels of the slot machine of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing pay lines of the slot machine of FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a first gaming state of the slot machine of FIG. 1 . FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a second gaming state of the slot machine of FIG. 1 . FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a third gaming state of the slot machine of FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a play zone of the slot machine of FIG. 1 . 4 is a diagram for explaining the contents of an internal lottery table of the slot machine of FIG. 1 . FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a first difference number. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a second difference number. 10 is a flowchart for explaining a process of calling up first information in the slot machine of FIG. 1 . 6 is a flowchart for explaining a notification mode switching process of the slot machine of FIG. 1 .

As shown in FIG. 1, a slot machine 1, which is an example of a gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, has a rectangular parallelepiped housing 10. This housing 10 has an opening (not shown) on the front side (i.e., the surface on the near side in the direction penetrating the paper surface of FIG. 1) and a plate-shaped front door 20 that can open and close this opening.

The front door 20 has a light-transmitting display window 21 located in the approximate center, and is attached to the housing 10 in a lockable manner. The display window 21 is positioned so that multiple symbols arranged on the surface of each of the rotating reels 41, 42, and 43 (described later) can be seen when the opening of the housing 10 is closed by the front door 20.

The housing 10 also has a liquid crystal display device 22, which is an example of a display device, an illumination device 23, and a speaker 24. The liquid crystal display device 22, the illumination device 23, and the speaker 24 are each located above the display window 21 of the front door 20. Various effects during play are performed using the liquid crystal display device 22, the illumination device 23, and the speaker 24. For example, the liquid crystal display device 22 displays various effect images (effect videos) during play, and displays specified information, etc. Furthermore, the illumination device 23 turns on or off in a specified pattern when specified conditions are met, and the speaker 24 outputs a specified sound when specified conditions are met.

The housing 10 also has a payout opening 25 from which medals are paid out, a lower tray 26 that stores the medals paid out from the payout opening 25, and an operation unit 30. The payout opening 25, the lower tray 26, and the operation unit 30 are each located below the display window 21 of the front door 20.

The operation unit 30 has a medal insertion slot 31 for inserting medals as an example of a gaming medium, a bet switch 32 for betting medals, a start switch 33 operably provided on the front door 20 and operable to rotate each of the reels 41, 42, 43, and stop switches 34, 35, 36 operably provided on the front door 20 and operable to stop each of the reels 41, 42, 43 during rotation. Each switch of the operation unit 30 outputs an operation signal based on the player's operation. In addition, a medal sensor (not shown) is provided on the medal insertion slot 31, which detects the insertion of a medal into the medal insertion slot 31 by the player and outputs a detection signal.

The operation unit 30 is also provided with an adjustment switch (not shown) and a stored medal display unit (not shown), which is an example of a display unit. This stored medal display unit is configured to be able to display, in addition to the number of stored medals, that the game zone, which will be described later, is an advantageous zone.

2, the slot machine 1 includes a control device 100 that controls the entire slot machine 1, a reel unit 40, a reel position detection sensor 44, and a hopper unit 50 that pays out medals. The control device 100, the reel unit 40, the reel position detection sensor 44, and the hopper unit 50 are arranged inside the housing 10, together with a power supply device (not shown) that turns the main power supply of the slot machine 1 on and off, a setting unit 45 that is operated by an administrator when changing the settings of the slot machine 1, and the like.

The reel unit 40 is disposed approximately in the center of the interior of the housing 10, and is composed of multiple reels (three reels 41, 42, 43 in this embodiment) and stepping motors 61, 62, 63 that drive the reels 41, 42, 43. Each reel 41, 42, 43 is approximately cylindrical, and on its surface, as shown in FIG. 3, multiple symbols are arranged at intervals along the circumferential direction of each reel 41, 42, 43, and a reference point (not shown) is provided. The reference point is disposed, for example, in the center of the zero symbol (Bell A) of the reels 41, 42, 43.

Now, with reference to Figures 1 to 9, we will explain an overview of the game played on slot machine 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, when playing with the slot machine 1, first medals are inserted into the medal insertion slot 31, or stored medals (i.e., credits) are used to bet by operating the bet switch 32. When a preset number of medals (e.g., 1 to 3 medals) have been bet, the active line 70 is activated and the start switch 33 can be operated, i.e., a game can be started. At this time, medals inserted in excess of the preset number, which is set according to the game status, etc., are stored as credits.

As shown in FIG. 4, the pay line 70 is a virtual line for determining winning combinations, and each of the symbols on the reels 41, 42, and 43 displayed in the display window 21 is connected by the pay line 70. In the slot machine 1, the pay line 70 is, for example, a line sloping downward to the right, and is activated when a predetermined number of medals (for example, three medals) are bet. As an example, the symbols displayed in the display window 21 of the slot machine 1 are three symbols for each reel.

When the start switch 33 is operated in a state where the game can be started, a lottery (hereinafter referred to as an internal lottery) is performed by an electronic computer in the slot machine 1, and each rotating reel 41, 42, 43 starts to rotate. In this state, when any of the stop switches 34, 35, 36 is operated, the rotating reel 41, 42, 43 corresponding to the operated stop switch 34, 35, 36 stops, and the result according to the winning combination is displayed in the display window 21. When all the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 stop, a predetermined number of medals are paid out according to the winning combination, and one game ends. In this embodiment, when all the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 stop, if a combination of symbols set for each winning combination by the internal lottery is arranged on the pay line 70, it is determined that the combination of symbols arranged on the pay line 70 has won a prize. Note that when the combination of symbols corresponding to the winning combination does not stop on the pay line 70 (so-called loss), it is also included in the prize.

The series of actions in which the bet switch 32, start switch 33, and stop switches 34, 35, and 36 are operated to obtain a game result is called a game. The unit of play is a game, and one game is called a unit game.

During play, one play area is set from among multiple play areas, and one play state is set from among multiple play states. An internal lottery is then performed based on the set play area and play state. The play states include a first play state, a second play state, and a third play state, as shown in Figures 5 to 7.

The first game state is a game state for determining the type of flag (refer to FIG. 9) such as replay, and the probability of winning among the winning roles (hereinafter simply referred to as winning roles) that are awarded by internal lottery, and is composed of RT0 and RT1, as shown in FIG. 5 as an example.

RT0 is set when the second gaming state transitions from a special role implementation state to a special role non-carryover state, or when the gaming state is initialized (reset) (e.g., when the RAM is cleared) (i.e., the first gaming state transitions from RT1 to RT0). In addition, the first gaming state immediately after the slot machine 1 is installed in an amusement facility or the like is also set to RT0. In other words, the first gaming state is always set to RT0 except when a type 1 BB is being implemented.

RT1 is set when the second game state transitions from a special role non-carryover state to a special role implementation state (i.e., the first game state transitions from RT0 to RT1). In RT1, as shown in Figure 9, there is no possibility of winning a replay role or a type BB.

The second game state includes a special role non-carryover state in which the winning of the Type 1 BB won by the internal lottery is not carried over, a special role carryover state in which the winning of the Type 1 BB won by the internal lottery is carried over, and a special role implementation state for implementing the winning Type 1 BB.

The special role non-carryover state is set when the number of medals paid out since the transition to the special role implementation state exceeds a predetermined number (e.g., 180 or 2 medals), or when a predetermined condition such as the initialization of the game state is met.

The special role carryover state is set when a Type 1 BB is won by an internal lottery and the won Type 1 BB does not win in the game in which it was won. Type 1 BB is a role continuous operation device (so-called big bonus) related to a Type 1 special role, and is an example of a special role. If Type 1 BB is carried over, the Type 1 BB will not be drawn. The carried over Type 1 BB is configured so that it will not disappear even if the setting value is changed, but it may be configured so that it disappears.

