JP7640944B2 - Gaming Machines - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to gaming machines such as slot machines.

An example of a gaming machine that stops multiple reels after spinning is a slot machine. In a slot machine, multiple symbols are attached to the outer periphery of each reel, and some of the symbols attached to each reel can be seen through a display window. Then, when a player inserts a medal, a winning line is set, and then, when the player operates the start lever, a lottery is held inside the slot machine for roles such as a big bonus (hereinafter referred to as "BB") role, a small role, and a replay, and each reel starts spinning. After each reel starts spinning, the reels stop sequentially by operating the stop switch, and one game ends. Then, when all the reels have stopped spinning, if a combination of symbols corresponding to the winning role stops on the winning line, it is a win, and the player is given a prize such as a medal payout or a game state change (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In recent years, in addition to the BB state, which is entered when a BB win is achieved, some machines have an Assist Replay Time (hereinafter referred to as "ART") state, which is a game state advantageous to the player, in which the probability of winning a replay is higher than in the normal game state and which notifies the player of the order in which to operate the stop switch to achieve a specified win when a specified combination is won.

JP 2002-355364 A

In gaming machines like those mentioned above, there is a demand for further improvements in gaming enjoyment.

The above problem is not limited to the slot machines exemplified above, but also applies to other gaming machines that display multiple images in a cyclical manner and then end the cyclical display based on the operation of a stop operation means.

The present invention was made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a gaming machine that can increase the interest of players in gaming.

The invention described in claim 1 is a gaming machine including a plurality of cyclic display means for cyclically displaying a plurality of kinds of pictures, a start operation means operated to start the cyclical display of the pictures, a lottery means for drawing a winning combination, a plurality of stop operation means operated to individually stop the cyclical display of the pictures, and a bonus granting means for granting a bonus to a player as a winning combination when a winning combination that is won in the lottery for the winning combination and a winning picture that corresponds to the winning combination that is won in the lottery for the winning combination form a predetermined combination at an effective position and stop, the gaming machine having two game states: an advantageous state in which an instruction function that notifies an operation method for achieving a specific winning combination can be activated, and an advantageous state in which the instruction function is not activated. The game system has a specific game state in which it is possible to remain in either the advantageous state or the normal state and in which it is possible to remain across the advantageous state and the normal state, and is provided with a correspondence information storage means for storing correspondence information that defines the correspondence between the number of times a game has been played in the normal state in the specific game state and the processing content of the instruction function in the advantageous state, and is configured so that the processing of the instruction function in the advantageous state changes depending on the number of times a game has been played in the normal state in the specific game state, and a plurality of pieces of correspondence information are stored in advance in the correspondence information storage means.

It will be possible to increase interest in gaming.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a slot machine according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the slot machine with the front door closed. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a slot machine with a front door open. Rear view of the front door. Front view of the housing. A diagram showing the arrangement of symbols on each reel. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the patterns visible through the display window and the combination lines. FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between winning modes and the benefits provided. Block diagram of a slot machine. 4A shows the configuration of a state information storage area, and FIG. 4B shows the configuration of a section information storage area. 13 is a flowchart showing a timer interrupt process. 11 is a flowchart showing a normal process. 13 is a flowchart showing a lottery process. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the correspondence between index values and winning combinations. 13 is a flowchart showing a reel control process. 13 is a flowchart showing RT state processing. 13 is a flowchart showing a BB state process. 13 is a flowchart showing BB state processing 2. An explanatory diagram for explaining the transition of game areas. 13 is a flowchart showing a section lottery process in a normal section. 13 is a flowchart showing game zone processing in a normal zone. 1A is a diagram showing a transition destination of the chance mode, FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a stay ratio of the chance mode, and FIG. 1C is a diagram showing a transition ratio of the chance mode. 11 is a flowchart showing exception processing. 13 is a flowchart showing a section lottery process in a chance mode. (a) is a diagram showing a transition lottery map, and (b) is a diagram showing the transition of advantageous zones in chance mode. 11 is a flowchart showing game section processing in chance mode. 13 is a flowchart showing an end determination process. 13 is a flowchart showing an end determination process 2. 13 is a flowchart showing a section lottery process in a notification mode. 11 is a flowchart showing game section processing in notification mode.

Below, an embodiment of the present invention, which is applied to a reel type gaming machine, which is one type of gaming machine, specifically a slot machine, will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a front view of the slot machine 10, Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the slot machine 10 with the front door 12 closed, Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the slot machine 10 with the front door 12 open, Fig. 4 is a rear view of the front door 12, and Fig. 5 is a front view of the cabinet 11.

As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the slot machine 10 has a housing 11 that forms its outer shell. The housing 11 is generally formed in a box shape with an open front, and is attached to the so-called island equipment by nailing it when it is installed in the game hall.

A front door 12 is attached to the front side of the housing 11 so as to be openable and closable. That is, the housing 11 is provided with a pair of upper and lower support shafts 13a, 13b on the left side when viewed from the front, and the front door 12 is provided with bearings 14a, 14b at positions corresponding to the support shafts 13a, 13b. When the support shafts 13a, 13b are inserted into the bearings 14a, 14b, the front door 12 is supported rotatably around an opening and closing axis extending in the vertical direction connecting the support shafts 13a, 13b with respect to the housing 11, and the front open side of the housing 11 can be opened or closed by rotating the front door 12. The front door 12 is locked and cannot be opened by a locking device 20 provided on its back side. A key cylinder 21 integrated with the locking device 20 is provided at the upper right end side of the front door 12, and the locked state is released by a predetermined key operation on the key cylinder 21.

A game panel 25 that notifies the player of the game status is provided near the top center of the front door 12. The game panel 25 has three vertically long display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R arranged side by side, and the inside of the slot machine 10 can be seen through each of the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R. The display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R may be combined into one common display window.

As shown in FIG. 3, the inside of the housing 11 is divided into two parts, an upper part and a lower part, by a partition plate 30, and a reel unit 31 constituting a variable display means is attached to the upper part of the partition plate 30. The reel unit 31 is provided with a left reel 32L, a center reel 32M, and a right reel 32R each formed in a cylindrical (annular) shape. Each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R is supported so that it can rotate with its central axis being the axis of rotation of the reel. The axes of rotation of each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R are arranged on the same axis extending in a substantially horizontal direction, and each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R corresponds one-to-one to each display window 26L, 26M, and 26R. Therefore, a part of the surface of each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R is visible through the corresponding display window 26L, 26M, and 26R. Furthermore, when reels 32L, 32M, and 32R rotate forward, the surfaces of reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are displayed through display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R as if they are moving from top to bottom.

Here, we will briefly explain the configuration of the reel unit 31.

Each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R is connected to a stepping motor, and each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R can be rotated individually, i.e., independently, by driving each stepping motor. The stepping motor is set to rotate once by giving a drive signal (hereinafter also referred to as an excitation pulse) of, for example, 500 pulses, and the rotational position of the stepping motor, i.e., the rotational position of the reel, is controlled by this excitation pulse. In addition, reel index sensors are installed on each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R in the reel unit 31 to detect that the reel has rotated once. When the reel index sensor detects that the reel has rotated once, it outputs a detection signal to the main control device 101, which will be described later, each time it detects that the reel has rotated once. Therefore, the main control device 101 can check and correct the angular position of each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R for each rotation based on the detection signal of the reel index sensor and the number of excitation pulses output before the detection signal is input.

On the outer periphery of each reel 32L, 32M, 32R, multiple symbols are drawn in the long side direction (rotation direction) as identification information. More specifically, 20 symbols are drawn at equal intervals. Therefore, to switch from one symbol to the next symbol at a specified position, it is necessary to output 25 excitation pulses (= 500 pulses ÷ 20 symbols). Furthermore, the main control device 101 can determine which symbols are visible from the display windows 26L, 26M, 26R and stop a specified symbol at a position visible from the display windows 26L, 26M, 26R based on the number of excitation pulses output after the detection signal of the reel index sensor is input.

Next, we will explain the symbols depicted on each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R.

Figure 6 shows the arrangement of symbols on the left reel 32L, center reel 32M, and right reel 32R. As shown in the figure, 20 symbols are arranged in a row on each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. Numbers 1 to 20 are also assigned to each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, but these numbers are numbers used by the main control device 101 to identify the symbols that are visible through the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R, and are not actually assigned to the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. However, these numbers will be used in the following explanation.

There are eight types of symbols: "cherry" symbol (e.g., 20th on the left reel 32L), "watermelon" symbol (e.g., 19th on the left reel 32L), "bell" symbol (e.g., 18th on the left reel 32L), "red 7" symbol (e.g., 17th on the left reel 32L), "replay" symbol (e.g., 16th on the left reel 32L), "star" symbol (e.g., 15th on the left reel 32L), "BAR" symbol (e.g., 12th on the left reel 32L), and "white 7" symbol (e.g., 7th on the left reel 32L). As shown in FIG. 6, the number and arrangement order of the various symbols are completely different on each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R.

Each display window 26L, 26M, 26R is formed so that of the 20 symbols on the corresponding reel, only three symbols are visible in their entirety. Therefore, when each reel 32L, 32M, 32R is stopped, 3 x 3 = 9 symbols are visible through the display window 26L, 26M, 26R.

In this slot machine 10, a total of five combination lines are set, three parallel lines horizontally and two cross-sectional lines diagonally, connecting the positions where these nine symbols are visible. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 7(a), the horizontal combination lines are set as an upper line L1 connecting the upper symbols of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, a middle line L2 connecting the middle symbols of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, and a lower line L3 connecting the lower symbols of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. In addition, diagonal combination lines include a downward-right line L4 that connects the upper pattern on the left reel 32L, the middle pattern on the middle reel 32M, and the lower pattern on the right reel 32R, and a right-upward line L5 that connects the lower pattern on the left reel 32L, the middle pattern on the middle reel 32M, and the upper pattern on the right reel 32R. When the patterns stop in a predetermined combination on an activated combination line, i.e., an activated line, a prize is awarded, and a prize of a predetermined number of medals as game media or a game state change is awarded.

In this slot machine 10, as shown in FIG. 7(b), only the middle line L2 is set as an active line. The four combination lines of the upper line L1, the lower line L3, the downward right line L4, and the upward right line L5 are not set as active lines.

Figure 8 shows the correspondence between winning combinations of symbols and the benefits that will be awarded if a winning combination is achieved.

State transition wins, which only result in a transition of the game state, include BB1 win to BB3 win.

When the "red 7" symbols on each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R stop on an active line, a BB1 win is made. When the "red 7" symbols on the left reel 32L and center reel 32M and the "white 7" symbol on the right reel 32R stop on an active line, a BB2 win is made, and when the "red 7" symbols on the left reel 32L and center reel 32M and the "BAR" symbol on the right reel 32R stop on an active line, a BB3 win is made. When any of these BB wins are made, the game state transitions to BB state.

The replay prize is one type of prize that gives you the privilege of playing the next game without inserting a medal.

If the "Replay" symbols on each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R stop on an active line, a replay win will be awarded.

The minor winning combinations that result in the payout of medals include the watermelon winning combination, the cherry winning combination, the bell winning combination, and the compensation winning combination.

When the "watermelon" symbols on each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R stop on an active line, three medals are paid out as a watermelon win. When the "cherry" symbol on the left reel 32L stops on an active line, three medals are paid out as a cherry win.

When the "bell" symbols on each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R stop on any of the combination lines, nine medals are paid out as a bell win. More specifically, in addition to when the "bell" symbols on each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R stop on the middle line L2, nine medals are paid out as a bell win when a symbol combination that causes the "bell" symbols on each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R to stop on the upper line L1 stops on the middle line L2. Symbol combinations that appear to be bell wins include, for example, a combination of a "red 7", a "star", and a "star" symbol, or a combination of a "BAR", a "cherry", and a "BAR" symbol. Details of the symbol combinations that win are omitted, but one medal is paid out when a compensation role win is achieved.

In the following, the combination of symbols corresponding to each winning prize is also referred to as the winning symbol combination. For example, a BB2 symbol combination is a symbol combination that results in a BB2 winning prize, that is, a combination of a "red 7" symbol, a "red 7" symbol, and a "white 7" symbol. In addition, the symbols on the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R that correspond to each winning prize are also referred to as the winning symbols. For example, the BB2 symbol is a "red 7" symbol on the left reel 32L and center reel 32M, and a "white 7" symbol on the right reel 32R.

A start lever 41 is provided on the lower left side of the game panel 25, which is operated to start the rotation of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. The start lever 41 constitutes a start operation means or a start operation means that is operated to start the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, i.e., to start the variable display of the patterns. When the start lever 41 is operated with a predetermined number of medals inserted, each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R starts to rotate.

On the right side of the start lever 41, there are provided button-shaped stop switches 42-44 that are operated to individually stop each of the rotating reels 32L, 32M, 32R. Each stop switch 42-44 is located directly below the display window 26L, 26M, 26R corresponding to the reel 32L, 32M, 32R to be stopped. That is, when the left stop switch 42 is operated, the left reel 32L stops spinning, when the center stop switch 43 is operated, the center reel 32M stops spinning, and when the right stop switch 44 is operated, the right reel 32R stops spinning. The stop switches 42-44 constitute a stop operation means that is operated to stop the variable display of symbols based on the rotation of the reels 32L, 32M, 32R.

A medal insertion slot 45 for inserting medals is provided on the lower right side of the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R. The medal insertion slot 45 constitutes an input means for inputting game media. In addition, considering that the medal insertion slot 45 involves the action of the player directly inserting medals, it can also be said to constitute a direct input means for directly inputting game media.

The medals inserted through the medal insertion port 45 are guided to either the storage passage 47 or the discharge passage 48 by a selector 46, which serves as a passage switching means provided on the back of the front door 12. More specifically, the selector 46 is provided with a medal passage switching solenoid 46a, and when the medal passage switching solenoid 46a is not energized, the medals are guided to the discharge passage 48 side, and when the medal passage switching solenoid 46a is energized, the medals are guided to the storage passage 47 side. The medals guided to the storage passage 47 are guided to a hopper device 51 stored inside the housing 11. On the other hand, the medals guided to the discharge passage 48 are guided to a medal tray 50 from a medal discharge port 49 provided on the lower front surface of the front door 12, and are returned to the player.

The hopper device 51 is composed of a storage tank 52 that stores medals, and a payout device 53 that pays out medals to players. The payout device 53 rotates a medal payout rotating plate (not shown) to discharge medals to an opening 48a provided in the discharge passage 48, and pays out the medals to a medal tray 50 through the discharge passage 48. In addition, a reserve tank 54 is provided to the right of the hopper device 51 to prevent medals from being stored in the storage tank 52 by more than a predetermined amount. Inside the storage tank 52 of the hopper device 51, a guide plate 52a is provided to discharge medals from the storage tank 52 to the reserve tank 54. Therefore, if medals are stored above the height at which the guide plate 52a is provided, the medals will be stored in the reserve tank 54.

A button-shaped return switch 55 is provided below the medal insertion port 45. If the return switch 55 is operated when a medal inserted into the medal insertion port 45 is stuck in the selector 46, the selector 46 is mechanically linked and operated, and the medal stuck in the selector 46 is returned from the medal ejection port 49.

On the lower left side of the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R, a first credit insertion switch 56 is provided for inserting three credited virtual medals as game media at a time. Also, to the left of the first credit insertion switch 56, a second credit insertion switch 57 and a third credit insertion switch 58 are provided. The second credit insertion switch 57 is for inserting two virtual medals at a time, and the third credit insertion switch 58 is for inserting one virtual medal. Each of the credit insertion switches 56 to 58, together with the medal insertion slot 45, constitutes an input means for inputting game media. Also, while the medal insertion slot 45 involves the action of the player directly inserting medals, each of the credit insertion switches 56 to 58 only involves the action of inserting virtual medals based on the stored memory. Considering this, it can be said that they constitute an indirect input means for indirectly inputting game media.

A settlement switch 59 is provided to the left of the start lever 41. In other words, this slot machine 10 has a credit function that stores and stores as virtual medals any surplus inserted medals up to a predetermined maximum value (equivalent to 50 medals) or medals paid out when a prize is won, and when the settlement switch 59 is operated while virtual medals are stored and stored, the virtual medals are paid out from the medal outlet 49 as real medals. In this case, when focusing on the function of paying out credited virtual medals as real medals, the settlement switch 59 can also be said to constitute a settlement operation means for actually paying out the stored and stored game media.

Below the display windows 26L, 26M, and 26R of the game panel 25 are a credit display section 60 that displays the number of credited virtual medals, a remaining payout number display section 61 that displays the number of medals remaining to be paid out until the BB state ends, and a payout number display section 62 that displays the number of medals paid out when a win occurs. These display sections 60 to 62 are made up of 7-segment displays, but can of course be replaced with liquid crystal displays or the like.

At the top of the front door 12, there are provided an upper lamp 63 that lights up or flashes as the game progresses, a pair of left and right speakers 64 that play various sound effects as the game progresses and notify the player of the game status, and an auxiliary display unit 65 that gives the player various information. The auxiliary display unit 65 is for executing various display effects as the game progresses, and since the game using each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R can be considered to be performed by the main display unit, it is referred to as the auxiliary display unit 65 in this embodiment. At the back of the auxiliary display unit 65, there is provided a display control device 81 for driving the upper lamp 63, the speaker 64, and the auxiliary display unit 65.

Inside the housing 11, a power supply box 70 is provided to the left of the hopper device 51. The power supply box 70 houses the power supply device 91 inside and is equipped with a power switch 71, a reset switch 72, a setting key insertion hole 73, and the like. The power switch 71 is an activation switch for supplying power to each part including the main control device 101. The reset switch 72 is a switch for resetting an error state of the slot machine 10. The setting key insertion hole 73 is for the hall manager or the like to adjust the medal payout. In other words, the hall manager or the like can set the winning probability of the slot machine 10 by inserting the setting key into the setting key insertion hole 73 and turning it ON. The reset switch 72 is operated not only when resetting an error state but also when changing the winning probability of the slot machine 10.

Above the reel unit 31, a main control device 101 that controls the game is attached to the cabinet 11.

Next, the electrical configuration of the slot machine 10 will be explained based on the block diagram in FIG. 9.

The main control device 101 is equipped with a microcomputer centered around the CPU 102, which is an arithmetic processing means. In addition to the power supply device 91, the CPU 102 is connected to a clock circuit 103 that outputs a rectangular wave of a predetermined frequency, an input/output port 104, and the like via an internal bus. The main control device 101 functions as the main board built into the slot machine 10.

The input side of the main control device 101 is connected to various sensors, such as the reel unit 31 (more specifically, a reel index sensor that detects when each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R has made one rotation), a start detection sensor 41a that detects the operation of the start lever 41, stop detection sensors 42a to 44a that detect the operation of each of the stop switches 42 to 44, an inserted medal detection sensor 45a that detects medals inserted through the medal insertion slot 45, a payout detection sensor 51a that detects medals paid out from the hopper device 51, credit insertion detection sensors 56a to 58a that detect the operation of each of the credit insertion switches 56 to 58, a settlement detection sensor 59a that detects the operation of the settlement switch 59, a reset detection sensor 72a that detects the operation of the reset switch 72, and a setting key detection sensor 73a that detects when a setting key is inserted into the setting key insertion hole 73 and turned ON. The signals from these various sensors are output to the CPU 102 via the input/output port 104.

The power supply unit 91 is connected to the input side of the main control unit 101 via the input/output port 104. The power supply unit 91 is equipped with a power supply unit 91a that supplies driving power to the main control unit 101 and each electronic device of the slot machine 10, a power outage monitoring circuit 91b, and the like.

The power failure monitoring circuit 91b monitors the power supply cut-off state and generates a power failure signal not only during a power failure but also when the power supply is cut off by the power switch 71. For this reason, the power failure monitoring circuit 91b monitors the stabilized drive voltage of 12 volts DC in this example output from the power supply unit 91a, and is configured to determine that the power supply has been cut off and output a power failure signal when this drive voltage drops to less than 10 volts, for example. The power failure signal is supplied to both the CPU 102 and the input/output port 104, and the CPU 102 recognizes this power failure signal and executes the power failure processing described below. The power failure signal is also configured to be supplied to the display control device 81.

The power supply unit 91a is configured to output a stabilized voltage of 5 volts to be used as a drive voltage in control systems such as the main control unit 101, even if the output voltage drops below 10 volts. The time for which this stabilized voltage is output is sufficient to allow the main control unit 101 to execute power outage processing.

The output side of the main control device 101 is connected via an input/output port 104 to the reel unit 31 (more specifically, the stepping motor for rotating each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R), the medal passage switching solenoid 46a provided on the selector 46, the hopper device 51, the credit display unit 60, the remaining number of coins to be paid out display unit 61, the number of coins to be paid out display unit 62, the display control device 81, and an external centralized terminal board 121 that can transmit information to a hall management device (not shown), etc.

The display control device 81 is a control device for driving the upper lamps 63, speaker 64, and auxiliary display unit 65, and is equipped with a board on which a CPU, ROM, RAM, etc. for driving these are integrated. After receiving a signal from the main control device 101, the display control device 81 independently drives and controls the upper lamps 63, speaker 64, and auxiliary display unit 65. Therefore, the display control device 81 is a sub-board that performs auxiliary control in relation to the main control device 101, which is the main board that manages the overall game. Note that the display control device 81 may also be configured to drive and control the various display units 60 to 62.

The above-mentioned CPU 102 includes a ROM 105 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 102, a RAM 106 that secures a working area for temporarily storing various data when executing the control programs stored in the ROM 105, and various counters, such as an interrupt circuit, a timer circuit, a data transmission/reception circuit, and other processing circuits required for the slot machine 10, as well known in the art (not shown). The ROM 105 and RAM 106 form a main memory as a storage means, and the programs for executing the various processes shown in the flowcharts of Figures 11 to 30 are stored in the above-mentioned ROM 105 as part of the control program.

RAM 106 is configured to be able to retain (back up) data by receiving backup voltage from power supply device 91 even after power to slot machine 10 is cut off. RAM 106 is provided with a backup area in addition to memory for temporarily storing various data, a winning flag storage area 106a for storing the results of a winning combination lottery, a stop information storage area 106b for storing stop information used when controlling the stop of reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, a status information storage area 106c for storing game status such as BB status, and a section information storage area 106d for storing game sections.

As shown in FIG. 10(a), the state information storage area 106c includes a game state flag storage area that stores a flag indicating the game state, a next flag storage area that stores a flag indicating the next game state, a remaining payout number counter for counting the number of medals remaining that can be paid out during the BB state, and an RT game number counter for counting the number of games in the RT state.

As shown in FIG. 10(b), the interval information storage area 106d includes a play interval flag storage area for storing a flag indicating a play interval, a play mode flag storage area for storing a flag indicating a play mode, a transition flag storage area for storing a transition flag, an exception flag storage area for storing an exception flag, a ceiling flag storage area for storing a ceiling flag, an notified flag storage area for storing an notified flag, an end flag storage area for storing an end flag, an interval game number counter for counting the number of games in the advantageous interval, a mode game number counter for counting the number of games in the notified mode, and a difference number counter for counting the difference number of coins in the advantageous interval.

The backup area is an area for storing the value of the stack pointer at the time of power interruption (including power interruption by operating the power switch 71; the same applies below) in the event that power is interrupted due to a power outage or the like, and when the power outage is resolved (including power on by operating the power switch 71; the same applies below), the state of the slot machine 10 can be restored to the state before power was interrupted based on the information in the backup area. Writing to the backup area is performed by the power outage processing (see Figure 11) when power is interrupted, and the restoration of each value written to the backup area is performed during main processing when power is turned on.

The NMI terminal (non-maskable interrupt terminal) of the CPU 102 is configured to receive a power outage signal from the power outage monitoring circuit 91b when the power is cut off due to a power outage or the like. When the power is cut off, an NMI interrupt process is immediately executed as a power outage flag generation process.

Next, the control processes executed by the CPU 102 of the main control device 101 will be described. The processes of the CPU 102 can be broadly divided into main processing which is started when the power is turned on, timer interrupt processing which is started periodically (every 1.49 msec in this embodiment), and NMI interrupt processing which is started when a power outage signal is input to the NMI terminal. Below, the processes related to the progress of the game among these processes, i.e. timer interrupt processing, and normal processing performed in the main processing will be described with reference to the flowcharts of Figures 11 to 30.

Figure 11 is a flowchart of the timer interrupt process that is periodically executed by the main control unit 101, and a timer interrupt is generated by the CPU 102 of the main control unit 101, for example, every 1.49 msec.

First, in the register save process shown in step S101, the values of all registers in the CPU 102 that are used in normal processing, which will be described later, are saved to a backup area in the RAM 106. In step S102, it is confirmed whether the power outage flag is set, and if the power outage flag is set, the process proceeds to step S103, where power outage processing is executed.

Here is an overview of how power outages are handled.

When the power supply is cut off due to a power outage or the like, a power outage signal is output from the power outage monitoring circuit 91b of the power supply device 91, and the power outage signal is input to the main control device 101 via the NMI terminal. When the power outage signal is input, the main control device 101 immediately executes an NMI interrupt process and sets a power outage flag in a power outage flag storage area provided in the RAM 106.

In the power failure process, first, it is determined whether the transmission of the command has been completed, and if the transmission has not been completed, this process is terminated and the process returns to the timer interrupt process, and the transmission of the command is terminated. If the transmission of the command has been completed, the value of the stack pointer of the CPU 102 is saved in the backup area of the RAM 106. After that, the output state of the output port in the input/output port 104 is cleared, and all actuators (not shown) are turned off. Then, a RAM judgment value for judging whether the data in the RAM 106 is normal or not when the power failure is resolved is calculated and saved in the backup area, thereby prohibiting subsequent access to the RAM. After the above process is performed, an infinite loop is entered in preparation for the power being completely cut off and processing being unable to be executed. Note that, in consideration of the case where the power failure flag is erroneously set due to noise, for example, the power failure signal is checked to see if it is being output before entering the infinite loop. If the power failure signal is not being output, it means that the power failure state has been recovered, so writing to the RAM 106 is permitted, the power failure flag is reset, and the process returns to the timer interrupt process. If the power failure signal continues to be output, the infinite loop is entered as it is. Incidentally, even in an infinite loop, it checks whether the power outage signal is being output, and if the power outage signal is no longer being output, it transitions to the main process.

Returning to the explanation of the timer interrupt process, if the power outage flag is not set in step S102, various processes from step S104 onwards are carried out.

That is, in step S104, a watchdog timer clear process is performed to initialize the value of the watchdog timer for monitoring the occurrence of a malfunction. In step S105, an interrupt end declaration process is performed to enable the CPU 102 itself to set the next timer interrupt. In step S106, a stepping motor control process is performed to drive the stepping motors that are the reel drive motors for each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R to rotate. In step S107, a sensor monitoring process is performed to read the status of various sensors such as the stop detection sensors 42a to 44a, the inserted medal detection sensor 45a, and the payout detection sensor 51a connected to the input/output port 104 (see FIG. 9), and to monitor whether the read results are normal or not. In step S108, a timer subtraction process is performed to subtract the values of each counter and timer. In step S109, a counter process is performed to output the results of counting the number of medals bet and the number of medals paid out to the external centralized terminal board 121.

In step S110, a command output process is performed to send various commands, such as a lottery result command, to the display control device 81. In step S111, a segment data setting process is performed to set the segment data to be displayed in the credit display unit 60, the remaining number of coins to be paid display unit 61, and the number of coins to be paid display unit 62. In step S112, a segment data display process is performed to supply the segment data set in the segment data setting process to each display unit 60 to 62 and display the corresponding numbers, symbols, etc. In step S113, a port output process is performed to output data corresponding to the I/O device from the input/output port 104. In step S114, the values of each register that were saved to the backup area in the previous step S101 are restored to the corresponding register in the CPU 102. Thereafter, in step S115, an interrupt permission process is performed to permit the next timer interrupt, and this series of timer interrupt processes is terminated.

Next, the normal processing that performs the main control related to the game will be explained based on the flowchart in Figure 12.

First, in step S201, an interrupt permission process is performed to permit the next timer interrupt. In step S202, a pre-start process is performed to enable play. In the pre-start process, the system waits until the display control device 81 and other devices have finished initializing. When the initialization of the display control device 81 and other devices has finished, the system performs the game management process shown in steps S203 to S215.

As part of the game management process, in step S203, various game information and other data (e.g., random number values used in the previous game) stored in the RAM 106 are cleared. Then, in step S204, a start wait process is performed.

In the start waiting process, it is determined whether or not a replay winning was established in the previous game. If a replay winning was established, an automatic insertion process is performed to automatically insert virtual medals in the same number as the previous bet number, and the start waiting process is terminated. In the automatic insertion process, virtual medals are inserted without reducing the number of virtual medals displayed in the credit display unit 60. In other words, if a replay winning was established in the previous game, the player can play the current game without reducing the number of medals he owns and without inserting medals. If a replay winning was not established, a sensor abnormality confirmation process is performed to check whether an abnormality has occurred in the sensor reading result performed in the sensor monitoring process step S107 of the timer interrupt process, and if an abnormality has occurred, an abnormality occurrence process is performed to put the slot machine 10 into an error state and notify the occurrence of the error. Such an error state is maintained until the reset switch 72 is operated. If the sensor reading is normal, it determines whether the settlement switch 59 has been operated, and if so, it performs a medal return process to pay out the same number of medals as the credited virtual medals. After the medal return process is completed or if the settlement switch 59 has not been operated, it determines whether medals have been inserted or the credit insertion switches 56-58 have been operated between the previous start waiting process and the current start waiting process, and if either has been done, it performs a medal insertion process to change the number of bets, etc., and ends the start waiting process. Also, if neither medals have been inserted nor the credit insertion switches 56-58 have been operated between the previous start waiting process and the current start waiting process, it ends the start waiting process as is.

After the start waiting process is completed, in step S205, it is determined whether the number of medals bet has reached a specified number. In this slot machine 10, the specified number is set to "3". If the number of medals bet has not reached the specified number, the process returns to the start waiting process of step S204, and the process from the sensor abnormality confirmation process onwards is carried out. If the number of medals bet has reached the specified number, in step S206, it is determined whether the start lever 41 has been operated. If the start lever 41 has not been operated, the process returns to the start waiting process of step S204, and the process from the sensor abnormality confirmation process onwards is carried out.

On the other hand, when the start lever 41 is operated, it means that a start command has been issued to start the game, since the game can be started when the start lever 41 is operated under the condition that the specified number of medals have been bet. In such a case, an effective line setting process is performed in step S207 to set the middle line L2 as the effective line, and the medal passage switching solenoid 46a is switched to a non-excited state in step S208 to prohibit bet acceptance. After that, the lottery process in step S209, the reel control process in step S210, the medal payout process in step S211, the RT state process in step S212, the BB state process in step S213, the play section process in step S214, and the performance instruction process in step S215 are executed in this order, and then the process returns to step S203.

Next, the lottery process in step S209 will be explained based on the flowchart in FIG. 13.

In step S301, a random number is obtained to be used when determining whether a winning combination has been achieved. In this slot machine 10, when the start lever 41 is operated, the hardware circuitry latches the value of the free-run counter at that time. The free-run counter generates random numbers between 0 and 65535, and after the CPU 102 confirms the operation of the start lever 41, it stores the value latched by the hardware circuitry in the RAM 106. With this configuration, it is possible to quickly obtain a random number when the start lever 41 is operated, and it is possible to avoid problems such as synchronization. The hardware circuitry of this slot machine 10 is configured to latch the value of the free-run counter each time the start lever 41 is operated.

After obtaining the random number, in step S302, a lottery table for determining whether the winning combination is a winning combination is selected. The slot machine 10 has five game states: normal game state, RT1 state, RT2 state, RT3 state, and BB state. In step S302, the current game state of the slot machine 10 is determined based on the game state flag set in the state information storage area 106c, and a lottery table corresponding to the game state is selected. In addition, in the slot machine 10, six winning probabilities from "Setting 1" to "Setting 6" are prepared in advance, and the internal processing can be set based on which winning probability by inserting the setting key into the setting key insertion hole, turning it on, and performing a predetermined operation. In step S302, when the setting state is "Setting 1", a lottery table with the lowest expected value of medal payout is selected, and when the setting state is "Setting 6", a lottery table with the highest expected value of medal payout is selected.

The lottery table will be briefly explained. In the lottery table, index values IV are set, and each index value IV is uniquely associated with a winning combination and a point value PV is set. Figure 14 is a table showing the correspondence between each index value IV and a winning combination, and the correspondence between each index value IV and point value PV in each game state of "Setting 3".

After the lottery table is selected, in step S303, the index value IV is set to 1, and in the following step S304, a judgment value DV to be used when judging whether the hand is a win or a loss is set. In this judgment value setting process, the point value PV corresponding to the current index value IV is added to the current judgment value DV to set a new judgment value DV. Note that in the initial judgment value setting process, the random number value acquired in step S301 is set as the current judgment value DV, and the point value PV corresponding to the current index value IV (1) is added to this random number value to set the new judgment value DV.

After that, in step S305, a win/loss determination is made for the combination corresponding to the index value IV. In determining whether or not the combination has been won, a determination is made as to whether or not the judgment value DV has exceeded 65535. If it has exceeded 65535, the process proceeds to step S306, where a win flag corresponding to the index value IV at that time is set in the win flag storage area 106a of the RAM 106. For example, if the judgment value DV exceeds 65535 when IV=5, in step S306, a win flag indicating that the center, right, left bell has been won is set in the win flag storage area 106a.

Incidentally, if the winning flag that has been set is not a winning flag indicating that BB1 has been won, a winning flag indicating that BB2 has been won, or a winning flag indicating that BB3 has been won (hereinafter, these are collectively referred to as "BB winning flags"), the winning flag set in the winning flag storage area 106a is reset after the game in which the corresponding selection flag is set ends (see S203 in normal processing). On the other hand, the BB winning flag is reset on the condition that the corresponding BB winning is established. In other words, the BB winning flag may be valid over multiple games. However, only one BB winning flag is valid, and for example, if the judging value DV exceeds 65535 when the BB1 winning flag is set and IV=13, the BB3 winning flag is not set and the winning is invalidated. Similarly, for example, if the BB1 winning flag is set and the judgment value DV exceeds 65535 when IV = 11, the second BB1 winning flag is not set and the winning is invalidated. If the BB winning flag is set and the judgment value DV exceeds 65535 when IV = 1 to 10, the winning flag corresponding to the winning role is set. In other words, although an event in which multiple BBs are won does not occur, an event in which both BB and replay are won, and an event in which both BB and small roles are won, do occur.

If the judgment value DV does not exceed 65535 in step S305, this means that the hand corresponding to the index value IV has not been won. In this case, the index value IV is incremented by 1 in step S307, and in the following step S308, it is determined whether or not there is a hand corresponding to the index value IV, i.e., whether or not there is a target for which a win/loss judgment should be made. Specifically, it is determined whether or not the index value IV incremented by 1 exceeds the maximum value of the index value IV set in the lottery table. If there is a target for which a win/loss judgment should be made, the process returns to step S304, and the judgment of the hand continues. At this time, in step S304, the point value PV corresponding to the current index value IV is added to the judgment value DV used to judge the win/loss of the previous hand (i.e., the current judgment value DV) to obtain a new judgment value DV, and in step S305, the hand is judged to be a win/loss based on the judgment value DV.

When the winning combination is judged using the lottery table shown in FIG. 14, in the normal game state, the probability of winning the replay is about 1 in 7.3, the probability of winning the left-center-right bell, the left-center-right bell, the center-left-right bell, the center-right-left bell, the center-right-left bell, the right-left center bell, and the right-center-left bell are each about 1 in 9.0, the probability of winning the common bell is about 1 in 6600, the probability of winning the watermelon and the cherry are each about 1 in 50, the probability of winning BB1 is about 1 in 17, the probability of winning BB2 is about 1 in 33, and the probability of winning BB3 is about 1 in 100. The probability of losing and not winning any combination is about 1 in 18 if the BB winning flag is not carried over, and about 1 in 6.4 if the BB winning flag is carried over.

After the winning flag is set in step S306, or if it is determined in step S308 that there is no target to be determined, this means that the judgment of the winning or losing role has been completed. In such a case, the process proceeds to step S309, and a section lottery process related to the transition of the play section is performed. In step S310, a lottery result command is set. Here, the lottery result command is a command sent to the display control device 81 to allow the display control device 81 to grasp the various results performed in this lottery process, specifically, the result of the winning or losing role judgment and the lottery result in the section lottery process. However, in normal processing, various commands such as the lottery result command are only set in the ring buffer, and no command is sent to the display control device 81. The command is sent to the display control device 81 in the command output process S110 of the timer interrupt process described above.

Then, in step S311, a stop information setting process is performed to set stop information for reel stop control, and the lottery process is terminated. In the stop information setting process, if multiple roles out of the small role, replay, and BB roles have been won, the stop information is set in the order of priority shown below. If a small role and BB have been won, the stop information is set so that a small role win is given priority, and if a small role win cannot be won, a BB win is won. If a replay and BB have been won, the stop information is set so that a replay win is given priority.

Next, the reel control process in step S210 will be explained based on the flowchart in FIG. 15.

The reel control process first performs a rotation start process in step S401 to start the rotation of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R.

In the spin start process, it is checked whether a predetermined wait time (about 4.1 seconds in this embodiment) has elapsed since the reels started spinning in the previous game, and if not, it waits until the wait time has elapsed. If the wait time has elapsed, the wait time for the next game is reset, and a motor control initialization process is performed to set spin start information in the motor control storage area provided in the RAM 106. By performing this process, the acceleration process of the stepping motor is started in the stepping motor control process S106 of the timer interrupt process, and each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R starts spinning. For this reason, even if the player bets a specified number of medals and operates the start lever 41, each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R may not start spinning immediately. After that, it waits until each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R spins at a constant speed at a predetermined rotation speed, and the spin start process is terminated. In addition, when the rotation speed of each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R reaches a constant speed, the CPU 102 lights up the lamps (not shown) of each stop switch 42-44 to notify the player that it is possible to issue a stop command.