The special role implementation state is set when a special role is won and a prize is awarded by an internal lottery, and includes a type BB implementation state (shown as BB general in FIG. 6), an RB carryover state (shown as inside JAC in FIG. 6), and an RB implementation state (shown in JAC in FIG. 6). BB general is set when a special role is won. BB general is an example of a non-internal role state, and is set when an example of a special role, RB (JAC in FIG. 9), is not won by an internal lottery. Inside JAC is an example of an internal role state, and is set when an RB (i.e., JAC in FIG. 9) is won by an internal lottery and the RB is not won when the second game state is BB general. During JAC is an example of a role implementation state, and is set when a winning RB wins a prize. During JAC, you can move to BB General by playing 12 games from the time you move to JAC, or by winning eight times with any winning hand during JAC.

The third game state is a state for determining the effects that will be performed during play, and as an example, as shown in Figure 7, it is composed of a general game state and an AT.

The general game state is a state in which no instruction function is generated, and is set, for example, after the setting value is changed, the RAM is cleared, and the AT is finished, until the AT lottery is won. In the slot machine 1, the general game state includes a normal state and a high probability state (so-called chance zone (CZ)) in which the probability of winning the AT lottery is higher than in the normal state. As an example, the AT lottery is performed according to the winning hand by the internal lottery when the first game state is RT0 and the game zone is an advantageous zone. The transition from the normal state to the high probability state is performed, for example, by winning the high probability state transition lottery, which is performed when the internal lottery is performed when the first game state is RT0 and the game zone is an advantageous zone, and the AT lottery is not won as a result. In addition, the transition from the normal state to the high probability state is performed when the number of plays reaches a predetermined range when the first game state is RT0 and the game zone is an advantageous zone.

The AT is an example of an advantageous state in which the instruction function occurs, and is set until the number of plays that have elapsed since the third gaming state transitioned to the AT reaches the number of plays that can be played in the AT (i.e., the number of AT games). In the AT, the push order for a push order role that will result in the payout of medals is announced, and the expected number of medals won is configured to be higher than in the general gaming state (e.g., the normal state).

The AT and high probability states are examples of advantageous states that are more advantageous to the player than the normal state, and the AT draw and the high probability state transition draw are examples of advantageous state draws. Also, the extension draw of the AT or high probability state may be included in the advantageous state draw.

The play area is a state for determining whether or not processing related to the instruction function is performed, and is composed of an advantageous area and a normal area, as shown in FIG. 8 as an example. Processing related to the instruction function refers to direct processing related to instruction rights such as adding to the instruction function and continuing, indirect processing such as the lottery state and transitions to that state (subtracting the number of plays, etc.), and processing to end the advantageous area.

The advantageous zone is a zone in which processing related to the instruction function and lottery can be executed, and is set until the condition for the advantageous zone to end is met after the game zone wins a zone transition lottery based on the results of an internal lottery performed in the normal zone. The advantageous zone includes an advantageous zone in which the third game state progresses in a general game state, and an advantageous zone in which the third game state progresses in an advantageous game state (e.g., AT). The advantageous game state may be any state (e.g., ART) that suggests an advantageous operation mode when there is an advantage or disadvantage depending on the operation mode, and is not limited to AT.

The normal section is a section in which processing related to the instruction function and lottery drawing cannot be performed, and is set when a favorable section is not set as a game section. In other words, in the normal section, it is not possible to navigate information related to the operation of the stop switches 34, 35, 36 (for example, the operation mode of the stop switches 34, 35, 36 set in the operation mode role), to draw a lottery for transition to a favorable game state (AT in the slot machine 1), or to transition to a favorable game state. In the normal section, the third game state progresses as a general game state.

The instruction function is a function that instructs the player in some way on the operation procedure (for example, the push order for a push order role) or operation method that affects the ball output. For example, it is a function that instructs the push order for a winning role by operating the stop switches 34, 35, 36 in a predetermined operation procedure, or a function that instructs the operation position of a winning role when the position of the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 when the stop switches 34, 35, 36 are operated is a predetermined operation position. In other words, the AT is set as the third game state only when the game zone is a favorable zone.

Next, the control device 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 100 is composed of a main control unit 110 and a sub-control unit 120.

The main control unit 110 and the sub-control unit 120 each include a CPU that performs calculations, a storage device (e.g., ROM and RAM) that stores programs or data necessary for the progress of the game, etc. The main control unit 110 includes an internal lottery unit 111, a reel control unit 112, a game result determination unit 113, a section control unit 114, a game status control unit 115, a measurement unit 116, and a setting value control unit 117, and performs control to progress the game. The sub-control unit 120 includes a performance control unit 121, and performs control to perform various performances, etc.

Note that each part of the main control unit 110 and the sub-control unit 120 described below is a function realized by the CPU executing a specific program.

The internal lottery unit 111 has multiple internal lottery tables, and performs an internal lottery when the operation of the start switch 33 is accepted. In detail, the internal lottery unit 111 determines the first game state (in other words, the RT state) when the operation of the start switch 33 is accepted, and selects an internal lottery table based on the determined RT state. Then, the internal lottery unit 111 performs an internal lottery based on the selected internal lottery table and a random number obtained when the operation of the start switch 33 is accepted.

For example, the winning combination is determined based on the internal drawing table shown in FIG. 9. This internal drawing table is provided for each RT state, and has information about the winning area that may result in a win through the internal drawing. At least one combination of symbols is associated with this winning area.

In FIG. 9, for each of the RT state and the second game state, the winning areas that may result in a win are indicated by an "O", and the winning areas that may not result in a win are indicated by an "X". In other words, each internal lottery table has a number of areas (number-placement areas) in which roles corresponding to the random numbers obtained when the start switch 33 is operated are stored, and each of these areas corresponds to a winning area indicated by an "O" in FIG. 9.

The reel control unit 112 controls the stepping motors 61, 62, and 63 of the reel unit 40 in response to the operation of the start switch 33 or each stop switch 34, 35, and 36 to start or stop the rotation of each reel 41, 42, and 43 (i.e., controls the rotation of the reels 41, 42, and 43).

For example, when the start switch 33 is operated while all the reels 41, 42, 43 are stopped, the reel control unit 112 spins all the reels 41, 42, 43. When any of the reels 41, 42, 43 is spinning and the stop switch 34, 35, 36 corresponding to the spinning reel 41, 42, 43 is operated, the reel control unit 112 stops the reel 41, 42, 43 corresponding to the operated stop switch 34, 35, 36.

When stopping each of the reels 41, 42, 43, the reel control unit 112 performs pull-in control or kick-off control according to the winning combination obtained by the internal drawing and the timing at which each of the stop switches 34, 35, 36 was operated (i.e., the position of the corresponding reel 41, 42, 43 when the operation of each of the stop switches 34, 35, 36 was accepted). Pull-in control is control that stops the rotation of each of the reels 41, 42, 43 so that the symbols corresponding to the winning combination are pulled onto the pay line 70. Kick-off control is control that stops the rotation of the reels 41, 42, 43 so that the symbols corresponding to the non-winning combination do not line up on the pay line 70.

The game result determination unit 113 determines the game result based on the result of the internal lottery and the result of the stop control of the rotating reels 41, 42, and 43. The game result includes, for example, a determination of whether or not the winning combination has been a winning combination based on the symbols aligned on the pay line 70.

The game result determination unit 113 controls the hopper unit 50 to pay out medals based on the determined game result or on the acceptance of the operation of the settlement switch. Medals paid out based on the game result (i.e., medals obtained by winning a winning combination or winning a prize) are first stored as credits. Then, if the result of storing medals exceeds the credit upper limit (e.g., 50 medals), the medals exceeding the upper limit are paid out from the hopper unit 50. Also, if there is one or more stored medals (i.e., if the credit is 1 or more) and the settlement switch is operated, the stored medals are paid out from the hopper unit 50.