Following the spin start process, in step S402, it is determined whether any of the stop switches 42 to 44 has been operated. If none of the stop switches 42 to 44 have been operated, the process waits until any of the stop switches 42 to 44 have been operated. If it is determined that any of the stop switches 42 to 44 have been operated, the process proceeds to step S403, where it is determined whether or not the stop switch corresponding to the spinning reel has been operated, i.e., whether or not a stop command has been generated. If a stop command has not been generated, the process returns to step S402, where it waits until any of the stop switches 42 to 44 have been operated. If a stop command has been generated, a stop command command is set in step S404. Here, the stop command command is a command that is sent to the display control device 81 to allow the display control device 81 to know which stop switch has been operated to generate the stop command. If a stop command command has been set, the stop control process shown in steps S405 to S411 is performed to stop the spinning reel.

In step S405, the symbol number of the reaching symbol that has reached the base position (lower in this embodiment) at the timing when the stop switch is operated is confirmed. Specifically, the symbol number of the reaching symbol that has reached the base position is confirmed by the number of excitation pulses output from the time when the detection signal of the reel index sensor is input. In the following step S406, the number of slips of the reel to be stopped this time is calculated based on the stop information stored in the stop information storage area 106b. In this slot machine 10, five stop modes are prepared as stop modes for stopping each reel 32L, 32M, 32R when the stop switches 42 to 44 are operated: a stop mode in which the reaching symbol that has reached the base position is stopped as it is, a stop mode in which the corresponding reel is stopped after sliding for one symbol, a stop mode in which the corresponding reel is stopped after sliding for two symbols, a stop mode in which the corresponding reel is stopped after sliding for three symbols, and a stop mode in which the corresponding reel is stopped after sliding for four symbols. Therefore, in step S406, a value between 0 and 4 is calculated as the slip number based on the stop information stored in the stop information storage area 106b. After that, in step S407, the calculated slip number is added to the symbol number of the reached symbol to determine the symbol number of the stop symbol that will actually stop at the base position. In step S408, it is determined whether the symbol number of the reached symbol of the reel to be stopped this time and the symbol number of the stop symbol are equal, and if they are equal, a reel stop process is performed in step S409 to stop the rotation of the reel. After that, in step S410, it is determined whether all reels 32L, 32M, and 32R have stopped. If all reels 32L, 32M, and 32R have not stopped, a second stop information setting process is performed in step S411, and the process returns to step S402.

The second stop information setting process is a process for changing the stop information stored in the stop information storage area 106b of the RAM 106 after the reels have stopped. In the second stop information setting process, the stop information is changed based on the winning flag that has been set and the stop result of the stopped reels. In this slot machine 10, when any of the left-center-right bell, left-right-center bell, center-left-right bell, center-right-left bell, right-left-center bell, and right-center-left bell is won, the second stop information setting process is performed to change the winning mode that is established depending on the operation sequence of the stop switches 42 to 44 that generated the stop command.

The roles of left-center-right bell, left-center-right bell, center-left-right bell, center-right-left bell, right-left-center bell, and right-center-left bell are roles that result in a win for both the bell and multiple compensation roles. For example, if the left-center-right bell is won, the stop information is set so that a bell win occurs when the stop switches 42-44 are operated in the order of left → center → right, and the stop information is set so that a compensation role win occurs when the switches are operated in any other order. Similarly, if the right-center-left bell is won, the stop information is set so that a bell win occurs when the stop switches 42-44 are operated in the order of right → center → left, and the stop information is set so that a compensation role win occurs when the switches are operated in any other order.

Here, the arrangement of symbols on each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R will be briefly described. In this slot machine 10, the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R can be stopped after sliding a maximum of four symbols from the timing of the operation of the stop switches 42 to 44, and an active line is set in the middle of each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R. Therefore, when the interval between the same symbols is four symbols or less, the winning symbol can be stopped on the active line when it becomes a winning symbol regardless of the operation timing of the stop switches 42 to 44. On each of the reels 32L, 32M, and 32R, as shown in FIG. 6, the "watermelon", "bell" and "replay" symbols are arranged so that the interval between the same symbols is four symbols or less. Therefore, when the above symbols become a winning symbol, the winning symbol can be stopped on the active line regardless of the operation timing of the stop switches 42 to 44. On the other hand, the "cherry", "red 7", "white 7", "star" and "BAR" symbols are arranged so that intervals are formed that are greater than the above interval, so in order to stop them on an active line, the player must operate the stop switches 42-44 while aiming at the symbols. More specifically, when the stop information is set to achieve any of the cherry, BB1, BB2 and BB3 wins, the player must operate the stop switches 42-44 while aiming at the symbols. Also, when the stop information is set to achieve a compensation win, the player must operate the stop switches 42-44 at the specified timing.

In the following, winning any of the following bells is referred to as a push order bell win, and the winning flag that is set at this time is also referred to as a push order bell winning flag.

Returning to the explanation of the reel control process, if it is determined in step S410 that all reels 32L, 32M, and 32R are stopped, a payout determination process is performed in step S412. The payout determination process is a process for setting the number of medals to be paid out, with one of the conditions being that the winning combination is lined up on an active line. In the payout determination process, a combination of symbols formed on an active line is derived from the symbol numbers of the symbols stopped on the lower row of each reel 32L, 32M, and 32R, and it is determined whether or not a winning combination is established on the active line. If a winning combination is established, it is further determined whether or not the winning combination corresponds to the winning flag set in the winning flag storage area 106a. If the winning combination corresponds to the winning flag, the winning combination and the payout number corresponding to the winning combination are set in the payout information storage area provided in the RAM 106. On the other hand, if the winning combination does not correspond to the win flag, the slot machine 10 is put into an error state and an abnormality occurrence process is performed to notify the occurrence of the error. This error state is maintained until the reset switch 72 is operated. When the payout determination process is completed, in step S413, a winning result command is set so that the display control device 81 knows the winning combination in the current game, and the reel control process is terminated.

Next, we will provide an overview of the medal payout process in step S211.

In the medal payout process, it is determined whether the payout number set in the payout information storage area is 0. If the payout number is 0, it means that the previous payout determination process determined that a small winning combination was not achieved. In such a case, it is determined whether a replay winning combination was achieved based on the winning combination set in the payout determination process. If a replay winning combination was not achieved, the medal payout process is terminated as is, and if a replay winning combination was achieved, the replay setting process is performed and the medal payout process is terminated. Note that in the start waiting process S204 described above, if it is determined that the replay setting process has been performed, the automatic insertion process is performed.

On the other hand, if the payout number set in the payout information storage area is not 0, the system pays out medals in the same number as the payout number, and ends the medal payout process. Specifically, when the credit counter count value has not reached the upper limit (the number of medals stored is 50), the system adds the payout number to the credit counter count value, and displays the added value on the credit display unit 60. When the credit counter count value has reached the upper limit, or when the credit counter count value reaches the upper limit during the addition of the payout number, the system drives the medal payout rotating plate, and pays out medals from the hopper device 51 to the medal tray 50 via the medal discharge port 49. In addition, the medal payout process also performs a process of changing the payout number displayed on the payout number display unit 62 in accordance with the payout of medals. In addition, when the current game state is BB state, the system subtracts the payout number from the value of the remaining payout number counter, and subtracts the remaining payout number displayed on the remaining payout number display unit 61.

Next, the RT state processing in step S212 will be explained based on the flowchart in Figure 16.

In step S501, it is determined whether the current game state is an RT state, and if it is not an RT state, this process is terminated. If the current game state is an RT state, the process proceeds to step S502, and 1 is added to the value of the RT game number counter provided in the state information storage area 106c. In step S503, it is determined whether the value of the RT game number counter has reached 999, and if it has not reached 999, this process is terminated. If the value of the RT game number counter has reached 999, in step S504, the game state flag stored in the state information storage area 106c is changed to a general game flag, and this process is terminated.

If the general game flag is set in step S504, the game state transitions to the general game state. Then, in step S302 of the lottery process, it is determined that the current game state is the general game state based on the general game flag being set in the state information storage area 106c, and a lottery table for the general game state is selected.

Next, the BB state processing in step S213 will be explained based on the flowchart in Figure 17.

First, in step S601, it is determined whether the BB winning flag is set. If the BB winning flag is set, the process proceeds to step S602, and it is determined whether a BB winning has been achieved based on the winning combination set in the previous payout determination process. If a BB winning has been achieved, the process proceeds to step S603, and it is determined whether the achieved BB winning is a BB1 winning. If a BB1 winning has been achieved, the process proceeds to step S604, and a first flag is set in the next flag storage area provided in the state information storage area 106c. If the achieved BB winning is not a BB1 winning, the process proceeds to step S605, and it is determined whether a BB2 winning has been achieved. If a BB2 winning has been achieved, the process proceeds to step S606, and a second flag is set in the next flag storage area. If the BB winning is not a BB2 winning, this means that a BB3 winning has occurred, so in step S607, a third flag is set in the next flag storage area.

When the next flag is set, the BB win flag set in the win flag storage area 106a of the RAM 106 is cleared in step S608, and the game status flag stored in the status information storage area 106c is changed to the BB flag in step S609. In step S610, the remaining payout counter provided in the status information storage area 106c is set to 179, and the remaining payout number display unit 61 is caused to display 179. By carrying out the processes of steps S608 to S610, the game status transitions to the BB status. Then, in step S302 of the lottery process, it is determined that the current game status is the BB status based on the fact that the BB flag has been set in the status information storage area 106c, and a lottery table for the BB status is selected.

The lottery table for BB state will be briefly explained. In the lottery table for BB state, as shown in FIG. 14, index values IV=2 to 7 that result in a win for the push order bell, and index value IV=8 that results in a win for the common bell, and non-zero point values PV are set. Therefore, in BB state, the probability of winning the push order bell is approximately 1 in 1.1, the probability of winning the common bell is approximately 1 in 6600, and the probability of missing is approximately 1 in 12.

Returning to the explanation of the BB state processing, if it is determined in step S601 that the BB winning flag is not set, or if it is determined in step S602 that a BB win has not been achieved, BB state processing 2 is performed in step S612.

In the BB state process 2, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 18, in step S701, it is determined whether the current game state is the BB state. If the current game state is not the BB state, this process is terminated as it is, and if the current game state is the BB state, the process proceeds to step S702, where it is determined whether the value of the remaining payout counter has become 0. If the value of the remaining payout counter has not become 0, this process is terminated as it is. If the value of the remaining payout counter has become 0, this means that the BB state termination condition has been met, so the process proceeds to step S703, where it is determined whether the set next flag is the first flag. If the first flag is set, this means that the BB state termination condition based on the establishment of the BB1 winning has been met, so in step S704, the game state flag is changed to the RT1 flag, and the BB state is terminated. If the first flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S705, where it is determined whether the set next flag is the second flag. If the second flag is set, this means that the BB state termination condition based on the BB2 winning has been met, so in step S706 the game state flag is changed to the RT2 flag and the BB state is terminated. If the third flag is set instead of the first or second flag, this means that the BB state termination condition based on the BB3 winning has been met, so in step S707 the game state flag is changed to the RT3 flag and the BB state is terminated. If the game state flag has been changed, the next flag is cleared in step S708, and the value of the RT game number counter is reset to 0 in step S709, and this process is terminated.

If the RT1 flag is set in step S704, the game state transitions to the RT1 state, if the RT2 flag is set in step S706, the game state transitions to the RT2 state, and if the RT3 flag is set in step S707, the game state transitions to the RT3 state. Then, in step S302 of the lottery process, it is determined that the current game state is the RT state based on whether any of the RT1 flag to RT3 flag is set in the state information storage area 106c, and a lottery table for the RT state is selected.

The lottery table for the RT state will be briefly explained. As shown in FIG. 14, the lottery table for the RT state is different from the lottery table for the general game state in that the point value PV for IV=1, which is a winning replay, is only 1 higher. Therefore, whether the state transitions to RT1 state, RT2 state, or RT3 state, the probability of winning a replay is only about 1 in 66,000 higher than in the general game state. Also, there is no difference in the winning probability of a winning combination in each of the RT states, RT1 state, RT2 state, and RT3 state.

Returning to the explanation of the BB state processing, if the remaining payout counter is set to 179 in step S610, or if BB state processing 2 is performed in step S612, a state command is set in step S611 and this processing ends. Here, the state command is a command sent to the display control device 81 to allow the player to grasp the game state at the end of the game (i.e., the game state of the next game), and in step S611, a state command corresponding to the game state flag set in the state information storage area 106c is set.

Here we will explain how the game state changes.

When the game state is the BB state, if the number of medals paid out in the BB state reaches 179, the BB state ends and the game state transitions to the RT state. At this time, if the BB state is based on the achievement of a BB1 win, the game state transitions to the RT1 state, if the BB state is based on the achievement of a BB2 win, the game state transitions to the RT2 state, and if the BB state is based on the achievement of a BB3 win, the game state transitions to the RT3 state.

The RT1, RT2, and RT3 states end when 999 plays have been played in the corresponding RT state, or when a BB win has been achieved. When 999 plays have been played, the game state transitions to the general game state, and when a BB win has been achieved, the game state transitions to the BB state.

The general game state ends when a BB win occurs. When a BB win occurs, the game state transitions to the BB state.

In this slot machine 10, the main control unit 101 manages five types of game states: general game state, RT1 state, RT2 state, RT3 state, and BB state, and also manages two types of game zones: normal zone and advantageous zone.

Here, we will provide an overview of the play area using Figure 19.

The normal zone is a game zone in which a lottery can be held to determine whether or not to transition to the advantageous zone. In the normal zone, if the push order bell is won, the operation sequence of the stop switches 42 to 44 is not announced. If the lottery to transition to the advantageous zone is won, the game zone transitions to the advantageous zone.

The normal section corresponds to each of the game states: general game state, RT1 state, RT2 state, RT3 state, and BB state. In the normal section, the operation sequence of the stop switches 42 to 44 is not notified, so if the game state at that time is the general game state, RT1 state, RT2 state, or RT3 state (hereinafter, these are also collectively referred to as "non-BB state"), a decrease of approximately 1.2 medals is expected for each game played. If the game state at that time is the BB state, a decrease of approximately 1.2 medals is expected for each game played, just like in the non-BB state.

The advantageous zone is a game zone in which the operation order of the stop switches 42 to 44 can be notified if the push order bell is won. In other words, the advantageous zone is a game zone that is more advantageous to the player than the normal zone in that the operation order can be notified. The advantageous zone is composed of two game modes, a chance mode and a notification mode. If the player wins the lottery to move to the advantageous zone in the normal zone, the player moves to the chance mode of the advantageous zone. The advantageous zone ends when 1500 games are played in the advantageous zone, or when the difference in the number of coins in the advantageous zone reaches 2400, regardless of the game mode at that time. When the difference in the number of coins in the advantageous zone reaches 2400, more specifically, when the increase in the number of coins owned by the player in the advantageous zone reaches 2400 without becoming 0, in other words, when the difference in the number of coins from the base point when the number of coins owned by the player in the advantageous zone has decreased the most reaches 2400.

Chance mode is a game mode in which a transition lottery is held to determine whether or not to transition to the notification mode. Chance mode ends when the transition lottery is won or when the value of the RT game number counter in chance mode reaches a predetermined value. When the transition lottery is won, the mode transitions to the notification mode, and when the value of the RT game number counter in chance mode reaches a predetermined value, not only the chance mode but also the advantageous zone ends and transitions to the normal zone. In chance mode, as in the normal zone, when the push order bell is won, the operation order of the stop switches 42 to 44 is not announced. Therefore, in chance mode, regardless of the game state at that time, a decrease of approximately 1.2 medals is expected for each game played.

The notification mode is a game mode in which the operation sequence of the stop switches 42 to 44 is notified when the push order bell is won. The notification mode ends when the BB state to which the player entered under the notification mode ends. More specifically, the transition from the chance mode to the notification mode is made under a non-BB state. When a predetermined number of games are played under a non-BB state, the winning BB symbol is notified. When a player operates the stop switches 42 to 44 aiming for the winning BB symbol and achieves a BB win, the game state transitions to the BB state under the notification mode. When the BB state ends, not only the notification mode but also the advantageous zone ends and transitions to the normal zone. In the notification mode, the operation sequence of the stop switches 42 to 44 is notified when the push order bell is won. Therefore, in the notification mode, in the non-BB state, an increase of about 3.5 medals is expected for each game, and in the BB state, an increase of about 5.2 medals is expected for each game.

As described above, this slot machine 10 allows players to increase the number of medals they own by playing in the notification mode.

Below, the various processes performed by the main control device 101 when managing game zones will be explained with reference to the flowcharts in Figures 20 and onwards. To make it easier to understand, the various processes performed by the main control device 101 in each game zone will be explained separately.

First, we will explain the processing in the normal section.

Figure 20 is a flowchart showing the section lottery process. The section lottery process is a process that is performed after the winning/losing hand determination is completed in the lottery process (step S309, see Figure 13), and is performed at the start of the game.

In step S801, it is determined whether or not the BB winning flag is set, and if the BB winning flag is not set, this process ends. If the BB winning flag is set, the process proceeds to step S802, where it is determined whether or not a winning flag other than the BB winning flag is set. If a winning flag other than the BB winning flag is not set, this process ends. If a winning flag other than the BB winning flag is set, that is, if a winning combination is won while the BB winning flag is carried over, this means that the lottery for transition to the advantageous zone has been won, so in step S803, a transition flag is set in the zone information storage area 106d, and this process ends.

Figure 21 is a flowchart showing the game section processing. The game section processing is a process that is performed after the BB state processing is completed (step S214, see Figure 12), and is performed at the end of the game.

In step S901, it is determined whether or not a BB win has been achieved. If a BB win has not been achieved, the process proceeds to step S902, where it is determined whether or not a transition flag has been set. If the transition flag has been set, this means that the transition lottery has been won in this game. In this case, the advantageous zone transition process shown in steps S903 to S909 is performed.

In the advantageous zone transition process, the transition flag is cleared in step S903. In step S904, an advantageous flag is set in the game zone flag storage area of the zone information storage area 106d, and the game zone is set as an advantageous zone. In step S905, the zone game number counter provided in the zone information storage area 106d is set to 0, and in step S906, the difference number counter provided in the zone information storage area 106d is set to 0. In step S907, based on the game state flag stored in the state information storage area 106c, it is confirmed whether the current game state is in the RT1 state to the RT3 state. In step S908, it is confirmed whether the BB winning flag set in the winning flag storage area 106a is the BB1 winning flag to the BB3 winning flag. In the following step S909, the game mode is set based on the current game state and the winning BB.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 22(a), when the BB1 winning flag is set in the RT1 state, the Chance A flag is set in the game mode flag storage area of the section information storage area 106d. When the BB2 winning flag is set in the RT1 state, the Chance B flag is set in the game mode flag storage area of the section information storage area 106d. When the BB3 winning flag is set in the RT1 state, the Chance C flag is set in the game mode flag storage area of the section information storage area 106d. When the BB1 winning flag is set in the RT2 state, the Chance C flag is set in the game mode flag storage area of the section information storage area 106d. When the BB2 winning flag is set in the RT2 state, the Chance B flag is set in the game mode flag storage area of the section information storage area 106d. When the BB3 winning flag is set in the RT2 state, the Chance A flag is set in the game mode flag storage area of the section information storage area 106d. If the BB1 winning flag is set in the RT3 state, the Chance A flag is set in the game mode flag storage area of the section information storage area 106d. If the BB2 winning flag is set in the RT3 state, the Chance C flag is set in the game mode flag storage area of the section information storage area 106d. If the BB3 winning flag is set in the RT3 state, the Chance B flag is set in the game mode flag storage area of the section information storage area 106d.

If it is determined in step S901 that a BB win has occurred, the process proceeds to step S911 and performs exception handling.

In the exception processing, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 23, in step S1001, it is determined whether or not the transition flag is set. If the transition flag is set, the process proceeds to step S1002, where the transition flag is cleared. If the transition flag is not set, or if the transition flag is cleared in step S1002, the process proceeds to step S1003, where an advantageous flag is set in the play zone flag storage area of the zone information storage area 106d, and the play zone is set as an advantageous zone. In step S1004, the zone game number counter provided in the zone information storage area 106d is set to 0, and in step S1005, the difference number counter provided in the zone information storage area 106d is set to 0. In step S1006, a chance A flag is set in the play mode flag storage area of the zone information storage area 106d. In step S1007, an exception flag is set in the zone information storage area 106d. Then, this process ends.

Returning to the explanation of the game zone processing, if the advantageous zone transition process is performed, if it is determined in step S902 that the transition flag is not set, or if exception processing is performed in step S911, a zone command is set in step S910 and this process is terminated. Here, the zone command is a command sent to the display control device 81 to allow various information regarding the game zone at the time of the end of the game (i.e., the game zone and game mode of the next game, etc.) to be grasped, and in step S910, a zone command corresponding to the game zone flag, game mode flag, and various counter values set in the zone information storage area 106d is set.

Next, we will explain the processing in the chance mode of the advantageous zone.

Figure 24 is a flowchart showing the section lottery process. The section lottery process is a process that is performed after the winning/losing hand determination is completed in the lottery process (step S309, see Figure 13), and is performed at the start of the game.

In step S1101, it is determined whether or not a rare role has been won. In this slot machine 10, watermelon and cherry are set as rare roles, so in step S1101, it is determined whether or not the watermelon win flag or the cherry win flag has been set. If a rare role has not been won, this process ends as is, and if a rare role has been won, it proceeds to step S1102, where it is determined whether or not the ceiling flag has been set. If the ceiling flag has not been set, it proceeds to step S1103, where the value of the RT game number counter provided in the state information storage area 106c is checked. In step S1104, the transition lottery MAP is referenced.

As shown in Figure 25(a), the transition lottery MAP defines the correspondence between the number of RT games and the probability of winning the transition lottery to the notification mode for each of chance mode A, chance mode B, and chance mode C. In chance mode A, when the number of RT games is 1 to 300, 401 to 500, 601 to 700, or 801 to 900, the probability of winning the transition lottery is low, and when the number of RT games is 301 to 400, 501 to 600, 701 to 800, or 901 to 999, the probability of winning the transition lottery is high. In Chance Mode B, if the number of RT games is 1-100, 201-300, 401-500, 601-700, or 801-900, the probability of winning the transition lottery is high, and if the number of RT games is 101-200, 301-400, 501-600, 701-800, or 901-999, the probability of winning the transition lottery is low. In Chance Mode C, if the number of RT games is 1-100, the probability of winning the transition lottery is very high, and if the number of RT games is 101-999, the transition lottery is guaranteed to be won.

In step S1105, a lottery for transition to the notification mode is performed based on the reference result of the transition lottery map, and in step S1106, it is determined whether or not the transition lottery has been won. Incidentally, if the watermelon is won, the probability of winning is about 1 in 10 if the probability is low, about 1 in 3 if the probability is high, and about 1 in 2 if the probability is very high. If the cherry is won, the probability of winning is about 1 in 20 if the probability is low, about 1 in 10 if the probability is high, and about 1 in 3 if the probability is very high. If the transition lottery is not won, this process is terminated as it is, and if the transition lottery is won, a transition flag is set in the section information storage area 106d in step S1107, and this process is terminated. Also, if it is determined in step S1102 that the ceiling flag is set, a transition lottery or the like is not performed, and a transition flag is set in the section information storage area 106d in step S1107, and this process is terminated.

Figure 26 is a flowchart showing the game section processing. The game section processing is a process that is performed after the BB state processing is completed (step S214, see Figure 12), and is performed at the end of the game.

In step S1201, the end determination process is performed.

As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 27, in the end determination process, in step S1301, 1 is added to the value of the interval game number counter, and in step S1302, it is determined whether the value of the interval game number counter has reached 1500. If the value of the interval game number counter has not reached 1500, the process proceeds to step S1305, where it is determined whether a replay win has been achieved. If a replay win has not been achieved, the process proceeds to step S1306, where a difference number adjustment process is performed to change the value of the difference number counter.

In the difference number adjustment process, the number of medal bets (3 in this embodiment) is subtracted from the number of medals paid out in the current game, and the result of this subtraction is added to the difference number counter. After that, it is determined whether the value of the difference number counter is 0 or greater. If the value of the difference number counter is less than 0, the value of the difference number counter is changed to 0 and the difference number adjustment process is terminated, and if the value of the difference number counter is 0 or greater, the difference number adjustment process is terminated as is. Note that the difference number adjustment process is not performed when a replay win is established because the result of subtracting the number of medal bets from the number of medals paid out in the current game is 0, and therefore there is no need to perform the difference number adjustment process.

If it is determined in step S1305 that a replay win has been established, or if the difference in number adjustment process has been performed in step S1306, it is determined in step S1307 whether the value of the difference in number counter is greater than 2400. If the value of the difference in number counter is 2400 or less, this process is terminated.

If it is determined in step S1302 that the value of the interval game number counter is 1500, or if it is determined in step S1307 that the value of the difference number counter is greater than 2400, the process proceeds to step S1303, where the interval display provided in the main control device 101 is turned OFF. After that, in step S1304, a favorable interval end process is performed to initialize the interval information storage area 106d, and this process ends. In the favorable interval end process, various flags set in the interval information storage area 106d, such as the favorable flags, are cleared, and the values of various counters provided in the interval information storage area 106d, such as the interval game number counter, are cleared to 0. When the favorable interval end process is performed, the game interval transitions from the favorable interval to the normal interval.

Returning to the explanation of the game zone processing, in step S1202, it is determined whether or not the current game zone is a favorable zone. If it is determined that the current game zone is not a favorable zone but a normal zone, this means that the favorable zone end processing has been performed in the end determination processing in step S1201, so the zone command is set in step S1208 and then this processing is terminated.

If the current play zone is an advantageous zone, the process proceeds to step S1203 to determine whether or not the transition flag is set. If the transition flag is set, this means that the lottery for transition to the notification mode has been won, so the transition flag is cleared in step S1204, and the notification mode transition process shown in steps S1205 to S1207 is performed. In the notification mode transition process, the play mode flag stored in the play mode flag storage area is changed to a notification flag in step S1205. In step S1206, the mode game number counter provided in the zone information storage area 106d is set to 30. In step S1207, the zone indicator provided in the main control device 101 is turned ON. Although a detailed explanation is omitted, the zone indicator is provided in a position that can be seen from the front side when the front door 12 is opened, and the manager of the game facility can know whether or not the current play zone is in the notification mode of the advantageous zone based on the lighting status of the zone indicator. When the notification mode transition process is complete, the section command is set in step S1208 and this process ends.

If it is determined in step S1203 that the transition flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S1209, where it is determined whether or not the exception flag is set. If the exception flag is not set, end determination process 2 is performed in step S1210, and the section command is set in step S1208, and this process ends. If the exception flag is set, the section command is set in step S1208 without performing end determination process 2, and this process ends.

As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 28, in end judgment process 2, in step S1401, it is judged whether the value of the RT game number counter provided in the state information storage area 106c has reached 100n (n is a natural number). If the value of the RT game number counter has reached 100n, the process proceeds to step S1402, where the transition lottery MAP is referenced. In step S1403, it is judged whether the probability of winning the transition lottery to the notification mode is low. If the probability of winning the transition lottery to the notification mode is not low, in step S1404, an advantageous zone end process is performed to initialize the zone information storage area 106d, and this process is terminated.

If it is determined in step S1401 that the value of the RT game number counter is not 100n, the process proceeds to step S1405, where it is determined whether or not the value of the RT game number counter is 999. If the value of the RT game number counter is 999, it is determined in step S1406 whether or not the ceiling flag has been set. If the ceiling flag has not been set, the ceiling flag is set in the interval information storage area 106d in step S1407.

If it is determined in step S1403 that the probability of winning the lottery for transition to the notification mode is low, if it is determined in step S1405 that the value of the RT game number counter is not 999, if it is determined in step S1406 that the ceiling flag is set, or if the ceiling flag is set in step S1407, the process proceeds to step S1408 to determine whether or not a BB win has been achieved. If a BB win has not been achieved, the process ends as is, and if a BB win has been achieved, the game mode flag stored in the game mode flag storage area is changed to a chance A flag in step S1409, and an exception flag is set in the section information storage area 106d in step S1410, and the process ends.

Next, we will explain the processing in the advantageous zone notification mode.

Figure 29 is a flowchart showing the section lottery process. The section lottery process is a process that is performed after the winning/losing hand determination is completed in the lottery process (step S309, see Figure 13), and is performed at the start of the game.

In step S1501, it is determined whether the already-announced flag is set, and if the already-announced flag is set, this process is terminated. If the already-announced flag is not set, the process proceeds to step S1502 to determine whether a rare role has been won. If a rare role has been won, the process proceeds to step S1503 to draw a lottery for the number of additional games to increase the number of games that can be played in the announcement mode. In step S1504, a value corresponding to the result of the lottery for the number of additional games is added to the mode game number counter. Then, this process is terminated. If it is determined in step S1502 that a rare role has not been won, the process proceeds to step S1505 to determine whether a push order bell has been won. If a push order bell has been won, the operation sequence of the stop switches 42 to 44 that can achieve a bell win is notified in step S1506, and this process is terminated. If it is determined in step S1505 that a push order bell has not been won, the process proceeds to step S1507 to determine whether only BB has been won. If only BB has been won, a warning is issued in step S1508, and then this process ends. Here, the warning is a warning to reduce the chance that the player will win the BB prize in a situation where the BB prize should not be won. The notification method is arbitrary, but in this slot machine 10, a warning sound is output when two winning BB symbols stop next to each other. If a negative judgment is made in step S1507, that is, if BB and another role such as replay have been won, this process ends.

Figure 30 is a flowchart showing the game section processing. The game section processing is a process that is performed after the BB state processing is completed (step S214, see Figure 12), and is performed at the end of the game.

In step S1601, the above-mentioned termination determination process is performed.

In step S1602, it is determined whether the current play zone is a favorable zone or not. If it is determined that the current play zone is not a favorable zone but a normal zone, this means that the favorable zone end process has been performed in the end determination process of step S1601, so the zone command is set in step S1609 and then this process is terminated.

If the current play zone is an advantageous zone, the process proceeds to step S1603 to determine whether or not a BB win has been achieved. If a BB win has not been achieved, the process proceeds to step S1604 to determine whether or not an end flag has been set. If the end flag has not been set, the process subtracts 1 from the value of the mode game number counter in step S1605, and determines whether or not the value of the mode game number counter has become 0 in step S1606. If the value of the mode game number counter has not become 0, the process ends after setting a zone command in step S1609. If the value of the mode game number counter becomes 0, this means that the end condition of the notification mode in a non-BB state has been achieved, so the process notifies a winning BB in step S1607, and sets a notification flag in the zone information storage area 106d in step S1608. After that, the process ends after setting a zone command in step S1609.

If it is determined in step S1603 that a BB win has been achieved, this means that the system has transitioned to a notification mode in the BB state, so in step S1610, an end flag is set in the section information storage area 106d. Then, in step S1609, an interval command is set, and this process ends.

If it is determined in step S1604 that the end flag is set, this means that the current game mode is the notification mode in the BB state. In this case, the process proceeds to step S1611 to determine whether the BB state has ended. If the BB state has not ended, this means that the notification mode in the BB state will continue, so a section command is set in step S1609 and this process ends. On the other hand, if the BB state has ended, this means that the end conditions for the notification mode in the BB state have been met, so in step S1612 the section indicator is turned OFF and in step S1613, a favorable section end process is performed to initialize the section information storage area 106d. Thereafter, in step S1609, a section command is set and this process ends.

Here, we will explain the gameplay of this slot machine 10.

In this slot machine 10, there is a probability of about 1 in 17 of winning BB1, a probability of about 1 in 33 of winning BB2, and a probability of about 1 in 100 of winning BB3. The probability of winning any of the BBs is about 1 in 10. Therefore, in this slot machine 10, there is an extremely high probability of winning any of the BBs.

In the BB state, the probability of winning the push order bell is about 1 in 1.1, the probability of winning the common bell is about 1 in 6600, and the probability of losing is about 1 in 12. Although detailed explanation is omitted, if the operation sequence of the stop switches 42 to 44 is not notified in a game in which the push order bell is won, there is a 1 in 6 probability of winning the bell, a 5 in 12 probability of winning the compensation role, and a 5 in 12 probability of winning neither. Therefore, if the BB state is entered in a situation in which the operation sequence of the stop switches 42 to 44 is not notified, that is, in a situation that is not in the notification mode, a decrease of about 1.2 medals is expected for each game played. On the other hand, if the BB state is entered in the notification mode, an increase of about 5.2 medals is expected for each game played. Therefore, in this slot machine 10, if any BB is won, it is desirable to carry over the BB winning flag at least until the slot machine enters the notification mode, and not to enter the BB winning.

When a BB win occurs in the notification mode and the BB state associated with the BB win ends, the notification mode and advantageous period end and the normal period is entered (step S1613, see FIG. 30). At this time, if the BB state that ended is based on a BB1 win, the state enters an RT1 state, if the BB state that ended is based on a BB2 win, the state enters an RT2 state, and if the BB state that ended is based on a BB3 win, the state enters an RT3 state (steps S704, S706, S707, see FIG. 18).

As shown in Figure 14, the RT1, RT2, and RT3 states are configured so that there is no difference in the probability of winning each role. In these RT states, if you have not won any BB, there is a probability of about 1 in 1.1 of winning some role, and if you have won any BB, there is a probability of about 1 in 1.2 of winning some role.

In the normal zone, if you win any role while the BB win flag is carried over, you will win the lottery to move to the advantageous zone. The probability of winning any BB is about 1 in 10. Therefore, the first normal zone that you move to based on the end of the BB state in the notification mode will last for about 11 (= 10 + 1) games.

When moving from the normal zone to the advantageous zone, the chance mode is started. The chance mode that is started at this time changes depending on the RT state at that time and the BB winning flag that is set, as shown in FIG. 22(a). For example, if the RT state at that time is the RT1 state, chance mode A will be started if the BB1 winning flag is set, chance mode B will be started if the BB2 winning flag is set, and chance mode C will be started if the BB3 winning flag is set.

The chance mode ends when the player wins the lottery to switch to the notification mode (step S1203, see FIG. 26) or when the state where the probability of winning the lottery to switch to the notification mode is high (hereinafter also referred to as the "high probability state") or ultra-high (hereinafter also referred to as the "ultra-high probability state") ends (see FIG. 25, FIG. 28). Here, as shown in FIG. 25(a), each of the chance modes A, B, and C has a different number of RT games set for the high probability state or ultra-high probability state. Therefore, if the player does not win the lottery to switch to the notification mode, the end time of the first favorable zone (hereinafter also referred to as the "favorable zone 1") changes depending on the chance mode in which the player is staying. Specifically, in the case of chance mode A, the favorable zone 1 ends at the 400th game, and in the case of chance mode B or C, the favorable zone 1 ends at the 100th game.

If the advantageous period ends without switching to the notification mode, the BB win flag remains set because the BB win has not been achieved. Therefore, in the second and subsequent normal periods, there is a probability of about 1 in 1.2 of winning some role, and the period ends in approximately one game.

The second advantageous period (hereinafter also referred to as "advantageous period 2") and subsequent advantageous periods will transition to the same chance mode as the chance mode transitioned to in advantageous period 1, since there will be no change in the type of winning BB. If the player does not win the lottery for transitioning to the notification mode, as shown in FIG. 25(b), the advantageous period will end at the 600th and 800th games in chance mode A, the 300th, 500th, 700th, and 900th games in chance mode B, and the 200th, 300th, 400th, 500th, 600th, 700th, 800th, and 900th games in chance mode C.

When the value of the RT game number counter reaches 999 as a result of continuously missing the lottery for transition to the notification mode in chance mode A or chance mode B, the game state transitions from one of the RT states to the general game state (see FIG. 16), and the ceiling flag is set (step S1407, see FIG. 28). By setting the ceiling flag, if a rare combination is won, the lottery for transition to the notification mode will be won in the 1000th game or later after transitioning to the RT state (see FIG. 24). As shown in FIG. 14, the probability of winning a rare combination is approximately 1 in 25, so in the 1000th game or later after transitioning to the RT state, there is approximately a 1 in 25 chance of winning the lottery for transition to the notification mode.

If the player wins the lottery to switch to the notification mode in the chance mode, the game will switch from the chance mode to the notification mode (see FIG. 26). When the game switches to the notification mode, the operation sequence of the stop switches 42-44 that will result in a bell win if the push order bell is selected is announced, so that the player can expect to gain about 3.5 medals per game regardless of whether the game is in RT1, RT2, RT3, or general gaming mode. The notification mode in this non-BB state will continue for (30+A) games. A is the number of additional games that are added when a rare combination is won (see FIG. 29).

Here, the advantageous zone also ends when 1500 games have been played in the advantageous zone, or when the difference in number of coins reaches 2400 (see FIG. 27). In the non-BB state under the notification mode, it takes about 686 (=2400/3.5) games to reach the difference in number of coins of 2400. The longest number of games in the chance mode is (400-B) games in the advantageous zone 1 of the chance mode A, as shown in FIG. 25(b). B is the number of games stayed in the first normal zone. Therefore, in this slot machine 10, when comparing the frequency at which the advantageous zone ends when 1500 games have been played and the frequency at which the difference in number of coins reaches 2400 and the advantageous zone ends, the frequency at which the difference in number of coins reaches 2400 and the advantageous zone ends is higher. In other words, in this slot machine 10, it can be said that a sufficient number of games is secured to reach the difference in number of coins of 2400 and end the advantageous zone.

When the notification mode in the non-BB state ends, more specifically, when the value of the mode game number counter becomes 0, a winning BB symbol is notified. Then, when a BB win is achieved, the game state transitions to the BB state in the notification mode. In addition, in a situation where the value of the mode game number counter is not 0, if only BB is won, that is, if a BB win can be achieved, a warning notification is issued (step S1508, see FIG. 29). If a BB win is achieved despite the warning notification, the game state transitions to the BB state, and the remaining number of games that could be played in the non-BB state corresponding to the value of the mode game number counter is invalidated. In addition, in the game rounds after the winning BB symbol is notified, the operation order of the stop switches 42 to 44 is not notified even if the push order bell is won (see step S1608 in FIG. 30 and step S1501 in FIG. 29). For this reason, in a non-BB state under the notification mode, if a warning notification is issued, it is desirable to avoid the BB winning, and if a winning BB symbol is notified, to quickly achieve the BB winning.

When the BB state is entered in the notification mode, the operation sequence of the stop switches 42 to 44 is notified, and either the push order bell or common bell is won, resulting in a bell win, or neither role is won, resulting in no win. The BB state ends when the number of medals paid out in the BB state reaches 179. Therefore, when the BB state is entered in the notification mode, an increase of approximately 117 medals can be expected by the time the BB state ends.