For example, when the third gaming state transitions to the AT, the gaming result determination unit 113 outputs a signal indicating that the third gaming state has transitioned to the AT to the hall computer to notify the administrator.

The interval control unit 114 sets the play interval from among a plurality of play intervals (in the slot machine 1, a normal interval and an advantageous interval).

For example, the interval control unit 114 sets the playing interval to an advantageous interval when the playing interval is a normal interval and the interval transition condition is satisfied (for example, when a interval transition lottery is won). The winning or losing of the interval transition lottery is determined, for example, by whether or not the lottery held when the hand for which the interval transition lottery is performed (i.e., the hand that is the subject of the lottery) is won by an internal lottery. The interval transition lottery may or may not have a difference in winning probability depending on the setting value of the slot machine 1. When a difference is made in the winning probability of the interval transition lottery, for example, this may be achieved by setting a set difference in the winning probability in the internal lottery for the hand that is the subject of the lottery, or by setting a set difference in the winning probability of the lottery held when the hand that is the subject of the lottery is won by an internal lottery.

When the gaming zone is a favorable zone, the zone control unit 114 determines whether to leave the gaming zone as a favorable zone or to set it to a normal zone. For example, the zone control unit 114 determines whether the third gaming state has transitioned from the AT to a normal state of the general gaming state, and when it is determined that the state has transitioned to the normal state, sets the gaming zone from the favorable zone to the normal zone.

The slot machine 1 has a plurality of advantageous zone end conditions. When one of the plurality of end conditions is satisfied, the zone control unit 114 transitions the game zone from the advantageous zone to the normal zone and ends the advantageous zone. The plurality of end conditions include at least one first end condition that can be satisfied when the difference between the number of medals paid out and the number of medals inserted (see FIG. 10; hereinafter, referred to as the first difference number) exceeds zero, based on the transition to the advantageous zone, and at least one second end condition that is different from the first end condition. In other words, the first end condition is configured to be satisfied during the period in which the first difference number exceeds zero (shown in FIG. 10 as the period in which the first end condition can be satisfied). In this embodiment, the second end condition is configured to be satisfied regardless of the first difference number. The second condition includes the condition regarding a predetermined game being satisfied and the condition regarding a predetermined first difference number being satisfied.

An example of the first termination condition is as follows.
After the game zone is set to the advantageous zone, the first difference number reaches a predetermined value (for example, 2400 coins or an upper limit value) that is equal to or greater than zero. The upper limit value is any value equal to or greater than zero.

An example of the second termination condition is shown below. That is, the second termination condition may include any one, any plurality, or all of the following conditions. For example, the second termination condition may or may not include "when an arbitrary setting value is set."
- When the number of games played since the game zone was set to the favorable zone (in other words, the number of games played in the favorable zone) reaches a predetermined value (e.g., 3,000 games).
・When an arbitrary setting value is set.
- When an arbitrary set value is set and the first difference number is greater than the predetermined value. In other words, when a set value is set, the section control unit 114 is configured to be able to control the end of the advantageous section based on the first difference number. The predetermined value can be set to an arbitrary value. For example, the predetermined value may be zero, minus 1000, or plus 1000.
When the conditions for carrying over the winning of a special role (in this embodiment, a type BB) are satisfied. For example, when the game zone is an advantageous zone and the second game state is other than the "special role carryover state", and the game state reset operation described later is performed, the conditions for carrying over the winning of a type BB are satisfied.
When the advantageous gaming state (in this embodiment, AT) ends.
・When a specified RT is reached.
- If the probability of winning a specified flag changes.
・If you win the Type 1 BB, or if you are a prize winner in the Type 1 BB, or if the Type 1 BB ends.
- If you are unable to break through the CZ, which is entered when the first or second difference number is positive by a specified number.

For example, when moving from the first favorable zone to the normal zone and then from the normal zone to the second favorable zone, the second favorable zone is configured to move to the normal zone when any one of the multiple end conditions is satisfied, similar to the first favorable zone. In other words, the zone control unit 114 moves the second favorable zone to the normal zone and ends it according to the same rule as the first favorable zone, that is, depending on whether or not either the first end condition or the second end condition is satisfied. In addition, the second favorable zone is configured to be able to pay out a number of medals different from that of the first favorable zone. For example, suppose that the predetermined value of the first end condition is 2400 medals, the minimum value of the difference in the number of medals in the first favorable zone is minus 1000 medals, and the minimum value of the difference in the number of medals in the second favorable zone is minus 100 medals. When each favorable zone ends due to the first ending condition, in the first favorable zone, 1000 + 2400 = 3400 medals may be paid out, and in the second favorable zone, 100 + 2400 = 2500 medals may be paid out.

When the game zone transitions to a favorable zone, the zone control unit 114 displays that the zone is favorable via a display unit provided in the operation unit 30 only if the instruction function is activated during the favorable zone and the average payout rate exceeds 100% when playing the game to pay out the maximum number of small prizes, excluding the reels (e.g., RB or CT) and the reel continuous operation device (e.g., Type 1 BB), and win the prize.

The game state control unit 115 has a favorable game state selection unit 1151 and controls the transition between the first game state, the second game state, and the third game state.

For example, the game state control unit 115 sets one RT state in which an internal lottery is performed from among multiple RT states (RT0 and RT1 in this embodiment). Specifically, as described above, the game state control unit 115 sets the first game state to RT0 when the second game state transitions to a special role non-carryover state, and sets the first game state to RT1 when the second game state transitions to a special role implementation state. In addition, the game state control unit 115 transitions the second game state to each of the game states BB general, inside JAC, and during JAC when a predetermined condition is met.

When a preset selection condition (hereinafter simply referred to as the selection condition) is satisfied, the advantageous game state selection unit 1151 performs a selection for an advantageous game state to determine whether or not to transition the game state to an advantageous game state that is more advantageous to the player than the normal state.

The drawing of favorable game states includes AT drawing and AT extension drawing. For example, the AT drawing is performed when the first game state is RT0, the third game state is a general game state, and the game zone is a favorable zone, and a predetermined role (for example, so-called rare roles such as cherries and watermelons) is won by an internal drawing. Also, for example, the AT extension drawing is performed when the first game state is RT0, the third game state is AT, and a predetermined role (for example, so-called rare roles such as cherries and watermelons) is won by an internal drawing.

The game status control unit 115 is configured to be able to change the ball output performance when the first difference number is positive and when it is negative. Ball output performance refers to the overall processing related to the high and low ball output rate, and includes the medal increase performance during the AT and the performance of adding to the number of AT games. For example, when the first difference number is negative, the game status control unit 115 increases the medal increase performance more than when the first difference number is positive. In other words, when the first difference number is positive, the number of medals increased per game decreases compared to when the first difference number is negative, but the number of games required to satisfy the first end condition increases, and the AT becomes longer.

For example, based on the game result determined by the game result determination unit 113, the measurement unit 116 measures the number of games played since the game zone was set to the advantageous zone (i.e., the number of games played in the advantageous zone), the first difference number (= the difference between the number of medals paid out and the number of medals inserted based on the transition to the advantageous zone), and/or the difference between the maximum and minimum values of the difference between the number of medals paid out and the number of medals inserted in the advantageous zone (see FIG. 11; hereinafter referred to as the second difference number). More specifically, the first difference number and the second difference number are cumulative values. Also, for example, the measurement unit 116 measures the time elapsed from a starting point set after all of the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 have reached steady rotation.

The first difference number and the second difference number are measured, for example, under the following conditions.
- The first difference number and the second difference number are measured during the advantageous zone.
When the gaming area transitions from a favorable area to a normal area, the first difference number and the second difference number measured during the favorable area before the transition are reset to zero.
・When the game zone transitions from the normal zone to the advantageous zone, the first difference number and the second difference number are measured from zero.

The setting value control unit 117 sets one setting value from multiple setting values (six in this embodiment) with different degrees of advantage for the game (e.g., machine odds) by the administrator operating the setting unit 45. The difference in the degree of advantage is realized, for example, by setting a difference in the probability of winning the internal lottery for a specified role. In addition, the setting value control unit 117 sets the degree of advantage related to the ball output, such as the transition rate to the advantageous zone, the AT lottery, and the AT additional lottery, according to the set setting value.

An example of a method for setting the set value is shown below. This method is carried out in the order of (1) to (7).
(1) Open the front door 20.
(2) Turn off the main power supply of the slot machine 1. By turning off the main power supply of the slot machine 1, all of the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 that are rotating stop, but the stopping of the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 does not determine whether or not a prize has been won.
(3) The setting change key is inserted into a predetermined position in the setting section 45, and the setting change mode is changed from OFF to ON.
(4) Turn on the main power of the slot machine 1.
(5) The current setting value is displayed, for example, on the medal display unit of the operation unit 30. A predetermined button is operated to match the setting value displayed on the medal display unit to a desired setting value.
(6) Operate the start switch 33. By operating the start switch 33, the setting value of the slot machine 1 is changed to the setting value displayed on the medal display unit.
(7) Change the setting change mode from on to off and remove the setting change key.

The performance control unit 121 determines the performance for each game based on the game state in which the internal lottery was performed and the result of the internal lottery, and outputs the determined performance via the liquid crystal display device 22, the illumination device 23, and the speaker 24.

The presentation control unit 121 is configured to be able to notify or suggest the first information, which is information regarding the remaining difference until the first difference reaches a predetermined value (e.g., 2,400 coins), in a manner that can be grasped by the player during the advantageous zone. The first information includes, for example, specific numerical value or suggestive information indicating the "remaining difference" and specific numerical value or suggestive information indicating the "first difference". In this embodiment, the presentation control unit 121 is configured to be able to notify or suggest the first information when the game zone is an advantageous zone and the game state is a general game state, or when the game zone is an advantageous zone and the game state is an advantageous game state. In other words, the presentation control unit 121 can notify or suggest the first information regardless of the game state as long as the game zone is an advantageous zone.

The first information is notified or suggested using the LCD display 22 (main LCD), the illumination device 23, and the speaker 24, as well as a sub LCD (not shown), a gadget (not shown), a blower (not shown) that blows air toward the player, and a vibration device (not shown) that vibrates any part of the cabinet 10. The LCD display 22 (main LCD), the illumination device 23, and the speaker 24, as well as the sub LCD, gadget, blower, and vibration device, are examples of notification devices.

An example of a notification or suggestion mode of the first information is shown below.
The first information is notified by numbers or graphs displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22. The first information may be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 together with game data such as the small win history and the number of CZ entry times, or may be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 alone.
The first information is suggested by the character or the content of the character's conversation displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22.
The first information is suggested by an effect displayed on the sub-LCD or by using the illumination device 23. For example, if the remaining difference number is 4000 or more, a yellow effect is displayed on the sub-LCD or the illumination device 23 is made to emit yellow light, if the remaining difference number is 6000 or more, a green effect is displayed on the sub-LCD or the illumination device 23 is made to emit green light, and if the remaining difference number is 8000 or more, a red effect is displayed on the sub-LCD or the illumination device 23 is made to emit red light.
The first information is notified or suggested by a sound output from the speaker 24.

An example of a case in which the first information is suggested during a game by a character or the content of the character's conversation displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 will be described below.
(A) When character A is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22, it is suggested that the remaining difference is "large," and when character B is displayed, it is suggested that the remaining difference is "small."
(B) If the content of the character's conversation can be interpreted as being lively and energetic, such as "I've got plenty of room!", then it is suggested that the remaining difference is "large." If the content of the character's conversation can be interpreted as being lackluster, such as "I'm tired," then it is suggested that the remaining difference is "small."

(A) and (B) are output as one pattern of effects during play when, for example, the following conditions are satisfied.
- If you win a lottery that is held regardless of the winning combination currently being played.
- If you win a lottery that is held based on the winning combination during play.
- If a specified role (e.g., bell) is won a specified number of times (e.g., 10 times) during play.
When a specified combination (for example, watermelon) is lined up on the winning line 70 during play.
When the points accumulated according to winning combinations, output effects, etc. during play reach a predetermined value.

(A) and (B) may be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 not only during gameplay, but also by pressing a specific switch (e.g., the operation switch 37) or touching the sub-liquid crystal display.

When the game state is a favorable game state (in this embodiment, the AT), the performance control unit 121 is configured to be able to notify the first information and the second information, which is information regarding the number of medals that can be acquired or the number of medals that have been acquired at the AT, by an alarm device (for example, the liquid crystal display device 22). The second information includes a specific numerical value indicating the number of medals that can be acquired or the number of medals that have been acquired at the AT, or suggestive information using icons, pictures, etc. When the liquid crystal display device 22 has multiple screens, the performance control unit 121 can be configured to display the first information on a screen different from the screen on which the second information of the liquid crystal display device 22 is displayed. The "screen" is, for example, a moving image or a still image displayed on the liquid crystal screen of the main liquid crystal or the sub liquid crystal. The "multiple screens" may all be displayed simultaneously on one layer, or may be displayed separately on multiple layers. For example, when a predetermined call operation is performed on the slot machine 1 via the operation device 37 provided in the operation unit 30, the performance control unit 121 calls the first information and displays it on the liquid crystal display device 22. In this case, the second information is not called up, but is displayed on a screen at a different level from the first information. This makes it easier to understand what information is being displayed, and reduces confusion about the displayed information.

The performance control unit 121 is configured to automatically switch the notification mode to the first mode or the second mode when a switching condition is satisfied. The notification mode is a mode related to notification or non-notification of the first information. The first mode is a notification mode capable of notifying the first information, and the second mode is a notification mode not capable of notifying the first information.

For example, the performance control unit 121 sets the notification mode to the second mode during a specific period, and automatically sets the notification mode to the first mode after the specific period has elapsed. In this case, the switching condition includes the passage of a specific period. The specific period is, for example, a period after the game state is reset or after power is restored and until a specific condition is met. The game state reset operation includes an operation in which the RAM is cleared, as well as an operation in which an arbitrary setting value is set from among multiple setting values. When the game state is reset by the game state reset operation, the game section is also reset in addition to the game state. The performance control unit 121 sets the notification mode to the second mode during a specific period, regardless of whether or not a setting value setting operation has been performed. When the game state is reset while the notification mode is in the first mode, the performance control unit 121 switches the notification mode from the first mode to the second mode. When the game state is reset while the notification mode is in the second mode, the performance control unit 121 resets the notification mode to the second mode. At this time, the specific period is reset. This makes it difficult to determine whether the settings have been changed.

The specific condition includes, for example, a condition that requires a certain amount of play. An example of the specific condition is as follows.
- Winning the AT or CZ at least once from the opening of the gaming facility or the start of the player's play.
- A predetermined number of games (e.g., 500 games) or more must be played from the opening of the gaming facility or the start of the player's play.
- Winning a specified minor prize (e.g., a replay) a specified number of times (e.g., 70 times) from the opening of the gaming facility or from the start of a player's play.
- To cause a predetermined effect (for example, a type BB winning effect) to occur a predetermined number of times (for example, once) from the opening of the gaming facility or the start of a player's play.

An example of the switching conditions is as follows:
- When the special period has elapsed.
When a set date and time is reached. As a result, for example, on weekends or event days at the game center, the notification mode can be switched to the second mode so that the first information is not notified or suggested, and on weekdays, the notification mode can be switched to the first mode so that the first information is not notified or suggested.