Next, we will explain the Chance mode with reference to Figure 25.

Chance mode A is a game mode in which the probability of winning the transition lottery is high when the number of RT games is 301-400, 501-600, 701-800, or 901-999. Therefore, when staying in chance mode A, the frequency of transitioning to notification mode increases at the above-mentioned number of RT games.

Chance mode B is a game mode in which the probability of winning the transition lottery is high when the number of RT games is 1-100, 201-300, 401-500, 601-700, or 801-900. Therefore, when staying in chance mode B, the frequency of transition to the notification mode increases for the above-mentioned number of RT games. Furthermore, compared to chance mode A, chance mode B is set to have a longer period of high probability state by 1-100, and is also set to enter the high probability state 100 games earlier than chance mode A. Therefore, when transitioning to chance mode B, it can be expected that transition to the notification mode will occur in fewer games than when transitioning to chance mode A.

Chance mode C is a game mode in which the probability of winning the transition lottery is extremely high when the number of RT games is between 1 and 100, and the transition lottery is guaranteed to be won when the number of RT games is 101 or more. Therefore, when transitioning to chance mode C, it can be expected that transition to notification mode will occur in fewer games than when transitioning to chance mode A or chance mode B.

As described above, the number of games expected to be required to transition from chance mode to notification mode decreases in the order of chance mode A → chance mode B → chance mode C. For this reason, in this slot machine 10, the key to increasing medals is to transition to chance mode C frequently.

In addition, if 100 games are considered as one play period, in each play period up to 1000 games, one of the chance modes is set to a state of high probability or higher. For example, in a play period of 1 to 100 games, chance mode B will result in a high probability state, and chance mode C will result in an ultra-high probability state. Similarly, in a play period of 101 to 200 games, chance mode C will result in a guaranteed win state. With this configuration, it is possible to make the player expect a transition to the notification mode regardless of the number of games played.

Here, we will explain the relationship between the chance mode you stayed in during one favorable zone and the chance mode you transition to during the next favorable zone.

If the favorable zone ends without transitioning to the notification mode, the winning BB will not change, and the chance mode to which the player transitions in the next favorable zone will also not change.

When the BB state in the notification mode ends and the favorable zone ends, the chance mode to which the player transitions in the next favorable zone is determined by the RT state at that time and the BB winning flag that is set, as shown in FIG. 22(a). Here, the RT state at that time being the RT1 state means that the previous BB state was based on the establishment of a BB1 winning, the RT state at that time being the RT2 state means that the previous BB state was based on the establishment of a BB2 winning, and the RT state at that time being the RT3 state means that the previous BB state was based on the establishment of a BB3 winning. In other words, in this slot machine 10, the chance mode in the next favorable zone is determined by the BB type that was won first and the BB type that was won next.

More specifically, if the winning order is BB1 → BB1, the chance mode in the next favorable zone will be chance mode A, if the winning order is BB1 → BB2, the chance mode in the next favorable zone will be chance mode B, and if the winning order is BB1 → BB3, the chance mode in the next favorable zone will be chance mode C. If the winning order is BB2 → BB1, the chance mode in the next favorable zone will be chance mode C, if the winning order is BB2 → BB2, the chance mode in the next favorable zone will be chance mode B, and if the winning order is BB2 → BB3, the chance mode in the next favorable zone will be chance mode A. If the winning order is BB3 → BB1, the chance mode in the next favorable zone will be chance mode A, if the winning order is BB3 → BB2, the chance mode in the next favorable zone will be chance mode C, and if the winning order is BB3 → BB3, the chance mode in the next favorable zone will be chance mode B.

In addition, in this slot machine 10, the probability of winning any of the BBs is about 1 in 10, and the BB types when winning are BB1 at about 60%, BB2 at about 30%, and BB3 at about 10%. The event of shifting from chance mode A to chance mode A occurs when BB1 → BB1 is won in the order, when BB2 → BB3 is won in the order, and when BB3 → BB1 is won in the order. The event of shifting from chance mode A to chance mode B occurs when BB1 → BB2 is won in the order, when BB2 → BB2 is won in the order, and when BB3 → BB3 is won in the order. The event of shifting from chance mode A to chance mode C occurs when BB1 → BB3 is won in the order, when BB2 → BB1 is won, and when BB3 → BB2 is won in the order. Therefore, if the player is in chance mode A, the chance mode types to which the player will transition in the next favorable zone will be chance mode A at approximately 60%, chance mode B at approximately 29%, and chance mode C at approximately 11%, as shown in FIG. 22(c). Similarly, if the player is in chance mode B, the chance mode types to which the player will transition in the next favorable zone will be chance mode A at approximately 12%, chance mode B at approximately 29%, and chance mode C at approximately 59%, as shown in FIG. 22(c). If the player is in chance mode C, the chance mode types to which the player will transition in the next favorable zone will be chance mode A at approximately 54%, chance mode B at approximately 26%, and chance mode C at approximately 20%, as shown in FIG. 22(c).

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 22(b), the percentage of time spent in each chance mode is approximately 45% for chance mode A, approximately 28% for chance mode B, and approximately 27% for chance mode C.

As described above, in this slot machine 10, the order in which BB is won determines which chance mode the player will move to. For this reason, there is a concern that players may ignore the gameplay described above and try to aim for chance mode C.

To explain with a specific example, when the BB state based on the establishment of a BB1 win ends, the state transitions to the RT1 state. In the RT1 state, if the BB3 win flag is carried over, the state transitions to chance mode C. Since the player himself knows that the previous winning BB was BB1 by establishing the BB1 win, the player operates the stop switches 42-44 in the RT1 state to establish the BB1 win, and if the BB1 win is not established, the player operates the stop switches 42-44 to establish the BB2 win. If neither the BB1 win nor the BB2 win is established, the BB3 win flag is likely to be set, so the game continues as it is. For example, if the BB1 win is established, the above operations are performed again to transition to the RT1 state again.

If the above-mentioned targeting occurs, the playability of the slot machine 10 will be meaningless. Therefore, the slot machine 10 performs processing to reduce the opportunities for the above-mentioned targeting.

Specifically, when a BB win is achieved in the normal section, an exception process is performed to transition to chance mode A, and an exception flag is set (see FIG. 23). Then, in the game section process in the chance mode, since the exception flag is set, the end determination process 2 is not performed (see FIG. 26). As a result, the chance mode A transitioned to based on the BB win does not end based on the number of RT games, and continues until it transitions to the notification mode. In addition, if the end determination process 2 is not performed, the ceiling flag is not set even if the number of RT games becomes 999. Therefore, the chance mode A transitioned to based on the BB win is not confirmed to transition to the notification mode even if a rare role is won in the general game state after the RT state ends. In addition, even if a BB win is achieved in the chance mode rather than in the normal section, the end determination process 2 changes to chance mode A and sets an exception flag (see FIG. 28).

As described above, if a BB win is achieved in a mode other than the notification mode for the purpose of targeting as described above, not only will it be impossible to play in Chance Mode B and Chance Mode C, but it is also possible that playing in Chance Mode A will be prolonged more than necessary, resulting in a decrease in the number of times that can be played in the notification mode, and even that the upper limit of 1,500 times in the advantageous zone in Chance Mode A will be reached.

The present embodiment described above provides the following excellent advantages:

A transition lottery map that defines the correspondence between the number of RT games and the winning probability of the transition lottery to the notification mode is stored, and the winning probability changes depending on the number of RT games when a rare role is won. In a configuration in which the information on the instruction function temporarily stored in one advantageous zone is erased after the transition to the advantageous zone when the advantageous zone is ended, the information on the instruction function temporarily stored in one advantageous zone cannot be referenced in the next advantageous zone, and it is difficult to associate one advantageous zone with the next advantageous zone. Therefore, in this slot machine 10, an RT state is provided in which it is possible to stay in both the advantageous zone and the normal zone, and to stay across the advantageous zone and the normal zone. A transition lottery map that defines the correspondence between the number of RT games and the winning probability of the transition lottery to the notification mode is stored, and the winning probability changes depending on the number of RT games when a rare role is won. With this configuration, it is possible to associate one advantageous zone with the next advantageous zone, and it is possible to improve the interest in the game.

In addition, because the RT state ends and the game transitions to the general game state when the number of RT games reaches 999, it is possible to give the RT game number counter a function for changing the probability of winning the lottery for transitioning to the notification mode, and there is no need to prepare a new counter for counting the number of games. This makes it possible to increase interest in the game while suppressing the increase in memory capacity.

As a result of the above, it will be possible to increase interest in gaming.

The advantageous zone ends when the BB state ends in the notification mode. In other words, when the notification mode ends, the advantageous zone ends instead of transitioning to the chance mode. In this slot machine 10, which is capable of associating one advantageous zone with the next advantageous zone, the configuration allows multiple transitions to the notification mode in one advantageous zone, eliminating the need to associate one notification mode with the next notification mode. This makes it possible to reduce the chances that the advantageous zone ends after the maximum number of plays.

When the lottery for transition to the notification mode ends in a high probability state or an ultra-high probability state, the advantageous zone ends under the chance mode. In addition, the transition lottery state for transition to the notification mode is set in the transition lottery map so that the interval until the high probability state or ultra-high probability state ends is 400 games or less. With this configuration, it is possible to transition to the advantageous zone multiple times before the RT state ends. As a result, in a configuration in which the advantageous zone ends after the maximum number of plays, it is possible to reduce the chance that the chance mode continues longer than necessary, resulting in a decrease in the number of plays that can be played under the notification mode. Furthermore, with this configuration, it is possible to avoid the advantageous zone ending without staying in the high probability state or ultra-high probability state, so it is possible to suppress a decrease in the player's motivation to play even if the advantageous zone starts from a low probability state.

After the transition from RT state to general game state, if a rare combination is won, the system transitions to notification mode. This configuration makes it possible to provide a ceiling function for transitioning to notification mode at the 999th play, which marks the end of the RT state. In addition, since the number of games transitioning from the normal zone to the chance mode (advantageous zone) varies depending on the result of the combination lottery, it is possible to change the number of games in the advantageous zone when the above-mentioned ceiling function is activated. As a result, it is possible to increase interest in the game.

A transition lottery map is provided that defines the correspondence between the number of RT games and the probability of winning the transition lottery to the notification mode. This configuration makes it possible to change the ease of transitioning to the notification mode at a specified number of games in the advantageous zone depending on the number of RT games at that time. As shown in FIG. 25(b), even when looking only at chance mode A, the number of games in the advantageous zone that will result in a high probability state changes depending on the number of games required to transition from the normal zone to the advantageous zone and the number of times the advantageous zone has occurred. As a result, it is possible to prevent play in the advantageous zone from becoming monotonous.

A transition lottery map for chance mode A, a transition lottery map for chance mode B, and a transition lottery map for chance mode C are provided, and the transition lottery map referenced changes depending on the type of winning BB. This configuration makes it possible to diversify the association between one advantageous zone and the next advantageous zone, and to change the winning probability of the transition lottery to the notification mode even if the number of RT games is the same. As a result, it is possible to prevent the game in the advantageous zone from becoming monotonous. In addition, because which BB is won is determined by the timing of the player's operation of the start lever 41, this configuration makes it possible to actively involve the player in the gameplay.

The number of RT games in the high probability state or the super high probability state is different in the chance mode A, the chance mode B, and the chance mode C. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to make the player play while expecting that the lottery state when a rare role is won will be a high probability state or a super high probability state, or that the advantageous zone will start in the chance mode B or the chance mode C, and it is possible to improve the interest in the game. In a configuration in which the advantageous zone ends with the upper limit number of games, if the mode is not shifted to the notification mode with a small number of games, the number of games that can be played in the notification mode will decrease. In addition, when 100 games are considered as one play period, a state of high probability or higher is set in one of the chance modes in each play period up to 1000 games. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the opportunity for the player to lose his motivation to play. For example, if a play period in which the probability state is low regardless of which chance mode it is is set, there is a concern that the player may avoid playing during the play period. In addition, this configuration allows the player to guess the chance mode type and winning BB based on the lottery status at that time, making it possible to prevent the game from becoming monotonous in the chance mode.

Only one BB winning flag is carried over, and if a BB win occurs while the BB winning flag is carried over, the BB winning is invalidated. When a BB win is achieved and a transition to the BB state occurs, the RT state ends. With this configuration, it is possible to hold a transition lottery to the notification mode based on the same transition lottery map until a BB win is achieved. Also, with this configuration, it is possible to play while guessing which BB has been won, making it possible to prevent the game from becoming monotonous.

Three types of RT states are provided: RT1, RT2, and RT3, and the transition to the chance mode changes depending on the RT state in which the player is in and the winning BB. This configuration makes it possible to diversify the association between one advantageous zone and the next advantageous zone, and to change the probability of winning the lottery for transition to the notification mode even if the number of RT games is the same. As a result, it is possible to prevent play in the advantageous zone from becoming monotonous.

When the BB state based on the BB1 winning is completed, the state transitions to the RT1 state, when the BB state based on the BB2 winning is completed, the state transitions to the RT2 state, and when the BB state based on the BB3 winning is completed, the state transitions to the RT3 state. This configuration allows the player to understand the RT state in which they are staying, and it is possible to increase interest in the game through understanding of the gameplay. In addition, the game is configured not to transition from RT state 1 to another RT state, and the RT state ends when 999 games have been played or when a BB winning is completed. This configuration makes it possible to prevent the gameplay from becoming complicated. If the game were configured to be able to transition from RT state 1 to another RT state, there would be a possibility that the RT state would change in the advantageous zone 1, and it would be possible for the player to not be able to understand which chance mode they are staying in.

The winning BB that transitions to chance mode B or chance mode C changes depending on the RT state in which the player is currently in. This configuration allows the player to play while thinking about which BB is more likely to be won, making it possible to prevent the game from becoming monotonous. This configuration also reduces the chances that the playability of the slot machine 10 will be impaired. For example, it is possible to configure the game to transition to chance mode C if BB3 is won, regardless of the RT state at that time. However, with this configuration, it is possible that the player may intentionally achieve BB1 or BB2 win in order to create a situation in which the BB3 win flag is carried over.

When a BB win is achieved in the normal zone and chance mode, an exception flag is set and the game is switched to chance mode A. When the exception flag is set, the advantageous zone does not end in the chance mode. This configuration reduces the chances that the player intentionally achieves a BB win when the game is not in the notification mode. When the advantageous zone ends after the maximum number of plays, the maximum number of plays that can be played in the notification mode is determined by the number of plays played in the chance mode. For this reason, when the advantageous zone does not end in the chance mode, there is a high possibility that the number of plays that can be played in the notification mode will be reduced. As a result, it is possible to reduce the chances that the gameplay of the slot machine 10, which has a chance mode and a notification mode and in which the winning probability of the lottery for switching to the notification mode changes depending on the winning BB, is impaired, and it is possible to improve the interest in the game.

By configuring the system so that rare combinations are not won in the BB state, the system does not transition from chance mode to notification mode in the BB state. This configuration makes it possible to reduce the opportunities for players to intentionally achieve a BB win in the normal zone or chance mode. This is because if a BB win is achieved in chance mode, it is equivalent to losing the number of plays in the advantageous zone required to end the BB state.

In the BB state, the push order bell and the common bell are selected. With this configuration, in the normal section and chance mode, an increase in owned medals cannot be expected even if the state is changed to the BB state, but in the notification mode, an increase in owned medals can be expected when the state is changed to the BB state. As a result, it is possible to encourage the player to achieve a BB win in the notification mode, and it is possible to prevent the playability of the slot machine 10 that has been so carefully prepared from being wasted.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and may be implemented, for example, as follows.

(1) In the above embodiment, the configuration is such that there is no difference in the probability of winning a role in each of the RT states, RT1, RT2, and RT3. However, a lottery table corresponding to each RT state may be prepared, and the probability of winning a role may differ in each RT state.

(2) In the above embodiment, when the BB winning flag and another winning flag are set, the mode is switched from the normal section to the chance mode. In addition, the mode may be switched from the normal section to the chance mode when the BB winning flag is not set but another winning flag is set.

(3) In the above embodiment, the BB state is changed to the RT state after the end of the BB state. However, the BB state may be changed to the general gaming state after the end of the BB state, and the RT state may be changed if an RT change winning combination is achieved in the general gaming state. In this case, if three types of RT change combinations are provided, it is possible to achieve the same effect as the above embodiment.

(4) In the above embodiment, three types of RT states, RT1 state, RT2 state, and RT3 state, are provided, but it is also possible to provide only one type of RT state, or to provide two or four or more types of RT states.

(5) In the above embodiment, three types of BBs, BB1, BB2, and BB3, are provided. However, it is also possible to provide only one type of BB, or to provide two or four or more types of BBs.

(6) In the above embodiment, the same BB state is transitioned to regardless of whether BB1, BB2, or BB3 is achieved, but a configuration in which a transition occurs to a BB state with a different degree of advantage is also possible. BB states with different degrees of advantage may, for example, be configured to have a different number of medals paid out at the end of the BB state, or may have a different probability of losing or a different number of medals expected to be paid out per play.

(7) In the above embodiment, the advantageous zone in the chance mode ends when the lottery for transition to the notification mode ends in a high probability state or an ultra-high probability state, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and the end condition for ending the advantageous zone in the chance mode is arbitrary.

For example, when the value of the RT game number counter becomes a natural number multiple of 100, the advantageous period ends in chance mode.

For example, if the lottery for transition to the notification mode is held a predetermined number of times, such as once, the advantageous period will end in the chance mode.

For example, a configuration is made in which a lottery to determine whether or not to end the advantageous zone is conducted in a chance mode, and if the lottery to end the advantageous zone is won, the advantageous zone ends in the chance mode.

(8) In the above embodiment, in chance mode A and chance mode B, the lottery state for transitioning to the notification mode changes every 100 games, but it goes without saying that this is not limited to such a configuration. For example, in chance mode A, games 1 to 700 may be in a low probability state and games 701 to 999 may be in a high probability state, and in chance mode B, games 1 to 50 and 201 to 500 may be in a low probability state and the other numbers of games may be in a high probability state.

(9) In the above embodiment, a transition lottery map is provided that defines the correspondence between the number of RT games and the probability of winning the transition lottery to the notification mode, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. If correspondence information is provided that defines the correspondence between the number of RT games and the processing content in the advantageous zone, and the processing in the advantageous zone is performed using the correspondence information, it is expected that the same effects as those of the above embodiment will be achieved.

For example, correspondence information is provided that defines the correspondence between the number of RT games and the probability of winning the additional game number lottery.

For example, the configuration is such that correspondence information is provided that defines the correspondence between the number of RT games and the number of added games selected in the lottery for the number of added games.

For example, a configuration is provided in which correspondence information is provided that defines the correspondence between the number of RT games and whether or not a lottery for transition to the notification mode is to be held. Specifically, in FIG. 25(a), a transition lottery is not held in a section determined to have a low probability, a transition lottery is held in a section determined to have a high probability, and a transition to the notification mode is confirmed in a section determined to have an extremely high probability.

For example, in a configuration in which the probability of winning the transition lottery changes based on the points acquired up until the transition lottery, correspondence information is provided that defines the correspondence between the number of RT games and the ease of acquiring points. Correspondence information may also be provided that defines the correspondence between the number of RT games and the point value acquired.