The performance control unit 121 is configured to be capable of executing an attract performance that notifies or suggests whether the first difference number exceeds zero without playing. For example, when an attract performance execution operation is performed on the slot machine 1 with all the rotating reels 41, 42, 43 stopped and no medals are bet, the performance control unit 121 executes an attract performance via the notification device. The attract performance may be configured to be executable only when the notification mode is the first mode, or may be configured to be executable regardless of the notification mode.

The attraction performance execution operation includes, for example, the following operations.
- Operations performed using at least one of the bet switch 32, the start switch 33, the stop switches 34, 35, 36, and the operating device 37.
A leave-alone operation in which the slot machine 1 is left for a certain period of time without being played.
- Settlement operation by operating the settlement switch.
A recovery operation to recover the slot machine 1 from an error.

The performance control unit 121 is configured to be able to suggest a set value according to the difference number in the advantageous zone (= the entire advantageous zone) or a predetermined period in the advantageous zone. For example, if the first difference number or the second difference number in the advantageous zone is positive by 1000 or more, the performance control unit 121 outputs a performance suggesting a set value by drawing lots at the end of the advantageous zone. When a performance suggesting a set value is output, the larger the first difference number or the second difference number, the more likely the suggestive performance is output. Also, the smaller the first difference number or the second difference number, the higher the probability that the performance suggesting the set value is output. The predetermined period in the advantageous zone may be a part of the advantageous zone, and includes, for example, any period visible to the player (for example, the period from the start to the end of one AT). The difference number in the predetermined period may be the first difference number or the second difference number, or may be the difference between the number of medals paid out and the number of medals inserted in the advantageous game state (in this embodiment, the AT).

The process of calling the first information will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. As an example, the process described below is performed by the CPU of the control device 100 executing a predetermined program.

As shown in FIG. 12, the sub-control unit 120 determines whether the game zone has transitioned from the normal zone to the advantageous zone and the advantageous zone has started (step S1). Step S1 is repeated until it is determined that the advantageous zone has started.

When it is determined that the advantageous period has started, the main control unit 110 measures the first difference number (step S2), and the sub-control unit 120 determines whether or not an operation to call up the first information has been performed (step S3).

When it is determined that the call operation has been performed, the sub-control unit 120 determines whether the notification mode is the first mode (step S4). When it is determined that the notification mode is the first mode, the sub-control unit 120 calls the first information and notifies or suggests the first information via the notification device (step S5). The calculation of the first information is performed by either the main control unit 110 or the sub-control unit 120. When the main control unit 110 calculates the first information, the calculated first information is stored in the storage device. The sub-control unit 120 acquires the first information from the storage device. When the sub-control unit 12 calculates the first information, the first difference number is stored in the storage device. The sub-control unit 120 acquires the first difference number from the storage device and calculates the first information. On the other hand, when it is not determined that the notification mode is the first mode (i.e., when the notification mode is the second mode), the sub-control unit 120 does not accept the call operation and does not call the first information (step S6).

Now, referring to FIG. 13, the notification mode switching process will be described. As shown in FIG. 13, after a game state reset operation or after power is restored, the sub-control unit 120 automatically sets the notification mode to the second mode (step S11), and determines whether or not a specific condition is met (step S12). Step S11 is repeated until it is determined that the specific condition is met. In other words, the notification mode remains in the second mode until the specific condition is met. When it is determined that the specific condition is met, the sub-control unit 120 automatically sets the notification mode to the first mode (step S13), and the notification mode switching process ends.

After steps S5 and S6, or if it is not determined in step S3 that a call operation has been performed, the sub-control unit 120 determines whether the game zone has transitioned from the advantageous zone to the normal zone and the advantageous zone has ended (step S7). In the slot machine 1, the advantageous zone will not end with the first difference number being less than zero unless the second ending condition is satisfied. If it is determined that the advantageous zone has ended, the main control unit 110 erases the measured first information, and the call process for the first information ends. On the other hand, if it is not determined that the advantageous zone has ended, the process returns to step S2, and the measurement unit 116 continues measuring the first information.

The slot machine 1 can achieve the following effects:

The slot machine 1 of the first aspect of the present invention includes a control device 100 that transitions the game zone to a normal zone when the game zone is an advantageous zone and an end condition is satisfied, and measures a first difference number, which is the difference between the number of medals paid out and the number of medals inserted in the advantageous zone, based on the transition to the advantageous zone. The end condition includes the first difference number reaching a predetermined value equal to or greater than zero. The control device 100 is configured to be able to notify or suggest, during the advantageous zone, first information, which is information regarding the remaining difference number until the first difference number reaches the predetermined value, in a manner that can be grasped by the player. With this configuration, it is possible to check the number of medals that can be won in the advantageous zone in which the player is currently staying. As a result, a gaming machine that can avoid a decline in motivation to play caused by an advantageous zone can be realized.

The slot machine 1 of the first aspect can optionally employ any one or more of the following configurations. In other words, any one or more of the following configurations can be optionally deleted if they were included in the above embodiment, and can be optionally added if they were not included in the above embodiment. By employing such a configuration, it is possible to realize a slot machine 1 that can more reliably avoid a decline in motivation to play due to advantageous zones.

The control device 100 is capable of setting one game zone in which an internal lottery is performed from among a plurality of game zones including a normal zone in which processing related to the instruction function and lottery cannot be performed and in which the game progresses in a general game state, and an advantageous zone in which processing related to the instruction function and lottery can be performed and in which the game progresses in a general game state or an advantageous game state that is more advantageous to the player than the general game state, and is configured to be able to notify or suggest the first information at least in either the case where the game zone is an advantageous zone and the game state is a general game state, or the case where the game zone is an advantageous zone and the game state is an advantageous game state. In the slot machine 1, the first information is notified or suggested during the general game state, so that the player can proceed with the game in the general game state while checking the remaining difference number. In addition, in the general game state, the payout rate is basically 100% or less and the number of medals held decreases, but the remaining difference number increases accordingly. In slot machine 1, the increase in the remaining difference can be seen during the normal game state, which can motivate the player to continue playing in the hope of winning the advantageous game and increasing the number of medals. Also, in the advantageous game state, the payout rate basically exceeds 100%, so the number of medals held increases, but the remaining difference decreases accordingly. In slot machine 1, the player can proceed with playing in the advantageous game state while checking the remaining difference.

The slot machine 1 is equipped with an alarm device. The control device 100 is configured so that, when the game state is a favorable game state, the alarm device can notify or suggest the first information and the second information, which is information relating to the number of medals that can be won or the number of medals that have been won in the favorable game state. With this configuration, it is possible to confirm that the number of medals that can be won or have been won and the remaining difference number are reciprocally linked. In addition, it is possible to easily allow people who are not familiar with the specifications of the slot machine 1 (for example, the conditions for ending the favorable zone) to understand how to use the slot machine 1.

The notification device is composed of a liquid crystal display device 22 having a plurality of screens. The control device 100 is
The first information is displayed on a screen different from the screen on the liquid crystal display device 22 on which the second information is displayed. If the first information and the second information are on the same screen, there is a risk of confusion as to which information is which. In the slot machine 1, the first information and the second information are displayed on different screens on the liquid crystal display device 22, and therefore such confusion of information can be suppressed.

When a predetermined operation is performed on the slot machine 1, the control device 100 causes the first information to be displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22. With this configuration, the first information can be viewed whenever desired by performing a predetermined operation. Furthermore, while displaying the first information may cause confusion when the second information is displayed, the first information is not displayed unless a predetermined operation is performed, so the occurrence of such information confusion can be suppressed.

The slot machine 1 has a notification mode for notifying or notifying the first information, which is a first mode in which the first information can be notified and a second mode in which the first information cannot be notified. By switching the notification mode, it is possible to change whether the first information is displayed or not, thereby avoiding a state in which the first information is continuously notified.

When the switching condition is satisfied, the control device 100 automatically switches the notification mode to the first mode or the second mode. This eliminates the need to switch the notification mode.

The control device 100 sets the notification mode to the second mode during a specific period.

The specific period is the period from when the game state is reset or when power is restored until a specific condition is met. If the first information is displayed in either the case where the power is simply turned on and off without changing the settings, or when the setting value is changed (including re-setting), it is easy to determine from the first information whether or not a setting value has been set. In contrast, by not displaying the first information from the period after the reset operation (including after the setting value has been set) or after power is restored until the period when a specific condition is met, it becomes difficult to determine whether or not the setting value has been changed. This allows the player to play with the hope of changing to a setting value with a higher ball payout rate, or of leaving the setting value unchanged.

The specific condition is a condition that requires playing for a certain period of time. With this configuration, the notification or suggestion of the first information is not made immediately after the start of play, but rather a certain amount of play is required. This makes it possible to encourage the player to play.

The slot machine 1 has multiple setting values with different degrees of advantage for play, and the reset operation of the game state includes a setting operation in which an arbitrary setting value is set from among the multiple setting values. The control device 100 sets the notification mode to the second mode for a specific period of time, regardless of whether or not a setting operation has been performed. By configuring in this way, it is possible to make it difficult for the player to tell whether or not the setting value has been changed.

The slot machine 1 of the second aspect of the present invention includes a control device 100 that, when the game zone is an advantageous zone and any one of a plurality of end conditions is satisfied, transitions the advantageous zone to a normal zone, and measures a first difference number, which is the difference between the number of medals paid out and the number of medals inserted in the advantageous zone, based on the transition to the advantageous zone. The plurality of end conditions include at least one first end condition that can be satisfied when the first difference number exceeds zero, and at least one second end condition different from the first end condition. With this configuration, when the first end condition is satisfied, the advantageous zone ends when the first difference number exceeds zero, so it is possible to avoid a situation in which the difference number does not reach a positive even if the advantageous zone is completed. If the advantageous zone ends only when the first difference number is equal to or greater than zero, the possibility of the game center losing money increases, but the slot machine 1 has a second end condition, so this possibility can be avoided. In addition, if the advantageous zone ends only when the first difference number is equal to or greater than zero, it is not surprising, so by providing a second end condition, it is possible to increase the fun of playing. As a result, it is possible to create a gaming machine that can avoid the decline in motivation to play caused by advantageous zones.

The slot machine 1 of the second aspect can optionally employ any one or more of the following configurations. In other words, any one or more of the following configurations can be optionally deleted if they were included in the above embodiment, and can be optionally added if they were not included in the above embodiment. By employing such a configuration, it is possible to realize a slot machine 1 that can more reliably avoid a decline in motivation to play due to advantageous zones.

The second termination condition is configured to be satisfied regardless of the first difference number.

The second end condition includes setting a set value. This prevents the first difference number from becoming unnecessarily negative, which would result in a player being able to win too many medals in one AT. As a result, a slot machine 1 that can suppress gambling can be realized.

When the set value is set, the control device 100 is configured to be able to control the end of the advantageous period based on the first difference number. By configuring it in this way, it is possible to end the advantageous period by changing the setting only when the player is reluctant to play, such as when the first difference number of the slot machine 1 on the day before the set value is set is positive or slightly negative. As a result, the player's motivation to play can be sustained.

The control device 100 is configured to be able to notify or suggest the first difference number based on zero. With this configuration, it is possible to easily determine, for example, whether the first difference number is positive or negative.

The first difference number is announced or suggested during the AT. A favorable gaming state is a favorable state in which the first difference number is likely to move. Having the first difference number suggested in such a state satisfies the desire of the player. In other words, elements that interest the player can be displayed during the AT.

The first difference number is announced in multiple stages. For example, you can know the level of the first difference number and use it as a basis for play.

The second end condition includes that a predetermined game-related condition is satisfied and that a predetermined first difference-number condition is satisfied. For example, the second end condition includes that the AT transitions to a normal state and the first difference number is negative or positive and 1,000 or less. The predetermined game-related condition may include any condition, such as the end of the AT, failure of the CZ, or consumption of a specified number of games.

The control device 100 changes the ball output performance when the first difference number is positive or negative. The ball output performance is changed, for example, by changing the frequency of the navigation generated when the operation mode role is won. For example, when the first difference number is negative, 100% navigation is generated when the operation mode role is won, and the ball output performance is set to a net increase of 6 coins, and when the first difference number is positive, the frequency of navigation generated when the operation mode role is won is reduced, and the ball output performance is set to a net increase of 3 coins. When the first difference number is positive, the ball output performance decreases, but in return, the number of AT games is more likely to be added, or the number of added games increases. When the first difference number is positive, the ball output performance may be high, and when the first difference number is negative, the ball output performance may be low.

The control device 100 is configured to be capable of executing an attraction effect that notifies or suggests whether the first difference number exceeds zero without the player playing. With this configuration, the player can know whether the first difference number exceeds zero before playing, which motivates the player to play the slot machine 1 and promotes the operation of the slot machine 1.

The control device 100 is configured to be able to suggest a set value depending on the first difference number in the favorable zone, or depending on the second difference number in the favorable zone. This configuration can provide even more enjoyment in the favorable zone.

The control device 100 is configured to be able to suggest a set value depending on the first difference number during a specified period in the favorable zone, or depending on the second difference number during a specified period in the favorable zone. Since the period during the favorable zone during which it is more fun is narrowed down, the fun becomes clear.

The second ending condition includes the satisfaction of the conditions regarding the carryover of the first-type BB winnings. In a slot machine 1 that implements the AT in a first-type BB carryover state, it is reasonable to determine whether the advantageous zone ends depending on whether or not the first-type BB is in a carryover state.

The first end condition includes the first difference number reaching an upper limit value that is greater than zero. This configuration can reduce the gambling nature of the slot machine 1.

When moving from the first advantageous zone to the normal zone and then from the normal zone to the second advantageous zone, the second advantageous zone is configured to move to the normal zone when any one of a number of ending conditions is satisfied, similar to the first advantageous zone, and to be able to pay out a different number of medals than the first advantageous zone. Because the first advantageous zone and the second advantageous zone end according to the same rules, it is possible to make the ending conditions of the advantageous zones easy for the player to understand.

The slot machine 1 can also be configured as follows:

The slot machine 1 may have a first mode that allows a player to play the game, and a second mode that is different from the first mode, as modes related to the state of the slot machine 1. In this case, the control device 100 is configured to be able to execute the following processes.
- If the mode is the second mode and the gaming area is a favorable area, "information regarding the first difference number" is output.

The control device 100 may be configured to be able to change or erase the "measured first difference number" in response to an operation by an operator other than the player. Furthermore, when the mode is the second mode and the gaming zone is an advantageous zone, the control device 100 may be configured to output at least one of "information about the first difference number" based on the "measured first difference number" and "information about the first difference number" based on the changed or erased "measured first difference number."

The control device 100 may be configured to be able to switch the mode from the first mode to the second mode in response to an operation by an operator.

The "operator" includes, for example, an amusement arcade staff member. The second mode is, for example, a mode that is set while the arcade is preparing to open, rather than a mode that is set while the arcade is open. In this case, the second mode is, so to speak, a mode that is handled by the arcade staff, and as a general rule, a player will not view or operate the slot machine 1 when it is set to the second mode.

"Operation by the operator" includes, for example, a reset operation of the game state and a special operation for changing the first difference number. This "operation by the operator" can be performed when the slot machine 1 is set to the second mode.