For example, in a configuration in which the number of games that can be played in the notification mode changes based on the points acquired by the time of transition to the notification mode, correspondence information is provided that defines the correspondence between the number of RT games and the ease of acquiring points. It is also possible to provide correspondence information that defines the correspondence between the number of RT games and the point value acquired.

(10) In the above embodiment, the exception flag is cleared when the favorable zone ends, but it may be cleared when the notification mode is entered. Even with such a configuration, it is possible to achieve the same effect as the above embodiment.

Also, the exception flag may be cleared after a predetermined number of games, such as 300 games, have been played since the exception flag was set, or after a predetermined condition, such as winning 10 rare roles, has been met since the exception flag was set. Even with these configurations, it is possible to extend the period of time spent in the advantageous zone in chance mode compared to when the exception flag is not set, and it is possible to reduce the opportunities for intentionally achieving a BB win.

(11) In the above embodiment, when a BB win occurs in the normal zone and chance mode, the game transitions to chance mode A, which has a lower degree of advantage for the player, and the advantageous zone does not end in the chance mode. However, the game may alternatively be configured so that the advantageous zone does not end but the chance mode does not change, or the game may transition to chance mode A but the advantageous zone ends.

(12) In the above embodiment, when the BB state ends in the notification mode, the notification mode and the advantageous zone end. However, the notification mode and the advantageous zone may end when the value of the mode game number counter becomes 0. In other words, the notification mode may not transition to the BB state. In such a configuration, the RT state may transition to the general game state when the value of the RT game number counter becomes 9999.

(13) In the above embodiment, the playability of the notification mode in the non-BB state is arbitrary. For example, it may be configured to continue based on a predetermined continuation rate, and to notify the winning BB symbol combination if it is determined that the game will not continue. Also, the notification mode in the non-BB state may be configured to end based on the number of payouts or the difference in the number of coins, rather than based on the number of games played.

(14) In the above embodiment, the notification mode is started in the non-BB state when the lottery for transition to the notification mode is won, but the notification mode may be started in the BB state.

Specifically, if the lottery for transitioning to the notification mode is won, the winning BB symbol combination is notified, and the player is granted a BB win. In the BB state, if the lottery is based on a BB1 win, a continuation lottery is held with a 60% chance of winning, if the lottery is based on a BB2 win, a continuation lottery is held with a 70% chance of winning, and if the lottery is based on a BB3 win, a continuation lottery is held with an 80% chance of winning. If the continuation lottery is unsuccessful, the notification mode and the advantageous zone are terminated after the BB state ends. If the continuation lottery is won, the notification mode and the advantageous zone are continued. Then, if the BB wins, the winning BB symbol combination is notified, and the player is granted a BB win.

In the above specific example, if the condition for ending the notification mode is set to a predetermined BB win, such as a BB3 win, when the transition lottery to the notification mode is won instead of the continuation lottery, it will be possible to increase the correlation between one advantageous zone and the next advantageous zone.

For example, when transitioning from chance mode C to notification mode, if BB3 is won, or more specifically, if the BB state based on the establishment of a BB3 win ends, the notification mode and advantageous zone will end. With this configuration, BB consecutive wins will occur with a 90% loop rate in one advantageous zone. Then, after the BB state based on the establishment of a BB3 win ends, the state becomes RT3, so in the next advantageous zone, there is a 30% chance of transitioning back to chance mode C (see Figures 22(a) and 14).

(15) In the above embodiment, when a BB win is achieved in the normal period and chance mode, the advantageous period does not end in the chance mode, thereby reducing the chances of the player intentionally achieving a BB win. However, instead of or in addition to this, a configuration may be used to reduce the above chances by the arrangement of symbols. For example, the BB1, BB2, and BB3 symbols are the same symbols on the left reel 32L and the center reel 32M. Then, the BB1, BB2, and BB3 symbols are different symbols on the right reel 32R, and are arranged in a predetermined order, such as BB1, BB3, and BB2. With such a configuration, if the player fails to press the button, a BB win that is not desired will be achieved, so it is possible to reduce the above chances.

(16) In the above embodiment, the operation order of the stop switches 42 to 44 is not notified when the push order bell is won in the chance mode, but it may be configured to notify with a lower probability than in the notification mode.

(17) In the above embodiment, the operation sequence of the stop switches 42 to 44 can be notified when the game enters the advantageous zone, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. The operation timing of a specific stop switch can be notified, or the operation timing and operation method can be notified. In other words, the advantageous zone can be a play zone in which the instruction function of the stop switch can be activated. The normal zone can be a play zone in which the instruction function of the stop switch for achieving a small winning combination does not operate.

(18) The symbol combinations that result in a winning combination in the above embodiment are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these symbol combinations. In addition, the number of symbol combinations that result in a winning combination is also arbitrary.

(19) In the above embodiment, a slot machine with a BB state has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and may be a slot machine with an RB state, or a slot machine with both a BB state and an RB state. In addition, the present invention may be a slot machine with other game states such as a CB state or an MB state.

(20) In the above embodiment, the configuration is such that it is determined whether or not a start command has occurred after three medals have been bet, but it goes without saying that it may also be determined whether or not a start command has occurred after one medal has been bet or two medals have been bet. In addition, it may also be possible to configure the BB to be won even in a game in which two medals are bet, and to allow a game in which three medals are bet to be played while the BB won in a two medal bet is carried over.

(21) In the above embodiment, the bonuses awarded include a bonus of changing the game state, a bonus of replay, and a bonus of paying out medals. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and any bonus may be awarded to the player. For example, instead of a bonus of paying out medals, a prize other than medals may be paid out. In addition, in a slot machine that does not have a function for inserting actual medals or paying out medals, and that manages medals owned by the player by credit, an increase in the number of credited medals corresponds to the awarding of a bonus.

(22) In the above embodiment, a slot machine having three reels arranged in parallel and one active line has been described, but the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the present invention may be a slot machine having five reels arranged in parallel or a slot machine having five active lines.

(23) In the above embodiment, a specific example of a slot machine 10 is shown, but the present invention may be applied to a gaming machine that combines a slot machine and a pachinko machine. That is, instead of the medal insertion and medal payout functions of a slot machine, a gaming machine may have a ball insertion and ball payout function like a pachinko machine. If such a gaming machine is used in place of a slot machine, the gaming hall can handle only balls as gaming value, which can eliminate problems seen in current gaming halls where pachinko machines and slot machines are mixed, such as the burden on facilities due to the separate handling of medals and balls as gaming value, and restrictions on the location of gaming machines.

The gaming machine of the present invention will be described below, showing its effects as necessary. Note that in the following, for ease of understanding, the corresponding configuration in the above embodiment will be shown in parentheses as appropriate, but the present invention is not limited to the specific configuration shown in parentheses.

Gaming machine A1. A plurality of cyclic display means (reels 32L, 32M, 32R) for cyclically displaying a plurality of types of pictures (designs);
A start operation means (a start lever 41, first to third credit insertion switches 56 to 58) that is operated to start the cyclic display of the pictures;
A lottery means for drawing lots for winning combinations (a lottery processing function of the main control device 101);
A plurality of stop operation means (stop switches 42 to 44) that are operated to individually stop the circulating display of the patterns;
In a gaming machine equipped with a bonus awarding means (such as a medal payout process S211 of the main control device 101) that awards a bonus to a player as a winning combination based on the winning combination and the winning pattern corresponding to the winning combination being stopped in a valid position (valid line) forming a predetermined combination (such as a combination of minor winning patterns),
As a game state, there is a favorable state (favorable section) in which an instruction function (a winning operation notification function) for notifying an operation method for achieving a specific win can be activated, and a normal state (normal section) in which the instruction function is not activated,
When a predetermined upper limit number of times (1500 times) of games have been played in the advantageous state, an advantageous state ending means (advantageous period ending function S1304 of the main control device 101) ends the advantageous state and transitions to the normal state;
When the advantageous state is to be ended, an erasure means (functions S1304, S1404, S1613 of initializing the section information storage area 106d of the main control device 101) is provided for erasing information relating to the instruction function that has been temporarily stored since the advantageous state was entered,
A specific game state (e.g., RT1 state) is provided in which the player can stay in either the advantageous state or the normal state and can stay across the advantageous state and the normal state;
A storage means (RT game number counter) for storing the number of games played in the specific gaming state;
A specific game state ending means (RT ending function S504 of the main control device 101) for ending the specific game state when the number of games played in the specific game state reaches a specified number (999);
a correspondence information storage means (ROM 105 of the main control device 101) for storing correspondence information (e.g., a transition lottery map for chance mode A) that defines a correspondence relationship between the number of games played in the specific game state and the processing content of the instruction function in the advantageous state;
A gaming machine characterized in that the processing of the instruction function in the advantageous state changes depending on the number of games played in the specific gaming state.

According to this gaming machine, correspondence information that defines the correspondence between the number of times of play in a specific gaming state and the processing contents of the instruction function in an advantageous state is stored, and the processing of the instruction function in the advantageous state changes depending on the number of times of play in the specific gaming state. In a configuration in which the information on the instruction function temporarily stored in one advantageous state is erased after transitioning to the advantageous state when the advantageous state is ended, the information on the instruction function temporarily stored in one advantageous state cannot be referenced in the next advantageous state, and it is difficult to associate one advantageous state with the next advantageous state. Therefore, in this gaming machine, a specific gaming state is provided in which it is possible to stay in both the advantageous state and the normal state, and to stay across the advantageous state and the normal state. Correspondence information that defines the correspondence between the number of times of play in the specific gaming state and the processing contents of the instruction function in the advantageous state is stored, and the processing of the instruction function in the advantageous state changes depending on the number of times of play in the specific gaming state. With such a configuration, it is possible to associate one advantageous state with the next advantageous state, and it is possible to improve the interest in the game.

In addition, because the specific game state is configured to end when the number of plays played in the specific game state reaches a specified number, it is possible to provide the storage means that stores the number of plays played in the specific game state with a function for changing the processing of the instruction function in the advantageous state, and there is no need to prepare a new storage means for storing the number of plays. Therefore, it is possible to increase interest in the game while suppressing an increase in storage capacity.

As a result of the above, it will be possible to increase interest in gaming.

Gaming machine A2. In the gaming machine A1, the advantageous state has a first gaming mode (chance mode) and a second gaming mode (alert mode) in which the instruction function is activated more frequently than in the first gaming mode, and is characterized in that it is equipped with advantageous state second ending means (advantageous period ending function S1613 of the main control device 101) that ends the advantageous state and transitions to the normal state when the second gaming mode ends.

According to this gaming machine, the advantageous state has a first gaming mode and a second gaming mode in which the instruction function is activated more frequently than in the first gaming mode, and when the second gaming mode ends, the advantageous state ends and transitions to the normal state. In this gaming machine capable of associating one advantageous state with the next advantageous state, by configuring it so that transition to the second gaming mode can be made multiple times in one advantageous state, it becomes unnecessary to configure it so that one second gaming mode is associated with the next second gaming mode. Therefore, it becomes possible to reduce the chances that the advantageous state ends after the upper limit number of plays.

Gaming machine A3. The gaming machine A2 described above, further comprising a third advantageous state ending means (advantageous period ending function S1404 of the main control device 101) for ending the advantageous state in the first gaming mode and transitioning to the normal state, and configured to be capable of transitioning to the advantageous state multiple times between transition to the specific gaming state and its termination.

According to this gaming machine, the advantageous state may end without transitioning to the second gaming mode, and the advantageous state may be transitioned to multiple times between transition to and end of a specific gaming state. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the chance that the number of games that can be played in the second gaming mode will be reduced as a result of the first gaming mode continuing longer than necessary, in a configuration in which the advantageous state ends after the upper limit number of plays.

Gaming machine A4. The gaming machine A3 described above further comprises a transition determination means (transition lottery function S1105 of the main control device 101) for determining whether or not to transition from the first gaming mode to the second gaming mode, and the transition determination means determines to transition from the first gaming mode to the second gaming mode when the transition determination is made in a game round after the specific gaming state ending means has ended the specific gaming state.

According to this gaming machine, when a specific gaming state is ended after a specified number of plays, the first gaming mode will be switched to the second gaming mode if a transition determination is made in a subsequent play. With this configuration, it is possible to give the specified number of plays in the specific gaming state the function of a ceiling for transitioning to the second gaming mode. In addition, since the specific gaming state can remain in a state that straddles an advantageous state and a normal state, and the specific gaming state can be transitioned to the advantageous state multiple times between transitioning to the specific gaming state and its end, it is possible to change the number of plays in the advantageous state when the above-mentioned ceiling function is activated. As a result, it is possible to increase interest in the game.

Gaming machine A5. Any of the gaming machines A2 to A4 described above, characterized in that the correspondence information storage means stores correspondence information that defines a correspondence relationship between the number of games played in the specific gaming state and transition ease information related to the ease of transition from the first gaming mode to the second gaming mode.

According to this gaming machine, the correspondence information storage means stores correspondence information that defines the correspondence between the number of plays played in a specific gaming state and transition ease information related to the ease of transitioning from the first gaming mode to the second gaming mode. With this configuration, it is possible to change the ease of transitioning to the second gaming mode in a specified number of plays in an advantageous state depending on the number of plays played in the specific gaming state at that time. As a result, it is possible to prevent the play in the advantageous state from becoming monotonous.

Gaming machine A6. The gaming machine A5 described above further comprises a transition determination means (transition lottery function S1105 of main control device 101) for determining whether or not to transition from the first gaming mode to the second gaming mode, and the transition ease information includes at least a first determination state in which the transition determination means is likely to determine that the mode should be transitioned to the second gaming mode, and a second determination state in which the transition determination means is unlikely to determine that the mode should be transitioned to the second gaming mode.

According to this gaming machine, the first gaming mode has a first judgment state in which it is easy to judge that a transition to the second gaming mode should be made, and a second judgment state in which it is difficult to judge that a transition to the second gaming mode should be made, depending on the number of plays made in a specific gaming state. With this configuration, it is possible to have the player play while expecting that a transition judgment will be made in the first judgment state, or that an advantageous state will start from the first judgment state, and it is possible to increase the interest in the game. This is because, in a configuration in which the advantageous state ends after the upper limit number of plays, if the transition to the second gaming mode is not made after a small number of plays, the number of plays that can be made in the second gaming mode will be reduced.

Gaming machine A7. The gaming machine A6 described above, further comprising a fourth advantageous state ending means (advantageous period ending function S1404 of the main control device 101) for ending the advantageous state and transitioning to the normal state after the first determination state ends.

According to this gaming machine, the advantageous state ends after the first judgment state ends. With this configuration, it is possible to avoid the advantageous state ending without remaining in the first judgment state, and it is possible to avoid, for example, a situation in which the advantageous state starts from the second judgment state, causing the player to lose motivation to play.

Gaming machine A8. Any of the gaming machines A1 to A7, characterized in that a plurality of pieces of correspondence information are stored in advance in the correspondence information storage means.

With this gaming machine, multiple pieces of correspondence information are stored in advance, making it possible to diversify the association between one advantageous state and the next advantageous state.

Gaming machine A9. A gaming machine characterized in that, in the gaming machine A8, first correspondence information (e.g., a transition lottery map for chance mode A) and second correspondence information (e.g., a transition lottery map for chance mode B) are stored in advance as the correspondence information, and when the lottery result of the role is a first role win (e.g., a BB1 win), the instruction function is processed based on the first correspondence information, and when the lottery result of the role is a second role win (e.g., a BB2 win), the instruction function is processed based on the second correspondence information.

According to this gaming machine, the corresponding information referenced changes depending on the result of the lottery for the winning combination. Since the result of the lottery for the winning combination is determined based on the player's operation, this configuration allows the player to actively participate in the gameplay.

Gaming machine A10. In the above gaming machine A9, when the result of the lottery for the role is the first role win and the first role win (e.g., BB1 win) is established, a first state transition means (BB state transition processing function S609 of the main control unit 101) that ends the specific gaming state and transitions to a first state (BB state), a first reservation storage means (win flag storage area 106a of the main control unit 101) that reserves and stores the first role win until the first role win is established when the result of the lottery for the role is the first role win and the first role win is not established, and a first reservation storage means (win flag storage area 106a of the main control unit 101) that reserves and stores the first role win until the first role win is established when the result of the lottery for the role is the second role win and the second role win (e.g., BB2 win) is established, and a second reservation storage means (win flag storage area 106a of the main control unit 101) that terminates the specific gaming state and transitions to a second state (BB state) when the result of the lottery for the role is the second role win and the second role win (e.g., BB2 win) is established. A gaming machine comprising: a second state transition means (BB state transition processing function S609 of the main control unit 101) for transitioning the winning combination to a second state (BB state); and a second reservation storage means (win flag storage area 106a of the main control unit 101) for reserving and storing the winning combination of the second combination until the winning combination of the second combination is achieved if the lottery result of the combination is the winning combination of the second combination and the winning combination of the second combination is not achieved; and a configuration in which, when the first reservation storage means reserves and stores the winning combination of the first combination, the second reservation storage means does not reserve and store the winning combination of the second combination, and, when the second reservation storage means reserves and stores the winning combination of the second combination, the first reservation storage means does not reserve and store the winning combination of the first combination.

According to this gaming machine, only one of the first role win and the second role win is reserved and stored. In addition, when the first role win is achieved and when the second role win is achieved, the specific gaming state ends. With this configuration, it is possible to process the instruction function in the advantageous state based on the same corresponding information until the first role win or the second role win is achieved. In addition, with this configuration, it is possible to play while making the player guess whether the first role win or the second role win is reserved and stored, making it possible to prevent the game from becoming monotonous.

Gaming machine A11. A gaming machine characterized in that, in the gaming machine A10, when the first role winning and the second role winning are achieved in a situation where the instruction function is not activated, the first state and the second state become gaming states that are disadvantageous to the player, and when the first role winning and the second role winning are achieved in a situation where the instruction function is activated, the first state and the second state become gaming states that are advantageous to the player.

According to this gaming machine, the first and second role winnings must be achieved under conditions where the instruction function is activated. This configuration reduces the chances of achieving the first or second role winnings while ignoring the gameplay created by the normal state and the advantageous state, and makes it possible to avoid wasting the gameplay that has been carefully prepared.