"Changing or erasing the measured first difference number" means, in other words, making the measured value of the first difference number different from its current value, and includes, for example, resetting or erasing the first difference number to zero to make the value "0 (zero)" or "- (NULL)," or changing it from "-2000" to "-1000."

The control device 100 may be configured to be capable of outputting "information relating to the first difference number" before and after the measured first difference number is changed or erased. The control device 100 may be configured to output only "information relating to the first difference number" immediately before the change or erasure as "information relating to the first difference number" before the change or erasure, or may be configured to output all "information relating to the first difference number" from the start of play to immediately before the change or erasure. By outputting "information relating to the first difference number" before and after the change or erasure, the operator can easily confirm the change in the "information relating to the first difference number". The control device 100 may also be configured to output only "information relating to the first difference number" after the change or erasure.

The "information about the first difference number" includes the following information.
・The value of the first difference number itself.
The value of the remaining difference number until the first difference number reaches a predetermined value greater than or equal to zero.
Information on whether the first difference number is equal to or greater than a reference value (e.g., zero) or less than the reference value. If the first difference number is less than the reference value, the degree of the difference is notified by a color output by the frame LED of the housing 10 or the illumination device 23, or a sound output by the speaker 24. For example, if the first difference number is the reference value minus 5000 to 10000 sheets, "rainbow" light is output from the illumination device 23, if the first difference number is the reference value minus 3000 to 5000 sheets, "red" light is output from the illumination device 23, if the reference value is minus 2000 to 3000 sheets, "green" light is output from the illumination device 23, if the reference value is minus 1000 to 2000 sheets, "yellow" light is output from the illumination device 23, and if the reference value is minus 1 to minus 1000 sheets, "blue" light is output from the illumination device 23. This allows, for example, a game center staff member to easily know whether the first difference number is positive or negative with respect to the reference value, and if negative, how negative it is, and therefore can reliably determine the need to reset the first difference number. This is because the more negative the first difference number is with respect to the reference value, the larger the maximum number of medals that can be paid out at the present time becomes.

The "information about the first difference number" is output to any device constituting the slot machine 1 or an external device such as a data counter. Any device constituting the slot machine 1 includes, for example, devices visible to the operator (e.g., the liquid crystal display device 22, the illumination device 23, the sub-liquid crystal (not shown), the speaker 24, and the 7-segment credit display), and devices housed inside the housing 10 (e.g., the 7-segment display provided on the board constituting the main control unit 110 and the display provided on the front door 20).

In a slot machine 1 configured in this way (hereinafter referred to as the slot machine 1 of the third aspect), a first difference number that can be an indicator for determining whether or not the gaming state should be reset can be output, so that the arcade staff can easily determine whether or not the gaming state should be reset. As a result, a slot machine 1 that can reduce the workload of the arcade staff can be realized.

In general, in slot machines, when in setting change mode or setting confirmation mode, only five pieces of "management information" can be displayed: advantageous zone ratio (cumulative), consecutive feature ratio (6000 games (total of 15 sets)), feature ratio (6000 games (total of 15 sets)), consecutive feature ratio (cumulative), and feature ratio (cumulative). The "management information" is displayed, for example, on a 7-segment display device (not shown) on the main control board on which the main control unit 110 is mounted. The "management information" is used, for example, in on-site inspections by inspection agencies and on a daily basis at game arcades to check for the presence or absence of illegal play. Therefore, the "management information" is not reset when the play zone transitions from an advantageous zone to a normal zone, nor is it reset when the play state or play zone is reset, but is accumulated and displayed on the main control board. In contrast, the "difference number" is not included in the "management information". The "difference number" is merely an index used by arcade staff to determine whether or not to reset the slot machine, and is information that can be changed from the current time (e.g., reset) by the arcade staff's operation. Therefore, the "difference number" has a different purpose than the "management information," and its reset behavior is also different from that of the "management information."

In the slot machine 1 of the third aspect, the control device 100 may be configured to be unable to notify information related to the first difference in number when the mode is the second mode and the gaming area is a normal area, but may be configured to notify that the area is a normal area. The first difference in number to be notified is not measured in the normal area, and therefore is not notified in the normal area, and the first difference in number cannot be grasped. Therefore, the gaming parlor staff can know that the gaming area is a normal area, and can determine that resetting the gaming state is not necessarily required. Furthermore, if it is notified that the area is a normal area, the gaming parlor staff can directly know that resetting the gaming state is not necessarily required. Therefore, the workload of the gaming parlor staff can be more reliably reduced.

The second mode of the slot machine 1 in the third embodiment includes, for example, the following modes.
A setting change mode that allows the operator to set the setting value. The setting change mode cannot be used by players and is, so to speak, a mode for game parlor staff. In the setting change mode, the game parlor staff can check the first difference number to determine whether or not the game state needs to be reset, and if the game state needs to be reset, can reset the game state by continuing to set the setting value without changing the mode. As a result, the work efficiency and convenience of the game parlor staff can be improved.
A setting confirmation mode that enables an operator to confirm the set value. The setting confirmation mode cannot be used by players and is, so to speak, a mode for game center staff. In the setting confirmation mode, the game center staff can check the first difference number and the set value and consider whether or not a reset is necessary, and if a reset is necessary, which set value to change to.
A reset mode that allows an operator to execute a reset operation of the game state. The reset mode is a mode that cannot be handled by players and is, so to speak, for game center staff. In the reset mode, the game center staff can check the first difference number and consider whether or not it is necessary to reset the game state. By resetting the game state, the game center staff can reset the first difference number together with the game section by setting the mode to the second mode and resetting the game state, or change the first difference number to an arbitrary value through an operation other than the game state reset operation.

In the slot machine 1 of the third embodiment, the measured first difference number may be changed by an operation other than the operation for setting the set value. Because the operation for changing the setting and the operation for changing the first difference number are different, it is possible to change the first difference number without changing the set value.

In the slot machine 1 of the third aspect, the control device 100 may be configured to be able to change the measured first difference number so that the changed value is closer to zero than the value before the change. For example, if the first difference number is a negative value, this includes changing the difference number to a value of zero, or changing it to a value closer to zero than the current value. The more negative the first difference number is, and the more negative it is, the more medals the player can win in the advantageous zone. On the other hand, by bringing the first difference number closer to a value of zero, the expected number of medals the player can win in the advantageous zone can be lowered.

In the slot machine 1 of the third aspect, the control device 100 may be configured to be able to change the measured first difference to zero. If the first difference is, for example, a negative value, the difference can be reset to zero to lower the expected number of medals that the player can win compared to before the zero reset.

The slot machine 1 of the third embodiment comprises a cabinet 10 having an opening and a front door 20 for opening and closing the opening, an alarm device for alarming information related to the first difference number, and an operation device 37 for receiving an operation to change the measured first difference number, and the alarm device and operation device 30 may be configured to be housed inside the cabinet 10 in a state where they can be exposed to the outside of the cabinet 10 from the opening. Since the alarm device and operation device 30 are housed inside the cabinet 10 of the slot machine where they are virtually invisible to the player, only the game center staff can determine whether or not the game state can be reset based on the first difference number and perform the operation to change the first difference number.

The presentation control unit 121 may be configured not to notify or suggest the first information in an advantageous gaming state. For example, if the first information is viewable during the AT, this may lead to guessing the number of medals that can be paid out in the current AT, which may result in the AT being unenjoyable. By configuring the presentation control unit 121 not to notify or suggest the first information in an advantageous gaming state, such disadvantages can be avoided.

The notification or suggestion mode of the first information may also suggest the set value. For example, when the first information is displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 for notification, the color of the first information displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 can suggest the set value. For example, when the first information is displayed in red, it suggests that the set value may be an odd number, and when the first information is displayed in blue, it suggests that the set value may be an even number. Also, when the first information is displayed in gold, it suggests that the set value may be high. This allows the notification mode of the first information to be one of the materials for guessing the set value, thereby improving the interest of the game.