Gaming machine B1. A plurality of cyclic display means (reels 32L, 32M, 32R) for cyclically displaying a plurality of types of pictures (designs);
A start operation means (a start lever 41, first to third credit insertion switches 56 to 58) that is operated to start the cyclic display of the pictures;
A lottery means for drawing lots for winning combinations (a lottery processing function of the main control device 101);
A plurality of stop operation means (stop switches 42 to 44) that are operated to individually stop the circulating display of the patterns;
In a gaming machine equipped with a bonus awarding means (such as a medal payout process S211 of the main control device 101) that awards a bonus to a player as a winning combination based on the winning combination and the winning pattern corresponding to the winning combination being stopped in a valid position (valid line) forming a predetermined combination (such as a combination of minor winning patterns),
As a game state, there is a favorable state (favorable section) in which an instruction function (a winning operation notification function) for notifying an operation method for achieving a specific win can be activated, and a normal state (normal section) in which the instruction function is not activated,
When a predetermined upper limit number of times (1500 times) of games have been played in the advantageous state, an advantageous state ending means (advantageous period ending function S1304 of the main control device 101) ends the advantageous state and transitions to the normal state;
When the advantageous state is to be ended, an erasure means (functions S1304, S1404, S1613 of initializing the section information storage area 106d of the main control device 101) is provided for erasing information relating to the instruction function that has been temporarily stored since the advantageous state was entered,
A first state transition means (BB state transition processing function S609 of the main control device 101) for transitioning to a first state (BB state) when the result of the lottery for the role is a first role win (for example, BB1 win) and the first role win (BB1 win) is established;
A first reserved storage means (a winning flag storage area 106a of the main control device 101) for reserving and storing the first winning role until the first winning role is realized when the lottery result of the role is the first winning role and the first winning role is not realized;
A second state transition means (BB state transition processing function S609 of the main control device 101) for transitioning to a second state (BB state) when the result of the lottery for the role is a second role win (for example, BB2 win) and a second role win (BB2 win) is established;
and a second reserved storage means (a winning flag storage area 106a of the main control device 101) for reserving and storing the second winning role until the second winning role is realized when the lottery result of the role is the second winning role but the second winning role is not realized,
When the first reserved storage means reserves and stores the first winning combination, the second reserved storage means does not reserve and store the second winning combination, and when the second reserved storage means reserves and stores the second winning combination, the first reserved storage means does not reserve and store the first winning combination;
A specific game state transition means (RT start processing function S704 of the main control device 101) that transitions to a specific game state (for example, RT1 state) in which the player can stay in either the advantageous state or the normal state when the first state or the second state ends and can stay across the advantageous state and the normal state;
A storage means (RT game number counter) for storing the number of games played in the specific gaming state;
A specific game state ending means (RT ending function S504 of the main control device 101) for ending the specific game state when the number of games played in the specific game state reaches a specified number (999);
a correspondence information storage means (ROM 105 of the main control device 101) for storing correspondence information (e.g., a transition lottery map for chance mode A) that defines a correspondence relationship between the number of games played in the specific game state and the processing content of the instruction function in the advantageous state;
The corresponding information storage means stores first corresponding information (e.g., a transition lottery map for chance mode A) used when the first winning role is reserved and stored, and second corresponding information (e.g., a transition lottery map for chance mode B) used when the second winning role is reserved and stored,
A gaming machine characterized in that the processing of the instruction function in the advantageous state is changed depending on the winning combination stored in reserve and the number of games played in the specific gaming state.

According to this gaming machine, correspondence information is stored that defines the correspondence between the number of plays performed in a specific gaming state and the processing contents of the instruction function in the advantageous state. In a configuration in which the information on the instruction function temporarily stored in one advantageous state is erased after transitioning to the advantageous state when the advantageous state is ended, the information on the instruction function temporarily stored in one advantageous state cannot be referenced in the next advantageous state, making it difficult to associate one advantageous state with the next advantageous state. Therefore, in this gaming machine, a specific gaming state is provided in which it is possible to stay in both an advantageous state and a normal state, and to stay across advantageous states and normal states. Then, correspondence information is stored that defines the correspondence between the number of plays performed in the specific gaming state and the processing contents of the instruction function in the advantageous state. With this configuration, when an advantageous state ends in the middle of a specific gaming state, it becomes possible to associate one advantageous state with the next advantageous state, which makes it possible to increase the interest in the game.

In addition, because the specific game state is configured to end when the number of plays played in the specific game state reaches a specified number, it is possible to provide the storage means that stores the number of plays played in the specific game state with a function for changing the processing of the instruction function in the advantageous state, and there is no need to prepare a new storage means for storing the number of plays. Therefore, it is possible to increase interest in the game while suppressing an increase in storage capacity.

Furthermore, since the configuration stores first correspondence information used when a first winning role is reserved and second correspondence information used when a second winning role is reserved and stored, it is possible to diversify the association between one advantageous state and the next advantageous state. Also, in this gaming machine, the correspondence information referenced changes depending on the winning role that is reserved and stored. Since the lottery results for the role are determined based on the player's operation, this configuration allows the player to be actively involved in the gameplay.

In addition, only one of the first role win and the second role win is reserved and stored. With this configuration, it is possible to process the instruction function in an advantageous state based on the same corresponding information until the first role win or the second role win is achieved. Also, with this configuration, it is possible to play while having the player guess whether the first role win or the second role win is reserved and stored, making it possible to prevent the game from becoming monotonous.

As a result of the above, it will be possible to increase interest in gaming.

Gaming machine B2. In the gaming machine B1, the advantageous state has a first gaming mode (chance mode) and a second gaming mode (alert mode) in which the instruction function is activated more frequently than in the first gaming mode, and is characterized in that it is equipped with advantageous state second ending means (advantageous period ending function S1613 of the main control device 101) that ends the advantageous state and transitions to the normal state when the second gaming mode ends.

According to this gaming machine, the advantageous state has a first gaming mode and a second gaming mode in which the instruction function is activated more frequently than in the first gaming mode, and when the second gaming mode ends, the advantageous state ends and transitions to the normal state. In this gaming machine capable of associating one advantageous state with the next advantageous state, by configuring it so that transition to the second gaming mode can be made multiple times in one advantageous state, it becomes unnecessary to configure it so that one second gaming mode is associated with the next second gaming mode. Therefore, it becomes possible to reduce the chances that the advantageous state ends after the upper limit number of plays.

Gaming machine B3. The gaming machine B2 described above is characterized in that it is provided with a third advantageous state ending means (advantageous period ending function S1404 of the main control device 101) for ending the advantageous state in the first gaming mode and transitioning to the normal state, and is configured to be able to transition to the advantageous state multiple times between transition to the specific gaming state and its termination.

According to this gaming machine, the advantageous state may end without transitioning to the second gaming mode, and the advantageous state may be transitioned to multiple times between transition to and end of a specific gaming state. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to reduce the chance that the number of games that can be played in the second gaming mode will be reduced as a result of the first gaming mode continuing longer than necessary, in a configuration in which the advantageous state ends after the upper limit number of plays.

Gaming machine B4. The gaming machine B3 described above is characterized in that, when at least one of the first winning combination and the second winning combination is achieved in the first gaming mode, the advantageous state does not end in the first gaming mode.

According to this gaming machine, if at least one of the first and second role wins is achieved in the first gaming mode, the advantageous state does not end in the first gaming mode. In this configuration, it is possible to continue the advantageous state until the second gaming mode is entered, but if the first gaming mode continues for a long time, the number of games that can be played in the second gaming mode will decrease. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the opportunities for the player to achieve the first or second role win in the first gaming mode.

Gaming machine B5. The gaming machine B3 or B4 described above is provided with a transition determination means (transition lottery function S1105 of the main control device 101) that performs a transition determination as to whether or not to transition from the first gaming mode to the second gaming mode, and the transition determination means determines to transition from the first gaming mode to the second gaming mode when the transition determination is performed in a game round after the specific gaming state ending means has ended the specific gaming state.

According to this gaming machine, when a specific gaming state is ended after a specified number of plays, the first gaming mode will be switched to the second gaming mode if a transition determination is made in a subsequent play. With this configuration, it is possible to give the specified number of plays in the specific gaming state the function of a ceiling for transitioning to the second gaming mode. In addition, since the specific gaming state can remain in a state that straddles an advantageous state and a normal state, and the specific gaming state can be transitioned to the advantageous state multiple times between transitioning to the specific gaming state and its end, it is possible to change the number of plays in the advantageous state when the above-mentioned ceiling function is activated. As a result, it is possible to increase interest in the game.

In addition, when this configuration is applied to the gaming machine B4, there is a high possibility that the advantageous state will end after the maximum number of plays. This is because if the first or second role win is achieved during the advantageous state, the number of plays made in the specific gaming state during the advantageous state will return to 0. As a result, it is possible to reduce the opportunities for the player to achieve the first or second role win in the first gaming mode.

Gaming machine B6. Any of the gaming machines B3 to B5 described above, further comprising a winning information storage means (exception flag storage area of the main control device 101) for storing winning information (exception flag) when at least one of the first role winning and the second role winning is achieved in the first gaming mode, and the transition determination means, when making the transition determination in a game round after the specific gaming state ending means ends the specific gaming state, can determine to transition from the first gaming mode to the second gaming mode if the winning information is not stored in the winning information storage means, and can determine not to transition from the first gaming mode to the second gaming mode if the winning information is stored in the winning information storage means.

According to this gaming machine, when a specific gaming state is ended after a specified number of plays in the specific gaming state, if neither the first nor second winning combination is achieved in the first gaming mode, the first gaming mode will be switched to the second gaming mode by a transition judgment in the subsequent play times. With this configuration, it is possible to give the specified number of plays in the specific gaming state a function as a ceiling for transitioning to the second gaming mode. In addition, since the specific gaming state can remain across an advantageous state and a normal state, and is configured to be able to transition to the advantageous state multiple times between transitioning to the specific gaming state and ending, it is possible to change the number of plays in the advantageous state when the above-mentioned ceiling function is activated. As a result, it is possible to increase the interest in the game.

On the other hand, if at least one of the first and second winning combinations has been achieved in the first game mode, there is a possibility that the game will not transition to the second game mode even if a transition decision is made in a game play after the specified number of times. In other words, if at least one of the first and second winning combinations has been achieved in the first game mode, the ceiling function will not be activated. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the opportunities for a player to achieve the first or second winning combination in the first game mode.

Gaming machine B7. Any of the gaming machines B2 to B6 described above, characterized in that the correspondence information defines a correspondence relationship between the number of games played in the specific gaming state and transition ease information relating to the ease of transition from the first gaming mode to the second gaming mode.

According to this gaming machine, the correspondence information defines a correspondence relationship between the number of plays played in a specific gaming state and transition ease information related to the ease of transitioning from the first gaming mode to the second gaming mode. With this configuration, it is possible to change the ease of transitioning to the second gaming mode in a specified number of plays in an advantageous state depending on the number of plays played in the specific gaming state at that time. Also, in a configuration in which the correspondence information used changes depending on the reserved and stored winning combination, it is possible to vary the ease of transitioning to the second gaming mode even if the number of plays played in the specific gaming state is the same. As a result, it is possible to prevent the game in the advantageous state from becoming monotonous.

Gaming machine B8. The gaming machine B7 described above further includes a transition determination means (transition lottery function S1105 of main control device 101) for determining whether or not to transition from the first gaming mode to the second gaming mode, and the transition ease information includes at least a first determination state in which the transition determination means is likely to determine that the mode should be transitioned to the second gaming mode, and a second determination state in which the transition determination means is unlikely to determine that the mode should be transitioned to the second gaming mode.

According to this gaming machine, the first gaming mode has a first judgment state in which it is easy to judge that a transition to the second gaming mode should be made, and a second judgment state in which it is difficult to judge that a transition to the second gaming mode should be made, depending on the number of plays made in a specific gaming state. With this configuration, it is possible to have the player play while expecting that a transition judgment will be made in the first judgment state, or that an advantageous state will start from the first judgment state, and it is possible to increase the interest in the game. This is because, in a configuration in which the advantageous state ends after the upper limit number of plays, if the transition to the second gaming mode is not made after a small number of plays, the number of plays that can be made in the second gaming mode will be reduced.

Gaming machine B9. The gaming machine B8 described above, characterized in that the first correspondence information defines the first determination state as the number of games that is defined as the second determination state in the second correspondence information.

According to this gaming machine, the number of times of play that will result in the first judgment state if the first role is reserved and stored is the number of times that will result in the second judgment state if the second role is reserved and stored is the number of times that will result in the first judgment state. This configuration makes it possible to reduce the opportunities for players to lose their enthusiasm for playing. For example, if a play number is set that will result in the second judgment state regardless of whether the first or second role is reserved and stored, there is a concern that the player may avoid playing in that play number. Furthermore, this configuration makes it possible for the player to guess the role that is reserved and stored based on the judgment state at that time, making it possible to prevent the game in the first gaming mode from becoming monotonous.

Gaming machine B10. The gaming machine B8 or B9 described above, further comprising a fourth advantageous state ending means (advantageous period ending function S1404 of the main control device 101) for ending the advantageous state and transitioning to the normal state after the first determination state ends.

According to this gaming machine, the advantageous state ends after the first judgment state ends. With this configuration, it is possible to avoid the advantageous state ending without remaining in the first judgment state, and it is possible to avoid, for example, a situation in which the advantageous state starts from the second judgment state, causing the player to lose motivation to play.

Gaming machine B11. Any of the gaming machines B7 to B10 described above, characterized in that when at least one of the first winning combination and the second winning combination is achieved in the first gaming mode, the advantageous state does not end in the first gaming mode.

According to this gaming machine, if at least one of the first and second role wins is achieved in the first gaming mode, the advantageous state does not end in the first gaming mode. In this configuration, it is possible to continue the advantageous state until the second gaming mode is entered, but if the first gaming mode continues for a long time, the number of games that can be played in the second gaming mode will decrease. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the opportunities for the player to achieve the first or second role win in the first gaming mode.

In particular, in a configuration that includes correspondence information that defines the correspondence between the number of plays made in a specific game state and transition ease information related to the ease of transitioning from the first game mode to the second game mode, it is possible that a player may intentionally achieve the other winning combination so that the corresponding combination information that is expected to transition to the second game mode with fewer plays is reserved and stored. However, in this configuration in which the winning of the first combination and the winning of the second combination lead to a reduction in the number of plays that can be made in the second game mode, it is possible to reduce the above possibility.

Gaming machine B12. The gaming machine B11 described above, characterized in that the game mode does not transition to the second gaming mode in the first state and the second state.

According to this gaming machine, the first and second states do not transition to the second gaming mode. In this configuration, when the first or second winning combination is achieved in the first gaming mode, the number of games that can be played in the second gaming mode is reduced by the number of games required to end the first and second states. This makes it possible to reduce the opportunities for the player to intentionally achieve the first or second winning combination.

Gaming machine B13. Any of the gaming machines B1 to B12 described above, characterized in that when the first role win or the second role win is reserved and stored, the player is more advantageous in the advantageous state than when neither the first role win nor the second role win is reserved and stored.

According to this gaming machine, if the first or second role win is reserved and stored, the player is at an advantage in the advantageous state. With this configuration, it is possible to have the player play while expecting a transition to an advantageous state when the first or second role win is reserved and stored, making it possible to prevent the game from becoming monotonous. Also, with this configuration, it is possible to reduce the chances that the player will achieve the first or second role win at a time unintended by the developer of the gaming machine.

Gaming machine B14. A gaming machine characterized in that, in any one of the gaming machines B1 to B13, when the first role winning and the second role winning are achieved in a situation where the instruction function is not activated, the first state and the second state become gaming states that are disadvantageous to the player, and when the first role winning and the second role winning are achieved in a situation where the instruction function is activated, the first state and the second state become gaming states that are advantageous to the player.

According to this gaming machine, the first and second role winnings must be achieved under conditions where the instruction function is activated. This configuration reduces the chances of achieving the first or second role winnings while ignoring the gameplay created by the normal state and the advantageous state, and makes it possible to avoid wasting the gameplay that has been carefully prepared.

Gaming machine C1. A plurality of cyclic display means (reels 32L, 32M, 32R) for cyclically displaying a plurality of types of pictures (designs);
A start operation means (a start lever 41, first to third credit insertion switches 56 to 58) that is operated to start the cyclic display of the pictures;
A lottery means for drawing lots for winning combinations (a lottery processing function of the main control device 101);
A plurality of stop operation means (stop switches 42 to 44) that are operated to individually stop the circulating display of the patterns;
In a gaming machine equipped with a bonus awarding means (such as a medal payout process S211 of the main control device 101) that awards a bonus to a player as a winning combination based on the winning combination and the winning pattern corresponding to the winning combination being stopped in a valid position (valid line) forming a predetermined combination (such as a combination of minor winning patterns),
As game states, there are an advantageous state (advantageous section) in which an instruction function (a winning operation notification function) for notifying an operation method for achieving a specific win can be activated, and a normal state (normal section) in which the instruction function is not activated,
When a predetermined upper limit number of times (1500 times) of games have been played in the advantageous state, an advantageous state ending means (advantageous period ending function S1304 of the main control device 101) ends the advantageous state and transitions to the normal state;
When the advantageous state is to be ended, an erasure means (functions S1304, S1404, S1613 of initializing the section information storage area 106d of the main control device 101) is provided for erasing information relating to the instruction function that has been temporarily stored since the advantageous state was entered,
A first state transition means (BB state transition processing function S609 of the main control device 101) for transitioning to a first state (BB state) when the result of the lottery for the role is a first role win (for example, BB1 win) and the first role win (BB1 win) is established;
A first reserved storage means (a winning flag storage area 106a of the main control device 101) for reserving and storing the first winning role until the first winning role is realized when the lottery result of the role is the first winning role and the first winning role is not realized;
A second state transition means (BB state transition processing function S609 of the main control device 101) for transitioning to a second state (BB state) when the result of the lottery for the role is a second role win (for example, BB2 win) and a second role win (BB2 win) is established;
and a second reserved storage means (a winning flag storage area 106a of the main control device 101) for reserving and storing the second winning role until the second winning role is realized when the lottery result of the role is the second winning role but the second winning role is not realized,
When the first reserved storage means reserves and stores the first winning combination, the second reserved storage means does not reserve and store the second winning combination, and when the second reserved storage means reserves and stores the second winning combination, the first reserved storage means does not reserve and store the first winning combination;
A first specific game state transition means (RT start processing function S704 of the main control device 101) for transitioning to a first specific game state (for example, RT1 state) in which the player can stay in either the advantageous state or the normal state and can stay across the advantageous state and the normal state when the player is not in the first state or the second state;
a second specific game state transition means (RT start processing function S704 of the main control device 101) for transitioning to a second specific game state (for example, an RT2 state) in which the player can stay in either the advantageous state or the normal state when the player is not in the first state or the second state and can stay in both the advantageous state and the normal state;
The first specific game state is not shifted to the second specific game state, and the second specific game state is not shifted to the first specific game state.
This gaming machine is characterized in that the processing of the instruction function in the advantageous state is changed depending on the winning combination stored in reserve and the specific game state in which the player is currently in play.

According to this gaming machine, the processing of the instruction function in the advantageous state changes depending on the reserved winning combination and the specific gaming state in which the player is currently in the game. In a configuration in which the information on the instruction function temporarily stored in one advantageous state is erased after the game is switched to the advantageous state when the advantageous state is ended, the information on the instruction function temporarily stored in one advantageous state cannot be referenced in the next advantageous state, making it difficult to associate one advantageous state with the next advantageous state. Therefore, in this gaming machine, a first specific gaming state and a second specific gaming state are provided in which the player can stay in both the advantageous state and the normal state, and can stay across the advantageous state and the normal state. The processing of the instruction function in the advantageous state changes depending on the reserved winning combination and the specific gaming state in which the player is currently in the game. With this configuration, it becomes possible to associate one advantageous state with the next advantageous state, and it becomes possible to increase the interest in the game.

In addition, by configuring the game so that there is no transition from the first specific game state to the second specific game state, and no transition from the second specific game state to the first specific game state, it is possible to prevent the gameplay from becoming complicated. If there was a configuration in which it was possible to transition from one specific game state to the other specific game state, there would be a possibility of transitioning from one specific game state to the other specific game state in one advantageous state, and it is possible that the player would not be able to grasp under what circumstances the instruction function processing is taking place.

In addition, only one of the first role win and the second role win is reserved and stored. This configuration makes it possible to keep the processing of the instruction function in an advantageous state the same until the first role win or the second role win is achieved. Also, with this configuration, it becomes possible to play while having the player guess whether the first role win or the second role win is reserved and stored, making it possible to prevent the game from becoming monotonous.

As a result of the above, it will be possible to increase interest in gaming.

Gaming machine C2. In the gaming machine C1, the first specific gaming state transition means transitions to the first specific gaming state when the first state is ended, and the second specific gaming state transition means transitions to the second specific gaming state when the second state is ended.

According to this gaming machine, when the first state ends, the game transitions to a first specific gaming state, and when the second state ends, the game transitions to a second specific gaming state. This configuration allows the player to understand the specific gaming state they are in, and it is possible to increase interest in the game through understanding of the gameplay.

Gaming machine C3. The gaming machine C1 or C2 is characterized in that the first specific gaming state and the second specific gaming state are ended when the first winning combination is achieved and when the second winning combination is achieved.

According to this gaming machine, the first specific gaming state and the second specific gaming state end when the first winning combination or the second winning combination is achieved. This configuration allows the player to understand when the specific gaming state will end, and it is possible to increase the player's interest in the game through understanding the gameplay.

Gaming machine C4. A gaming machine characterized in that, in any one of the gaming machines C1 to C3, when the first role win is reserved and stored while the player is in the first specific gaming state, the processing of the instruction function in the advantageous state is more disadvantageous to the player than when the second role win is reserved and stored while the player is in the first specific gaming state, and when the first role win is reserved and stored while the player is in the second specific gaming state, the processing of the instruction function in the advantageous state is more advantageous to the player than when the second role win is reserved and stored while the player is in the second specific gaming state.

According to this gaming machine, the winning role that is advantageous to the player when the instruction function is processed in the advantageous state changes depending on the specific gaming state in which the player is currently in. With this configuration, it is possible to have the player play while thinking about which winning role is desirable to be reserved and stored, and it is possible to prevent the game from becoming monotonous. Also, with this configuration, it is possible to reduce the chances that the playability of the gaming machine will be impaired. For example, it is possible to configure the instruction function in the advantageous state to be processed more advantageously to the player when the first role winning is reserved and stored in any specific gaming state. However, with this configuration, it is possible that the player may intentionally achieve the second role winning in order to create a situation in which the first role winning is reserved and stored.

Gaming machine C5. In any of the gaming machines C1 to C4, a storage means (RT game number counter) stores the number of games played in the first specific gaming state when the first specific gaming state is entered, and stores the number of games played in the second specific gaming state when the second specific gaming state is entered, a specific gaming state ending means (RT ending function S504 of the main control unit 101) that ends the specific gaming state when the number of games stored in the storage means reaches a specified number (999), and A gaming machine comprising: a correspondence information storage means (ROM 105 of the main control unit 101) that stores in advance a plurality of pieces of correspondence information (e.g., a transition lottery map for chance mode A) that defines the correspondence between the number of plays played and the processing contents of the instruction function in the advantageous state; and a correspondence information acquisition means (transition lottery map reference function S1104 of the main control unit 101) that acquires the correspondence information in the advantageous state, the correspondence information acquisition means acquiring correspondence information corresponding to the reserved and stored winning combination and the specific gaming state in which the player is currently in the advantageous state.

According to this gaming machine, multiple pieces of correspondence information are stored in advance that define the correspondence between the number of plays played in a specific gaming state and the processing content of the instruction function in an advantageous state, and in an advantageous state, correspondence information according to the reserved winning combination and the specific gaming state in which the player is currently playing is acquired. With this configuration, it is possible to change the processing of the instruction function in an advantageous state depending on the reserved winning combination and the specific gaming state in which the player is currently playing.

In addition, because the specific game state is configured to end when the number of plays played in the specific game state reaches a specified number, it is possible to provide the storage means that stores the number of plays played in the specific game state with a function for changing the processing of the instruction function in the advantageous state, and there is no need to prepare a new storage means for storing the number of plays. Therefore, it is possible to increase interest in the game while suppressing an increase in storage capacity.

Gaming machine C6. In the gaming machine C5, the advantageous state has a first gaming mode (chance mode) and a second gaming mode (alert mode) in which the instruction function is activated more frequently than in the first gaming mode, and is characterized in that it is equipped with advantageous state second ending means (advantageous period ending function S1613 of the main control device 101) that ends the advantageous state and transitions to the normal state when the second gaming mode ends.

According to this gaming machine, the advantageous state has a first gaming mode and a second gaming mode in which the instruction function is activated more frequently than in the first gaming mode, and when the second gaming mode ends, the advantageous state ends and transitions to the normal state. In this gaming machine capable of associating one advantageous state with the next advantageous state, by configuring it so that transition to the second gaming mode can be made multiple times in one advantageous state, it becomes unnecessary to configure it so that one second gaming mode is associated with the next second gaming mode. Therefore, it becomes possible to reduce the chances that the advantageous state ends after the upper limit number of plays.

Gaming machine C7. The gaming machine C6 described above, further comprising a third advantageous state ending means (advantageous period ending function S1404 of the main control device 101) for ending the advantageous state in the first gaming mode and transitioning to the normal state, and configured to be able to transition to the advantageous state multiple times before the number of games stored in the storage means reaches the specified number.

According to this gaming machine, the advantageous state may end without transitioning to the second gaming mode, and the advantageous state may be transitioned to multiple times between transition to the first specific gaming state or the second specific gaming state and its end. With this configuration, in a configuration in which the advantageous state ends after the maximum number of plays, it is possible to reduce the chance that the first gaming mode continues longer than necessary, resulting in a reduction in the number of plays that can be played in the second gaming mode.

Gaming machine C8. The gaming machine C7 is characterized in that, when at least one of the first winning combination and the second winning combination is achieved in the first gaming mode, the advantageous state does not end in the first gaming mode.

According to this gaming machine, if at least one of the first and second role wins is achieved in the first gaming mode, the advantageous state does not end in the first gaming mode. In this configuration, it is possible to continue the advantageous state until the second gaming mode is entered, but if the first gaming mode continues for a long time, the number of games that can be played in the second gaming mode will decrease. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the opportunities for the player to achieve the first or second role win in the first gaming mode.

Gaming machine C9. Any of the gaming machines C1 to C8 described above, characterized in that when the first role win or the second role win is reserved and stored, the player is more advantageous in the advantageous state than when neither the first role win nor the second role win is reserved and stored.

According to this gaming machine, if the first or second role win is reserved and stored, the player is at an advantage in the advantageous state. With this configuration, it is possible to have the player play while expecting a transition to an advantageous state when the first or second role win is reserved and stored, making it possible to prevent the game from becoming monotonous. Also, with this configuration, it is possible to reduce the chances that the player will achieve the first or second role win at a time unintended by the developer of the gaming machine.

Gaming machine C10. A gaming machine characterized in that, in any one of the gaming machines C1 to C9, when the first role winning and the second role winning are achieved in a situation where the instruction function is not activated, the first state and the second state become gaming states that are disadvantageous to the player, and when the first role winning and the second role winning are achieved in a situation where the instruction function is activated, the first state and the second state become gaming states that are advantageous to the player.

According to this gaming machine, the first and second role winnings must be achieved under conditions where the instruction function is activated. This configuration reduces the chances of achieving the first or second role winnings while ignoring the gameplay created by the normal state and the advantageous state, and makes it possible to avoid wasting the gameplay that has been carefully prepared.

Gaming machine D1. A plurality of cyclic display means (reels 32L, 32M, 32R) for cyclically displaying a plurality of types of pictures (designs);
A start operation means (a start lever 41, first to third credit insertion switches 56 to 58) that is operated to start the cyclic display of the pictures;
A lottery means for drawing lots for winning combinations (a lottery processing function of the main control device 101);
A plurality of stop operation means (stop switches 42 to 44) that are operated to individually stop the circulating display of the patterns;
In a gaming machine equipped with a bonus awarding means (such as a medal payout process S211 of the main control device 101) that awards a bonus to a player as a winning combination based on the winning combination and the winning pattern corresponding to the winning combination being stopped in a valid position (valid line) forming a predetermined combination (such as a combination of minor winning patterns),
A first state transition means (BB state transition processing function S609 of the main control device 101) for transitioning to a first state (BB state) when the result of the lottery for the role is a first role win (for example, BB1 win) and the first role win (BB1 win) is established;
A first reserved storage means (a winning flag storage area 106a of the main control device 101) for reserving and storing the first winning role until the first winning role is realized when the lottery result of the role is the first winning role and the first winning role is not realized;
As a game state, there is a favorable state (favorable section) in which an instruction function (a winning operation notification function) for notifying an operation method for achieving a specific win can be activated, and a normal state (normal section) in which the instruction function is not activated,
The advantageous state has a first game mode (chance mode) in which a decrease in the game media used for a game is expected, and a second game mode (notification mode) in which an increase in the game media is expected,
When a predetermined upper limit number of times (1500 times) of games have been played in the advantageous state, an advantageous state ending means (advantageous period ending function S1304 of the main control device 101) ends the advantageous state and transitions to the normal state;
A transition determination means (a transition lottery function S1105 of the main control device 101) for determining whether or not to transition from the first gaming mode to the second gaming mode;
an end determination means for making an end determination as to whether or not to end the advantageous state in the first gaming mode;
A winning information storage means (exception flag storage area of the main control device 101) stores winning information (exception flag) when the first winning combination is established in the first game mode,
A gaming machine characterized in that, when the winning information is not stored, there is a possibility that the advantageous state in the first gaming mode will end, and, when the winning information is stored, the advantageous state in the first gaming mode will not end.

According to this gaming machine, when the first winning combination is achieved in the first gaming mode, winning information is stored. If the winning information is not stored, the advantageous state in the first gaming mode may end, whereas if the winning information is stored, the advantageous state in the first gaming mode will not end. This configuration makes it possible to reduce the opportunity for the player to intentionally achieve the first winning combination in the first gaming mode. In the case where the advantageous state ends after the maximum number of plays, the maximum number of plays that can be played in the second gaming mode is determined by the number of plays played in the first gaming mode. For this reason, if the advantageous state does not end in the first gaming mode, there is a high possibility that the number of plays that can be played in the second gaming mode will be reduced.

As a result, when a role that can be reserved and stored if the role is selected, it is possible to reduce the chances that an advantageous state will impair the playability of the first and second play modes, and it is possible to increase interest in the game.

Gaming machine D2. The gaming machine D1 described above, characterized in that the winning information storage means is configured to retain the winning information until the advantageous state ends when the winning information is stored.

According to this gaming machine, the winning information is stored and held until the advantageous state ends. This configuration makes it possible to reduce the opportunities for the player to intentionally achieve the first winning in the first gaming mode.

Gaming machine D3. The gaming machine D1 or D2 described above, characterized in that it does not have a means for transitioning from the first gaming mode to the second gaming mode in the first state.

According to this gaming machine, in the first state, an event of transitioning from the first gaming mode to the second gaming mode does not occur. In other words, if the first winning is achieved in the first gaming mode, it is equivalent to losing the number of games in an advantageous state required to end the first state. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the opportunities for the player to intentionally achieve the first winning in the first gaming mode.

Gaming machine D4. Any of the gaming machines D1 to D3 described above, characterized in that the first role is provided in a plurality of types, and the processing of the instruction function in the advantageous state changes depending on the type of the first role reserved and stored in the first reserved storage means.

According to this gaming machine, multiple types of first roles are provided, and the processing of the instruction function in an advantageous state changes depending on which first role is reserved and stored. In such a configuration, it is possible that a player may intentionally try to achieve a winning first role of another first role so that a first role that the player considers advantageous in an advantageous state is reserved and stored. However, by applying any of the gaming machines D1 to D3 described above, it is possible to suitably resolve the above concerns.

Gaming machine D5. In the above gaming machine D4, when the first state is ended, a specific gaming state transition means (RT start processing function S704 of the main control unit 101) that transitions to a specific gaming state (for example, RT1 state) in which it is possible to stay in either the advantageous state or the normal state and in which it is possible to stay across the advantageous state and the normal state, a storage means (RT game number counter) that stores the number of games played in the specific gaming state, and a storage means that terminates the specific gaming state when the number of games played in the specific gaming state reaches a specified number (999). A gaming machine characterized by comprising: a specific game state ending means (RT ending function S504 of the main control device 101) for ending the specific game state; a corresponding information storage means (ROM 105 of the main control device 101) for storing a plurality of pieces of corresponding information (e.g., a transition lottery map for chance mode A) that defines the correspondence between the number of games played in the specific game state and the processing contents of the instruction function in the advantageous state; and a corresponding information acquisition means (transition lottery map reference function S1104 of the main control device 101) for acquiring corresponding information corresponding to the type of first role reserved and stored in the first reserved storage means.

According to this gaming machine, correspondence information is stored that defines the correspondence between the number of plays played in a specific gaming state and the processing content of the instruction function in an advantageous state. With this configuration, if an advantageous state ends in the middle of a specific gaming state, it becomes possible to associate one advantageous state with the next advantageous state, thereby making it possible to increase interest in the game.

In addition, because the specific game state is configured to end when the number of plays played in the specific game state reaches a specified number, it is possible to provide the storage means that stores the number of plays played in the specific game state with a function for changing the processing of the instruction function in the advantageous state, and there is no need to prepare a new storage means for storing the number of plays. Therefore, it is possible to increase interest in the game while suppressing an increase in storage capacity.

Furthermore, by storing multiple pieces of corresponding information and acquiring corresponding information corresponding to the reserved and stored first role, it is possible to diversify the association between one advantageous state and the next advantageous state.

Gaming machine D6. A gaming machine characterized in that, in the gaming machine D5, it is provided with an erasing means (functions S1304, S1404, S1613 of initializing the section information storage area 106d of the main control device 101) for erasing information relating to the instruction function that has been temporarily stored after the transition to the advantageous state when the advantageous state is to be ended.

According to this gaming machine, when an advantageous state ends, the information about the command function that was temporarily stored after the transition to the advantageous state is erased. In such a configuration, the information about the command function that was temporarily stored in one advantageous state cannot be referenced in the next advantageous state, making it difficult to associate one advantageous state with the next advantageous state. However, when this configuration is applied to the gaming machine D5 described above, it becomes possible to associate one advantageous state with the next advantageous state.

Gaming machine D7. The gaming machine D5 or D6 described above, characterized in that the gaming machine is configured to be able to transition to the advantageous state multiple times between transition to the specific gaming state and the end of the game.

According to this gaming machine, it is possible to transition to an advantageous state multiple times between transition to a specific gaming state and its end. By adopting such a configuration, in a configuration in which the advantageous state ends after the upper limit number of plays, it is possible to reduce the chance that the number of plays available in the second gaming mode will be reduced as a result of the first gaming mode continuing for longer than necessary.

Gaming machine D8. In the gaming machine D7, the transition determination means, when making the transition determination in a game round after the specific game state ending means ends the specific game state, determines to transition from the first game mode to the second game mode if the winning information is not stored in the winning information storage means, and determines not to transition from the first game mode to the second game mode if the winning information is stored in the winning information storage means.

According to this gaming machine, when the specific gaming state ends after a specified number of plays in the specific gaming state, if the first winning combination has not been achieved in the first gaming mode, the first gaming mode will transition to the second gaming mode based on a transition judgment in the subsequent play times. With this configuration, it is possible to give the specified number of plays in the specific gaming state a function as a ceiling for transitioning to the second gaming mode. In addition, since the specific gaming state can remain across an advantageous state and a normal state, and is configured to be able to transition to the advantageous state multiple times between transitioning to the specific gaming state and its end, it is possible to change the number of plays in the advantageous state when the above-mentioned ceiling function is activated. As a result, it is possible to increase interest in the game.

On the other hand, if the first winning combination has been achieved in the first gaming mode, there is a possibility that the game will not transition to the second gaming mode even if a transition determination is made in a game play after the specified number of times. In other words, if the first winning combination has been achieved in the first gaming mode, the ceiling function will not be activated. With this configuration, it is possible to reduce the opportunities for the player to achieve the first winning combination in the first gaming mode.

Gaming machine D9. Any of the gaming machines D1 to D8 described above, characterized in that when the first winning combination is reserved and stored, the player is more advantageous in the advantageous state than when the first winning combination is not reserved and stored.

According to this gaming machine, when the first winning combination is reserved and stored, the player is in a more advantageous state than when the first winning combination is not reserved and stored. With this configuration, it is possible to have the player play while expecting a transition to an advantageous state when the first winning combination is reserved and stored, and it is possible to prevent the game from becoming monotonous.

Gaming machine D10. A gaming machine characterized in that, in any one of the gaming machines D1 to D9, when the first winning combination is achieved in a situation where the instruction function is not activated, the first state becomes a gaming state that is disadvantageous to the player, and when the first winning combination is achieved in a situation where the instruction function is activated, the first state becomes a gaming state that is advantageous to the player.

According to this gaming machine, the first winning combination must be achieved under conditions where the instruction function is activated. This configuration reduces the chances of achieving the first winning combination while ignoring the gameplay created by the normal state and the advantageous state, and makes it possible to avoid wasting the gameplay that has been painstakingly prepared.

The gaming machines in Group A through Group D may be combined as appropriate, and the above-mentioned effects can be achieved even in such a case. In addition, in each of the gaming machine groups, the "frequency of operation of the instruction function" may be replaced with the "expected value of gaming media expected per play," the "net increase in the number of gaming media," or the "speed at which gaming value is awarded."

10... slot machine as a gaming machine, 32... reel as a rotating body constituting a circulation display means, 41... start lever as a start operation means or a starting operation means, 42-44... stop switch as a stop operation means, 56... first credit insertion switch as a start operation means or an input operation means, 57... second credit insertion switch as a start operation means or an input operation means, 58... third credit insertion switch as a start operation means or an input operation means, 63... upper lamp constituting an auxiliary performance section or a specific performance execution means, 64... speaker constituting an auxiliary performance section or a specific performance execution means, 65... auxiliary display section constituting an auxiliary performance section or a specific performance execution means, 81... display control device constituting a sub-control board or a specific performance execution means, 101... main control device as a main control board, 102... CPU constituting various control means such as a lottery means and a main control means.

Claims (1)

A plurality of cyclic display means for cyclically displaying a plurality of types of pictures;
A start operation means that is operated to start the cyclical display of the pictures;
A lottery means for selecting a role;
A plurality of stop operation means that are operated to individually stop the cyclic display of the patterns;
and a bonus awarding means for awarding a bonus to a player as a winning combination based on the winning combination selected in the lottery and the winning pattern corresponding to the winning combination being stopped in a valid position,
The game state includes an advantageous state in which an instruction function for informing an operation method for achieving a specific win can be activated, and a normal state in which the instruction function is not activated,
providing a specific game state in which the player can stay in either the advantageous state or the normal state and can stay across the advantageous state and the normal state;
a correspondence information storage means for storing correspondence information that defines a correspondence relationship between the number of games played in the normal state in the specific game state and the processing content of the instruction function in the advantageous state;
The processing of the instruction function in the advantageous state is changed depending on the number of games played in the normal state in the specific game state ,
A gaming machine characterized in that a plurality of pieces of correspondence information are stored in advance in the correspondence information storage means .

Images