The performance control unit 121 may be configured to be able to notify or suggest the first difference number based on zero. The first difference number may be, for example, notified or suggested in at least two or more stages. The notification or suggestion of the first difference number can be performed in any game state (for example, AT) as long as the game zone is a favorable zone. For example, on days when operation is relatively high, such as Saturdays and Sundays, customers are well-attended and will play without the first information being displayed, so the first information can be made invisible, and on days when operation is calm, such as weekdays, the first information can be made visible. This may also lead to increased operation. The stages of notification or suggestion of the first difference number can be displayed, for example, by gradually changing the image displayed on the liquid crystal display device 22 for 1000 sheets, by gradually changing the sound output from the speaker 24, or by gradually changing the color of the light output from the illumination device 23. For example, when the first difference number is minus 1000, the performance control unit 121 causes the illumination device 23 to output blue light, and when the second difference number is minus 2000, the performance control unit 121 causes the illumination device 23 to output yellow light.

The notification mode may be manually switchable, for example, via the operation device 37 of the operation unit 30.

The notification or non-notification of the first information may be managed not only using the notification mode but also using other methods.

The notification device may be omitted. In this case, for example, a gaming system may be configured with the slot machine 1 and an external device (e.g., a portable terminal or a data counter at an amusement facility), and the first information may be notified or suggested to the player via the external device.

The operating device 37 may be omitted.

The control device 100 (the interval control unit 114 in the slot machine 1) may be configured to be able to control the end of the advantageous interval depending on the game state (for example, whether or not the AT is in progress).

The components constituting the control device 100 are not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified as desired. For example, the game state control unit 115 may also function as the section control unit 114, the reel control unit 112 may also function as the measurement unit 116, or some of the processing executed by the reel control unit 112 may be executed by the game state control unit 115. Furthermore, if possible, the configuration of the main control unit 110 may be provided in the sub-control unit 120, or the configuration of the sub-control unit 120 may be provided in the main control unit 110.

The conditions for ending the advantageous zone are not limited to the first and second ending conditions. The game zone may be forcibly set from the advantageous zone to the normal zone under conditions different from these conditions, or conditions for forcibly setting the advantageous zone to the normal zone may not be set. For example, the game zone may be forcibly set from the advantageous zone to the normal zone when the number of games consumed in the advantageous zone reaches 3000 games, but the game zone may not be forcibly set from the advantageous zone to the normal zone when the difference number of the advantageous zone reaches 2400 coins. Also, for example, except for the case where the advantageous zone is forcibly set to the normal zone, once the game zone is set to the advantageous zone, the game zone may not be forcibly set to the normal zone until a so-called bonus (for example, a type BB) is won once or the operation mode of the operation mode role that maximizes the payout of medals is notified once.

When the setting value of the slot machine 1 is changed, the play area may be set to inherit the state immediately before the setting value of the slot machine 1 was changed, or may be set to a pre-set initial state (i.e., initialized). When the play area is inherited due to a change in the setting value, the "state immediately before the setting value of the slot machine 1 was changed" includes, for example, the presentation state (for example, the presentation stage before the setting was changed) and the accumulated points. The first difference number is reset by the change in the setting value, and is therefore not included in the "state immediately before the setting value of the slot machine 1 was changed."

In the above embodiment, the display unit is configured to display that the zone is favorable only when the instruction function is activated during the favorable zone and the average payout rate exceeds 100% when playing the game to win the maximum number of small prizes excluding the role and the role continuous operation device, but this is not limited to this. For example, when the game zone transitions to the favorable zone, the display unit may be configured to always display that the zone is favorable, or it may not be configured not to display that the zone is favorable. If the zone is not displayed, it is advantageous because the slot machine 1 can determine or infer whether the game zone is favorable or not based on the first information, for example.

In the above embodiment, when the gaming zone transitions to a favorable zone, the zone control unit 114 is configured to display, via a display unit provided in the operation unit 30, that the gaming zone is a favorable zone, but this is not limited to this. For example, the liquid crystal display device 22 may be configured to double as the display unit, or the display unit may be omitted and configured not to display that the gaming zone is a favorable zone. After the display unit displays that the gaming zone is a favorable zone, it may or may not continue to display that the gaming zone is a favorable zone until the favorable zone ends.

Instead of a CPU that works with software to execute a specific function, the control device 100 may include an FPGA (field-programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) that is specially designed to achieve a specific function using hardware alone.

The main control unit 110 and the sub-control unit 120 may be provided on different boards, or on the same board. That is, the main control unit 110 and the sub-control unit 120 may each have a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc., or may share a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc.

The push order role is not limited to winning by operating the stop switches 34, 35, and 36 in a predetermined push order. For example, the push order role may be won by operating the stop switches 34, 35, and 36 at a predetermined position, or may be won by operating the stop switches 34, 35, and 36 in a predetermined push order in addition to at a predetermined position.

The internal lottery table is not limited to the information shown in FIG. 9, but may include any other information depending on the design of the slot machine.

At least one active line 70 needs to be set, but two or more are acceptable.

This disclosure can also be applied to medal-less machines. Medal-less machines do not use physical medals to play, but rather use information (similar to credit data) that holds the number of medals. When a bet is placed, the information is subtracted by that amount, and when a payout is received, the information is added by that amount. In other words, in the case of a medal-less machine, the "number of gaming media paid out" includes data that is given to the player and added up, rather than the number physically paid out. Medal-less machines do not require a hopper.

In addition, by appropriately combining any of the various embodiments or modifications described above, it is possible to achieve the effects of each. In addition, it is possible to combine embodiments with each other, or to combine examples with each other, and it is also possible to combine features of different embodiments or examples.

1 Slot machine 10 Cabinet 20 Front door 22 Liquid crystal display device 33 Start switch 34, 35, 36 Stop switch 37 Operation device 41, 42, 43 Rotating reel 100 Control device 121 Performance control unit

Claims (2)

When the game zone is an advantageous zone and a termination condition is satisfied, the advantageous zone is transitioned to a normal zone;
a control device that measures a difference between the number of game media paid out and the number of game media inserted in the advantageous zone based on a transition time to the advantageous zone;
The termination condition includes that the difference number reaches a predetermined value equal to or greater than zero.
The control device is configured to be able to notify or suggest, during the advantageous period, first information, which is information regarding the remaining difference number until the difference number reaches the predetermined value, in a manner that the player can grasp,
The first information may be notified or suggested by an operation by the player ,
The control device is configured to display, during an advantageous gaming state that is more advantageous than a general gaming state, second information regarding the number of medals that can be acquired in the advantageous gaming state;
at least one display device capable of displaying at least one of the first information and the second information;
A gaming machine in which, during the advantageous gaming state, a screen on which the first information is displayed and a screen on which the second information is displayed are different . When the game zone is an advantageous zone and a termination condition is satisfied, the advantageous zone is transitioned to a normal zone;
a control device that measures a difference between the number of game media paid out and the number of game media inserted in the advantageous zone based on a transition time to the advantageous zone;
A gaming machine in which the termination condition includes that the difference number reaches a predetermined value equal to or greater than zero, and when the difference number becomes negative by the predetermined number after the transition to the advantageous zone, the advantageous zone terminates when the predetermined value of gaming media is paid out in addition to the negative amount of the difference number after the difference number becomes negative by the predetermined number,
The control device is configured to be able to notify or suggest, during the advantageous period, first information, which is information regarding the remaining difference number until the difference number reaches the predetermined value, in a manner that the player can grasp,
A gaming machine in which the first information can be notified or suggested by operation by the player.

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